After fleeing from the holy knights of Liones, Escanor finds himself in a land of talking ponies and ends up scoring a job as Celestia's Personal Servant
Some number of years ago, the seven deadly sins were framed for the murder of Grand Master Zaratas. Knowing the secret to Escanor's power the holy knights chased him all the way throughout the kingdom of Liones during the night, only for him to fall into a cavern and for the royal knights to presume he is dead.
He wakes up in the capital of equestria, Canterlot. Being the only human in equestria, the upper members of society which inhabited Canterlot looked down upon him and treated him like the dust they walked on, while the children and mares called him a monster as he turned and laughed him off.
One day, a certain alicorn and upon seeing how badly he was treated, she offered him a job at her castle. Seeing as anything was better than living on the streets in a land he knew nothing about, he took the job not caring for what it was. The best part about it was that most of the stuff he needed to know for the job he was already good at.
This story takes place sometime around the end of season 1, I may possible update the blue tags if I need to in the future because this isn't purely romance. If you dislike the story please tell me what I can improve on and how.
3/11/21 - I managed to get onto the popular stories page, may not seem like much now, but it is a small step for a small writer.
3/12/21 - I think this may be my first ever featured story. I am so happy. 3/16/21 - Second time being featured, I'm glad everyone like my story so much. 3/19/21 - Featured Again? (even if only for a little while.) 1/24/22 - I was gone, but now I'm back!
Escanor sat in an alleyway covered in dirt and the trash from the ponies which wandered the land. He had forgotten how he had been here but it no longer mattered to him. What he had once proudly called his fighting uniform was nothing more but torn rags, and a pair of oversized boots. He had started to grow facial hair from not being able to properly shave his face ever since he had arrived in Equestria.
The buttons that kept his sleeves were stolen from him seeing as how that was the only thing of value he had on him. He pulled out what was once his beloved poetry notebook as it was the only thing keeping him sane in this bizarre world.
His life was horrible, it was like being cast out of the Kingdom of Castellio all over again. His life was a cycle, something of minor enjoyment happens, he loses it and has nothing left, he wishes to die, and repeat. Escanor missed his friends, he missed the rest of the sins, especially Merlin. He would give all he had to return home, but he didn’t have much to give. Escanor took out a pen and began to write down his thoughts in a poem:
‘Oh bitterist gale, oh how you strike my heart,
Life and joy run overflowing down the trail,
Yet ‘tis only the sour wine you give to me,
The life I had once had has resumed its part,
All I wish before I see death's face is a small cup of ale,
For then it’ll rest easy on my heart when I cease to be.’
“Last page.” Escanor said, very saddened and disappointed at this, “I need some more paper,”
He crossed the street, all of the small ponies made way for him as they all despised him for being different. While they all walked on four hooves he had two feet, while they had magic and gifts, he appeared to have none. How wrong they were about that. Escanor entered the book shop, even though it was in the poorer parts of the town, it was still a store, he noticed that several of the ponies had become visibly uncomfortable. He approached the front counter, with only a simple request.
“Get lost ya monkey.” The stallion behind the counter said in a gruff tone. “Nopony wants ya here, would be best for you to wither away and begone”
“Please sir, I come not for food all I ask is that you can spare me a piece of paper.” Escanor pleaded as he fell to his knees, “please that’s all I ask.”
“You don’t have anything to pay with it,” he replied, “and even if you did, I wouldn’t serve your kind here even if they were the second most common race of equestria.”
“Please sir, if you can’t spare this old man some paper,” Escanor continued to plead, “then could you at least spare me some bread?”
With only a tilt of the stallion’s head, he had signaled the staff to begin dragging Escanor out of the shop. Escanor continued to plead all the while he was being dragged out, only to make a scene as he was thrown out to the road, landing face first in the ground bruising his face greatly. When he had landed he heard something break but only a few seconds later did it finally register to him.
“MY GLASSES!” Escanor shrieked as his left lens now had three cracks running through it. “These are the only pairs I have, I can’t believe I broke the pair Miss Merlin gave me!”
He began to cry his eyes out as he tried to keep his glasses from falling off. Once Escanor had recomposed himself, he began walking back to the alleyway he spent most of his time in, only to be knocked out of breath as he walked into what felt to be a soft and furry log. His vision was blurred by tears and damaged glass that he didn’t even see what had obstructed his path.
“Watch where you are going next time, foul creature.” It was the voice of a stallion, “You walked straight into the princess, you’ll be executed for that” Such a poor turn of events, he’d never thought that today would be the day he’d beg for his life.
“Shining armor,” A much more feminine voice said with a calm yet almost condescending tone, “While I do appreciate your concern for me, but look at the creature who you threatened, can you not see he is almost skin and bones, he also wears glasses so he may not see that well.” She turned her attention to Escanor, and in a much more caring voice asked, “tell me, what is your name?”
“If you ask to know what to put on my grave, you shouldn’t waste your time.” Escanor said as he hung his head low, averting her gaze, “It would be best if you go ahead and kill me now.”
The princess brought a hoof to lift his gaze to meet hers. “I wish for no harm to come to you,” She said, “So I’ll ask you again, what is your name?”
It’d been so long since anyone had treated him as an individual and not some sort of freak, he almost forgot the feeling once more. “My name is Escanor,” he said as he stood up to let out a stiff bow, “and m-may I know your name?”
“I am princess Celestia, I am the one who raises and lowers the sun every morning and evening.” She said, “It is not everyday I meet someone who I can speak with eye to eye.”
“I-it’s an h-honor to speak with you Princess Celestia.”
“I ask that you would come with me.” Celestia said, “I may find a use for you at the castle.”
‘Oh no, I’m going to die for public entertainment aren’t I?’ Escanor though, before he said “y-yes ma’am,”
“Guards go ahead and send a message with the chariot group that we’ll be taking an extra individual back with us.”
Following close behind her Escanor tried to spend what he thought was going to be his last few hours with pride. Celestia looked at him worriedly as she couldn’t help but see the fear and depression in his eyes. Those eyes were the same she saw whenever she looked in her reflection after banishing her sister. She didn’t wish this upon any creature if she could help it.
Getting on the chariot, Escanor sat down beside Celestia as who Escanor presumed was the captain of this world’s version of holy knights sat behind them staring daggers into the back of his head. The chariot didn’t make it that far before it began to fly off the ground, when it did so, Escanor was clutching onto his seat and the side railings of the chariot for dear life.
“Not a fan of heights?” Celestia asked worriedly, “If you rather us ride on the ground it’d only be a little while longer.”
“N-no I’m alright,” he was not alright, yet Celestia believed him
What felt like hours of holding on for dear life was only but a few minutes, when they landed Escanor thought that he had never been so happy to be on land again. He had shaky knees barely keeping himself standing. When they entered the castle its immense size dwarfed him.
“Sister? *Yawn* hast thou returned?” Another voice asked as hoof steps brought a blue pony into sight. Once she had looked eyes with Escanor a cold shiver ran down his spine. A blue aura wrapped around him and brought him to float right around the blue mare and began spinning him in several directions as she examined him. “An excotic pet? Male, no signs of utters. Fur? No, it's closer to hair and, garment? He must be hungry, quick, we shall go prepare food for him.”
‘At least this is better than dying.’
