Atreus has climbed many mountains they were not always high, they were not always mountains. One thing is for certain, this mortal's will shall not be broken.
“I have faced many self proclaimed gods, but when they die you can not hear their howls above the wind. The god died the man lives.”-Pantheon the Unbroken spear
Many warriors face defeat and can not rise above their own failures. They fall and do not stand back up. Brothers and sisters fall by the way side, all you can do is shout there names to the heavens. A deep sorrow in your chest that hurts more than a sword.
Atreus knows all this too well, but he has never fallen and not overcome that defeat in the end. After climbing mount Targon and losing himself and his body to the stars. He only ever saw glimpses of what was happening.
Now after his most resent fall he is surprised by the change in scenery. The sands of Shurima and its deserts are gone, replaced by a beach next to the ocean. He glances up to the night sky and takes a breath. These are not the stars who lied to him.
Just letting you know, though you may not understand. This story takes place after the battle between Pantheon and Xerath because this is AU for both LOL and MLP. That battle ends on a cliffhanger and is the perfect plot device to get Atreus to Equestria. Also its like the last lore story on Pantheon right now, so bite me, I want to be a bit lore friendly. BTW THIS LAST PART IS IMPORTANT, I WILL MAKE IT SO THAT EQUESTRIANS ARE HUMANS BUT THEY HAVE TAILS, AND THE FEATURES OF THEIR TRIBES. THEY WILL STILL BE CALLED PONIES AND USE CERTAIN WORDS STILL BUT YOU KNOW, NO HORSE FACES. APOLOGIES IN ADVANCE IF YOU CAME HERE FOR THAT
I don't own any of the characters by the way, just thought I'd make that clear. 😓
The sun shone brightly overhead the wind from the desert casting grains of sand over the surface of the ground. A rocky earth with sand in the cracks, the stone clearly cut from somewhere else and moved, most likely the nearby mountains. Though long abandoned and fallen into ruin the city was an ancient one by the standards of even the eldest beings in the desert. Not many would know the significance of this place.
The role in history it served, the first attempt to make an army to face horrors beyond our imaginations. A failed attempt none the less but an important step, it later lead to success, if only for a while. After the mighty Empire of the desert was blasted from existence the guardians of that empire were left with no purpose. They eventually went mad, and became corrupted fighting the very thing they were created to destroy. Corrupted and abandoned like the city that now hosts a mighty battle.
It had been raging on for a small while now. They usually quite of the desert gone, replaced with the crashing of weapons and the sounds of burning energy. There was no other way to describe the sound, energy, pure power and strength. The force of warriors was a foreign one, they had come from there homes to face what was a possible threat arising so close to their borders.
A threat which was much more than just a possibility. Although ancient this being they faced was unlike its kin, if you could associate them. Where others of its kind had been great warriors and protectors of humanity and the Shuriman Empire, this one had created the empire’s down fall. This one was a radiant force of terror, its form was tall. Black stone and chains enclosed around the head and body of a skeleton of shining blue light, it hovered above the ground beneath it.
Spikes of indigo and ultramarine light had punctured the army’s lines. The bodies falling against the hard rock and sand. It had been the likes of a slaughter, none could land a hit on the being. Xerath’s victory against the Targonian warriors was certain. As an Ascended he was better than them, no matter how many came they would fail.
Until one stepped forth from the others and instantly there was a difference. The warrior wore a golden helm, shield, and held a tall spear. Each of these golden pieces seemed to glow. All of the soldiers watched as the man landed blows with his godly spear and shield. They took in the sight of this hero come to rescue them.
Tall, muscular, golden armor and weapons, the spear and shield glowed a faint blue in their centers. The helm seemingly holding a flowing comet in the back of its Mohawk like pointed design. A flowing cape of dark blue secured on his neck. The stars seamed to appear on this cloak, as if the sparks of a battle were flying behind him painting the night sky colored garment with light. His body free from any armor except for his helm, shins and his spear arm’s forearm. He wore sandals and golden paint on his arms, a long scar trailing his chest and stomach diagonally. He wore blue cloth around his waist a red coil of rope acting as a belt.
A godly look, he gave the warriors hope, he was perhaps a Celestial Aspect that had come from Targon. The golden warrior shouted for all of them to fight, that they must. The battle between Xerath and the warrior raged. He was losing ground in the fight, even if Atreus had decided to shoulder the mantle of Pantheon he was not him. The mortal could not call upon the strength that the Aspect of War used to have.
Pantheon was dead, struck down by an Ascended, a corrupted one. One of the Darkin, Aatrox, had killed the god leaving only Atreus. Spitting in the face of death and Aatrox he survived being impaled on the worldender’s sword. He returned home to seek help in nursing his wounds. After facing Aatrox again, he cut down his foe, though the Darkin was not truly dead. However, now he could not call upon the strength he had found on that day. After being struck to his knees, Atreus found the eyes of a woman met his own.
The woman who he had met eyes with when he had first arrived and attacked Xerath. She had looked to him in hope when he first came. She had asked him if he was an aspect. Now he saw something different. Understanding? Determination? Will. The will to face their enemy and stand strong. The will to weather the elements which was barring down on them. The will to push through all of life’s challenges and obstacles. Mortal will.
The attack of Xerath began to charge up, the woman following Atreus’ example and moved forward to block the attack for Atreus who's helmet had fallen by the way side revealing his face. She moved in front of him, she had her own wounds, a burned arm and a dead friend. They exchanged words and shared a moment of understanding and kinship. As Xerath's blast hit the woman was gone from all but memory.
The man stood back up, picked up his weapons and shouted a name. The army responded in kind. All charged Xerath, Atreus having moved the swiftest. Reached him first, his spear and shield aglow with a red fire. The fire of his will, their will greater than the stars. The weapons of a god fueled by a mortal.
If you were to look up at the night sky of Runeterra you would notice something. The stars seamed to have a gap between them in one spot much larger than anywhere else. When Pantheon died, so did his constellation in the sky. A reminder of his death. Looking at the sky now you would see the day sky of the desert above the battle, you would see nothing but the sun and blue emptiness.
Until a star of red light and fire roared ablaze above, the stars briefly coming to life. The red star was from the Pantheon constellation and its name was Atreus. His namesake ablaze in the sky Atreus plunged his spear into Xerath as the Ascended fired his energy into a final attack and scream. The beam of blue put the sky to shame in it’s glow. A ringing sang out from the blast that made the clashing of steel, all go silent.
The army broken in pieces stared at the center of the battle, a broken and cracked stone body. All energy gone from the body, the Ascended was dead. The warrior was gone not even dust. Some of the Ra'Horak began to weep, some simply didn't know what had just happened in front of them. One pointed out the still burning star.
At times in the near future the star would shine as bright as the sun, others as a low glow. Sometimes it would not even appear from the void in the sky. Most of the people left behind didn't know who he was, others, couldn't care. Some knew him though, one woman on a farm more than most.
But everything was changed, Atreus, the only remaining physical reminder of Pantheon was gone from Runeterra. From the blue of Xerath’s Ascended energy, to to blue of the sky. Atreus woke up on a beach. He stared at the ocean, he had been miles, kilometers, what ever measure you wished to use, from the ocean west of Targon and Shurima.
“Where, am I?” Atreus asked aloud in an accent which was uncommon to the people of Runeterra, the wind of the sea his only response as it flowed past his head. He stood, shakily at first gaining strength with each moment. He removed his helmet to reveal a face. Atreus held a strong and sharp jaw line, his hair tied back into a braided bun like Mohawk. His hair was a a dark brown. A beard and eyes shared that same colour. He took in his surroundings and breathed in the air. "It does not matter, I am privileged to still be breathing."
Atreus took one final look around before placing his helmet on his head and moving on from his place of awakening. Walking farther inland he discovered he was on an island. Even if it was far away he could still see the other side. He could also see the makings of a town and port though it was far enough away that he couldn't see much. Deciding the travelling there by foot was the best option. Walking was better opposed to leaping there and crashing down like a meteorite outside their town, he would not find any welcoming gestures doing that.
He began the trek across the island, it was mostly grass and other small pieces of plant life. Very few trees grew on the island it seemed, the ones that did were small. 'Most likely due to the wind', he thought to himself as he moved spear and shield in hand. He began to use the butt of the spear as a walking stick unconsciously, a result of a habit he formed from necessity. When he climbed mount Targon with his friend and rival Pylas, his long journey was met with the winds of that sheer cliff of a mountain. He needed a way to keep himself on the ground or fall to his almost certain death. The weapons he carried provided that grip to the mountain face so desperately needed.
'Being on the ocean tends to create lots of wind, knocking everything tall over, thus no trees.' he mused. As he continued on his way, the town getting ever closer, he began to think. Now matter where he was what did matter was how he got here. 'How did the clash between me and that pet', Atreus's thoughts began with extra hate for the last word, 'end in me being here, where ever here is.'
As he came within a couple dozen meters of the town he noticed a few of them seemed to be pointing at him. One of them ran off farther into the town. 'A lone shirtless warrior walking towards your isolated and small town, coming from the opposite of where the port is. Clearly armed. I suppose it would make me nervous if I was them.' lightly laughing to himself at the absurdness of the situation and walked on.
As he approached within ten meters he was stopped by a shout, "Halt, identify yourself outsider!" A small crowd of townsfolk was gathered and two of the people approached him from the crowd. Two women, one wearing armor that glowed in the sun, appearing in a golden colour. If it was good armor, it was not made from actual gold. The other wearing leather training gear and being a bit shorter.
‘This town has no need for more than a guard and her apprentice it seems. Perhaps I should use an alias for now.’ the former Ra’Horak warrior commented internally. “I am Pantheon.”, Atreus responded calmly, while internally cursing for using that title as the first thing to come to mind, he had somewhat accepted it but there was some hurt, “Would you mind answering me a question by telling me where I am?” The man slowly but firmly planted the top of his spear into the ground to show non-hostility.
The woman paused her eyes narrowing slightly, “Never heard a name like that before, or seen someone with weapons like those or a helmet like that. I would assume all of those are enchanted to glow and create that there... ball of light on your helm.” When she received no answer but only a minor tilt of his head in expectancy she frowned, “Well to answer your question, we are on Greentail island. This here is the town of Oatville we’re off the cost of Vanhouver, though how you are unaware of that I don't know.”
Pantheon paused and responded again, “It is not a name but a title, as for my knowledge of this place, I was unaware of a place called Vanhouver even existed.”
This caused some murmurs from the now larger crowd even confused looks on the guards themselves, “Vanhouver is one of the biggest cities in Equestria how could you not know about it? For that matter what are you doing here and what do you intend to do now that you are more aware of your location?” The guards more intent on talking to him had closed the distance to him more.
“For another thing why are you still wearing that helmet, didn't your mother ever teach you that sort of thing is rude.” the apprentice added before quickly shrinking under the glare of her superior. Pantheon hearing this laughed causing some of them to tense and others to relax.
“You ask a good question, the answer is experience, most fights go better when wearing a helmet.” The elder guards tensed slightly waiting for a moment before he continued, “ However I can see that no one here would want that, so I’ll do as you ask.” When Atreus removed his helmet the smaller guard blushed at his handsome face her wings jutting out at the sight before she noticed and retracted them.
Atreus who was smiling until a moment ago frowned slightly at what he saw, taking a closer look at the guards and the people themselves he noted every single one had a tail of hair similar to a horse’s. Some had feathered small wings on their backs like the apprentice guard. And maybe half a dozen people with a single straight swirled horn above their forehead. Atreus got a feeling of underline dread creep into his senses, the guard noticed his frown and gaze, “What are you looking at?”
Pantheon responded in a statement, “I will answer that after I confirm something, what is Equestria, and what is the name of our world?”
The apprentice could hardly believe the question, “What kind of pony doesn’t know what Equestria is? Even if you grew up in a remote earthpony settlement somewhere you would know about the unification of the tribes lead to Equestria and Celestia’s rule which turned ponies into the dominant race of Equis.” The apprentice looked like she wanted to say more but was cut off by her teacher’s hand.
“As my student has just so rudely put it, Equestria is the dominant power of the world Equis. However I must ask again what you were looking at earlier?” The guardspony stated.
The warrior paused considering his answer, “Your town has many..." Pantheon paused thinking about what the words the apprentice said earlier,"...'ponies' with wings, horns and tails. Though how you bare that name with only tails I am not sure”
The ponies seemed confused and a little uncomfortable being so closely examined from a distance. “What do you me-“ the apprentice started again having muscled free from her teacher’s grip. At that moment she finally noticed the so called 'Pantheon' standing in front of them didn't bear any recognizable or possible cutimark on either of his arms. he only had what appeared to be golden tribal paint. She noted after considering his words that he did not seem to have a tail to be seen. "Where is your tail?"
At this the elder guard saw that as well and took a wider stance on instinct. "You still haven't told us your name, and by the looks of it you have no tail or cutie mark. What are you?", the mare and her apprentice took slightly lower stances. An odd pony was one thing, a mystery was another. The townsfolk seemed to tense and back away slightly. Ponies weren't unwelcoming sort but isolated as they were made them less welcoming to mysteries and possible dangers than some city dweller would be.
He remained silent debating whether to tell these 'ponies'. On one hand he needed information, he was not happy hearing what he was given so far. Either he was on some lost continent or somewhere worse. Unfortunately he held a sneaking suspicion he was going to find himself unlucky. "I am someone that was given another chance at life after I had mine taken away, I buried my name with my regrets.” a pause, honest was often the best way to reach people, “I am hardly the same person now, if you still wish to call me by something I shall tell you it." It was worth the risk, when he had fought Xerath he didn't get the chance to tell that woman his name in return. She was what he fought for, the people who could not face their threats, and those he fought beside. She and him used themselves to protect others, 'Shields protect hearts, your own and those beside you.’ he reminisced before thinking a prayer, ‘I have defeated Xerath your sacrifice was not in vain Asose, I shouted your name to the heavens and killed that pet of the gods.'
During his thoughts the guard was having thoughts of her own, 'What is a person, is that the word he uses in place of pony?'. "That wasn’t what I was asking. But that would be a sad story if I had proof of it.” A pause, “Though I guess understand how that could change your whole perspective." She said relaxing her grip of her sheathed sword. 'Don't know if I would ever drop my own name though’, after her inner thought struck she asked again,"Would you my telling us your name… and race, please?" She asked in a gentler tone realizing he could be completely lost and isolated, the fact that he had made no aggressive behavior was note worthy. 'unlike me', she thought before she came up with an idea to help the situation,"My name is Steal Gait, and my trainee here is Sky Ray."
As the man turned the names over in his head he found them strange,"Good to meet you; my name is Atreus.". He smiled as genuinely as he could manage. 'This will be rough', he concluded. A moment between his words pasted before he spoke, "And as I said, my race is Human."
“Whats a human?”, Sky Ray asked innocently receiving a glare from Steal Gait,”Sorry I have just never heard of them before?” Sky smiled slightly toward her mentor in hopes of calming her stare.
“Neither have I.”, Steal agreed, "What exactly is a human? You look like a earthpony though you have no tail or cutiemark."
“And I would ask how you are ponies? You all look like nothing I have ever seen that is even related to that. If I may also ask another question? What is a ‘cutimark’?”
Deciding to ignore the idea that pony could mean anything other than what they were, “A cutiemark is the mark that appears when a pony finds out what they are talented at.” Sky answered cheerfully, “my cutiemark is a cloud with a beam of light coming there it because I’m talented at brightening situations and manipulating clouds.”
Filing that second part away for another question later. He glanced at the arms of the people around. Atreus saw that they did indeed have a arms bearing a sort of what he would describe as tattoo. “I see, I do not mean to be to presumptuous. However, if we could move our conversation to a more private location so I may converse with the local leader. I would be grateful.”
Steal sighed, “I suppose since it appears you don’t mean any harm you should speak to Tough Dough, being the oldest pony around makes him the elder of of town.”, she motioned Atreus to follow and asked the crowd to go to their homes. ‘He may be a bit of a crazy stallion but Dough always makes wise choices.’
As they moved through the small port town Sky walked beside Atreus who had reclaimed his spear and held his helmet under arm now. “So, what was it that you had to confirm when you asked us about Equestria?”
“Ahhh, your memory is clearly better than mine Miss Ray. I wanted to see what you said to my question about the world. Where I am from the name of the world is Runeterra. I may be a bit premature on this but given all of the differences we have discussed I may not be from ‘Equis’.” Pantheon theorized to her with a small frown.
“Really?!” Sky yelled, drawing the attention of those still outside. She blushed in embarrassment and put her head down a bit to hide her face.
Atreus chuckled at her with a smile now on his face, “I have a question as well, when you were talking about ‘cutiemarks’ you mentioned that they represented your talent.” Sky nodded and Steal listened carefully to them as they made their way towards an older looking house. When compared to the rest of the other houses it wasn’t that old, just not new. “You said one of you talents was manipulating clouds, what sort of magic do you do this with?”
“Oh with my pegasi magic.” Sky looked at him and answered almost automatically. Upon seeing his confusion remembered he wasn’t a pony. “You see each of the three tribes has an attribute that makes them able to preform a task the other can't. Earthponies are very strong and have a connection to plants and the soil which all makes them great farmers. The pegasi fly, change and move clouds in order to manipulate the weather, and another thing we can do is simply walk and sit on clouds like they were solid.” Atreus was impressed, both of these tribes would be very powerful and helpful if they existed on Runeterra. "Finally the unicorns can use magic to cast spells, levitation, changing things, teleportation. I don’t exactly have a great understanding of it. But I do know that back in the old days before Princess Celestia, unicorns made an elite group dedicated to moving the sun and moon to change day to night with their spells.”
At this piece of information Atreus choked, “Did you say they manually moved the sun and moon?” he asked shocked if only slightly. Sky nodded confused at what he meant. ‘Truely, when I said that mortal strength was greater than the stars. I didn’t think it would be so soon before I saw something to confirm it.’, “You said before Celestia they did this, what happens now?"
"Oh princess Celestia moves them all by her self.", Sky responded as if it were obvious, "she is definitely the strongest pony I can think of. Maybe even the strongest living being on Equis."
Atreus frown at that, he had sworn to destroy all things with power so great it could only destroy. This one person was in control of the very cycles of night and day itself. That put even the aspects to shame, they embodied their elements but the elements could exist without the Aspect. Or else we would not have had any war after I was freed, "It must be frustrating for non unicorns to be ruled by a unicorn."
Ray Ray paused before face palming, "Oh my Ceslestia how could I forget?!", Pantheon was a little concerned that this Princess Celestia was using her power to be revered as a god. "Princess Celestia is an Alicorn, she has the traits from all of the tribes and from what I've heard is really tall. Shes a great leader and has been for her entire rule."
This began to multiple the man's worries as he spoke again, "How long has she been in power?", he continued his thoughts without stating them, 'And what will happen when she dies, who will take her place, who will rule, move the heavens, and unite the tribes with a leader they all love? This is a problem, not necessarily in her, but in her absence after she had been so important.' He kept these questions silent for now waiting for her to answer.
"Oh about a thousand years, Equestria hasn't had a war in centuries under her rule. Everything is peaceful crime is almost nonexistent, and everyone's standard of living is good." She stated proudly, her nationalism for how well her country was doing complete caused her to miss the look of eye widened shock. Atreus prayed that was true, if an immortal being who had that much power wasn't truly so kindhearted it would become his problem. He would have to consider paying her a visit to make sure.
"I hate to interrupt your history lesson Sky. But we are here now." Looking forward the pair noted they had reached the house of Tough Dough. "A word of warning he is a little... odd, it would be best if we ask to inform him of the situation and all our information fully, before we partially inform him and he jumps to an embarrassing conclusion." She knocked on the door and after a moment an older earthpony stallion answered with a small smirk.
"Well hello, I assume you're the foursome I ordered.", Steal frowned and put her hand to her head slowly. Sky flushed and stuttered ever so slightly, unable to process what she just heard. Pantheon kept a stoic expression and merely gauged the other's responses.
"Atreus this is Tough Dough, despite his terrible sense of humour he is rather knowledgeable and hasn't lead the town astray before.", Tough Dough smiled and motioned them in closing the door behind them.
As the group sat down in the wooden house with decent lighting around a kitchen table Atreus spoke, "It is nice to meet you Mr. Dough.", he could help but think of baking now that he kept hearing the word dough. Though most people couldn't summon loafs of bread from the stars so I made sense why bread was on the mind.
"Like wise, care to tell me the problem or are we just going to have me butt into conversations with partial advice?" Tough joked.
After a quick summary of what was already spoken between Steel Gait, Sky Ray, and Atreus the trio watched Tough Dough intently as he leaned back in his chair. The stallion pressed his hands together and placed his finger tips to his lips; eyes looking toward his ceiling as the last of the day’s light flowed in. When Atreus had woken up on the beach it had been very early morning and by the time he had made it to the town it was late afternoon. By the time the explanation was finished it was nearly evening, it appeared to be the beginnings of spring in Equestria. So not every day had the same daylight hours, as it was still moving away from winter.
He appeared to be in thought about how to proceed with his actions. There wasn’t a tension, no one was worried, there wasn’t truly an immediate problem only expectation. Tough opened his mouth and with a completely straight face uttered, “Was there a problem in that explanation?”
“What do you mean!? Can’t you see the issue at hand here?!” Steel was annoyed at that response. She had been expecting words of advice on how proceed with Atreus and his unique issue. He could be thousands of miles from home, or if he was to be believed on a different world or whatever it could be. ‘At the very least a housing issue before we can see if we can send him home is apparent!’ Steel thought angrily.
“You know Steel you really shouldn’t shout like that you won’t attract any stallions doing that.”
“What does my romantic life have to do with this?!“
“You know something else Steel, you having iron bars as a cutiemark is odd to me, you're talent is rounding ponies up and keeping them contained/pinned. What does that have to do with a cage?”
Steel Gait began to breath more, she needed to calm herself before she strangled the old stallion and had to arrest herself, “For your information, because it must not have been clear, my cutiemark is a metaphor for trapping/overpowering and containing ponies.”
“Hmmmmm, you know with how good you were at tying up and pinning down the bullies when you were growing up. I am surprised you grew up to become the town guard and not the town dominatrix.”, Mr.Dough said with a smirk. Just as Steel was going to leap at him for that comment she felt to hands on her shoulders. As she looked over both she saw Atreus and Sky with concerned expressions. Though Pantheons was more of a frown towards her and the stallion.
“I do not mind humour in the slightest. However, I believe the phrase, ‘Read the audience’ would be appropriate.” Pantheon said to Tough as he sat down again reassured that Steel was going to solve her anger at a later time. “As for your earlier statement, I find that there are many problems at play here. How you do not see them is either the result of ignorance or a sign for further explanation on my part.”
“Read the room or know your audience pick one,” Tough smiled, “Regardless, when I was called ‘knowledgeable’ earlier I didn’t object because I know Steel meant wise. I am wise to some degree, but I am not smart. You want a reasonable and rational answer to your problems. Ask Sky here.” He pointed to the pegasus who up until this point had merely been observing, at the mention of her she tensed slightly. “She studies everything, she is the smartest pony on the island. However, you came to me for wisdom which isn't truly related to smarts. I grew up on a farm, my mother worked the fields, my father fished to sell to traders. Goodness knows he didn’t catch fish for us to eat. My mother hated the smell of fish almost as much as she hated the idea of eating meat. I have lived a simple but long life. My experience makes me a good pony to ask for advice. Mine to you is this, figure out where you are, if you can get home, and if you make peace with whatever answer you find. Everything else falls by the wayside in terms of these goals in my mind.”
Atreus nodded in new understanding, ”Wise, I suppose we came to the right per-...pony for the job.”
“Well don’t go acting like I’m some great sage now. You had enough wisdom of your own to see where I was going with this. While the reasonable and rational was fuming about words.” He shot at Steel.
“You brought up my personal life when you could have easily just said your advice from the beginning.” She shot back.
“But we all learned something in the end.” Dough nodded knowingly as if it was obvious.
“What lesson?” Ray asked innocently.
Immediately Tough Dough smirked and began to speak, as he did Pantheon moved from his chair to behind Miss Gait as the words left Tough’s mouth, ”Steel is secretly a dominatrix because she never denied it, and got angry when she was exposed!” At that moment Atreus had to quickly place his hands firmly on both of Steel’s shoulders. She on the other hand held a quick blush along side her apprentice, however that was quickly taken over by beat red anger.
“I swear to Celestia Tough Dough I will kick you into the sun!” She declared on her good ruler’s name.
“It would be best if you apologized, while I am fully capable of holding back her strength, she may find a way to slip from my grip somehow.” The explained as he began to grip the shoulders of Steel with one arm and her stomach with the other. She was at a forty five degree angle only being held back by the god like warrior and the table between her and Tough.
“I’m sorry Steel you are always so easy to tease,” he smiled genuinely, “I know you are not like that. The only way you would be anything like that is being overprotective of your special some pony.”
Steel calmed down but pointed her fingers to her eyes and then at Dough. Dough found something very interesting in his shirt and decided to remove to get a better look leaving him with an undershirt and the rest of his ensemble. Pantheon noted this and thought about the clothes he had seen everyone wearing as he passed through town. They main thing he saw was a lot of seams and pockets, they looked odd but efficient to the warrior. He simply didn’t think about how the factory made clothes were made, he simply assumed that was the style of the local seamstress. Sky spoke up, “Mr. Dough earlier you said figure out where he is. You sounded like you have an idea in mind for figuring out if ‘Runeterra’ and Equis are the same planet.”
Tough turned his attention to her as he put his grey shirt on again, “Never claimed anything of the sort. But now that you mention that particular thing. Yes, I can see the way to know for sure.”
“Really what?” Sky asked curiously. Tough looked at her as if he was sizing up her response and chuckled.
“You know Sky when I said you were smart early that wasn’t a challenge for you to prove me wrong.” He smirked as he finished his sentence. Ray huffed and looked peeved at being called dumb. “It is very simple,” the stallion look to Pantheon as he questioned, ”you look at the stars.”
“I don’t see how star gazing his going to help our friend here.” Steel spoke in a slightly curt way. Atreus however had understanding dawn on him as he thought the word over in his head a couple times. ‘I once trusted my fate to the stars... now I must see what they herald.’
“The night should fall soon,” Pantheon stated, “I hope you do not mind me waiting here till then Mr. Dough. I have been standing all day and wouldn’t mind some rest before figuring out what to do if our stars do not match.”
“Not at all, I owe you that much for stopping Steel from garroting me after all.” He got up from the table, “while we wait how about dinner, been a while since I’ve had guests.”
The meal was a simple and homemade variety of vegetables, bread and small amounts of cheese. The sort of meal one could expect from another. Tough Dough was by no means rich or a talented chef. The meal he prepared for his guests to eat wasn’t special but if anyone were to complain about a warm and fresh meal of healthful choices. Atreus could barely understand how people took breathing easily for granted much less a good meal. Now before the meal Tough had asked Atreus what his species ate. When he had responded they seemed fine till he mentioned meat. Especially the younger two our the group. They explained to him that the only accepted form of meat to eat among ponies was fish, even then most found it distasteful. Ponies couldn’t really stomach true meat both morally or socially. Pantheon reasoned it stemmed from some bodily aversion to it which resulted in the social norms.
As he took another bite of the bread a thought crossed his mind, ‘Aiula, do you still put bread above the hearth of the farmhouse? Will I ever return to you?’. He had not seen the widow of his friend Pylas since he had recovered in her care. In those months of recovery she had been like an angel, only better since she wasn't one. Tending to his wounds and needs without complaint, she was very upset when he tried to push himself to do work to help her after only a couple of weeks. She had scolded him but had relented eventually muttering under her breath that he needed to move around to get better anyway. He would always hold a place for her in his heart even if not in a romantic sense, though the beginnings of something had started between them. She was a strong willed woman and he would have give his life to protect her, he had tried to do so when he went to face the barbarians north of the settlement. ‘There was more to that battle than I knew.’
“Atreus?” Sky asked aloud. He turned to her a look of confusion and question on his face. “Are you okay, you stopped eating for a minute there and looked troubled?” She leaned forward slightly and continued her innocent look of concern. Atreus smiled at her and nodded.
“Just thinking about some old memories nothing to worry about anymore.” the man finished his bread and returned his thoughts and focus to his present situation. As the meal began to wind down and the sun started to set farther they waited. “If I might, may I ask some questions?”, Pantheon asked facing Steal, at this point all of them had partially removed their equipment. Pantheon’s helmet and weapons stood by the door lying against the wall. Both of the mares had removed their own helmets and had seen to taking of their breastplate and leather armor for the convenience of moving. While they didn’t have to take them off, sitting around with a stiff and immovable piece of armor on your stomach is slightly annoying.
“Shoot.” the response from Steal had been quick and to the point.
“I wish to know some basic social norms among your people, while I hope to not be here long. It would be beneficial if I knew how to properly greet someone or what would be appropriate to ask if I was in need of help.”, the group nodded to his word in several different ways. Steel gave a slow nod while Mr. Dough gave a long constant nodding to each word he said, as if to show he was listening and his nods were showing his attention. Sky on the other hand gave Atreus two fast nods up and down when he was done speaking. Why he paid attention to this was anyone's guess but it probably had to do with gauging their reactions.
“Well it is quite simple really, you could ask for help with anything you think a person is capable of giving so long as it isn’t too personal to them or yourself. As for greeting someone, well just smile and say hello. Most ponies you will meet will be friendly enough to tell you are not from around where they are and simply be patient with you.”, after her explanation he smiled. Sky had a tanned skin tone and silvery hair, her face was round and young. She showed signs of strength in her muscles and intelligence in her eyes.
The older ponies were different, both were paler though Dough was less pale. Both had brown hair though Steal’s was darker in shade. Each was muscular though miss Gait was much younger and Tough was thinning because of his older years. Steal spoke again, “I was wondering if it is not too personal, how did you get that scar on your chest. That has to be one of the worst injuries I’ve seen, though I’ve not seen much.”
The man frowned slightly, it wasn’t a painful memory though he did remember great pain. It was simply too long of a story, how was he supposed to explain his world’s deities and the methods they used to influence the world in a timely enough manner to talk about his place in that story. “That is a long story, for you to fully understand I would have go explain far too much. But in simple terms, I was injured greatly by a battle and had to seek help in recovering which took a few months.”
The group moved from the subject with a bit of awkward pause, “I feel you're skipping more then you are even saying you are. However, not much reason to push you. You don't need to be reminded more than you already have been.” Tough Dough was correct, though what he said could have gone a bit better in an unspoken form of acknowledgement.
"Umm, I have a question," the young miss Ray started as she placed her hand on her chin unconsciously. The man looked toward the Pegasus and motioned with his hand for her to continue. "Well, I don't think you ever answered the questions about your weapons. So I wanted to know why they glow, they seem special? And your helmet, why did it have some glowing orb when you put it on?"
