A Legionary lost his family... Twice... He lost everything by the time he arrived in Equestria. His friends, His foster father, His honour and his pride. When Fluttershy finds him near her hut, she sees a broken man. Fluttershy wants to help him...
Amidst the Destruction and the Chaos, The Blood and Tears, the Hatred and Loss, A Legionary finds a glimmer of hope, happiness and redemption in Ponyville...
But the Question is...
How Long can he stay in this happy and peaceful place?
A steady beat of war-drums filled the air as a continuous, yet rhythmic thudding of thousand of sandals followed the beat. Echoing throughout the grassy plain. It was the sound that struck fear into the unconquered nation's hearts. It was the sound that marked the destruction of Greece, of Carthage, of Gaul and many other nations. Now the same sound was once again heard... This time, in Germania.
It was the sound of Rome's Legions marching to war.
A crimson line of armoured men was slowly moving it's way onward. deeper and deeper into barbarian territory. A Cornu, or a trumpet suddenly blared, repeated by fellow trumpeters below the line from other units. The thudding came to an abrupt stop as the whole marching line came to a grounding halt. The last crunch of thousands of sandaled feet echoed away until all that is left is the soft sound of the morning breeze and the waving of linen that adorned the standards of each unit and the occasional nervous whinny of a rider's steed. The Romans faced not an army, but an ancient forest. A forest that has always been enshrouded with mystery. The forest that marked the edge of the known world. The Teutoburg.
The forest sent down a chill on many a Legionaries' spine as their minds forcefully relayed the stories of Demons, half-animal and half-human beasts, human sacrificing Druids, missing children, sudden storms, ghostly armies and many other strange perils that the friendly locals from settlements along the border shared with the Legionaries around a campfire.
A man who wore a richly decorated breastplate and a crested helmet rode at the head of the army of three Legions, where he stopped along with his army and took a moment to contemplate about what is to come. The planned route led through the forest. He must have to go through this damned bunch of trees to save precious time and money. Even to the objection of his own men. But the man who he trusted convinced him to pass through this forest. The Auxiliary commander named Arminius. The man took off his helmet, showing his balding, whited-haired head and leaned down to pat his whinnying horse's neck, casting quick nervous and suspicious glances towards the dark forest. Arminius had gone ahead with his Auxiliary force composed mostly of loyal German tribesmen to gather more men for the army and ever since then, He hasn't returned... 'Yet.' The man murmured and sat up. He then beckoned for one of the young officers who surrounded him.
'General Varus, Sir!' The young officer, wearing a similar armour to the general's, saluted with a raised hand as he willed his horse to canter nearer towards his general.
'Has the squad of cavalrymen returned? They're supposed to be back by now from their reconnaissance and scouting mission.'
'No sir.'
'Not a sign?'
'Nay.'
'Hmm... Very strange. Very strange indeed. Publicus. What do you think happened to them?'
The young officer was now looking uneasy. He hesitated for a moment before answering. 'I think they are captured sir. I would be highly unlikely for them to have lost the trail. Talk has spread like wildfire among the men about their strange disappearance. The men say that the squad has been taken by some mystical power that the forest holds or some superstitious madness of some sort.' The young officer rolled his eyes as he mentioned the preposterous theories that the men had been talking about.
The General rubbed his chin in deep thought as he finally came to a conclusion. ''Hmmm... Okay then. Bring me the commanders of the Legions.'
The young officer, Publicus, saluted once again and rode off to fetch the commanders of the 17th, 18th and 19th Legions.
The General then shifted his attention to a mounted trumpeter nearby and gave a nod.
The Trumpeter lifted his instrument to his lips and blew out a long, resounding note that was echoed once again by fellow trumpeters. At once, the Rhythmic crunching and thudding of 18,000 pairs of feet resumed as the marching column slowly entered the dark forest, breaking the eerie silence that abound in it.
General Varus watched with pride as his legions marched by in perfect step. Well, almost perfect step. He sighed as he caught a glimpse of a fresh-faced soldier stumble a bit before regaining his composure.
The General knew that his three Legions, the 17th, 18th and the 19th were some of "Rome's Finest". He controlled 3 out of the 28 Legions that are serving the empire in all of her borders. He also knew that he did not have many battle-hardened veterans. Most of the men in the legions at this moment were 2nd and 1st enlistment men. Aging between 20-45. The young, inexperienced men who made the majority of his legions were at their prime. These men were good enough to pass and survive the rigorous physical training that happened daily while in peace.
These men will do. Varus reminded himself. I should trust these men. I HAVE to trust these men. If I fail now, my career as Consul and great politician of Rome would end... Or worse! Varus shuddered at the very thought as he relayed worst case scenarios in his head.
The General then put on his crested helmet and shrugged. I'm sure Ariovistus will return with all the Auxiliary units. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The young officer, Publicus, felt pride surge in his heart as he watched the Golden eagle standard of the 19th loomed into view, sitting proudly on top of it's golden perch with the inscription: 'LEGIO XIX' 'SPQR'. He watched the men of the 1st Cohort march proudly under their beloved standard.
He shifted his gaze to a group of mounted officers who rode at the head of the legion. He spurred his horse onward and went straight to the officer in the middle.
'Praeator Marcus Terentillus! Commander of the 19th!' Publicus called and smiled to himself as he saw the armoured figure of the officer turn to his direction.
The armoured figure and two others then veered off to the side and waited for Publicus to come near.
'Ave!' Publicus raised his right hand in salute. Standard Legion Practice.
'Ave.' The Praeator returned the greeting with a stern expression.
'General Quinctilius Varus orders to see you and the other Legion commanders.'
'Has this got something to do with the missing Auxiliary units and the cavalry squad?'
'Yes.'
Marcus was a veteran of many campaigns and he knew the danger when he sees or senses one. He also knew the importance of the presence of Cavalry units, Ranged units and most importantly, the auxiliary units to back up the Legionaries meant the Victory or Defeat of a battle. He glanced at Publicus and caught the questioning look that he had on his face.
'Sir?'
'Sorry Publicus. I'm just thinking.' Marcus' expression softened as he patted Publicus' shoulder.
'Um. Ah. That's quite okay sir. But uh. The General would want to see you right now.' Publicus now looked uneasy and unable to meet the Praeator's eyes.
'Go on then Publicus. As you were. I will meet the general quite shortly.'
Publicus Gave a small nod and continued down the column to fetch the legion commander of the 17th.
Marcus silently watched the retreating figure of the rider for a while until Publicus was finally out of sight. He then turned to his right-hand man and said. 'Quintus. I'm beginning to think that this is a trap. I need someone to confirm this. Bring me Centurion Felix.' The man was more than happy to oblige and with a sly smile, galloped away. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Come on Lads! Keep it up!' An impressive looking man hollered with a gruff voice. He wore a helmet with a transverse crest with a red eagle feather plume, silver-black, curly hair poked out from underneath the front of his helmet. A scar ran through his left cheek and his face was weathered by the wind and rain and always had a stern expression. A true Veteran. His chest armour looked even more impressive! War decorations covered his chain mail armour, he wore arm guards and Metal Greaves on his Shins. Behind him, a Flowing scarlet cloak danced with the wind as he marched beside his troops. With his left hand, He carried a large, rectangular, scarlet sheild. It was painted over with the standard eagle wings and lightning bolts with the enscription of the unit of the bearer. With his right hand, He carried a Pilum. A throwing spear that can be converted as a thrusting spear. All the other Centurions knew that the only one who has a scar on his face was none other than Centurion Felix of the 1st Cohort. The Primus Pilus of the Legion (Senior Centurion).
He looked over and saw a Legionary stumble a bit. Silvanus. He sighed. A moment later, the legionary must have felt eyes on him and turned to his watcher's direction. The eyes of Centurion Felix's and Legionary Silvanus' met. With a nod, the Centurion signalled the legionary over.
He walked over to the Centurion with an annoyed sigh.
When close enough, the Centurion then put an arm around Silvanus and sighed.
'Silvanus, my son. I know that this is your first Campaign, and I'm tellin' ya! You'd better stay close to me lad! I do not trust these woods. Promise me that you won't stray far okay?' The Centurion barked with a stern face. The Centurion then raised an expectant brow waiting for his son to answer.
Silvanus gave a sly grin and opened his mouth to answer. 'Alright Fathe-'
The Centurion hurriedly covered his son's mouth with an outraged and embarrassed look on his face. 'Oi! Didn't I tell you that your in the army now!? Now only refer to me as 'Sir!' or 'Centurion!' Got it!? Oh do stop laughin' there. Your Saliva's gettin' into my hand!' The Centurion then quickly withdrew his hand and wiped it on Silvanus' Blood red Tunic.
Silvanus laughed while marching with his father, causing a few nearby troops to glance quizzically at the marching pair.
The Centurion winced inwardly as he begged his son to stop. He finally gave up and just glared at his son. After a while he realized that it was quite humorous and gave a short guffaw. Silvanus was at least two inches taller than the Centurion and had no apparent similarities between them. Yet, they still acted like they always had been father and son since the beginning. Silvanus appeared to be somewhat regal, and had the air of authority and Leadership around him. He did not have the gruffness that most soldiers had. He also only saw killing as a last option. He was noticeably the best healer and herbalist in the whole Legion. That's how he came to join his father in the prestigious 1st Cohort. The Cohort that was and is supposed to defend the Eagle to the last man.
As soon as both of them finally calmed down, the Centurion finally managed to speak. 'I take that as a yes then. Good Lad! Now go back to your Maniple (Unit of 10 men) and try marching this time. No prancing about okay? Oh. And keep a hand on your sword always. You may be needing it.'
'Yes Fa- I mean Centurion!' Silvanus replied with a comical grin.
'Why You! Go on then! Scram!' The Centurion laughed and patted his son's back as Silvanus walked faster to catch up with his unit. Still stifling giggles.
'Ahh... Just like his mother...' The Centurion muttered to himself and frowned slightly at the mention of Silvanus' mother. Faustina. He remembered the day Silvanus' family got brutally murdered by the Emperor's assassins. He remembered how he arrived just in time to save the 4 year old child from the grip of a cloaked assassin.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the galloping of a horse and his name being called out.
'Centurion Felix! My old Friend! How do you do? Care for a small gallop?'
Silvanus finally reached the legion barracks and made a beeline straight for his maniple's quarters. He had been living in the barracks most of his life since the day the Senior Centurion of the 19th adopted him from the slums of Rome. He had always looked up to his foster parent and had always wanted to become a Legionary. It was a dream of the young Silvanus to fight beside his "father", Centurion Felix. And Since then waited for the day he will come of age to join the 19th.
Silvanus reached the room where he has been staying for the past two years and saw his fellow recruits lazing around. Throughout the two years of training, he has found the time to know his fellow unit members.
'Hey! Silvanus! How did the extra 5 mile joggin' go fer ya?' A stocky,bald young man looked up from oiling his segmented armour and called out, a teasing grin plastered in his face as soon as he spotted Silvanus standing in the doorway. Short bursts of Laughter erupted from the others.
Silvanus straightened up and put on a mock apologetic smile. 'Oh Absolutely wonderful Longinus! Not a bad Idea to take nature walks before dinner my friend! Care to join me next time?'
As Silvanus walked in, Some of the recruits was now up and slapped Silvanus' back and congratulating him with laughter. 'Ha! Ha! Ha! You should've seen the Centurion's face go red when he pulled out a broken stick to beat Lucius' back with and you commented on the disappearance of his REAL "Disciplining stick"! Totally Hilarious!' 'Ya think Cornelius?! Silvanus here almost got us in trouble for nearly making us laugh with him! Ha!' 'What was that Silvanus said? "A stick a day keeps the barbarians at bay?" That was a good one!' 'Man, You saved my backside out there! Ha! Ha! When did you get the time to swap his Vine stick with a broken one!'
Silvanus smiled and laughed as he enjoyed the comraderie he was now sharing with the men he's been living with for the past 2 years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silvanus smiled to himself as he looked at each of his comrade's smiling faces. 'Hmmm... We are a pretty odd bunch.' He murmured.
'What was that?' Lucius asked.
'Nothing!' Silvanus hurriedly answered.
Longinus was a very typical stereotype of a roman legionary. He was the strongest of the whole squad and always preferred using his 2 feet long iron Gladius. Longinus is also a very violent type of person and is very protective of his friends.
Cornelius was the strategist. The planner. Either on pulling pranks on the younger Centurions or on fellow Legionaries or whether in the practice battlefield. Cornelius also used to be an athlete and thus was very fast in running. Cornelius preferred using two Puglios (Battle knives) in battle. Very Loyal to his unit.
Lucius. The young Roman from Lusianian Spain. Very shy and naïve at the start, but once he gets to know everybody, he is very good company. He is very good at throwing his Pila. The youngest of the group and the closest friend of Silvanus. Very generous and the motivator.
Leonidas or Leo for short from Macedon. He was a freed slave who wanted to aquire money fast and thus, he joined the Legions. He is very good at running in difficult terrain (Probably due to being a shepherd as a child roaming the hills of Greece.). He excels in archery. Also our runner.
Lupus. A soldier clad in his own bitterness and for his want of revenge after the murder of his family during a Celtic Raid on Roman territory. Very quiet and decisive. Stealthy as a hunter. Excels at swords and knives. Very Secretive, this one.
And lastly, There's our Optio or Sergeant, Herennius. A huge wall of Bone and muscle. A veteran who served during the civil war of Octavian. Sometime's we refer to him as "Humungus". Though he doesn't really like that nickname We still think it suits him.
Hmmm... We really are an odd bunch. Silvanus confirmed inwardly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As soon as they finally quieted down, they begun discussing among themselves about the new mission the Legion and two others, the 17th and 18th were bestowed. They were to quell an uprising of German Celtic tribes from beyong the Rhine.
Lucius looked at his comrades in shock as he whispered 'Are we going to have to pass through the Teutoburg?'
All of them, except Silvanus nodded gravely. Silvanus knew how much stories about the forest has been crammed inside the younger man's head and knew that he was absolutely terrified. The Group fell into a deep silence as each of them remembered the stories that the border guards has been telling them while off duty. Each border guard told of the same theme: Germania, The last frontier of Rome is a hellish place filled with fierce Celtic warrriors who yearns for the blood of Romans on their blades.
Longinus broke the silence by scoffing loudly. 'Tch. We can beat them easy! Our Legions are invincible! We haven't lost a battle to foreigners for more than a hundred years now! We ain't going to just end this record now.'
Lupus nodded. 'Aye. I agree with ye. Besides, I do have a score to settle with them.' A wicked smile crept on his face making his fellow Romans glad that they were not Celts.
Another length of silence ensues
Silvanus looked among his comrade's eyes and saw Fear, Hatred, Excitement and Anxiety.
'We should pair up. You know. To watch each other's backs.' Silvanus stated.
The men looked up at him. Obviously interested.
'Each one of us would feel safer if we knew that someone was watching their backs.' Silvanus reasoned.
'Aye. I totally agree. I vouch for Humung- I mean Herennius.' Cornelius Stated.
Herennius gave a soft laugh 'No can do young'un. I'm watching all of youse backs.'
'Ok then. Longinus?' Cornelius asked, no, more like begged.
'Ayay! I agree then.' Longinus nodded directing a smile to his new Legion buddy.
'I choose Leonidas.' Lupus said.
'Agreed.' Leonidas nodded in Confirmation.
Silvanus glanced sideways and saw Lucius look crestfallen.
Silvanus Reached out and patted Lucius' shoulder. 'So. It looks like it's me and you then!' Silvanus said with a smile.
Lucius looked up and let out a sigh of relief. 'Praise the Gods! Thank you Silvanus. I promise I won't fail.'
Silvanus then put on a mock expression of sterness and growled 'Well you shouldn't. Or you'll know what happens.'
Silvanus then burst in Laughter as he saw the questioning look in Lucius' face. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 months later Teutoburg forest.
'Well what was that about? What's with the laughter?' a voice whispered right next to him as soon as he got back from the ordeal with his father.
Silvanus turned to Lucius and Whispered back shrugging as he did so. 'Oh. Nothing really. Just giving fatherly advice.'
Silvanus snickered as he caught a glimpse of a galloping horse and a rider with his father holding on for dear life at the back, Screaming in terror.
'Ah. There goes Uncle Quintus and Good ole' Felix!' The soldiers around him who heard his remark snickered too. Felix is probably the worst horseman the army can ever get.
'Oi! Quiet in the Ranks!' A voice yelled out. Good ole' Humungus.
Silvanus Straightened up and continued on counting his steps.
It wasn't long however, until Silvanus finally got bored and gave up. He then looked up and just watched the dark forest that surrounded him and his comrades. He could've sworn he saw some movement, but just dismissed it as wildlife. The Forest finally came to a clearing and it started to drizzle. In front of him, Silvanus can see the marching column come to a bend and saw the swamp on one side and a slightly elevated hill in the other.
As he kept on looking, The entire marching column came to an abrupt stop as he heard the shouts and screams that came from the forest. He instinctively raised his shield towards the forest just in time to deflect an arrow. He took a quick glance towards the men on the front and saw men fall victim to the missiles. After a few volleys, the battlecries of the barbaric Celts rose from everywhere in the forest. Then they came down upon the surprised Romans. Half-naked warriors began pouring out from out of the forest. Each of them covered with blue woad and screaming blood-curling insults.
Silvanus looked behind him and saw the anxiety and fear in Lucius eyes as he evidently gulped.
Silvanus then turned back to the forest and braced himself for the initial impact. Making up his mind to protect his Legion buddy at all costs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the arrows flew from every direction, All that Longinus heard was a whoosh and a meaty thud as an arrow embedded itself on his leg. The other Legionaries now withdrew, trying to form a testudo. Except for one. Cornelius. Cornelius rushed up to Longinus to grab his arm and drag him to safety behind the shields of his fellow Legionaries. But as he ran, A sharp jolt of pain suddenly hit him like a lightning bolt. He looked down and saw a bloody arrow. Protruding from his chest.
'NOOOO!!!' Longinus Roared in Pain and agony as he saw his Legion buddy fall to his knees, reach out a hand towards Longinus and fell. Face first.
Longinus struggled to get up. But he couldn't. He looked down to inspect his wound.The bloodied flesh that surrounded the open wound was now starting to bruise. He instantly knew that his leg dying. He started to crawl towards his fallen comrade instead. Arrows miraculously missed him by mere centimetres as he inched his way towards Cornelius' corpse. The legionaries in the testudo could not bear to see this. Some sobbed in helplessness while others stared in shock at the dead bodies of dead Legionaries. Other's merely watched with Hatred and anger in their eyes and waited to meet the enemy.
'Finally!' Longinus gasped as he reached the body of Cornelius. Longinus felt tears fall from his eyes as he saw the shock in Cornelius' open eyes. The barbarians were now charging out from the thick foliage of the forest. They waved their weapons in the air, cursing and insulting the romans as they did.
Longinus stood up proudly. Ignoring the pain on his bleeding leg. He raised his shield and yelled out towards the charging enemy. 'MURDEROUS BARBARIANS! I'LL TEACH YOU HOW A LEGIONARY OF THE NINETEENTH DIES!'
A celt clashed shields with Longinus and Longinus pushed back. Pushing the startled Celt over. Longinus then took one step forward and plunged his blade down into the naked torso of the surprised Celt. 'FOR MY COMRADES!'
He sidestepped another warrior and swung his blade across the torso of the warrior. 'FOR CORNELIUS!'
A Celt tried to go around Longinus about to stab him with his spear. Longinus swung his sword in a wide arc as he turned. Decapitating the enemy's head. 'FOR THE NINTEENTH!'
The Celts now surrounded him. Duels were fought around him. For each Celt that Longinus dispatched, it seems as if 10 more would take it's place.
The Celts swarmed around Longinus. Longinus now fought with desperation. He fought until he couldn't let go of the blade because of a cramped hand. Finally, Longinus fell to his knees right next to the body of Cornelius.
A Celt walked in front of him and scoffed. 'Pax Romana.' The Celt then spat at the word. The Celt raised his sword, about to swing when all of a sudden, He felt pain on his stomach. He dropped his sword and looked down. All he saw was a bloody blade, half-embedded in his belly. He then looked in surprise at the smug face of the Legionary.
'FOR ROOOOOME!' And with that last cry, Longinus fell, impaled by three spears. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lupus and Leonidas was now fighting back to back. Trying to Drive back the barbarian hordes. It was hopeless. Most of their fellow Legionaries has already made a run for the forest. Only to find themselves stuck in the mud and were made into practice targets for archers.
Lupus had an arrow stuck in his left shoulder, blood was flowing freely.
Leonidas was now merely dodging and blocking. Unable to launch an offence.
Leonidas continued to grimly execute his task. His aim was to let Lupus escape. His Aim was to save his Legion buddy. From the corner of his eye, he saw a celtic archer take position and aimed for his Legion buddy's uncovered back.
Leonidas had to act fast to save Lupus. The only thing on him was his shield and sword. My Sword! Lupus beamed and threw his sword towards the archer. It was a gamble. But true to it's form, It hit the target. Right in the chest. Leonidas nodded contentedly as he saw the form of the archer crumple to the ground. He then resorted to punching the enemy with the butt of his shield.
More archers arrived at the scene. Leonidas glanced towards the forest and saw an archer fire. Without even hesitating, Leonidas dove to his side to cover Lupus' fighting form from the flying arrow. He felt tears prick at his eyes as he felt the arrow hit him in the chest.
'LEO!' Lupus had turned just in time to see his friend fall to the ground. Catching an arrow that was supposed to be for him.
'NO!' Lupus fought with so much ferocity that the barbarians began to back away from the mad Roman.
ZIIIP! Lupus suddenly stopped in mid-swing. An arrowhead had pierced right through his body and he can see an arrowhead sticking out from his midsection. He knelt right next to Leonidas. Crying. Leonidas turned. With his last breath, Leonidas smiled and whispered 'I- I'll... M-meet you in E-ee... Elysium... Brother...'
Lupus didn't feel the pain as more arrows pierced his body. He just merely knelt over the body of his new Brother. Crying. Lupus' vision began to blur and the cold hands of death started to grip his heart. He muttered with half-closed eyes 'W-wait for... M-me... Brother.' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Legionaries were now fleeing as more and more Barbarians flooded out from the dark forest. Silvanus and Lucius fought back to back yelling compliments and encouragements to each other from time to time. More Legionaries broke away from their formations and made a run for the dark forest. This only made the pair more determined to stay and fight.
From the corner of Lucius' eye, He saw their eagle bearer fall. But not before he plunged the pole into the ground. To show that the Legion hasn't been defeated... Yet.
'Silvanus! The Eagle!' Lucius shouted
Silvanus stole a quick glance towards the direction that Lucius was pointing out. He saw the Eagle firmly planted in the ground. Standing proudly among the dead bodies that piled the forest floor.
He nodded to Lucius and gave a rueful smile. Lucius beamed at him and nodded back. Instantly knowing what his Legion buddy was up to.
'FFFOOOORRR RRRROOOOMMMEEEE!!!' The pair charged straight into a pair of Celts, knocking them over. But instead of killing them, they pounded onward towards the Eagle. Finally! A silver lining! It was the Eagle of their Legion! Lucius Quickly grabbed the precious symbol of the Legion as Silvanus guarded his back.
All of a sudden 20 Celts charged at them. The pair looked at each other. They agreed to one conclusion: This is hopeless. They then shook hands and hugged. As if for the last time.
Four Celts flew in the air as a massive object crashed into the charging enemy.
'GO SILVANUS! GO LUCIUS! GO! I WILL COVER YOU!' Herennius (AKA Humungus) Bellowed as he tried to fight off the enemy.
'HERENNIUS!' The stunned pair watched. Rooted in place.
'GO AND LIVE!'
The First to react was Silvanus as he grabbed Lucius' segmented armour at the neck and ran.
They ran to the forest. Stumbling through the thick tree trunks and roots.
'Herennius...' A sob escaped from Lucius' mouth.
Silvanus Turned to catch a glimpse of the giant for the last time. Only to see the Giant on the ground. Lying still. A pool of blood congregating from under the body. Silvanus turned away from the awful picture as a tear silently rolled down his cheek. May we never forget your sacrifice my friend. He said to himself. Silvanus looked up to the heavens and prayed for any god/s to save them.
The rain now became a torrent of Wind and water as they burst into a new clearing in the forest canopy.
Silvanus looked around in confusion. They were in the middle of a circle of stone pillars. Each Slab of rock was marked with a rune of some sort.
Celts came bursting out from every direction from the forest and surrounding them. They smiled and laughed smugly at the trapped pair. Eyeing the Golden Eagle that Lucius Held.
Silvanus turned to his friend and hugged him in farewell. Tears now sliding freely down their cheeks. 'You deserved to live Lucius... I failed you... Now you won't get to see your family in Spain ever again. I am sorry.' Silvanus looked down in shame.
'Silvanus! You have not failed! Our family was the Legion! In fact, I will be very much honoured to die by your side... Brother!' Lucius smiled at him.
Silvanus gave Lucius a rueful grin and said 'So. What do you say Brother? Shall we do this one last time?'
'Yes. I would be Honoured to die Kicking Barbarian butts!'