“LUNA,” Celestia snapped making the magical grasp drop Escanor, “He is not an exotic pet, he is a sentient creature like us.” She turned to Escanor who was laying on his back on the cold floor, “I’m sorry my little sister’s actions, she’s been acting like a little filly whenever she sees something that didn’t exist before her return.”
Luna looked down to Escanor who was laying on the ground, “We also apologize, for we have not seen of thou kind before, we should’ve acted more fairly to thoust.”
‘Old English?’ Escanor thought, as he got to his feet and dusted himself off, “It’s quite alright, really. I have no doubt you would’ve taken good of me if I was an exotic animal.”
“Now back to why I have brought you here.” Celestia said, “Do you know why you're here Escanor?”
A feeling of fear and terror overwhelmed, “I-i uh, d-d-do-on’t know your majesty.”
“Well let's say because of your unique body compared to us ponies, you have certain advantages that most can’t access,” Celestia said, “So I have an offer where you couldn’t refuse in your right mind.”
“Y-you mean-” Escanor asked before he cut himself off for the princesses to continue
“So here is my offer, come work for me as my butler,” Celestia said, “And in return, I’ll make sure all your needs are taken care of and not cut short.”
Escanor fell to his knees with tears in his eyes, “Y-you mean it?” When Celestia nodded her head, he fell upon his face. “T-thank you.” Those were the last words he said before he became overwhelmed with tears of joy.
Days had passed since Celestia had taken Escanor off of the streets in Canterlot. While he was treated better by most of the staff in the castle, there were still quite a large number of ponies that hated him for even existing. Celestia tried her best to do what she could about them, but since they hadn’t actually broken any laws, what she could do was very little to nothing. Even though she couldn’t change the way ponies acted around Escanor, He still felt happy that Celestia at least tried to do something.
Seeing as how Escanor’s old clothes were considered old and unfit to work in, she had some new clothes tailored for him. His new clothes were a collared shirt white with a set of matching green vest and pants. She also managed to pull a few strings and find a way to get him some socks and shoes so he wouldn’t hurt his feet walking across the stone floor. While those clothes he would end up wearing the most, she also had given him some more casual clothes for when she dismissed him for the day.
Celestia had been nothing but kind to him, and He’d done nothing so far in return, She’d even provide him a new notebook for his poetry. Today he decided to change that, today was the day he’d actually start working as the princesses butler. He took a look at himself in the bathroom mirror, he brought out a pair of scissors that he borrowed from the tailors and began to shave the beard that had started to grow. Bringing the scissors the hair right below his nose, he took one more look in the mirror. He closed the scissors and stuck them back into his pocket, making sure it wouldn’t accidentally cut a hole, because he liked the mustache he had given himself.
“There you are Escanor,” He had been on his way to the tailor to return the scissors he borrowed before Celestia called out to him, “I was starting to get worried because I haven’t seen you yet today.”
“You don’t need to worry about little old me, I’m just your butler.” Escanor said as he faced the solar Princess, “I was just returning something I borrowed.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow, “When did you shave your facial hair?”
“I wanted to look decent for first impressions.” Escanor said, suddenly his eyes as if he had come to a shocking realization, “D-does it not look good?”
“No, I didn’t mean that, It looks good on you. In fact, I actually think it suits you quite well.” Celestia said, “I was just surprised you shaved is all.”
Escanor breathed a sigh of relief. “You flatter me Princess, may I return what I borrowed before I start?”
“Why of course. Just be back in a few minutes”
Escanor entered the tailor room, several different fabrics and materials were on dispensers which lined the walls. All across the room he saw several different mannequins, most of them were designed after ponies of varying sizes, there was also one that was designed after Escanor himself so that it’d be easier to make clothes for him. He took the scissors out of his pocket and placed them in their correct container. As quietly as he entered, he left and began to head to where Celestia was.
Escanor grabbed the silver platter from the kitchen which had Celestia’s favorite wine, and a crystal wine glass to hold it. He went down the hall holding the platter in one hand making sure to balance it while he walked the stone floors of the castle. A few guards broke their empty gaze to stare at Escanor a little, too bad he couldn’t blame them, he was as tall as their princess even though he was nowhere near as old. When Escanor entered the main hall, Celestia was talking with one of her guards.
“I see.” Celestia said, “thank you for bringing this to my attention. You may resume your post.”
The guard saluted her before he went the direction of his post, Celestia however instead of remaining on her throne Celestia approached Escanor. “May I help with something?” Escanor asked being ready for anything she may ask.
“There has been a change of plans.” Celestia said, “There was an error with the weather factory. Now we are completely snowed in. And nopony is getting in or out until next morning unless they know a long distance teleportation spell.”
“Snowed in?” Escanor asked clearly startled, “but what now, princess?”
“My sister is asleep and my niece has a date scheduled for this evening and won’t be back until the snow is cleared.” Celestia quietly thought out loud, then she got an idea. “Come, follow me Escanor.” He did as he was told.
Escanor followed Celestia with the platter balanced in his hands. He noticed a stained glass window with 7 different mares, 2 unicorns, 2 pegasi, 2 regular looking ponies, and a pitch black alicorn. He stopped to stare at it for a moment before he had to catch back up with Celestia, there was a rainbow that was in the stained glass window, he’d have to ask Celestia about it later.
They stopped at wooden double doors, Celestia used her magic to summon a key to unlock the door. Walking into the room there wasn’t much in there, just a table and some cabinets. While there were no windows in the room, it had enough magic light to keep the room lit and easy to see around.
“Do you know what this room is?” Celestia asked, as she led Escanor into the room.
“I don’t know what this room is for, princess.” Escanor responded
“This is my private room.” Celestia says, “Nopony is allowed in unless I invite them in, anything that happens inside this room will ever leave the room.” Escanor gulped, “Now your first task of the day is to get a certain box from the kitchen, order #12, more specifically.”
“Yes ma’am,” Escanor said as he turned around the leave
“Leave the wine here.” Celestia said, “You're going to need both hands for the order.”
He placed the silver platter on the table and poured some of the wine into the glass as Celestia nodded once the desired amount had been poured. Escanor began to head his way to the kitchen with the order in his mind, he passed a few guards and other castle staff before he reached the kitchen. Upon arrival, the kitchen was empty except for a few ponies, who were diligently taking notes and preparing equipment until one of them noticed Escanor.
“You must be the new guy.” A mare in a baker’s outfit said, “So, what can I do for you?”
“I, uh,” he stuttered, “I’m here to pick up an order for the princess.”
“Which number?”
“12,” Escanor said
She levitated a box which measured about 1½ feet long in each direction. It was sealed shut with a sticker labeling it ‘12’. Despite its size, it felt rather light, almost like it was an empty box with only air inside.
“There you go,” She said, “Make sure it gets to her safely, She can get a bit angry when she doesn’t get her cake.” She teased him, which Escanor didn’t catch onto.
“I-I’ll make sure it gets to her.” Escanor said, rather intimidated at the thought of an angry god-horse.
He made his way out of the kitchen, walking diligently to make sure he didn’t disappoint Celestia. While the recurring thought of an angry Celestia scared him, the actions he’d have to take to stop her scared him more than that. His daytime power had great qualities, such as his ability to come up with great lines right on the spot, but Escanor couldn’t control himself when he reached this form making it a double edged sword for him because he didn’t want to harm the first ever pony who was nice to him.
