A story of how friendship, love and the line between the two can bring about drastic changes both sweet and bitter.
Argent and Aegis, long time friends of Princess Celestia, return from a 5 year campaign of fighting in the far eastern lands. The happy reunion is shaken when Celestia, having a strong love for both of them, finally makes her choice between the two; which leads to hard changes, choices and the search for a new path in life for one of them.
It was a rare day in Canterlot as the afternoon found the four princesses spending some quality time together in relative quiet. Celestia had a modest lunch and fresh fruit set out along with a warm pot of tea.
“I’m so glad you and Cadence could make it today.” Celestia smiled as she poured Twilight’s cup. “It has been so long since all of us have spent any time together.”
“I know.” Twilight took a sip. “Life has gotten so much… busier, especially with the new school of friendship. Days just fly by anymore.”
Cadence set her cup down with a light sigh. “I certainly feel that, can you believe Flurry Heart is almost two years old now?”
“Were it not for my sister and I’s longevity, I would say such news would certainly make me feel old.” Luna admitted with a laugh.
Twilight grinned at Cadence. “Is my brother any better at handling solo daddy duty?”
“He still has his concerns.” Cadence giggled. “But he’s a better daddy than he thinks.” She turned her attention to the royal sisters. “What of the two of you, any big news on the Canterlot front?”
“Actually, there has been something I have been very anxious about.” Celestia rubbed her hoof on the table. “It is why I am glad I could have you all here, there is no one else I feel comfortable talking with about this matter.”
Luna eyed her sister knowingly. “I had such a feeling. You have been quite agitated the last few days.”
“What’s wrong Princess?” Twilight asked. “Is there some kind of trouble?”
Celestia shook her head. “No Twilight, nothing dangerous.” She hesitated. “Argent and Aegis are finally returning tomorrow.”
“Ah, I see.” Luna nodded understandingly.
Cadence and Twilight shared a puzzled look. “Who?” Cadence asked.
“Argent and Aegis are two of my closest and dearest friends.” Celestia began. “They are also of the elite royal guard. It is safe for me to say that outside of those at this table now, there is no creature nearer to my heart than the two of them.”
“Wow.” Twilight absorbed that information as best she could. “I’ve never heard of them.”
“You met them once, although I am sure you were too young to remember.” Celestia smiled at the memory. “They are often away, more so lately than ever before. They have been on the front lines of a conflict far to the east for nearly five years now. I received word that they were finally able to end the threat and they are returning to Canterlot to report, as well as to see me again.”
Cadence offered her a confused look. “That… sounds wonderful, why the anxiety?”
Celestia nodded with a light sigh. “Well, as I said… we are close. We spent many years together as they worked their way up the ranks of the guard. They are closer than brothers, but they do carry a bit of a rivalry with each other… over me.”
“Oh, now it makes sense.” Cadence, quite knowledgeable in love, firmly grasped the situation.
“It has never been anything mean spirited or hostile, but their feelings for me have always been clear.” Celestia clarified.
“Are they feelings that you not share?” Cadence asked.
“Quite the contrary.” Celestia shook her head. “They are both irreplaceable to me and there are things about them both with which I am wholly in love.”
“What are they like?” Twilight interjected. “Knowing more about them would help us understand.”
“Allow me, sister.” Luna set her hoof to Celestia’s foreleg, seeing how lost in thought she was. “Sister has told me all her stories of them. They are indeed legends, not only within the ranks of the current guard but in all of the guard’s long and storied history. Argent is known amongst the ranks as the Golden Horn, he is a unicorn of formidable magical power and ability. He has attended several, renowned schools since his youth and has mastered multiple fields of magic.”
“For all his knowledge and power, he has a very warm heart.” Celestia cut in. "He is quite outgoing and always makes me laugh. He has so often lifted my spirits during troubled times.”
“What about Aegis?” Cadence looked to Luna for more information.
“Aegis’ story is much more… complex.” Luna chose her words carefully. “Aegis is known as the Iron Wing, a title from which he is far from unworthy. He is a pegasus that was born oversized for their kind and with massive wings. Abandoned to an orphanage as a foal, as he grew he was told that due to his larger frame, greater weight and heavy wings he would never be a competent flier. From that point on his life was dedicated to proving such ideas wrong. He put himself through grueling and painful training to develop a style and strength that was purely his own. Not only did he develop his wings to the point where they could propel his larger body at amazing speed, but he is of the only pegasi ever to find physical power on par with even the mightiest earth pony.”
“Aegis had a hard life.” Celestia added. “That life left him quiet and stoic in nature. Even so, he is valiant, chivalrous and loyal beyond words. I have seen him battle some of the most powerful creatures this world has to offer and best them." She smiled. "Sometimes I think there is no safer place in this world than at his back.”
“They both sound amazing.” Twilight admitted.
“They are.” Celestia nodded. “I am torn because as much as I would like to make my choice, I don’t know if I could be happy moving forward from that point knowing that I’ve hurt the other.”
“Rock meet hard place.” Cadence noted. “I know that isn’t helpful.”
Celestia let out a small laugh. “There is nothing simple about this, so I understand.”
“I can say this, sister.” Luna closed her eyes in thought. “The longer you wait, the worse it will be. The more time a pony lives in the dream of love, the harder it is to return to reality when they realize the dream is not going to be realized.”
“Luna is right.” Cadence concurred. “I do my best to spread love but even I had to admit that sometimes love can leave a unique pain in its wake. Still, all pain is temporary and true bonds will always see through that pain.”
Twilight spun her empty cup around on the table. “I wish I could help, Princess; but this is way out of my field at this point.”
“That’s alright, Twilight.” Celestia gathered herself. “Just having you here to listen is more than enough. Thank you, all of you, I do feel a bit braver now.”
“Well, I do wish to get some rest before the night comes.” Luna rose and laid her wing to her sister’s shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me, sister.”
“Of course, Luna.” Celestia hugged her with her wing.
“Cadence, Twilight, it was good to see you both.” Luna tipped her head and left the table.
“You too, Princess Luna.” Twilight waved. “Hey Cadence, since we still have some time how about we walk the shops downtown?”
“That sounds great.” Cadence concurred as she stood. “Thank you for hosting us Celestia, I hope things turn out well.”
“Thank you Cadence, as do I. Hopefully I will see you all sooner than later.” Celestia said with a parting wave. Cadence and Twilight went out to enjoy the remainder of the day as Celestia headed back into the recesses of the castle to see to the rest of her duties.
The following morning found Celestia readying for the return of Argent and Aegis. She was able to tend to her morning workload quickly and had a place in the dining hall set for the three of them. While waiting anxiously in the throne room, she received a surprise visit from Twilight, Starlight and Rarity.
“Girls.” Celestia rose to greet them as they were led in by the guards. “This is certainly a surprise.”
“I thought you could use some moral support, Princess.” Twilight beamed.
“And we’re happy to be here for you, Princess.” Rarity added. “I was visiting Sassy at the shop anyhow and Twilight told me all about the special occasion.”
Starlight bowed before Celestia. “Twilight said that Argent is a powerful magic user, I’d love to meet him if I could, Princess.”
“I’m certain he would like that, Starlight.” Celestia bid her to rise. “He is more than capable of talking your ear off about magic.”
The door parted and a guard stepped in. “Your highness, the representatives of the elite guard await you in the reception hall. Their arrival has drawn a bit of attention.”
“That is to be expected.” Celestia nodded. “We shall be there shortly.”
“Yes, your highness.” The guard hurried back to see to the crowd.
Celestia and the girls traveled to the main hall where they could hear a clamor. As they entered, the room fell to a quiet murmur at her presence. The members of the elite guard stood in formation before her with Argent and Aegis at their center. Celestia halted at the sight of them, a part of her had so much to say and another wasn’t certain of what to say at all. Argent started forward, his bright blue eyes standing out distinctively against his silver coat. His long, rose tinted mane and tail seemed to flow in a preplanned rhythm as he stepped.
“Princess.” He bowed to her. “It’s good to see you again after so long.”
Aegis proceeded over as well, his powerful frame commanding a deal of both awe and intimidation from the gathered crowd. His calm, brown eyes were a peaceful offset to his presence and his heavy charcoal mane a smooth contrast to his burnt sienna coat.
“I share his sentiments, my Princess.” He lowered himself before her, his dulcet voice reverberating throughout the room.
Celestia eyed them both before falling into lighthearted laughter. “Knock it off, you two.” The room was taken aback at her response as the pair rose and smiled at her warmly.
“Celestia.” Argent went to her and laid his foreleg around her, hugging her fiercely. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“As I have you, Argent.” She said, almost in tears over the emotions she felt. “Aegis.” She hurried over to him and wrapped her forelegs around his neck. “It’s so good to see you again.”
“Not a day has passed without thought of you, my Princess.” He unfolded his right wing and wrapped it around her, nearly enveloping her entire body.
Twilight was amazed at how Celestia was acting, she had never seen her mentor so casual in so public a setting. It was as if the world around her was gone and all that remained were the three of them. Seeing this, she realized just how close they were. She smiled at the sight but was brought back to reality by a sharp elbow from Rarity.
“My word.” Rarity began. “That Argent fellow is quite the stunning stallion isn’t he?”
“Maybe, but Aegis is something else.” Starlight chimed in. “Have you ever seen a pegasus that big? The guy is a walking fortress.”
Back at the room’s center, Argent called the guards’ attention and dismissed them to some much needed R&R. Celestia pulled him and Aegis aside as the room relaxed and called the girls over.
“Aegis, Argent, this is Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of friendship.” Celestia introduced as Twilight nervously stood before them.
“Wow, Aegis.” Argent smiled up at him. “Seems like every time we come home there’s a new Princess.” He bowed before Twilight and smiled brightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise, Princess.” Aegis lowered his head to her.
“It…It’s really nice to meet you too.” Twilight stammered, not wholly comfortable with the idea of two soldiers of their status bowing to her.
Celestia gestured to Starlight and Rarity. “This is Twilight’s pupil, Starlight Glimmer; and this is Rarity, one of the foremost designers and business mares in Equestria.”
“Ladies.” Argent used his magic to pull two roses from a nearby vase and held them before the mares.
“Oh my.” Rarity blushed as she took the flowers with her magic and set one to her mane and the other to Starlight’s. “Thank you.”
“I heard that you’ve studied a lot of varied magic?” Starlight eagerly stepped forward.
“Uh oh.” Argent perked up. “A magic fan?”
Twilight smiled proudly and put her hoof around her. “Starlight is an accomplished magic user herself.”
Celestia cut in before Argent could start up on the subject. “Before anything else, I would like to spend some time just catching up.”
“Of course, Princess Celestia.” Twilight used her magic to pick Rarity and Starlight up. “We’ll catch up with you all later, you deserve your reunion.” She carried her protesting friends off.
“I have a quiet spot set up for us.” Celestia noted as she led the pair out of the hall.
“That sounds perfect, my Princess.” Aegis said as he held the door for them.
The reunited friends sat, talked and laughed well into the afternoon. Argent and Aegis detailed to Celestia the events of their long mission, all the while she hung on their every word. After that, she delighted in reminiscing on the past; digging up old stories and jokes that they had shared. After a while, Luna headed down to join them, having wanting to give her sister plenty of time with them first.
“Greetings.” Luna announced as she entered the room. “It is nice to officially meet my sister’s legendary friends.”
“Princess Luna.” Aegis stood and bowed to her. “We have not seen you since your return, it is good to at last put a face to our written correspondence.”
“What he said, Princess.” Argent said as he followed suit.
“Please, as close as you are to my sister you are all but family. I ask no formality of you.”
Argent smiled in relief. “I ‘m grateful for that, Luna. With Princess Twilight added to the royal fold, all this bowing is making me lightheaded.” The sisters fell into laughter as Aegis pulled out a chair for Luna.
“Thank you, Aegis.” Luna nodded in thanks.
“Milady.” Aegis tipped his head to her.
Luna was glad to have the chance to come to know those who were so close to her sister. They were more than happy to answer all her questions and share embarrassing stories about Celestia. After several hours they were approached by an attendant who informed Celestia of an upcoming audience. She sent him off with news that she would be there at once and reluctantly stood from the table.
“My, I hadn’t noticed how late it had grown.” Celestia admitted with a hint of embarrassment.
“It’s alright, Celestia.” Argent assured. “For a change, we aren’t going anywhere.”
“I know.” She smiled. “Speaking of which, I’ve arranged to have the day to myself tomorrow. I’d like to spend some time with both of you. There is a special event at the Canterlot museum I thought that we could visit, Argent.”
“You do know me well.” He laughed.
“Aegis, I thought you might like to return to Cloudsdale. I would love to show you all that has transpired since you’ve been away.”
“I would love that, my Princess.” A serene smiled crossed Aegis’ face.
“Wonderful, then I shall see you both tomorrow.” Celestia started for the door.
Luna stood and gestured towards the adjacent hall. “Sister has had rooms arranged for you both, I’m sure you’re exhausted from your trip.”
“A bit, it’s just nice to be back in the comfort of home.” Argent stretched. “But a soft bed sounds good for change.”
“Indeed, thank you Lady Luna.” Aegis stepped to the side to allow her to lead the way.
After raising the sun, Celestia readied herself for her day out. Luna checked in on her and smiled at the sight of her sister fussing over her mane in the mirror.
“Seeing you around the two of them has been enlightening sister.” Luna took hold of the brush with her magic and began brushing back Celestia’s mane.
“Thank you.” She sighed heavily. “I know this must seem silly to you.”
“Not at all, I haven’t seen you like this since we were fillies. It brings back happy memories from before my… untimely departure.” Luna reached up and smoothed down an errant strand with her hoof. “Besides, I am sure they are as excited as you are.” She set the brush aside. “There, all set for your big dates.”
“That isn’t helping Luna.” Celestia said through narrowed eyes.
The sisters traveled down to the main hall where they found Argent waiting patiently by the large entryway.
“Ladies.” He smiled brightly and rolled his hoof as he bowed.
“Good morning Argent.” Celestia shook her head and laughed at his exaggerated posturing.
“Are you sure you’re okay pulling a double shift Luna?” He asked in all seriousness.
Luna waved off his worry with a light laugh. “It actually will not be the first time, although you can ask Celestia about that if you wish for more details.”
“I think I might have to.” He opened the door and held it. “Shall we.”
“Certainly.” Celestia hurried though as he turned to follow. “So, did you both sleep well?” She asked as they started their walk.
“Definitely, after a few years of sleeping on cots, rocks and dirt a mattress felt like a cloud.” He reached back and patted his neck. “I think my spine has an intersection in it now.”
“You all endure so much, I hope you know how much Equestria values your service and dedication… and how much I do.”
Argent felt himself warm at her praise. “Of course we do, all the elite guard do what they do out of love for their home.” He stepped closer and bumped his shoulder into hers. “But enough shop talk, I’m way too modest for that.” Celestia laughed and nodded. “Of course you are.”
“So what’s the big to do at the museum?” he asked.
“Since you’ve been gone, we have had many encounters and battles; the museum is putting on a display of some of the artifacts from those encounters along with details of the events. I felt it would be a good way to catch you up.”
“Enough to fill a museum display huh?” He hummed in thought. “Sounds like you’ve been busy.”
“Indeed.” she nodded. “You should also know that Starswirl has been returned to us.”
“Starswirl the Bearded? That should be impossible… right?” He raised his brow questioningly.
“An acquaintance of Starlight’s discovered Starswirl’s journal.” she began. “He and Twilight learned that Starswirl and the other pillars had trapped themselves, along with the pony of shadows, in a space beyond time as we know it. They remained there, frozen in time, and upon their release it was if not a day had passed for them.”
“Amazing.” Argent tried to wrap his head around that. “You mean I could actually meet Starswirl now?”
“He has returned to his former homeland, but I have no doubt he would love to meet you.”
“Wow.” he laughed. “I should have brought a notebook with me.”
As they made their way through the streets of Canterlot, the sight of the Princess out and about with a stallion drew many amazed glances. Argent bought sweet bread for the two of them from one of the street vendors and they paid a visit to a very surprised Sassy Saddles at Canterlot Carousel so he could see one of Rarity’s businesses. When they finally found themselves at the museum, Celestia guided him around and explained the significance of the exhibits. Argent was dumbfounded at the changes in the world in the time that he and Aegis had been away. He learned of the resurrection of the Crystal Empire and the royal wedding of Cadence and Shining armor, the reformation of the once dreaded Discord, the return and subsequent defeat of the mighty Tirek, the defeat of Chrysalis and the reformation of the changelings now led by Thorax and the finer details of the returned pillars and the defeat of the legendary pony of shadows.
“This is all incredible.” Argent laid his hoof against a glass case. “Princess Twilight and her friends are really amazing ponies. At this rate they’re going to put me out of a job.”
Celestia laughed and laid her wing to his back. “Unfortunately, trouble is one thing we never seem to run out of in Equestria.”
“I suppose so.” he chuckled. “Thanks Celestia, this was great.”
“I’m glad. I always struggle to find things that would interest you.”
“You worry too much.” He reached down and took her hoof in his. “As long as it’s with you, you could take me to the sewage treatment plant and I’d have just as wonderful a time.”
“Argent.” she blushed. “Come here.” Celestia hugged him tightly and he rocked her back and forth. “I’m going to go find Aegis, it’s already well past noon. Will you be okay here?”
“I’ll find somepony to bother.” He said surely. “You just go on.”
Celestia flew into the sky and back towards the castle. She ascended to the tower and saw Aegis laying on the balcony. Swooping down she landed before him and smiled.
“You’re always easy to find Aegis.”
“As it should be, my Princess.” He rose and gazed fondly down at her.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” she apologized.
“Not at all Princess, I’ve waited over five years for the chance to look upon you again, what is a few hours more.” He reached his wing out and ran his broad feather over her cheek. “You are always worth the wait, my Princess.”
Celestia reached up and held his wing to her cheek. “For somepony who speaks so little, your words never fail to move me.” She set her hoof to his broad chest. “Which is why I’m always glad when I can get you alone. Whenever the two of you are together you always let Argent command the conversation.”
“He always was the more talkative one.” he noted.
“Well now you have no choice.” She giggled and moved to the ledge. “Shall we head for Cloudsdale?”
“Of course Princess.” He spread his wings and leapt with her into the air.
They took their time in the sky, enjoying the flight as flying together was something special they could share. When Cloudsdale came into view, Aegis was a bit overtaken by how homesick he actually was. They spied the familiar blue blur of the Wonderbolts practicing at the academy and decided to start their time there. They landed on the outskirts of the runway and began walking over towards the main hub.
“The Wonderbolts have grown considerably since you were last here.” Celestia began. “Spitfire has seen them to new heights, as it were, and Twilight’s friend Rainbow Dash is among their finest.”
“As the most public face of the pegasi, it is good to know that they are still held in such high regard.” Aegis watched as the team raced across the sky.
In the heart of the training ground, Spitfire sounded her whistle as the recruits weaved through obstacles as they entered the bend of the course.
“Keep it up rookies!” she boomed. “I want six more laps and you’d better not slow down!”
Rainbow Dash stepped out of the complex and hurried to her side. “Sorry I’m late.”
“Used to it by now Crash.” Spitfire admitted begrudgingly.
“Wow, they are on fire today.” Rainbow dash noted as her eyes trailed the team of flyers.
“Not surprising with the air games coming up.” Their manes whipped up as the team flew by again. The door opened once more and Soarin emerged, as he adjusted his goggles something in the distance caught his eye.
“Uh, hey… is that… Princess Celestia?” He asked as he pointed out towards the end of the runway.
“Sure is.” Rainbow Dash hovered a bit higher to get a better look. “But who or what is that with her?”
“Aegis.” Spitfire removed her shades.
Rainbow Dash glanced back and forth from her to the mystery pegasus. “Who the hay is Aegis?”
“He’s part of Princess Celestia’s elite royal guard.” Spitfire explained. “I’ve only heard stories about him but there is no way that isn’t him.”
“He’s huge.” Soarin noted as Spitfire rose into the air and blew her whistle.
“Recruits, front and center! Clear the runway!” Her voice rang out across the airfield. The recruits immediately flew down and landed in front of her. Soarin and Rainbow Dash stood at her sides as the Princess and Aegis approached.
“Forgive the interruption Spitfire, we didn’t mean to break your routine.” Celestia apologized.
“Not at all Princess.” Spitfire assured with a salute. “To what do we owe the honor of your visit today?”
“This is Aegis, he’s finally been able to return here after a long mission in the East and I wanted to show him the current goings on in Cloudsdale.” she informed.
Aegis stepped forward. “Lady Spitfire, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Uh, likewise sir.” She stared up at him in a wonder that was rare for her. “I know you… I mean we haven’t met but I’ve heard many stories of your work in the elite guard. It’s an honor to get to meet you in the flesh.”
“It seems the Wonderbolts have flourished under your leadership milady, it is I who am honored to meet such a strong and dedicated mare.” He lowered his head to her.
Spitfire flustered under his humble words. “Thank you sir.”
Aegis turned is attention to Rainbow Dash. “Lady Rainbow Dash, I am told you are a friend of Princess Twilight. Tales of your legendary sonic rainbooms have reached even the front lines of the elite guard.”
“Wow.” She ran her hoof through her mane proudly. “I knew I was awesome but I didn’t think the news spread that far.”
Spitfire elbowed her in the side and got her back in line. She then gestured to Soarin and introduced him. “This is Soarin, he’s another top of the line flyer in my team.”
“Nice to meet you.” He laughed nervously.
“Would the two of you like a tour of the facility your majesty?” Spitfire asked.
“That would be lovely Spitfire.” Celestia looked to Aegis who nodded in agreement. They were led into the Wonderbolt compound by the trio and shown the various sections. They soon found themselves in the gym where many up and coming trainees were working out.
“You’ll be happy to know we have invested in the most up to date equipment to train the next generation of flyers.” Spitfire proclaimed. “We have resistance training, weight training, self-contained environment simulators and our newest addition, impact sensors that measure wing power down to the decimal.”
“In other words.” Rainbow Dash cut in. “The coolest gym in all of Equestria.”
“How wonderful.” Celestia looked about in amazement.
“Indeed.” Aegis commended as he looked over the room. He noticed a young stallion working before one of the wing power measurers. He also noticed that, like himself, he had larger than typical wings and he was moving them as rapidly as he could but was struggling to maintain his balance as he did so. Aegis started over to him and the others followed, not quite certain what had caught his eye. He stepped up the stallion who stopped his work as he noticed the immense shadow he was now under.
“Uh… hello.” he stood up straight as he noticed the procession.
“What is your name?” Aegis asked.
“Cloudtrail, sir.”
“Cloudtrail, you are in a similar situation to the one I faced when I was training myself to fly. Your wings are large, you also have longer legs which means your center of gravity is higher, that is why you are having trouble keeping your balance.”
“I… oh, I see.” He looked down at his body.
“Your body is unique, so standard training will not work as well for you. What will help the most is changing how you use your wings.” Aegis stood at this side and faced the machine. “Smaller wings require less motion to propel a pegasi’s body, so rapid actuation makes sense. For you though, the amount of strength needed to move your wings is greater, so trying to move them rapidly is providing less lift with more effort. You should focus instead on developing the power of your movements. Larger wings are capable of more powerful beats; and with enough training, you can develop your wings to propel your body great distances with but a single beat.” he spread his wings to their fullest, instantly drawing the attention of the entire gym.
“Whoa.” Rainbow Dash’s jaw dropped at the sight.
“Observe.” Aegis said as he reared his wings back, he threw them forward with such force that the machine ripped from its bolts and flew across the gym, banging to stop near the far wall. The room fell silent and Cloudtrail went white with a mixture of amazement and terror. Aegis looked down at him and offered a calm but assured look. “With enough work, you too can perform such a feat.” He turned back and returned to Celestia’s side. “Forgive me Lady Spitfire, I seem to have damaged your equipment, I will see that your repairs are covered in full.”
“No… problem.” Spitfire responded through a daze.
“I think we’ve caused enough of a stir here Aegis.” Celestia noted. “How about we continue on.”
“Of course Princess.”
“Thank you for taking the time for us Spitfire, keep up the wonderful work. I look forward to seeing you all in the upcoming air games.” Celestia said with a warm smile as she and Aegis headed off.