"For the same reasons as the last question I will only say this, they are the weapons of the Pantheon. That shield was wielded by the previous Pantheon if I am not mistaken. They wielded it many years ago, I believe it is called the 'Aegis of Zeonia'. As for my helm it is simply magic making itself manifest.", Atreus stated in a factual tone. 'All of these are brought forth by celestial magic and my will. The will of a mortal makes even the gods tremble, they are nothing before the moment of truth in battle. Where a warrior must think of who they are, who they love, and why they fight. I know this, Asose knew this better than even myself. Because she sacrificed more than myself.' he thought reflectively.
"They? How do you not know whether they were a mare or a stallion?" Steal asked confused, "Wouldn't you know when they passed the title to you?". She motioned her hand to him and his weapons in a sweeping gesture.
"The title is earned by trial not inheritance, the last pantheon died before I could pick up a spear.", as spoke he began to frown slightly, however he was not looking at the ponies but his hands. 'I am not lying but I am not telling the whole truth. Even my name is a lie, that man died on Targon's peak with his brother Pylas. And there is nothing that I can do that can bring either of them back.' he finishing thought was a bitter one, slightly angry, and mostly sad.
The man glanced out the window, the time had pasted faster than he had though it would. "Well, I for one am too interested in this to simply stay home and not see what you will confirm when you check the sky." Dough chuckled in a lighthearted tone.
"I am going to exit the town's perimeter as night fully falls. You three may join me." he rose to a standing position and walked to the door. He placed his helm under his arm and grabbed his weapons in each hand.
"Are you sure you'll need those I'm sure we are safe for a bit of stargazing?" Sky Ray asked inquisitively.
Pantheon chuckled, "No I do not think I will need them, however if I do. I would not want to partially destroy Mr. Dough's house calling them to me. It would hardly be a proper repayment to my host for the meal." He smiled to Tough who looked a tiny bit alarmed at the idea of his house being damaged or destroyed.
"What do you mean, 'calling them to me' are they sentient and come when you whistle like a pet would?" Steel asked both confused and amused by the idea.
Atreus simply turned to Sky handed her his spear and walked outside. They group quickly followed, they exited the house and saw the beginnings of stars appeared on the edge of the sky. The saw Pantheon at the edge of town behind the house a few meters away walking further out. As they started to walk they paused as he stopped, he turned his head to look back at them. His spear arm shot from his side and an "eeeep!" escaped Sky as the heavy spear she had carried in both hands shot from her grasp and flew into his waiting hand. The side of his visible face smiled at them as he returned to walking out of the town limits and into a field of what looked like wheat.
The group moved through the field and up a small slope near the town, they were now around two hundred meters from the town on a small hill covered in wild grass. The stars had began to come farther into view, twilight ending. The group looked at the stars and Pantheon. The frown on his face already present, “I have not viewed the stars from many angles, in my life I haven’t travelled so far from my birthplace that I would see stars in massively different places. Though they did shift. If I am on Runeterra I will see one constellation I recognize before the night’s end.” The group pointed out a few they recognized from their sky, his frown was present though he listened and observed the celestial bodies, searching. There was a gap in the stars where the stars were not present, though while noticeable not big enough to be the one lost constellation he was familiar with. It lacked space for the four stars of the Pantheon constellation, he dismissed it and moved on. He could not find anything, ‘Don’t let me be right! I want to be among my people. I want to protect them from the horrors of the world. Vanquish the oppressive celestials from interfering in the lives of mortals with their schemes.’
The light of the moon rose and took its place among the stars, ignoring the radiant light for now he focused and tried again. “The moon is real bright tonight, you can see the mare on the moon.” Sky commented idly.
“Funny”, the man thought, “I have heard the phrase ‘the man on the moon’, something to do with children’s stories,” he reflected it might also be related to the Lunari, “it should not surprise me you have your own version.”. As he spoke he glanced at the moon. Quickly returning his gaze to the stars, he paused his eyes zooming back to the moon. There on the surface of the satellite was a series of dark craters that formed the outline of a head. The head bore a horn and a long neck. The man of Runeterra had his fears hammered home in celestial writing. As if Targon was spiting him one last time. His eyes were wide and mouth open. He began to breath through his nose shakily as his arms unconsciously moved out. His helmet fell out from his shield arm landing softly in the cushy grass.
The ponies moved to his side as he took a step back, “What’s wrong, Atreus? What’s wrong?!” Steal said the second sentence louder than the first but not in a yell, just yet. As he closed his mouth Pantheon placed the butt of his spear into the ground as if to steady himself. He was in no need of physical support at the moment, though he did mentally. He couldn’t deny what was right in front of him, Runeterra’s moon was clear from such dark craters. None of the stars he had grown to despise were presently visible.
“I guess I will have to follow your advice Tough,” the stallion noting he did not call him Mr. Dough only briefly. The man continued, “I will have to make peace with my fate for now.” The group waiting for him to tell them the news, though they had figured it out the moment he had become upset. “Our worlds have different moons and stars, Runeterra and Equis are different worlds. I am stuck here until I can figure out or find a way home.” There was a silence between everypony and the Atreus, Sky moved to hug Pantheon. Removing his hand from his spear he patted the young pegusus’ head. She only came up to his neck but she still managed to squeeze him enough to make him chuckle in a forced breath, “Try not kill me young Sky.” The man slowly removed her from his torso with his free hand and inhaled, “Clever tactic, move my focus from my situation to my well being by squeezing the air from my lungs.”
“You going to be ok there son?” the older stallion asked, “Now I know it is not right for me go comparing my life to yours but hear me out. Ever since my father went missing at sea my life has been changed. My mother went insane with grief my siblings moved away and I was left alone. That is nothing like your situation but know this. If you start down the path of despair and hopelessness. Seek help. Its hard to come back from it but you need to stay strong, if only for yourself.” The stallion paused in his monologue to ask a question with genuine concern, “Need anything, I try my best?”.
“I don’t suppose you would know a place for me to find a way home would you. It has to be too much to ask but if you did I would be grateful.” Picking up both his helmet and spear he returned them to their proper places. The helmet back on his head out of habit, nopony caring to comment on it. However the comet plum didn't ignite on his helm, which wasn’t yet caught by the ponies.
“If I were you I would head to the capital,” Steal suggested, “their is a school for unicorns there. The best unicorns in the country are there; if anypony has the answer to what magic mishap brought you here or how to return you they would know.”
“While you’re there if they can’t figure it out, I’m sure they would seek Celestia’s help since some of them are her pupils.” Sky popped in with something to add on to the idea her teacher presented. “She being the most powerful magic user in the world would know how to go about your situation, I’m sure of it.” her smile and faith were very innocent, though her reasoning was sound.
“The problem then comes to how you get there.”, Dough reasoned, “Canterlot is far from here and without any bits you’re limited to foot. Which could take to months not to mention getting to the mainland.”
“I could write a letter to my superiors in Vanhouver to get you to Canterlot. I’m not going to lie to you though the problem is the time and resources would not be guarantee. Even if they believe us, they may not care enough to help.” Steal brainstormed.
“The Summer Sun Celebration is also coming up soon, no doubt that will be the main focus of the guard in Canterlot not some weird story about an alien on an isolated island near Vanhouver. No offense.” Sky jumped in again.
“None taken if anything you insulted your town more than me.” Atreus smiled at all of them though he was tired and stressed he could see a clear goal. “As for getting there I can do that without much help, I just need to know where to go and a day or two to get there without causing problems.” Looking back at the foreign stars he continued as he returned his eyes to the confused and concerned ponies, “However I can leave in the morning, as it would be best for what I have in mind. For now I need to take you up on that offer again Tough, would you allow me stay in your house for the night?”
A smile came from the old stallion showing his genuine desire to help, “Of course Lad, you’re always welcome. You’re too interesting to not invite in.”. He paused and smirked, “Plus I may need a guard in case the dominatrix still holds a grudge.” There was a shout which semi-awoke the residents of Oatville. However everything was silent after so nopony thought too much about it.
Dawn came early, or at least it felt that way to Tough. He sat up from his bed and shuffled into the main room of his house. It may have been early to others, but Pantheon had always risen early to start his training. He had always been the last to leave as well, his arms heavy with use. He would clash with his fellow Rakkor warriors in practice. He would lose most fights, he was never the most skilled. That honour had belonged to his brother Pylas. Pylas had been from a prestigious family, unmatched in skill, and undeniably popular. Atreus' unbending drive to keep fighting and never back down was always met with contempt from Pylas and his followers. It was only after Atreus had saved Pylas' life after their unit was attacked by barbarians did they become brothers.
"Your up early." Tough commented as he came to see his guest sitting at the table. The man appeared to be maintaining his weapons. "Got any preference for breakfast, it will be a little while before Steal and Sky come by with the maps you asked for." Pantheon moved from the table, seemingly done with his weapons' upkeep.
"I am too satisfied with having actual food to care for any specifics beyond that.", Atreus had placed his helmet on the floor next to where he now returned his spear and shield. The closer you looked at him the more out of place he appeared, so much gold and blue. It was hard not to see him as an unusual pony when, he isn't a pony, his spear has unconnected floating blades on it's sides, all of his equipment glowed in some fashion, and he wore no shirt. While was not uncommon for a pony to go shirtless on a hot day in the sun. It makes far too much sense for a warrior or guard to wear armor, making him seem even weirder.
The pair were silently waiting after breakfast, several words passed between them. However neither were talkative on there own. Tough Dough was used to being alone most of the time, and Atreus on the other hand was simply walling off large parts of his life from questions and that made him feel less approachable. After a little while another pair walk into the house carrying some small scrolls, books, and what appeared to be a leather back pack. "Good morning, how did you two sleep?", Sky chirped in a cheery tone. They were both wearing their armor again Pantheon noted.
"I got up too early for what my body is used to.", Tough groaned sounding to be the opposite of his name for a brief while.
"While I'm sure that is true and I tend to understand, you don't have to sound like you're in Tartarus." Steal catechized. "How did you make out on the couch Atreus?"
"I was comfortable Miss Gait thank you for asking.", as he said the words he noted a small frown on the faces of the two guards. "Is there something wrong?"
"You can call us by our first names Atreus, no need to call us Miss this or Miss that. It is far too formal, especially when we ignore your title and call you by your name.", Steal answered sounding a bit odd to his ear.
Sky nodded in affirmation showing her support for what her teacher was saying. "If that is your wish then I can not continue to be so 'formal' with you.", the Unbroken Spear smiled to them as if he was making a joke. The small flushes on their faces were quickly smothered by their thoughts; the two mares moved to the table and spread the objects they had been carrying.
"This is a map of Equestria.", Sky explained, "We're here, and Canterlot is here." She pointed to each and ran her finger along the map as if to express distance. "How you are going to get there lost on me."
"The map may not be to scale but its still quite the distance.", Steal asked probing for information on how was going to get there.
"Are there any uninhabited plots of land within a few days travel of Canterlot?", the question caught the group a bit off guard but Sky quickly answered.
"Ummm, there is the Everfreeforest if I remember correctly. But its dangerous, filled with monsters and the like. You may want to avoid it. Not that you would have any reason to go there, its south of Canterlot. You would have to go out of your way. Why did you need to know about uninhabited land?" Sky's explanation was a quick and informative one to say the least. At worst it could be considered odd that she only asked her question after saying so much.
Pantheon found the forest quickly after the description, "Good to know, I will need to get a compass and other supplies for the journey though it doesn't need to be too much. I'll get to Canterlot in a few days if uninhibited."
"How?! Even if you had the bits to afford the trip by train, which we could get you by the way. It would still be impossible. The fastest pegusai could only make the trip in a week without any breaks except for sleep. And by train it takes longer than a week. How are you going to cross a channel of water and that distance in a few days without any help." Steal ranted.
"I have heard the word bits used in our conversations before, is that a form of currency?", he asked the question in an attempts to ignore the fact that they had trains. Even in his village they had heard of the wonders that Hextech could accomplish. Though he didn't understand how trains and their Chemtech counterparts worked, he knew what they were. Traders were usually not the best sources of detailed information.
"Aye, we should probably give you a run down on that before you leave. When did you want to leave?”, Tough then jumped in to save his guest from the confused guard’s rant.
"Noon, when the sun is at its height." Pantheon answered honestly, 'I'll see the land below better that way.'
"Well, we anticipated your need for supplies and gear so we packed you some travelling essentials and a few bits", Sky said.
The remaining time they spent before noon was in how to not get ripped off by vendors by talking about the typical price of goods. Afterwards they moved from the town into the place they had stargazed the night before. They didn't know why he went there. For all the ponies knew he was going to draw a teleportation circle and poof he's there. 'Maybe that is it. And he wanted to know about the Everfree because he doesn't want to be seen.', Steal reasoned out.
"I believe it is time for us to separate.", Atreus stated, "It was good to meet you three."
Sky looked sad, she stepped forward, "I know we only met yesterday but, can we be friends? You're so nice I just want to know that I can know I call you a friend. Not a lot of ponies care about what I explain, but you listened. I know that isn't a lot of reason but-"
Sky stopped talking when she felt a hand on her head, "On Runeterra there are many enemies, but friends you can count on are few and far between on. I would be happy to be your friend Sky.". The pegasus nearly jumped in excitement, "All of you can call me friend. You have all helped me enough that not calling you that would be ungrateful." They whole group smiled at the man, "You may want to move back."
The group looked at Pantheon in confusion before moving a couple meters back from him. He smiled, waved, made sure the pack they had given him was secure beneath his cape, placed his helmet on his head at last, and faced south east. He brought his arms out in a swing before overlaying them, his spear behind his shield he slammed both down in a crouch position. Suddenly red energy burst from the ground and flew up and around him. The celestial magic pulsed out, he did this for a few seconds before he leaped up into the sky. The Aurora Borealis glowed in a deep orange in the sky despite the time of day. It looked as if a streaking comet had flown above them and was head across the channel at great speed. The group had mouths agape as they saw this, having a hard time comprehending what just happened. The town had heard and seen the light and gathered near the edge looking both at the comet and its launching pad.
Tough recovered first and closed his mouth before opening it again to say, "I think he should work on his subtlety." Steal immediately turned to the older stallion and smacked him behind the head.
Canterlot castle was where the Princess lived. Her name was Celestia and she was older than any of her subjects. Her skin was not pale though it did seem to glow white. Her hair was multicoloured and flowed with an invisible current. She wore a golden crown with a single purple gem in its center complimented by a white dress of flowing and yet well fitted cloth. Her necklace was golden and was encrusted with a gem which shared her crown's gem colour. The horn beneath her crown was longer than any unicorn in her country. Her white, wide feathered wings were folded on her back.
Celestia walked through the halls of her palace, its white and gold colour scheme was present even in her guard. Having just finished her lunch, she moved on to her next bit of business. She was on her way to the throne room in order to open the court, where her ponies would come to tell her of their problems hoping gain aid from the crown. The petitioners were often there before she raised the sun and she would spend hours listening to them. There would always be more than she had time for. 'Maybe I would hear them all if the aristocracy didn't come so often. They rarely have actual problems which couldn't be solved without my intervention.', the princess cared deeply for her subjects, but some tested her patience. Because of that she had developed quite a lot of it throughout her extended lifetime.
As she made her way to the court she would have to remember to prepare herself for tonight. She was not sure, but the prophecy her student, Twilight, had discovered, plagued her mind before Twilight's grandparents had been born. She wasn't sure if her sister would return tonight, but she knew one thing. On the day she had seen Twilight get her cutiemark, she had done some digging on the rainbow explosion which occurred at the same time. Five other mares had received their cutiemarks, all of them now resided in Ponyville and each, clearly an embodiment of the Elements of Harmony.
Celestia, having realized this, reasoned that these six would be the ones destined to defeat Nightmare moon if she did return. She glanced out a window at the sky, it was a clear day, the weather teams seemed quite happy to make the sun shine for as long as possible. She had sent Twilight to Ponyville under the guise of organizing its preparations for the Summer Sun Celevration tonight. In reality, Celestia wanted to be ready for any possiblity, she, unlike her subjects didn't hold much love for the celebration. It was a personal self-reminder of her decision to banish her sister, she regretted the deed to this day.
As she walked, she sensed a spike of magic West of her. She rushed to the window and she saw it. A shining light streaked across the sky like shooting star. It was a yellow and orange light which made the blue around it darker as it moved. It held a small trail and she could almost hear its flight. It passed beyond the mountain and Celestia's eyes widened as it made its way over Ponyville before diving into the Everfree. She saw small flames lick the tree-top before the crash site calmed.
"Princess," her assistant Page Turner came up to her, she was a grey pegusus with glasses and a wardrobe worthy of a librarian. "The petitioners are waiting, the line is a bit longer this time."
Celestia turned to one of the guards who were at many of the doors in the corridor and ordered, "Send a message to Captain Shining Armor that I want him to send an investigation unit to the Everfree Forest to see what crashed there." Celestia knew they wouldn't get there till late in the evening, however, she felt it would be a good measure. 'What ever that was, it spells a bad omen to me.' She entered the throne room and briefly held another thought, 'I just hope my belief in Twilight and my ponies is not misplaced.
...
Atreus touched down deep in the forest and stood once he stopped. He took in his surroundings, his impact had left a small crater surrounded by angular scorch marks. While it didn't affect the overall landscape of the forest, there were now a few knocked over trees and a bit of rising smoke. 'It never feels like I have leapt, only that I have fallen.', his thoughts were interrupted by a growling sound.
He turned his head to look at the source of the sound, what met his eyes puzzled him slightly. These were clearly some of the monsters he had been warned about, but instead of being something more conventional, he found himself facing three wolves made out of wood. Growling, the wolfs leapt at the warrior. He stabbed through the first wolf with his spear, it's two kin were upon him in moments, he removed his spear and shielded against the wolf's pounces. He bashed his shield against them, throwing them back. He slashed the wolf to his left twice before kicking the wolf to his right. The wolf he kicked began to run off when it realized it was alone. Seeing that, Atreus pulled back his arm and threw his spear, ripping the fleeing wolf to kindling.
The spear returned to his hand as Pantheon huffed. The man placed the spear butt into the dirt and looked at the compass he hand just taken out from his bag. He reasoned he should be almost completely south of Canterlot, there was a settlement along the way if Atreus remembered the map in his pack correctly. He placed the compass back into his pack and picked up his spear. The sun was at a point that indicated to him it was early afternoon, 'I need to get out of the forest by nightfall. The monsters will be greater in number and more active', as Pantheon walked he began to take in the forest, the trees were dark and twisted. The forest floor was a thick brush of plants and decaying matter. The clearing the man had destroyed with his landing held the light of day, the rest of the forest however was shaded and you could barely see through the leaves into the sky.
...
In Ponyville the whole town was helping prepare for the festival. It was a big event, and getting a visit from the princess was monumental. Ponyville wasn't a small town, but it was most certainly not anywhere near a large town or city. Only the ponies of the court saw Celestia, if you didn't count castle staff that is. The town heard a humming noise, almost like a uniform vibrating chord and they turned their eyes to the sky and beheld a flaming ball as it passed above them; it quickly landed with a single loud crashing thud somewhere within the Everfree.
"Wow what was that!", Spike asked Twilight in a curious tone.
"Uh, a meteor, i think. It can wait for later, for now we need to finish making sure everything is ready.", Twilight answered her assistant. 'I hope that the princess is right about the mare in the moon and ,with any luck, that the meteor is unrelated,' she reassured herself, continuing on her list of things to do.
Atreus moved through the trees, the forest wasn't necessarily dense, however, the uneven, rocky, and twisting terrain slowed him by a decent margin to the point where he would need luck to complete his goal of getting out by nightfall. Already, he saw the sun lowering towards the ground and quickened his pace, using small jumps to hike up small ledges. Atreus climbed a cliff with his spear and shield on his back. He knelt to the ground to look at tracks, they appeared to belong to a wild cat of some kind. Though it looked much heavier than most he had seen. Pantheon decided the best course of action was to move on, and do so swiftly. He jogged toward his destination, pulled the spear and shield from his back and again held them ready. The sun was at the final stage of the day orange reds streaking across the sky. As Atreus crossed over one final hill, he saw what appeared to be the exit of the forest.
He paused his gait at the Forest's edge and scouted his position. He spotted the town not far from his position. Having decided to approach the town, Pantheon remembered his last experience doing this and wisely placed the spear and shield on his back, under his cape but on top of his backpack. The tip of the spear popped out from his cape but most of the weapon was covered. With his worries temporarily alleviated, the man continued to walk toward the town. As he approached, he noticed that the townspeople appeared to be gathering at the local hall. 'Or whatever that building is.' he idly thought as he came within a hundred meters of the village. The sun had set now, Pantheon sighed warily,a brief thought flashing in his mind, 'How quickly the light of the heavens fade.'
The man wandered the town unnoticed for the time being. There wasn't an inn that he could see, and no townsfolk were nearby to ask. 'All of them are in there.' the warrior looked over at the hall, 'I was hoping to not gather attention. Perhaps whatever has them all gathered, will allow me to be only noticed by the ones I disturb with my queries.' The hall came closer as he jogged, not wanting to waste much time. He entered quietly as he heard what sounded like a speech in progress.
"...and now! It is my great honour to introduce to you the ruler of our land. The very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day! The good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria!" the mare paused, Pantheon mentally remarked, 'This one appears to be the town's Lord.' Her hair was silver and she held oddly few wrinkles for her age. Her clothes were for a professional and formal setting, consisting of a brown-white, suit-like attire, minus the overcoat. No pony had noticed Atreus, even the guards were glued to the speaker and as no pony had noticed him, only one of them noticed the black craters disappear from the surface of the moon. The speaker excitedly resumed, "Princess Celestia!"
Trumpets rang out from nearby as Pantheon shifted his gaze to the stage. If the Princess was here, it might end his journey right here, after all, the only reason he desired to enter canter lot was to acquire aid in returning to Runeterra. He saw the curtains violet pull back and he sourly narrowed his eyes. This was far too convenient.
As the balcony was lit up, it revealed itself to be empty. Confused murmurings emanated from the crowd as one shaky voice spoke above the rest, "This can't be good."
Pantheon was inclined to agree with the multi shaded, purple-haired unicorn female. Something was afoot. The older mare in charge began to speak, attempting to ease the concerns of her audience, though her words were drowned out by whispers of panic.
Another purple-haired unicorn mare stepped onto the balcony, though this one wore more intricate clothes and possessed teal-colored eyes, she spoke airily, voice almost cracking despite brief finality of her statement, "She's gone." Gasps sounded from the hall, the guards tensed, a couple noting his presence, however, before they could move to inquire into the man's presance, a mare cried out. Looking towards her every eye noticed strange, tar-like smoke wafting beneath the balcony. The gaseous shadows began to rise up and grow, then exploded outwards to reveal a mare wrapped in dark armor.
Immediately, Pantheon sensed a familiar darkness from the mare. Her presance reminded him of the Darkin. She had both wings and a horn and her height equalled Atreus, with her horn, she would have exceeded him. Her hair flowed in the air, resembled a moving portrait of the stars and her eyes were slits, colored the deepest blue of a stagnant lake, threatening to drown any who stray into their depths.
"Oh mine beloved subjects, it has't been so long since I've seen thine precious, sun loving faces," she spoke powerfully, her voice rich as silk gmyet rough as a crashing wave, her last few words coated in venom. A rainbow-haired pegusus mare shot a demand to know where the princess was before she was prevented from flying after the mare, courtesy of an stocky, orange mare with a cowboy hat. The Dark in-like mare began to monologue about her apparent royal status and signs from legends of her imprisonment. Pantheon was barely registering her words as he removed the weapons from his back.
Before he could act however a unicorn mare spoke up, the same mare who noticed the wrongness of the situation. She stated her claim to have known the mare was coming, alas, more fruitless dialogue, "...And I know who you are, you're the mare in the moon, The Great Betrayer, Nightmare Moon."
"Finally! Somepony remembers me! Then thou'st know mine claim." Nightmare Moon declared to her audience. The purple mare stuttered as the gazes from the villagers and the monster on the balcony overwhelmed her and she fell onto her knees in panic. The laugh from the dark alicorn was finished with a declaration, "Remember this day mine little ponies. For it was thine last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare moon's tail and hair seamed to stretch and expand into the air to show the stars cover the ceiling in a spiral. Lighting shot for the mass of stars as she laughed. The guards jumped to motion at the order of the mayor. They flew to engage the one who threatened their world with her rule of night. As they charged with weapons in hand, Nightmare moon yelled, "Stand back you foals!" her eyes glowed as she struck them with lightning.
Just as she was about to leave, a streaking sound was heard followed by a piercing shriek. A blazing golden spear had rocketed into the mist as it tried to fly away. The monster quickly burst through the doors of the hall, flying out of sight.
At the moment the hall's attention was on the warrior who grab the returning spear as it flew to him, silver blood marring the golden speartip. He stood tall, his cape much like Nightmare moons hair but more lifelike, almost explosive in its splendor. His comet plume blazed, along with the piercing look he sent to the retreating creature. 'So much for not being noticed.' Pantheon lamented as a pink-haired earthpony mare hopped, literally hopped, over to him.
"Who are you?!" her speech quickly devolved into a flurry of questions he ignored. The man saw the unicorn mare from earlier run by and out the doors with a small purple scaled boy in her arms, determined look in her eye.
'She knew it's name, she may know how to best find and defeat this Nightmare moon. If nothing else it is good to know what that creature was.' Pantheon ran after her and was then followed by a small group of mares. The hall was left with confused with multiple discombobulated guardmen and terrified ponies.
Twilight entered the library and put Spike to bed. The little dragon had green fins, purple scales on his limbs and torso, and green eyes. His purple and green shirt was wrinkled, and he snuggled into his blanket. Twilight moved downstairs and began to frantically search for a way to defeat Nightmare moon, loudly murmuring about the Elements of Harmony. At that moment a rainbow streak entered the library, followed by five others.
"And just what exactly are the elements?! And I how did you know about Nightmare moon uh?! Are you a spy?!" the rainbow hair pegusus mare interrogated in a near hoarse voice. She was quickly pulled from Twilight's face by two separate hands.
"Sirmer down sally, she ain't no spy." the blond hair mare with a cowboy hat said as she calmed her friend. Applejack turned to Twilight, however she was interrupted by the voice from Rainbow Dash's second restrainer.
"The earthpony speaks true, she would not wish to stop the Nightmare if she was. However she does know what the monster is, and what can stop it." as the rest of the mares came into the library all eyes were drawn to the stranger.
"Hey! You never answered my question earlier. What's your name?" Pinkie popped into the front of the warrior's vision and interrogated him in a semi-serious tone.
"You can call me Pantheon for now," Atreus didn't feel like to share his name. He could not do so with every passing person. He had to solve this problem, these mares were sure to be out of his life soon enough, that it did not matter for them. "Now if would please illuminate the situation Miss?"
"Uh, Twilight." the unicorn said, a bit unsure if the stranger had any place being here to hear this. He was clearly not from around here he wore odd clothes, and held foreign weapons. That was another thing, he was armed.
"Hey we should throw you a welcome to ponyville and also maybe Equestria cause you don't look like you're from around here party!" Pinkie excitedly blurred her words together.
"Later, for now we must listen to Miss Twilight's explanation." as Pantheon spoke he removed his helmet, the plum had long since disappeared but he still appeared too unapproachable with it on. Hiding most of your face behind celestial steal doesn't tend to inspire trust. As the mares saw the slightly taller man's face they were a bit surprised to find him handsome.
Rarity swooned a bit, 'Oh my! He may not wear a shirt but he's such an exotic and handsome stallion. That accent sounds like one of the many in Manehattan.'
"I read all about the prediction of Nightmare moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only thing that can stop her. But I don't know what they are, where to find them, I even what they do." as Twilight spoke Pantheon considered her words.
'I may be able to defeat this Nightmare, but I can not bet the lives of this world on that.' his frown was small but noticeable. Almost as if to stop that frown Pinkie came to rescue with her words.
"'The Elements of Harmony: A reference guide'" the pink haired earthpony quoted.
Twilight rushed over and exclaimed, "How did you find that!?"
"It was under Eeeee!" pinkie answered in a cheery glee.
"Oh," Twilight grabbed the book in her magic and began to read a load, "There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It is located in what is now, the Everfreeforest."
"The Everfreeforest!" the remaining mares yelled in semi-shock.
"It would be best if I went to retrieve the Elements. All of you should stay here while I do." Pantheon declared as he placed his helm on his head and moved to the door.
"And what makes you think we can't come with you uhhhh?" Rainbow interjected flying in front of the man, her cyan blue wings beating as she hovered in the air.
Twilight spoke catching everypony and person in the room, "I appreciate the sentiment but I really should do this on my own." Twilight left the library and started walking south toward the forest. The mares and man following her.
"No can do sugar cube. We sure ain't letting any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone." Applejack stated while her friends agreed.
"I did not realize you were all so comfortable entering a monster invested forest. If that is the case you may accompany me." as Atreus said this, it had the intended affect of taking some of the wind out of their sails.
"T-there aren't a-actual monsters in there r-right?" Fluttershy asked the group.
"There are." Pantheon stated in a clear and precise tone. The group tensed at the words before they started walking again after him.
"And how would you know. No pony ever goes in there and comes out?!" Rainbow asked confident in her statement.
The group finally came to the entrance of the forest and Atreus said one final line in an attempt to stop them from coming, "I was here earlier today, and I killed some wolfs made out of wood. There were also prints from a large feline creature as well. Because of the now unending night the predators may be still moving about."
The group looked scared before Pinkie laughed, "Perfect then you know how to get through the forest and well get the Elements lickity split!"
Atreus sighed and simply moved on, he could see that if he tried to convince them to stay it had as much chance to work as them telling him to stay. They may be scared but he also recognized the determination in their eyes. "Stay close, I have only been here once."
The group walked on they all kept their eyes on their surroundings, they neared a cliff Twilight broached the subject on her mind, "When you were in here earlier, did you have a purpose or were you lost?"
"I came here to get close to my destination. It was my best landing site." his words confused the group they stopped at the cliff, they didn't notice the starry mist seep into the ground.
"What do you mean land, you got wings under that cape of your's?" Dash asked in a confused tone. She picked up his cape and saw a backpack and no wings.
"No I am not a pegusus." he answered before turning to pull the cape back down.
"Then what do you mean land? And why did you land in the Everfree of all places?" Twilight asked intent on knowing this odd stallion's reasons.
"Did you not see my arrival then, I would think a comet falling to the ground would muster some attention?" as the words left Pantheon's mouth he regretted them. Twilight jumped into is face and screamed a one word question.
