Ashes to Ashes

Chapters

Ch. 2 - Ashbringer
Ch. 3 - Rest and Respite
Ch. 4 - Dawn's Light
Ch. 5 - Second Chance
Ch. 6 - Legendary
Ch. 7 - The Earth Stirs
Ch. 8 - Opening Up
Ch. 9 - Lighter Moods Call for a Party
Ch. 10 - Silver and Gold
Ch. 11 - Hammer and Anvil
Ch. 12 - Honorbound
Ch. 13 - Day of the Dead
Ch. 15 - Dear Sister
Ch. 16 - Ashes of Eternity
Ch. 17 - Lament of Innocence
Ch. 1 - Destinies Change
Ch. 14 - Light's Vengeance

Ch. 2 - Ashbringer

Alexandros awoke in an all too familiar place. He awoke on a what appeared to be an abandoned desert, dust gathering in the distance clouding the vision of all who try to see. He looks around and found nothing but the spires made from ashen volcanic rock. One would assume that there was no one for miles, but Alexandros knew better he knew soon a familiar face would appear. He felt a breeze brush against his back. He turned slowly and saw who he was expecting. A large shrouded human with a voice that sounded like a choir of them. Standing firm in front of him was the manifestation of the souls in the legendary weapon he carried or as it prefers to be called, Ashbringer. Ashbringer spoke loudly as they said,
"I have been waiting an eternity for you, Highlord."

Alexandros saw Ashbringer smirk. He knew that this was no chance meeting. He only met with Ashbringer if something would go wrong or if they had information for him. Ashbringer was very much a part of him, over the course of the time Alexandros wielded the blade they became one. The souls and Alexandros. One cannot exist without the other now. They sustain each other, even though the blade is long gone. Alexandros cringed at the title, he was no longer worthy of such a title. But explaining things to Ashbringer was not exactly easy, Alexandros normally just let things happen between him and Ashbringer. Alexandros said sternly, "I'll go ahead and assume everything I just saw was not a dream."

Alexandros scratched the back of his head and asked, "How are things on Azeroth?"

Ashbringer answered,
"Quiet. With the Lich King defeated the Horde and Allience have been stirring and aching for some bloodshed. I fear either one will do something to plunge the whole of Azeroth into destruction."

"And what news on the Silver Hand?"

"They have regained significance in Azeroth. Maxwell Tyrosus is doing well and Tirion leads them both well."

Alexandros thought for a moment and said, "If you're still here then I'll assume that I am not dead yet."

Ashbringer shook their head and said,
"No. And now I fear your destiny lies in that new land. You have to stay and figure out why you were resurrected. But you cannot find this out on your own. I am here to help you old friend."

Alexandros shrugged and said, "How? I don't even hold the blade anymore. How are you supposed to help me?"

A devious smile crossed Ashbringer's face as they said,
"Ah but that is where you are wrong my friend. Your blade is very much in that world. You just need to keep open eyes to find what you seek."

Alexandros cursed under his breath a he knew what would follow. His vision whitened and blurred and he slowly regained consciousness.

Alex awoke to another unfamiliar spot. He was lying on a bed in a monochromatic room of simple white and tan tile floors. He did not feel as sore and his wounds were nearly gone. He focused on something else, six mares filled the room at the foot of his bed. Rarity who he instantly made eye contact with. He then looked over to the lavender unicorn with dark violet mane and tail who was the first to speak, "Hello...um...we weren't expecting to see you awake for another few hours."

Alex slowly nodded his head in confusion. He looked over the others and they all looked, interesting, to say the least. He looked over at Rarity and said, "Okay...two questions Lady Rarity. Who are these mares? And where am I?"

The other five gave him strange looks and Rarity finally said moving closer to his side, "You are in Ponyville Hospital. And these are my friends. That's..."

"I'm Pinkie Pie!" The pink one shouted, "It's so cool to meet you! Rarity said the you saved her and Spike from three timber wolves! BY YOURSELF!"

The lavender one spoke next, "Pinkie Pie, calm. Anyways, I'm Twilight Sparkle."

"Name's Rainbow Dash," The cyan one that was hovering slightly above ground interrupted, "Best flier to come out of Cloudsdale."

'Never would've thought that was her name,' Alex said sarcastically in his head he moved his gaze to the next which was an orange mare with bright blonde mane and tail, "Ah'm Applejack. Pleasure meetin' ya."

Alex had only heard accents like that a few times and they were never on good terms with him. All for good reason. He moved his gaze to the last one, a bright yellow mare with a bright pink mane and tail. She didn't look at him when she said in a soft tone, "I'm...Fluttershy."

Rarity spoke up and said, "Everypony, this is Alex. Me and Spike's timely rescuer."

"Alex?" Twilight asked raising an eyebrow, "That's a strange name for a pony. I've never heard a name like that before."

Rarity answered before he could, "That's just it, he's not from here."

Alex saw all of their faces and he didn't want to say he was from another world. That would just make matters worse for him. He spoke strongly, "And why would you like to know where I'm from?"

Twilight answered for the group, "Because, you are the strangest pony either of us have ever seen. You had six broken ribs, two sprained hooves, among other wounds. All healed within twenty four hours of you receiving them. No pony can naturally heal that fast. And not to mention that..."

"You don't even have a cutie mark!" Rainbow Dash interrupted Twilight's next words. They all looked at Rainbow Dash who just shrugged. Alex asked, "What's a cutie mark?"

They all stopped and stared at him with their mouths wide open. Alex felt already irritated that they weren't answering him. It seemed like a legitimate question to him. Rainbow Dash was the first to speak after the shocking question, "How can you not know what a cutie mark is? You've got to be the biggest loser I've ever seen."

Alex kept his anger supressed. Ever since he could remember he was always quick to anger. She set him over the edge and Alex knew he couldn't react how he normally reacted to jerks like that. Instead he just said in an aggravate tone, "Will some...pony please in the Light's name tell me what a cutie mark is?"

Twilight was the one to respond, "A cutie mark is something every pony gets when they figure out their special talent."

Alex sat rubbing his chin with his hoof. This place just got from strange to weird, but he would have to learn to accept these changes. Alex spoke out, "Then I see my mission for now. Looks like I'm staying longer than I thought."

Applejack interjected, "But, where were ya planning on going?"

They were all interrupted by a doctor. His coat was a dark blue and his mane and tail were a dark brown. He wore glasses on his snout and he was looking at some papers as he entered. He said in an aged tenor voice, "Oh. I wasn't expecting this many visitors. If you ladies will excuse me, I need to talk to Alex alone."

They all agreed to let them discuss whatever they needed to talk about. Rarity lead her friends outside. They stopped in the front of the hospital. There was a few seconds of silence when Applejack spoke up, "I don' trust him."

Rarity looked shocked and said, "What are you saying?"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and said in reply, "What she's saying is. He's hiding something, I could feel it too. He's hiding something. I don't trust him either."

Rarity looked over at Twilight and she said, "I'm finding it too early to rely on assumptions."

Pinkie Pie shouted, "I like him! I mean he did save Rarity and Spike right!? Oh...this calls for TWO parties!"

Rarity looked over at the last one and said, "What about you Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy moved her mane out of her face and said weakly, "I...I don't like his eyes."

Everypony had a curious look on their face as they looked at Fluttershy. Twilight asked, "Why?"

She answered her face growing darker, "They were filled with sadness and loss."

Alex stood up and stretched out his hooves as the mares left. The doctor said, "You haven't ceased to amaze me mister Alex."

"How so?" Alex asked looking at him. The doctor responded quickly, "You are a clean bill of health after those serious injuries. You are a sight to behold Alex."

Alex smiled slightly. He was somewhat happy that something good came out of this, but it was not all well and good for him yet. He thought of what he needed to do next. Alex couldn't help but remember something about Pinkie Pie wanting to throw him a party or something. The least thing he would expect. Alex moved the weight on his shoulders and said, "Thank you for the treatment doctor."

The doctor said, "Oh it was my pleasure Alex. If at all you have anything wrong, let me know and I'll come running. Name's Doctor Strongheart."

He held out his hoof and Alex reluctently shook it with his hoof. Alex said, "I'll be sure to remember that."

Alex travelled through the long halls of the hospital and finally found the front desk and left the hospital. He stepped out and looked up. The air was warm and pleasant, the sun shining high and not a white cloud in the sky to distract from the beautiful blue sky. Alex took in all that he saw and noticed the buildings were mostly thatch roofed. Bright colors adorned every building. It was pleasing to the eye but it couldn't take his mind away from his two sons. He looked and saw the group of mares that met him in his hospital room. He walked closer to them and he said, "Thank you all who helped me with my healing. I hope to see your faces again soon."

Alex stepped and started walking past them when a familiar hoof stopped him. It was Rarity's and she said, "Where are you going?"

He answered, "I'm going to find a place to sleep."

She bore a friendly look on her face and said, "You can't just wander aimlessly through Ponyville asking for a place to stay? I insist that you stay with me."

Alex stood there for a few moments and noticed that the others left. Leaving him and her in the afternoon air. He looked back over at Rarity. There was something so familiar about her and he couldn't put a hoof on it. He could already tell that he wasn't going to get rid of this mare easily. He said with a small smile, "I can't exactly pass down an offer like that. Thank you. You are too generous."

Rarity blushed slightly and said leading the way, "It is my pleasure Alex."

They continued through the quiet streets of Ponyville. Alex said, "I couldn't help but feel that some of your friends don't trust me."

Rarity gave him a puzzled look and said, "How did you...how?"

Alex returned his gaze on the path ahead of them. They rounded a corner and he said, "I've developed a talent in finding the true emotions of ponies just by looking at them. If you have seen what I've seen you'd understand."

Rarity asked in a slightly darker tone, "What happened to your family?"

The question hit him hard in the stomach but he said, "I... I'd rather not... talk about it right now."

Silence continued and Rarity said to try and ease the tension, "I understand if you don't want to talk about it."

The warm afternoon sun hung in the bright blue sky. The light burned on his skin and it felt warm and stimulating. They continued in silence until Rarity finally spoke up, "So, about what you said earlier. Where were you planning on going?"

Alex decided to give her the short version, "I need to find something. A piece of me that was lost a long time ago."

Rarity tried to decipher just what he was talking about. Perhaps it was a trinket or an object of some sort. She studied the way he walked and how he carried himself. He looked like he was lost, like his mind was elsewhere. Like he wasn't showing his true self. She wanted to help and he is doing nothing to try and open up to her. He was giving her a hard time in trying to befriend him. He was distant and lost, it just tore her insides apart how much pain he was carrying.

They stopped on the porch to her humble abode, Caresoual Boutique. She was about to open the door when she was stopped by Alex's hoof. She looked over at him and his face lifted up in her eyes and he said calmly, "Why are you helping me?"

Rarity answered, "You saved my life. It's the least that I can do, Alex."

His eyes said it all. He was hiding something that was eating him alive. She opened the door and ushered him in the building. Filled with extravagent decorations and decorum. Every color in the shop and house accented each one very well. It was odd placement and an odd choice because of the location. Alex moved his eyes over every detail and as he finished inspecting Rarity said with a warm heartedness, "Welcome to Caresoual Boutique. Where everything is chic, unique, and manifique!"

The first pleasant look that Rarity has first seen on Alex's face was warm to Rarity's heart and soul. Alex said, "A cute saying indeed. You have a lovely home."

The pleasant look soon died and fell back to the depressed look he continued to carry. Alex said under his breath, "But I feel as though I am unwelcome. I don't deserve such pleasantries."

Rarity felt saddened by his words and wanted with every fibre of her being to help him and find out what it is that encases his soul. What it is that troubles him. But she decided to drop it for now and said, "(cough)...Well, can I get you anything Alex? A drink..."

Alex interrupted her and said, "A warm meal will be enough."

Rarity simply nodded her head and left into another room. Alex was left to his own thoughts. He quickly found himself in what he assumed was the dining area. He found himself a seat and saw his reflection in a mirror nearest to him. He saw his color scheme of his mane, tail, and coat. He bore the colors of fire, a bright yellow and scarlet red for his coat and bright fiery orange the color of his mane. He noticed he no longer had his beard, and his features were younger and had less amount of wrinkles. But what plagued his thoughts was something marauding. He looked exactly like his eldest son Renault. He thanked the Light that their voices were not the same. Alex rested his chin on his hooves and leaned on the table. The sun was beginning to make way into twilight, filling the room with bright oranges and light purples.

Alex had to admit that this world had more beauty beyond that of Azeroth. Like he was in a dream, a beautiful and yet dark dream. He briskly stood up and the words of his son echo in his mind,

I don't want to be you!! I'll be greater than you ever were! NOW I can become the man you never thought I would be!!

You made me what I am...

Alex lashed out and slammed his hooves on the table. He stood on his hind legs and leaned over. He held his head low and clenched his eyes shut as the words repeated in his mind. Holding back tears he said, "If only I knew sooner... I could've protected you and Darion...Forgive me Renault..."

Slowly he pulled himself together and felt something rush up to him and embrace around his waist. His immediate reaction would be to reach for the Ashbringer but reminded himself that he no longer carried it. He said looking down, "By the Light..."

He saw tightly embracing around him was a small filly. Her coat was the same shade as Rarity's but her mane and tail were a bleach white and salmon pink. A unicorn like Rarity and Twilight. She was cute despite the fact her eyes were shut and puffy from crying. She said in a high pitched voice, "Thank you! Thank you so much! Thank you for saving my big sister!"

Alex felt a warm feeling cascade across his soul and heart, something he had not felt in a long time. He dropped his forehooves and said as he returned the gesture, "Think nothing of it little one."

The filly looked up at him and smiled holding back tears in her eyes. She pushed away from him when they heard a voice shout, "Sweetie Belle!"

Sweetie Belle stopped hugging Alex and stepped back over to her sister's side. She immediately pulled Rarity into a hug and said having her voice muffled in her soft coat, "I'm sorry Rarity, I had to thank him for saving you. I'm so glad that you're okay!"

Her voice cracked more than a few times as she said those words. Rarity smiled and rested the plate of food on the table and knelt down to her little sister's level, resting her hooves on Sweetie's shoulders. She said to the wheezing filly, "I'm the one that's supposed to worry about you. I promise, darling, that I'm not planning on leaving you any time soon."

Rarity pulled Sweetie into a hug and they held each other for a few seconds. In those moments Alex had flashbacks of memories he thought were long gone. Seeing how close Rarity and Sweetie Belle were reminded him of Renault and Darion before they even knew the words "Paladin" or "Serve". When they were younger they used to be so close. They protected each other and they would never leave each other's sides. But when they grew older, they slowly drew their own paths. If he knew sooner that Renault felt he was being in Darion's own shadow; as well as Alex's, then maybe all of this pain could have been avoided. This feeling inside of him hurt him more than any mortal wound.

Rarity saw the expression on his face and said pushing Sweetie away, "Is every thing alright Alex?"

Her concern was noted and he recognized that she is trying to help, but telling her runs the risk of even more hurt. He sat down and held his thoughts inward. It hurt him as he said the words, "Nothing...it's just...you remind me of ponies I used to know."

Rarity moved her gaze at Sweetie Belle and said, "I'll call for you when dinner is ready."

Sweetie answered with a nod and fled off out of Carousal Boutique. Rarity returned her gaze on Alex and said kindheartedly, "Alex. I want to help you, I really do but you aren't doing much to help yourself."

She sat opposite end of Alex and she said resting her hoof on Alex's, "Please. I want to help you."

Alex looked downcast and cherished her words. It had been a long time since any pony showed any signs of compassion towards him. Alex regained his composure and said, "I appreciate your concern Lady Rarity. I suppose I can tell you most of what ails me. But I can't tell you all of it. I don't know how you'd react. So, I guess you should know that the family I lost were my two sons."

She held a shocked face and he continued ignoring her look, "Their names were Renault and Darion. I loved both of them in their own way. I supposed all this started at Darion's birth. When he was born he was motionless. No sound. No movement. I was scared, I rushed outside and plunged him into the icy waters in the stream the flowed near the house. To my astonishement and excitement, he started thrashing and crying out. I held him in my hooves and I never heard a more beautiful sound. I ran back inside to tell my wife, Elena, that our second son had survived. Only to find out that she did not."

Her look turned neutral as the story continued and she held her gaze away. He continued, "I saw my wife every time I looked at Darion. I protected him as best as a father could, holding him close when times were darkest. I guess as my love for Darion grew, Renault's resentment and jealousy grew as well. One day, Renault...pushed me away and we were never the same family ever since."

Dead silence filled the air and it did not help Alex's emotions. He half expected her to react negatively and reject him. She simply held the same concerned and heart felt look as she said, "It must have been hard for you to tell me that. I'm deeply sorry for what happened, in the short time that I have known you. You seem like a good pony. You didn't know, it wasn't your fault. I apologize if I'm rather blunt, but what's happened happened. You came here to start fresh right? Then start fresh."

If only you knew all of it Rarity...maybe in the future I can tell you...Were his thoughts. He said with a warm smile and loosening his mood, "Thank you Rarity. I guess that is repayment for saving you. I'll keep what you said in my mind."

Ch. 3 - Rest and Respite

Considering Alex was once a Death Knight, he was desperate to eat anything. He was, however, hesitant to what laid in front of him. It looked to be a sandwich of some kind, buttermilk bread with what looked like daisy's in the middle. He glanced at Rarity, he couldn't simply just not eat it. She is letting him stay with her and is giving him food to eat. He picked it up with his hooves and took a large sizable bite. After a few seconds of chewing he swallowed it down and found himself surprised at how good it tasted.

He consumed the sandwich in a matter of seconds. He looked out the window and noticed the sun fell below the horizon and made way for the night. Although he didn't feel tired, his mind was exhausted. He yawned heavily and said, "So. When should I expect Pinkie's party?"

Rarity held a shocked look and was about to say something when she was cut off by Alex, who said, "Even though my eyes were closed I could still hear you guys. Quite the crowd you hang around. Do they react like that everytime a new face shows up in Ponyville?"

Rarity recalled the conversation she had with her friends while Alex slept. Rarity knew that everytime a new face came they reacted differently. He was different however, he was more of a stranger than anything. Everytime somepony new came, they would be very friendly and very open. He was dismissive and emotionally distant. While yes he took large steps that night, he was still hiding details. Rarity said, "Not especially. Know that no matter who comes Pinkie always throws a 'Welcome to Ponyville Party'. I would expect it either tomorrow or the day after."

Alex nodded slowly and yawned severely. Rarity chuckled with a smile and said, "Tired are we?"

Alex smiled as well and said, "After a meal like that, one might agree that they have recuperated. Or to just sleep off the stomach pains."

Rarity laughed and the air felt more welcome and appreciative. Alex felt more at home, more at peace. Again, these emotions haven't come across him in a while. The last time he felt like this was when he became a Paladin. He remembered the ceremony and the training that followed it. It was those days where he became good friends with Tirion Fordring. Before those days, Alex looked at Tirion and saw him as a rival. But as they were given missions together, they became like brothers. Which was way it was devastating when he was exiled. He truly lost a brother that day. Leaving behind only memories and good times with him.