Escanor walked upto the wooded double door only to hear them click unlock and open up only being adjar. He pushed a door open with his shoulder and then closed it with his shoe after he entered. There Celestia sat at the table, and she was, shuffling a deck of cards in her magic?
“I see you got the package,” Celesetia said as she placed down the deck of cards, “Just lay it down on the table.”
Escanor did so and Celestia brought it close to her with magic, before she opened it and inside was a rather large chocolate cake with strawberry decor. “Are you going to eat all that yourself princess?” He asked worried about her well being.
“Please drop the Princess title while you're here,” Celestia said as she pulled a knife and plate, “It gets rather repetitive and tiresome when ponies call me that.” She cut off a piece of the cake and gave it to Escanor.
“Thank you prin-, I mean Celestia” Escanor said, as Celestia levitated a fork over to him, “But what I meant is that you could hurt yourself eating so much cake.”
“Are you saying that I am fat?”
“N-no! Not at all!” Escanor said, scared he accidentally offended Celestia
“I’m just teasing you.” Celestia said, as she took a bite of her cake. “Say, Escanor, would you like to play a game?”
“A-a game?” Escanor asked, “What game?”
“Crazy 8, a really simple game.” Celestia said, “Normally I’d find something to do, but I had to clear my schedule for the day because of what was planned. but the only one I can pass time with right now is you.”
“I may not look it, but I am really skilled when It comes to card games.” Escanor said as he readjusted his glasses making a magic lamp’s light gleam off it.
“I’m glad to hear it.” Celestia said with a smug smile as she began to deal the cards out.
Ten games later
“YOU BUCKING CHEATER.” Celestia finally snapped as she threw her cards into the air “There is no- OW” Her rant was interrupted by a sharp jolt of pain
“Are You Alright Celestia!” Escanor said as he rushed over to her.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Celestia said, “There's just a knot in my back that has refused to come out.” She tried to massage the spot only for her hooves to fall short. “It’s been quite a pain in my daily life, I’ve already tried to remove it with massage, but hooves and magic can only do so much.”
“I hope I’m not being imprudent,” Escanor said, “But may I try and massage it?”
“Go on ahead,” Celestia said as she laid down onto the floor, “I’ll take anything I can get now.”
Escanor looked across her back and saw his target, a small lump right beside her left shoulder. He knelt down beside her and got into a comfortable position to work. At first when he laid hands on it Celestia let out a small squeak from the pain, but once he began to knead at the knot almost all tension vanished. So much so, that the once esteemed ruler of an entire nation felt like nothing more than a conscious puddle on the floor. Once he had finished, Celestia let out a content sigh as she stood back up.
“I would’ve never thought you were so skilled with those hands.” Celestia said as she stretched, “That has been giving me trouble for a few weeks now. I may call you to my chambers again later so we can do this again another time.”
“Thank you for the compliment, princ- I mean Celestia,” Escanor said, with his face turning a light shade of red. Suddenly three knocks at the door sounded, it was probably one of the guards.
“News for the princess.” A guard shouted, through the door.
Celestia sighed and unlocked the door. “Come in.” the guard did as he was told, and took a bow and removed his helmet.
“The snow wasn’t as bad as we thought.” The guard said, “The weather factory staff was able to remove it after a few hours.”
“Thank you for delivering me this news,” Celestia said as the guard left, she later turned to Escanor and sighed, “Well it seems that I’m not freed from my duties afterall,”
They walked to Celestia’s throne, with Escanor holding her silver wine tray. She sat down making sure everything was ready, she sighed knowing that she had to cram an entire day of complaining into a little less than half a day. She grabbed her glass in her magic and Enscanor filled it once more with the sweet contents of the bottle. Celestia downed the glass and placed it back on the tray just in time for the first complainer of the day to walk through the doors.
Escanor looked out the window at the star covered night with his journal in his hand and pencil in the other. He wore some more casual clothes rather than his uniform, they were a dark grey shirt with a brown overcoat. Writing in his journal, he began writing poems and just jotted down his thoughts. The late night sky covered all the land he could see in its quilt of shadows only to be illuminated by the stars in the night. Back home, their beauty had brought Escanor comfort after a long day, and he was glad the same was true for this land.
Poems he wrote about his experiences in equestria. After being hired by Celestia he learned that he was no longer at his home world, but rather in a completely different world. No humans existed here, other than Escanor, so he felt a little more relieved to know he wasn’t in any danger of being found out by the holy knights. Though he felt sad that he wouldn’t be able to see his old friends, he was happy that he was given another chance at the life he was kicked out of. A life where he had a chance to make actual friends, ones that honestly didn’t fear him for being a monster.
“Escanor, why art thou awake at such an hour?” Luna asked, making him jump in surprise, “Our apologize for frightening thou, but it is not often we see others awake for such an hour.”
“It's okay really, I was just enjoying the night.” Escanor said, “Its beauty and tranquility are great for the mind and body after a long day.”
“Thou enjoy our night?” Luna asked, as she began to blush a bit, “We feel flattered at thou’s compliment. It is not often one compliments our great night on its beauty.”
“That’s the only flaw in the night,” Escanor said, confusing Luna, “Its beauty goes underappreciated, I wish others could spare the time to enjoy it like I do.” He closed his eyes as he began to recite one of his older poems.
“Welcome oh quiet night,
With its beauty so bright,
May you swaddle under your quilt of stars
So that we may hide our own scars.
Though the veil of darkness cover your face,
So may your stars sparkles through that veil,
May not the morrow cut your beauty short.
O come back night for life need your sweet embrace,
For thine embrace is sweeter than any mortal’s ale,
Yet for after the morrow you come again for ones seeking thy support.”
Luna stood in silence as a tear rolled down her cheek, “We never thought one would ever appreciate our night as much as thou.” Luna let more and more silent tears roll down her face.
Escanor moved beside Luna to comfort her, he knew that she needed a shoulder to cry on. Right on queue, Luna buried her face into the shoulder of Escanor’s coat. He didn’t know what Luna had suffered, or anything about her past, but he knew those eyes hid something of pain and sorrow behind their beauty.
“Why?” Luna asked, “Many ponies fear us for our actions of long ago, yet why doest thou fear us not?"
“Whether you want to believe me or not is completely up to you, but I understand what it feels like to be feared.” Escanor said, “I was born as a prince of a kingdom that no longer exists. All because I was born with.. A curse. These glasses are the only thing that keep it dormant. Every morning as the sun rises I become a monster, barely able to control myself, and because of this I was exiled and sentenced to be killed on sight.”
“Thou possesses a curse?” Luna asked quite startled, “Why doth thou not brought it to our attention earlier?”
“I didn’t want to lose my only friends because of it, but I thought maybe you’d understand me.” Escanor said, “The only reason why I’m still alive is because I escaped in a barrel floating down the river. I could never find a home, everywhere I went, including towns that I had saved from other monsters, they’d all chased me out. Until I eventually ended up in Equestria, while first impressions weren’t the best, I’ve actually grown to like this place.”
“We art glad that thou liketh our lands, and mine night.” Luna said, before she let out a small sigh, Escanor could see in her eyes that she was hurting.
“... I forgive you,” Escanor said, Luna’s head perked up as she heard that, “No matter what you’ve done, I forgive you.”