“Any time your majesty.” Spitfire saluted. ‘Uh, Crash… go get that piece of equipment will you.”
“Yes ma’am.” Rainbow Dash flew to the other side of the gym after the machine.
Spitfire helped Cloudtrail to his feet. “You okay rookie?”
“Yeah, actually that was great advice he gave me.” Free of the shock, Cloudtrail grew excited to try this new training. “Do you really think I’ll be able to do that someday?”
“If you do, it’s coming out of your pocket.” She poked his chest with her hoof.
As they left the building, Celestia laughed and smiled up at Aegis. “That was a bit much, don’t you think?”
“I… could have held back a bit.” He admitted shyly.
They spent the next few hours about the city. Aegis found solace in seeing that while so much had changed just as much had remained the same. He then escorted her to his favorite restaurant and treated her to an early dinner. As the day grew late he took her high into the sky to rest on clouds overlooking the entirety of Cloudsdale. Celestia marveled at the sight as she nestled next to him.
“You always manage to find the loveliest spots Aegis.” Celestia said with a languid sigh. “This is beautiful.”
He smiled down at her serenely. “Second only to you, my Princess.”
“Aegis.” She smiled and rested against his side as he laid his wing over her.
“I know I am not as… entertaining as Argent, but I hope you enjoyed yourself.”
“Of course I have Aegis. You always provide me with moments like this, moments that are so peaceful I forget the rest of the world entirely.” She closed her eyes. “I feel so relaxed because I know I am always safe at your side.”
“That means a great deal to me Princess.” He smiled as he turned his eyes to the slowly passing clouds.
The pair laid there for a time before heading back to Canterlot. They flew to the balcony of her quarters and Aegis watched in quiet awe as she commanded the sun to lower for the evening. Heading back down to the throne room they came upon Luna who was reading quietly. She raised her head at the sound of their steps.
“Ah sister, Aegis, welcome back.”
“Hello Luna, I hope the day went smoothly.”
“It did, this time there are no loose ends you need concern yourself with.” she laughed.
“Good to know.” Celestia let slip a quick yawn. “Oh my, excuse me.”
“I will leave you to rest, my Princess.” Aegis lowered his head to her respectfully.
Celestia set her hoof to his cheek and laid her forehead to his. “Thank you for the wonderful evening Aegis.”
“Sleep well Princess.” He turned to Luna and bowed to her as well. “Lady Luna.”
“Goodnight Aegis.” She went to her sister’s side as he headed for his room. “Well, how did everything go?”
“Wonderfully.” Celestia admitted. “I forgot how much having them here meant to me.”
“That is good to hear.” Luna returned to the throne. “But I would recommend a good night’s sleep, you have some catching up to do tomorrow.”
“I am certain Luna.” She made her way back towards the stairs. “I will see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight sister.” Luna smiled as she returned to her book.
With Celestia committed to a full day of royal duty, she turned Argent and Aegis loose to enjoy the day as they wished. Aegis flew off with no clear destination in mind while Argent opted to travel to Ponyville to visit Twilight and Starlight. He walked the roads to the castle and rapped on the massive door. As the door opened he panned back and forth but saw nopony.
“Down here.” Spike waved.
“Oh… hi there.” Argent eyed the dragon curiously. “I’m Argent, I met Princess Twilight and her student Starlight the other night.”
“Oh right.” Spike nodded. “You’re Princess Celestia’s friend, come on in.”
“Appreciated.” Argent followed him inside.
“They’re upstairs, I’ll let them know you’re here. Make yourself at home.” Spike flew up to the second level and disappeared.
Argent looked about the beautiful foyer. He discovered a small pile of books sitting on a nearby end table and used his magic to flip through the pages of the top text. “Not exactly your garden variety selection.” He lifted the books and scanned their titles.
“Argent.” Twilight’s voice hailed from the top of the stairs.
“Princess Twilight, Starlight.” He bowed as she and Starlight reached the main floor. “Good to see you again.”
“What brings you by?” Twilight asked.
“Well, I heard that this was to place to be to talk magic.” He batted his eyes and smiled brightly.
“Uh, definitely!” Starlight said excitedly.
“I’m sure there’s a lot we could learn from you Argent.” Twilight eagerly headed for the stairs. “Let’s go the study.”
As she and Starlight ascended the stairs Argent chuckled to himself. ‘You know, those stairs are nice.” His horn lit up and he stepped into the air onto an emerald colored cube. “But I brought my own.” As he walked up he formed more steps for himself leading to the next level.
Argent met them on the second floor and followed the pair to the study. As they entered he was amazed at the amount of books that lined the walls. “Impressive Princess.”
“Thank you.” Twilight said proudly. “My full collection of books is second only to the royal library itself.”
“Well I’m jealous.” he laughed.
“Twilight said you developed skills in several magical fields.” Starlight used her magic to pull three chairs over so they could sit.
“Yes, I did learn a deal of magic from different masters in different schools.” He tapped his hoof on the arm of the chair. “Still, since I was working to join the Princess’ elite guard, I needed stronger magic so I also sought out some secluded masters to learn powerful offensive arts. It’s strong magic, yes, but it serves mostly to destroy. Not exactly the kind of thing that could be taught easily… or should be taught at all if I’m being honest. I know a lot of things that I don’t plan on passing on. We’re working for a peaceful world and my goal is to help secure an Equestria that doesn’t need any more unicorns like me in it.”
“That’s a great sentiment, but I don’t know if I wholly agree.” Starlight began. “Equestria will always have need of strong unicorns like you. A peaceful world is great in theory, but there will always be threats no matter how hard we try to stamp them out.” she sighed. “I should know, I used to be a threat… but fortunately there was somepony around to stop me.” She smiled over at Twilight.
“You were?” Argent asked as he looked to Twilight.
Twilight let out a nervous laugh. “Well, Starlight… kind of traveled back in time to change history… and almost destroyed the world.”
Argent looked back to Starlight who smiled sheepishly. “It’s always the pretty ones.” He laughed as Starlight’s cheeks turned bright red.
“Lunch is ready!” Spike’s voice called from the doorway as he entered with a rolling tray.
“Thank you Spike.” Twilight rose to help him serve. “Ooh, baked vegetable rolls.”
“You cook too?” Argent asked as he took a roll with his magic. “The only thing the last dragon I met tried to cook was me.”
“Spike is my number one assistant.” Twilight patted his head with her hoof. “I’d be lost without him.”
Spike slapped his chest proudly. “With Twilight and Starlight working at the school now, I pretty much have to keep the whole castle in good shape.” He pulled up a chair of his own to join them.
Argent was more than happy to answer Twilight and Starlight’s barrage of questions. They spoke about the schools he attended and who his teachers were. They traded stories about their magical training and Twilight detailed the events that led to her ascension to Princess. Starlight told him all about Sunburst and her checkered history with Twilight and her friends. Twilight also managed to pry a few Celestia stories out of him as she always relished the chance to learn more about her mentor.
Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were visiting Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie had come to stock up on apples and Rarity was detailing the schedule of their next spa day together.
“Anyway darling.” Rarity unfolded a brochure. “The spa just debuted and new treatment that we simply must try. Apparently they heat smooth stones and lay them out over your body while you rest in a shallow pool of cool water. They say the difference in temperatures is divinely relaxing.”
“Sounds like a hoot Rarity.” Applejack grunted as she hefted a barrel of apples onto Pinkie’s wagon.
“Rocks huh, I should totally tell Maud.” Pinkie noted as she waddled by with another barrel.
Rarity hummed in thought. “I don’t know dear, she might see it as some form of rock abuse.”
“Applejack! Big Mac!” Apple Bloom’s voice carried in through the window. She burst into the kitchen, panting frantically. Big Mac hurried in from the living room at the sound of his sister’s panicked call.
“What’s wrong Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked.
“Th…there’s some kind of big monster in the northern orchard.”
“Monster?” Applejack repeated with a suspicious look. “What they hay are you talking about?”
Pinkie popped up over Applejack’s shoulder. “Fluttershy didn’t go all fruit bat again did she?”
“No, just come see fer yourself.” Apple Bloom got behind her sister and started pushing.
“Okay okay, let’s go everypony.” Applejack ordered as she grabbed her lasso from the table.
The four of them ran after Apple Bloom as she led them back to the orchard. She crouched down as they approached the spot where she was working and pointed out to the field. “See, right out there.”
They looked out and saw a large form laying in the field. Rarity moved to the front and eyed the figure carefully. “Ah, Aegis.” She sighed in relief.
“Who now?” Applejack asked.
“He’s a part of the elite guard.” she glanced down at Apple Bloom. “And he certainly isn’t a monster.” she started out into the open field.
“You sure about that?” Apple Bloom muttered as she and the others followed.
“Aegis dear!” Rarity called out.
Aegis rose and turned to them. “Lady Rarity.” He observed the others behind her, taking note of their cutie marks. “Forgive me, I did not know this land was owned.”
“Not at all darling.” She waved off his concern. “You’re in Sweet Apple Acres and this is Applejack, Big Mac and Apple Bloom, their family owns this farm.”
Aegis stepped towards them and tipped his head. “I apologize for trespassing.”
“Shucks, ain’t nothing to worry about.” Applejack assured.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded soundly.
“Geez!” Pinkie Pie appeared on his back and straddled the base of his neck, her hooves barely reaching his shoulder blades. “You’re even bigger than Prince Rutherford.”
“Pinkie!” Applejack scolded.
“Ah, this is Pinkie Pie.” Rarity introduced. “You’ll have to forgive her enthusiasm.” she glared at Pinkie. “Pinkie, he’s with the elite royal guard, get off of him.”
“Fine.” Pinkie pouted as she leapt from his back and tumbled to the ground. “Sorry.”
Aegis laughed lightly. “Are you all friends of Princess Twilight as well?”
“Sure are.” Applejack nodded.
“It is good to meet you. I…” Aegis stopped as he felt tugging on his wing, he looked over to see his wing fully extended with Pinkie Pie holding the end and Apple Bloom holding her hooves out trying to measure.
“Whoa!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“Pinkie Pie!” Rarity stamped her hoof. Pinkie quickly let go and she and Apple Bloom smiled innocently. Big Mac slapped his hoof to his forehead and sighed. To their surprise Aegis simply smiled and scooped his wing under Apple Bloom, he lifted her up to his back and she sat atop him.
“Wow, I can almost see the barn from up here.” she grinned.
‘”See, he’s super nice.” Pinkie defended their curiosity.
“Lucky for you he’s also super patient.” Rarity added.
“It is quite alright Lady Rarity.” Aegis assured. “I’ve grown so used to others fearing me, it is a comfort to meet those who do not.”
“So what were you doing all the way out here?” Rarity asked.
“Princess Celestia had a deal of work to attend to, so Argent and I set out on our own. I believe he went to see Princess Twilight and Lady Starlight.” He looked out over the field. “I was merely flying over the area and found this to be a quiet spot to spend my time.”
“Why don’t you come back to the house with us?” Applejack suggested. “It’s about lunchtime anyway, you’re more than welcome to join us.”
“Yeah, I can show you around the farm.” Apple Bloom hugged his neck. “And you can meet Granny Smith.”
“That… would be nice Lady Applejack. Thank you.” He lowered his head to her.
Aegis followed them home with Apple Bloom gleefully riding on his back. As they walked, Applejack detailed the history of the farm and how far they had come over the years. When they reached the house Apple Bloom leapt from his back and led him inside to meet a very surprised Granny Smith.
“Sweet cider.” Granny focused her eyes on Aegis. “For a second there I thought y’all had dragged another tree in the house.”
“This is Aegis, Granny.” Applejack informed. “He’s going to be joining us for lunch.”
Aegis stepped forward and crossed his wing in front of his chest, lowering his head respectfully to her. “Lady Smith, thank you for welcoming me into your home.”
Granny smiled at his old fashioned manners. “Well ain’t you as sweet as a caramel apple.” She curtseyed in return. “They sure don’t make ‘em like you anymore.” She headed back towards the kitchen. “Good thing I always make extra, give me a hoof Applejack.”
“Sure thing.” Applejack followed. “Y’all make yourselves at home.”
As they waited, Aegis was peppered with questions from Pinkie and Apple Bloom. Rarity watched the scene with a quiet smile as she was endeared by how kind the powerful pegasus truly was. When Granny called for lunch they moved into the kitchen and shared in some hearty Apple family cooking. Once finished, Aegis offered to pull Pinkie’s wagon of apple barrels back to Ponyville and see her and Rarity home. Bidding farewell to the Apple family for the day, they started the walk back to town.
“Thanks so much for helping out Aegis.” Pinkie bounced at his side.
“Of course Lady Pinkie.” he nodded.
“Well we’re certainly sorry to put you to work on your day off.” Rarity came up along his other side.
“Spending a day like this is a welcome change to facing beasts, enemy soldiers and would be conquerors, milady.”
“You guys must see a lot of fighting huh?” Pinkie slowed to a walk and looked up at him with concerned eyes.
“Indeed. But we face it so that others need not.” He said proudly.
“We’ve definitely faced our fair share of danger.” Rarity began as she thought back to all the evils that she and her friends had faced. “Even so, I can’t really imagine going through that every day for years on end.”
“As long as I and the elite guard exist, you shall never have to Lady Rarity.” Aegis said with great conviction.
Rarity found herself taken at his chivalry. “My, Granny was right, they certainly don’t make them like you anymore.” As they entered Ponyville and headed for Sugar Cube Corner, they came upon Argent, Twilight and Starlight at the café.
“Well well, fancy meeting you here.” Argent rose as Aegis lowered the wagon.
“Unlikely yes.” Aegis admitted. “I inadvertently came upon more of the Princess’ friends.”
“Hey girls.” Twilight hailed and she and Starlight joined them.
“Hey Twi.” Pinkie hugged her. “And you must be Argent.” She sprung to the unicorn’s side. “Aegis told us all about you.”
“He did huh?” Argent smiled. “I deny everything.”
The girls laughed as they returned to the table and pulled up more chairs. Twilight noticed that Aegis was too large for the small area and began looking about for a solution. Aegis saw her rapid glances and stood at the table’s side.
“Do not worry Princess, I am fine.” he assured.
“Oh.” Twilight smiled but felt a twinge of sadness at the idea of how common this must be for him.
“You must have been at Sweet Apple Acres.” Starlight noted as she noticed the wagon. “That means you met Applejack right.”
“Yes.” Aegis nodded. “She and her family and are good ponies.” He eyed Argent. “I take it Argent regaled you with his stories and tricks.”
“He did.” Twilight beamed with excitement. “We learned a lot just from talking to him.”
“That is good to hear.” Aegis smiled. “He is often desperate for a willing ear, the rest of the guard have heard his tales ten times over.”
Argent looked over the group and nodded silently as they laughed. “Okay, you know what?” he pointed his hoof at Aegis. “You… are just lucky you’re like four times bigger than me, otherwise I would show you what’s what.”
“I’m certain.” Aegis laughed.
Argent got up and went to Aegis’ side, slapping his shoulder with his hoof. “We should be probably start heading back to the castle. We promised Celestia we’d be back at sundown, don’t want to end up grounded or anything.”
“I should finish helping Lady Pinkie first.” Aegis started back for the wagon but Pinkie jumped in front of him.
“Don’t worry, it’s just around the corner. I can take it from here.” She hugged his foreleg. “Thank you though.”
“You’re quite welcome. I wish you all a good evening then.” he turned to Twilight and bowed. “Princess.”
“I hope you both will come back soon.” Twilight used her magic to push in all the chairs and everyone made their way to the road.
“Yeah, there’s still lots to see in Ponyville.” Pinkie noted as she readied her wagon.
“We most certainly will.” Argent promised with an exaggerated bow. “You aren’t getting rid of us that easily.” As the duo started down the road Aegis spread his wings and took flight. Argent leapt into the air and formed consecutive constructs under his hooves and he began galloping through the air at his side.
Over the next week and a half, Argent and Aegis found a sense of normalcy as they grew accustomed to life back in Canterlot. They spent more time in Ponyville and grew more familiar with their new Princess and her friends. They also surprised Luna by deciding to stay awake one night and spending the wee hours with her. On the twelfth night, Celestia and Aegis returned to the castle after spending time at a street bazaar. Aegis carried her things as they headed for her chamber.
“My, I didn’t intend to buy quite so many things.” Celestia laughed as she looked over the near dozen bags of purchases that Aegis bore. “Thank you for carrying those Aegis.”
“Of course, my Princess” Aegis nodded humbly. “A small price to pay for such an evening.” As they reached her chambers Celestia used her magic to lift her bags from his shoulder. “I’ll return my own things to my room.”
“Alright, I think I’ll grab a light snack from the kitchen.” Celestia decided as she felt a light growl in her stomach.
“Princess.” He bowed and started back down the hall.
Celestia entered her room and set the bags on the floor beside her end table; letting out a sigh as heavy thought washed over her. She hurried down towards the kitchen in order to shake the fog of her thought. As she passed the door to the adjacent dining hall she heard Argent call to her.
“Celestia.” he waved from his seat at the table.
“Argent, what are you doing in here?” She entered, noticing that he was the only one in the room.
“Nothing special, I just came from back from visiting the others in the barracks.” he stood. “How was the bazar?”
“It was nice, we’re seeing so many more vendors coming in from other lands.”
“Got carried away again huh?” He laughed as he saw her bashful look. “It’s okay, a Princess is allowed to splurge. So, where are you headed now?”
“Actually I was just going to grab a bite to eat.”
“Ah, well say no more. Allow this humble servant to prepare a meal for you.” He bowed gracefully.
Celestia giggled and shook her head. “You don’t have to do that Argent.”
“I know.” He said simply as he headed for the kitchen. “So, what would the lady care for this evening?” He asked as they passed into the castle’s massive kitchen. “Years in the field have honed my cooking skills to include such delicacies as canned beans, sandwiches and soldier’s stew.”
“Soldier’s stew?” Celestia repeated with a laugh.
“Yeah, it’s just a pot filled with whatever we have sitting around but the name makes it sound more appealing.” Argent admitted wryly.
“Let’s go with the sandwich then.” Celestia sat by the prep table as Argent went to work. Within a few minutes she was proudly presented her plate. “Thank you Argent.”
Argent sat across from her and they bantered while she ate. When she finished, Argent took her plate to the sink and washed it. She watched him with a warm smile but soon the same hesitant thought came over her again. She rose and stepped back into the dining hall and Argent soon followed. He immediately noticed the unsettled look in her eye.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Oh, yes… I am.” She turned her head away from him in an attempt to escape his scrutiny.
“Come on now, I know you better than that.” He stepped up behind her. “What’s wrong?”
An unsettled breath escaped her and she panicked a bit. She slowly turned back and faced with his shining eyes and bright smile, she couldn’t help but smile back. “It isn’t about what’s wrong, it’s about what’s right.” She stepped past him.
“Now you lost me.” He admitted with laugh.
Celestia giggled to herself and nodded slowly. “I know that doesn’t make any sense… it’s just that I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past few days. Thinking about something that has been in the back of my mind for many years now." She turned back to him. “I have to admit, I’m a different mare now than I was when the two of you were last here. I’m… truly in a better place now both mentally and emotionally. My sister has returned, former enemies are now welcome allies, my most prized student has not only become an equal but also a dear friend and we have seen Equestria more peaceful than it has been in a long time.” She held her wing to her chest. “When last you and Aegis were here, you were both rocks of stability that helped me through so much… and having the two of you back now has been wonderful. Still, given that I am in such a different place now, I’ve been paying much more attention to finer details.” She approached him. “It’s embarrassing to admit but, when I’m around you I feel… a welcome uncertainty. I’m never quite sure of what to say or how to say it and sometimes I cannot find words at all.”
“Celestia.” He felt his heart start to race at her words.
“Its little things like that which I see now, little things that make me realize just what I feel.” She stepped up to him and rested her nose against his. “Argent, I would like for us be more… than what we are.”
“Truly?” Argent asked breathlessly.
“Yes.” She pressed her lips to his and laid her hoof to his chest. He set his hoof to her cheek and lost himself completely. When she finally parted with him, she stepped back and allowed him a second to compose himself.
“Wow… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve envisioned this moment.”
“Did it live up to expectations?” She asked with shy smile.
“It put it to shame.” He grinned from ear to ear.
“Before this goes a step farther I… I need to talk to Aegis first.”
“Yeah…” In spite of the euphoria of the moment an unsettling thought crossed his mind.
“That won’t be necessary Princess.” Aegis’ voice came from doorway.
Celestia and Argent whipped around to see him standing there. “Aegis.” Celestia tried desperately to find words but none came out.
Aegis opened his wing and placed a bag on the floor. “You overlooked one.” He slowly turned and began to leave.
“Aegis I…” Argent stammered. “She just told me...”
“Stop.” Aegis put his hoof down hard and halted him. “There is nothing to be explained. The choice was, and has always been, hers to make.” He looked back to Celestia, she could see how hard he was trying to hold his pain back. “As the choice has been made, the matter is settled.” He continued out into the hall.
“Aegis, please wait!” Celestia called out as she started after him.
“Hold on.” Argent held her back. “I’ll go.” He turned and hurried out after him.
Celestia stood there in the silent room, her greatest wish and worst fear having come true at the same time. She went to the doorway and stumbled as she passed the spot where Aegis was standing, she looked down and saw that his hoof had cracked the thick marble floor. The sight brought tears to her eyes as she ran her hoof over the crack. “Oh Aegis… I’m so sorry.”
Argent hurried down the hall and exited into the rear courtyard. “Aegis!” he called out. “Aegis!” He looked about but saw no trace of him. With a heavy sigh he lowered his head, a part of him knew there was a chance he could find him but he realized that he had nothing to say if he did. He turned back and returned to the dining hall and a distraught Celestia. He went to her and without word she threw herself into his hooves and he hugged her tightly.
“He’s gone, isn’t he?” She asked weakly.
Argent nuzzled the top of her head. “Just give him time.”
He held her close until she was finally able to hold her tears. She sat back and wiped her eyes with a sniffle. “I’m sorry Argent, I had wanted this to be a happy moment.”
“I am happy Celestia.” He held her cheek and smiled and best he could. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too Argent.”
“I know this isn’t… ideal, but I promise I’ll find Aegis and we can work this out.” He lowered his head down and looked into her eyes. “Come on, let me see that perfect smile.” He saw her slowly smile and he set his forehead to hers. “There we go.”
“Please, do what you can to find him.”
“I will.” He nodded and hurried out of the room again.
Celestia took a composing breath and went to find Luna. She traveled the castle halls until she came across her coming in from the front garden. Luna saw her and could see the dampness under her eyes.
“Sister!” She rushed over. “What is the matter?”
“I was finally able to tell Argent how I feel but… Aegis…” She struggled to not start crying again. “He’s gone.”
“Oh sister.” Luna pulled Celestia’s head down and set her cheek to hers. “I am sorry but… this was far from unexpected.”
“I know.” Celestia sighed. “What if he never returns?”
“Don’t be silly.” Luna did her best to reassure her sister. “Remember what Cadence said, true bonds will always see themselves through the pain.” She pulled back and smiled. “And the three of you have one of the strongest bonds I’ve ever seen.”
Aegis ultimately found himself on the cliffs below Griffonstone. It was the early hours of the morning but he wasn’t exactly sure how long he had been sitting there. He felt so much at once that it actually left him numb; heartache over Celestia, shame over leaving Canterlot like a hurt colt, jealousy at his closest friend and a blanketing anger with no clear target. Deep down, he knew he should return but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. On the horizon, the sun began to crest over the mountains. Seeing that made it all the more clear to Aegis that no matter how paralyzed he felt, all else moved on.
With the dawn, Argent set about trying to locate Aegis. He left the city and searched the quiet, pastoral areas outside of Canterlot but found no trace of his friend. Back at the castle, Celestia did her best to carry out her duties but her mind was consumed by worried thoughts and the lack of sleep the prior night left her listless. Argent finally returned by the late afternoon with nothing to show for his efforts. He searched for Celestia, finding her in the empty meeting hall drinking some strong tea to keep herself awake. She perked up at the sight of him though and welcomed him with a long embrace.