With a yell, They charged at the Celts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Equestria: Everfree forest
'So. Dear sister? Why do you bring me here?' A mare who was a neither a unicorn, a pegasus or an Earth pony, but whose form was that of all three combined and whose coat was as dark as night matched with a flowing mane that represented the night sky (literally) asked kindly to a bigger mare who looked similar, only for the pure white coat and rainbow coloured mane that looked like she represented morning daylight.
'Ah. It's a surprise My dear Luna.' Answered the white coated one with a motherly voice.
'Okay Tia.' Princess Luna looked up to see a full moon shine above all Equestria, casting beautiful shadows among the trees and foliage.
All of a sudden, Princess Celestia came to an abrupt stop and whispered 'A being not known here in Equestria has entered our Dominion little sis!'
Princess Luna was about to ask when somewhere in the forest, a Strange roar echoed throughout the forest, breaking the serene silence.
The Two princesses rushed to the direction of the roar in haste.
Both Princesses knew that the roar was not one of Anger. But of grief and despair.
Silvanus knelt among a circle of corpses. His armour was splattered with blood. The pain on his wounds throbbed with pain as more blood flowed freely from them. Tears were silently rolling down his cheeks as he held the broken body of another Legionary. Lucius.
Moonlight gently illuminated Lucius' face showing his calm, gentle smile that lingered in his lips. Silvanus knew that Lucius was happy to die in the arms of a friend.
'W-why Lucius? Why?' Silvanus sobbed.
Silvanus raised his face to catch the soft moonlight in his tear-stained face and screamed 'FATHER JUPITER! WHY?!'
He bowed over the body once again, crying softly.
'I should have been the one that died! You had a family!' A new batch of tears cascaded down Silvanus' face and dripped to the ground.
'I-I'm sorry... F-for failing yo-'
AWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
A high pitched howl echoed around the forest.
AWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!
Another howl.
Silvanus slowly wiped his tears away with his blood-stained hands and muttered to his dead comrade. 'It's alright my friend... I'll get you out of here and give you a proper burial. Oh look! It even stopped raining and the enemy has gone!' Silvanus murmured in a vain attempt to sound optimistic. Silvanus then glanced at the wound on his former Legion buddy's chest that was caused by a spear thrust and smiled grimly. 'But not before I fix you up a bit.' Silvanus mumbled, taking out a clean strip of cloth that Silvanus used as Bandage dressing from his medicine pouch that he kept in his leather belt.
He gently wrapped it around Lucius' body, covering the wound.
'Y-you must... Live on... F-for the *cough* L-legion... F-for our f-friend's *cough*... D-do not w-waste... The *cough* s-sacrifices... They p-paid with... Their... B-blood... F-farewell... Brother...'
Lucius' last words kept on ringing in his head as he carefully placed the body on his own shield. He was about to limp to the forest, dragging his shield with Lucius in it when he spotted a ray of moonlight reflect from a golden object and into his face. Silvanus gasped and carefully lowered the shield to the ground.
Silvanus limped towards the object and pushed over a corpse that lay on top of it's pole. There it lay... The proud Eagle of the 19th. The very object that Lucius defended and died for. The symbol of the honour and pride of the Legion lay there. Dark blotches of blood tarnishing it's shiny surface. With shaky hands, Silvanus picked up the Legion standard and planted it on the ground. The linen that adorned it was ripped to shreds.
Silvanus look to his side and saw his empty scabbard. He looked around for a moment and spotted the glint of steel. Sticking out from a dead Celt. A moment later, he retrieved his sword and slid it down his scabbard.
With one hand holding the Standard, and the other, dragging the shield with his friend's body, Silvanus limped towards the forest disappearing moments later into the shadows. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AWWOOOOOOOOO! The cry of a Timber wolf echoed around the forest for the last time that night as a figure seemed to be struggling in a mass of small branches.
'Come now dear sister!' Princess Celestia called to her sister who was still struggling with some low-growing tree branches.
'Please tell me again why I can't just fly up?' Princess Luna answered with an irritated tone in her voice.
Princess Celestia sighed and stopped. Turning back towards her sister, her horn glowing with golden aura. 'So that we may not surprise the strange creature.'
The branches was now surrounded with the same golden aura and move by themselves. Freeing the entangled Princess of the night.
Princess Luna sighed and mumbled 'Thanks.'
The Sun princess smiled, which then disappeared a moment later. 'Come! We must meet this creature.'
Princess Luna sighed in exasperation. 'Fine.'
After a few more minutes, Luna was once again entangled by thick, gnarly, low lying branches.
With an exasperated sigh, Luna turned to her sister and said 'I'm slowing you down am I?'
Princess Celestia gently smiled at her struggling sister and answered 'No. Not at all dear sister.' Her horn glowed with the magical golden aura once again as the branches opened up. Thus releasing the trapped princess.
'We curse this foul weakness of Ours,' Luna snarled indignantly.
Celestia placed a comforting wing over her sister's withers.
'Tia. Why can't I use my magic yet?' Princess Luna grimaced as she calmed down.
'It is only temporary, Luna. Your magic will return in time. You must be patient; the banishing of the Nightmare from you was bound to have side effects.' Princess Celsestia consoled her irritated sister.
Princess Luna remained silent.
Princess Celestia sighed and gently nuzzled Princess Luna as she gave her little sister a short answer to her question. 'Besides, you are still recovering from your magic training. You wouldn't want a headache would you?'
'I guess so.' Princess Luna slumped to the ground, exhausted from her struggles from her former wooden prisons. She suddenly looked up to her big sister with a questioning look and asked 'Tia, What happened to my magic? Why do I have to retrain?'
Princess Celestia stopped nuzzling her and smiled sadly. 'Well. Ever since your ,um, Transformation, you have lost a considerable amount of your magic. And now you are training so that you may regain your former magical strength.' Celestia answered. Avoiding the former name of her sister. Nightmare Moon.
Seeing as to how tired Luna looked, Celestia offered for Luna to stay behind 'Besides, were not really far from the site.' Celestia reasoned. Princess Luna yawned and mumbled something unintelligible. Falling asleep almost instantly.
Princess Celestia gave a motherly smile as she surrounded the sleeping princess in a translucent golden orb. A shield spell.
She slowly started walking towards the small clearing in the forest as thoughts ran through her mind. 'I wonder what this creature might look like?' 'Is the creature friendly?' 'Is it a herbivore?' She smiled to herself. Maybe these questions will have to wait.
A minute later, Princess Celestia can now see the clearing. She noticed a few figures on the ground as she came closer. 'hmmm. Probably just mounds of dirt.' she mumbled. She gently brushed away a branch and gasped in horror as the scene in front of her revealed the moon-lit corpses of a strange type of biped. What kind of a horribly dangerous creature do this? Celestia thought as she tried to take in the gruesome scene in front of her.Her horror turned to disgust as she noticed that in their "hands" were dangerous looking metallic objects. Weapons.
'That's strange. I only felt one creature enter our realm. Wait. I only felt one creature... Which means-' Celestia gasped as she began to back away from the bodies '-one of these... Things is roaming around the Everfree!'
Her horn glowed with magical aura as the bodies began to sink down into the forest floor. 'I must not worry my dear sister. She has gone through enough.'
She then watched as the bodies sank, which was now halfway into the ground and whispered. 'I will find you... Monster!'
She turned to leave just as the last traces of the strange corpses were buried under the everfree. Hidden from everyone but her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few hour later:
Silvanus knelt right next to the newly dug grave of Lucius. A helmet was placed neatly at the head of the grave. A small, flat rock with the inscription 'LVPVS' acted as the headstone. The Proud Golden Eagle planted on the ground right next to the grave looking down as if paying respects to the dead soldier. His own shield covered the top of the earthen mound. Silvanus was weeping softly as memories of his friends, His foster father, his time in the Legion and even bits of his childhood circulated around his mind. Silvanus sensed that they are all dead. Centurion Felix, Longinus, Herrenius, Lucius, Lupus, Cornelius... Every single person that he knew and come to know as his family are all dead. Silvanus cried harder than he ever did before in his entire life.
Shiiiing! Silvanus glanced to his side to see his sword slide off from his scabbard. The soft glow of metal inviting him to pick it up. 'The Gods has abandoned me. Fate hates me. What choices do I have?' Silvanus mumbled, picking up his blade and stared at the slightly blood-stained blade. 'I should've been the one that died. My only wish right now is to join everyone that I love in the underworld.' Silvanus now held his sword with two hands, pointing it towards himself. He slowly elevated the blade until it rested in mid-air. Pointing to his bare neck.
Silvanus was about to plunge the blade deep into his throat when suddenly, A commanding female voice called out to him.
'My dear stranger! Please do not put yourself in grave danger!'
Silvanus whirled around. 'FRIEND? OR FO-' He stopped in mid-sentence as he found himself facing a striped, little horse of some sort wearing a cloak. And... Did it just... Talk? Silvanus turned his whole body around to face the little horse. Dropping his sword in the process.
The striped horse flinched and gasped. 'What are you Dear creature? With all your weird features?'
Silvanus was too stunned to speak! Did... That... Horse... Just... Talk?! Those five words kept on screaming inside his mind. 'A-a H-horse... A Horse j-just talked... To ME!' He stammered. Silvanus started to turn around and crawl away, his eyes still transfixed on the little horse.
The little horse seemed to calm down, it's/her Blue eyes softened as she saw the poor, scared creature frantically try to crawl away from it/her.
'I-I'm sorry. My name is Zecora and I can't help but notice you from the Flora.' The horse, Zecora, extended a hoof towards Silvanus as if to try and shake his hand. Silvanus just stared at it and stammered 'Y-You TALK?!'
Zecora chuckled gently and replied 'Yes. I do speak-' Zecora then noticed the wounds that covered Silvanus and frowned slightly '-You seem a bit weak. Let me heal your wounds before we run into any hounds.'
Silvanus was now starting to hyperventilate. Inhaling and Exhaling rapidly. His head was now swimming. Oh no. He thought... Not another panic attack!
Zecora frowned a bit more. mumbling to herself in an unknown language, She reached into her saddle pack and took out a simple earthen bottle. She then proceeded to pull the cork out with her teeth. Green smoke then began to leak out from the bottle.
A tendril of green smoke entered Silvanus' nose and all of a sudden, he felt better. The aroma reminded Silvanus of the grassy plain where... Silvanus shook his head and looked back at the little horse.
'Better?' Zecora smiled warmly.
'I-It's just not possible! How can a horse even speak!' Silvanus blurted.
Zecora chuckled softly. 'Firstly, I am no horse, though I have been named far worse. Secondly, A pony such as I talk normally like all other pony-folk.'
Silvanus felt his heart skip a beat. Ponyfolk? 'Uh. Miss ,er, Zecora? um. Where In Hades' realm am I!'
Zecora gave a puzzled look and answered 'You are in Equestria my friend-'
'Equestria?' Silvanus squeaked.
Zecora nodded in confirmation.
It took a few moments for Silvanus to take in. No wonder I haven't seen any bodies from the battle so far! No wonder the sudden cease of rainfall! No wonder the trees looked strange and unrecognizable! The puzzle pieces started to connect as Silvanus' mind connecting strange things that he had noticed but not really care about.
Zecora stared at Silvanus' face intently. She felt sadness for Silvanus.
I know how it feels to be alone my dear stranger. She thought.
Silvanus gulped. So. What now?
As if reading his mind, Zecora's questioning expression turned into one that was warm and full of pity. 'You know stranger, You should stay in my hut, where I can heal your cuts.'
Silvanus looked up very surprised 'Y-You... Really?'
Zecora nodded once again.
Silvanus smiled a genuine smile for the first time in Equestria and whispered 'Thank you. May the Gods bless you.'
Silvanus then tried to stand up. But his aching legs wouldn't obey. Sighing, he half-crawled, half-stumbled towards the pole of the Eagle. Silvanus heard the sound of hooves as Zecora lifted up his arm.
Silvanus smiled in thanks and pushed himself up. Upon standing, He found out that the Pony was only about 1 and a half feet shorter than him. Silvanus then turned to face the grave of Lucius and smiled. Whispering a last farewell before taking the eagle that poked from the ground beside it and limped over to take his sword which he dropped in his initial shock. Zecora trotting right beside him, ready to catch him in case he falls.
As soon as he reached his blade, he bent over and took the blade, sliding it into his scabbard. Silvanus turned to see uneasiness in Zecora's eyes as she saw him put the blade in his scabbard.
'I'm terribly sorry for causing you to feel uncomfortable Zecora. But I always have to be ready to protect those who need me. I learned this lesson the hard way.' Tears once again began to build up in his eyes as he glanced over to Lucius' grave.
Zecora's eyes softened and she gave a comforting smile as she opened her mouth to say something. Nothing came out.
Silvanus tried to fight back the tears, but he was fighting a losing battle. A fresh batch of tears slowly slid down his cheeks, following the path the other tears before it took. He felt something rubbing his leg. He looked down and saw Zecora trying to comfort him by nuzzling his leg. His tear-stained face broke into a smile as he patted Zecora's striped mane.
'Well then. I consider those who aren't my foes-' Zecora said. 'As friends.'
The sun was now peeking out from the horizon as the two new friends chatted while walking. Silvanus has been limping down the small track with Zecora for an hour now. Silvanus asking questions about the strange new land that he was in.
'So. The whole land is ruled by two princesses who raise the sun and moon everyday and night?' Silvanus asked with a sceptical glance.
'Yes.' Zecora chuckled deciding not to add to that.
'So that means that they are like Gods or Goddesses?'
Zecora stopped to think about an answer. 'Yes. They also live among us mortals, and rumour has it that they can open portals.'
Silvanus turned to his new friend and gave a sad smile. 'Zecora, I don't have anything to go back to. I lost my family... Twice! The creature that I buried a while ago was like me... He... He was also the last of my family. I don't think I want to return to the cruel world where I came from. Where death is as common as meals.'
Zecora looked down on the ground she was walking on, feeling ashamed for even asking. What a poor soul. She thought.
Silvanus decided to quickly change the subject to avoid further talks about death. 'So. uh. Your Gods, I mean Goddesses live and walk among you mortals? Our Gods never lived among us. I once heard an army saying that went: 'While Us soldiers fight, bleed and die for the god's causes, the god's never come down to help. They don't want to get their feet wet.'
'So the place you call home is the greatest city on Earth called Rome?'
Silvanus Chuckled 'Yes. The City of seven hills. The capital of our great empire.' Silvanus puffed out his chest in pride and beat his chest once with his fist causing his Segmented armour to make a clanking noise.
Zecora brightened up once more and smiled. 'You really a-'
Rustle! Rustle!
A thick bush in 10 feet in front of them suddenly started to shake.
Silvanus quickly pushed back Zecora with his right hand. Zecora was more than willing to oblige. Silvanus then whispered to Zecora without turning to face her. His eyes glued on the rustling bush.
'Zecora, I want you to slowly go back where we came from and quietly find a different route to your hut. Okay?'
Zecorah was too scared to speak. She just cowered behind Silvanus.
Silvanus then takes hold of his sword's hilt with his right hand and slowly slid the blade out of its scabbard. All of a sudden with a bark, something erupted from a thorny bush right next to him and Silvanus felt as if a log has been thrown at him. The wind was knocked out of him as the thing hit him in the stomach. He fell to the ground with the furious thing.
'BY THE GODS!'
There, standing on his chest, Barking furiously and gnawing at the standard's pole was a wooden wolf. A... DAMN... LIVING... WOODEN... WOLF!
Silvanus wrestled desperately with the wooden beast. Both hands were now holding on to the metal pole that separated the sharp, wooden jaws from his face. It's green eyes showing hatred and hunger as it bit down into the metal pole, slightly bending it. His sword was right next to him, but he didn't dare reach out in case the wooden wolf would reach his face with a lunge and end his life right on the spot. He turned to the still shaking bush 10 feet from him and saw two more of these beasts leap out from it. He turned away and face the opposite direction. He saw Zecora quaking in fear right on the spot where she stood the whole time.
'ZECORA! YOU MUST GO!' Silvanus shouted above the sound of furious barking and scraping.
Zecora finally looked down on Silvanus and started to stammer out. 'B-But You-'
'I WILL BE FINE ZECORA!'
Zecora still looked hesitant and was unwilling to run, I mean gallop away.
'I WILL NOT FORGIVE MYSELF IF I LOSE ANOTHER FRIEND! I WILL DISTRACT THEM! NOW GO!'
This finally made Zecora spur into action and with a pained look in her eyes, she started to gallop away. Silvanus watched Zecora's retreating form until finally disappearing into the forest. Silvanus then turned his attention to the task at hand. From the corner of his eye, he saw the two other wolves start to chase after Zecora.
With a fresh burst of energy, Silvanus hissed through gnashed teeth 'Oh no you don't!' and pushed the wolf on top of him over. Rolling to his side, he grabbed his sword and sat up, delivering a thrust to the wolf who was starting to get up.
The wooden wolf immediately disintegrated into a shower of wigs, leaves and a green mist.
Silvanus stood upright and pointed his sword to the remaining two wolves. 'So. Who's next?' A grim smile now spread across Silvanus' face as the Two wolves looked at each other for a moment as if coming to a agreement. Then they charged.
Silvanus swung at one, instantly disintegrating it in mid-air while he skilfully sidestepped the other. The last wolf barked and made for another pounce. Silvanus easily dispatched the beast with a graceful swing. This is too easy, Silvanus thought arrogantly.The air now smelled of sap as Silvanus started to walk away from the messy bunch of twigs and green leaves, when all of a sudden, he heard a clattering sound behind him.
He turned to look back and saw the piles of twigs and leaves rattle together and slowly take the form of the three same wolves that he thought had dispatched.
'By... The Gods...' Silvanus sighed 'Great. Not only are they strong and hunt in packs, they also seem to be invincible! Oh well. There's only one thing left to do when faced with indestructible wooden beasts.' Silvanus muttered as he started to run. Ignoring the pain on his legs.
He looked back for a moment and immediately regretted what he saw. 'Damn! They're fast!' The wooden wolves were catching up on him. Fast.
One ran right next to his side and tried to snap at his legs. I once again burst into a small cloud of green mist and twigs as he swung his sword.
Silvanus was now stumbling across the forest, throwing the danger of being lost into the air. The wolves, in return, also slowed down. Their main goal was in sight. Just like the wolves on Earth, they were trying to exhaust their prey until they were so tired that they cannot run or fight back. Typical! Silvanus thought. He would occasionally whip around to dispatch one of the beasts, who were getting more and more aggressive.
'And the gods, always seem to make it harder for me.' Silvanus mumbled through gritted teeth in disgust.
The same routine happened as Silvanus stumbled across the forest floor. Until...
'AARRRGGHHH!!!' Silvanus roared in pain as one of the wolves bit him in the thigh. Silvanus turned for a second and swung his blade, Turning it into instant green vapour.
The end of the forest was now in sight! He could see a small cottage and a small chicken coup in the distance! Just a little more...
By some strange miracle, the wooden demons, as Silvanus dubbed them, hesitated and turned back when it saw me exit the dark forest and into a grassy strip of land.
Silvanus opened his mouth to utter a cry of victory, but only a scream of agony came out...
He looked down to see his bleeding thigh.
At that moment, he saw a yellow and pink figure flying towards him from the solitary cottage as his vision began to blur.
'Silvanus?' A ghostly shade called out to the bewildered Legionary, Silvanus, as he frantically looked around the huge cavernous cave in confusion, his eyes nervously darting around as he saw ghostly humanoid shapes float by. Some even went right through him!
'Silvanus!' A very familiar gruff voice suddenly barked his name.
Silvanus whirled around and the ghostly forms of his armoured unit members and his adoptive father. His jaws suddenly dropped as they smiled warmly at him, He could even see Longinus sneer at him in his own good-humoured, teasing way. Even Lupus seemed to be smiling! Which he rarely ever did. His eyes then began to water as he saw the shade of Lucius smiling a him.
'Wha-?'
They laughed as they floated nearer to Silvanus with open arms. Silvanus half expected to feel his Family pass right through him. But instead, he was swept up his feet as they pulled him into a group hug. Tears now streamed down Silvanus' happy face as they laughed and gave sighs of relief. Silvanus felt as if he was being hugged by a cold breeze of air, but inwardly, Silvanus heart felt so happy that it felt as if it might explode. A few moments later, the group then let go of Silvanus, patting him in the shoulder and giving out crude jokes about how he looked 'As dainty as a flower.' An especially hard pat made him turn around and pick up the smaller man from the ground in a tight hug as he cried.
'FATHER!'
The shade of Centurion Felix smiled, hugging his son just as hard. The other Legionaries respectfully kept their distance as the father and son hugged in happy reunion. Smiling and giving a few mocking "D'awwwwww"s. A couple of moments later, the pair then ended their embrace and looked happily into each other's face. Both of their hands on each other's shoulders. Centurion Felix then gave a mock expression of anger, barking in his own commanding way 'Now what did I tell you about calling me "Father" in public young man!'
Silvanus gave his father a rueful smile and saluted 'Ay-yay Centurion Felix! Slayer of ten thousand, Commander of the 1st Cohort, Veteran of the-'
The Centurion them pulled his son back into another embrace. 'Oh do stop that flattering, you!' He laughed.
A minute later, the pair once again broke their embrace.
'So. Uh. Where am I?' Silvanus asked with a smile.
'You are in the underworld my son...' The Centurion answered sadly.
'Well, technically, no. We are just standing near the entrance of the underworld.' Leonidas countered cheekily as he pointed to a large dark opening at one end of the cave. A huge shadow guarding it. Cerberus.
' Ha! And there goes our underworld expert on his small lectures once again.' Lupus slapped Leonidas' back, laughing. Lupus then turned to Silvanus and said 'You would not BELIEVE how long Leo here has been talking about every single nook and cranny about this place!'
Silvanus just stared at his family in shock, his face suddenly paled.
'Er, You okay Silvanus?' Cornelius asked him with a comforting smile.
'T-The Underw-world? Does t-that mean that I-' Silvanus stammered.
Lucius floated forward and put a cold hand on Silvanus' shoulder. He smiled warmly and stated. 'No my Brother. You are not dead. We just summoned you from the living so that some of us may say goodbye...'
A tear silently rolled down Silvanus cheek. 'Does that mean that you guys-'
'-Are dead. Yes Silvanus. We are all on our last journey bound for Elysium.'
Silvanus looked down and noticed that all of his friends were invisible waist down, while he still had his legs. More tears started to build up in Silvanus' eyes. His friends were dead. All of his family members were dead. The sudden realisation hit Silvanus like a kick up the toga.
Everyone around him went silent. Feeling the sadness building up in Silvanus' chest.
A ghostly hand went over Silvanus' face as his tears suddenly evaporated into thick, grey mists. Silvanus looked up to see Lucius staring into his face with a soft smile.
'Silvanus. You haven't failed any of us. Instead, we all have a new mission for you as the last Legionary of the 19th.'
Silvanus gave Lucius a small smile as he felt duty-bound to complete the last wishes of his comrades.
Lucius' smile widened as he continued. 'Your new mission is t-'
'-to Continue to live for us. To live a long and happy life. In remembrance of our sacrifices to save each other's lives. Even if that meant throwing our own away.' The Centurion butted in. Giving an official looking smile. All the others came nearer, each one of them wearing big grins and nodding in agreement.
Silvanus laid a fisted hand to his chest and smiled 'I swear to the gods that I will try to carry out your last wishes. Even to the point of death. And as a Legionary, I will finish this task.' The men gave a big cheer, punching the air with their fists. 'PAX ROMANA!' They cried.
After they quieted down, Silvanus' sad mood once again descended on him as he asked 'So. Who were the ones who's going to say good bye?'
Tears welled up once again in the corner of his eyes as Leonidas and Lupus stepped forward and surrounded Silvanus in a ghostly embrace. It was too much to bear. Knowing that Silvanus may never see his two friends ever again tore at his heart. Silvanus wept openly in their shoulders.
Leonidas tried to comfort him by telling him of how they will be fine in the Isles of the blessed. Ghostly tears just simply rolled down Lupus' cheeks as he silently cried with Silvanus.
They then broke their embrace and the two departing souls floated back in the same distance as a step and just watched Silvanus weep, wearing comforting smiles. The other former Legionaries just watched in silence. Others hung their heads in sadness.
After Silvanus calmed down a little, he sobbed and stammered. 'S-So. I G-Guess this is g-goodbye then.'
'Yes, my friend. The hour has come upon us.' Leonidas nodded sadly.
Silvanus sighed and looked up. His lips formed into a tight smile as he put a hand on each of the two departing souls' shoulders. 'You take care of yourselves in there okay?'
The two spirits then smiled and said their last words to Silvanus, before disappearing into the darkness. 'We will never forget you and our time in the 19th, Silvanus.' 'Y-You were always t-the... Joker, Silvanus. K-Keep 'em up!'
Silvanus stared at the spot where his two friends were, imprinting his friends faces into his mind so that he may remember all the memories that came with it.
Silvanus felt a heavy, yet comforting hand rest on his shoulder. He turned around and saw the big ghostly form of Herennius. Silvanus smiled and said 'Hey there Humung- Er. Herennius! Thanks for saving my backside in that forest again.'
Herennius gave a deep resonating chuckle as he patted Silvanus in the shoulder. 'Nah. You should expect that treatment from me. Brother.'
