The Guardians of Equestria

Part One: The War Begins

Nova

“My Queen!” The guard shouted as he burst through the doors. “They are coming.”

“No. It’s too soon.” Celestia said running to the balcony. No… no, no, no.”

“Mother.” I say running to her side. “We’ll be alright.”

“I’m afraid safety has passed my son.” She said tears welling in her eyes as she looked into the oncoming death and carnage. “How could I be so foalish.”

“Mother, you haven't done anything wrong.” I say trying to reassure her, but she kept on blaming herself.

I knew this war started because of me. Trypha, one of the wisest, oldest and most powerful of all the alicorns, wanted me dead because I was unfit to live, because I was different, because I had no wings.

“Nova, please come.” Celestia said walking swiftly out of the throne room.

She took me to the far end of the castle. The screams began wailing through the cool night air as we ran toward the walls of the Keep.

“Mother, where are we going? Why aren't we fighting?”

She stopped suddenly as we reached the wall. “Nova, I know what's going to happen. I just didn't want it to end this way.” Her eyes answered my questions. I was leaving.

“But mother, I’m not going anywhere. Am I?” I say looking into her eyes again.

She didn’t speak but her eyes spoke her thoughts. I’m so sorry.

“What do you mean?” I asked confused and worried.

Celestia turned to the wall and tears began to fall from her face. She close her eyes and her horn lit along with a hidden door in front of her.

“We must go.” She said avoiding my eyes.

She quickly left through the door as the castle was hit with a spell I've never seen before. It made the structure crumble and fall apart killing everypony inside. I stood staring in awe as my home was destroyed.

“Nova!! Lookout! Celestia screamed.

I looked up and saw a mare diving toward me, magic glowed near hear hooves creating claws that could cut through stone. I quickly sidestepped but the mare’s claws raked across my face making me scream in pain. I fell to the ground shaking as the alicorn came around to finish me off.

“NOVA!!” Celestia screamed running toward me.

I closed my eyes and remembered what I had to do. The pain began to numb. I slowly stood lighting my sleek curved horn and opening my now glowing eyes.

I yelled looking the diving mare in the eyes. First they were filled with evil, but that was swiftly replaced with pure fear. Please! NO!! Her thoughts pierced my mind. Her whole life passed before my eyes. Her love, her hate, even her fear and then… nothing.

My thoughts regained control. Pain crept back into my face. I began to shake and my breathing got faster. I squeezed my eyes shut.

I had just killed somepony!

“Nova.” I heard Celestia say. “We must go.”

I opened my eyes seeing Celestia’s caring eyes. I managed a nod and she led the way. Into the Everfree forest.

. . .

We had only been walking for a short time when I realized that I felt fine.

“Mother,” I began, but she interrupted.

“Yes Nova, you did recover quickly.” She said reading my mind.

“But I just killed and now I feel ok with it.” I say concerned. “was I born to… kill?”

Celestia stopped and stared deeply into my eyes. “I would not raise a child born to do such horrible things.” She said in a serious but gentle voice. “I don’t know why, but don’t let it get in the way of who you are.”

“Yes mother.” I say bowing my head. “I’m sorry.”

Celestia smiled and shook her head. “Your father ruined you with his discipline.” Her eyes went sad. She was thinking about father again.

“Mother I’m sure he will be alright.” I say trying to comfort her.

She fought back the tears. “No. We must go. Thats what he would want.”

We continued on. The forest had no paths and none were made. It is a product of the greatest library in all of ponykind. The Great Archive. That’s the only place in Everfree to go. The only hard part was getting there.

The forest was defended by cryptic magic that relocated you making you lost. To get through, one only had to follow the forest and know what he or she wants.

It didn't take long to get there. A large stone disk  in the ground marked the entrance. No doors were present, but showing your magic’s true worth will show you the way. So Celestia did just that pouring out brilliant ribbons of light which made the disk glow.

A low rumble came to my hooves and the disk fell away like a spiral staircase leading into the earth. We both began to descend lighting our horns for light.

. . .

Starswirl the Bearded was the librarian of this great archive and a good friend. He was the oldest and wisest alicorn in all of Equestria but the war, as short as its been, left the old stallion crippled. His wings were taken when it was just beginning.