“Did you find Aegis?” She asked hopefully.
“No, not yet.” Argent shook his head. “Being a flyer, it’s going to be tricky to track him down. He may be big, but he’s good at not being found when it suits him.” He let out a hard sigh. “He’ll likely head somewhere isolated, maybe towards the mountains. I’ll head that way tomorrow.” He saw the disheartened look in her eyes. “Hey, don’t lose hope just yet.”
“Even if we find him… what am I to say to him?” She stared down into her cold tea. “He must hate me.”
“I don’t believe that.” Argent laid his foreleg over her shoulder. “He’s probably not too happy with me, but you… you’re special to us both.”
“Thank you.” She laid her head to his chest and closed her eyes.
“Please get some sleep tonight Celestia.” He kissed her head. “Leave to worrying to me, okay?”
“I shall try Argent.” She smiled at his loving concern for her.
“I’m going to tell the rest of our guard mates that Aegis is gone, having them help to search will improve the odds.” Reluctantly leaving Celestia to her troubled thought, Argent sought a messenger and instructed word be sent to the barracks that the remainder of the traveling elite guard head to the main hall to meet with him. Within a quarter hour, the twelve members of the elite were assembled and awaiting instruction from their captain. “Sir, your message said this was urgent.” Burnside, a youth in the elite guard, noted as he stepped forward. “What’s the matter?”
Argent calculated his words as he spoke. “Aegis… has gone missing.” He raised his hoof to calm their confused murmur. “I don’t know the full scope of the situation yet, all I can say is that this morning he was missing from his room with no trace of where he had gone. Aegis never just leaves without reason or notice so I am having you all aid me in searching for him.”
“Of course sir.” Burnside nodded. “What do you need us to do?”
“I searched myself and I know he is not in Canterlot nor the immediate surrounding area. At dawn, we will head out again and I will detail your routes to you before you depart. For now, rest up, tomorrow is going to be a long day.”
“Sir!” The dozen stallions hailed in unison. As they left he could overhear their deep amazement at the situation and he sighed as they exited the hall.
“You did not tell them the truth?” Luna’s voice came from behind him.
Argent turned back to see her at the bottom of the stairwell. “Well, technically I didn’t lie.” He let out a disingenuous laugh. “I’m worried Luna.” He admitted in a hollow tone. “I’ve known Aegis so long now but when I looked into his eyes that night… I saw something I’ve never seen before.”
“And what is that?” she asked.
“He looked… vulnerable… fragile, two words I’d never associate with him.” He lowered his head.
Luna approached him with understanding in her eyes. “Even a mountain can crumble if struck hard enough.” She set her wing to his back. “Without doubt this has struck him with such a blow.”
“You know.” Argent raised his head and look into her calm eyes. “My second year in the training academy I had already made a name for myself. I was young and cocky and not exactly in everypony’s good graces. One day I was demonstrating a new spell I had designed… well… showing off is more like it. I was able to create timed explosions using concentrated magic and I had placed five of them on the training yards surrounding columns. As they went off in sequence and the pillars came down I used my constructs to gallop in the air between them, I almost pulled it off but the fifth charge went off earlier than I expected and the pillar came down on me.”
“My word.” Luna raised her brow in surprise.
“Yeah, hurt like nothing else… broke a few ribs to boot. Anyway, I was trapped and finally called out for help. Five of the other cadets ran over and tried to move the pillar but they couldn’t budge it.” A smile crossed Argent’s face. “All of the sudden I hear a big voice say, ‘move!’. The cadets scattered and this… massive shadow came over me.”
“Aegis.” Luna said.
“Yeah.” he laughed. “First time I had ever seen him. Aegis braced his hooves under the pillar and… just lifted it, like it was paper; tossing it aside and holding his hoof out to me. He pulled me up and instead of mocking me or calling me out, he just looked at me and said, “Your spell detonates at the same interval but you didn’t account for the actual time it takes to cast it, you lost nearly two seconds by the time you cast the fifth one”. Argent shook his head and laughed. “He was right, and I knew at that moment that this guy… he’s was the one I was going to spend my career fighting alongside.”
“That is quite the story.” Luna said with a smile.
Argent let out a heavy breath, his eyes damp. “He’s closer to me than my own family. I told Celestia to stay positive but it’s all I can do to manage that much.”
“As I told my sister, the bond you all share is strong and you must have faith in it. All you can do now is find him, the rest will unfold as it will.”
Argent nodded and wiped his eyes. “Thanks Luna.”
“You should rest too, you have done all you can today.”
“Right.” Argent agreed meekly and started back for his room.
The following morning, Argent met with the remainder of the elite guard and showed them their intended search areas on a detailed map of the area. Without hesitation they set out and Argent prepared to do the same.
“Argent.” Celestia called his attention as she approached.
Argent immediately went to her and hugged her. “Did you sleep alright, my love?”
“Better.” she smiled.
“Will you be okay today?” he asked.
“Yes, I will. I wrote to Twilight last night and she responded that she and her friends will be here tomorrow.”
“She’s a real sweetheart. Learned from the best though.” Argent said with a wink.
Celestia blushed. “Good luck Argent.” She kissed him.
Argent gave her a confidant smile and headed out to join the search. Celestia sighed as he left, she was doing her best to maintain a strong front but her heart was heavy with guilt and worry. She moved forward with her day as always, her duties occupying her enough to stave off the nagging thoughts in the back of her mind. The day went by normally enough but without any success of locating Aegis. Morning again saw Argent and his team heading out with similar hopes and similar words of encouragement. For Celestia, having Twilight and her friends visit was a great comfort and while they understood the situation, that isn’t what they spoke of. Instead they kept her spirits up with stories of goings on in Ponyville and the School of Friendship. Argent returned about two hours earlier than intended to check in on Celestia and spend some time with her, feeling more confident with so many others aiding in the search. He stayed with her while Twilight and the others headed out into Canterlot to have dinner. With evening approaching, Celestia was wrapping up the last of her meetings for the day. In the throne room, with Argent at her side, she discussed plans for the upcoming air games with event coordinators from Cloudsdale. They were startled by the sound of the doors busting open and two of the castle guard hurrying in with a member of Argent’s search team on their shoulders.
“Burnside!” Argent galloped over as they set him down.
“Argent… a detachment from Dreadhoof’s army followed us back from the East.” He said through pained breath.
“What?” Celestia asked as she joined them.
“I stumbled upon them while looking for Aegis and they captured me. I was able to free myself and escape but in doing so… they are now headed this way.”
“Oh no.” Celestia gasped. “Canterlot is in grave danger then. How many are in their force?”
“At least two hundred standing soldiers, three ballista and a siege tower.” He answered with fading energy.
Argent quickly assessed the information. “Alright, we need to evacuate Canterlot and form a defensive line. Get Burnside some medical attention and then assemble the castle guard.” he instructed.
“Sir.” The two guards hefted Burnside and began moving him to the infirmary.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight’s voice cried out and she and Rainbow Dash hurried in. “We saw the injured guard, is everything okay?”
“No Twilight, we are facing an attack.” Celestia went to the girls. “I need your help.”
“Just say the word.” Rainbow Dash flexed her foreleg. “We can take ‘em.”
“Firstly, I need you to aid in evacuating the citizens of Canterlot into the castle. I will make sure a reception is ready to move everypony to safety. Gather your friends, pair up with members of the castle guard and head out into the city to begin the move.”
“Okay, you can count on us.” Twilight assured.
“Thank you.” Celestia nodded as they hurried off.
Argent ran over and laid his hoof to her shoulder. “I’m going to gather what forces I can and set up a defense. They outnumber us, so unfortunately the best place to combat them is within the city limits. The narrow streets and alleys will make their numbers meaningless and we can force them to fight how we want them to.”
“Alright, I will get Luna and have her aid me in readying the castle. When we’re set, I will meet up with you.”
“Okay.” He quickly kissed her. “For luck.”
Celestia smiled and kissed him in return. “I’ll take some too. Be careful my love.”
“Always.” Argent promised as he galloped away to gather the guard. Outside of the twelve members of the elite guard, Argent was able to round up a standing force of a hundred to defend Canterlot. He gathered them in the front garden and quickly relayed his orders. “Listen up, we only have time to go over this once.” He began as he looked over them. “We are going to let them breach the gates and begin funneling into the commercial square of the city. Once they’re in position we are going to move in on them in groups of twenty five from different streets. We are outnumbered at least two to one so the only way to win is to separate their main force and fight in smaller skirmishes.” He laid his hoof to his chest. “They followed us all the way here… which means they are taking this personally and are likely here to enact vengeance for Dreadhoof. That being the case, they are letting their emotions dictate their strategy. We hit them hard and immediately back off, in their fervor they will allow themselves to separate in order to pursue our groups. Once they are fully divided, we give them all we have and finish this battle once and for all.”
“Sir!” The stallions responded.
“Alright, let’s go then. For Canterlot and for the Royal Sisters!” Argent turned and began leading them into the city. On their way they began passing groups of civilians being rushed to the castle by Twilight, her friends and a squad of the castle guard. Starlight approached them with her group and halted Argent.
“Argent, Fluttershy and Applejack will be bringing the last groups by any minute now. You’re all clear.” Starlight said as she pointed back down the main road.
“Great, thank you.”
“We’re heading back to help you when everypony is safe.” she promised.
“Normally I’d say no way, but if you’re willing to fight, I won’t stop you.” He nodded as he hurried onward.
In the distance they could hear the sound of projectiles pounding the walls of the city as well as the low roar of the clamoring soldiers. As they passed through the streets Argent began sending teams off in various directions, leaving himself and his group to face the attackers head on in the open promenade outside the theatre. Argent could see the top of the siege tower and used that to judge their position, as expected they began proceeding down Main Street which was the widest road available for them. Argent stood his ground as the soldiers came into view and halted about a fifty yards in front of them. A large stallion came forth and stamped his hoof into the cobblestone street.
“There you are!” he growled. ‘I am Red Mane, the last commander of the great army of Dreadhoof!”
“There is no point to this!” Argent called back. “Dreadhoof is no more and your great army is beaten. Leave now, you have no chance of winning this.”
“Winning does not matter!” Red Mane shook his head. “This city will burn in the name of Dreadhoof, what happens to us is of little consequence.”
Hearing that made Argent reevaluate their situation. He realized that this wasn’t a battle, it was a one way charge by an enemy with nothing left to lose. “Stallions! Protect your home!” Argent fired a beam of magic straight into the sky to signal the surrounding teams to move in. As Red Mane’s force charged their front line unicorns united their magic to form a massive barrier to cover their approach. To their surprise, they began taking magical blasts on their flanks. Their formation disrupted and Red Mane immediately called half the unicorns back to defend their rear. As predicted, their ranks began to break into smaller groups to face the new fronts. Argent pulled his team back and Red Mane gave chase with the center of his force as well as the siege tower. Three groups of roughly forty to fifty spread out to chase the flanking teams, each with one of the ballista at their rear. The battle was fast and fierce as the splintered forces engaged in the streets of Canterlot. Magic and muscle connected hard and the beautiful roads and buildings suffered the aftermath of each blow. One group found themselves on restaurant row, in the heat of their exchanges three of the enemy soldiers readied the ballista to fire.
“On my mark!” The stallion at the front readied as he timed their shot.
“Excuse me!” Pinkie Pie said as she suddenly popped up beside him.
“W… what!” The dumbfounded soldiers looked to each in confusion.
“Hey, are these important?” Pinkie asked as she dropped a bevy of screws and nuts into his hooves. As the soldier looked at them a loud crash followed as several parts of the ballista came undone, rendering it useless.
“Why you…” The solder raised his hoof but was quickly bound by a large swatch of cloth. “What is this?”
“Now now.” Rarity said as she appeared from the adjacent alleyway. “We simply can’t have you doing any more damage to Canterlot’s finest dining establishments.”
“That’s right.” Pinkie nodded but quickly got up in the soldier’s ear. “Although to be honest, most of the food here isn’t that good.” she whispered.
“Blast it, help me you fools!” The soldier called out as he struggled. As the other two moved in they found themselves lifted into the air, in a flash they were within a wooden cage made from pieces of the ballista.
“That’s enough from you two.” Starlight stepped up to the makeshift jail, rapping her hoof on it proudly. “This will keep you out of trouble.” She opened the door and Rarity threw the third in, as the door shut a lock appeared to keep it closed.
Rarity looked out over the battle before them and adjusted her mane. “Shall we ladies?”
“Let’s.” Starlight smiled as her horn lit up in preparation as Pinkie whipped out a pair of merengue pies.
Across the city, near the train station, a similar battle was taking place. Twilight, Spike and Applejack entered the fray to reinforce the guards. The unicorns in their ranks proved little match against Twilight’s superior magical ability and even the toughest among them were taken aback by Applejack’s sheer strength. As they slowly gained the upper hoof Spike noticed the ballista taking aim at them. He called out a warning and Twilight raised a powerful barrier to protect everypony from the massive projectile.
“We need to do something about that confounded thing.” Applejack said sharply as she went back to back with Twilight.
“I can teleport close but I’d be wide open.” Twilight said, as her mind raced to formulate a plan. As the ballista prepared to fire again she saw a heavy, dark shadow fall from the sky and land on the weapon. It shattered like glass and the operating soldiers were thrown back several yards. The sound all but halted the battle as the attacking forces turned back, only to see a pair of furious white eyes burning into them.
“Is that...” Applejack began.
“Aegis.” Twilight finished her thought. Seeing that the enemy was paralyzed with fear at the sight before them, the Canterlot guard rallied and pushed forward, overtaking their rattled opponents. Twilight turned away for but a moment, but when she looked back the shadow was gone.
Several blocks away the third group, with Rainbow Dash and an extremely hesitant Fluttershy at their side, did what they could to hold the enemy at bay. Rainbow Dash bolted between the soldiers striking blows, their eyes unable to fully follow her movements. Wild birds and city rodents pestered the enemy under Fluttershy’s direction but they were not faring as well without any strong magic on their side.
“Ugh, this isn’t getting us anywhere.” Rainbow Dash grunted as she landed next to Fluttershy.
“I’m sorry, I’m not very good at war.” Fluttershy apologized. She let out a shrill cry as one of the soldiers rushed at them, in little more than a second Rainbow Dash flew in and landed her hoof in his gut, sending him to the ground.
“Stay down you big lug.” she growled. The pair were startled by a loud scream, not from their side but from the enemy ranks. With speed rivaling her own, a shadow was diving from the sky and snatching up soldiers one by one. “What the hay is that?” she asked. “Is that one of your animals Shy?”
“If it’s an animal, it isn’t one I know.” Fluttershy shook her head. As the confusion grew the enemy started to back off but they were divided as their remaining ballista was flipped over with disturbing ease and crashed in the middle of their formation. As they scattered, the Canterlot guard were able to move in and begin to take control of the situation.
In the middle of the city, Argent stood his ground against Red Mane. As the heavily armored stallion bucked and swung at him, he countered each strike with a well-placed construct to fend the blow. As Red Mane grew frustrated, he called for nearby soldiers to attack Argent in tandem. One of unicorns fired his magic at him, with a nimble flip he dodged the shot and fired back, sending him to the ground. Two earth ponies ran at him from behind, he formed two constructs at his back and blocked their hooves. Red Mane rushed in and swung his foreleg wide at his head. Argent quickly ducked, allowing him to strike his own soldier. He slid under Red Mane’s hind legs and jumped back to his hooves, using another blast to take out the second one.
“Curse you!” Red Mane roared. A pair of yellow and blue blasts struck at his hooves causing him to further retreat. Argent looked up to see Celestia and Luna swooping down from above. They landed on either side of him and held their ground.
“Are you alright my love?” Celestia asked.
“Never better.” he smiled.
“Your soldiers are falling as we speak!” Celestia proclaimed. “This is over, stand down!”
“Never!” Red Mane challenged. “If you think I fear you Princess, you are sorely mistaken.” He raised his hoof to the sky and his soldiers began to pull back. A deep rumble followed as the siege tower began to move forward, dozens of panels along its front face opened to reveal readied cross bows with flaming arrows.
“Everypony, to us!” Luna commanded. The guards ran to the back of the sisters and they raised a barrier as the countless arrows fired onto them and the surrounding buildings. While the barrier protected them, the flames quickly began to spread as the local shops caught fire.
“Oh no.” Celestia looked about at the rapidly growing flames.
Red Mane laughed at the look on her face. “I vowed this city would burn and it shall!” He called his soldiers into formation at his back. As Argent and the sisters readied their magic, an unconscious enemy soldier flew from the darkness of an alleyway and slammed into Red Mane, knocking him to the ground.
“What the…?” Argent quickly looked to his right. Heavy hoof steps echoed from the alley and Aegis slowly emerged from the shadows. “Aegis.” Argent whispered. Without word he calmly stood before them and faced the enemy.
Red Mane got to his feet and saw what now stood before him. “You must be the other one… the Iron Wing I’ve heard so many stories of.”
Aegis ignored him, he merely looked back and lowered his head to Celestia. “I am sorry you were forced to be in harm’s way. Argent and I are enough to end this.”
Argent nodded and went to his side. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Is that so?” Red Mane scoffed. “Attack!” He waved his soldiers forward while the unicorns fired on them from the rear. Argent placed a barrier in front of Aegis who braced his hooves and launched himself forward with all the force of a cannon. The barrier blocked the oncoming magic and Argent dropped it as Aegis was on top of them. He barreled through the front line, knocking them away as if they were nothing and slammed his shoulder into Red Mane who promptly left the ground and spiraled back into the rear line of unicorns. Argent dashed in and galloped into the air on his constructs, firing down on the scattered troops from above. Meanwhile, Aegis spread his great wings and threw them forward, sending a dozen of them off their feet and into the walls of the nearby buildings. He then turned and reared up onto his hind legs, he brought his foreleg down onto the street and cracked the ground itself, toppling several more. Argent leapt and freefell from the sky, Aegis reached his right hoof up and Argent landed perfectly on it. Aegis threw Argent forward and he constructed a barricade around himself, crashing into the right flank like a wrecking ball.
Red Mane collected himself, dazed from the impact. “Fire the second volley!” he commanded. The siege tower’s panels opened once more and readied to fire. Now much closer to the weapon, Argent was able to construct magic panels over the open ports and the arrows rebounded back into the tower. Smoke began to billow from inside as the soldiers within promptly evacuated. Aegis flew behind the tower and landed at its base. He reached beneath and hooked his hooves under the rear axle. With a heavy yell he started to lift, his muscles bulging as the tower slowly began to rise. “That… that’s not possible.” Red Mane scooted back as he saw the tower begin leaning towards him. Argent galloped into the air again and up towards the top of the tower. He fired a blast into the upper half which fully knocked it over. Red Mane covered himself as the wooden structure crashed down onto him. The battlefield fell silent and the remaining soldiers lowered themselves in surrender.
“Incredible.” Luna muttered, in awe of the pair’s ability.
“Indeed, there is no better word for when the two of them fight as one.” Celestia concurred. “Ponies! The battle is won!” She turned to her loyal guards who cheered in unison. “Round up the enemy force and reconvene with the other teams.”
“Yes Princess!” A general roar came as they went to work.
“Luna, take care of these fires.”
“At once sister.” Luna took to the sky and began using her magic to quell the flames.
“Celestia.” Argent called as he ran over. “Are you okay?”
“Yes Argent.” she nodded. As they idled, Aegis flew over the fallen tower and landed several yards away from them. “Aegis.” Celestia felt a wave of mixed emotions as he stood before them.
“Princess.” He tipped his head, his voice hollow and distant.
“Aegis we…” Argent began.
“I am going to see to the other groups.” Aegis cut him off. “Until all the enemy forces are in custody, this is not over.” He spread his wings and lifted off.
“Aegis!” Celestia stepped forward but he quickly left view. She bit her lip and lowered her head in pained frustration.
“Celestia.” Argent slowly went to her and saw tears squeezing from her tightly shut eyes.
“He… isn’t wrong.” She finally said after a controlling breath. “Let us make sure everypony is okay and reconvene at the castle.”
“Right.” Argent nodded. “I’ll head towards the station.”
“I’ll help Luna and meet with you later.” Celestia hurried into the air to help her sister while Argent galloped down the empty streets of Canterlot.
Within an hour, Red Mane and his troops had been bound and escorted towards the castle to be held for the time being. The castle itself was chaotic with concerned citizens and guards who struggled to keep them calm. Argent was the last to return to the castle after making sure the city was fully secure. As he finally made his way into the courtyard Aegis descended from the sky and landed behind him. Argent turned and faced his friend, he had spent days in search of him and now that he was here he didn’t know what to do. They stared at each other for a long minute before Aegis finally spoke.
“Is the situation under control?” he asked.
“Yeah, we’ve got serious injuries but no casualties… kind of a miracle actually.”
“That… is good.” Aegis nodded.
“Aegis….” Argent tried to say something about all that had happened but struggled. “Thank you, for showing up when you did. I don’t know where you went but I’m glad it wasn’t too far.” He did his best to smile and pointed towards the castle. “Coming with?”
Aegis knew he should but hesitated, ultimately though he silently nodded and began following Argent. They entered the main hall and Argent immediately ran to Celestia. Aegis watched him go to her and in an instant the pain of the situation returned to him.
“Is everypony in one piece?” Argent asked as he reached her side.
“Yes, safe and accounted for.” She looked over the crowd and called their attention. “Ponies, the guard has seen to the enemy’s defeat. Canterlot is cleared of all threats and you are safe now.” The room clamored in relief.
“Princess.” Twilight rushed over.
“Twilight, there you are.” Celestia put her hoof to Twilight’s shoulder. “Are the others okay?”
“Yes.” Twilight nodded and smiled up at Argent. “Luna told me that Aegis returned to help, where is he?”
At the mention of Aegis, Argent quickly turned back and saw him leaving once again. “Aegis!” He galloped back across the hall as Aegis halted. “Aegis… we... we’ve been trying to find you this whole time. Celestia and I…”
“I only returned to see the city safe.” Aegis interrupted as he picked up pace again.
“Aegis stop!” Celestia’s voice rang out as she began crossing the room. The celebrating ceased as the room fell quiet at the unfolding scene. Celestia stepped past Argent and stood firmly. “Aegis… I know you’re hurt and angry and I don’t blame you but… please talk to me. I want to hear you, whatever you have to say.” She felt herself tear up. “Yell at me… tell me you hate me, just… please say something.”
Aegis slowly turned to face her and for the first time in her life, Celestia saw tears in his eyes.
“Celestia.” He stepped closer to her. “You know that there is no force in this world that could bring me to hate you.” He raised his head high and sighed heavily. “I… have loved you for so long now… so long in fact I cannot truly remember a time when I did not. From my first day in the academy, every step I made, every breath I took, every enemy I faced and every trial I endured was for you.” He looked down into her eyes, his tears finally breaking free. “All I wanted in this world was to be at your side. Now, that door is closed to me and I feel… lost.” His eyes saddened further. “And my pain and anger are my own fault.” He shook his head longingly. “Do you remember when Argent and I took you to the Elder Falls? You’re wing was injured and we asked you not to go but you all but ordered us to take you.”
“Yes, I do.” Celestia nodded.
“You were near the edge of the falls and you lost your footing, you caught the ledge but the rocks were slippery and the heavy spray prevented you from concentrating on your magic.” He let out a quiet laugh. “I don’t think either of us have moved faster in our lives. We ran to the edge and reached out for you and without thinking, out of pure instinct, you leapt to Argent.” He slowly nodded. “I knew then… that you had made your choice, even if you did not.” He unfolded his wing and held it against his chest. “I couldn’t bear to face that reality, I lied to myself and convinced myself that there was still something I could do to win your heart. As time went on though, the disparity between Argent and I became more and more apparent. He was always the more vibrant one, always the one that could bring a smile to your face, always the one who could best console you when you were troubled. You shared magic, interests and passions… his ability to be there for you extended well beyond his service in the elite guard. The only thing I could every truly offer you was seeing those that would threaten your home and throne defeated.” He turned his gaze to Argent. “Argent is a warrior, a true friend and a proper suitor. I… I am merely a weapon.” A pained look washed over him.