Lucius' form appeared right beside Herennius' and placed a hand on his other shoulder. 'I'm sorry to say, but it is almost time for you to go back to the living world Silvanus.' A hint of regret was in his voice.
Silvanus smiled as he drew them to him into another hug. Everything around him then began to blur as Lucius' voice echoed in his head. 'You may expect to get more of these visions. Y-'
'You deserve to know the truth.' Another voice butted in. Felix.
'Wait, what do you-'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everything was now completely dark.
Moments later, He was back in the forest, He was forced to see his friend's deaths. He couldn't turn his head away from the awful sight. He watched as his friends were cut down but arrows, spears and swords. Valiantly defending their own Legion buddies. Throwing away each other's lives for each other. Silvanus did not get the same fate as his comrades.
'You failed them SSilvanusss! You failed them all!' Silvanus heard a small hissing voice whispering in his ear as he sobbed. Feeling guilty about how he survived and they didn't.
'Come now, ssstupid mortal. Just give up...' The awful hissing voice cooed 'Let the cold fingers of death take hold of you. Come-'
'NO!'
'Silvanus! You are a disgrace to the Legion! I am ashamed to call you son!' The dead body of Centurion Felix suddenly stood up. Blood gushing from his side. The Centurion just stood there. Glaring daggers at Silvanus.
The Centurion raised his hand to stop Silvanus from speaking. 'DO NOT CALL ME FATHER! YOU ARE NOT MY SON!' He shouted.
Each word felt like a slap in the face for Silvanus.
'NO! YOU ARE NOT REAL! THIS IS JUST A NIGHTMARE!' Silvanus screamed at the top of his lung. Covering his ears with his hands.
The Centurion smiled maliciously as he stepped aside, showing the bloody body of Lucius, walking towards him.
'Lucius! Please tell me that your not- OOF!'
Lucius punched Silvanus in the stomach. Silvanus doubled over and looked up to his brother with a pained expression. 'B-Brother?!'
Lucius' eyes narrowed as he frowned. 'I HATE YOU!' Lucius screamed into Silvanus' face. Giving Silvanus a mighty kick.
This was too much to bear. Silvanus curled up into a ball as his other comrades surrounded him and joined Lucius in hurting Silvanus.
Silvanus sobbed, wincing in pain at every kick and punch. Tears flowed his cheeks as he begged and pleaded. 'Please guys, I'm sorry! Please Lucius! Father! Lupus! Heren- oof!'
'P-Please make this stop! Please!' The malicious, hissing voice just laughed. Enjoying the hurt and misery that Silvanus felt.
Maybe they are right... I failed everyone... Maybe I do deserve this... Silvanus closed his eyes as he felt his heart beat slower... and slower... and slower... He felt his body start to go numb. He knew he was about to die. He was about to let death take hold of him when all of a sudden, Everything went black. The laughing voice was gone. His friends were all gone. The forest was gone. He was floating in a black void.
It was then that he noticed the soft, gentle voice. Silvanus felt strangely calm as he listened to the lullaby:
Hush now, quiet now It's time to lay your sleepy head Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed
Everything was peace and quiet after the lullaby ended. Silvanus drifted off to sleep. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equestria: Ponyville
Peace and Serenity reigned inside a rather large sun-filled room. Silence was everywhere. Everywhere except for one spot near the glass window. A blanketed figure lay, tossing and turning in a comfortable-looking green couch.
'NO! LUCIUS!'
The figure suddenly sat up and gripped the blanket desperately. Silvanus sobbed and started rocking back and forth, now in a sitting position. Silvanus was covered in sweat as he started murmuring. 'IMSORRYIMSORRYIMSORRYIMSORRYI-'.
Silvanus suddenly opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times. 'I swear I thought I was holding Lucius' body in my arms.' Silvanus mumbled. He looked down and saw that he was only wearing his scarlet tunic, which was by now, tattered at the sleeves. Where's my armour? He inwardly sighed as he remembered yesterday's events. Stupid nightmares... Silvanus nodded in disgust. The Wooden Demons, The Solitary tree-style hut, The Pink and yellow blur. It was all coming back to him. What a minute. Yesterday? Silvanus scratched his chin in deep thought, trying to figure out the time. Silvanus shrugged as he gave up. I have no clue whatsoever. He told himself.
He stood up, feeling the pink rug in his bare feet. He then turns as he politely folded the blanket and straightened up the couch. He can't help but notice that all his cuts were covered with a sticky piece of white clothe of some sort. His bruises had disappeared.
Silvanus then started pacing around the room and noticed that there were bird-houses, feeding troughs and small bowls of water around the room in a neat and tidy way. He also noticed mice holes in the walls. I can offer to fix this. Silvanus thought as he thought about the yellow blur he saw just before he fainted. Maybe She or was the owner. Well, at least the voice singing the lullaby sounded female.
Silvanus stopped pacing and stood in front of the window facing the forest where he came from. He just stood and stared, reliving the moments he had with his family in the underworld. He brought out the mental picture of Leonidas' and Lupus' faces. His heart sank as he told himself. 'I'm never going to see them ever again.' The sunlight warmed his cheeks as a tear silently rolled down from his teary eye. 'Why does the gods have to be so cruel. Taking my family away twice. Why di-'
'Oh. Your awake. I hope the critters weren't too noisy.' A soft and gentle voice drifted into Silvanus' ears. Silvanus instantly recognised the voice. This mare saved his life! Just as he was about to succumb to death. Silvanus was saved by this kind mare's lullaby. Silvanus quickly wiped his tears and put on a warm smile as he turn around to meet his saviour.
'Oh. Did I disturb you? I'm sorry.' The gentle voice once again said as Silvanus saw the Pretty, Yellow coated, Pink maned mare looked down shyly, hiding her face behind her thick, pink mane that now hung in front of her face.
Silvanus felt mildly surprised. 'Oh. Of course not! You did not disturb me dear Miss!'
The yellow mare looked up and ask 'How are you feeling? You must be hungry. Well, you can eat now... If you want to.' The Mare gave a small, warm smile and pointed to a small tray on top of a small, blue table.
Silvanus gave a big grin. 'Thank you! er, Miss-' Silvanus smiled ruefully as he asked for the Yellow mare's name.
The yellow mare looked down once again and nervously pawed the wooden floor. 'I'm Flutter...' The yellow mare whispered. The rest was spoken too quietly for Silvanus to hear.
Silvanus gave an apologetic smile 'I'm sorry. I didn't quite catch that.' he said, leaning closer to the apparently shy pony.
'I'm Fluttershy...'
Silvanus smiled warmly once again as he asked 'Excuse me, my dear Fluttershy. But were you the one who sang the lullaby last night?'
Fluttershy squeaked as she once again hid behind her mane. 'Yes. I'm sorry, but you were crying last night... I had to calm you dow-' She stopped as she felt herself being lifted from the ground.
A few moments later, Silvanus gently released Fluttershy from his tight embrace. Fluttershy still looked surprised.
Silvanus gave Fluttershy an apologetic smile 'Sorry. I had to do that. I just want to thank you for saving my life. Friend.' Silvanus smiled as a slight blush appeared in Fluttershy's cheeks.
A few awkward moments passed.
Until, a soft thumping noise broke the ice. Both turned and saw an impatient looking, white bunny wearing a bib. It had it's arms crossed.
As soon as it saw that it had both our attention, it stopped stomping his right foot on the wood and pointed a finger in his now open, cavernous hole of a mouth.
'Oh Angel Bunny! I'm sorry! I'll feed you right now!' Fluttershy then promptly flew towards the hungry bunny and gave it a big hug.
Fluttershy released the Angel and turned to Silvanus. 'Um. I you don't mind, I want to know your name.'
Silvanus gave a warm smile and answered 'Of course. The name's Silvanus.'
'Oh. Okay. Um. Silvanus?' The yellow mare started.
'Yes?'
'You should eat now too... If you want to, that is.' Fluttershy said, pointing to the small platter of food.
Silvanus felt his stomach growl and thanked Fluttershy. 'Of Course! Thank you! I haven't eaten since I came here.'
Silvanus walked over and picked up a square piece of bread. Under close inspection, Silvanus noticed bits of grass sticking out from the middle of the two pieces of bread. A pea, impaled by a small, sharp stick, stuck out from the top. Silvanus hesitated for a second. He felt eyes on him. Silvanus turned and gave Fluttershy a big grin. Fluttershy blushed slightly once again and flew off to prepare Angel's meal.
Silvanus didn't want to offend his hostess. He simply raised the bread to his mouth, took a deep breath and took a rather tentative bite. 'Hmmmm... Not bad. Not bad at all.' Silvanus mumbled to himself, pretty surprised to find grass quite delicious. Silvanus wasn't sure whether it was just plain hunger that made it tasty or it just is. Silvanus then proceeded to take another bite. And another. And another. Until moments later, The whole square bread disappeared into his mouth.
'So. Uh. What do you think about the sandwich? I made it myself.' A small voice squeaked behind him.
Silvanus turned and gave Fluttershy an enormous grin. 'Hmm? Oh I love it! Thank you Fluttershy!'
A small red shade rose up in her cheeks as she began to paw the floor once again. 'Oh. Glad you liked it. But uh. If you don't mind, I need to feed my critter friends.'
Her large blue eyes caught Silvanus attention. She's so cute when she does that. Blushing. Wait a minute! What am I thinking! Silvanus slapped himself inwardly. I'm human She's a pony. Silvanus then turned his attention to the new puzzle piece of his hostess.
And so. The mystery of the bird-houses, mice holes and feeding bowls was solved. Fluttershy was not a poacher, but an animal carer of some sort. Plus, how can such a shy pony as Fluttershy be a poacher? Silvanus thought, smiling to himself.
As Fluttershy started to turn to the open door, Silvanus called out. 'Hey Fluttershy! Let me help you! I want to repay your kindness.'
Fluttershy looked back in surprise 'Oh! That would be just wonderful! Thank you Mr.Silvanus!'
Silvanus walked over to where Fluttershy waited.
As soon as they were out of the door, Silvanus whispered 'Miss Fluttershy? If you don't mind, I'd like you to teach me your beautiful lullaby.'
Fluttershy stared at Silvanus' smiling face, her blush deepened. She turned away trying to hide her small smile of delight. No-pony really bothered to ask her to teach them her lullaby. Sweetie already knew the song. 'Of course Silvanus! I'd be glad to.'
Silvanus' smile grew 'Great! Thank you friend!'
Fluttershy smiled back once her blush subsided. 'Ok. Follow me.'
Princess Luna was standing on top of balcony of her room when she felt a perturbation in one of her sleeping subjects dreams. The Princess of the night sighed and rolled her eyes. 'Oh we do hope that this isn't about nightmare moon again.'
Princess Luna closed her eyes as she entered the distressed creature's nightmare.
Moments later, strange shouts, screams and the sound of metal against metal made the Princess snap her eyes wide open. She was in a strange forest. Somewhere in front of her, the sound of warfare continued on.
The princess of the night walked forward nervously. Her eyes widened and her pupils shrank to mere dots as she watched the scene in front of her with horror.
Strange-looking bipeds in armour were fighting other bipeds who wore a strange pattern of blue ink on their bodies. She watched as an armoured soldier fell near her hiding place. It's dead, open eyes stared at Luna's in pure shock. He still looked young. Luna gasped as she saw a small pool of red liquid congregate from underneath the dead soldier.
'PAX ROMANA!'
Luna quickly tore her attention away from the dead, young creature and to a small group of at least twenty soldiers wearing the same armour, who were heavily outnumbered and was totally surrounded.
An older soldier wearing a transverse crested helmet bellowed once again as his comrades fell around him. 'ROMANS! FORM ORBIS!'
The small group promptly relayed the order with no question and carved out a small circle from the seemingly endless sea of half-naked warriors.
The "Romans" fought valiantly, but they were fighting a losing battle. Their numbers steadily decreased until there were only five of the group left standing. And they were covered with cuts and bruises from head to foot.
'Surrender now! Roman!' A painted warrior called out as the sea of half-naked warriors suddenly withdrew from the five armoured men.
'I WILL NOT SURRENDER TO AN UNWASHED BARBARIAN! ABI IN MALAM CRUCEM!' The older soldier called out. The other soldiers then jeered and insulted the "barbarians".
The barbarians shouted in anger, each one of them itched to kill at least one of them each. But their leader pushed back the nearest soldier in a clear sign to stop. The leader then proceeded to glare at the small group of Romans. 'You Romans! You just don't know when your beaten!'
The Romans glared back as they stated their last messages to their foes. 'I am Centurion Felix Clusinas! I will fight you to the end!' 'I am Junior officer Quintus Cestius! I am a soldier of Rome! I WILL NOT YIELD!' 'I am optio Crassus Dio! I Fight for the 19th!' 'Legionary Theodorix! I fight for the Romanisation of Gaul and Germania!' 'Legionary Sulla! Better die a soldier than a coward!'
The barbarian leader roared in anger as he pointed his spear towards the armoured figure of the Centurion. 'I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF! OX-HEADED ROMAN!
The barbarians then charged. Luna watched as she saw the sea of enemies overwhelm the brave group. She saw a glimpse of the Centurion and the Junior officer hugging in farewell. Even in the din of battle, Princess Luna heard the last words of the Centurion. 'I'll see you in Elysium Quintus my friend. If only my son Silvanus was here... So that I may say my last farewell to him.'
'It's alright my friend. Our time in the Legions is over. If only Silvanus knew the truth about his roots. I just wish that the men had a better fate than this. They deserve to see their families for the last time.'
At the mention of the soldiers' families, Luna's heart broke. Tears welled up in Luna's blue eyes. She felt the pain their families will feel when they hear of the loss of their father, son, uncle, brother or cousin. The last time she felt this type of pain was when she was banished to the moon. But her pain was slightly less bitter. It was because she knew that she was going to see her sister again.
Princess Luna couldn't bear to see the brave soldiers fall. She forced herself to close her eyes and look away. She felt the sadness and pain for the fallen soldiers' families. As the sound of battle slowly went down, Luna opened her eyes. A pile of bodies mark the spot where the brave armoured soldiers fell.
'You failed Ssilvanusss! You failed them all!' A rasping voice whispered. Somepony answered with a heart-broken sob. Luna turned and saw an armoured soldier fall to his knees.
'Come now, ssstupid mortal. Just give up...' The awful hissing voice cooed 'Let the cold fingers of death take hold of you. Come-'
'NO!'
Princess Luna almost screamed in terror as she saw the body of the Centurion rise from the pile of bodies.
'Silvanus! You are a disgrace to the Legion! I am ashamed to call you son!' The dead body of Centurion Felix suddenly stood up. Blood gushing from his side. The Centurion just stood there. Glaring daggers at Silvanus.
The Centurion raised his hand to stop Silvanus from speaking. 'DO NOT CALL ME FATHER! YOU ARE NOT MY SON!' He shouted.
Each word felt like a slap in the face for Silvanus.
'NO! YOU ARE NOT REAL! THIS IS JUST A NIGHTMARE!' Silvanus screamed at the top of his lung. Covering his ears with his hands.
The Centurion smiled maliciously as he stepped aside, showing the bloody body of Lucius, walking towards him.
'Lucius! Please tell me that your not- OOF!'
Luna gasped as she saw the armoured soldier punch Silvanus in the stomach. She felt pity and anger as she saw Silvanus fall to the ground. 'Why?! How could they?!' Luna squeaked in anguish.
More soldiers rose up and started beating the crying soldier lying on the forest floor. 'I HATE YOU!' One of them shouted.
Luna Identified Silvanus as the "strange creature" that her sister has been talking about two nights ago.
Luna tried to move forward to stop them from hurting Silvanus. But she can't move. She tried to put on enormous amounts of willpower. Each try failed.
Giving up, Luna just looked down to the ground and cried. This creature has been through a lot. She felt pity for the poor creature.
'Luna?'
Princess Luna was snapped back to her reality as she heard her sister's call. She looked down and noticed the pool of tears on the marble floor. She was still sobbing and shaking all over.
A white wing encompassed Luna's shoulders as a gentle, yet motherly voice spoke once again. 'Oh Luna. What's wrong? Please tell your big sister.'
Princess Luna turns to look at her sister's royal violet eyes. 'T-Tia? Oh it was h-horrible!'
Princess Luna then launched into telling Princess Celestia the nightmare of the strange creature. She retold the story of the fate of Silvanus' countrymen, her pity for the families of the brave men, and of the strange, hissing voice that spoke to Silvanus. Tempting Silvanus to submit to death.
Tears formed in the corner of Celestia's eyes as she listened to the sobbing Princess of the night. Celestia did not want to see her sister like this.
As soon as Luna finished retelling the Legionary's nightmare, she felt a gentle tap on her forehead.
'Luna. You must rest now. I'm sorry that you saw those awful images.'
Princess Luna yawned and mumbled as she stumbled towards her bed.
Princess Celestia watched with worry in her eyes as Luna fell in a heap in her room.
'Silvanus. Soldier of a Place call Rome. If what my sister has seen was true, This "Silvanus" is truly a dangerous creature. I must find him sooner or later.' Celestia mused.
WHOOSH! A cyan blur zoomed across the blue sky, leaving behind a rainbow-coloured streak. Poof! A small, white cloud that was just peacefully floating by suddenly dispersed into nothing as the speeding splash of colour went right through it like a knife slicing through butter. Many other clouds met the same fate as the flying object went right through them. One by one, the clouds disappeared until all that is left is a clear, blue, beautiful sky. This all happened below 10 seconds.
The fast-flying object finally slowed down, revealing the form of the creature. It was a Pegasi. A mare. Her magenta eyes glowing with excitement, Her slightly ruffled mane which has the same colours as the rainbow, waved happily in the wind as she exclaimed 'YES! I BEAT MY OLD RECORD!'
She then gave a whoop of victory as she flew towards Ponyville.
I wonder how Pinkie would react to my new awesome record! The Cyan mare thought gleefully to herself. Surely I can become a wonderbolt now!
The cyan mare was flying towards a small town. It's colourful houses with straw thatched roofs adorned the lush, green valley that was surrounded by majestic mountains. A small river passed through the town, the water was gurgling rather lazily as it gently went with the current. Small, yet elegant bridges crossed over the small length of water. In the middle of the town, there stood a tall, grand building. Small banners of different colour waved gently with the wind.
The town looked interesting. But the most interesting of all were the inhabitants. Ponies of different colours dotted the small town as they went about with their businesses. Pegasi, Unicorns and normal-looking ponies lived together in peace and harmony.
The cyan mare took a deep breath and sighed, a happy smile was in her face. 'Ah. Ponyville. Like The.Best. Place. EVER!' She exclaimed. She then wore a thoughtful look as she slowed down. The first houses of the town were now directly below her. 'Hmmm... Well. Maybe Ponyville is the second best place. I mean, Cloudsdale is certainly 20 percent cooler! Or maybe Can-'
'Oh There you are Rainbow Dash!'
The cyan mare, Rainbow Dash, was snapped out from her thoughts as a very lady-like voice called out from below her. She looked down and saw a white mare wearing a very classy hat.
Rainbow Dash stopped in mid-air and gently flapped her wings as she descended 'Hey there Rarity! What do you need?' Rainbow Dash asked as she got close enough.
The white mare then whined 'Oh Darling! I think you may have dispersed too many clouds Dash! The heat is making my mane too dry!' The white mare then looked at Rainbow Dash's side as if expecting some-pony to be right there. 'Rainbow Dash, have you seen Fluttershy? She was supposed to be at the spa with me today!' Rarity asked with a inquiring look.
'Uh. No. Sorry Rare. In fact, I haven't seen her all day!' Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin with her forehoof thoughtfully.
'Oh. There's always next week.' Looked down in disappointment. 'Besides, she must have a good reason for not-'
'Hey! Guess what?' Rainbow Dash asked, looking very excited.
Rarity sighed as she replied 'What is it Dash?'
Rainbow Dash hovered higher as smiled cockily, announcing 'I have finally beaten my old record!'
Rarity smiled back 'That's absolutely wonderful Darling! But may I ask you of a favour?'
'Sure Rare! Fire away!'
'Please be a darling and find Fluttershy for me? I'm afraid if something terrible must have happened to the poor dearie.'
'Sure! I was gonna go looking for her anyway. I was gonna give her more cheering lessons.' Rainbow Dash smiled, giving Rarity a salute. Her right forehoof across her brow.
'Thank you Rainbow Dash! Do come back as soon as you can!'
'On it! I'll go check Fluttershy's hut first. Because, you know. She's Fluttershy.'
Rainbow Dash launched herself high into the air with a strong flap of her wings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Oh Thank you so, so much for helping me feed the animals Mister Silvanus!' Fluttershy gave a small, shy smile to the tall figure of the Roman.
Silvanus looked down and smiled back. 'Oh It was nothing. I owe you for saving me after all. Oh and. Friends call me Silvanus.'
They were standing outside the wire fence of the chicken coop. Silvanus' tattered tunic now has small, brown blotches of earth. It was also partially wet with his own sweat. On his head, sat a small basket full of chicken feed.
Fluttershy blushed. 'Oh I couldn't turn away a poor-' Fluttershy blushed more deeply as she continued. 'Um. Forgive me for asking Mister- I mean Silvanus. But uh. What are you?'
Silvanus' smile evaporated, and was now replaced by a look of shock. So. There really are no other people in here. Am I even in the same world? Silvanus' face paled. How did I even get here? Why were those bodies still with me when I appeared in this place? Was it the Druid magic on the rocks?
Fluttershy saw the shock in Silvanus' face and she quickly added. 'Oh. you don't have to answer. You can... Only if you want to.' She then looked away quickly retreated back into her pink mane.
Silvanus snapped out from his thoughts and looked down at the kind, timid pony. 'O-Oh. Of course I'll answer. I am a man. A Roman to be exact.' Silvanus quickly put on a smile on his face, trying to draw out the shy pony from behind her pink mane.
The smile seemed to work. Fluttershy's face slowly emerged from behind her pink mane.
As soon as Silvanus saw that Fluttershy was now looking back at him with a soft smile.
'Fluttershy?'
Fluttershy's ears perk up, willing to answer any question Silvanus had for her.
'I take it that you have never seen a creature that looks like me.'
Fluttershy slowly nodded. Oh. It must be so terrible to know that you are the last creature of your species. Fluttershy thought. Poor dear.
Silvanus' smile slowly faded. He looked down on the ground, not wanting Fluttershy to see the shock on his face as he tried to digest the thought of being the only human in the land of "Equestria".
'Um. If you don't mind. Where did you come from?'
No people. No Barbarians. No Rome. No more wars. I hope there are no more wars. Wordlessly, Silvanus slowly turned his head to face the dark Everfree forest. I have been in the army my whole life! I might become a danger for these peaceful ponies. What am I to do? What is my purp-
Silvanus felt something soft and warm encompass his legs. He looked down and saw Fluttershy wrapping her forelegs around his belly. She was looking to her side. Silvanus didn't know what to say. He was surprised. Instead, he reached down and gently placed a hand on Fluttershy's head.
'Oh. It must be so terrible to be the only one. I'll try to ask Twilight for any way for you to go h-'
Silvanus' lips formed a sad smile as he explained. 'Fluttershy, I don't have anything else to go back to. I-' Silvanus gave a small, sad sigh. Fighting back tears. By the gods. Why do I always end up crying. Silvanus thought as he continued. 'I already lost my family. Twice. I lost everything.' Flashes of memories invaded his mind. He remembered the first day of training with his comrades. He remembered the pranks they played on other Legionaries and their Centurions. His Comrades faces came into his mind. Lucius, Felix, Cornelius, Longinus, Herennius, Lupus and Leonidas. He even remembered the soft, gentle voice of his mother. His only memory of his long-departed mother. he can't put a face to the voice.
Silvanus felt Fluttershy shake a little as soon as she heard him say 'I already lost my family. Twice.' A sob escaped her mouth when Silvanus said 'I lost everything.'
Fluttershy looked up. Tears were in her eyes. Silvanus' eyes met hers. He gave Fluttershy a comforting smile, but her tears spilled out from her eyes anyway. Fluttershy leg go of Silvanus as he knelt down.
Once they were in eye level, Fluttershy once again threw her forelegs around Silvanus' neck as she whispered. 'I'm sorry.'
Silvanus hugged back, gently stroking her mane. 'It's Okay Fluttershy.'
Fluttershy just sobbed. Silvanus remembered the pain and shock he received on the news that all of his friends and family members were dead from the vision last night.
Silvanus just looked up to the sky and softly started to sing.
Hush now, Quiet now, It's time to lay your sleepy head.
He looked down expectantly. Only to see Fluttershy smiling softly back at him.
Hush now, Quiet now, It's time to go to bed.
Silvanus continued. This time, Fluttershy joined in. Their voices blended, making the melody even sweeter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmmm. Looks like there's no-pony home. Rainbow Dash thought as she knocked on Fluttershy's green, wooden door.
'Where could she be? Maybe she's at Twilight's. Or maybe she's finally met up with Rarity.' She mumbled as she turned.
She spread her wings and crouched. About to launch to the air. She was about to leave when suddenly, she heard somepony singing. It sounded like a Stallion's. The singing voice suddenly stopped.