"What!?" as the unicorn said that the ground around the cliff crumbled and the flightless fell downward. The group screamed, the two pegusai moving to save Rarity and Pinkie. Applejack moved to save Twilight from falling off the very edge of the cliff. Words were exchanged between them and ultimately Twilight chose to trust Applejack letting go of her hold. She screamed before her pegusai companions grabbed her. Everyone but Applejack was at the base of the cliff, Apple jack jumped down onto several ledges and found herself at the bottom. "Wait, where is Pantheon?!" Twilight exclaimed.
"Excellent work," the mares glanced up to see the man with his spear stuck into the cliff. He put his shield onto his back and dislodged the spear. As he fell rainbow moved to save him but another quick stab into the cliff-face to slow himself and a kick off the wall to land on the ground saved him. "Though having heard your conversation, it may have been a better idea to tell her your plan Miss?" Atreus looked at Applejack expectantly.
"Ahhh, Applejack. I must say your descent made mine look like nothing." Applejack said attempting to divert attention away from the fact that she didn't think to just say what her idea was. 'If that ain't just the most trust anypony ever put in me, i don't know what is.'
"The best climbers know how to fall." the man stated in response to the compliment.
“I have a question?! You said you were the meteor! How and what?!” Twilight asked.
“Not important right now, I will explain later if given the chance.” as he said that Twilight sighed but contented herself with the idea of a full explanation later.
The group moved on with Rainbow recounting her help in rescuing Twilight. Suddenly a manticore jumped from the bushes and growled. The group screamed and Pantheon rushed forward, "Stay behind me!" The manticore and Pantheon bashed at each other, and swatted away each others attacks.
The mares moved to help before Fluttershy yelled, "Wait!!" She moved to the manticore and cued to it. The manticore showed its paw to her. There was a thorn in it's paw. She removed the thorn and the manticore roared, Atreus moved to save the pegusus but saw her being licked and nuzzled by the creature. As it left Fluttershy and Twilight spoke to one another.
"That was a very brave but very dangerous thing to do." Atreus chided.
"I know but everyone needs a little kindness sometimes." she lowered he head and seemed to frown at his gaze.
"True enough, without kindness the world would be a cruel place. What is your name Miss?" the man agreed.
"Oh, uhhh, Fluttershy." as she said the words she sinked away from him again.
'Fitting, but that makes her all the more brave.' Pantheon reasoned. They continued to move until they came across an area of darkness the only light came from Pantheon. His cape was like a search light in the darkness with all the starry lights on it. His spear and shield held a calming blue glow which help the mare’s nerves. After a moment one of them screamed, the trees seaming to have transformed into vicious teethed versions of themselves. They mares began to cower as Pantheon took a defensive stance. Anything which could make the trees transform or even just appear this way was clearly not friendly. ‘Even if these illusions turn out to be harmless, something is trying to impede our progress.’ The man snarled as he began to walk slowly toward a tree ready for it to suddenly try a surprise attack. Runeterra had taught him that such sapient trees did exist.
Pinkie Pie began to laugh and giggle. The other mares looked at her and asked her what she was doing. Atreus was mostly confused as to what was funny. She began to explain in song, as her friends joined her in laughing the trees returned to normal in poofs of smoke. For his part Atreus was mostly impressed that such a vivid illusion could be so simply dispelled, but his eyebrows still scrunched and his mouth was slightly agape. “Hey there why are you laughing?” Pinkie asked Pantheon in mock offense. “Well if you aren’t going to laugh for the sake of laughing wanna hear a joke?” Atreus titled his head as if asking if she was serious. “Ok heres a joke. You should tip bakers often.” She paused waiting for his reaction. He wondered if she knew he was somewhat of a baker. “Cuz they really knead it!”
“Hahaha.” Atreus threw his head back in a deep laugh for a few seconds. “As much as I enjoy this cheery atmosphere, we really should get moving Miss?”
“Pinkamena Diana Pie, but everyone calls me Pinkie!” She smiled widely hopping over to him. He smiled back under the helmet before turn back to their chosen direction.
He moved ahead of the group though their laughing and giggling was never quieter. As they moved through the forest they came across a river. It appeared to be rapids, then the group heard a wailing. They came across a serpent. After talking with the great purple serpent the group found out that the reason he was crying was because his mustache was ruined. While some were unsympathetic and Rarity corrected the problem. She cut off some of her tail by borrowing Pantheon’s spear and gave the serpent the tail to act as a sort of temporary mustache. While he was stone faced and even let her borrow the blade of his spear. Pantheon was not happy, they had little time. Though that was not why he was angry. While this serpent moaned about his mustache, Atreus lived each moment treasuring the air itself. Every little privilege he held he was aware of. Having been so close to losing anything he had left many times over he was familiar with life’s simple treasures.
As they moved on Rarity noted his tense posture and moved up to ask him, “Is something the matter darling? You seem upset, did something happen back at the river?”
He turned his head to her question, “What is your name Miss.”
“I am Rarity dear. Nice to make your acquaintance.” Rarity said honestly.
Think of it through my prospective. I have lived a dangerous life and found this true. That We are privileged to breath. To taste the air. It is the last gasp of all who have died before us. And he uses it to complain about an unwanted shave.” he turned to her and smiled, “What you did showed patience, minor kindness and generosity. But I can not stand such shallow notions such as fashion.” Rarity was about to protest before he held up a hand to ask for silence to continue, “I have appreciation for beauty, and clothing can certainly be that. But to obsess over your looks like that. Simply shows me the hollow notions of looks is all they can care about. Many are able to put that aside, to care for more, to look past looks alone. But many are not able to.”
“No I understand, I love fashion and beauty. But I have a life outside of it. Friends, family, I have connections in life. While for others looks is the most important thing, and everything else is second. I would trade all my jewels and dresses. To never have any again. All of my pretty things just too keep my little sister happy and safe.” Rarity nodded and spoke a deeply genuine response.
The group of seven move in silence for a while before coming across the ruin. There was a bridge once upon a time. Now only ropes and a chasm. Rainbow flew down retrieved the rope bridge and got to the other side. There seemed to be voices coming from the other side and Rainbow was taking a long time. “Rainbow!” Her friends would shout out to the fog in concern, “Rainbow Dash! What’s going on.”
“I will see what is wrong, stay here.” Atreus said as he jumped the chasm with a running start. He landed and spotted the pegasus as she turned to him, “Everything alright?”
She was a little surprised to see him but quickly answered, “Yeah I just turned down these guys’ offer is all. I need to help my friends you know?”
As Atreus glanced around the area he saw nothing but receding fog, “Who Miss Dash?” She turned around and frowned, she quickly tied the bridge after deciding they had left. The whole group entered the castle.
The group entered the castle and stood before five orbs which were held in stone arms of the center piece of the room. The pegasai of the group gently placed the orbs on the ground, they gathered around them and asked a few questions. As Twilight says she has something to try. The group leave the room except her, as Pantheon began to leave he posed a thought. 'She said she need space, not isolation, it would be best if I stayed where I can see her.' Atreus stood in the entrance way of the hall. He looked around the surrounding ruins looking for a threat, content that for now they were safe he looks back at Twilight to gauge her progress, the man saw a tornado of mist around the Elements. "Twilight?!" he sounded in concern moving quickly to her. She opened he eyes and gasped she jumped toward the Elements with Atreus close behind. The two of them disappeared as the other mares entered the room. The five of them called for their friend and companion(AN:no oxford comma = different people right?), they saw lights emerge from a near by building and ran in that direction.
The two companions landed in a cloud of dust and came to there feet to see Nightmare moon, "Hahahaha," her evil laugh was mocking. Twilight got up and Pantheon got to his feet and took a battle stance. "Your kidding. Your kidding right?" Nightmare lifted her hand to front of her to show distaste.
Twilight started to prepare a spell as Atreus charged the dark alicorn. Nightmare moon summoned a scythe of dark metal from her mist, it gleamed in the moonlight as it showed a terrifying image of death. "Face me parasite!" Pantheon ran with shield facing his opponent, spear close to the shield in his charge. His helmet plum blazed brighter than the rest of the lights as his weapons soon join it in a celestial display of power.
"I am the goddess of the night you worm!" Nightmare screamed back. A thousand years of inner turmoil had not been kind to her ego. Twilight teleported unnoticed and began to work with the Elements.
The two met with a clash and crash of steal sending sparks across the stones they stood on. The alicorn stabbed downward with her scythe, it collided and stopped when it met the warriors cracked shield. It held true and the warrior spoke in harsh breaths, "I have faced many self proclaimed gods!" Atreus bashed his shield throwing the scythe back and stabbed at the goddess. She cried out as his spear nicked her side and silver blood fell to the floor before she began to heal, "But when they die you can not hear their howls above the wind!" He assaulted her with a flurry of spear stabs and slashes. Nightmare used her magic to take the scythe from her grasp and spin it as she back off hovering a few feet in the air with her wings. Placed back in her hand she began use her scythe defensively to give herself time to channel magic. She struck out at him with lightening as he sidestepped and blocked with his shield. The fight was back and forth, each using their weapons as extension of their bodies. More than once both used their unique skills to nearly over power the other.
There was a cry from Twilight as she was launched from the dais, the Elements sparked as Nightmare panicked. "No! No!" She quickly flew to the Elements as they sparked, she landed as they stopped.
Twilight gasped, "But where's the sixth element?" The dark alicorn laughed as she stomped down shattering the artifacts into shards.
"Did you really think you insects could defeat me?! The night shall rule forever! Hahahaha!" the dark alicorn's laugh echoed through the castle grounds. Twilight was about to lose hope before she heard her friend's voices from the corridor.
"You think you've won by destroying the Elements of Harmony. Well think again because the spirit of the elements is right here!" She began to list each of her friends' respective Element. After explaining what the true spark was the sixth element appeared, "The Element of Magic!".
"Not again! Never AGAIN!" the scream from Nightmare was bloodcurdling, she flew to attack Twilight before the final element could be placed on her head. As the scythe was descending it path was blocked by a masculine figure. Pantheon caught the scythe on the shield that was in his right hand. Nightmare was infuriated, the Elements began to form into necklaces on the bearers. Nightmare sent two quick bursts of magic, they knocked Atreus back and his shield from his hand. He didn't have time to recall it to him as a scythe dug into his skin, the man braced the spear-staff against the blade of the scythe to halt the blade's advance into his arm. The result was him being tossed to the side hitting the wall of stone with a thud. The Elements were done charging and fired rainbow beams of magic into the air before they corrected coarse toward Nightmare. "NOOOOOOOO!"
The monster's screams were cut off by waterfall like bolt of magic that enveloped her like a storm. Atreus watched this with a sort of marvel, that such powerful artifacts were activated by such simply things. 'What a world I have found my self on.' his thoughts cut out as he fell into unconsciousness. His helmet slipping from his head as he finally collapsed.
...
The mares awoke from unconsciousness and stood up, Rarity noticed her regrown tail and squeaked in from happiness. Just as they were finished saying they were the elements of friendship, the light of the sun came overhead. A gentle voice speaking alongside it, "Indeed you do my ponies." the mares knelled with their heads down as Princess Celestia came down from the light.
The ponies were talking freely as another figure entered the scene, this one rised from the ground. There was a small puddle of blood from his injured arm. He stood and summoned his scattered weapons. The sound of his hands grabbing the flying armaments alerted the group of seven mares. They turned and everyone except Celestia did a mental face-palm, they had callously forgotten Pantheon. Twilight was the first to run over followed by Fluttershy who saw his injured arm. Before Pantheon spoke she had already cleaned and bound the wound in some gauze, "Thank you Miss Fluttershy." The princess walked over eyeing Atreus warily, "You are Princess Celestia, I have a few things to talk to you about."
"As do I for you, but that can wait," Celestia turned to where Nightmare moon had been. "Princess Luna, it has been a thousand years since I have see you last, and in that time I have not forgiven myself for banishing you. Will you forgive me and rule with me again little sister?” Celestia was on her knees as she looked at her sister, Luna listened in shame but upon hearing her sister's final words broke and jumped to her in a hug.
"We are sorry Celestia, we’re sorry!" the two held one another for a short while comforted by the other with tears fallen on the stones.
While the hug happened Atreus looked at the princesses. He took in each one's appearance, Luna had plain blue hair and the same ocean coloured eyes. She had a blue horn, wings and her cutiemark of the moon was visible on her arm as a blue patch with a white crescent. She was much smaller than her sister, she was closer to one of the other girl's heights. He turned to Celestia, having taken in the white and gold of her person he saw her stylized sun on her arm.
'Funny none of them have commented on my lack of cutiemark yet.' the man looked around and saw the cutiemarks of each Element Bearer on their necklaces and arms.
"Ummm, Pantheon? I noticed this when I wrapped your arm that you didn't have a cuitemark why is that?" at this all of the mares surounded and inspected the man.
"He doesn't have a tail either!" Rarity said nearly fainting as she did.
"It took you all a while to notice. I noticed he wasn't a pony when I walked up to him, I also remember that magic you have there, Pantheon was it? You were the meteorite that crashed into the Everfree weren’t you? Although how you did that, I am not quite sure." Celestia returned to the group with Luna by her side.
"Oh yeah! You promised to explain that!" Twilight said pointing a hoof at the apparent non-pony.
The Unbroken Spear laughed at the way she said her threat, "Where to begin?" the man seamed to pause in thought, "How about an introduction then?" Pantheon placed his weapons on his back. Then the group having all moved to his front so as to see his face as he spoke listened, "My name is Atreus," the group frowned at having been lied to indirectly, "my title is Pantheon, I am a human," he turned his head to Celestia and caught her eye and continued, " and I need help getting home to my planet of Runeterra."
The bearers of the Elements had returned to Ponyville, the young Miss Sparkle and her dragon were reunited, and Luna was warmly welcomed by the denizens of the town as she stood with her sister. After Celestia assigned her pupil to study friendship the Princesses departed with a certain warrior in tow. 'Did Twilight truly need that as an excuse to be absent from the regular studies Celestia's students take. Twilight and her friends should be together if not because they may be her first friends to my knowledge, but also because they can use sacred artifacts which banish evil.' The ride to Canterlot was mostly quite talking between Luna and Celestia in their own cabin on the train. Atreus had never been on a train before, he did get some minor motion sickness but got over the feeling soon enough. The gentle rocking and vibration from riding on the train was nothing to the gut wrenching leap and drop he often did to travel.
Pantheon sat in his cabin, the princesses' muffled voices came from the cabin next to his. There were only so many places in the royal-car of the train the guard could put him. The princess were not sure about this supposed alien but his assistance in returning Luna spoke that he wasn't an enemy at the very least. No enemy of Equestria would have admitted to the things he had. ‘Even if all this was some elaborate way to shroud his true intentions I will find out in the end.’ Celestia thought as she listened to Luna. Being able to listen able one thing and think on another was something Celestia had developed from a thousand years of hearing Nobles’ complaints. Her sister seamed to notice her fractured focus however and she returned her full attention to her newly returned sibling. “No Luna everything is fine, I am simply working through what we are going to do with our guest.” She smiled to her sibling as the younger alicorn nodded.
“We have returned to thou and would most enjoy being of assistance if allowed.” Luna stated hopefully, she gazed up at her sister. The two both possessed horns but neither accidentally poked the other’s eyes out with them. Only those who were not used to having a horn would make a mistake like that. Celestia chuckled at the response from Luna.
“Your vernacular may need to be worked on, I meant the both of us would be dealing with him.” Celestia and Luna were sitting side by side on a cushy seat, Celestia saw her sister frown.
“Much hath changed during our time upon the moon, thou will have to teach us how to adjust.” She returned her gaze lower as if digesting her older sibling’s mannerisms.
“We-“ reevaluating her words she continued, “the two of us will get through it.” The conversations they had were a little stunted, however, neither one of them would have traded a moment of the time for something else. The first hours they had alone together in a thousand years and both were happy they got to have it.
...
The train arrived at the station and Luna marveled at the things around her, the train had amazed her as it was. Now the princess of the night bore witness to many beautiful sights, Canterlot made the old castle and its’ surrounding residents in its’ prime look like a hamlet. Canterlot was a mountain with a city popped onto it. The castle made that clear, as it jutted out of the surface of the mountain side, like unsupported towers were built farther and farther out from the mountainside. It was white and gold, shocker. Stone and many other sturdy materials made up its core structure.
As the royal sister moved to the palace they were escorted by guards, and the guards escorted Pantheon. Very closely, he was still armed and a mystery. When the most senior of the guards with the sister at the moment had asked for Atreus’ weapons so he could keep security though the guard didn’t give a reason. Atreus said he would be willing to give his weapons so long as the officer was alright with what could happen when the weapons were called back for whatever reason. The guard was given a reassurance that the guest would behave by Princess Celestia. “You don't seem all that impressed Atreus, is Canterlot not much compared to your home?”
The group moved through the halls of the palace toward a meeting room, where Atreus and the princesses could speech comfortably. “Your capital is beautiful, it surpasses most if not all of the settlements around my home. Many people live in the area surrounding Mount Targon, including my own home. But when I ascended to the top of the mountain, no city could surpass the city on Targon’s peak in beauty or scale.” The sisters looked at one another as the reached the room and each of them sat down. Pantheon’s helmet had been removed before he sat down. The sisters at one another’s sides and Atreus across from them. The guards lined the walls and door ways keeping a eye on Atreus at all times.
“I take it this city is a place you would like to return to, given the beauty you say it possesses it must receive many visitors.” Celestia reasoned.
“No, it has very few people actually reach the mountain’s peak. Thou so many try that it can not be counted. There are only a few survivors of the climb, and the vast majority are the ones that turned back near the beginning.” Atreus could tell his words were upsetting the rulers, and not because he uses the word people instead of ponies.
“Does thou mean ‘people’ die attempting to enter this city, what manner of curse possess them to do this?” Luna asked in a shocked tone.
“People climb the mountain seeking power, when you reach the top, you are made a vessel for an Aspect’s power.” Pantheon explained.
“An aspect? An aspect of what?” Celestia asked confused by terminology.
“For the lack of a better way to describe them, and despite my personal misgivings I will say it this way. The Aspects are my worlds gods.” the pair paused at hearing his words. The power of a god, even if they were ones the sister did not know could be in Atreus if he was truthful about climbing the mountain. “They are some the celestial beings that created Runeterra from great magics, and pulled mount Targon from the earth to above the clouds. When a mortal is tested by the mountain and they succeed they are given power by an aspect and become their representative.”
“What are you the aspect of?” Celestia asked flatly, she did not like the idea that such a powerful being just landed on her doorstep.
“Nothing,” this earned a confused look from the Solar and Lunar diarchy, “I did not possess the power of an aspect when I reached the peak, rather the aspect possessed me. When I was younger, I was not a talented warrior. I had skill, but nothing compared to many of my pears. However, I never backed down. I would rise to every challenge, I would stand back up. I would be the first to rise in the morning and the last to retire at night, my arms always leaded from practice.”
“Admirable, perseverance is a wonderful trait, to overcome defeat is true strength.” Celestia stated, Atreus looked at her his eyes met her’s. He smiled genuinely to her.
“Even if you do not consider yourselves gods, you move and shape the heavens each night, something even the celestials of my home could not do. I am glad you are different from them.” Celestia kept silent at his comment intent on listening more, “When I and my battle brother sought power on Targon’s peak we found nothing, he froze to death in my arms. At that moment the heavens showed the city take form, a figure motioned me to come. When I left I did not return.” His words made no sense, he continued, “Atreus died on that mountain, with his brother. The warrior that flew from the peak of mount Targon was the Aspect of war itself, Pantheon.” Celestia tensed slightly, a being which represents war and all that entails was worrisome. What worried her more was that it could be here on Equis, in front of her.
“Thou makes no sense, say wh-“ her triad was cut off by her sister’s hand as she then motioned for Pantheon to continue.
“When I entered the city I was not given power by the aspect, I was deemed unworthy. My defeats were to numerous, frequent, and great. I was not worthy of receiving it’s mantle. So it infused itself into me. I only ever saw small visions after that, my mind was overridden by Pantheon. However I was freed when Aatrox the world ender struck down the god. Aatrox is a ’Darkin’, a warrior who underwent a ceremony to become an immortal and godly being called an ‘Ascended’ these ‘Ascended’ were created by the celestials to be an army. However the empire they served was destroyed, they went mad and any became Darkin. Twisted versions of the Ascended” the man traced his diagonal scar to show case his point. “Impaled on his blade, I spit in his face, the Darkin left me to die on the battle field.”
“What happened next?” the princess of the sun asked.
“I stood up and returned home, with some help I recovered in a few months. There were invaders threatening us. I went with the aspect’s weapons to meet them. Though they themselves were under attack by Aatrox, I placed myself between the two. Aatrox mocked me and beat me to the earth, in that moment I heard the cries from the people behind me as I fell. Willing myself to stand my will reignited my weapons and I severed his sword arm. That body died, the Darkin is still out there but I had bested him. I vowed on that day to destroy and fight all things who held power so great it can only destroy. Whether it be god or demon. The mortals of Runeterra fight to survive, we are caught between Darkin and Aspect." the two sister looked at him with sympathy, perhaps even empathy.
"So a god of your realm died just like that, why would the aspects ever give power to vessels if it could kill them." the solar princess asked in confusion.
"Normally if a vessel dies, the Aspect is unaffected as they will simple take on another vessel. However, my case was different. My body was not infused with power but possessed. The Aspect Pantheon was exposing itself to walk on Runeterra in my body in order to achieve great feats. That arrogance was its' downfall when it fought and lost to Aatrox. When it died, the four stars of the Pantheon constellation disappeared from the sky." at his final words Luna saddened, she held love for stars, even ones which were not her own.
"Your world lost some of its' stars?" the lunar princess looked saddened farther as he nodded.
"When I destroyed Aatrox's host the sky held a star that had disappeared, the star's name was Atreus. I was named after that star, and now it returns when I am near death and my willpower sets my spear alight" the sister considered his words, they had very little to go on, he could be lying about almost everything. But both the sister's in some way believed his story.
"I think," Celestia paused, "we can trust you for now, you are welcome to stay here at the palace. It will soon be time for Luna and I to raise the moon together. She may need sometime to recover her magic and true form. Guards please escort Atreus to a guest room for the evening." the man stood and nodded, he would not bow but their word had earned his respect if only because they seamed to care more than most celestials. Soraka may be the only one to weep for his people.
As the man left Luna turned her head to her elder sibling, "What doth thou think sister?"
Celestia rubbed her temples and sighed, "That even if he was not here, that we are going to have a busy time together."
The dawn came and the world became brighter than the stars, or at least you couldn't see the stars once the sun rose. Atreus sat up in bed rubbing his eyes, the light from the window told him that the dawn had come not long ago. 'Though I suppose it would be more accurate to say the princess rose the sun.' the man moved from the bed. It had to be the biggest bed he had ever slept in. It had white blankets, sheets, and a wooden frame. The frame could take twice his weight and not bend a centimeter; Pantheon almost had difficulty sleeping with how used to worse beds he had become. His weapons laid against the wall. his helm on a chair placed near by. His cape draped over the back of the chair. As the warrior stood up he walked over to his sandals and placed them on his feet. He picked up his cape and fastened it around his neck, he placed his helm on his head and glanced at his weapons. Deciding that it may be a good idea not to put the guards of the palace on edge.
Exiting his room the guards nodded to him as he made his way to the dining room, it had apparently acted as the temporary meeting room last night. He had a pretty good idea of the castle's route from his room to the dining hall, as he was technically a guest he reasoned it would make sense to eat with his host. 'Hosts' Pantheon corrected himself, 'Though I suppose I thought that because princess Luna has yet to return to her duties. She did only return yesterday after all. I am more familiar with modern Equestria than her.' Though his only clue for what to do next was eat, he understood his issue would have to wait until the princesses had time. In the meantime, Celestia would most likely give the task of finding and researching a way home for him, to trusted servants and students.
When he entered the room he saw a curious sight, a Luna and Celestia chewing their food with frowns. "I hope I am allowed to eat here? If not I am not so sure where you intend for me to eat." the sisters looked at him as he entered.
"No you are our guest we would have sent a maid to fetch you for breakfast but we eat early due to needing to lower the moon and raise the sun." Celestia motioned him to a chair and he sat down. He removed his helmet and placed it on the floor so as to be out of the way. "That and neither of us is very happy after dealing with the aristocracy this morning, some of them heard about Luna's return and came to the palace to speak to us. Let us just say for now that, they were barely hiding their true intentions."
Pantheon nodded though he was not incredibly knowledgeable on any form of politics he did understand arrogance itself. Maids and servers entered and deposited the meal in front of Atreus. They exited again, leaving him with some some gourmet looking pastries and fruits. Finished with his food Atreus placed his helm under his arm and stood. After the quite meal the three of them began to leave the room, "What will you do about my situation, I understand you are busy, so if you send me to one of your ponies-"
"No, I think this situation can be cleared up fastest if I ask a few simple questions." Celestia cut him off but spoke in a tone which left Atreus, reassured for lack of a better word.
'She has a lot of experience with people...ponies' Atreus reminded himself. The group walked into what appeared to be an office, already there were stacks of paperwork on the desk. Celestia sighed when she saw them. Luna spoke up.
"We would help thou sister, but we fear that if thee changes thou hast spoke of are true. We may have to learn more than new words to help." Luna started her point with determination but faltered at the idea of not being able to help.
"Its alright Luna you'll help soon enough, for now though I need to know a few things from you Atreus." the solar monarch, now diarch sat in her chair. "What is the last thing you remember before finding yourself on Equis?"
"I was fighting an ascended at Narimazeth, I suppose the both of us landed our last blows on each other before I woke up on a beach. I found myself on an island of the coast of Vanhouver, I found out my bearings, asked a few questions, and traveled here to meet unicorns at your school. I suppose meeting you was a stretch goal at that point."
"That answers a few of my questions, out of curiosity who answered your questions?" Celetia asked with a tilt of the head, 'It may be a good idea to see how consistent his story is.'
"There were three ponies, the easiest to check with would be the stationed guards, Steel Gait and her apprentice Sky Ray." he noticed her question but decided that her worry was normal, giving some kudos to his friends would be a nice thank you to them as well.
"Hmm, so you were quite literally blasted here. That makes things unfortunately difficult if not near impossible for getting you home. If there were runes or spells involved that we could study in some capacity then we might be able to reverse it to return you." Celestia sighed and frowned, Luna saw her sister's reaction and nodded sadly. "I'm sorry Atreus, but you may well be stuck here. Unless you saw anything unusual about weird you woke up?"
Atreus sighed deeply, he leaned back in his own chair and realization made its way through his system, "On Runeterra there lies a farm, I wonder if there is bread above the hearth? But I suppose I may never return."
"We will give any help we can, maybe you can find a meaning here. I am sure there are those who misuse their power in this world. They may not be the same as what you faced on your home planet. But you could make a difference here by protecting the many races of Equis from them, from the dangers of the world. I know it is small comfort, and it is not the same. But I can not think I a more noble goal than protecting others."
Atreus look at her, he met eyes with both of the diarchy. "If I am to stay here for long I will need to have some form of power backing me. I am not a citizen of any nation, I will have legal trouble travelling, if I ever do." He sat up and looked Celestia in the eye as he spoke, "I once said that the blows of the gods can not strike the world, if they strike me instead. I believe that can apply here. I wish to hold up my vow, and I shall shield those in need." This prompted a smile from both princesses. "Though if you or another could still do some digging before we give up I would be in your debt."
"Of course Atreus, we will try our hardest."
"Doth thou wish for a position, we-I may have an idea." Celsetia turned her head to her younger sibling.
"What do you mean Luna?" Celstia inquired
"Today the nobles spoke to you about punishing me for my rebellion against you." Luna was learning it seemed though she was really having to force herself to say the correct pronouns, "I know that if you assigned u-me a guard to keep an eye on me. As a counter measure I suppose, one who helped defeat Nightmare moon. The aristocracy would be forced to silence because there would be measures against me if I tried anything."
"Luna you would never try anything, the only reason you did in the first place was because you were ignored by myself and our subjects. Something like that will never happen again. We will give ponies reasons to love you." Celestia said as if the thought that she had to watch her sister's actions was completely ridiculous. Anymore than she already was, that is, she had to make sure not to lose her only remaining blood family again.
"I know, but they don't want me here. And they raise a good point from a logic stand point. This would silence them while giving Atreus a job, if not a purpose. Though we..." she sighed, "I, keep slipping up.... Though I do not like the idea that his purpose would be to put me down if I were to become that monster again. I also find comfort in the idea that I would not hurt anypony if I did." Celestia looked like she wanted to say something before Luna fixed her with a look, "I don't want to fall into that place again sister, but I don't know what will happen."
Celestia paused and hugged her sibling, "I understand, Atreus, will you take the job. It would require some ceremony, at least an oath of some kind. And I know it would be a lot to ask, but if you did this then I would not have to deal with nobles trying to get rid of my sister. And I would e giving Luna a pony to talk to, as much as I might try I can not spend my full day with Luna. She needs somepony to talk to, she needs a friend when I am not there." Seeing the look Luna was giving her she booped her little sisters nose with her finger, "Luna I see what you are thinking, and no. You were lonely and unloved by our subjects, or at least felt so. You need a friend, or at least some pony to spend time with you. Some pony who will tell you when you are wrong and help you when you need it. He may not be perfect but if Atreus accepts this he can do this for us."
Atreus coughed, "I accept, far be it for me to not prevent a problem and help one in need while I do."
"Thank you Atreus, I am trusting you here. Don't let it be misplaced. I had better get to this work," the princess of the sun motioned to her paper piles, "I'll see you both later, tomorrow I will have everything ready to get you as a separate division of Luna's newly reestablished Lunar guard."
Before they left Luna quickly poked her sister in the nose and ran off saying, "Boop or be booped." Celestia smiled but muttered about getting her back at lunch or dinner.
Night had began and it was finally time for the Lunar diarch to watch over the dreams of her people again. She walked through the realm of dreams, a misty and ever grey world. She had established her Lunar guard yesterday though she had yet to receive any recruits that was to be expected. Word would spread and she would have guards, some would transfer from the newly renamed solar guard. They would of course have their own reasons for this hours, personal preference, or any of the many things which could bring about the decision. She would receive applications from those who wanted to join the guard of course, but the ones from that would be smaller than even the transfers.
Sighing at how long it would take for her to have a full guard force of her own Luna adjusted her crown. She never saw a need to show her wealth with gems in her regalia, they were plentiful but she was content with her black fine crafted crown and necklace. She was never as tall as her sister but upon her return to being herself she seemed to have shrunk. This most likely had to do with the fact that she felt magically drained. 'The Elements of Harmony are also quite mysterious. We...I can not forget their part in this.' Her dress was a darker blue than her hair, it almost hugged her form. She was slim but she did not give off the look of being skinny or bony. She like her sister was beautiful, though she was not quite in her prime.