“Thou knows what we did?” Luna was clearly confused, the only ponies who actually knew what happened all those many years ago were herself, and her elder sister Celestia, almost all information about her was shrouded in legends.
“I don’t,” Escanor said, “But I could see through your eyes, even at the time we first met, you were hurting. About what? I don’t know, but what I said stays the same, I forgive you.”
“A thousand years,” Luna said, “If only we could’ve found thou a thousand years earlier, maybe we’d never lost all that time.” She turned to him, “Escanor, thou art mine closest friend, we see know why mine sister hast selected thou as her servant. We’re glad we have met thou during thy life.”
“And I’m glad I got to meet both you and your sister.” Escanor said, “You two have kept me alive even though I have done nothing of any real importance, I’d love to stay and chat some more, princess Luna, but it is getting rather late for me.”
The next morning happened like any other morning, he didn’t notice anything of any immediate change. Continuing his normal routine, he changed into his uniform and stopped by the kitchen to pick up the silver platter which had Celestia’s favorite wine. He balanced the platter on his hand as he went to where Celestia would be, but when he got there, he saw Celestia pacing back and forth, clearly she was stressed out.
“Is something the matter Princess Celestia?” Escanor asked
“Yes something is the matter,” Celestia said, “It shall be explained soon.” Escanor began to pour some wine, “No, I don’t need that right now, just let me be for a moment.”
Celestia continued to pace, muttering to herself. The front door swung open with a loud creak. Six ponies, two from each major race, came barging in the door.
“Princess Celestia,” Twilight said, “We came as fast as we could.”
“Thank you twilight,” Celestia said, “Thank you all.”
“Is this about the weather? What's happening out there? Why isn’t my magic working?” Twilight said, increasing in pace after each question before Celestia silenced her.
“I’ve called you here for a matter of great importance,” Celestia said, “It seems that an old foe of mine, one that I thought I’ve defeated long ago, has returned. His name: Discord.”
Discord sat on his throne, watching all the chaos of his magic unfold before his eyes. The disharmony was beautiful, it possessed a type of beauty that only a madman like himself could like. Even if the ponies managed to grab the Elements of Harmony, he’d have done enough damage to last another 1,000 years. He rested happily knowing he had already won the battle, and possibly even the war.
“Chaos is a wonderful, most wonderful thing!” Discord said, as he was going to take a sip of his chocolate milk.
“Not as wonderful as friendship!” Twilight said dragging his attention away from his chocolate milk.
“Ugh, this again!” Discord drank the glass out of his inverted chocolate cup before throwing it behind him, making it blow up in a comedic fashion.
“Oh Applejack don’t lie to me, I’m the one who made you a liar.” He used his chaos magic to bring the element of honesty close to him before he used more magic to bring 4 more of the elements to him. “Will you ever learn?”
Twilight charged her horn as she prepared herself to use 2 different spells back to back, luckily for discord, he’d already planned for this outcome. “Oh I don’t think so.” Discord said as he shot a blast of chaos magic ending Twilight's preparation for the spells. “Did you really think I’d fall for that simple trick of ‘doing something while someone isn’t looking?’ You know I invented that right?” He fired another bolt of chaos magic at Twilight, and when this one connected Twilight was turned to stone.
“TWILIGHT!” Fluttershy yelled, seeing that her friend and the bearer of the element of magic had been turned into a statue.
“It's ironic that I had to go back on word on not turning ponies to stone.” Discord said as he stripped the five other ponies of their element, “Oh wait no it’s not, I’m the spirit of disharmony, you really should’ve expected that.” He fired five more bolts of magic as he finally turned all six of the ponies to stone. He let out one final evil laugh for slouching back down on his throne.
Using her sight heightening spell, Celestia just witnessed her own student and her friends each get turned to stone, her face went ghostly white as she saw the only hope for equestria vanished. Celestia tried to think of any way to stop Discord, but the only thing she could do is to evacuate Canterlot, but that’d only prolong the inevitable for a few hours, if they were lucky. Attempting brute force would only cause ponies to get hurt. Knowing that there was no hope for equestria left, she sat down on her throne and wept silently.
Escanor watched the princess weep, it pained him greatly to know that one of his only friends in this world was in such a deep state of despair. He could try and comfort her, but he didn't know what words he needed to say. There was only one thing he could do, but he knew that it’d cost him his friendship only friends even if it worked, but he was willing to make the sacrifice to protect Celestia’s kingdom. While the decision laid heavy on his heart, it was one that had to be done.
“Princess Celestia,” Escanor said, “I do not wish to be rude, but I wish for your permission on something.”
“What is it?” Celestia asked, her voice was no longer in its loving motherly tone but rather one of a woman who had fallen into the deepest pits of despair.
“I ask your permission to go talk to discord.” Escanor said
“WHAT!” Celestia snapped her head up when those words finally registered in her mind, “You saw what kind of power Discord possesses! And you wish to talk with Him?!”
“Yes.” Escanor said as he gulped down a lump in his throat
“And what makes you think that you can make him change his mind?” Celestia said, “He is quite literally a god, one of chaos and disharmony.”
“I don’t intend on changing his mind,” Escanor lied, “I am going to distract him long enough for you to find a way to defeat him.”
“What choice do I have? If you stay, the rate at which Discord’s magic spreads grows each passing second.” Celestia said, “And if you go I must watch my closest friend fall to Discords rule. Escanor I’m sorry for burdening you with this, but you are the absolutely last hope for all Equestria.”
Celestia illuminated her horn as she prepared a teleportation spell, suddenly a bright flash surrounded Escanor. It felt like he was being pulled through thousands of tons of snow in a mere instant. When the light faded Escanor saw that the land was completely altered, so much so that he couldn’t even guess what it had looked like before Discord contorted it. When Escanor looked straight forwards, he felt his entire body tense up with fear, right in front of him, not even 5 feet away, Discord sat on his throne towering over the human.
“Well, well, well,” Discord said, “What do we have here? You’re not one of my beasts of chaos, nor are you a pony. What are you?”
“I-I’m Escanor,” he replied, “I’m a h-human.”
“Escanor?” Discord asked, “Why you must be Celestia’s personal butler I’ve heard about. Let me guess, you're here to try and tell me about ‘magic of friendship’ and to make me end my chaos?” He looked like he was going to puke when he got to the part about friendship.
“W-well,” Escanor stuttered, “That was part of the plan.”
“Let's just skip that part, because it goes like ‘magic of friendship is amazing’ and then I’m like ‘not as amazing as chaos,’ and then things happen and then you're defeated.” Discord said, “But how about we do our own little song and dance. So here, I will give you an offer, one you can’t refuse.”
“A-an offer?”
“Yes, an offer.” Discord snapped his fingers and a throne popped into existence beside his own, and a appeared contract in his hand, “Turn you back on princess sunbutt and princess moonbutt, and you can rule beside me in this land of chaos.”
“I, I,” Escanor stuttered out, Discord eagerly waited for his response as he held out a pen for him, “I’D NEVER TURN MY BACK ON THE PRINCESSES!”
“Oh really?” Discord said, as he began to use his words to attempt to manipulate Escanor’s mind, “Surely you must know that she laughs at you and your pitiful form when your back is turned. All that she has done up until now has all been an act just for her to get some more laughs at her already pitiful ponies.”