She turned around and slowly headed towards her friend's backyard. She suddenly stopped in her tracks as the voice once again sang, this time, it was joined by another voice. Rainbow Dash can now make out the words as they sang.
'-Ush, now Quiet now It's time to go to bed.'
'Fluttershy?' Rainbow Dash said to herself. She trotted over to peek out from the side of Fluttershy's house.
As soon as her head poked out from the side of Fluttershy's house, Rainbow Dash Shouted in distress. 'FLUTTERSHY! WATCH OUT!'
From Rainbow Dash's point of view, she saw a monster grab hold of one of her closest friends. Instantly hypnotizing her.
'I'LL SAVE YOU!' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once they finished singing, Fluttershy once more embraced Silvanus. 'I'm sorry about your loss Silvanus.' She whispered.
Silvanus hugged back. Whispering back into Fluttershy's ear. 'I-It's alright. Thank you my friend.'
Silvanus felt Fluttershy slowly stop shivering as he gently patted her back. She was calming down. But Silvanus can still feel Fluttershy's tears gently drip into the shoulder of his tattered tunic.
Silvanus felt happiness in his broken heart. He felt happy that someone, or more like some-pony, actually felt sad for him. Silvanus wanted the embrace to never end.
'FLUTTERSHY! WATCH OUT!'
A shout erupted from somewhere in Fluttershy's house.
'I'LL SAVE YOU!'
Fluttershy's head turned towards the house. 'Rainbow Dash?' She broke the embrace and went airborne. Screaming out 'WAIT!' it came out from her mouth like a soft whisper.
Silvanus turned to see who this "Rainbow Dash" is.
All Silvanus saw was a blur of a spash of different colours zoom past him before his vision blurred and darkness encompassed his vision. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'-ainbow Dash! Did you have to do that?' A soft voice whined.
'Oh come on Fluttershy! I didn't know okay? Sheesh!'
'You should apologize once he wakes up.' The soft voice turned to one that was assertive.
'Okay! Okay! Fine! Sheesh! Stop being to Assertive!'
'Ooh! Really? You think so? I think my Lessons are paying off!'
Silvanus woke up to the sound of arguing. He slowly opened his eyes.
'Oh look! He's awake!' The Assertive softened to a soft whisper.
Silvanus saw Fluttershy lean over him with a concerned look. Silvanus tried to sit up. He winced as he felt pain shoot up from the back of his head. Fluttershy gently pushed him back down. 'Shh. You mustn't. You hurt your head pretty bad.' She gently murmured. Silvanus was more than happy to comply. 'Ugh. What in Jupiter's name happened?' Silvanus asked.
'Oh. Uh. Hey there.'
Silvanus turned to see a cyan mare with a rainbow-coloured mane. Wait a minute. Rainbow?
'Um. Sorry about Uh. A while ago.' The cyan gave him a rueful smile. She just stood there, rubbing the back of her head with a foreleg in guilt.
Silvanus just stared at her. Rainbow Dash put down her hoof and started pawing the floor in discomfort. 'So. Uh. We okay?'
Silvanus blinked twice 'Oh. That's alright. Ha ha. Gave me quite a hit back there!' He said with a smile. It's not normal for anyone anything to knock out a hardened Legionary with one hit.
Silvanus reached out a hand and said. 'Ah. Were okay. Pretty good hit I must say.' Silvanus gave Rainbow Dash an impressed smile. She, in turn, took his hand with her hoof and gave it a firm shake.
'Oh. Good! So. What's your name?'
'Silvanus. Yours?'
Rainbow Dash took back her hoof and made a proud, rearing pose. 'I am THE one and only, RAINBOW DASH! THE fastest flyer in Equestria!'
Silvanus could not help but smile at the Cyan mare's pride.
Fluttershy just watched with a soft smile as the two introduced themselves.
'So. What are you? And how did ya get here?' Rainbow Dash went back to being on fours and looked at Silvanus with an inquisitive look.
Silvanus sighed and gave Rainbow Dash a sad smile. He hesitated for a moment. Only to see the growing curiosity in the mare's Magenta eyes. Finally, Silvanus sighed as he launched into his tale of absolute misfortune. 'Okay. It started like this...' And so, Silvanus narrated his story once again. Trying hard not to mention the battle. He also refrained from using the word "Death" or "dead" and only using words like "lost". He started his story in the Everfree. Only giving vague details of the glowing monoliths.
At the mention of the name Zecora, Fluttershy's ears were piqued up in interest. It went unnoticed by Silvanus, who continued on narrating his story to the listening Rainbow Dash who was already sitting on the floor. Looking very impressed at the mention of how he managed to outrun three "Timber wolves" as what his two Pegasi friends corrected.
Rainbow Dash looked down in sadness as Silvanus mentioned about his terrible loss.
'... And the next part is where you hit me in the head.' Silvanus smiled jokingly at Rainbow.
Rainbow Dash wordlessly trotted closer to Silvanus and gave him a gentle hoof-bump on the shoulder. She looked up to Silvanus' face and with a broken voice, said 'Hey, S-Sorry 'bout your family.'
Silvanus gently ruffled her mane, laughing softly 'Thanks kiddo.'
'Um. If you don't mind, I'd like you to meet our other friends.' A soft voice piped from beside them.
Silvanus turned to Fluttershy. 'Yeah. That would be nice. Though I think it's better to go unnoticed by the majority of pony population.' Silvanus turned to Rainbow Dash with a rueful smile. 'Judging on how Rainbow here reacted, I don't really want to be knocked out again.'
'Hey! I said I was sorry!'
'Nah. Your cool kid!' Silvanus laughed.
'Stop calling me kid! I'm all grown up you know!' Rainbow Dash huffed.
'We should go now. If you want to.' Fluttershy whispered once again.
Silvanus stopped laughing and turned to her. 'Your right. I'm just worried. You know. Reflexes.'
Rainbow Dash flew in front of his vision and giggled. 'You are pretty weird looking.'
'Thanks...' Silvanus mumbled. Gently rubbing the back of his head.
'Um. if you don't mind, I think it's better if we go to Twilight's place. Now would be good, before. You know... Dark.' Fluttershy gave a small shiver at the thought of walking in the dark.
An idea came into his mind. What if, She just let them come here! I don't have to suddenly pop up in a street and cause panic and such. 'Hey Fluttershy! I think I have an idea.' And so, Silvanus brought out his suggestion.
Rainbow Dash looked sceptical. 'Oh I dunno. I don't think any of them would believe me. All because of one small prank! Like seriously! One small Prank!' She threw her forelegs into the air in exasperation.
Fluttershy too, looked like she was in doubt. 'Me neither. I don't think anypony would listen.' She gently whispered as she remembered the numerous times where she discovered something very important and was about to share her find, only to find everypony very busy panicking.
Silvanus stared at the two pegasi who looked away guiltily.
'Fine. But on one condition. Fluttershy?'
Fluttershy looked up. 'Yes?'
'I need my armour and my sword.'
Fluttershy's eyes widened once Silvanus said the word "Sword".
Rainbow Dash gave a little gasped. 'You have a sword? Are you a guard or something? That's like SO AWESOME!'
Silvanus ignored Rainbow Dash. He saw the uneasy look on Fluttershy's eyes. He sighed 'Fluttershy. I promise to the gods and to my own honour that I will not harm a single pony.'
Fluttershy calmed down a bit. 'P-Pinkie Promise?' She whispered.
Silvanus looked at the two Pegasi in confusion. 'Uh. What's a P-'
'It's a promise you cannot break.' Rainbow Dash answered casually. She then turned back to Silvanus, wearing a mock evil grin. 'If you do break it, She'll get you!'
'Silvanus, you must keep your promise of not hurting a pony-' Fluttershy began, only to be cut off by another voice from outside.
'FOREVER!'
'BY THE-' Silvanus leaped back as she saw a pink blur run from the trees and towards the open dirt road.
'That's Pinkie Pie for you Silvanus!' Rainbow Dash laughed. 'Ya Should've seen your face! Absolutely Priceless! HA!'
'By Jupiter! Does she do that all the time?!'
The Cyan mare was now rolling on the floor, holding her sides as she laughed.
'Okay. I take that as a yes.' Silvanus noted that they did not even flinch. They looked as if they were expecting for this to happen.
Silvanus felt a soft tap on his shoulder. He turned and saw Fluttershy gently hovering beside him.
'If you don't mind, Just follow after me. Cross my heart-' She recited, illustrating the moves that went with it.
Silvanus sighed in defeat. 'Fine. Cross my heart.'
'-And hope to fly,'
'And hope to fly,'
'Stick a cupcake,'
'Stick a cup cake. Wait a minute, what's a cup cake?'
Fluttershy ignored his question and moved on. 'In my eye.'
'In my eye. Was that really necessary?'
'Yes.'
'Okay then. So. where's my armour, my sword and my Legion's golden eagle?'
'I'll get your armour shortly. No. You shouldn't bring swords. And what's a Legion?'
'Thanks. Wait, WHAT?! I need my sword!'
'No's a No Mister.'
Silvanus looked like he was going to argue some more. He gazed into Fluttershy's determined eyes and thought otherwise. 'Fine. Can't I just bring my small knife then?'
'That would be fine, as long as you keep it hidden. We wouldn't want to scare anypony.' Fluttershy answered reluctantly.
'Thank you M'dear Fluttershy!.' Silvanus flashed Fluttershy the most charming smile he could muster.
At this, Fluttershy blushed at being called "M'dear". She turned and left to fetch Silvanus' gear.
Rainbow Dash picked herself up from the floor once she calmed down. 'What's a "Legion" anyway?
Silvanus looked down at Rainbow and gave her a rueful smile. 'I'll explain everything once we meet this "Twilight".'
'Eh. If ya think so.' She shrugged.
'So. About the way going there. We go undercover then.'
'No. For you to earn the other ponies trust, you must show them that you mean no harm.' Fluttershy hovered in, carrying Silvanus' armour. Silvanus walked over and relieved Fluttershy of her heavy load.
Silvanus winced inwardly. Not again. 'Oh I don't know. They might think I'm hostile. By the way, Where's the Eagle?'
Fluttershy raised an eyebrow but nonetheless, pointed to a nearby corner of the wall. There, the eagle leaned against one side.
'With that Awesome armour? I think your intimidating enough with that cool helmet! Can I wear it for you?' Rainbow Dash trotted up to Silvanus as he applied his armour.
Once Silvanus finished applying on his armour, he walked over to the corner and took the golden eagle standard of the 19th. Rainbow Dash followed him along the way, commenting on how "Awesome" and "Cool" he looked.
Silvanus turned to Fluttershy. 'So. We should go undercover. I can reveal myself in a later date Fluttershy. Please?'
Fluttershy firmly shook her head from side to side.
Oh by Neptune's seaweed beard. This is going to take long. Silvanus thought. He pleaded once more. 'Please?'
'I still don't think that this is a good idea.' Silvanus whispered down to Fluttershy as they walked in the open streets of the town called "Ponyville".
Fluttershy looked up to Silvanus and whispered back. 'Oh. Really? I can't see how this is a bad idea. I think they're starting to get used to you.' Silvanus could see that Fluttershy was just saying that to make him feel better. But Fluttershy's eyes betrayed her real feelings. All that Silvanus saw was uneasiness in her eyes.
'I think they're still afraid of me.' Silvanus murmured. Mostly to himself as he saw the surrounding ponies look at him in awe. Some even cowered away from him.
'I-I don't think they're scared of you. I think they're just... shy.' Fluttershy whispered, looking down as she did so.
Sunlight glinted off the polished iron of his segmented armour. He did not wear his helmet. His Yellow, four-legged friend persuaded him not to. No matter how hard Silvanus tried to argue, Fluttershy would not give him his helmet. Instead, she gave his helmet to Rainbow Dash to prove to her friends that what she was saying is true. Rainbow Dash was more than happy to oblige. She put on the helmet, though in a very unbalanced and wonky position, and quickly flew off, Almost dropping the helmet as she did so. She was gone before Silvanus could shout 'Hey! Be careful with that!'.
Silvanus looked up for reassurance.The golden Eagle was perched proudly on top of the 19th Legion's standard. Praise the gods! Silvanus thought. Good thing I managed to convince her to bring this with me. Silvanus sighed. Oh well. You lose some, you gain some. Diem Perdidi I say.
Silvanus winced inwardly as he remembered Fluttershy's reaction about the topic of bringing his sword, the gladius. As soon as he started reasoning with her, Fluttershy would just shake her head from side to side firmly. As soon as Silvanus argued about it, Fluttershy's gaze suddenly intensified. Silvanus was instantly frozen in place, his eyes locked on to Fluttershy's. By now, Rainbow Dash was on the floor, laughing to her heart's content. It was surely not funny for Silvanus. As if in a trance, Silvanus nodded and agreed. Great Jupiter's smoking Beard! Silvanus swore that he barely stopped himself from calling Fluttershy "Domina" afterwards. At once, Fluttershy's gaze softened and went back to normal. Smiling shyly and apologizing.
'I just don't know how I'm not going crazy.' Silvanus quietly muttered. 'Or maybe I already am.'
Fluttershy did not seem to hear Silvanus' mutterings as she trotted beside him, careful not to look into any-pony's eyes.
His thoughts were broken when he noticed armoured pegasi flying in the air. Oh. So they do have soldiers? Silvanus mused. But what were they doing in a peaceful, country-side town like this? Bandits? Rebels?
Silvanus felt his hand gently caress the hilt of his battle knife, the pugio. Praise the gods I managed to persuade her. Silvanus thought as he watched the armoured pegasi slowly shrink into the horizon and finally disappear.
'Um. If you don't mind, Were here.' Fluttershy announced, gently nudging him. Silvanus snapped out from his deep thinking and saw a rather large tree. As they neared the tree, Silvanus had to rub his eyes twice. It was a tree alright. A living, healthy tree. The unique thing about this tree was that it had windows, a small balcony and a rooftop observation facility of some sort. It acted like a REAL house. Unlike Fluttershy's, The house's walls were naturally made by the bark of the tree. It was a tree house. Literally.
'Impressive.' Silvanus looked up in awe. As the pair reached the rather small door that seemed to be split in half.
Fluttershy beamed proudly at him. 'This is where my friend Twilight lives. She is Princess Celestia's own personal student.'
'To think that this tree seems to hollowed out thi-' Silvanus stopped in mid-rant and looked down to Fluttershy with a surprised face. 'Wait a minute. Princess Celestia? Like your Sun goddess?'
Fluttershy shook her head up and down as she gently tapped the wooden door.
'By the gods! Is she like the Oracle of legends?'
Fluttershy looked up to him, her head slightly tilted and she was wearing a confused look. 'W-What's an Orac-'
'I'll Answer it!' A rather childish voice called out from inside.
'That must be them. Thanks Spike!' Another voice called out. This time, feminine and more mature sounding.
The door slowly opened. A small, lavender-scaled lizard of some kind stood in front of them. 'Oh Hey Fluttershy! How's it goin'!'
Fluttershy smiled and replied. 'Oh. Hello Spike. If you don't mind, I'd like you to me-'
It was then at this moment that the small lizard, Spike, noticed the tall, imposing figure of the biped. His cat-like irises shrunk to mere dots as his eyes widened in fright and surprise. 'M-Mm-MON-MONSTER!' Spike screamed as he retreated back into the tree house. Forgetting about the open door.
'Spike? What's wrong?!' The female voice once again called out.
A flash of blinding light suddenly exploded right before Silvanus' and Fluttershy's eyes. Silvanus took a step back, reaching for his Pugio. His hand was stopped half way towards the hilt by a yellow hoof. Silvanus turned to Fluttershy in Surprise only to see her smile gently at him. Calming down, he looked back to the doorway, only to see a Lavender unicorn mare looking at him in surprise and great interest.
'An Apsconsus! So Rainbow Dash WAS telling the truth!' Silvanus heard the Lavender mare whisper unconsciously.
Apsconsus? Unknown? Very strange. Silvanus felt a Fluttershy gentle nudge his side.It was then that Silvanus handled the situation with initiative. Smiling warmly, he reached out with one hand. 'Ave! My name is Legiona- Silvanus. You must be Twilight! I heard a lot of Impressive things from you!' He said as he glanced at Fluttershy only to see her smile back at him.
Twilight seemed to have recovered from her trance-like initial shock and stammered. 'Oh. Y-Yes I-I'm Twilight! Oh. Oh R-Really?'
She reached out a forehoof and gingerly shook his hand.
'Uh. You might want to come in.' She said as she stepped back and gestured towards the inside of the tree.
Silvanus did not have to stoop to enter. But Silvanus had to lower the eagle at an angle so that it may fit the low doorway. He made sure that the tattered clothe would not even touch the ground. He turned to see the two mares look at him in confusion. And a little suspicion. Twilight's horn glowed with magical aura and the door closed behind him.
As they stepped inside, Silvanus looked around in wonder. The interior was very spacious. It's walls were lined with colourful, rectangles which has squared of paper inside. In the middle of the room, a table was placed. On it, sat a wooden carving of a horse's head. A few of those rectangular things lie open on the wooden table.
'Er, welcome to my humble abode, Silvanus. This is also the town library. We have some of the rarest collection of books you know?' Twilight glanced at the wooden table and said 'Sorry about the mess, I did not really expect anypony.' Silvanus turned to Twilight. She was wearing a warm smile on her face. 'I do think that Spike owes you an apology for calling you monster. RIGHT SPIKE?' Twilight turned around.
Silvanus followed her gaze and saw a small mound "Books".
'I-Is the M-Monster still there? T-Twilight?' A shaky voice called out as the book that sat on top of the mound was raised up slowly, revealing the cat-like, green eyes of the talking lizard, Spike.
'SPIKE! Silvanus here is not a monster! Come out from there and apologize.' Twilight scolded.
'W-Wait? Is that lizard your son?' Silvanus turned and asked Twilight.
Twilight looked back with a pleasant smile. 'No. But he IS like a son to me. He helps me in maintaining the Library and the books. Oh. And he's not a lizard. He's a Baby Dragon. Though technically he is still a li-'
'So he's your top slave then.'
'W-What?! No!' Silvanus saw the smile in her face quickly disappear, only to be replaced by a very shocked look. 'Slavery is highly illegal her in Equestria! And has been unheard of for thousands of years! Only the Griffon kingdom owns slaves! And THAT almost caused war to break out between the Griffons and the Ponies and the Diamond dogs. The dragons stayed neutral.' Twilight then seemed to forget about her guests as she continued her rant. 'The only thing that stopped inevitable war was Diplomacy. The two Princesses convinced the Griffon King, Red Plume, to treat their slaves with tact and also to give them pay.' She then stopped for a moment to pick up one of the books that lie on top of the large table. It had large letters printed on it's spine and front cover that said, "THE HISTORY BETWEEN PONIES AND FOREIGN RELATIONS" She then started to recite. 'It says here, in page 223, paragraph 1 that 'It was then that the term "Ser-'
The small pile of books suddenly fell apart. Spike lay curled up on the ground. 'FINE! I'LL COME OUT BUT PLEASE! MAKE HER STOP BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!'
Twilight stopped and glared at Spike. 'Too late for what?'
The door swung open.
The four of them turned to see Rainbow Dash and four other mares with her.
From the corner of his eye, Silvanus saw the little dragon jump to his feet, er, scaly limbs and looked at one in particular with his irises looking like a pink heart, though Silvanus couldn't see who he has taken fancy.
As each one of the three new mares caught sight of him, each one of them had very different reactions.
'Oh Rainbow Dash! I can't see what the fuss is all ab-' The white mare with the elegant, purple mane whined and suddenly stopped in mid-sentence. She stared at Silvanus for a few moments before she suddenly fainted. She landed on a rather large cushion that came out of nowhere to catch her fall.
'Hey, I've seen you before! You were near Fluttershy's cottage a whi-' Silvanus started.
The Pink pony with the pink, curly mane gasped. She then disappear with a small Poof! Leaving behind a small dust cloud from where she just stood.
The Orange mare with a strange looking hat on her yellow mane reacted in a more... Aggressive way. She instantly charged Silvanus yelling as she did so. 'RUN YA GIRLS! I'LL HOLD IT OFF!'
'APPLEJACK! Nooo...' Fluttershy and Twilight started to shout but saw the futility of it as Applejack reached the surprised Legionary in what seemed to be a blink of an eye.
'By The-' CLANK! Silvanus was knocked back as the mare's shoulder collided with his segmented armour, which winded him. Silvanus stumbled a few steps back. The Orange mare took a moment to gently tap her hat. She winced as her hoof touched her head before she glared at Silvanus and charged once again.
Silvanus instinctively side-stepped the charging mare and stuck the bottom of the Golden standards pole on the ground to trip her up.
THUD! The charging mare fell on her side. She shouted as she instantly stood back up on fours. 'Why you! ah'll teach ya a thing'r two!'
Silvanus then tried to be very diplomatic. 'Stop this madness! I mean you or your friends no harm!'
The Orange mare turned around and tried to kick him with her strong, hind legs.
Silvanus knew what she was going to do. He was kicked by a horse on numerous of occasion, but the mare in front of him seems to be quicker. Silvanus had no choice but to raise the Eagle's pole with both hands to block her kick.
THONK! The metal bent as soon Applejack's hooves touched it. Silvanus did not move back an inch. He did not even flinch. Silvanus just stared in shocked silence at the bent pole of the precious Standard. The pole has been made from metal for a purpose. It was used to resemble the might and power of Rome and her Legions. And now this mare, has just insulted all of Silvanus' dead comrades and the dead troops from generations past.
Applejack turned to face her opponent with a smug grin. 'See? Now what did I tell y'all? It's mahty tired already!'
The other mares and Spike just looked in shocked silence. All of them were holding their breaths as they watched the tall, silent figure of the Roman stand in place. Looking down at the bent pole in his hands.
Silvanus knelt down on one leg and leaned the standard on one knee.
They all gasped as Silvanus reached into his side and took out a battle knife, His Pugio, and mutter in a foreign language that was unheard of in Equestria. Even Applejack jumped back in fright.
'Silvanus...' Fluttershy whispered in shock and fright.
Silvanus raised the knife. It was at this moment that the white pony regained consciousness. She saw Silvanus with the knife at hand, and Everypony and dragon staring at him in terror. She instantly fell back into unconsciousness.
Silvanus laid the sharp side on the palm of his left hand. He firmly grasped the bade with his left hand and slowly pulled the blade out. Silvanus winced as blood began to seep from his balled fist.
'Silvanus!' Fluttershy squeaked.
Silvanus seemed to ignore everything else that surrounded him and focused on one task. He gently slid the knife back into his belt.
There seemed to be a collective sigh of relief from the Equestrians. But they still looked on as Silvanus went on with his strange ritual.
He let his own blood drop into the bent metal of the pole. Muttering in his strange language all the way.
Twilight could not help herself. She wanted to know what's going on. 'Silvanus. What are you doing?'
He stood up and solemnly dismantled the Eagle from the bent pole. He slowly walked up to the table and gently placed the Eagle on it's top. He turned to Twilight and answered with an emotionless voice. 'I will explain later. I really need to do this. Please do not interfere.' He then marched up to the wooden stairs.
'May the gods forgive me for this.' Twilight heard him mutter.
Silvanus rested the bent section of the pole onto the end of a step and laid both his hands on both sides or ends of the pole. He started with a gentle push downward. The pole did not look like something was happening to it. As Silvanus multiplied the pressure and force of his push, the pole began to slowly straighten up.
'What in tarnation? Was that all the fuss really about? It's only a metal stick! You didn't havhm Phff! mmmng!' Applejack was suddenly cut off as a cyan hoof covered her mouth. Without looking at Applejack, Rainbow Dash whispered. 'Shhhhhh...'
As soon as the pole was satisfactory enough for Silvanus, he turned and glared at Applejack. 'Never! I say NEVER! Do that again.' He growled.
Applejack just stared back. Unsure of what to do next.
Without another word, Silvanus walked back to the table, picked up the golden Eagle and reverently placed it back on it's decorated pole.
He turned and looked at the Equestrians with a sweeping gaze. Purple, Blue, Magenta and green eyes met his. He saw confusion, fear, respect and concern in them. Without another word, He left through the open door. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Equestrians just stared at the open door. Each one of them trying to digest what just happened.
'Wha' in Tarnation was tha' all 'bout?' The shakened Applejack thought aloud. Breaking the uneasy silence. The three mares and the dragon began mouthing out their guesses and assumptions. Fluttershy remained silent. She just kept on staring at the open door.
'I-I think he was a thief! Why would he carry that gold thingy around? O-Or mayybe. Just maybe. He was a mutant Diam-'
'No Spahke! He ain't no Diamond Dog! He's too HAIRLESS!'
'Spike! That's not nice!'
'Did you see how he did not even cry out in pain or something! That guy's tough!'
'The mutterings of the strange language made it look like a ritual of somesort!'
'Ah don't think so. Maybe he was a-?
Fluttershy finally stirred from where she stood. She turned to the debating group and squeaked. 'Um. If you don't mind. I'll go find Silvanus.'
The group did not seem to hear her and continued on their debating.
Fluttershy sighed and glided out of the open door.
'It was your solemn duty and obligation as a soldier of the Legion's First Cohort to fulfil the Lustration exercise!'
'No it wasn't! Fate has forced me into the army!'