Celestia still hasn't forgiven herself for that. “I’m so sorry...”

“There is no time for another apology” He said cutting her off. “We must do it now.”

“Do what?” I asked.

“You haven't told him?” Starswirl said to Celestia a bit angry.

“I… I thought it would be better…” Celestia said.

Starswirl let out a sigh. “Well better late than never.” He looked at me and spoke in a serious voice. “ Nova, we have made a decision.”

“For the good of equestria.” Celestia said as tears began fill her eyes.

“Nova,” Starswirl began. “We have decided to send you through time.”

“It’s the only way.” Celestia said fighting the tears. “I must send you away to save you.”

“Save me? What do you mean?” I said.

“There is only one way to end this war.” Starswirl said. “We must remake the world.”

How is that possible? How could you remake equestria?

“You would die if you stayed.” Celestia said. “I don’t want that to happen.”

“Mother, I’m not going to die.” I said ready for anything.

“Celestia, we must begin.” Starswirl said lighting his horn.

Celestia stepped back and did the same. “Don’t be afraid” She said as her eyes began to glow.

“I never will be.” I say as the world was ripped out from under my hooves.

. . .

I felt cold as I moved through a dark, cold abyss. I saw nothing. I didn’t even hear anything as I was pushed forward to who knows where. Or in my case, when.

The thought of time travel didn’t scare me though. My mind was cleared of all worries and doubts as i went along. My pain went numb as I went unconscious.

Raven

Whenever I leave the hut it always seem that I get lost, but I always walk straight and seem to get to where I need to be. The forest always led the way no matter what. Except it never took me five hours to get back to Zecora’s hut. The sun was going down and I needed to get back before dark.

With light fading and a hungry stomach, I pressed on through the dense vegetation, wondering if I would ever get home. Suddenly the air around me felt darker. I felt that I've been here before. I pushed back the thick leaves in my way revealing an ancient castle.

After catching my breath from the sight I slowly walked up to its old cracked doors. I put my hoof to the door when there was a thunder clap followed by rain soaking me almost instantly.

Slightly annoyed I pushed open the doors and walked inside. Setting down my saddle bags down I shook off some of the water from my wings and coat and looked around. Half of the castle was gone but it was still pretty big. My nerves left my body and I found myself exploring.

. . .

Now deep in the castle I found a large room. I assumed it was the throne room. In it’s full glory it would have looked amazing, but the once great tapestries were now torn and tattered. The marble floor was scarred and cracked except for a round disk in the center. It looked new. Now curious I stepped onto the perfect stone ring. Right as I did the ring burst into a brilliant turquoise light which flooded the room making me shield my eyes.

The ring began to sink into the ground creating a spiral staircase. My mind began to race. What was down there?

“Well. Only one way to find out.” I said beginning my decent.

. . .

I couldn’t see anything as I crept down the staircase. Thunder rumbled above me. Glad I’m down here. I thought, but then the ground began to shake.

“Oh great.” I said trying not to slip as I began my hike back up the stairs. Then the ground suddenly shook violently making me lose my balance and I began falling down into the unknown.

I couldn’t stop, so I curled up and covered my head and squeezed my eyes shut hoping it was a short way down.

. . .

Pain throbbed through my body as I slowly stood up. I tried to extend my wings but pain shot through my left one making me close them quickly.

“Dang it.” I said angrily as I rubbed it tenderly. “Won’t be flying for a few days… Now what.” I took my eyes of my wing and looked around. “Oh right.”

The room I landed in contained many doors that were marked with strange symbols that, I was surprised to find, I could read.

The first said: History. The next said: Artifacts. Nice! It was a library!

Exited I walked up to history and opened door. My mouth dropped open. The room was huge! Shelves lined the walls that went up several stories. Then I realised I could see because strange lights were scattered here and there providing a low erie light. I walked inside and began roaming. I found a small desk that had an open book on it.

I trot over. The book was written in the same strange language as the markings on the doors. I look at the cover, it read: Time By Starswirl The Bearded.

“Now way!’ I gasped.

There were only a few books in equestria written by Starswirl.

“This library must be filled with all kinds of stuff!”