“You’re wrong.” Celestia said through her tears. “Aegis, for all your unparalleled strength, there is not a creature in Equestria with a soul as gentle as yours.” She gestured towards some of the many stained glass windows that detailed Equestria’s history. “I have seen many enemies set their sights on Equestria and do you know what they all had in common?” She pointed to him. “They all shared a past similar to your own. They were victims of cruelty, ridicule, denouncement and disparagement… and in turn they sought out power to make themselves strong. But as they used that power to bring pain to others, you rose above your past and used your strength to be there for a world that did not fully understand or accept you.” She looked to him with sorrowful eyes. “Do you think I never understood why you always preferred your quiet spots so far away from anypony else? Do you think I never noticed the stares, whispers and fear that came from those around you when you did find yourself out in the open?” Her face grew angry at the thought. “I wanted nothing more than to tell them they were wrong, to tell them how wonderful and kind you were… but I never did because I saw that you never let any of that ever reach your heart.” She smiled at him. “You are so much more than you give yourself credit for and you are such an important part of my life.” She opened her wing towards Argent. “Yes, I am in love with Argent… but please don’t think for a second that means that I don’t love you, because I do. I love you so much Aegis and I can’t bear the thought of losing you this way.”
Aegis saw the pain in her eyes and felt a deep sense of regret. “I thank you for telling me that Celestia.”
Celestia sniffled and nodded. “They are things I should have said long ago, perhaps if I did things would not have been as complicated as they are now.”
“Perhaps.” he sighed. “But that does not excuse my actions.”
Celestia shook her head. “Aegis, I understand why…”
“No.” he interrupted. “It was my duty to prepare myself for the day I knew full well would come and face it as a proud stallion, and in that duty I failed. At a time when I should have been there for you, to celebrate your happiness... I turned my back on you… on everything. I have abandoned my station and duties, meaning I am no longer fit to be a part of your guard.” “That isn’t true.” Argent protested.
“It is.” Aegis insisted. “I am not special, I adhere to the same rules as all the guard.” He looked back to Celestia. “I am sorry Celestia, for everything I have put you through these last days. What I did was selfish and you deserved better from me. Which is why I ask but one thing of you now, please cease your concern for me.”
“What?” Celestia asked.
“I cannot remain here.” Aegis said with a heavy sigh. “I would be of no use to you or anypony else walking these halls steeped in broken dreams and lost feelings. I simply don’t know what else to do at this point but that is not your problem, it is mine.” He opened his wings and laid their tips to her shoulders. “Could I be with you, all I would want is your happiness. So please, be happy… don’t spend your newfound life with Argent worrying about me.”
“Aegis.” She looked up at him pleadingly. “I can’t just forget you, I don’t want to. Where would you even go?”
“I... do not know.” He admitted.
“Would you come with me?” Twilight asked.
Aegis turned his attention to her. “Princess Twilight?”
Twilight approached them, wiping her own tears away as she and so many others in the room had been moved by Aegis and Celestia’s heartfelt words. “Come to Ponyville with me. There’s more than enough room in the castle, I have like a dozen rooms that I don’t even see half the time anyway. You can have all the time and privacy you need to work things out and you can still remain close to everything you know.”
Aegis considered her words, he honestly had few other favorable options. He nodded and knelt before her. “Very well, I will accept your offer Princess Twilight.” he rose. “I shall head there now.” He looked back to Celestia once more before exiting the castle.
Celestia watched him off with hollow eyes, she wanted to go after him but knew that now was not the time. She turned to Twilight and smiled as much as she could. “Thank you Twilight.”
Twilight nodded. “I don’t know how much I can help but… I’ll do what I can.”
“We all will Princess.” Rarity said as she and the girls joined them.
Luna stepped into their midst and went to Celestia’s side. “Sister, I will see to the resolution of this incident. You rest, you have endured enough this day.”
Celestia nodded meekly. “Thank you.”
“Argent.” Luna turned to him. “Please stay with my sister.”
“Of course, there is nowhere else I would think of being.” He took Celestia’s hoof and led her to the recesses of the castle.
“I’m going back to Ponyville to find Aegis.” Twilight informed her friends as she started after him. “Stay safe.”
“Will do, sugar cube.” Applejack assured.
“We should help Luna as much as we can.” Starlight suggested as she looked over the still fairly chaotic scene.
“Well, let’s get to it then.” Rainbow Dash flew up and over the crowd. “It’s going to be a long night.”
Aegis had taken a room near the top of Twilight’s castle and for two days he did not leave it. Twilight went to the door more than once to ask if he needed or wanted anything only to receive the same polite decline each time. On the third day she asked her friends to come to help as she was running out of ideas.
“He’s been up there for two straight days.” Twilight informed as she paced. “He hasn’t eaten or had anything to drink, it’s like… he’s given up.” She sighed in thought. “This isn’t a run of the mill friendship problem, his relationship with Princess Celestia is so complex and I can’t even imagine how he feels right now.”
“Easy Twilight.” Starlight held her shoulder to stop her pacing.
“She isn’t wrong Starlight.” Rarity regretfully admitted. “Just hearing what he said the other night was heartbreaking… much less living it.”
“Well, he doesn’t seem to be willing to talk to me.” Twilight looked over her friends. “I had hoped maybe one of you could get through to him.”
“We’re willing to give it a try Twilight, it’s just…” Applejack let out an unsettled breath. “I don’t have any clue on just what to say.”
Rainbow Dash hovered and crossed her forelegs. “Yeah, I mean, we’re not exactly experts on relationships here.”
“I say we let Fluttershy handle it.” Pinkie Pie proudly raised Fluttershy’s hoof.
“Me?” Fluttershy asked.
“Well yeah!” Pinkie pulled out a photo of her and Discord. “I mean, you got through to Discord so this should be no problem.”
“Oh my, well… I suppose…”
“Let me!” Spike suddenly spoke out as he hopped from his seat on the table. “I’ll do it.”
“Spike?” Twilight eyed him unsurely.
“Just trust me Twilight.” He sped past them and headed up the stairs with a look of determination on his face.
“Well, I wasn’t expecting that.” Starlight noted as the girls looked to each other in confusion.
“Hello?” Spike said as he neared Aegis’ door. He took a deep breath and opened the door without knocking. As he stepped inside he saw Aegis sitting near the window, his eyes set solely on whatever he could see through the glass. “Uh… hi.” Spike said as he stepped up beside him. “It’s me, Spike.” Aegis didn’t respond. “You know… Twilight and the others are really worried about you, you think you might want to come down and at least have lunch or something? I make a pretty mean potato cake.” He laughed awkwardly but Aegis remained silent. With a sigh, Spike flew to the top of the dresser; sitting on the edge and clasping his claws between his dangling legs. “They don’t know what to say to you because they don’t really get how you’re feeling, but I do.” He looked over and saw that Aegis’ eyes had slid over to him. “What I’m going to tell you has to stay between us, Ok?” Spike fidgeted in hesitation. “When Twilight and I first came to Ponyville, well that was the day I first met Rarity.” He smiled as he recalled the encounter. “From the moment I saw her I knew that she was something special and somepony I wanted to be closer to. For a long time I couldn’t even talk to her without breaking out in a sweat but she was always so sweet, even when I was acting like a complete doofus.” He started kicking his feet out in rhythmic fashion. “Eventually we bonded and I tried to do everything I could for her. If she needed something I went and got it, if she asked me to do something I did it… there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.” He grimaced as he ran over the events of the past. “Although, that did lead me to accidentally getting her cursed by a book that made her go on a decorating rampage.” He let out an embarrassed laugh. “Point is, I just wanted her to see that I would always be there for her no matter what… to know that I… you know… loved her.” He saddened greatly. “But, after a while I realized something. No matter what I did or what I said she was always going to see me as her baby dragon friend, and yeah, technically that’s true but… I’m not a baby.” He smiled lightly. “But, I know I can’t change any of that and I’ve accepted that I’m never going to be able to be more to her than what I am now.” His claw balled into a fist. “For a while I was angry because it just didn’t seem fair to me. I actually started avoiding her a bit and she noticed, she knew something was wrong but I couldn’t tell her anything. It was too embarrassing and I felt ashamed.” He opened his claw and looked down at it. “After that though I realized what was even worse than not being able to have the relationship I wanted, and that was the idea of losing her friendship.” He finally looked back to Aegis. “That’s how you feel about Princess Celestia isn’t it?”
Aegis turned his head to the tiny dragon. “Yes.” He responded after a long pause.
“Well, if a “baby dragon” can move on then you can too, right?” Spike grinned.
Aegis actually laughed and rose to his hooves. “I suppose so.” He extended his wing to the dresser, Spike jumped on and walked up to his back. “Your story is safe with me Spike.” He looked back at him. “And you have my vow that I shall never look upon you as a mere child.”
“Really?” Spike smiled. “That… means a lot, especially from somepony like you.”
Downstairs, the girls continued to idle. They perked up though as they heard heavy hoof steps coming from the stairs. Applejack looked up and saw Aegis coming down with Spike perched on his back. “Well I’ll be.” She offered the others a surprised smile.
Twilight hurried to the bottom of the staircase as they stepped down. “Aegis.”
He bowed. “Princess, I apologize if I made you worry.”
“It’s alright, really.” She waved her hooves back and forth frantically. “It’s just that you weren’t ever leaving the room or eating or anything so I just got a little scared.” She looked up at the proud dragon on his back. “But I see Spike was able to help.”
He glanced back at Spike with a smile. “Spike reminded me that one cannot move forward while lying still.” Spike jumped from his back to the top of the end table. “His words are beyond his years, it would serve well to heed them more often.”
“Are you feeling any better now?” Fluttershy asked.
“As well as can be expected, Lady Fluttershy.”
Rarity went to him and set her hoof to his leg. “What you went through was absolutely tragic, so we understand. But it’s important that you know that we’re here for you darling.”
“Thank you, Lady Rarity.” He tipped his head to her. “Even so… I simply do not know where to even begin. My purpose in life was to be there for Celestia and to help lead her elite guard against Equestria’s foes.” He shook his head. “Now, I have neither.”
“Well first things first.” Twilight said boldly. “Accepting that today is a new day and starting from there. First off, if you’re Princess Celestia’s friend then you’re mine too, so just call me Twilight.”
He looked at her unsurely. “If… that is your wish, Lady Twilight.”
“Second, you need to eat. Thinking on an empty stomach is no way to go about things.” She turned back to her friends. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, think you could whip us up something in the kitchen?”
“Now that is something I can handle.” Applejack nodded as she headed for the kitchen.
“Good thing I brought my emergency baking supplies.” Pinkie noted as she somersaulted after her.
Rainbow Dash flew over and tapped Twilight’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s a great day outside. Why don’t we set up on the terrace?”
“Great idea Dash.” Twilight nodded.
“Cool, come on Shy.” She grabbed Fluttershy’s hoof and sped off. Aegis watched the girls as they scattered. “You needn’t go through so much trouble for me, milady.”
Rarity laughed dryly. “Trouble? Darling, this is normal for us.” She motioned for him to follow. “Come now dear, while the others are getting things ready, why don’t I show around the castle proper?” Aegis followed her after an approving nod from Twilight.
As they left, Starlight hurried over to Spike. “Spike, what in the world did you say to him to get him to come down?”
“Oh, uh...” he shrugged. “Just bro stuff, you know, guy to guy.”
“Well I’m impressed.” Starlight admitted. “Good job.” She turned back to Twilight. “I’m going to help outside, otherwise your patio is going to be nothing but fuzzy animals and racing stripes.”
“Good idea.” Twilight laughed. As Starlight went off she went to Spike with a tender smile. “You told him about Rarity, didn’t you?”
Spike twisted his lip and nodded. “Yeah well… after hearing about what happened to him it was all I could think about, so I knew how he was feeling.”
Twilight set her hoof to the top of his head. “I’m very proud of you Spike, I know it mustn’t have been easy opening up about that to somepony you’ve just met. Plus, it seems it was just what he needed to hear.”
“Thanks Twilight.” Spike smiled.
“Come on, let’s go catch up with the others.” She turned and Spike hopped on her back.
“Wow, after riding on Aegis I never realized how short you were.”
“Hey!” She glared back at him.
“I’m kidding!” Spike defended.
Applejack and Pinkie Pie put together a pretty impressive spread on such short notice. The group gathered outside under a bright sun and a cool breeze to enjoy themselves. Having been indoors for so long, the air felt refreshing to Aegis; even though being under the sun reminded him of Celestia. The girls made an extra wide spot for him at the table and he took his place beside Twilight.
“Dig in y’all.” Applejack said as she sat.
“Hey Aegis.” Rainbow Dash called his attention through a mouthful of food. “You should know that Cloudtrail is already improving a lot since you had that talk with him.”
“That is good to hear.” Aegis felt good knowing that something positive came from his display.
“Yeah, Rainbow Dash told us all about your, uh… demonstration.” Starlight laughed.
“Anypony that can leave Spitfire speechless is the real deal.” Rainbow Dash added.
Fluttershy smiled across the table at Aegis. “It’s a shame you couldn’t have been here for the water transfer.” she giggled. “I’m sure it would have gone a lot smoother.”
“I imagine it would be nice to use my ability for more than just combat.” Aegis pondered the idea. “Although I must admit I am not useful for much else, milady.”
“Oh don’t be silly darling.” Rarity scoffed. “You simply haven’t tried to venture into other things yet, so how can you be so sure?”
“Rarity is right.” Applejack concurred. “I bet you would make one heck of a farmer.”
Rainbow Dash let out a discontented grunt. “Really AJ, that’s a waste of good wing power. He should totally try out for the Wonderbolts.”
“Actually.’ Twilight intervened in the inevitable argument between the two. “I was doing some thinking while you were up there Aegis. How would you like to work at the school of friendship with us?”
“Oh my, that’s a great idea.” Fluttershy applauded.
“Yeah!” Pinkie excitedly agreed. “The students would get a kick out of you.”
Aegis gave Twilight an uncertain look. “Lady Twilight, I know nothing of teaching. Likewise the only things I am familiar with are battle, pain and loss… hardly things to pass on to children.”
Twilight shook her head. “The school is about teaching all creatures the values and lessons of friendship as well as how to better themselves and their views of the world.” She looked up at him with excited eyes. “Your story is an inspirational one and you have traveled to nearly every corner of the known world. There’s a lot you can teach the students about how to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.”
Starlight offered him an approving smile. “We’ll all be there to help too, so you won’t be going it alone.”
Aegis weighed the option in his mind. “I cannot say I am wholly certain of the idea, but I will try, Lady Twilight.”
“Great!” Twilight beamed with anticipation. “I’ll get you a copy of the rule book.” She elbowed him. “I wrote it myself you know.”
“This calls for cake!” Pinkie Pie yelled as she hurried back into the castle. She soon emerged wheeling out a massive cake. “Okay everypony, dessert time!”
“Uh, that’s a bit much don’t you think?” Applejack asked as she beheld the towering confection.
“Well, Aegis is a biiiig stallion, so he needs a biiiig cake.”
“Can’t argue with that logic.” Spike said as he readied his plate.
Pinkie Pie whipped out a plastic cake knife and ran in circles around the cake, expertly slicing pieces off and sending them flying neatly onto plates. Aegis watched the feat with a hint of surprise, as Pinkie screeched to halt she licked the frosting that had accumulated on her face.
“Your jovial nature belies a soldier’s skill, Lady Pinkie.” Aegis noted.
Pinkie giggled and smiled. “Not quite sure what you said, but thanks.”
As the meal concluded, Spike set himself to the dishes. Aegis went to the edge of the terrace and looked out over Ponyville.
“So.” Starlight walked up to his side. “Think you might be able to call Ponyville home?”
“I… would like to, Lady Starlight.” He took a heavy breath. “All I can do is keep moving forward until I see what I find.”
“I know the feeling.” Starlight nodded as she reflected on her own past. “I reached a point where I thought I had lost everything, but Twilight and the others proved me wrong. Truth is, ‘everything’ is a word that gets thrown around way too much. It encompasses not only what we know but also what we don’t, and we can’t lose things we haven’t found yet.”
“Wise words, milady.” Aegis looked down at her. “I see why Argent was so fond of you. You are much alike.”
“Really?” She asked with a deal of surprise.
“He asked me once to stand at his side and look into the distance. He asked what I saw and I told him I saw the horizon. Disagreeing, he said that a horizon is merely a perception limited by our senses. He said that the world always expands beyond what we perceive and to accept a horizon is to accept a limitation on what is possible.”
“Whoa.” Starlight absorbed the philosophy contained in those words.
“He is far deeper than he lets on.” Aegis laughed. “Even so, while his words are inspiring I do not fully agree. In reality, there are limitations on what is possible. An earth pony cannot fly, a pegasus cannot use magic… those are truths.” He closed his eyes in thought. “My life has been nothing but limitations, imposed on me by nature and society alike. I found my way to where I am now not by aspiring to the dreamlike possibilities of what the world could be, but by accepting the world as it was and doing what was necessary to reach my goal using the means and resources at my disposal.”
Starlight mulled over what Aegis said to her. “I can’t say one of you is right and the other is wrong, honestly you both sound right but you’re claiming opposing ideology.” She looked up at him quizzically. “How did you two get along so well?”
“I think he enjoyed having somepony to argue with.” Aegis smiled. “He was so well learned and articulate that everypony accepted whatever he said as truth. I was the only one that every questioned him and forced him to continue improving his own life philosophy. As for me… well, aside from Celestia he was the only one that truly never feared me. He spoke to and interacted with me in ways nopony else dared to or felt comfortable with.” He looked out over the town again. “In a way, as you said, our differing philosophies are both correct. I befriended him because the reality of my situation was that he was the only one I could become close to, and he only became close to me because he did not see my size and strength as an impassible horizon.”
Starlight smiled in amazement. “You two really are something else. I think you’re going to do just fine as a teacher.”
Starlight’s words made Aegis warmer to the idea. That night, after the others had left, he accepted a copy of Twilight’s rule book to look over before he accompanied her to the school the next day.
Aegis was always one to be up early in the morning, but he was surprised to see Twilight up at the same hour. He found her assembling her bags near the door to be ready for when they headed out.
“Lady Twilight.” he greeted.
“Oh Aegis, good morning. How are you feeling?” she asked.
“Better, milady.”
“Are you ready for your first day on the job?” She asked with a keen smile.
“As I shall ever be.” He said with moderate confidence.
They went to the kitchen for breakfast and soon a groggy Starlight and Spike joined them.
“Ugh, morning.” Starlight said through a heavy yawn.
“Morning.” Twilight set a bowl of Morning Oats cereal before her as she plopped into a chair. She lazily lifted the spoon with her magic and crammed a spoonful in her mouth.
“I see which of you the early riser is.” Aegis laughed mildly.
“Ha ha.” Starlight laughed mockingly. “When you’re controlling a town of brainwashed ponies you can make them wake up whenever you want, I got used to sleeping in.”
Spike grabbed a muffin and headed for the main hall. “I’m going to get started on the watering, I’ll see you guys later.”
About two hours before class started they made their way to the school grounds. Aegis was impressed by the grand schoolhouse that Twilight had commissioned. While Starlight began her morning preparations, Twilight took Aegis to her office and went over the basic curriculum and the class hours. The others soon arrived and began readying their class rooms and student’s followed not long after. As Gallus, Sandbar, Ocellus, Yona, Silverstream and Smolder took their seats and pulled out their books, Twilight entered the room and called their attention.
“Good morning everycreature.”
“Good morning Headmare Twilight.” They responded in unison.
“I have a surprise today, you’re going to be having a guest instructor.” Twilight raised her hoof to calm their murmurs. “I expect you to show him the same respect and courtesy that you have been with all your other instructors, I have a feeling you can all learn a lot from him which is why I selected the six of you to be his first pupils.” She turned to the door. “Aegis?” Aegis entered the room, hardly fitting through the doorway. The students fell stone silent as he took his place beside Twilight. “This is Aegis, he is… well, was a part of the royal guard’s elite. His experience and knowledge of the world expands beyond even mine.”
Aegis looked over the group. “It is good to meet you all.”
“Well, I’ll leave you to it Aegis. I’ll see you all during lunch hour.” Twilight left and Aegis went to the podium at the room’s head. On it he saw a selection of books that Twilight had provided. He looked at them for a silent moment before turning his head to the window. After a minute of thought he turned his eyes back to the students. “Follow me.” He headed for the door and went into the hall.
“Okay.” Sandbar said unsurely as he and the others rose.
“Um, aren’t we suppose to remain in the classrooms except for field trips and other planned activities?” Ocellus asked.
“You want to argue with him?” Gallus asked in return.
“Um… no.” Ocellus answered meekly.
Aegis led them outside the school and around to the western field. “Form a line students.” Aegis instructed. The students lined up before him and he stood at their front. “Lady Twilight has told me that this school was designed to help you be the best version of yourself you can be. While her passion for the written word is admirable, what I have to teach you cannot be found in pages.” He observed them all closely. “As you can see, you are all vastly different from one another. You are of different kin, with bodies, minds, powers, abilities, histories and cultures that are unique to you. To be the best version of yourself, you must truly understand the depths of each of those facets. A simple place to begin is by observing your own strengths and weaknesses. I have little doubt that you all have existing prowess, a natural inclination towards the innate abilities your respective kinds call their own. I can easily tell you your strengths.” He looked to Gallus. “Gallus, as a griffon you have impressive flight on par with pegasi as well as the added benefit of opposable talons which increase your ability to manipulate your environment. You also have especially strong eyesight and your feathered body gives you increased resistance to wind and rain.” He looked to Yona. “Yona, as a yak you have great strength and a body as durable as the mountains. You also have excellent resistance to extreme cold and other harsh environments that would bring others to their knees.” He looked to Silverstream. “Silverstream, you have the ability to change back and forth between your hippogriff and sea pony forms at will, giving you command of the sky as well as the sea. Like Gallus, you also have opposable talons and your kinds’ time as sea ponies has given you intimate knowledge of the oceans of which no other creature is privy.” He looked to Ocellus. “Ocellus, a changeling with the unique ability to mimic the shape of any creature she has beheld for herself. Also, despite your smaller frame, your changeling carapace is far more durable than most basic armors.” He looked to Smolder. “Smolder, as a dragon you command a great deal of power. Strength, flight, fire breath and a body that can withstand heat that would melt base metal.” Lastly he looked to Sandbar. “Sandbar, as an earth pony you are connected to the land with the ability to unlock a great physical strength if you choose to develop it. From your permanent file I saw that you are extremely easy going and not one to contest situations. I imagine that you are often the voice of reason in your group?”
Aegis stepped closer to them. “I am sure the things I have just said are of no surprise to you and are all praises that your family, friends and elders have repeated to you more than once. That is not uncommon as they are all indeed things of which you and your kin should be proud. However, I will now teach you the first and perhaps most important lesson of developing your full potential. Knowing your strengths is necessary, but even more so you must know your weaknesses. This time, I want to hear from you, what are your weaknesses? Gallus?”
Gallus was taken aback by the question. “I don’t know… I’ve never thought of myself as weak.” A cross look filled his eyes as he felt a tad insulted at the insinuation.
Aegis let out a short laugh. “I did not say you were weak, I asked you what your weaknesses are.”
“Isn’t that… kind of the same thing?” Silverstream asked in confusion.
“Not at all.” Aegis shook his head. “Being weak is a state of mind and body, a weakness is merely an area in which you do not excel. Even the strongest creature has weaknesses.” He looked to Gallus again. “Would you like to try to answer now Gallus?”
Gallus let out a discontented huff. “Well, I’ve always liked sports but my mom said when I was young I would get hurt a lot when I played. Griffons never really played rough sports, we mostly focused on flying games but I liked playing other types of games too. I’ve gotten more careful with what I do which actually kind of sucks.”
“Do you know why that is?” Aegis asked.
“Not really, I just figured there was something wrong with me.”
“Griffons are closely related to other avian species as they have hollow bones.”
“Say what now?” Gallus asked with renewed interest.
“A griffon’s hollow bone structure is what allows your kind to excel at maintaining high performance flight at extremely high altitudes. Your kind was born and raised in the highest peaks of the world and as a result your lungs adapted to the lower oxygen levels. Your bones allow for your lungs to expand much farther to give your body what it needs to sustain activity. A consequence of this is that your body is more susceptible to high impact damages than a pegasi’s which has a sturdier pony frame.”