Escanor looked down at the floor clearly believing what he heard, “Even if that is true.” Escanor said, “I’d gladly become a laughing stock if it means the princess can smile.”
“You know fully well that she might as well be manipulating you with what you're doing.” Discord asked, “Then why do you still hold her so highly?”
“Because only someone as beautiful, intelligent, kind and cheerful as her,” Escanor said, clearly believing every word that came out of his own mouth, “Could be so kind to someone as Dull, spineless, weak and useless as me.”
“Kind? A pony who traps others in stone is kind?” Discord asked, “Who’s not to say that she won’t do the same to you if you mess up?”
“Even if she did, I’d probably deserve it,” Escanor said, “And even after I wouldn’t admire her any less, she is the one who save me when I was still a shriveling wreck.”
Discord looked down at the pitiful human, and shrugged, he found out that he could contort anyone’s images in his mind. Not because he was more loyal than rainbow dash, or as kind as Fluttershy, but rather that he held his own self image so far below others, that using chaos magic on him would only make the land more harmonious, he gagged at the thought of making harmony using chaos. Seeing as he had actually been beaten at his own game, he used his tail as a whip and launched Escanor into a chaos manipulated building, completely obliterating the two. The only thing that Discord saw that was left of him was his pair of glasses which sat in front of his feet.
Meanwhile at the canterlot Castle, using her heightened sight Celestia saw Escanor get sent flying to what she thought was his death. She placed her face into her hooves and began to weep tears that only have been wept once before. Midway into her weeping session, she felt a strong, unknown, form of magic enter equestria. Could this be Escanor’s magic? She raised her head and cleared her eyes with her hooves and took one last look at ponyville. Every passing Second the power grew more and more, so much so that it probably completely eclipsed Celestia’s own Magic hours before she even detected it.
“SISTER!” Luna shouted from across the room, still being quite sleepy after just awakening from slumber, “What is this magic that we detect?”
Rising from the rubble of the destroyed building Escanor stood at a stature he had not stood at in a long time. He felt his Muscles flex through the fabric of the suit Celestia had made for him. Escanor made eye contact with Draconequus as he approached him with a calm yet determined expression. Discord just stood there in shock, looking at what was once a frail human become totally jacked in a matter of seconds. Every step Escanor took to approach Discord, the land corrupted by chaos magic turned back to normal as small flames traveled from his footsteps.
“You're not a human are you?” Discord asked, “What exactly are you?”
“I am indeed a human, but I also am many other things.” Escanor said, “Many have called me a monster, while others revered me as a god among my kind, and yet there was someone who was even bold enough to call me their servant. But to you, I am Escanor, Lion sin of Pride, and the one who stands at the pinnacle of all races. Remember it well, for it is the last name you’ll ever know.” Almost as if it was on queue, the back of Escanor’s shirt ripped open to reveal a red tattoo of a lion's face.
“You’re a cocky one aren’t you, saying you stand atop all other races.” Discord said, with a hardy laugh, “But you're still forgetting who you're talking to, I am quite literally a god and embodiment of chaos and disharmony itself.”
Escanor laughed his signature prideful laugh, “Oh really now? I really hope you live up to your reputation, because I’ve been waiting for a proper fight.” He threw a punch at Discord who dodged it by swerving his head backwards as if he were a snake, “You're a nimble one, I'll give you that.”
“And I see you’re not going to accept my offer anytime soon.” Discord said as he hovered in the sky filing his talon before he shot a bolt of chaos magic at Escanor's chest which he easily shook off. Escanor's face scowled slightly in annoyance, he'd really though that someone who proclaimed themselves to be a god to at least be more powerful than this. Discord landed back down on the ground before walking up to Escanor and looked down at the human, He was easily at least two feet taller than Escanor.
Stretching his arm out back to the mountain, Escanor opened his mouth to give a single command. “Oh hear my will and come to my aid, Divine axe Rhitta, come to Me!” And from somewhere on the canterlot mountain, an axe began to twitch before flying off at immense speeds and landing in Escanor’s hand. Harnessing its momentum, Escanor decapitated Discord at such high speeds that when the axe hit the ground, he made a small earthquake from the impact. If only killing the incarnate of chaos would be that easy.
“I see you’ve armed yourself Escanor.” Discord said as he literally screwed his head back to his body. “Though it is rather unfair, so let’s change that.” Discord tried to snap Rhitta out of existence, he tried again and again and never succeeded. “Why isn’t it working!? That stupid axe of yours should be ballons or something by now.”
“Stupid axe? This is my Sacred Treasure, Divine Axe Rhitta, a weapon named after a maiden so loved by the sun itself” Escanor said, “It's impossible for such beauty to be tainted by lowly magic such as your own.”
“My magic? Lowly?” Discord scoffed, “You have yet to see what chaos magic can really do.” Discord flew back to hover right above his throne, he summoned all six elements of harmony to come to him. Discord snapped his fingers, the color in the elements began to change, turning the vibrant colors into pale and sickly shades of green, grey, and any other color that could be asociated with illness. “Behold my great creation, the elements of Disharmony! My weapon of pure chaos” Discord let out an evil laugh.
“A shame,” Escanor let out an arrogant sigh, “those gems would’ve made some fine trophies.”
“Oh, but they’re more than just mere trophies, because you have yet to see what they can do.” Discord said with glee, “Oh, how I can hardly wait to use them!”
“Before you show me your new power of yours, let me say one last thing.” Escanor said, “Apologize to me, That you were born into my world.”
“Hah.” Discord laughed, “If those are your last words, then behold my power!”
Discord snapped his fingers, then the tainted elements began to spin around him making a semi-solid sphere around him. Taking aim, Discord shot several bolts of his own chaos magic at Escanor, but when it passed through the sphere, his yellow bolt of chaos became what could only be described as a depressed and sick rainbow of colors. Escanor went wide eyed in surprise as he let the magic collide with him. The amount of chaos began to turn the land where Escanor stepped back into chaos even though the blast was nowhere near there. Smoke in black shades of green, grey, and even a little red, came up from the blast site.
“You really should’ve taken me up on my offer, I almost feel sorry that I had to do this to you. Almost.” Discord said
“Is that really the absolute best you can do?” A very familiar arrogant voice said sighing as the smoke began to cleared, "I would've though you would have provided me with at least a small challenge."
“H-how are you not affected by my chaos?! You have no armor to block it!” Was this feeling that overwhelmed Discord fear? It couldn’t be… could it?
“Your chaos feared me.” Escanor said, “That is all there is to it.”
“Feared you? Ha” Discord scoffed, “I was wondering what kind of arrogant words were going to come out of your mouth next. Chaos, fearing a life form other than its own god is utterly preposterous.”
“In this realm,” Escanor said, “Self proclaimed gods like you are as numerous as the grains of sand… But I am unlike any other existence in this world, and I do not compare myself to something as trivial as the title of a ‘god,’ for I am Escanor!”
Discord watched him closely keeping track of even the slightest movements, normal he’d just have fun with opponents and torment them, but Escanor was different, his actions were completely unknown to Discord. He was sure that Escanor would try to attack him, but his body language was so relaxed that he couldn’t tell when he’d attack. When Escanor slashed again at Discord, he barely dodged from being decapitated by the Lion Sin again, even though he didn't escape unscathed, the only wound he had from Escanor’s attack was a deep slash across the chest from being caught off guard from the speed of the attack.