I flip the book back to where it was open and read the instructions for a time travel spell. Chills ran through my body as I realized somepony might pop out of nowhere. But I realized It could be Starswirl! Suddenly the ground began to shake again. The shelves shook but didn’t fall. Worried I ran back to the first room and closed the door. There was a loud crash and I heard books fall to the ground, and the shaking stopped.

I opened the door. Everything looked fine, no damage anywhere. I walked back to the table and stopped. A white stallion lay motionless on the floor. Books were scattered around him and blood ran across his face from three cuts across his left eye. I made my way over to him and checked for a pulse.

“There it is,” I sighed as I heard a strong healthy pulse.

As I took my head away the stallion stirred. I jumped back in alarm as he sat up and rubbed his head.

“Thanks for the warning.” He said not too low but soft voice.

“Wh-what warning?” I said shyly.

He looked up at me shocked. “Raven? Is that you?”

“H-how do you know my n-name?” I asked backing up.

“It is you!” He said jumping up and wrapping his neck around mine.

“I-I d-don’t know who you are.” I say pushing him off and backing up.

“What?” He said confused. “ You don't know me?”

“I-I’m sorry” I say still backing away.

“No, no I’m sorry.” He said bowing. “I’m a complete stranger to you.” He stood again looking my in the eye. They looked full of concern and worry He then began nodding his head. “You have forgotten.”

“Forgotten what?” I say still nervous.

“Everything.” He said stepping forward.

“What are you doing?” I say sounding like a complete wimp.

“Sorry” He said. “I want to give you your memories back.”

“What do you mean?” I say now feeling scared and confused and on the verge of tears. “What memories?”

“Your past memories.” He said gently. “I knew your parents.”

My parents? The only parent I've known was Zecora, but I knew she wasn't my real mom.

“You can read this right?” He said pointing to a book on the floor that had fallen open.

“Yes.” I said.

“Don’t you want to know why?”

I shook my head, the stallion looked at me with longing eyes. Something inside me knew and trusted him.

“O-ok.” I said stepping forward.

“Give me your hoof.” he said holding out his.

Nervously I held up my hoof. I’m sure my face was red because he smiled when he took it. He then leaned in closer. I panicked, and started to shake.

“It’s ok, I’m not doing what you think I am.” He then touched his curved horn to my head and then backed away.

“That’s it?” I said relieved that he was telling the truth.

“Yes, just wait.” He said backing up.

I didn't remember anything at first but then my head was filled.

My mother was an alicorn of music and art, I was sent through time by Starswirl, and death. I remembered pony's screams as I ran, filling my head and driving me insane. Then I remembered comfort and love. I remembered a stallion. His name was Nova.

Tears filled my eyes. “Nova.” I said wrapping my neck around his.

“It’s ok.” He said in that smooth gentle voice.

“I've only been here a few years.” I said trying to dry my tears. “But it feels like forever now.”

“Yes but, how long have I been gone?” I say.

“I don’t know, but Celestia must be losing her mind.” I said. That comment seemed to shock him.

“You’re right.” He said stepping back. “Where is she?”

“She still rules Equestria with her sister.” I said thinking the worst. “What if my mother is dead?”

“Raven I’m sure she is fine.” He said trying to reassure me.

“But I haven’t even seen her in the time I’ve been here.” Tears welled in my eyes again.

“Celestia would know.” He said beginning to leave.

“Wait.” I said. “It’s still dark.”

“Did darkness ever bother the Prince of the Stars?” He said smiling.

Nova

"So you know where Canterlot is right?" I said as we galloped through the storm.

"Yeah everypony knows where it is." Raven said bluntly.

"Forgive me for being a little out of my time."

"No, no you're fine. I understand." She said blushing lightly.

"You're just as I remember." I said looking forward. "And I'm glad you didn't worry about me."

I looked back into her eyes. I did. Her thoughts spoke to me. I didn't see you for a month, and then...

"Hey." I said slowing down to a stop. "I'm here now. You don't have to worry."

"I know." She said. "But what about my mother." I saw tears brimming in her eyes.

I walked up to her and touched her hoof. "I'm sure she is still alive."

She nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Sorry, lets keep moving."

We resumed our pace and exited the forest with no difficulty. I saw a small town up ahead.

"Is that Canterlot?" I asked as we caught our breath.

"No that's Ponyville." She said. "That's Canterlot." She said pointing her hoof to a mountain to the north.

