Harmony's Savior (Sequel to Love on the Orchard)by Rio362ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 1“No…NO AJ STAY WITH ME PLEASE AJ NO……… NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!” “HHUAHHH”!!! “ugh…. AJ are you… oh thank Celestia *sigh*” I awoke in a cold sweat from my nightmare. AJ was sleeping next to me peacefully which helped me ease out of the feeling of terror I had moments ago. I bent over to my side and placed a kiss upon her nose and a tiny smile appeared across her face. It has been about two and a half years since we declared our love for each other. Also ever since I told AJ that I had been sleeping outside in the forest area for those months that I was new to Equestria she had made a place for me to sleep in the farm. Of course after the event with the dragon and coming out in the open with how we feel for each other she had made a permanent place for me right here in her bed with her. Even after all these years I still love AJ as much as I did when we first expressed our affection toward one another. In fact it has only grown. I returned to my position on my side of the bed when AJ instinctively reached over and pulled me into her arms. Of course I didn’t resist and I mean who wouldn’t want to be held by Applejack. The orange angel who made my life something of excitement and bliss. feeling the warmth coming from her body surrounding mine made me once again fall into a deep comforting sleep. But the nightmare had returned to me once again this time however it wasn’t my voice I was hearing it was AJ’s. “Rio….. No….. RIO PLEASE YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP. PLEASE YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME.” “RIO… RIO… RIO…” “Rio… Rio… Hey Rio wake up you’re going to be late for your chores oh also Demi and Ash are here to see you about something. “Ugh buh wha….oh sure… ugh my head.” “I’m sorry did I hurt your head Rio.” She looked worried that she may have actually hurt me in some way. So to show her that there was nothing to worry about I pulled her into the bed with me and AJ and we all cuddled together. “Seriously though Rio, Demi and Ash are waiting.” “aww fine I’ll get up.” I lazily got up and put on my sweater along side my glasses and shoes. As I was making my way down stairs I could here hoof steps behind me then they disappeared. Then once again when I started to walk I heard them again. I had turned my head for just a moment to look around only to find Demi had teleported right in front of me when my attention was tuned to a different direction. “HEY BRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” “Gah!!!!! Ugh what the hell Demi. You know not to do that this early in the morning bud.” “Ugh ow my head.” “You alright dude?” Demi asked with a mild look of concern on his face. before I was able to answer I was tackled onto the floor and nuzzled by Ash. “HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII RIO!!!.” “He..hey Ash. ugh… ow. I was knocked out on the floor until my lips tasted a familiar vibrant flavor that woke me up almost instantly. Though I kept my eyes closed until the kiss was broken merely to enjoy it to the fullest. “Heh. How long are ya gonna stay on the ground there sweetheart.” AJ asked with a playful tone. “That depends will I get more loving from you if I stay on the ground or would that be a no?” I asked with a comical tone. She playfully whipped my side with her tail to get me on my feet. “You have some chores ta do and your friends are waiting for ya Rio.” She moved up to me and whispered in my ear. “However if ya’ll are a good worker I’ll give ya somethin to show my appreciation for yer effort later suger.” She walked away giving me a wink and a smile for me as she left. I was blushing at this point and even though we had been together for almost three years she still knew how to get me lost in emotion. “uh…sure ya will do darlin.” I called out to her as she left the room. “Alright guys lets go.” I made my way outside with Demi and Ash following right behind me. and at about half way to Ponyville I stopped them to ask a question. “So whats up guys? Why did you come out here to see me for?” “What I can’t come out here to see my best bro and to hangout with you?” I gave Demi a not amused look. To which he held a big goofy smile. I turned to Ash because I knew she’d tell me what was up. “Okay Ash seriously whats up?” “Luna needs to see you about you about some new recruits who are enlisting into the Earthstriders. Also she needs to speak with you about some other matters concerning your father.” “My…father? Is he alright?” “She wouldn’t tell me anything only that she needed to see you urgently.” “Thanks. Oh and hey you guys…thanks for coming out here to see me. I really did miss you both.” Demi tackled me to the ground along side with Ash who both gave me a hug to show how much they missed me unfortunately I couldn’t stay with them for too long since the news of my father was covering all of my thoughts. “I’ll catch you guys later alright I gotta go see Luna right away.” “It’s cool bud see ya later.” I gave them a smirk to show a form of confidence in only to mask how I truly felt at that moment. I hadn’t seen my father since he took care of me two and half years ago. I miss him so much. “Dad…. I hope everything’s okay.” I closed my eyes and began to focus when I could feel my body begin to float and then lift off the ground with ease and then flew as fast as I could toward Canterlot to see princess Luna. I am an earth pony with a gift that was given to me by Luna who created me years ago. She told me that I was able to fly only because she marked my heart with the symbol of wings when she created me. I am the only known earth pony in equestria who has the ability to fly even though I have no visible wings. I used my usual secret entrance to Luna’s chambers to go and meet her. “Mom where are you. Are you sleeping still?” I consider Luna to be my mother and Rio to be my father but my dad is human whereas my mom is a pony. Luna created me but my dad Rio is the one who raised me. So that’s why I call him dad and that’s why he calls me Lil Rio. Ever since those days that I was with him I have missed him dearly. I have my friends here and so I am happy. Needless to say a big part of me is missing but I know that he’s out there and He’s happy. “I love you dad.” I catch myself saying that a lot and it only happens whenever I think about him though. I found Luna sleeping soundly in her bed all warm and toasty and I figured since I was here a little early I’d go and join my mother for some good sleep. Out of instinct she unfolded a wing for me and brought me in closer to her side and used her wing to keep me warm. Her room was completely shaded so you could see the magically lite stars in her room’s walls. Along side the stars was a bright and shining moon which was also lite through her magic. I could hear her heart beating softly and somehow it reminded me of AJ whenever we slept together. I feel asleep under Luna’s warmth and she moved her head to nuzzle my mane. A few hours had passed and I woke up find Luna had sitting by her fireplace gazing into the embers as they danced around. “Mom…you okay?” Luna spoke up softly “You were talking in your sleep again Rio. You were calling for your father back on earth.” “Dad? I was calling for him.” “Yes. I know you miss him and I’m sorry things had to happen the way they did.” “Mom…. why couldn’t I stay with him there?” Just as Luna was about to speak a mailcolt and Pegasus had arrived arrived on Luna’s balcony. As soon as I saw the Green mane I knew that Noir had arrived along side with his friend Dragran. I trotted over to them and opened the door for them to come inside. “Noir. Dragran I missed you guys. How is everything.” Noir was the first to speak. “Hey Rio we missed you too…. sorry. Things have just been so busy that we can barely see each other any more to hangout.” Dragran walked up to us and joined in the conversation. “It’s good to see you again Rio and Noir is right things have been pretty busy so our apologies for that.” “Guys its okay I understand what with all the mail that needs to be delivered plus the shortage of pegasi for the long distance mail delivery, plus the fact that many mail ponies at a lot of the post offices being sick.” “You guys have a lot on your guy’s plates so once again no worries. I have some news however that you guys are going to love.” They both leaned in to hear what I had to say “What is it Rio.” Chapter 2“You both know that I have been in love with AJ for about two and half years right?” “Ya…wait… oh Celestia are you going to…?” “You bet I’m going to ask her to marry me.” Both Noir and Dragran were about to burst out in excitement and congratulate me when I stopped them. “Easy guys I need to keep this on the down low for now because I want to surprise AJ. Can you guys do that for me?” “Only on one condition.” Dragran said. “Are we invited to the wondrous occasion?” “Well duh of course you both are invited I wouldn’t have told you both about this if I didn’t want you there.” “Awesome oh and by the way here is a letter for Luna make sure she gets this right away.” “Who is it from anyway?” Dragran handed me the letter but there was no signature on it. The only writing was on the front of it. “To the night mother.” I couldn’t help but recognize those words from my past a little bit. I swore I knew who spoke those words a long time ago. It was on the tip of my tongue but I still couldn’t figure it out. “Thanks Noir and thank you too Dragran. Take care alright and stay safe out there.” They both nodded and Dragran flared out his wings and quickly picked up Noir to bring him down to the ground level of the castle to continue their deliveries. “Mom their is a letter here for you.” I held the letter in my mouth and brought it to her. “Ah I know this writing…It’s good to see that my magic can still be used for communication at such far away places.” “What do you mean mom?” “In due time I will tell you everything I promise. Now I believe you have some new recruits that require their leader at this moment and you should go to them post haste.” “Alright mom…I love you and I’ll come back when I’m done okay?” “One moment there mister captain.” She placed down the letter and gave me a motherly kiss to my forehead. “I love you too my darling son.” “Thanks mom see ya later.” With a glow of her horn she surrounded me in a dark blue glow and teleported me to the Earthstrider quarter of the Canterlot barracks. When I arrived there I gave myself a moment to gather myself so that I could be presentable to the new recruits. I went to my foot locker at the edge of my bed in my personal quarters of the barracks and removed my sweater and glasses along side with my shoes. I found my captain’s uniform cleaned and ironed inside my locker and when I suited up I could feel the clothes fresh Ironed warmth surround me in an embrace. I knew who to thank for this as well. “Thanks mom.” I knew Luna was responsible for this because even though she’s a princess she always loved and took care of my like a mother would. I made my way to the training area of the barrack to meet the new recruits. “ATTENTION!!!! officer on deck” “Ah lieutenant PonyJames thank you for gathering the recruits for me.” I stood tall and let the recruits know that I meant business when I walked up to Lieutenant PonyJames’s side and began to give orders. I always hated giving orders to be honest simply because I hated yelling at other ponies but I did choose this occupation knowing full well what it entailed. “ALRIGHT LISTEN UP RECRUITS MY NAME IS RIO EARTHSTRIDER AND I AM THE CAPTAIN OF THE EARTHSTRIDER DIVISION OF THE WONDERBOLTS. I WILL MAKE STALLIONS OUT OF YOU LOT AND YOU WILL BE THE BEST IF YOU STICK TO WHAT I TEACH YOU. IS THAT CLEAR!!!!!” “sir yes sir” “WHAT WAS THAT I COULDN’T HEAR YOU. ALL I HEAR ARE FILLIES AND LITTLE COLTS I WANT TO HEAR YOUR WAR VOICES. DO YOU GET ME YOU NAMBY PAMBY EXCUSES FOR EARTH PONIES!!!!” “SIR WE GET YOU SIR!!!!!!” “THAT’S WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR. NOW GIVE ME TWO HUNDRED LAPS AND NO BRAKES AND BELIEVE ME I’M GOING EASY ON YOU NEWBIES NOW GET TO IT!!!!!!!!” As soon as the recruits began their laps James relaxed a little and we were able to talk without any kind of interruption. “Man I hate being a jerk to the new recruits but I know I can’t sugar coat anything. Not with how things are these days. aside from that though how are ya bud I missed ya.” James punched my shoulder the way he usually does and helped me relax. “Hey man its part of the job and they’ll thank you for it later trust me also I’m just fine thanks for asking.” “You hold a good point man it just still bothers me to be so harsh. Even so they did sign up for this and a few of them really do look like Earthstider material.” “yup. No doubts here man. Yo Rio do you see that?” “See what?” “That dot in the sky. Its getting bigger. It looks kinda blueish and that’s odd it looks like its on fire. Is that a meteor or something.” “I think so… “hhhhhhHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIII RIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Oh Celestia oh man oh man oh man nonononononono GAH.” With an out of nowhere tackle hug that would honestly kill most ponies came DerpyApples who is one of the many distant members of the Apple family who is a Pegasus and who considers me part of that family as well. For the record she made where I was standing into a crater with me and her being the center of it and man did it hurt. “Derpy ow….why….this again *cough* ugh.” “Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I saw you and James and I wanted to see how things were and such.” She looked at my corpse of a body and kept cocking her head from side to side at random moments to what I thought was get a better look at me. “Love ya bro but gotta go. wub.. wub .. wub <3.” She made a motion with her hooves that looked as if she we moving turn tables and then made a heart shape in the air and as fast as she had arrived she flew into the air and vanished. “Why does she always do that whenever she sees me dude…. ugh.” “It’s DerpyApples dude its just what she does.” *Cough* “fair point… I guess” “Sir are you okay? What in the world was that.” “Its nothing Private continue with your patrol and come back to me with a full report understood?” ” uh y…yes sir.” *cough* “Good man.” Hours passed like minutes and eventually the recruits had finished their warm up laps around the barracks. “Alright newbies its time for some serious work. I want each and everyone of you to give me at least one hundred push ups and make them fast cause I’m getting hungry. first one done gets to join me and lieutenant James for our meal. now…SHOW ME WHAT YOU NEWBIES CAN DO AND GIVE ME A REASON TO EVEN THINK THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT INTO THE EARTHSTRIDERS.” “SIR YES SIR.” “James can you watch these recruits for me. I have to get back to sweet apple acres real quick.” “No worries man by the time you get back they maybe half way at least. so no rush or anything at all man.” “Thanks bud.” I made may way to a safe spot near the outskirts of the barracks and once again closed my eyes to focus on the sky in my mind. thus I was able to lift off the ground and fly toward my goal which was the orchard where my love was waiting for me. Once I landed down on the acres I began my search for Applejack. I didn’t need to search for long since I could here her voice from a mile away. Plus I could here her bucking the apple trees. “Just a few more to go and then I’m all finished.” I snuck up on the orange beauty that was just ahead of me. When the time was right I made my move. I playfully tackled her to the ground and was able to stop her before she was able to complete my name. “Ri..mmmmm” “Hey darlin how are ya?” I could see a happy glint in her eyes before she closed them to enjoy the kiss. The taste of her lips was a sensation like no other I have ever felt. When the kiss was broken I spoke softly to her. “AJ I love you. You know that right?” “Course I do sugar cube.” I held her hoof and brought her with me to the nearest tree and I removed my blades so they may rest to the tree’s sides. I nuzzled her mane while gently kissing her cheeks and ears every few moments. “AJ I’m sorry I have been so busy with training the new recruits at the barracks. I think about you every second that I’m there. To be honest darlin… you’re all I think about.” “Rio why do you have to be so sweet huh? Why is your heart so loving and warm? Why do you love me so much?” “AJ I am sweet because you are what makes me so sweet. My heart is so loving because you gave it warmth and kindness that it only wants to repay your kindness forever. I love you so much because you are my everything and that is never going to change. Oh and one more thing about you that I love. That cute little accent of yours.” I could feel her cuddle closer to me. Her cheeks also went slightly red with my compliment. We had fallen asleep the the soft ground and I used my captain’s uniform as a blanket to keep us warm. Though AJ was fast asleep and sleeping well I was in and out of my nightmare again. Everytime I could only see my fears taking true form. “AJ no darlin no please aj…AJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chapter 3“HUAHH!!” “Rio hey…honey are you alright?” “Y…ya I’m fine just a nightmare is all.” “Rio sweetheart i’m here for you…okay. Tell me whats wrong.” “AJ I…I see you in my arms giving me your final goodbyes before you fade out. The whole time your telling me how much you love me and how much you’re going to miss me. I tried to tell you how much I love you back but before I am able to it’s too late. Applejack I…I love you so much.” Tears found their way down my cheeks. Applejack adjusted herself so that her chest was now against mine so I could actually feel her heartbeat alongside with mine. I wish I could describe how it felt to have Applejack resting with her warm body leaning on mine. “Hey… hey now honey I am here okay I am right here and nothing is going to change that.” I wrapped my arms around her and I couldn’t help but let out my tears with resistance. She lifted her head so that she could take a look at my pathetic tear filled mug. “Tears don’t suit you Rio. Mind if I help with that?” “What did you have in mind AJ.” “Let me show you sugarcube.” AJ untied her ribbons that kept her mane and tail in ponytails and gave me a look that only true lovers give one another. “I how much you love it when I have my hair is down so Rio are you feeling any better.” “Applejack how do you always find some way to make my sorrow vanish and replace it with warmth and sanctuary?” “Face it Rio I care about you too much to let sadness fill your heart. I love you Rio and don’t you dare forget that for one second alright?” “I love you too AJ and I won’t ever forget that. You have my word.” We once again snuggled closer to each other and feel asleep. This time however my dreams were filled with love’s bliss instead of fear’s grasp. It had been about four hours and the sun had set when Granny Smith appeared with Big Macintosh from the trees nearby. “Ohohoho thats adorable. I remember when I was young and in love. Come on now wake up you too or you’ll both catch a cold.” “Huh oh heh good evening Ms. Smith.” “Oh shucks Rio your part of the family. You can call me Granny Smith sonny.” I let out a warm chuckle after hearing that. “Thanks Granny.” “Anytime sonny.” “Hey Big Mac I assume everything has been good with you?” “Eeyup.” “How have things been with Cheerlie hmmmm?” “Uhh… well I uh.” He cleared his throat before he spoke up again. “Were just friends that’s all.” I gave him a smirk and raised an eyebrow as if to say “ya sure you guys are.” I knew for a fact that Big Mac and Cheerlie were seeing each other but this is only because I flew over them at one point. They were snuggled together on the grass near the Everfree forest just watching the clouds and enjoying each other’s