Legionby DarthMalentaiChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3 [C]Chapter 4Chapter 5Um... Houston.. we got a problem.Chapter 6 Chapter 7Chapter 8 (Sorry for such an extended disappearance)Chapter 1If I were a rich man, Yubby dibby dibby dibby.. I mentally sang to myself. I had lost track of how many times I had sung that or any of the other songs I was able to memorize. The sun was high, yet I felt no heat upon my body, and the birds sang their merry tunes. Being a statue is not fun at all, although others would probably say otherwise when my sword had basically become a target for some rings. I heard the faint rumble of probably another class of children coming. ‘This should be about 2,000… or was it 3?’ I questioned. I mentally shrugged, and waited for the group to appear. “…and this class is Legion,” I heard a feminine voice speak up gesturing towards me, of course my facing was towards another statue, as if I was ready to attack Him. Yes He was a very chaotic character indeed, and the thought of he and I being friends at one point was something that left me….sickened. “Does anypony want to take a guess as to why?” The teacher spoke up, looking over her students. None of the students said anything, only looking at my face and the rage plastered all over it. “Well? Anyone?” The teacher asked, clearly undisturbed by me but hell the children all were stepping away slightly. I mean yea, I was pretty pissed off when I got turned to stone, and I have to tell you…rainbow it is but warm it ain’t. If you are confused let me brief you… -1672 years ago- “GOD FUCKING HELL JAMES, GET YOUR FUCKING ARMOR ON AND LET’S GO!” Susan shouted. Susan was dressed up like an assassin from Assassin’s Creed (you can pick which one cause they all looked alike for me). Upon her attire were a few ‘weapons’ plus the hidden blade. She had the whole costume for a year and the weapons were actually mine. (A boy and his toys right?) The weapons, when hit together, just thudded, no clang of metal (Or else I would not have been able to do battle with my nemesis every other day) so therefore, they were acceptable for where we were going today. PaxEast. One of the some odd amount of conventions almost completely dedicated to games, and the one that was only like 3 blocks away from where we lived. “Sheesh Susuan, could you be any louder?” I calmly yell back, applying the final touches onto my face. “If you tried to make this stuff look like read blood, you would need patience.” “Oh you want blood? Come here,” I heard her teasing voice call back to me. Yes when we fight with the toys I usually end up bleeding at the end but hell is it worth it. “I can make a pre-“ “If you want to do that then we could just not go…” I said back, my back was still killing me from a few days ago, a pretty solid hit to my leg caused me to fall and mess up my back just a little. “Fine but HURRY , I wanna get there this year!” She started to whine. +_+_+_+_+_+ A half hour later found us at the line that had already started to form for the convention. I saw a lot of people just wearing shirts, or little things from various games, but the thing that popped out at me were some guys (and ladies too) wearing various wings, and vibrant colored wigs, or in the one case of a lady, a white simple dress with a large amount of blue/green/pink hair with a horn and grown sticking out of said hair. “Oh god,” I heard Susan blurt out, before snickering. I turned my head towards her, my left eyebrow raised in question. “That is hilarious.” “What is?” I asked. All Susan did was point the group out, and I looked and then immediately looked back at her, still confused. “Why is that hilarious? They are just expressing themselves, not much to be funny about that.” “You mean you don’t recognize the one in all pink?” Susan questioned, which prompted me to look again, and notice that, who I initially thought was a woman, was actually a guy. That guy happened to work at the same place I did, and if I remember correctly, he was supposed to work today. ‘Oh woe is me for if the boss found this out.’ I thought to myself. “Why the hell is Carl here? And why is he in that getup?” I asked, and Susan pushed me a little. I looked towards her, and she motioned for me to go and investigate. So I did. As I approached the group, Carl noticed me and went pale, and also started to back away a little. The group saw this and the few who connected where he was looking, turned to see me walking nonchalantly over. The White one looked towards me, and I noticed that, she was taller than me by a good foot. “Ahh… OK?” The white costumed one said, thoroughly confused. “What’cha want? And why you scarin’ Carl off?” “Well Ms…” I inquired. “Stroganov, Anise Stroganov,” She filled in. “Well Ms. Stroganov, Carl here is supposed to be going to work today. Right, Carl? ” I spoke out, hiding my irritation but also wondering why he is dressed up in a ridiculous fashion. “Also if I may so inquire, who are you all supposed to be?” The group gave weird names like “Rainbow Dash” or “Fluttershy”. Ms. Stoganov gave “Celestia” and after a little bit of silence they saw my face was still blank. “Sorry, but haven’t you heard of “My Little Pony”?” One of the ‘Rainbow’s’ asked “Can’t say I have sorry. I do have to ask…” They all looked at me, some getting ready to retort, and I looked at them. “Who the fuck is Carl supposed to be? Cotton Candy?” The whole group just stood there, and one or two looked towards Carl, who was still kinda scared, and started laughing. Now if you are confused. Put bald, mid-30’s some man, in all pink, and have what looks like 50 dollars’ worth of cotton candy stuck to the top of his head. After a bit more conversing with the bright group, I walked back to Susan. She didn’t seem that happy with how long I was gone but ignored it when I came back, because I was wrapped up in a hug. “Enjoy the talk?” I nodded. “That’s good. So… I was wondering if you…” The next hour was filled with waiting, talking, more waiting, the bright group came over to talk with us, Hell Susan got many compliments for her costume, and I for mine. At around 10, the doors opened, and people slowly made their way through. The next few hours were spent looking at everything there, and especially the merchandise that was on hand. Some of the tables at some pretty nice stuff, there even was “My Little Pony” stuff being sold for god only knows why. That doesn’t even fit with the games, and with the brief description the bright group gave me, it was all ‘girly’ based things but since the fandom was full of adults, then ‘girly’ doesn’t fit. Apparently there was a game that was going to come out but it had gone under. Few of the tables had replicas of various games (Of course scaled or wooden or plastic), and few even sold figurines. Though one table we passed gave me pause. Sitting off the left in the back of the stand was a replica of the gladius and shield that appears in Ryse. I felt my hand subconsciously reach towards my fanny pack (Screw you all for laughing at me). Susan noticed me not walking beside her and looked around for me, saw me, then saw what I was looking at. “Oh no. You are not thinking of getting that are you,” She asked, exasperation clearly apparent through her words. I just looked at her, then back at the weapon and shield, then back at her, wiggling my eyebrows. “Please don’t.” “Please do,” the stall keep said, obviously bored out of his mind. “You are the first to be here and even see my wares, Marius.” “Sorry but my name’s James. Nice to see you noticed who I dressed up as,” I responded, only to see the stall keep bend below the table, and pull up something I never would have guessed. The helmet he wore in the midst of the story, Not that ‘Damocles’ crap but the silver and gold helm with the red fin. “Sir, I may want to ask for your hand in marriage.” All of a sudden the stall keep burst into laughter. After it subsided, he looked to me, and then to my wallet. I pulled out $250 but he shook his head and only took $50. “All I have to say James,” He said as I took the helmet and the weapon and shield. “ Is that you have fun. Nice seeing you.” As I put on the helmet I felt a weird sensation, but it quickly subsided, and I took up the sword and shield and went off with Susan. “Have fun? Wha-” All of a sudden a bright flash alerted me that something has gone bad. I looked to my left and Susan is stepping away from me, her eyes wide. Everyone around has the same face, and I decide to look down, and notice something akin to Galaxy Quest. “Aww…Fu-”Then I black out. +_+_+Equestria, Present Day+_+_+ I watched as one of the children, a unicorn who had a purple/faded pink mane come forwards. It was cute to see her shaking a little, but I did feel sorry for them all. If only Celestia had let me be in a better pose for when I was turned to stone. “If its name is Legion, why is there only one of it?” She asked, and the teacher made up of some BS excuse saying I was left behind by the rest, and that the rest had apparently drowned in a storm that had raged for a month. As other students had voiced up questions, and a certain pinkish grey filly with a tiara made fun of the three who were asking the most questions, I had kinda lost interest in what they talked about and looked at the landscape again. After a few hours, I head some stone shattering. Then… He popped up. “JIMMY!” Discord all but shouted at me, and I looked towards him. I already told you Discord not to call me that, and remember… We aren’t friends. I said, glaring at him, and the stone façade was literal. I still don’t trust you after ditching me with the princesses. “Oh yea… But no worries,” Discord said with a smile. This was going to be dreadful, and I could easily tell. “I want to form the group we had back up, and start making things go haywire again!” He was too happy for his own good. Oh yea sure let me check my schedule… Oh looks like I am full, maybe take a rain check in… oh I don’t know…NEVER! I shouted back, still distrustful of the draconequus, who started taking a forlorn appearance. “Oh woe is me when I can’t trust a friend, and here I thought we were going to create delicious chaos together. I mean you and your spectral legionnaires a-” We are not going to work together again. I don’t trust you, I do not like you as a friend, I do not want to help you in trying to take over Equestria once, and like hell I am doing that again. I retorted, keeping my anger down but the venom was enough to get through. “Fine, fine. But I am letting you out at least. What you do then…well you decide…” he stayed quiet for a minute. “Oh well. Time to fly solo and have some fun. Ta ta Jimmy,” With that Discord snapped his claw and I felt the stone surrounding me start to break off. -an few days later- I looked at my pedestal and thought about how long I had been trapped. How much time had passed since those who I could call friends had died. All those events in their lives I had missed due to a really large mistake on all parties. From behind I hear armor clanking, hoofsteps, and turn around to see two guards look towards me. “Halt, By the name of Princ-”One started to shout. “I know, I know. ‘Stop, you’re under arrest,’ I would love to see you stop me but I am not something that should be threatened,” I taunt, seeing if their training has been upheld or not. “Quick, private, go tell Princess Celestia that there is a beas-”The older looking of the two started. “Belay that order, private. Instead tell her that the Legion once again marches,” I look towards the guards, and the private gets the full glare that only a trained (or self-taught) warrior could give prey. “And tell her that I wish for my shield to be returned if I am to protect this land form things that go bump in the night.” “You are not in a position to make demands, monster,” the older guard said. “Monster? Wow that’s new,” I step aside, and motion for where the statue had been. “So you have heard the story of Legion?” “What does that have to-” They both looked at me, getting tense. “Oh so you have heard of it. Remember anything about the ghosts that followed in the wake of Legion, as he walked through armies that tried to stop him, Armies that vastly outnumbered the lone soldier yet were cut down by invisible swords? Armies that hunted the lone being?” Looking at them I could see that they started to shrink back. I raised my sword to them. “So… want to know what happens to those who stand in the way of freedom?” They immediately fled. I waited a minute or two. Then I laughed. I laughed so hard that it started to hurt. After a minute or two of laughing I picked myself up mentally and proceeded to jog towards the castle, towards a sudden tugging sensation. Having this only happen one other time (Granted losing all three items had made the tugging become more like throttling so the current sensation was rather pleasant). Finding an open set of doors, I jogged through and followed the sensation towards the source. After some time (and a decent amount of knocked out or wounded guards) I arrived at the source of the tugging but didn’t exactly help that the guards here numbered around 30 and yet had only taken me a minute to knock them all out. Opening the doors I saw something I had wished not to see in quite some time. “Hello…James.” Celestia spoke, while she hefted a rather large hammer. “Remember Mr. Happy? He missed〜 you.” Chapter 2‘FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK’ was the mantra that went through my head as I ran through the halls. Looking back towards the being who chased me, only to be met with Mr. Happy to the chest. Now the feeling of getting a large hammer smashing into your chest might be beyond painful but with how my armor is, it only redirected the blow to launch me and causing little bodily harm. “So Legion, you seem to be a bit rusty,” Celestia taunted, moving towards me. “I would hate to do this but with Discord back in stone, you need to return to your previous state.” “Aww… and here I thought you loved me enough to keep me from being stoned,” I jested back, still feeling the tugging sensation. “Here is a deal, you let me get my shield and I will leave the country. Deal?” “Even if that sounds grand, I will have to decline the offer. Now please stand st-” Celestia started. “Heh, and I only came out to get my shield and a snack before going off. Isn’t it policy to not hurt house guests?” I questioned. Truth be told, I was STARVING. I hadn’t eaten for at least two days before being turned to stone. “Well it is policy in homes but as this is a palace and you were already on the grounds I think that counts as you were already living here,” Celestia stated, her horn starting to glow. Pointing a finger at me, her eyes glinting with mirth, and a smile slowly drawing across her face. I quirked an eyebrow at this, and was surprised to find myself being picked up, and flung at another wall. Then another, before I was thrown to the ground and Celestia came to stand over me, hammer dragging behind her, and kneeled next to my body. “As it was nice seeing you again, you are not wanted, nor are you needed. My Guard have impr-” I burst into laughter at that. “W-What’s funny?” “The guard have improved?” I questioned. “Didn’t you take into consideration that I got to that room by just walking? Those guard of yours are still at the same level that they had been when I, and mine, marched through towns while being hunted by you and yours. The only difference is that the guards here lack the necessary efficiency to defend from a single man.” I looked towards Celestia, backing away so I could get up some. “What do you mean?” Celestia asked, slightly worried. “I mean that I waltzed through a few dozen guards like I would walk through the fields of wheat. They were nothing, are nothing, and will be nothing. You have been laid back all these years? I remember when they actually gave me a challenge. You? You just have a giant fucking hammer,” I sighed. “And using said giant hammer doesn’t count towards prowess but more just being blunt.” We stared at each other. I slowly got up and started walking back towards the tugging sensation, all the while keeping my eyes on her. Once around the corner I just ran like hell. One thing I learned is that you do not call Celestia dumb or fat in any respect or you get beat to hell. (Rip. Half my freaking legion due to her) “ LEGION! ” I smirked, and ran even faster. A minute later found me back at the doors that had held Celestia and Mr. Happy. I ran through the doors, and was greeted with various artifacts. The tugging sensation dragged me towards the right, and was greeted with my shield. The sexy beast had saved my life countless times, and was the one who brought comfort to me. As I touched the shield, a voice drifted back into my head. About time, Jamey-waymey. Here I was wondering if you were ever going to rescue me. I could hear the dramatic pretend faint, and that brought a smile to my face. +_+_+Equestria, 1672 years ago+_+_+ I had awoken, a week after I had appeared for the first time in this strange land. I had yet to meet anyone, though I hear whispers and get that feeling that I am being watched. I had just found a large amount of fruit bearing trees, and was picking some to try and eat. The taste was basically that of having your favorite food after a few years of eating crap. It was so heavenly that I hadn’t heard the crunch of leaves and twigs, the slight clanging of armor, and hushed whispers. “Halt intruder!” I someone behind me, thanking the gods that there were people, and turned around. “What?” I asked, rhetorically, for I had no idea who stood before me. Well I mean the armor that they had on made it obvious that they were guards but still. One of the guards were taller, and had more muscle, while the other was shorter and looked like he wanted to bolt right there and then. They both wielded spears and oblong shields, and they looked as if to be brand new. “Do thy I have to repeateth thine’s words?” The taller of the two guards asked. “I wish no trouble with you, I am only here to fill my stomach, and-”I started up. “Unhand thy fruit from the Royal Orchards, or else,” The senior of the group commanded, and stalked closer towards me. This caused me to reach towards my sword. A short summary of what happened next: I fucked up big time. When my hand touched the sword…things happened. The senior guard rushed me, and that was when I saw his features, he looked more equine than human. What I had taken for some colorful robe like attachment to the back had apparently been a tail of some form. After besting the senior, his blood upon my sword, the junior had run off. I had stood there for a small time, before I started to run. I ran for who knows how long, horns blaring once in a while off in the distance, but when I stopped it was dark. Then the freaky shit went down. We demand to be used more often. A voice in my head said, sounding somewhat like a lunatic. Listen not to the tool in your hand, he wishes for blood to be spilled and no more. Another voice spoke up, feminine in nature. Follow what you believe and trust in your skill. “Who are you!” I began looking around myself, my sword in hand. CALM YOURSELF! We are what you have upon you. The more feminie voice spoke up. I looked at my chest plate, which I found was metal (Thank a falling branch while I slept for I was not woken up). Not your body, legionnaire. Look to your sword and shield. A calming male voice came through, soothing my paranoia. By the way, you might want to run. “Wh-” I was about to question before I hear a thump from above, and turned to see. What I saw was either the most beautiful thing ever, or possibly my worst nightmare. A large female…person was standing on a cloud, and in her hands held probably the largest bow I had ever seen. “Who are you?” The big lady spoke. “And were you the one who killed one of my guards?” The sense of power from this person was overwhelming enough that I just didn’t think. I turned about face, and ran full tilt. I did hear a shout but was to focused on getting away from what my primal instincts had labeled as a predator of unmatched class. +_+_+Equestria, Present day+_+_+ I held the shield to my chest, then put her back onto my arm. The familiar weight brought me some happiness. At that moment a somewhat pissed off Celestia got to the door, smashed the whole thing to pieces, and entered. I decided to hide. “ Susurrat. Tenebrae.”