Alex stood up from the seat and stretched his hooves and back out like a cat. He said, "Where shall I be sleeping?"

Rarity looked at him and got up, she motioned for him to follow and he did. She led him up the stairs and to a room near the edge of the boutique. He looked inside and saw that it looked to be a guest room. There was a bed near the corner, a few windows, and a drawer or two. It was warm and inviting, filling Alex's soul with its blessings of rest and respite.

They stood frozen in the doorway and Rarity looked over at Alex and she noticed two features that she hadn't seen before until now. Two scars. One on his chest, it looked large and an identical one in the same position was on his back. The other was in a fatal position, it was located where the head and neck met. She looked closer at them and said, "Where did you get these?!"

Alex moved his hoof along the scars and said coldly, "They were parting gifts from my sons."

Rarity was worried. They were in fatal positions, not even the most skilled unicorns could bring him back to life. He either had somepony watching over him or he is carrying with him a curse. Something held him together, but something was pulling him away. Something was missing, an important piece was missing. She put this in the back of her mind and would take him to see Twilight in the morning. She said in her usual friendly voice, "Here we are. Make yourself at home. Be sure to be up early, I make a mean breakfast. That and we will be taking a tour of Ponyville."

Alex asked, "Don't you have a shop to look after?"

That much was true. She had responsibilities and duties to hold. Cilents to help and make clothing for them. But he was new to Ponyville, she wanted to be the one to show him around. There was a certain air that he carried, hidden beneath the depressive and sadness was the faintest feeling of protection and nobility. A promise of defense and protection. Even though it was faint and almost not there, Rarity embraced the feeling warmly. Holding in her heart knowing that he is willing to protect anypony. Rarity got Alex's attention and she said somewhat seriously, "It doesn't hurt to take a day off once in a while, that and I expect some answers Alex."

Alex smiled warmly and answered, "I'll reveal what I want you to know."

They exchanged friendly looks and they left each other's presence to their rooms. Alex had all of the feelings crash over him and he laid down onto the bed. Welcoming the darkness and, hopefully, peace of sleep. It was when he started dreaming that he knew they would not be peaceful. He heard a loud familiar cold voice say, "Who do you love?"

Alex saw himself killing and destroying every foe that approached him. This was not the day he faught a horde of undead. No, this was when a team of heroes tried to defeat him and claim the Ashbringer as their own. He saw in all of their hearts if any of them had the potential and the will to carry the Ashbringer. They all were unworthy of the blade. He slew each and every one of them as they approached. Finally after what seemed not long was his victory.

But was this victory worth it? Who was he to decide that this was their fate, failures to be forgotten. But his mind and will was not his own. His actions gone away from him.

The scene changed and he found himself someplace he had never been. He saw himself standing atop a crumbling tower, near him was Rarity and two unfamiliar mares. They were tall and held power inside of them. One was bright white and her mane and tail was a spectrum of bright colors, flowing in the breeze. Very regal and leadership like. Next to her was a smaller and leaner dark blue mare. Her mane and tail a light blue, she held beauty beyond compare and they both stood readying for a fight. Rarity stood close to Alex. Who was wearing a familiar dark blue armor. His uniform when he was a Knight of the Silver Hand, wielding in his hooves was the large sword that was the Ashbringer.

They were facing down what looked to be undead ponies. One looked like a death knight and motioned for the undead ponies to attack them. Before they clashed a booming voice echoed through his mind,
Your power will be mine. And so is this world.

Now flashing through his mind were morbid scenes of death. He saw Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy lying on the ground bleeding out. Slowly dying. The scenes focused and he saw Rarity tied down to a deus and half conscious. She looked broken and torn. He focused and saw a pony step closer to Rarity, he saw the pony and it was Pinkie Pie. But she was different, her mane and tail were straight and long as opposed to her usual unruly crazy mane and tail. His vision blurred and he was put into Rarity's perspective. Pinkie said, "Poor poor Rarity. The last one of the group. I have to admit that I was expecting Rainbow Dash or Twilight right now. It looks like I was wrong about you."

Alex noticed that this wasn't her usual voice. It was a bit deeper and more mature. He felt shivers run up Rarity's spine, Pinkie leaned down and whispered, "Call out for him. You know you want to."

Rarity was holding back tears and remained quiet. She was filled with fear and she was weak. Alex could feel the many wounds around Rarity's body. She shivered even more as Pinkie licked along Rarity's side of her face, licking up a bead of blood that dripped down from her head wound. After a long lick Pinkie Pie came back up and said, "You know that I am going to enjoy every moment of this. Just know that I will miss you Rarity."

Pinkie Pie lifted up a sacrificial ceramic bone knife and thrust it down, with all of his power he shouted and heard it echo as his vision flashed momentarily and he shouted back into reality, "NO!!!"

* * *

Alex shot himself awake and he heard crackling of thunder and rain beating against the nearby windows. He buried his face in his hooves and slowed his breathing. He was no stranger to nightmares and how real they feel, but this. This was beyond what is normal for a nightmare. Alex mulled over what exactly happened, that cold voice. it sounded so familiar, it sounded almost exactly like Kel'Thuzad but not. It was true that it was of the same intensity but there was something different about it. Alex looked up as her heard hooves enter the room. He suspected that it was well into the night and he no doubt awoke Rarity. He looked and saw she was concerned, the same look that he had seen many times the earlier afternoon.

He looked over and saw Rarity standing there wearing what looked to be a silken robe. She stood there and she said, "What in Celestia's name are you shouting for?"

Alex looked away and Rarity stepped closer and sat next to him. She said, "Did you dream about your sons?"

The rain did nothing to help ease the tension that was resting in the air. Rarity felt slightly annoyed that he was still pushing her away, she wants to help. Alex sighed and said, "No...and thank the Light that I didn't. But it was much worse."

"What was it?"

Alex was very hesitant at first but he loosened as he continued and Rarity listening intently, "I saw memories of my past at first. The dark memories. I did cruel things where I came from. But then it shifted to seeing you...tied down bleeding on a deus with...Pinkie Pie...looming over you with a ceramic bone knife...and the rest of your friends were either dead or bleeding out on the ground."

Rarity's face grew darker and she said, "Well...I don't know what to say..."

She trailed off as she started thinking. She tried every analytic approach she could and tried to decipher the dream. She never heard of such dreams, death always occurred naturally in Equestria. Aside from some accidents, death came with age or just plain bad luck. Rarity slowly turned her head to meet Alex's distraught eyes and she said, "Where are you from?"

Alex tried to find an answer that can suffice but he clenched his eyes and said in his mind, 'No, you can tell her.' Alex mustered all the strength he could and said, "I'm from...a far away land...called Azeroth...and it is nothing like Equestria. War encompasses the place and is unmerciful for those who don't want to fight. I was one of the ones that protected those ponies. I protected them. But...I was...I was too weak to protect even my own family..."

Rarity pulled him into a warm hug. She no doubt surprised him with the gesture. She said resting her head on his shoulder, "I can't even begin to imagine just how awful you feel. How much pain you are holding. But know that I will always be here for you, as a friend."

Alex returned the gesture and said, "Thank you Rarity. Truly your generosity and kindness is surpassed by no other."

Rarity pushed Alex away from the hug and said happily, "Now. No more nightmares Alex. Sleep well."

Alex smiled warmly and replied, "I'll try. Good night."

Rarity left for her room and Alex left alone in the dark. He fell asleep knowing that he has a friend to wake to. It quelled the pain but not all of it. Now he felt guilty that he did not tell her the truth.

Ch. 4 - Dawn's Light

Alex awoke to the warm sun beaming through the window, bathing him in its light. He felt lifted, he felt better than he had ever been. Today he would get a tour of Ponyville and perhaps some history of Equestria and Ponyville as well. He stood up and stretched out like a cat. He felt soothed and refreshed, although he still felt a little bit empty he carried himself in better spirits. He patted down his mane with his hoof and it straightened from an unruly mess into a slightly combed mane. He walked out in a much happier mood, no doubt from the peacefulness of the place.

He walked out and down the stairs. Finding himself in the dining area, where sitting at the table was Sweetie Belle. She lightened up as Alex entered and she said, "Good morning Alex! Did you sleep well?"

Alex sat opposite of her and he said, "I slept well. And I take it the night found peace with you as well?"

There was a pause in Sweetie's words and she said, "...Yes?"

Alex smiled at her and he said looking around the room, "Where is Rarity?"

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and began doing an impression of Rarity, "Why every morning a lady must look her best. Whether she goes to a fancy party or just a stroll in the park."

Alex laughed slightly and they both stopped when they heard a judgmental voice, "Sweetie you should know that impressions are the lowest form of comedy. That and you should work on it a bit more."

Sweetie smiled and crossed her hooves. Alex turned in his seat and saw Rarity. The light bounced off of her coat and it shone brightly in the dawning light almost looking like she was glowing. Every feature he saw her in a yesterday was all there. Every bit of makeup and lack thereof, an expert in her craft. Alex knew of some makeup artists on Azeroth but none could match Rarity's handy work. More often than not, we become the subject in our own experiments. Alex can't even begin to imagine how long it took her to master her morning routine. It slightly reminded him of Elena, sadness washed over him but he hit it back and fought down inside of him. He was not going to have this pleasant morning ruined by those feelings.

Alex finally said, "So what's for breakfast?"

Rarity stepped into the kitchen and said in a heart felt voice, "Why we are having oatmeal, toast and eggs."

It sounded relatively simple and yet elegant. Alex shrugged his shoulders and said, "Mind if I help out?"

Rarity looked at him with a surprised look and he said defensively, "Renault and Darion didn't feed themselves you know? I insist that I help you. It's the least I can do for a friend."

Rarity smiled warmly and said, "Alright...darling. First and for most can you set up the table?"

Alex nodded his head and went to work. For years filled with slaying the undead hordes of the Scourge he was a gracious guest. He set up the table, prepared the eggs, brought out the bread, and helped Rarity make the oatmeal. Alex noticed that Rarity took her time with every detail. Perfection is key, so to speak. The measurements, the amount of ingredients, and everything in between. Her attention to detail was uncanny. While the eggs were crackling and cooking over the fire he found Rarity looking at him, more specifically his muscles and she said, "You know...Applejack could always use a helping hoof at Sweet Apple Acres."

Alex recalled the mare and he said, "She is the...farm pony. The orange one who shares the same reluctance as Rainbow Dash towards me."

Rarity said briskly, "I'm sure if you spent a few hours with her and Applejack they will no doubt warm up to. They are very stubborn."

Alex shook his hoof and said, "I'm used to know that sort of thing. In my position a lot of ponies were reluctant to my...ideals...they loosened up eventually. Besides, I can't turn this down. I need all the physical activity I need."

"Considering there's no constant battling to keep his muscles toned."

All the battles he went through kept him in shape and alert. But in those short times of peace he found himself doing laborious farm tasks. It helped clear his mind and soul. His muscles had to be hardened in some way, Alex is not used to these muscles he had now. They felt soft and weak despite their size. He looked over at Rarity and finally at the breakfast that was prepared and ready for the three of them.

It was a very delicious breakfast. Everything prepared perfectly and expertly. He never had a finer meal. He saw Sweetie Belle take down her last bite and looked a the clock on the wall. Her eyes grew wide and she grabbed some saddlebags and she sprinted out the door and in a whirlwind she shouted, "I'mlateforschoolbye!"

Alex had a puzzled look and said, "School? What in the Light's name is School?"

Rarity took note of that sentence. It was the third time he said 'Light' like it was figurative. Either he is using it incorrectly or it is apart of some sort of tradition over on Azeroth. When they stopped by Golden Oaks she's going to have to look into where this Azeroth was and their traditions, including how they dressed. She put away her thoughts and answered, "It's a place of higher learning and where they learn how to use their special talents in society."

After her explanation she said two things. "Why, do they not have schools where you're from?"

Alex said in a neutral toned voice, "Not especially. There were higher places of learning but normally that is exclusive for those who are born with a talent of arcane magic. Dalaran it is called."

Rarity could already tell that him and Twilight will become the best of friends. Rarity's second statement was, "How do you like your coffee?"

Alex thought for a moment. In his personal experience he never drank coffee exclusively from trying to batter down a severe hangover. He never drank it for pleasure. He knew the many ways to prepare it as well and there was no need for him to pass down rarity's hospitality. He answered, "I would like mine with some milk and some sugar."

Rarity did not answer and she went right to making the coffee. She asked as she made the coffee, "Are their any particular positions that one couldn't reach if they did not attend this Dalaran?"

Alex answered rather swiftly and comfortably, "Well yes and no. From what I have seen so far, the Mages of Dalaran are quite similar to you unicorns. Magic exclusively reserved for those who can wield it. Dalaran is its own city governed by the Archmage of the Kirin Tor."

Rarity slowly nodded and turned to face Alex and she asked, "Were you one such as these Mages?"

Alex ran over his response and said, "Light no. I can't even imagine myself in a place like that. Too much reading and studying. The Kirin Tor prefer to talk about their problems rather than act. I'd probably be expelled from Dalaran in less than a day."

It was a healthy change of pace that Alex was happier, it made it easier to be around him. Rarity took down mental notes of everything that Alex said. She was going to do seek help from Twilight to further understand what this Azeroth was. The coffee was brewed and as she prepared the coffee she heard Alex ask, "So, what is it you do for a living?"

Rarity smiled and answered warmly, "I make outfits for ponies. Whether it is for a special occasion or just for average wear. I am a seamstress."

She turned and saw Alex deep in thought. He said skeptically, "Like a tailor?"

Rarity stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned around. her face was very unfriendly and Alex saw a multitude of expressions pass over and she said through clenched teeth, "Do not. Ever. Compare my work with that of those...uncultured swine! They claim they know their way around cloth, pfft...twenty of my outfits aren't worth one of that of a 'tailor'."

Alex was shocked by the anger that she showed. He had been on the receiving end of a bloodthirsty Orc rampage and that was nothing compared to the amount of rage that rarity suppressed. So much hate quelled over Rarity's peaceful form that Alex reeled in fear. Rarity saw that and regained her dignified composure and coughed. She finished making the coffee and stepped closer. Alex said, "Okay...I apologize. I obviously struck a nerve, I won't mention it again. Anyways, what other manner of aggressive wildlife is there besides these Timber Wolves?"

Rarity levitated Alex's cup of coffee over to him and she sat down and took a sip before she responded. She said, "Well, I personally don't know much about this but most of the wildlife is peaceful. The only on sentient beings that act aggressive are Timber Wolves. If you want a better understanding of Equestria's nature you should talk with Fluttershy, I'm sure she'll share a lot of information with you about wildlife."

Alex took a sip of coffee and as it cascaded down his throat he let a satisfied 'ah' of ecstasy escape his lips and Rarity giggled and said, "Good?"

Alex looked over at Rarity and said, "Yes. Beyond so, I've never had a drink like this in a long time."

Rarity giggled again as she took another sip of her coffee. She had so much to tell Twilight, she would explode with happiness and curiosity.

"So where are the guards?" Alex asked curiously as they walked through the streets of Ponyville. Rarity locked the boutique and changed the sign from 'Open' to 'Closed'.

She said turning around and began walking next to him, "What do you mean?"

He had to be careful of his next words. He said in response as they neared the main square, "Well...you mean to tell me that there is not a single crime committed here?"

Rarity responded, "Well no. Normally everypony here is here to live in peace and to be away from the heavily populated cities for some quiet rest."

Alex seemed surprised by her answer. He asked, "Then who protects Ponyville if such a thing happened?"

Rarity honestly did not have an answer to that question. While her and her friends usually took care of most of the problems, she knew what he meant. He implied dark deeds, like murder and the likes. She slightly shivered at the thought of blood, she never found any amount of restraint when she even thought of it. Her stomach clenched in nausea at the mere thought of blood. She had to control herself when her sister got injured but other than that, she was sickened by the thought. She looked over at Alex as they continued on. He carried himself solemnly, like he held something on his shoulders. She as well noticed that he carried himself like a royal guard, with purpose and determination. Ready for anything to happen.

She remembered back to the fight he had with those timber wolves. He was swift and appeared to be no stranger when it came to knowing the rules of engagement. When she saw him, his strikes were strong and barbaric and almost wanted to flee at the sight of him. But as she thought about it he was incredibly merciful and controlled. His actions were not fueled by anything else, that was the first time she ever saw a pony fight with their bare hooves.

Her train of thought was interrupted as she felt a large wall of strength crash against her, easily knocking her to the ground. Her vision was blurry for a moment as she was carried through the air to the ground. As she made contact with the ground she heard and felt a thundering sound hit the ground. She laid on the ground with dust filling her vision. As the dust cleared she saw Alex lying on top of her. She blushed slightly at see him on top of her as their faces were mere inches away from each other. She stared long in his green eyes, seas of endless lush green field. She shook her head slightly and they both got up. She opened her mouth to ask why he had tackle her to the ground when she looked over to where she once stood. A giant grand piano lied in a heap of black splintered wood. They looked as they saw two figures appraoching. A grey coated mare with long blonde colored mane and a black and white stallion with short silver hair. Rarity instantly recognized both of them, the mare was Ditzy Doo and the stallion was Virtuoso. Virtuoso was her elder brother and her expression brightened at his approach, Ditzy and Virtuoso landed in front of the pair and Ditzy said in a worried tone, "Oh sweet Celestia! Is everypony okay?!"

Virtuoso had his eyes wide and in his loving and tender voice he said, "Are you alright sis?"

Rarity gave them both a warm smile and waved her hoof as she said, "I'm quite alright, all thanks to my new friend Alex."

Virtuoso and Ditzy inspected the stallion and Virtuoso stepped up and said in a appreciative tone, "You have no idea how much thanks I have for you, for saving my little sister's life. Allow me to offer my eternal gratitude."

Virtuoso held out his hoof and Alex clasped his hoof with his and said, "Think nothing of it."

Virtuoso let go of Alex's hoof and bowed low, "I am Virtuoso, and this is my marefriend Ditzy Doo."

Alex turned to greet her when he noticed that she was staring at him wide eyed and her mouth almost hitting the ground. Alex looked at to where she held her stare and he saw a large splinter sticking out of his left shoulder. Letting his instincts take him over he brought his hoof to the large splinter and faster than a snake bite he snapped off most of it, leaving a small sliver in his shoulder. He walked over to the piano and found a piece of cloth. He wrapped it around the sliver tightly and he moved his shoulder to see how it felt. It was tight but not too much that it was uncomfortable.

Now everypony stood wide eyed at him, Alex shrugged his shoulders and said towards Ditzy, "A pleasure meeting you two."

Rarity chuckled slightly and said, "You never cease to amaze me Alex."

They continued on their tour of Ponyville and they met many faces and some that Alex was a little familiar with. He went to Sugarcube Corner and met with Pinkie Pie and the Cakes. She talked about how great his party is going to be and she baked him some cupcakes which was some of the best dessert type items he had ever tasted. He asked her what her secret was but she just smiled and ignored him, Alex noticed a slight change in her tone as she dismissed him. Alex was sure it was nothing but he decided not to say or do anything about it.

