Where the Angels Fall

    "Now, before we start, I would just like to say: if you do not keep the Peace, you will be punished. Understand?"

    Piña Colada growled, nodding slowly as she glared at Garrett. Colgate mirrored Piña's action, only this time with a hoof holding an ice bag on her head. She muttered a "Yes, Princess." Berry Punch nodded, rubbing her cranium as her hangover stayed.

    "Good," Princess Celestia said with a smile, turning to the trio of mares. "Now, I suppose I owe you all..." She turned to each of the Elements of Harmony, Garrett included. "...an apology. I have been keeping secrets from you." The ponies in the room all gasped at the admittance, staring at the princess in shock.

    "...Princess Celestia..." Twilight began, but soon failed to continue her sentence.

    "Please, accept my apology," the white alicorn pleaded, looking down shamefully. "...But I believe if you know the truth, you will understand.

    "Twilight Sparkle. After you became a Princess, your transformation sent energy waves and magic spiraling out in all directions, at massively high speeds. After inspection, it showed that it was actually a Super Sonic Teleprithian Spell. What that means is that the raw magic which resulted from your transformation will span out of this universe, traveling light years away. It will then teleport the nearest organism with high intelligence to our world."

    Garrett leaned forward. "Uh, not to be a thief to your atmospheric story-telling, but how does that even work?"

    "I have a theory," Twilight said rather suddenly, looking at the human. "Somepony's transformation into another species causes a dramatic rising in the animal population around that location. The Princesses are the only ones who can transform a pony, but it uses so much magical energy they have to spend almost all of theirs. When that much magic is released in one spot, it causes a Teleprithian Spell. That causes the animal population rising because it's actually teleporting animals all around the world to the spot it commenced at. Not much is known about Teleprithian Spells, but they can only happen when the Princesses use tremendous amounts of magic.

    "I've heard theories about a Super Sonic Teleprithian Spell, which matches her description perfectly. When even more energy than a transformation spell is emitted, namely a Princess being created, it will extend to other worlds to collect more advanced creatures."

"En Anglais, Génie," Garrett muttered quietly, tapping his head.

    Princess Celestia, ignoring the Master Thief's comment, instead smiled at her former apprentice. "Very impressive, Twilight Sparkle. Now, as I was saying, a Super Sonic Teleprithian Spell emitted from your transformation into a Princess. Princess Luna and I were both worried that the spell would bring a dangerous creature to Equestria. Or worse, a harmless one in a dangerous place. For weeks, Luna and I checked for any signs of an energy disturbance in the atmosphere. After none were found each time, we presumed the best: a Super Sonic Teleprithian Spell didn't exist.

    "However, our assumptions were proved wrong as, one day, a human appeared in the Galloping Gorge; miles from Canterlot. We sensed the disturbance and quickly went to him... you should have seen the look on his face." Celestia chuckled quietly, memories flooding her mind. "We took him under our wings until we could find a way for him to return home. He later told us his name was Vandal. After the initial mental breakdown of being in a different world, of course.

    "But soon, Vandal warmed up to us. We became friends, even giving him a room in the castle. But we had to keep him a secret. We did not know how our ponies would react to a creature like him. Not only that, but we feared he would become attached to Equestria and want to stay. The reason we let ourselves become attached to him is because of Luna's power over dreams; where we could visit him even after he was back home. But we did not want Vandal to stay. A life of secrecy is a hard one."

    Garrett gave a small, discreet smile.

Having a life of secrecy can be a Bugger at times.

    Princess Celestia continued. "We had plans for Vandal. Our friendship was strong, but our duties took priority overall. We were to teleport him back to his world once Luna located where he was taken from. Then, we would continue to see him through dreams. Maybe even bring him back for a little while now and then.

    "We told Vandal our plan. He..." Princess Celestia trailed off, pulling a regretful face. "...he didn't take it very well. He said nothing else was waiting for him on his world." Garrett sighed quietly at that.

I wonder who in this room could possibly relate...

    The white alicorn looked at each of the room's inhabitants in the eye. "When we insisted, Vandal stormed out of the room. We figured he needed time, so we let him go. It wasn't until the next day we discovered he left the castle.

    "We were both terrified at the thought that he would have been spotted. Without the choice of having our guards look for him, we set out by ourselves."

    Princess Celestia glanced at Colgate, still holding an ice bag to her head. "...We found Vandal down in the Castle Gardens. He was sitting at the edge of the lake. Colgate was by his side, speaking to him."