It was difficult to see in the darkness but I could see a castle built into the side of it. It could have been my eyes but I swore I saw it shining.

"Whoa." I said.

"Yeah it's amazing." Raven said beginning toward the town Ponyville.

"Shouldn't we go that way?" I say pointing at the castle.

"There is a train in Ponyville. We can take it to Canterlot."

"Oh." I said feeling dumb.

. . .

Most of the lights of the town where dark except for a candy decorated shack.

"Looks like Pinkie's having a party." Raven said walking towards it.

I followed and tried not to ask dumb questions. We entered to a crazy party. The music was loud and made the floor shake. Everypony was having fun, dancing and talking. A pink pony bounced up to us and greeted us in a fast hyper voice.

"Raven! you made it! I'm so glad you you got my invitation I didn't know Zecora's address so I improvised. Ooh! Who's your friend! He looks creepy."

Raven laughed and introduced me. "This is Nova."

"Hiya Nova!" she said excitedly.

"You must be Pinkie." I said realizing the blood on my face.

"Yup! The one and only!"

"Pinkie we need to get to Canterlot." Raven said trying to get her attention. "We need to get to Celestia."

"Oh. Or you could wait for her." She said beginning to hop up and down

"Oh yeah! Today is the summer sun celebration!"

I looked at her confused.

"Long story." She said. "Anyways Celestia will be here to raise the sun."

My heart leaped. "really?"

"Yes silly, that's why you got to stay up or you'll miss it!" Pinkie said. "In the mean time you can meet my friends!"

Pinkie lead us through the chaotic party. I felt stares but they didn’t bother me. But I worried that the blood on my face would start a panic. So I flipped my mane to cover most of my face.

When we got to a table at the far end of the room five mares and a stallion were talking and laughing.

“Hey! Raven’s here!” The blue mare said.

It took my a second but I just realised that nopony was an alicorn. Some had just wings some had just horns and some had neither of those things. I assumed it was normal in this time. It looks like Celestia succeeded.

“Who this gentlecolt?” The white mare asked looking at me.

“This is Nova!” Pinkie said jumping.

“Well I’m Rarity.” she said flipping her mane.

“It’s a pleasure.” I said bowing slightly.

Rarity’s face went slightly red. “Oh thank you.” She said.

The blue mare began to hover and snickered. “Well somepony has been starstruck.”

“It’s not my fault somepony can’t see a true gentlecolt when she sees one.”

The blue pony laughed again. “Yeah... only one stallion has my eye.” She said looking at the blue stallion, then she turned to me. “I’m Rainbow Dash” she said. “The fasted pegasus in all of Equestria.”

Pegasus. Ok that’s the winged ones. “Well I’m honored to meet such a prodigy.” I said bowing again.

The pegasus’s rainbow mane seemed to drain of color. “Th-thanks.” she said nervously.

A orange colored pony laughed. “Gee Rainbow, ya never had a stallion tell you that before?” She stood up and walked up to me. “The name’s Applejack.” She said holding out her hoof.

I took her hoof and bent over to kiss it. “I am glad to meet you.” I said. Her face was red and her mouth opened but she didn’t say anything.

Then a yellow pegasus piped up in a very soft voice. “I’m Fluttershy.” I could tell that took a lot of courage from her.

I smiled. “I’m honored to meet you Fluttershy.” I bowed again.

The pegasus seemed to giggle. “I like him.” She said to a lavender pony next to her.

The lavender pony was different. She looked like a regular pony but I could feel something else. She stood and introduced herself.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle.” She said bowing.

Then I saw. She was an alicorn. “Your Highness.” I said bowing.

“No. Please.” She said uneasily. “I’m as equal as any other pony.”

“Please forgive me.” I said standing.

“You did nothing wrong.” She said blushing.

“She doesn't like it when you bow to her.” The stallion said. “I’m StormFire,” he said. “Welcome to Ponyville.”

“Thank you.” I said nodding.

Then I look at his back. He had dragon wings! This stallion was a Drakon!

“Don’t mention it.” He said. “So, you came here with Raven.”

“Yes.” I said, then realizing what he was asking.

Me and Raven spoke at the same time. “No it’s not like that.” We looked at each other and laughed. I was sure we both blushed.