The princess continued on her walk through the mists of the realm she saw the round flat mirrors that were her subject's dreams. She could usually tell what type of dream was happening from the feelings the dream gave off. She tended to move away from dreams of more a personal nature. Every now and again she would come across a nightmare. Though not sentient, nightmares were more than simply the mind. The dream realm made them into almost living beings. Parasites which fed on fear and all other negative emotions. They didn't live very long maybe a year if they fed regularly, but they had no way to reproduce.
Ultimately they were harmless even if left alone however, the mistress of the moon was not one to abandon her ponies' dreams to fear and darkness. She would enter and kill the nightmare by forcing it to manifest itself in the dream. She had a busy night last night, there were many nightmares and she had to purge their existences now that she had returned. Now Luna could enter other races dreams however it was a matter of distance, she could not access any dreams on the moon because of how far away she was. If she could she would spend time helping the other races with their dreams but it wasn't feasible.
After exiting a dream having destroyed a nightmare she continued walking, she turned her head and smiled to herself. Her sister's mirror stood proud and beautiful. It was like any of the others though, when a pony learns dream magic dreams of others you know take on a trait or two to show you it is them. Celestia's mirror had a frame of white with gold trimming, her solar cutiemark at the top of the frame. 'White and gold. In her palace, in her wardrobe, and in her dreams.' Luna chuckled to herself.
Her smile and laugh faded however, she could only think of how many mirrors she had been able to recognize as ponies she knew back before her banishment. Her maids, guards, a few close friends she had made among subjects. All of them gone, the only mirror to show any changes from a usual mirror was her sister's. She had yet to truly morn. She felt small immaterial tears fell as she thought about how much more alone she was now. Before she was banished if she had sought her friends and ponies sympathy with her feelings she may not have felt so alone then. She quickly pushed those thoughts away, 'I must learn from that, if I do not seek help I will almost certainly not get any. I must talk to ponies if I want them to understand, try as they may they can not feel emotions.'
Luna walked farther, saddened but determined, she paused in place. Looking at a mirror in the mist nearly out of her perception. She turned and walked there as she approached she look at the mirror. It was a blue framed and trimmed in reds, oranges, and yellows on its edges. The crest for where a cutimark was usually instead held what looked like a small star.
Beauty could barely describe it, the princess weaved the night sky like an artist. It had become her night, she made it so vibrant. Celestia could barley maintain what Luna had last made, the constellations were almost always there but Luna moved the heavens not as a unit but in a way which was hard to describe. Luna had a feeling some ponies were not happy with her return, the Pony Astrology Society for one. She may spin wonders in the sky that they would love to observe but she could understand how a constantly changing sky would derail their work.
Luna returned her thoughts and attention to the star, it shone bright and blazing. It was only now visible now that she was close, but now that she was she could see nothing else in comparison. She knew who it belonged to, who else fit the description of the mirror. 'Do I even know anyone else? I believe I have not truly got to know the bears of the Elements enough to see their mirrors like this. I know more about Atreus than he knows about me, he spoke of his past as if he has only rarely spoke of it. But he still felt as if he wanted to speak of it, like he had to.'
Luna moved to his mirror almost unconsciously, she could only feel a little from his dream. Unlike her ponies the man felt muted, muffled, quite. As Luna took her final steps she paused before entering, 'I need to know if I can trust him, Celestia isn't just having him watch me. She is watching him, I should help her if I can. I won't expose anything personal. But I should check if he is being honest.' When Luna enters dreams she doesn't have to make the dreamer aware of her presence, she can destroy nightmares without showing herself to ponies. She tends to show herself to foals and the young to comfort them after their nightmares, as they have a harder time coping even once the nightmare is gone.
She entered the dream and found herself immediately breathless, the stars of another world shone clear as the sun on a cloudless day. A cloudless night on a mountain, she looked over the edge and her breath was once again taken. She did not truly comprehend how high she was. The mountains below broke the clouds and peaked above, she was over five times the height of the next highest mountain. "Targon" Luna spoke as if involuntarily, 'When he spoke of scaling a mountain to gain power. I knew it must have been tall but this... I would have never imagined' Her breathing returned, though she didn't technically need to. She had not realized how great a feat he had accomplished by reaching the top.
The top...this...was...a memory. Reality hit like a brick to her face as she turned around to see Atreus cradling another man. The princess could see the remains of tears on his face, having frozen to death and stopped breathing the other man was clearly dead. A smile on his face, as if contented, eyes semi open. 'His battle brother,' Luna thought, 'I am sad he wasn't lying. It would have made him a liar, untrustworthy, and easy to deal with. However instead he is truthful, strong, and most of all emotionally hurt. I guess we share those similarities.'
Just as Luna was about to move to leave she heard a sound, "May I ask why you are here?" Luna froze from her half turn and looked at where the sound came from. Atreus was looking at her, a look in his eyes telling her he was not happy having her intrude on his memory. How could he see her, how? She had not relieved herself, why did he see her? "I can tell you are confused. From my experience, being stuck in the mind, I know when something has entered and have quite the dislike for it. That being said you most likely didn't intend to see something so personal, so I will ask you to explain yourself if you can."
Luna was still shocked, ‘He knew I was here when I entered?’ that is what she thought he meant but she could not be sure till he said so outright. “I never revealed myself. How did you know I was here?” her tone was quite and unaggressive. He was angry with her and she did not want to make it sound like a demand, nor would she want to demand it.
Pantheon scowled Pylas’ body leaving his arms as if he were never there. The man stood and looked her in the eyes, “Like I said, I am familiar with how it feels to be in my mind, and when it is invaded. Now tell me, why did you come here. Be honest or leave, everything or nothing.” He crossed his arms his eyes burned into her’s like an ember on dry grass.
‘Should I tell him? He wouldn’t like my answer, he would like lies even less, should it matter. Yes, I came here with non-altruistic intent. He may already suspect my reasons anyhow.’ Luna sighed and looked down like she was being scolded by her sister. Though she was a proud pony she hated being in the wrong even if she did not mean to be. “I came here because I noticed your dream’s mirror in the Dreamscape. Your emotions felt muddled, stifled, and I wanted to see if I could confirm your story. I am sorry for intruding, I know this was breaking your trust. I didn’t think I would see such a personal and heart aching dream. If I can make it up to you somehow, I would try my best. If only because, I know you were truthful. I am sorry for doubting you, and entering your dream when you did not need my assistance.”
To say that Atreus was surprised was a bit of an understatement, he didn’t show it much in his expression. However, he was not expecting her to admit guilt and give a honest and apologetic answer. When she entered his mind he felt a sort of rage he had suppressed when in the sisters’ presence well up. ‘Who were these gods to betray my trust’, he thought that line after his body returned to his control after the battle with Aatrox. And now he was on another world, ‘The gods never change, they will always be arrogant in their power, this is true everywhere.’ He hated the idea that the princesses who until now he found to be tolerable and unlike the Celestials of Runeterra, were now doing as they pleased. ‘But none of the Celestial gods of Runeterra would be so quick to admit fault. To admit their mistakes, to apologize, if at all. She did, and asked for a way to prove her regret. Even if she shouldn't have done this, she only wanted to be sure I was not dangerous to Equestria. Even if I have shown myself to be an ally to the peo-ponies they say they want to protect. I can not expect complete trust, nor do I trust them. Trust is double edged, if she wants to prove her wish to apologize for her invasion,’ in his thoughts all ways quite on the mountain in Pantheon’s dream. The wind he was so familiar with was barely audible, Luna with her head still looking down at her hands in front of her awaited his response. “You dug into my past to see if I am trust worthy. I believe it is only fair I ask you some questions.”
Luna looked up meeting his eyes, they were softer but still serious. The princess of the moon didn’t like where this was going but nodded her assent. “I understand. What do you want to know?” she answered almost slowly, as if being careful with her words. The improvement in her modern speech wasn’t lost on the man but it was stored away for later.
“If I am to be your guard and safe guard against you should you ever fall again. I must ask a few things. When you fell, it wasn’t all bitter emotions was it?” Luna tensed and her eyes widened a little but she quickly returned to her previous express. Albeit with more fidgeting but she nodded to her host’s questions and spoke.
“In my depression and jealousy, I read forbidden tomes which we and our... me and my...sister had taken from a dark tyrant in a now non-existent empire in the north. Its powers corrupted me, feeding on my fear and jealousy to gain as much control of me as possible. In the end I became a true monster of the dark.” Atreus listened silently noting that an empire was related to a god like being’s corruption, her speech was mostly without flaws, and she seemed saddened. The man could understand, to be turned into something you were not, was a horrid experience. “We doth not even know why we sought such knowledge. Twas truly idiotic of us to do so and yet we did. Oooh, listen to me. So swallowed in self pity I can’t even speak in a consistent way.” Saddened was an understatement, Luna had water in her eyes from the memories she was recalling. Her voice was a beginning to quiver, Atreus placed a hand on her shoulder. She hadn’t even realized he had moved or that their scenery had moved to a small village, she saw what she assumed to be Targon in the distance. ‘When he said the gods brought the mountain to the sky he meant literally’ his hand pushed down gently the pair sat on wild grass formed from near by farms.
“Save your tears for a time for when I am not intruding on your grief. You may want to have another talk with your sister. You may need her comfort.” Pantheon sat cross legged while Luna knelt, each were unsure of their next actions, “You have answered my question. You have also answered my next ones. Thank you, I am sorry, I didn’t mean to cause such pain. I seem to forget that all of this is a recent and fresh grief for you.”
Luna blinked back her watered eyes and nodded, “Your right, as for your apology. I guess we are even now.” The lunar diarch giggled causing Pantheon to look at her confused, “As for talking with my sister we may not have the time to have such a talk for a while. Which is what she hopes your company will solve I guess. She did say I needed somepony to talk to. And look at the two of us a already exchanging our past griefs.” Her giggles turned to chuckles, and she smiled at him with water still in her eyes. He himself chuckled though it was a deeper one than her’s.
“I suppose you are right,” Atreus gazed at the mountains peak and the stars. Luna joining him, the two talked about Runeterra’s sky. Pantheon told her the constellations he knew, the two had simply fallen into a sort of friendly conversation. They did this to distract themselves from their pain, so fresh on their minds. But they both felt better knowing that they were talking with someone/pony who knew about their pain, and each of them felt better that they knew one another a bit more. If only to take comfort in their simple kindred with one another.
Celestia sat on her balcony next to her sister who had woken up not long after the solar princess and entered the golden and white room. They were lowering moon and raising the moon, 'Luna still can't lower the moon alone, her magic hasn't fully recovered yet.' She noted the smallest amount of growth in her sister's height and build. As the sun began its climb Celsestia stopped her magic and Luna looked at her, the two smiled and Luna giggled at Celestia's proud expression. "What is it Luna? I do hope you do not mind my look but, you look so cute." Celestia ran her hand through her sister's hair. "I have not seen you so short for a long time, you look much younger, though you appear to have grown overnight." the solar princess commented to her sister.
"You look like mother when ever w-...I learned a new spell from her. Though I suppose whenever we learned something together she would also smile." the younger sister looked down for a moment before she met Celestia's eyes again, "You look a lot more like her you know, ever since I, left. You grew taller yourself."
Celestia was not expecting that response though it warmed her heart to hear it. "Well I suppose that would bring back giggle worthy memories, though which ones I do not know." Luna got a devious grin on her face as she faced her sister and spoke.
"It's a good thing you got taller too, you seem to have put on some weight." Celestia nearly choked at that comment and blushed in slight embarrassment, "Especially on your flank, the stallions in the guards have it much better then they did a thousand years ago. I've seen a few of them flick an eye at you, you know. I bet that you-" Luna was cut off by four fingers pressing against her mouth. Celestia saw her sister devious expression change when she saw her's.
Celestia raised an eye brow a tiny smile on one side of her face her eyes sending a playful yet cruel emotion, "Are you sure you want to continue that line of thought Luna or would you like to hear about how the guards look at you, maybe some of the comments the maids have made?" Celestia's voice and tone was lowered near the end, an almost sensual tone. "Some of my maids have spoken to one another in ear shot of me about you, a couple of them would like to know if being the princess of the night applies to all parts of the euphemis-" Celestia herself was cut off by Luna reaching up and covering her mouth with a hand. The two looked at each other before both released one another and laughed before entering the elder sister room again. "I have missed you Luna." the sisters hugged before they left to go eat breakfast.
...
Pantheon moved to the dining room without his weapons and helmet, it would be a hassle to take it off and put it on when he was not going to have need for it yet. Perhaps tomorrow but that had yet to be decided and finalized. The princesses walked in with a cheery mood following them. They sat down next to each other and across from him the servants brought in meals for the three of them, an interesting selection of food. The main dish appeared to be several flat pastries. he looked to see Celestia digging in she had poured a sap like substance on the pastries after spreading butter on them with her knife. Luna looked at Celestia's actions and mimicked them, the man chuckled and then did the same. Celestia looked up at his laugh and asked, "What are you laughing about?" Luna took a bite and smiled, quickly eating more like a child give chocolate. To be fair pancakes are sweet with syrup on them.
"It seems neither Luna or myself was sure how to eat these until you did." Celestia had a look of understanding dawn on her.
"I guess Luna wouldn't know what Pancakes are." Luna continued to eat them happily her tail almost wagging. "I guess you don't have pancakes back home on Runeterra then?" Pantheon shook his head. The man finished preparing his meal before taking a bite, he placed his hand on his mouth at the sudden intense sweetness. It was good but not entirely expected to be so sweet.
"I have never eaten any. But maybe the aristocracy of Piltover have them. If they can make hex-tech trains and airships they can make pancakes." Celestia and Luna seemed to catch onto his words and hang there.
Luna spoke up, "What is 'hex-tech' and you said they had airships? I hadn't thought that old project of Starswirl's was possible." Celestia's hand moved to her mouth as if in thought.
"Airships are not a common thing but Equestria has built a few for transportation and supply. Though I amalso curious as to what 'hex-tech' is." Aterus took a few more bites before answering.
"From my barest understanding, it is high level technology that is fueled by magic. It doesn't surprise me that you also have airships. I had not seen a train myself before I got unto ponyville's." Luna herself was surprised to see the train, she hadn't realized that it was also his first his time riding a train.
"I take it Piltover houses many wonders of technology." after she said that Celestia quietly commented in her own mind on the idea of hex-tech, 'I pray Twilight never finds out. She may stop talking to her new friends because she sound a new field of study.'
"Yes as does its under city Zaun, though they use chem-tech, a bit different. Not to mention while Piltover is full of rich and power families Zaun is a ghetto and ran by warlords called 'Chem-barons'. The aristocracy of Piltover is not much better however, there are many political assassinations and abuse of any lower class people." the princesses asked some questions before deciding they didn't like the cities very much.
"You should probably tell us about your world's other nations so we have a better frame of reference." he had already told them about Targon, and now Piltover and Zaun. He decided it would be alright. He started drawing a mental map for them, moving east from Targon to the fallen empire of Shurima and the jungles after the deserts. Moving north you found the cities of Piltover and Zaun. East of them was the pirate communities of Bilge Water, the princesses found it amusing that these shanty towns existed but didn't like to hear about their tales. They especially did not like to hear about the mist that came bigger each year from the sea, the ghosts of the damned reaching through to claim you. Moving on he told them of the Empire of Noxus which landed to the north of the twin cities. They did not like them very much either though Celestia more so, they were cruel, warmongering, and evil. They softened their tune after Atreus told them that they were a multicultural and near meritocracy based society. To their west lay the kingdom of Demacia, it sounded wonderful until them heard it imprisoned mages.
"If I am not mistaken the word on the road said they had a mage revolution, the king is dead, and details on his son are almost non-existent." the sister were happy the mages were not imprisoned any more, as born magic users they had a hard time understanding how you would just try to train your people. They understood the fear, the three tribes were always against one another in the early days, but nation wide imprisonment seemed almost foreign. Atreus then moved onto the people of the north, the Freljord. Celestia and Luna had little conplaint for the place, Pantheon had just as much to tell. Which was to say not much. "How could I forget, on an island continent is the land of Ionia, they believe in living with harmony with nature and its spirits."
"That sounds lovely." Celestia commented.
"Agreed sister." Luna chipped in.
"It was and still is but after the Noxians invaded many years ago it became split. There are now extremist reformers who want to be ready for future attacks, and the traditionalists who wish to return to their way of life." the princess and Atreus had finished them meals at this point the moved through the halls while talking, their destination was the office to get Atreus an official position, and work out the small ceremony. The two of them groaned at the words.
"This Noxus seriously needs to be tackled by the international community." Celestia reasoned. Pantheon then told her Ionia had never had a war before that one, Demacia had its own problems, Bilge Water were small towns of pirates, Piltover and Zaun were tiny city states with no reason to, Shurima was a fallen empire though there was talk of a new one forming, the Freljord were not large and had similar problems, and the communities around Targon were isolationist at best and uncaring at worst.
"Well, thank you for the leasons Atreus but now we have to talk about the ceremony." Celestia changed the subject once they reached the office.
"Do we need one?" Pantheon asked genuinely.
"You are going to be the first Lunar guard in a thousand years, even if you will be a semi separate entity you will still be one officially. Yes, some ceremony would be good for getting others interested in joining." Celesita explained.
The conversation continued for a while, 'Meetings. They never change.' Luna thought as Celestia handed out paper after paper for both her and Atreus to sign, 'Thank faust he is literate in Equestrian.'
After a lengthy time of paper work and other work Celestia told her companions they were done. Luna breathed a sigh of relief and posed a question to Pantheon, "Ateus, in my opinion I had a better thousand years than Celestia, the amount of paperwork she does a day scares me more than her wrath. What do you think?" Celestia rolled her eyes at her sisters poor attempt at a joke.
The man sat in thought for a moment before he spoke, "Not all challenges are mountains, but usually a stack paperwork should not be the height of one. I can not chose but both are truly terrible fates." Atreus smile was small, he didn't show any teeth but it was a clear sign of his mirth.
"As hilarious as this is we can eat dinner now, we are already an hour out of the usual schedule in that regard?" the solar diarch was right as Luna's stomach soon agreed audibly.
Luna spoke as the trio moved to the halls, "Who knew how much paperwork was involved in making a new guard division, you will have to teach me the new laws that have been made so I can repeal half of them, seriously sister. This should not have taken all day. An hour or two at worst." Celestia nodded.
"I understand your feelings Luna believe me," Celestia's voice turned coarse during the last part of her sentence, "I know. But the world is more complicated now. Many new laws had to be made and with them paperwork."
The group eventually entered the dining room and took their usual chairs. Staff and severer entered with their meals, a stew of variupous vegitables and baked ones on the side. Which ones they were Atreus didn’t know, however they were delicious, "Celestia if I am now Luna's guard, at least on paper, literally. Where shall I be staying and eating from now on? I assume since your guards do not eat with you they would have their own mess hall." The princess of the sun smiled and nodded to his concerns.
"You won't have anyone to switch shifts with you. You will eat with us still, your conversation is appreciated. As for your quarters, you are right. As a member of the Lunar guard you will have to move from the guest rooms and stay much closer to Luna, I trust there is room somewhere in your new tower for him to stay?" Celestia turned the question to her sister.
Luna looked up from her meal and nodded, "Yes, the tower has plenty of room. My new room is bigger than my old one, you should probably take the room next to mine Atreus. I would like it if you were close to me." After a pause she realized how that sounded and clarified, "To make sure that if something happens you'll be in reach, you can never be too careful."
While Pantheon nodded and continued eating he missed her pursed lips and somewhat stiff expression. Celestia did not miss it, she caught Luna's attention and beganto mouth words without sound to the younger sister, "'I would like it if you were close to me.' Wow! You are so open about your feelings! I guess the guards won't even get a chance to join before you shut down their hop-"
Luna immediately levitated some of Celestia's food into her open mouth. Luna grinned as Celestia's eyes widened slightly before two of them began to make faces at the other. The two of them paled at the sound of Atreus' chuckle, "I would ask why you two are making those faces at one another, but I assume it is an inside joke between you two."
Luna coughed and Celestia put on her best friendly voice, "I guess that is one way of putting it." Pantheon smiled at the two of them and nodded before he returned to his food. The sister immediately stuck their tongues at one another before they returned to their baked vegetables and stew. If there had been any guards in the room during these meals they would have seen how childish their princesses were acting. In truth both were mature but now that they were reunited again, it brought out they used to act with one another long ago. After the meal they trio discussed how the ceremony would proceed, the role of each of them, Celestia had borrowed some elements from a thousand years ago and some from her own solar guards old and new traditions.
...
The evening had passed quickly for Pantheon, after the meeting Luna walked with him to his room to retrieve his belongings. Not that a helmet, spear shield and backpack was a lot. After that they had walked to Luna's new tower together, there were solar guards at many doors as they passed, each of them were respectful but all of them were a little uncertain of both of them. The man was that, a man, not a pony. He was armed and clearly dangerous if he wanted to be, that alone was a bit worrying for them. Then there was the princess of the night, she was a princess, she had betrayed Celestia but a thousand years punishment was more than enough in their minds. No what bothered them about her was her lack of actions to support her trust worthiness. Not as a danger but as a leader. They had not seen her work or the results and that made them hesitant about her, would she be a good leader? They didn't know.
"This is a good room right?" the pair was inspecting the room next to her's, the castle staff had contacted contractors to renovate the tower to be more in line with Luna's colour scheme, the wood was darker, the fabric was blue in various shades. And all sun iconography was removed to be slowly replaced with lunar/stellar iconography. Overall it was a nice break from the constant white and gold of the palace. "I mean it has a bed and decent space, a bathroom, a window to look out over the city. I am sure you will be fine. Right?"
"Why are you so tense, and yes I'll be fine thank you?" Pantheon seemed to grow a bit tense himself at the atmosphere she was suddenly creating.
"Uh I am unsure of how to treat you, on one hand you are technically under my command and on the other your whole job is to not follow my orders. I am not sure what kind of relation we have to one another." Luna paused as if Atreus could answer that.
"I know very few peo-ponies here, I think I could consider you one of the few I know to be a friend, after all we have spent enough time just talking to reach that in my mind."
At that moment something clicked with Luna. "Ugh, why did we not see that!? We-... I should have just asked that instead, of course that makes sense, why did I have such a hard time seeing that." Luna threw her hands into the air as if to shoe her defeat.
The man chuckled and sat on his new bed as Luna sat in a chair across from him, "Most people tend to be unsure of a friendship unless it is asked between the two, one may not consider it one, or maybe both do. That isn't the true matter here, something tells me you are a bit nervous about something else."
Luna slowly nodded, "The ceremony tomorrow, and how ponies will see me. The nobles were far from kind and Ponyville does not have many ponies. Canterlot is massive, many ponies will be attending, that is a lot of eyes. A lot of pressure, I haven't exactly had the best track record with public events in my rule. I tend to do poorly on the inside, I can handle it but it was never my strongest suit. I always preferred the war-room or the battlefield." Atreus listened with open ears and thoughts.
"Well if I were you I would look at the ceremony as a battlefield. Life was always a war. See what you are doing as a fight between you and your detractors, prove them wrong with your actions and you will gain the trust of those who matter. The people... ponies, you understand."
Luna smiled, "I guess I could try that, thank you Atreus." the two moved. Luna left the room, "I have to go to my sister to raise the moon, it will soon be time. Good night Atreus."
"Good night, Luna, may you rest well tonight." at those words they parted Atreus losing his door and Luna leaving the tower. In future he would have to follow her till she went to bed but neither saw the point tonight.
...
It was the morning of the next day and the court was amassing, the nobles were in privileged spots along the edges closest to the throne where Celestia sat and Luna stood to her right. The commoners who had heard about a person joining the Lunar guard came to see the ceremony and stood near the entrance of the throne room. There were Solar guard positioned between the crowd on either side and the center. “You know Luna I will have to have a throne commissioned for you and move mine, the dais may have to be changed as well.” Celestia seemed to move from her quite whisperings to Luna into a mental checklist.
“Something to worry about later sister,” Luna replied briefly, “for now there are other concerns.”
The two sister nodded toward each other before Celestia received a message from one of her guards that Atreus was in position. He wasn’t called that by the guard though, all of the paper work was signed by ‘Pantheon’ and he had asked that his name not be used. In a was she understood, he felt that his actual name was not something to share with every person in Canterlot. Celestia stood and spoke to gain the full attention of her ponies. “Fillies and gentlecolts thank you for coming here this morning. Today marks the day when my sister princess Luna officially gains a guard of her own, a guard force that has not been present for one thousand years. The Lunar guard, today the first member of the Lunar guard will be brought into service by a new ceremony. It will be carried out by my sister to initiate her new guard, and set the foundation for her next recruits. But this is also a ceremony of thanks, for the new addition to the guard played a part in the defeat of Nightmare moon. He assisted the bearers of the Elements of Harmony by battling against Nightmare moon, and defending the bearers so they could activate the Elements of harmony to banish Nightmare and return my sister uncorrupted.”
At that moment Celestia motioned to the door and it was opened behind them stood Atreus. His helmet, spear, shield and other armor had been cleaned and polished. His cloak and garments were pristine and wore another new item. Or items, there were two shoulder and upper arm guards which were blue tinted steel with gold and silver trim. The princesses didn’t have time to cover Pantheon’s lack of a cutie mark with actual armor of course. These were simple illusion spells the princesses cast before the ceremony. Pantheon walked down the center of the room to the dais. He left quite the impression, the nobles were a bit unhappy with the situation as a whole. The commoners were a bit curious. When they saw the soon to be guard both parties were immiedatly stuck by a few things. His armor, now anyone who knew anything about the history of the Lunar guard would know he did not fit the colour template. He had golden armor more in line with the Solar guard, that and he was shirtless, not only did he not wear armor on his torso but he was a constant muscle show. Needless to say the mares were quite the happy crowd. However, more ponies were drawn to his attire, his his armor was a heavenly gold and of different make and style than the regular guards. His cloak was a deep dark blue, its lowest edge was almost translucent, you could see brighter patches in its back that seemed to move independent of his cloak’s moves. As if a magnifying glass which hovered over a surface and ran along it, creating a sort of window to a sight which didn’t move but the window did.
However his most striking and odd addition were his weapons, not only was bringing weapons to a ceremony like this odd. But, the weapons stood apart from the ones any of the ponies had seen before. They held a light blue glow in parts of them, were golden, unusual design and as a few noticed the spear had floating additions. Pantheon walked with his spears as if it was a cane and as he did reach the dais he stood for a moment before he slowly knelt and placed his spear on the ground. Afterwards as Luna approached he removed his helmet with his left hand. One or two gasps escaped those who could see his face. They were almost all mares, one or two with a blush, this earned a few them a disapproving look from their partners or parents. Luna stood in front of Pantheon and met his eyes. Another oddity, most would not raise their heads from a bow, but he had never bowed his head to begin with. A aid walked to Luna carrying a small chest and stood behind her to her left. Luna spoke, “Pantheon, you have already shown great bravery and strength in your actions, but now you are here to once again to serve. Do you vow to protect Equestria, the law of Equestria, and her citizens?”
“With mercy for the weak and justice for the strong, I do.”
“Do you vow to keep the peace and order be ready to face their disrupters?”
“If carnage and chaos come to Equestria I shall meet them with spear and shield.”
“Do you vow to watch over the night, keep it safe, and work to ensure Equestria is fearless of the dark?”
“The night is caught between darkness and fear, I will ensure it rise up i spite of them.” Luna smiled at his responses, even if ponies didn’t know why he vowed the way he did instead of simply saying yes she understood his meaning. The aid opened a chest and Luna took the small glossy black knife from the cushion. She cut the tip of he finger, silver blood dripped from it and she pressed it to Atreus’ forehead drawing a crescent moon before he finger healed. The princess spoke as she placed the knife back onto the cushion.
“Then rise in the service of the night and Equestria. May your path be lit by the moon and nights you watch be peaceful.” Despite not yelling their voices carried in the throne room. The crowd clapped and cheered as the man stood and placed the helmet on his head. Unconsciously he summoned the spear to his hand causing those who had seen it to pause for a moment before they continued.
After the ceremony the princesses talked with Atreus, “Well done. I have a feeling your appearance and initiation may boost public opinion of the Lunar guard and bring new recruits.”
“As I will technically be there senior will I be responsible for training them?” Pantheon asked curious.
“Hmmm, perhaps, your job is to guard me and since the Lunar guard will have a different skill set than the Solar it would be best if the I train them myself at least until Celestia gives me more responsibilities. I would appreciate your help though.” Luna answered.
“Well no matter what you to do. I have paperwork to do later, and once I do eventually get you up to date on the laws and situation of Equestria Luna. I’ll be give some to you too.” luna gave her older sibling a ‘have mercy’ look before the two laughed. Atreus followed the two of them as the trio moved to lunch.
The sun rose and the moon lowered in the sky. Luna was almost strong enough to lower and raise her moon on her own. Her hair now flowed like Celestia's and her mane had darkened. She was a bit taller than the average pony but not as tall as Atreus. And Celestia was taller than him, if only by a bit. As the morning began and that duty was finished the princesses moved from Celestia's balcony into her room where Atreus stood silent in his full attire, the illusions were no longer present, but Luna and Celestia were having actual armor for his torso and upper arms commissioned, if only so he wouldn't stand out as much when Luna was accompanied by him.
It was three days since the ceremony and Luna quickly learned she should not assume Atreus would prefer sleep, he would be waiting outside her door when she left to lower the moon each morning. He was not happy with her when she said he didn't need to accompany her everywhere. "Then when and where should I. As far as I know a guard's job is to be close in case something happens. If you have no guards accompanying you every morning before the sun rises. Then that is an opportunity for those who want to exploit it." he said these words to her after she had left the morning after the ceremony without informing him she was leaving, he had been awake and waiting. He was a bit quieter that breakfast, but had not held the frustration long.
'I will simply have to get used to his presence during the waking hours of my day. Not that he is unpleasant, but I am not used to not being alone.' ,breakfast was brief with little conversation, it was cut shorter by Celestia's increased paperwork over the last few days. The solar diarch would have to do some before starting court. She had been busy the last few days explaining and listing the laws Luna was unfamiliar with to her. She had learned most of them, Celestia had made sure that she did not create a larger bureaucratic nightmare than she had to. But despite how much time the two had spend together talking about the laws they were probably only half way done. 'I pity Celestia, she has so many more duties than me.' at that moment she realized something she could do, 'Night court, I could re-open the night court. It would help ease ponies who thought they would be unable to speak with Celestia by providing another chance to have their issues heard. I could also remove some of the ponies from waiting in the day court for Celestia... I suppose it would not be many but it would help.'