Making their way through the streets and stopping by the various shops and being introduced to all sorts of characters. Eventually they found themselves at what looked to be an out of place hovel for Ponyville standards. They stopped befire a dark brown colored rustic house with a strong wooden roof as opposed to thatch roofed. Alex looked around and saw a sign hanging from above the door and he saw an anvile with a hammer and tongs crossed, Alex narrowed his eyes and read the faded lettering on the sign. "Steel's Smithy".

Alex looked over at Rarity and said, "Is he the town blacksmith?"

Rarity made no physical response to his question and simply said in a neutral toned voice, "You could say that. Steel Flash owns this shop and so did his father, his grandfather, and his great grandfather. The Flash family have been here ever since the founding of Ponyville and besides the Apple Farm this is the longest standing structure in all of Ponyville. There are legends of the craftmanship of the Flash family, the metal they shape is like no other. Words cannot simply describe how magnificent it is."

Alex felt something towards the shop, it was subtle but it was there. He noticed and saw no smoke coming out of the chimney and noticed the sign on the door flipped to closed. They continued on their tour of Ponyville and they found their last destination.

Standing tall in front of him was Golden Oaks Library, and the title of the shop said it all. A light shaded brown tree stood tall in the mid afternoon sky. The leaves were bright green and accented the town well. It was almost like a beacon, gathering everypony towards it. It's beauty neared that of some of the Night Elf tree homes in Teldrissil. Alex huffed out a breath and said, "By the Light, it's like looking at a tree hom of the Kal'Dorei."

"The what?" Rarity asked arching a large eyebrow. It was clear to Alex now that his reluctence to hide some of his planet's history as childish and stupid.

Alex answered, "The Kal'Dorei. A race of bipedal immortal beings that were looked at as peace keepers and a race of beauty. But like most of the races that inhabited the land of Azeroth they as well were encompassed by war. My knowledge of them only goes that far, I lived in a time where the races were separated."

Rarity took in the knowledge given to her and she stored it in her mind. He held a vast knowledge of where he came from and no doubt Twilight wanted to know every detail. She knocked twice on the door ad the all too familiar voice answered serenely, "One moment please."

They stood in silence for a few seconds before Rarity spoke up and asked, "Hey Alex? I have been meaning to say this but you mentioned something about dark memories, and those scars are in two of the most fatal spots on a pony. What are still hiding from me?"

Alex lowered his head and his expression darkened he was about to say something when Rarity came close and stopped him. He stood a full head taller than her but she lifted Alex's head resting her hoof on his chin and he met her eyes and in a soft and gentle voice she said, "It's alright darling. I'm right here with you. Tell me what still ails you. Please?"

Alex thought long for a second. Her voice was genuine and pleasurable to the ears, it had a certain melody that calmed her nerves. He lifted his hoof to her's that was on his chin and gently moved it away and said after a sigh, "Not here. Not now. I will tell you but...later. The truth will come out soon."

Rarity kept well within her soul his words. He pushed her away again and it hurt Rarity. But he was willing to do so later, while it was comforting it did not help him at all. It just meant more nights of pain and suffering. She hid her true words and instead replied in a stern voice, "Alright. But, I'm holding you to your words Alex."

"I'm counting on it." Alex replied in the same dark toned voice and his posture returning to normal. His face lightened and no doubt welcomed the friendly atmosphere of Golden Oaks. But Rarity saw in his dark green eyes the same hurtful gaze, just hidden behind a veil of sadness. Rarity brightened up as the door swung open and revealed the light hearted and friendly lavender form of Twilight Sparkle. Rarity smiled and said as she hugged one of her closest friends, "Twilight! Darling, so good to see you."

Twilight smiled warmly and said, "Likewise Rarity. Always happy to see you."

The hug ended and Twilight eyed Alex. He carried himself more stoicly and with more confidence. Twilight said, "Alex."

Her abruptness somewhat surprised Alex. She clearly hid in her features the want to talk mor to him but she held it back by something and Alex did not know what exactly it was. Alex smiled and said, "It is a pleasure to see you unde better terms Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight smiled warmly and said, "Please, just call me Twilight."

Alex gave a nod and Twilight motioned for both of them to enter. Twilight said as they crossed the threshold, "Make yourselves at home. There is a pot of tea I am currently making on the stove and-"

There was a loud bang as something hit the ground and Twilight simply pressed her hoof to her forehead and they all heard Spike's voice shout out, "I'm okay!"

Twilight said, "I swear if you tell him one thing he turns and does the opposite."

She motioned to go and assist the baby dragon but Alex stopped her and said, "No, allow me to help him."

Twilight seemed surprised by his touch and said said pulling away from him, "Well...you're my guest and...I just couldn't ask of you to..."

Alex stopped her and said, "I insist."

Twilight thought about it and shrugged she said, "Alright. He's down the hall and its the first door on the right."

Alex nodded and left with a certain brisk swiftness in his steps. Once he was gone Twilight said, "He seems like a nice pony."

Rarity rubbed her hoof and said, "You don't even know half of it darling."

Twilight turned to her friend's remark and thought of her statement. She motioned for Rarity to follow her into the living room area and they found seats on the couch. Sitting down they got comfortable and Twilight said, "What do you mean?"

"Well, where do I begin," Rarity said tapping her chin with her hoof, "I guess I start with yesterday. Yesterday he appeared so sad and distant, I heard him mumbling to himself when I left to make him something to eat. He is very resistant when it comes to talking about his past."

Twilight thought for a moment, analyzing everything her friend said. Twilight interjected, "What do you know about him though?"

Rarity leaned in close and her voice grew more quiet as she said, "Well, he had a wife and two sons. But his wife died giving birth to the second oldest."

Twilight gasped in shock and she looked over to where he left to help Spike and she said, "Oh no...that poor pony."

"That's not even all," Rarity said shaking her head slightly, "As his sons grew older they grew apart from each other and they both...hurt him in some way."

Twilight spoke again raising an eyebrow, "What do you mean hurt?"

Rarity's expression grew darker as she said, "If you look closely he has three scars. One large one on his chest and the other inthe exact same spot on his back. And the other just beneath his chin where his head and neck met."

Twilight gasped again bringing her hoof to her mouth. She seemed genuinely concerned and sorry for him and that is what Rarity loved about Twilight she was such a pony person. She could meet a stranger on the street and be their friend. Rarity said, "There is more but he won't tell me, like I said he is very distant...I think...I think he fears my reaction if he tells me."

Twilight thought long and hard of what to do. Alex was no doubt very hesitant to have a friend and has likely not had one in a while. And his first friend in Ponyville being Rarity it can be...well in all honesty it canbe tiring sometimes. Rarity means well but she can sometimes let gossip overwhelm her so Twilight thought of what she should do next as Twilight took this as Rarity asking for advise on what to do. Twilight cleared her throat and said, "Well with all that you told me, it it important to keep in mind that he is likely very hurt by his family fatally wounding him. Both mentally and emotionally, it's clear that he is distant because he doesn't want to hurt anypony else.

"He's not pushing you away he's trying to protect you in some shape or form. He holds a dark past, one that is filled with even mor loss. Just remember to take a deep breath, ease him into friendship. You don't need to know everything right this second. Give him time and he will open up I'm sure of it."

Rarity thought for a moment and said, "Thanks for the advise Twilight I'll keep that in mind."

After a few moments of silence Rarity spoke up again and said, "By the way, I forgot to mention something. He is from a land called Azeroth. I was wondering if you ever heard of such a place?"

Ch. 5 - Second Chance

"Azeroth?" Twilight asked with her eyebrow pulled up high, "Azeroth...hmm...not that I can recall no. I've never encountered anything named Azeroth."

Rarity sighed apprehensively and it became clear to her that she was no closer to the truth at all. In fact, as it stands, she was now pushed back. All she can do now is wait for the right moment for him to reveal his full past. Rarity could not explain what she feels but she knows that she wants to help this poor pony, in any way she can. She silently promised herself that she would not rest until Alex had found peace with his past. Rarity picked her head up as she saw Spike and Alex approaching the room that the two unicorns now sat in.

Spike looked like he was paying attention to Alex and when they came closer the two unicorns heard Alex's low toned voice say, "The parrot says, "Durotar, They've got them all over the place."."

The baby dragon burst in an uproar of laughter as Alex said his punchline. Rarity and Twilight seemed confused of the joke, they both wondered what this Durotar was. Rarity felt a corner of her lip curl as she saw Alex in higher spirits, she warmed at the fact that he was able to be around very well. Twilight first spoke and said, "Thank you for attending to my assistant's chore. Sorry Spike, I thought you could handle those boxes on your own."

Alex waved his hoof and said, "Think nothing of it Twilight. It is in my nature to help."

Twilight looked like she stored that bit of information in her head and before she was able to elaborate there was a loud whistle emanating from the kitchen. With no words spoken, Twilight got up from her seat and walked over into the kitchen. Rarity looked back over at Alex and inspected him further. She tried to find a reason why she wanted to help him, she tried desperately but found nothing. Was it because he was handsome? Was it because she wants a new friend? Was it because engraved in her very soul she has to be generous? So many questions with no definitive answer. She had never been more confused of anything in her entire life. She came back from her thinking when Alex spoke up, "So, would you mind telling me more about your brother?"

Rarity looked at Alex and said with a warm smile, "What isn't there to tell you. He is the eldest amongst me, Sweetie Belle, and himself. When we were younger we did everything together. He's the one who showed me how to sew for the first time. His name tells you half of what he is, he is a protegy. Everything he picks up, he can master it within a few days or a week. He taught me how to cook, how to clean, and how to stylize manes."

Alex looked confused and he said, "Where were your parents? Normally your parents teach you those things."

Rarity seemed troubled by the question and rubbed the back of her neck and said, "That is a simple question with a complicated answer. When Sweetie Belle was no more than a few months old my mother had fallen ill and died. My father was so distraught that he forgot he had children to look after and care for. Then once I was around twelve my father remarried and his new wife meant well but she taught us nothing. It was all in Virtuoso, he was the most kind hearted pony I know."

"Why do you say was?"

Rarity felt her smile deepen and she looked deep into Alex's eyes and said, "That was before I met you. Anyway, but once we both grew up we drifted apart. He became a sensation across Equestria and had little time to come and visit his two little sisters."

Rarity looked misty and Alex said to try and comfort her, "I'm sorry about that. You two sounded very close."

Rarity took in a deep breath and said, "So, what more can you tell me about yourself?"

Alex sat in silence. He truly had no idea how to answer that question, he tried to hide it but he heard Rarity say, "It doesn't have to be anything major. How about you just tell me how you and Elena met?"

Alex smiled at the question and said, "Ah. Yes. We both grew up in the capital of our kingdom, Lordaeran. I was a farmhand at one of the major farms near the city and she was part of a minor noble house in the city. I would only go in when I had to give some supplies to the city. We first made eye contact in the main quarter. It was a nice spring day when I first saw her face. She radiated beauty beyond measure, I could not understand how one mare could be that beautiful. I approached her and I tried my own at the art of flirting."

Rarity smiled at the story and giggled slightly at his later comment. His face and posture grew more warm and more inviting as he continued, "She laughed. And I laughed, but I later found out that she was promised to another. To have her family go up in the elite. A count. While I was just a farmhand. Eventually her parents found out that she was seeing me and she gave her a choice. Either marry the count and have improved wealth or follow me and be exiled from the family. Within a few days she decided me, and I could not for the life of me figure out why she would give up her wealth for me. I can still remember those heart warming words. She said to me, "Being countess would only bring me temporary wealth, when I'm with you I am the richest mare in the world." And after that we never left each other's side. Until the First and Second war."

Rarity raised her eyebrow at his last statement and Alex saw the confusion and said, "A story for another time."

They noticed Twilight standing in the doorway holding a tray with a pot of tea and four tea cups. As she stood there Alex heard a voice in his mind say,
Keep...an...eye...on...that one...

Alex held the words in his head and made sure he did not forget them. She came in and said, "That was a beautiful story Alex."

Twilight poured some tea for everypony and after taking a sip Twilight said, "I hear that you come from a faraway land. I doubt you know much about Equestrian history."

"No," Alex said after his first sip, "I don't. And I did not know that you lived in a library. Had I known I would like to ask if I could borrow a few books."

Twilight carefully poured tea into four tea cups and light thin wisp whisked off into the air and Alex watched as it dissipated in thin air. Twilight levitated a cup over to him and he took it in his hooves and after he took a gulp of it she said, "Would you care to share something about you?"

Alex shifted his position and said grinning bringing the cup up to his lips, "I would like to actually know more about you."

Twilight appeared surprised by the counter question. She suspected that he was purposefully dodging the question but she let it slide this time. She offered a warm smile and said, "There is not much to say. My family is very secretive of themselves. I only know of a handful of relatives, even then it's not that large. And as far as my occupation I oversee this library and I am a student to Princess Celestia."

Alex raised his eyebrow questionably, "Your princesses teach?"

Rarity smiled and she explained to him, "Celestia is the Goddess of the Sun and she has a sister, Princess Luna Goddess of the Moon. They are as well as the only alicorns to exist, any records on alicorns are gone. But yes, Celestia has her own school where Twilight attended. Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns."

Twilight set down her tea and said, "Now answer my question."

Twilight was staunch determined to get something useful out of him. Alex took in another sip of tea and nervously swallowed it down. He slumped and rested his elbows on his knees, he looked over at Twilight and Rarity as if to read them and study more about them with mere looks and glances. Finally after a few minutes Alex explained after a short sigh, "There is something that you must know. The ponies where I came from were anything but peaceful. One minute your talking to your best friend the next thing you know he and half your family is dead and your trying to fight back.

"Too many wars took place where I came from. All that I want is order and peace...it...it's half of the reason that I left..."

Twilight took a nervous sip of tea. Equestria was not known to be very violent, there were laws in place against public violence. Self defense, if it ever comes to that, is the only thing that defends some killing or beatings. Twilight's heart grew heavy, she thought over ponies killing other ponies. It was horrifying. But despite the leud scenes she had she asked once more, "What was the other half?"

Alex set his tea down and thought for a long hard time. Twilight was about to query but Rarity placed a gentle hoof on her shoulder alloaing Twilight to look over at her friend, Rarity gave a simple shake of her head. Alex swallowed hard and he choked on some of the words that came out, "I...my...my family...they're gone..."

Twilight felt terrible, she let her curiosity get the better of her. She nearly broke a pony and showed no remorse. She needed to do something. She stood up setting her tea down and rushed over to Alex. She went down and pulled him into a friendly hug. She tightly woven her hooves around him and rested her head on his shoulder. Alex was shot back to reality as he realized there was a mare hugging him.

Twilight said softly, "I'm sorry if you were hurt by having to remember something you weren't comfortable with. I'm so sorry....you are more than welcome to borrow any books you need."

Alex kept his hooves raised in the air. He was still surprised at the gesture. He decided to give the gesture back. He returned the warm gesture and he felt his cold heart give a little and melt away. His once calleous mind fell apart. But it went back up as he heard Ashbringer say,
She...is...the...key...

Ch. 6 - Legendary

Legendary...this is what they...used to call me. That was my title...my...glory

Alex remembered those words even if he had died. They were fresh in his mind, they reverberated off the walls of his mind.

Remember them, when in hope you doubt....

The Rezalb Crystal. From the moment I claimed this artifact I was stunned by the darkness within it. I had never felt such a powerful evil.

Yet, can good exist without evil? Can there be light without dark? And if that answer is no, then since this artifact exists its polar opposite must also exist? To my surprise the crystal itself had this very potential. And with the power of Light we turned this artifact into a source of purity. Banishing the evil within it.

The weapon was given to me as a gift, and I wielded it with honor. In the name of the Light I was. The Ashbringer.

Darkness rolled away from Alex's vision and he saw a sigh he thought he would never see again. He saw him as a young man. Younger than even Darion. Alex saw himself run through the forest, bounding past brush and overgrowth. Alex remembered this day very well.

Fear spread across young Alexandros. He had never ran so hard and so fast in his life. His father's words repeating in his mind, "Take my amulet and run as fast as you can. Remember who you are Alexandros. I will find you when this is all over. Run. Go."

Alexandros clutched the amulet of his father in his hand, turning his knuckles white. It was the dead of night and darkness spread across the eerie fields of Lordaeran. Alexandros had nowhere to go and nowhere to stop. He just kept running. His father was the only one to stay behind, his mother and sister went ahead and left. Alexandros stayed by his father's side, hoping to put his new paladinic powers to use. What they had protected their home from? What was it that threatened their well being? Orcs. Bloodthirsty orcs. The first time the blood of orcs was spilled on his hands.

The cottage. That is where his mother and sister went to. Alexandros found new determination and picked up his pace. He quickly rushed through the forest and eventually found his destination, a hobble little cottage able to fit an average family. But he was not greeted by the bright white colored walls or sturdy thatch roof. What lied in front of him now was a decrepit and burned pile of ash. Half of the cottage was gone and smoke rose ominously in the sky. Alexandros feared what he would see, he cautiously opened the black ash filled door and his heart dropped and stopped beating.

Stabbed on two singed stakes were the burned and decayed forms of his sister and mother. Their skin still smoking and their forms still charred and the stench wafting up to his nostrils, filling his senses with the death around him. He his knees buckled and his eyes clamped shut as they forced back tears. Why was it his family? Why did this have to happen to him?

His mind filling with deep thoughts of vengeance and for revenge for what those orcs did to his family. He swore to himself that from that day forward he would despise any orc he came across. And kill every one that crossed him or even glanced at him.

Alex jerked himself awake, his brow dripping with cold sweat and his chest burning with seething hatred. His chest rose and fell with long breaths. He wished that these dreams would stop. These dreams were happening for a purpose, they were playing around in his head for a good reason. What that purpose is, he did not know. But what he did know was he had to figure out a way to get rid of them. And to be quieter when he dreamed, Rarity has to be losing beauty sleep because of him.

He controlled his breathing and just in time to see the door swing open, letting light spill into the room. Alex saw Rarity once again in a thin robe and she asked, "Nightmares again?"

Alex nodded his head and felt embarrassed. This was the second time he was stricken with nightmares. And still it offered nothing on why he was there and what his purpose was. Rarity ushered herself into the room and sat next to him. She folded her hooves in her lap. Alex knew that she was here to help. But something kept him hesitant. Something very familiar.

He heard the impatience in her voice as she asked, "Well darling? What was it about?"

Alex kept a dark face and sighed. He was torn. He wanted someone else to know the weight he has on his shoulders. But he does not want to get so close that he has to fear getting that person...or pony rather...in danger. It was a terrible feeling and an even worse decision. Alex felt a hoof on his chin and his head turned to Rarity and he saw even though she was still tired, she still had beauty. Her warm and inviting eyes spoke volumes to him with just a simple look.

Alex, while hesitant to answer, said, "I want to tell you everything, I really do Rarity. It's just..."