The stallion chuckled then whispered in my ear. “I’m sure you have questions.”

I looked at him. His eyes told my what he meant. I nodded.

“Not here.” He said then turning to the others. “Excuse us for a moment.”

“Don't be gone too long!” Pinkie said.

. . .

We exited the party and I started talking.

“I’ve only heard of the Drakon.” I said.

“I’m the last one.” He said. “and so are you.”

This was true. I was the last of the Starlings, but different things were on my mind.

“What is a pegasus? I thought they were Stratos.”

“They were.” He said. “But the Stratos were wiped out.”

“What about the ones like me?”

“They are Unicorns. You were the only living Starling then and now.”

“Is there any of the others?”

“Not that I know of.” He said darkly.

“But how are these other races here?”

“I don’t know a lot but I think they are either descendants or Celestia created them in the image of the old races.”

“But she still succeeded.” I said.

Then my cuts began to sting. I put my hoof to my eye. It came away bloody.

“What happened?” StormFire asked.

“Mishap with a Voidling.” I said. “I’m glad nopony noticed.”

“Are you serious!?” He said shocked. “I’ve only heard about them.”

“Somepony had a good life.” I said. “The Voidlings and I go way back, and I mean way back.” I winced and felt dizzy.

“Are you ok?”

“No, I’m pretty sure the claws she used were dark.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Stand back.” I say closing my eyes.

I began taking deep slow breaths focusing on healing. My horn ignited and a stream of light went from it to my eye. The pain slowly disappeared and I opened my eyes.

“How does it look?” I said flipping my mane back.

“There is no blood, but you got some nice scars.”

“Yeah I thought so. Dark magic leaves it’s mark.”

“Then I’ll know to stay away.” He said.

“So, How do you know Raven?” I asked.

“I’ve known her since she first came here. She is a good pegasus.”

“Thats all?” I said.

“Yeah. why?”

“She isn’t even a pegasus.” I said laughing inside.

“She’s a Stratos?” he said shocked.

“No,” I said getting a confused look. “She’s the last Muse.”

his mouth fell open. “No way.”

“Way.” I said. “I’ve known her since before the war.”

“Wait, you were there?” He said.

“Yes. Weren’t you?”

“No. I was born in this time.” He said. “Celestia raised me from a baby.”

“Oh, does she remember me?” I said.

“Yes I’ve seen her crying.” He said. “She misses you Nova.”

Tears filled my eyes. “H-how long have I been gone?” I said fighting them back.

“About five thousand years.”

The answer hit me like a rock. I couldn’t believe my ears.

“Five thousand.” I whispered.

“Celestia is going to get more than she planned when she comes tomorrow.” Storm said smiling.

I laughed through the tears. “Ha, yeah,”

“C’mon,” He said. “Lets rejoin the party.”

Raven

My face was red the entire time Nova was introducing himself. I remember him doing this before. He was always so charming.

Then he left to talk to Storm, which I’d just realised  was a Drakon, and I was left with six starstruck ponies.

“Did you see the way his eyes sparkled!” Rarity said.

“And what about his tail?” Fluttershy said. “It looked so soft.”

Applejack just stood there looking at her hoof.

“AJ… Are you ok?” Twilight asked.

“I-I’v never had any stallion…” She began. Then she turned to me. “You are lucky.”

“Umm we’re not… I mean I’m not…” I stuttered, face definitely red.

“Can’t you see it darling?” Rarity said. “He adores you.”

“And he’s really nice” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah,” Twilight said. “I can tell.”

“Really?” I said thinking of all the times we were together. He always acted a little awkward. Maybe he didn’t know what to do. Like me.

“I don’t know what you see in that stallion.” Rainbow said.

“Ah! What are you talking about?” Rarity said astonished.

“Can’t the prodigy not see what just hit her?” Applejack said.

Rainbow’s face went red. “Well I’ve got somepony else.” She said nervously.

“Oh we all know that dear.” Rarity said. “Has he ever told you that?”

Her face went a little redder. “That doesn't matter.” She said slightly hysterical.

“Well,” Rarity said turning to me. “He certainly acts like a true prince. Unlike the one I met at the Gala.”

My heart jumped. He was a prince. Actually he still is!

“Yeah he does.” I said dancing on the inside.