'You are a soldier of the of the First Cohort! You were meant to die for Rome! You were meant to defend her honour and pride with your LIFE!'
'No! My new mission is to continue on living for my comrades!'
'You don't even know if the dream is true!'
'...'
'What about your comrades? Your father? Did they die in vain to protect the honour of the Legion?'
'...' Silvanus looked down, unable to answer his own argument.
'Then thou hast done well.'
'But surely they won't accept me as an friend now!'
'Your only allies are your Comrades and Rome.'
'My Comrades are dead and I am in nowhere near Rome!'
Silvanus was arguing with himself mentally as he walked along the streets of Ponyville. On one side, He felt worried about how his new friends would think of him. Would they think of me as a Monster? A lot of these "Equestrians" already seem to think of me as one. Would they still think of me as a peaceful stranger? A friend maybe?
More questions popped up from his mind as he delved deeper into the recent events. What's with the Apsconsus idea anyway? Have people been to Equestria?
Ponies would stare at the strange creature that seemed to roam freely in their beloved town. Some even went as far as to whisper among themselves. Right now, Silvanus felt like a real freak and he suddenly regretted leaving the tree house. He ignored the ponies, who generally maintained quite a distance from the Legionary, and marched on proudly under the Golden eagle.
On the other, Silvanus' Soldier side kept on reminding him about his duty and his honour as a soldier of Rome. The soldier in him tried justify his action of performing the Lustration exercise, but Silvanus just brushed away these thoughts. He relayed and tried to process the events that just happened. The Orange Mare's violent reaction, The bent pole, the performing of the Lustration exercise, the other mare's rea-
'Fluttershy...' Silvanus whispered, looking down in shame.
'Maybe she'll... Maybe I should expl-' He suddenly fell silent and stopped marching as he remembered the fear and concern in Fluttershy's eyes. Oh By the gods! What am I thinking. Surely she would never be at ease around me ever again.
He stood on top of a small bridge. A sound of a faint trickle of flowing water drifted in from both sides. Silvanus sighed and stepped to the side to peek over. Small lily pads floated by and disappeared underneath the bridge. A small frog jumped back into the water as it caught sight of the Armoured Legionary.
'I guess it's my fault. I was too slow to react.' Silvanus murmured.
He turned his back to the water and sat down. He slumped with his legs in front of him, his back was leaning on the side-wall of the bridge. He held on to the Eagle's pole as it slightly leaned against the brick railings.
He lifted his newly bandaged left hand until it was directly in front of his eyes. Large blotches of red contrasted against the slightly dirtied strip of white clothe.
So. What now?
'Wow! You're one big fella! That's fer sure!'
'By the-'
Silvanus automatically leaned forward and put down his bandaged hand and placed it on the ground in an attempt to prop himself up. Pain shot up from his hand almost instantly. Silvanus winced as he quickly withdrew his injured hand, and leaned back onto the side of the bridge. He looked back to where the voice came from. He instantly recoiled and winced once again as his head made contact with the brick railing of the bridge.
Three pairs of curious eyes stared at him, a few mere inches away from his face.
How in Pluto's name did they sneak up to me?! Silvanus thought. I must be out of practice!
Three small, female Orange, Pure-White and Yellow Ponies stood in front of him. Their necks craned forward to inspect every inch of his armour.
Hmmmm. The Yellow and White ones seem a bit... Familiar. Silvanus noted. He put on an awkward smile as the ponies began poking his armour. 'Oh uh. Hello?'
'Hmmm... What d'ya say Scoots? Is it really made up of his bones?' The Yellow pony-child asked, still staring at his Segmented armour.
The Orange one tentatively poked his chest with a hoof, emitting a faint clank. She quickly withdrew her hoof and thoughtfully rubbed her chin. 'Can't really say 'Bloom. It sounds all metally and stuff.'
'Ooh! Ooh! Maybe it's the thing that guards wear?' The White-coated pony-child guessed enthusiastically.
The Orange one, or "Scoots", stopped rubbing her chin and dropped her hoof to the ground. She turned to the White one with a questioning look. 'Yeah. Maybe that could be it Sweetie Belle. But what's it called?'
"Sweetie Belle's" chin jutted out as she 'Hmmmmed' thoughtfully. She suddenly beamed as she announced. 'A helmet!'
The two other ponies stared at Sweetie Belle for a moment before they started giggling.
Sweetie Belle frowned at her friends as their giggles escalated into fits of laughter. 'What? Did I say something wrong?'
'No you Ha! Ha! S-Silly-filly!'
'Ha! Ha! H-Helmets are for Ha! their Heads Sweetie!'
Sweetie indignantly looked away from her friends as she mumbled. 'At least I had something! Hmph!'
Silvanus just looked on with surprise and mild amusement. Silvanus cleared his throat in an attempt to gain their attentions. The two, laughing ponies just continued in laughing. Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle still had her head turned away from the two young ponies and Hmph!-ed at them.
Silvanus cleared his throat once again. This time, louder.
The three fillies stopped laughing and hmph-ing and stared at Silvanus.
'Um. Hi. The name is Silvanus. Yours is?' Silvanus asked with a friendly smile.
'Pleased ter meet'cha Mister Silvanus! The Name's Applebloom!' The Yellow coated filly enthusiastically grabbed Silvanus' injured, left hand and shook it vigorously.
Silvanus face paled as jolts of pain erupted from his hand. He still wore his smile and tried to pretend that he was fine. He did not want to offend the little fillies. It took a great amount of effort to answer back. 'A-Applebloom? T-That's a N-Nice... name!' He gasped.
Thankfully, Applebloom stopped shaking his hand and looked at Silvanus with a concerned face. 'Ya Okay Mister Silvanus? You look pale?'
Silvanus sighed with relief and smiled. 'Oh. Nothing. I'm okay.' Silvanus did not dare let of the Eagle. Lest it should fall into the water below.
Applebloom raised an eyebrow. 'Ya sur-'
She was suddenly pushed aside as Unicorn filly, Sweetie Belle, grabbed hold of Silvanus' still throbbing hand and just like the latter, shook it vigorously.
'Hi Mister Silvanus! My name's Sweetie Belle!' She squeaked in an adorable way. 'I really like your, uh, What's that thing your wearing in your chest?' she asked as she continued on shaking his hand, much to Silvanus' dismay.
Silvanus bit his tongue and closed his eyes as the pain in his hand intensified.
'Are you sure your okay Mister?'
Silvanus opened his eyes to see a pair of green eyes stare at his with concern.
'I-I'm Okay. And T-The thing that I'm W-Wearing is Armour. The Lor-Lorica Segmentata.' Silvanus grinned again. Sweat began to build up in his forehead as he answered. By Jupiter! make it stop! Silvanus inwardly begged.
Sweetie Belle let go of Silvanus' hand and returned to her former, cheerful self. Silvanus hurriedly tried to hide his injured hand behind his back, but it was intercepted in mid-air by an orange hoof.
'Hey there Mister Silvanus! The name's Scootaloo!'
Silvanus stared in horror as the hoof started to shake his hand. 'No!' Silvanus whimpered in distress.
It seemed to fall on deaf ears. She, just like her two friends, shook his hand enthusiastically and vigorously.
'Oh Dear. Where could he be?' Fluttershy whispered to herself as she flew above the town, carefully scanning the streets for any of the Roman.
She seemed as if she was having an inner discussion with herself as she flew over the Clock tower.
'He's dangerous!'
'No he isn't! He's... well... Nice.'
'He could've seriously hurt somepony! Or Worse!' Fluttershy stopped and hovered in mid-air. She shuddered in fear as her imagination went wild.
A few moments later, Fluttershy shook her head and pushed her fear away. 'What kind of a friend am I? He would never do such a thing!' She stated.
'Hey there Fluttershy! Somethin' wrong?' A voice called out to her from below.
Fluttershy squeaked in surprise and looked down, losing a little altitude as she did so. A cream coated mare with the striped dark blue and white mane looked up at her.
'Oh. Sorry 'bout that. Ya don't really like being snuck on.'
Fluttershy blushed and smiled with embarrassment.
'Oh. That's okay Bonbon.'
The cream coated mare, Bonbon, smiled back.
'So what's your mind Fluttershy? Saw you were just hoverin' up there and I just wanted to ask. Not to be nosy or something.'
Fluttershy descended and landed gracefully with her back legs touching the ground first.
'Oh uh. If you don't mind, Have you seen a rather tall, armoured col- er. Man?'
'Uh What exactly are Mans?'
Bonbon stared at Fluttershy with a confused expression.
Fluttershy inwardly told herself off. Silly me. Nopony has seen anything like Silvanus before. She thought.
'Uh Fluttershy?'
Fluttershy shook her head and smiled ruefully.
'Oh uh. Silly me. Have you seen a uh. Hairless diamond dog bringing a large golden object? If you don't mind...'
Bonbon rubbed her chin thoughtfully, trying to recall anything of relevance to the strange creature that Fluttershy was trying to find.
Fluttershy sighed as she apologized. 'Oh I'm sorry for wasting your time. Hope it wasn't too much of a bother.'
She turned and spread her wing wide, ready to take flight.
'Wait! Fluttershy! I think I do remember seeing that "Hairless diamond dog" that your talkin' about.'
Fluttershy's quickly turned and looked at Bonbon with her new-found enthusiasm.
'Really? Thank you! Oh Thank you!'
'Yeah. Saw him near the bridge, Southeast of town to be exact.'
Bonbon gave a little laugh before she suddenly became serious.
Listen, Fluttershy. I wouldn't go near that thing if I were you. He looks really er... Well...' Bonbon hesitantly tried to stall in order to think of a word as an alternative for "Scary" "Terrifying" and " Dangerous".
'... Intimidating?' Fluttershy suggested. Now knowing where this conversation is heading.
Bonbon gave Fluttershy an embarrassed smile and nodded.
'He's not bad. It's just that... He's been through a lot.'
Bonbon glanced suspiciously at Fluttershy.
'What do you mean A LOT?'
Fluttershy sighed. She saw the doubt in Bonbon's eyes and she made up her mind. 'Well, from what he told me, He-'
'NOOOOOOOO-AAAAHHHHHH!!!'
Both mares jumped up in fright. The masculine scream of agony filled the air. It was so loud that the whole town could've heard his cry of pain.
Fluttershy turned to the general direction of the scream. 'Silvanus!' She gasped.
She turned around to thank Bonbon once more, only to find her retreating figure disappear behind a house.
'Wait!...' She squeaked.
She shook her head and flew off to the bridge. 'Oh no! I wonder-' She gasped as she accelerated. 'I Hope he's not terribly hurt!'
'He's still dangerous! He could have killed somepony!' A voice in her head screamed.
Fluttershy faltered for a moment before putting her fears of her new friend to rest.
'But He didn't. That's proof enough for me to know that he's a good pon- I mean man.' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the gods! That was- Oh by Jupiter! Silvanus cursed inwardly and winced as he felt another jolt of pain run from his injured, throbbing left hand and to his arm.
'We said we were sorry!'
Silvanus looked down and gave the three fillies who walked right next to him and gave them an accusing and wary look. Making sure that his injured hand was well hidden from the fillies by facing his right side to them. Inwardly, Silvanus has forgiven them long before. "I can't stay angry with chil- er. Fillies!" As Silvanus would put it. Silvanus just felt like pretending to stay angry to see what they will do next. They were walking back into town.
'Yeah! We didn't mean i'!' Appleboom reasoned. nervously pawing the ground.
'We're really sorry Mister Silvanus!' Sweetie Belle looked down in shame and pouted.
Silvanus said nothing, his gaze was still stern.
'Whoa! Whoa there Mister!' Scootaloo ran in front of Silvanus, blocking his way.
Silvanus stopped, raising an eyebrow.
'Besides, It wasn't really our fault. We asked if you were alright, and you said you were.' The Orange filly stated, rather haughtily, and posed proudly. Hmmm. Just like Rainbow Dash. Silvanus noted with amusement.
Silvanus frowned but still said nothing. He just stared at the three fillies.
Scootaloo went back to her normal stance and stared back at Silvanus with a confused look. She turned to her friends and beckoned them over.
The three of them huddled together and had a small whispering conference.
Silvanus raised an eyebrow. What are they going to do now? He thought.
'It's not working Scoots!'
'I agree. We need a new plan.'
'Okay, How 'bout we-'
Sweetie Belle suddenly looked up and saw Silvanus eavesdropping.
'Heeeey! No listening!' She whined.
Silvanus smiled apologetically and took two steps back.
Sweetie Belle went back to their conference, watching the Roman from the corner of her eyes.
Moments later, Silvanus could hear counting.
'Ready girls! 1-2-3... Go!'
The three fillies suddenly looked up to Silvanus. One thing was different though...
'By The gods?!' Silvanus stared at the exaggeratingly large, pleading eyes of the Fillies.
'Were Sorry. Friends?' The three fillies pleaded simultaneously. They wore hopeful smiles on their little faces.
Silvanus' heart melted instantly. All of a sudden, he felt like a real monster for pretending to be mad at them.
'Fine! Fine! Friends.' Silvanus gave in, sighing in defeat.
'YAY!' The three of them cheered.
Silvanus could not help but smile at the fillies' antics.
Applebloom suddenly came up to Silvanus and threw her arms around him. This caught Silvanus in surprise.
Moments later, she looked up with a hopeful smile. 'Does that mean your gonna join our club?' The two others joined her and looked up at Silvanus with the same hopeful expressions.
Silvanus reached down with his left hand and ruffled her red mane. Almost displacing her large, pink bow. 'Of course Kiddo!'
The three fillies once again cheered. 'But uh. What kind of Organisation are we talking about?' Silvanus asked.
The three fillies looked at each other and nodded.
Scootaloo cleared her voice and started singing as her two friends started doing cart wheels and strange dance moves.
We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, on a quest to find out who we are And we will never stop the journey, not until we have our cutie marks. We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, on a quest to find out who we are And we will never stop the journey, not until we have our cutie marks!
'We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!' They shouted simultaneously once again, marking the end of the song. They froze in place and posed for a few seconds before looked up to Silvanus expectantly.
By the gods? Silvanus thought as he gingerly opened his mouth to clear his ears. But nonetheless, Silvanus stilled clapped by hitting his armour with his right hand.
'Uh. I can tell that you put a lot of work into this.' He commented.
The three fillies beamed and gave each other high-fives- er. High hoofs.
'What's a Cutie mark crusader anyway?'
They stopped their revelry and looked suspiciously at Silvanus.
'Weren't you listenin'?' Applebloom asked with a pouty expression.
Silvanus smiled awkwardly and nervously rocked on the soles of his feet. He has been yelled at daily in the face with a centurion, fought in a battle, saw his comrade's ghosts and fought off three timberwolves. But none of these made Silvanus more nervous than the sad faces of young children, or in this case, ponies.
'Uh. Yes! Of course! Of course I listened!' Silvanus blurted in a moment of panic.
The three young fillies still looked sceptical.
'Um. What I meant was: Uh. What are-' Silvanus paused for a moment, desperately thinking of a quick question. 'Uh. I my question was that, uh, What's a cutie mark?'
The three fillies looked at Silvanus incredulously.
'You serious?!' Scootaloo exclaimed.
'Uh. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a human and your a pony.' Silvanus stated.
'Still, how could you not know what a Cutie Mark is?' Sweetie Belle thought out loud.
'Yeah! Where've ya been all this tahm?' Applebloom looked at Silvanus with squinted eyes.
By the gods. What have I gotten into. Silvanus tried to calm down. He tried to clear his mind. 'Ummm... A place called, er, a place called...' Silvanus once again panicked. '... Uh-'
Silvanus looked to the sky and he felt his heart dance with joy as he saw a yellow-coated pony with the flowing, pink mane fly towards them. 'Fluttershy!' Praise the gods! I'm saved from further embarrassment! Silvanus thought gleefully.
He looked down and saw the fillies still looking at him.
'Ohohoh! I know that trick Mister! and I ain't gonna fall for that!' Applebloom laughed.
'Yeah! Stop trying to change the topic!' Scootaloo added.
'Oh Silvanus! I've been looking everywhere for you! Are you hurt!'
The three fillies turned around in surprise as Fluttershy cantered past them and went straight for the equally surprised Legionary.
Looking for me? Silvanus thought as Fluttershy looked around him for any new injuries.
She shuddered slightly and stared for a few moments as she caught sight of his bandaged left hand.
Silvanus winced inwardly as she saw her reaction to the sight of his injured hand.
Fluttershy turned to the fillies who just stood in front of them with smug smiles.
'Ooooh! Is she your marefriend?' Scootaloo asked teasingly.
'Ooh! Ooh! I know! I know! You should go out together in this year's hearts and hooves day!' Sweetie Belle jumped in the air excitedly.
'An' We'll treat you. Ah'll give ya Apple cahder fer free!' Applebloom added with a smile.
Fluttershy blushed deeply at the fillie's talks. Silvanus, who stood behind Fluttershy, face-palmed. By the gods. Marefriend? Silvanus thought as he too, blushed from behind his palm.
'Oh my! Er, Run along now. I think your Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity would like to see you in Twilight's house.' Fluttershy told them as she tried to suppress her blush.
'Awwww... Can't we stay with Mister Silvanus just a little longer?' Sweetie Belle pouted.
'Yeah! Mister Silvanus was just about to tell us where he's been! Right Mister?' Applebloom turned to Silvanus with pleading eyes.
Silvanus peeked from between his fingers. Oh gods, no. Not again. Silvanus was about to answer, but once again, another miracle happened.
'Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash wanted to see ME?!' Scootaloo asked Fluttershy eagerly. Her face was just mere inches away from Fluttershy's.
Fluttershy squeaked and took a step back. She smiled at the beaming Scootaloo and nodded.
'YEESS!!!' Scootaloo shouted. She earned a few weird looks from passing ponies as she did.
She then turned to her friends and grabbed hold of their hooves. 'Come on Cutie Mark Crusaders! How about we try earning our racing cutie marks!'
'But we already tried that!' Sweetie Belle whined. Wincing at some of the painful memories from the last time they tried that.
Scootaloo did not seem to hear her as she almost literally dragged them down the street and towards Twilight's house.
As soon as they were gone, Fluttershy turned back to Silvanus and gave him a concerned look. 'Does it still hurt?' She asked, pointing a hoof to his bandaged hand.
'Look, Fluttershy, I'm terribly sorry for doing that. I was only regaining my Legion's hono-' Silvanus sighed as he tried to apologize. He was cut off as Fluttershy cut him off.
'It's alright. Just... Just don't do that again. Please?'
'I'll try.' Silvanus sighed with relief.
'But you do know that your still going to explain everything to Twilight and the others, right?'
'I know.'
Both of them fell silent for a few moments before Silvanus shocked Fluttershy by asking her what a cutie mark was.
Back in the library, Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were now past their initial shock. They lowered their voices and started to discuss among themselves. Spike got bored and started to pick up all the books that lay in the floor. Rarity was just starting to stir from her unconscious state.
'Ugh. What in Equestria just happened?' Rarity sat up, rubbing the back of her head with a forehoof.
'Funny thing was, I dreamed I saw a big, hairless diamond dog! No wonder I have headaches!' She added.
The other mares stopped their small discussions and looked at her with serious expressions on their faces.
Rarity stared back, still looking very confused and disoriented. Her eyes suddenly widened as realization struck her like a lightning bolt. 'Are you-? Oh Sweet Celestia! I had hoped I'd never see another diamond dog in my whole life ever again!' She suddenly whirled around and looked at Spike.
Spike was just about to stand back up as he picked up another book. He was already carrying a large (for his size) pile of books and he stumbled and wobbled at the weight.
Spike turned around as he heard the voice of Rarity rise up in panic. He turned, only to find himself face-to-face with Rarity.
'Was it here to get me?! Was it one of the guards from that awful mine where I was kept prisoner?!' Rarity grabbed hold of Spike's shoulders and started to shake them. Spike's books fell on the floor as Spike just stared at Rarity with a dreamy look.
'You look so beautiful when you're panicking.' Spike murmured unconsciously.
Rarity did not seem to hear her secret admirer's comment as she let go of Spike's shoulders. Letting him drop to the floor like a rock.
Rarity began galloping around the library, making preposterous plans of escape. 'I must pack now! I will NOT go back to those scruffy-looking, fashion-hating Diamond dogs! I will hide in Canterlot! Yes! Canterlot! There, I will set up a new business, gain a new identity and-'
'How LADY-LIKE Rarity.' Applejack said sarcastically.
Rarity suddenly stopped and blinked.
She sighed and regained composure. 'You're right dear. Very improper of me. A lady does NOT panic like this.'
Before anypony could stop her, Rainbow Dash asked. 'So HOW does a lady panic?'
Rarity promptly raised her forehoofs to her mouth in a melodramatic way and screamed in a high pitched voice.
Applejack and Twilight was quick enough to cover their ears with their forehooves. Spike's hearing may have been saved due to the green fins on his ears. Rainbow Dash, was not so lucky.
Some ponies who happened to have passed by the library that day instantly winced and ran away as Rarity's shrill scream filled the air.
As soon as Rarity felt like she has screamed long enough, she went back to her normal self. 'There. Better already.' She said with a sing-song voice.
Rainbow Dash sat on the floor. Her head and eyes were spinning in circles. The borrowed helmet was on the floor, it still seemed to be reverberate the shrill scream.
Applejack was mouthing a message to Twilight. 'Is she done yet?'
Twilight gingerly raised a forehoof, letting a bit of her ear poke out from underneath to scan for any sound or noise. She sighed with relief as she heard Rarity talking normally once again. 'Yes. It's okay to hear now.' Twilight told Applejack as she walked over to Rainbow Dash.
'Uh. Rainbow Dash? Are you A-'
'Whaaaaa?! Why are you whispering? Louder Twilight! Can't hear ya!' Rainbow Dash shouted as she cupped a forehoof around her ear.
'I SAID: ARE YOU AL-'
'WHAAA?!'
'I SAID: ARE YOU- you know what? Never mind. You will hear normally in about-' Twilight turned to look at a hanging clock on the wall. 'I would say that half an hour is a pretty good judgment.'
Twilight walked away from Rainbow Dash and turned to Applejack.
'Okay: Back to the Apsconsus topic. WHY THE HAY DID YOU TRY TO FIGHT HIM!'
Applejack winced as Twilight glared at her. She looked down and nervously pawed the wooden floor the library.
'Uh. I uh. Ah kahnda thought you were in danger back then.'
Twilight took a deep breath and sighed. 'That's understandable. But do not do that ever again. He could have hurt you!' She inwardly shuddered as she pictured the creature bent over Applejack's helpless body. His dagger raised over his head, ready to plunge it deep into her friend's-. No. Don't think about it Twilight. Twilight reminded herself.
'Uh Twah? Ah do hope that Fluttershy's alright. You know, looking for that thing an' all.'
Twilight remained silent.
'Twah? That mare has a LOT of questions ta answer when she comes back.'
'I know. But that Apsconsus has more questions to answer.' That was all Twilight said as she walked towards her desk. I have to write to the Princesses about this. She thought. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So THAT'S a cutie mark. Silvanus mused as he took a glimpse at Fluttershy's flank. Three pink butterflies adorned it. At first, Silvanus felt very sceptical. Maybe it was just somesort of a tribal tattoo. Fluttershy proved that it wasn't a tattoo by telling him that: 'Oh. And talking ponies were just myths, Timberwolves were just legends and magic was just a trick. You can believe... If you want to.' Silvanus had nothing to say but: 'Good point.' And that ended their conversation.
Fluttershy walked beside Silvanus as she guided the Legionary back to Twilight's house. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were chatting merrily amongst each other as they walked in front of Fluttershy and Silvanus.
Fluttershy suddenly glanced at Silvanus. Silvanus quickly looked away and looked up to the Eagle. He was trying to hide the shade of red that coloured his cheeks.
Fluttershy also looked away, blushing profusely, as soon as she saw Silvanus look at her flank.
Silvanus tried to eliminate the awkwardness by asking Fluttershy random questions about her home, her friends, her critters and the Everfree forest. It seemed to work as Fluttershy seemed to be drawn away from her silence.
As they were nearing Twilight's house, Fluttershy suddenly turned to Silvanus.
'Um. If you don't mind, I would like to have your knife now please? I wouldn't want any harm to come to anypo- anyone.'
'I understand. I'm sorry for all the trouble and possible trauma that I caused you and your friends today.' Silvanus sighed as he reached for his Pugio and handed it to Fluttershy, with the case and all, who gingerly took it with her mouth.
'Shall we?' Silvanus asked, gesturing to the tree house.
Fluttershy tried to say something, but she stopped as the knife in her mouth almost fell out from it's scabbard. She blushed slightly and nodded. 'Lets.'
As Silvanus opened the door for Fluttershy, he couldn't help but think. 'I had a cutie mark, I wonder what it would look like.' He shrugged as he put on a friendly smile and bent down to enter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twilight put down her quill back into the inkpot and called out. 'SPIIIIIKE!'
'Yeah T-Twilight?' Spike answered back from a ladder as he placed some books back on it's rightful places. The ladder almost fell back as Spike pushed some books into place.
'I need you to send this letter to the Princesses!'
'I-In a minute!' Spike answered as he placed and pushed the last book back into place.