He lost his words and his voice trailed off. There was more than one answer to her question. He needed reassurance that he could trust her with anything, that she was a pony to fall back on in dark times. Should they arise. Should his dark past come to haunt him. He does not know what more he needed. She was sitting right next to him, waiting for an answer. Anxiously waiting for him to tell her everything.

Alex felt a gentle hoof rest on his shoulder and her voice offered him ease and rest as she said, "It's alright darling. I can wait...it appears that it hurts you more than I could ever know. Tell me when you are ready."

And with that Rarity left, issuing no sound as she exited. Like a wisp of wind, she was gone. But he knew that she was not gone forever, it felt as such however. A bad feeling. Alex said to himself, "I'm sorry Rarity..."

The sun hung high in the sky, but there was something strange about it. It did not hang in the sky with jubilation, it almost looked as if it had no life to it. Alex looked up at it, it's light was almost pale. Like the moon he could look at it without his eyes burning. Alex knew the look of this sun very well. He had seen it many times back on Azeroth. It looked almost exactly like the sun he had seen in Lordaeran or at least the Plaguelands as it was called now. He remembered the sacking of Stratholme. He and the others had made it too late to save the citizens. Fresh in his mind was that memory.

If only he had been there. If only he was not so obsessed with the Ashbringer. He might have been able to save everyone. To save Uther. Saidan. Darion. Renault. Abbendis. Fairbanks. He could have saved them all. He could have prevented everything.

"Alex?" Alex turned to Rarity who called out his name. He looked and saw her wearing a sun hat that blocked out the pale rays of the sun, the thick reds and yellows of the rays. Her face covered with grey shadows. Her soft and beautiful features brimming with pristine care. Alex found himself almost lost in her eyes, luckily she did not notice. Alex shook his head and Rarity continued stepping closer, "Are you alright darling?"

The benevolence in her tone always was kept there. It did not matter what she did but it was there. It brought care and warmth in his heart that desperately needed healing. Alex relaxed and responded in a thoughtful tone, "Yes. I am fine Rarity. I was just...thinking."

A gentle smile came across her face. As quick as it had came it was lost and she asked, "Do you need some help getting to Sweet Apple Acres?"

Alex was about to decline her offer but he also did not trust himself wandering Ponyville by himself just yet. Having some company with him would not hurt either. He could use somepony to talk to. Somepony to tell him that he was doing the right thing. Somepony to entrust his dark past with. He would tell her, but not just yet. He needed something to solidify that he could trust her with his dark secrets. He gave a friendly smile and said, "Okay."

She beamed with joy at the agreement and they wandered through the square that was tumult with activity. Alex had seen productive country folk before but this was something else. everypony walked on as if they had some sort of schedule to get back to or food to buy. Not quite as busy as a city but it was still pretty busy. Alex looked over at Rarity as they passed a shoppe called 'Quills and Sofas' and she had asked, "So, I noticed you really hit it off with Spike last night."

Alex let a smile encompass his features and he answered, "Yes. He...he reminds me of my son Darion when he was younger. Loyal and compassionate to those he loves."

His gaze grew distant as he remembered his little son. Rarity must have noticed his distant gaze because she said, "Your son sounds like he was a noble stallion."

Alex smiled at her comment and said, "He became everything I could hope for. Take heart in knowing that before I...left...I patched things up with Darion."

Rarity looked over at Alex and asked, "What about your oldest? What was his name...Renault?"

Alex dreaded at his memory. He shut his eyes and remembered the cleaving sound of a sword slicing through someone's neck as he watched his son's head roll off his body. Alex opened his eyes as the memory faded and responded rubbing the wound on his chest, "...some wounds don't heal..."

Rarity quickly changed the subject and said, "I don't know how you can stand it out here Alex. It is simply dreadful out here."

Alex cracked a smile and said, "Well I have experience with climates like this. Although, I would not expect a climate like this for Equestria."

Rarity looked at Alex questionably and asked, "How so?"

"I don't know," Alex responded as they found themselves at the outskirts of Ponyville, on a dirt path towards Sweet Apple Acres, "The sun just feels...wounded...like something bad is going to happen. Or I could just be a paranoid old fool."

"Old?" Rarity responded to his slip, "You hardly look old?"

Alex swallowed harshly. He had gotten so used to saying things like that he sort of forgot that he was younger now. He needed to think of something quickly. After a careful thought he said, "Then how do I look?"

For the first time in her life she was at a loss for words. She felt her cheeks burn as Alex asked what he looked like. There was literally nothing she could say that could get her out of the hole she had dug herself in. Why did she have to speak? For once she cursed herself for having a big mouth.

Alex asked coyly and with a brimming smile on his face, "Well Rarity? How do I look then?"

Rarity pouted averting her gaze away, "You look...good."

"Good," Alex asked making her blush grow, "Is that all you have to say?"

It would be the first time Alex heard her say something along the lines of vulgarity as she responded, "Shut up."

Alex laughed as he cleverly avoided a road he would rather not go down. Alex looked and noticed the trees at the edges of the road and what came into view was breath taking. A sea of dark green trees with crisp red apples resting calmly on the branches. A gentle breeze rustling the sea of green. Everything looked so peaceful. Then he saw the barn and the light brown house near it. The bright red and white standing out in the saturated light. He had never seen barns look so colorful and lively. It was amazing.

Alex stopped in his tracks taking in the sight. Rarity smiled and said, "This is Sweet Apple Acres. The heart of Ponyville. Without this apple farm we would not be the same town we are today. I simply must get back to the square, I have many errands to run. I will hopefully see you back at Carousel Boutique before I make dinner. Au revoir darling."

Alex took in a breath and separated from Rarity and walked on to the farm house. He saw on the porch an old green pony who noticed his approach and said, "Huh? Wha? What are you doin' here?"

Alex answered the old pony, "Hello there. I am looking for Applejack."

The shriveled pony sized up Alex and said, "Why? Yah interested in her?"

Alex double took and said, "Wait, what? I think we-"

"Yah fahnd her ahttractive or somim?" The old pony interrupted, "Bout time she found some stallion that likes her. I want some great grandponies. Naht while ahm swallowing dirt-"

"Granny Smith!" Alex turned to the source of the voice. He saw a light orange mare with a light brown Stetson resting on her head. Dark green eyes set boldly on her head and long blonde mane and tail. Three apples as her...cutie mark he had said it was called. He noticed a trend of three pictures on this cutie mark. Rarity with three diamonds. This must have been Applejack, Alex guessing because she looked around the same age as Rarity. Applejack said, "Now Granny, aint it bout time yah take yer medicine?"

Granny Smith grumbled as she walked inside her final words being, "Don't do anythin' stupid while ahm gone. Like making-"

"Granny!"

"Ahm goin'. Ahm goin'."

Applejack looked and turned back to Alex. Her gaze set on him critically and she asked in a tone similar to her look, "So. Alex. Why ya here?"

Alex could almost sense the mistrust in her tone. Alex said, "Rarity said that you might need an extra ha-hoof here."

Applejack raised an even more irritated eyebrow as she said, "She did, did she?"

With a nod Applejack said, "Yah well Ah don' need help right now."

Alex looked at the many unpicked apple trees and Alex said skeptically, "Really? Cause those bushels beg to differ. Seems to me that you'll barely make it to harvest time just by yourself."

Applejack tightened her gaze and said, "Are yall suggestin' that ahm not gonna be able to make it tah Harvest?"

"Yes I literally just said that." Alex rubbed the bridge of his nose, "You know I'm right anyway."

Applejack thought for a moment, staring at Alex almost daring him to make a sudden move and he'll get bucked. After a few silent seconds it seemed it pained her to say the words, "Alright then. I guess yall could help. Yah seem tah be a strong pony. Follow meh."

Author's Note

Sorry about the long wait you guys. Two months! You must have thought I abandoned this. But you must know that I will never abandon this project, this is one of my crown jewels. I will never abandon this project.

And in regards to the memory sequence at the beginning. I decided to write that because there was so little given to us about Alexandros' back story and why he had joined the military in the first place. So I took it upon myself to give my little interpretation of his family prior to meeting Elena.

I can give no promises that the updates on this fic are going to be consistent. I am writing four fics at the same time, along with the stress of real life. So please be patient. I love this as much as everyone else but please have patience. That is all I ask.

By the way, had to torture you guys a bit more. You know what I mean...hehe... :raritywink: ...strawberry face...

See you guys next chapter :raritywink: !
~Sylus~

Ch. 7 - The Earth Stirs

The air was light and wispy, gently billowing in the wind with emotions of peace and clarity. Flowers dancing in the wind, as if they were responding to a song being sung by a saintly and divine maiden who sang high above the winds with a soft and melodic voice. The gentle summer breeze that brought promise of autumn, the walls of spring to be torn down and the seas of endless green to be replaced with reds, oranges, and yellows. A peaceful feeling falling upon one of the wise sovereigns of Equestria, Princess Celestia.

She stood atop her balcony feeling the forefront of the winds that breathed on her from the east. The wind almost telling her that it was the wind that carved the path of the sun. She held her deep violet eyes closed as she felt the calming winds rustle through her coat and wings. For so long she had remained cooped up in the castle. While yes, it was ventilated in the castle because of the stone used to build it. It just felt rather warm in the most recent days.

Celestia unfolded her wings, slowly opening at full length. The wind softly rustling the air in between her feathers. A deep serenity filled the age old princess, many years of stress washing away like the tide of the sea. So many pains. So many regrets. Finally gone away on the wind. A good feeling and a state of mind Celestia had not been in for decades. The only sound she heard was the rise and fall of air rising in her nose and leaving it as well.

Seemingly as the stress left her she heard a voice she had not heard in little over a thousand years, the spirant and murmurous toned voice of her sister, "A peaceful day. One could say that this day is beyond comprehension."

Celestia tucked her wings back to her body, folding to fit her slender and lithe form. The white alicorn turned and met the gaze of her sister. Celestia drew out a well laborious sigh and replied, "Yet why do I have the sneaking suspicion that it is not as peaceful as we perceive it to be."

Celestia gave a thoughtful gaze to her sister who was leaning agains the threshold into Celestia's bedchambers on her hind hooves, her forehooves crossed over her regalia. Luna replied, "If you are referring to your dream..."

Her voice grew distant and trailed off into the cool near autumn air. Celestia dreaded as she remembered back to her dream,

The air was still and calm. A deadly silence overtaking the bleak and almost bare countryside. At the mouth of a large opening in the mountains to the west of Equestria. The tall standing sentinel mountains bared down heavily upon Ocean Breeze. It was not like her to terry long after the fall of day. She was very jittery when it came to the night.

Not that she disrespected Princess Luna in any way it was just she was so used to not having the Princess of the Night around that it became almost second nature to fear her. And upon this night was no exception. For the pale maiden moon glowed like a beacon in the night. Stars rippling and twinkling like the waves of the sea. She could now understand why Luna controlled the sea as well. The stars moving like waves almost put Ocean Breeze in a trance.

The sea. Just saying the word made her feel calm. Oh how she missed the sea. She had visited her family in Ponyville to help cheer them up from the poverty they were going through. The sweet salty air, the ocean spray glistening on her coat as it touched her. She could feel the trickles of the sea on her cheeks now. The sea longing for its protector. Ocean Breeze was born a few years after Celestia's student, Sunset Shimmer, went missing. Ocean was born and her abilities were to help calm the seas as its mother was now on the moon, unable to calm the winds on the sea or its tides. Celestia came upon her and asked her if she could live with her for a while. Ocean accepted and they went around the world calming the various seas, like a sister reassuring their sibling.

But now, she was only tasked with protecting them, calming rivers and lakes here and there that Luna had forgotten to take care of. But now she was the protector of the waters of Equis.

She stopped at the mouth of the valley that opened up in front of her. She said to herself, "Okay Ocean...you have gone through this pass times before. This one should be no different than those countless times before."

Her words did not reassure her. She lifted her hooves with great weight and trudged on into the valley. The tall mountains like walls of blackness, looming over her. Her short range of perception only causing her fear to rise. The chill of the night filling her bones, cutting deep inside of her. She jumped as she heard the rustle of leaves next to her. Her pace slow and unsteady.

A light and ominous fog filled the midnight valley. She froze in fear as she heard an echoing voice,
Is it safe? Am I alone? Can I return home?

She saw in the distance a tall form standing up straight, like a pony on it's hind legs. Ocean could not identify what it was but cold rolled off if it from the openings in the form's long jet black cloak and tunic. The edges frayed and torn from constant wearing. It's face hidden behind a wall of black shadows. Fear overtook Ocean and she asked the form timidly and shakily, "I-I'm sorry...I did not see you there..."

It stared at Ocean Breeze with a soulless and lifeless gaze, filling her soul with dread. A cold breeze rushed up her spine as the form said,I can assure you...it is not safe to wander the night alone.

The shadows on the form's face disappeared and what she saw was something unlike anything she had seen before. The skull of a unicorn. With glowing ice blue eyes, sunken and lifeless. Its decayed face set on Ocean Breeze. It lifted itself to a hover...wait a hover? Yeah, the unicorn was hovering. The torn flaps of the cloak billowed up revealing no bottom part of the body. The pony pulled down its hood and revealed the bare and cracked skull of a pony.

It lifted its forehoof and its horn lit an ominous blue glow and Ocean Breeze slowly moved towards the pony against her own will. She struggled against the pony's strong magic. She tried screaming but the fear that was imparting onto her only increased, strangulating her vocal chords. Once she was at the base of the floating skeleton pony she felt a telekinetic grip strangle her neck. She rose in the air and stared right into the pony's lifeless eyes. The cold voice spoke to her once more,
Are you strong enough to be a servant of the damned?

Ocean Breeze felt her lifeforce being sucked away by the pony just staring at her. The undead pony grunted and said,
No. Just another lamb to the slaughter.

Her vocal chords recovered just in time as she felt her life being sucked away by his spell. Her chest seizing and the air being sucked form her lungs. Her muscles slowly decaying away. As her vision slowly closed and her soul being devoured she heard the voice say,
Taking this world will be easier than I had expected.

Celestia blinked as she returned back to reality. Celestia responded in a woeful tone, "I fear that it does. I cannot shake the feeling of unease that it has upon me. I am haunted by it through all hours of the day."

Luna gave out a sigh and replied, "I know. But this does not mean anything solid yet..."

"What do you mean? This was no mere nightmare Luna, this was a vision!" Celestia said in harsh tone that quickly died.

Luna replied, "Even if it was, we would not know where to find whoever this pony is. I know the Dreamscape, I wish I could tell you that it was something other than a nightmare I really do but that is all it is. A nightmare."

Celestia leaned against the railing and said after a sigh, "We could at least investigate, to truly know whether this is an actual dream."

Celestia looked at her sister. Her light blue mane resting calmly on the right side of her face. She thought for a long while until she responded, "Alright. I guess we should investigate further. Have the guards reported anything strange lately?"

"Not anything exceptional," Celestia replied with a gentle shake of her head, "Thievery charges here and some assault charges there. Again nothing overly important was reported...however..."

Celestia glided past her sister, who followed her out the room. As they wandered through the halls of the castle Celestia said, "There have been some messages sent to me about some strange noises at Ponyville."

"Where were these noises coming from?"

"The cemetery."

"The cemetery?" Luna said raising an eyebrow, "Strange noises from the cemetery? What kind of noises?"

They stepped into the library and went into a back room where the princesses could read privately. It was also used for the princesses to conduct day to day or night to night operations they wanted to keep a secret from the public. But...it was also where Celestia indulged herself with her greatest shame...cake.

She quickly flung a half eaten piece of cake into the waste basket and said, "Ahem...well."

With her magic she sifted through the various papers that laid out on the mahogany desk. Celestia sat in the comfortable leather chair and skimmed over the pages. Finally she found what she was looking for and said, "Various letters from the citizens say that they sound like distant wails. Emanating from chambers deep within the catacombs below the cemetery."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Luna said, "Let's go find out what are causing those wails."

It had been a silent flight as the two Alicorn sisters made their way to the Ponyville cemetery. Luna was all for silence but this silence was unsettling and set a weight on her shoulders. She still blamed herself for what she did and she deserves her isolation from the rest of Equestria. It was so much ingrained in her for being alone on the moon for so long.

They landed on the soft mid afternoon grass. The sun high in the sky and it beaming pale red and yellow rays down upon her and her sister, giving them grim auras. Luna looked to the sun and found that it's light dimmer and easier to look at. Luna asked her sister without taking her eyes off the sun, "Did you make the sun dimmer?"

Luna finally looked to her sister who knit an eyebrow and replied, "No."

Luna looked back to the sun and said, "Hmm...strange."

They stood in the center of the Ponyville cemetery, where the ponies of old were buried. For countless millennia cemeteries were looked at as places of eternal rest and of eternal peace. But now, now they were given the brands of creepy and unclean. Equestria had changed much over the millennia Luna was gone and it was not for the good. Luna stated to her sister as she scanned the wrought iron fence on the outside perimeter of the cemetery, "I still think that you should not have informed your faithful student with that information."

Luna could tell that her sister rolled her eyes at her as she said, "If something were to happen to us somepony needs to know where we have gone."

They stood there for a good few minutes until they finally decided to walk around. The dead grass crunching under Luna's hooves. Luna felt the magic deep within the earth. Luna remembered back to a lesson of magic that her mentor had taught her. In life as in death, the ponies of Equestria give off a certain magical energy that reacts to the soil and plants around them. While it is a passive trait amongst many that wield magic, it can become a primary trait to some. Like Pegasi can control the weather of the sky, earth ponies and some unicorns can control the earth. This is a very rare trait and is often never seen for thousands of years. Luna could feel the magic the dead were giving off. And it was not pleasant. They were giving warnings to all who try to seek answers.

Luna heard Celestia shudder, warranting her attention. Luna shrugged her shoulders and asked, "What?"

Celestia drew out an agitated sigh and replied, "The sooner we leave here the better. I do not find it pleasant in this place."

Luna cracked a crooked smile and remarked, "Tia are you scared?"

Celestia responded adamantly, "No! No, I am not scared. I merely do not wish to disturb the dead."

Luna kept her smile and said, "You just keep telling yourself that when we go into the mausoleum."

Celestia stopped in her tracks with fear on her face as she said, "Wait. We have to go down there?"

Luna grunted in agitation and said, "By the love of Tartarus. Tia, you are a centuries old being and you are scared of going in the dark?"

"I am not frightened by the dark," Celestia said in defense, "I am merely jittery when I am around dead things."

Luna facehooved. Never in all of Luna's years of age has she ever thought she would see the day where Celestia was scared of something. Usually it would have been Luna being scared of something. Spiders. Shadows. You name it. But Celestia being scared of the dead. Of all the things to be scared of Luna guessed that it made sense. The dead are never really a lively bunch.

Luna looked at the mausoleum and said, "Do you want me to hold your hoof Tia?"

Celestia growled at her sister's remark, making the dark midnight mare smile. Luna now had ammunition against her sister. Luna now knew what she was going to dress up as on Nightmare Night.