{Whispers. Shadows.} I whispered out, my body fainting into almost nothingness. I then proceeded to walk towards a very enraged Celestia, who was slowly surveying the area. When I got up right to her I probably did the most stupid thing ever. “Love you, too Cells.” And immediately rolled for the door, for the hammer swung out in my general direction. “COME OUT YOU COWARD!” She shouted with such rage, that it actually fuelled me to run even faster away from her. My chest starting to clench a little in pain, and my legs already feeling unstable. As I ran back to the gardens, I passed various guards going towards the disturbance. Pulling what magic I had, I formed a portal in front of me. I rather dislike using this for the horrors that lay within, but I have to make it out of here before I can truly be free. “Ad i et vade in domum tuam.”I spoke out. +_ Celestia _+ I heard his voice, and swung. “COME OUT YOU COWARD!” I shouted, anger coursing through me. “ Come out and love me, you crazy man. ” A few tears escaped from their holdings, and falling down my cheeks. +_ Legion, night of the same day _+ Walking through the woods, I searched for my old home. A cave that housed what had been rumored at one point to be the Home of the lost legion. I laughed when I heard that there were expeditions to find that place. I walked in what I thought was the general direction of where I knew my home to be, when a faint voice echoed through the air. Too faint to hear, but felt like it was everywhere. This was then followed by a hollow sounding voice and that of another normal sounding voice. THIS was proceeded by just a large blob of noise, whispers raised in volume, all sounding the same. Xan-.., Al-.., Dul-.., wish…ummons. Too many to voices, then silence. Then another voice picked up. This one sounded much closer than the rest. “I am the warrior, the master o….apons, the seeker of battle and adventure. To …. require my strength to defeat thy f…, to crush opposi…rces, put on these Gen… …ves and call out my name with the intent to summon me. If ye be ….rue malice in thy ……… the mighty Gilgamesh will come …. aid!” “Huh… Others who will aid those in need? Interesting concept. I may have to add to this crazy bunch,” I smirked. Pulling out a coin I had somehow kept all these years, I forced some of my essence into it. When I thought I had put enough into it, the coin glowed a soft gold, and the form of a helmet formed itself upon the coin. I flipped the coin to the other side, curious as to what I had just done. There upon the other side, the raised surface, formed into that of a shield… my shield. Giggling like a mad man, I flipped it a few times, then willed my voice into the…whatever that was out there. “For those that would wish to summon the might of the Roman gods, Call unto me. For those who wish for theirs and others to be defended to death, Call unto me. For a nice reprieve from battle, and want one to stand in your stead, Call unto me. To Summon me Speak “Pax Romana” while holding the coin, I shall stand where others have fallen. I will be the Shield against those foul. I am Legion, I am Rome.” I bellowed and tossed the coin into the air, and it vanished. A cold shiver ran down my spine. I looked to where it had been, and a small tug of sadness went through me since I lost my souvenir coin from Rome. ‘Nice speech. Next time don’t so-’ [ /i] Vella started. “Hush. I just want to throw my contribution in. I doubt anyone is ACTUALLY going to call upon me,” I scoffed. Knowing my luck, it would be completely disregarded, and I could just relax. I then turned, and started wandering off. Hope was all that kept me going. Well… That and not wanting to be eaten by some passing beast. ‘I still think we should have been peaceful with Celestia. I mean she IS nice and all. I do-’ Nero said, and I could feel the helmet look at me with annoyance. “I already told you, Celestia acts weird around me. I don’t like it, and if I knew what was wrong I could probably help. As is right now, I would rather her calm down before my brain meets Mr. Happy or Mr. Cuddles,” I shuddered at the memory of Luna’s weapon of choice, THE largest battle axe I had seen in my life. The axe was so heavy that even the densest material was smashed to pieces with one fell swoop. “Don’t even know why Luna is so up in arms about me going away anyway. I didn’t do anything that bad.” ‘YOU STOLE HER SWEETROLLS!’ Vella shouted at me. “And if I hadn’t then she would have gotten larger than would be normally healthy. Besides, I was having addiction issues,” I justified. Those sweetrolls were to DIE for, I mean they were so freakishly good that I swear being petrified actually helped kill the addiction. +_ Later _+ I walked through a cave entrance, and sighed when the sounds of music came to my ears. As I walked deeper in I started seeing phantoms float about. “Ahhh… Home sweet fucking dark cave,” I sighed, and with that I went to find my little nook in this place. Chapter 3 [C]+_ Celestia _+ As the guards flooded the room, inquiring as to what had happened, I could only stand there. The thoughts I had of Legion were one of longing but I had no idea why. Discord, compared to Legion, was readable but the man’s actions were just… unpredictable. One minute a fight would break out or something along those line, then next he’d comfort, or (in the case of a riot) defend us if need be. I had never felt these emotions, and Luna had always inquired as to why I had feelings for Legion, and my only response was ‘I don’t know’. Always ‘I don’t know’. “Tia?” I heard a voice come from behind me, and I turned. Luna stood there with her favorite weapon, Mr. Cuddles, hefted on her shoulder. “Sister, what hath happened?” “It’s Legion, he’s free. He’s free, Luna,” I said, and for the life of me I sounded happy when I should have sounded worried. The prospect of him being back made me feel…something. Others had brought up emotions similar but never strongly. “Then we need to get ready to hunt him down,” Luna said, controlled anger behind her voice. “We still remember how he wronged us.” “All he did was steal your sweetrolls, Luna,” I said, smiling at the memory of the first time it had happened. +_ Equestria, 1671 years 8 months ago _+ A sudden cry rocked the whole castle. The cry was loud enough to knock dust from the rafters above, and to knock down a few precarious stacks of paper. “WHO HATH PLUNDERED THY SWEETROLLS!” A very distraught Luna shouted, and the tinkling of glass could be heard. “Lovely,” Celestia muttered, annoyed at her sisters volume. Getting up from her desk, she started to wander in the general direction of the disturbance. After who knows how long, Celestia rounded the corner, and found Luna in her face. The two sisters collided and fell to the ground, holding their muzzles, pain coursing through both of them. Somewhere nearby someone chuckled. ‘Strange, I don- HIM!’ “You two alright?” A voice asked them, no formalities, only slight worry drowned in mirth. Both princess turned their heads to the newcomer, and saw Legion standing there, a sweetroll in his hand, and a questionable pack on his back. “Oi, you two going to be alright?” Legion repeated, then took a bite out of the sweetroll that currently resided in his hand. “BEAST WHAT HATH THOU DONE WITH THINE’S SWEETROLLS!” Luna roared at the legionnaire. The noise had apparently no effect on the man at all as he stood there, then look to her, then to the delectable treat in his palm, then back at her, then shrugged the bag. “I don’t know what a sweetroll is but whatever THIS is,” he waved the treat around, “..is probably the best tasting pas-” Luna lunged at him, and he stepped to the side, watching her fall onto the ground. “Luna, is that the way to treat the guy who is saving you from doing reprehensible to your own body?” The spectacle that unfolded was worrisome, she’d lunge at him, he’d sidestep, taunt, and then she would lunge again. His face was alight with merriment but after a minute or two his smile left, and after Luna’s lunge, he sidestepped, and turned towards both of us, his hand raised. “I will see you two later, and Luna… Stay off the sweets, or you’re gonna get large,” He said, and his smile returned. He turned and then proceeded to run like all the demons of Tartarus were chasing behind him. +_ Present day _+ “But think what could happen now. Tia, I beg of you, think of this clearly,” Luna came up to me, and rested her hand on my shoulder. “What would happen if he turned on us completely? We know that would spell the end of what has been laid carefully but you have to think what would happen if you chased him into the hands of our enemies.” Worry laced its way into the words, and I thought back to the various events that had transpired the first time Legion had been causing trouble; it was an enjoyable reprieve from the tediousness that was ruling Equestria. “I have no real worry that he would do that, Luna,” I said, slightly shuddering at the concept if he did end up with one of the various enemies of Equestria. “Luna, sister, I am going to write to Twilight of this event, and tell her to gather the Elements. I want you to rally the guards and start combing the Everfree.” “Why the Eve- oh,” Luna nodded her head in acknowledgement, remembering the times we’d see the man run into the woods, chased by guardsmen. “Sister, are thou sure chasing him is going to be best?” Silence filled the air, and I thought about my answer. ‘Was it really worth it to chase what seemed to be a random man, or was it to get him before somepony else did?’ I thought to myself. I slowly mulled over the various downsides to, and not to, spring to action. In the end though, all I could say was this. “Yes.” Chapter 4+_ Legion _+ As I stepped around the corner, I saw something I wouldn’t think would be possible. Along each wall were piles of gold, gems, the occasional bone, and many other things. ‘Had my home become a dragon’s den?’ I thought to myself, eyeing everything in the general area. “Who dares enter my domicile?” a large voice spoke out. A large white orb appeared near the center of the room, and the sound of lots of bits cascading followed. Then a large near pitch black head loomed out of the darkness, and I could think of one thing to say. “Hey bitch, you’re on my house.” The head stopped moving in my direction, and turned sideways. I could feel the eye look towards me, checking me up and down. Silence reigned for what seemed like years. We looked at each other, wary of any sudden movements. I stood, hand on hilt, ready to fight to my death, and the dragon stared at me, waiting for something to happen. *Snicker* The dragon started to laugh, its head bobbing up and down. Eventually the sound laughter subsided, and the dragon reached towards one of its eyes, and flung a tear away. “It’s good to see you are yet still alive, my troublesome friend.” The dragon spoke. The dragon’s voice sounded somewhat cheerful, and I couldn’t exactly place it. I mean the voice sounded familiar but I just couldn’t place it with those I knew. “I’m sorry but who were you again?” I asked, somewhat confused. “You remember naught THAT dragon migration where you saved a runt from a few guards? The runt of darkened iron, with the white eyes?” The dragon asked, starting to sound vaguely worried. “I… sorry not to sound rude, but I do not remember that much from the dragon migrations,” I spoke, somewhat confused as to what this dragon was getting at. “James. Do you not remember me?” The dragon spoke once more. I sorted through memories of what he was talking about until... “Wait…Leoran… YOU GREW UP!” I stared at the large beast before me. The last memory I had was… the day I had found the little guy. +_ Legion, 1671 years and 3 months ago _+ I had wandered around near my cave-home. The sisters had no idea where I was, and that was a bonus. Like hell I want to be caught again. That white pony kept looking for me, but thanks to being out at the right time of day, my armor was concealed somewhat by the local vegetation. Occasionally she would look my direction on one of her outings but I rarely made a noise when I could hear wingbeats. Fortunately for today, she seemed to be occupied with something, as I heard nothing for a good few hours. “Creepy stalker lady,” I mumbled under my breath. “ I mean if she had any common sense, she’d leave me alone.” The lack of any familiar noise did partially worry me but I paid no mind to it. Looking around, I waited to see the tell-tale sign that, instead of her looking for me but an ambush, yet nothing appeared. Settling myself down, I proceeded to walk for who knows how long. “Wh..t I ..er do ……serve …is,” I heard faintly off to my left. Curious, I wandered in that direction. I started to hear a thumping sound. As I walked, I cut notches into all the trees so I had a path to follow, and a few trees actually fell. “STOP *uhg* Stop IT!”I heard a young voice call out, his voice still being blocked out by something. The sounds became clearer; the dull thumping now sounded more like something hitting a big bag of flour, the cries of pain becoming evident. A break in the trees was all I needed to know what the ruckus was. A small group of guards were wailing on a small lizard like creature, and said creature was feebly trying to hold them off. As I watched, one guard kicked the creature to the ground and held his hoof on its back. The little group were solely focused on making the little guys day bad, so I don’t think they took it too kindly when I stuck one of them through the back of the neck, nearly lopping off his head in the process. “What the…,” the guard to right of me blurted out before I jammed my sword into his gut. He reached out with his arm and grabbed me, and looked past me. The other guard had already drawn his sword and was swinging towards my head. ‘Well… this is bull.’ I thought, closing my eyes, and waiting for the sword to make contact. Then I heard a grunt. I opened my eyes to see a ghost-like forearm holding a sword similar to mine, and the blade was connected to the guards. Then in a flurry the guard was cut to pieces. I stared wide-eyed, looking towards the ghost like ligament, completely confused. Keep your eyes wide, Marius. Don’t want these barbarians taking you down too easily. I heard someone say. Then in front of the little creature started moving a little. It was bleeding from several wounds, one of its arms looked broken, and both legs looked busted. Then pain seared through my back. I looked behind me, and I saw yet another guard behind me. He hefted what looked like a short bow, and was about to notch another arrow. Wrenching the sword out of the, now obviously dead, guard and flung my sword at the archer. ‘WEEEEEEEeeeeeee!’ came the sword’s voice in my head. As the sword struck the guard in the chest, I wished the sword back to me, wondering if that was even possible. What took me by surprise next was that the sword did comeback….but also had the guards heart jammed onto the blade. ‘Eeewwww….’ I thought, flicking the heart off the sword in a random direction. I looked back down towards the lizard-like being, remembering the wounds, and started trying what I could do. I looked around me for spare fabric from anything, noticing that the guards had some, and ripped it off. I then proceeded to tie up some of the wounds on the little guy. The pain in my back started to grow worse, yet I ignored it like the rest of the pain I knew I would have to endure. After a small amount of time finding what I could, I noticed that this was simply too much for me to handle on my own. I had only basic first aid training, and I was definitely not capable at handling broken bones. The next thought that popped up into my mind was one I didn’t want to do but to save this one’s life, it was the only option. I had to go visit the ponies, and ask for help. I gingerly picked up the…lizard boy, and started jogging towards the castle. As I jogged, my mind started to blur, the throbbing pain in my back expanded more, and my sight started to fade. The trees, shrubs, and then road became a giant blur for me as I went. The castle started to come into view more clearly, and as I neared I heard faint calls, and a few shouts, then a white being appeared a little ways ahead of me. Once that being popped up I slowed down, came up somewhat close to her, mumbled something incoherent, motioning with the thing that lay in my arms, and proceeded to pass out. +_ The next day _+ As I started to awake, I had the strange feeling that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. The light past my eyelids were too bright, I didn’t feel cold, the ground was too comfy, and there was no sense that something bad was going to spontaneously happen. When I opened my eyes, my fears became reality. I saw a very light grey room, a tapestry on a wall, red drapes over the windows, and the bed… was big enough for quite a few people. Then I heard the door open, and looked to my left. Like a deer in the headlights look. The being to enter was that tall white being again. The power that flowed from her made me start to get nervous once more, and when she raised her hand, I thought I was done for. “Calm… Don’t scare yourself,” I heard her say. I didn’t calm down in anyway. I looked around and saw that the window, even though probably the worst way, was the only way to get out. I started moving towards said window on wobbly legs, and was about to push it open when I couldn’t move anymore. “What part of ‘calm down’ down didn’t you get?” I heard her voice speak up again, and slowly the window inched away from me. “Come back here, your wound isn’t fully healed. Do you really want to bleed yourself dry that badly?” “I…I just want to live, Miss,” I responded. The bed was below me now, and I was slowly being lowered towards it. “W-why am I here?” I asked, and then she came closer and sat upon the bed. “Well, when you ran up to the castle, I heard guards shouting and went to look, and I saw you slowly making your way. I decided to finally try and meet you, but you looked ever so pale… well paler than when I first meet you. As I landed in front of and saw the dragon you held in your arms, you then mumbled about ‘cats and a tree, then fell face first into the ground, and then I saw an arrow in your back. Could you please explain to me how you have a standard arrow in your back? The same type of arrow used by my Sol guards?” She questioned me; I was slowly backing away from her while she talked, and the question filled me with fear. “I-I…. You might not exactly like my response…” I murmured. She looked at me, unease starting to show. “Pray tell, so I can rest these fears. I only care for your wellbeing at the moment,” She said back, and I looked to her ‘Huh..’ clear on my face. “I mean until you get better… Nothing else…” She turned her head away for some odd reason. “Oookay… Well to answer your question. I got shot in the back by one of your guards. I-” I started. “What? I only told the guards to contain you and notify me. Not KILL you. What had you done to cause that?” She asked, leaning in closer, which made me lean back. “I may or may not have killed three of your guards who-” “YOU WHAT!” she shouted. Her whole ‘kind’ façade fell off in a matter of moments. “WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO KILL OTHERS! I SH-” “They were beating upon that ‘dragon’ that I brought with me. I can’t stand the sight of those who can’t stand for themselves be beaten by those who can just do it for the sake of being able to show dominance over others, and if that is a crime here, then you and yours are begging for Fate to come and bring ruin,” I retorted, not angrily, not fearfully, but calmly. “If I didn’t stop, they would have killed the youngling. Were you in my shoes, you’d have done the same I bet.” “T-They were..” She took on a pensive composure, her left hand supporting her right, with one of the cuter faces that could… ‘Cuter… god being here is softening me up.’ I thought to myself. She then got up and went out of the room, silent all the while. When she was gone, I got up on my feet again, and noticed that none of my things were with me but the basic garments I had worn to the convention. I started towards the door, about to go through when she rushed back in. And we kissed. Oh god how fucking embarrassing that must have been. Well that and she had bowled me over making me land on my arrow wound again and cry out in pain. When my eyes reopened I saw that she laid on top of me. Her face completely blushed, and I felt a little bit of heat upon my face. “Umm… If you don’t mind,” I nodded in the ‘Could you please get off me before I toss ya’tense. She hastily got off and scampered off. I just laid there, wondering what the fuck just happened, when all of a sudden I felt a warmth right above my lips that went to the left side of my face. I raised my finger and swiped along the path and brought the finger in front, and noticed that I was bleeding. ‘Great…’ I thought. +_ Present day _+ I forgot that was the day that she started hunting for me in earnest. The endless sessions of me running the hell away from her as she would chase me. The memory wasn't all that bad but just more awkward. “You seem distracted, man. What’s wrong?” Leoran spoke up. “Nothing. I think I might have done something REALLY bad the day I saved you from that small group of guards,” I said. The dragon’s eyes lit up. “What kind of bad are we talking about?” Leoran said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Bad as in pissing off the guard?” I shook my head. “Pissing off one of the pony princesses?” Again I shook my head. “Both of them?” Shake. “The whole of pony kind?” I flipped him off, to which he did the same to me. “What did you realize you did so bad that you won’t say?” And as I was about to say something he interrupted. “You didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t do i-l” I look mortified at him. ”HOW THE HELL DO YOU GET FROM HAVING PISSED OFF PRINCESSES TO DOING IT WITH THEM?!” I shouted. “Well if it wasn’t that then what?” he questioned me, completely lost at what I was trying to say. “I may have accidentally, incidentally…. kissed Celestia,” I admitted. “You what… with who?” Leoran asked. “You heard me,” I said defensively. “I truly didn’t-” “You want me to say it again but I know you heard me,” I stated. I felt off, like I was acting different, it was cold and I felt uneasy. “I heard something about you and Celestia… I just didn’t hear what it was,” Leoran said, genuine irritation starting to ebb into his voice. “Fine… I. Kissed. Celestia. COMPLETELYbyaccident,” I hurriedly spoke. What I didn’t admit. I kinda liked it… well not the face getting smashed into another or the falling on the wound. But I liked the accident. Accidents are funny. Chapter 5Author's Note I MAY or MAY not have half assed this. Also I am not that great at writing out a semi-romance story (even if I could I probably have a specific story set for that). If there is anything wrong just let me know in the comments and either I'll fix it or throw cabbage at you. Chapter 5 +_ Legion _+ After talking to Leoran, I walked over to where I roughly remembered where my alcove was at. I still felt the dragon’s eyes on me as I went but I cared little. I had something I wanted to do, an itch to scratch, for far too long. As I made my way around, I saw mound after mound of various items, mainly gems. There were a few interesting objects in the mix like a few bits of armor, a sword, a guitar, a larg… a guitar? Pedaling backwards, my hand reached out towards the instrument. As I grasped it, I heard a rustling of metal come from behind me. I decided to look but instead Leorans head came around me, and I saw his eye dart to what I had in my grasp. “Would… Would you mind if I took this?” I asked, honestly a little hesitant about being this close to a dragon, even if he was a friend. “I don’t see why not. As you see I can’t quite handle something that size anymore,” He said, chuckling while motioning with one of his claws. The damnable things were nearly my size and half. “Honestly, I have no need for half of this. If you find anything you want, then take it.” He admitted. “Thanks pal,” I said, grabbing the guitar, and pulled gently, rocking the neck back and forth. Slowly the mound released its grasp upon the somewhat new looking guitar. When the guitar came free, I brought it up and strummed a few notes. The crazy thing about the guitar? It sounded like it was tuned within the last week. I did the basic scales, and then doing them faster. After I did the every scale I could recall in my head, I turned to go. “Hey… I’ll be back later,” I said to him, and he nodded. And as I walked out of the tunnel, I thought of what song I should play but not before depositing my helmet and shield off close to the entrance. Didn’t want to have the added weight and all. +_ Luna, Present day _+ After getting a guard detachment together, I led them to the edge of the gardens. “Remember, guards, capture don’t kill,” I spoke to them. I received a fair amount of nods, and a few “Yes, Princess” from the search party. With that settled, I turned back to the cliff. As I started approaching the cusp, I started to spread my wings, and at the edge I simply fell forward. The feeling of wind through my hair was exhilarating. I angled my wings so I would pull up gradually, looking behind I saw the guards I had gathered jumping off the side, and then proceed to follow in my direction. Feeling an upcoming updraft, I angled my wings once more, taking full advantage of the needed height to conserve any energy, and felt parts of me become heavier, while I rose steadily. At the apex of the updraft, I angled myself towards the Everfree forest. ‘Legion…’ I thought to myself, ‘Let’s hope for your sake you fight back. I will beat you to an inch of your life.’ +_ Legion _+ I walked through the words towards a nice clearing I had come across while looking for my home…cave thing. The woods, while eerily quiet were nothing to truly fear. Fingering the hilt on my hip, and shrugging the strap that held the guitar, I sighed in content. One thing I had been itching to do for such a long time was to strum the strings of a guitar again. Last time had been before all this…stuff had happened. I walked on for a few more minutes before breaching the tree line. ‘Huh. I don’t remember there being a hill.’ I thought, looking towards the offending hill. Upon its crest rested a decently large tree. I started to walk towards the hill, thinking of what songs I wanted, and was able to, play. What animals in the area stopped their frolicking around, and turned to stare at me. All probably uneasy of such a large beast trudging so close by, and a few had decided to run off. Taking note that there were some deer nearby, and the tree had a few birds in it, this was probably a safe haven for most of these animals. I saw in the tree an especially red bird, with tinges of orange along the wings. I stopped and stared at the bird, and the bird stared back. We stared at each other, and then I nodded to the bird, and surprisingly the bird nodded back. I just chuckled to myself, and got up to the trunk of the tree, and swung the guitar to the front. Looking towards the scenery, I couldn’t get an idea what I wanted to play, so I decided to go with some good ol’ Nickelback. As the song went, I closed my eyes. The animals started to settle down to some extent when I had done nothing but start playing from my strange instrument, and actually started to get closer to me. The more hesitant of them stayed, or ran off. The braver came closer and sat themselves around me, watching my fingers go from note to note. I focused on the song itself, and didn’t let anything outside of my small sphere interrupt me. I let myself go for the first time in over far too long. +_ Luna, 1 hour later, Everfree Forest _+ As I flew, I constantly kept an eye out for things that were out of place. Big clues were large piles of dead creatures, a path of trees that have been bashed down, a large cluster of animals aro…. Turning my head towards the hill that stood a little higher than the surrounding area, I saw a fairly large amount of animals that were circled around something that lay against the trunk of the sole tree in the clearing. Then this reached my ears. ‘This… This is nice.’ I thought, and motioned the guards to follow but stay quiet. As we neared the ground some of the animals looked to us, fear evident but as the man’s voice picked back up then their heads turned back towards him. As I landed, I pretty much went straight to sitting down. ‘This’ll give him quite a fright.’ I thought evilly. As the song went on, I slightly bobbed my head to it, and had a faint smile. ‘Tia would love to hear this, I wonder if I can still access that linking spell?’ I thought as I powered up my horn. +_ Celestia _+ I was looking at some papers, various nobles wanting certain expansions done as to increase their gain in money. Nothing that serious, thankfully. I was looking at a particularly interesting ‘t’ when a mirror like rip opened up next to me. I looked into it and saw Legion, sitting against a tree, with a guitar in front of him. He didn’t have his helmet on, so his black ‘hair’ was free to the elements, flowing a little bit in the breeze in where ever he was exactly. Then I heard this peculiar song. As I listened, I didn’t know how to react. He had never sung or if he did it was to usually goad us into doing something stupid, yet entertaining for him. As time passed, I felt my cheeks blush up unbidden, imagining him singing a song to me. The thought got suppressed, him singing to her was absurd. Oh, but how she longed to tell him how she felt. She didn’t know why she felt this way, as it ailed her forever since that accident when he had run up to the castle, carrying the poor drake. It was a surprise when she had found all the guards from the room, to where his armor was kept, knocked unconscious by pillows. The only tell-tale sign was all the feathers at each guard post. +_ Legion _+ As I ended the last song, I sighed content to get something out of my system. I heard the small thumps as the animals ‘applauded’ my performance, and I smiled. Opening my eyes on the other hand. “Hello Legion. Nice weather were having,” I heard Luna say, and behind her were at least 15 guards. ‘Well, shit.’ I thought to myself. “Y-yes. Nice weather. What brings you to the neighborhood?” I asked, brain firing off random ideas of escape. Then I noticed a window like…portal next to Luna. I saw through that portal, little Celly. “Hey Celly. Sorry for dropping out earlier. I had other plans.” I noticed that when I talked to Celestia, she ducked behind the desk, like some schoolgirl hiding form her crush. ‘How cute it’s like she ha…as.. a ..crush.’ I thought, slowing down after realization started bitch slapping me hard across the face. I nearly started laughing at the thought. Which failed horribly. All the guards present brought about their weapons, and started to slowly step forward. “H-hi…” I faintly heard Celestia say. “Yea.. boys I wouldn’t take another step closer,” I state, looking towards the guards as they all stopped and looked at each other, all questioning whether I was serious or not. “I don’t want to ruin this nice guitar here with blood.” I stand to my full height, and roughly foot taller than the guards. “Legion. *Sigh* All we want to do make sure you are not a threat. Can’t you understand that?” Luna asked. “So that’s why you chased me down, now?” I looked towards her. “And before? Whenever that was, Were you making sure I wasn’t a threat then? I know I am different, but when guards constantly start hunting me, then others put ransoms up… Well let’s say that isn’t the best case situation for making me want to turn myself in peacefully. Understand?” I leveled a questioning gaze upon Luna, then towards where Celestia peaked over her desk. “Besides… Me, causing trouble? I only do it for entertainment. You two are so-” “Don’t you dare finish that,” Luna said, starting to get up herself. “-Unbelievably-” “Stop!” “-one hundred percent-” “Don’t make me get Mr. Cuddles!” Luna shouted, starting to blush a little, either from anger or embarrassment, I couldn’t tell. “-hilarious,” I finally finished. Then I turned around, waved, and looked to Luna and Celestia. “I’ll be seeing you later, maybe.” With that I started to jog off. I heard the guards stand there, then a sudden pick up in armor clanging together as they started after me. “Oh and another thing!” I shouted picking up my pace. “Completely adorable!” With that I felt the ground tremble, and the sky visibly darken. “GET BACK HERE YOU BASTARD!” I heard Luna shout towards me, and immediately dodged left, seeing a purple bolt of raw energy fly past me. I picked my pace up tenfold, and yes I did like keeping my hide uncooked. +_ Celestia _+ ‘He said we’re adorable.’ she thought to myself. Celestia watched through the portal as Luna launched bolt after bolt after towards the retreating figure. The guards had pulled away or ducked down when the he started speaking up again. Still, the thought that circulated through her head was all that he said, slowly enticing Luna to action. Oh how Celestia wished she could hold that man close to her. Mutter things to him as he held her close. Many things went through her head, but many were not something she would dwell upon for fear of those…urges that she kept in ever so perfect check. Um... Houston.. we got a problem.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 6 Chapter 6 +_+_+_+ The following day +_+_+_+ James had looked about the area he had played for the critters, and eventually the Lunar princess and her retinue of guards, and looked at the direction he had run towards. Granted heading straight for the cave hadn't been the best of choices but it was nontheless obvious that the direction was AWAY from the wrath of the darker sister. Walking to the tree, he glanced around the more immediate area, and noticed a few birds looked at him, tweeting their songs and tilting their heads. "No show today. Hell where is my guitar?" James walked around the tree and in the general direction he had taken. No sign of the guitar. Sighing, James turned around and slumped against the tree, tapping his hands together. One of the larger birds flew down, landing on his arm, and hopped down to his wrists. James looked up and smiled softly at the fire bird that perched on his wrists. "Hello Philomena.. Long time no see," James whispered out, reaching up a hand and gently brushing the back of the phoenix's head. +_+_+_+ 1671 years 1 month 4 days +_+_+_+ Sitting outside on a balcony of the Palace, James had been kept as a "guest" under guard. He had been getting gently more restless trying to spend his time reading on various things that were provided by the Celestia, who had a slowly growing attraction to him. James didn't exactly have anything bad to say but the fact of the matter that he had been attacked twice by the maids and once by the guards for a simple misunderstanding (leaving out the various pranks that were tried and failed), He could see himself atleast trying to enjoy the new world he had been stuck in. A knock came from his door, drawing his attention to the door before taking calm, steady steps towards it. The room furnished sparsely with various things that were necessary such as a razor (of the straight edge variety), a armor stand, and a whetstone for the sword. Opening the door revealed, surprise surprise, Celestia with a tray of fruit and a large salad with two bowls. "Good afternoon James.. I brought lunch," Celestia spoke with a smile. The meals for the rest of the castle wafting up from below, along with the chatter of the changing of the guards. "Hello Celestia," James stepped aside and motioned in. "Please come in.." 'Not like I can keep you out of the room as it is.' James thought sourly, still putting on a good smile as to not worry the princess. Celestia walked in, moving to the small dining table set up on the balcony. "James.. I do have a question for you," Celestia turned her head, slightly worried. "I'm still partially dubious as to what you did.. saving that drakeling from the guards..." She turned to face James, and sighed. "What I wish to know.. Why did you save him?" James quirked a brow, vaguely taken back by the coldness that he sensed from the princess. "He was weak.. and the guards were taking advantage of him.. Why NOT save him from the abuse?" james retorted calmly. "When will the little guy be up and about?" Celestia glanced to the door, James following her gaze as a dark grey drake walking through the door slowly, hesitant of James and Celestia. The smallish drake looked at both of them and shrinked slightly at James gaze. "Hello... Do you have a name?" James asked, trying not to be threatening. That only caused the drake to flinch back slightly. Noticing this, James slowly sat down, his knees popping lightly from standing so long. The drake slowly stepped forward until it was 6 feet away, still visibly uneasy. James reached out a hand slowly, beckoning the drake closer. "Its alright.. I wont hurt you.. I promise.." James spoke softly, smiling to show that there was nothing to be afraid of. "Y-you'll hurt me like the other ponies..." The drake blurted out, looking at Celestia. "I promise you I wont. My kind do not hurt children," James chuckled softly, beckoning still. "If I had wanted to harm you I wouldn't have saved you." That stopped the drake, who looked at James questioningly before sitting down. "You didn't save me.. my older brother did.." The drake spoke again. "He always has my back.. He would... he wouldn't leave me.." The drake bit his lip gently, closing its eyes. "He.. H-he promised.." The drake looked up, tears slowly making thier way down his scaled face. "He promised to watch over me!" James took this moment to move closer, frowning in sympathy for the poor drake. Wrapping his arms around the drake, he pulled it into a hug, waiting for the drake to stop crying. After a decent amount of time, another knock as a guard stood there with a maid and a trolley, the trolley laden with gems and jewels of various colors and sizes. Celestia motioned her hand for the maid to enter, and enter she did warily, pulling the cart with a hand as she kept her distance as best as she could with still keeping her composure. As the drake stopped crying, James let go and patted his back, smiling. "Feeling better now?" James asked lightly, to which the drake nodded and hugged back. "If you two are done, I think we could all do with a meal," Celestia said, smiling and tugging at both beings with her magic, lifting both to their feet. "Besides.. There are going to be some changes that you'll both be part of." James and the drake looked at her, James moving forward to the table and offering Celestia a seat. "Changes?" James queried. "What kind of changes?" "You will be taking care of this drake until his older brother or a family member can be found," Celestia spoke as she sat down. "I'd rather keep the dragons happy with what has been happening recently but that is none of your concern." She smiled up and motioned for the drake to come over and sit. James furrowed his brow and shrugged, moving to the opposite end of the table and sitting down. The drake joined and smiled slightly, looking at the gems that had been set in front of