company. “Well I suppose you’re right we should go inside before we catch a cold eh AJ.” “AJ…AJ sweetheart?” She was so comfortable that she was still asleep in my arms so I gently maneuvered myself in such a way as to place her on my back and bring her into the farm and up to her room. I could hear her mumble slightly in her sleep between her cute little snores. “Rio…so…sweet to me.” I placed her in the bed and made my way to the washroom to brush my teeth and get ready for bed as well. Just a few steps from the bed when my heart began to beat slowly and I could hear his voice in my head again. “I’m very very proud of you son. Never forget that. I love you.” “D…dad.” It was as if he was holding me right then and there. his words acted as an embrace from afar and all of the time that we had spent together blasted through my mind sending me into a dream state until I had to catch myself from falling to the ground. When I had found my bearings I reached to over to my patch on my right shoulder that held the symbol of the Earthstriders. It felt slightly warm what with me recently keeping AJ and myself warm underneath it. Every time I had felt its soft stitching I could only remember how proud my father was of me. “I miss you dad. I love you too.” I made my way to Applejack, lifted the covers to and made my way over to her soft loving warmth under the sheets. She was still asleep but I knew that she could feel me there next to her. How I could always tell was with her usual reactions which were either grabbing hold of me and bringing me closer to her, or I would cuddle closer to her and she would turn around, kiss my neck and then let out an adorable happy sigh as she adjusted herself comfortably against my body. “Goodnight Applejack. I love you my sweet angel.” I closed my eyes and let the night blanket me in its warm darkness knowing that Luna was watching over me. The nightmare did not reoccur this time thankfully yet I still felt my body tremble with fear. Applejack meant so much to me that I couldn’t picture myself without her in my life. She already knew that I’d give my life for her. Of course she never would want me to do that, but she knew full well that I would regardless. She saw it in my eyes. The next morning was abrupt and well terrible to say the least. I was awoken by Demi and Ash along side Noir and Dragran. “Rio….Rio wake up dude we have a serious problem.” “Ugh…buh wha…what guys its really early can’t it wait.” Appearntly even AJ was up and about pacing the floor in worry. “AJ sweet heart whats wrong?” “Rio…sugar its Luna she needs you right away.” My face was filled with shock. “Demi whats wrong…WHAT HAPPENED TO HER?” “Easy dude.” “This is my mother were talking about. This is not the time to take it easy. Now someone tell me whats wrong.” “She dying Rio.” Noir spoke up. “No….NO NOT HER TOO!!!!!!!!!!!! DAMN IT I CAN’T SEE MY FATHER ANYMORE AND NOW MY MOTHER IS Dying now…damn it.” My face was filled with mixed emotions right alongside fear. “No this can’t happen I’m going to see her right now.” “Rio wait don’t go alone wait for…” I was already lifting off the ground when everyone in the room had stopped speaking. their faces were filled with amazement as to how I was flying with no wings. “I’m going to save my mother one way or another. AJ I’ll be back later with good news okay…I promise.” “…I know you will honey. Be safe and when you get back with good news I’l be here waiting for ya.” “Thank you sweetheart. I’m sorry that you can’t come along this time….I would have loved for you too.” “I know Rio but it’s okay. Go take care of your mom….I love you.” “I love you too AJ.” With a burst of energy I flew through the open window although what I didn’t realize until only a few seconds out the window was that Demi was right behind me. “Demi what are you doing? Go back to Ash I can handle this.” “Rio firstly I’m your brother got that secondly I already know you have to do this on your own and I understand which is why I want to know what do you want me to do.” “Head to the Earthstiders with everypony and get them ready for the worst. I have no idea why Mom is dying but it can’t be for normal reasons.” “I’m on it bro.” Before Demi left to gather everypony from the farm he placed his hoof on my shoulder and gave me a loving brotherly look. “Rio I got your back dude don’t ever forget that. Everything will be okay.” I nodded to him and we parted ways. It felt like only seconds flying through the air and landing down onto Luna’s balcony. My adrenaline was pulsing through me and I was frantically searching for my mother. “MOM!!! MOM WHERE ARE YOU!!!!!!!!” I finally found her and what else I found brought me only anger. Chrysalis was sapping Luna dry of her energy. Celestia was found close by her alongside her was her personal guard. My eyes were filled with fear and shock. I knew that guard he was the personal guard of Celestia herself. She picked him herself a long time ago. He was the kind of pony that would give his life to protect her’s and she knew that full well and for that reason she gave him that position along side her. He was her shield and he holds the title proudly. “IRONSIDES….NO… GET UP…YOU HAVE TO GET UP NOW!!!!!” “Rio….get…out of…here quickly.” “You know I can’t do that Hang on I’m coming to help.” “No …Rio don’t…. stop” Chapter 4I galloped toward him only to be blown back by a shock wave cast by Chrysalis. Iron was out cold. I could tell he was still alive and I knew he stood his ground right next to Celestia to the end. Thankfully though they were both still alive but just barely. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” Her evil cackle filled the entire room. “Isn’t it obvious I have return just I warned Celestia that I would and now I have her power along side Luna’s and there is nothing you can do to stop me.” “LIKE HELL THERE ISN’T!!!!!!!!!!!” I charged her head on and drew my blade from my side. I clenched the blade in my teeth and readied it for a killing blow. When my sword struck her there was a moment of victory only it was a lie. Her power had grown so strong that standard weapons were like stick striking a brick wall. “I told you boy you do not stand a chance against me.” I continued to swing my blade against her carapace only to have it bounce off of it like it was merely a tickle to her. She flicked her right hoof against my next swing and struck the blade from my mouth. “Now it is time for you to die little colt…nice and slow. HAHAHA my armies will once again rule this land.” She cast a spell around me that lite a small area around my ablaze with emerald flame and I could feel myself being consumed by the ground beneath me. “Ge…urg… no… mom…MOM!!!!!!!!” “It’ll be okay my darling I promise.” Those were that last words I heard from her before the ground beneath me took me from this world. I found myself in a dark cave system with gem encrusted rocks being my bars from the world and darkness surrounding me. Normally I wouldn’t mind the darkness but that was only because Luna’s light was usually there to light up the darkness in such a way that made it feel warm. This darkness was lifeless and terrifying to the light of soul. I could feel my heart writhe in pain at the thought of never seeing my friends again. AJ the angel of my life. The thought of not seeing her again sent me to tears. For the first time in a long time I was crying my soul out. I felt as though there truly was no hope for me to see her again. It was if the nightmare was coming true. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkbQ71K3n1M (Please listen to this while reading this part perfect for atmosphere. cred of course goes to Naruto series.) “AJ…. I’m so sorry. I wish I could see you one more time darlin. I screwed everything up. Now look where I am. I’m lost without you. Mother I failed you too I rushed in without help without knowing what danger lay ahead of me and as such I paid the price. I’ll never see my friends again will I?” I felt like a child fresh from the womb. Lost, scared and it’s only defense was to cry and hope for safety in its mother’s arms. Being in that prison with only gem stones for company and having those brilliant stones mirroring my scarred and bloodied face back at me only to show off what mistake I made by coming here along. I truly felt what is was like to lose hope. The only warmth and joy I could find in this cold dark prison was in remembering what it was like when I was with my father. How he raised me and yet even with that the days that I had spent there had left my soul completely dry of any hope. In the minutes that I was sure my life was over I started hearing foot steps and I saw what I believed was a human figure standing the a midst the darkness. “D…ad is…is that you?” I firmly believed it was merely a hallucination brought on by the weeks gone by without food or water.The figure approached slowly and with a somehow calm feeling about it. “W…what do you want with me. Leave me be damn it….I have nothing for you..s…so just go away.” I had no energy what so ever to fight back all I could do was yell and hope for the best yet even my voice was beginning to give out. The figure’s face was hooded and masked as well. I somehow felt as though I knew this being though. The figure had a black and grey sweater with minor tears in the left cuff of the sleeve along side it was wearing blue jeans and black and grey shoes with a green trim to them along side a simple black shirt. The figure stood tall and strong which reminded me of my father. Then the figure spoke. “Avari I need you over here to help me break these bars.” “I’m on it Rio.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I must have been losing my mind completely when I heard that name. There was no way it could possibly be true. Was the figure somehow my father. “…Dad is that you?” Another figure appeared next to him though this was another pony although her wings we that of crimson light and looked like butterfly wings. She wore a black caps along side with some goggles that looked sort of futuristic. She was a rouge colored pony with a grayish mane and tail. “This looks simple enough to break through but I need you to stand back.” “Got it.” As the two conversed about my escape I knew that this was either an elaborate scheme by Chrysalis to completely break my spirits and torture me one last time with a hallucination before my death came for me, or that this was real and my dad had somehow returned to me once more. “Alright counting down…3…2…1 clear!!!!” Avari yelled. “Avari do you have the supplies with you.” “Ya of course.” “I need them now please.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1K3OJ\_COWA (cred goes to David Larson for his awesome music which works for this part. please listen and enjoy while you read.) The figure removed his hood. My heart began to beat quickly as if filled with life again. I could not believe what I was seeing. It was my father from earth. I was overcome with excitement but my body would not allow me to express it. “Here lil buddy eat this and I promise you’ll feel way better.” My father pulled out a meal that I remembered from my time as a little colt from many many years ago. Mashed carrots and chocolate milk in a little plastic cup. “Easy son I’m here okay everything is going to be just fine.” “Avari check the area for changlings I don’t want any surprises.” “Understood brother I’m on it. I’m glad we found him for you.” “Me too. Thank you Avari I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your help.” “It was my pleasure.” She vanished into the darkness using a the night vision setting from her goggles to help guide her patrol. Then it was just me and my dad. He began to feed me that precious meal that I loved from so long ago. I was barely able to swallow but I forced myself to give all that I had left to saving my life so that I could stay with my father longer and find a way out of this hell. “Dad is it really you. Please tell me its you and not a haunting hallucination. please….please show me you’re real I’m begging you.” He placed his right hand under my front legs and the other under my chin and gently brought me closer to him in order to snuggle me under his warmth. “It is me son. You have no idea how scared I am right now of losing you but I’m not going to let that fear stop me from saving you. I love you Lil Rio and you have my word that we’re walking out of here alive and together again.” Tears had found their way from us and I truly felt Like I was once again with my father. my heart began to beat stronger and I could feel my body’s strength returning to me. I finished off the remaining carrots and milk. As soon as my strength returned fully I charged my dad and tackled him to the ground. “DADDY!!!! I missed you so much daddy.” “I haven’t heard that word in so long Jr. you have no idea how much that warms my heart. I’ve missed you too son. I’ve missed you so much.” The embrace that we shared was that of warmth and true happiness. Something that I had only felt when I was with AJ but now my father was back and I truly felt happy again. This felt truly like a dream come true. I never wanted to let go of him at this point in fear of never seeing him again. Though I was a full grown stallion I did not care that I called him daddy. I missed him with all of my heart and I just couldn’t help but speak what my heart felt like saying to him. Seeing my father again after so long and having him be my savior the only words I could speak out were the truth of how I felt. To everypony he is my father but to me he is and always will be my daddy and I’ll love him as such forever. “Dad how did you get here? how is it possible that you’re here in equestria?” “Luna used most of her power to create another portal to my world and she warned me of Chrysalis’s plan to take over equestria. You and I both knew I would never let that happen. Plus I knew I’d get a chance to see you again and how could I pass that up.” I tightened my hug around him for a few moments and then released him because it was time to explain the whole situation. “Dad last time I saw Mom she was getting her power sapped by Chrysalis. We have to save her now!!!” “What!!! Damn that means I came too late… right we need to get out of here. I know just the pony to help with that.” My dad pulled out a device from his side that looked big and rectangular. He apparently called it cypher. He then tapped it a few times and a voice could be heard on the device. It was his companion Avari’s voice. “Avari what’s your position?” “Currently two hundred and thirty six meters from your position. Why?” ” I have my son and he’s good to go so now is the time to leave. How quickly can you make it to us?” Just as he finished speaking a puff of black smoke appeared behind us and there avari was. “This quick enough?” she asked with a smirk. “heh very. Right we need an exit. Got any ideas Avari?” Chapter 5“Well this cave system spans for a few miles but I’m sure I can get us out no problem.” I spoke up “Well the castle should be right above us but the problem is Queen Chrysalis is taking over as we speak. Avari can that teleport of yours take more then one pony and if so how far can it take us?” She had a smile of confidence and said. “Honey you just tell me where you wanna go and I can take us there.” “Dad there is somewhere I want to show you and when you see it you’ll know it.” He nodded and motioned me to his side while Avari flared her wings and gently blanketed us with them. “Okay so this might feel weird for all you first timers so get ready.” “Dad what does she mean by feel weird?” Before he had a chance to speak the cave walls began to crack with green electricity bouncing off the walls. With a bright flash the Queen of the changlings appeared before us. “So you thought you could escape with your father did you?” I could feel my father’s intensity as he stood brushing off Avari’s wing from around his shoulders. “Avari get my son out of here now!” His voice was calm yet strong. He stood before the Queen and five of her personal guard the aura of silent confidence emanating from him was powerful. “Dad don’t fight her please we can make it out of here together!!!!” “Get back to her Lil buddy. Get back to Applejack she needs you more then ever right now.” “D…Dad how do you know about Applejack and I?” He turned and smiled to me before Avari’s shadow teleport took effect and said. “Luna told me everything. I love you son.” “DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” That was the last word I could speak before I appeared back at Sweet Apple Acres. I was only able to see him for a few short moments and then he was taken from me again by her. I fell to tears and rage when I reached the ground after Avari and I appeared at the farm ground. “Damn….I could have been there with him fighting her. I could have saved him. CELESTIA DAMN IT I LOST HIM AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Avari walked over to me placing a hoof on my head to try and calm me. Tears streamed down my face but I knew what I had to do and nothing was going to stop me. I knew however that I could not do it alone. I began to make my way over to the house where my angel was awaiting my return. I turned my head and asked Avari what she was planning. “Avari what are you going to do now?” “I don’t really know to be honest. I have no where to go really….” It took her a few moments to realize it but I walked over to her and embraced her tightly. “W..why are you..?” “You do have a place to go.” I reached into my pocket and reviled a key to her which I placed in her hoof. “What is this for?” “This is the key to my personal chambers at the Earthstrider barracks. It is a few miles east of the castle near a cliff. This key will get you into my room there. Feel free to use that room as much as you like and that barracks is far enough away from the castle that not even Chrysalis knows about it.” “It’s like you two are the same being.” “He raised me to be honourable and to help those in need. I love my father and so I will always follow in his foot steps.” My father’s kindness still found its way through my anger to lend a hand to another pony. My anger finally faded but the tears still remained. I was only with him for a short while and then he had to leave again to protect me. I should have done something I just should’ve. “Be safe Avari. I will come find you when it is time to take back the castle. Until then may Luna’s light shine upon you.” Before I was able to to turn around to leave for the house Avari grabbed me and pulled me into an embrace. “Thank you Rio. This means a lot to me.” I smiled through my tears and told her. “Always happy to help out.” With the same puff of black smoke that brought us here together became her means of teleporting to the Earthstrider barracks. When her figure vanished from my sight I began making my way once again to the Apple family home stopping by the Cutie Mark Crusader’s clubhouse to find Applebloom sleeping there with her close friends Sweetiebell and Scootaloo. On other circumstances I’d just let them sleep but tonight was a bit of a cold night. It reminded me of one of the first nights I ever spent here. I was pretty banged up that night. I chuckled lightly at the memory though it was painful it was also a happy memory. The wind had picked up slightly and I gathered the three sleeping fillies and brought them all into the house. Thankfully Appleblooms bed was big enough to fit all three of them. When I finished wrapping them up in the bed sheet making sure that they’d be nice and warm I only made it half way out the door when I heard Appleblooms sleepy voice calling. She let out an adorable yawn before speaking. “Rio is that you?” “Hey Applebloom. Ya its me. Everything alright?” “No….I missed you so much. It has been three weeks since ya’ll came back I was worried sick and so was Applejack.” My eyes widen with shock. “Three weeks. No that can’t be. Applebloom are you sure?’ “Yea three weeks.” I couldn’t believe it had been that long. It only felt like hours being held in that prison. I had to keep a smile through my shock and thankfully the darkness in her room helped with keeping my expression masked. “I’m sorry Applebloom but I’m here now and everything will be okay.” “Promise Rio?” I walked over and kissed her forehead to reassure her. “You have my word little Applebloom.” She wrapped her little arms around my neck to hug me tightly and I gently returned the kindness. “Love ya lil sis.” “Love you to big brother.” “I’ll see you in the morning okay?” “Okay. goodnight Rio.” She said yawning again. “Goodnight Applebloom sleep well.” She nodded while still hugging me. I gently placed her back in her bed next to her friends and re wrapped the blanket around her again to keep her warm. I left the room and kept the door open just enough to let some light in. I passed by big Macintosh’s room to find him and Cheerlie sleeping there together. I let out a sigh of happiness and chuckled silently. “Finally they moved in together I was wondering what took em so long to do that.” I could see Big Mac’s arms resting over top Cheerlie’s shoulder. Cheerlie was resting her head on Big Mac’s chest and they were both sound asleep so I made sure not to make any noise when I left the edge of the room. I held a smile across my muzzle all the way to Applejack’s room. I made sure then I had everything that I needed so then when morning would come I could give Applejack my full and undivided love. I reached into my pocket where the Ring was resting. I pulled it out and caressed it. A slight smile appeared on my face and I knew in my heart that tomorrow morning was going to be one of the greatest days in my life. When I arrived I slowly moved in keeping my noise to a bare minimum. I didn’t want to wake her obviously. I came to my side of the bed and noticed AJ had something in her arms held very close to her. She had been crying before she fell asleep. My eyes adjusted to the darkness in the room and I realized what it was. It was a stuffed toy of some sort. Looked fairly new too. Though my eyes were adjusted to the night I still couldn’t make out the details of it so I just left it for closer inspection in the morning. My curiosity would get the better of me in then. I lifted the comforter and sat on the side of the bed. I could feel my uniforms weight lifting off my shoulders after so long a period. I felt light as air afterwords. *sigh* “Much better.” I turned to Applejack and I could still see remnants of tears on her face. It broke my heart seeing those tears there. I knew what I had to do. I crawled towards her and wrapped my arms around her body and held her close placing her head softly on my chest. The reaction was sort of what I expected but my heart felt as though it were being crushed within me as I heard her speak. Her voice was filled with tears and disbelief and her speech was filled with sniffles and whimpering. “Rio….no it can’t be you…..it just can’t be. Please I don’t want any more nightmares….let me wake up so I don’t have to see your image any more. I can’t stand not being able to see you for real…..please just….. just let me wake up. Oh Celestia I love you Rio……why did…..why did you have to disappear from my life?” I dug my hoof under where her side was resting and pulled her over top of me. “AJ….AJ listen to me. I’m here now darlin. I will always be here. From now on I will not leave your side again.” Her whimpers were taking over her will to listen and there was only one thing I knew that would work. One thing I knew she would feel and that would break the damage done to her heart and let her know I was real here and now. “Applejack. I love you my sweet angel.” I pulled her into the deepest most meaningful embrace and locked lips with her until she needed to breath. This motion I knew would wake her up for various reasons. The most important reason being that she knew I was real and that I was no illusion. When the kiss was broken and she was gasping for air that woke her from her semi dream state. It basically was a kicker. She lifted herself arching her back and using her front legs as support as she looked down at me in disbelief. Her eyes widened as she stared at me as if seeing an apparition. “Rio….Oh Celestia Rio you’re here you’re real. Oh Rio darlin I was so scared I was never going to see you again. Rio please please please never scare me like that ever again. I couldn’t stand not being able to see you again. I…I’ve just not been myself since you left. I…” I pulled her into my arms and let her drain what sorrow she had left in her heart. I began to speak words of comfort to her as she let her sorrows leave her. “Applejack my dearest love. I Rio Earthstrider give you my word that I will never leave your side by any means. I will always love you through thick and thin. Through the worst of storms and through sickness and in health. You will always be the one mare whom my heart belongs with and will stay with forever more.” She lifted herself to get a better view of me. It took her a few moments to realize but I was giving her my vows of marriage. “Rio what are you doing? Are you…are you proposing to me?” I raised my head to meet her gaze and spoke the words that I so terribly wanted to tell her after so many years of being her partner in life. “Applejack I have been with you for as long as I can remember. You have brought joy to my soul and love to my world. You have kept my heart warm and never alone and now I Rio Earthstrider wish to give you the same kindnesses that you have given me. I wish to share my life with you forever till the day of my final rest.” “Applejack will you be my partner for life…. Will you marry me my sweet angel?” “Oh my Rio I….I…” Before she was able to answer Demi warped into the room in a flash of green light that nearly blinded me. “RIO GET OUT OF BED CHANGELINGS ARE APPROACHING IN MASS!!!!!!!!!” “what no how?” “Applejack wake your family and get them to safety quickly darlin.” I spoke with an authoritative voice. I had my uniform half way one when she stopped me. “Rio its okay sweetheart there is no need to worry because it’s already too late.” “What are you talking about?” Before my question was answered she pinned me to the ground where I stood and transformed into her changeling form. “What are yo….ugh…wha…huh.” My body became numb. This changeling was a female and they were considered extremely dangerous for the skin excreted a poison that leaves their victims immobile. I could not move no matter how hard I tried. I felt as though my body was not my own at all. “You…yo..huh…n…where…is…applejack?” The female spoke up with a devilish smirk “You needn’t worry about her earthstrider she will become one of us soon enough. Fear not you two will be together again in time. When you both become changelings yourselves heh heh heh.” I looked upon Demi who held a smirk and a few moments after reaching out to him he too changed into a changeling as well. Chapter 6http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkbQ71K3n1M Cred goes to naruto series. please listen while reading thank you. ^_^. “No….” I slipped out of consciousnesses and awoke in the prison once more within the caverns under the castle. I could feel the stones underneath me they were cold and familiar. It was far too soon to be back in this cell yet this time I was not alone. I turned to see the horror that was my mother and Applejack both covered in blood and dirt. It looked as though they were both tortured and then thrown in here some time ago. “Oh Celestia no…..MOM….APPLEJACK!!!!!” I raced to them in a panic forcing my body to rid itself of the poison through shear adrenaline. I reached them and brought them closer to me trying to wake them both. “MOM….mom it’s me Rio your son please get up….YOU HAVE TO GET UP!!!!!” I could see some motion from her but it was faint. I looked to Applejack who gave the same response. My body began to tremble furiously. “No this can’t be happening I can’t let this happen I can’t lose them NOT LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!!” Luna’s horn began to glow and with what energy she had left she pressed it against my head. A memory flashed in my mind of what Luna told me on my first day as Captain of the Earthstriders. A memory that I would never forget. “My darling son there may come a day where the elements of harmony may be in danger of being lost. Should that day ever arise your heart will be the key to protecting them from danger. Trust in your heart my son and it will guide you without fail.” When the memory had finished playing in my mind I nearly collapsed to the ground after hearing that. I turned to find that there were more cages surrounding this one. They held hostages as well. “No….how….no how did they….?” What I saw shook my heart even more pressing it to the point of a true feeling of being torn apart. These are my friend and family. Demi, Ash, James, DerpyApples. I lost complete control of myself at this point. My rage was unleashed and I rammed my skull on the cage and shook with each impact. Every time I struck it the dent in the old rusted bars grew more and more damaged till I finally broke through. A changeling guard close by by attempted to put me down. “You there stop where you stand.” “YOU PUNY EXCUSE FOR A CREATURE I’LL MAKE YOU SUFFER FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO MY FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I torn the spear from his hooves and smashed it over his head leaving him with a concussion. I then slammed my hoof into his neck pressing down hard leaving him with shallow breaths till his life force faded from this world. I charged the rest of the cages breaking them clean open and freeing my family. most of them were still unconscious so I went to the center of the cave to try to ease myself out of the rage that consumed me. At the center of the cave was a pool and what I saw staring back at me was a monster. the half of my cutie mark that was glowing was the half that held the demonic wings. my eyes were blood red and I became scared. “what….what am I?” I looked to the guard who was unfortunate enough to get in my at the time. I cringed at the sight of what my fury brought. I walked over to the corpse and dragged it into a side of the cave and laid him to rest. “Forgive me for what I have done to you. Not even you deserve what my fury has brought upon you . My you rest in peace.” “Ri…Rio is that you?” I cocked my head to see DerpyApples crawling towards me covered in dirt and wounds. she made it to my arms and held on tightly. I was in such shock that I froze. I couldn’t make any motion. I was barely even able to move my head. I noticed a glimmer through what looked like tarnished armour. “Iron….no not you too. This. no this can’t be right. I can’t let this be.” I began to rise off the ground and my cutie mark began to glow on the side of the angel wings. My eyes became filled with a bright blue glow, a nova of white light blasted forth from my body surround the cave in a glow that brightened all of the crystals within it. I knew this magic. It was from my heart that spoke to my mark and allowed me to channel that magic from my body to my friends…no my family healing them of their wounds and bringing them back to life. My heart knew what was right and as such I became the balance within my family making sure that no matter where they were they would be safe. That is what my heart was telling me from the start. That is what my cutie mark truly was. The light and the darkness within me was both my weapon and my shield to protect my family from harms way finally understood what my special talent was after all this time. I couldn’t believe it took me this long to realize it. I felt so silly not knowing it. “All my friends…all my family. They are what makes me special it is because of them that I am who I am.” I could feel my heart and soul connecting with each of theirs and I noticed that each one of them began to lift off the ground. Though my eyes were closed I could feel them lifting off the ground. I felt the magic between us that only a family shared. I pulled them all in close to me and held them as tight as I could. I wasn’t sure if they were conscious or not but that didn’t stop me from telling them all how I felt. This time my voice did not tremble for I did not fear of losing them now. Not with them so close to me. “I just want each of you to know that I love you all. You have all made your mark in my heart and that mark will always be shown in who I am as a pony. Never forget that. Now its time to wake up renewed and stronger then ever.” As the words finished leaving my mouth the magic that surrounded my friends in the the healing embrace vanished and they all stood together as a family. I landed down in the centre of them. When I opened my eyes Demi, Ash and DerpyApples were the first to tackle me to the ground in a loving hug. “Rio….Rio you’re alive we were so worried.” “I’m okay in fact I have never been better.” Iron spoke up in a worried tone looking to Luna and not seeing Celestia anywhere in sight. “Where is she. Where is Celestia Rio. No….NO I HAVE FAILED HER….. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I walked over to him. and place my hoof on his shoulder. “No you haven’t Iron. Not unless you have given up hope.” “I will never give up hope Rio. You know that.” I smirked at him and nodded. “Now that’s the Iron we all know. My whole family quickly examined the area where they were being held captive and then turned to me. Luna was the first to speak. “Rio what shall we do?” “Wait why are you all asking me?” Demi punched me in me arm and spoke. “Why do you think. You saved us all. We’re your family and you’re our leader we trust you more then anypony Rio. Never forget that.” I turned to Luna who stood right in front of my beaming with pride. “Mom how….how did I heal everypony the way I did?” Luna nuzzled me then spoke softly. “Rio I placed a magic within your heart a long time ago when I created you that could only be released when you realized how important your family was to you. Rio your special talent is being the savior of harmony. Congratulations my son.” “My family is the most important thing to me and there is one very special somepony in this family that I .” I walked up to Applejack who was standing next to Luna and held her hoof in mine. “Applejack I love you more then words would ever be able to describe. Applejack you are the harmony within my heart I hope you never forget that my sweet angel.” Even though everypony was watching it didn’t matter to either of us. We kissed each other. They all knew how much I loved her and how much I couldn’t be without her. I loved this pony before me more then life itself. She gave me hope, joy, love, and a place for my heart right next to hers. I knelt down on one hoof and pulled out the gold band. This time I knew for sure that this was no changeling in front of me. Everypony’s reaction was amazement. “Applejack when this is all over and we take back the castle would you do me the honor of marrying me and being my special somepony for life?” A smile began to form on her muzzle and tears began to well up in her eyes. She wiped away the tears and wrapped her arms around my neck lovingly. After a few moments she put her nose to mine and we locked our looks of love to one another. I was graced with another warm collision of our lips and then when the kiss was broken she asked me a question that I remember fondly from years ago. “Did you really need to ask sugar?” I smiled and answered with the very same answer I gave her years ago to a very similar question. “Well I just wanted to ask just in case. You know to be polite.” “Well then since you were so polite the answer is…. Yes.” “WAAAAHOOOO YAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” What can I say. I couldn’t hide how happy I was. I mean come on Applejack said yes to marrying me. The pony of my heart said yes and we were going to get married. I held her hoof in mine and placed the gold band on her. She eyed it with a big smile and then she placed her other hoof under my chin to raise my head for a another kiss. “I love you Rio Earthstrider.” “I love you too Applejack.” I noticed all of the warm smiles being sent our way from our family that surrounded us. Luna walked up to me and brought me back to reality for necessary reasons of course. “Rio we must make our leave. can you lead us out of here?” “Yes I will get us out of here safely. Ironsides, Demi, DerpyApples, James and Applejack to me. There are going to be a lot of changelings between us and our escape so stay close and lets lead these civilians out of here safely. Understood?” All together they saluted me. I felt a sense of pride that I had never felt before but I made sure keep focus and enjoy the feeling later. “Understood.” “Alright lets get moving.” The caves that we were making our way through were vast and winding but I just followed where my gut was leading me and thankfully that was enough however when we finally found the exit it lead us to the Chrysalis’s main hall. She added her touch to it that left it lifeless and very unwelcoming. The pillar that once held a glories ivory color now were stained with black and green cracks that looked almost as if they were alive. The floors felt as though they were grabbing me to hold me down where I stood. I beckoned DerpyApples to my side. “Listen sis I once we get everypony out of here I need you all to make your leave and make sure that everypony is safe. Can you do that for me.” She looked at me questioningly. “Bro were family you know that we can’t just leave you here alone. What if you get captured again. Were getting out of here together as a family and that’s final. I’m not losing my brother for any reason okay?” I hate to say this but I lied through my teeth to her. I knew something was going to happen because my mark was telling me so. it was as if it was speaking to me. I knew exactly what it was telling me. I knew the danger that was coming and it was Chrysalis but there was something else that was with her. “Okay sis we’ll do it your way.” Iron spoke up at first sight of the door. “There we can get everypony out now. Alright lets go and stay close to me and Demi and we’ll get you out of here safely.” Iron, Demi, and myself all could feel that this was going way to smoothly. We expected changelings to be after us yet there was nothing. Not one is sight. When to doors opened the only pony that was there was Avari. “Avari? how did you know we were here?” She smiled and gave me a hug. “It was your cutie mark’s magic energies that I felt. It lead me to the castle and well here you all are. I’m here to help so lets get all of these ponies to safety.” Demi walked up to his lover Ash and wrapped a wing over her to keep her close. I could tell he was worried about her being in this castle of changelings even though he expression remained serious. Ash is fearless when it comes to protecting her family and she held a deep love for Demi. So to ease his heart from worry she gave him a warm kiss to his cheek and told him how much she loved him. Demi gazed into her eyes and a smile could be seen as he nuzzled her lovingly. He turned his gaze to me and smirked as a way of showing that everything was going to be okay. I guess I held a face of worry. I returned the expression and he made his way out the door with Ash and a few other ponies following him out. Applejack moved to my side and I caressed her cheek with mine. I gave her a concerned look and continued to nuzzle her. “Is something wrong Rio?” “I don’t quite know but something just feels off.” Cackling echoed from across the room and two figures appeared next to the throne. One I knew was Chrysalis but the other held an aura of power about it. I feared this aura greatly and my body began to shake terribly. AJ held me close to keep me up and warm. “Rio it’s okay. I’m here darlin. we’ll face her together.” “AJ….I…I’m scared. I’m so scared of losing you right now but I don’t know why.” I held onto her for dear life and the trembling only got