All jokes and jests aside the air billowed eerily against Luna as she looked on to the mausoleum. The stone cut building seemed to stare back at her. The cool air rushed and froze on Luna's dark blue coat almost sinking into her skin. Where a normal filly would be shaking in her hooves-much like her sister right now-Luna had no fear of the dead. What was there to fear? They eternally rested, there was nothing exceptionally scary about it.

Luna stepped at the top of a set of stone stairs that lead down a few feet and then stop and to the left another set leading down further, hidden behind the corner, the faintest of glows from the torches lit the dark and damp stone stairwell. Luna looked over at her sister and said, "Are you sure you will be fine going down there?"

The only answer was a nod, she looked too fear stricken to actually vocally answer. Luna rolled her eyes at her sister. How many times have they faced an unseen horror and nearly escaped the jaws of death. Many and numerous. Yet she squeals when she sees a dead pony. It made little sense to her. She was quickly taken away from her thoughts when she heard a distant scream.

It was muffled and sounded like it came from the mausoleum. It was a wail of despair. To be safe Luna activated a spell, her horn lighting up in blue light. She had cast an infrared spell, trying to sense the presence of any ponies nearby. Whether living or undead. Luna sensed no immediate threats or ponies. But she did sense the feelings of the dead that reside under the mausoleum. A cold feeling of stirring awake. Her horn stopped its glow and she said, "Strange."

"What?" Celestia asked.

Luna offered a quick response as she stared at the mausoleum, "There are no magical signatures, living or otherwise. But, something has the spirits of this place...awakening. Something inside the mausoleum."

Luna advanced down into the mausoleum with the purpose of wanting to know what stirred the dead. What kind of monster disturbs the dead? Her hoof falls echoed slightly off the stone walls. Once she came to the bottom she stepped out and onto stone flooring. Luna looked around, there was a large clearing in front of her and it split off to the left, to the right and straight ahead. She again could not sense anything but the whispers of the dead that remained their, their calls distant and almost unable to be heard. Luna looked behind her and saw her sister step next to her. She still seemed a bit at unease but still in tact and able to make decisions.

They exchanged glances at each other as they suspected that they were caught at a dead lead. But but as they were getting ready to leave they began to feel light headed. Celestia went out like a light. But since Luna was still adjusting to Equestria's oxygen Luna did not go out so quickly. Luna leaned on one of her hooves, propping her up. Her vision hazed but still able to see somewhat. She heard a high pitched and sharp voice declare, "Good news everyone! I have perfected a near instantaneous sleeping agent!"

Luna looked to the source of the voice and saw a decaying pony with spiked up mane wearing a lab coat. Goggles were in place where eyes were supposed to be. Most of his flesh was already decayed. The pony leaned down and said, "Oh my! It appears that my sleeping agent was not as effective on this one! Sludge! Would you please be so kind as to offer your assistance to this one! If our experiments go well these will prove to be perfect specimen!"

"Okai!" Answered who Luna suspected was named Sludge. She looked and saw a poorly stitched together pony made from similar body parts but overall did not look well fit together. Sludge loomed over Luna and lifted a hoof and said, "Night Night pony!"

Author's Note

Can you believe that it has been an entire year since I have joined this site! Man. We have come a long way from that first fic that I wrote. Through good times and bad times. I felt that maybe I should do something extra special! But at the moment all that I can give you is this, a new update for Ashes to Ashes. A little sneak peek at the arc that I have planned. This is all the information that I can give away so far, so no asking about it in the comments.

See you guys next chapter :raritywink: !
~Sylus~

Ch. 8 - Opening Up

Alex reared up and bucked hard with all the strength he could muster from his hind hooves, his muscles aching against him to do so. The tree shook allowing the fruits of the tree to fall into various baskets placed around the tree. Once all the apples fell into place Alex stood back up and breathed heavily at his hard days work that he had performed. He wiped his sweat covered brow, flicking away his sweat. He felt a certain tension release from him as he bucked the various trees.

He was surprised at the amount of stress and tension he had released from just doing that. Alex picked up the baskets and brought them back to the barn and went back to the apple trees to continue his work. As he continued his work he thought about his home. He thought about his loved ones that he had betrayed. The ones he had neglected. The ones that he held too close. He thought back to his time he served as a servant of the Lich King. He thought back to the countless that had tried to find their way to him to take what belonged to him. Heroes came and they fell under the mighty Ashbringer. So many souls were trapped within that blade, his blessing and his curse. They sought something that they could never have, he was attached to it and it to him. It was a powerful weapon only capable of those with his potential to wield it.

He stopped as he remembered the very first words said to him when raised as a death knight,

Who do you love?

His voice was distant as he repeated what he had said that day, "No one..."

Who loves you?

"No one." Alex answered to himself. Perhaps that was why he kept Rarity away, to not get her involved with his dark past. So that if he did become something else, he would not harm her. He could not reduce himself to even think of harming Rarity. She was such a kind and benevolent mare, a good friend and that was where it belonged.

He thought back to his wife as he bucked another tree. Elena. What would she have done? What would she have done to help Alex? What could he have done to save her? Was it the life of his wife or his youngest son? What could he have done differently? Alex stopped and stared at the grass that ruffled under his hooves. He remembered some of the calming words she would say when he needed to boost himself up,

Do you know why I like the sunset so much? It reminds me that even the brightest of stars can go out, bringing us some of the darkest hours. But it also tells me of the promise of better times to come. Bringing a new dawn and good times to have.

Alex took in a deep breath. He muttered to himself, "A bright dawn to bring a bright day. A dark dawn to bring a cloudy day. There is no grey."

"You say somthin' Alex?" Alex pulled himself back into reality and turned to Applejack who had just finished bucking a tree.

Keeping his gaze on the farmpony he answered, "Yeah...I'm fine."

She looked over at him and she said knitting an eyebrow, "Yall do know that I know when somepony is lyin' to me. Com' on sugar cube, what's on your mind?"

Alex replied knowing that he would have told her sometime, "I...I was just thinking about my family. That's all."

Applejack glanced back over at Alex, almost checking to see if he was still lying. Applejack said in an accepting tone, "Yall miss um'?"

Alex choked back a lump in his throat and responded in a dark tone as he finished loading the baskets, "Regret is more like it. I had showed favoritism towards my youngest son, neglecting my eldest one. Needless to say how he responded was...unfriendly."

He stopped and drew a hoof over his scar subconsciously. Applejack stopped and asked nodding her head towards the scar over his chest, "Yer son did that to ya?"

Alex could hear the sympathy in her voice and he accepted her sympathy. Alex looked over at Applejack and responded keeping his hoof on the scar, "I wish I could have done something different...I wish..."

His voice trailed off as his train of thought was lost. Alex refocused after he noticed that he had slipped away from reality. He said, "Why don't you trust me?"

Applejack rubbed the back of her head and said, "Ah don't-"

"You might know when somepony is dishonest," Alex responded, "I know when somepony is untrusting of something."

She sighed and leaned against the post that Alex was leaning against. She responded, "Ah'm not saying ah don't trust ya. It's just...I was hesitant to know ya. Ya seemed outta place."

"I still am." Alex answered the statement and through a twig at the ground, in hopes it would raise his spirits. When in reality they were not raised at all. Sustained on his pillar of loneliness. He had a friend but he still felt alone, a feeling that he could not shake. Alex shrugged and said, "I don't know what to do...I feel obligated to accept Rarity's friendship and perhaps even yours but...I...I don't deserve this."

Alex looked to Applejack for some sympathy at the quick turn of the subject. Her accent lost for a few seconds as she explained in a heartfelt tone, "Listen sugarcube. There aint nothing on this planet and nopony that doesn't deserve a second chance. You can never be beyond the path of redemption. You deserve a second chance after what you have been through. And you have the scars to prove it. As far as accepting rarity as your friend...the time will come when the time comes."

Alex looked inside of himself. He did not think of it like that, it got him to question whether or not he was truly broken away from the Light. Maybe it was just dormant and it needed awakening. He did not know. But what he did know was to remember the words this mare has told him. He looked over at the sweat drenched farmpony and his lips curled into a smile and said, "Thank you Applejack."

Applejack returned the smile and said, alleviating any past mistrust, "Don' worry 'bout it sugarcube. Anytime."

Applejack looked a the position of the sun and Alex noticed that it drew very quickly into late evening, the sun at its crest of setting. Applejack turned back over to Alex and said, "Yall better make yer way back to Carousel Boutique. Remember that yer always welcome her' to lend a hoof. Yer a good apple bucker."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks again." Alex replied as he waved a hoof away and turned towards Ponyville, trotting on with lighter steps.

The sun was kept dim and relatively high in the sky, beaming down on the white coated unicorn known as Rarity. She loved the sights and smells of Ponyville. Various pastries and foods sitting on window sills waiting to be cooled off to be consumed. The sight of ponies around the square under the cover of umbrellas over tables outside cafes and or restaurants. She had been to each and every one, greatly increasing her already large palette of flavors. That day she fancied something Neightalian. A Panini sandwich with some of the best ciabatta bread she had ever tasted. Absolutely delightful to the senses. She was lucky she had saved some of it for later.

She passed by a few ponies she knew and had some conversations with them. She learned of Lyra and Bon Bon going steady, she learned of a new animal Fluttershy had taken in, and she learned of some of the newest fashion crazes. She tried with all of her might to keep up with it but she always fell behind somehow.

She carried a bag with the various items she had to buy. Some needles, her sandwich, thread, new fabric, sequins, plaster to fix a hole she had in the wall, food items she needed survive for the next few weeks. Standard run in the mill things. Plus a scarf or two for good measure. She had the money for such luxuries and decided to treat herself. She was not paying attention when she had bumped into somepony. She stumbled back and nearly dropped her things and said, "Sorry darling I was not-oh, hello Twilight."

Twilight dusted herself off and replied warmly, "Hello Rarity. I was actually coming to find you. You and Alec left before I could lend him a few books."

Rarity said, "Oh I am terribly sorry my dear, we simply had to make it home. I had to put Sweetie Belle to sleep at an appropriate time. I am sorry for leaving so early after he...opened up."

Twilight dabbed at the ground with her hoof and looked away with a slight blush on her cheeks, she said, "I-I didn't mean for anypony to feel uncomfortable."

Rarity smiled at her rosy friend and said, "It is quite alright darling, if anything you helped the situation. He has become more open after the fact. He is much more friendly. You truly are a great friend."

They shared equal smiles, until Rarity's faded and replaced with a curious look and she asked, "Although, I beg to ask, have you told Princess Celestia about any of this?"

Twilight returned to her normal way to look and talk and she said, "No. I have not had the time to write a report to Celestia yet. I thought about writing one but I spent most of my time finding these books for Alex to read. I don't want him to skip out on any details."

Rarity moved her eyes to the large stack of books and saw that there had to be around maybe thirty to fifty books. Rarity raised an eyebrow at Twilight and said, "Darling I think that he can know with a hoof full of books. I mean no offense, but he is one who is not fond of reading."

Twilight's gaze looked down cast. Twilight said as her mood became less cheery, "But everypony likes a good book..."

Rarity offered a friendly hoof and said, "It's okay darling, he is just not a very avid reader is all. I'm sure he would be fine with these books however."

Rarity had not seen Twilight get so sad to hear something like that. Rarity knew that she loved books but she looked as though somepony murdered her family in front of her and she was suffering from PTSD. Rarity swished her tail back and forth in her short state of think and Twilight said, "Well if you need anything, you know where to find me. Tell Alex I said hello."

Rarity was about to walk after her friend when a voice called out to her, a familiar but very new voice, "Hey! Rarity!"

Rarity looked back and saw Alex trotting towards her. He stopped in front of her and said slightly out of breath, "I just finished apple bucking with Applejack. How was your day?"

She responded, "Oh my day has been fine. I picked up some groceries and dropped off Opal for her monthly cleaning. And Twilight just came by and gave me the books that you wanted to read."

The white unicorn turned to her new friend and looked closer and then repulsed back and cried, "Alex darling you are drenched in sweat!"

Alex lifted a hoof to his chin and then to his neck and said, "Yeah. That is usually what happens when you do a full day's work."

Rarity stared daggers at him and responded, "Very funny Alex, I'm sure everypony would be laughing if they heard that. We simply must get you to a shower. You smell absolutely dreadful!"

Rarity pushed with her forehooves against Alex and they moved on to Carousel Boutique. She gagged as her hooves touched his sweaty muscles. But she felt something else as well. She felt a rising heat in a place she was not expecting. Seeing his toned muscles glisten in the evening light...just made Rarity...tingle. Rarity liked nothing more than to see a stallion well built. Rarity quickly shook her head as she pushed a brick wall of muscle. Rarity thought to herself, 'Get your mind out of the gutter! A lady should not think of such things!' She did however steal a few looks at Alex. Not that she would admit that in public though.

"Okay what am I supposed to do now?" Alex asked. Rarity looked dumbfounded at Alex. She had never met somepony who did not know what a shower was or how to operate one.

Her bathroom was well decorated and very clean. Pale lavender walls and flower wall paper, with white tile flooring and a rug with the same color pattern as the walls. The rest of the bathroom furnishings were bleach white. She did not want to make ponies think that her bathroom was too girly or fancy. She sighed both at that thought and then at her oblivious friend. Rarity pressed a hoof to her forehead and said, "Have you really never operated a shower before?"

Alex looked at her and shrugged his shoulders and replied, "We did not really have these...showers...we had bathhouses."

Rarity released a sigh and responded standing on her hind hooves, "Stand up."

Alex gave her a funny look and she repeated raising her forehooves, "Stand on your hind hooves. Come on darling."

Alex stood up and held his hooves out for balance but quickly he stood up straight and said, "Wow. Why don't we do this all the time?"

Rarity smiled and replied, "While yes it is easy for us to do, it is more socially acceptable to be on all fours. You don't stand on your hind hooves usually unless you are among friends. Now, step into the shower."

Alex pulled back the curtain and revealed a spacious bathroom, a little snug for two ponies but looked comfortable enough. Rarity could just imagine all of her friends laughing at her right now. She was about to share a shower with a stallion. She knew for a fact Rainbow Dash would get a kick out of this. Rarity followed Alex in and she noticed that he was beginning to have a horrid stench on him. Rarity remembered something and said, "You just reminded me to do something."

Rarity laid her hooves on Alex's shoulder that was wrapped in bandages that looked aged and stained. Rarity unwrapped it and revealed a broken splinter depressed and stabbed in Alex's shoulder. Rarity activated her magic and said, "Now do not scream darling."

In a quick motion Rarity pulled it out. She waited for a blood curdling scream, a horrid scream of unimaginable pain. Rarity uncringed and had a surprised look on her face. Alex kept his gaze low and he said answering her look, "This pain was nothing compared with what I have been through..."

Rarity was still surprised by this stallion in front of her. He was edgy but he had a good heart and she knew it. Rarity decided not to bring up anything else, she knew what would happen. Rarity turned her back on Alex and looked at the bath faucet and the handle to activate the water. She leaned over and pulled the handle, while moving it to hot water. A fall of water came out of the faucet. It spread quickly on the floor of the tub. Rarity turned to Alex and said, "Now just so we can avoid another situation like this, you pull this handle and move the small arrow to the red stripe to activate the water."

Alex nodded. Rarity could already feel the water lightly brush against the bottoms of her hooves. It sent a warm wave over her, she longed for a relaxing bath. Soak in for a few hours, lighting candles, bath beads, and orthopedic soap. Her muscles soothed just by the thought. Rarity then said once more leaning to the small pull on top of the faucet, "Now to turn on the shower just pull this up."

Rarity pulled it up and braced herself for the thin jet stream of water to strike against her. She felt the soothing jet of water wash over her, her mane slowly watered down and revealed its true length almost putting Fluttershy's mane to shame. Rarity said, "And that's all there is to it."

Rarity might as well take a shower while she was here. Oh the shame that she would get if her friends ever found out about this. The names they would call her. The worst coming from Rainbow Dash. She motioned for them to trade spots and he stood under the jet stream of water. He relaxed under the jets and he said, "This feels really good."

Rarity smiled and picked up her body wash and squirted a dollop of it in her hoof. She said to Alex, "Turn around."

He did as she asked and Rarity stopped as she saw Alex's back. Every muscle was chiseled and toned to perfection. Not too big and not too small, cut right from stone. Rarity froze as she would really hear it from her friends. She brought her hoof hesitantly to Alex's back and once her hoof pressed against it she had a shiver move up her spine. Rarity thought about things she never thought she would think about. She began to glide her hooves over Alex's back. She needed something to distract her. Something to keep her mind off of the fantasy of taking Alex in her hooves and just making out with him. Rarity looked over the surface of Alex's back and her hooves stopped as they found the large white scar on his back. Right in the same position of the one on his chest. Her eyes did not move from the scar.

To avoid being rude or Alex sensing why she stopped, Rarity continued rubbing down Alex's back. It did not help Rarity, with the soothing sounds coming from Rarity. A deep blush came across her cheeks. She thanked Celestia that he was not looking at her. She turned him and continued lathering his coat with her sweet smelling body wash. After she was done he turned back around and rinsed. She had become so distracted she did not notice that Alex stopped making his pleasured sounds. Rarity stopped and Alex turned, with all of her strength she forced her blush away. Once Alex faced her he had strife over his face. It was clear that he had something to say. Alex said looking into Rarity's light blue eyes, "Thank you Rarity. For everything. In the short few days that I have known you, you have proven time and time again that you are somepony that I can trust."

Rarity smiled sheepishly and said, "Aw thanks darling."

Her light hearted response did not ease the mood on Alex's eyes. As clear as day, he showed the struggle as he said, "I...I did things where I came from...horrible things..."

He choked back a lump in his throat, Rarity gulped down her own as she felt how hard it must be for him to say everything. He continued, "I...I...I killed ponies...innocent ponies...even my eldest son..."

Rarity knew how tough the stallion before her could be. He had taken on an entire pack of timber wolves and won. He even saved her from a falling piano. But nothing crippled Rarity more than seeing him form tears in his eyes. Rarity felt like crying her own, but found strength not to. Alex continued in a misty tone, "I...I was not a pony anymore...I was a monster...I...my son killed me...then I was raised back from the dead to be a servant of darkness...I know I must sound crazy by saying this...but...it's the truth...If only I knew...If only I could save them both..."

Rarity could not take it anymore. She grabbed Alex and pulled him in for a friendly hug. She wrapped her hooves tight around his waist and she said into his muscular shoulder, her voice soft and soothing, "That is not the pony that is standing before me now. If that was the case then you would not have saved me in the first place. You are the kindest and most righteous pony I have ever met. I am proud to call you my friend."

Alex offered no answer other than repeating the gesture. Rarity rubbed her hoof up and down in Alex's finely toned back. Rarity adjusted her head and sank further into his muscles. She felt warm and accepting, but she also felt aroused. Rarity gently released herself from the hug. Rarity looked up in Alex's eyes and she leaned up, softly pressing her lips against Alex's. Rarity did not know what she was doing until after she had done it. Her eyes shot open and were as wide as plates and they threw each other out of their hooves. Alex shouted, "Why did you do that!"