him. James looked at the drakes 'meal', admittedly very confused. "Aren't those worth a good fortune?" James prodded the drake and Celestia equally. "They can be if refined.. but as is they are more of a meal for dragons," Celestia provided as the drake licked a blue sapphire before taking a small bite, still slightly hesitant but a rumble very noticeable coming from its belly. James just blinked before shrugging, not even caring anymore at something as normal, albiet ridiculous, as a meal choice. In the distance, a flapping of wings could be heard as a bright red and orange bird appears over the ramparts, and flies straight towards Celestia before, flying high up and dive bombing James, causing him to roll out of his chair in surprise. The bird flies around before landing on the railing and chirping at Celestia, who chuckles lightly and pats the birds head. "What the everloving hell was that about?!" James sits back up, glaring at the bird. "Oh? Philomena? She was just playing around," Celestia faces Philomena and points to James. "Philomena dear.. Please apologize to James." The bird looks at the human and chirps questioningly at Celestia, before hopping onto the table and strutting towards the human who was readjusting his chair. "Well?" James looked at the bird. All Philomena did was jump into his salad and curl up slightly, smiling. "Really?" Celestia giggled slightly and didn't do anything at all to help. "She can be a slight meanie but it isn't exactly that bad. Atleast she didn't try to gouge your eyes out or something," Celestia said, looking down to her salad and taking a few bites. "Lovely.." James looked at the bird and sighed, and sitting himself back in the chair and waiting. "I can tell we are just all going to be GREAT friends.." +_+_+_+ Present Day+_+_+_+ James chuckled at the memory and shook his head lightly, smiling. Knowing that Philomena was only playing had helped in seeing the bird, not as a pest, but trying to make light of a situation was better. Philomena chirped lightly and looked up, pointing with a wing. James followed her her end feather and noticed that the guitar was in the tree, and pats Philomena's head gently. "Thanks.. I was hoping that it wasn't lost," James moved Philo to his shoulder and reached up, grabbing the neck, and pulling it down gently. "Now..." James said, looking to Philomena. "Go and pester Celestia.." Philomena chirped and shrugged, before jumping off and flying up to his face, and latched onto his face, giving him a rather awkward hug before flying off. After the hug, Philomena flew off towards the castle on the side of the mountain, and James was left standing there, shaking his head. "Ridiculous bird.." James smirked and walked off towards the cave once more, guitar in tow. The sun set, being ushered by Celestia into night, and the cool winds of the Everfree washed over James, giving him a small bounce in his step as he made his way faster. He felt eyes on him from somewhere in the woods, and the occasional breaking of twigs. James went into a jog, and after a few minutes of this the feeling eased off. "Fraking timberwolves..." James muttered as he spied the cave and made his way to it. Upon entering, the warm air greeting him, and he went to his spot in the cave, waving to Leoran, before laying down and gently strums the guitar before eventually falling asleep with the guitar in hand. Author's Note I am VERY sorry have not updated in god knows how long. I was busy and lost my interest in writing for quite a while. I know this isn't going to be as good as the others but I tried for this. Chapter 7+_+_+_+ James's Dreamscape +_+_+_+ Its night time, and the winds blow steadily over the fields, a trees' leaves dancing in the wind gently, and James stood under this tree, watching the stars twinkle and shine. The whole of the dream was peaceful, and James was fortunate for that. He did have a sneaking suspicion that Luna had something to do with this. The stroke of wings told him of an arrival, and around he turned to see that the Lunar princess, the keeper of dreams, and rather easily annoyed stood there, arms crossed and very peeved. Nothing was spoke, James was in normal attire consisting of jeans, a t-shirt, and boots while Luna stood in a flowing black gown that devoured the darkness. She took a deep breath before letting out slowly and all that James did was lean against the tree, waiting for anything to happen. Silence prevailed for what seemed like a century or a millenia, the sky twinkled still, slowly shifting from a winter setting to a summer, the Aurora Borealis appearing on the fringes of the sky to the north. The two just looking at each other and yet there was a conversation in the looks and positioning they gave off. Luna giving off the more hostile yet restrained look while James gave off the attitude that suggested that he wasn't going to do anything hostile whatsoever. Eventually James smirked and started chuckling, shaking his head gently and turned to sit down on the ground, feeling the grass brush his hands. Luna slowly disappeared from the dream and James watched the sky. Its night time, the wind blows steadily over the fields and James knows that this is only the beginning of something much more than he was ever wanting. Looking down to his house that is only down the hill, he sighs, and gets up before the world he sees now dims slowly. +_+_+_+ Leoran's cave +_+_+_+ James groaned from his awkward position, rubbing his eyes of sleep. Leoran slept happily, not caring that his friend had woken up first. James stumbled outside and went about the morning businesses. Once done he turned around and came face to face with Celestia, who was smiling wildely, and uncomfortably close. "Hello Legion... or James as I should say.." Celestia smiled, resting a hand on James's shoulder and squeezing lightly. James gulped audibly as Celestia pulled him into a hug and cooed predatorily. "Now you are all Mine..." was the last thing before his vision cut out. +_+_+_+ Leoran's Cave +_+_+_+ James jolted awake from the dream he had, and looked down and noticed that he had, indeed, pissed himself. Mumbling curses to himself, James got up and looked around, finding a chest. The search appeared to bear fruit as he found that there was some clothing that fit him more or less. Once done, he walked quickly out of the cave and towards where he knew there was a stream so he could atleast attempt to soak and remove the mess that had been made. +_+_+_+ Celestia's Room +_+_+_+ Celestia paced around her room, thinking of ways to catch and eventually talk to the human before anything bad could possibly happen. Many ideas swirled around her head, some being as simple as just going to the forest and calling out to spreading false rumors about another human appearing in the Castle proper. She shook her head many a time at the ideas that were either too complex or the ones too simple that they would most likely not work. A knock form the door drew her attention, and she flicked her wrist, causing the door to open with a brief spike in magic. "Yes?" Celestia asked, still not looking as she focused on the plans still. "Sister..?" Luna queried, not exactly surprised by her beloved sisters actions since the human returned to the flesh. Celestia looked up and smiled. "I've been thinking about various ways to get James," Celestia walked close to Luna. Luna only responded by quirking her brow and crossing her arms infront of her, interested vaguely. "We need a lure.. like fisherponies for the fish they catch. What we need to do is somehow get him to reveal himself.." Celestia looked at Luna, wanting a response. "Well... If we assume the human would know that might be a case.. We would need something almost solid to pull him.." Luna frowned slightly, before walking to Celestias bed and sitting on the edge. "Or.. YOU go find him." Celestia blinked, mouth opening and closing before looking down, twidling her thumbs and mumbling something. "What was that, Sister? You'll need to speak louder.." Luna teased slightly. "I am..." Celestia mumbled louder, before looking away. "Sister.. You HAVE to face the fear that he may or may not try and run from you," Luna breathed out slowly, and looked at Celestia, a slight look of sadness. "You know that you have to try at the least." "I know but... You know I don't deal with some issues of this nature all that well.." Celestia pouted, looking at Luna pleadingly. "Besides.. Theres representatives from the-" "Sister.. Please don't make excuses. The representatives can be handed off to the ambassadors. They are fully capable at handling matters of their profession. All you would have to do is read over the document that is submitted," Luna recited for the umpteenth time since coming back from her exile. Celestia smiled sheepishly, knowing that any excuses now would have no affect, before groaning faintly to herself. "Fine... Sister if you could tell Ambassador Calm Mind to start dealing with the Griffon and Minotaur ambassadors" Luna nodded and smiled inwardly, getting up, and disappearing past the door to let Celestia decide. +_+_+_+ Random stream +_+_+_+ Grumbling can be heard by all the animals that decided to take audience to see the new creature that had decided to bathe in the stream. The strange being was hideless and was washing its hide, which to all the animals was strange but knowing that there was always strange things in their mother forest. The strange gumblings and things coming from the creature intruiged some of the animals but they were more inclined to watch. +_+_+_+ Above in the air, an hour later +_+_+_+ Celestia smiled happily as she soared over the trees, looking down as they past underneath. The feeling of the wind going across her face and through her mane felt exhilarating, meanwhile the view of the forest that stretched out beneath her felt... foreboding but exciting. While looking down, she noticed a rather bright spot along a stream that babbled faintly in her ears. Celestia quirked a brow and flew down lower, noticing it was, infact, the being she was looking for. +_+_+_+ Below +_+_+_+ Waiting was one of the worst things that James had to do. Drying clothes would have been great if it was only a few minutes but fate has to be a pain. Sighing, James rested his head inbetween his knees and tried to focus on thoughts that had disturbed him. James had waited for a millenia and a half pretty much to be free once more but waiting for however long for the clothes to dry wouldn't kill him... hopefully. A flapping of feathery wings told him that either something was flying away or towards him, and the noise piqued his interest enough for him to life his head. To his eyes, he saw an angelic figure floating some distance off in the sky but to his mind he knew that Celestia had found him and that he was going to be in pain real quick. Grabbing at his wet clothes, he slid them on as quickly as he could, keeping an eye on the floating white blob in the distance. +_+_+_+ Celestia +_+_+_+ Celestia kept her distance, unsure whether to approach or not. She knew that Legion would probably want to keep his distance from her, and that fact slightly hurt her but she pushed on, gently floating down to the shore. Legion looked as if he was pulling on his clothes, and the thought of that made her stop slowly, still watching. 'It would be rather embarrassing to have company when you are only half dressed,' Celestia thought to herself, and waited until Legion looked ready. 'Then again he never told me much of his world.. and their customs.' Below, it appeared that the human had finally donned the undergarments and normal wear, shaking himself and crossing his arms. His gaze was on Celestia and she knew it, and he was waiting for her. Celestia decided after a few minutes that it would be better just to face him, and hope nothing bad will come of it. Taking the hint that he wasn't running away as something good, she landed slowly and elegantly, and stood waiting to see what he would do yet he stood there looking at her with hesitance. +_+_+_+ James +_+_+_+ Watching Celestia stand there, James's nervousness increased, not sure if he should run or stand. Celestia took a few slow measured steps forwards, testing the waters lightly, and James did not move still. James coughs lightly, causing Celestia to stop abruptly. "Hello Celestia..." James said carefully, still suppressing the urge to run from the Sun Princess. The aura that Celestia let off unknowingly was strong as it had always been, and the instability that could be casued could mean the end of many lives. Celestia nodded faintly, keeping from talking as if she was still figuring out what to say. The air that she had surrounding her besides the intimidating immortal being stuff, calmed James slightly but that worried him slightly more than just Celestia being... well Celestia. James sighed and sat down, looking at Celestia questioningly. Celestia stood there, uncertain what was wanted until James patted next to him, signaling her to come basically and come she did, quickly scurrying over and sitting down. James rolled his eyes and looked out at the stream, staying silent. A few minutes went by before anything happened, and that was only James laying back and looking up at the sky. Celestia looked at him, then frowned. +_+_+_+ Luna, Super secret lair +_+_+_+ Luna paced around a table, a map sprawled out as a small red blip layed motionless next to one of the various streams that was prevalent in the Everfree forest. She smiled, planting that tracking spell on her sister had done various wonders to get the silly little things, such as pranks, work but to have found Legion was a good use too. She flicked her eyes towards the button that was labelled "Anti-Villain Laser", and knowing full well that this was more of a weapon of irritation than anything else. Luna smirked and pressed it and heard the whirring of a few turbines, turning to watch the various ponies who were built for pure endurance run in these large wheels. "Soon... Soon I will get my revenge for those sweet rolls.." Luna then giggled before running to a balcony that was, from an outside appearance a rock but was an obsidian and silver marvel. She walked out to the center, a few guards standing guard with what looked like pure black crossbows, their bolts tipped with silver engraved with words and runes of power that extended their flight path. Looking above her, Luna spied the hole that slowly opened up, and a long silver barrel started to protrude from it silently. Looking to the forest, She smiled, knowing that her sister would not be affected but Legion, that cursed pastry thief, will meet his end. The whirring of the turbines, and the occasional yelps as those in the wheels stumbled and were planted against the spinning wheel, increased to the point that Luna had to cover her ears with magic. An orb of light shown at the barrels entrance before this droning sound occurred as a lance of light zips straight towards Everfree. On the balcony, Luna laughed maniaclly as she felt much happier. +_+_+_+ Everfree, Celestia +_+_+_+ Celestia's ears flicked slightly as her face blanched, grabbing James roughly, and teleporting them both up into the air and flying away from where they were sitting. James was lost and trying to wriggle out but Celestia's death grip made it all but easy. A second later and a large explosion was heard from behind, causing Celestia to glance back and stop flying. Where they had been wasn't any different visually but magically there was too much positivity and... good. Celestia glanced towards the mountain that had Canterlot perched on its side and frowned. 'Lulu...' was all she thought. +_+_+_+ James +_+_+_+ The sudden launch was... unexpected but what else could James expect from a magical princess. An explosion caught his attention as he saw a lance of light hit where they had been and then.. nothing. His body felt slightly numb but that might have just been the speed of which Celestia had decided to travel but he couldn't have felt more in danger than now. Looking down, James noticed that he was pretty high up in the air, and thus that the ONLY logical conclusion was to hold onto Celestia tightly. He looked at her as she looked off towards where Canterlot was. "Celestia...." James said softly, confused as to what happened. ".. What just happened?" Celestia had kept her mouth shut, hovering in the air with the occasional flap of her wing before descending further down the stream, she then turned and looked at him as he took a few steps back before lifting up into the air and disappearing over the trees back to the mountain. "Well.... that was.. the weirdest shit I've seen today.." James muttered, before walking off towards the cave that he called home. Chapter 8 (Sorry for such an extended disappearance)Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 1If I were a rich man, Yubby dibby dibby dibby.. I mentally sang to myself. I had lost track of how many times I had sung that or any of the other songs I was able to memorize. The sun was high, yet I felt no heat upon my body, and the birds sang their merry tunes. Being a statue is not fun at all, although others would probably say otherwise when my sword had basically become a target for some rings. I heard the faint rumble of probably another class of children coming. ‘This should be about 2,000… or was it 3?’ I questioned. I mentally shrugged, and waited for the group to appear. “…and this class is Legion,” I heard a feminine voice speak up gesturing towards me, of course my facing was towards another statue, as if I was ready to attack Him. Yes He was a very chaotic character indeed, and the thought of he and I being friends at one point was something that left me….sickened. “Does anypony want to take a guess as to why?” The teacher spoke up, looking over her students. None of the students said anything, only looking at my face and the rage plastered all over it. “Well? Anyone?” The teacher asked, clearly undisturbed by me but hell the children all were stepping away slightly. I mean yea, I was pretty pissed off when I got turned to stone, and I have to tell you…rainbow it is but warm it ain’t. If you are confused let me brief you… -1672 years ago- “GOD FUCKING HELL JAMES, GET YOUR FUCKING ARMOR ON AND LET’S GO!” Susan shouted. Susan was dressed up like an assassin from Assassin’s Creed (you can pick which one cause they all looked alike for me). Upon her attire were a few ‘weapons’ plus the hidden blade. She had the whole costume for a year and the weapons were actually mine. (A boy and his toys right?) The weapons, when hit together, just thudded, no clang of metal (Or else I would not have been able to do battle with my nemesis every other day) so therefore, they were acceptable for where we were going today. PaxEast. One of the some odd amount of conventions almost completely dedicated to games, and the one that was only like 3 blocks away from where we lived. “Sheesh Susuan, could you be any louder?” I calmly yell back, applying the final touches onto my face. “If you tried to make this stuff look like read blood, you would need patience.” “Oh you want blood? Come here,” I heard her teasing voice call back to me. Yes when we fight with the toys I usually end up bleeding at the end but hell is it worth it. “I can make a pre-“ “If you want to do that then we could just not go…” I said back, my back was still killing me from a few days ago, a pretty solid hit to my leg caused me to fall and mess up my back just a little. “Fine but HURRY , I wanna get there this year!” She started to whine. +_+_+_+_+_+ A half hour later found us at the line that had already started to form for the convention. I saw a lot of people just wearing shirts, or little things from various games, but the thing that popped out at me were some guys (and ladies too) wearing various wings, and vibrant colored wigs, or in the one case of a lady, a white simple dress with a large amount of blue/green/pink hair with a horn and grown sticking out of said hair. “Oh god,” I heard Susan blurt out, before snickering. I turned my head towards her, my left eyebrow raised in question. “That is hilarious.” “What is?” I asked. All Susan did was point the group out, and I looked and then immediately looked back at her, still confused. “Why is that hilarious? They are just expressing themselves, not much to be funny about that.” “You mean you don’t recognize the one in all pink?” Susan questioned, which prompted me to look again, and notice that, who I initially thought was a woman, was actually a guy. That guy happened to work at the same place I did, and if I remember correctly, he was supposed to work today. ‘Oh woe is me for if the boss found this out.’ I thought to myself. “Why the hell is Carl here? And why is he in that getup?” I asked, and Susan pushed me a little. I looked towards her, and she motioned for me to go and investigate. So I did. As I approached the group, Carl noticed me and went pale, and also started to back away a little. The group saw this and the few who connected where he was looking, turned to see me walking nonchalantly over. The White one looked towards me, and I noticed that, she was taller than me by a good foot. “Ahh… OK?” The white costumed one said, thoroughly confused. “What’cha want? And why you scarin’ Carl off?” “Well Ms…” I inquired. “Stroganov, Anise Stroganov,” She filled in. “Well Ms. Stroganov, Carl here is supposed to be going to work today. Right, Carl? ” I spoke out, hiding my irritation but also wondering why he is dressed up in a ridiculous fashion. “Also if I may so inquire, who are you all supposed to be?” The group gave weird names like “Rainbow Dash” or “Fluttershy”. Ms. Stoganov gave “Celestia” and after a little bit of silence they saw my face was still blank. “Sorry, but haven’t you heard of “My Little Pony”?” One of the ‘Rainbow’s’ asked “Can’t say I have sorry. I do have to ask…” They all looked at me, some getting ready to retort, and I looked at them. “Who the fuck is Carl supposed to be? Cotton Candy?” The whole group just stood there, and one or two looked towards Carl, who was still kinda scared, and started laughing. Now if you are confused. Put bald, mid-30’s some man, in all pink, and have what looks like 50 dollars’ worth of cotton candy stuck to the top of his head. After a bit more conversing with the bright group, I walked back to Susan. She didn’t seem that happy with how long I was gone but ignored it when I came back, because I was wrapped up in a hug. “Enjoy the talk?” I nodded. “That’s good. So… I was wondering if you…” The next hour was filled with waiting, talking, more waiting, the bright group came over to talk with us, Hell Susan got many compliments for her costume, and I for mine. At around 10, the doors opened, and people slowly made their way through. The next few hours were spent looking at everything there, and especially the merchandise that was on hand. Some of the tables at some pretty nice stuff, there even was “My Little Pony” stuff being sold for god only knows why. That doesn’t even fit with the games, and with the brief description the bright group gave me, it was all ‘girly’ based things but since the fandom was full of adults, then ‘girly’ doesn’t fit. Apparently there was a game that was going to come out but it had gone under. Few of the tables had replicas of various games (Of course scaled or wooden or plastic), and few even sold figurines. Though one table we passed gave me pause. Sitting off the left in the back of the stand was a replica of the gladius and shield that appears in Ryse. I felt my hand subconsciously reach towards my fanny pack (Screw you all for laughing at me). Susan noticed me not walking beside her and looked around for me, saw me, then saw what I was looking at. “Oh no. You are not thinking of getting that are you,” She asked, exasperation clearly apparent through her words. I just looked at her, then back at the weapon and shield, then back at her, wiggling my eyebrows. “Please don’t.” “Please do,” the stall keep said, obviously bored out of his mind. “You are the first to be here and even see my wares, Marius.” “Sorry but my name’s James. Nice to see you noticed who I dressed up as,” I responded, only to see the stall keep bend below the table, and pull up something I never would have guessed. The helmet he wore in the midst of the story, Not that ‘Damocles’ crap but the silver and gold helm with the red fin. “Sir, I may want to ask for your hand in marriage.” All of a sudden the stall keep burst into laughter. After it subsided, he looked to me, and then to my wallet. I pulled out $250 but he shook his head and only took $50. “All I have to say James,” He said as I took the helmet and the weapon and shield. “ Is that you have fun. Nice seeing you.” As I put on the helmet I felt a weird sensation, but it quickly subsided, and I took up the sword and shield and went off with Susan. “Have fun? Wha-” All of a sudden a bright flash alerted me that something has gone bad. I looked to my left and Susan is stepping away from me, her eyes wide. Everyone around has the same face, and I decide to look down, and notice something akin to Galaxy Quest. “Aww…Fu-”Then I black out. +_+_+Equestria, Present Day+_+_+ I watched as one of the children, a unicorn who had a purple/faded pink mane come forwards. It was cute to see her shaking a little, but I did feel sorry for them all. If only Celestia had let me be in a better pose for when I was turned to stone. “If its name is Legion, why is there only one of it?” She asked, and the teacher made up of some BS excuse saying I was left behind by the rest, and that the rest had apparently drowned in a storm that had raged for a month. As other students had voiced up questions, and a certain pinkish grey filly with a tiara made fun of the three who were asking the most questions, I had kinda lost interest in what they talked about and looked at the landscape again. After a few hours, I head some stone shattering. Then… He popped up. “JIMMY!” Discord all but shouted at me, and I looked towards him. I already told you Discord not to call me that, and remember… We aren’t friends. I said, glaring at him, and the stone façade was literal. I still don’t trust you after ditching me with the princesses. “Oh yea… But no worries,” Discord said with a smile. This was going to be dreadful, and I could easily tell. “I want to form the group we had back up, and start making things go haywire again!” He was too happy for his own good. Oh yea sure let me check my schedule… Oh looks like I am full, maybe take a rain check in… oh I don’t know…NEVER! I shouted back, still distrustful of the draconequus, who started taking a forlorn appearance. “Oh woe is me when I can’t trust a friend, and here I thought we were going to create delicious chaos together. I mean you and your spectral legionnaires a-” We are not going to work together again. I don’t trust you, I do not like you as a friend, I do not want to help you in trying to take over Equestria once, and like hell I am doing that again. I retorted, keeping my anger down but the venom was enough to get through. “Fine, fine. But I am letting you out at least. What you do then…well you decide…” he stayed quiet for a minute. “Oh well. Time to fly solo and have some fun. Ta ta Jimmy,” With that Discord snapped his claw and I felt the stone surrounding me start to break off. -an few days later- I looked at my pedestal and thought about how long I had been trapped. How much time had passed since those who I could call friends had died. All those events in their lives I had missed due to a really large mistake on all parties. From behind I hear armor clanking, hoofsteps, and turn around to see two guards look towards me. “Halt, By the name of Princ-”One started to shout. “I know, I know. ‘Stop, you’re under arrest,’ I would love to see you stop me but I am not something that should be threatened,” I taunt, seeing if their training has been upheld or not. “Quick, private, go tell Princess Celestia that there is a beas-”The older looking of the two started. “Belay that order, private. Instead tell her that the Legion once again marches,” I look towards the guards, and the private gets the full glare that only a trained (or self-taught) warrior could give prey. “And tell her that I wish for my shield to be returned if I am to protect this land form things that go bump in the night.” “You are not in a position to make demands, monster,” the older guard said. “Monster? Wow that’s new,” I step aside, and motion for where the statue had been. “So you have heard the story of Legion?” “What does that have to-” They both looked at me, getting tense. “Oh so you have heard of it. Remember anything about the ghosts that followed in the wake of Legion, as he walked through armies that tried to stop him, Armies that vastly outnumbered the lone soldier yet were cut down by invisible swords? Armies that hunted the lone being?” Looking at them I could see that they started to shrink back. I raised my sword to them. “So… want to know what happens to those who stand in the way of freedom?” They immediately fled. I waited a minute or two. Then I laughed. I laughed so hard that it started to hurt. After a minute or two of laughing I picked myself up mentally and proceeded to jog towards the castle, towards a sudden tugging sensation. Having this only happen one other time (Granted losing all three items had made the tugging become more like throttling so the current sensation was rather pleasant). Finding an open set of doors, I jogged through and followed the sensation towards the source. After some time (and a decent amount of knocked out or wounded guards) I arrived at the source of the tugging but didn’t exactly help that the guards here numbered around 30 and yet had only taken me a minute to knock them all out. Opening the doors I saw something I had wished not to see in quite some time. “Hello…James.” Celestia spoke, while she hefted a rather large hammer. “Remember Mr. Happy? He missed〜 you.”
Chapter 2‘FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK’ was the mantra that went through my head as I ran through the halls. Looking back towards the being who chased me, only to be met with Mr. Happy to the chest. Now the feeling of getting a large hammer smashing into your chest might be beyond painful but with how my armor is, it only redirected the blow to launch me and causing little bodily harm. “So Legion, you seem to be a bit rusty,” Celestia taunted, moving towards me. “I would hate to do this but with Discord back in stone, you need to return to your previous state.” “Aww… and here I thought you loved me enough to keep me from being stoned,” I jested back, still feeling the tugging sensation. “Here is a deal, you let me get my shield and I will leave the country. Deal?” “Even if that sounds grand, I will have to decline the offer. Now please stand st-” Celestia started. “Heh, and I only came out to get my shield and a snack before going off. Isn’t it policy to not hurt house guests?” I questioned. Truth be told, I was STARVING. I hadn’t eaten for at least two days before being turned to stone. “Well it is policy in homes but as this is a palace and you were already on the grounds I think that counts as you were already living here,” Celestia stated, her horn starting to glow. Pointing a finger at me, her eyes glinting with mirth, and a smile slowly drawing across her face. I quirked an eyebrow at this, and was surprised to find myself being picked up, and flung at another wall. Then another, before I was thrown to the ground and Celestia came to stand over me, hammer dragging behind her, and kneeled next to my body. “As it was nice seeing you again, you are not wanted, nor are you needed. My Guard have impr-” I burst into laughter at that. “W-What’s funny?” “The guard have improved?” I questioned. “Didn’t you take into consideration that I got to that room by just walking? Those guard of yours are still at the same level that they had been when I, and mine, marched through towns while being hunted by you and yours. The only difference is that the guards here lack the necessary efficiency to defend from a single man.” I looked towards Celestia, backing away so I could get up some. “What do you mean?” Celestia asked, slightly worried. “I mean that I waltzed through a few dozen guards like I would walk through the fields of wheat. They were nothing, are nothing, and will be nothing. You have been laid back all these years? I remember when they actually gave me a challenge. You? You just have a giant fucking hammer,” I sighed. “And using said giant hammer doesn’t count towards prowess but more just being blunt.” We stared at each other. I slowly got up and started walking back towards the tugging sensation, all the while keeping my eyes on her. Once around the corner I just ran like hell. One thing I learned is that you do not call Celestia dumb or fat in any respect or you get beat to hell. (Rip. Half my freaking legion due to her) “ LEGION! ” I smirked, and ran even faster. A minute later found me back at the doors that had held Celestia and Mr. Happy. I ran through the doors, and was greeted with various artifacts. The tugging sensation dragged me towards the right, and was greeted with my shield. The sexy beast had saved my life countless times, and was the one who brought comfort to me. As I touched the shield, a voice drifted back into my head. About time, Jamey-waymey. Here I was wondering if you were ever going to rescue me. I could hear the dramatic pretend faint, and that brought a smile to my face. +_+_+Equestria, 1672 years ago+_+_+ I had awoken, a week after I had appeared for the first time in this strange land. I had yet to meet anyone, though I hear whispers and get that feeling that I am being watched. I had just found a large amount of fruit bearing trees, and was picking some to try and eat. The taste was basically that of having your favorite food after a few years of eating crap. It was so heavenly that I hadn’t heard the crunch of leaves and twigs, the slight clanging of armor, and hushed whispers. “Halt intruder!” I someone behind me, thanking the gods that there were people, and turned around. “What?” I asked, rhetorically, for I had no idea who stood before me. Well I mean the armor that they had on made it obvious that they were guards but still. One of the guards were taller, and had more muscle, while the other was shorter and looked like he wanted to bolt right there and then. They both wielded spears and oblong shields, and they looked as if to be brand new. “Do thy I have to repeateth thine’s words?” The taller of the two guards asked. “I wish no trouble with you, I am only here to fill my stomach, and-”I started up. “Unhand thy fruit from the Royal Orchards, or else,” The senior of the group commanded, and stalked closer towards me. This caused me to reach towards my sword. A short summary of what happened next: I fucked up big time. When my hand touched the sword…things happened. The senior guard rushed me, and that was when I saw his features, he looked more equine than human. What I had taken for some colorful robe like attachment to the back had apparently been a tail of some form. After besting the senior, his blood upon my sword, the junior had run off. I had stood there for a small time, before I started to run. I ran for who knows how long, horns blaring once in a while off in the distance, but when I stopped it was dark. Then the freaky shit went down. We demand to be used more often. A voice in my head said, sounding somewhat like a lunatic. Listen not to the tool in your hand, he wishes for blood to be spilled and no more. Another voice spoke up, feminine in nature. Follow what you believe and trust in your skill. “Who are you!” I began looking around myself, my sword in hand. CALM YOURSELF! We are what you have upon you. The more feminie voice spoke up. I looked at my chest plate, which I found was metal (Thank a falling branch while I slept for I was not woken up). Not your body, legionnaire. Look to your sword and shield. A calming male voice came through, soothing my paranoia. By the way, you might want to run. “Wh-” I was about to question before I hear a thump from above, and turned to see. What I saw was either the most beautiful thing ever, or possibly my worst nightmare. A large female…person was standing on a cloud, and in her hands held probably the largest bow I had ever seen. “Who are you?” The big lady spoke. “And were you the one who killed one of my guards?” The sense of power from this person was overwhelming enough that I just didn’t think. I turned about face, and ran full tilt. I did hear a shout but was to focused on getting away from what my primal instincts had labeled as a predator of unmatched class. +_+_+Equestria, Present day+_+_+ I held the shield to my chest, then put her back onto my arm. The familiar weight brought me some happiness. At that moment a somewhat pissed off Celestia got to the door, smashed the whole thing to pieces, and entered. I decided to hide. “ Susurrat. Tenebrae.”{Whispers. Shadows.} I whispered out, my body fainting into almost nothingness. I then proceeded to walk towards a very enraged Celestia, who was slowly surveying the area. When I got up right to her I probably did the most stupid thing ever. “Love you, too Cells.” And immediately rolled for the door, for the hammer swung out in my general direction. “COME OUT YOU COWARD!” She shouted with such rage, that it actually fuelled me to run even faster away from her. My chest starting to clench a little in pain, and my legs already feeling unstable. As I ran back to the gardens, I passed various guards going towards the disturbance. Pulling what magic I had, I formed a portal in front of me. I rather dislike using this for the horrors that lay within, but I have to make it out of here before I can truly be free. “Ad i et vade in domum tuam.”I spoke out. +_ Celestia _+ I heard his voice, and swung. “COME OUT YOU COWARD!” I shouted, anger coursing through me. “ Come out and love me, you crazy man. ” A few tears escaped from their holdings, and falling down my cheeks. +_ Legion, night of the same day _+ Walking through the woods, I searched for my old home. A cave that housed what had been rumored at one point to be the Home of the lost legion. I laughed when I heard that there were expeditions to find that place. I walked in what I thought was the general direction of where I knew my home to be, when a faint voice echoed through the air. Too faint to hear, but felt like it was everywhere. This was then followed by a hollow sounding voice and that of another normal sounding voice. THIS was proceeded by just a large blob of noise, whispers raised in volume, all sounding the same. Xan-.., Al-.., Dul-.., wish…ummons. Too many to voices, then silence. Then another voice picked up. This one sounded much closer than the rest. “I am the warrior, the master o….apons, the seeker of battle and adventure. To …. require my strength to defeat thy f…, to crush opposi…rces, put on these Gen… …ves and call out my name with the intent to summon me. If ye be ….rue malice in thy ……… the mighty Gilgamesh will come …. aid!” “Huh… Others who will aid those in need? Interesting concept. I may have to add to this crazy bunch,” I smirked. Pulling out a coin I had somehow kept all these years, I forced some of my essence into it. When I thought I had put enough into it, the coin glowed a soft gold, and the form of a helmet formed itself upon the coin. I flipped the coin to the other side, curious as to what I had just done. There upon the other side, the raised surface, formed into that of a shield… my shield. Giggling like a mad man, I flipped it a few times, then willed my voice into the…whatever that was out there. “For those that would wish to summon the might of the Roman gods, Call unto me. For those who wish for theirs and others to be defended to death, Call unto me. For a nice reprieve from battle, and want one to stand in your stead, Call unto me. To Summon me Speak “Pax Romana” while holding the coin, I shall stand where others have fallen. I will be the Shield against those foul. I am Legion, I am Rome.” I bellowed and tossed the coin into the air, and it vanished. A cold shiver ran down my spine. I looked to where it had been, and a small tug of sadness went through me since I lost my souvenir coin from Rome. ‘Nice speech. Next time don’t so-’ [ /i] Vella started. “Hush. I just want to throw my contribution in. I doubt anyone is ACTUALLY going to call upon me,” I scoffed. Knowing my luck, it would be completely disregarded, and I could just relax. I then turned, and started wandering off. Hope was all that kept me going. Well… That and not wanting to be eaten by some passing beast. ‘I still think we should have been peaceful with Celestia. I mean she IS nice and all. I do-’ Nero said, and I could feel the helmet look at me with annoyance. “I already told you, Celestia acts weird around me. I don’t like it, and if I knew what was wrong I could probably help. As is right now, I would rather her calm down before my brain meets Mr. Happy or Mr. Cuddles,” I shuddered at the memory of Luna’s weapon of choice, THE largest battle axe I had seen in my life. The axe was so heavy that even the densest material was smashed to pieces with one fell swoop. “Don’t even know why Luna is so up in arms about me going away anyway. I didn’t do anything that bad.” ‘YOU STOLE HER SWEETROLLS!’ Vella shouted at me. “And if I hadn’t then she would have gotten larger than would be normally healthy. Besides, I was having addiction issues,” I justified. Those sweetrolls were to DIE for, I mean they were so freakishly good that I swear being petrified actually helped kill the addiction. +_ Later _+ I walked through a cave entrance, and sighed when the sounds of music came to my ears. As I walked deeper in I started seeing phantoms float about. “Ahhh… Home sweet fucking dark cave,” I sighed, and with that I went to find my little nook in this place.