“Seriously?” Gallus scratched his head. “Wow, that’s… good to know.”
“Indeed it is.” Aegis nodded. “As you now see, a weakness does not detract from who or what you are in any way. In fact, knowing it makes you stronger than you were before.”
Yona hopped up and down. “Ooh, Yona next! Yak best as knowing weaknesses!”
“Very well.” Aegis smiled and allowed her to continue.
“Well, Yona no like water much. Also get really tired when it hot outside, Yona much prefer winter time.”
“That stands to reason Yona.” Aegis agreed. “As I said, your thick coat makes you resistant to cold but it absorbs water like a sponge and causes your body to easily overheat.” He turned his attention to Sandbar. “Sandbar, what are your thoughts?”
Sandbar thought for a moment. “Well, you said I was easy going… I am, but mainly because I really don’t like confrontation. I mean I always try to keep things peaceful but if something bad breaks out, I kind of feel like I have to get away from it.” He rubbed his left leg against his right knee. “Not really the kind of pony who’s a big help in the long run.”
“You have a peaceful nature and a good heart. Not wanting to witness or fall into violence is as natural to you as swimming is to a fish.” Aegis surmised. “While that may make you a liability in certain situations, it will also make you vital in others. You are a natural diplomat.”
“Whoa, that would be cool.” Sandbar said with a smile.
‘What of you Ocellus?” Aegis looked to the young changeling.
“Well.” Ocellus thought hard. “Unlike Yona, I actually don’t like the cold that much. I did some research on the pony history of changelings that said that cold makes our bodies harden and become brittle.”
“Very true, excellent work.” Aegis praised. “I can tell you this as well, while your ability to change form is impressive, you must always be aware that the actual mass and strength of your body does not change in direct proportion. You are still young and petite, as such, should you change into a creature such as an owlbear you would not have the precise weight and strength as a real one. As you grow and mature, the proportion will increase as well, but always bear in mind that your assumed forms will never be as powerful against an original.”
“Oh, that didn’t come up in my research at all.” Ocellus admitted.
“Silverstream, what of you?” Aegis asked.
“Well, I’ve been told I’m ditzy but frankly…I don’t see it.” she giggled.
“You don’t?” Gallus asked, making the others break into laughter.
Silverstream jumped up and did a loop in the air, hovering over her friends heads. “Well, I’m just excited all the time. I’m experiencing so many new things now that I can travel on land.”
“As it stands, little is known about hippogriffs.” Aegis informed. “But your sentiments are reflected in your file. I would say that your greatest weakness at the moment is your innocence. You see so much wonder in this new world that you easily overlook danger, mostly out of your lack of experience.”
‘Don’t worry, we keep her out of trouble.” Smolder said proudly as she pulled Silverstream back to the ground.
“Which finally brings us to you.” Aegis turned to the young dragoness.
“Well, not to disagree with you teach, but dragons are pretty well…”
“Pride.” Aegis cut her off.
‘Wh... what?’ Smolder asked indignantly.
“Dragons do indeed have much of which to be proud, but over time that pride has become so engrained in dragon culture that it consumes you.” He saw the upset look on Smolder’s face. “I mean not to insult you, merely to give caution. I have battled many dragons and the one mistake they all made was underestimating me. Pride makes you sloppy and careless, two of the most dangerous things a creature can be in any situation.”
“I...” Smolder began but let out a sigh. “I guess you have a point.”
“Smolder, the fact that you are at this school and have made such diverse friends is a testament to your openness. As a dragon, what you do here will be very important and you will be the one to set the example for your kind. Carry that responsibility well.”
Smolder smiled and stood tall. ‘Thanks, I will.”
Aegis nodded and stepped back. “Knowing, understanding and accepting your weaknesses will set you on a path to truly making yourselves better. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is acknowledge what you cannot. Remember, no creature is invincible, no matter how powerful they may seem. As Lady Twilight often reminds you, the power of friendship is a great one indeed. Individually, you all have strengths and weaknesses, but together those strengths cover for the weaknesses of the others. As you are all so diverse, the potential you have when the six of you unite may perhaps be of the strongest ever known.” Aegis’ words made their hearts fire up and they cheered.
As Aegis’ class time came to an end he led the student’s back inside the classroom. With five minutes before the bell they began gathering their things and readying their lunches. Twilight entered the room and eagerly looked to Aegis. “So, how’d it go today?”
Aegis glanced at the students. ‘Quite well actually.”
“That’s great news, we knew you would be a natural.” she smiled.
“Appreciated, Lady Twilight.”
The bell rang and they started to move towards the door. Silverstream flew up as she noticed them. “Mr. Aegis!?” She called, also grabbing the attention of the others.
“Yes Silverstream?” He turned back.
“You’re… coming back right?” she asked.
“Yeah, you can’t just leave us hanging now.” Sandbar noted.
“Giant pony best teacher!” Yona added.
Aegis saw hopeful looks on all their faces. “Of course.” he nodded. “I still have much to teach you.”
“Alright!” Gallus cheered as he high fived Smolder.
“We’re really glad to hear that Mr. Aegis.” Ocellus smiled sweetly.
As they stepped out into the hall the students bid him farewell for the day as they hurried to lunch. Twilight smiled up at him brightly. “Seems like you had a big impact on them. I guess this means I don’t have to ask if you’ll be staying on.”
“No Lady Twilight, you do not.’” Aegis said with quiet smile.
The rest of the week was as much an experience for Aegis as it was for the students. As the days went by, Twilight and the others noticed him become more and more expressive and open with them as well. He ventured from the castle more often and became a welcomed and familiar face in Ponyville. On the final school day of the week, after the students had returned to their lodging, Aegis remained in his classroom going over curriculum materials from Twilight. As he read, he heard a timid knock at the door.
“Aegis?” Celestia’s soft voice graced the silent room.
Aegis turned in surprise. “Princess.” He ceased his work and bid her entry.
They looked into each other’s eyes, both not sure what to say. She slowly went to him and laid her cheek to his chest. “I have missed you Aegis.” She smiled and wrapped her wings around him.
Aegis unfolded his wings and enveloped her body, laying his head atop hers. “I have missed you too, my Princess.”
They stayed in that blissful embrace for several minutes, the events of the past months playing back in their memories. Celestia finally pulled back and smiled up at him. “Have you been well?”
Aegis sighed and bobbed his head indecisively. ‘I cannot say that I fully am, although I am better then when we last spoke.”
Celestia nodded understandingly but quickly changed the subject. “Twilight has been keeping up with me on how things have been. I have to admit, I was surprised when she told me you were teaching at her school.”
“It was something I was not expecting either, but through it I have come to find some solace and purpose.” He stepped past her and went into the hall. “Would you follow me, Princess?”
“Of course.” She followed him through the school and up to the roof access, they ascended the stairwell and emerged on the roof of the east wing.
“This building offers a view of even Lady Applejack’s farm.” Aegis noted as he laid near the edge. “This town is peaceful beyond many I have seen.” He watched the activity far below. “Ponyville has become a place of much comfort. I have been readily accepted here in so short a time.”
To his surprise, Celestia laid at his side and nestled against him. Reflexively he opened his wing and laid it over her like a blanket. “I am sorry it took so long to visit you Aegis, I wanted to come much sooner but Luna suggested I give you space and time to settle. Argent wished to come as well but… he ultimately thought you may not wish to see him.” She sighed heavily. “While I agreed with my sister, all I wanted to do was come here and make sure you knew that you were still in my thoughts.”
“Thank you Princess.” Aegis smiled down at her. “Things were… difficult at first.” He admitted. ‘Even now, when the day is done and I find myself alone in the quiet, my mind still drifts to you. Lady Twilight and her friends have offered me much for which I am thankful. In all honesty, I do not know where I would be now had it not been for their support.” He nodded thoughtfully. “It was Spike who convinced me that remaining trapped in my feelings would only lead to internal stagnation and…” He stopped as he heard her rhythmic breathing. Looking down, he noticed that she was fast asleep. “Princess?” He nudged her but she did not rouse. Deciding he did not wish to disturb her, he returned his eyes to the town. Over an hour passed before he heard hoof steps coming from the stairwell.
“They say were there’s a will there’s a way.” Argent said as he stepped out onto the roof. “But I tend to say where there’s a roof, there’s an Aegis.” He smiled. “How’s it going, big guy?”
“Argent.” Aegis trailed him as he walked to the edge of the roof. “Celestia said you were hesitant to come.”
“Yeah well, I figured even if you did decide to beat my horn in… it would be worth it to see you.”
Despite Argent’s grin, Aegis could tell he was serious. “My anger was never at you or Celestia.”
“Guess that means I can get within wing shot.” Argent laughed as he stepped closer to them.
Aegis glanced down at the Princess. “We should probably switch places.” He started to rise.
“Aegis stop.” Argent raised his hoof. “It’s okay. I know she means as much to you as she does to me. She feels the same way, I wouldn’t take that closeness away from either of you.” Aegis settled back down. “Besides, there’s nopony in the world I trust more than you. I know that when she’s with you, she’s safe.” He walked closer and peered down at the slumbering Princess. “She tries to hide it but she’s been a wreck ever since you left Canterlot. She’s exhausted.”
“I recall asking her not to worry about me.” “You honestly thought that was going to work?” Argent asked with a raised brow.
“Well, I had hoped.” Aegis admitted.
“I’ve been doing what I can, trying to keep her spirits up and doing my utmost to spoil her.” Argent said with a light laugh.
“I take it then things have been going well, all things considered.”
“Well… we’re taking it slow.” Argent leaned forward and looked into Aegis’ eyes. “I want you to know that when she told me… that was the first I’d heard of it. I never laid a hoof on her before…”
“I know you wouldn’t.” Aegis nodded as he cut him off. ‘There is nopony I trust more than you.”
Argent felt much relief at hearing that. “You know, I had two thoughts at the same time that night.” He held out his left hoof. “This is the happiest night of my life, and...” He swapped to this right hoof. “Am I going to lose my closest friend?” He sat down. “I think that’s what scared me the most when you took off like that. You’ve always been the emotionally strong one, you never break. Seeing you like that made me think of how I would have felt if the tables were turned… truth is, I probably would have had a complete breakdown.” He sighed in retrospective thought. “We probably should have talked about all this a long time ago.”
“I suppose.” Aegis chuckled. “But what good would it have done? We both loved her, neither of us relished the idea of hurting the other but we knew that such an outcome was inevitable. It was disaster in the making from the moment we started competing for her.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Argent rubbed the back of his head. “It just isn’t the same now without you though. I mean, we’re a team, one of the best.”
“We shall always be, Argent.’
“Then why not come back to the guard? None of the stallions care about whatever rules and regulations we have in place.”
“I can’t.” Aegis shook his head. “I know what I said, but honestly my decision has little to do with rules. It is just that…” He looked back down at Celestia. “The Aegis who served in the elite guard lived only for her. I cannot do that anymore, moving on for me means leaving the guard in my past.” He looked back to Argent. “I will always protect this world, I have no intention of giving up that part of myself. And, should you need my aid, I will be there. But the guard is yours now. It may be different without me, which only means you have to make it something even better than before.” Argent nodded and laughed. “That’s the only answer I would have expected from you.” He extended his hoof. “We good?”
“Always.” Aegis smiled and reached up, hoof bumping him in return.
Argent headed back for the stairs. “Let her rest Aegis, she needs it. Just be sure to have her back by sundown or… you know… there won’t be a sundown.”
“I shall.” Aegis said with hearty laugh.
Argent went back downstairs and found Twilight waiting for him. “Princess?”
“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.” Twilight looked up the stairwell. “Are they okay… are you… okay?”
“Don’t worry Princess.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “I think everything is going to be okay now.”
Twilight sighed in relief. “That’s good news.”
“Thank you for being there for him.” Argent bowed. “I’m heading back to Canterlot.” He glanced back up the stairs. “Just leave them be for now, they both needed this.”
“I will.” Twilight promised as she walked him out.
Aegis laid there for another two hours before he finally felt her stir. As her eyes opened she realized where she was and quickly looked up at Aegis.
“Aegis I… how long was I asleep?”
“About three and a half hours.” he informed.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Celestia rubbed her eyes.
“It is alright, Princess.” he assured. “Argent was here as well.”
“What? He was?”
“Yes, it was good to see him again.”
“Have you two… amended?” She asked hopefully.
“Yes.” He felt her body relax at the news.
“I’m glad.” She let out a heavy breath and looked up into his eyes. “I was always scared that I would become the wedge between the two of you. It’s why… why I was so reluctant to ever reconcile my feelings. The thought of hurting one of you was awful to me and yet, in the end, that’s exactly what I did.” Her eyes watered as she spoke. “Aegis, so many things in your life have hurt you and now… I’m one of them.” Her voice began to crack. “I am so sorry I broke your heart. Seeing you hurt was one of the worst feelings of my life and I was so frightened that I had lost you.”
Aegis pulled her tight against him and lowered his nose to her cheek, nuzzling her tears away. “You shall never lose me. So please, stay your tears, my Princess.” He raised his head and looked down at her. “Please know that I will always love you, and there will always be a part of me that will remain in love with you as well. I had thought the only way to move on was to cast away my feelings for you, but I was wrong. In truth, I never wish to stop loving you, those feelings have spurred me to great heights in my life and to forsake them is to forsake all that I have become. Even so, I must find a way to love you that will also allow me to move forward in life as well as continue to be there for you and Argent.” He let out a hard breath. “It will not be easy and I am far from there yet, but I will keep working until I find that peace.”
“Thank you Aegis.” She reached her head up and kissed his cheek. “And know that I will always love you too.”
“I shall.” Aegis kissed the top of her head. They stayed that way for some time until Aegis heard the town bell calling the hour. Seeing that is was growing late he reluctantly began to pull his wing back only to find that it was held fast by Celestia’s magic.
“Can we stay like this a bit longer?” She looked up at him with a contented smile.
Aegis smiled and nodded. “I would like nothing more, Princess.”
Aegis remained out late after Celestia had returned to Canterlot for the evening. He flew across Ponyville and out towards Sweet Apple Acres to take some time to sort his thoughts. He eventually returned to Twilight’s castle, being careful to make little noise as he entered. He noticed the fireplace alight in the grand sitting room and went in to find Twilight asleep on the couch with a book between her forelegs. He sat beside the couch and used his wing to gently shake her shoulder.
“Aegis?” Twilight asked sleepily.
“Yes, Lady Twilight. What are you doing down here so late?”
Twilight sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I talked to Argent at the school and he said you were with Celestia. When you didn’t come back I got worried, is everything okay?”
“Yes, it is. I am sorry for making you worry.” He sat back as she stood. “Seeing her again was welcome and I was able to make peace with some things, as was she.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Twilight smiled.
“Let us get you to a proper bed, milady.” Aegis rose and took a candle in his wingtip, lighting it with the fireplace. He led her upstairs to her room and opened the door for her.
“Thank you Aegis.” Twilight said as she leapt up onto her bed.
“Sleep well, Lady Twilight.” He started to close the door.
“Aegis?” Twilight stopped him.
“Yes?”
“I… I’ve been trying to put myself in Celestia’s hooves. Having met you and Argent I can see now why she was so conflicted. You are both something truly special and she’s so lucky to have two wonderful stallions in her life.” She pulled her blanket up around her. “I’m just… I’m sorry that happened to you, especially when the only thing you did was love her so much.”
Aegis smiled. “Thank you, Lady Twilight. You and your friends have shown me light where I was certain all had been extinguished.’
“We’re glad we could be there for you.” Twilight yawned and laid her head down. “Goodnight Aegis.”
“Goodnight, Lady Twilight.” He quietly shut the door before heading back to his own room.
The next two days were spent in quiet while Twilight diligently orchestrated the next week of school. Seeing that Aegis preferred to instruct outside, she set up a field trip for his class. Aegis was keen on the idea so Twilight was happy to entrust the details of the trip to him. The following day, Aegis led his class outside of Ponyville and towards the wooded areas near the base of the mountain.
“So what are we learning to do today Mr. Aegis?” Silverstream asked as she flew beside him.
“I intend to teach you to work together to apply your natural talents to basic wilderness survival.”
“Like actual military training?” Gallus asked with a hint of excitement.
“Such training is useful for all walks of life, not merely a soldier’s.” Aegis explained. “While we live in a time of relative peace, everycreature should have the basic skills necessary to handle unexpected hardship.”
“Miss Applejack does always say to be prepared.” Ocellus noted.
“Lady Applejack’s rural upbringing has given her much insight into surviving off of the land.”
“Yaks good at living off land, family go camping bunch of times.” Yona said proudly.
Aegis nodded. “The Yaks were nomadic for many generations. You have centuries of survivalist instinct in your blood Yona.” As they entered the woods and began looking for a clearing to begin setting up, Aegis felt a disquiet grow within him. As the students eagerly looked about and chatted amongst themselves he slowly fell into pace with them. “Students.” He called their attention quietly.
“What’s up Mr. Aegis?” Smolder saw the hard look in his eyes.
“Remain calm, we are being followed.”
“What?” Sandbar began to look behind them.
“Keep your eyes forward Sandbar.” Aegis instructed. “Acting any differently will give away our knowledge of the situation.”
“What is it?” Ocellus whispered as she moved closer to Aegis.
“I am not certain.” Aegis said as he cautiously looked to his sides.
“What do we do?” Silverstream asked as she landed and grouped up with them.
“Keep moving towards the mountain, if need be you will take to higher ground.” Aegis glanced around and saw that they were understandably having trouble remaining fully calm. They walked for another half a mile in tense silence before a distinct creaking became audible. “Behind me!” Aegis commanded as he turned to face a falling tree. The students grouped at his flank and Aegis braced his hooves in the dirt. The large tree collapsed onto them and Aegis spread his wings, bringing them forward and catching it mid fall. He swung his wings to the side and sent the tree safely to the ground. He spied a faint motion blur to his right that moved back into the darkness of the woods. “There is a ledge on the mountain face above us.” Aegis pointed to it with his wing. “Gallus, Silverstream, carry Yona to it. Smolder and Ocellus, carry Sandbar.”
“Yes sir.” The flyers responded as they took Yona and Sandbar and began to ascend. Aegis flew at their backs with his eyes locked on the forest below. Once on the ledge Aegis glanced back to Gallus. “Gallus, fly high above the woods and head back to the school. Inform Lady Twilight of the situation, you’ll be safe at such an altitude.”
“On it!” Gallus boldly took off.
“Smolder, I rely on you watch after the others. Ocellus, take your most powerful form and support her.”
“Yes sir.” Ocellus took her bugbear form and hovered in front of her friends.
“Don’t worry, we’ve got this.” Smolder beat her chest bravely.
“What are you going to do Mr. Aegis?” Sandbar asked.
“I will keep this beast distracted until Gallus returns with aid.” Aegis swooped back down below the tree line and landed back on the trail. He looked about for signs of movement but saw none. “Whatever you may be!” he began. “Let us see if you are as brave facing me in single’s combat!” A still moment passed before two more trees began to fall on him. He flew up and braced a hoof against each of them, pushing them back upright and then sending them falling in the opposite direction. Another flash of movement caught his eye and he pursued it deeper into the forest. He landed in a small clearing and glanced about, he knew he was at a disadvantage as his movement was limited while surrounded by trees. A black blur sped from the trees, rushing past him with amazing speed and then returning to the shadows. He looked down and saw a line of blood form on this chest. The blur came again and repeated the process, slicing him on the rear leg and then again across his back. “Blast it, I need more room.” Aegis spread his wings and drew them back. He threw them forward and sent a gust so powerful it uprooted the trees before him and sent them crashing. He turned and did this again at his rear and then to his sides. He tripled the size of the clearing and was now free to move. He saw the blur come again but with more time to react he punched his hoof into the ground causing a cloud of debris and soil to rise up. As the creature slowed to avoid the confusion Aegis made out a form through the cloud and dashed forward. He felt his shoulder land a solid blow and the creature spiraled back into the trees. As the dust settled he galloped over to where it fell but found nothing but frantically broken braches leading away from him.
“Aegis!” Twilight’s voice called down from above. He looked up to see her along with Gallus, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
“I am fine, milady!” he called up. “See to the student’s, I am going to see if I can track it down!” Twilight nodded and headed for the mountain side as he delved further into the woods. After about ten minutes of fruitless searching he flew up and returned to the others. They had gathered at the mountain top and he landed on the cliff edge before them.
“Aegis, you’re injured.” Fluttershy saw the cuts across his body.
“Are you okay?” Gallus asked as he and the other students ran over to him.
“I have endured far worse.” Aegis smiled and rested the tip of his wing on his head. “Well done, all of you.”
“You’re the one that fought it off, we didn’t do anything.” Smolder shook her head.
“Not at all, you all remained calm, followed my instructions and kept one another safe. In an unexpected situation like this you performed admirably.”
“Aegis, what was that thing?” Twilight asked.
“I do not know, Lady Twilight. I was unable to get a clear view. It retreated into the woods after I gained the upper hoof.” Aegis looked back down at the forest.
“We should get everycreature back to the school before it decides to come back.” Rainbow Dash suggested.
“Indeed.” Aegis nodded. “Stay close to each other and stay high above the trees. It did not seem to be capable of flight but I cannot say for certain that it is not a possibility.” He knelt down. “Yona, Sandbar, I shall carry you myself.”
Yona and Sandbar climbed up onto his back and held on tightly as he and the others flew back towards the school. Once on the grounds, Twilight set about releasing the local students and having spike send word to the other student’s guardians. Aegis asked Applejack and Starlight to let the apple family know what was happening and move them to Twilight’s castle where they would be safer. By late evening, Seaspray, Ember, Grandpa Gruff and Thorax arrived to meet with Twilight. Rarity met them in the courtyard and led them to Twilight’s office.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice.” Twilight said as she rose to greet them.
“Not at all Princess.” Seaspray nodded. “Thank you for being so quick to contact us.”
“Are Ocellus and the other’s okay?” Thorax asked.
“Yes.” Twilight assured. “They’re on the roof with Aegis.”
“Who’s that?” Ember queried as they headed into the halls.
“He’s a new instructor here and fortunately he used to be part of Princess Celestia’s elite guard, he was able to fight back whatever attacked them.” Twilight informed.
“A soldier eh?” Grandpa Gruff snorted. “I served in the Griffon forces back in my day.”
“To serve in such a position, he must be a stallion of high regard.” Seaspray surmised.
“He is.” Twilight glanced back at her procession. “Just don’t be too startled when you meet him.”
Twilight led them up the stairs to the roof. Aegis was lying near the edge with Ocellus asleep on his back. Yona was asleep against his right side and Silverstream was nestled between his forelegs. Smolder and Sandbar were laying against his left side and Gallus stood and watched over the surrounding area with him.
“Holy bits.” Grandpa Gruff rubbed his eyes to make sure he was seeing properly.
“That’s a pony… right?” Ember asked.
“Aegis?” Twilight called is attention.
“Lady Twilight.” He looked back and saw the others behind her. “Ah, I see.” He used his wings to slowly rouse the students. “Young ones, your guardians are here to see you safely to your homelands.” As they woke and left his side he stood and joined Twilight.
“Aegis, this is Ember, Thorax, Seaspray and Grandpa Gruff.” Twilight introduced.
“It is good to meet you.” He lowered his head.
“Likewise.” Seaspray returned the gesture.
“It’s always nice to meet another pony who’s open to being friends with the changelings.” Thorax noted.
“You have done much to improve the image of the changelings.” Aegis acknowledged. “Your patience and understanding with the world are just what they require during this time of transition.” He looked down to Ember. “Lady Ember, it is an honor to meet the new dragon lord. I have crossed paths with your father more than once, I am certain he is proud of the steps you have made in leading them.”
“Thank you.” Ember was a little embarrassed by his praise. “It hasn’t been easy getting some of those brutes to accept friendship, but thanks to Thorax I have more leadership tools at my disposal other than… you know… yelling and breathing fire.”
The students came over and Yona noticed that Prince Rutherford was missing from the ensemble. “Where Prince?”