Rarity shrugged her shoulders. She tried to say something but was utterly lost in her words. She had just taken advantage of her friend in his hour of a friend in need. She kissed Alex while he was in a vulnerable state. Rarity sputtered, "You...I...we...you...I have to go!"

She stumbled as she found her way out of the bathroom. She grabbed a towel and briskly shut the door behind her and noticed she was sobbing wet. Rarity looked left and saw nothing, then she looked right and saw Sweetie Belle and she asked, "Where's Alex?"

Rarity quickly answered her groggy sister, "He's taking a shower!...we...I...get back to bed!"

Author's Note

Another tease! Yes! Oh it is like reading Rebirth of the Damned. The subtle hints but not yet there. Love you guys :pinkiehappy: . I was originally going to wait for a moment like this, but I felt it was appropriate.

Ch. 9 - Lighter Moods Call for a Party

The morning after was probably the most silent morning that Alex has ever been apart of. In his long years of life he has not felt so awkward in all his life. Sure he had participated in unsavory things before but nothing compared to the...incident a few nights ago. He could understand if she was completely drunk. He could even understand if they knew each other longer, like a month or two. But after a week of knowing each other and she just completely takes him into a kiss. Alex tried not to dwell on it too much. He felt childish that he let himself get so vulnerable. He did not hold it against Rarity, he very well knew it was an accident. But Rarity however took it hard.

She shamed herself and refused to even talk to Alex. It wasn't until a few days following the event that she even resumed talking to him. eventually they sat down and talked about it. She was doing a rather stressful order and was getting a little stressed. Alex could understand her in that respect. He lead Paladins against the Scourge after most of his brothers and sisters were killed. And that was what nightmares plagued him the most. He tried confronting Ashbringer about it but he said that it was a side effect of the resurrection that took place. A month or two and he would be able to rest easier.

He had done a few jobs around Ponyville, getting him to gather a small collection of their mint. They were called bits. They looked a lot like the gold pieces of Azeroth but they were much lighter and more shiny than gold. The jobs were usually just being a farm hand at Sweet Apple Acres. Alex believed that he broke the ice well with Applejack, all feelings of mistrust were banished. Alex found a lot in common with the farm pony. And after each back breaking job he was sweaty and each time he took a shower, still suffering those images in his mind of making out with Rarity. They had made a pact that it would stay a secret between them and Alex was glad to keep it that way.

He even helped out Fluttershy with bringing in a new animal. She was possibly the shyest pony Alex had ever met. Alex had to try hard to have an extended conversation with her. He eventually cracked her shell and they were talking to one another. She seemed very down to earth and happy, there were small similarities between her and Rarity. Which is quite possibly the reason he connected with her the most. He had apparently met them all except for Rainbow Dash. Alex suspected that she would be a tough nut to crack. From the stories that Rarity shared, Rainbow Dash was very stubborn and head strong. Immediately he thought of Abbendis' kid, Bridgette, they were very similar. He loathed to think how well he would talk with Rainbow Dash.

Alex read through all of the books that Twilight had lended to him. He found Equestrian history very interesting, and oddly enough found that he had a lot in common with Princess Luna. But he also saw his sons when he thought about what happened a thousand years ago. One sibling jealous of the other, forced by fate to fight the other.

But what remained on his mind constantly was where he was going to find the Ashbringer. If he was going to get any answers, he would get them from that blade. But he doubted he would be able to wield the blade, he was not a Paladin anymore. He had thought about trying to reconnect with the Light, reread his vows as a Paladin. Alex lowered his head as he stared out at the setting sun, his eyes filled with longing and a sense of woe. He leaned his elbows on the railing. A sigh released from his nose and he said, "Ashbringer...where are you..."

A voice announced, "What was that darling?"

Alex turned and saw Rarity at the doorstep, she was leaning against the doorframe with an innocent look on her face. Alex responded looking back at the setting sun, "He uh...was a...comrade of mine."

Rarity stepped next to him and said, "Ashbringer...why was he called that?"

Alex kept his distant gaze upon the twilight sun, "He was called that because he was the most merciful out of all of he comrades I was with. Instead of having...um...dead bodies thrashing on the floor. He turned them instantly into ashes. He was apart of me, we went through so much together. Good or bad."

Rarity smirked and said, "He sounds like a good friend."

Alex shook his head and said, "Yes, but none of them could compare to you."

Rarity looked over at Alex and her cheeks went rosy before she turned her head quickly, "Don't...don't say that..."

"Why? It's the truth." Alex shrugged, "You are the kindest friend I have yet to know-"

"Stop!" Rarity said keeping her eyes away. Alex was confused at her reaction, normally she would just change the subject if he said something that deep or she would just say thank you. She never reacted like this. Alex offered a friendly hoof and said, "Rarity...what's wrong?"

Rarity shrugged his hoof away and said, "I...I can't...I can't tell you. It's as simple as that Alex."

Her voice was broken and sputtered, for the three weeks he has known her. He had never seen her like this, the only other pony he saw like this was himself. Alex wanted to prod and hope to understand what was wrong but there were somethings that needed to be left alone. Wounds that needed to be healed. He had no idea but he suspected that it had something to do with that night he kissed her. He dropped the subject and said, "So...I don't mean to be rude but-"

"Right. The reason I have come up here is to tell you something." Rarity said, "Follow me."

Her mood still seemed odd. But he followed Rarity with reckless abandon. On his way descending the stairs he asked, "Where are we going?"

In a lighter toned voice she answered, "It will ruin the surprise."

"What sur-"

"WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!!!" A chorus of voices rang out in Carousel Boutique. Alex jumped and a piece of his mind revived and pushed itself out into reality. His skin grew hard and his eyes focused on a springing trap. His head felt as though it was splitting his head in half. He remembered back to the night he and his knights went to Stratholme. The fires that raged filled with more than the vengeance,

"Move!"

"We are cut off from the others!"

He came back to reality as he saw the faces of so many ponies. The over jubilacious form of Pinkie, hopping up and down. He followed her movement and she rhapsodized, "Are you excited!? Cuz' I'm excited! This is your first Ponyville Pony Party (snort) that was funny! What do you wanna do first? I mean there are so many things to do at a party like this! Party games! Conversation! Eating-"

"I think I would like a really strong drink." Alex said having his head rest from his moment of brokenness. He did not feel like he was entirely there, he regretted that if he stayed near ponies he had quickly grown to respect and love. He pushed past the throng of partying ponies and headed towards the smell of alcohol.

Rarity had seen Alex do strange things. Flashbacks. Nightmares. PTSD trips of his past, he was one scarred pony. Forced to see things that should not be subjected to one pony. His two sons killing him. And him, killing other ponies. But this was strange. He seemed so lost, so out of reality that he was having troubles trying to make himself get back to the real. Rarity thought it was very strange. She wanted to walk over there and talk to him but that was done for him, for sitting right next to Alex was the one of her friends he was not introduced to, Rainbow Dash.

Alex took a pull from the large wooden stein of alcohol and felt the liquid run down his throat and felt it burn as it passed down his gullet. Alex slammed the mug on the table and he looked at the mug with suspicion. He heard a very tomboyish voice ask him, "What? Is that too strong for your foreign tastes?"

He looked over and saw a cyan mare with rainbow colored mane and tail. The one he assumed was named Rainbow Dash. His headache had cleared slightly and answered coldly, "Not strong enough."

Rainbow Dash seemed unamused by his answer as her gaze narrowed after a drink from her mug, "This is Sweet Apple Acres Apple Lager. This is quite possibly the strongest stuff you'll ever drink."

Alex's cold gaze set on Rainbow Dash and stated coldly, "I have drank things where it felt you were swallowing needles. I have drank things where it literally had you breathing fire. Trust me when I tell you that this is not the strongest thing I have ever drank."

Alex swigged down another swallow and did not even flinch at the alcohol that tried to get him into a haze but failed. He looked back over at Rainbow Dash as she asked, "Then you would not care to go for a bet?"

"Enlighten me."

"A drinking contest," Rainbow Dash said, "Who can hold the most of this stuff down."

Alex looked over at the very lightly tipsy mare and stated before taking another swig of the beverage, "Trust me when I tell you that you would lose that bet."

Before Rainbow Dash could say something quick witted he saw the little crowd of ponies gather around them. Apparently they wanted to witness this contest. The closest ones being his little group of friends. Rarity said, "I can't believe you would participate into something so vulgar as a drinking contest."

Alex smirked at the remark from Rarity. He looked over at Applejack who gave him a look that said, 'Kick her ass.' Fluttershy tried to pay attention to something else. And Twilight was trying to read Alex, yet again. He opened as much as he could with her and still she wanted to know more. Eventually he would tell them all everything. But not that day. That day was a celebration for him. Alex looked over at the mare and said, "Alright."

Rainbow ripped the noisy atmosphere with a sharp whistle and as if answering her whistle the barkeep came over and slammed two mugs of cider onto the countertop. Alex and Rainbow kept sharp and cold gazes on each other. Testing each other to see who would start the competition. Alex had flashbacks of days of his youth when he was at the Brewfest. Trying to challenge any dwarf he saw. Alex's confident gaze outmatched Rainbow's and quicker than lightning they shot their hooves up and choked down their drinks. With no resistance he took it down.

He slammed the empty mug on the counter, followed by Rainbow Dash who was just a tad bit slower. Which seemed to aggravate her. Alex downed another one. And another one. And another one. Originally the crowd was rooting for Rainbow Dash but quickly changed to Alex as they saw he was the superior drinker. He at least kept his mind off of something. For the next few minutes it went on but ended with Alex: 14, Rainbow Dash: 8. She was completely drunk, her dazed gaze set on nothing in particular. She cried after half finishing another, "I...hic...I'm not...hic...done with you yet."

Alex, completely unfazed by the alcohol stared at her and watched as she almost fell over. Alex was confident that he was now well acquainted with the young flyer. Alex leaned over as Rarity rushed to Rainbow before she hit the floor. Rarity chuckled and looked over at Alex and said, "I'm going to take her home. I'll be back soon darling, and congratulations."

Alex smirked and nodded as the two went off. Alex felt a certain warmth enter him that was strange, it was not familiar. It was not love. And it was not friendship. It was something else he could not understand. He tucked it aside as he felt a hoof clap on his shoulder and Applejack said, "That there was impressive sugarcube."

Twilight asked with a shocked expression, "How are you able to hold that much alcohol and not be intoxicated?"

Alex shrugged and leaned back in his seat, "I have had a lot of practice."

Twilight kept an ever suspicious look and she sat near Alex and Applejack joining them as well. They sat at a table that had been set up, somehow. He did not want to question the ways of Pinkie. That was what his new friends told him at least. He was not exactly that keen on conversing with the pony anyways. She was strange. Even now when he brought up what she put into her "special" cupcakes. She would just burst into a fit of laughter and forget that he asked and tell him something about a stove or a pastry. The Ashbringer told him to keep an eye out for Pinkie, his cold voice still piercing through his mind.

Alex noticed that it had grown dark, well within twilight. So not quite night but very close. He had friendly conversations with Applejack like how the harvest was doing and what was new with Granny Smith. She answered that the harvest was doing as good as always, which was good. And that Granny Smith was not taking her medicine to keep her pancreas in check so she was not helping herself. Then, Alex asked anything with Twilight and she just explained that there was a new shipment of books to the library. She asked how he came along with reading the books she assigned him.

He thanked her for allowing him to borrow the books and he had finished all but one. He knew almost all there was about Ponyville and Equestria. It was still a strange place but one that had small amounts of conflict. It was strange to Alex, he still needed to grow accustomed to the peace that came with living in Ponyville. Alex chalked that up to be his first party he spent actually talking. Alex chuckled and looked around. He asked knitting an eyebrow, "Anypony else seen Fluttershy?"

He noticed she was not anywhere near by. Before Twilight and Applejack could answer they heard a sharp and high pitched scream. Alex rushed to his hooves and rushed forward. His adrenaline pushing him forward. He heard Twilight and Applejack on his hooves and they followed. Alex pushed open the door and saw Fluttershy looking on with her eyes wide with horror. Alex asked Fluttershy in a protective tone, "Fluttershy, what's wrong?"

Alex looked on and saw a sight that made his skin chill to the very core.

Author's Note

Cliffhanger!!! :pinkiecrazy: :rainbowlaugh: :twilightsheepish:

Ch. 10 - Silver and Gold

Alex looked on and saw a sight that made his skin chill to the very core.

He saw about fifty feet out was Rainbow Dash lying on her side, out like a light, and Rarity laying on top of her with blood coming down from her head. Rainbow Dash had a similar wound but also a large bruise on her head. Alex saw the horror on their faces as they looked at a nightmare manifested. Laying in the pale moonlight, Rarity struggling to stand up. Alex felt his heart beat increase and surmounted as he saw the faceless horror she stared out. Growling and moaning in the shadows were what looked to be three ponies, but Alex knew that they were not ponies from the growls and moans it gave off. Its eyes glowing bright yellow and filled with an animalistic hunger, its teeth broken and jagged, its flesh rotted and beginning to decay away. Alex knew exactly what it was, it was a Ghoul. A minion of the Damned.

Alex's skin ran cold and his face turned to stone, he clenched his teeth together as vengeance and justice ran through the very core of his being. He heard the distant screams of Rarity, the desperate pleas of terror, "Carrot Top...Carrie...it's me Rarity...It's okay...we're friends...please stop...Carrie stop...STOP!"

Alex tore his eyes open, justice pouring through every part of him. Faster than Alex could imagine he sprinted forth and prepared to bash into the one Rarity called Carrot Top. He neared his target, the ghoul turned to see what was going to hit it but it was already too late. Alex smashed his shoulder into the ghoul and it went tumbling away, Alex looked and saw pure light lingering on where Alex made contact with. Alex looked at himself and dancing around him was the Light. Alex felt it again. Flowing through his veins and in his mind. Everything was so clear to him, he felt his mind at ease. No longer haunted by lingering memories of the past. Though he was not cured from the nightmares, he was saved from the regret. The hate. The anger. The guilt. Everything, he felt reborn again.

The other two ghouls looked at him and hissed an unworldly sound and charged him. Alex turned to them and stood on his hind hooves ready to fight.

The first tried to bash him with its hooves, a dark and raspy warcry escaping its throat. The blow did not connect as Alex glanced the blow away and slammed his hoof on the undead pony and brought it down to its knees. Alex pressed his other hoof on the forehead of the undead pony and shouted his voice carrying above the chilled night winds, amplified by the light, "Light banish you!"

An ungodly scream erupted from the throat of the pony and Alex watched as light poured through every empty vein of the undead pony and watched as it exploded in light. Alex refocused and saw three more sprinting towards him. Alex sneered and flicked his hooves, igniting them in pure light, "Come on you bastards."

One found him and he bashed his hoof against the side of the ghoul's face and it seared under the pure energy of the light. He stepped forward once more and clapped his hooves on each side of another ghoul. It screamed in terrible pain, it's head searing and igniting into ashes. Alex's eyes ignited in the pure Light, glowing bright yellow. Alex tore ahead and double hooved onto another ghouls head, cracking into the empty necromantic skull, shadows spilling out. Dark green resin staining his coat and a battlecry tearing through his throat. He felt it all again. The rush of battle. The justice of defending those closest to him. The exhilarating thrill of war. But he kept it under control. A Paladin made into a weapon of vengeance becomes a monster.

He felt a force crash against him and tackle him into a nearby store. Crashing through wood and splintering the door into pieces. The ghoul snapped its maw at Alex trying to tear through flesh. Alex pushed against the ghoul with everything he could. He lifted his back hooves, readied them, and kicked hard against the ghoul. The brunt of the force kicking off the lower half of the ghoul. The ghoul now distracted did not see the bolt of pure light shoot from his hoof. Its head exploding in a cloud of dust. Alex dropped the carcass and looked around him. He was in Sugarcube Corner. Alex stood up and saw another ghoul charging towards him. He stood up and saw the Cakes cowering in the corner, holding each other in their arms. Alex then looked and saw the kitchen knives. He grabbed on in his hoof and heard the metallic shing as he unsheathed it from its holder. The blade a full foot and a half long, sharpened like a razor blade and the hilt slightly curved. Alex looked to the Cakes and said with ragged breaths, "I hope you don't mind that I borrow this."

Releasing another battle cry he leaned forward at the charging ghoul and swung the blade down diagonally. Slicing through decayed flesh and bone, the blade glowing in pure light. The ghoul fell in half and for a few moments he thought the danger had passed. Then he shot his eyes open and his heart felt like it stopped beating. One more remained. Alex charged through the broken door and rushed out onto the streets. Alex stopped and saw Twilight straining as she was holding the ghoul at bay. The bright violet aura holding the ghoul together. Applejack stood behind her, looking on in horror. Alex slowed his pace and briskly walked up towards the scene. Rarity cringing and waiting for the ghoul to rip through her flesh. Alex lifted his hoof and it glowed with light, bright gold chains formed and wrapped around the ghoul's neck, chained the cage made of gold around it. Alex said stoically, "You can let go of your magic Twilight."

Twilight stopped and looked behind her, sweat dripping profusely from her brow. Applejack as well looked back and stood tall on her hind hooves as well and stopped him. He stopped and looked down at Applejack, tears slowly formed in her eyes as she said, "No! Ah can't let you do this Alex! That's mah brother fer Celestia's sake!"

Alex looked passed Applejack and saw Big Mac but his coat was almost a pale turquoise, his eyes glowing bright yellow. Trying to push past the cage of pure light. Alex released a sigh as he said, "No Applejack...that's not your brother anymore...that's an undead, your brother's sole purpose in this world now is to kill and eat anypony he sees. There is no saving him."

Applejack looked back at Big Mac and tears began to fall as she adamantly turned her hateful attention towards Alex, "No! There has to be another way! Ther' just has to be..."

She fell to her knees and her hat fell off her head, tears flowing from her eyes. Alex rested a hoof on her shoulder and said as he walked passed her, "I'm afraid not."

Alex readied the kitchen knife and he looked to Twilight. She gave him no words of anger or disappointment, she simply gave him a distant look. Alex very well knew the reputation Big Mac had in Ponyville. A quiet stallion, loved by all. Alex could relate, which is why it hurt for him to do this. Alex rested his hoof on the chains, feeling the hum of power jolt through him. Alex said darkly, "I am sorry Big Mac. May the Light guide you."

Alex summoned the Light and the cage of chains disappeared and with a cry he slashed his knife so fast that it cut through Big Mac's strong neck. Alex breathed out heavy breaths and heard the thump as the head fell to the ground. Alex stood back up straight, drawing in large breaths. He closed his eyes and focused away from his bruises. He opened his eyes and saw the dead form of what used to be Big Mac lying there with no head. Alex moved his gaze to the frightened and shaking form of Rarity and Rainbow Dash. She was still laying half on Rainbow Dash bracing them agains the water fountain. She had the green resin splattered across her face. She kept her eyes closed and looked away as she waited for the jaws of death to enclose on her, and soon on Rainbow Dash.