“Did you forget about my chaotic rate of regeneration?” The wound Escanor had made was instantly healed up, but something was still off, Discord smelled something. Wait, is that smoke? “H-HOT!” Discord looked down to see where the wound healed was now a line fire growing from it, luckily for him, he managed to pat the fire out in time to hear what Escanor had to say.
“A mane more beautiful than the heavens,
Lips colored with a most divine presence,
A perfect harmony of sweet aromas making any nose be pleasant.
Manipulative and yet self-sacrificing,
A mystery you are, O royal daughter of the sun.”
“Wh.. what was that incantation?” Discord said as he felt his magic begin fleeing from him.
“You dare call my poem an Incantation?” Escanor asked as Discord lost so much Magic he no longer could float. Escanor stood above the Draconequus looking down at the burning amalgamation.
“I.. I’m… Sorry” Discord coughed out through his burning throat
“I’ve changed my mind. You’ve greatly fouled my mood.” Escanor said, as he raised his axe to where it eclipsed the sun, and gave one final command to Discord, “Perish.”
Combining both his physical prowess and his magic, Escanor brought down his axe with such power ferocity that the blinding light generated by the strike could’ve been easily seen from Canterlot without the need of enhanced sight. With Discord being completely dead and having no chance of returning from the ashes, chaos from all across the land began to disappear faster than it came, and the six stone statues of ponies returned to their living state, even if they were currently unconscious, they were alive. The elements of disharmony returned to their much more vibrant and harmonious counterpart, all of Discords work had already started to become undone as they each clinked onto the ground.
Escanor’s eyes widened as he realized what had just happened, he lost control of himself during combat. Not that it mattered, he knew that he’d never be able to enter equestria again after he reached his day form without being seen as a monster and possibly being hunted to attempt to prevent him from over throwing the princesses. With his mind in check once more, he leapt into the midst of a dark forest, it’d only be but a few minutes before he lost control of his power again, and when that did happen, he wanted to be as far away from both Celestia and Luna so he wouldn’t hurt them. For the first time ever in his life, he felt fear while being in his daytime form. He was scared of losing the one thing he cherished in this world, his bond he shared with Celestia and Luna.
The everfree forest was a dangerous place to be, especially at night. Celestia knew this because both she and her sister used to rule over it, before they moved to Canterlot to be more involved with their ponies. Celestia had made sure to pick up Escanor’s glasses as memorabilia in case she found him dead in the everfree. Seeing the old black bark trees of the everfree brought back memories of when they ruled together before the Nightmare Moon incident. Celestia didn’t want to lose somepony, or in this case someone, close to her, not again.
She had always appreciated the poems that he made for her, all of which shined either, or in some cases both, Celestia and Luna as being some sort of positive light. Ever since Celestia had banished her sister, she had struggled with her own self image being clouded with guilt, and his poems had a way of helping her when no other pony’s word could. She was happy to always know that she had a friend near her whenever she needed one after a long day. Now it was her turn to be a friend when he needed one.
As Celestia progressed through the forest, she saw a familiar axe, it was the same giant golden axe that Escanor had used to defeat Discord. She never knew that it was so big, the axe head itself was taller than Celestia, even if she did stand on her back hooves for extra height. Escanor shouldn’t be too far away now. Celestia kept a watchful eye on her surroundings, not only for timberwolves, but also Escanor who probably was weeping while scared for his life in this forest. Celestia felt ashamed at herself that Escanor felt like he’d keep such a secret, like his ‘curse’, as he called it, hidden from her.
“Escanor?” Celestia called out, “where are you?”
Celestia’s call for her friend was echoed back by quiet weeping, not quite balling somepony’s eyes out, but quiet sobs. Barely audible, but she could still hear it. Celestia made sure to be quiet as to not scare Escanor when she would see him. A small cave came into view, the weeping only grew louder as she entered it. A familiar body shape came into view, bipedal like most dragons, but he was frail and wingless, but something she hadn’t seen before was a red lion tattoo on his back. Celestia didn’t know that Escanor had hidden something like that under his shirt.
“I can’t believe I lost control again.” Escanor sighed not hearing Celestia enter over his sobs, “Now I’ve gone and lost my only chance at having a life here. At least I managed to protect her.”
‘Protect her?’ Celestia though, ‘is… is he in love with somepony? Or is he just talking about me because I’m royalty?’
“Now the princesses fear me and probably already sent thousands of guards to get rid of me.” Escanor said with a sniffle, “Why was I born with such a curse? It was foolish of me to think that I could stay here with this curse of mine.”
Celestia didn’t know what to do as she watched her friend cry. Escanor was crying so much that his body was shaking. Celestia wanted to help, but it was impossible for her to think of any kind or caring words for this occasion. She tried to rummaging through her memory for any words she could comfort him with. Then she recalled what Luna had said earlier that day.
“This must be his curse he told about.” Luna said as her body began to tremble slightly
“Curse?” Celestia couldn’t believe what her sister said, “What do you mean ‘his curse’?”
“Last night he told us about his curse. That he turns into a monster at sunrise and goes back to normal after sunset.” Luna explains, “If he’s able to hold his own against discord like this, equestria could be in grave danger if he turns against us.”
“Then why hasn’t he told us until now?” Celestia demanded, she felt enraged after being lied to, even though she didn’t show it.
“He didn’t wish to harm the bonds he shared with both of us.” Luna said, “up until now his glasses kept it dormant, but now, the curse is in full effect. He won’t be back to normal before nightfall.”
Celestia felt ashamed for even being angry at him, he didn’t keep this a secret because he was a traitor, but rather he feared Celestia fearing him for it. She watched Escanor with her enhanced vision. Escanor wasn’t a monster, at least not what she would call a monster, he was still her friend. Even if he was now completely jacked, for lack of a better term, he was still Escanor, her butler and more importantly, her friend.
Celestia came out of her memory and back into reality, Escanor sat in front of her and did not notice her in the slightest. Celestia approached him, trying her best to not scare him. At least until she stepped on a branch she didn’t see making Escanor almost jump out of his skin, before he quickly backed up against the wall in fear.
“Please don’t hurt me.” Escanor whimpered as he tried to backup more but was stopped by the wall.
“Escanor…” Celestia said, “please, I just want to talk.”
“Why would you want to talk to a monster like me?” Escanor said, sniffling, “You're better off leaving before you have to raise the sun. I can’t control myself after you do that.”
“Escanor, even if you view yourself as a monster, I will never look at you in such a way.” Celestia said, “You’ve always been a great friend to both me and my sister. Please come back, you’ve saved the entirety of Equestria, you’re so much more than the monster you think you are. Please come back.”
“I can’t,” Escanor said, “I would just be putting others at risk if I ever lose control again.”
“Then you're probably going to need these.”
Celestia illuminated her horn as she levitated Escanor’s enchanted glasses over to him. Escanor the pair dropped down into his hands as he just looked at them as the sorrow refused to escape his eyes. He just continued to cry as he looked down at the glasses, Escanor felt that he owed something to Celestia for going out of her way to get his glasses, but he had lost everything and was once again at the lowest he could be.
“This is only a temporary solution…” Escanor wept, “If they ever fall off I’d probably lose control immediately. Just let me live out the rest of my days with other monsters like me.”