'Spike! This is an emergency! I need you to send this now!' Twilight cantered towards the bottom of the ladder.
'Okay Okay! I'm coming down!' Spike called as he started to slowly stepped down the ladder.
'Uh. Twah? Ah think somepony's comin' this way.' Applejack called out as she looked out the window.
Twilight hurriedly bent down and stuffed the letter underneath the bottom shelf. She managed to straighten up before the door suddenly burst open, causing her to flinch.
'Hey there big sis! Did you want t' see me?'
'Well howdy'do Applebloom! Uh. In a way, I kinda was.' Applejack said as her sister ran up to her and gave her a small hug.
'Rarity! I heard you wanted to see me?'
'Uh. Of course Darling! I can't keep my little sis waiting now, can I?' Rarity smiled happily as Sweetie Belle bounced around her.
'Rainbow Dash! Ya wanted to see me? I Have to tell you about this awesome stunt I did today!'
'What was that Scoots! CAN'T REALLY HEAR YA!'
Scootaloo frowned at her idol's response.
'Nah. Just joking around there Scoots! Of course I wanna hear about your stunt!'
The cutie mark crusaders ran over to Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash as Twilight sighed with relief. Her horn glowed with magical aura as the door behind the fillies closed. She then bent down and reached into the bottom shelf for her letter.
'Hello? Hope you don't mind for taking so long.' A soft voice whispered from the doorway.
Twilight in a blink of an eye, was standing again. She wore an awkward smile as she saw Fluttershy enter the tree house. Her smile faltered as Silvanus entered after her.
'Oh uh. Hi! Silvanus!' Twilight greeted him hurriedly.
Silvanus frowned slightly as their eyes met. He then sighed as he spoke. 'Listen, Twilight. I'm sorry for scaring you and your friends like that. The Lustration Exercise was and still is one of my duties as a Legionary to fulfil.'
Twilight relaxed as she saw the seriousness in Silvanus's voice. She was about to say something in return, but stopped when she saw Silvanus doing something else.
Silvanus looked around the room and as soon as he caught sight of Rarity, he instantly went down on his knees and begged. 'Oh please do not fall unconscious once again!'
Rarity stared at Silvanus for a few moments before she gave him a forced smile. 'Of course not darling!'
Silvanus then stood back up and turned to Applejack, who stood with Applebloom.
Silvanus reached out to Applejack with an outstretched hand. 'You have been a worthy opponent Applejack. I commend you for your courage.'
Applejack stood there, nervously fidgeting, until Applebloom nudged Applejack's side. 'Ow! Oh um. uh. Thanks?' She said as she merely bumped his hand with her hoof.
Silvanus then turned to the fillies and asked them: 'Are these your sisters Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?'
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle nodded enthusiastically. Silvanus raised a brow at Scootaloo.
Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash smiled as she nodded. Scootaloo beamed and looked back at Silvanus. 'Yes.'
'I see that you and Silvanus has already developed some kind of a bond?' Rarity asked the Cutie Mark Crusaders with a raised eyebrow.
The three fillies nodded and beamed.
Twilight cut off further discussion as she announced: 'As much as We would want to talk, I think it's getting kind of late.' She then turned to Silvanus. 'I'd like to have some questions answered please? If that's not too much of a bother for you of course.'
Silvanus smiled as he sat down on the floor. 'Okay then. I'll answer as truthfully as I can. Fire away!'
Twilight took a deep breath before asking the first question. 'What's a Lustration Exercise?'
Silvanus took a moment to think of a non-graphic answer. He then sighed as he answered back with a simplified version of it. 'A lustration exercise is a ritual that us Romans do before sending an army-'
Twilight paled as she heard that there was not only one of these Apsconsus, but a whole army. Silvanus glanced at her and saw her pale face.
'-And a ritual of a religious sacrifice if the Eagle has been captured or damaged in battle. We only do that once we regained our Eagle. It is so that we may please the gods from our defeat.' Silvanus quickly added, pointing up to the Golden Eagle.
All eyes were turned to the majestic eagle. It was literally spotless. It looked as if it had never touched the ground. As the other Equestrians still stared at the Eagle, Rainbow Dash looked back down to Silvanus as she asked her next question.
'What's a Legionary?'
Silvanus inwardly winced as he tried of a simpler way to answer. The rest of the Equestrians now looked at Silvanus with curiosity. 'A Legionary is a soldier who operates in a Legion. A Legion is a unit of 5400-6000 men. Not including the Auxiliaries.'
The mares' eyes widened as they digested what they were hearing. We have an armed alien Armour here in Ponyville!
The fillies' and Rainbow Dash's just stood there and gaped. 'Cool! So you're like a royal guard or somethin' you must be pretty good to keep a straight face while guarding doors and gates you know?' Rainbow Dash gasped. She picked up the helmet and stared at it in awe. The three fillies huddled closer around her to get a glimpse themselves of the strange object that Rainbow Dash held in her hoofs.
'Now how the hay did you GET here!' Applejack semi-shouted.
The Equestrians once again turned their attention to Silvanus. Even Rainbow Dash and the three fillies who were totally engrossed with his helmet just moments before. 'Well, while marching in a forest just like your Everfree, my Legion and two others were attacked. I managed to escape and found myself surrounded with a large circle of monolithic rocks. It was then activated by some strange magic and I was swept away and found myself in the Everfree Forest.'
The other Equestrians seemed satisfied with the answer. Twilight and Applejack stared at Silvanus suspiciously. Twilight's horn was glowing once again. It then flickered out as she sighed. 'Silvanus. Please tell us the whole truth. I can tell that your only telling us of half the whole story.'
Silvanus flinched as he became the focus of attention once again. Silvanus looked down and started to fidget. 'Fine. I had a friend with me-' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Yes. I would be Honoured to die Kicking Barbarian butts!'
With a yell, They charged at the Celts.
Their shields clashed with Barbarian's shields. They started to push their weight on their shields, aiming to knock each other down. Silvanus looked back to see three more celts circle around them.
'LUCIUS! BEHIND US!' Silvanus called out to warn his friend.
'On it!' He answered as he took a step back suddenly. The celt who had his shield locked on Lucius' fell forward instantly. Lucius stepped forward and plunged his sword deep into the surprised celt's unprotected back. He then pulled out the blade and ran back to meet the celts who were behind them.
The celt that Silvanus was fighting now stopped pushing back. The celt has now started on hacking at Silvanus' shield with his sword.
Silvanus seemed to wait for a moment until he caught sight of a leg from underneath his shield. Silvanus pushed his shield down and earned the sound of cracking bone and the piercing scream of his opponent. Silvanus made a small opening with his shield as swung his sword, instantly dispatching the wounded enemy.
The rain poured on, making the ground very muddy and slippery. Blood flowed from the corpses freely, mingling with the water and sometimes splattering into the huge stone pillars.
'ARGH!'
Silvanus whirled to see Lucius fall to his knees. Blood was pouring from his right thigh.
'LUCIUS!' Silvanus shouted as he retreated towards his fallen comrade.
Lucius was getting weaker. He was now barely putting his shield over his head, blocking the jarring impacts of the blades of the barbarian troops. Silvanus ran straight to the celt that was hacking and slashing at Lucius' shield.
'FOR ROME!' He cried out as he swung his sword across the celt's chest. The celt died before he even touched the ground.
'Go Silvanus! Leave now while there's an opening over there!' Lucius called out from underneath his shield. His hand poked out from underneath and pointed to a deserted opening of the forest.
'NO! I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU!'
Lucius' shield lowered to reveal his face. Tears were falling down from his eyes.
Silvanus planted his sword on the ground and reached down for Lucius. Lucius grabbed it and pulled himself up. The celts seemed to be rallying. Their war cries filled the air as the downpour of rain intensified.
Silvanus and Lucius looked towards the rallying celts and looked back at each other. 'Let's finish this.'
They stood their ground and braced for impact as the celts charged. A resonating clash filled the air as the two different kinds of warriors met.
At each swing and thrust of their sword, the Romans were getting tired. A small pile of bodies lie at their feet. The celts were now worked into a frenzy, foam came out from the corners of their mouths as they screamed their war cries. The Romans now fought with desperation.
All of a sudden, Lucius looked behind him and called out. 'SILVANUS! AUXILIARIES! WERE SAVED!' Lucius instantly disengaged and ran back.
Silvanus plunged his blade into an axe-wielding celt before he looked back to see a group of soldiers wearing the same type of helmet and the oval, Roman shield. A coarse cry emerged from his mouth as he turned back to fight his enemies with new-found strength.
'BY ORDER OF OUR LEADER: HERMANN THE GERMAN OR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ARIOVISTUS, ALL ROMANS MUST DIE.' The leader of the Auxiliary group called out. Lucius did not seem to hear as he ran forward to meet his "Saviours".
Silvanus felt his heart skip a beat. He turned back to Lucius and tried to warn him. 'NO! LUCIUS! THEY'RE TRAITORS!'
Silvanus watched helplessly as Lucius ran forward to meet the Traitorous Auxiliaries.
'NO! LUCIUS! N-' Silvanus screamed in pain as he saw his friend suddenly go rigid. A bloody sword emerged from his back. He threw his shield at the celt who he fought and stumbled over to his dying friend. The Auxiliaries has now disappeared back into the forest.
Silvanus knelt beside his friend's body. Crying out with pain and shock.
'S-Silvanus.' Lucius whispered and opened his eyes. Silvanus looked down and smiled. 'I-I need... I n-need to tell you... Something.'
Silvanus stared for a moment before he leant over and placed his ear close to Lucius' bloody lips.
'Y-you must... Live on... F-for the *cough* L-legion... F-for our f-friend's *cough*... D-do not w-waste... The *cough* s-sacrifices... They p-paid with... Their... B-blood... F-farewell... Brother...'
And with those last words, Lucius died. Silvanus sobbed as his tears fell as rapidly as the rain. The celts were now closing in. Silvanus didn't care.
The runes that was carved in the giant monoliths suddenly glowed bright blue as the wind howled, making a small water spout surround the circle.
The celts cried out in fear and ran away, leaving Silvanus to kneel amongst the corpses of the dead. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'-and next thing I know, I found myself in the Everfree forest.' Silvanus concluded. He had no more tears to shed. In fact, he felt at peace.
He looked up to see the Equestrian's tear filled eyes. The glow on Twilight's horn was receding. She looked up at stared at Silvanus with tears in her eyes. 'He's telling the truth.'
Even Spike was silently looking down, tears dropping down to the floor.
'Oh Mister Silvanus!' The cutie mark cusaders ran to the Legionary with open arms. Silvanus let the Eagle lean on the wall as he let it go and embrace the fillies.
The mares and Spike went forward and joined the group hug.
'To lose one's friend... Just horrifying!' Rarity sobbed.
'Ah'm sorry for fahtin' ya. I think you have fought long enough.' Applejack added.
'Not only that... He was like a brother to you!' Twilight commented, tears were falling down her cheeks.
'I... I hope that you will be happy again here in Equestria.' Fluttershy whispered.
'I know that Lucius is already happy in the underworld. I now feel at peace.' Silvanus stated. The Equestrians just went on sobbing, burying their faces into each other's shoulders.
Silvanus looked out the window and saw the sun starting to set. He gently patted the backs of the Equestrians and gently said: 'I think it is late enough.'
The Equestrians moved back and brushed their tears away with their forehooves and er, claw. Rarity took out a hanky from nowhere and blew on her nose.
'I guess we should better get going. If you don't mind.' Fluttershy shakily whispered.
The other mares nodded.
'Yeah. Ah better go home now. Applebloom and the fillies got school t'morrow.' Applejack sighed as Applebloom looked at her sister with those familiar, big, pleading eyes. 'Please? I wanna stay for a little while longer.'
'Please Rarity?' Sweetie Belle joined in with Applebloom.
'Hmmmm... I'll think about it.' Rarity mused. She then saw the joyful smile on her little sister's face. 'But don't get your hopes too high.'
'Well. See ya in the morning then Silvanus and Fluttershy.' Rainbow Dash and Twilight waved at the pair as they exited the tree house.
As the door closed, Twilight turned to her friends. 'Has anypony seen Pinkie Pie today?'
Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, The cutie mark crusaders and Spike shook their heads. No. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For most of the time, Fluttershy remained silent as they walked along the dirt road that led to her cottage. Silvanus knew that something was bothering her. She had already returned his knife, which she secretly hid under a rug, as soon as they left Twilight's house.
'Are you okay Fluttershy?' Silvanus leaned down and gently asked.
'No. I'm fine... Really.' Fluttershy looked down.
The sun had already set and the moon was already rising in the horizon. Crickets had began to chirp as they passed by a small stream. The cool, gentle wind gently blew on the tall reeds and grass.
'Was my story too... Disturbing?' Silvanus sighed.
Fluttershy turned to Silvanus in surprise. 'No! Well... I kind of was-'
'I totally understand. When I lost my only friends and family and I ever knew, I thought that I might go mad with vengeance and sadness. The only thing that made me hang on to my sanity was the last request of my blood-brother, Lucius.' Silvanus turned and stared at the setting sun, remembering Lucius' last words. 'Y-you must... Live on-'
'-but that wasn't the thing that bothered me.' Fluttershy continued.
Silvanus turned back to Fluttershy with a small smile. 'Then what is, pray tell?'
Fluttershy looked up to see Silvanus smile at her. 'It's just that, how can your own species fight your own? You are all technically the same. Well, except for the cultural difference.'
Silvanus sighed before he answered. 'Fluttershy. Being a soldier, I was trained not to question things. But from my perspective, It seems to me as if the gods just put us humans on our world, or Terra as we say it, just so that we can fight under their names. I can't help but think that we are just there for the gods' enjoyment. just as the old saying goes: "While Us soldiers fight, bleed and die for the god's causes, the god's never come down to help. They don't want to get their feet wet." And I also think that it is powerful men's ambitions, thirst for power, love of riches and even hatred.'
Fluttershy remained silent for a few moments before she whispered. 'That's cruel.'
'I know Fluttershy. I know.' Silvanus sighed.
'Your not like them. Your not a man.' Silvanus looked down in surprise to see Fluttershy looking back with a small smile.
'Your not cruel. Your not wanting riches and power. Your just caught up in the middle of cruel men's selfish ambitions.'
Silvanus, now knowing that Fluttershy was not saying what he thought she was saying, smiled back. 'Thank you.'
He then turned to the road ahead of them. 'But at what cost? Death. Destruction. Poverty.' He said bitterly. He felt something nuzzle him as he looked down. Fluttershy stared at him with a comforting smile.
'I'm glad your not like them.' She whispered softly.
They remained silent for the rest of their trip.
When they reached Fluttershy's door, it looked too quiet and dark for Silvanus to feel comfortable. Silvanus opened the door for Fluttershy enter. As Fluttershy came in, A loud chorus of shout erupted from within.
'SURPRISE!!!'
Fluttershy leapt back in surprise, giving a little squeak.
Silvanus then hurriedly entered. Colourful, floating circles was in abundance. Ponies of Every colour were present. A large flyer with the message written on it said: 'WELCOME TO PONYVILLE ________!'
Silvanus, too surprised to react, just stood at the door entrance.
'Whyhellothere!Myname'sPinkiePieandIjustwannawelcomeyouto-' Silvanus stepped back as a pink pony suddenly appeared right in front of him. She spoke very rapidly that Silvanus can only understand a few things that she said. '-PONYVILLE!' She continued.
Pinkie Pie stopped and stared at Silvanus with an exaggeratingly large smile. 'So! What's your name? Were you surprised? Please tell me! Were you surprised!'
Silvanus blinked a couple of times before he could answer. 'Oh. Uh. The name's Silvanus. Nice meeting you, er, Pinkie Pie! And yes. I was very surprised.' Though I do think that Fluttershy seemed more surprised than me. He mused.
Pinkie Pie suddenly ran up to the hanging flyer, took a writing stick or something, and jumped. She stayed in mid-air for quite a while. She wrote on the blank: 'WELCOME TO PONYVILLE SILLY!'
'Um. Excuse me?' Silvanus muttered as Pinkie cantered back to him with a satisfied smile on her face.
'Oh. That's my new nickname for you! Isn't it great?'
I'll let that one go. He thought.
'Hey Silly! Over here!' Rainbow Dash called out from somewhere in the mass of colourful ponies.
I think I have second thoughts. Silvanus inwardly noted as he walked over to a table where Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Spike and the three fillies sat.
'I thought you guys were going home?' He asked as he reached the table.
'Yes. We were. But then somepony convinced us to take them to Pinkie's new party.' Rarity answered as she pointed to the three smiling fillies.
'Hey There Mister Silvanus!'
'Hello Mister Silvanus!
'Hi!'
'Uh. Hello girls. How did you get here so fast?' Silvanus asked as he turned to Twilight.
Twilight opened her mouth to answer but was suddenly cut off by Rainbow Dash.
'Well duh!' She said, pointing at Twilight's horn.
Oh. Teleportation.
'So. What do you usually drink in the army Silvanus?' Twilight tried to avoid the awkward moment and steered to conversation to another topic.
'Well uh. When we are in leave, We usually go to a tavern and drink fermented grape juice or wine. Sometimes, it's rum. I don't know what it's made of though.'
'Well, What about in a normal basis? Like in the army?'
'We drink vinegared water when on the march. To avoid getting thirsty too quickly.'
He was rewarded with a chorus of "Ewwww's" and "Yuck!"
'Hey! We march 25 miles a day on foot, 30 kilos on our backs and at the end of the day, We build a fully operating wooden fort for thousands of men!' Silvanus protested. 'It's not our fault we have to be not so thirsty all the time!'
The Equestrians suddenly became silent. They all looked at Silvanus with awe. Even Applejack looked really impressed.
'Wow! You do all that stuff everyday?!' Twilight asked incredulously.
'Yup!' Silvanus smiled smugly.
'That's tough. Your tough.' Rainbow Dash concluded.
'What do you expect? Being the best army and all.' Silvanus stated proudly.
'Best Army? But you were defeated.' Applejack said with a confused expression.
Silvanus' proud words died in his throat. 'We were outnumbered. Betrayed. Thrown away.' He finally whispered after a long, silent pause.
Music began to play before anyone can answer.
Silvanus felt himself being pulled up. He turned and saw Pinkie Pie look up at the golden eagle. 'Oh do put that thing down and PARRRTEEEEYY!'
'Uh. I don't think this Is a wise choic-'
'JUST DANCE!'
The Equestrians giggled as they saw the Roman soldier try to dance. Though in every way, he looked like he's been electrocuted.
The other ponies seemed more relaxed and more comfortable now once they saw the Legionary, from his own point of view, embarrass himself.
After a while, Silvanus escaped Pinkie and drifted back to the table with a huge sigh of relief. 'Is she normally like this?!' He asked.
Everypony around the table nodded with a smile.
Silvanus felt a tug on his tunic. He looked down and saw Sweetie Belle look up at him with a smile.
'Mister Silvanus, Do you like music?'
Silvanus nodded. 'Yes. I even learned to play the lyre in my free time.'
'Y'hear that Everypony! Silvanus is gonna treat us to a musical rendition!' Applebloom called out. In an instant, Silvanus became the centre of attention as everypony stared at him.
Somepony from the back began to chant. 'SILVANUS! SILVANUS! SILVANUS!' More ponies joined the chant until everypony was now chanting for Silvanus. Silvanus looked back helplessly towards his friends, only to see them chanting too. Even Fluttershy was chanting.
'Fine. But I need a lyre.' He sighed in defeat.
A Aquamarine coated mare stepped up from the gathering crowd and handed him her golden lyre.
Silvanus stared at the expensive looking lyre before looking up to thank the Mare. The mare was gone. Only expectant-looking eyes looked back at him. The room became to quiet as the Ponies watched Silvanus in anticipation.
Silvanus took in a deep breath as he closed his eyes and plucked a few strings from the lyre.
When he opened his eyes, the ponies stared back at him in awed silence.
The ponies then stomped on the ground with their hoof in applause. Silvanus bowed down before he sought for the Aquamarine mare who owned the lyre. The party then continued for quite a while before one by one, group by group, ponies started leaving. Saying their farewells as they left the door.
By midnight, only Silvanus' friends were left. The house has now been cleaned up and looks as if nothing happened just recently. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were fast asleep. Spike too, was fast asleep. His head was stuck inside a glass bowl of punch.
'If you sugarcubes don't mahnd, Ah reckon that we'd better go home now.' Applejack yawned as Applebloom stirred behind her back. Applejack froze as Applebloom drifted back to sleep.
'Yeah. We'd better call It a day.' Rainbow Dash agreed, looking at the still form of the sleeping Scootaloo.
'Well. I guess I'd see you in the morning girls and uh, man.' Twilight said as she picked Spike up.
'Agreed.' Rarity stated as she herself yawned.
'We should do this again sometime soon! I really liked your song by the way.' Pinkie Pie said as she walked out the door.
As soon as the mares left, Silvanus turned to Fluttershy. 'You should probably go to sleep now too. You look tired.'
'Oh. Alright. I'm really glad that you went so well with the ponies Silvanus.' She gently answered.
'I'm really glad too. I'm happy that they're not scared of me anymore.'
'How about you? Are you sure you're okay on the couch?'
'Yes Fluttershy. I'm already used to sleeping on the floor while in Germanian border.' Silvanus smiled ruefully.
'Well okay then. See you in the morning. Goodnight.' Fluttershy yawned as she walked up the stairs.
Silvanus watched the mare walk up the stairs until she was gone. 'Night.' Silvanus sighed as he took off his armour and lay it under the green couch. He then lay on the couch and stared out the window. Silently watching the stars twinkle across the sky.
'... Fultivas... Libertas.' He whispered, trying to bring up the memory of his mother.
He fell asleep with a smile on his lips. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Princess Luna once again sat on her bedroom balcony. Ever since last night, she had always wanted to meet Silvanus in his dreams. She wanted to comfort the poor alien soldier. She had felt very helpless and useless during his nightmare the other night. Princess Luna wanted to change all that.
She closed her eyes as she entered the dream of the soldier.
'-Fultivas Libertas.'
Princess Luna opened her eyes to see herself standing in a sunny room. She looked around in wonder. Colourful mosaics of the everyday lives of the strange bipeds that look like Silvanus adorned the walls. In one corner of the room, An adult female of the same species as Silvanus stood there, silently singing a lullaby to a small bundle that was covered with a white clothe that she was carrying in her arms. The way she rocked the small bundle told Luna what it was: A young one.
'It must be a memory.' Princess Luna mused.
She couldn't help but stare at the rocking mother. She felt sadness and jealousy build up in her chest as she watched them. It's been far too long since she felt her mother's touch. But then again, this is just a mere memory. She thought sadly.
'Oh well. He's covered.' She murmured as she left the dream with a happy smile.
Silvanus woke up. He winced and covered his eyes with a hand as sunlight shone through the window beside the green couch.
He rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.
'La la la la laaaaaaa!' The sound of singing floated through the window.
Silvanus sat up. He rubbed his eyes and stretched, stifling a yawn as he did so. He looked to his side. Sunlight glinted off the Golden Eagle as it leaned on the wall. His helmet sat on the small table, a note was attached to it.
'Hey there! Rainbow Here. You forgot to ask for your helmet back. I came back as soon as possible, only to find you asleep. I told Fluttershy to give it to you in the morning.' Silvanus mumbled out loud as he read the scribbled message.
He smiled as he continued on reading. 'P.S. Can I borrow your helmet again sometime soon?'
He chuckled as he gently put the note back down to the table. Wait a minute. Can Ponies write? Silvanus thought.
Something replied to the singing voice by whistling back the same tune.
Silvanus pushed the thought away as he reached down and fumbled for his armour.
'Ugh. By the gods... Where is I- ahh.' Silvanus muttered until his fingers touched the cold metal of his armour.
He stood up as he put on the segmented armour. He looked out the window as he tied the strings that held his armour together.
'Nicely done Mister Hummingway! Here's your nectar.'
Fluttershy was feeding her animal friends. She gracefully flew up to a tree, where she disappeared behind the cover of leaves. Moments later, she reappeared and flew towards the entrance of her cottage. She finally noticed Silvanus looking out the window as she flew by.
'Oh. Hello there Silvanus. Hope you had a wonderful rest last night.' Fluttershy greeted with a happy smile.
Silvanus smiled back. 'Ave Fluttershy. I did. In fact, it was one of the best rest I ever had for days!'
He reached for his helmet and put it on. Tying the two strips of leather that hung on both sides of the cheek flaps, fastening his helmet to his head.
Fluttershy stared at Silvanus' armour and helmet before looking back to him. 'Umm... Do you always have to wear your armour?'
Silvanus nodded.
'Oh. Okay then. I'll just go feed the animals then.' Fluttershy whispered as she looked away.
'My armour makes you feel uncomfortable, does it?'
Fluttershy looked back with a hesitant expression on her face. She looked down, unable to meet Silvanus' eyes and murmured something that Silvanus could not hear.
Silvanus gave a soft chuckle as he poked his head out the window to hear what Fluttershy said. 'Forgive me, but, I did not seem to get that.'
Fluttershy looked up. Her cheeks were rosy red. She opened her mouth to say something. 'Well uh, well you-'
She was cut off from a small squeaking noise that came from under the bridge of Fluttershy's cottage.