“Pinkie Pie is going to be taking you back to Yak Yakistan on the train.” Twilight explained. “He couldn’t make it here in less than a day.”
“When are we coming back?” Gallus asked.
Aegis looked down to him. “You will be notified as soon as this creature is dealt with. Until then, it is safest for you to be home.”
“Speaking of which, we should get going Ocellus, it’s a long flight back and it’s already dark.” Thorax said as he and Ember headed for the edge of the roof.
“He’s got a point, move your tail Smolder.” Ember added.
“Okay.” Ocellus started over but flew back and hugged Aegis around the neck. “Thank you for protecting us.”
“Yeah, you’re the coolest teacher in like… the history of teaching.” Silverstream concurred as she and the others gathered around him.
“Thank you.” Aegis laid his wings over them all. “You have my word that as long as I stand, I will protect this place and all of you.”
Seaspray smiled at the scene. “High regard indeed.”
As they left with their wards, Pinkie Pie soon appeared to take Yona to the train station, dropping Sandbar off at home along the way. Twilight and Aegis went back downstairs and met with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity.
“That’s everycreature, back home safe and sound.” Fluttershy sighed as the long day finally came to an end.
“Applejack and Starlight are back at the castle.” Rainbow Dash informed. “I flew over a while ago to make sure they got there alright.”
“What now darling?” Rarity asked. “We can’t just keep the town on lockdown forever.”
“I know.” Twilight nodded. “We need to let Princess Celestia know what’s going on.”
“Indeed.” Aegis agreed. “We will go to Canterlot at first light and decide our next move from there.”
Bypassing breakfast, Twilight and Aegis set out for Canterlot as soon as the sun crested above the horizon. Flying over the city and up towards the castle they landed before the front gates.
“Princess Twilight, good morning.” The guard on the right hailed as they approached. “What brings you here so early?”
“We must speak to the Princess, where might we find her?” Aegis asked.
“She should be having breakfast with Argent.”
“Thank you.” Aegis nodded as they passed through the gate. They headed for the dining hall and found the couple seated side by side. Argent was using his magic to feed Celestia pancakes while she laughed at his ridiculous lovey talk.
“Princess Celestia.” Twilight called.
“Twilight, Aegis.” She said in surprise as she swallowed her mouthful of food. “This is certainly unexpected.”
Argent saw the look in Aegis’ eyes, a look he knew well. “What happened Aegis?” He immediately asked.
“The students and I were attacked by an unknown creature in the woods yesterday.”
“What?” Celestia asked with great concern as she hurried over to them. She gasped as she saw the scar across his chest and laid her hoof to it. “Are you alright?”
“Yes Princess.” Aegis assured.
“Any idea what it was?” Argent asked.
“No, it was fast and kept to the shadows. I was able to chase it off but I could not identify it.”
“Any particular powers or abilities?” Argent continued, the pair of them instantly reverting to soldiers.
“Strong enough to fell tress with ease, fast enough to evade the focus of the naked eye. It refused to fully engage me, so it either lacked the power or courage to truly fight me.”
“That’s too much of a coincidence.” Argent muttered.
“What is?” Aegis pressed him to continue his thought.
“Celestia has been beset by several ponies over the last few days, they all reported fallen livestock and other damages by something they couldn’t identify.” Argent explained.
“What was the radius of the reports?”
Argent took a moment to recall the conversations. “As far north as Neighagra Falls and across the plains outside of Canterlot.”
“All rural areas?”
“Yeah.” Argent nodded.
“What happened to the livestock?”
“Witnesses said they found them lifeless, like they had been completely drained but there were no signs of physical damage.” Argent twisted his lip as he looked up at Aegis. “Think it may be the same creature?”
“As you said, too much of a coincidence.” Aegis agreed with his earlier thought. “We need a map of the area.”
“Right.” Argent turned back to Celestia. “We’ll be right back.”
“Of course.” Celestia nodded as they left the room.
“Wow.” Twilight said in a bit of a stupor. “They’re completely different when they get serious.”
“Yes, when it is time to act Argent’s whimsical nature and Aegis’ quiet demeanor vanish altogether.” Celestia noted as she began clearing the table. “This does concern me though, I’ve already dispatched some of the reserve castle guard to investigate the attacks. If that creature was able to harm Aegis, then they are in danger.”
“Well we’ve already got the school closed for now and the students home safe.” Twilight informed. “Aegis is having the others move anypony living in an outlying area into Ponyville as we speak.”
Argent and Aegis returned and Argent laid a map of the area out on the table. Aegis looked it over and hummed in thought. “Argent, place markers in the areas where the witnesses noted the attacks.”
“Right.” Argent used his magic to begin placing pins in the map at the locations that were described to him.
“What are you looking for, Aegis?” Twilight asked.
“A pattern, Lady Twilight.”
“Lady Twilight?” Argent repeated with a smile. “Blasphemy.”
“I address her so at her request.” Aegis said.
Celestia laughed as she looked down at a blushing Twilight. “She does tend to dislike being offered formality.”
Argent put the last pin in and stepped back. “There.” He saw the arc that the pins created, an arc that ended near Ponyville. “You’re right, it’s moving in a set direction.”
“Good, now I know where to head it off.” Aegis said surely.
“You mean we right?” Argent asked.
Aegis shook his head. “No, your place is here with the Princess. I held back last time because I was concerned for the students, next time it will not escape.”
Argent let out a concerned groan. “Fine, but if I don’t hear from you in three days I’m coming after you.”
“If you don’t hear from me in three days, I will likely be dead.” Aegis countered with a small laugh.
“Oh now you make jokes.” Argent shook his head with a smile.
“That isn’t funny Aegis.” Celestia scolded as she went to him. “Please, you’ve already been injured.”
“Forgive me, Princess.”
“Just be careful.” She hugged him.
“I shall.” He slowly put his foreleg around her.
Argent and Celestia walked them back to the castle gates. As they bid them good luck Aegis glanced back one last time to give Celestia a reassuring wave. As he and Twilight took to the sky he let out a heavy breath. Twilight saw the distracted look in his eyes and flew closer to him. “Are you okay?” she asked.
“I am fine Lady Twilight, I just thought that by now it… would be easier to see them together.”
Twilight felt a heavy tug in her heart. “I wish I had something more to say than “I’m sorry.”’
“It is alright, milady.” Aegis sighed lightly. “Perhaps I expect too much of myself too quickly, or perhaps it will simply remain with me for the rest of my life. Either way, that isn’t what is important right now, ending this threat is our top priority.”
Twilight knew she had little to offer him on the matter so she left it alone. When they reached Ponyville he left Twilight at the castle to relay what was happening to the others while he headed out to face the monster once again. Based on what he saw on the map, the next likely feeding ground would be near Ghastly Gorge. He stayed high and used cloud cover to reach his destination unseen. As he neared his target area he found a group of farms that he deduced would be a likely target and perched upon a heavy cloud. He settled down as any attack would not likely take place till nightfall.
Aegis remained still for the entire day until the sun began to sink below the horizon. As darkness washed over the area he used his wings to lower his cloud closer to the ground to maintain decent vision of the area. Another three hours passed and soon the lights in the homesteads began to go out as their residents’ retired for the night. Aegis kept his eyes trained on the surrounding tree lines for any signs of movement. Patience paid off as he spotted a form rush from the forested area and head towards the livestock pens. He could make out more of a shape but in the dark he still could not fully identify the creature. He rose and spread his wings, waiting for the perfect moment to fall from the sky. As the form neared the edge of the pens it leapt over the fencing with ease and stalked in the softer soil. Aegis saw this as his chance and leapt from the cloud, diving towards the pen with amazing speed. The creature quickly noticed him and turned to run but the loose soil of the animal pen slowed its attempt. As it scrambled over the fence and began its retreat, Aegis landed before it and stood his ground.
“Not this time!” he challenged. “Your trespass in these lands ends now.” He rushed forward and swiped his wing at the creature which nimbly back flipped out of range and began galloping towards the forest. Aegis spread his wings and braced his hooves, as he threw them back he kicked off and shot forward with unnatural acceleration. He slammed into the creature and sent it flying off of its feet and rolling long and hard along the rough terrain. It skidded to a stop and lay still as Aegis flew in pursuit. He cautiously approached but lowered his guard in surprise as at his hooves lay an unconscious Chrysalis.
Letting out a disoriented groan, Chrysalis returned to consciousness and found herself before a fire. With a startled cry she tried to leap to her hooves but her legs failed her and she returned to the ground.
“Please be still, you’re injured.” Aegis said from across the fire.
Chrysalis was able to sit upright and scowled across the flickering firelight at him. “You!”
“My name is Aegis.”
“Like I care!” she hissed.
“I am sorry.” Aegis ignored her anger. “I am not one to strike down a female of any kind, had I known I would not have attacked you with such ferocity.”
Surprised at his words she merely began to laugh. “It seems I’ve stumbled on a true knight of Equestria.” she scoffed. “You’ll regret this kindness.”
“I have no desire to harm you further.” Aegis shook his head. “But if you persist in this, I will do what is necessary to keep this area safe. I think it is clear that you cannot best me as you are now. Attempting to do so again will only result in the same outcome.”
His blunt assessment made her anger burn even more, but she realized he was right. “Why am I here? Why not just finish me off?” Her eyes narrowed. “Or are you planning on gifting me to that stuck up old mare Celestia.”
“As I said, I do not wish to harm you.” Aegis repeated. “And for the moment, I do not intend to reveal you to anypony.”
She eyed him in confusion. “Do you even know who I am?”
“Chrysalis, former queen of the changelings.” Aegis said without hesitation. “You’ve set yourself on Equestria multiple times and were recently defeated by Starlight and her friends which saw to the ascension of Thorax as the new leader of the changeling hive.”
“Hmph, I guess there’s a brain in that oversized body of yours after all. If you know me so well then why are we having this little talk?”
“What exactly is your plan?” Aegis queried.
“What?” She asked sharply.
“What is the endgame to these sporadic attacks?” he clarified.
“I’ve been surviving.” she growled. “Like I always have. Biding my time until I can find a way to get my revenge on Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle and all those upstart ponies who have taken everything from me!”
“You have no hive, no army and you’re obviously not at full strength and yet you still seek vengeance. With each conflict you lose more and more, when does it end?”
His question caught her off guard and irked her already damaged pride. “I don’t have to answer to you!” she shouted. “I’ve been living in caves and feeding off the paltry love of wild animals to sustain myself. I am so weak I barely have any magic and cannot even muster the strength to fly. I’ve suffered enough indignity already so you can take your pity and choke on it!”
In spite of her angry words he could see the pain of defeat in her eyes. “I am not offering you pity, I merely wish to know if you are truly satisfied with the path you walk. I believe you have reached its end and have seen what rewards it reaps. There are other paths to walk, milady.”
Chrysalis laughed lightly in a sort of disbelief at this stallion before her. “What is this? Some attempt to reform me? You’re either stupid, naïve or some spectacular combination of both. I have no intention of allowing myself to become the same as those pastel colored weaklings that dare call themselves changelings.”
“You do not need to change what you are to change who you are, milady.”
“This world sees me as a monster, why should I not play the part I’ve been given?” Chrysalis asked with contempt.
Aegis shook his head. “It is not your visage that makes you a monster, it is your actions. Do you expect anything more than fear and disdain from a world that you only attack?”
“I didn’t start this!” she yelled. “I feed off of love, I cannot change that! I sought it out but was denied again and again out of that very fear and disdain. I had no choice but to take what I needed to survive.”
“Everything is a choice, Lady Chrysalis; no matter how one sided that choice may seem.”
“And what would you know of what it is like to walk in my hooves?” she asked.
“Because I know what it is like to be seen as a monster.”
His words gave her pause. “How?”
“Look at me.” Aegis spread his wings. “Do you think I walk this world without bringing fear and uncertainly in my wake? I have spent my life on eggshells making sure to never be aggressive or take action that would make others think I would bring them harm. Even so, in spite of all I do and have done to only use my strength to help this world, I have never had the full trust of my own kind.”
“Then why bother?” she asked. “You are clearly more powerful than nearly anypony else. Why not take what you want?”
“I do have that choice.” Aegis admitted. “But I choose not to live my life that way. I long since came to terms with the fact that I will never be fully accepted, but I am happy to have those who do accept me. If I turned my back on the world out of anger, I wouldn’t have the friends and allies I do now… I would have nothing. Something is always better than nothing, which is why I am offering you something.”
Chrysalis absorbed his story. “And what is this something?”
“A new path, one similar to my own.” he explained.
“To be honest, your path doesn’t sound very rewarding.”
“It is far from ideal at times.” he admitted. “Still, I live my life as best I can in the world that exists in the now. I never had anyone to aid me when I found myself at the crossroad, but I am willing to do so for you.”
“And if I refuse?” She asked, testing the boundaries of her situation.
“Then I will have to take you to the Princess and let her decide your fate.”
“Gee, both options sound so appealing.” she chortled. “What is it you want from me in return?”
“If you accept my offer, you must give me your word that you will cease feeding on other creatures. If you do so, or if you in any way threaten the safety of my friends or the Princess, I will deal with you personally.”
She saw the seriousness in his eyes and actually felt a twinge of fear. “I’ll eventually starve then.” She finally muttered.
“You may use me to sustain yourself.” Aegis offered.
“What?” She looked to him in shock.
“I am more than capable of enduring the process.”
Chrysalis slowly rose to her feet and eyed him. “And what’s to stop me from draining you dry and leaving this place?”
“Nothing.” He said plainly.
“Excuse me?”
“Again, everything is choice, milady. With each choice you make you must accept the consequence. You could very well drain me fully, but what then? You still have no assets or place to go, you would be back to feeding off animals and once the Princess learned of my demise she would pursue you to the ends of the known world.” He closed his eyes. “Make your choice.”
Chrysalis let out a hard breath as she stepped closer to him. Her horn lit with green magic and a steady flow of energy began coming from Aegis’ body. He made not a sound as she fed on him and after several moments she pulled away and severed the connection. She staggered for a moment but soon lifted her head high as her body radiated green light. Her muscles toned and tightened, the metallic sheen returned to her mane and the glow returned to her eyes.
“Mmm.” she moaned. “Much better.”
Aegis opened his eyes and smiled lightly. “It seems your luster has returned, milady.”
She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Th…thank you.”
“Of course, Lady Chrysalis.” he nodded.
“So what now?” she asked.
“It’s late, we should rest before dawn.” He lowered his head to the ground and closed his eyes.
“Oh.” She laid back down beside the fire. Her mind raced with thoughts on her situation as she watched him sleep. She was still angry and considered making a run for it but his words continued to hang over her. She knew he was right and admitting that to herself only made her angrier. As the dissonance in her head continued she eventually fell asleep.
The sound of hoof steps made Chrysalis wake and she jumped to her hooves again, spreading her wings and bearing her fangs. Aegis stood before her, putting out the fire and eying her calmly.
“Good morning, Lady Chrysalis. I hope you slept well.”
Chrysalis lowered her guard and caught her breath. “I suppose.” she murmured.
“What of your injuries?”
“I’m fine.” She harshly insisted.
Aegis looked her over and sighed. “You are fully governed by your anger.”
Chrysalis growled in irritation. “I have a lot to be angry about.”
“I understand.” Aegis nodded. “But if you are to move forward in any meaningful way, you are going to have to let go of that anger.”
“You expect me to just forget what has been done to me?” She asked bitterly.
“No, we never forget, but nor should we let those things dictate who we are.” He looked into her eyes with a deep understanding. “I am no stranger to anger. Still, I have always strived to not let that anger be my guide.”
“Sorry, but I’m not as “at one with the universe” as you seem to be.”
Aegis laughed at the idea. “I am no such thing, in fact, I have just recently had to deal with a hard and drastic change that overwhelmed me with an aimless anger.”
“Is that so?” She hummed in interest. “What might that have been?”
Aegis took a long moment to decide whether to speak of the matter. “To put is simply, my closet friend secured the love of the mare I cherish more than all else. I couldn’t be angry at either of them as they did nothing wrong, I merely wasn’t the stallion she wished to pursue that type of relationship with. My anger was at myself and the seemingly endless circumstance that seems to haunt my life. It came close to rotting me from within and it was only by the grace of friendship that I was able to climb back out of that pit.” He nodded solemnly. “Even with all my resolve I wasn’t able to find my way alone, which is why I am willing to help you.”
Chrysalis closed her eyes and thought back over the years. “I can’t remember not being angry.” She finally spoke. “I don’t even recall what it feels like to be at peace.” She opened her eyes and stared into his. “I can accept that you might have some understanding of how I feel. Still, I doubt there is much you can do to change me.”
“Change cannot be made for you, only by you.” Aegis stated. “I have no intention of forcing you to do anything. I can only try to help you reevaluate your view of the world and hopefully choose to make the change yourself.”
She laughed to herself. “Is everything out of your mouth philosophy or are you just trying to impress me?” She asked, cracking a smile.
Aegis smiled back. “I’ve been told I am a stallion of few words, I try to make them count.” He pointed his wing to the north. “Would you care to head for the lake?”
“Might as well.” Chrysalis shrugged.
Not wanting to draw attention, they hiked through the wooded area to reach the lake. The morning sun sent sparkles across the still water. As they approached the lakeside, Aegis lowered his head to the water and took a long drink. As he looked up and out over the pristine waters he reflected on what Chrysalis had said to him thus far.
“Lady Chrysalis, what is it you wish for yourself?” He finally asked.
“You already know the answer to that?” She responded dryly.
“Do I?” He looked back to her.
“My goal was to conquer Equestria and subjugate the ponies to my will, using them as a perpetual food source for my changelings.”
“That, as you said, was your goal for your hive. What is it you want?”
Chrysalis felt herself agitate but merely sighed heavily. “To make everypony pay for the way they’ve treated me.”
“Say you did manage to conquer Equestria, what then?” He asked, pressing her to explore the idea.
“What’s that supposed to mean? If I conquer Equestria then I win.” She said bluntly.
“Win what, milady?”
Chrysalis huffed in frustration. “Win… well… having control over everypony means they would have to obey me, they would have to…”
“Accept you?” Aegis interrupted.
Chrysalis froze, his words striking a chord deep within her. “I… I don’t…”
“All anger stems from pain, Lady Chrysalis. Last night you told me that you originally sought out love but was denied because the world would not accept you. The pain of that rejection ignited your anger and guided your choices in life to seek revenge and control over the world in order to force it to accept you.” He matched eyes with her. “In order to move on from your anger, you must deal with that pain and make peace with it.”
Chrysalis felt wildly uncomfortable with how well he summed her up, she backed away and glared at him. “Shut up! Don’t think you can read me like some cheap book!” She turned and stormed off into the woods.
Aegis watched her off but did not immediately follow. He remained by the lake for near half an hour before going after her. He headed back towards their campsite and found her seated on a log.
“Lady Chrysalis, I apologize if I upset you.”
Chrysalis sat silent for several moments. “How do you know all this?” She finally asked.
“As I said before, I know what it is like.” He went to her side and saw that she was struggling to hold her tears. “I am sorry you have had to feel this way for so long. It was wrong of those ponies in the past to spurn you and although I cannot speak for them, I can say this. When I come across anycreature who fears me, I do not hold that against them because I understand why they feel that way.” He laid his wing to her back. “It does not make it hurt any less, but it does let me accept the situation and not allow myself to succumb to anger. Hating those that fear or mistreat you won’t change anything. In turn, lashing out will only serve to prove them right.” He smiled down at her. “Don’t prove them right, Lady Chrysalis. The best way to get back at them is to prove the contrary and remain above their ignorance. If you do that, then eventually they are the ones that will be seen as monsters.” He stepped in front of her and sat down. Chrysalis looked away from him, he could tell she was trying to not show him weakness. “Your pain has been a part of you for so long now, but you refuse to deal with it directly. If you wish to know any semblance of peace you must let the pain run its course and stop suppressing it with rage.”
Chrysalis’ breathing grew erratic, she grit her teeth and let out a muffled growl. “It isn’t fair.”
“No, it isn’t.” Aegis shook his head. “Creatures like us have to try so much harder in life than others, for half the reward. Still, there are rewards for us to find if we endure, and whether you believe me or not they are worth the struggle.” Her tears finally broke free but she slammed her eyes shut, he held his wing out and set his feather to her cheek. She opened her eyes and looked back up at him. “It is alright, milady; let it run its course.” He opened his wings and wrapped them around her. Chrysalis slumped forward and rested her forehead against his chest. He heard her begin to cry and felt a bittersweet joy at knowing that she had crossed this first and perhaps largest hurdle.
He sat there with her for well over an hour, not saying a word. When he felt that she had calmed he withdrew his wings and sat back. Chrysalis sniffled and wiped her cheeks dry, she felt a bizarre mixture of relief and embarrassment. In less than a day this complete stranger had made her feel so much and seemed to understand her like no creature else ever had. A part of her was impressed by this while another remained upset and uncomfortable with the idea.
“Are you alright, milady?” Aegis asked.
Chrysalis remained silent for a good minute. “Can you just… leave me alone for now?”
“As you wish.” he nodded. “I need to find something to eat, I will return soon.” He left her to her thoughts and went in search of food. He returned close to an hour and a half later only to find that she hadn’t moved an inch. He noticed heavy, gray clouds beginning to move in and started preparing another fire. As he filled the pit with dried logs, sticks and leaves a green blast struck the pile, igniting it. He looked up to see Chrysalis slowly approaching.
“I’ve got enough power now to use some magic at least.” She said quietly, sitting before the rising fire.
“Thank you, Lady Chrysalis. That is a deal easier than using stones.’ He sat across from her. The sound of thunder soon came followed by a strengthening wind. The treetops above them began to rustle and a light cascade of rain began to fall through the branches onto them.
“Lovely.” Chrysalis looked up with a heavy sigh. “You didn’t happen to bring a tent for this little camping trip did you?”
Aegis laughed lightly, noting that while her tongue was still sharp her tone was much more peaceful. “Regrettably not, Lady Chrysalis.”
She grumbled to herself and raised her brow at him. “Listen, will you knock of the ‘lady’ stuff. I don’t know what century you think this is, but Chrysalis is good enough.”
“As you wish, Chrysalis.”
The rain began to intensify and Chrysalis raised a barrier around herself. She glanced over at Aegis and saw that he was slowly getting soaked although he merely sat still with his eyes closed. She huffed and stood up, slowly walking around the fire to his side and sitting beside him. She increased the barrier’s size to encompass them both. Aegis looked up as he felt the rain stop and noticed the cover. He smiled down at her gently and she quickly looked away.
“Don’t get any stupid ideas. I just don’t need my only source of sustenance getting sick.”
Aegis nodded and the pair sat silently as they watched the sky and waited for the storm to pass.
The following day, Aegis was up before the sun. As he rose he saw that Chrysalis was still fast asleep. He let out an unsettled breath as today he knew he would have to report to Celestia. He walked to the lake to drink and sat by the lakeside to contemplate things. As the sun began to rise he started back to the campsite and saw Chrysalis smothering the remains of the fire with magic.
“Good morning, Chrysalis.” he greeted.
“It’s dry at least.” She turned to him. “So, what’s on the agenda today?”
“Actually, I need to escort you to Canterlot to let the Princess know the status of our situation.”
“Are you crazy?” she asked. “You know what will happen if I show my face there.”
“I do.” he nodded. “Even so, the next major step of our journey is to demonstrate your intentions. You will be met with doubt, suspicion and hostility but that is to be expected. You must show your resolve by accepting those things and proving your commitment through dedicated and repeated action.”
Chrysalis cocked her hip and sarcastically smiled up at him. “And what do I do when the weapons and magic come flying my way?”
“You have my word that as long as you abide by our accord, I will let nothing harm you.” he vowed.
She slowly nodded. “Alright, let’s get this over with.”
“Are you now strong enough to hold another form?” he asked.
“Yes.” She used her magic to assume the form of an average looking pegasus.
Aegis led her to Canterlot and into the castle. They traveled to the throne room and found Celestia concluding a meeting with some visiting dignitaries. Argent noticed their entry and he smiled in relief, he stepped from the side of the throne and walked the outside edge of the room to meet them.
“Aegis, thank goodness you’re safe.” He slapped his shoulder. “How did everything go?”
