The royal guard. Part 1

Chapter one. The royal guard.

My life has lead to this. Princess Luna is now my worst enemy. Princess Celestia expulsed me from Equestria. Twilight Sparkle is about to kill me. And the war has almost taken half the lifes from Equestria. Now, my end is near.

“You must die, in order to restore the peace.”Twilight stands in front of me, pointing me with her horn.

“Do as you see the better.”

And then, she shots a lightning beam from her horn, which hits me in the chest, making that my life suddenly rushes through my eyes. I can see from the first day of my life.

My name is John. Or, as someponies calls me, John BlackMane. I was born in October of 212X. By then, the mankind had engaged in a war that lasted many generations, and which caused a great pain in many families. Mine was one of them. When I was five, they died in an aerial bomb attack. I was destroyed by this fact. So, at first, I tried to kill myself. But something very deep in my mind told me not to. Instead, it made me to move in the inners of a mysterious forest. Didn’t know how I end in this land, which was absolutely wonderful. It was populated only by ponies. I didn’t were too well received, even by the great Celestia herself.

However, a chain of events turn my life for better when I saved a pony from a fire in a bakery. From there on, I was known as the “pony hero” (even when I’m not a pony). In fact, I was assigned as a royal guard in the capitol city of Canterlot, under the command of the captain Shining Armor. That was when I was fifteen. Five years later, the matter of NightMare Moon happened, and my life gave a twist when I was assigned to be Princess Luna’s personal guard. At first, both of us didn’t like the idea, but for the time, we accepted.

At first, I thought that my life was going to be better from that day on… I was wrong.

It was a good and cheerful morning. I got up early to wake up Princess Luna.

“Good morning, milady.”

“Good morning.”

“What would you want for your royal breakfast?”

“We think we would like a toasted bread and apple juice.”

“Right away, milady.”

I went down stairs to make her breakfast. I liked my life then. I was more like a housekeeper than a royal guard. My life had never been so happy. Even Luna seemed happy about it. We were like brother and sister. But that morning, when I went to check mail, something bothered me.

“Here we are, John. What is that thou hold in thy hands?”

“I don’t know, milady. But it says that it’s from Celestia.”

“And what does it says?”

“Ahem, it says…”

Dear sister Luna.

I require your presence in Canterlot immediately, for us to discuss a matter of a very deep importance related to Equestria’s security. I may need your royal guard John, too. If it is possible, come to me in this day.

Your sister, Celestia.

“If she needs you, then it should be a great matter to deal with.”

“We know, John. Prepare our things, for we to be in our way to Canterlot right now.”

“As you wish. I’ll call the Pegasus royal carriage to transport you.”

Almost at the next day, we arrive to Canterlot. I start to wonder why Celestia needed Luna. Usually, Celestia can handle for herself most of the matters in Equestria. But this seems different, though. When we arrive to Canterlot tower, we are greeted by Shining Armor. Only to see him creates a reaction in me that makes me to salute him with the royal guard stance.

“Dismissed, ranger John. Princess Luna.” He bows in front of her and then points to the door. “Princess Celestia is waiting for you.”

“Thank you, captain. Thou shalt wait for me, John.”

“As you wish, princess.”

She goes inside of the room. I can give a little sight in there. Inside there was the elements of Harmony, Princess Celestia and even a zebra, which I think her name was Zecora. The door is closed and Shining Armor approaches to me.

“So, how have you been?”

“Relaxed, sir. At least until yesterday, when the letter of Princess Celestia arrived. May I ask what is happening?”

“You could, but I’m afraid that I can’t answer, because I’m as much informed than you.”

“Such a shame. Sir, now that I think about it, shouldn’t you be supposed to be with your wife?”

“Yes. But when Princess Celestia’s letter came to us, Cadence was very anxious. So, she decided that we would come to Canterlot to see what was going on.”

We talk like that for a short time. But then, Twilight Sparkle opens the door and approaches to us.

“Shining, John. Celestia ordered that you two shall come to the meeting.”