Luna's determined look was noticed by Pantheon but he simply decided she would say what was on her mind if she wanted to. She sat down at her desk once they had reached her tower, the desk had some minor paper work on it as well as a few law books for her to read once she was done. The room was much like the rest of the tower if a bit more luxurious and ornate, dark wood, blue cloth, pieces of art on the walls, and the moon and stars in several places
As she worked another thought struck her, 'The solar guard would have to rearrange or create new shifts for their guards so I could hold night court.' This made her a bit less exited, as much as she wanted to help that way she would also create more work for others, and ponies may not show up for a few nights until word spread. Sighing she decide she would have to shelve the night court until she had enough recruits to guard the throne room and start to take over the night-shifts of the solar guard. 'I wonder if any of them would transfer so as to keep their shifts, unlikely, most of them probably don't enjoy the night shifts.'
At lunch the lunar princess talked to Celestia about the idea of the night court. She liked the idea but pointed out a few possible issues. After discussing the possibility of some of the solar guard transferring Atreus spoke up, "I think it will not be a significant number of the solar guard but compared to only myself. The amount that may well join is a lot."
Celsetia nodded and added to that as well, "We also have some good instigators and spies who would appreciate being in the Lunar guard since it has and will specialize in that area." After lunch the day progressed as normal, or what was becoming the norm. For Pantheon he had been here a bit over a week now, it was odd for him to think about. Not much of note happened though Celestia did look a bit tired at dinner. Luna went back her her desk like her sister and began to finish reading the laws she had been assigned by Celestia.
She continued to work until a sharp knock peeked her attention, Pantheon walked to the door and opened it to see a solar guard, the stallion paused before being allowed to enter and speak to the waiting princess, "There is a large group of cloaked and mysterious figures at the palace gate, they are requesting to see the 'ruler of the night, and bringer of stars'. The guard is on alert as no one knows how they entered the city or what their motives are. Celestia is being informed as we speak."
Luna and Atreus quickly exchanged looks before following the guard hurriedly to the gate, Celestia had arrived just before her and was talking to the lead pony. The conversation was becoming clearer, "... do you want with my sister?"
As Luna came to stand next to Celestia the crowd fell silent and began to bow at the waist, "Greetings mistress." the lead pony began, a mare in her. "After you returned from your banishment we broke our isolation and traveled to meet you as humble pilgrims. The first to rejoin you of from our villages."
"Who are you? And what do you mean pilgrims, what is meeting me a pilgrimage?" Luna asked confused, and a bit uneasy with at least two hundred cloaked ponies standing outside the gate in perfect rows.
"My name is Shadow Wing, I am the leader chosen by the village heads to lead this pilgrimage, and of course it is a pilgrimage. You are the goddess of the night, long ago our kind were a oppressed and foreign kind to other ponies you took us under your wing and made us your servants, you guided us for many centuries. But when you were banished without your protection we were once again seen as monsters and evil by others. We left before anything could happen, but now that you have returned to us we wish to serve again." as her explanation ended Luna finally understood.
"You are bat ponies." the mare smiled at Luna's statement and took off her cloak, it revealed dark blue hair and yellow silted eyes. Her wings were in fact that of a bat only the size of a pegusus'. Each figure removed their cloaks to reveal somepony with a similar appearance.
"Will you accept us mistress? We have long desired to rejoin larger society but have not seen much reason to believe we would be welcome until now." Luna and Celestia exchanged looks before Luna responded.
"well you are more than welcome to rejoin Equestria, I am not a goddess by the way. Though alicorns are long lived and strong we are not omnipotent or impervious to wounds and death."
"You are still our goddess no matter what you may think. And no matter what thank you for your kindness, your words will keep ponies from attacking us out of fear."
"The massive amount of ponies coming into Equestria may cause some issues however. There may be a lack of jobs for a while, and as much as I hate to say it, my ponies are typically scared of something too new and different. Your people will have a hard time convincing ponies to hire you." Celestia interjected.
"We will serve the princess of the night, we don't have any other goals."
"I don't see how you could serve me thoug- Actually how many of you are warriors?" Luna asked finally realizing what one of the main jobs the batponies took was a thousand years ago.
The mare smiled and proudly spoke, "All of the ponies here are combat capable mistress."
Luna and Celestia suddenly saw a solution to several problems, "Well, would you all like to join the night guard, it was a favorite job among your people in the past. Not every bat pony that comes to Equestria can be a guard but we don't really have any current members. It would also help improve your image in the eyes of the public making it easier for your people to find jobs outside the guard."
"We would be honoured goddess."
"I would prefer if you called me princess. Please all of you come inside we need to get you all out of the street there's a crowd watching." Luna said a bit exited, she was happy to finally have a solution to some problems that had been nagging at her. Before everypony was inside the gate Pantheon moved to her side and spoke to her in a serious tone.
"They do not need a god, they need need a leader," before Luna could respond he continued, "the actions you did for them are admirable, if they saw you as they perfect role model, saint, and guide I would not be taking issue here. You need to make sure they see you as a kind and wonderful but flawed princess. You need to reach as many of them as possible on a personal and deep level, to show them you are not their goddess, but instead their leader, savior, and protector."
"How would that be any different from how they view me now, and I don't think there would be a problem with their view of me so long as they aren't worshiping me." Atreus moved closer and spoke in a harsher but still caring tone.
"If you show them you are worthy of their devotion regardless of if you are a goddess or not, it will end better than if you go along not stopping them for seeing you as one. Once they realize and accept you are not one, there could be many, many issues." Atreus' words were a bit paranoid but Luna valued his input.
"I will do as you ask, I want to be more open and friendly with my servants and subjects anyway." Luna could not help but feel that Pantheon was not going to accept a dismissal, and he did make a valid point. Many would follow her no matter what, but if some took the fact that their beliefs were not true to harshly there would be trouble.
After each of them put there names on record the princess preformed a initiation ceremony for the bat ponies with Pantheon's help in the guard training yard. Afterward she told them they would start training tonight so she could judge their skills herself and see where she needed to train them. As it turned out most of them had natural talent for the night guards work of investigation and espionage. However she would have to make sure to train them properly and hone their instincts.
After Pantheon ran them through some basic drills and movements the princess decided that they would continue this tomorrow morning. It was late in the evening, Celestia had lowered the sun and Luna had slowly raised the moon and stars. Her hair began to show stars of there own, though it was less than half a dozen, Luna was feeling stronger the longer her magic returned. Before the group dispersed however Shadow wing approached Atreus, "So you are our captain, it will be a pleasure serving with you sir." as she saluted and gave Pantheon a serious look.
"I am your senior by three days, not your captain. That position is still available to the best of you, but I am outside of the typical command structure and serve a different purpose." this seemed to catch the attention of many of the near by batponies, they listened closely.
"What is your purpose then?" Shadow Wing asked curious, in a bit more casual tone.
"To act as princess Luna's personal guard, her parole officer, and friend." his words seemed to strike the batponies like ton of bricks.
"You claim to be friends with a goddess, and her parole officer. Her isolation from the world for the last thousand years is more than enough punishment for her one mistake." Shadow's tone was almost hostile at this point.
"I agree," this got the batponies to calm, "her punishment was served and she should not need someone to watch her every move. But there are some voices that call for her to be punished because of her rebellion despite that. I am the response to those opinions. I will appear as her watcher and will seem to make sure she doesn't do anything wrong. But my true job is to make sure she is not so alone that she could fall into darkness again."
"She would never!" "You are a slanderer!" before any further accusations could be leveled at Pantheon bashed his spear to his shield several times.
Luna at this point noticed the circle of batponies around the man and moved to Atreus' side to ask what was happening. Shadow spoke to him and the princess after her kin calmed, "Is this true mistress, is he some sort of watch dog for your sister?"
"My sister has done nothing but give me help and forgivness, fo not accuse her of anything. She is my family and your other princess, as for Pantheon, yes technically. But it was my idea, and he is not somepony you should disrespect."
"I am sorry goddess." Shadow hung her head and many others as well. "I am simply unsure of how he could gain such an honoured position as your personal guard and... friend."
"If you want to know how he is my friend I suggest you try to become his, as for him being my personal guard, he is worthy because of his actions and skills. He helped defeat Nightmare moon and free me from my corrupted self. he is also a gifted warrior." Luna seeing Shadow's and many other frowns asked a question, "Do you need proof of that last one?"
"I would like to make sure you are well protected." Shadow said, this brought many nods and grunts of agreement to many ponies there.
"Very well, seeing as none of you have armor yet, and the smiths have yet to finish any of the night guard equipment. You all won't have an even fight against him, as such I will act as his opponent." this brought several sounds out of the batponies, some exited shouts, other chocks of shock, and a few protests. "All of you move back to the edges of the yard and we will spar." All of them did as requested, even the ones who didn't want her to fight. "I am sorry Pantheon, but you will have to spar with me."
"No, I need to practice, in fact a spar every few days would be wonderful." Luna smiled before Luna flashed her magic, her regalia was covered and replaced by armor of a dark blue hue. She summoned a scythe, the same one she had fought him with before. However, instead of being dark and unsettling it had a calming tone, elegantly smooth surface, and shone in the moonlight.
"Are you ready?" as she asked the question see looked at Atreus. He had his eyes closed, spear and shield held in each hand by his sides. A moment later he opened his eyes and the comet plum blazed to life on his helm. It flowed like Luna's hair, his cape seemed to hold stars on its surface while his weapons began to take a flame on their surface. His face from what she could see was determined.
To say the batponies were shocked by his sudden flare of form was an understatement, Shadow for one suddenly understood why her goddess held him in such high regard, she could feel the magic start to pour from him. It was much like Luna's or her sister, the two of them seemed to have an aura about them. He now had something similar, 'Is..is he a god?' she was horrified at the idea but before she could consider it she heard a shout.
Atreus responded to Luna's question with a shout, "Face me!" at that moment they charged from opposite ends of the impromptu arena.
The moon looked out over the world of Equis, Equestria held most of its light. It made sense, the one who controlled the moon and wove stars lived there, her sky a calming light for those to settle after their day's activities. The moon was always bright against the backdrop of the darkness even with the stars. However the pale light shone ever greater. The grey and white light, was a sight of pure majesty. The stars filled all spaces in the sky not covered by the moon, all but one place.
A small patch of sky only large enough for three or four stars, merely an unnoticed thing. Why look at nothing when you can look at the celestial might and beauty of the stars. But as the moon began to shine ever brighter so to did that darkness. A red tinted and blazing star seemed to show from the darkness. It stood above the stars around it and was noticeable even with the moon in the sky.
However in Canterlot not many of those still awake noticed the star or how the moon looked, the vast majority of ponies who were awake had their eyes on two individuals. Both seeped with celestial magic, both were a mirror of the stars in one way or another, both had weapons that seemed to glow, and both smiled. Their spar had began already, the warriors' weapons clashed and battered. It was a dance of steel and sparks, both gained the advantage many times and many times each pushed back the other. The crowd which watched this take place were silent, as if statues, acting as sentinel observers.
Pantheon leaped and through several quick slashes and stabs at Luna, she dodged or blocked them while moving backward. Luna flew up above his reach her hair and tail melding into the sky's stars like a piece to the puzzle. But Atreus chuckled drawing her to smile herself though both for different reasons, 'Looks like I can fly when I want a break, he may be skilled but he can't fly. I bet he is laughing because he sees this move from me as a bit absurd.'
Atreus moved his arm to pull back and clasp onto his weapons, 'The stars are beyond my reach and so I grasp my spear and take aim.' At that exact moment the man through his spear for the first time in the fight. It streaked to her so fast Luna was almost caught off her guard.
The Lunar warrior spun her scythe around in front of herself with her magic to act as a shield. The spear impacted on the spinning scythe it pushed the weapons into Luna's body forcing her back from the impact. As the spear fell so did she for a belief moment, before descending to the ground to catch her balance. She was unharmed her opponents weapon had not actually touched her, but held a thought, 'You made your point no flying. Buuuut...' In that moment Luna channeled her magic and began to send bolts of magic in various forms towards Atreus. The man walked with his shield deflecting most of the bolts until Luna sent out two in different directions he rolled as the bolts flashed into the dirt of the training grounds where he was a moment ago.
'I have to get close!' Atreus charged at Luna shield in front of himself. Luna moved back and fired larger blasts to slow him while she charged another spell simultaneously. Luna made a sweep at his legs with her scythe while she moved back. Pantheon jumped back out of the scythe's swing, he through his spear again, it flew straight towards the princess. Luna side stepped it and activated her spell as the spear planted into the earth. She rushed forward so fast it was near impossible, her spell was a complex one which greatly enhanced speed and strength. She began to land blow after blow on Atreus as he struggled to shield against each attack. he was losing ground and fast. She made one final push as she brought her scythe to throw the shield from him and fired concussive magic at his exposed chest. Atreus fell to him back and stood over with her scythe to his neck.
"I win!" declared triumphantly a few of the bat ponies started to clap before Atreus spoke himself.
"Unbroken!" his words confused her before she found her self falling backwards her feet having been pulled out from under her. She looked back as she fell and saw her feet being clipped and pulled by a spear coming horizontally. He had recalled he spear to trip her and he moved up if one motion. She fell to tail and looked up to see a spear in her face and hear a shield return to him hand. The man heard cries from the crowd and the princess spoke in protest.
"This a spar, I won when I could have killed you if this was a real fight, and you tripped me?" voices came from the crowd in agreement with the princess. They grew silent at his next words as he shouted to the arena.
"When I fight, I give everything or nothing! I fight until the blood takes the spear from my grasp, until I can only crawl. And even then," he faced Luna with a look of pure determination, it held no aggression only his will, "you will not defeat me, even then..." he trailed off before he grabbed Luna's arm in a firm but non-painful manner and pulled her up saying, "Stand up. Face me again!"
"Are you saying you won't admit I won that fight?" Atreus looked at her in slight confusion before he laughed and smiled to her in as genuine as can be.
"We must all find our place. Mine is being cast down so I can rise once more!" he moved from her and took a battle ready stance as Luna saw this so did she, "Even impaled on a blade I will press forward."
"You know you don't have to act like we are warring enemies right? This was just to show skill." Luna explained as if it was not clear to the man.
"Life was always a war. Now, fight cause you must!" Atreus ran at her faster than he had before and bashed into her scythe as she brought it up to guard with his shield. The crowd was a bit stunned he was this forward, and that it was working. Luna was starting to get a bit worried at his sudden boost in speed and apparent strength.
'Was he holding back?' Pantheon noticed he start to fight him more carefully and shout to those around him.
"Let fear make you bold!" he rushed Luna and she heard his yell of exertion as he kicked her armored stomach. "Cry war!"
Luna was tired of being pushed around like a child in her first combat lesson. She let loose a yell that matched Pantheon's as the two of the exchanged blows, "This enough!"
"Louder!" he bashed her with his shield and kicked he back before he ran to meet her again. "Strike now!"
"Ahhhh!" Luna kicked him for a change and followed up with several slashes from her scythe.
Atreus was pushed back and held his shield up as he stabbed back in multiple ways faster than most could tell, "Strike harder!" he bashed his shield again and the two separated and began to circle on another. She was breathing hard, sweat was on her brow as she look at the man.
'He is not even slightly winded! How am In going to win this, he has already shown he won't give up unless I try to completely incapacitate him. And he clearly has the better endurance of the two of us, I have fought in so long I am starting to realize I need to get back to my exercises.' She slowed her breathing but kept her breathes deep so as to get more oxygen to her muscles.
Atreus could almost read her thoughts in her eyes, "Luna." the princess looked at him as he spoke instead of her opponents weapons and feet, "You will not fail if it is worth it. You can only defeat yourself."
As he spoke began to move closer, she matched his movements. Silent blows in a flurry of motion moved from both as Luna landed hits while taking some. The crowd gasped as they saw red and silver land on the ground, each of them had inflicted shallow cuts onto the other. "Was this blood shed really needed!?" one of the thestrals shouted out.
The man answered immediately while the princess and him tried grappling one another, "We all bleed into the same earth and bleed we must!" The pair of warriors separated as the words came from his mouth.
"Rather dark no? Is that what you fight for to bleed and cause bleeding? I would have thought you detested people getting hurt?" she spoke in a mirth that made her quip harmless banter as much as this was tiring Luna loved the exhilaration and challenge she was feeling.
"It is not why I fight, but who I fight for. Why do you fight?" the spar almost paused as Luna thought for the smallest moment before answering.
"I fight for my people and those who need me. I have no other reason." the man nodded before the spell she started to cast was thrown at him he rolled and began to run in a circle around her moving closer as he did shield raised to face her. She made spell after spell and eventually charged at him with an intent to lock him weapons on her's before capturing him in magic chains to get him to admit defeat. But instead of locking him down he grabbed the scythe after letting his spear fall down and out of his hand. He pushed down before she had a chance to loosen her grip, she moved closer to his as he head butted her horn sending pain through system.
"Power will be your undoing." he spell fell apart as her head felt foggy, he grabbed and flipped her over his shoulder making her land on her back. His spear flew to his hand and he pointed it to her as he stood silent.
"What? No words of encouragement to keep on fighting? Or did you get too tired to fight and want to concede?" Luna's voice was full of mirth and stifled laughter.
Pantheon chuckled and responded, "No, but your guard had a long journey here and half of them looked ready to fall over after our intensive drills. It may be best to allow them to sleep." Luna had forgotten they had spectators, a bit over two hundred in fact.
She stood and dusted her self off from her hair to tail. The armor disappearing to her usual dress as she did. "I assume you all enjoyed the show?" she saw several nods and smiles, she smiled wide to them capturing their hearts with its brightness. Even if she hadn't won the final round the princess was still the winner in their hearts for a number of reasons, but they had seen their perfect idol and model display her skill at battle. Many simply accepted her lose as a matter of her recovery, they know she was not yet back to her regular self. She had told them this as they bombarded her with questions during the initiation paper work. Others seemed to think that the princess' guard was her equal in combat. None of them thought he was stronger, even if they now held a greater respect for him. They initially thought he was fighting somewhat dirty but soon realized he was encouraging her to fight harder and push past him. He simply didn't hold back against her, it showed his respect, he didn't underestimate her. She just needed to have him guide her to fight the way he was, he never planned on having a typical duel. He wanted her to fight with all she had and he would meet it as her opposition. The thestrals knew some of these things and understood neither hated or disliked the fight. If their mistress was smiling at them after all that then they were happy.
The group of thestrals(batponies) moved to the barracks to unpack their small amount of belongings and rest. The princess and Atreus moved to her tower. He moved to her door and opened it for her, "Oh so you trip me in the fight after I win. But now you are a gentlecolt?" he had removed his helmet after the duel and she had seen a small amount of sweat on her brow, 'Not as effortless as I had thought.'
"You can not expect honour from your enemies on the battle field. I will be relentless there and considerate here. If you would prefer I could act like a barbarian when around you at all times, to keep it consistent like you want." the two of them chuckled.
"You are begging me to torture you in your dreams good sir, never again will you sleep peacefully!" she declared in a mocking and silly tone.
"I have no doubt in that Luna, you strike me as the kind of woman to keep your word." Luna rolled her eyes and entered her room and began to close the door as she finished the conversation.
"I doubt your intuition is worth consideration when I am clearly a mare my good sir." her mock offended tone was shattered with a small smile, "Good night Atreus."
As she closed the door Atreus moved down the hall a few meters before responding, "Good night Luna." as he entered his room to have a shower.
Luna wandered the dreamscape and saw the mirrors of her subjects. Luna smiled as she saw a few mirrors outside of the usual, she even saw Shadow Wing's. The mare's cutiemark was on a bat's wing sticking out of a black cloud. There were a few others among the mirrors that became unique. All of them were very peaceful, 'They worked so hard I doubt they have the energy to dream much.' As Luna walked she noticed her sister's mirror was close by, as she moved closer she noted its semi-upset state. As Luna entered the dream it seemed to turn to a more neutral state.
Celestia sat in her office chair and looked out the window. It wasn't until Luna looked out the window herself did she see the source of Celestia's emotions. Canterlot was ruble and ruin, nothing left as the sun and moon switched so much that it was never day or night but some sort of hellish eternal twilight. Luna began to subtly change the dream to slow the sky, the city was whole again as ponies moved in and rebuilt to create their homes. In what would have been years of work, it showed to be fast if you look at it. Canterlot was there and ponies were happy. Luna walked to her sister's side and made herself noticeable to her sister.
Celestia looked at her and smiled, "I guess that was a dream huh? Should have guessed I have had it enough to know see it from memory alone."
"You have this dream often, why did you not tell me?" Luna's face showed worry at the princess of the sun's words.
Celestia stood and hugged her little sister, "I haven't had it in many years, I guess I just didn't think of it. You don't need to worry about it either. You don't realize what your return means to me, I can't tell you how much I have missed you because when the entirety of your life seems to have a hollow point it makes the rest feel odd." Luna hugged Celestia and spoke.
"Sister I understand, and all that matters is that we are together again, if we just stick together I know we'll be alright." Celestia bore a sad smile at those words Luna reformed the dream to give them both chairs to sit in. The sisters sat in their chairs and faced one another, they needed this talk and since it had started no point in stopping it.
"I don't know if I can give you enough of anythting to make up for the pain you had being alone. Even more alone then me, I may not have been able to talk freely or with anyone, but I made friends and made memories. In those thousand years I hated losing my friends. They had been the closest thing to family since I banished you. You never even got that though, I don't regret losing them because I was their friend and I can't imagine not having them be that. I denied you your life and made you lose so much." Luna interjected.
"Celestia, the only ones I have lost were the friends who I didn't see after that night. Not the ones I never met. I was gone when Nightmare moon took over, it was like I was a prisoner in my own head. Pushed to the side only seeing small bits and pieces, I had no consept of how much time passed, it didn't feel long. I don't blame you for a thing." the elder sister nodded but still looked unconvinced.
"I understand your point, still. I will never allow you to feel alone now if I can. And the fact that you have your guards again is one thing. You'll be friends with them in no time, but I need to make sure you have family as well. I am working on my schedule to give us two full days every month to spend doing what ever you want. I can do my work and you can you keep up your studies. But we need to spend time together if only to reconnect."
The sister talked for only a few minutes in reality but it felt like was much longer in Celestia's dream.
...
The drills were going well, the thestrals were indeed not lying when they were asked about their skills. They would be trained and ready in a week and a half. By that time all of their armor would be complete and the Lunar guard would most likely start to take all of the Night shifts in Canterlot. The drills were not only supervised and instructed by Luna and Pantheon but they themselves joined. The told their trainees it was to “stay in shape” and while true, the purpose was to ensure no resentment was felt towards them. It is better to show you would not make a pony do something you yourself would not do. Not that resentment would happen but sometimes it can be unconscious.
After the pair had lunch with Celestia they returned to the training grounds. It was odd, there were several solar guard and lunar guard talking. Though arguing would fit better, “What is happening here?” Luna’s voice was a stream of cold water down the backs of the solar guards, that is to say they had a shiver go up there spine.
“These guards believe that we should leave this sparing ring to make room for them princess, we tried to explain that the Lunar guard has this courtyard as its training grounds for now but-“ a lunar guard started to explain before he was cut off.
“What you seem to forget is that we have to stay i shape too. There are no other courtyards that can be used for sparring or weapons training right now.” a solar guard cut him off.
“Is that so? In that cause why not share?” The two groups and the princess glanced at the man, Pantheon’s question hung in the air.
“The circles are too small for two groups to both spar sir.” a mare in the lunar guard answered.
“I meant spar together.” the two groups were confused.
“No offense but we have armor and guard experience, they don’t, isn’t that just a clear advantage.” a solar guard spoke as if Atreus was an idiot.
Luna was about to berate the stallion for speaking like that to Her friend before said friend spoke. “You will not always have a fair fight. Your opponent may be stronger, more experienced, more skilled, better equipped, but it doesn’t matter. Because you have to try to win regardless. This is good practice, besides the Guard corps will need to be at near equal skill. I want to see how you both compare now.” Pantheon moved his hand from the two of them in a slow zig zag motion.
“A good thought, begin sparring. I’ll make sure neither side is hurt.” Luna ordered.
...
Celestia sat at her desk working over paper work when a letter appeared in a flash of green. She smiled, Twilight was almost like a daughter to Celestia at this point. She had gotten a few letters at this point. Twilight had a lot to learn about friendship, there was more to it than what many thought. However, the magic of friendship was not the best part of it. The bonds of friendship needed to be explored but Twilight made Celestia giggle often, she seemed to act like friendship was a science and needed to be tested and examined. 'What have you sent me today?' Celestia held the letter and began to read. Celestia nodded along as she read before she finished and shook her head. After her dream it was good to remind herself she wasn't alone and would not ever be fully alone.
As the day wore on she signed more documents, she passed or rewrote everything that came her way. She saw one or two forms on funding allocation, one of the districts in Canterlot needed a renovation. Another funding outlet was for the galla's preperations, it was a couple months away but would require this form of foresight. She set aside a mental note to have Twilight and her friends attend. 'It will be a fun evening for them I am sure. Though maybe I am just tired of it and want some company.'
...
The matches that had taken place were not as one sided as you might think, the thestrals all had wings and were fast. That made them win some matches. There speed was useful because their opponents were slower due to their armor. But they did lose, if the batponies weren't careful the more experienced and better armed/armored solar guards had pin or incapacitated their sparring partners on more than one occasion.
Luna and Atreus watch these matches rarely having to step in. They stood next to each other about two feet apart. Each was focused on the sparing only taking their eyes off of the two clashing groups to check the rest of the bat ponies progress. There were less than twenty solar guard here and the majority of the thestrals didn't want to be caught slacking even if they wanted to watch the fights.
After the matches the crowd of solar guard dispersed and a few of them nervously muttered about being late for their shift. Over all the two groups of guards had grown to respect the other, no hate or malicious, simple advice or banter was exchanged in matches and only a few on both sides were unhappy with the results. Luna hoped that these solar guard would have a positive influence on the lunar guards perception both among the rest of their guard bur with the ponies of Canterlot as well. After a much needed break the thestrals ate dinner in the mess hall. Afterward they were gathered and sat in the courtyard after the princess and Pantheon had returned.
A few ponies came to the courtyard with a couple of crates, they dropped these off before a earth pony with a black apron and a face covered in dark smudges walked up to the princess. Luna looked at his arm and saw a anvil. 'Rather straight forward.' she thought almost no symbolism at all.
"Greetings Princess, these are the first bunch of arms and armor for your gaurds. There is only thirty five but we should have the rest down in batches by the end of the month." the voice was a bit gruff but unmistakably a mare's, considering the short hair, muscles presentation, and general masculine form it was a bit of a unexpected thing.
'Well, clearly even if she isn't the only smith she would have gained this look from her work.' Luna smiled and asked a question, "Ah thank, you what is your name may I ask?"
"Name is Blacken Coal princess, oh I just remembered!" the mare dug into the crates as if looking for something before crying out in success, "Here we are! This here is the first armor you requested, it kinda got over shadowed by the massive and sudden demand for more. I mean we were making lunar guard armor but at the time it wasn't a major priority. I don't mean to tut my own horn but I think it is one of the finer works I have done." Coal showed a blue tinted steal armor torso with golden edges. In similar fashion was upper arm guards nearly identical to the illusions Pantheon had had in his initiation. But the two of them had a different feature that Luna had requested personally when they were commissioned. Unlike the rest of the lunar guard armor Atreus' didn't have a blue eye like crest on the front. On the center of his new torso armor and the top of his new arm guards was a star. More specifically a red four pointed star, the red metal on all the equipment shone in a almost orange tone.
"Ahh, thank you Coal these look perfect, here try them on to be sure they fit." Luna handed the armor pieces to Atreus who did as she instructed though he did look at them with a bit of curiosity. He looked at Luna and then the rest of the lunar armor.
"Why is mine so different. I understand given my unique position but I feel there is some other reason or meaning." he pointed to the star as if to exemplify his point.
"Well, aside from differentiating you I think it shows off your individual personalty." Pantheon frowned under his helmet.
"What do you mean?" he continued to strap on the armor almost as automatically, his focus was on Luna's word. It wasn't an intense stare but he did look at her none the less.
"Thank you for the armor Miss Coal you can go back to your duties." Blacken bowed and nodded to the two of them before leaving to the same direction her companions had left to, "Well you told me that whenever your weapons are set alight and you fight on death's door your namesake star appears from the blackness. You also said that the Pantheon constellation had four stars in it. So a four pointed star."
Atreus' frown deepened, he took off his helmet and titled his head as he spoke, "I may still use the name and armor but Pantheon I am not. I hardly see how his stars are mine." Luna frowned herself she turned to look at the threstals choosing who would get armor through a tournament. She didn't pay their incredible organization any thought as she turned he head back to Atreus.
"You remember how I visited your dream correct?" the man nodded though now his head titled farther in confusion.
"When I am in the dreamscape ponies dreams appear as mirrors and give off their dream's mood and vague subject from that. When I see the dream of someone I know it takes on characteristics of that person. Most mirrors show the pony's cutiemark and tend to have a frame which fits them in design and colour. My sister's mirror has her cutiemark of the sun at its top and is white and edged in gold, the frame is smooth, it fits her. Your mirror also fit you, but instead of a cutiemark. There was a star, or at least a glowing reddish orb that shone as bright as one on a clear night. I understand, you don't want to think about being connected to the Aspect that possessed you, anymore than you already are. Bu-"
The princess stopped speaking as he smiled at her, "I understand, thank you. It shows you put thought into my armor, even if it wasn't exactly a gift you meant it as something close to that. Besides I guess you are right in some sense." Luna was pleased to hear him say that but kept listening. "In my mind, we are what we overcome. I suppose I am in one way of looking at it, the only remnant of the Aspect of War left. I stood up where they fell and succeeded where they did not, even after defeat I continued to press forward. I am the a new Pantheon, I intended to be this when I slew Aatrox. But I guess that comes with being compared to the Aspect."
"If what you have told me and my sister is any indication, even if they had done good. The Pantheon that betrayed you had no true reason to. You don't need to worry about ponies think you are someone else either, to them, you are Pantheon unless you tell them your name. And to them you will show them what Pantheon should have been." Atreus smiled at her word before returning his helmet to his head.
"Thank you Luna. Come we need to make sure no one hurts themselves. We also need to teach them how to care for their equipment." Luna followed Atreus as he walked to the various circles that had formed. The tournament was a sight to see to say the least.
The time moved fast, training guards, paperwork, and tending to dreams. The time seemed to drift by quite fast. Luna didn’t quite understand in retrospect how the time could go so fast. It was a bit over a week before the “Grand Galloping Galla”. Her sister had hosted this party for hundreds of years. She didn’t wish to attend this year, it fell on a very busy few days that she had to spend on work. Luna’s work load had increased and she was holding Night court now. Her guards were more numerous, the Thestrals had joined pony society in a almost anticlimactic way. One day there was only her guards and the next their were very few jobs that weren’t filled in Canterlot, especially graveyard shifts. The Thestrals still held Luna in an almost untouchable and holy position but were semi-silent about it. Many began to see her as their teacher and guide, progress was slow but she was weening off worship and toward friendship. There weren’t only Thestrals in the guard though. While small in number, a few solar guard had transferred and some new ponies had joined. Most of them were pegusai, though there were a few earthponies and unicorns.