Chapter 3 [C]+_ Celestia _+ As the guards flooded the room, inquiring as to what had happened, I could only stand there. The thoughts I had of Legion were one of longing but I had no idea why. Discord, compared to Legion, was readable but the man’s actions were just… unpredictable. One minute a fight would break out or something along those line, then next he’d comfort, or (in the case of a riot) defend us if need be. I had never felt these emotions, and Luna had always inquired as to why I had feelings for Legion, and my only response was ‘I don’t know’. Always ‘I don’t know’. “Tia?” I heard a voice come from behind me, and I turned. Luna stood there with her favorite weapon, Mr. Cuddles, hefted on her shoulder. “Sister, what hath happened?” “It’s Legion, he’s free. He’s free, Luna,” I said, and for the life of me I sounded happy when I should have sounded worried. The prospect of him being back made me feel…something. Others had brought up emotions similar but never strongly. “Then we need to get ready to hunt him down,” Luna said, controlled anger behind her voice. “We still remember how he wronged us.” “All he did was steal your sweetrolls, Luna,” I said, smiling at the memory of the first time it had happened. +_ Equestria, 1671 years 8 months ago _+ A sudden cry rocked the whole castle. The cry was loud enough to knock dust from the rafters above, and to knock down a few precarious stacks of paper. “WHO HATH PLUNDERED THY SWEETROLLS!” A very distraught Luna shouted, and the tinkling of glass could be heard. “Lovely,” Celestia muttered, annoyed at her sisters volume. Getting up from her desk, she started to wander in the general direction of the disturbance. After who knows how long, Celestia rounded the corner, and found Luna in her face. The two sisters collided and fell to the ground, holding their muzzles, pain coursing through both of them. Somewhere nearby someone chuckled. ‘Strange, I don- HIM!’ “You two alright?” A voice asked them, no formalities, only slight worry drowned in mirth. Both princess turned their heads to the newcomer, and saw Legion standing there, a sweetroll in his hand, and a questionable pack on his back. “Oi, you two going to be alright?” Legion repeated, then took a bite out of the sweetroll that currently resided in his hand. “BEAST WHAT HATH THOU DONE WITH THINE’S SWEETROLLS!” Luna roared at the legionnaire. The noise had apparently no effect on the man at all as he stood there, then look to her, then to the delectable treat in his palm, then back at her, then shrugged the bag. “I don’t know what a sweetroll is but whatever THIS is,” he waved the treat around, “..is probably the best tasting pas-” Luna lunged at him, and he stepped to the side, watching her fall onto the ground. “Luna, is that the way to treat the guy who is saving you from doing reprehensible to your own body?” The spectacle that unfolded was worrisome, she’d lunge at him, he’d sidestep, taunt, and then she would lunge again. His face was alight with merriment but after a minute or two his smile left, and after Luna’s lunge, he sidestepped, and turned towards both of us, his hand raised. “I will see you two later, and Luna… Stay off the sweets, or you’re gonna get large,” He said, and his smile returned. He turned and then proceeded to run like all the demons of Tartarus were chasing behind him. +_ Present day _+ “But think what could happen now. Tia, I beg of you, think of this clearly,” Luna came up to me, and rested her hand on my shoulder. “What would happen if he turned on us completely? We know that would spell the end of what has been laid carefully but you have to think what would happen if you chased him into the hands of our enemies.” Worry laced its way into the words, and I thought back to the various events that had transpired the first time Legion had been causing trouble; it was an enjoyable reprieve from the tediousness that was ruling Equestria. “I have no real worry that he would do that, Luna,” I said, slightly shuddering at the concept if he did end up with one of the various enemies of Equestria. “Luna, sister, I am going to write to Twilight of this event, and tell her to gather the Elements. I want you to rally the guards and start combing the Everfree.” “Why the Eve- oh,” Luna nodded her head in acknowledgement, remembering the times we’d see the man run into the woods, chased by guardsmen. “Sister, are thou sure chasing him is going to be best?” Silence filled the air, and I thought about my answer. ‘Was it really worth it to chase what seemed to be a random man, or was it to get him before somepony else did?’ I thought to myself. I slowly mulled over the various downsides to, and not to, spring to action. In the end though, all I could say was this. “Yes.”
Chapter 4+_ Legion _+ As I stepped around the corner, I saw something I wouldn’t think would be possible. Along each wall were piles of gold, gems, the occasional bone, and many other things. ‘Had my home become a dragon’s den?’ I thought to myself, eyeing everything in the general area. “Who dares enter my domicile?” a large voice spoke out. A large white orb appeared near the center of the room, and the sound of lots of bits cascading followed. Then a large near pitch black head loomed out of the darkness, and I could think of one thing to say. “Hey bitch, you’re on my house.” The head stopped moving in my direction, and turned sideways. I could feel the eye look towards me, checking me up and down. Silence reigned for what seemed like years. We looked at each other, wary of any sudden movements. I stood, hand on hilt, ready to fight to my death, and the dragon stared at me, waiting for something to happen. *Snicker* The dragon started to laugh, its head bobbing up and down. Eventually the sound laughter subsided, and the dragon reached towards one of its eyes, and flung a tear away. “It’s good to see you are yet still alive, my troublesome friend.” The dragon spoke. The dragon’s voice sounded somewhat cheerful, and I couldn’t exactly place it. I mean the voice sounded familiar but I just couldn’t place it with those I knew. “I’m sorry but who were you again?” I asked, somewhat confused. “You remember naught THAT dragon migration where you saved a runt from a few guards? The runt of darkened iron, with the white eyes?” The dragon asked, starting to sound vaguely worried. “I… sorry not to sound rude, but I do not remember that much from the dragon migrations,” I spoke, somewhat confused as to what this dragon was getting at. “James. Do you not remember me?” The dragon spoke once more. I sorted through memories of what he was talking about until... “Wait…Leoran… YOU GREW UP!” I stared at the large beast before me. The last memory I had was… the day I had found the little guy. +_ Legion, 1671 years and 3 months ago _+ I had wandered around near my cave-home. The sisters had no idea where I was, and that was a bonus. Like hell I want to be caught again. That white pony kept looking for me, but thanks to being out at the right time of day, my armor was concealed somewhat by the local vegetation. Occasionally she would look my direction on one of her outings but I rarely made a noise when I could hear wingbeats. Fortunately for today, she seemed to be occupied with something, as I heard nothing for a good few hours. “Creepy stalker lady,” I mumbled under my breath. “ I mean if she had any common sense, she’d leave me alone.” The lack of any familiar noise did partially worry me but I paid no mind to it. Looking around, I waited to see the tell-tale sign that, instead of her looking for me but an ambush, yet nothing appeared. Settling myself down, I proceeded to walk for who knows how long. “Wh..t I ..er do ……serve …is,” I heard faintly off to my left. Curious, I wandered in that direction. I started to hear a thumping sound. As I walked, I cut notches into all the trees so I had a path to follow, and a few trees actually fell. “STOP *uhg* Stop IT!”I heard a young voice call out, his voice still being blocked out by something. The sounds became clearer; the dull thumping now sounded more like something hitting a big bag of flour, the cries of pain becoming evident. A break in the trees was all I needed to know what the ruckus was. A small group of guards were wailing on a small lizard like creature, and said creature was feebly trying to hold them off. As I watched, one guard kicked the creature to the ground and held his hoof on its back. The little group were solely focused on making the little guys day bad, so I don’t think they took it too kindly when I stuck one of them through the back of the neck, nearly lopping off his head in the process. “What the…,” the guard to right of me blurted out before I jammed my sword into his gut. He reached out with his arm and grabbed me, and looked past me. The other guard had already drawn his sword and was swinging towards my head. ‘Well… this is bull.’ I thought, closing my eyes, and waiting for the sword to make contact. Then I heard a grunt. I opened my eyes to see a ghost-like forearm holding a sword similar to mine, and the blade was connected to the guards. Then in a flurry the guard was cut to pieces. I stared wide-eyed, looking towards the ghost like ligament, completely confused. Keep your eyes wide, Marius. Don’t want these barbarians taking you down too easily. I heard someone say. Then in front of the little creature started moving a little. It was bleeding from several wounds, one of its arms looked broken, and both legs looked busted. Then pain seared through my back. I looked behind me, and I saw yet another guard behind me. He hefted what looked like a short bow, and was about to notch another arrow. Wrenching the sword out of the, now obviously dead, guard and flung my sword at the archer. ‘WEEEEEEEeeeeeee!’ came the sword’s voice in my head. As the sword struck the guard in the chest, I wished the sword back to me, wondering if that was even possible. What took me by surprise next was that the sword did comeback….but also had the guards heart jammed onto the blade. ‘Eeewwww….’ I thought, flicking the heart off the sword in a random direction. I looked back down towards the lizard-like being, remembering the wounds, and started trying what I could do. I looked around me for spare fabric from anything, noticing that the guards had some, and ripped it off. I then proceeded to tie up some of the wounds on the little guy. The pain in my back started to grow worse, yet I ignored it like the rest of the pain I knew I would have to endure. After a small amount of time finding what I could, I noticed that this was simply too much for me to handle on my own. I had only basic first aid training, and I was definitely not capable at handling broken bones. The next thought that popped up into my mind was one I didn’t want to do but to save this one’s life, it was the only option. I had to go visit the ponies, and ask for help. I gingerly picked up the…lizard boy, and started jogging towards the castle. As I jogged, my mind started to blur, the throbbing pain in my back expanded more, and my sight started to fade. The trees, shrubs, and then road became a giant blur for me as I went. The castle started to come into view more clearly, and as I neared I heard faint calls, and a few shouts, then a white being appeared a little ways ahead of me. Once that being popped up I slowed down, came up somewhat close to her, mumbled something incoherent, motioning with the thing that lay in my arms, and proceeded to pass out. +_ The next day _+ As I started to awake, I had the strange feeling that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. The light past my eyelids were too bright, I didn’t feel cold, the ground was too comfy, and there was no sense that something bad was going to spontaneously happen. When I opened my eyes, my fears became reality. I saw a very light grey room, a tapestry on a wall, red drapes over the windows, and the bed… was big enough for quite a few people. Then I heard the door open, and looked to my left. Like a deer in the headlights look. The being to enter was that tall white being again. The power that flowed from her made me start to get nervous once more, and when she raised her hand, I thought I was done for. “Calm… Don’t scare yourself,” I heard her say. I didn’t calm down in anyway. I looked around and saw that the window, even though probably the worst way, was the only way to get out. I started moving towards said window on wobbly legs, and was about to push it open when I couldn’t move anymore. “What part of ‘calm down’ down didn’t you get?” I heard her voice speak up again, and slowly the window inched away from me. “Come back here, your wound isn’t fully healed. Do you really want to bleed yourself dry that badly?” “I…I just want to live, Miss,” I responded. The bed was below me now, and I was slowly being lowered towards it. “W-why am I here?” I asked, and then she came closer and sat upon the bed. “Well, when you ran up to the castle, I heard guards shouting and went to look, and I saw you slowly making your way. I decided to finally try and meet you, but you looked ever so pale… well paler than when I first meet you. As I landed in front of and saw the dragon you held in your arms, you then mumbled about ‘cats and a tree, then fell face first into the ground, and then I saw an arrow in your back. Could you please explain to me how you have a standard arrow in your back? The same type of arrow used by my Sol guards?” She questioned me; I was slowly backing away from her while she talked, and the question filled me with fear. “I-I…. You might not exactly like my response…” I murmured. She looked at me, unease starting to show. “Pray tell, so I can rest these fears. I only care for your wellbeing at the moment,” She said back, and I looked to her ‘Huh..’ clear on my face. “I mean until you get better… Nothing else…” She turned her head away for some odd reason. “Oookay… Well to answer your question. I got shot in the back by one of your guards. I-” I started. “What? I only told the guards to contain you and notify me. Not KILL you. What had you done to cause that?” She asked, leaning in closer, which made me lean back. “I may or may not have killed three of your guards who-” “YOU WHAT!” she shouted. Her whole ‘kind’ façade fell off in a matter of moments. “WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO KILL OTHERS! I SH-” “They were beating upon that ‘dragon’ that I brought with me. I can’t stand the sight of those who can’t stand for themselves be beaten by those who can just do it for the sake of being able to show dominance over others, and if that is a crime here, then you and yours are begging for Fate to come and bring ruin,” I retorted, not angrily, not fearfully, but calmly. “If I didn’t stop, they would have killed the youngling. Were you in my shoes, you’d have done the same I bet.” “T-They were..” She took on a pensive composure, her left hand supporting her right, with one of the cuter faces that could… ‘Cuter… god being here is softening me up.’ I thought to myself. She then got up and went out of the room, silent all the while. When she was gone, I got up on my feet again, and noticed that none of my things were with me but the basic garments I had worn to the convention. I started towards the door, about to go through when she rushed back in. And we kissed. Oh god how fucking embarrassing that must have been. Well that and she had bowled me over making me land on my arrow wound again and cry out in pain. When my eyes reopened I saw that she laid on top of me. Her face completely blushed, and I felt a little bit of heat upon my face. “Umm… If you don’t mind,” I nodded in the ‘Could you please get off me before I toss ya’tense. She hastily got off and scampered off. I just laid there, wondering what the fuck just happened, when all of a sudden I felt a warmth right above my lips that went to the left side of my face. I raised my finger and swiped along the path and brought the finger in front, and noticed that I was bleeding. ‘Great…’ I thought. +_ Present day _+ I forgot that was the day that she started hunting for me in earnest. The endless sessions of me running the hell away from her as she would chase me. The memory wasn't all that bad but just more awkward. “You seem distracted, man. What’s wrong?” Leoran spoke up. “Nothing. I think I might have done something REALLY bad the day I saved you from that small group of guards,” I said. The dragon’s eyes lit up. “What kind of bad are we talking about?” Leoran said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Bad as in pissing off the guard?” I shook my head. “Pissing off one of the pony princesses?” Again I shook my head. “Both of them?” Shake. “The whole of pony kind?” I flipped him off, to which he did the same to me. “What did you realize you did so bad that you won’t say?” And as I was about to say something he interrupted. “You didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t do i-l” I look mortified at him. ”HOW THE HELL DO YOU GET FROM HAVING PISSED OFF PRINCESSES TO DOING IT WITH THEM?!” I shouted. “Well if it wasn’t that then what?” he questioned me, completely lost at what I was trying to say. “I may have accidentally, incidentally…. kissed Celestia,” I admitted. “You what… with who?” Leoran asked. “You heard me,” I said defensively. “I truly didn’t-” “You want me to say it again but I know you heard me,” I stated. I felt off, like I was acting different, it was cold and I felt uneasy. “I heard something about you and Celestia… I just didn’t hear what it was,” Leoran said, genuine irritation starting to ebb into his voice. “Fine… I. Kissed. Celestia. COMPLETELYbyaccident,” I hurriedly spoke. What I didn’t admit. I kinda liked it… well not the face getting smashed into another or the falling on the wound. But I liked the accident. Accidents are funny.