We obey. As we enter in the room, both of us notice that everypony in here has a fear in her faces that cannot be hide. When we sit at the table in the center, I manage to see in it many maps with red circles in it. It can’t be something good. Celestia takes the first word.

“Shining Armor. John BlackMane. We have you here today to have a word with you. It is because you two are the most reliable individuals I have ever met.”

“Pleased to hear that. But what is that matter you have to tell us, milady?”

Celestia looks very scared. That is very noticeable, even for somepony like her.

“A series of strange events has been happening in Phillydelphia. Someponies says that ponies in there are starting to eat meat.”

“Meat? A pony?” Shining asked, very preoccupied by the idea.

“That pretty amusing, Princess. I suppose you want us to go to investigate.”

“Yes. Shining Armor will provide a small group of his best soldiers. You, by the other hand, John, you shall go to Phillydelphia to investigate.”

“Pleased to, milady. I’ll start making the arrangements.”

“Please. Equestria needs you two.”

While I’m preparing my things for the trip, I stop for a second to wonder. Ponies are eating meat? What is going on? A knock in my door shakes me. It’s Luna.

“John. May we have a word with you?”

“It is I who wave to ask for that, milady. You may speak with me freely.”

“Look, our sources tell us that among with the meat-eating ponies, there has been also a few murders.”

“Murders? Then, with more reasons I should go to investigate.”

“John. I’m trying to warn you. There’s something going on in that place that even my sister hasn’t seen before.”

“Relax, milady. I’ll be careful.”

Luna glares at me. I can't help but to turn around and avoid to see her to the eyes.

“… You’ll go even if I tell you not to. Do you not?”

“Yes. I will.”

“Then, I shall give you something to protect you.”

She approaches to me. And then, gives me a kiss in my cheek. Usually almost nothing takes me low-guarded. But this, this is the only thing that has made it so far.

“That is encouraging milady, but I don’t think that will protect me of something.”

“I know…”

She then turns around and exit the room. I finish of preparing my things. But then, something rushes to my mind. Why was Luna so worried? Then, I remember that we didn’t enter in the first part of the meeting. But when we enter, everypony seemed to be very scared. Did they already know something that we don’t? And if that’s the case, then, why not to tell us?

Shining Armor enters to my room. Before I can even stand, he dismiss me.

“I’m ready, sir.”

“Yes, that’s what I can see. However, one thing is missing. Princess Luna told me to give you this.”

He levitates to me a large object. When I draw it, it’s a sword. The blade is of a dark blue color, and it emits little blue sparks.

“What is this sword?”

“It’s called the ‘Blue Moon’. It was made originally for Princess Luna herself. But now, she asks it to be yours.”

So this is what Luna meant by “something to protect me”. The sword is so light that I can feel it almost like if it was my own arm.

“Your transport waits for you. I have selected a group of three ponies to go with you. First one, it’s an earth pony, named FlashHooves. He’s trained to be fast. He’ll be your recognizement soldier. The second one. His name is StrongHorn. He might not be too strong, but his magic has no comparison. The third one is a Pegasus. Originally in the Wonderbolts, SwiftWings was the leader, being the strongest and fastest in the team. He left when Princess Celestia requested his help.”

As he speaks, we were leading to the main street. When we get there, I can see why the description fits them. Flash Hooves is small, and he has a light yellow fur, blue mane and wide green eyes, but seems to have incredibly strong hooves. Strong Horn is thin and almost pathetic. His fur is like a light green color, giving him the look of being sick. But, if Shining Armor trusts him, then I will. Swift Wings would make Rainbow Dash to get jealous with his long wings and strong hooves. I realize why he was the Wonderbolts’s leader. He won’t even smile for a little.

“So this is my team, uh?”

“Yes, this is it.”

Suddenly, a Pegasus lands behind us.

“I have a message from Princess Luna.”

“Then speak, messenger.”

“In order to ensure Equestria’s security, I personally, will go with you in this mission. My personal guard, John blackMane shall come with me.”

What? Now she wants to come with me? What is passing through her mind? But now that I think about it, my doubts were right: They are hiding something from us.