“Escanor…” Celestia’s heartfelt words weren’t getting through to him, maybe this trick would work, “Escanor, if you want to spend the rest of your life in this forest I'll let you do just that. But I won’t let you go without a challenge.”
“Huh?” Escanor stuttered out in surprise, “W-w-what do you mean?”
“Tomorrow at high noon, my sister and I will duel you.” Celestia said, “And it will be on your terms of victory. If my sister and I win, you have to return to being our butler, but if you win you win, you can continue living out here in the everfree.”
“B-but princess! It is suicidal to fight me when I’m like that.” Escanor said, “If I lose control… I don’t even want to think about what’ll happen.”
“Look, Escanor, you are my friend. And true friends will do anything to help one another,” Celestia said, “And I am willing to do whatever it takes to help you.”
“SISTER! ART THOU INSANE?” Luna shouted at Celestia
Who could blame her? Her sister had signed her up for something that could be considered deadly. The task of fighting Escanor would’ve been emotionally scarring within itself, but now, he had revealed a whole new power to equestria, one which they’ve never seen any other kind be anywhere close an equal. Escanor’s power was so incredible, that he had defeated discord without the elements, a task that should’ve been impossible.
“Luna, listen.” Celestia tried to console her sister, “This could be the only chance we have to save Escanor. I know he is still in there, somewhere.”
“Sister, have you forgotten after all these many millennia, that we are still partially mortal.” Luna said, “While we no longer age, we can still be killed by other means! If he loses control, Equestria will fall because nopony will have enough magic to move the sun or moon.”
“But if we don’t do something, he may still lose control and thousands of ponies would get hurt.” Celestia said, “We may be out of habit in combat, but it is worth a shot.”
“No. While we do enjoy his company,” Luna said, “we won’t risk our life and Equestria’s livelihood over one individual.”
“Sister, it would be impossible for me to do it alone, I need your help.” Celestia begged, “Please, I know you care about him too.”
“You care too much about him,” Luna said, as she turned away, “I’m sorry, but risking the survivability of equestria is too big of a risk.”
As Luna began to walk away, Celestia was afraid that she’d have to use her ‘trump card’ on her sister. “If you help me, you can have my desserts.”
Luna’s ear twitched, “For how long?” she inquired
“2 months.”
“3”
Celestia began second guessing herself, but saving her friend was far more important than any amount of dessert. “... fine, I’m glad we could come to an agreement.”
Both Celestia and Luna flew over the forest looking for their target. It had been a little more than a millennium since they had adorned their battle armor, Celestia had a little trouble getting back into her armor because of the layers of pudge she had obtained over the years, Luna made sure to tease her sister about it while she struggled to fit into her armor. Celestia’s armor was a gleaming golden tint, compared in proportion to a normal pony’s armor it weight would’ve made even the strongest member of the guard struggle to move in it. In contrast, Luna’s armor was a light blue hue, it was much more light weight and specialized in mobility and speed.
Their main weapons were a golden sword and shield, for Celestia, both emblazoned with the symbol of the sun and a midnight blue lance, for Luna, with a dark blue ribbon attached to it displaying the symbol of the moon. The forest was full of dangerous creatures, many of which would have devastating effects on equestria if they left their ecosystem, but now the everfree forest had a being even more dangerous than that. The two sisters found a clearing in the everfree, it wasn’t a natural clearing nor did somepony clear that spot out, everything that had used to be there was burnt to the ground. When they had landed in the clearing, they were greeted by the sight of Escanor who towered over them, being more than double their height.
When Celestia raised the sun to its peak, fire wrapped around several parts of Escanor’s body as his muscles flexed and knees buckled from the sheer amount of weight of his own body. He had grown so large from his power that even his axe looked tiny compared to his current size. His eyes began to glow yellow, almost like they were two miniature suns staring burning daggers into their princess. His body began to radiate fire off of it as even his mustache seemed to shift at the edge like it was made of fire.
“Such weak creatures, so easily killed.” Escanor said “I pity you.”
His voice surprised the princesses, it wasn’t the same skittish and self-conscious Escanor they were used to. Inside his voice was pride, arrogance, and unmatched hubris, a feat that not even the most cocky of nobles could pull off. Nevertheless they knew that the Escanor they knew and were friends with was still in there, somewhere, and they had to pull him out.
“Sister,” Luna said, “You remember the plan?”
“Of course. I’m the one who made it after all, or did you already forget?” Celestia added that teasing remark to get back at her sister.
With an annoyed look, Luna looked at her sister before turning her attention back to the towering giant of a human. With a powerful lunge, Luna launched herself full force at her opponent. Mimicking the lunar princess’s advancement, Escanor took a step forward causing the ground below him shifting under his weight. Once Luna came into striking range, Escanor swung his axe at the lunar diarch. With only a split second to react, Luna barely managed to dodge the attack by the width of a single feather, but when the axe struck the ground its power shook the forest.
Seizing the opportunity, Luna dragged her spear across Escanor’s arm before she began to launch a barrage of spear strikes and slashes at speeds he’d have trouble keeping up with. Now that Escanor was distracted by the lunar princess, Celestia charged her horn as she used her magic to enhance her blade’s length and power before she began charging towards the lion sin. With one blindingly fast strike, Celestia’s blade cut into the arrogant human. She expected to hear him fall down to his knees from that attack, but what she heard terrified her.
“That didn’t even itch.”
Celestia looked at where she had tried to cut him, her eyes widened in shock. No creature had ever remained almost completely unscathed by that attack before, not even Tirek. Where there should’ve been a massive wound, was only a thin scratch that was nowhere near bad enough to draw even a single drop of blood. Escanor extended his palm and fingertips towards Celestia in such a way that it looked like he was going to grab something.
“Cruel Sun!”
A massive fireball was summoned within Escanors grasp before it was launched at incredible speeds towards Celestia. She barely had time to defend herself as the miniature sun barreled towards her. The massive fireball collided with Celestia’s shield easily pushing her backwards from its massive force. She used her magic to help disperse the fireball over a larger surface. When the Escanor’s sun had dissolved, Celestia had noticed the face of her shield had started to melt away.
“Sister, I warned you he’d be a strong foe.” Luna shouted from a slight distance, “Need I remind you he easily killed Discord.”
“Don’t worry Luna, it is all going according to plan.”
Their attention was snapped back to Escanor as he began to approach the sister, the earth beneath his feet continued to shift with each passing step. Raising his axe into the sky, he prepared to strike again. While his axe was in the air, Luna launched herself at incredible speeds towards Escanor, jamming her spear into his wrist. Escanor flinched from the small pain causing him to drop his axe before he could strike.
Escanor looked to the lunar diarch with annoyance in his eyes as he swatted her away like a bug. Luckily for her, she landed in the trees which bordered the clearing, instead of being swatted downwards to the ground. When Escanor turned back to Celestia, he found that the solar diarch had moved back a small distance as she prepared for another attack. She charged her horn as she once more enhanced her sword with her magic.
When Celestia lunged towards Escanor, he raised his hand into the air. Celestia had hope that with her next attack she’d be able to find, and exploit, any weakness he may have. Escanor did not flinch at the thought of an oncoming attack, but rather welcomed it.
“Divine sword…” When Celestia came into striking range for her attack, Escanor brought his hand down like a guillotine, “Escanor!”