'Oh. That must be Mister and Miss Otter. They must be terribly hungry. Gotta go now. See ya!' Fluttershy hurriedly said as she went for door to obtain something that otters eat.
'Wait! Fluttershy! I have to tell you something.' Silvanus called out.
Fluttershy stopped in her tracks. She turned back with a small smile. 'Yes?'
'Would you mind if I walk around Ponyville? I need to do some laps around this place.'
'Oh. Not at all! But be sure that you come home this afternoon. Twilight and my friends would like to tell you something about ourselves.'
Home? Silvanus thought. I have a home no more. 'Alright Fluttershy. See you later!'
'Goodbye Silvanus.' Fluttershy whispered as she turned and went for the front door. She suddenly turned as she added. 'Oh. And please take care of yourself Silvanus!'
'Oh I can take care of myself alright.' Silvanus winked.
Fluttershy turned back to her task at hand, blushing profusely.
Silvanus smiled as Fluttershy take a small, metal bucket and flew under the bridge.
Silvanus turned to take the Eagle. Upon reaching it, he hesitated. He remembered on how the metal pole easily bent when Applejack kicked it. No! I will leave this so that there will be no more harm that will come it's way. Silvanus decided mentally. He withdrew his hand and reached for his Pugio that sat on the table right next to the helmet.
Maybe I should go visit Twilight today. I need something to do. He thought as he exited Fluttershy's cottage. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'We have searched Canterlot, Ponyville and some settlements nearby. We found nothing that is worth reporting, your Highness!' An gold armoured pony bowed down respectfully as the entire throne room suddenly fell quiet.
The silence hung in the air for quite a while, making the armoured pony start to sweat nervously. The other guards started to look away, careful not to meet each other's eyes. The maids had hurriedly dusted and cleaned the huge glass paintings that decorated the faded purple walls, before retreating from the throne room.
'Thank you Silver Hoof.' A calm, yet commanding voice ordered. 'You may continue your search in Cloudsdale, Appleloosa, Fillydelphia, Manehat-'
'Squads of our best tracker and intelligence units are heading to those settlements right now as we speak, your highness.' Silver Hoof hurriedly said.
'May you please leave us.' The commanding voice said once again, turning to the guards who stood next to the large door to her throne room. The guards saluted before they too, retreated from the throne room, closing the large door behind them.
The sun princess stood up from her golden throne. She slowly walked down the velvet carpet that extended from the top of her throne to the entrance of her throne room. She walked towards Silver Hoof, who looked down and stared nervously at the ground.
'Rise, my little pony.'
Silver Hoof looked up to see Princess Celestia give him a comforting smile. Silver Hoof felt like he was going to breath out a sigh of relief. He instantly tried to suppress his sigh as he felt it rise to his throat.
'Is something wrong? You seem nervous.' Celestia asked.
Silver Hoof looked hesitant. His eyes met that of the Princess'. He saw the motherly concern in her eyes. He sighed as he finally told her what was on her mind. 'Well, for the past few days... It's just that... It's just that your sometimes a bit...'
'Tense? Worried? Odd?' Princess Celestia suggested, raising an eyebrow.
Silver Hoof looked up in surprise. Celestia looked at him in amusement. He looked away, blushing slightly.
Silver Hoof turned back as he felt a hoof tap his shoulder gently.
'For the past few days, I have felt a dangerous presence lurking around in Equestria. I never felt safe for my little ponies. I sense that it involves magic. A strange magic.' Celestia told the guard as she looked away and stared at a glass painting that depicted the Spirit of Chaos being turned back into stone.
Silver Hoof's eyes widened as he heard the words: 'dangerous presence'. He saluted and put on a look of determination as Celestia looked back at him. 'What do you want me to do your highness?'
The princess looked very serious as she gave Silver Hoof his new mission: 'You must find a strange biped that wears armour. I want him captured to me. Alive.'
Silver Hoof saluted once again. He turned and marched towards the doors.
'Oh. And-' Celestia started to say.
Silver Hoof turned back at once. 'Your Highness?'
'-Don't tell anypony anything that has been said in this room.' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silvanus ran, in full armour. Sweat dripped from his face. Silvanus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The cool, fresh wind whipped around him as he ran along the dirt road.
'Third lap.' Silvanus muttered as he slowed down until he stopped, right beside a stick that ran horizontal across the small dirt road. He turned around moments later and got ready to run back again.
'Wow! Almost one Kilometer in just 1 minute and thirty seconds. Impressive!'
Silvanus looked up to see Rainbow Dash looking down at him from a low lying cloud.
'Um. Thanks?'
Rainbow Dash jumped out from the cloud and let herself fall to the ground.
'What are you-' Silvanus shouted as he ran forward to try to catch the falling mare.
Just before Rainbow Dash touched the ground, her wings suddenly opened up. She flapped her powerful wings once and she flew up a meter or so before landing gently on the ground. Safely.
Silvanus stood and gaped as the mare smiled at him smugly. 'Cool isn't it.'
'Uhuh.' Silvanus nodded.
'Well? Aren't you going to challenge me to a race?'
Silvanus blinked. 'What?! With your wings? I have no chance of beating a flier like you!'
Rainbow Dash chuckled. 'I know! That's why I am going to run Silly!'
By the gods... That name's going to stick to me isn't it? Silvanus moaned mentally as Rainbow Dash called him Pinkie Pie's nickname: Silly.
'Fine. Rainbow Dash, I challenge you to a race from here to Twilight Sparkle's tree house.' Silvanus declared.
Rainbow Dash smiled as she cantered towards the wooden line that lie in the middle of the dirt road. She turned back to Silvanus. 'Come on. I don't have all day.'
'Wait. Let me do some adjustments... In case you cheat.' Silvanus smiled as he took off his helmet and put it on Rainbow Dash's head.
'Hey! I don't cheat!' Rainbow Dash protested from under the helmet.
'Okay. I trust you enough that you will not use your wings on this race. But to be fair, you need something heavy. Just like I'm wearing this heavy armour. Besides, I don't have anything to tie around your wings anyway.'
'Fine.' Rainbow Dash muttered. She suddenly brightened up as she tried to picture herself wearing Silvanus' helmet. 'Besides. I would look WAY cooler wearing this helmet.'
'Okay then. On your mark, Get set,-' Silvanus shouted as he lined up beside Rainbow Dash. He lowered himself until he was in sprinting position.
'GO!' Rainbow Dash shouted as she galloped ahead.
'HEY!' Silvanus yelled out in protest as he sprinted behind the galloping mare. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Good morning Spike!' Twilight greeted her number 1 assisstant as she cantered down the stairs of her home.
'Morning Twilight.' Spike returned the greeting without turning around from whatever he was doing. He sat on a small stool, facing the small writing desk of the Library.
'So? What-'
'Pancakes are in the table, your favourite book is in your seat and I've already finished dusting the pile of old books that you told me to clean.'
Twilight looked very surprised. 'Wow, Spike. You were up that early?'
'Yes.'
Twilight walked towards Spike. 'So what are you doing now?' She asked as she tried to peek over Spike's shoulder.
Spike hurriedly turned around, blocking Twilight's view. He had small bags under his eyes and he looked panicky. He wore a stained pink apron. Both his hands were hidden behind his back.
'Nothing!' He blurted. Making Twilight more suspicious and curious.
'Spike.' Twilight said calmly. 'has this got something to do with the Roman?'
'What? No!' Spike looked at Twilight in confusion.
'Then what is it? You can trust a GOOD friend such as I.' Twilight gave her number 1 assistant a friendly smile.
Spike hesitated before smiling back. 'Alright Twilight. Since you really want to know.'
'Great! So. What is it?' Twilight circled around Spike, trying to see the object of interest that Spike held in his claws. Spike turned to hide his back from Twilight. They went in circles. Twilight wanted to see the thing that is in Spike's claws. Spike wanted to hide it from her.
'But first. You must Pinkie Promise that you will not tell anypony about this. Okay?' Spike hurriedly told Twilight before she could catch a glimpse of the object in his claws.
Twilight stopped and straightened up. 'Fine. Cross my heart and-'
Spike watched Twilight intently as she recited "The Pinkie Promise". He sighed with relief as soon as Twilight finished reciting the whole rhyme.
'Okay then.' Spike took out a claw from behind him and put it forward to Twilight to see, he was wearing a proud smile. 'Feast your eyes on such beauty.'
Twilight moved closer as Spike opened his scaly hand. Twilight's expression turned from Eager excitement to utter confusion and then to one of irritation.
'Spike! There's nothing in there!' Twilight said. 'Are you playing a trick on me? Oh please don't tell me your pulling another prank on me.'
'What?!' Spike quickly withdrew his hand and stared at his empty, green palm. 'Oh. Yeah. Wrong hand.' Spike apologised as he put forth his other hand.
'Spike. I will not fall for another of you- *Gasp* It's beautiful! did you really make it by yourself?'
Spike nodded proudly.
'What a beautiful g-' Twilight was interrupted as the library door suddenly burst open. Silvanus and Rainbow Dash fell on the floor simultaneously. Both were panting very hard. Silvanus' helmet lie on the floor.
Spike hastily withdrew his hand and hid it under his apron.
'I-I won!' Rainbow Dash gasped as she tried to get up.
'Uh. I don't think so. *pant* I think I won.' Silvanus stood up by started to go on his knees. He reached out for his helmet and put it at once.
Rainbow Dash was now up. She turned to Silvanus with a competitive smile. 'Oh yeah? Prove it!'
Silvanus smiled back. 'I touched the door first.'
'No you did not! I touched the door first!'
'Very competitive are y-'
'ENOUGH!' Twilight shouted, instantly gaining the full attention of the Legionary and the cyan mare. Twilight coughed in a professional way. 'Thank you.' She said in a calm voice.
'Now. Please explain: What are you doing here?' Twilight asked in a calmer voice.
'Racing.' Rainbow Dash blurted out.
Silvanus turned to Rainbow Dash in protest.
'I will not have any racing in my Library! Now out!' Twilight told the pair.
'Alright, alright.' Rainbow Dash muttered as she and Silvanus exited the Library.
'Oh. And remember to come back tonight for our special meeting! Silvanus! You too!' Twilight called out as they walked away. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Is she always like that?' Silvanus whispered to Rainbow Dash as they walked away from Twilight's tree house.
'Only when she's very irritated, worried or very upset. She acts differently when she gets really worried.' Rainbow Dash chuckled.
'What do you mean?' Silvanus asked.
'Well, when she gets very worried she acts... Well she acts like this.' Rainbow Dash said as she actioned Twilight's expressions and ways when she was very anxious.
Silvanus watched the cyan mare with a raised brow as Rainbow Dash mess up her mane and put on a crazy expression on her face. The cyan mare then walked around in a wobbly position.
Some ponies looked at the pair curiously. Silvanus heard a little filly ask her mother. 'Is it the creature's magic momma?'
Silvanus felt embarrassed and indignant as more ponies started to whisper among themselves.
'Okay okay. I get it. Twilight gets cuckoo every once in a while. You may stop now.'
Rainbow Dash walked normally and used a forehoof to fix her mane.
'Well. What do you think of my acting skills?'
'Uh. Good?'
'Ha! Finally! Somepony who finally admits that I can be good at acting!' Rainbow Dash beamed.
Silvanus was looking out over the horizon, the sun still overhead. Silvanus calculated that there would still be a few more hours before going back to the Library.
'So. Whatcha doin' for later?' Rainbow Dash asked.
Silvanus looked at Rainbow Dash. 'Well, were going back to the Library later. But I got nothing to do for all the time before that.'
'Well then! Do you wanna go to the lake with me? It's one of my favourite relaxing place!' Rainbow Dash suggested.
'Yeah. I guess I could. I do need a little rinse.' Silvanus answered with a smile.
'Cool! Race ya to it!' Rainbow Dash started to gallop.
'Wait! I don't know where it is!'
Rainbow Dash stopped and looked back at Silvanus with sheepish look. 'Oh. Right. Sorry.'
She waited as Silvanus caught up to her. 'So. Tell me. Why is this lake that your talking about one of your favourite relaxing places? Don't you like resting in the clouds? That sounds really great!'
'Well, it's one of my favourite places because it's got a beach and everything, the water is not too cold and not to hot. At summertime, I go sunbathing! It's just one of the coolest places here in Ponyville! Clouds? Clouds are awesome! It is the best mattress anypony could ask for! I also-'
And so, the pair walked down the road towards the lake. Peace and prosperity was in abundance.
'Is that it?' Silvanus asked as he peered at the clear blue lake. Short, green grass grew around the lake. The edges were covered with sand. Mountains and hills decorated the landscape, making it a beautiful scenery. The pair started walking towards the lake as soon as Silvanus uttered those words.
'What do you mean "Is that it?"' Rainbow Dash looked at Silvanus incredulously. 'This place is totally awesome!'
Silvanus turned to Rainbow Dash. 'No. This place is nice, but it's just... Small.'
Rainbow Dash stared at Silvanus' face. 'Pffft! Bet your place doesn't have a bigger lake!' She scoffed.
Silvanus beamed at Rainbow Dash. 'We actually do.'
Rainbow Dash looked doubtful. 'Yeah right!' She rolled her eyes.
'Bet you've never seen a lake that stretches for stadias or Kilometres as you call it!' Silvanus said teasingly.
'You do! Wow! That's like AWESOME! I've always wanted to feel the water turn to mist as I fly past them!' She said excitedly
Rainbow Dash's mood suddenly dampened, her ears flattened, her lips formed into a pout. She looked away from Silvanus. 'You must be missing your place huh?'
'No. Not at all.'
Rainbow Dash looked back up in surprise. 'You... You don't?!'
'Nope. Now that I have felt peace, I don't feel like I want to go back to my world of... Bad things.' Silvanus answered with a small smile.
'Does that mean your... Staying?' Rainbow Dash asked with a hopeful smile.
Silvanus' smile told Rainbow Dash his answer. 'If you want to, that is.'
Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to hug Silvanus, but before she did, she regained her composure and returned to her normal cocky manner. 'Yeah. That'd be cool.'
Silvanus just stared at Rainbow Dash with a raised brow.
'I-I Mean like... You know... Your like, Uh, the only one who. You know. The coolest uh, somehuman that I ever hung out with... And who wasn't too busy or too er, energetic.' She reasoned hesitantly.
Silvanus took off his helmet and put it on Rainbow Dash's head. 'Just as I said before: Your cool kid!'
'Heeey!' She protested as she raised her hoof to adjust the helmet, which was drooping down and covering her eyes.
Silvanus began to untie the leather knots in his armour as they neared the waterline.
'Race ya to the water!' Rainbow Dash yelled as she galloped towards the lake.
'Hey! Oh not again!' Silvanus said out loud as he raced after the Rainbow mare, shaking off his segmented armour and taking off his tunic. He dove into the water wearing only his trousers.
Rainbow Dash was right! Silvanus thought. The water really is great! The two swam and floated on the refreshing water's surface for a long time.
Silvanus floated to the top of the water rather contentedly, feeling his tensed muscles relax. Silvanus breathed a sigh of relief. This is so much better than Greece or good old Mare Nostrum. He thought to himself blissfully.
'By the-' Silvanus lost balance and tipped over as Rainbow Dash suddenly erupted from the water beside him and spurted out warm water from her mouth. It hit Silvanus right in his face.
Rainbow Dash splashed about as she laughed in mirth. 'Ha! Ha! Ha! You should've seen your face!'
Silvanus opened his mouth and looked like he was about to protest. Rainbow Dash smiled again as she splashed water into his face.
'Gotcha!'
Silvanus wiped the water from his face and smiled. 'It. Is. On!'
Silvanus lunged to tackle Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash suddenly disappeared as she went under the water.
'Boo!'
Silvanus turned around. He was instantly blinded by a jet of water. Silvanus wiped away the water from his face once again as he heard Rainbow Dash giggle.
Rainbow Dash did the same thing over and over again.
Hmmm. This strategy isn't really working. He thought as he thought of a new stratagem.
'I got it!' He said out loud.
'You got what?' Silvanus heard Rainbow Dash ask from behind him. Silvanus smiled without turning as he executed his plan.
'Whoa! Look at this!' Silvanus exclaimed as he bent down and cupped his hands together. As soon as it was filled with water, Silvanus put his hands together, sealing the water inside it.
'What? What did you find?' Silvanus heard Rainbow Dash approach as the sound of splashing intensified.
'Look at this!' Silvanus turned and faced the curious Rainbow Dash with a large smile and his hands stretched towards Rainbow Dash.
'What is it?' Rainbow Dash came closer to Silvanus' clasped hands.
Now!
Silvanus squeezed his hands together. Water splashed Rainbow Dash's face.
Silvanus came closer and patted Rainbow Dash's head. 'Gotcha.'
Rainbow Dash looked up and smiled. 'You got me good.' The two began to laugh.
'Well. I guess this is our cue.' Silvanus said as he looked over the horizon. The sun's rays were beginning to disappear behind the rolling hills and towering mountains of Equestria. 'It's getting dark.'
'Yeah. Your right.' Rainbow Dash also turned to look at the setting sun.
'Well. I better put on my armour again.' Silvanus started to swim for the shore.
'Wait! I want to show you my awesome splash-making move!' Rainbow Dash called out to Silvanus.
Silvanus stopped and looked back. 'Yeah. Fine. Make it quick though.'
Rainbow Dash beamed as she flew high up in the sky. Silvanus was startled about how fast she can be in the air. Silvanus looked up. Rainbow Dash was now a small dot in the sky as she began to hurtle towards the water.
'Wow!' Silvanus gaped as he saw the Rainbow trail that Rainbow Dash left behind. He suddenly felt worry and dread as he saw the speed that his friend was going. 'Slow Down!' He called out.
The air seemed to solidify around Rainbow Dash as she hurtled to the lake.
'Oh gods no!' Silvanus cried out as the water in the middle of the lake erupted and formed a massive wave.
Silvanus suddenly saw a Rainbow trail fly up from out of the epicentre of the wave. Silvanus looked up in awe as Rainbow Dash flew back Into the sky. Silvanus cheered as soon as he saw his friend fly back up.
Moments later, Silvanus stopped cheering. The sound of rumbling water was quickly approaching. Silvanus slowly turned. 'Oh gods...' was all he could mutter before the massive wave swept him away. He held all the air he has and closed his eyes.
A couple of minutes later:
Silvanus hesitantly opened his eyes. The beautiful night sky shimmered above him. The stars twinkled gently. The moon was just peeking over the direction of Ponyville. The last glows of orange was slowly disappearing in the distance.
'Hey there!'
Silvanus turned his head to see cyan hooves near his head.
'What do you think of my Splash-making move?'
Silvanus sat up and groaned. He tilted his head to let the water out from one of his ears.
'Aww come on! Was it that bad?'
Silvanus turned to see Rainbow Dash. She wore an excited smile and her magenta eyes glowed with energy.
Silvanus stared at Rainbow Dash in awe. 'That was one of the most impossible-proven-possible things that I ever saw.'
'Did you really think that I went right into the water?'
Silvanus nodded. Of course! She has to be in the water to make a wave as big as that!
'Nah. The lake's too shallow. I stopped in mid-air, letting the compressed air that travelled with my speed collide with the water.' Rainbow Dash said proudly. 'Awesome. Aye?'
'Wow. You do sound like Twilight!'
Rainbow Dash punched Silvanus in the shoulder. 'Hey! I'm no egghead!'
Silvanus stood up and walked towards his armour and tunic. As he bent down, Rainbow Dash asked: 'Why don't you take off your clothes?'
Silvanus coughed. 'Uh. Excuse me?'
'I mean like, do you Romans always have to wear clothes?'
Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to ask another question. 'Wait, wait. I think I will have to put these on first.' Silvanus said, pointing to the bundle of clothe and armour that he held in his arms.'
'Eh. Guess so.' Rainbow Dash shrugged.
Silvanus went over to a nearby tree and hid in the back.
'Is that why your kind always wear clothes? You look disgusting in the inside!'
'BY THE GODS!' Silvanus looked up and saw Rainbow Dash looking down at him from on top of the tree. Silvanus blushed profusely as he hurriedly put on his tunic.
'What's taking them so long?' Twilight asked nopony in particular as she cantered in a small circle around the table in the library.
'Maybe they've got their hooves full.' Fluttershy quietly suggested.
'Busy with what darling?' Rarity looked up from the magazine she was reading.
'I... I don't know...' Fluttershy looked down, trying to suppress the feeling of worry.
'Oh come on Rare'! Quit makin' her worry!' Applejack reprimanded Rarity as she trotted to Fluttershy's side. 'Don't ya worry yer pretty 'ead! They'll be back before y'know it!'
Fluttershy blushed.
'Alright! That's it! I'm going after them.' Twilight finally concluded. She trotted towards the door. She was about to open the door when she suddenly heard voices approaching the door from outside.
'I said I was sorry!'
'Ugh! Just... Just don't talk about it!'
'Talk about what?'
Both Silvanus and Rainbow Dash leapt back in surprise as they saw Twilight's head poke out from behind the door.
'Oh nothing!' They said at the same time. Both of them wearing large smiles.
Twilight's eyes narrowed into tiny slits as she looked at them suspiciously.
'Yay! More friends!' Twilight was pushed aside as Pinkie Pie flew out the open door and lunged for both Rainbow Dash and Silvanus, her arms were outstretched in order to give them a hug. Rainbow Dash was quick and experienced enough to dodge the pink blur. Unfortunately for Silvanus, he was too surprised to move.
'Wow! I am so excited! Ooh! Ooh! I hope that this is going to be one big sleepover!' She said in rapid succession.
'Y-Your crushing... my ribs!' Silvanus gasped as Pinkie Pie's vice-like grip around his chest tightened.
'Wow. Even with your armour?' Twilight asked, looking very impressed at her friend's strength.
'Well obviously! I mean, look at his face! He's in pure agony!' Rainbow Dash scoffed.
'Pure agony?' Fluttershy peeked out from the door.
'Oh my!' She gasped as she saw Silvanus being hugged to death. Literally.
'Um excuse me, Pinkie Pie, Would you mind if you give Silvanus a little bit of space for air?' Fluttershy gently said as she trotted over to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie didn't seem to hear Fluttershy. She continued on with her rant.
Fluttershy opened her mouth to try again.
'Howdy there Sugarcube! Havin' a good tahm?' Applejack appeared beside the doorway.
She winced as she saw Silvanus being crushed by Pinkie Pie.
'Uh. Excuse me for interrupting, but have you given Silvanus your specially made cupcake?' Rarity reminded Pinkie from from inside the tree house.
'Rarity! That was supposed to be a surprise!' Pinkie Pie whined as se let go of Silvanus.
Silvanus fell to the ground, gasping and panting for air.
Pinkie Pie turned back to Silvanus. 'Be right back.'
Without another word, She happily hummed and bounced back into the tree house.
'Well, whatcha waitin' for?' Applejack said. 'Come on in.'
'I'm back!'
Silvanus flinched. Pinkie has just been gone for what seemed like a few moments. She stood in front of Silvanus, holding up a pink cupcake towards him with a forehoof. The others did not even blink. They looked as if they were expecting it.
'Uh. Thanks?' Silvanus took the cupcake, unsure of what to do to it.
'Well?'
Silvanus stood, awkwardly holding Pinkie's gift.
'Um. If you don't mind... You're meant to-' Fluttershy quietly suggested.
'EAT IT!' Pinkie ordered.
'Okay! I'm eating it!' Silvanus hurriedly stuffed the whole cupcake into his mouth, paper and all.
Rainbow Dash snickered, Twilight wrinkled her nose in distaste, Applejack giggled, Fluttershy looked away and Pinkie beamed at Silvanus.
'Did you like it?' She asked. Well, more like shouted.
'By the gods! This is... This is the sweetest thing that I ever ate!' Silvanus exclaimed. 'What's in this?'
'Oh. Nothing really! Just LOTS and LOTS of sugar, a few eggs and flour. Just another master creation.' Pinkie said modestly.
Silvanus looked like he was about to shower her with more compliments and questions.
'Well, with that done, come in.' Twilight interrupted.
'Well. I guess so.' Silvanus shrugged as they all filed back into the Library.
When Silvanus passed through the doorway, Rainbow Dash whispered in his ear. 'You were supposed the peel away the paper you know?'
'What?! It had paper? The things that make books?!' Silvanus exclaimed. The other ponies either snickered or looked back at him with questioning looks.
Rainbow Dash giggled.
'By the gods.' Silvanus muttered as he face-palmed. He suddenly looked up to Rainbow Dash. 'Do books really taste that good?' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As soon as the Equestrians and the human settled down, they sat down and began to talk. Silvanus was still murmuring to himself. 'Hmph! No-one told me about this!'
Twilight coughed. The others were still preoccupied in their own little discussions.
'Ahem!' Twilight coughed louder.
As soon as she saw that everypony was looking at her, she continued on. 'Thank you. Now, you may be wondering why I told all of you to come here.' She paused for effect, scanning the attentive faces of her friends.
'Me and Applejack has talked this over. We have decided to teach Silvanus about the Elements of Harmony.'
'REALLY?!' Pinkie squealed, wearing an excited smile.
Silvanus looked confused.
The other ponies then began talking among themselves.
'Um. If you don't mind... Shouldn't we tell Silvanus what the elements of Harmony are?' Fluttershy suggested.