worse. I could feel her fur coat warming mine. Chrysalis spoke up breaking each others concentration. “My my my such love between ponies oh how I cannot wait to feed upon it. Do you know what the best part about this is young Earthstrider? The best part is that you will lose everything you ever cared about in this world. I have already taken something from you.” “What are you talking about Chrysalis? WELL!!!!!!!?” The other figure stepped forth into the light that shown through a crack in the roof. It was no wonder why my body was shaking like mad. It knew the form well before I recognized it. It was my father. Chrysalis had morphed him into a half human half changeling combination. Half of his body was skin the other was exposed bone covered in a carapace of black and green veins. I could barely stand. Even with AJ there by my side the fear had over taken me. My uniform felt so heavy and my heart was racing so much as if i had just done a thousand laps, full on sprinting, and non stop. Before either of us could react two of Chrysalis’s royal guards swooped down, grabbed AJ from my side and brought her to Chrysalis. My body became enraged and the fear had left only burning fury. “NO AJ GIVE HER BACK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I began to rise off the ground and readied myself to launch at them when Chrysalis’s horn began to glow emerald green. My father’s eyes opened and there was the same color glow coming from them. He was under Chrysalis’s complete control. Her first move sent my father at the doors slamming them shut and placing a barrier over it so that no pony could interfere. Demi slammed the doors with his hooves in anger sending sparks of void energy dancing off the door. “NO DAMN IT RIO….RIO!!!!!!!!!!” Ash and Iron sides moved to him and helped him up from his tear filled rage. Ash spoke up along side Iron Sides. “Demi its going to be alright. Rio can handle whatever is being thrown at him.” “She’s right Demi. Have faith in Rio is an Earthstrider after all. They’re as tough as the Warptrotters and don’t forget he is a Warptrotter as well. “I….can’t lose him I just can’t. We are brothers. We have been for such a long time its just….gah I wish I could be there with him now. Damn it Rio don’t you dare die in there.” My father turned to me with a murderous frown upon his face. I glared at him and readied myself as best I could but his physical abilities were on a level that I could not even hold a stick to as the saying goes. He readied himself in a stance with his legs parted, his right fist near his face for defense and his left outward of his body in an open palm. He clenched his right hand into a fist, slammed the ground and launched himself into the air coming down straight at me. As he landed he created a crater with a blast force that sent me into the nearest pillar utterly destroying it. through the smoke of the destruction he came flying at me landing a solid right hay maker to my left cheek. The flurry of blows that I had taken left me stunned and brutally damaged. It didn’t stop there however. The force of his blows left my hanging in the air and the wind was taken from me as he placed his hands on my shoulders, drove his knee into my gut, wrapped his left arm around my neck and used his body’s swinging force to follow up with an equally brutal knee to my back sending me to the ground. I tried to stand up but as I had found my bearings I was picked up by my neck and choked. My father placed me on the nearest pillar and readied another powerful strike to my face when I noticed something about him. This was how I know Chrysalis was the worst kind of evil in Equestria. She had completely control over him but she had made sure that he was aware of everything that he was doing. A single tear ran down his cheek glimmering off of his newly hardened skin. Chapter 7I heard him barely speak through his teeth. “N…no….stop….please.” I reached out with my hoof to wipe the tear from his eye while still being choked. “Dad….its okay you’re….not in control. None of this your doing.” His eyes widened and I was flung to the center of the desecrated royal hall. I was beaten and there was no chance for me now. My body had given in. However I was blessed with light that shown through the destroyed roof and so I let myself rest and enjoy it since the end was nigh. “Your time has come little Earthstrider now prepare yourself for your end.” Chrysalis horn once again began to glow and all of the pillars around us lifted and shattered. She used her magic to turn them into a thousand spikes of stone and aimed them at me. “Your final breaths are here now young colt you’d best use them wisely. Speak your last words before I strip you from this world.” My eyes remained shut and blood began to find its way from my internal injuries to my throat causing me to cough it up. “As…you wish. Chrysalis…you won’t win no matter what. You can kill me but you don’t understand that in doing so….my family will hunt you down to the end of your days. Trust me your army…wouldn’t…be able to protect you.” “A cute idea from a dying pony maybe heh heh. You can keep that idea in your mind in the afterlife. Farewell.” The spikes began to hum with the spinning force caused by her magic. As they shot towards me I could feel me father’s spirit awaken as if he broke out of Chrsyalis spell. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr7jmGhyMFw Cred for this music goes to the fans. Please listen while reading. thank you. “NO!!!!!” My father leaped toward me and shielded me from the onslaught of spikes. he held me close in a tight loving hug. all the while fighting through death’s grasp slowly beginning to take its hold over him through pain. The sound I heard around us was similar to heavy hail hitting windows except it was ten times louder. The spikes blew up all around us but even though the sound was ear splitting All I heard was my father speaking to me as held me closer then he ever has before. “RIO HOLD ON LIL BUDDY ITS ALMOST OVER TO STAY BEHIND ME!!!!” “DAD DON’T PLEASE DON’T. DON’T DO THIS!!!” “DAD NO….. PLEASE NO!!!” when the hall finally went silent my father lowered his head to look me in the eyes and with the energy he had left he rested his forehead on mine. his words were soft and without any form of worry even with death so close. “Rio don’t let fear take you lil buddy everything will be okay. I have full faith in you to be the hero of this world.” I couldn’t hold anything in. I forgot all that was around me and only focused on my father. I reached to him and held him tighter then I ever have before. I was really going to lose him this time. I wanted to see my father again so badly and now fate has given me this. This wasn’t fair at all. “Dad you can’t go I need you so badly….dad…. please.” He raised his hand to hold my tear filled speech, and did his best to playfully lick my nose like he did in the past. I opened my eyes to see his warm smile shining through his pain to greet me with kindness. “It’s okay son. I love you and that’s all that matters. I have always loved you and it makes my heart happy again to see you here right in front of me. To be able to hold you in my arms. To be able to feel your warmth again. I’m sorry it has to be like to be like this. Rio you my hero lil buddy you…always…have been.” It was as if his spirit faded right in front of me as he fell to the floor. “Dad… No… DAD!!!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JrLRawqcbA Credit for this awesome music goes to 30 seconds to mars Please listen while reading thank you. My cutie mark began to shine brighter then the sun itself. My body’s color changed to a glorious ivory color with my mane and tail becoming a shining cyan. My eyes began to glow with a beautiful blue glow. The queen covered her eyes leaving the rest of subjects blinded with no cover. The hall rumbled with the magic that blasted forth from my cutie mark. My body dawned six wings of both angel and demon like. A spirit shield appeared in front of me making its way around my body creating golden Armour and then returning to its original place in front of me. I was no longer Rio Earthstrider I was Harmony’s savior manifested. My voice was no longer mine either yet I was aware of everything. The queen became enraged and let out an explosion of magic that destroyed the light that surround the hall. “YOU DARE THINK YOU CAN STOP ME FOOL?! EQUESTRIA IS MINE. I WILL NOT BE STOPPED, NOT BY YOU NOT BY ANYONE NOW DIE!!!” Her eyes began to glow a bright green and she attacked with a powerful beam of concentrated magic. My shield rose in front of me and I merely walked toward her without fear. The shield blocked every bit of damage that I would have sustained as if it were nothing. when her magic finally gave out I lowered the shield and charged her with thundering force. My hooves left small craters with electricity shooting out from wherever I stepped. The queen launched spell after spell at me to no avail. My charge toward her remained. “ATTACK MY CHANGELINGS DEFEND YOUR QUEEN.” The shield once again rose before me but this time my wings flared and my speed increased ten fold causing me to fly toward her with such power that when I slammed into her I sent us both through the castle walls and out into the open air. I lowered the shield and grabbed her throat with my teeth, found the nearest cliff and slammed her down into it. “GUH…WAIT PLEASE DON’T KILL ME PLEASE I’M BEGGING YOU.” I slowly walked up to her readying my horn to end her when another changeling attacked me from behind her. I figured it latched onto her when she flew through the castle. This changeling however was different. This changeling held the body of a mare, but what sent my fears over the deep end was that it had mane and tail both shredded. The mane and tail were golden blonde. It couldn’t be true she changed Applejack into a changleing. The love of my life was torn from my world and one of the elements of harmony was gone. “I can change her back but only if you let me live.” Rumbling could be heard coming from the earth around us. My face held anger like I had never felt before. White light magic began sparking from all over my body and the rumbling began to worsen. I spoke finally in such a roar that the mountains began to shake. The bottom of the mountains began to crack trailing up to their peaks. I was in control of my form now. my voice started off restrained but that quickly changed. “You dare….HOW DARE YOU BARTER WITH ME. FILTHY SCUM OF EQUESTRIA. YOU DO NOT DESERVE LIFE FOR THE AMOUNT OF BALANCE YOU HAVE DISTURBED. YOU HAVE DESTROYED THE BALANCE OF THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY, YOU THREATENED THE LAND OF EQUESTRIA AND WISHED TO RULE OVER A LAND THAT YOU DO NOT EVEN COME CLOSE TO UNDERSTANDING ALL FOR YOUR SELFISH NEED FOR POWER.” Her eyes were locked with mine in fear of what I might do.The fury in my heart remained strong but my voice calmed down and the magic that was emitting from me no longer sparked uncontrollably. My wings folded to my sides and I walked up to Applejack. She thrashed at me yet I paid that no mind. I placed my horn upon her forehead and magic began to surround her end to end. The carapace that once was her skin was now her beautiful orange coat once again. “My dearest love I gave you my heart and you gave me yours. Now my love I will give my life to return you to what you once were.I prey that you live happily even though after this exchange I will only be with you for a short time until I must go. I love you Applejack and no matter what happens I want you to know that I will never forget you.” When Applejack came to after the re transformation her first words gave my heart some warmth only because of her cute little accent. “What in tar nation just happened. Whoa there mister who are you?” I looked upon her with a soft expression and let my magic fade so that she could see the real me and not my manifested form. her eyes were filled with shock and confusion. “Hey AJ its me Rio.” She walked up to me cautiously and placed a hoof on my face to make sure it really was me. Then she began to cry tears of relief and wrapped her arms around me. “Rio….Rio oh my stars did I missed you sweetheart. I was so scared I had lost you. Chrysalis took me away from you and then I was surrounded by changelings….Everything went black after that. What happened to me? how did I get here?” “AJ Chrysalis turned you into a changeling and that big white stallion was me. I changed you back. I never told you this but my special talent is being the saviour of harmony. Within my heart holds magic beyond normal limits. hehe I bet I could give twilight a run for her money eh.” I added that little comment only to lighten the mood. It worked slightly thankfully. she chuckled a little and we began to make our way back to the castle when Chrysalis got up and roared at us. “A FOOLISH MISTAKE YOU MADE BY FORGETTING ABOUT YOUR ENEMY BOY.” I cocked my head towards her and let out a chuckle. “ Oh I didn’t forget about you trust me.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SipHN1\_BI1E Credit goes to Blue exorsist anime. Please listen while reading thank you. I pointed to the sky and yelled at the top of my lungs “STRACH. DROP THE BASS!!!” Chrysalis turned her attention to the cliff to see a blue fur coated unicorn with a white and black mane and tail readying himself. Two massive speakers at his sides blared were ready and able at his command. “Ever seen a real bass cannon chrysalis? WELL TONIGHT YOUR IN FOR A TREAT SUCKA.” Stach’s horn began to glow and his magic began bursting from his horn which shot to the two turn tables in front of him. The two massive speakers shot forth a blast of pure sound energy which blew Chrysalis clean from where she was standing. “JAMES SEND HER FLYING AMIGO.” A black coloured unicorn with a while blade like mane and tail launched into the air and pointed his horn straight where Chrysalis was going to land and created an explosion of such power that the whole landscape began to shake dangerously. She was launched into the air with ease. “DEMI. IRON. ASH SHOW HER THE MIGHT OF THE WARPTROTTERS!!!” Three ponies appeared in the air surrounding her. A pegasus with a Gray fur coat and spiked mane with a smooth tail with a teal color to them. The unicorn had a brown coat covered in royal guard Armour that shined the sun’s brilliance off of it. The next is Ash who is a black colored alicorn with a waving mane and tail of pink color. Their fury together left Chrysalis without a chance. They all created portal that surrounded the helpless queen. All three of them entered portals and exited them attacking the queen on different sides beating her on every angle. They then created three portals under her and launched themselves at her sending her farther into the air. Demi waved at me from the skies giving me the all clear. I nodded and called upon Noir, Dragran and Avari. “NOIR, DRAGRAN, AVARI YOUR UP SHOW HER WHAT YOUR MADE OF.” Noir, Dragran and Avari shot up from the portals under Chrysalis and the trio began their assault. Noir conjured a bow staff and unleashed his martial art talent that none of us knew about but it was extremely impressive and dangerous. Noir unleash a flurry of blows upon her breaking the carapace that defended her while Dragran zoomed by her bashing her hard shell with heavy strikes leaving even more dents and cracks upon her flesh. Avari flew at her as conjured up her scythe with her magic and launched a endless number of slashes and deep cutting strikes to her. As they finished she began to fall and Noir was caught by his close friend Dragran who brought him down to the ground gently. “Alright darlin you and me. lets take her down.” “You got it sugar.” We both began to charge her from different directions while she was still stunned. Both AJ and I were in perfect synch with our heavy blows to the queen. I rammed he dead on and sent her into AJ’s direction. AJ slammed a hoof into the round or support as she swung her rear hooves straight into Chrysalis’s face. sending back in my direction. I turned around and readied myself to launch her into the air. With a powerful buck I sent her into the air and yelled. “DERPY CRATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Now whenever any pony has ever said those words everypony knows to run like mad to get out of that area. Derpyapples is a sister of mine and James’s thanks to me becoming part of the Apple family and I have come to learn something very important about her. If you see something in the sky that looks like a fire ball coming at you expect destruction in its wake. “EVERYPONY TO ME ON THE DOUBLE. JAMES, NOIR, IRON, ASH YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.” They nodded and everypony ran to them. All of their horns began to glow and created a powerful bubble shield which we all hoped would protect us from the coming Armageddon. We looked out to the sky above us and saw the fireball approaching The fireball grew in size and a small Pegasus could be seen in the center of the inferno. Her form was focused, deadly and terrifying. Her eyes draw a bead on Chrysalis and once Derpyapples collided with the queen a blinding flash of light shown beautifully before being engulfed in a pillar of flame. What remained in the aftermath was the cute little Pegasus wagging her tail excitedly and with a smile at her face while she admired her work. Bare in mind when I say the words “DERPY CRATER” I mean crater. the whole cliff side was missing and replaced with a massive hole measuring about two kilometers wide. Though she may be small never ever doubt the power behind this adorable little Pegasus. she’ll end you. When the shield went down and we regrouped around Derpyapples and any of the ponies who were not us to seeing Derpy in action were shaking in their fur. I walked up to her and gave her a hug and nuzzled her. “Nice work sis. I knew I could count on you to finish the job in a very well executed and destructive manner.” She gave me a smirk and then playfully punched my chest. “Wubs bro.” She returned the hug and walked toward the group of ponies while I made my way to what was left of the edge of the cliff overlooking the water. Applejack took notice and walked up to me. she looked concerned and pushed her head against my neck to get my attention. “What wrong sugercube?” I attempted a smile but I could not bring myself to lie to her either. My time was here and I had but a few moments left before I faded away. “Applejack I need to tell you something. I was not born I was merely created with one specific purpose.” “Whadda ya mean Rio?” I turned to her and sat in front of her with my head drooped slightly and my ears resting on either side of my head lazily. I felt as though I was confessing to murder. “Luna created me to be the saviour of harmony. When you were turned into a changeling the imbalance became real and I had no choice but to give my life in order for one of the elements of harmony to return to its place in Equestria. Balance had to be maintained. I thought everything was going to be okay and that your life would never be in danger. I hope you know that I never meant to mislead you into thinking that we could get married because I truly believed we would. I wish there was some way for me too stay here with you forever sweetheart.” “Okay haha Rio you had your joke now be serious with me.” My sorrowful eyes met with her’s. That’s when she knew that I was very serious. “Yo…you can’t be serious Rio. Ya just can’t be.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtOvBOTyX00 Credit for this amazing music goes to Christina Perri. Please listen while reading. thank you. My cutie mark began to fade slowly and my strength followed suit. I fell to the ground in front of her laying flat on my side. She was lost in confusion and was begging for answers. “No…no there has to be some way to save you. You saved me…. now its my turn.” She placed a hoof on my side and yelled for the other to come to us. “RIO IS HURT….. PLEASE SOME PONY HELP US!!!!” My family came rushing toward us and circled round.