Alex dropped the knife and knelt down in front of Rarity, she nearly jumped at his touch. Screeching and opening her eyes wide looking at him. Alex said softly and low, "Rarity, calm down it's okay. The danger has passed."

She breathed short breaths as she continued to stare at him with horror, "Alex...Alex you...you...you killed those ponies..."

Her voice grew distant and shaken as it trailed off. Alex rested both hooves on her shoulders and soothed, "They were not ponies Rarity. Not anymore anyways. Be still and take deep breaths."

Alex felt as she drew in calmed breaths. Alex closed his eyes and drew his hoof to her cheek, he summoned forth all the light he could as he prayed, "Light, heal this wounded child of yours. Cleanse her broken mind and spirit."

Rarity breathed in large gulps of air as she did as Alex asked. She tried with all her might to try and calm down, she could not get that image out of her head of Big Mac's head rolling off of its body. Nothing was more horrifying and nothing could make her unsee that. But she heard Alex utter a prayer. The words were strange to her, like they were said by somepony who did not belong there. But she felt something soothe her mind and muscles. She felt a warmth rush through her and cleansed everything. Her breaths no longer short and ragged, her head no longer throbbing in pain, her muscles no longer bruised and sore. In fact, she felt more calm than a five hour special at the Spa.

Once she felt his hooves move away from her she opened her eyes and saw a sight that took her breath away. She looked and saw a dim light glow around Alex. It faded away and revealed a clean and untouched stallion she had come to know and love. His beautiful multi colored coat, shining a new sheen. His long fiery orange mane. His curved and rugged face, but smooth. Rarity felt calmed and at bliss. Alex asked in his caring and loving voice, "Are you okay?"

She gave a half smile and replied, "I am now."

Rarity gasped as she realized who she was laying on. Rarity shot herself up to her hooves and said looking at Alex, "Can...can you do what you did to me but to Rainbow Dash as well? Please tell me that you can."

Alex gave no reply and simply leaned forward and pressed his hoof lightly against Rainbow's forehead. Rarity looked on and saw light escape from his hoof and pour into Rainbow Dash. Rarity looked on in amazement, she had never seen something quite like that before. And from an Earth Pony no doubt! How can an Earth Pony perform such a complicated magical spell. Rarity knew a few first aid spells but all she could do and even the most skilled of doctors can only heal the pain and not the wound. But this, she watched as the wound on her head sealed up like it was being sewn up by a needle of pure light. Then when it was fully sewn up the skin and fur healed as if unscathed.

Rarity was not one to gawk at a pony but she could not help herself now. She had never seen such an incredible feat done before. She looked at his flank and her jaw dropped. A cutie mark appeared! But it was the strangest cutie mark she had ever seen. A large sword facing down like it was stabbing into the ground. The hilt was made from pure wood and copper metal accenting the hilt. The blade was glowing an aura of light and a ribbon of it wrapped around the thick blade. Rarity had seen many swords in her life time. She saw her uncle's when he was a calvary general and she had seen fencing swords. But this sword was different. This sword was not meant to wound like the ones she had seen. This was made to kill. To slay thousands. Rarity would tuck that knowledge away.

Rainbow Dash coughed herself awake and opened her eyes and said, "Man...I am never drinking that much ever again."

Alex laughed as he helped her up. As she came up Alex stepped back and a flash of purple light exploded in front of him and in front of Rainbow Dash. Rarity knew exactly what it was. Standing in the middle if Alex and Rainbow Dash was Twilight. She had a fierce and threatening look on her face. She looked as though she was ready to attack Alex. She stood defensively and stated, "What are you?"

The words came out like a poison and Rarity watched as Alex let his composure return to him and he explained calmly, "I don't know what you are talking about. My name is Alex-"

"No!" Twilight shouted with anger in her words, "Don't give me that! You just killed eight ponies with some sort of magic and you are an earth pony! I won't ask you again, what are you?"

Rarity was surprised at her friend. Rarity has never seen Twilight like this, she looked at her dirt covered friend. Alex remained adamant but he refused to look threatening to Twilight, he knew that it would result in an unfriendly response from her friend. But he seemed troubled by the question. Even though she only knew him for a few weeks she wants to take Alex's side on this. Until she heard what he had to say. He said, "My name is Highlord Alexandros Morgraine, and I was a Paladin of the Silver Hand."

Paladin? What in the name of Equestria was a Paladin? Was it some sort of warrior? A brand of clothing designer? Twilight inquired, "Paladin? You mean like a knight?"

Rarity looked back over at Alex who nodded his head. She could not believe her ears or her eyes. Her eyes grew wide as she accidentally uttered, "I kissed a knight..."

"Wait, what?!" Twilight looked over at her friend. Alex looked over at Rarity with wider eyes than her. She dug herself into a hole now.

Rarity raised a hoof and said, "Now hold on. I can explain everything-"

"Rarity," Twilight pressed a hoof to her nose, "You have known him for three weeks, and you are telling me. The one mare who is waiting for the right stallion. Just locked lips with a complete and utter stranger. Why?"

Rarity's face went red as she explained, "I didn't know what I was doing. It was a long day filled with orders and I was just racking up the stress I just...acted on...I acted on impulse."

Twilight took in deep breaths and said, "Okay. Okay...we will continue this discussion later. Right now-"

She turned a look of stone to Alex as she continued, "-You have some explaining to do. Come on, we can continue this discussion at my home."

She turned and walked away with Alex looking over at Rarity who had now stopped blushing. He looked over at her and gave a look athat asked, 'Mind helping me out here?'

Rarity nodded and they followed the purple unicorn as they made their way back to Golden Oaks Library. Rarity knew that this was going to be a long night. As she walked she looked at Rainbow and said, "Can you stay with Applejack and Fluttershy? I promise I will tell you girls everything."

Rarity expected some sort of snide remark or some comment on the fact that she made out with a stallion she barely knew. But she only gave a serious nod as she looked at one of her closest friends and offered a friendly embrace around the orange mare. Rarity looked quickly away as she felt a wave of sadness wash over her briefly. She turned her head quickly in front of her as she focused on the one thing that was important. Knowing Alex's story.

They were ushered into the house and Rarity felt the warmth of a fire come over her and her dreary mind. She felt its friendly embrace and she looked as they stepped into the living room. They sat in the exact same spots as a few weeks before but now Twilight did not carry the air of friendship and acceptance as she did before. She made the air cold and uninviting. Rarity nestled into her seat and observed.

Twilight narrowed her gaze and asked, "So, Alexandros, why have you come to Equestria?"

Twilight's horn gently glowed, no doubt using a truth detector spell, and Alex answered, "I don't know."

Her gaze did not lighten as she continued, "How did you get those scars?"

Alex raised a gentle hoof and said, "How about I just explain a few things. I am Alexandros Morgraine, I was a Paladin of the Knights of the Silver Hand. I was acting Highlord, or one of their leaders, and I was raised from a young age to hate the Burning Legion. A league of green skinned demons that plagued my people's land, they ravaged everything they could see. The Knights of the Silver Hand were created to protect those who could not be protected.

"Those things that you saw were known as Ghouls. They are servants of some sort of necromantic lord. Whether it is one that I know of or not I do not know. I hunted those things down for a while, until my land was swallowed up by it. And..."

Alex faltered and looked down at the floor, "When I saw Rarity and Rainbow Dash being threatened by those...things I snapped. I could not control myself, I felt obligation to save them. Because I was not there helping my people defend their lands from those monsters and they were slaughtered. There was nothing that I could do about it. I don't plan on making that same mistake here. You do not deserve to go through the same thing my people did. I refuse to allow that to happen."

Ch. 11 - Hammer and Anvil

"What do you mean what your people went through?" Twilight asked with sympathy in her tone. A few seconds ago she had a callous gait and tone with Alex, she thought that he was a threat. From the intense amount of magic...or whatever he called it, he was very powerful. And she means VERY very powerful. She had never sensed something quite like it before. Sure she felt great power with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, but his felt infinite. It was strange.

Then there was his cutie mark. It filled her with a sense of unease. She as well never saw anything like it, Alexandros certainly had more with him than could be understood. Twilight watched as Alex shifted his position to something more comfortable. Alex responded, "Those ghouls were not just simple and mindless corpses. Those were raised by a powerful wielder of dark magic. Magic that can raise ponies from the dead. My people just saw it as simple disease, simply the sickness usually around. But...we let it grow. And our cities were razed from it. It got so bad that we lost our capital. I can't imagine somepony who could possibly do this. I hate to say this but it isn't over."

Twilight raised an eyebrow in surprise and said, "You're saying that there might be somepony behind this?"

"No," Alex's expression went dark, "I know that there is somepony behind this. I have to say that you need to limit your food supply. And keep most of the ponies in town. All those that exhibit strange coloring of their coats or they look as though they are a dead pony walking. Dead pale. Green. Or just dead. Kill them."

Twilight let is sink in. She had no idea if she had it in her to kill something, let alone another pony. She felt sick to her stomach just thinking about it. She could not allow this to happen. Twilight lifted a stone gaze to Alex and said, "No."

"Twilight, this is not your usual situation. You can't fix this with friendship. You can't bring them back from undeath through generosity, magic, or kindness. These will show no mercy, they have no mercy left to give so why should we give them any." Alex stood up. Twilight followed the motion and stood coldly into his eyes. She was not about to let some stranger tell her the right course of action. If it is brought down to conflict, there is always another way.

Twilight growled, "You aren't on Azeroth anymore Alex. You can't treat this as the same situation. This is a different land with different laws. And before I let you start slaughtering innocent ponies I need to give this information to Princess Celestia. She will likely know the right course of action."

Alex got in real close to Twilight. She stepped back a bit and Alex said in a near whisper, "Did Big Mac show any restraint a few minutes ago? Did he look as though he had a shred of mercy in his eyes, even a shred?"

Twilight thought back to seeing the pale red Big Mac try to break through her spell cage and try to hurt Rarity and Rainbow Dash. He was not rushing to leave. He was aching. He wanted to hurt Rarity and Rainbow Dash. She remembered his animalistic eyes, he looked as though all sentient wiring inside of him was gone. Thrown away and the sweet and noble hearted Big Mac was gone. Replaced by a bloodthirsty maniac. Twilight looked back over at Alex and slowly shook her head. He continued, "Look. I know that these ponies are very close to you. And I know that you would do anything to save them. Trust me I understand. But there is nothing that I haven't already tried. There is no turning them back. The only thing you can do is bury them properly and hope they stay that way."

Rarity stepped next to Twilight and offered in a sympathetic tone, "Darling, I'm afraid that this is the only way."

Twilight comprehended all she could and offered a sigh and responded, "I suppose...that you are correct. But I still must inform Princess Celestia about this. She needs to know what is happening. What should we do in the mean time?"

Twilight normally was not about asking strangers their input on a conflict with her home. But this was not an occasion that was usual in Equestria and from the looks and information that Alex gave, he had been through something like this before. And it became clear to her that it affected him a great deal. She looked back to Alex who thought for a few seconds. In that time frame she found a healthy relationship between her and Alex. Some of her ways of thinking conflicted with his, this offered room for both of them to grow and prosper as friends. She smirked at this fact.

Alex mused, "We should wait on the decision of Princess Celestia. Like you said Twilight, I am a visitor in your land it is not my place to solve problems my way. Unless it is absolutely necessary."

Twilight nodded, "I'm glad we could find common ground for once."

Alex looked to Twilight and said, "This does not mean that the enemy will not move until we move. They will attack again. And it is because of that, we need to prepare."

Twilight studied Alex close. It was clear that he was not stranger to being placed in a position of leadership. She was not sure whether or not it was his strange magic, but she felt him radiate the aura of leadership now. Something awakened inside of him, something crucial. She could not put her hoof on it but his destiny was now intertwined with theirs. He was no element of harmony, but he was something else. He carried residual bright energy beneath him, she would compare the feeling to Princess Celestia. But he seemed much more pure and protective. The usual Alex she knew for a few weeks now is not the one she saw now. Perhaps that is a good thing or a bad thing. Alex rubbed his chin contemplatively, finally he mused after a few minutes of thinking, "Perhaps I should tell you all..."

Rarity added with a shrug and a concerned look on her face, "Tell us what?"

Alex sighed, "I have told you of the Scourge. The undead monsters that razed my home. Well I was one that hunted these monsters and killed them. Much like their leader carried an ancient and powerful weapon, so did I. It responded to the undead, turned them into ash as it cut into them. I named it the Ashbringer. If we want to have even a slight chance at defending this place, we'll need it."

Twilight crossed her hooves, "You did not bring this with you?"

Alex moved a hoof willingly to his scar on his chest, showing that it was related somehow. Twilight saw as his face grew brooding, "It was separated from me."

There was a pause between his next words until he continued, "We will need more than merely words to protect us. Like I said, these beasts might look mindless, but they are more organized than one might think. We will need weapons and armor."

"Who will make them?" Rarity asked with a shrug. Alex thought for another minute formulating a plan, Twilight felt slightly out of place. Normally, she would be making the decisions. Telling ponies what they should do, seeing to it that they get done. A sense of leadership, something she never truly liked to grasp.

Alex mused, "Steel Flash will likely help in supply of weapons and armor. Rarity, you work with clothes perhaps you could assist with him and ask your brother if he could help with the Smithy. Tell him for now we need seven weapons and a suit of armor. Twilight and I will look into this more."

Rarity nodded her head at his command, "I shall leave immediately. Please find out everything you can about this Alex, and be careful both of you."

Rarity ushered herself out and shut the door behind her. Alex leaned over to Twilight and said in a quieter tone, "Are there any books that say anything about events similar to this one?"

Twilight thought long and hard as she moved through the various memorized tomes in her mind. All of them expansive and hard to navigate for a regular unicorn. But not for Twilight. It was like second nature to her. After a few seconds of her going through various tomes in her mind she replied with a shake of her head, "No...at least not directly related. There was a pony named Nightwhisper that was said to be the father of dark magic. It is recorded that he rose the dead after battles and made them his eternal guardians. He became known as Mad King Nightmare. Other than that, I suppose there is nothing else."

"If I was a betting stallion, I would guess that whoever is leading these undead will likely go to this burial first. To raise forth the first of new Death Knights. Monstrous soulless creations made to combat Paladins such as myself-"

"The drums of war beat, Alexandros. Perhaps it is time you listen to their beat." Alex and Twilight turned and saw a purely cloaked individual. He stood tall and hidden behind a hood. Twilight felt great power oozing off of this strange pony, it seemed like familiar magic though. She looked to Alex who bore a shocked expression, as if he was staring down a shadow from his past.

Alex stood in a defensive stance ready to attack, "How are you here right now?"

As if sensing his thoughts and motivations the vestige crossed the room with it's forehooves tucked behind his back and stated, "Your glibness does you credit Alexandros, but is not necessary. Need I remind you of what pain that has caused you in the past? Besides, I am here using much of my magic so I must make this quick. I am here to offer a warning for you, Alexandros."

His tone serious and Alex dropped his stance slightly as he continued, "The enemy you face might be a familiar one, but it is just a shadow of what you have fought. He seeks us Alexandros, to seal his pact. For we lie in the valley that splits two nations, yet binds them together. In it you will find a cave where no light can pierce through, only the light of hope can guide you. In the deepest chamber you will find the blade. But what you will find is shadows of your past to protect it."

Once he was done with his cryptic message he faded away into thin mist and rose through the air and dissipated. Twilight found the encounter strange and out of place. But Alex had a sense of longing as he stared at the floor. Twilight asked, "Who was that? And he knew your actual name."

Alex answered with a dark expression, "That was me. A shard of me anyways. A part of me closer to the Ashbringer. We were just told the location of the blade. I suggest we head out immediately. But we will need means to defend ourselves."

They split up rather well. Twilight sent her letter to the princess of Ponyville's problem, Alex still felt slightly uncomfortable letting him just sit there and lie and wait for another attack. Only this time there will be more and they will be hungrier. They warded off the town and Twilight summoned the strongest shield spell she knew to enclose the town. She did not need to keep the spell maintained but she had to refresh the spell strength every few hours. Alex was impressed at the level of magic Twilight could cast. Sure Alex had fought with many mages by his side, one occasion being Antonidas. Yet none rivaled in Twilight's power, it was surreal to Alex.

The raindrops came down in large clumps and exploded off of the surface of Alex's hooded cloak. His hoof falls kicking up mud as he went on. He traversed the streets of Ponyville well enough alone. The streets becoming ever more familiar in Alex's eyes. Scanning the storm filled eyes for any signs of unneeded movement, making sure there were no shadows waiting to leap out at him. Alex glanced up at the signs of Ponyville, trying to find the right place.

The oak signs with either a picture of what the store sold or golden lettering scrawled on to the aged wood, waving soullessly in the wind of the storm. As Alex looked at the signs his mind shifted to a memory of him back at Lordaeran,

The air was cold and filled with ash, each breath threatening to be your last. Eyes burning from the burning buildings. His heart sinking, his friends, family, and too many innocents to think about all at once. All gone. The streets still stained with freshly spilled blood. Nothing was more horrifying than this scene. I looked to the sky to try to find rest with my eyes from seeing such a sore sight. But the sky was blacked out, embers rising in the sky like lost souls finding their way to the next world. I closed my burning eyes and I uttered, "May the Light guide you to your final resting place."

I felt a slight pluck at the strings in my heart. So many killed for the sake of nothing. Not war. Not accidental. This was pure evil that murdered these people. The maddened swing of a black hearted soul. Arthas was a human no longer, for no human could ever exemplify evil in such a manner. Yes humans are prone to violence, but not on a scale such as this. I kept my head low and my voice almost a whisper as I muttered under my breathe, "Be thankful you were not alive to see this Elena..."

Alex shook his head bringing himself back out of his mind, and just in time as he glanced at a familiar sign. An anvil with a hammer and prongs crossing over it. The shoppe of Steel Flash. The ghost of a smile creeped across Alex's lips. Alex stepped at the centruries old door and pulled down his hood and stepped into the store. Feeling a wall of heat crash against him as he stepped in, wafting the smell of a forge and chilled steel.

The walls were dark brown and the lighting made it appear almost black. Racks upon racks of anything imaginable lined on the wall. Gardening tools, architect tools, carpenter tools, sewing tools. Every tool imaginable was lining the walls and then some. Some leather aprons lined behind the counter in the far right corner near a large glass window, the surface foggy. Almost like the front room of an old store, which it probably was. It felt as if he knew the age of the shoppe. He heard like music the constant rising and falling of a hammer on steel. Alex looked and like a ghost crept to find the source of the noise.

Creeping past the many racks of the shoppe, the room filled with the ominous pitter patter of rain on the glass. Keeping Alex on his hooves and ready to strike anypony that approached him wrong. Alex felt worried for Steel Flash though, he left the front of his store unattended. Even though crime was rare in Ponyville and many other cities, it was not uncommon. He had read that in, 'Statistics of Modern Equestria' it was an interesting yet boring read.