The guards all had enchantments placed on their armors, much like the solar guard they would all look the same, only being able to be drawn apart from one another by tribe. However given the vast amounts of batponies compared to non-thestrals the only ones to be truly affected by the enchantments in a meaningful way were the pegusai. There feathered wings were cover by the illusions of batwings. However this left the unicorns and earthponies, sure their fur looked blue and their eyes turned yellow and slitted like the rest of the guard. However, the didn’t have wings, at all this left them as very distinguishable from the rest. This was an issue Luna would solve through a few methods. The whole of the guard regardless of tribe was almost forced by Luna to go through exercises and routines to ensure the entire guard held respect for one another. Trusting one another, bonding, and plenty of it. It had become a common sight for the guards to form friendships and meld with the greater group of Thestrals.
Her guard was not feared by the citizens of Equestria. In fact that proved to be the opposite, after a few missions where her guard had set to work on disrupting crime and unearthing secrets. Many of the ponies in these missions who preformed excellently were promoted. A simple and small hierarchy had formed, and surprise. Shadow Wing had snagged the position of captain. The lunar guard had helped in the construction of their own barracks and seen to assisting in the expansion of the mess hall. The lunar guard and solar guard both met at breakfast and dinner. There were no arguments between them, only on what meal it was. For lunar guards it was dinner for solar it was breakfast and vice versa. ‘Why there was a small arm wrestling match to determine who was right. I’ll never know what those stallions were thinking. At least it ended well and was never a brawl or something. Though that one mare got syrup in her mane after the colts got a bit rowdy, even if it was friendly. She looked like she wanted to fight though.’ Luna’s thoughts at the moment were scattered, a knock came at the door. Luna looked up from her papers.
“Luna, may I come in? I would like to have some tea with you.” Celestia asked through the door.
“Come in.” Luna answered as she finished the form she had been working on.
“I figured you could use a break, plus I wanted your opinion on the kitchen’s latest pastries and sweats.” the princess of the sun walked in carrying a tray with desserts on plates, she held a tea pot and two cups in her magic as she walked in. The pair sat together once Luna had moved from her desk to the living area of her chambers. The tray and pot on the table and the cups in their hands they began to drink and eat.
As the two of them did Luna teased her sister, “Are you sure you wanted to see me or did you just want to eat sweets away from where your dietitian can find you.”
“Hush you. You know just as well as I do that alicorns have a hard time putting on weight. Besides I don’t have a dietician.” Celestia smiled, her sisterhood withLuna had been repaired through their time together, even if it was still a bit painful to think about what they did to one another.
“Yes I would suspect you don’t have a dietician, anymore, you could just not be convinced to drop the cakes you love so much.” a cookie bounced off of Luna’s nose as Celestia fixed her with a cocky grin. “Too much? After becoming strong willed enough to rule Equestria alone I would have thought such banter was not going to offend you. It is natural be embarrassed when ones short coming are brought up.”
Celestia grinned farther as she spoke, “Ahh. I see your point, you’re right Luna I need to improve myself.” The white dress she wore bright and pure. The conversation turning to the opposite, “But I see no reason to be the only one to do so. Speaking of overcoming self struggles, how are your romantic feelings with Atreus going?”
Luna had been chewing on the cookie that Celestia had thrown at her when she heard that, it was a bit unexpected. Luna had thought Celestia would go after her lack of friends outside of her guard, her rare slip back into olden speak, or even the odd things she didn’t understand about the world yet. Luna nearly chocked on the cookie, but managed to suppress that need and drink some tea. “Well,” Luna said evenly, “We give credit and to thou sister.... I was not expecting that. To answer your question, I don’t have any. Atreus is my friend and guard, the closest the two of us come to that kind of thing is sharing thoughts and discussing one another’s problems. Hardly romantic, especially considering the conversations usually are only for a few minutes a day. We may spend a lot of time together but the two of us spend that time doing paperwork.”
Celestia nodded, she had been teasing her as a sort of revenge for her teasing. The solar diarch was not so foolish to relate romance with time spent or even commonality. Otherwise Celestia could be considered very romantic with throne and desk. Nearly a thousand years of time together. “Where is Atreus anyway?”
“He is not technically part of the hierarchy in the guard, but he has been filling in for the lack of officers. He has several ponies under his command and is responsible for them. The paper work he does tends to revolve around that, he is also much like my new captain, only under me. So he has had to help her with her work as well. I taught him the paper work procedure and he is doing so with his officers/troops and Shadow Wing.” her explanation was long but made sense, “He is currently overseeing some recruits training I believe, making sure the officers are teaching correctly.”
The two sister talked for a little while longer before Celestia left to begin day court. Luna returned to her work, but not before her sister’s words returned to her mind. She flushed slightly but quickly shooed the thoughts away, ‘Romantic? I could hardly call my feelings romantic, especially when half the time we spend together is in silence and the other half is all related to work. At best he is like a brother, we look out for one another, and make sure the other is alright. At worst we are absolutely professional, and seemingly no friendship is present.’
Luna sat and worked in silence for a while the only sounds you could hear were coming from her quill. But she thought about it more, ‘But we aren’t colleagues or in a employer-employee relationship. We are friends, we know a decent amount about one another, we do talk about our personal lives, even if they are only our thoughts or what we used to do. And I don’t think it could be any other way.’
Atreus stood and stretched, he may not do much paperwork but it was more than he ever had done in his life before coming to Equestria. He finished his stretches and walked over to his weapons out of habit. He paused before leaving them to lay against the side of his work desk. ‘I am not leaving the palace, or even the tower. No point in carrying my spear.’He walked out of his room in Luna’s tower and closed the door.
He walked to Luna’s room and greeted the guards at her door, these guards were not under his command on paper. Very few ponies would argue against his authority however, the number of ponies who could go toe to toe with a princess was countable on one hand. And anyone or thing that could beat them was in similarly close numbers. Pantheon knocked on her door before waiting a second and slowly entering. Luna was often immersed in her work and had told him to simply enter her chambers. “It is fine. So long as you do not do the same with my room, and other such areas.” she had said these words in an offhand response, when he had asked permission to enter every time she was not entering with him.
As the man walked into Luna’s chamber’s and saw her sitting at her desk, by the looks of the piles of her own work she had completed most of it. Surprising considering it was not even midday yet, “Ahh, Atreus, is it time for lunch already?”
“No, though it is close. I finished my work so I came here. After we eat we should see about organizing our guard schedules for the night of the gala. The day guard will be the only guards to be present in the hall as you will not be attending.” Luna nodded as she continued to sign and read, “However, they will be using more guards both inside and outside of the party to keep the guests safe in cases of any problems. Captain shining has spoken to both myself and Shadow Wing about us filling in the cities gaps in patrols.”
Luna spoke in a knowing tone, “The party has expanded each year, and each year tends to leave the guard a bit low in the rest of the city. From what Celestia tells me this has been a problem in the past. This may be the first time those gaps and cracks can be filled or even replaced/reinforced. We shall speak with her when we see her at lunch.” The pair exchanged some light hearted banter at a few odd requests that had landed on Luna’s table. She even shared that she had found a formal complaint from the Astrological Society of Canterlot. They did in fact not appreciate her near constant shifting of the stars and sky. She had sent them a letter thanking them for their concerns and reasons, Luna had explained why and how the stars were malleable and yet would regain its general form if left alone. She hoped the explanation of the tiny shifts not truly changing her sky would appease them, and she promised brighter and clearer sights in weeks to come.
...
The lunch was cheerful as Celestia had concluded court not too long ago, the several hours she had spent after speaking with Luna were more productive than usual. For starters more respectable nobles, less nobles in general though, and less problems. However, in place of problems were solutions and proposals. She had green-lit a few projects and supplied the ones that needed funds. Celestia, Luna, and Atreus talked about the things that affected their days, so far mostly positive. The topic of the gala’s guard requirements and its affects was eventually brought up. “It will be good that some of the solar guard will be able to take the night off, in the past my captains have usually had to pull in all available guards. To at least ensure a minimum amount of patrols in the city.” Celestia reminisced.
“I can imagine everb-pony in the guard has come to expect that night of the year to be a all hands on deck situation.” Pantheon corrected himself. Even after spending a long time in Equestria he still thought in non-pony pronouns.
“Hmm, yes it was.” Celestia spoke again before turning to Luna, “Are you sure you can’t come, it can be quite boring and I would love the company?”
“I am sorry sister my schedule was full when you told me about the gala and when it was happening. And while I could do some rearranging, I don’t feel quite ready for public appearances yet.” Luna’s smile was almost guilty in its sadness, like she felt she should feel bad about her choice.
Celestia gave a reassuring smile and continued to eat, “Twilight and her friends are coming, so thats quite alright. They should make it a bit more interesting, hopefully.”
“How have your student been fairing sister? I have not thought of her or her friends in a while I am afraid to say.” Luna’s question was matched by a nod from Atreus showed his agreement.
“Well, she has sent me several letters. She is certainly expanding her horizons to say the least, and adding new memories to her archive.” Celestia smiled as she summoned a picture with her horn. The photo showed the elements posing together in ponyville. Each of they was much the same as Pantheon and Luna remembered. Twilight with her multi-purple mane, and matching clothes. Pinkie Pie in a outfit pink enough to match her mane and cheery enough to pair with her smile. Rainbow Dash had her diverse and bold mane and tail contrasted with her casual blue clothes, most likely athletic. Apple Jack wore her blond mane in semi-ponytail(comedy) and her cowboy hat on top. Her clothes looked to be work clothes, a spattering or mud present on her pants and boots. Fluttershy hid behind her mane, but you could still see her smile. Her outfit was yellow and had a few green stains on them, from gardening presumably. And Rarity wore a white dress with her mane and tail done, as if she was on her way to an event.
“If they are in Canterlot, then Luna and myself should talk to them. The two of us only knew them for a day, and while I think of them as friends. That should be all the more reason to see them while they are here.” Atreus spoke as he examined the photo.
“Well, they are only here for the night of the gala and the morning after.” Celestia frowned at the seemingly inflexible nature of it. “But, if you want to see them, unless you are also busy that night you could swing by the gala. Unless you are not a party pony.” Celestia offered.
Luna and the warrior glanced at one another, Luna spoke “I guess I will have to see them another time then.” the princess’ tone was a bit frustrated. She would have liked to speak to her saviors a bit, she had not said much at the time she had been freed.
“I do not think I have ever been to a party, I have been to celebrations and traditional gatherings but not anything like your gala. My experiences are with feasts and my people’s traditional music and dances. Not aristocratic gatherings, but I suppose I could come at some point. Once I finish any work I have that day, that is.” the man thought and moved his hand from his chin back to his utensils to finish eating the last of his food.
“Tell them they are welcome to visit me. I may not be ready for a lot of public speaking but I do hope to get to know my saviours.”
Atreus nodded before he ate the last of his food and grabbed his empty plate to give to the staff, just because he ate with the princesses didn’t mean he was one. “You two keep eating I am going to go make sure the mess hall is still standing. After a food fight between some of the guards this morning, Shadow Wing made the offenders train past their usual hours. They are probably eating lunch and then going to try and sleep before their shift. I need to make sure Captain Wing doesn’t kill them from exhaustion by denying them that rest.”
Atreus left, carrying his plate and utensils with him to give to the servers no doubt waiting near by. Celestia and Luna kept talking while they worked at their meals. “Are you sure you don’t want to come, you could probably go with Atreus and talk with the elements for a little while. No need to announce your arrival.”
“I would prefer to talk to them in a different setting. Besides, if I go with Atreus we will be fighting for the element bears’ attention or split it up. Hardly ideal unless the two of us intend on making some sort of timetable.”
Celestia smirked and spoke, “That is one reason, but are you sure that is why you don’t want to be seen with him at a party? Because it might look like he is your date no?”
Luna quickly glared at her sister, “Yes, I am certain in those not being my reasons. Being mistaken for my ‘date’ is unlikely given the fact he was publicly sworn to be my guard. Then again, since the two of you will be attending perhaps you should commission him a suit to wear and take him as your date.” Luna’s voice moved from annoyed to triumphant as she spoke.
“Hmmm, now thats an idea.” Celestia’s tone was playfully sarcastic.
“I’ll get you his measurements.” Luna teased.
“How do you know them?” you could almost hear smirk in her tone.
“How do you think he got that armor, he was measured by our servants. Though maybe you want to measure him yourself sister?” The two of them continued this exchange for a while before the two princesses found themselves saying stupid things. Luna spoke in a mocking and dumb tone, “I’m Celestia, hal lab dub da!”
“I’m Luna, Bubb la pa gah!” the two burst out laughing at one another's’ expressions. “By Faust what are we even doing?! Hahaha!” Luna and Celestia giggled loudly, thankfully the dinning room was very sound resistant.
“Spouting gibberish, and mocking one another like children. I thought that was obvious.” the solar diarch said in between giggles.
“Oh dear. When was the last time we acted so childish as to resort to making faces at one another?” Luna asked as the two princesses calmed.
“How long ago was it when we ascended? That should be a good approximation.” at Tia’s words, the sisters took on a slightly sadder tone.
“We best get back to our duties. See you soon sister.” Luna stood and began to leave.
“Goodbye Luna, I’m glad we can have these moments.” Luna smiled at her older sister’s small grin. A nostalgic look in Celestia’s eye.
“I am also thankful we share our sense of humour.” Luna and Celestia moved their minds toward coming tasks.
...
When Pantheon got to the hall he found Shadow Wing escorting her “charges” to the barracks. He caught up with them and walked beside the captain for a moment before he spoke, “You didn’t push them two hard I hope, their are limits to how effective punishment is if you are too severe.”
“Just laps and exercises, besides even if these ones are younger than most of the guard, they are still a part of the lunar guard. We all need to grow up someday.” Shadow spoke in a clear and even tone, she had respect for Pantheon. He was not her superior but she couldn’t order him around either. The two of them had become friends over the months, each helped the other as much as they could and on rare occasions simply sat down and talked. He told her his name after a month. He decided she should know it. Family, other friends, opinions, Atreus only spoke in generally on these things. Shadow was happy to talk though, and he listened when she did.
“We must all find our place, but not all of us ‘grow up’. On guard time however, I suppose we should encourage them to be more mature.” the group entered the barracks, simple bunk beds and cabinets for personal affects were here. Near by was restrooms and showers. Dissected by mares and stallions of course, to avoid “awkward” situations. They laid down and most of the group fell asleep quickly, they had been awake nearly 20 hours(Say they had a shift at 6pm so they get up at 5pm. They go through their day and eat their “dinner” in the morning and have their food fight. They stay awake to noon as part of their punishment, 5pm-12pm is 19 hours).
“I guess you are right. Your pretty wise for somepony your age.” the pair left the barracks to attend to other matters.
“Experience leads not wisdom, not age. You can have one without the other.” Pantheon explained.
“Yeah, yeah. Hey, you there quite we got guards sleeping near by!” Shadow agreed before she yelled at a loud group of off shift solar guard, who straightened up at Wing’s shout and the pair’s appearance.
“Sometimes you remind me of a drill Sargent more than a captain.” Atreus got a punch to his unarmored side.
This was it, the gala was tonight. Each pony that was attending was exited, as for the the host herself? She was finishing the last piece of paperwork she had before she had to go and oversee the gala's preparations. It was mid afternoon, and Celestia was looking forward to the party. Though admittedly not for the same reasons as her subjects. She was hoping that her student and her friends would spice up the event.
Most of the galas were simply put, dry, fake, and boring. There were highlights of course, a few choice attendees were lovely to talk to, unfortunately they were a very small minority. As the last paper was placed in the out pile by her magic she moved to get up. Putting her well used pen down with her hand she moved out from her desk and pushed her chair in with her magic. The chair was white with a red cushion, very soft and squishy. It had better be considering the amount of time she had, and had to spend in it. Her desk was one of the non-white things in the room, a light brown and polished desk which was hand carved to be smooth and held lines of uninterrupted flow over the surface.
Celestia used her hands to write, her magic to move the papers, and after a thousand years of doing this was still tired her. 'It must be a mental thing.' she told herself. Making her way out of her office she walked through the halls and down. She found herself at her destination. The hall's decorations and adjustments were mostly complete. The staff were moving around in an almost practiced fashion. Her ponies were each doing a job they were suited for. The pegasusai were placing decorations high on the hall's walls, unicorns and earthponies worked on bringing in tables for food and art displays.
Everpony was doing their part as usual. Celestia's unicorn assistant Raven Inkwell walked up to her with a clipboard and a smile. "Everything is going well princess, we should be ready a long while before even the first guests arrive." she gestured to the hall as her smile widened.
"That is good Raven, keep me informed in the event of something happening" Celestia nodded and began to move to the castle gardens.
"Of course your highness." Raven returned to her own duties. As Celestia walked she breathed in the air, a small breeze blew by filling her lungs with freshness. The flowers and bushes of the gardens were rather famous, each flower was pristine and vibrant. Her gardeners were mostly earth ponies, but some unicorns and pegasusai worked as the ones to groom higher branches or tend to the watering. Earthponies held a connection to the earth that the other tribes didn't. A earthpony could nurture a flower to grow with some care and attention.
Eventually Celestia found herself in front of Discord's statue, she stood in front of it for a little while. She could hardly forget him, he was memorable to say the least. He was posed eyes closed, feet apart, his left arm in the air pointed up, and his right arm over his chest. His face was angular, had a small goatee, and a snaggletooth protruded from his top row. Discord's head held mismatched horns and wild hair which did little to hide his pointed fuzzed ears. His clothes were a patchwork of cloth but seemed to be a suit. Two different wings protruded from his back, a bat wing and a bird wing. Celestia stood in front of his statue for a bit. Or perhaps not his statue, a better term would be, him. He was still the lord of chaos even trapped in stone.
Celestia felt a small sad smile tug at her lips, 'We gave you so many chances, I regret that you denied them.' Celestia walked away from the stone clad draconequus. She turned around to look at him again, before continuing her walk. 'What is that old saying, in another life we could have been friends, I suppose I have lives several already. With you in stone though, it doesn't matter.' she sighed before she saw some of her gardeners and went to greet them.
...
Luna sat in a meeting, she was going over some reforms she had proposed with a focus group. It was boring to say the least, she had a hard time understanding why laws like these existed. Some were about what you could do if you lost property in very specific ways. Others were so broad they could be a utterly dismissed as useless, and some where fine but needed to be simplified. 'Maybe I should have gone to the gala after all, this has to be worse than the disapproving eyes of some nobles.' she quickly returned her attention to a lawyer who was informed on the rulings and previous cases these laws had been used for. This was going to be a boring afternoon, at least the evening was looking to be better. Even if it was just another meeting, it was on developing new guard equipment, an infinity more interesting topic.
...
The elements of harmony were prepping for the gala. Their manes in machines or towels. Spike was banging at the door asking to enter, "Guys! Let me in!"
"Okay Spike, one sec!" Raindow called back as she walked to the door.
"Celestia no! We are getting dressed! Don't let him in." Rarity chastised. Dash held a guilty look for a moment.
"Ah mean we are all still dressed in our clothes. Besides he can leave once we put on our dresses.” AppleJack cut in.
Rarity frowned and her face looked guilty as well, "I suppose so long as we focus on our manes it will be fine. But you have to promise to leave when we ask okay Spiky?" Rarity opened the door as she spoke.
“Sure!” Spike being very young especially by dragon standards only understood the separation of the sexes to a minimum degree. He mostly just wanted to share his excitement with the girls, and he was bored of sitting around outside of the room. “So? Are you all as exited as me, being in my hometown again is gonna be great?! Right Twilight?” the dragons enthusiasm clear as air. “I’ve got a lot to show you guys.” he explained.
“I think we might be a bit busy Spike.” the dragon’s disappointment was almost palpable. “Don’t worry though we’ll spend some time together.” Spike recovered fast after he heard that encouragement. The group eventually finished their preparations and set off. The group of friends boarded and sat on the train to Canterlot. It took a while but after the ride the group walked a short distance to the front entrance of the gala.
“This is gonna be great! And we’ll all spend it together right guys?!” Almost as on queue he saw the group dispurse. Spike who until that moment was leading the group notice that each of his friends had run of in different directions. “Or not,” he paused and sighed, a grumble rumbled from his stomach. “I guess I should find some food before going after them. Well should I, do we have a meeting place I wasn’t told about? I should find Twilight and ask.” The grumble returned loader as if in protest, “But first food, I haven’t eaten dinner.” At that he jogged towards where some tables showed the promise of gourmet snacks.
...
Atreus was walking with some night guards, the patrols didn’t really need his attention but he needed something to do. He had finished his work, Luna was in a meeting, and he didn’t want to go to the gala yet. He had his spear under his cape and shield in hand, his armor shone like the other guards in the streetlights. They walked through the streets as they darkened. Pantheon surveyed the routes as they passed them, the guards behind him insisting on accompanying him. The man allowed it for a few reasons, he was not infallible, even but one good strike from behind could end his life. He didn’t dislike company, he rather enjoyed the presence of others. He only only moved away from them to be a beacon of hope for people, a new Pantheon. As well to better keep his vow against great powers and the like. But the last reason was simple, he was patrolling as much as he was supervising patrols. The extra eyes could and would most likely prove of great use.
“Sir,” a night guard flew up to the group, “there has been a robbery several blocks away, a jewelry store.”
Atreus looked at the guard before speaking, “Are you in need of reinforcements? Why are you bringing this to my attention instead of helping catch the thieves?” The tone of his voice was not harsh, in fact one could hear only slight confusion in it, that and mild concern.
The stallion shook his head, “No they have already been caught, but protocol dictates we report to the highest rank officer near by. The-“
The thestral stallion stood and ceased to speak at Pantheon raising his hand to halt him, “If I am not mistaken that was only if the officers were rather close by to one another, you report to the highest ranked one first in order for them to hear it before others, so it need not travel between too many mouths. Is your Sargent on the other side of the city?”
“Uh, no sir he was to be informed by another guard. But we-“ again he was silenced by a quite gesture of the hand from Atreus.
He smiled to reassure the guard, he was beginning to look nervous, “He would file a report to his superior after the night is over, and tell them they met. If I wanted an update on whether or not something like that had happened, I would get it when I next saw a officer or even another guard patrol.” the guard despite Pantheon’s efforts at a smile looked dejected, if only because he was being lectured to by a officer. While Pantheon technically didn’t have a rank title he was considered at the same level of Captain Shadow Wing, maybe even higher considering he joined first and constantly accompanied the princess. “I am glad you told me but I would have found out eventually, you may want to get back to your patrol private..?”
“Private third class Night Gazer sir.” Night answered the empty space Atreus left open, the night guard saluted and stood at attention before he waited.
Atreus nodded, “If you and your fellow guards receive a talk from your officers on proper protocol let me know. There is only so much a officer should rant about in one sitting, too much and they’ll break their men.You may return now private Gazer.“ another salute before the stallion flew off.
One of the two guards behind him spoke, “I doubt their Sargent will be upset at their actions to rant sir.”
“I have to agree,” the other spoke up, “If their officer wastes more than a few sentences on that subject he may get in trouble for wasting time.”
“Depends,” Atreus and his two guard companions resumed their route, “maybe this isn’t the first time they have misread protocol or rules.”
...
Spike found Twilight and talked to her about meeting up, she hadn’t set a common point to meet again. Though the idea of Twilight of all ponies not have a plan for everything seemed off. They had to meet again but that was at the back of her mind. She tried to spend time with her teacher, but Celestia had a long line of guest to greet. Spike had given up on trying to convince Twilight that Celestia may be there all night and that the line would not subside. He decided to try elsewhere. The small boy moved through the party, he came across a few of his friends. All in their own conversations and worlds it seemed. Unfortunately he had yet to find Rarity, much to his disappointment. Just when he was about to give up on this party and go to Pony Joe’s he saw something that caught his attention. Outside of the hall he saw dark armored ponies with batwings and slitted eyes. Just as he was about to freak out he saw something else. The bat ponies nodded to a guard in typical golden armor, the guard nodded back and the dark armored ponies walked by out of sight.
Spike jogged up to the guard and asked, “Who were those guys, they looked scary?” Spikes tone more inquisitive than frightened.
The guard regarded the small boy. He wonder who Spike was before realizing the captain’s sister had an assistant baby dragon. “Ah, I forget that sometimes the world isn’t Canterlot. Those guys were night guards. Princess Luna’s guards.”
Spike titled his head in confusion, “Why would she need her own guard, and what was with their wings and eyes?”
“Well,” the solar guard felt a bit awkward, he was playing twenty questions it seemed, “they are traditionally the ones to take the nightshift, but the night guard disbanded due to Nightmare moon’s rebellion. However, now that the princess has returned, she brought the night guard back. They have been taking on the nightshifts in Canterlot, the only solar guards on duty right now are in this hall.”
“Still doesn’t explain the wings and eyes.” Spike pointed out.
“They’re batponies,” he paused, “most of em anyway. When Luna came back they left hiding and bam, most of the ones in Canterlot are part of the night guard.” Spikes eyes bulged at the guard’s words he was about to speak before the guard cut him off, “Hey now I know they are different but, I’ve been doing some drills with a few of them and they are nice enough. Good taste in liquor too.” the guard’s last sentence was quieter so as not to offend young ears. Spike took on a confused look.
“Oh, well how come I haven’t heard about it. Even if I have been in Ponyville we should have heard about something like this.” the guard shrugged.
“I don’t know kid, maybe you should talk to one of them if you want to know more.” the solar guard spoke in an earnest tone. He turned his head away once it seemed that the dragon was deep in thought.
Spike slowly nodded and walked out of the hall, he was curious and committed to searching for answers at this point. He walked for a few minutes before he spotted a few night guards entering the castle grounds from the side gates. At the front was a tall earthpony he wore both golden and dark armors. He seemed familiar, then it dawned on Spike. He was the guy who helped Twilight and the girls fight Nightmare moon. Spike only saw him when he woke up and he stood with the princesses. ‘What was his name again, Atries? Etrays? Better introduce myself I guess, not much else to do.’
Atreus walked through the gate, he had talked to the few officers that were managing the city’s patrols. One or two incidents, nothing they couldn’t handle with ease. He walked to the event hall with his spear still strapped to his back. He decided now would be a decent time to visit the party and find the elements, ‘They should have had enough time to enjoy the party without me butting in, now I can join them without distracting them from the party. My presence would be distracting if I had gone earlier. Maybe it would help if I still didn’t stand out like a unhammered nail. Though I suppose growing a tail is out of reasonable expectations.’ As he mused the two guards that had accompanied him left to be reassigned.
“Hey,” Atreus turned his head to look at a boy, he had a few purple scaled features on his face and hands. It took a moment for the man to realize why the boy looked familiar. The boy had been with Twilight before and after the return of Nightmare Moon. He spoke again, “I don’t remember your name,“ he scratched the back of his head and chuckled awkwardly, “and I don’t think we have ever spoken but, I’m Spike. I’m Twilight’s assistant.”
Pantheon smiled behind his helmet and replied, “Yes, I remember now. You were there when we returned from the forest.”
“Yeah, I was real worried when I couldn’t find Twilight but when she came back she told be about the fight it sounded awesome, if scary.” The dragon shuffled awkwardly for a moment, “I know she told me your name but it has been months, could you remind me?”
“Ahh, apologies,” Pantheon took his helmet off and placed it under his shield arm, “My name Atreus, though only my friends call me that. Most call me Pantheon.” The warrior crouched a bit, as he moved placed his shield on the ground and his left hand Took the helm from under his right arm. Now free, he extended it to meet Spike’s. The boy shook his hand with a decent amount of strength for someone his age.
Pantheon put his helm back on and returned his shield to his hand. “Well nice to meet you. What are you doing here, and why you with those guards? I asked another guard earlier and he said they were ‘Night guards’. To be honest I don’t know how I haven’t heard about all the stuff that has be happening in Canterlot, even in Ponyville we should have heard about something like a new guard force.”
“Quite the slew of words you have sent my way. I was with the Night guards because I am a part of them. As for why you haven’t heard about that, I would assume Luna and Celestia are trying to ease the populace into accepting them. The majority of them are batponies.” Atreus’ answer caused Spike to tilt his head.
“Why would that matter?” the two of them had started to unconsciously walk to the hall.
“What was your first thought when you saw them?” the pair continued forward.
“Well,” Spike seemed guilty for a moment before speaking, “I thought they looked scary, but I asked a guard and he said they were good so I decided to come talk to you to learn more.”
“Hmmm, yes well. While you were smart and didn’t act on your fear in a bad way. Fear is still a strong force and pe-ponies can do many things when they are afraid. It is best to have the rest of Equestria outside of Canterlot be slowly exposed to them.” Spike nodded slowly.
“I guess. Say did you answer why you were here or did I miss that, you checking on the gala or something?” the warrior nodded.
“I am here to see the elements, I have not seen them since our first meeting I am sorry to say. I was hoping to talk with them before they leave Canterlot. I suppose meeting you properly is something I had not expected. I am glad non the less, you smart for someone your age. Quite curious and intellegent.” the complement caused the young drake to brighten up.
“Thanks! Though I think I have some bad news for you.” now curious himself Atreus looked at the ‘baby’ dragon.
“Oh, and why is that?”
“Well, I tried to talk to most of them and they were doing their own things, Twilight was trying to talk to Princess Celestia. But the princess was busy greeting guests. Apple jack was trying to sell apple goods for some reason, you know pies and stuff.”
‘As a fellow aspiring baker, I am proud.’ Atreus secretly thought. Cause we all know his real profession is baking bread, or summoning it from the stars. One of the two.
“Fluttershy was talking to animals without much success,Rainbow was talking with some Wonderbolts, I couldn’t find Rarity.” The dragon sighed at that sentence, “And Pinkie was being Pinkie in the middle of the hall.” Spike sighed, “I was about to leave when you came into view.”
“Leave? To where?” at this point they had stopped moving and were at least ten feet from the doors to the hall.
The concern while not missed by the dragon was quickly stomped by an idea, “Hey, wanna come along? Since the girls are busy I could show you all the best places in Canterlot. And to end it we can go to this place called PonyJoe’s which makes the best doughnuts in Canterlot.”
Atreus paused for a moment and looked at the doors, ‘Busy. I guess I was wrong, they still need some time to themselves. And Spike needs a companion, if only to supervise him if nothing else.’ Pantheon returned to the smiling dragon, ”Very well I’ll join you.”
“Alright! Come on I know where to start first!” Spike continued to talk and while he was listening somewhat he was also thinking.
‘I’ll meet the girls once they come to get Spike, besides I want to know what a doughnut is.’
...
Luna had finished her meeting with the smiths and decide to walk back to her room. She felt tired though she only assumed that she felt that way from all her meetings. The lunar diarch lay on her back on her bed, ‘Three meetings in one day, not fun.’ She laid down but didn’t sleep for a while her empty mind sharpening after some rest.