The other ponies continued on talking among themselves. Pinkie Pie was shooting questions at Twilight as fast as she could answer them, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were talking about today's events. Meanwhile, Rarity was sitting calmly, reading a magazine.
'Um. I think we should tell Silvanus what the Elements a-' Fluttershy tried again.
'I am going to tell you what the elements of Harmony are Silvanus!' Twilight turned to the confused Legionary.
'Uh. That's what I've been- Oh never mind.' Fluttershy gave up with a sigh.
She suddenly looked up as she felt something or someone pat her gently on the back. Silvanus smiled down on her. 'I heard you.'
Fluttershy looked down, trying to hide her blush.
'The Elements of Harmony are made up of six elements. Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, Loyalty-' Twilight paused. Probably for effect. '-and Magic.'
'The elements holds the power to defeat the strongest opponents of peace and tranquillity. The elements are so powerful that it has to be divided into six parts. It can only be activated if it is wielded by ponies who has the same characteristic as the element they may represent. The elements will only work if all the elements and their bearers are present.'
'So. Why do I need to know all this?' Silvanus asked.
'So that we may reform your potentially warlike nature.' Twilight answered.
Silvanus went silent as he considered and pondered upon this. 'So who are the bearers?'
Twilight glanced at Applejack. Applejack gave Twilight a little nod, bowing her hat a little.
Twilight sighed before she continued. 'All six of us in this room.'
Silvanus was stunned. His new friends are the most destructive weapons of all time!
Twilight looked at Silvanus before saying more. 'Applejack represents the element of Honesty, Fluttershy represents the element of Kindness-'
Well that makes sense. Silvanus thought.
'-Rarity represents the element of Generosity-'
Generosity?! That does not make sense at all. Silvanus thought as he `glanced at the white-coated mare.
'-Pinkie Pie represents the element of Laughter and I, Twilight, represent the element of Magic.'
It took a few moments for Silvanus to digest. Moments later, he asked another question. 'Are the elements inside the bearer?'
Twilight hesitated. Yesterday, Applejack had warned her that the Apsconsus might use the elements or take away the elements. She made up her mind. 'Yes.'
'So what am I supposed to do?'
'You'll spend a day with each of the element bearers and learn from them.'
'So. Who'll teach Silvanus here first?' Twilight looked slowly from one pony to another.
Fluttershy looked hesitant. She built up a little courage and whispered. 'Um. If you don't mi-'
'OOH! OOH! I WILL! I WILL!' Pinkie enthusiastically raised a forehoof, bouncing in the air as she did so. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Fluttershy and Silvanus walked back to Fluttershy's cottage, both of them were silent once again. Both of them were too busy admiring the scenery.
The light emitted by Fireflies blinked lazily in the shadows. The green grass danced with the wind under the soft glow of moonlight. The cool, gentle breeze invigorated Silvanus every time he breathes in. The quiet crunching of Caligulae and hooves made the scene all the more peaceful.
'Hey. Fluttershy?' Silvanus said as he took in a deep breath, enjoying Equestria's fresh air.
'Hmm. Yes?'
'I've been noticing quite lately-'
'Oh. uh. You did?' Fluttershy looked up in curiosity mixed with panic.
'Yeah. I've been noticing that the longer I stay here in Ponyville, my armour seems to get heavier.' Silvanus said as he looked down at his segmented armour.
Fluttershy breathed out a sigh of relief that was easily concealed by the gentle whisper of the night breeze.
'Is that a sign that I am changing? Does that mean that I am losing the soldier in me?' Silvanus mused, mostly to himself.
'That's a good sign. Isn't it?' Fluttershy smiled.
'But what if something happens? What if the need to fight arises? How can I protect anypony if I forget how to protect even myself!'
Fluttershy said nothing. She remembered the recent invasion of the Changelings on Canterlot. She shuddered as she remembered the day that the majestic city of Canterlot almost fell.
'Fluttershy.' Silvanus looked down.
'Yes?'
'Since you found me and nursed me back to health, it is my duty to ask you for permission.'
Fluttershy slowly nodded.
'May I continue on practicing my skill in fighting as I learn the Elements of Harmony?' Silvanus said with a very serious face.
Fluttershy was silent. She doesn't seem to know how to respond to his request.
'It's just that two nights ago, I had a nightmare.' Silvanus hesitated. 'Can I tell you my nightmare?'
'Do you really trust me that much?' Fluttershy whispered.
'Yes.'
Fluttershy blushed. 'Well, if it makes you feel better.' She said with a smile.
'Thank you.' Silvanus gave Fluttershy a smile of relief.
'Two nights ago, I dreamt that I was back in that accursed forest where my friends perished. In the nightmare, I stood, helpless as I witnessed the deaths of each of my comrades.'
Fluttershy's eyes widened.
Silvanus shivered as he remembered the terror that took hold of him. He sighed sadly as he continued. 'I could not move to help them. It's as if some unknown force was holding me back. That or I was too paralyzed in fear.' Silvanus looked down in shame. 'A voice kept on telling me that their deaths was my fault. The voice told me that I was too weak and too cowardly to save them.'
Fluttershy tried to comfort him. 'Your not weak! You are brave! You fought off three timberwolves! You survived that terrible battle!'
Silvanus looked at Fluttershy and gave her a sad smile. 'In a way, I realized that it was partly my fault. I was too weak to save even one man!' Silvanus beat his chest angrily. 'I couldn't save even just one man. JUST ONE MAN!'
Fluttershy looked down. She never felt the pain of losing a very close friend before.
Moments later, Silvanus stopped beating his chest. He heaved a sad sigh and looked at Fluttershy.
'And that, my friend, is why I want to continue on wielding my blade. I want to be able to protect you all when the time arises.' Silvanus concluded.
Fluttershy was silent for quite a long time. She slowly looked up to Silvanus and smile. 'Yes. You may. I know that you will not hurt anypony who did nothing wrong. I- You're a good Roman Silvanus.'
'Thank you Fluttershy. I can now feel at ease.' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Salveo Fluttershy!' Silvanus called out as Fluttershy slowly ascended up the stairs to her room.
Fluttershy paused. Not knowing how to answer.
'Salveo means farewell and goodnight dear Fluttershy.' Silvanus smiled.
Fluttershy blushed. 'Oh. Goodnight to you too Silvanus.' She quietly said as she went out of Silvanus' view.
Silvanus stared at the spot where Fluttershy has just been for a few moments before lying down on the green couch. He stared at the stars for a few moments before he fell asleep. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Sssso? You made friendsss with the elementsss? How Interessting.' The hissing voice from Silvanus' nightmare returned.
Silvanus opened his eyes to see that he was floating in darkness. 'Who are you? What do you want?'
'Enjoy your friendsss while you still can. Considering on what you are going to do in the future!' The voice hissed menacingly.
Light suddenly flooded in and Silvanus found himself standing in a Roman room. He stood over the dead body of an old man who wore a toga. The old man had his back turned away from Silvanus, thus hiding his face from Silvanus.
Silvanus felt something heavy in his hand. He looked down and gasped in shock and surprise. In his hand, he held a bloody knife. Silvanus tried to drop it, but it seemed as if the knife was stuck to his hand.
'Daddy?' A young girl's voice called out from somewhere.
Silvanus turned to see the soft glow of candlelight bounce off a white wall.
'No. This is not happening!' Silvanus shouted inwardly. He tried to run and hide, but he was rooted to the ground.
'Uh uh uh!' The hissing voice taunted. 'You are not going anywhere.'
A little girl, wearing a long, white tunic, stood in the doorway to the room. 'Daddy?' She stared at the dead body that lay on Silvanus' feet. 'DADDY!' She dropped the candle and ran forward to her father's body.
She then slowly looked up at Silvanus and with hate-filled eyes, she hissed: 'Monster!'
It was then that the vision ended. Silvanus was floating in utter darkness once again. But something else was different. He was holding his own Pugio in his hand.
'Do you feel the guilt of taking away a poor child's parent?' The voice jeered.
'I-I would never do such a thing!' Silvanus shouted.
The voice suddenly changed to that of a woman. She spoke in a trance-like, monotonous voice. 'Oh yes you will. The Spirit of the Oracle has spoken.'
'By the gods... No! NO!' Silvanus shouted. 'I-I can't take someone else's family away! I just can't!'
The voice changed once again. This time, it sounded soothing. 'Come now. You were meant to be in my realm. Return to me. Return to death. Return to death before you hurt someone-' The voice suddenly sounded malicious. '-Or somepony.'
Silvanus felt the tears build up in the corner of his eyes as he raised the blade up to his heart. He went silent as he considered the advice.
Finally, he began to speak. 'This is for the greater good.' He heard himself say.
'Yesss. Yesss.' The voice cheered.
'Don't do it!' A new voice called out from the darkness.
'What isss thisss?!' The hissing voice growled.
'You have a new family now! Your new family are your friends!' The female voice called out urgently.
'She's right.' Silvanus said as the shadows began to fade away.
'No! No! Don't wake up! NOOOO-' The hissing voice was suddenly cut off.
Silvanus opened his eyes to see that he was standing beside the table near the green couch. He looked down. He held his Pugio. With shaky hands, he slowly put the Pugio back down into the table.
That... Thing wanted me dead! His mind screamed over and over again. But then again, who was that voice that warned me?
Silvanus laid back down into the green couch, making up his mind that he will never take away a good parent's life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Princess Luna stood on her balcony, sweat glistened on her dark blue coat. Her eyes were shut in intense consentration.
She suddenly gasped and staggered as she opened her eyes. 'What a horrible dream!' She gasped.
She remembered the familiar hissing voice. Who or what was that creature? She thought. And why does it want Silvanus to be dead?
She looked up to the heavens and felt her mind clear as she saw the stars twinkle gently in the night sky. Is he really going to become a murderer? Is he really dangerous? Princess Luna thought.
Is he like a vengeful manticore who only wants revenge? Or is he like a defenceless Timberwolf pup who lost it's pack?
Princess Luna waved her thoughts away as she admired the beauty of the night.
For the first time in days, Princess Luna felt victory. She felt content that she managed to save Silvanus from killing himself.
'Is this it?' Silvanus muttered as he stood in front of a house decorated with many colours and, admittedly, looked very edible. His Segmentata made small clinks as he craned his neck towards the house. His Pugio hung in his leather belt, concealed under a small, green cloak that Fluttershy lent to him.
He turned his head to see the wooden board that hung on a decorative pole that stretched towards the cobblestone streets of Ponyville. A cupcake was painted on the wooden board that acted as a sign.
'Looks like this is it.' He sighed. He took a step forward and stood on the first step of an outer stair. He leaned forward and extended his right hand to knock on the building's door. He hesitated as he remembered the crushing embrace of the pink blur. Or Pinkie Pie as the equestrians call her.
He took a step back and looked around.
'Ah. That will do.' Silvanus muttered as he spotted a broom that was leaning on the wall of the building. He reached for it and grabbed the broom.
'Aye. This will do finely. Just finely.' He confirmed as he inspected the broom closely.
He took a deep breath and extended the broom towards the door. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, bracing himself for whatever may come out to meet him.
Tok! Tok!
Silvanus waited for a few seconds before opening his eyes. He let out a sigh of relief.
'Nothing.' Silvanus muttered. 'I guess I should try again.'
He braced himself once more as he knocked the door with the tip of the broomstick.
'Nothing again.'
He tried for a couple more times. It was proven fruitless.
This is embarrassing! Silvanus thought. If my comrades could see me now...
'Oh just answer already!' Silvanus forgot about his fear as irritation began to take over. He stepped forward and POLITELY knocked the door with his hand. Nopony came to answer.
Silvanus gave up with a sigh. 'Oh Well.'
He walked down the steps and went towards the wall to return the broom.
'Oh look. A window.' Silvanus muttered as he returned the broom to it's place. It was an apparently open window. 'Maybe I can look inside and call for Pinkie.' He decided. He looked through the window to check for any sign of life first. Nopony in sight.
He leaned in, head first into the window.
BONK!
'BY THE GODS!' Silvanus took a step back in surprise. He winced as he reached the top of his head with a hand. His head throbbed from the impact.
'What kind of sorcery is this?!' Silvanus winced as he warily watched the window. He crouched and stepped forward, tentatively reached a finger into the window.
Tap!
Silvanus' finger was suddenly stopped. Apparently in mid-air.
Tap! Tap!
Silvanus continually tapped the magical window, testing it's strength. His face showed nothing but pure confusion. He became oblivious of his surroundings as he continued on tapping with his index finger.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
'Hey there Silly! Whatcha up to?'
'By the gods!' Silvanus leapt forward in surprise, crashing against the window and the wall.
'Were you trying to make tappety tap tap noises on the glass?' She asked.
Glass? Is that the spell's name? Silvanus thought as he glanced at the window.
'Wow!' Pinkie continued. 'That's what I do too! You know, we could always make our own little band. How about we call it the "Window crashers" Or. Oooh! Oooh! How about t-' Pinkie ranted.
Silvanus winced. How in Jupiter's name did she get here? He thought. 'Oh uh. Hey there Pinkie.'
Pinkie stopped and looked at Silvanus. 'I heard some tapping and knocking and Celestia knows what other "ING" noises I heard! So that's when I came by and saw you in the-' Pinkie stopped as she exhaled and took another deep breath.
What the- How did she know?! Silvanus looked at Pinkie in confusion.
'Oh yes! I forgot to tell you!' She said as she suddenly disappeared.
'By the go-' Silvanus felt himself being dragged back to the front of the building all of a sudden. He turned and saw Pinkie holding his hand, ranting all the way.
Next thing Silvanus knew, he stood in front of the edible-looking building's front door. Silvanus looked to his side and saw that Pinkie was nowhere to be seen.
Silvanus leapt back in surprise as the door suddenly burst open.
'WELCOME TO THE SUGARCUBE CORNER!'
Silvanus froze. He was covered in colourful papyrus of some sort from head to toe. Pinkie had just reappeared in front of Silvanus. She had one hoof pointed dramatically towards the "Sugarcube Corner" Shop or something, while the other was resting on top of a blue pipe with wheels.
Silvanus still stared at Pinkie in confusion. 'What's that?' He finally asked.
'It's a bakery silly!' Pinkie answered, giggling at Silvanus.
'Pinkie, that's not-'
Pinkie motioned for Silvanus to enter. She wore an impossibly wide grin on her face.
'What in-'
Every time she motioned, Silvanus looked more and more confused.
Finally, in exasperation, Pinkie Pie threw her forehooves into the air and rolled her eyes. 'I am now telling you to go on in. Well. I didn't really tell you. Hihihih. I was MOTIONING. Ooooh! I like that word.' She giggled.
'I knew that.' Silvanus mumbled.
Pinkie then entered the bakery with a few small bounces.
'H-Hey! Wait up!' Silvanus called after her as he started to move after her.
Pinkie pushed the door open, much to Silvanus' amazement. 'I thought that was locked!' He muttered under his breath.
'What was that?' Pinkie asked Silvanus as he passed her by.
Silvanus looked down at Pinkie Pie and hurriedly said. 'Oh nothing.'
'Did you try to break in?' Pinkie asked. Suddenly losing her big grin.
'Er. No.' Silvanus said, hoping that he was looking as innocent as possible. Now that she put it that way, Silvanus did look like he tried to break into the shop.
This is bad. He thought.
Pinkie squinted her eyes in suspicion at Silvanus. 'Hmmmmm...' She hummed as she looked closely at Silvanus' face.
At the sight of Pinkie becoming suspicious, sweat began to bead Silvanus' face. 'Oh please great Jupiter! Don't let her crush me to death!' He silently prayed to whatever god/s he can think about.
'Oh. It's nothing really. It's not really important! I-I... Yeah. Not important.' Silvanus started to blabber in fear, dreading the Pink pony's death hug.
Pinkie still stared at him in suspicion. She stared at him in this way for quite a while before she suddenly brightened up and say: 'Okie Dokie Lokie!'
'Wanna see our latest cupcake specials? It's in the counter. We also make muffins, pie, cakes and all other pastries!' Pinkie Pie said, motioning towards a transparent-looking counter. Probably more of this glass. Silvanus thought.
It was then that Pinkie Pie, unpredictable as always, suddenly zoomed up the stairs to the second floor of the bakery.
'Great.' Silvanus muttered under his breath. His eyes started to dart from one corner of the room to the other.
The interior of the bakery was wooden. Tables and chairs were arranged in order. Some were strategically placed near the windows, some were placed in the far end of the feeding chamber and a few were placed in the middle of the feeding chamber.
Just like a normal tavern. Silvanus noted as he remembered compared Sugarcube corner with the great towering marble palaces, temples, restaurants, villas and buildings of Rome.
'Eh. I guess the this bakery is better than a lot of other places I've been to.' Silvanus shrugged.
On the walls and wooden beams, there were carvings of swirly lines that may have symbolised plant life.
Silvanus looked up. Silvanus' head spun as the bright colours seem to blind him as he gazed at the ceiling. A bronze torch bearer hung in the middle of the ceiling. The fire in the torches seemed to have frozen in time while still emitting light. Silvanus stared at the chandelier for a long time, trying to find a plausible cause for such a phenomenon.
Finally, Silvanus gave up and looked down. His eyes seemed to be burning. Silvanus blinked furiously, trying to douse the flame in his eyes with the tears that gathered in the corners of his dry eyes.
Silvanus decided to close his eyes for a while.
Moments later, when the stinging sensation was gone, Silvanus opened his eyes. He was half-expecting to see the pink pony stare at him right in the face with her signature giant grin.
He opened his eyes to discover Pinkie Pie was not there.
'By the gods! What's taking her so long?' Silvanus muttered, looking up. He tried to hear even the slightest sound of a hoof on wood. Nothing.
Silvanus looked back down. Sighing, he walked over to the nearest chair.
He suddenly stopped in his tracks as he saw a huge platter of the delicious "Cupcakes" resting on one of the tables in the far end.
He felt the urge to walk right up to the platter and take one of the cupcakes for a snack. He moved forward until he finally stood in front of the silver platter that was heaped with the colourful cupcakes.
'No. I am a Roman and it is not honourable to take mere knick-knacks from other individual's dwelling places.' Silvanus said to himself as he hesitated and tried to turn away.
He stared at the platter. His mouth was now watering. Without thinking, he extended a hand and took one of the cupcakes.
'Silvanus. No. This is just so... Unhonourable!' Silvanus said to himself while trying looking away from the tempting treat.
His stomach gurgled in protest. But Silvanus still resisted. His mind could not think of anything else except for the cupcake. Silvanus' vigilant spirit began to wane. His nose began to sniff at the sweet aroma of newly baked cupcakes. Finally, Silvanus gave up.
He slowly turned back to look at the cupcake that he held in his hand. 'By the gods.' Silvanus muttered as he inspected the cupcake up close.
'Eh. What the heck. I'll only eat one.' Silvanus finally decided, quickly letting it close to his open mouth.
He stopped as he remembered something vital. He withdrew the cupcake and carefully peeled off the paper that was wrapped in the bottom of the cupcake.
Once he was finished, he took a bite from the cupcake. He chewed slowly, enjoying the sweetness of the cupcake. It was then followed by another, and another, and was quickly followed by another. The cupcake dwindled until it all disappeared into his mouth.
'Now THAT was good.' Silvanus said rather contentedly.
His eyes started to stray towards the tray once again. Oh gods. Not again. Silvanus thought.
'Eh. Just one more.' Silvanus decided as he reached for another cupcake. 'Besides, no-one will noti-'
'Silvanus! What are you doing?!' Pinkie cried from behind him.
Silvanus flinched and hurriedly put the cupcake back down into the silver platter.
'Nothing.' Silvanus said, rather too suspiciously as he turned to face Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie Pie wore a tall, whit hat and a matching apron. She was also comically wearing a fake, black moustache. She was staring at Silvanus curiously.
Oh gods. Please no. Silvanus turned to the gods once again.
She gave Silvanus a long stare before saying: 'Okay! I can let you taste some of those cupcakes behind you. The Cakes have already left with their little ones on a holiday, leaving me behind as the-' Pinkie Pie paused for effect, grinning proudly.
'Leaving me behind as the Top Chef of the House!' She said out loud.
'Uh. Glorious?' Silvanus nervously said, choosing his words carefully.
'Do you know how to laugh?' She suddenly said, beaming at Silvanus. Her fake moustache wiggled and looked as if it might fall off her face.
'Yes! Uh. Yes I do!' Silvanus said in a rush.
'Then demonstrate!'
'Oh. Okay?' Silvanus hesitantly said. He wore and anxious grin. Staring at the Pink pony as if she might explode any second.
'Go on...' Pinkie Pie said slowly. Losing her wide grin and giving Silvanus a cheerful smile.
Silvanus swallowed before bursting into a fit of hesitant laughter. 'Ha Ha Ha Ha!'
'No Silly! Put more energy into it! It's more like this! Ha! Ha! Ha! Hihihihiihh! Ho! Ho! Ho! Hehehehe!' Pinkie advised.
Silvanus flinched and stopped as Pinkie joined in laughter with him.
Pinkie laughed all by herself for a time before she noticed that Silvanus had stopped laughing. She stopped and looked at Silvanus curiously and asked. 'Why did you stop laughing?' Her smile slowly disappeared from her face.
Silvanus just stared at Pinkie.
Pinkie stared back.
They both stared at each other for a long time. It was such a long time that Silvanus began to feel very awkward and self conscious. He started to fidget and look around the room, unable to look at Pinkie in the eye.
'Oooohhhh. I think I know you seem like you are out of energy! You must be hungry!' Pinkie suddenly suggested.
Silvanus was too surprised to answer.
Pinkie Pie suddenly disappeared from Silvanus' view.
Silvanus looked around, searching for the pink pony.
'Heeeey!' Pinkie Pie said from behind him.
Oh gods no! Silvanus screamed inwardly as he realized what was going to happen. He slowly turned around to face Pinkie Pie.
'Did you eat some of my special-made cupcakes?!' Pinkie asked, pointing at the silver platter.
How would she know? I only ate one! Silvanus thought as he looked at Pinkie Pie's curious face.
'I know because I baked 15 cupcakes and now there are only 14!' Pinkie said, much to Silvanus' amazement.
'So. Did you eat the cupcake?' Pinkie asked as she looked into Silvanus' face, looking very smug.
Silvanus tried to look as innocent as possible.
Pinkie smiled. 'Did it taste good?'
Silvanus tried to maintain his charade. The longer Silvanus did this, the wider Pinkie Pie's smile became. Finally, Silvanus gave up and face palmed.
'Great. Just like a street urchin who got caught with his hand in an old lady's basket.' Silvanus mumbled.
'Uh. I think you mean "Just like a filly who got caught with her hoof in a cookie jar."' Pinkie Pie suggested.
How does she do that! Silvanus thought to himself as he looked at Pinkie Pie in amazement.
'Oh. It's my Pinkie sense! Pretty cool huh?' Pinkie said once again.
Silvanus did not know what to say. He looked at Pinkie as if she was crazy.
'It works like this. When my tail gets twitchy, something or- hihihih- somepony will fall from the sky! And when my back is itchy, It's my lucky day! And Ooh! There was this time where Twilight would not really believe-' And so. Pinkie Pie told the tale of "The Doozy." She would occasionally pause to explain to the confused Legionary more meanings of Twitches and Itches and all other "tches".
At least she forgot about the cupcakes. Silvanus thought. Oh gods n-
'Heeey! I soooo did not forget about the cupcakes!' Pinkie stopped narrating her story and launching into another rant about the cupcakes and her thoughts about it from the past few minutes. 'Hmmm... Though I did kinda forgot about them for a while.' Pinkie said, comically stroking her fake moustache. 'Thanks for reminding me!' She beamed at Silvanus. 'Now. About those cupcakes. I made those specia-'
Great. And you had to think about it. Silvanus inwardly winced. Gah! Just stop thinking!
Silvanus tried to stop talking to himself, but his confused mind would always think of something. Fluttershy, Cupcakes, Racing, Rainbows, Elements, Teutoburg-
'Wait a minute! Why am I thinking about Fluttershy?' Silvanus muttered irritably.
Pinkie Pie just giggled.
Oh gods. Please no. Silvanus thought as he stared at Pinkie Pie in horror.
Pinkie Pie jumped and brought Silvanus to his knees by putting a hoof across his shoulder bringing him close to the ground with her.
'What the-?' The surprised Legionary gasped.
Pinkie Pie leaned towards Silvanus' ear and whispered. 'It's alright Silly, I got ya covered.' Her fake moustache wriggled at every syllable.
'Pinkie! Your facial hair!' Silvanus drew away and scratched his ear.
'Tee Hee!' Pinkie giggled and bounced towards the kitchen.
Silvanus looked down at the ground. Too unsure and confused to know what to do.
'Hey. Aren't you coming?' Pinkie poked her head out from the kitchen and looked at Silvanus with wide grin.
'Oh. Uh. Sure?' Silvanus said as he started moving towards the kitchen with Pinkie Pie.
'Yay! Today-' Pinkie exclaimed as she leapt towards Silvanus with her arms open wide.
Oh gods. Here it comes! Silvanus braced himself for Pinkie's embrace and closed his eyes. He held out his arms and tried to tell Pinkie to stop.