“Right. Last minute change. We’ll have to borrow a larger carriage.”

“Sir, may I talk with you?”

“Of course.”

I lead him to a dark alley. Almost nopony is at sight.

“Sir, I think that they are hiding something from us.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just think about it for a second.”

Then, I explain him my reasons to suspect from Celestia. When I finish, he seems quite hesitant. However, turns to me with a serious gaze.

“Look, our work is not to hesitate. It’s only to accomplish orders. Understood?”

“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.”

“Fine. Here comes Princess Luna. Attention!”

When Luna lands, I can see her in an armor almost resembling to NightMare Moon’s.

“Everything is ready, captain?”

“Yes milady. Your carriage is waiting for you.”

“Thank you, Shining Armor. John, you shall go with the others. I will lead.”

“As you wish, milady.”

Then, we start our journey to Phillydelphia. The journey is long, but it seems longer of what it seems while I’m distracted in my own thoughts. Nopony speaks in the journey. It is Strong Horn who speaks first.

“So, anypony knows where we are heading and why?”

“We’re going to Phillydelphia, but the why, I don’t know.” Swift Wings answer heavily serious.

“What do you think, captain?” Flash Hooves turns to me.

“I think…”

I don’t think that it is a good idea to tell them about my suspects on the royal sisters. So I tell them the only truth that I know.

“…I think that we’ll see when we get there.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right captain.” Flash Hooves answer.

About five hours later, we reach Phillydelphia. However, the sight is amusing: the city is almost desserted, as if nopony has ever lived in here for decades. We start to inspect the city.

“Strong, make a spell that let us to intercommunicate.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

After a flash of green light, know we can communicate by telepathy. I ask Strong to scan the area for any life form.

“No, there isn’t any kind of life form in here.”

I can’t afford to think about it, but the only thought that I have gets out of my mind.

“Scan for movement patrons.”

“But sir, if there isn’t any-“

“Do as I say!”

“… Right away sir.” He cast a spell, and then, she startles. ”Wait, I’m detecting movements. Five blocks east, two blocks south.”

“Right, Swift Wings, you can move faster than us. Head there, while we go. Report immediately.”

“Yes sir.”

He lefts with a speed that now I’m convinced that he can make Rainbow to be jealous. We start to walk. Strong is always checking with his magic. When we are almost at two blocks, Swift reports.

“Swift Wings here, captain.”

“Swift, what is going on? You see something?”

“No. Whatever it was, it’s gone. I’ll head towards you.”

“Sure thing. See you here.”

“Swift out.”

“Strong, didn’t you say there was movement in there?”

“Yeah, but or something is corrupting the signals or they just simply move.”

“Whatever. Here comes Swift Wings.”

“Sir, I saw somepony in the next street. They’re heading this way. However, their walk rhythm didn’t seem normal.”

“We should check. On your guard. We don’t know what these ponies want from us.”

Turning the corner, we find some weird looking pony. As Swift said, his walk rhythm is not normal. Also, he’s shaved to his skin, which looks kind of necrotized.

“Sir, we ask you nicely to stop and get in your fore hooves.”

“Ghuuuu?”

“Sir, we don’t want to hurt you. Obey and surrender.”

“Ghaaak!”

“Damn, Strong, shot him down!”

Strong Horn fire a beam, which hits the weird-looking pony, causing him to fall to the ground.

“Oh, by Celestia. John, what have thou done?”

“Relax, Princess. It’s a non-lethal attack. He’s just paralyzed. Right Strong?”

“Yes sir.”

“Flash, check on him.”

After checking on him, Flash discovers many weird facts, like the one that his skin is deeply necrotized, his jaw is dislocated, and that he doesn’t have any pulse.

“He doesn’t have any pulse?”

“No, but still… he’s alive.”

“What, he’s some kind of… zombie pony?”

In fact, now all seems quite accurate. A zombie invasion in Phillydelphia. Celestia and the others were terrified by the idea. But to not to make any wrong conclusion, they needed to investigate. They DID knew. And now, the only one that could answer that is here with us.

“Ask Princess Luna. She knows it.”