Her empty thoughts turn to the gala, it was still happening and she didn’t have a reason beside not wanting to be stared at by proud nobles who didn’t like her. ‘But, did I thank my saviours. Show my appreciation, get to know them, anything? Atreus has told me things about them and he only spent some scant hours with them. Their personalities, talents, professions, and lives. I need to see them, to thank them at the very least. Not like I-‘ Luna’s thoughts were interrupted by loud crashes and bangs. She frowned and sat up quickly straining her ears to listen. Nothing, faint sounds from the party, incomprehensible to her ears.
Luna quickly ran out of her room and to the event hall, sure she could have teleported but she didn't know what was happening. Teleportation may have got her there faster but she needed to know the situation first before jumping in. If she did teleport in without knowing she could be in trouble. She got to the doors at last and a disaster came into view, toppled pillars and destroyed tables, the whole room was clear except for a few guards. "What happened here!" Luna's shout was loud but not a in her Royal Canterlot Voice™.
"The few guards who saw the reason for the destruction said it was an accident." a solar guard spoke up. After explaining the series of events that took place Luna wondered whither all that could possibly happen so close together. After that she asked if anyone knew where her sister was. The answer was that the guests had evacuated, and her sister had been gone after that. She spoke to a few more guards to ensure the mess was scheduled to be cleaned and repaired.
'I should still find her if only be sure she is fine. Celestia has to have a reason to leave.' Luna continued to give orders to ensure she could leave without causing the castle to be left hanging.
...
"So hows the doughnut?" Spike asked, his excitement clear. Atreus had his helmet on the counter and his shield laid against the front of the wall of the counter.
"Hmmm, rather sweet but none the less excellent. My compliments Mr. Joe, your pastries are quite good." the unicorn who owned this doughnut shop smiled. He had a white apron on and a small white hat. His hands were clean though his apron showed signs of his work.
"This really the first time you had a doughnut? You seem quite familiar with sweets and baked goods." Atreus nodded as he finished the pink frosted chocolate confection.
"I eat with the princesses, I have sampled many things in the months I have been in Canterlot.” Spike and Joe looked at one another then Pantheon.
Spike was the first to speak up, “You eat with the princesses?”
“At first it was because I was a guest, after I joined the night guard as Luna’s personal guard. We continued to do so because it saved me time, if I had to eat elsewhere when Luna did it would give me little time to do so. Since she initially only had me as a guard, we spent most of the day together leaving no time for a shift switch. Getting back to the meals though, the princesses also enjoyed the company and conversation as valued well as my input.” Atreus explained, Spike nodded along like it was the most normal thing in the world, Joe seemed confused.
“You spent all day with Princess Luna? How come, why were there no other night guards. I have seen a bunch of them, even months ago.” the unicorn’s question was met with a nod from Spike.
“Most of them joined on one day, I’m sure you heard about that Mr. Joe?”
“Oh right.” the unicorn chuckled at the now present memory, he spoke, “I remember now, yeah. All those batponies showed up in robes and hoods. I heard their all moon worshippers.”
“Initially yes, but I believe now that most of them have met Luna, they see her as more than a goddess or object of worship. Now she is their leader, and to at least a few, their friend.”
“So... what about now? How does your day usually go?” Spike asked curiously as he leaned his arm against the counter.
Pony Joe placed his arms on the counter and leaned on them, it was a slow night and this was interesting. Atreus thought for a moment before he answered, “My day usually starts with some exercise, now that Luna has other guards I can leave her to sleep while I get up early. After my exercises I meet the Princesses for breakfast and either follow Luna or see to my own paperwork. I am in the most unique position in either of the guard forces. I am training and in charge of some units while we train new officers. Most of my day is either working or still spent with Luna. At the end of the day I maintain my equipment and go to sleep.”
“What about your free time?” Spike asked innocently.
“I don’t really have any.” Spike and Joe looked at him as if he just grew another head.
“What do you mean, your a guard, I know guards pay isn’t luxury but you are high level shouldn’t you have at least some time to spend. I mean don't you have most of your necessities covered why do you need to get so much money?” Joe was starting to doubt if anything about this guy made sense, next he was gonna say bread comes from the stars and cutiemarks are a bad name.
“I’m not payed, I have not had a need for pay. And it never came up.” the shop was silent for a a bit.
“Isn’t that, wrong? Not being payed for your work?” Spike asked Atreus confused.
“I suppose I can talk to the princesses about getting some form of pay, I will have to spend some time outside the castle after all. If only because others wish for me to come with them. And money is useful in these sort of situations.” Joe was about to butt in before Spike spoke.
“I’ll cover the doughnuts with my allowance this time then, you can get me next time around.” Pantheon nodded before Joe spoke catching both of their attentions.
“Twilight Sparkle, haven’t seen you in a long time.” the group turned to meet the group of girls standing in battered dresses and gowns. Spike ran up to Twilight.
“Hey how was it guys, you guys seemed to be enjoying yourselves from what I saw?” the group was about to answer when they found another voice enter the conversation.
“Judging by the state of their dresses I would say something happened.” the girls turned to see a familiar and distinct face, “Everything alright? Did something happen?” the group saw Pantheon, his helm and shield missing but the spear was still strapped to his back. His new armor shone with the rest and his face was one of ready concern.
“Oh! Nothing else is going to happening if that is what you are worried about, but we do have quite the story to tell.” Twilights words switch from reassurement to confusion, ”You know its good to see you but what are you doing here Atreus?”
“Oh! He was going to see you guys but I told him you were busy and so I showed him around Canterlot.” Spike jutted happily.
“Why don’t we all sit down, since the situation is either done or not urgent you can all tell us about it.”
...
“Wow that sounds like the worst night ever!” Spike exclaimed. The eight of the had settled down around a large combination of tables, chairs dragged from other tables. Each had a plate either filled fully or partially with doughnuts.
“It was!” the girls groaned, they quickly burst into laughs from their own response.
“I hope the princess won’t be too mad about us ruining the gala.” Twilight spoke and everyone except Pantheon had their expressions transform into ones of worry.
“It was not intentional, and it was exiting so she will forgive you.” Atreus reassured them, ‘she seemed keen on making the party not boring, and they accomplished that.’
“What do you mean by exiting? Why should that matter?” Rarity cut in with her own question. Before he spoke he saw Celestia entering the door and smiled.
“Ask her yourself?” the girls and Spike turned to see where he gestured with his hand.
“Princess Celestia!” the unison in their voices made it almost comedic.
“Princess! Sorry about the gala. We-“ Twilight was cut off by Celestia’s smile.
“What are you sorry for? The gala has become boring and honestly terrible, I was happy that you and your friends attended. Because that was the best gala ever! You breathed some life and character into the event.” the girls suddenly felt proud and happy, their smiles were wide. The Alicorn then turned to the grown man at the table, “Well looks like you beat me to joining the after party Atreus. I didn’t see you at the gala though? How did you know they would come here?”
“They came to myself and Spike, he was giving me a tour of Canterlot’s best locations. This shop was on the end of the list, I suppose he saved the best for last.” a chuckle came from Joe at the counter.
“Ah, well that makes sense. And here I thought you had tracking magic or something.” as if by some sort of random quirk of fate Luna burst through the door.
“Sister! I found you! I had to track your magic! Why did you leave the castle in disarray?” the girls would have laughed if they were not struck by Luna’s appearance, in both senses. She had changed in the months since they had last seen her. She grew taller, her height coming to be below Celestia but taller than most. Her mane was flowing like Celestia’s, stars floated in the strands. Her figure also seemed to change, she was totally different yet unmistakable. “Ah, hello.” her confidence suddenly gone in the face of their stares. “Good to see you all, I don’t think I did this when we met but thank you for what you did. You saved me and I’m grateful. Is there something or-“ luna was quickly bombarded with questions and attention from the six girls, most of it curious. All while Celestia and Atreus had small smiles.
...
The group was sitting at a healthy ten, all of them talking before a voice popped out fro the others. “Ah that reminds me, hey princesses is it true you guys don’t pay Atreus?” Spike asked honestly. Upon hearing this they paused before both both rubbed their temples.
“We forgot to pay him...” Luna groaned.
“The amount of paperwork and calculations...” Celestia mumbled, “so much unpayed time.”
“Thats only if he wants pay and he hasn’t asked.” Luna pointed out, they turned to the man in question who answered.
“Having some money handy could be useful in future, for buying donuts for example. You don’t have to pay for my previous time though. Just save yourselves, and myself, the work.” he mumbled the middle as to hide it some. “Oh, speaking of money. I need to purchase some costume fit clothes, would you mind Miss Rarity. This is my only set and-“ he didn’t finish the sentence as the air seemed to darken.
“You have been wearing one pair of clothes for months?” her voice was deeper if only slightly.
“The fabric has magic in it, it won’t smell or become dirty but I could use some new clothes for-“ he didn’t finish that sentence as Rarity slammed down fabric she pulled from somewhere on the table.
The lights seemed to be dimmed for a moment and her eyes were dark, hidden beneath her brow and mane, “Where are the castle’s seamstress rooms?”
A month after the gala life had gone back to normal, if normal was simply paperwork and training. Very little was happening though, there were rumours of a supposed cult of sun worshipers taking action against the city. This was likely just paranoid Batponies though, many of them were minorly mistreated by ponies in public. Small things like glares or frowns, not all of the city or surrounding country was pleased with their influx even months later. And even now many of the Batponies held firm to their belief in Luna as a goddess. Most of them, especially the ones who had met or served under her thought of her as more of a demi-god. Worthy of respect and fealty, but not necessarily worship.
Currently Atreus sat in a chair drinking tea, Luna at her desk. The day drawing to a close, in the since the weeks since the gala Atreus had started to relax. Not stop training or working, not at all. However ever since Rarity had made him clothes to wear, he had worn them. He was still adorned in his armor and old clothes when on duty but now. He had clothes to change into after he finished his work. His usual battle attire in his room with his weapons and armor. The warrior wore pants, they were a smooth and comfortable fabric. Brown with a decent amount of give, his muscled legs mostly hidden.
The rest of the outfit was blue and red, the style was semi-casual and yet held a few features of a higher class garb. The shirt was collared and a dark blue throughout. The sleeves were loose over his muscles and flowed without wrinkles or blemish down to his wrists. A red four pointed star embroidered on both of his arms at the bicep. Rarity had insisted on them after she asked why they were on his armor.
Pantheon had decided to stay silent on the subject at the time. The mare was quite intimidating when she was in a fowl mood. Though he quickly realized that was not wholly his fault, during the mares measuring and rapid sewing she talked about her portion of the party. She had stayed mostly silent at the doughnut shop because of Spike's presence. Atreus hadn't even known that Celestia and Luna had a, quote unquote nephew. She had explained that he was in fact the Princesses only blood relative, even if it was a far relation. He was a prince though according to Rarity it sounded like he hardly deserved the title. Atreus had to retrain both his impulse to go and strangle the stallion, as well as his impulse to rub his temples. He had yet to even to even meet the prince but he suspected Celestia had not introduced them for a reason.
That aside he also wore new sandals. As much as a challenge as they presented, the new clothes were much easier to get used to than new footwear, something about shoes and boots just weren't as comfortable as being in sandals or bare feet to Atreus. Since these clothes were for comfort he had purchased the sandals soon after Rarity had sent him away. She needed time to put the final touches on his clothes as it were. He had asked Luna to lend him some bits. She had decided that at that moment he could use a lesson in how much a bit was worth. She had readjusted her values for goods once she looked at the charts and data she had access to. Though she admitted it was a bit(hehe) of a struggle to get a few values in place, while ponies still haggled in Equestria it was much less common for store goods prices' to be debatable. Though her coaching was appreciated and her had picked up a few more items while her waited for Rarity to finish.
The items were a small carving knife, some decent quality wood, a few other wood carving tools, and sanding/polishing rags/tools. Pantheon had decided to take up a very old hobby of his, wood carving was a relaxing and rewarding experience so long as you accepted that the results were likely not going to be perfect. These were put in his room before he returned to Rarity.
The warrior chuckled at the memory, the mare had looked crazed. But he could not find a flaw in his new clothes. Luna raised her head, "Something funny on your mind Atreus?" He realized he had in fact chuckled aloud, he took another drink form his cup of tea before speaking.
"I was just thinking about how Rarity made these clothes for me, it was funny to see her in such a frenzied state." Luna recalled and nodded in agreement.
"Well, i am surprised you were so comfortable in only your regular attire for months." Luna put her pen back to her work and listened while working.
"I have worn those armor and clothes by themselves for much longer than that, and longer before I regained my mind." Luna nodded solemnly.
"Do you wish to talk about it? I know we have not spoke of our problems in great detail, if you feel rob of your time I am always willing to listen." Atreus saw she had now met his gaze again, he smiled and shook his head.
"I have nothing new to say, and no true problems. Simply the pain from the loss which will always be there, the best thing to do is to over come it and move on." Atreus set down his cup and leaned back.
Luna was silent for a moment, "Sometimes the best way to move on is to acknowledge what you are moving on from." Atreus looked at Luna with a small frown.
"Luna," for some reason his tone made Luna feel a bit guilty about pushing the subject, "Pressing forward is not the same as running from your mistakes."
Luna quickly spoke, "No, Atreus I don't mean that, but I just want to make sure you know tha-" She stopped talking as Atreus got up, worry setting in, 'I didn't mean to offend him!' She quickly went to stand herself, "Look Atreus I-"
As the lunar princess got up from her desk she was face to face with Pantheon, he stood there for a moment before he smiled and put a his hands on her shoulders. "But if I do need to talk," he paused to think about his words, "you will be the first pony I come to." Luna let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, "And I hope you can say the same about me, but I know you have your sister." Luna smiled again she realized she didn't have to worry.
'Why did I think he would be so easily offended, doesn't matter I just didn't want to do that to one of my only friends.' As she thought he spoke.
"But, if you ever need a second opinion, or a second set of hands I'm right outside your door waiting for you." Luna was silent for a moment before she blushed, when she did she nodded and smiled to try and hide her embarrassment.
'He didn't mean it that way, it was just unfortunate wording.' Luna finally stifled the blush and cleared her throat, "Thank you Atreus, that means a lot." after she told him this he went to remove his hands from her shoulders, she almost on autopilot moved in and gave him a quick hug before she smiled, "I'm glad your my friend." She moved to sit again. Internally she held several thoughts, 'Why did I do that!? Uhhhhh its fine, its fine! Friends hug, its not weird or awkward.... DO FRIENDS HUG ON RUNETERRA!?'
As Luna sat down none of her internal questions made any indent on her expression, it was a schooled and calm look she almost automatically went to sign the papers that were still unfinished. As she did Atreus had a puzzled look on his face he returned to his seat, poured more tea into his cup, and grabbed hold of a pastry. He bit into the pastry, and barley noticed the strawberries and cream which it contained. Something bothered him, Luna could see that and it made her fear that this time she had actually done something wrong. "You know Luna," she froze and nearly smudged her signature, "I think that may be the first hug I have had since I came to Equestria." He chuckled, "Odd no? When you think about the last time you did something or something happened to you you start to realize its scarcity. When was your last hug? How long ago has it been since you have seen your friends?" he paused, "Well, thank you. It was nice." he smiled and Luna returned to her work.
Unbeknownst to Atreus he had set Luna at ease, her mental screams were in full panic mode. 'THANK FAUST!' she sighed slowly as she relaxed. After an hour or so it was nearly time for dinner, Luna wrapped up her work and stood. "We should go meet Celestia soon, I hear she wants to see the project I have been working on with the blacksmiths."
"Oh I see, the standard equipment was lacking in versatility, correct?" There were only a few more paper that needed to be signed or denied now, Luna nodded to Pantheon's question.
"Yes, the standard kit lacks things like bandages, or even a small knife. A secondary weapon can be surprisingly handy even if you are just guarding a door way. Of course these sort of things are included in different kits and distributed to guards when a situation is expected to call for it, but when guarding an area having a knife if you lose your other weapons and bandages is very good. On the other hand, we have so many different kits it is not even funny. Why do we need a standard equipment kit, a standard winter kit, not to be confused with the northern kit, which is just a combination of the out doors kit, the clothes from the winter kit and the a small amount of rations. And all this doesn't even cover the other different season and biome kits. All of which has splinter packages and recommended additions to them, which should have been included in them to start. I mean what kind of desert kit has a sun hat but no water bottle, I understand it might be implied for you to bring but, why isn't it included just in case? The whole thing just screams of trying to be efficient while no-" Luna looked up from her papers and saw Atreus in his chair.
He had a blank expression and slightly widened eyes, he looked at Luna before he turned his head and quietly asked the space in front of him, "Why does every friend i have that is a mare to go into a frenzied rant, when I ask a simple question. First I thought it was just Shadow Wing, always on edge with her position as a Captain. Then Rarity when I asked her about why she didn't talk about what happened to her at the gala. And now Luna too."
"Ahh, sorry, what was that about lady Rarity?" Luna coughed before she asked.
"Hmmm, Rarity tried to, for a lack of a better term, court your nephew. She didn't talk about how unpleasant that experience was at PonyJoe's. This is because she thought it might upset Spike, who according to Rarity has a crush on her." the warrior's explanation was soon after a quick pause.
"Ah, young love. A shame that lady Rarity probably has no intention of ever being with somepony so much younger than her, even when he gets older she may be with somepony else or uninterested. Though her feelings are understandable for most ponies, not that I can truly relate anymore."
Atreus saw her return to her work, after she finished a paper he asked, "Can't relate anymore?"
Luna looked up form her work and met eyes with him, "There aren't any living creatures my age, no pony walking around was born within a hundered years of me. Excluding my sister obviously, but even before my banishment I had to date younger ponies for most of my life." Luna went back to her work, just one more proposal before she finished.
"Have you had many relationships?" his questions were small and curious.
"A lot by most standards, but not enough to enter triple digits. Many long relationships, but not enough to count on more than four hands, and only a few I would say qualifies as true love." Luna became more sad the more she continued in her answer.
"I have a hard time imagining living so long, and a harder time truly grasping your losses." Luna signed the last paper, stood and stretched.
Luna walked over to the chair across from his and sat down, she sighed before she spoke. "I know you lost your friend, I saw him when I intruded into your dream. What was his name?" Atreus paused, he had somewhat expected to be asked that when she had be there. Not months later.
"Pylas, he was my brother in battle. My better in strength, and skill. My rival to my persistence. And a true friend." he placed his finger on his eyes, there was no water works but it felt like he about to cry regardless. He took an in take of breathe before sighing. "I guess you finally found something for me to talk to you about," he chuckled "something to overcome, good job even if I already have to some extent."
Luna spoke, "Well, it wasn't my intent to harp on that any more, I just wanted us to share. Have you lost anyone else, did you leave any...one behind?" she changed anypony to anyone out of respect, he had already shared a lot.
"Yes," he chuckled again but softer this time and one once, "though it wasn't just because of my departure from Runeterra." He paused before almost mussing to himself, "Behind me lies a farm, I wonder if there is bread above the hearth..." his silence almost posing a question. Luna nodded she didn't fully understand who it was that he had left on that farm, family, friends... a lover. But she did know she had pushed him far enough, he would share more if or when he wished.
The two spent the remaining time before dinner together before they left to go to the dinning hall. As they got up to leave her chambers he gently grabbed her right shoulder, she turned her head to her left to gaze at him in question. His mouth and lips closed as he smiled at her, then spoke in a empathetic voice, "Thank you for talking about your past Luna, I am glad to know you better."
She returned the small smile before she expressed herself in kind, "Of course Atreus, thank you for sharing your pain with me. I'm glad we can trust one another enough to do so."
As she went to open to the door Atreus moved his arm from the top of her shoulder to her the side of her bicep. He gave her a small side hug before speaking, "Now lets go, your sister will eat our food if we don't get there on time."
Luna barely registered the hug, it felt natural now. "Don't let her catch you saying as much, or you'll be banished to the moon."
"Judging by how many desserts she eats, I would say I won't be the first to comment on her diet." The pair laugh a bit before they arrive at the dinning hall, as they enter Celestia notices them.
"Well, what has you two in such a laughable mood?" the pair looked at one another before Luna got a spark in her eye.
"Oh nothing sister, just talking about the creature that has been terrorizing the castle for millennia." Celestia shot Luna a look of confusion.
"I hear it terrorizes the kitchen staff especially, always devouring the cakes and sweats they make." as Luna continued Celestia realized and rolled her eyes.
"Yes, as I hear within the last few months a new one has moved in and started to terrorize the chiefs as well. What ever shall they do about them." Celestia quickly transitioned into attack mode and sent a smirk to her sister.
The man sat down at the table as the sisters shot looks at one another, "I for one heard from a reliable source that the reason the creatures have to eat so much sugar is because, they stay up all night doing paperwork."
The sister looked at one another before they silently called a truce, "What is for dinner?" Luna's question was met with the doors opening and servants carrying in plates that held their food.
"Prench cooking tonight if I am not mistaken Luna, we can expect excellent bread later." Celestia answered before the plates were placed before each of them.
Another day with a blue sky and a gentle breeze. Pretty common in Equestria, when you control the weather it makes very little sense to have more than a just a little rain in a city. Especially in Canterlot, where the sun and moon were strongest. The controllers of these were in Canterlot, the city was white, structured and orderly. Funny given what it contained in its walls. A complete and utter incarnation of chaos, disorder, insanity, change, and unsymmetricality. Raw unchained strength and power. Unchained, uncaged, but not free.
For this chaos was encased in stone, a living hell, a cold, stiff, eternal, and waking hell. Discord the spirit of disharmony and chaos, a smooth yet angular face was the forefront. The draconequus had a small goatee that fluffed from his face. His teeth were normal, if one counted the razor pointed yet straight row he possessed to be normal. That in addition to a larger snaggle tooth which protruded from his top row. The spirit’s head held mismatched horns, an antler, a coil of horn which was rather unique. Wild and unkept hair which did almost nothing hide his pointed and slightly furred ears, which were similar to a fantasy elf. His clothes were a suit and would have been quite nice, if not for their random patchwork of cloth in odd areas. Two different types of wings protruded from his back, a bat wing and a bird wing, similar to a Thestral and Pegasus. The wings were much larger than a ponies though, currently spread as they were in his pose it created quite the imposing and majestic figure.
At the moment a group of young ponies of all the main tribes tribes walked through the royal gardens. The fillies and clots were accompanied by their teacher and supervisor. As they walked on their tour the group came across the statue of the spirit. After a few moments a trio of fillies began to wrestle from an argument, the group of friends in that moment of time created something. In their quarrel the young ponies became an example of disharmony. Their fight a source of chaos, in such close proximity it was a gold mine of renewed strength for the draconequus. The spirit to drew on this generated source. The already weakened prison of stone became brittle, Discord drew upon his new found strength and began to destroy the stone from the inside. Even as the group of ponies started to leave that part of the garden, they were unaware of what had happened.
...
In the training yard Atreus stood in full armor with his weapons hoisted onto his back and a critical look was clear in his eye. The warrior was overseeing a group a new guards in their drills. The night guard had become much larger in recent days, more ponies had joined though the majority was still Thestrals. New promotions were handed to those that showed potential and skill. This resulted in many of the squads under Pantheon's control being assigned to new officers. Being under Pantheon's control/leadership was a sort of boarding house for a while, Atreus was quite happy that he could focus on something other than paperwork. He only took on the responsibilities of those squads because he was technically an officer.
The official term/rank for the position he held was quite funny. In the paperwork that the royal sisters had done when they had given him the job, they had to create a new entity within the Nightguard yet outside of its control. Under the command of Luna, yet also a fail safe against her. The reason he had volunteered for such a position was to give him purpose in line with his oath, and to help the sisters quiet dissident nobles who held distaste for Luna. And the term the sisters had chosen? Pantheon, it was a title after all.
Many ponies both in and out of the guards thought Atreus' name was Pantheon. After all, that was what the princesses has said during the ceremony of his initiation. But only a few knew that Pantheon was his title and even less knew his name. The list of ponies who did was as follows: the royal sisters, the element bares, Spike, and Shadow Wing.
Atreus frowned, some of the new recruits were a bit sloppy. The man moved and corrected their movements and stances. A nod was the only sign to the recruits he corrected that they had done it properly. After a half hour the drills switched and the officer who had been assigned this squad of fresh blood returned from the meeting. In only related to lower level officers, therefore Atreus had decided to make sure that the recruits didn't get relaxed. A nod passed from the man to the officer and he saluted in return. Atreus moved through the castle till he had messenger run up to him, "Sir, the princess request your presence immediately.”
"Where are they?" the warriors voice asked in an almost surprised tone. The two of them would not have sent a messenger if it wasn't serious, it would have been a servant or the message a less pressing constraint.
"The throne room, they asked you hurry sir." the voice of the messenger was calm but he didn't hide his expression of concern. Pantheon nodded before he began to run down the hall at a steady yet fast pace. He rounded a few corners before he came up to the throne room. Atreus entered and saw Luna and Celestia were talking. The pair turned to Pantheon as he came up to them.
"What is the situation?" before he had even fully stopped the man asked in a voice of hardened calm. It was a sort of professional voice that one would expect from a boardroom meeting.
"An old player has entered the game, I have sent word to the element bares. They will be here shortly, you will be briefed on the way to the Scrying chamber and Luna will be searching for Discord while you guard her. If she locates him, report to me and we will send the elements to him.
Confusion was clear on Atreus' face and stayed there till he and Luna walked through the castle at a fast pace. As the pair walked Luna began to describe how Discord was once the ruler of Equestria. Before the sisters were princesses they had simply been gaurdians of Equestria. After the death of the three founders of Equestria, Discord the draconequus lept to the stage and showered Equestria in chaos and madness. Discord declared himself the ruler of Equstria, and the spirit of chaos bent reality to his whims. Only after the sisters had found and used the elements of harmony on Discord, did they become the rulers of the recovering nation. After a thousand years of imprisonment in stone Discord had escaped, the sisters were alerted by a patrol guard that his statue was gone. This of course was far more important than the guard had realized. Once the two of them reached the Srcying room Luna explained their role more in depth. "Between me and my sister, I have the most talent with Scry magic. Which is used to locate a something or sompony. The only problem is that the spell is magic intensive, the Scrying room helps counteract the cost of the spell by generating a large amount of mana from the air with the help of enchantments. Once I find Discord you will inform Celestia and the Elements will go and engage him."
"Why hasn't he attacked yet?" Atreus asked, his question was met with a nod as the diarch put her hands on a crystal orb.
"We don't know, that is the worrying part. And we don't know where he is." both her horn and the orb glowed as she channeled her spell. She began to search for Discord as well as any chaos magic. He had a unique signature but it was in a almost constant state of flux. Luna’s brow furrowed and she frowned in confusion, “Something is wrong, the only source I’m finding for chaos magic is in this room. Something must have damaged the enchantments.”
Atreus nodded in understanding before he paused, almost visibly, he did not move a muscle. “Where in this room?” Pantheon’s voice was calm and showed no sign of change, if only meager curiosity.
Luna’s frown deepened in further confusion, she motioned behind her to her right with one hand. Her gaze never left the orb as she asked, “There, why? What are you thi-“ Before she could finish her sentence the warrior whipped around to his right. He grabbed the spear from his back with his left hand and as if one fluid motion, the spear was thrown at the corner. It travelled with blinding speed and the sound of metal ripping through the air. It impacted into the wall and nothing else. That mattered little however. For it would have struck something else if it had not moved. Or more properly, someone, seeing as the creature that dodged was not a pony the pronoun made sense here. As if a chameleon was just there, Discord seemed to have materialized out of thin air. A pleased grin split his features, his red scaled tail moved like a serpent with the tuff of fur at the end of it caressing the spear. This ended once the spear shot from the wall and back into Atreus’ hand. Princess and Pantheon both were now turned to face the lord of chaos and disharmony.
“Well isn’t that, just the warmest of greatings!” The tone was one of amusement and interest, “Quite the arm you have there. Though not as impressive as those weapons, I haven’t seen the like. And don’t think I haven’t forgotten you Lulu.” Discord began to float in the air, he leaned back as if in a seat, “You look as lovely as always, though I must admit I always did prefer your sister in terms of looks. You’re a looker, but you sister is as hot as the sun she-“ Discord was cut off by a blast of magic from Luna. He dropped several inches to avoid it, his body never shifted and raised an eye brow at her. Discord spoke in a calm and humourless voice, “That and you always had the worse temper.” the draconequus waved his finger back and forth before he lost his grin. “Really now, for royalty you should have better manners.”
“Discord, what are you doing here?! And more importantly what are you planning?!” Luna’s voice was one which fell into an accusatory fashion.
“My my, somepony needs to learn how to ask questions more politely. But if you must know, I have some plans for your elements of harmony,” as if in a flash the elements’ chest was within Discords hands and then it flashed away, “more specifically, the bares of the elements. You see I need to set them down some trials to get my plan to work, and I can’t do that if they aren’t here. Therefore I needed to stop you from finding me and telling Tia.”
“Then you were foolish to reveal yourself to us, you will not get farther in your schemes.” Luna declared. Discord began to lightly chuckle Atreus brought he shield forward and step semi in front of Luna.
“I’m afraid it doesn’t matter that I have shown myself to you. Because there is nothing you can do leave here.” as if on queue the walls, doors, roof and floor all shown with a dark rainbow light. “I have reinforced the room and for all intents and purposes you don’t exist to the outside world. You are trapped here till I leave."
"Then we shall face you till you flee." as Atreus finished his words he leaped forward and stabbed toward Discord. Luna began to channel magic around her body. The lord of chaos spread a mananical grin that made him appear insane, the serpent like spirit summoned forth a thin silver dueling sword. He deflected the sword and counter attacked with a quick and precise stab aimed toward the neck. The tip of the sword was caught on the warriors shield. Atreus bashed the sword away from his body and brought his spear down in a slash. Discord floated back, his body was just a couple inches off the ground. Discord was untroubled by something as minor as proper footing, all he needed to worry about was attacking. Several more slashes and stabs were exchanged and avoid by both sides. However discords large grin quickly turned to surprise as he dashed away from Atreus. Where he just was, was a dark metal sythe. Luna stood beside Pantheon in her full armor. "Oh, this will be fun!" the grin returned in full, Discord moved forward now with another sword in his off hand.