Chapter 1“No…NO AJ STAY WITH ME PLEASE AJ NO……… NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!” “HHUAHHH”!!! “ugh…. AJ are you… oh thank Celestia *sigh*” I awoke in a cold sweat from my nightmare. AJ was sleeping next to me peacefully which helped me ease out of the feeling of terror I had moments ago. I bent over to my side and placed a kiss upon her nose and a tiny smile appeared across her face. It has been about two and a half years since we declared our love for each other. Also ever since I told AJ that I had been sleeping outside in the forest area for those months that I was new to Equestria she had made a place for me to sleep in the farm. Of course after the event with the dragon and coming out in the open with how we feel for each other she had made a permanent place for me right here in her bed with her. Even after all these years I still love AJ as much as I did when we first expressed our affection toward one another. In fact it has only grown. I returned to my position on my side of the bed when AJ instinctively reached over and pulled me into her arms. Of course I didn’t resist and I mean who wouldn’t want to be held by Applejack. The orange angel who made my life something of excitement and bliss. feeling the warmth coming from her body surrounding mine made me once again fall into a deep comforting sleep. But the nightmare had returned to me once again this time however it wasn’t my voice I was hearing it was AJ’s. “Rio….. No….. RIO PLEASE YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP. PLEASE YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME.” “RIO… RIO… RIO…” “Rio… Rio… Hey Rio wake up you’re going to be late for your chores oh also Demi and Ash are here to see you about something. “Ugh buh wha….oh sure… ugh my head.” “I’m sorry did I hurt your head Rio.” She looked worried that she may have actually hurt me in some way. So to show her that there was nothing to worry about I pulled her into the bed with me and AJ and we all cuddled together. “Seriously though Rio, Demi and Ash are waiting.” “aww fine I’ll get up.” I lazily got up and put on my sweater along side my glasses and shoes. As I was making my way down stairs I could here hoof steps behind me then they disappeared. Then once again when I started to walk I heard them again. I had turned my head for just a moment to look around only to find Demi had teleported right in front of me when my attention was tuned to a different direction. “HEY BRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” “Gah!!!!! Ugh what the hell Demi. You know not to do that this early in the morning bud.” “Ugh ow my head.” “You alright dude?” Demi asked with a mild look of concern on his face. before I was able to answer I was tackled onto the floor and nuzzled by Ash. “HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII RIO!!!.” “He..hey Ash. ugh… ow. I was knocked out on the floor until my lips tasted a familiar vibrant flavor that woke me up almost instantly. Though I kept my eyes closed until the kiss was broken merely to enjoy it to the fullest. “Heh. How long are ya gonna stay on the ground there sweetheart.” AJ asked with a playful tone. “That depends will I get more loving from you if I stay on the ground or would that be a no?” I asked with a comical tone. She playfully whipped my side with her tail to get me on my feet. “You have some chores ta do and your friends are waiting for ya Rio.” She moved up to me and whispered in my ear. “However if ya’ll are a good worker I’ll give ya somethin to show my appreciation for yer effort later suger.” She walked away giving me a wink and a smile for me as she left. I was blushing at this point and even though we had been together for almost three years she still knew how to get me lost in emotion. “uh…sure ya will do darlin.” I called out to her as she left the room. “Alright guys lets go.” I made my way outside with Demi and Ash following right behind me. and at about half way to Ponyville I stopped them to ask a question. “So whats up guys? Why did you come out here to see me for?” “What I can’t come out here to see my best bro and to hangout with you?” I gave Demi a not amused look. To which he held a big goofy smile. I turned to Ash because I knew she’d tell me what was up. “Okay Ash seriously whats up?” “Luna needs to see you about you about some new recruits who are enlisting into the Earthstriders. Also she needs to speak with you about some other matters concerning your father.” “My…father? Is he alright?” “She wouldn’t tell me anything only that she needed to see you urgently.” “Thanks. Oh and hey you guys…thanks for coming out here to see me. I really did miss you both.” Demi tackled me to the ground along side with Ash who both gave me a hug to show how much they missed me unfortunately I couldn’t stay with them for too long since the news of my father was covering all of my thoughts. “I’ll catch you guys later alright I gotta go see Luna right away.” “It’s cool bud see ya later.” I gave them a smirk to show a form of confidence in only to mask how I truly felt at that moment. I hadn’t seen my father since he took care of me two and half years ago. I miss him so much. “Dad…. I hope everything’s okay.” I closed my eyes and began to focus when I could feel my body begin to float and then lift off the ground with ease and then flew as fast as I could toward Canterlot to see princess Luna. I am an earth pony with a gift that was given to me by Luna who created me years ago. She told me that I was able to fly only because she marked my heart with the symbol of wings when she created me. I am the only known earth pony in equestria who has the ability to fly even though I have no visible wings. I used my usual secret entrance to Luna’s chambers to go and meet her. “Mom where are you. Are you sleeping still?” I consider Luna to be my mother and Rio to be my father but my dad is human whereas my mom is a pony. Luna created me but my dad Rio is the one who raised me. So that’s why I call him dad and that’s why he calls me Lil Rio. Ever since those days that I was with him I have missed him dearly. I have my friends here and so I am happy. Needless to say a big part of me is missing but I know that he’s out there and He’s happy. “I love you dad.” I catch myself saying that a lot and it only happens whenever I think about him though. I found Luna sleeping soundly in her bed all warm and toasty and I figured since I was here a little early I’d go and join my mother for some good sleep. Out of instinct she unfolded a wing for me and brought me in closer to her side and used her wing to keep me warm. Her room was completely shaded so you could see the magically lite stars in her room’s walls. Along side the stars was a bright and shining moon which was also lite through her magic. I could hear her heart beating softly and somehow it reminded me of AJ whenever we slept together. I feel asleep under Luna’s warmth and she moved her head to nuzzle my mane. A few hours had passed and I woke up find Luna had sitting by her fireplace gazing into the embers as they danced around. “Mom…you okay?” Luna spoke up softly “You were talking in your sleep again Rio. You were calling for your father back on earth.” “Dad? I was calling for him.” “Yes. I know you miss him and I’m sorry things had to happen the way they did.” “Mom…. why couldn’t I stay with him there?” Just as Luna was about to speak a mailcolt and Pegasus had arrived arrived on Luna’s balcony. As soon as I saw the Green mane I knew that Noir had arrived along side with his friend Dragran. I trotted over to them and opened the door for them to come inside. “Noir. Dragran I missed you guys. How is everything.” Noir was the first to speak. “Hey Rio we missed you too…. sorry. Things have just been so busy that we can barely see each other any more to hangout.” Dragran walked up to us and joined in the conversation. “It’s good to see you again Rio and Noir is right things have been pretty busy so our apologies for that.” “Guys its okay I understand what with all the mail that needs to be delivered plus the shortage of pegasi for the long distance mail delivery, plus the fact that many mail ponies at a lot of the post offices being sick.” “You guys have a lot on your guy’s plates so once again no worries. I have some news however that you guys are going to love.” They both leaned in to hear what I had to say “What is it Rio.”
Chapter 2“You both know that I have been in love with AJ for about two and half years right?” “Ya…wait… oh Celestia are you going to…?” “You bet I’m going to ask her to marry me.” Both Noir and Dragran were about to burst out in excitement and congratulate me when I stopped them. “Easy guys I need to keep this on the down low for now because I want to surprise AJ. Can you guys do that for me?” “Only on one condition.” Dragran said. “Are we invited to the wondrous occasion?” “Well duh of course you both are invited I wouldn’t have told you both about this if I didn’t want you there.” “Awesome oh and by the way here is a letter for Luna make sure she gets this right away.” “Who is it from anyway?” Dragran handed me the letter but there was no signature on it. The only writing was on the front of it. “To the night mother.” I couldn’t help but recognize those words from my past a little bit. I swore I knew who spoke those words a long time ago. It was on the tip of my tongue but I still couldn’t figure it out. “Thanks Noir and thank you too Dragran. Take care alright and stay safe out there.” They both nodded and Dragran flared out his wings and quickly picked up Noir to bring him down to the ground level of the castle to continue their deliveries. “Mom their is a letter here for you.” I held the letter in my mouth and brought it to her. “Ah I know this writing…It’s good to see that my magic can still be used for communication at such far away places.” “What do you mean mom?” “In due time I will tell you everything I promise. Now I believe you have some new recruits that require their leader at this moment and you should go to them post haste.” “Alright mom…I love you and I’ll come back when I’m done okay?” “One moment there mister captain.” She placed down the letter and gave me a motherly kiss to my forehead. “I love you too my darling son.” “Thanks mom see ya later.” With a glow of her horn she surrounded me in a dark blue glow and teleported me to the Earthstrider quarter of the Canterlot barracks. When I arrived there I gave myself a moment to gather myself so that I could be presentable to the new recruits. I went to my foot locker at the edge of my bed in my personal quarters of the barracks and removed my sweater and glasses along side with my shoes. I found my captain’s uniform cleaned and ironed inside my locker and when I suited up I could feel the clothes fresh Ironed warmth surround me in an embrace. I knew who to thank for this as well. “Thanks mom.” I knew Luna was responsible for this because even though she’s a princess she always loved and took care of my like a mother would. I made my way to the training area of the barrack to meet the new recruits. “ATTENTION!!!! officer on deck” “Ah lieutenant PonyJames thank you for gathering the recruits for me.” I stood tall and let the recruits know that I meant business when I walked up to Lieutenant PonyJames’s side and began to give orders. I always hated giving orders to be honest simply because I hated yelling at other ponies but I did choose this occupation knowing full well what it entailed. “ALRIGHT LISTEN UP RECRUITS MY NAME IS RIO EARTHSTRIDER AND I AM THE CAPTAIN OF THE EARTHSTRIDER DIVISION OF THE WONDERBOLTS. I WILL MAKE STALLIONS OUT OF YOU LOT AND YOU WILL BE THE BEST IF YOU STICK TO WHAT I TEACH YOU. IS THAT CLEAR!!!!!” “sir yes sir” “WHAT WAS THAT I COULDN’T HEAR YOU. ALL I HEAR ARE FILLIES AND LITTLE COLTS I WANT TO HEAR YOUR WAR VOICES. DO YOU GET ME YOU NAMBY PAMBY EXCUSES FOR EARTH PONIES!!!!” “SIR WE GET YOU SIR!!!!!!” “THAT’S WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR. NOW GIVE ME TWO HUNDRED LAPS AND NO BRAKES AND BELIEVE ME I’M GOING EASY ON YOU NEWBIES NOW GET TO IT!!!!!!!!” As soon as the recruits began their laps James relaxed a little and we were able to talk without any kind of interruption. “Man I hate being a jerk to the new recruits but I know I can’t sugar coat anything. Not with how things are these days. aside from that though how are ya bud I missed ya.” James punched my shoulder the way he usually does and helped me relax. “Hey man its part of the job and they’ll thank you for it later trust me also I’m just fine thanks for asking.” “You hold a good point man it just still bothers me to be so harsh. Even so they did sign up for this and a few of them really do look like Earthstider material.” “yup. No doubts here man. Yo Rio do you see that?” “See what?” “That dot in the sky. Its getting bigger. It looks kinda blueish and that’s odd it looks like its on fire. Is that a meteor or something.” “I think so… “hhhhhhHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIII RIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Oh Celestia oh man oh man oh man nonononononono GAH.” With an out of nowhere tackle hug that would honestly kill most ponies came DerpyApples who is one of the many distant members of the Apple family who is a Pegasus and who considers me part of that family as well. For the record she made where I was standing into a crater with me and her being the center of it and man did it hurt. “Derpy ow….why….this again *cough* ugh.” “Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I saw you and James and I wanted to see how things were and such.” She looked at my corpse of a body and kept cocking her head from side to side at random moments to what I thought was get a better look at me. “Love ya bro but gotta go. wub.. wub .. wub <3.” She made a motion with her hooves that looked as if she we moving turn tables and then made a heart shape in the air and as fast as she had arrived she flew into the air and vanished. “Why does she always do that whenever she sees me dude…. ugh.” “It’s DerpyApples dude its just what she does.” *Cough* “fair point… I guess” “Sir are you okay? What in the world was that.” “Its nothing Private continue with your patrol and come back to me with a full report understood?” ” uh y…yes sir.” *cough* “Good man.” Hours passed like minutes and eventually the recruits had finished their warm up laps around the barracks. “Alright newbies its time for some serious work. I want each and everyone of you to give me at least one hundred push ups and make them fast cause I’m getting hungry. first one done gets to join me and lieutenant James for our meal. now…SHOW ME WHAT YOU NEWBIES CAN DO AND GIVE ME A REASON TO EVEN THINK THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT INTO THE EARTHSTRIDERS.” “SIR YES SIR.” “James can you watch these recruits for me. I have to get back to sweet apple acres real quick.” “No worries man by the time you get back they maybe half way at least. so no rush or anything at all man.” “Thanks bud.” I made may way to a safe spot near the outskirts of the barracks and once again closed my eyes to focus on the sky in my mind. thus I was able to lift off the ground and fly toward my goal which was the orchard where my love was waiting for me. Once I landed down on the acres I began my search for Applejack. I didn’t need to search for long since I could here her voice from a mile away. Plus I could here her bucking the apple trees. “Just a few more to go and then I’m all finished.” I snuck up on the orange beauty that was just ahead of me. When the time was right I made my move. I playfully tackled her to the ground and was able to stop her before she was able to complete my name. “Ri..mmmmm” “Hey darlin how are ya?” I could see a happy glint in her eyes before she closed them to enjoy the kiss. The taste of her lips was a sensation like no other I have ever felt. When the kiss was broken I spoke softly to her. “AJ I love you. You know that right?” “Course I do sugar cube.” I held her hoof and brought her with me to the nearest tree and I removed my blades so they may rest to the tree’s sides. I nuzzled her mane while gently kissing her cheeks and ears every few moments. “AJ I’m sorry I have been so busy with training the new recruits at the barracks. I think about you every second that I’m there. To be honest darlin… you’re all I think about.” “Rio why do you have to be so sweet huh? Why is your heart so loving and warm? Why do you love me so much?” “AJ I am sweet because you are what makes me so sweet. My heart is so loving because you gave it warmth and kindness that it only wants to repay your kindness forever. I love you so much because you are my everything and that is never going to change. Oh and one more thing about you that I love. That cute little accent of yours.” I could feel her cuddle closer to me. Her cheeks also went slightly red with my compliment. We had fallen asleep the the soft ground and I used my captain’s uniform as a blanket to keep us warm. Though AJ was fast asleep and sleeping well I was in and out of my nightmare again. Everytime I could only see my fears taking true form. “AJ no darlin no please aj…AJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chapter 3“HUAHH!!” “Rio hey…honey are you alright?” “Y…ya I’m fine just a nightmare is all.” “Rio sweetheart i’m here for you…okay. Tell me whats wrong.” “AJ I…I see you in my arms giving me your final goodbyes before you fade out. The whole time your telling me how much you love me and how much you’re going to miss me. I tried to tell you how much I love you back but before I am able to it’s too late. Applejack I…I love you so much.” Tears found their way down my cheeks. Applejack adjusted herself so that her chest was now against mine so I could actually feel her heartbeat alongside with mine. I wish I could describe how it felt to have Applejack resting with her warm body leaning on mine. “Hey… hey now honey I am here okay I am right here and nothing is going to change that.” I wrapped my arms around her and I couldn’t help but let out my tears with resistance. She lifted her head so that she could take a look at my pathetic tear filled mug. “Tears don’t suit you Rio. Mind if I help with that?” “What did you have in mind AJ.” “Let me show you sugarcube.” AJ untied her ribbons that kept her mane and tail in ponytails and gave me a look that only true lovers give one another. “I how much you love it when I have my hair is down so Rio are you feeling any better.” “Applejack how do you always find some way to make my sorrow vanish and replace it with warmth and sanctuary?” “Face it Rio I care about you too much to let sadness fill your heart. I love you Rio and don’t you dare forget that for one second alright?” “I love you too AJ and I won’t ever forget that. You have my word.” We once again snuggled closer to each other and feel asleep. This time however my dreams were filled with love’s bliss instead of fear’s grasp. It had been about four hours and the sun had set when Granny Smith appeared with Big Macintosh from the trees nearby. “Ohohoho thats adorable. I remember when I was young and in love. Come on now wake up you too or you’ll both catch a cold.” “Huh oh heh good evening Ms. Smith.” “Oh shucks Rio your part of the family. You can call me Granny Smith sonny.” I let out a warm chuckle after hearing that. “Thanks Granny.” “Anytime sonny.” “Hey Big Mac I assume everything has been good with you?” “Eeyup.” “How have things been with Cheerlie hmmmm?” “Uhh… well I uh.” He cleared his throat before he spoke up again. “Were just friends that’s all.” I gave him a smirk and raised an eyebrow as if to say “ya sure you guys are.” I knew for a fact that Big Mac and Cheerlie were seeing each other but this is only because I flew over them at one point. They were snuggled together on the grass near the Everfree forest just watching the clouds and enjoying each other’s company. “Well I suppose you’re right we should go