Chapter 5Author's Note I MAY or MAY not have half assed this. Also I am not that great at writing out a semi-romance story (even if I could I probably have a specific story set for that). If there is anything wrong just let me know in the comments and either I'll fix it or throw cabbage at you. Chapter 5 +_ Legion _+ After talking to Leoran, I walked over to where I roughly remembered where my alcove was at. I still felt the dragon’s eyes on me as I went but I cared little. I had something I wanted to do, an itch to scratch, for far too long. As I made my way around, I saw mound after mound of various items, mainly gems. There were a few interesting objects in the mix like a few bits of armor, a sword, a guitar, a larg… a guitar? Pedaling backwards, my hand reached out towards the instrument. As I grasped it, I heard a rustling of metal come from behind me. I decided to look but instead Leorans head came around me, and I saw his eye dart to what I had in my grasp. “Would… Would you mind if I took this?” I asked, honestly a little hesitant about being this close to a dragon, even if he was a friend. “I don’t see why not. As you see I can’t quite handle something that size anymore,” He said, chuckling while motioning with one of his claws. The damnable things were nearly my size and half. “Honestly, I have no need for half of this. If you find anything you want, then take it.” He admitted. “Thanks pal,” I said, grabbing the guitar, and pulled gently, rocking the neck back and forth. Slowly the mound released its grasp upon the somewhat new looking guitar. When the guitar came free, I brought it up and strummed a few notes. The crazy thing about the guitar? It sounded like it was tuned within the last week. I did the basic scales, and then doing them faster. After I did the every scale I could recall in my head, I turned to go. “Hey… I’ll be back later,” I said to him, and he nodded. And as I walked out of the tunnel, I thought of what song I should play but not before depositing my helmet and shield off close to the entrance. Didn’t want to have the added weight and all. +_ Luna, Present day _+ After getting a guard detachment together, I led them to the edge of the gardens. “Remember, guards, capture don’t kill,” I spoke to them. I received a fair amount of nods, and a few “Yes, Princess” from the search party. With that settled, I turned back to the cliff. As I started approaching the cusp, I started to spread my wings, and at the edge I simply fell forward. The feeling of wind through my hair was exhilarating. I angled my wings so I would pull up gradually, looking behind I saw the guards I had gathered jumping off the side, and then proceed to follow in my direction. Feeling an upcoming updraft, I angled my wings once more, taking full advantage of the needed height to conserve any energy, and felt parts of me become heavier, while I rose steadily. At the apex of the updraft, I angled myself towards the Everfree forest. ‘Legion…’ I thought to myself, ‘Let’s hope for your sake you fight back. I will beat you to an inch of your life.’ +_ Legion _+ I walked through the words towards a nice clearing I had come across while looking for my home…cave thing. The woods, while eerily quiet were nothing to truly fear. Fingering the hilt on my hip, and shrugging the strap that held the guitar, I sighed in content. One thing I had been itching to do for such a long time was to strum the strings of a guitar again. Last time had been before all this…stuff had happened. I walked on for a few more minutes before breaching the tree line. ‘Huh. I don’t remember there being a hill.’ I thought, looking towards the offending hill. Upon its crest rested a decently large tree. I started to walk towards the hill, thinking of what songs I wanted, and was able to, play. What animals in the area stopped their frolicking around, and turned to stare at me. All probably uneasy of such a large beast trudging so close by, and a few had decided to run off. Taking note that there were some deer nearby, and the tree had a few birds in it, this was probably a safe haven for most of these animals. I saw in the tree an especially red bird, with tinges of orange along the wings. I stopped and stared at the bird, and the bird stared back. We stared at each other, and then I nodded to the bird, and surprisingly the bird nodded back. I just chuckled to myself, and got up to the trunk of the tree, and swung the guitar to the front. Looking towards the scenery, I couldn’t get an idea what I wanted to play, so I decided to go with some good ol’ Nickelback. As the song went, I closed my eyes. The animals started to settle down to some extent when I had done nothing but start playing from my strange instrument, and actually started to get closer to me. The more hesitant of them stayed, or ran off. The braver came closer and sat themselves around me, watching my fingers go from note to note. I focused on the song itself, and didn’t let anything outside of my small sphere interrupt me. I let myself go for the first time in over far too long. +_ Luna, 1 hour later, Everfree Forest _+ As I flew, I constantly kept an eye out for things that were out of place. Big clues were large piles of dead creatures, a path of trees that have been bashed down, a large cluster of animals aro…. Turning my head towards the hill that stood a little higher than the surrounding area, I saw a fairly large amount of animals that were circled around something that lay against the trunk of the sole tree in the clearing. Then this reached my ears. ‘This… This is nice.’ I thought, and motioned the guards to follow but stay quiet. As we neared the ground some of the animals looked to us, fear evident but as the man’s voice picked back up then their heads turned back towards him. As I landed, I pretty much went straight to sitting down. ‘This’ll give him quite a fright.’ I thought evilly. As the song went on, I slightly bobbed my head to it, and had a faint smile. ‘Tia would love to hear this, I wonder if I can still access that linking spell?’ I thought as I powered up my horn. +_ Celestia _+ I was looking at some papers, various nobles wanting certain expansions done as to increase their gain in money. Nothing that serious, thankfully. I was looking at a particularly interesting ‘t’ when a mirror like rip opened up next to me. I looked into it and saw Legion, sitting against a tree, with a guitar in front of him. He didn’t have his helmet on, so his black ‘hair’ was free to the elements, flowing a little bit in the breeze in where ever he was exactly. Then I heard this peculiar song. As I listened, I didn’t know how to react. He had never sung or if he did it was to usually goad us into doing something stupid, yet entertaining for him. As time passed, I felt my cheeks blush up unbidden, imagining him singing a song to me. The thought got suppressed, him singing to her was absurd. Oh, but how she longed to tell him how she felt. She didn’t know why she felt this way, as it ailed her forever since that accident when he had run up to the castle, carrying the poor drake. It was a surprise when she had found all the guards from the room, to where his armor was kept, knocked unconscious by pillows. The only tell-tale sign was all the feathers at each guard post. +_ Legion _+ As I ended the last song, I sighed content to get something out of my system. I heard the small thumps as the animals ‘applauded’ my performance, and I smiled. Opening my eyes on the other hand. “Hello Legion. Nice weather were having,” I heard Luna say, and behind her were at least 15 guards. ‘Well, shit.’ I thought to myself. “Y-yes. Nice weather. What brings you to the neighborhood?” I asked, brain firing off random ideas of escape. Then I noticed a window like…portal next to Luna. I saw through that portal, little Celly. “Hey Celly. Sorry for dropping out earlier. I had other plans.” I noticed that when I talked to Celestia, she ducked behind the desk, like some schoolgirl hiding form her crush. ‘How cute it’s like she ha…as.. a ..crush.’ I thought, slowing down after realization started bitch slapping me hard across the face. I nearly started laughing at the thought. Which failed horribly. All the guards present brought about their weapons, and started to slowly step forward. “H-hi…” I faintly heard Celestia say. “Yea.. boys I wouldn’t take another step closer,” I state, looking towards the guards as they all stopped and looked at each other, all questioning whether I was serious or not. “I don’t want to ruin this nice guitar here with blood.” I stand to my full height, and roughly foot taller than the guards. “Legion. *Sigh* All we want to do make sure you are not a threat. Can’t you understand that?” Luna asked. “So that’s why you chased me down, now?” I looked towards her. “And before? Whenever that was, Were you making sure I wasn’t a threat then? I know I am different, but when guards constantly start hunting me, then others put ransoms up… Well let’s say that isn’t the best case situation for making me want to turn myself in peacefully. Understand?” I leveled a questioning gaze upon Luna, then towards where Celestia peaked over her desk. “Besides… Me, causing trouble? I only do it for entertainment. You two are so-” “Don’t you dare finish that,” Luna said, starting to get up herself. “-Unbelievably-” “Stop!” “-one hundred percent-” “Don’t make me get Mr. Cuddles!” Luna shouted, starting to blush a little, either from anger or embarrassment, I couldn’t tell. “-hilarious,” I finally finished. Then I turned around, waved, and looked to Luna and Celestia. “I’ll be seeing you later, maybe.” With that I started to jog off. I heard the guards stand there, then a sudden pick up in armor clanging together as they started after me. “Oh and another thing!” I shouted picking up my pace. “Completely adorable!” With that I felt the ground tremble, and the sky visibly darken. “GET BACK HERE YOU BASTARD!” I heard Luna shout towards me, and immediately dodged left, seeing a purple bolt of raw energy fly past me. I picked my pace up tenfold, and yes I did like keeping my hide uncooked. +_ Celestia _+ ‘He said we’re adorable.’ she thought to myself. Celestia watched through the portal as Luna launched bolt after bolt after towards the retreating figure. The guards had pulled away or ducked down when the he started speaking up again. Still, the thought that circulated through her head was all that he said, slowly enticing Luna to action. Oh how Celestia wished she could hold that man close to her. Mutter things to him as he held her close. Many things went through her head, but many were not something she would dwell upon for fear of those…urges that she kept in ever so perfect check.