The attack easily split Celestia’s armor and cut deep into her flesh causing blood to stain her alabaster coat. The sheer force of the attack sent Celestia barrelling backwards into the scorched dirt. She tried to stand back up on her hooves, but she collapsed under the weight of her own armor. Her eyes burned with so many different emotions that not even she knew what expression she had, she hated herself for letting Escanor down, she was scared for her subjects, she felt like all hope was lost.
Escanor moved closer to solar diarch, fire erupted from the earth beneath his feet with every step he took. He looked down on Celestia, not just physically but metaphorically as well, Escanor closed most of his fingers in his hand leaving only his pointing finger extended. At first Celestia thought he’d give some arrogant speech like all of her previous foes did when they thought they won, but she was wrong, he moved his arm backwards so that his hand was aligned with his shoulder.
“Divine spear…”
Celestia knew this was the end for her, no matter who or what inverviened, she could survive this next attack. Celestia made an amendment to everyone she could in her heart, because she knew she would, more than likely, never see them again. She feared how her nieces and nephews would react when word got out that she was no more.
“Escanor…”
The next thing Celestia knew, Escanor started to fall down, not like he had tripped but rather that he no longer had any energy to stay conscious. The massive body began to fall landing at a slight angle that allowed Celestia to avoid it without even moving. When Escanor collided with the ground, Luna had managed to free herself from the trees and began rushing to her sister’s aid. Celestia tried to stand back up to greet her sister so they could share their victory and tack Escanor back to the castle, but the would on her chest made her have trouble moving even the slightest bit.
"So five minutes is your limit?" Celestia said to the unconscious giant
“Sister!” Luna yelled, “Are you alright?”
Celestia looked down at her wound, it was apparently worse than she had originally thought. Despite her body screaming in pain, her eyelids started to feel heavy and her knees were starting to feel weak. When Luna arrived, Celestia was barely conscious as her eyelids started to close.
“I’m fine.” Celesia lied, “But I’ll need you to lower the sun tonight.”
Celestia began to lose feeling in her body as she began to fall backwards onto the lion sin. Her eyes began to flutter shut as her breathing slowed and she slipped further and further into unconsciousness. Escanor felt like a warm bed making it easier and easier for Celestia to drift into sleep. Luna tried to shake her sister awake, but it was already too late.
Celestia woke up in a white room with only the sound of her own breathing accompanying her as she slowly regained her senses. After a few moments of resting a little longer, Celestia tried to raise herself off of the bed, a massive wave of soreness struck her body preventing her from doing this.
“Sister, please don’t push yourself.” That was Luna’s voice,“You’re still recovering from what happened.”
After hearing Luna’s voice, Celestia began to take in her surroundings. She was in a hospital room, Celestia would have shot up out of bed in surprise, but her body was in too much pain to do that. With nothing much else to do, Celestia closed her eyes as she started to recall the events that had led her up to this point. But it wasn’t much later they shot open again once Celestia remembered someone important.
“Where is Escanor?” Celestia asked in a worried voice
“He is a few rooms down,” Luna said, “He said that he just wants to be left alone for now. Escanor hates himself now because of what he did to you.”
“Could you bring him here?” Celestia asked weakly, “I want to make sure he is okay.”
“Yes I will.” Luna said as she headed to the door, only to stop before opening it. “Sister, I want you to be honest with him, and yourself as well.”
Luna left the room leaving Celestia in a little confusion in what she meant. Celestia tried to think of what to say to comfort Escanor, but eventually her mind began wandering. Why did she do this? Escanor was her friend, but if she died, Luna probably would have been killed not much later. There were just so many flaws in her plan, so what drove her to take this risk?
“Princess,” Escanor entered the room, refusing to meet the princess’s gaze out of guilt, “I have no right to ask for your forgiveness after what I did to you. I understand if you hate me, or even if you want me dead, and I wait any punishment you have set out for me.”
Celestia could see Escanor was on the verge of crying, barely able to suppress the tears from running down his face. Even if Celestia hadn’t been royalty, Escanor still wouldn't have been able to look Celestia in the eyes with how much guilt was placed on his chest. Celestia saw many of his attempts to look her in the eyes, all of which failed to meet her in the eyes.
All of this made Celestia think about the question she had asked herself not too long ago, Why? At first she believed what had compelled her was their friendship. But she had so much responsibility on her shoulders that her actions would have been considered questionable at best, valuing the life of 1 individual over the safety of her entire nation. In the middle her self-reflection Celestia remembered what her sister had said, making her wonder if Luna knew more than she did.
“Escanor, I could never hate you.” Celestia said, “You saved Equestria, you defeated Discord, something that I couldn’t do. That is more than enough reason for me to do what I did, but that isn’t the reason why I did it. You mean so much to me, I haven’t felt this way about anypony in thousands of years.”
“Princess,” Escanor finally had enough strength to look Celestia in the eyes
“Escanor, no matter how you view yourself, please remember that I… love you.” Celestia said, finally being honest with herself, “I have lived thousands of years and there have been many suitors and consorts who were more concerned with the real me rather than my title. But you… You knew from your past experiences that if you did what you did then it was very likely you wouldn’t be allowed to come back to equestria out of fear of you. And in spite you were willing to sacrifice yourself to keep Equestria safe, to keep me safe. Even after all this, I would never be afraid of you, because you mean too much to me.”
“Princess,” Escanor said, “I don’t deserve your love.”
“Yes you do.” Celestia said, “I am not just saying empty words, nor I am saying these things just to make you feel better, everything I have said is the truth. My sister has told me what she saw in your dreams over the recent weeks, and it is clear that you share the same feelings I do. Even if making sure you are safe upsets the entirety of Equestria, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I knew that I had gave up on you without a fight. You are irreplaceable to me.”
Escanor collapsed down in tears on Celestia’s bedside, there isn’t any way to describe just how much relief and joy Escanor felt when heard those words. Celestia looked up at the ceiling, and let out a single tear of happiness. If Luna hadn’t been here to nudge her in the right direction, Celestia wondered what the outcome would’ve been. No matter what the outcome would've been, this marked a new period in Celestia's long life and in Equesria.
Meanwhile at Chrysalis’s changeling hive, she waited for her drone to report back with his scouting duties. Emerging out of the darkness, a single changeling drone made his appearance known with a bow after he had approached the throne.
“You may speak.” Chrysalis spoke authoritatively
“I have seen many things my queen, and you will be happy with what I found.” The changeling drone replied, “It is indeed true that princess Cadance is going to get engaged with the captain of Celestia’s guard, and his love for her is so abundant that it is just radiating off of him.”
“I see, this is indeed great news.” Chrysalis said, “I won’t be much longer until equestria sees just how powerful we changelings can be.”
Before Chrysalis could do a stereotypical evil villain laugh, the drone interrupted her. “But-”
“BUT WHAT!” Chrysalis roared
“Celestia has hired a new butler, and he is a most unique creature.”
“And why have you decided to tell me this?” Chrysalis stared daggers into her drone, making him shiver in fright
“He possesses a power that we should be wary about, if not terrified.” he replied, “This butler of hers killed the ancient Chaos god Discord. And he didn’t take Discord seriously for the entire fight, he only used his full power when he was done toying with Discord and ready to wipe him out of existence.”