inside before we catch a cold eh AJ.” “AJ…AJ sweetheart?” She was so comfortable that she was still asleep in my arms so I gently maneuvered myself in such a way as to place her on my back and bring her into the farm and up to her room. I could hear her mumble slightly in her sleep between her cute little snores. “Rio…so…sweet to me.” I placed her in the bed and made my way to the washroom to brush my teeth and get ready for bed as well. Just a few steps from the bed when my heart began to beat slowly and I could hear his voice in my head again. “I’m very very proud of you son. Never forget that. I love you.” “D…dad.” It was as if he was holding me right then and there. his words acted as an embrace from afar and all of the time that we had spent together blasted through my mind sending me into a dream state until I had to catch myself from falling to the ground. When I had found my bearings I reached to over to my patch on my right shoulder that held the symbol of the Earthstriders. It felt slightly warm what with me recently keeping AJ and myself warm underneath it. Every time I had felt its soft stitching I could only remember how proud my father was of me. “I miss you dad. I love you too.” I made my way to Applejack, lifted the covers to and made my way over to her soft loving warmth under the sheets. She was still asleep but I knew that she could feel me there next to her. How I could always tell was with her usual reactions which were either grabbing hold of me and bringing me closer to her, or I would cuddle closer to her and she would turn around, kiss my neck and then let out an adorable happy sigh as she adjusted herself comfortably against my body. “Goodnight Applejack. I love you my sweet angel.” I closed my eyes and let the night blanket me in its warm darkness knowing that Luna was watching over me. The nightmare did not reoccur this time thankfully yet I still felt my body tremble with fear. Applejack meant so much to me that I couldn’t picture myself without her in my life. She already knew that I’d give my life for her. Of course she never would want me to do that, but she knew full well that I would regardless. She saw it in my eyes. The next morning was abrupt and well terrible to say the least. I was awoken by Demi and Ash along side Noir and Dragran. “Rio….Rio wake up dude we have a serious problem.” “Ugh…buh wha…what guys its really early can’t it wait.” Appearntly even AJ was up and about pacing the floor in worry. “AJ sweet heart whats wrong?” “Rio…sugar its Luna she needs you right away.” My face was filled with shock. “Demi whats wrong…WHAT HAPPENED TO HER?” “Easy dude.” “This is my mother were talking about. This is not the time to take it easy. Now someone tell me whats wrong.” “She dying Rio.” Noir spoke up. “No….NO NOT HER TOO!!!!!!!!!!!! DAMN IT I CAN’T SEE MY FATHER ANYMORE AND NOW MY MOTHER IS Dying now…damn it.” My face was filled with mixed emotions right alongside fear. “No this can’t happen I’m going to see her right now.” “Rio wait don’t go alone wait for…” I was already lifting off the ground when everyone in the room had stopped speaking. their faces were filled with amazement as to how I was flying with no wings. “I’m going to save my mother one way or another. AJ I’ll be back later with good news okay…I promise.” “…I know you will honey. Be safe and when you get back with good news I’l be here waiting for ya.” “Thank you sweetheart. I’m sorry that you can’t come along this time….I would have loved for you too.” “I know Rio but it’s okay. Go take care of your mom….I love you.” “I love you too AJ.” With a burst of energy I flew through the open window although what I didn’t realize until only a few seconds out the window was that Demi was right behind me. “Demi what are you doing? Go back to Ash I can handle this.” “Rio firstly I’m your brother got that secondly I already know you have to do this on your own and I understand which is why I want to know what do you want me to do.” “Head to the Earthstiders with everypony and get them ready for the worst. I have no idea why Mom is dying but it can’t be for normal reasons.” “I’m on it bro.” Before Demi left to gather everypony from the farm he placed his hoof on my shoulder and gave me a loving brotherly look. “Rio I got your back dude don’t ever forget that. Everything will be okay.” I nodded to him and we parted ways. It felt like only seconds flying through the air and landing down onto Luna’s balcony. My adrenaline was pulsing through me and I was frantically searching for my mother. “MOM!!! MOM WHERE ARE YOU!!!!!!!!” I finally found her and what else I found brought me only anger. Chrysalis was sapping Luna dry of her energy. Celestia was found close by her alongside her was her personal guard. My eyes were filled with fear and shock. I knew that guard he was the personal guard of Celestia herself. She picked him herself a long time ago. He was the kind of pony that would give his life to protect her’s and she knew that full well and for that reason she gave him that position along side her. He was her shield and he holds the title proudly. “IRONSIDES….NO… GET UP…YOU HAVE TO GET UP NOW!!!!!” “Rio….get…out of…here quickly.” “You know I can’t do that Hang on I’m coming to help.” “No …Rio don’t…. stop”
Chapter 4I galloped toward him only to be blown back by a shock wave cast by Chrysalis. Iron was out cold. I could tell he was still alive and I knew he stood his ground right next to Celestia to the end. Thankfully though they were both still alive but just barely. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” Her evil cackle filled the entire room. “Isn’t it obvious I have return just I warned Celestia that I would and now I have her power along side Luna’s and there is nothing you can do to stop me.” “LIKE HELL THERE ISN’T!!!!!!!!!!!” I charged her head on and drew my blade from my side. I clenched the blade in my teeth and readied it for a killing blow. When my sword struck her there was a moment of victory only it was a lie. Her power had grown so strong that standard weapons were like stick striking a brick wall. “I told you boy you do not stand a chance against me.” I continued to swing my blade against her carapace only to have it bounce off of it like it was merely a tickle to her. She flicked her right hoof against my next swing and struck the blade from my mouth. “Now it is time for you to die little colt…nice and slow. HAHAHA my armies will once again rule this land.” She cast a spell around me that lite a small area around my ablaze with emerald flame and I could feel myself being consumed by the ground beneath me. “Ge…urg… no… mom…MOM!!!!!!!!” “It’ll be okay my darling I promise.” Those were that last words I heard from her before the ground beneath me took me from this world. I found myself in a dark cave system with gem encrusted rocks being my bars from the world and darkness surrounding me. Normally I wouldn’t mind the darkness but that was only because Luna’s light was usually there to light up the darkness in such a way that made it feel warm. This darkness was lifeless and terrifying to the light of soul. I could feel my heart writhe in pain at the thought of never seeing my friends again. AJ the angel of my life. The thought of not seeing her again sent me to tears. For the first time in a long time I was crying my soul out. I felt as though there truly was no hope for me to see her again. It was if the nightmare was coming true. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkbQ71K3n1M (Please listen to this while reading this part perfect for atmosphere. cred of course goes to Naruto series.) “AJ…. I’m so sorry. I wish I could see you one more time darlin. I screwed everything up. Now look where I am. I’m lost without you. Mother I failed you too I rushed in without help without knowing what danger lay ahead of me and as such I paid the price. I’ll never see my friends again will I?” I felt like a child fresh from the womb. Lost, scared and it’s only defense was to cry and hope for safety in its mother’s arms. Being in that prison with only gem stones for company and having those brilliant stones mirroring my scarred and bloodied face back at me only to show off what mistake I made by coming here along. I truly felt what is was like to lose hope. The only warmth and joy I could find in this cold dark prison was in remembering what it was like when I was with my father. How he raised me and yet even with that the days that I had spent there had left my soul completely dry of any hope. In the minutes that I was sure my life was over I started hearing foot steps and I saw what I believed was a human figure standing the a midst the darkness. “D…ad is…is that you?” I firmly believed it was merely a hallucination brought on by the weeks gone by without food or water.The figure approached slowly and with a somehow calm feeling about it. “W…what do you want with me. Leave me be damn it….I have nothing for you..s…so just go away.” I had no energy what so ever to fight back all I could do was yell and hope for the best yet even my voice was beginning to give out. The figure’s face was hooded and masked as well. I somehow felt as though I knew this being though. The figure had a black and grey sweater with minor tears in the left cuff of the sleeve along side it was wearing blue jeans and black and grey shoes with a green trim to them along side a simple black shirt. The figure stood tall and strong which reminded me of my father. Then the figure spoke. “Avari I need you over here to help me break these bars.” “I’m on it Rio.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I must have been losing my mind completely when I heard that name. There was no way it could possibly be true. Was the figure somehow my father. “…Dad is that you?” Another figure appeared next to him though this was another pony although her wings we that of crimson light and looked like butterfly wings. She wore a black caps along side with some goggles that looked sort of futuristic. She was a rouge colored pony with a grayish mane and tail. “This looks simple enough to break through but I need you to stand back.” “Got it.” As the two conversed about my escape I knew that this was either an elaborate scheme by Chrysalis to completely break my spirits and torture me one last time with a hallucination before my death came for me, or that this was real and my dad had somehow returned to me once more. “Alright counting down…3…2…1 clear!!!!” Avari yelled. “Avari do you have the supplies with you.” “Ya of course.” “I need them now please.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1K3OJ\_COWA (cred goes to David Larson for his awesome music which works for this part. please listen and enjoy while you read.) The figure removed his hood. My heart began to beat quickly as if filled with life again. I could not believe what I was seeing. It was my father from earth. I was overcome with excitement but my body would not allow me to express it. “Here lil buddy eat this and I promise you’ll feel way better.” My father pulled out a meal that I remembered from my time as a little colt from many many years ago. Mashed carrots and chocolate milk in a little plastic cup. “Easy son I’m here okay everything is going to be just fine.” “Avari check the area for changlings I don’t want any surprises.” “Understood brother I’m on it. I’m glad we found him for you.” “Me too. Thank you Avari I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your help.” “It was my pleasure.” She vanished into the darkness using a the night vision setting from her goggles to help guide her patrol. Then it was just me and my dad. He began to feed me that precious meal that I loved from so long ago. I was barely able to swallow but I forced myself to give all that I had left to saving my life so that I could stay with my father longer and find a way out of this hell. “Dad is it really you. Please tell me its you and not a haunting hallucination. please….please show me you’re real I’m begging you.” He placed his right hand under my front legs and the other under my chin and gently brought me closer to him in order to snuggle me under his warmth. “It is me son. You have no idea how scared I am right now of losing you but I’m not going to let that fear stop me from saving you. I love you Lil Rio and you have my word that we’re walking out of here alive and together again.” Tears had found their way from us and I truly felt Like I was once again with my father. my heart began to beat stronger and I could feel my body’s strength returning to me. I finished off the remaining carrots and milk. As soon as my strength returned fully I charged my dad and tackled him to the ground. “DADDY!!!! I missed you so much daddy.” “I haven’t heard that word in so long Jr. you have no idea how much that warms my heart. I’ve missed you too son. I’ve missed you so much.” The embrace that we shared was that of warmth and true happiness. Something that I had only felt when I was with AJ but now my father was back and I truly felt happy again. This felt truly like a dream come true. I never wanted to let go of him at this point in fear of never seeing him again. Though I was a full grown stallion I did not care that I called him daddy. I missed him with all of my heart and I just couldn’t help but speak what my heart felt like saying to him. Seeing my father again after so long and having him be my savior the only words I could speak out were the truth of how I felt. To everypony he is my father but to me he is and always will be my daddy and I’ll love him as such forever. “Dad how did you get here? how is it possible that you’re here in equestria?” “Luna used most of her power to create another portal to my world and she warned me of Chrysalis’s plan to take over equestria. You and I both knew I would never let that happen. Plus I knew I’d get a chance to see you again and how could I pass that up.” I tightened my hug around him for a few moments and then released him because it was time to explain the whole situation. “Dad last time I saw Mom she was getting her power sapped by Chrysalis. We have to save her now!!!” “What!!! Damn that means I came too late… right we need to get out of here. I know just the pony to help with that.” My dad pulled out a device from his side that looked big and rectangular. He apparently called it cypher. He then tapped it a few times and a voice could be heard on the device. It was his companion Avari’s voice. “Avari what’s your position?” “Currently two hundred and thirty six meters from your position. Why?” ” I have my son and he’s good to go so now is the time to leave. How quickly can you make it to us?” Just as he finished speaking a puff of black smoke appeared behind us and there avari was. “This quick enough?” she asked with a smirk. “heh very. Right we need an exit. Got any ideas Avari?”
Chapter 5“Well this cave system spans for a few miles but I’m sure I can get us out no problem.” I spoke up “Well the castle should be right above us but the problem is Queen Chrysalis is taking over as we speak. Avari can that teleport of yours take more then one pony and if so how far can it take us?” She had a smile of confidence and said. “Honey you just tell me where you wanna go and I can take us there.” “Dad there is somewhere I want to show you and when you see it you’ll know it.” He nodded and motioned me to his side while Avari flared her wings and gently blanketed us with them. “Okay so this might feel weird for all you first timers so get ready.” “Dad what does she mean by feel weird?” Before he had a chance to speak the cave walls began to crack with green electricity bouncing off the walls. With a bright flash the Queen of the changlings appeared before us. “So you thought you could escape with your father did you?” I could feel my father’s intensity as he stood brushing off Avari’s wing from around his shoulders. “Avari get my son out of here now!” His voice was calm yet strong. He stood before the Queen and five of her personal guard the aura of silent confidence emanating from him was powerful. “Dad don’t fight her please we can make it out of here together!!!!” “Get back to her Lil buddy. Get back to Applejack she needs you more then ever right now.” “D…Dad how do you know about Applejack and I?” He turned and smiled to me before Avari’s shadow teleport took effect and said. “Luna told me everything. I love you son.” “DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” That was the last word I could speak before I appeared back at Sweet Apple Acres. I was only able to see him for a few short moments and then he was taken from me again by her. I fell to tears and rage when I reached the ground after Avari and I appeared at the farm ground. “Damn….I could have been there with him fighting her. I could have saved him. CELESTIA DAMN IT I LOST HIM AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Avari walked over to me placing a hoof on my head to try and calm me. Tears streamed down my face but I knew what I had to do and nothing was going to stop me. I knew however that I could not do it alone. I began to make my way over to the house where my angel was awaiting my return. I turned my head and asked Avari what she was planning. “Avari what are you going to do now?” “I don’t really know to be honest. I have no where to go really….” It took her a few moments to realize it but I walked over to her and embraced her tightly. “W..why are you..?” “You do have a place to go.” I reached into my pocket and reviled a key to her which I placed in her hoof. “What is this for?” “This is the key to my personal chambers at the Earthstrider barracks. It is a few miles east of the castle near a cliff. This key will get you into my room there. Feel free to use that room as much as you like and that barracks is far enough away from the castle that not even Chrysalis knows about it.” “It’s like you two are the same being.” “He raised me to be honourable and to help those in need. I love my father and so I will always follow in his foot steps.” My father’s kindness still found its way through my anger to lend a hand to another pony. My anger finally faded but the tears still remained. I was only with him for a short while and then he had to leave again to protect me. I should have done something I just should’ve. “Be safe Avari. I will come find you when it is time to take back the castle. Until then may Luna’s light shine upon you.” Before I was able to to turn around to leave for the house Avari grabbed me and pulled me into an embrace. “Thank you Rio. This means a lot to me.” I smiled through my tears and told her. “Always happy to help out.” With the same puff of black smoke that brought us here together became her means of teleporting to the Earthstrider barracks. When her figure vanished from my sight I began making my way once again to the Apple family home stopping by the Cutie Mark Crusader’s clubhouse to find Applebloom sleeping there with her close friends Sweetiebell and Scootaloo. On other circumstances I’d just let them sleep but tonight was a bit of a cold night. It reminded me of one of the first nights I ever spent here. I was pretty banged up that night. I chuckled lightly at the memory though it was painful it was also a happy memory. The wind had picked up slightly and I gathered the three sleeping fillies and brought them all into the house. Thankfully Appleblooms bed was big enough to fit all three of them. When I finished wrapping them up in the bed sheet making sure that they’d be nice and warm I only made it half way out the door when I heard Appleblooms sleepy voice calling. She let out an adorable yawn before speaking. “Rio is that you?” “Hey Applebloom. Ya its me. Everything alright?” “No….I missed you so much. It has been three weeks since ya’ll came back I was worried sick and so was Applejack.” My eyes widen with shock. “Three weeks. No that can’t be. Applebloom are you sure?’ “Yea three weeks.” I couldn’t believe it had been that long. It only felt like hours being held in that prison. I had to keep a smile through my shock and thankfully the darkness in her room helped with keeping my expression masked. “I’m sorry Applebloom but I’m here now and everything will be okay.” “Promise Rio?” I walked over and kissed her forehead to reassure her. “You have my word little Applebloom.” She wrapped her little arms around my neck to hug me tightly and I gently returned the kindness. “Love ya lil sis.” “Love you to big brother.” “I’ll see you in the morning okay?” “Okay. goodnight Rio.” She said yawning again. “Goodnight Applebloom sleep well.” She nodded while still hugging me. I gently placed her back in her bed next to her friends and re wrapped the blanket around her again to keep her warm. I left the room and kept the door open just enough to let some light in. I passed by big Macintosh’s room to find him and Cheerlie sleeping there together. I let out a sigh of happiness and chuckled silently. “Finally they moved in together I was wondering what took em so long to do that.” I could see Big Mac’s arms resting over top Cheerlie’s shoulder. Cheerlie was resting her head on Big Mac’s chest and they were both sound asleep so I made sure not to make any noise when I left the edge of the room. I held a smile across my muzzle all the way to Applejack’s room. I made sure then I had everything that I needed so then when morning would come I could give Applejack my full and undivided love. I reached into my pocket where the Ring was resting. I pulled it out and caressed it. A slight smile appeared on my face and I knew in my heart that tomorrow morning was going to be one of the greatest days in my life. When I arrived I slowly moved in keeping my noise to a bare minimum. I didn’t want to wake her obviously. I came to my side of the bed and noticed AJ had something in her arms held very close to her. She had been crying before she fell asleep. My eyes adjusted to the darkness in the room and I realized what it was. It was a stuffed toy of some sort. Looked fairly new too. Though my eyes were adjusted to the night I still couldn’t make out the details of it so I just left it for closer inspection in the morning. My curiosity would get the better of me in then. I lifted the comforter and sat on the side of the bed. I could feel my uniforms weight lifting off my shoulders after so long a period. I felt light as air afterwords. *sigh* “Much better.” I turned to Applejack and I could still see remnants of tears on her face. It broke my heart seeing those tears there. I knew what I had to do. I crawled towards her and wrapped my arms around her body and held her close placing her head softly on my chest. The reaction was sort of what I expected but my heart felt as though it were being crushed within me as I heard her speak. Her voice was filled with tears and disbelief and her speech was filled with sniffles and whimpering. “Rio….no it can’t be you…..it just can’t be. Please I don’t want any more nightmares….let me wake up so I don’t have to see your image any more. I can’t stand not being able to see you for real…..please just….. just let me wake up. Oh Celestia I love you Rio……why did…..why did you have to disappear from my life?” I dug my hoof under where her side was resting and pulled her over top of me. “AJ….AJ listen to me. I’m here now darlin. I will always be here. From now on I will not leave your side again.” Her whimpers were taking over her will to listen and there was only one thing I knew that would work. One thing I knew she would feel and that would break the damage done to her heart and let her know I was real here and now. “Applejack. I love you my sweet angel.” I pulled her into the deepest most meaningful embrace and locked lips with her until she needed to breath. This motion I knew would wake her up for various reasons. The most important reason being that she knew I was real and that I was no illusion. When the kiss was broken and she was gasping for air that woke her from her semi dream state. It basically was a kicker. She lifted herself arching her back and using her front legs as support as she looked down at me in disbelief. Her eyes widened as she stared at me as if seeing an apparition. “Rio….Oh Celestia Rio you’re here you’re real. Oh Rio darlin I was so scared I was never going to see you again. Rio please please please never scare me like that ever again. I couldn’t stand not being able to see you again. I…I’ve just not been myself since you left. I…” I pulled her into my arms and let her drain what sorrow she had left in her heart. I began to speak words of comfort to her as she let her sorrows leave her. “Applejack my dearest love. I Rio Earthstrider give you my word that I will never leave your side by any means. I will always love you through thick and thin. Through the worst of storms and through sickness and in health. You will always be the one mare whom my heart belongs with and will stay with forever more.” She lifted herself to get a better view of me. It took her a few moments to realize but I was giving her my vows of marriage. “Rio what are you doing? Are you…are you proposing to me?” I raised my head to meet her gaze and spoke the words that I so terribly wanted to tell her after so many years of being her partner in life. “Applejack I have been with you for as long as I can remember. You have brought joy to my soul and love to my world. You have kept my heart warm and never alone and now I Rio Earthstrider wish to give you the same kindnesses that you have given me. I wish to share my life with you forever till the day of my final rest.” “Applejack will you be my partner for life…. Will you marry me my sweet angel?” “Oh my Rio I….I…” Before she was able to answer Demi warped into the room in a flash of green light that nearly blinded me. “RIO GET OUT OF BED CHANGELINGS ARE APPROACHING IN MASS!!!!!!!!!” “what no how?” “Applejack wake your family and get them to safety quickly darlin.” I spoke with an authoritative voice. I had my uniform half way one when she stopped me. “Rio its okay sweetheart there is no need to worry because it’s already too late.” “What are you talking about?” Before my question was answered she pinned me to the ground where I stood and transformed into her changeling form. “What are yo….ugh…wha…huh.” My body became numb. This changeling was a female and they were considered extremely dangerous for the skin excreted a poison that leaves their victims immobile. I could not move no matter how hard I tried. I felt as though my body was not my own at all. “You…yo..huh…n…where…is…applejack?” The female spoke up with a devilish smirk “You needn’t worry about her earthstrider she will become one of us soon enough. Fear not you two will be together again in time. When you both become changelings yourselves heh heh heh.” I looked upon Demi who held a smirk and a few moments after reaching out to him he too changed into a changeling as well.
Chapter 6http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkbQ71K3n1M Cred goes to naruto series. please listen while reading thank you. ^_^. “No….” I slipped out of consciousnesses and awoke in the prison once more within the caverns under the castle. I could feel the stones underneath me they were cold and familiar. It was far too soon to be back in this cell yet this time I was not alone. I turned to see the horror that was my mother and Applejack both covered in blood and dirt. It looked as though they were both tortured and then thrown in here some time ago. “Oh Celestia no…..MOM….APPLEJACK!!!!!” I raced to them in a panic forcing my body to rid itself of the poison through shear adrenaline. I reached them and brought them closer to me trying to wake them both. “MOM….mom it’s me Rio your son please get up….YOU HAVE TO GET UP!!!!!” I could see some motion from her but it was faint. I looked to Applejack who gave the same response. My body began to tremble furiously. “No this can’t be happening I can’t let this happen I can’t lose them NOT LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!!” Luna’s horn began to glow and with what energy she had left she pressed it against my head. A memory flashed in my mind of what Luna told me on my first day as Captain of the Earthstriders. A memory that I would never forget. “My darling son there may come a day where the elements of harmony may be in danger of being lost. Should that day ever arise your heart will be the key to protecting them from danger. Trust in your heart my son and it will guide you without fail.” When the memory had finished playing in my mind I nearly collapsed to the ground after hearing that. I turned to find that there were more cages surrounding this one. They held hostages as well. “No….how….no how did they….?” What I saw shook my heart even more pressing it to the point of a true feeling of being torn apart. These are my friend and family. Demi, Ash, James, DerpyApples. I lost complete control of myself at this point. My rage was unleashed and I rammed my skull on the cage and shook with each impact. Every time I struck it the dent in the old rusted bars grew more and more damaged till I finally broke through. A changeling guard close by by attempted to put me down. “You there stop where you stand.” “YOU PUNY EXCUSE FOR A CREATURE I’LL MAKE YOU SUFFER FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO MY FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I torn the spear from his hooves and smashed it over his head leaving him with a concussion. I then slammed my hoof into his neck pressing down hard leaving him with shallow breaths till his life force faded from this world. I charged the rest of the cages breaking them clean open and freeing my family. most of them were still unconscious so I went to the center of the cave to try to ease myself out of the rage that consumed me. At the center of the cave was a pool and what I saw staring back at me was a monster. the half of my cutie mark that was glowing was the half that held the demonic wings. my eyes were blood red and I became scared. “what….what am I?” I looked to the guard who was unfortunate enough to get in my at the time. I cringed at the sight of what my fury brought. I walked over to the corpse and dragged it into a side of the cave and laid him to rest. “Forgive me for what I have done to you. Not even you deserve what my fury has brought upon you . My you rest in peace.” “Ri…Rio is that you?” I cocked my head to see DerpyApples crawling towards me covered in dirt and wounds. she made it to my arms and held on tightly. I was in such shock that I froze. I couldn’t make any motion. I was barely even able to move my head. I noticed a glimmer through what looked like tarnished armour. “Iron….no not you too. This. no this can’t be right. I can’t let this be.” I began to rise off the ground and my cutie mark began to glow on the side of the angel wings. My eyes became filled with a bright blue glow, a nova of white light blasted forth from my body surround the cave in a glow that brightened all of the crystals within it. I knew this magic. It was from my heart that spoke to my mark and allowed me to channel that magic from my body to my friends…no my family healing them of their wounds and bringing them back to life. My heart knew what was right and as such I became the balance within my family making sure that no matter where they were they would be safe. That is what my heart was telling me from the start. That is what my cutie mark truly was. The light and the darkness within me was both my weapon and my shield to protect my family from harms way finally understood what my special talent was after all this time. I couldn’t believe it took me this long to realize it. I felt so silly not knowing it. “All my friends…all my family. They are what makes me special it is because of them that I am who I am.” I could feel my heart and soul connecting with each of theirs and I noticed that each one of them began to lift off the ground. Though my eyes were closed I could feel them lifting off the ground. I felt the magic between us that only a family shared. I pulled them all in close to me and held them as tight as I could. I wasn’t sure if they were conscious or not but that didn’t stop me from telling them all how I felt. This time my voice did not tremble for I did not fear of losing them now. Not with them so close to me. “I just want each of you to know that I love you all. You have all made your mark in my heart and that mark will always be shown in who I am as a pony. Never forget that. Now its time to wake up renewed and stronger then ever.” As the words finished leaving my mouth the magic that surrounded my friends in the the healing embrace vanished and they all stood together as a family. I landed down in the centre of them. When I opened my eyes Demi, Ash and DerpyApples were the first to tackle me to the ground in a loving hug. “Rio….Rio you’re alive we were so worried.” “I’m okay in fact I have never been better.” Iron spoke up in a worried tone looking to Luna and not seeing Celestia anywhere in sight. “Where is she. Where is Celestia Rio. No….NO I HAVE FAILED HER….. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I walked over to him. and place my hoof on his shoulder. “No you haven’t Iron. Not unless you have given up hope.” “I will never give up hope Rio. You know that.” I smirked at him and nodded. “Now that’s the Iron we all know. My whole family quickly examined the area where they were being held captive and then turned to me. Luna was the first to speak. “Rio what shall we do?” “Wait why are you all asking me?” Demi punched me in me arm and spoke. “Why do you think. You saved us all. We’re your family and you’re our leader we trust you more then anypony Rio. Never forget that.” I turned to Luna who stood right in front of my beaming with pride. “Mom how….how did I heal everypony the way I did?” Luna nuzzled me then spoke softly. “Rio I placed a magic within your heart a long time ago when I created you that could only be released when you realized how important your family was to you. Rio your special talent is being the savior of harmony. Congratulations my son.” “My family is the most important thing to me and there is one very special somepony in this family that I .” I walked up to Applejack who was standing next to Luna and held her hoof in mine. “Applejack I love you more then words would ever be able to describe. Applejack you are the harmony within my heart I hope you never forget that my sweet angel.” Even though everypony was watching it didn’t matter to either of us. We kissed each other. They all knew how much I loved her and how much I couldn’t be without her. I loved this pony before me more then life itself. She gave me hope, joy, love, and a place for my heart right next to hers. I knelt down on one hoof and pulled out the gold band. This time I knew for sure that this was no changeling in front of me. Everypony’s reaction was amazement. “Applejack when this is all over and we take back the castle would you do me the honor of marrying me and being my special somepony for life?” A smile began to form on her muzzle and tears began to well up in her eyes. She wiped away the tears and wrapped her arms around my neck lovingly. After a few moments she put her nose to mine and we locked our looks of love to one another. I was graced with another warm collision of our lips and then when the kiss was broken she asked me a question that I remember fondly from years ago. “Did you really need to ask sugar?” I smiled and answered with the very same answer I gave her years ago to a very similar question. “Well I just wanted to ask just in case. You know to be polite.” “Well then since you were so polite the answer is…. Yes.” “WAAAAHOOOO YAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” What can I say. I couldn’t hide how happy I was. I mean come on Applejack said yes to marrying me. The pony of my heart said yes and we were going to get married. I held her hoof in mine and placed the gold band on her. She eyed it with a big smile and then she placed her other hoof under my chin to raise my head for a another kiss. “I love you Rio Earthstrider.” “I love you too Applejack.” I noticed all of the warm smiles being sent our way from our family that surrounded us. Luna walked up to me and brought me back to reality for necessary reasons of course. “Rio we must make our leave. can you lead us out of here?” “Yes I will get us out of here safely. Ironsides, Demi, DerpyApples, James and Applejack to me. There are going to be a lot of changelings between us and our escape so stay close and lets lead these civilians out of here safely. Understood?” All together they saluted me. I felt a sense of pride that I had never felt before but I made sure keep focus and enjoy the feeling later. “Understood.” “Alright lets get moving.” The caves that we were making our way through were vast and winding but I just followed where my gut was leading me and thankfully that was enough however when we finally found the exit it lead us to the Chrysalis’s main hall. She added her touch to it that left it lifeless and very unwelcoming. The pillar that once held a glories ivory color now were stained with black and green cracks that looked almost as if they were alive. The floors felt as though they were grabbing me to hold me down where I stood. I beckoned DerpyApples to my side. “Listen sis I once we get everypony out of here I need you all to make your leave and make sure that everypony is safe. Can you do that for me.” She looked at me questioningly. “Bro were family you know that we can’t just leave you here alone. What if you get captured again. Were getting out of here together as a family and that’s final. I’m not losing my brother for any reason okay?” I hate to say this but I lied through my teeth to her. I knew something was going to happen because my mark was telling me so. it was as if it was speaking to me. I knew exactly what it was telling me. I knew the danger that was coming and it was Chrysalis but there was something else that was with her. “Okay sis we’ll do it your way.” Iron spoke up at first sight of the door. “There we can get everypony out now. Alright lets go and stay close to me and Demi and we’ll get you out of here safely.” Iron, Demi, and myself all could feel that this was going way to smoothly. We expected changelings to be after us yet there was nothing. Not one is sight. When to doors opened the only pony that was there was Avari. “Avari? how did you know we were here?” She smiled and gave me a hug. “It was your cutie mark’s magic energies that I felt. It lead me to the castle and well here you all are. I’m here to help so lets get all of these ponies to safety.” Demi walked up to his lover Ash and wrapped a wing over her to keep her close. I could tell he was worried about her being in this castle of changelings even though he expression remained serious. Ash is fearless when it comes to protecting her family and she held a deep love for Demi. So to ease his heart from worry she gave him a warm kiss to his cheek and told him how much she loved him. Demi gazed into her eyes and a smile could be seen as he nuzzled her lovingly. He turned his gaze to me and smirked as a way of showing that everything was going to be okay. I guess I held a face of worry. I returned the expression and he made his way out the door with Ash and a few other ponies following him out. Applejack moved to my side and I caressed her cheek with mine. I gave her a concerned look and continued to nuzzle her. “Is something wrong Rio?” “I don’t quite know but something just feels off.” Cackling echoed from across the room and two figures appeared next to the throne. One I knew was Chrysalis but the other held an aura of power about it. I feared this aura greatly and my body began to shake terribly. AJ held me close to keep me up and warm. “Rio it’s okay. I’m here darlin. we’ll face her together.” “AJ….I…I’m scared. I’m so scared of losing you right now but I don’t know why.” I held onto her for dear life and the trembling only got worse. I could feel her fur coat warming mine. Chrysalis