    The room's occupants all stared at the blue unicorn, Piña Colada and Berry Punch especially.

    "...You never told us?" Piña asked, somewhat betrayed aquamarine eyes looking up at Colgate. Berry Punch was also peering at her childhood friend, her eyes mirroring Piña's. Colgate looked down guiltily.

    "Do not be too quick to judge," Princess Celestia inserted, hushing the two with a look of authority. "Luna and I rushed to Vandal, pleading Colgate to not tell anypony of her discovery. She reluctantly agreed.

    "We got Vandal back to the castle afterwards, but not before asking Colgate what they were conversing about. Turns out the two were having a little... heart-to-heart."

    Colgate's cheeks reddened at that as. Suddenly, her hooves became the most interesting thing in the world. Perfect for staring at intently. "We both knew how it felt like to be thrust into unfamiliar land."

    Berry Punch leaned over to her friend, patting her back sympathetically. The blue unicorn smiled her thanks, before turning her attention back to the princess.

    "We put trust in Colgate to not tell anypony. But we could both see she had a dear friend she wanted to talk to." Princess Celestia winked at Colgate, knowing she had just saved her from friendship problems. "...Anyways, we took Vandal back to the castle. He was angry at us for the rest of the day, going back in his room for privacy.

    "Luna and I spoke to each other overnight. We both knew Vandal was not happy back on his world, but we did not want to keep him a secret. Although, the cons of teleporting him back outweighed the pros. We made our decision to let him stay, slowly and steadily introducing Equestria to him.

    "We were about to have a talk with him that night, explaining our plans." Princess Celestia closed her eyes for a moment, as if to hold back emotion. "...He was not there. We thought he had ran away again, but after a brief scan of the castle, we were proven wrong.

    "Luna attempted to speak with Vandal through his dreams, as it was late at night and he was most surely asleep. When Luna returned from subconsciousness, she informed me Vandal was somehow teleported back to Earth. He suspected it was us who had done it, and some... very colorful statements were used.

    "But Luna explained to him we had not done it. She then told him our plan for him to stay in Equestria, gradually showing him to the world. Vandal was given a place and a time for us to meet on his world, so we could bring him back.

    "Although we were worried that, even if we would be gone for a few minutes, the guards would notice we would be missing. After we come back with an unknown being, one thing would lead to another. We knew we could not send ourselves, although we could send an object that could bring him to us..."

    Princess Celestia's horn glowed, and a glowing sphere was levitated in the room. Garrett recognized it as the same one which he had earlier, its shining brilliance still just as smooth as before.

    "This is an ancient relic called the 'Dream Rider.' It has the ability to travel across universes in the subconscious realm, returning to its owner in the conscious one afterwards. How it works is that whoever and whatever is in contact with the Dream Rider, when given to somepony in a dream, will wake up with it in their world. The exact location can be debated by whoever lends it, although it cannot be within a mile of the receiver. It will then teleport back to its original world after a pony from there touches it."

    "Wait," Garrett interrupted, leaning forward. Piña Colada glared at the human. "You just said the Dream Rider will teleport back to its original world when someone from there makes contact with it. It teleported after I touched it, and I've never been here before."

    Princess Celestia's attention shifted to Garrett. An eyebrow was raised. "You surely must've mistaken. That's impossible."

    The Master Thief crossed his arms, looking at the ground. "Huh... I'm pretty sure I know what happened."

    Princess Celestia looked at the two mares and one filly by her side. "Did you touch the Dream Rider?" When all shook their head no, the princess rubbed her chin. "This is... unheard of... No. I'm sure there was something you all missed. Do not pay this matter any heed; I know it was, somehow, working correctly." She held up her hoof as the four individuals attempted to reason. "Not another word concerning this matter. There is simply no way Garrett could have done it alone. The Dream Rider must have messed with your memories upon teleporting..."

    "I think I know what universe I come from," Garrett muttered quietly.

    Princess Twilight Sparkle spoke up from her seat. "No disrespect intended Princess Celestia, but what does all of this have to do with us having to be here?"

    Celestia nodded. "I am getting to that. I need to be completely honest with you all first, though." She cleared her throat. "As I was saying, Princess Luna and I intended on bringing Vandal back to Equestria using the Dream Rider, but since Vandal was not born in this world, he couldn't use it himself. We needed somepony else to aid us, but we also wanted to keep knowledge of Vandal to a minimal." She turned to Colgate. "That is why we wanted you to go to Earth, meet up with Vandal in that cabin, and come back. You were the only other one to know about him."