Um... Houston.. we got a problem.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 6 Chapter 6 +_+_+_+ The following day +_+_+_+ James had looked about the area he had played for the critters, and eventually the Lunar princess and her retinue of guards, and looked at the direction he had run towards. Granted heading straight for the cave hadn't been the best of choices but it was nontheless obvious that the direction was AWAY from the wrath of the darker sister. Walking to the tree, he glanced around the more immediate area, and noticed a few birds looked at him, tweeting their songs and tilting their heads. "No show today. Hell where is my guitar?" James walked around the tree and in the general direction he had taken. No sign of the guitar. Sighing, James turned around and slumped against the tree, tapping his hands together. One of the larger birds flew down, landing on his arm, and hopped down to his wrists. James looked up and smiled softly at the fire bird that perched on his wrists. "Hello Philomena.. Long time no see," James whispered out, reaching up a hand and gently brushing the back of the phoenix's head. +_+_+_+ 1671 years 1 month 4 days +_+_+_+ Sitting outside on a balcony of the Palace, James had been kept as a "guest" under guard. He had been getting gently more restless trying to spend his time reading on various things that were provided by the Celestia, who had a slowly growing attraction to him. James didn't exactly have anything bad to say but the fact of the matter that he had been attacked twice by the maids and once by the guards for a simple misunderstanding (leaving out the various pranks that were tried and failed), He could see himself atleast trying to enjoy the new world he had been stuck in. A knock came from his door, drawing his attention to the door before taking calm, steady steps towards it. The room furnished sparsely with various things that were necessary such as a razor (of the straight edge variety), a armor stand, and a whetstone for the sword. Opening the door revealed, surprise surprise, Celestia with a tray of fruit and a large salad with two bowls. "Good afternoon James.. I brought lunch," Celestia spoke with a smile. The meals for the rest of the castle wafting up from below, along with the chatter of the changing of the guards. "Hello Celestia," James stepped aside and motioned in. "Please come in.." 'Not like I can keep you out of the room as it is.' James thought sourly, still putting on a good smile as to not worry the princess. Celestia walked in, moving to the small dining table set up on the balcony. "James.. I do have a question for you," Celestia turned her head, slightly worried. "I'm still partially dubious as to what you did.. saving that drakeling from the guards..." She turned to face James, and sighed. "What I wish to know.. Why did you save him?" James quirked a brow, vaguely taken back by the coldness that he sensed from the princess. "He was weak.. and the guards were taking advantage of him.. Why NOT save him from the abuse?" james retorted calmly. "When will the little guy be up and about?" Celestia glanced to the door, James following her gaze as a dark grey drake walking through the door slowly, hesitant of James and Celestia. The smallish drake looked at both of them and shrinked slightly at James gaze. "Hello... Do you have a name?" James asked, trying not to be threatening. That only caused the drake to flinch back slightly. Noticing this, James slowly sat down, his knees popping lightly from standing so long. The drake slowly stepped forward until it was 6 feet away, still visibly uneasy. James reached out a hand slowly, beckoning the drake closer. "Its alright.. I wont hurt you.. I promise.." James spoke softly, smiling to show that there was nothing to be afraid of. "Y-you'll hurt me like the other ponies..." The drake blurted out, looking at Celestia. "I promise you I wont. My kind do not hurt children," James chuckled softly, beckoning still. "If I had wanted to harm you I wouldn't have saved you." That stopped the drake, who looked at James questioningly before sitting down. "You didn't save me.. my older brother did.." The drake spoke again. "He always has my back.. He would... he wouldn't leave me.." The drake bit his lip gently, closing its eyes. "He.. H-he promised.." The drake looked up, tears slowly making thier way down his scaled face. "He promised to watch over me!" James took this moment to move closer, frowning in sympathy for the poor drake. Wrapping his arms around the drake, he pulled it into a hug, waiting for the drake to stop crying. After a decent amount of time, another knock as a guard stood there with a maid and a trolley, the trolley laden with gems and jewels of various colors and sizes. Celestia motioned her hand for the maid to enter, and enter she did warily, pulling the cart with a hand as she kept her distance as best as she could with still keeping her composure. As the drake stopped crying, James let go and patted his back, smiling. "Feeling better now?" James asked lightly, to which the drake nodded and hugged back. "If you two are done, I think we could all do with a meal," Celestia said, smiling and tugging at both beings with her magic, lifting both to their feet. "Besides.. There are going to be some changes that you'll both be part of." James and the drake looked at her, James moving forward to the table and offering Celestia a seat. "Changes?" James queried. "What kind of changes?" "You will be taking care of this drake until his older brother or a family member can be found," Celestia spoke as she sat down. "I'd rather keep the dragons happy with what has been happening recently but that is none of your concern." She smiled up and motioned for the drake to come over and sit. James furrowed his brow and shrugged, moving to the opposite end of the table and sitting down. The drake joined and smiled slightly, looking at the gems that had been set in front of him. James looked at the drakes 'meal', admittedly very confused. "Aren't those worth a good fortune?" James prodded the drake and Celestia equally. "They can be if refined.. but as is they are more of a meal for dragons," Celestia provided as the drake licked a blue sapphire before taking a small bite, still slightly hesitant but a rumble very noticeable coming from its belly. James just blinked before shrugging, not even caring anymore at something as normal, albiet ridiculous, as a meal choice. In the distance, a flapping of wings could be heard as a bright red and orange bird appears over the ramparts, and flies straight towards Celestia before, flying high up and dive bombing James, causing him to roll out of his chair in surprise. The bird flies around before landing on the railing and chirping at Celestia, who chuckles lightly and pats the birds head. "What the everloving hell was that about?!" James sits back up, glaring at the bird. "Oh? Philomena? She was just playing around," Celestia faces Philomena and points to James. "Philomena dear.. Please apologize to James." The bird looks at the human and chirps questioningly at Celestia, before hopping onto the table and strutting towards the human who was readjusting his chair. "Well?" James looked at the bird. All Philomena did was jump into his salad and curl up slightly, smiling. "Really?" Celestia giggled slightly and didn't do anything at all to help. "She can be a slight meanie but it isn't exactly that bad. Atleast she didn't try to gouge your eyes out or something," Celestia said, looking down to her salad and taking a few bites. "Lovely.." James looked at the bird and sighed, and sitting himself back in the chair and waiting. "I can tell we are just all going to be GREAT friends.." +_+_+_+ Present Day+_+_+_+ James chuckled at the memory and shook his head lightly, smiling. Knowing that Philomena was only playing had helped in seeing the bird, not as a pest, but trying to make light of a situation was better. Philomena chirped lightly and looked up, pointing with a wing. James followed her her end feather and noticed that the guitar was in the tree, and pats Philomena's head gently. "Thanks.. I was hoping that it wasn't lost," James moved Philo to his shoulder and reached up, grabbing the neck, and pulling it down gently. "Now..." James said, looking to Philomena. "Go and pester Celestia.." Philomena chirped and shrugged, before jumping off and flying up to his face, and latched onto his face, giving him a rather awkward hug before flying off. After the hug, Philomena flew off towards the castle on the side of the mountain, and James was left standing there, shaking his head. "Ridiculous bird.." James smirked and walked off towards the cave once more, guitar in tow. The sun set, being ushered by Celestia into night, and the cool winds of the Everfree washed over James, giving him a small bounce in his step as he made his way faster. He felt eyes on him from somewhere in the woods, and the occasional breaking of twigs. James went into a jog, and after a few minutes of this the feeling eased off. "Fraking timberwolves..." James muttered as he spied the cave and made his way to it. Upon entering, the warm air greeting him, and he went to his spot in the cave, waving to Leoran, before laying down and gently strums the guitar before eventually falling asleep with the guitar in hand. Author's Note I am VERY sorry have not updated in god knows how long. I was busy and lost my interest in writing for quite a while. I know this isn't going to be as good as the others but I tried for this.
Chapter 7+_+_+_+ James's Dreamscape +_+_+_+ Its night time, and the winds blow steadily over the fields, a trees' leaves dancing in the wind gently, and James stood under this tree, watching the stars twinkle and shine. The whole of the dream was peaceful, and James was fortunate for that. He did have a sneaking suspicion that Luna had something to do with this. The stroke of wings told him of an arrival, and around he turned to see that the Lunar princess, the keeper of dreams, and rather easily annoyed stood there, arms crossed and very peeved. Nothing was spoke, James was in normal attire consisting of jeans, a t-shirt, and boots while Luna stood in a flowing black gown that devoured the darkness. She took a deep breath before letting out slowly and all that James did was lean against the tree, waiting for anything to happen. Silence prevailed for what seemed like a century or a millenia, the sky twinkled still, slowly shifting from a winter setting to a summer, the Aurora Borealis appearing on the fringes of the sky to the north. The two just looking at each other and yet there was a conversation in the looks and positioning they gave off. Luna giving off the more hostile yet restrained look while James gave off the attitude that suggested that he wasn't going to do anything hostile whatsoever. Eventually James smirked and started chuckling, shaking his head gently and turned to sit down on the ground, feeling the grass brush his hands. Luna slowly disappeared from the dream and James watched the sky. Its night time, the wind blows steadily over the fields and James knows that this is only the beginning of something much more than he was ever wanting. Looking down to his house that is only down the hill, he sighs, and gets up before the world he sees now dims slowly. +_+_+_+ Leoran's cave +_+_+_+ James groaned from his awkward position, rubbing his eyes of sleep. Leoran slept happily, not caring that his friend had woken up first. James stumbled outside and went about the morning businesses. Once done he turned around and came face to face with Celestia, who was smiling wildely, and uncomfortably close. "Hello Legion... or James as I should say.." Celestia smiled, resting a hand on James's shoulder and squeezing lightly. James gulped audibly as Celestia pulled him into a hug and cooed predatorily. "Now you are all Mine..." was the last thing before his vision cut out. +_+_+_+ Leoran's Cave +_+_+_+ James jolted awake from the dream he had, and looked down and noticed that he had, indeed, pissed himself. Mumbling curses to himself, James got up and looked around, finding a chest. The search appeared to bear fruit as he found that there was some clothing that fit him more or less. Once done, he walked quickly out of the cave and towards where he knew there was a stream so he could atleast attempt to soak and remove the mess that had been made. +_+_+_+ Celestia's Room +_+_+_+ Celestia paced around her room, thinking of ways to catch and eventually talk to the human before anything bad could possibly happen. Many ideas swirled around her head, some being as simple as just going to the forest and calling out to spreading false rumors about another human appearing in the Castle proper. She shook her head many a time at the ideas that were either too complex or the ones too simple that they would most likely not work. A knock form the door drew her attention, and she flicked her wrist, causing the door to open with a brief spike in magic. "Yes?" Celestia asked, still not looking as she focused on the plans still. "Sister..?" Luna queried, not exactly surprised by her beloved sisters actions since the human returned to the flesh. Celestia looked up and smiled. "I've been thinking about various ways to get James," Celestia walked close to Luna. Luna only responded by quirking her brow and crossing her arms infront of her, interested vaguely. "We need a lure.. like fisherponies for the fish they catch. What we need to do is somehow get him to reveal himself.." Celestia looked at Luna, wanting a response. "Well... If we assume the human would know that might be a case.. We would need something almost solid to pull him.." Luna frowned slightly, before walking to Celestias bed and sitting on the edge. "Or.. YOU go find him." Celestia blinked, mouth opening and closing before looking down, twidling her thumbs and mumbling something. "What was that, Sister? You'll need to speak louder.." Luna teased slightly. "I am..." Celestia mumbled louder, before looking away. "Sister.. You HAVE to face the fear that he may or may not try and run from you," Luna breathed out slowly, and looked at Celestia, a slight look of sadness. "You know that you have to try at the least." "I know but... You know I don't deal with some issues of this nature all that well.." Celestia pouted, looking at Luna pleadingly. "Besides.. Theres representatives from the-" "Sister.. Please don't make excuses. The representatives can be handed off to the ambassadors. They are fully capable at handling matters of their profession. All you would have to do is read over the document that is submitted," Luna recited for the umpteenth time since coming back from her exile. Celestia smiled sheepishly, knowing that any excuses now would have no affect, before groaning faintly to herself. "Fine... Sister if you could tell Ambassador Calm Mind to start dealing with the Griffon and Minotaur ambassadors" Luna nodded and smiled inwardly, getting up, and disappearing past the door to let Celestia decide. +_+_+_+ Random stream +_+_+_+ Grumbling can be heard by all the animals that decided to take audience to see the new creature that had decided to bathe in the stream. The strange being was hideless and was washing its hide, which to all the animals was strange but knowing that there was always strange things in their mother forest. The strange gumblings and things coming from the creature intruiged some of the animals but they were more inclined to watch. +_+_+_+ Above in the air, an hour later +_+_+_+ Celestia smiled happily as she soared over the trees, looking down as they past underneath. The feeling of the wind going across her face and through her mane felt exhilarating, meanwhile the view of the forest that stretched out beneath her felt... foreboding but exciting. While looking down, she noticed a rather bright spot along a stream that babbled faintly in her ears. Celestia quirked a brow and flew down lower, noticing it was, infact, the being she was looking for. +_+_+_+ Below +_+_+_+ Waiting was one of the worst things that James had to do. Drying clothes would have been great if it was only a few minutes but fate has to be a pain. Sighing, James rested his head inbetween his knees and tried to focus on thoughts that had disturbed him. James had waited for a millenia and a half pretty much to be free once more but waiting for however long for the clothes to dry wouldn't kill him... hopefully. A flapping of feathery wings told him that either something was flying away or towards him, and the noise piqued his interest enough for him to life his head. To his eyes, he saw an angelic figure floating some distance off in the sky but to his mind he knew that Celestia had found him and that he was going to be in pain real quick. Grabbing at his wet clothes, he slid them on as quickly as he could, keeping an eye on the floating white blob in the distance. +_+_+_+ Celestia +_+_+_+ Celestia kept her distance, unsure whether to approach or not. She knew that Legion would probably want to keep his distance from her, and that fact slightly hurt her but she pushed on, gently floating down to the shore. Legion looked as if he was pulling on his clothes, and the thought of that made her stop slowly, still watching. 'It would be rather embarrassing to have company when you are only half dressed,' Celestia thought to herself, and waited until Legion looked ready. 'Then again he never told me much of his world.. and their customs.' Below, it appeared that the human had finally donned the undergarments and normal wear, shaking himself and crossing his arms. His gaze was on Celestia and she knew it, and he was waiting for her. Celestia decided after a few minutes that it would be better just to face him, and hope nothing bad will come of it. Taking the hint that he wasn't running away as something good, she landed slowly and elegantly, and stood waiting to see what he would do yet he stood there looking at her with hesitance. +_+_+_+ James +_+_+_+ Watching Celestia stand there, James's nervousness increased, not sure if he should run or stand. Celestia took a few slow measured steps forwards, testing the waters lightly, and James did not move still. James coughs lightly, causing Celestia to stop abruptly. "Hello Celestia..." James said carefully, still suppressing the urge to run from the Sun Princess. The aura that Celestia let off unknowingly was strong as it had always been, and the instability that could be casued could mean the end of many lives. Celestia nodded faintly, keeping from talking as if she was still figuring out what to say. The air that she had surrounding her besides the intimidating immortal being stuff, calmed James slightly but that worried him slightly more than just Celestia being... well Celestia. James sighed and sat down, looking at Celestia questioningly. Celestia stood there, uncertain what was wanted until James patted next to him, signaling her to come basically and come she did, quickly scurrying over and sitting down. James rolled his eyes and looked out at the stream, staying silent. A few minutes went by before anything happened, and that was only James laying back and looking up at the sky. Celestia looked at him, then frowned. +_+_+_+ Luna, Super secret lair +_+_+_+ Luna paced around a table, a map sprawled out as a small red blip layed motionless next to one of the various streams that was prevalent in the Everfree forest. She smiled, planting that tracking spell on her sister had done various wonders to get the silly little things, such as pranks, work but to have found Legion was a good use too. She flicked her eyes towards the button that was labelled "Anti-Villain Laser", and knowing full well that this was more of a weapon of irritation than anything else. Luna smirked and pressed it and heard the whirring of a few turbines, turning to watch the various ponies who were built for pure endurance run in these large wheels. "Soon... Soon I will get my revenge for those sweet rolls.." Luna then giggled before running to a balcony that was, from an outside appearance a rock but was an obsidian and silver marvel. She walked out to the center, a few guards standing guard with what looked like pure black crossbows, their bolts tipped with silver engraved with words and runes of power that extended their flight path. Looking above her, Luna spied the hole that slowly opened up, and a long silver barrel started to protrude from it silently. Looking to the forest, She smiled, knowing that her sister would not be affected but Legion, that cursed pastry thief, will meet his end. The whirring of the turbines, and the occasional yelps as those in the wheels stumbled and were planted against the spinning wheel, increased to the point that Luna had to cover her ears with magic. An orb of light shown at the barrels entrance before this droning sound occurred as a lance of light zips straight towards Everfree. On the balcony, Luna laughed maniaclly as she felt much happier. +_+_+_+ Everfree, Celestia +_+_+_+ Celestia's ears flicked slightly as her face blanched, grabbing James roughly, and teleporting them both up into the air and flying away from where they were sitting. James was lost and trying to wriggle out but Celestia's death grip made it all but easy. A second later and a large explosion was heard from behind, causing Celestia to glance back and stop flying. Where they had been wasn't any different visually but magically there was too much positivity and... good. Celestia glanced towards the mountain that had Canterlot perched on its side and frowned. 'Lulu...' was all she thought. +_+_+_+ James +_+_+_+ The sudden launch was... unexpected but what else could James expect from a magical princess. An explosion caught his attention as he saw a lance of light hit where they had been and then.. nothing. His body felt slightly numb but that might have just been the speed of which Celestia had decided to travel but he couldn't have felt more in danger than now. Looking down, James noticed that he was pretty high up in the air, and thus that the ONLY logical conclusion was to hold onto Celestia tightly. He looked at her as she looked off towards where Canterlot was. "Celestia...." James said softly, confused as to what happened. ".. What just happened?" Celestia had kept her mouth shut, hovering in the air with the occasional flap of her wing before descending further down the stream, she then turned and looked at him as he took a few steps back before lifting up into the air and disappearing over the trees back to the mountain. "Well.... that was.. the weirdest shit I've seen today.." James muttered, before walking off towards the cave that he called home.
Chapter 8 (Sorry for such an extended disappearance)Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