spoke up breaking each others concentration. “My my my such love between ponies oh how I cannot wait to feed upon it. Do you know what the best part about this is young Earthstrider? The best part is that you will lose everything you ever cared about in this world. I have already taken something from you.” “What are you talking about Chrysalis? WELL!!!!!!!?” The other figure stepped forth into the light that shown through a crack in the roof. It was no wonder why my body was shaking like mad. It knew the form well before I recognized it. It was my father. Chrysalis had morphed him into a half human half changeling combination. Half of his body was skin the other was exposed bone covered in a carapace of black and green veins. I could barely stand. Even with AJ there by my side the fear had over taken me. My uniform felt so heavy and my heart was racing so much as if i had just done a thousand laps, full on sprinting, and non stop. Before either of us could react two of Chrysalis’s royal guards swooped down, grabbed AJ from my side and brought her to Chrysalis. My body became enraged and the fear had left only burning fury. “NO AJ GIVE HER BACK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I began to rise off the ground and readied myself to launch at them when Chrysalis’s horn began to glow emerald green. My father’s eyes opened and there was the same color glow coming from them. He was under Chrysalis’s complete control. Her first move sent my father at the doors slamming them shut and placing a barrier over it so that no pony could interfere. Demi slammed the doors with his hooves in anger sending sparks of void energy dancing off the door. “NO DAMN IT RIO….RIO!!!!!!!!!!” Ash and Iron sides moved to him and helped him up from his tear filled rage. Ash spoke up along side Iron Sides. “Demi its going to be alright. Rio can handle whatever is being thrown at him.” “She’s right Demi. Have faith in Rio is an Earthstrider after all. They’re as tough as the Warptrotters and don’t forget he is a Warptrotter as well. “I….can’t lose him I just can’t. We are brothers. We have been for such a long time its just….gah I wish I could be there with him now. Damn it Rio don’t you dare die in there.” My father turned to me with a murderous frown upon his face. I glared at him and readied myself as best I could but his physical abilities were on a level that I could not even hold a stick to as the saying goes. He readied himself in a stance with his legs parted, his right fist near his face for defense and his left outward of his body in an open palm. He clenched his right hand into a fist, slammed the ground and launched himself into the air coming down straight at me. As he landed he created a crater with a blast force that sent me into the nearest pillar utterly destroying it. through the smoke of the destruction he came flying at me landing a solid right hay maker to my left cheek. The flurry of blows that I had taken left me stunned and brutally damaged. It didn’t stop there however. The force of his blows left my hanging in the air and the wind was taken from me as he placed his hands on my shoulders, drove his knee into my gut, wrapped his left arm around my neck and used his body’s swinging force to follow up with an equally brutal knee to my back sending me to the ground. I tried to stand up but as I had found my bearings I was picked up by my neck and choked. My father placed me on the nearest pillar and readied another powerful strike to my face when I noticed something about him. This was how I know Chrysalis was the worst kind of evil in Equestria. She had completely control over him but she had made sure that he was aware of everything that he was doing. A single tear ran down his cheek glimmering off of his newly hardened skin.
Chapter 7I heard him barely speak through his teeth. “N…no….stop….please.” I reached out with my hoof to wipe the tear from his eye while still being choked. “Dad….its okay you’re….not in control. None of this your doing.” His eyes widened and I was flung to the center of the desecrated royal hall. I was beaten and there was no chance for me now. My body had given in. However I was blessed with light that shown through the destroyed roof and so I let myself rest and enjoy it since the end was nigh. “Your time has come little Earthstrider now prepare yourself for your end.” Chrysalis horn once again began to glow and all of the pillars around us lifted and shattered. She used her magic to turn them into a thousand spikes of stone and aimed them at me. “Your final breaths are here now young colt you’d best use them wisely. Speak your last words before I strip you from this world.” My eyes remained shut and blood began to find its way from my internal injuries to my throat causing me to cough it up. “As…you wish. Chrysalis…you won’t win no matter what. You can kill me but you don’t understand that in doing so….my family will hunt you down to the end of your days. Trust me your army…wouldn’t…be able to protect you.” “A cute idea from a dying pony maybe heh heh. You can keep that idea in your mind in the afterlife. Farewell.” The spikes began to hum with the spinning force caused by her magic. As they shot towards me I could feel me father’s spirit awaken as if he broke out of Chrsyalis spell. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr7jmGhyMFw Cred for this music goes to the fans. Please listen while reading. thank you. “NO!!!!!” My father leaped toward me and shielded me from the onslaught of spikes. he held me close in a tight loving hug. all the while fighting through death’s grasp slowly beginning to take its hold over him through pain. The sound I heard around us was similar to heavy hail hitting windows except it was ten times louder. The spikes blew up all around us but even though the sound was ear splitting All I heard was my father speaking to me as held me closer then he ever has before. “RIO HOLD ON LIL BUDDY ITS ALMOST OVER TO STAY BEHIND ME!!!!” “DAD DON’T PLEASE DON’T. DON’T DO THIS!!!” “DAD NO….. PLEASE NO!!!” when the hall finally went silent my father lowered his head to look me in the eyes and with the energy he had left he rested his forehead on mine. his words were soft and without any form of worry even with death so close. “Rio don’t let fear take you lil buddy everything will be okay. I have full faith in you to be the hero of this world.” I couldn’t hold anything in. I forgot all that was around me and only focused on my father. I reached to him and held him tighter then I ever have before. I was really going to lose him this time. I wanted to see my father again so badly and now fate has given me this. This wasn’t fair at all. “Dad you can’t go I need you so badly….dad…. please.” He raised his hand to hold my tear filled speech, and did his best to playfully lick my nose like he did in the past. I opened my eyes to see his warm smile shining through his pain to greet me with kindness. “It’s okay son. I love you and that’s all that matters. I have always loved you and it makes my heart happy again to see you here right in front of me. To be able to hold you in my arms. To be able to feel your warmth again. I’m sorry it has to be like to be like this. Rio you my hero lil buddy you…always…have been.” It was as if his spirit faded right in front of me as he fell to the floor. “Dad… No… DAD!!!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JrLRawqcbA Credit for this awesome music goes to 30 seconds to mars Please listen while reading thank you. My cutie mark began to shine brighter then the sun itself. My body’s color changed to a glorious ivory color with my mane and tail becoming a shining cyan. My eyes began to glow with a beautiful blue glow. The queen covered her eyes leaving the rest of subjects blinded with no cover. The hall rumbled with the magic that blasted forth from my cutie mark. My body dawned six wings of both angel and demon like. A spirit shield appeared in front of me making its way around my body creating golden Armour and then returning to its original place in front of me. I was no longer Rio Earthstrider I was Harmony’s savior manifested. My voice was no longer mine either yet I was aware of everything. The queen became enraged and let out an explosion of magic that destroyed the light that surround the hall. “YOU DARE THINK YOU CAN STOP ME FOOL?! EQUESTRIA IS MINE. I WILL NOT BE STOPPED, NOT BY YOU NOT BY ANYONE NOW DIE!!!” Her eyes began to glow a bright green and she attacked with a powerful beam of concentrated magic. My shield rose in front of me and I merely walked toward her without fear. The shield blocked every bit of damage that I would have sustained as if it were nothing. when her magic finally gave out I lowered the shield and charged her with thundering force. My hooves left small craters with electricity shooting out from wherever I stepped. The queen launched spell after spell at me to no avail. My charge toward her remained. “ATTACK MY CHANGELINGS DEFEND YOUR QUEEN.” The shield once again rose before me but this time my wings flared and my speed increased ten fold causing me to fly toward her with such power that when I slammed into her I sent us both through the castle walls and out into the open air. I lowered the shield and grabbed her throat with my teeth, found the nearest cliff and slammed her down into it. “GUH…WAIT PLEASE DON’T KILL ME PLEASE I’M BEGGING YOU.” I slowly walked up to her readying my horn to end her when another changeling attacked me from behind her. I figured it latched onto her when she flew through the castle. This changeling however was different. This changeling held the body of a mare, but what sent my fears over the deep end was that it had mane and tail both shredded. The mane and tail were golden blonde. It couldn’t be true she changed Applejack into a changleing. The love of my life was torn from my world and one of the elements of harmony was gone. “I can change her back but only if you let me live.” Rumbling could be heard coming from the earth around us. My face held anger like I had never felt before. White light magic began sparking from all over my body and the rumbling began to worsen. I spoke finally in such a roar that the mountains began to shake. The bottom of the mountains began to crack trailing up to their peaks. I was in control of my form now. my voice started off restrained but that quickly changed. “You dare….HOW DARE YOU BARTER WITH ME. FILTHY SCUM OF EQUESTRIA. YOU DO NOT DESERVE LIFE FOR THE AMOUNT OF BALANCE YOU HAVE DISTURBED. YOU HAVE DESTROYED THE BALANCE OF THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY, YOU THREATENED THE LAND OF EQUESTRIA AND WISHED TO RULE OVER A LAND THAT YOU DO NOT EVEN COME CLOSE TO UNDERSTANDING ALL FOR YOUR SELFISH NEED FOR POWER.” Her eyes were locked with mine in fear of what I might do.The fury in my heart remained strong but my voice calmed down and the magic that was emitting from me no longer sparked uncontrollably. My wings folded to my sides and I walked up to Applejack. She thrashed at me yet I paid that no mind. I placed my horn upon her forehead and magic began to surround her end to end. The carapace that once was her skin was now her beautiful orange coat once again. “My dearest love I gave you my heart and you gave me yours. Now my love I will give my life to return you to what you once were.I prey that you live happily even though after this exchange I will only be with you for a short time until I must go. I love you Applejack and no matter what happens I want you to know that I will never forget you.” When Applejack came to after the re transformation her first words gave my heart some warmth only because of her cute little accent. “What in tar nation just happened. Whoa there mister who are you?” I looked upon her with a soft expression and let my magic fade so that she could see the real me and not my manifested form. her eyes were filled with shock and confusion. “Hey AJ its me Rio.” She walked up to me cautiously and placed a hoof on my face to make sure it really was me. Then she began to cry tears of relief and wrapped her arms around me. “Rio….Rio oh my stars did I missed you sweetheart. I was so scared I had lost you. Chrysalis took me away from you and then I was surrounded by changelings….Everything went black after that. What happened to me? how did I get here?” “AJ Chrysalis turned you into a changeling and that big white stallion was me. I changed you back. I never told you this but my special talent is being the saviour of harmony. Within my heart holds magic beyond normal limits. hehe I bet I could give twilight a run for her money eh.” I added that little comment only to lighten the mood. It worked slightly thankfully. she chuckled a little and we began to make our way back to the castle when Chrysalis got up and roared at us. “A FOOLISH MISTAKE YOU MADE BY FORGETTING ABOUT YOUR ENEMY BOY.” I cocked my head towards her and let out a chuckle. “ Oh I didn’t forget about you trust me.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SipHN1\_BI1E Credit goes to Blue exorsist anime. Please listen while reading thank you. I pointed to the sky and yelled at the top of my lungs “STRACH. DROP THE BASS!!!” Chrysalis turned her attention to the cliff to see a blue fur coated unicorn with a white and black mane and tail readying himself. Two massive speakers at his sides blared were ready and able at his command. “Ever seen a real bass cannon chrysalis? WELL TONIGHT YOUR IN FOR A TREAT SUCKA.” Stach’s horn began to glow and his magic began bursting from his horn which shot to the two turn tables in front of him. The two massive speakers shot forth a blast of pure sound energy which blew Chrysalis clean from where she was standing. “JAMES SEND HER FLYING AMIGO.” A black coloured unicorn with a while blade like mane and tail launched into the air and pointed his horn straight where Chrysalis was going to land and created an explosion of such power that the whole landscape began to shake dangerously. She was launched into the air with ease. “DEMI. IRON. ASH SHOW HER THE MIGHT OF THE WARPTROTTERS!!!” Three ponies appeared in the air surrounding her. A pegasus with a Gray fur coat and spiked mane with a smooth tail with a teal color to them. The unicorn had a brown coat covered in royal guard Armour that shined the sun’s brilliance off of it. The next is Ash who is a black colored alicorn with a waving mane and tail of pink color. Their fury together left Chrysalis without a chance. They all created portal that surrounded the helpless queen. All three of them entered portals and exited them attacking the queen on different sides beating her on every angle. They then created three portals under her and launched themselves at her sending her farther into the air. Demi waved at me from the skies giving me the all clear. I nodded and called upon Noir, Dragran and Avari. “NOIR, DRAGRAN, AVARI YOUR UP SHOW HER WHAT YOUR MADE OF.” Noir, Dragran and Avari shot up from the portals under Chrysalis and the trio began their assault. Noir conjured a bow staff and unleashed his martial art talent that none of us knew about but it was extremely impressive and dangerous. Noir unleash a flurry of blows upon her breaking the carapace that defended her while Dragran zoomed by her bashing her hard shell with heavy strikes leaving even more dents and cracks upon her flesh. Avari flew at her as conjured up her scythe with her magic and launched a endless number of slashes and deep cutting strikes to her. As they finished she began to fall and Noir was caught by his close friend Dragran who brought him down to the ground gently. “Alright darlin you and me. lets take her down.” “You got it sugar.” We both began to charge her from different directions while she was still stunned. Both AJ and I were in perfect synch with our heavy blows to the queen. I rammed he dead on and sent her into AJ’s direction. AJ slammed a hoof into the round or support as she swung her rear hooves straight into Chrysalis’s face. sending back in my direction. I turned around and readied myself to launch her into the air. With a powerful buck I sent her into the air and yelled. “DERPY CRATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Now whenever any pony has ever said those words everypony knows to run like mad to get out of that area. Derpyapples is a sister of mine and James’s thanks to me becoming part of the Apple family and I have come to learn something very important about her. If you see something in the sky that looks like a fire ball coming at you expect destruction in its wake. “EVERYPONY TO ME ON THE DOUBLE. JAMES, NOIR, IRON, ASH YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.” They nodded and everypony ran to them. All of their horns began to glow and created a powerful bubble shield which we all hoped would protect us from the coming Armageddon. We looked out to the sky above us and saw the fireball approaching The fireball grew in size and a small Pegasus could be seen in the center of the inferno. Her form was focused, deadly and terrifying. Her eyes draw a bead on Chrysalis and once Derpyapples collided with the queen a blinding flash of light shown beautifully before being engulfed in a pillar of flame. What remained in the aftermath was the cute little Pegasus wagging her tail excitedly and with a smile at her face while she admired her work. Bare in mind when I say the words “DERPY CRATER” I mean crater. the whole cliff side was missing and replaced with a massive hole measuring about two kilometers wide. Though she may be small never ever doubt the power behind this adorable little Pegasus. she’ll end you. When the shield went down and we regrouped around Derpyapples and any of the ponies who were not us to seeing Derpy in action were shaking in their fur. I walked up to her and gave her a hug and nuzzled her. “Nice work sis. I knew I could count on you to finish the job in a very well executed and destructive manner.” She gave me a smirk and then playfully punched my chest. “Wubs bro.” She returned the hug and walked toward the group of ponies while I made my way to what was left of the edge of the cliff overlooking the water. Applejack took notice and walked up to me. she looked concerned and pushed her head against my neck to get my attention. “What wrong sugercube?” I attempted a smile but I could not bring myself to lie to her either. My time was here and I had but a few moments left before I faded away. “Applejack I need to tell you something. I was not born I was merely created with one specific purpose.” “Whadda ya mean Rio?” I turned to her and sat in front of her with my head drooped slightly and my ears resting on either side of my head lazily. I felt as though I was confessing to murder. “Luna created me to be the saviour of harmony. When you were turned into a changeling the imbalance became real and I had no choice but to give my life in order for one of the elements of harmony to return to its place in Equestria. Balance had to be maintained. I thought everything was going to be okay and that your life would never be in danger. I hope you know that I never meant to mislead you into thinking that we could get married because I truly believed we would. I wish there was some way for me too stay here with you forever sweetheart.” “Okay haha Rio you had your joke now be serious with me.” My sorrowful eyes met with her’s. That’s when she knew that I was very serious. “Yo…you can’t be serious Rio. Ya just can’t be.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtOvBOTyX00 Credit for this amazing music goes to Christina Perri. Please listen while reading. thank you. My cutie mark began to fade slowly and my strength followed suit. I fell to the ground in front of her laying flat on my side. She was lost in confusion and was begging for answers. “No…no there has to be some way to save you. You saved me…. now its my turn.” She placed a hoof on my side and yelled for the other to come to us. “RIO IS HURT….. PLEASE SOME PONY HELP US!!!!” My family came rushing toward us and circled round.