    Colgate nodded slowly, staring at the floor in understanding. "...and why did I get to bring a friend or two with me?"

    "Earth is a dangerous, dark, and bleak place. Ponies should need others' help in order to make it."

    The Mane Six all glanced at Garrett sympathetically, wondering how it felt like to live in such a world. Pinkie Pie discreetly scooted a little closer to the human, leaning on his shoulder.

    Rarity suddenly found her cheeks burning with jealousy, and quickly washed the feeling out.

    "...But there's one thing I don't get," Piña Colada inserted. "You said that cabin was enchanted. Only us and Vandal could enter it."

    Princess Celestia sighed. "I overestimated Luna and I's power. I thought we could use magic across worlds... If we had succeeded, Vandal would already be with us. We had to teleport the Dream Rider back to us and use it again to get you back here."

    Twilight Sparkle leaned forward. "Please don't take this offensively, but you still haven't explained why you gathered us all here."

    "Ah," Celestia nodded gratefully. "Thank you for reminding me. When Garrett was brought here by the Dream Rider, evil beings followed him. They are pitch black in color, and have glowing purple eyes that cease all magic of an exotic stature when stared at.--"

That explains my Focus disappearing earlier...

    "--They are humanoid, skinny, and extremely aggressive. I understand, from what Sweetie Belle has told me, it called itself a 'Vandalite' when it was communing with Garrett."

    Fluttershy was hiding under her mane at the description of a Vandalite, shivering at its image.

    "We have encountered one at the castle... it..." Princess Celestia held her hoof to her chest, holding back emotions. It took a while, but her feelings remained in check. Still, her voice cracked a tiny bit. "...attacked our guards. It killed one of us."

    The entire room, excluding Garrett, went dead silent at that statement. All eyes, again excluding Garrett, were on Princess Celestia as she closed her own, thinking of the horrific memories of the attack. Everyone's eyes, you guess it: excluding Garrett's, turned to the floor as a moment of silence was given.

Imagine if I gave a moment of silence to every dead guy I don't even know. I might as well cut my tongue off to keep from talking my entire life.

    Princess Celestia closed her eyes mournfully before continuing. "We tried to use peace to calm it down, but it was in a lust for blood. We had to use both of our magic to just keep the Vandalite still. Before we had to put it down, it said to us: 'Our intentions are just. His cause is just.' I believe it was being commanded by somepony. Worst case scenario, somepony who has a plan. Surely, no good can come of this." Princess Celestia gazed at each of the Elements of Harmony in turn. "This is where you come in. I would like you, the Elements of Harmony, to investigate each Vandalite sighting until you find it, then question it for more clues on who is in charge of them. With each of these clues, we will work our way closer to him until we can stop him. I know it is a lot to ask for, and it is completely your choice."

    Twilight Sparkle puffed out her chest, giving a determined smile. The rest of the Elements of Harmony followed suit. "Princess Celestia, we would be honored to help. Just give us a location, and we'll get you your villain."

    Princess Celestia closed her eyes, smiling. "I knew I could count on you," she said. "Thank you so much for your loyalty to Equestria. Now, as for you, Garrett..."

    Celestia stood up, towering over the sitting human. She looked as if she was trying to intimidate him. This would not be a question if he wanted to do something. Garrett, not one for giving in to authority, only steadily gazed back.

    "It took both of the Princesses of Equestrias' magic to defeat a Vandalite. You've dealt with one without any magic whatsoever. You've already proven yourself worthy to defeat them. I want you to go with the Elements of Harmony, acting as a bodyguard. You will protect them in any means necessary, even to the extend of giving your safety for theirs. You will defeat any Vandalites who they are not able to handle, or are too rampant to cooperate with."

    Garrett steadily looked back at the white alicorn. "...and why should I help?"

    "Because you're skilled at defeating Freaks. Because they're here because of you. Because these three mares will most likely pummel you if you stay in Ponyville."

    Garrett's defensive resistance faltered as he gulped, glancing at Berry Punch, Colgate, and Piña Colada. The filly was giving him an evil grin.

That light pink pony will be the death of me, I'm sure of it.

    "Bodyguard it is," Garrett sighed, crossing his arms. "...Although wouldn't ponies notice if they see me walking down the street with the Elements of Harmony?"