“Well, I can say that the attacks are over now.” Aegis said surely.
“Great news, I knew you had it under control all along.” he grinned.
“Of course you did.” Aegis laughed, recalling his earlier insistence on accompanying him.
As Celestia concluded her talk she finally took notice of Aegis. “Aegis, you have returned safely.” She smiled brightly.
“Indeed Princess.” Aegis stepped forward.
“I take it you were victorious?” she asked.
“In a manner of speaking. I was able to identify our mystery creature.” He looked back and Chrysalis approached. She shed her assumed form and stood at his side.
“Chrysalis!” Celestia gasped.
Argent instinctively leapt back and readied his magic. “Guards!” He called out and eight of the castle guard hurried into the room and took formation around them.
“Right on cue.” Chrysalis groaned.
To her surprise, Aegis immediately stood at her back and spread his wings, blocking her from the guards. “Chrysalis is here under my charge.”
“Aegis?” Celestia looked to him in sheer confusion. “What is the meaning of this?”
“I understand your concern, Princess. Suffice to say, I intercepted Chrysalis in the farmlands near Ghastly Gorge. I knew what fate was guaranteed to her should I hand her over, so I offered her an alternative. As of two moons prior, I have been working with her to help her move on from the past and seek a more positive future.”
“Aegis… are you out of your mind?” Argent asked.
“I asked him the same thing.” Chrysalis chimed in.
“Hardly, Argent. I don’t expect you to understand. In any case, I have promised that as long as she keeps her word to abstain from feeding on or committing violence against other creatures, I will not allow her to come to harm.” He looked to Argent calmly. “So please stand down.”
Argent looked to Celestia who only nodded with a heavy sigh. “Alright. Guards, stand down.”
The guards stepped back and Aegis lowered his wings. “Thank you.”
“Aegis?” Argent approached him. “Mind if we talk for a minute?” “Not at all.” Aegis followed him into the hall leaving Chrysalis and Celestia face to face.
“Well.” Chrysalis eyed her. “This is awkward.”
“Chrysalis.” Celestia glared at her. “What game are you playing this time?”
“I haven’t done anything.” Chrysalis returned the look. “Believe me miss sunshine, I’m as surprised about all this as you are. But I intend to keep my word to him, he already warned me what would happen if I didn’t and trust me, one threat from him is enough.”
Out in the hall, Argent turned and faced Aegis. “I know I’m the last one that should be asking you this but at the same time… I’m the only one who will.” He looked hard into Aegis’ eyes. “Is this about what happened with Celestia?”
“What exactly are you suggesting?” Aegis asked in return.
“It just seems a tad suspicious that one of the most manipulative creatures in Equestrian history just happened to fall into the lap of a stallion getting over a broken heart. She is exactly the kind of creature that is capable of taking full advantage of somepony with a heart like yours.”
“I see.” Aegis nodded. “A fair point. Even so, do you think I would bring her here if I thought for a fraction of a second that the Princess would be in danger?”
Argent let out a hard breath. “No. You wouldn’t.” He agreed. “What is this about then?”
“Chrysalis and I are much alike, both outcasts that suffered the pain of rejection from the world around us.”
“Maybe, but you didn’t try to take over the world on two separate occasions.” Aegis pointed out.
“Quite true, I battled through my anger and held fast to my own personal code. She may have chosen a different path than mine but I believe she is capable of overcoming her anger at the world and finding peace as I did. I couldn’t simply abandon her to a certain end without at least offering her something else.”
Argent sighed and rubbed his forehead. “You’re too nice for you own good, you know that?”
“Perhaps, but I have made my choice in this matter and will stand by it.” Aegis said firmly.
Argent nodded and looked up at him. “I just want to make sure that you’re the one in control of this situation.”
“I am.” He responded surely.
“Okay.” Argent stepped back and relaxed. “That’s all I need to hear.” They stepped back into the throne room and Argent went to Chrysalis.
“Have fun talking about me?” She asked with a cocky smirk.
“Plenty.” Argent smirked back. “I had no idea you were into that kind of stuff.”
“Wh…what!?” she scowled.
“Chrysalis.” Aegis called her attention. “Do not try to out barb him, it is an uphill battle.” He then looked to Argent. “Please try to refrain from antagonizing her Argent.”
“Aegis.” Celestia gave him a concerned look. “I may not trust Chrysalis, but I do trust you. If this is what you wish then I will not stop you.”
“Thank you, Princess.” He lowered his head to her. “And my hope is that one day, you will trust us both.”
“Can we go now?” Chrysalis asked, retaking her Pegasus form.
“Yes.” Aegis nodded. “Princess, please let Lady Twilight know what is happening. For now, we will remain in the wilds.”
“Alright.” Celestia agreed. As they left the throne room she looked to Argent. “What did he say?”
“He genuinely wants to try and help her, no mind control and no magic about it.” Argent went to her side. “He sees a reflection of himself in her.”
“Chrysalis told me she intends to keep her word. I must admit, she certainly seemed… more docile.” Celestia hummed in concern at the thought of what was to come. “I will send word to Twilight, as well as Cadence… this isn’t going to sit well with either of them.”
As Aegis and Chrysalis left the castle he looked down to her with a quiet smile. “You handled that well, you should be proud.”
“Yes, it was so much fun to stand idly by while being threatened and insulted.” She said, her words drenched in sarcasm. “I did warn you. Still, by not giving into your anger and attacking back, they will see that you are serious about amending your ways. Trust is hard to earn and admittedly you are starting out with a deficit.”
“Yes well… you kept your word and protected me so…” Her eyes rolled to the side. “Thank you.” she mumbled.
“Of course, Chrysalis.”
“Where are we going?” She asked, noticing that they were not flying out of the city.
“You said you would prefer a tent. I shall secure one for you.”
She was surprised he recalled such a casual detail of their conversations. “Better make it two, you aren’t bunking with me.”
“I would, but they tend not to make tents in my size.” He laughed.
Aegis took her to a shop owned by an old earth pony who was a former member of the castle guard. He often supplied things to members of the elite guard in times of need. He was happy to see Aegis again, having heard of his departure from the ranks of the elite guard. Aegis was able to obtain a tent as well as some other minor essentials that would make their time in the forest easier. Being familiar with the area around the lake they had stayed at previously, they returned there and found their makeshift campsite as they left it. Chrysalis used her magic to assemble her tent while Aegis went back to the lake to fill a pair of buckets with spare water. When he returned he saw that she had already started a fire for them. He set the buckets down and sat before her.
“It has been nearly a full day since you last fed, you should do so again.”
She eyed him with a hint of uncertainty. “Are you positive you can keep this up?” she asked.
“Yes, you needn’t worry.” he assured.
“I didn’t say I was worried.” She quickly retorted.
“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to insinuate anything.”
Chrysalis went to him and repeated her feeding process. She watched him carefully as she finished but he seemed unfazed. “Thanks.” she muttered.
Aegis smiled lightly. “That word seems to pass your lips much easier now.”
“Oh shut up.” She gave him a hard look but a small smile graced her face.
“A smile suits you.” he noted.
She realized she was smiling and quickly pursed her lips. “I’m going to lay down.” She turned and went inside her tent. From the sheltering dark of her tent she heard Aegis say that he was going to gather more food. She stared out of the flap of the tent, her mind a chaotic chorus of conflicting thoughts. Eventually she nodded off, only waking at the sound of Aegis’ heavy hooves landing on the ground. As she opened her eyes, a small plastic bag containing and portion of cinnamon cake was placed before the tent. She lifted it with her magic and stepped out.
Hearing her, Aegis turned back and smiled. “I know you do not need to eat normal food, but I thought you might enjoy something different regardless.” He returned to bagging the remaining food and storing it in the branches of a tree.
Chrysalis eyed the confection and opened the bag. “Ha, it’s been a long time since a stallion gave me a gift.” She said in languid thought.
“I am sorry to hear that.” Aegis answered as he worked.
“Yes well, when you look like this you tend not to attract many suitors.” She took a bite and sat on the log by the fire pit.
“Do you see something wrong with your appearance?” he asked.
“Really?” she toned. “Is this supposed to be some kind of self-esteem evaluation?”
“Not at all.” He finished his work and turned back to her. “I merely asked to see if your statement is based on what you feel or on what you think others feel.”
“We are what others see us as…that’s how the world works.” She said plainly.
“So you are suggesting that an individual has no say in who or what they are; that we can only verify and validate our existences through the perceptions of others?”
“You’ve felt it too.” She looked to him sternly. “You said yourself that no matter what you do, others still only see what they want to see.”
“True. But just because they don’t see what I would like them to, doesn’t make them correct.” He walked around the pit and sat beside her. “Let me ask you this. Logically speaking, if you are 100% correct about something and the rest of the world disagrees with you, are you right or wrong?”
“What are you getting at?”
“Even against the tide of an entire society, if you are right about something you must not allow the pressure of the majority to convince you otherwise. We are not just what the majority claims us to be, we are what we know ourselves to be.”
Chrysalis allowed his words to sink in. “I see what you are trying to say.”
“In that case, I ask you again… do you see something wrong with your appearance?”
She slowly shook her head. “No.”
“Good, neither do I.” he rose. “As I said before, it is not your visage that make you a monster but your actions; and when your actions are peaceful you are indeed quite lovely, Chrysalis.”
She looked up at him sharply, not knowing what to say. Fortunately for her, a distant voice interrupted the scene. They looked up through the trees and saw Argent galloping on his magical constructs. He descended and landed before them gracefully.
“Good afternoon campers.” He cheerfully greeted.
“Ugh.” Chrysalis groaned. “How did you find us?”
“Aegis left stone markers for me.” he informed. “It’s one of the ways we communicate in the field. I figured you’d want me to be able to find you somehow if something came up. You said you found her near the gorge so I guessed you be around here somewhere.”
“Well aren’t you clever.” Chrysalis remarked.
“I try.” Argent sat and smiled over at her. “Hope you aren’t mad about the whole attempted capture thing this morning.”
“So you try to attack me and now you want to be friendly?” Chrysalis raised her brow questioningly.
“Aegis and I hashed it out. My trust in him has never been misplaced, so if he vouches for you then I’m not going to argue. Celestia feels the same way, so I hope you appreciate how much he’s putting on the line for you.”
“I don’t need reminders from an obnoxious dandy like you.” Chrysalis growled. “You two have your moment, I’m going for a walk.” She headed off into the forest.
“She seems nice.” Argent laughed. “To be honest, she has come quite a way since our first night.” Aegis sat back down. “She has constructed a labyrinth of walls around herself and the last thing I wish to do is rush her as she navigates them.”
“Lucky for her you’re the most patient stallion in history.” Argent smiled earnestly. “Speaking of which, I’m sorry I had to jump down your neck.”
“It is alright, your duty is to ensure the Princess’ safety. I would have done the same.” Aegis nodded understandingly. “So what is it that brings you here now?”
“Celestia got word to Princess Twilight and Princess Cadence and they… well, they have their concerns.”
“Understandable.”
“Princess Twilight thinks you’re nuts.” Argent said with a laugh.
“Lady Twilight has had her dealings with Chrysalis. Still, as the Princess of friendship she has an open heart and mind.” Aegis surmised. “Princess Cadence is going to be the larger hurdle.”
“Oh yeah.” Argent nodded. “Furious is an understatement. I didn’t think she knew that kind of language.”
“Again, understandable.”
“Celestia has asked them to come to Canterlot. She wants you and Chrysalis to come in three days’ time so you can make your case to them.”
“Very well.” Aegis nodded solemnly. “Let her know we will be there.”
“Will do.” Argent leaned to the left and eyed the trees behind them. “You catch all that Chrysalis?” A startled grunt came from the trees and Chrysalis skulked out, scowling at them.
“Forgive us, Chrysalis.” Aegis said as he glanced back at her. “But we are quite adept at always knowing our surroundings.”
“Yeah, we didn’t make it into the elite guard just because of my endless charm and Aegis’ rugged good looks.” Argent noted as he stood. “I’ll see you in three days.” He stepped up into the sky on his constructs and began his trip back to Canterlot.
Chrysalis started back over to the fire pit. “So, you said all those things knowing that I was still here?”
“I will always be forthright with you, nor will I sugarcoat anything about our situation.”
“Can’t say I’m excited.” she admitted.
“I know.” he nodded. “But I will be at your side the entire time.”
While taking some comfort in his words, Chrysalis remained skeptical that he would actually stand against the Princesses for her. She sat across from him and eyed him curiously.
“So, part of the elite guard huh?” She asked, changing the subject.
“Formerly.” Aegis amended.
“I can see it, you are quite powerful for a mere pegasus. Him, not so much.”
Aegis chuckled. “Do not let Argent’s lackadaisical nature deceive you. He is a brilliant strategist and of the most powerful magic users currently walking the world. He and I have fought side by side in over a hundred battles against all manner of foe.”
“So you quit?”
“I chose to leave, yes. I had reached the end of where that path could lead me; now I serve as an instructor at Lady Twilight’s school of friendship. In fact, I have a young changeling in my class. She is a bright and gifted young lady.”
Chrysalis wasn’t certain how to respond to the news. “Is… she strong?”
“Perhaps not in the conventional way, but indeed so in many others.” Aegis said proudly. “She is from your hive, I imagine they are traits she inherited from you.”
She hesitated at his compliment. “Well, that stands to reason.”
“I have met Thorax as well. He has a good heart and an earnest desire to make the changelings a larger part of the world.”
Chrysalis looked away flippantly. “He certainly didn’t get that from me.”
“Didn’t he?” Aegis asked. “Was he not also of your hive?”
“Thorax was the first of many generations that demonstrated such… weak will.”
“I don’t see it that way.” Aegis shook his head. “I believe he inherited some long lost part of you, a part that you yourself may have even forgotten.”
“You’re chasing ghosts.” Chrysalis said curtly. “Even if what you say is true, Thorax was one in a thousand…not exactly fantastic odds for what you’re suggesting.”
“I am no gambler, but I think that would be a bet worth taking.”
Chrysalis rose and headed for her tent. “You and your wordplay.” she scoffed. “I’m tired now.”
“Rest well, Chrysalis.” Aegis tipped his head to her as she passed. She kept silent and entered the privacy of her tent, her mind mulling over his words. Aegis didn’t see much of her the rest of the day and as the sun lowered and stars filled the night sky, he began to wonder if she would be ready in time to meet with the Princesses. He saw definite improvement but she was still closed off and obviously conflicted. He spent some time considering the next day and eventually fell asleep beside the fire he had started.
With only three days remaining, Aegis decided to get her out and moving in hopes that a change of scenery would aid their conversations. After eating, he suggested they walk to the cliff sides and she agreed, if only out of boredom.
“Trading grass and leaves for rocks?” Chrysalis said as they began exiting the thinning tree line. “You certainly know how to show a lady a good time.”
“Would you prefer a café in Canterlot? I do know a rather quaint one with excellent soups.” He smiled back at her.
“Ha ha.” She laughed dryly. “Let me know when you find one that serves love essence.”
“I shall try, although I imagine such an establishment would certainly be expensive.”
That was not the response Chrysalis was expecting and she let a laugh slip. As he looked back she quickly played it off as a cough.
“So, where are we going anyway?” she asked.
“Few realize this, but this mountain was an active volcano in the distant past.” Aegis informed. “While dormant, the stored thermal heat rises to the surface which in turn heats rainfall that collects in the craters. Given the storm the other night, I thought you might like a chance to enjoy the waters.”
“Oh. That does sound interesting.” As they continued up they came upon a grove of dead trees and Aegis saw bones about. He halted and Chrysalis stopped herself before she walked into him. “What’s the problem?”
“There is a predator here.” He said as he looked about. “Please stay behind me.”
“Bah!” She ignored him and stepped up to his side. “I am not some damsel in distress, I am more than capable of protecting myself.”
As they panned the area they heard a deep growl come from above them. Aegis looked upward and saw a basilisk salivating at the sight of them. Chrysalis fired a bolt of her magic at it, but in her weakened state it did little against the thick scales. It leapt from the cliff side with intent to land on them directly. The two of them dashed in separate directions and it landed between them; it immediately turned to pursue Chrysalis who raised a barrier as it charged. Before it could reach her though, Aegis shot forward and slammed his hoof onto its tail and stopped it dead in its tracks.
“Over here!” he commanded. “If you wish her, then you must deal with me first!” The basilisk spun round with jaws opened wide. Aegis blocked his maw with his hooves, holding the beast’s powerful jaws open. He rolled backwards, bracing his hind legs against its belly and kicked it back over his head and into the dead trees. Chrysalis used everything she had left and fired wildly into the grove, peppering it with heavy blasts. The basilisk struggled to its feet and stammered back out onto the trail. Aegis flew forward and veered to the right, he rebounded off the cliff side and drove his shoulder into its side and sent it off the trail and tumbling down the mountainside into the valley below. He immediately ran back to Chrysalis who had fallen to her knees. “Chrysalis.” He knelt down before her. “Are you alright?”
“I’m… fine. I don’t… need your coddling.” She tried to rise but could not.
“You used too much energy, take mine.” She looked up at him begrudgingly and began to feed off of him again. After a few moments she regained her strength and got to her hooves. “How are you doing now?”
“Better than that stupid reptile.” She said through a calming breath. “It’s nice not being on the receiving end of you for change.”
Aegis smiled and laid his hoof to her side, steadying her. “Likewise.”
“I’m fine now.” She backed away from him. “Th… thanks.”
“Do you wish to head back?” he asked.
“No. I’ve earned a warm bath.”
Aegis laughed. “Indeed you have. I can carry you if you wish.”
“I’m fine.” She said again.
Aegis accepted her insistence but made sure to walk at her side the rest of the way. It took another hour to reach the plateau and Chrysalis was surprised at the sight of the dozens of steaming pools. The air was thick with steam and the ground was light green with blankets of moss. He led her to one of the larger pools and she stepped in, instantly enjoying the hot water. She sunk down to her neck and let out a delighted moan.
“I’m going to fly the perimeter and make sure there are no more surprises.”
“Ok.” She answered with distracted interest.
Aegis smiled at the sight of her enjoyment and took off to circle the area. He returned in a half hour and found her leaning against the side of the pool, her forelegs on the rim and her head tilted back with her eyes closed.
“Feeling better?” He asked as he landed.
“Much.” She admitted. “I guess you do know how to show a lady a good time.”
“I would be happy to bring you here whenever you like.”
She opened her eyes to see him looking down at her. They matched eyes for a long moment and Chrysalis quickly sat forward to break his gaze. He rested his forelegs on the edge of the pool and dipped his hooves into the water. Chrysalis went to the opposite edge and watched him quietly. They lounged there in relative silence for another hour before Chrysalis opted to get out of the water. As she stepped from the pool her body shone pearlescent as a result of her bath in the mineral rich waters.
“It seems the waters here have had quite the effect on you.” Aegis noted, finding himself taken with the sight. “You look quite stunning.”
Chrysalis looked down at herself and saw what he was talking about. In hearing him, she recalled their conversation about appearance and felt a pride at what she saw. “I do, don’t I.”
“Most certainly.” Aegis agreed. “Shall we head back now?”
“Fine.” Chrysalis shook herself dry and followed after him. “I have to say.” She began as she caught up to him. “The last few days haven’t been completely horrible.”
“Sometimes that is all one can ask for.” He glanced over at her. “I’m glad you’re in better spirits though.”
They bantered lightly during their walk back. When they reached camp, Aegis took the pails back to the lake to refill their water supply. Chrysalis nestled in her tent and watched his legs vanish from view through the slit. A part of her had grown to appreciate him but as always, the nagging doubt and suspicion of the world argued against such thoughts. She couldn’t deny that he risked himself for her this day and continuously risked himself by allowing her to feed on him regularly. Even so, the answer to the question of why he continued to do this constantly escaped her. Eventually she nodded off, her troubled mind was no match for the comfort her body felt after a long, hot bath.
As evening came, Aegis started a fire and began roasting some fruit for himself. Chrysalis ventured from her tent and sat by the fire, lost in thought and now highly agitated with a sense of worry about their upcoming meeting with the Princesses. Aegis sat beside her and offered her one of the roasted apples. She quietly grabbed it with her magic and took a slow bite. As the night fully set in a cold wind stirred and began to blow through the trees. A particularly strong gust ran over them and Chrysalis shivered heavily, not being fond of any type of chill. Instinctively Aegis opened his wing and laid it over her as he often did for Celestia. Heavily surprised by the intimate move, Chrysalis bolted to her hooves and stepped away from him. Aegis realized what he had done and pulled his wing back.
“I’m sorry, I did that without thinking.” he apologized.
“Look, I’ve grown to appreciate the concern but don’t think that’s an invitation to get hoofsy.”
“That was not my intention.” He said earnestly.
Chrysalis sharply turned her head from him. “I’m beginning to wonder.”
“Are you truly upset that I would show you consideration?”
“No, but I’m getting curious as to why.”
“What do you mean?”
She cast her eyes on him again. “I don’t doubt your sincerity about all this, but it’s going a bit far at this point. You’re going to take me into the lion’s den of Equestrian royalty. Do you honestly intend to tell me that you would defy them if they don’t take to the idea of just overlooking our past transgressions?”
Aegis had been wondering the same thing ever since his conversation with Argent. “If I must.” He nodded surely.
“Why?” she asked. “Why are you willing to risk so much for me? You asked me before what my endgame was… well what’s yours?” Aegis paused at her question, seeing this she continued on. “I’ll admit, I don’t mind you at this point. In fact I’d even go so far as to also admit that you’re an impressive stallion overall. But let me make one thing perfectly clear, I am not your precious Celestia!”
Aegis was struck hard by her words. “Chrysalis, this has nothing to do with the Princess.”
“Doesn’t it?” She asked indignantly. “I’m not a fool, that little sob story you told me before was about you and Celestia. I saw how she was with you and I’m guessing that pink haired fop is the one that stole her out from under you.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “If you’re helping me just to fill some Celestia shaped hole in your heart, I think you’ll find me a poor fit!” She turned from him, waiting for some form of retaliation to come, but all that followed was the sound of crumbling leaves. She glanced back to see him disappearing into the trees. Chrysalis growled in frustration and stood in the cold silence for some time. Without conscious thought, she slowly began to walk into the woods in search of him. She headed back for the lake and found him standing by its side, his head raised and his eyes affixed to the moon. Watching him, she felt a great upset within her that she was unable to fully understand. She approached him, stopping several yards away. “You’re terrible at arguing you know.” She finally said.
Aegis looked down at his reflection. “Argent asked me the same question.”
“What?”
“He was concerned my personal feelings were guiding my actions and although I told him that was not the case, to be honest… I just don’t know anymore.” He shook his head. “I want to say my intentions for you were uncompromised but… I can’t even be certain of that. I have meant every word I have spoken to you and I know that you have the potential to find a new way in life. But if you feel that I am unsuitable to help you or that my intentions are unsound, I do understand.” He looked back to her and she could see the hurt in his eyes, seeing that made a part of her heart sink.
She stepped closer to him and stared into his eyes. “I... I just don’t know how to deal with you.” She said bitterly. “You’re irritatingly calm, annoyingly philosophical and no matter how much I fight you never fight back. You make me think and feel things that go against everything I know and I hate that… and yet, being around you has become comforting. I don’t know how or why but you seem to be the only one that has ever understood me and… that scares me.” She cast her eyes downward. “I don’t see what you see, and you seem so sure that it’s there.”
Aegis stepped towards her in kind. “Because it is. I have seen traces of your kindness and your heart buried beneath your angry words and actions. You’re a good…”
“You’re wrong about me!” She shouted, her eyes beginning to tear up. “Do you know how many times I’ve thought about running away!? About draining you of your life force altogether!? About finishing you off and completing my revenge!?”
Aegis went to her and placed his hoof under her chin, raising her head to look into her eyes. “Everything is a choice, Chrysalis.” he repeated. “You may have had those thoughts but you chose not to act on them, I didn’t force you do that… you did it all on your own.” He smiled. “I hope you continue to make such choices as you move forward, with or without me.”
“Without you?” She repeated questioningly.
“My confusion is not fair to you and I don’t wish to make things harder for you than they already are. If you wish to leave, I won’t stop you… and I will answer to the Princesses.”