The armored pair returned the draconequus' charge, the lord of chaos block their weapons before he pushed them both back. The strength in his lithe figure was uneven, but no the less great in each arm. His aggression turned to Luna and began to onslaught her with a flurry of blows. Her blocks were often unsuccessful, though his attacks were wild and couldn't penetrate her armor. Discord flipped away once Atreus leaped to Luna's aid, as Discord moved away he flipped back to an upright position. Only then did he see a spear was flying to his face. He preformed a limbo dodge and rose again to block an impaling strike from Luna with both swords. The spear returned to Atreus' hand the moment he shield butted Discord's swords down. The lord of disharmony moved back but he was not fast enough to avoid damage, instead of striking his chest he was struck in the arm. He fell to the ground in pain. The arm at the elbow was severed, Atreus used the momentum from his bash to strike out with his spear and catch Discord in the other arm. With the sound of burning flesh and a scream from Discord, he was left without either of his hands. "Surrender Discord! You can not defeat us in combat." Luna stated triumphantly.
Discord looked at the pair as they stood above him, he was on his knees. He bled on the floor from both of his arm though not much considering. Dicord's eyes had yellow sclera, red irises and black stitted pupils. The pupils narrowed and a grin spread on his face, "I admit I am rusty, but there is more to battle than combat." As if by some sick joke the tuff of his tail formed a hand and in a moment snapped. Though the pair didn't see what he had done done they felt it. Each looked down to see Discord's arms grasped onto their legs. After a moment they felt inexplicably weak, each collapsed to the floor, "For starters, misdirection." The two held enough strength to look up and see Discord re-attach his arm like one would with a toy. The lord of chaos flexed his fingers experimentally, be broadened his smile, "You should see the looks on your faces right now, ahhhh priceless. But I suppose I can't stay long, I can feel my ears burning." Almost as if to illustrate this his ears caught fire. "I am needed in another part of the castle, if I am to make my superb entrance on time."
The lord of madness leaned down and plucked the helmets from both their heads before he tossed both away. "You will never win Discord, my sister and the element bearers will stop you!" Luna raged against her body for succumbing to Discord's magic.
"Oh we shall see Lulu, as for- oh my." Discord tilted his head to see Atreus on his hands and knees, the lord of of draconequi moved face to face with Pantheon. "Still trying to fight are we, kinda pointless no. Your beaten."
Atreus looked up at Discord with a look of determination, "I fight until the blood takes the spear from my grasp," voice matched face in a show of persistence, "until I can only crawl. And even then, you will not defeat me, even then," a pause before Discord felt a warm slimy feeling on his cheek, "I will spit in your face!" Discord raised his brow as his grin turned to a neutral expression, he wiped the spit of his face with his hand. He brought the hand up to his eyes to look at it. Discord used that hand to backhand the man across the room. He landed on his back against the wall.
"Atreus!" Luna shouted she attempted to get up to no avail, Discord snapped his fingers.
"I'd love to stay and chat but I am needed elsewhere, don't worry though I'll leave you both some trials of your own. Wouldn't want you to feel left out of my master plan now would we." A pop sounded before the pair saw their vision go dark.
...
Darkness, emptiness, quite, cold. An unfortunately familiar feeling for Luna, and she didn't like it. it reminded her to much of her time on the moon. She attempted to open her eyes. Nothing she couldn't even see her hand in front of her face, was it in front of her face? She had no sensation other than the cold. She couldn't even hear her own breathing, was she breathing? A stillness and quite was her only answer. This lasted for so long she thought she might go insane. Then something changed, "Hello Luna." If Luna had been breathing she certainly stopped now. She looked up, she knew that she looked up because suddenly she was in a place. She could feel her body and the hard cold stone beneath her. Home, her former home. The castle of the two sisters, she was in the throne room, night clear as glass. But that barely registered in her mind, before her stood the source of the voice she had heard, "You seem surprised." Nightmare moon, dark and terrible with hair to match her own, both flowed in a none-existent wind.
Luna stood, "No your dead, your-" Nightmare cut her off with biting cold words.
"Dead?! Dead! We are you, you miserable little foal!" her voice was like broken glass, sharp and clear. "For millennia we were one and now that you have had a few months to yourself you think I am dead, we are inseparable." Luna began to move away from Moon out of fear. "You may want to convince yourself that we were separate, that it was the dark magic. It clouded your mind and made you into me. But we both know the truth." Nightmare moved to follow Luna "My actions, my feelings, everything was only enhanced by dark magic. But it never changed your feelings when they became mine." Luna found herself against a wall, Nightmare Moon pointed her finger at Luna's heart "Everything was in you, you and I are the same." Luna's eyes widened as if she had been struck in the face. Nightmare pressed her finger against Luna's breast, a dark shadow started to engulf Luna's body from her chest onward.
Luna felt tears of terror and sadness come to her eyes, "No!" flashes however brief went through her eyes, "No, No!" the things she had done, it wasn't a bloodless rebellion she had started a thousand years ago. The damage, ponies she had hurt or killed, the heartbreak in her sister's tearful eyes as Celestia had fired the elements at her, "NOOOOOO!" Luna broke down, despair and regret finally found a proper foothold. As Luna's body was fully engulfed by the blackness and sorrow she retreated into her mind. Cold, dark, and sorrowful, but the quite? Gone, shattered by the screams of those she had hurt. She wept, the tears stung against her skin, pain greater than tears had any right being. She didn't care though, she felt her heart crack and hollow as memories of her mistakes wrapped around her mind. 'I can't be redeemed, I tried to run from my past. I don't deserve to be happy I-' her thoughts were interrupted by a voice, a different voice.
"Pressing forward is not the same as running from your mistakes." Luna looked up again, the world was still dark void, and so was her form, but the screams had gone silent. Knelt next to her was Atreus, he didn't have his helmet or weapons, but he was there none the less.
"Atreus, I... no I... I did run from it. I wanted to forget and just live my life again without having to pay for my mistakes. I-" the man leaned forward and pressed his hand to her cheek.
"You have payed enough, you had your home, life, and family denied to you for a thousand years. It is time you accept what you have done and overcome it. Because we are what we overcome. It is time for you to be you, to move on from your past, to be stronger. If you don't think you have paid enough, then pay with your service. Work for your subjects to repay the debt, but know this. That no matter what they will not see your work as you making the score even, but as love from their princess." Luna had stopped crying, she listened intently.
"But my sister I wronged her I-"
"She forgave you the moment you were on the moon, she wept for her mistakes from that day on. Your return has been a pray answered for her. It is time to wake, and rise." Atreus stood, his hand extended to her. Luna reached out and grabbed his hand. As the man hoisted her up she felt the dark lift from her form.
Nightmare stood there anger clear in her eyes, "You are running again! Don't think some petty words, and little works will ever repay for what you have done! You slaughtered and destroyed the lives of ponies, why would it be any different now?! We are one and the same we-" during Nightmare's rant Luna had moved and embraced her.
"We are different now, we are one, I accept that. But everything has changed, and I think it is time that we move on." The castle started to brighten as Nightmare Moon faded into nothing. Luna turned to Atreus, "Thank you," the two shared a hug before she moved from the embrace to ask, "Atreus, I-" He put a finger to her lips.
"Save it for when you wake, and for the real Atreus." Luna blinked before she nodded, the castle itself seemed to fade as it go brighter.
...
Stars, stars all around. A glorious field of view that made even the cold of heart gaze up in awe. A wind of slicing cold and snow, it was the only sound. The true Atreus stood on rock and snow. He stared out from the mountain's peak, a longing to be down there, with his people. The ache of loneliness, he had been gone from his family. His friend and brother Pylas dead. Aiula left on her farm, widowed after Pylas' death. He had left her too, so he could go their protect people from invaders. He never returned to see her, she must have know he had succeeded, but he never went to her. "Why did you leave me?" A voice feminine and familiar. As the man turned he saw Pylas and Aiula. The former couple looked at the warrior with sadness on their faces.
"I-" he was cut off by Pylas this time.
"Why did I die, and you live? I had a wife, a future, a home. Why did you live to see Targon but I didn't?" his face wasn't angry but it cut into Atreus' heart.
"I left to protect you Aiula, you and all our people. The barbarians were closing in on our borders. Pylas I don't know, I don't know why I didn't die instead of you. I don't know why I-"
"Why didn't you protect me and my friends?" this voice, he had only heard twice. To the right of Pylas was his wife, and to right of Aiula was...
The woman to the right of Aiula wore battered armor and held a burnt shield, "Asos. I tried, I didn't have the strength then I'm not even sure I do now, but-"
"Why?" the three of them asked sadly. All of there questions were burning through his heart like starfire, regrets venom formed in his eyes as he felt the warmth on his ice cold cheeks, his face numb. The cold was stronger now, it seemed to envelope him for what felt like an eternity.
"Did you give up?"Atreus crack open his eyes, almost literally. The mountain's wilds were a blizzard of white and formed a void. In that dark white void Atreus saw her. Luna sat, legs under her.
"What?" Atreus could only choke out one word but she understood.
"Did you ever give up, on them, on your purpose. Did you ever fail and not keep trying." the sting of the wind and the sound from its bite was lost.
"No, but if-" the lunar princess shook her head and cut him off.
"If you had been stronger? Maybe, maybe Pylas would not have succumb to the cold if you had been strong enough to carry him. But you did support him up the mountain, and when he died he wasn't accusing you, not even with his eyes. If you had been there? Yes, you should have gone back, talked to Aiula at least. Her worry settled for a time, and convinced her that you needed to go, to protect others with your strength of will. If you had been faster? If you had gotten to the fight earlier you may have saved some of the Ra-Horak, but how could you be any faster? Even then Asos saw that you were merely a man that day. She chose to save you, and because of that you saved the last of the warriors. Its not a matter of why, but a matter of will. Will you give up and wallow in the past, or will you let the past march with you. Make your self stronger from it and never surrender, to honour their memories,"Luna pointed toward Asos to the the right, and Pylas to the left, "and her loss." he finger pointed to the center with Aiula.
Atreus moved to them each with a sad look on their faces, but each of them held a small smile when Atreus put them in a group hug, he looked at Pylas and Asos, "Return home on your shields, my friends, you have earned your rest." The two of them smiled wider and faded, Aiula stood alone with Atreus, "I can not look after you here, I am afraid you will be on your own."
Aiula smiled and punched his arm, "I cared for you and your belly aching for months, I can care for myself. I just hope you can do the same for yourself, Atreus." The strong willed women he had fallen in love with over the months she had spent with him faded from the mountain. Atreus turned and saw a smile on Luna's lips.
He crossed the distance to her and grabbed hold of her hands as gently as possibly, "Thank you," the slightly shorter princess nodded, "Luna I-"
Luna spoke over him, "I think you better save that thought for when you wake up, and see the actual me." The stars seemed to shine brighter until there was only a bright white.
...
Luna woke up, she was still on the floor of the Scrying room, she was confused for a moment before it all snapped back like a rubber band. "Atreus!" She quickly looked around to find he was still against the wall. She got up and ran to him, he appeared to be in the middle waking up. He opened his eyes and as Luna sat by his side their eyes met. An understanding passed between them, in someway their experiences were similar to the others'. Their faces and eyes showed one another more than words would right now. Atreus sat up and gently grabbed Luna's hands. She smiled before she rested her forehead against his, she took care with her horn. And the two of them closed their eyes and took a moment of silent comfort that they had both made it through Discord's magic. Discord, as if on queue the two quickly stood and retrieved their helmets. "We have to find my sister and the elements." Atreus nodded as they ran out of the Scrying room.
The pair of alicorn and man rushed through the halls, the two of them burst into the throne room, it was empty. "Curses! We must find the bearers and my sister before Discord can gain a hold of-" Luna couldn't finish her sentence before the doors opened and the pair saw all of them walk in. "Sister! Friends quickly we must make hast if we are to capture-" she was once again cut off though this time not by her own doing, a hand from Celestia pressed to Luna's mouth for a moment before she spoke calmly to her shouting sibling.
"Don't worry Luna its fine, the element bearers were able to defeat and re-imprison Discord." her calm smile was switched to a explanatory one, "Though I am glad to see you both safe, when Discord appeared the bearers had to attempt to find the elements themselves, he had hidden them before we could access them, we may need to consider upgrading our security enchantments." The remark was almost an after thought as her mood began to shift as she reminded herself of the recent events, "After they left I went to find you both but the srcying room had vanished, the door that should have led to it was a closet." after she had recalled that Celestia reached out and grabbed her sister's hand, "From there, I had to try and keep the city organized and calm for the coming chaos. But once it actually broke out," Celstia's long rant was ended as she shook her head, "We can talk specifics later all that matters is we are all safe and the threat is passed, I am having Discord's statue put in a safe location."
Luna who had been mostly silent until now was still processing that during their own "trials" ,as Discord had called them, she had been unconscious long enough for the foul spirit to have been re-captured. "Yes I suppose you are right,"
"So we were both out for the entire time, I am sorry that we had not come to help you or warn you of Discord's presence. He had ambushed Luna and I at the scrying room. His trickery had rendered us helpless before we shook the magic off." Atreus stepped forward and apologized to the group.
"Ahh, no biggie, we beat that meanie up just fine, even if we had some issues." Pinkie ever the peppy pony of the group, her dramatic understatement was let slide by her friends.
"Yes, well I think we should begin clean up, and perhaps make some plans for a celebration, you six have certainly done it again." Celestia's calm and motherly voice had returned from its brief vacation in the worried isles. While the prices were fine you also wondered if you were being charged too much. “But before that who wants to raid the kitchens with me, I’m positively starved, and I don’t think the chefs will be able to cook for a while.”
“You can go sister, I think Atreus and I will catch up with you all after a quick talk.” Celestia raised an eye brow but nodded, considering that the had gone through the attack together, it was likely they needed to have a quick meeting on what they didn’t have time to discuss while they thought everyone was still in immediate threat. Considering what some of the element bearers had apologized to one another for because of Discord’s magic it was likely some words or actions had to be settled now that they were free.
“Ok, but don’t take too long, or there won’t be any food left.” Celestia tone was playful, she and the bearers left the throne room and the two of them were alone.
“Atreus, I need to talk to you about what I saw in my... dream shall we say.” Luna said as she unsummoned her armor, she crossed her arms and seemed to look at everywhere but him.
“I feel we have a similar tale to tell, would you like me to go first?” the man had removed his helmet now that the threat had passed, his short cut hair and beard now free he kept his helm under his arm.
Luna blinked in thought before she settled on her choice, “No, no I need to tell you first.” The two of them had unconsciously moved to a stain glass window to talk, “When Discord used his magic on us, I was back in my old home, the castle.” Pantheon placed his spear up against the wall, and his helmet and the sill. “Nightmare Moon was there, I was confronted by her, she made me realize... I was not separate from her, that all of the crimes, and actions she had committed. It wasn’t another person, she was only the extremes of my negative emotions. I was in a dark, cold and horrible place,” the man listened intently, this was perhaps an even more intimate and important moment than when he had asked her about her past in his dream. “But then, you were there, you told me that even if I had done horrible things I had already paid for them. That even if I had killed I should remember that for a thousand years I may as well have been dead. And You told me that if I felt I had not payed enough, I should repay my subjects through service. I know it’s weird to hear, and I know that was not you. It was just a part of my mind, but Atreus I-“
“Luna.” the single word that was her name cut through her as if she was paper, she had exposed something very personal to him and now he judging her she....she looked at his eyes, they were understanding, and kind. “Before you finish that thought, may I share my story?”
Her anxious thoughts had been swept away and she apologized, “Yes of course, please, I didn’t mean to make this one sided.”
The warrior had put down his shield now, “I had quiet the similar experience, I was on mount Targon, and I was confronted by three people.” he paused to look Luna in the eye, “One you already know, Pylas he was my battle brother and rival. He died at the peak of Targon in my arms, the next was his wife, Aiula. She had cared for me after the death of Pantheon, in the months I had spent in recovery we had grown close, I had not seen her since I had left to face barbarian invaders, and defeated Aatrox instead. And last is a warrior woman, whom I had met only just before I found myself in Equestria, she and her fellow Ra-Horak warriors had faced the Ascended that sent me here, before I arrived to slay it.” A pause for thought, “Each of them I failed in some form. They asked me, ‘why?’ and I could not answer. But then you were there, your voice cut through the howling on the mountain like a ray of light.” Luna listened, there was no embarrassment or blushing, or anything of the sort, merely understanding, and compassion. Empathy seemed to imply some thing or another was wrong. “You said to, ‘Did you give up?’, your words helped me come to see that even if I had failed, I had to move on. To honour their memories and losses with my survival and continuation into triumph.”
A quiet moment passed between them, “Thank you for telling me that Atreus, I hope you grasp why that means a lot to me to hear.”
“I’m glad... Luna.” the tone was serious but not harsh, “Thank you, for everything. I have been alone for a long time, and in Equestria, you are the one I know best. So thank you for that. I have grown fond of our time together, and I think I have grown rather fond of you as well.” the lunar diarch seemed to take a momentary pause at his word before she spoke.
“Atreus, what I meant to say earlier was... I have grown to love and appreciate our shared moments together, but I guess saying I love you wouldn’t be to wrong either.” silent, not an eternal silent moment, no. Though it was longer than some pauses. The pair stepped forward closer to the other before they embraced in a hug, their heads on the other’s shoulder. A few minor breaths were taken before they put their foreheads together like before, eyes closed and special care taken with Luna horn. Another moment of intimate connection, this time not interrupted by the idea of a chaotic outbreak.
A small withdrawal from each other saw the two of them locking eyes. A spark seemed to jumped between them as they each did the same thing. The princess and the warriors lips meet and both closed their eyes again, it was small and light. But the gesture seemed to slowly add pressure further. A full on kiss between the pair, each not really sure how to go from there, they withdrew from the kiss and breathed in small quiet breaths. A smile spread on Luna’s face as she spoke, “We may have to hide this from my sister for a while. Something tells me it would be best if we didn't rush this... besides.” Another light kiss was put on Atreus’ right cheek, “we should savour this, our relationship shouldn't take a jump, so much as a well-“
“A climb?” a smile of his own spread on his lips as he spoke, “I am quite good at those, and I think you are right. Your sister doesn’t need to know yet, hardly any point since we need to figure this out ourselves first.” the man used his slightly taller frame to kiss her forehead.
A quiet was held between them before the Lunar princess broke it with a reminder, “We should go to the kitchen before our friends get to the stage wondering where we are.”
“You just might be right there.” the newly proclaimed love between them had been put on hold, for desserts and friends awaited them.
...
A couple of days later
The normal routine had returned to the castle somewhat, after the ceremony for the element bearers they had left to return home to Pinyville. They had only come back to Canterlot after Discord’s defeat to guard the transportation of his statue to the princess. Afterward the guards had informed Celestia that the scry-room had returned and her sister had been seen running through the halls with Pantheon.
Now that all of that had passed the paperwork seemed to have doubled, yep, it was defiantly just like the norm. Luna had to help her sister with the amount of mail she had received, most of it was asking to know what had happened to Equestria from several... hundred... thousand citizens. Thank all that is good that neighborhoods and small towns had had the decency to make their concerns part of one letter, the nobles on the other hand. Lets just say that there were still at least a thousand or so letters to respond to. That on top of the usual bureaucracy that ruling required, lets us just say that Atreus soon found himself deep in ink once again.
Of course this was quickly swept out of the schedule once it was done. Funnily enough a large amount of new disaster from dangerous villains clean up plans had been established, after the implementation of a few in efforts to remove the damages caused during the chaos things went quite well.
The guard forces had been more active then ever, something about being helpless during a crisis was probably some part of it. The Lunar guard had began to establish a fully functional spy network, it allowed for covert information to be passed much quicker and with less notice drawn to it. Celestia had of course already made infrastructure for a spy network in Equestria, but it was small, and threstals are much better than the average pony at stealth and night work. The previous spies had began to transfer into Luna’s guard for some time now but they finally got back to familiar work with their new batpony colleagues as of a few days ago.
This may seem like a lot of events to happen in such a short amount of time, but given that everything was already in place before hand, its not hard to see how. The main target of their eyes and ears was members of the criminal underworld, as well as nobles and merchants who were suspected of either tax evasion or worse. Not even Equestria was perfect, and its underbelly was in need of a cleaning now that a proper broom had been found.
During the past few cycles of the bodies in the sky, Luna and Atreus had been together for most of it. Silent though it was, they enjoyed supporting the other. The late night paper work would end with the pair walking together to their respective rooms, tired as they were from the time spent at their desks. They still shared a smile, a small hug, and a kiss before they went to collapse into sleep on their beds. Ever the one to think ahead, Luna had her guards’ position changed. Now her closest guards stood outside of the hall where the two of them had their rooms.
This meant no one saw their kiss, and as for the guards, the distance change was minor enough that they didn’t notice it much. And for those that did, it was because they were glad that they were far enough away as to reduce stress. Stress that they would accidentally hear something they really shouldn't know. After all, the rooms were hardly sound proofed unless a spell was cast, and some ponies who didn’t know the princesses very well, or perhaps just read too many fiction novels, thought that if they heard a state secret they would be imprisoned or killed. Yes, opposed to having their oath of loyalty invoked for them to stay silent. Yes I was talking about state secrets what did you think it was about? ......Fair, but no.
The paperwork had piled up again. As it turns out that some of the more remote communities in Equestria which were barley on any maps had had the rough of it during the "Chaos effect" as some were calling it. And as it turned out, initial reports hadn't considered the most minor communities when it came to damages and injuries. Homes crushed from the strain of seemly random effects and occurrences.
"Chaos effect" was not the only title floating around for it, "The discord" was also popular for simple reasons, "Entropy field" was another good choice. Some even resurrected an old name for Discord's rule, the "Blight'd". Regardless of the name everypony had a small story to share, you don't just have the laws of physics take a vacation for every resident of a country and expect there to be no lasting impact. Books were being written, interviews, media and even the entertainment industry tapped into the "Chaos craze" as it had been coined by the news. The entirety of the country had been effected and thus in some form given a commonality to the ponies of Equestria. Everypony was effected.
Atreus was not needed to help Luna or her sister with the relief aid to those small communities. Not that he not not work. He did keep an eye on the guard, yes the guard, as in he made sure that both halves were assigned to their proper missions. The newest recruits were given tutelage where they struggled, the reports from the spies were read, and the solar guard was assisted, much to Captain Shining's relief. His was still the larger of the two guard cores and thus needed more orders.
"Shadow Wing," Pantheon walked through the training yard and noted his friend stood overlooking her lower ranked subordinates "are you alright? You seem tired." She sighed and nodded, her eyes a shade of red with bags beneath them.
"I am, being part of the relief efforts the Lunar guard has been busy, and I have had my sleep schedule thrown about." she answered honestly and began to walk with the man.
"How long have you been awake?" the thestral paused and considered her time for a moment before she answered in a semi mumble.
"Probably 18 hours at this point, a couple more and I'll go to bed though." a hand placed itself on her shoulder and she stopped. The mare turned her head to the warrior and shot him a questioning gaze.
"You are going to bed now, I'll take care of your remaining duties for today." the minor accent was still present after all this time and the firmness of his words was equally as present.
"I didn't realize I took orders from you Atreus." her tone was light almost joking, but a another look of expectation from the man made her sigh "Fine, but don't complain when it makes you tired." A smile and yawn was the only things the Targonian saw before she stretched and left towards he quarters near the barracks.
'Good, now I just have to find out what her duties were today.' a small smile met his lips at his own oversight.
...
The sisters sat in the dinning hall and ate in silence before Celestia spoke, "I'm done with the majority of the paperwork, I can begin the day court in full again. I would suggest you open at least a few hours tonight as well, I feel you will get a lot of overflow petitioners."
Luna nodded and ate another bite of the her pasta, she found that there was a bit too much cheese in tonight's dish. "I am in much the same situation, so I will follow your advice." a pause of silence, "I asked my guards to find what Atreus was doing since he is not here. Apparently he is covering for Captain Shadow Wing so she can rest."
Celestia nodded, "I admit I am not used to the lack of his company but, we do have to keep our ponies healthy, we are not the only ones working overtime after." the sisters shared a small nod between them before the meal resumed. The side dishes were rather interesting to say the least, lots of tomato and herbs in a fresh baked bread, all this pasta and bread was heavy on the carbs.
'Thank Faust there is a salad.' Luna's thoughts were interrupted by the realization that both of them had finished their plates, 'Back to work.'
...
"That would solve the route issues with getting such large amounts of supplies to the settlement no?" The man’s word spoke about coordinating one of the few relief efforts that the night guard would do directly as a way to engage positively with the populace. Atreus had skipped the usual meal with the sisters, in favour of a quicker alternative before resuming the work load Shadow Wing had assigned herself, 'Thank all that is good that I took the reigns from her when I did, or she may not have made it through today without burning out.' Needless to say the next few hours were still hard even with healthful food.
"Yes Pantheon," the awkwardness of the 'title' had worn off after he had shown his self to be capable to those under his command.
"Good, now what about our concerns about the locals being superstitious towards our threstral troops?" it went without saying that was almost certainly the case but Atreus felt the need to confirm.
"They have decent contact with other villages but they are still small, I would reckon they'll be open to us, once we show we are there to help." one of the most vocal officers had been of great help when it came to distributing orders.
"See to it then, I'll be turning my attention elsewhere. Your captain will need to be briefed tomorrow on the decisions made here." as he left the room the majority saluted, others too preoccupied to notice. As the man walked through the castle halls the light from Luna's moon shone on his breast plate, and the weapons on his back. The walk was rather quiet, though he could hear distance guard activity. Several minutes later he found himself stood in front of the guards to the sides of the door to the hall. This hall had his room and Luna's own chambers. A small salute from the guards stationed there and he was through to the cross roads as it were. He noted that light came from under the door to Luna's chambers and knocked. After a moment he slowly opened the door and walked in. Had he been anyone else he might have waited to be let in, or allow to enter.
"Atreus," Luna greeted him and smiled she stood up from her chair, it seemed she was still working, "I just got back from night court, a few petitioners brought paperwork for their claims, I am reviewing the ones I approved before I sign off on them." The alicorn walked over to him as he further entered her office.
"You've started up court again?" the question was asked as the two moved into a small living room before the pair sat on a couch together. Pantheon was to the Lunar princess' right side, "I assume it was a busy affair?" the man removed his helmet and laid his weapons on the table in front of them.
"Yes, so was my sister's court apparently. We missed you at dinner." she leaned over to rest her head on his left shoulder, her horn pointed out forward as the side of her head found its roost. Her eyes were partially closed as she breathed out a relaxed sigh. "I take it that you did eat sometime, even if it was just before coming here?"
A smile crept to his lips at her worry, "Yes don't worry."
She let out a seemingly annoyed huff as she straighten her neck and turned to looked him in the eye, "I'll worry if I want to, it is not you place to order a princess around." the playfully sarcastic tone was enough to earn a hum from Atreus as he smiled further. He put his arm around her left shoulder. As he did, she put her hand onto his left, her expression from faking annoyance to a small smirk, "If anypony saw us right now."
"Even if they did we are not doing anything wrong. It doesn't mean anything if our relationship is seen, we just wanted to develop it before then no?" she nodded and closed her eyes after resuming her rest on his shoulder.
"This might be the first time we've done this, relaxing together I mean. It has always been working together or just being in the same room as we do our own work." her left hand dropped as her other searched and found his right hand. They lightly squeezed each other's fingers as the silence.
"Hmmm," the tone was one of agreement with her last statment, "we did not get to have time together today, so some time for just us is our choice." the man leaned his head on her's, the intimate moment lasted some minutes before it passed. As they both wordlessly withdrew themselves from each other to stand he spoke again. "But we do need to get some sleep, I feel tomorrow will be quite similar to today.”
The two of them kissed, after a moment Luna spoke, “Don’t forget to grab your things when you leave, ponies might wonder why you left them here.” a small giggle Lead to her touching his face with her hand and then turning to leave for her bed, “Goodnight Atreus.”
“Good night Luna.” Pantheon picked up his belongs before he made his way out of her chambers to enter his own. He removed his arms and armor before he sat down to give each of them a quick bit of maintenance. He then crawled to his bed and began to relax his thoughts.
...
Celestia yawned as she brought her hands to the loose strands of her mane that fell into her eyes as she sat up in her bed. She walked to her bathroom and began to prepare her self for the day ahead. Brush her hair, then her teeth, make sure she doesn't use the same brush to do, remind her self of the one time in her life she did, wash her face, wash her hands, dry both, change her clothes, dawn her regalia, have it dawn on her to meet Luna outside their towers to lower her sister's moon, then bring the dawn, the list went on.
Escorted by a pair of guards she made her way to the dinning hall to eat breakfast. As she arrived the guards departed to elsewhere, other guards of her own already present in the room, along side some of Luna's. She sat down and her punctual companions entered the room. Luna's mane moved like her own, and seemed to wink in the sunlight as if it was fighting to shine brighter.
Atreus had his weapons on his back, the star on his breastplate a brilliant red, the blue tint of the rest of the metal contrasted with the gold of the rest of his armor, but that was the point she reminded herself. That he may be a part of the night guard but he was still apart from them, if you would forgive the homonym. 'You could even interpret that he wears gold coloured armour like my guards. A sort of fusion, which is not. Atreus, and Pantheon will always be different than a sum of either Luna or I.' Her thoughts were interrupted by a servant placing her breakfast in front of her, she shot a smile to the pair as two more servants came to do the same for them. As they ate she spoke, "We missed you last night Atreus. I presume that everything you need to do was handled?"
The man had of course taken off his helmet to eat, his eyes met hers, "Yes, I will meet Shadow Wing today to ensure her officers are able to give her a full briefing and that she is well." he gave her a small smile before he turned his close shaven head back to his plate.
"Do you not trust them to do an adequate job?" the solar princess' tone was teasing but she was curious to the reasoning behind his words.
"I was the only one there the whole time she missed, I am the best suited to informing her on what most of her offices might have missed, that I know." the man did not look up as he spoke, it was the most simple of reasons, he knew, they may not. Best to take some time from his own duties, to speak with her in order to save her some trouble.
"Hmmm." Luna for her part was only listening slightly, she was no doubt more focused on either her food or thought of her own work. Breakfast concluded, it was not as fast as it had been in their previously busy days, but still not as relaxed as it had been.
Once Celestia had made it to her desk she saw an envelope that was labeled urgent on the top of her work pile, "Hmm?" she let out a hum of her own as she saw it, "What is this?" The princess sat down and began tear the paper open.
Princess Celestia, I have received reports from some guards of a series of northern villages which seem to share a new and slowly growing, well for the lack of a better word, cult. They call themselves "The followers of Discord", though other branches of this cult go by the name "The Children of Entropy". The guards in these towns report that the cults have set up in various locations and that while they have yet to do anything illegal. My closest officers and I find the idea of ponies worshiping or at the very least idolizing Discord to be troubling. I would suggest you bring this to your sister for possible reconnaissance or imitate action on the Solar guards part. Since Discord is an enemy of Equestria, we could in a pinch deem their behavior as possible treason or at the very least dangerous to the populous. -Captain Shining Armor of the Solar guard
The princess thought for a moment after reading the report, 'I suppose putting that new spy network to use would not be a bad idea after all, though why my...our little ponies are doing this is beyond me.'