    Princess Celestia smiled, taking her seat again. Her friendly demeanor returned. "From what I've heard, you're very good at hiding. I'm sure you can follow unspotted. But, just in case..." Princess Celestia's horn once again glowed as she levitated a red ruby to Garrett. The human, instinct of seeing such a rare jewel taking over, snatched it out of the air lightning quick. He examined it greedily.

    Princess Celestia raised her brow at this, examining Garrett's thievish ways. "...That is a Soul Ruby. Squeeze it with both hands to lower suspicion when you travel outdoors."

    Garrett brought it up to his eyes, the crimson brilliance illuminating his features. "What do you mean?" he asked, rotating the ruby left and right. "Will it make me invisible or something?"

    Princess Celestia smiled at that. "No, Garrett. It will make you a pony."

    At that statement, Rarity's ears perked up.

    Garrett looked at Princess Celestia blankly, shifting his gaze between her and the ruby. "...A pony?" he asked lamely. The princess nodded. "...Like, one of you?" Celestia nodded again. "...What will I look like?"

    Princess Celestia examined the human thoroughly. "Your equine persona will match your personality and appearance. You'll look exactly like you do in human form, although in pony standards. ...My guess is that you'll be dark. Probably black." She straightened herself. "You'll need to be rid of any clothing when you transform. It'll be too tight, suffocating you. Put this on to carry the Soul Ruby as a pony." Her horn glowed, and a satchel fit for a horse levitated into Garrett's grasp. It was black in color, having two bags on either side of its latch. It was made with a softer version of leather.

    Princess Celestia nodded once Garrett stored the Soul Ruby in one of the many pockets of his suit. "Excellent... So, I understand we are all clear on what to do?"

    The Elements of Harmony and Garrett nodded, although it was the Cutie Mark Crusaders who interrupted.

    "Can we help Garrett, too?" they all asked in unison.

    Princess Celestia shook her head slowly. "No. It will be too dangerous."

    Scootaloo looked up to the princess with puppy eyes. "But he can't just go out there alonnnee~! We can kick flank too when we need to, you know!"

    The Princess of the Sun turned to the orange filly. "Scootaloo, it is quite alright."

    Applebloom joined in the large eyedness. "But maybe we'll get our Cutie Marks this way! Plus, Garrett needs us! And he saved each of our lives; we have to repay the favor!"

    Celestia faltered at Applebloom's words, but stood only slightly firm. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, I have made my choice, and I implore you to respect it."

    Sweetie Belle joined her two friends, looking up at the princess with plead. "We'll be good! We promise we won't get in the way of anything! We'll be helping the entire time! Not only that, but what if they go and nopony could look out for us?"

    The princess chewed over the filly's words. "...Well, you've got that last part right."

    Garrett joined the three other fillies, trying his best to imitate the three others' puppy eyes. "And I promise I'll be good if they come! Plus, it's a pretty big part of my character development in the future!"

    "Garrett, what are you talking about? This isn't a story."

    The Master Thief sighed, returning to his seat near Pinkie. "Guess you and I are alone on this forbidden knowledge, Pinks..."

    "Alright, fine," Princess Celestia admitted defeat, sighing. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, you may come with the Elements of Harmony on their endeavors. Garrett, you are going to have to protect them as well."

    Garrett nodded vigorously. "Done."

    Princess Celestia lowered her gaze. "Well, everything is now in order... I am sorry I have kept Vandal, and all of this a secret to you. Especially you." She turned to Colgate, Berry Punch, and Piña Colada. They all nodded solemnly in reply. "...Well, I guess the only thing we can do is wait for the next Vandalite Sighting. I wish you all good luck. Oh, and Garrett?"

    The man looked up at the princess.

    "...Your right eye..."

    Garrett sighed, already guessing her description.

Disgusting?

Horrific?

Horrifying?

Makes me want to gouge it out?

    "...is unique. I wish you good luck on handling the rest of the mares that will agree with me, once you transform." She winked playfully. Garrett only blinked. "Now, I will be off. Once again, good luck." Princess Celestia nodded to each of the room's inhabitants in turn, before standing out of her seat and trotting out the door of the tree house.

...Once again, my ridiculously disturbing eye is attracting the attention of someone in a positive light. Equestria truly is a weird place...

...Oh yeah, that pink filly giving me a death glare just reminded me I have to get on her good side. Along with Colgate... and Berry Punch.

...Merde, I don't think she knows about her bar yet...