Chrysalis finally started to cry, overwhelmed by his seemingly unending kindness towards her. “I… want to stay with you… you idiot.”
Aegis nodded with a laugh. “I would like that.” He wiped her cheeks with his hoof.
They stared into each other’s eyes for a long minute. She finally reached up and laid her hoof to his cheek, pulling him close and pressing her lips to his. Aegis hesitated at first but soon allowed himself to kiss her fully. A heavy white glow formed at the tip of her horn and flowed over body. A great warmth filled her, unlike anything she had ever experienced before and in shock she pulled back from him.
“What was that?” She laid her hoof to her chest and looked at Aegis unsurely.
“What?” He looked her over. “Are you alright?”
“I just fed off of you without even trying.” she explained.
“I felt nothing.” Aegis shook his head.
Chrysalis paced back. “This is different… this is… so warm. It feels like I’ve fed off a dozen ponies at once. Is this… is this what Thorax was trying to show me?”
“What do you mean?” Aegis asked.
“I always thought that there was no difference between taking love and receiving it freely, I didn’t see how it could matter. But you…” She looked back to him with wide eyes. “Do you… genuinely love me?”
Aegis went to her again, opening his wings and laying them to her sides. He gazed down at her with soft eyes and smiled. “It was not my original intent but… yes, I do.” He laid his head atop hers. “You may not believe me, but when I look at you I see a strong, beautiful mare who’s spirit is kindred to my own. You have suffered as I have, you have been hurt as I have and you have felt the loneliness I feel. We are cut from the same cloth, opposite ends perhaps, but the same cloth nonetheless.” He laughed lightly. “You are most certainly rough around the edges, but I have grown quite fond of those quirks. I hope one day you can look at yourself and see what I see.”
An actual smile formed on Chrysalis’ face. “Thank you.”
Aegis pulled back in surprise. “You didn’t even stutter that time.” He noted wryly.
“Shut up.” She laughed but looked up at him with remorseful eyes. “I’m sorry about what I said before, you didn’t have to tell me your story and I shouldn’t have thrown it back in your face like that.”
“It is alright. I think I needed to hear that.” He said in reflection. ‘I am sorry if I made you feel as if you were some kind of substitute for Celestia. You are no such thing.”
“It’s fine.” Her hoof danced along his chest. “But you know...” She smiled in a far more predatory manner. “Just because something doesn’t seem like a good fit… doesn’t mean it still isn’t fun to try.”
“I imagine it would be.” Aegis lowered his head and kissed the soft underside of her neck.
Chrysalis let out a soft growl. “Mmm, now this is a side of you I can get behind.” She held her hoof to his chin. “Come with me, there’s a spot not far from here that would be a lot more… comfortable.” She winked as she strode past him, Aegis gladly following.
Chrysalis awoke to see the mid-morning sun bouncing its light off of the lake. She slid her eyes downward and saw Aegis’ heavy foreleg draped over her waist. She smiled, realizing that for the first time in a long time that she was content. Her mind felt clear and she noticed that the persistent hunger that plagued her was gone. She wriggled her body and spun around to face Aegis. He was still asleep and she watched the slow rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. She ran her hoof over his powerful shoulder and down his side, the memory of how incredibly strong yet remarkably gentle he was with her replaying in her mind. She began kissing his chest and neck until he started to stir, as his eyes opened he arched his neck down to see her looking up at him.
“Morning.” She smiled.
“Good morning Chrysalis.” He kissed the spot between her eyes. “How are you feeling?”
“Quite… satisfied.” She said languidly. “I rather like this new feeling.”
“I’m glad.” He set his nose to the top of her head.
“Are you still certain you wish to do this?” She asked.
“While my feelings for you may seem sudden, I have no desire to abandon them… or you.” He said surely. “I have fallen in love with you, and I do not regret that.”
Chrysalis laid her head to his chest; the sound of those words that she thought she would never hear caused a swell of emotion. “I… love you too.” Hearing herself say it out loud made it so much more real for her. “I love you, Aegis.” She repeated as happy tears fell from her eyes.
In Canterlot, Cadence and Shining Armor arrived by train to meet with Celestia, Luna and Twilight. Cadence was quiet for the duration of the trip, her mind dealing with her anger at the very idea that Chrysalis walked free. As they left the station and headed for the castle they came upon Twilight in the city streets.
“Cadence, brother.” Twilight hurried over to them.
“Hey Twiley.” Shining Armor greeted her with a big, brotherly hug. “How have you been?”
“Busy.” she admitted. “How’s Flurry?”
“As much of a terror as ever.” he laughed. “She’s with Sunburst.”
“Hope he knows what he’s getting into.” Twilight giggled. She looked to Cadence and could see the deep upset in her eyes and frowned a bit. “Cadence, are you okay?”
Cadence let out a heavy sigh. “I can’t say that I am Twilight. I just can’t believe that Celestia would allow something like this… for her of all creatures.”
“I’m a little confused as well.” Twilight admitted. “But I’m sure there’s a logical reason for all this.”
“That’s what we’re here for sis.” Shining Armor said as he nuzzled his unsettled wife.
“I’m sorry Shining… I know you’re trying to help.” Cadence smiled as best she could, kissing his cheek. “Let’s just go see Celestia so we can get some answers.”
The trio made their way to the castle where Celestia, Luna and Argent awaited them. The six of them assembled in the meeting hall and the guards were excused. Celestia sat at the table’s head, Luna at her right and Argent at her left. Cadence and Shining Armor sat along the left side and Twilight the right.
“Alright Celestia.” Cadence began. “Why are you allowing Chrysalis to remain free?”
“She is not exactly free.” Celestia reminded. “As I wrote in my letter, Aegis is with her.”
“Is Aegis okay?” Twilight asked.
“Yes Twilight.” she nodded. “Argent ensured that Aegis was under no type of control.”
“That hardly matters.” Cadence retorted. “Chrysalis is far too much of a threat and every moment she walks the world we are at risk.”
Luna slowly nodded. “I must admit sister, this situation does seem plagued with variables of which we have little control.”
Celestia looked to Cadence with knowing eyes. “Cadence, you and Shining Armor have every right to be angry and question this… even so, I trust Aegis.”
“Do either of you even know what he’s doing?” Cadence asked.
“Not… entirely.” Celestia admitted. “His full motivations aren’t exactly clear to us.”
“What did he tell you?” Shining Armor asked.
“Not much.” Argent said honestly. “He said he feels that the two of them are similar and that he knew that if he simply turned her in it would be worse case scenario for her. He said he wanted to offer her another choice.”
“That being?” Twilight asked.
“Finding peace.” Argent answered.
“Even if that is the case.” Shining Armor began. “If he sees some type of similarity with her, then that honestly makes me more worried. I mean, I don’t know him at all so I’m just telling you how this sounds to someone on the outside.”
“Thorax is proof that the changelings can… well… change.” Twilight interjected.
“Thorax was an aberration for their kind.” Luna noted. “The changelings had little free will under Chrysalis. They merely followed Chrysalis’ example and their reformation came at the introduction of a better one. The will of their leader is a different story entirely.”
“Well, Fluttershy was able to reform Discord.” Twilight continued. “I’m far from fond of Chrysalis, but shouldn’t we give her the same chance?”
“While Discord indeed posed a threat, his actions were guided more by childish whim than outright malevolence.” Luna explained.
“She’s had enough chances to learn her lesson.” Cadence said stoutly. “She only seems to grow more and more hostile.”
“Aegis has made her vow to not harm another creature.” Celestia informed. “Oddly enough, she told me she intended to keep it, she was noticeably different.”
“It isn’t beyond her to say anything necessary to save herself.” Shining Armor considered.
“We can speculate all we want.” Argent cut in. “They’ll be here tomorrow so we can evaluate the situation fully. I have faith in Aegis.”
Celestia looked to Cadence with determination. “Cadence, you have my word that if Chrysalis tries anything, or does not demonstrate that she is willing to mend her ways… I will see that she is contained. All I ask is that you allow them to say their peace and listen with an open heart.”
Cadence took a deep, controlling breath. “Only for you, Celestia.”
“Thank you.” Celestia nodded in appreciation. With that, they disbanded for the time to collect their thoughts.
After a bath in the lake, Aegis and Chrysalis returned to the campsite. Following breakfast, Aegis set about gathering more wood. Unbeknownst to him, Chrysalis had taken the form of a mouse and scurried underneath him. She quickly changed back, surprising him and flipping him onto his back. She laid on his chest, a proud and fang filled smile on her face.
“It seems I will have to further improve my skills.” Aegis said with a laugh.
She crossed her forelegs and licked her lips. “Since you’ve eaten and had a chance to rest, I do believe it’s time to please your Queen again.”
“My Queen eh?” Aegis repeated with a questioning smile.
“Well… if I’m not allowed to conquer Equestria, I’ll just have to settle for conquering you.” She used her renewed magical power to bind his forelegs to the ground; leaning forward she ran her tongue up his lips with a husky moan.
“As enticing at that sounds.” Aegis began as he started to lift his legs. “You’ll find that no simple task.”
Chrysalis let out shocked cry as he broke her magic with sheer strength. He braced his left wing on the ground and pushed off, flipping them over and reversing their position.
“Oh.” She placed her hooves on his chest. “I’m certain it will be a hard and exhausting war. But we’ll see which one of us is still standing when it’s over.” She took the form of a python and coiled around his waist, retaking her natural state atop his back. She wrapped her forelegs around his neck and lowered her mouth to his ear. “I still have all kinds of tricks to show you.”
“I look forward to them.” He glanced back at her as he spread his wings.
Chrysalis felt him lower himself and rear his wings back. “Uh oh.” She yelped as he took off into the air, gripping him tightly and laughing as she felt the rush of the acceleration. “Okay! Slow down!” She yelled as Aegis broke through the clouds and slowed to a cruise. He soared over the countryside and Chrysalis raised her head to look out over the sprawling world below. “Hmm, from up here the world seems… pretty.” She let out a thoughtful sigh. “Too bad it isn’t as pretty up close.”
Aegis understood her sentiment. “It can be Chrysalis. There is still much of the world you have yet to experience, if you would open yourself up to it.”
“What if we didn’t?” She asked as she nestled her head against the back of his neck. “We could just leave you know. Go wherever we pleased and just live as we wish without ever worrying about others.”
“Do not confuse isolation for freedom Chrysalis. Cutting yourself off from the world would yield the same feelings of exile you have carried with you for so long already. For those like us, being a part of the world is not without its hardships but there would be so much that you would miss out on if you simply refused to try. I hope you would return to Ponyville with me soon. It is quiet enough to allow for personal space while being active enough to begin your excursion into the world.”
“That sounds… doable.” She said unsurely. “So many things can go wrong from this point on.” Her grip on him tightened. “I just found you Aegis… I don’t want to lose you.”
Aegis felt a strong déjà vu as her words were eerily similar to those that Celestia had spoken to him. He descended and landed softly on the ground and Chrysalis slid off of him. He immediately turned and put his wings around her, pulling her close. “You won’t, Chrysalis. I promise you.”
She looked up at him with trusting eyes and smiled gently. “Thank you, you big sap.”
Aegis chuckled and laid his head on top of hers, squeezing her even tighter. For Aegis, having spent a bulk of his life bearing an unfulfilled love; and for Chrysalis, who long ago accepted that love would never find her; the chance to express such feelings was not only new but intoxicating. They spent the day in each other’s hooves, falling into intimacy several times. For a brief time, their pasts as well as the prospects of their futures were gone and all that existed was the intense moments of the now.
The dawn of the third day found Aegis and Chrysalis, having taken her pegasi form, on route back to Canterlot. The castle was quieter than usual, with Celestia having suspended visitation and other activities for the morning. Aegis led Chrysalis to the throne room where they came upon the four Princesses, Argent and Shining Armor awaiting them.
“Princesses.” Aegis hailed. “Lady Twilight.”
“Aegis.” Celestia smiled, glad to see that he was still okay. “Chrysalis.”
Chrysalis retook her form and stood at Aegis’ side. “Celestia.” Chrysalis looked over the group until locking eyes with Cadence, even without words a deal was communicated between the two.
“I have no doubt you have questions for us.” Aegis began. “By all means, you may ask whatever you wish.”
“Your confidence seems to imply that things are going well.” Luna responded. “Is that the case?”
“I do feel so.” Aegis nodded. “In fact, I had intended to speak on Chrysalis’ behalf but I have no doubt that she can speak for herself.” He looked down to her confidently.
“Is that so?” Celestia asked.
Chrysalis paused for a moment but felt assured with Aegis at her side. “Yes, I can.”
“Well then, what exactly have you learned during your time with Aegis?” Celestia urged her on.
“At first… nothing.” Chrysalis admitted. “I treated him as I did all others and saw his words and actions as nothing more than meaningless hyperbole. Unlike others though, he never stopped… no matter what I said, did or suggested he never wavered from ignoring my hostility. He said he understood me and in spite of how much I didn’t want to believe him, his words continually shook and haunted me. He saw through me as if I were glass and to be honest, it infuriated me. It was as if he knew me better than I did.” She looked up at him with a crooked smile. “But in spite of how infuriating I found him, I did come to find comfort in him, whether I wanted to or not.” She boldly left his side and stepped forward. “I did begin to listen to him though and found truth in what he spoke. I began to believe that he did understand me and that what he was offering was more than just words. He said I could move on from the pain of my past and now… I believe him wholly and have decided that I wish to do so.”
“Chrysalis.” Cadence stepped forward as well. “Everything about you has been defined by duplicity, deceit and lies. I have seen everything you are, more intimately than any other here; so forgive me if I find your words to be just that.”
Chrysalis angered but kept herself calm. “I have no doubt that you and Shining Armor will hate me forever and you’re welcome to, I’ve earned every bit of it. But Aegis showed me that actions dictate what we are and while I cannot undo the past, I can change my actions to make something new for the future. I’m not going to shower you with apologies that would mean nothing to you, but nor will I prostrate myself before you in penance. I wanted revenge against you, against all of you… even the world itself. Now though, I honestly don’t care anymore because I have something that has become more important to me than revenge.”
“And what is that?” Cadence challenged.
“Aegis.” Chrysalis immediately countered as she returned to his side. “I love him, and he has shown that he loves me as well.” Her words brought collective shock to the room.
“What?” Cadence asked in a near whisper.
Argent let out a hard whistle. “Well, I did not see that coming.”
“Aegis.” Celestia looked to him.
“She speaks the truth, Princess.” Aegis confirmed.
“That’s… wow.” Twilight said, lost for words.
Aegis opened his wing and held it around Chrysalis. “My goal was to give her my knowledge, wisdom and support. Rather unexpectedly though, my heart went with them.”
Twilight looked her over questioningly. “But, if she’s truly accepted love then why hasn’t she transformed like Thorax and the others?”
Chrysalis stepped from under his wing. “Aegis also taught me that I don’t have to change what I am to change who I am. I still feed off of love as I always have, the only difference now is that Aegis provides me with more than enough.” She cocked her stance and bore a sour look. “Besides.” She changed her colors to reflect the reformed changelings. “Does anypony think I honestly look good in these colors?” She quickly changed back.
“Aegis, she feeds off you without consequence?” Celestia asked.
“Indeed Princess. When I first allowed her to use me as sustenance I did feel some ill effects. However, now I feel nothing at all and she seems to gain even greater nourishment.”
Twilight surreptitiously pulled a scroll and quill out and wrote the information down. Her brother, however, voiced another concern. “If that’s true.” Shining Armor cut in. “Then what is to stop you from simply creating a new hive to control?”
Chrysalis turned her attention to him. “I couldn’t even if I wanted to.” she informed. “I require a massive amount of energy to produce eggs.” She strolled back over to Aegis, brushing up against him. “While Aegis’ love is certainly… filling.” She threw a coy smile Celestia’s way. “It is far from enough for me to do so, suffice to say I’m only eating for one now.”
Cadence struggled greatly with what she was hearing. Having a magical connection to love she should have been happy at the idea, but her personal experience continued to conflict with that knowledge. “I… I don’t see how this is possible.” She finally spoke. “Aegis, you have spent so long feeling a pure love for Celestia… how can you so suddenly find love with… with this mo…”
“Monster?” Aegis finished her sentence. “Princess Cadence, do you know of my past?”
“I do, Luna told us how you were abandoned and were shunned during your youth. Argent also said you see familiarities between yourself and Chrysalis as a result, but even so…”
“My mother did not survive my birth.” He cut her off again, his words bringing sharp gasps to the Princesses; even Chrysalis was taken aback by the news. “The head mare of the orphanage told me this after much questioning as to who my parents were. My father abandoned me because he blamed me for his loss and cursed my very existence, to him… I was a monster. I have carried that label since the day I was born and have spent my life walking the line between light and dark as a result.”
Celestia lowered her hoof from her mouth. “Aegis, you never told me that.”
“Forgive me, Princess. I always felt that story was too sorrowful to burden your ears. Till now, Argent is the only one to know that truth.”
Celestia glanced down at Argent who only shook his head. “Sorry Celestia, it wasn’t my story to tell. He made me promise to keep it between us and well... he’s a lot bigger than I am so I did.”
“In any case.” Aegis continued. “The only things that kept me on my path were my resolve, Argent’s friendship and my love for the Princess. While Chrysalis may have succumbed to the dark, she had no one there for her when she truly needed it the most. Truth be told, only a small hoof full of choices separate the courses of our lives. Hence I knew that only a small hoof full of choices could return her from that dark place.” He looked into Cadence’s eyes. “Lady Starlight told me that the word “everything” is used too often, I feel much the same about the word “monster”. Argent and I have met true monsters. Beings who sole purpose is to inflict terror and pain on the world with no logical rhyme or reason. Chrysalis’ actions are not without gravity or consequence that warrants your anger. Still, those actions are not without origin. She felt the pain of rejection and persecution and that pain led to a consuming rage that guided her from that moment on. I have helped her see that pain, accept it and begin the process of dealing with it instead of lashing out at the world.” He looked back to Chrysalis with a loving smile. “She has a long road ahead and I intend to be at her side every step of the way.”
The room sat silent at his speech for several moments. Argent saw this and took a deep breath as he headed for the center of the room. “Well, sounds good to me.” He began, commanding everypony’s attention. “Luna is going to be crushed though, I told her I set her up with you.”
Luna flustered greatly. “That is most certainly not true!” She insisted as her sister attempted to hold her laughter.
“Princess Cadence.” Argent turned to her. “I know this probably isn’t the conclusion you wanted with Chrysalis, but look at it this way. In spite of everything she has done, we’re all still standing here to have this conversation. If she’s willing to move past it then I say we should do the same.” A wistful looked came over him. “Aegis and I have seen more fighting than any other two stallions you’ll come across, so when the opportunity to not fight presents itself we take it.” He spun around and headed over to Chrysalis. “And if for some reason she does decide to try anything, Aegis is the one she’ll have to answer to.” He leaned closer to her with a grin. “Just between you and me, I don’t think you can take him.”
Chrysalis leaned closer to him in return with a wicked smile. “I already have. Twice last night in fact.” Celestia and Twilight went red at her words. Argent stepped back dumbfounded, his jaw lowered as he looked back at Aegis.
Aegis laughed in a way he rarely did. “It seems the Golden Horn’s, silver tongue has been bested.”
The tension in the room eased and Argent looked back to Chrysalis with a smile. “Oh, you and I are going to have a lot of fun.”
“I can’t wait.” She said disingenuously.
Cadence sighed heavily and approached Chrysalis. “Argent is right, and your words do seem genuine.” She matched eyes with her. “I have a good life now and a beautiful daughter. I want the world she grows up in to be peaceful.” She slowly extended her hoof. “If you are truly happy with Aegis, then I wish you the best.”
Chrysalis eyed her hoof unsurely but took it nonetheless. “Thank you.”
“This is great.” Twilight said as she went to Aegis. “Does this mean you’ll be coming back now? You’ve got a hoof full of students who I’m certain are worried about you.”
“Will we?” He asked as he looked to Chrysalis.
“Yes, we will.” She answered with a light smile.
Aegis looked back to Twilight with a sound nod. “But I have no intention of burdening your home further, Lady Twilight. I will find somewhere quiet for Chrysalis and I to remain, somewhere outside of Ponyville where she can grow accustomed to things slowly.”
“If that’s what you want, I’ll help in any way I can.” Twilight assured.
“Thank you, Lady Twilight.”
Shining Armor went to Cadence and hugged her. “I’m proud of you my love, and I’m glad this is finally over.”
“Me too Shining.” She kissed him tenderly.
Luna went to Celestia’s side. “Are you alright, sister?”
“Yes Luna.” she nodded. “This is just… not what I was expecting.” She smiled as she saw Aegis and Chrysalis embrace. “But I am glad to see him so happy.”
Aegis and Chrysalis remained in the castle for the day while Twilight returned to Ponyville to inform the others and begin reopening the school. Cadence and Shining Armor returned to the train station to begin their trip back to the Crystal Empire. Chrysalis was encouraged to take a look around so she disguised herself and headed out into Canterlot on her own. Celestia tended to her daily duties while Argent demanded Aegis catch him up and how things evolved with Chrysalis. By the late afternoon, Aegis found himself on his familiar balcony overlooking the city below.
“I think this balcony missed you as much as I did.” Celestia’s voice came from behind him.
He swung his head back and smiled. “It does feel like home.”
Celestia went to his side. “Is there still room for me under there?”
Aegis laughed and raised his wing. “Always.”
She took her familiar spot against him. “Between your time with Twilight and your time with Chrysalis, you have such a different air about you now.”
“These last months have truly been a journey.”
“It has been so for us all.” She smiled up at him. “But I am happy for you, I hope you know that. And as odd as it feels to say, I’m happy for Chrysalis too. You’ve accomplished something I was beginning to fear was impossible. She was lucky to find you, I can’t think of another pony who has the patience, kindness and understanding to weather the storm of her anger and hatred.”
“Thank you, Princess.” He sighed thoughtfully. “My time with her has given me some clarity on many things. Chief among them… I now fully realize why you chose to be with Argent and I see what I was blind to for so long.”
“What do you mean?”
“While I loved every moment we shared, the dynamic between you and I was drastically different than the one between you and Argent. When we were together you had to hold yourself back to match my pace in life. You told me you understood the circumstances of my life and my actions; while that understanding was welcome, it didn’t change the fact that you and I were perpetually compromising in order to spend time together. I see now that I was always trying to be with you. There sits the difference, Argent never had to try… he simply was.”
Celestia considered his words and looked back over the many years they spent together. “You know, when I decided to tell Argent how I felt I told him that my decision was based on little differences that I had started to see in my interactions with the two of you.” She saddened a bit. “You’re right… I wasn’t able to express what I was thinking and feeling but you have just summed it up better than I ever possibly could.”
“This clarity did not come easily Princess. I only came to understand it because when I am with Chrysalis, I don’t feel like I’m trying at all. My interactions with her seem as natural as a walk through an open field.” He felt Celestia physically depress at his words. He sharply looked down to see a pained look in her eyes. “Princess?”
“I’m sorry Aegis. It just seems that the thing holding you back the most in life… was me. All of these grand changes in your life only came after I…”
“Nonsense Princess.” He immediately refuted. “It is far from that simple and as I told you earlier, you have been one of the precious few positive things in my life. In spite of how things turned out I would never give up what we share.”
“Nor would I.” She set her cheek to his shoulder.
“And what is this?” Chrysalis’ voice echoed over them.
Aegis looked back and saw her heading over. “Chrysalis, did you enjoy your time in the city?”
“Don’t change the subject.” She huffed.
“Chrysalis.” Celestia called her attention. “Aegis and I share a close bond that I have no intention of abandoning. You needed be so jealous.”
“Jealous? Of you? Please.” She raised Aegis’s opposite wing with her magic and plopped down at his side. “Just make sure you keep your hooves to yourself.” They both leaned forward and peered around Aegis’ chest, locking eyes with each other. They suddenly felt Aegis’ wings hold them closer, breaking their stare.
“This is the happiest I have been in some time, I would like to enjoy it a bit longer if I may.” Aegis noted with a smile. Chrysalis and Celestia receded and got comfortable as they watched the waning afternoon.