Alex brought himself to a door on the far end of the room, the fresh smell of iron almost suffocating his nose. He cracked the door and peaked inside, he saw machinery of all kinds of blackmith tools. Barrels filled with water, steaming at the brim. Orange tongues of flame filled the room with an ominous glow that compelled Alex to push the door open. He looked and saw a tall standing stallion, built almost like the steel he shaped. His coat a dark onyx, and his mane and tail a combination of an aged leather brown and an iron grey. His eyes fixated on the metal he was shaping with his hooves. Rising his left hoof and the hammer striking down. No restraint in his blows and no mercy in the shaping of his metal. As Alex approached the large stallion he only seemed to grow in size. Standing on his back hooves around eight feet tall, rippling with large tight muscles. The build of a smith no doubt.

Alex stopped a few feet away from the stallion, his back turned and putting the metal in a barrel of water. With no fear Alex coughed, "Excuse me, Steel Flash?"

There was no answer received from the stallion. Alex asked again, "Excuse me?"

The third not registering, "Steel Flash, a moment of your time please."

Steel Flash flinched slightly at the sound of his name and let the metal cool in the barrel, setting down his hammer and his prongs. Steel Flash turned, his face hardened with callouses and his gaze set on Alex alone. His face neutral and his eyes as brightly orange as the fire of his forge. Alex could not tell if he was going to fight the large stallion or get thrown out by the stallion. Steel Flash crossed his hooves over his leather apron, as if to say 'Who the hell are you?'

Alex nodded his head and answered his unspoken question, "I am Alex. I am relatively new to Ponyville and I am friends with Twilight Sparkle-"

His gaze never moving from Alex, the same sentinel stone like gaze.

"-And we have run into a bit of problems lately."

Alex stopped short to hear Steel's opinion of his chosen friendship, the stallion stared coldly at Alex never lifting or flinching a muscle. Alex found this encounter both strange and intriguing at the same time. Alex shifted uncomfortably as her stood before the titanesque stallion. Alex asked, "Can you hear me?"

Steel Flash kept his gaze stared at Alex as he lifted his large hoof and twisted it telling Alex, 'Sometimes'. This was strange to Alex, a partially deaf smith. Alex asked again, "Are you a mute?"

The hard nod from Steel Flash was answer enough. A partially deaf and mute smith. That was a first for Alex, he glanced back at Steel Flash who kept his back hooves shoulder width apart and his forehooves crossed over his chest. An audible crack sounded from the forge. He seemed unmoved from the name Alex mentioned. Alex decided to use another friend, "Do you know of a mare named Rarity?"

Finally the stare broke as he looked to the ground at Alex's hooves, a warm smile spreading across the hardened stallion's face. As if reliving memories of days long past, heartfelt memories of kindness and generosity. A friendly smile. The mood went from threatening to something less so. More friendly and warmhearted, giving Alex the ability to not hold his breath out of fear of an attack. With a happier look he returned to looking at Alex with a look that said, 'Alright, so what do you need?'

Alex breathed a sigh and answered stepping next to Steel, "We are under attack, from a threat from my nation. And lets just say that it is not the most peaceful of enemies. What I'm trying to say is, we need weapons to defend ourselves."

With a cold nod his face went neutral and his emotions seemed to resemble contemplation. Steel thought for a moment and gave a look that said, 'I'll be right back.'

After a few minutes of waiting Steel Flash returned with a large chest, old and rigid. Wrought iron bindings and chain over the front to keep it from opening. There was a large lock on the chain. Steel Flash slammed it on the ground and pulled a leather chord out of his apron pocket and a golden key laid on the end of the chord. He turned it and Alex heard the audible clicking of the tumblers as the lock sprang free. steel Flash pulled the chain off and lifted the lid, the hinges squeaking of age.

Alex stepped closer to get a better look inside and saw lying in the chest were weapons of various sizes, from daggers to bows and arrows to greatswords. All pristine and sharpened, maintained well and kept in amazing condition. Shining from the orange flames, almost glowing in Alex's eyes. He had not seen weapons this maintained since he visited Ironforge in Dun Morgh. The craftsmanship was spectacular and the blades well sharpened. Alex leaned down and grabbed a bastard sword. The blade was thick towards the hilt and thinned out as it crawled to four and a half feet long. The hilt wide and wrapped in cloth of linen, the pommel and guard easily balanced with the blade and the weight well spread out. It was somewhat lighter than what Alex was used to but nothing he could not get used to.

Alex found the sheath buried at the bottom and it seemed that there was even a staff. A staff of light metal, the wings of an eagle spreading wide as the head of the staff and thin spindels of metal encircled the wings and spiraled down the four foot staff. The spindels and the eagle wings were of polished gold and the shaft a glistening silver. In the middle of the staff was a large amethyst crystal, thick and seemed to have residual magic moving beneath the surface of the crystal.

He grabbed the staff and he looked to Steel but before he could say anything Steel raised a hoof, knowing that Alex was going to offer money. The smile returned to Steel's face and his look told Alex 'Anytime you need a weapon. Come here.'

Alex left the shoppe with a cruel smile on his face, a sword strapped to his back and a staff held firmly in his hoof. He would have to train these ponies to defend themselves and he would protect the innocent once again. His heart and soul was in the right place and he felt the Light bath him in its familiar grace and acceptance. The defense of Ponyville would be well within reach, in time this little town will be able to handle many invaders. Foreign or domestic. Including undead, the staff proved that Steel Flash could craft magical weapons.

Distantly he felt the beckon call of the Ashbringer and the cold shivering voice said in his mind,
The...end...is...soon...
Prepare...for...the...Living Dead...

Ch. 12 - Honorbound

An earth shaking crash rippled across the sky, thunder bashing against the clouds as if they were drums. Rain fell as if it had no purpose to fulfill, no misbegotten purpose or otherwise promised cause. It just fell. The sound of the rain loud upon the rafters of the high Canterlot Palace ceiling. Filling the minds of everypony with worry and despair, for their princesses were missing and many were blaming it on the Royal Guard. Claiming that they were not doing their job correctly. Silver Bolt smiled, he was glad that he was no longer a guard and was a Silverbrand.

The Silverbrands were the elite guard of the princesses, if one or both turned up missing then they would step in and take over temporarily. Seeing as recently he was appointed Captain of the Silverbrands, he was officially the head of state until the princesses returned. It was a large weight on his shoulders and he would not disappoint considering he was Prince Silver Bolt. Brother of Blueblood and cousin to Cadence. He cared for both of them equally, though he wished that he was born as Cadence's brother. They seemed to get along great, Blueblood was a whole other story. Just thinking about the stuck up prick made Silver Bolt's skin crawl, he does not deserve to call himself prince. Silver Bolt growled at the thought of Blueblood as he stared out the window that was dripping with water droplets.

He had seen much and told very little of the Silverbrands. They were elite trained units and not called to action very often, the only time they had been called to action recently was to assassinate King Mordred Blackclaw of the Griffon Empire. A successful endeavor, though it had cost the lives of a few Silverbrands. While elitely trained, they were not prepared by the sabotage from the inside. It was a dark time for the Silverbrands, a time for revolution. Silver Bolt himself took care of the traitor himself, despite it being his best friend. He had to make the proper sacrifices to become who they were. He had to kill one of Blueblood's suitors because he had told her about the secret caverns beneath the castle that stored magical artifacts and even powerful enemies. That was a secret that needed to stay a secret to only the royal family and the Silverbrands. Certain secrets needed to stay secret, not matter what.

But ever since Silver Bolt joined the Silverbrands he has had to sacrifice pieces of himself just to keep the whole order afloat. Making sure the Silverbrands knew their places, readying them for combat, keeping their goddess forsaken secrets. Was there anything to gain from keeping their secrets? Was there anything to feel from keeping their secrets? IF Silver Bolt could answer those questions he would have answered them already. He had sacrificed so much and he feared that he would sacrifice so much more.

Silver Bolt gathered his attention behind him and saw the door into the office room open and the one to step in was Firefly. She was a dark orange mare with a dark violet mane and tail. She had very slender curves and was not afraid to show it. Her bright yellow eyes stood out and were large on the mare. Their relationship was very complicated, they were neither lovers nor exactly friends. It was very odd but it was exactly what he needed. He needed somepony he trust to talk to, and he has known her since the beginning of his career as a Silverbrand. Silver Bolt asked, his voice deep and commanding like it belonged to somepony much bigger than him, "Any news on the Princesses?"

Firefly sauntered her way towards Silver Bolt and as she drew in closer she answered in a serene tone of voice, "The groups have not reported back. A few minutes and they should be back. Don't worry."

It was so light hearted and warmed him in the inside, maybe it had something to do with her special talent but he always felt more relaxed around her. More at home. Silver Bolt kept his hooves crossed over his chest and continued to look out the window. He offered no response as she moved in closer and wrapped her hooves around his waist and asked close to his ears, "What's wrong? You're not usually like this?"

Silver Bolt replied, "I've had a lot on my mind lately."

Firefly was really the only one he ever showed other emotions to, other than neutral tone or anger. He tried to keep his public image as consistent as possible. Much like what his aunt Celestia would do, as apposed to his weak minded brother who would gladly give away the family's darkest secrets just to get some flank. Goddesses he was so desperate.

Firefly rested her chin on his shoulder and said, "Don't worry, we'll find them."

"No it's not that," Silver returned leaving her warm embrace and stepping closer to the desk, "I mean...the life that I have lived so far...was it worth all those lives that I had taken?"

"Silver wha-"

"Was it worth risking a part of myself just to keep the secrets of my aunts buried?" Silver Bolt interrupted.

Silver Bolt never really thought about it until now. Was it all worth it? For him to sacrifice so much so that he might keep social order? So that he could keep his aunt's secrets. He was so torn, he could not decide the right course of action. He was filled with confusion, misjudgment, remorse, guilt. So many feelings at once that he could almost not take the headache anymore. It became clear that Firefly did not know the answer to his questions, judging from the look she gave him. Regardless it felt better that he shared it with somepony. Somepony to vent towards.

Just then the door opened once more and the pony to enter was Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard. the white stallion took off his helmet respectfully and bowed, his long blue mane moving slightly at the decline of his chest. Silver Bolt nodded at the young captain and said, "Captain Shining Armor, it is good to see you."

The stoic young captain returned, "I wish the feeling was mutual."

"It was your guards that allowed them to leave on their own. I fail to see how you can put the blame of this on me." Silver Bolt finished, keeping a respectful and neutral tone in his voice. He could tell that Shining Armor held some sort of hatred for him, it rolled off of him like a stench he could not clean.

Shining Armor added, ignoring Silver's last comment, "My mages recently came back and it appears that Celestia had sent a letter to Twilight Sparkle before she and Luna disappeared."

"Were there any other magical signatures?"

"None that they knew of," Shining Armor leaned in closer to Silver, resting his hooves on the desk, "But I scanned myself and there was another magical signature...it was unlike anything I had ever felt before."

Silver Bolt sighed through clenched teeth and Silver Bolt dictated, "Pull back your search groups Captain Armor. I fear that the expertise of your guards have just ran out. Leave it to my ponies to find them."

Shining Armor growled, "What gives you the authority to-"

"As acting sovereign I believe that I can do whatever I very well please," Silver Bolt interrupted with a neutral tone, "And your guards are not fit for combat. If there is a dangerous magical signature than your ponies are not fit for such a threat. Your purpose it to keep public order, ours is to weed out magical threats. You are dismissed Captain."

"But-"

"You. Are. Dismissed." Silver Bolt growled out. His tone getting angered and defensive. Silver Bolt had a short temper for Shining Armor and his band of untrained fillies, Shining Armor no doubt could sense that in his tone as he just bowed and left the room without another word. Once the door shut behind the unicorn stallion Silver Bolt breathed controlled sighs and Firefly added, "So, I'm guessing that we are going to be going to this Twilight Sparkle?"

Silver Bolt nodded as he activated his magic and levitated over a few reports and began to scan over them with a critical eye, he replied, "Yes. If we are going to know where the princesses have gone then likely it will be from her or whatever information the princesses have given her."

"Who is Twilight Sparkle anyways?"

"Twilight Sparkle is the younger sister of Shining Armor and is Princess Celestia's student," Silver Bolt had a smile slightly tug at the corners of his lips, "I had to watch over her a few times. A sweet little filly. But not a filly anymore, now she is one of the most powerful unicorns Equestria has ever seen since Starswirl the Bearded. If there is anypony that is to be trusted with the Princesses location it's her."

Firefly nodded and she asked in a serious tone, "When will we be heading out and where will we be heading out?"

Silver Bolt looked up and in his deep voice he said, "We will be heading to Ponyville and we will be leaving immediately."

The town seemed a lot more grey than what Rarity remembered. Sure there were some grey days but for an entire week? It was not common for clouds to last this long over Ponyville. It has not even rained at all in more than a few weeks, which meant that they were running low on food since the most recent food purge. The ponies more sullen and despaired, and the buildings less colorful and bright. Rarity very slowly trotted through the streets, blinking back some of the sleepless nights she has had since that night she was attacked.

It was hard for Rarity to get over it. They showed absolutely no remorse or thought for their transactions, they looked as if they were straight out of a nightmare. It was horrifying. Alex just faced them as if he had faced them many times before. No fear. No remorse for his actions either, but he was much more humane than the...oh what did Alex call them?...Ghouls. She always thought that violence was horrible and that it was useless that only barbarians used. Yet Alex showed her that it could be used to protect the ones you care about. The thought was warm as she remembered some of the memories of her brother Virtuoso protecting her from bullies.

Oh how things had changed since then. Now Virtuoso was a national star and had no time for her little sisters. This made her think of bad thoughts about her brother. Her jaw clenching in slight anger that he could find time to find a marefriend but not spend time with his sisters. Rarity never really realized the significance he had or the effect it had on her when he had left. Quite a large hole had been in place, a hole that had not been filled until recently. A hole that was reserved for that somepony that would protect her no matter the cost or the price, that hole now had Alex in its place.

She smiled and slightly blushed at the thought of Alex, he was such a kind and generous soul. But not afraid to protect the ones he loves. Loyal. Honest. Generous. Kind. And occasionally is not afraid of sharing laughter with somepony. Her mind filled with the warm memories they had shared as friends. When they were walking back from Sweet Apple Acres that one day. And then she felt a shiver run through her as she remembered THAT night.

The night that she had almost ruined their entire relationship. She shook her head slightly at the thought of that night and tried to draw her attention elsewhere from her mind. The environment around her was not helping her, considering most of the houses were boarded up and locked up like a safe. Everything seemed to have a negative effect on the ponies that she lived with, so many locking themselves away waiting for everything to blow over. Rarity however had a sneaking suspicion that such things will not end well.

Rarity stopped in her walk and pulled her hood tighter around her face. It had gotten dreadfully cold lately, something told Rarity that the weather ponies were no longer in control of the weather. The rain seemed to stop as she popped her hood closer to her. She pulled her hood down and set her gaze up and focused on her surroundings.

She stood in the middle of the town square, the entire space almost completely empty aside from the occasional pony that would walk by that was not afraid of the current circumstances. Or blatantly ignorant to current events. Rarity scanned the rather small passing of ponies and searched for a particular pony. Her gaze narrowed as she looked across the yard and eventually saw the pony she was looking for. Her brother Virtuoso.

He was wearing a dark black cloak with a hood to block the rain, he stopped and checked the time from his pocket watch that was safely tucked into his vest. Rarity briskly trotted over to Virtuoso and called out, "Virtuoso!"

He looked up and his face beamed with joy as he saw Rarity approaching him and said, "Rarity! It's so good to see you!"

"Likewise," Rarity said as friendly as possible trying to shove all of her previous hated thoughts aside, "I wanted to talk to you."

"What about?" His tone made him sound so genuine, it was almost adorable that he could think to trick Rarity. What was he trying to hide? Or what was he doing?

Rarity replied, "Well...about the fact that you never visited us after your...rise up so to speak."

"Rarity I-"

"You didn't call," Rarity interrupted raising a hoof in anger then letting it fall, "You didn't write. Not a single word. Why?"

Virtuoso rubbed the back of his head and shakenly replied, "Well...I was...busy."

"Too busy for family?" Rarity returned with poison in her voice. She almost growled and narrowed her already constricting gaze, what was he hiding!? Rarity stepped closer driving him back, "What are you trying to hide Virtu?"

"Nothing it's just-"

"You can tell me anything. We're family you know that." Rarity said as she noticed she was getting a little bit threatening. Virtuoso was not one for bravery of something he wanted to hide. It often took months for Rarity to get something out of him in their younger years. She gathered herself and allowed him room to explain.

Virtuoso gulped back a lump in his throat and replied, "Well...I was...suicidal...for lack of a better term..."

Rarity dropped her adamant stance and was filled with shock and sympathy as her eyes grew wide and said, "Virtu..."

Virtuoso breathed out a breath of release and continued, "I just...could not take the pressure anymore. Raising you and Sweetie Belle. Days went on that I often argued with dad and step mom about you two. The stress eventually got too much and I had to leave. I was just not happy for so long, I wandered Equestria trying to find a purpose again. But...I could not find it..."

Rarity could barely believe what she was hearing, it was almost too much for her. Her oldest brother suicidal, it was surreal is what it was. Rarity stepped back to gather her sense again. She had thought that he was avoiding her because he hated them, or that he thought he had better priorities other than seeing his sisters, or maybe he just up and left for no reason. But this...this was something else. She felt sick to her stomach she felt so guilty. She looked at her brother and mumbled, "Virtu...I...I'm so sorry...I...I always expected the worst with why you left...that you turned into some sort of..."

Rarity failed to find the rest of her words, she was a little flustered with the news. He finished for her, "Some egotistical prick?"

She would not have been so vulgar as to say that but it conveyed the right feeling so she nodded and said, "So...how did you get over it?"

Virtuoso offered for them to walk and as she followed next to her brother he explained, "I became the star I am now because I was lucky enough to have been discovered by a special talents agent in Manehattan. With my special talent I was able to have a manager and I started doing acts, playing music, and so many other things that I was a hit across Equestria. But even then I was not fully healed from my condition...not until I met Ditzy."

Rarity looked at Virtuoso as they continued their conversation, "I never cared about her condition. I always loved her for what was inside, cause that's all that really matters. She has a heart that is unlike any other. She actually reminds me a lot like you."

"Aw thanks." Rarity smiled. She focused back on the path ahead of them and she saw that they were now walking in the nearby park. Slightly damp and muddy considering the most recent rainstorm, on and off mostly. She decided not freak out even though she was getting her hooves all muddy.

Virtuoso asked with an off putting mischievous grin, "So do you have a special somepony?"

Rarity shot her head away from Virtuoso and said, "N...no not right now...but soon...hopefully."

Virtuoso edged on further, "What about that Alex guy? He seems pretty nice."

Rarity moved her face away out of Virtuoso's face and she muttered to herself, "Oh yes he is."

Author's Note

Finally an update! And I actually have a plan this time! Like I sat down and made an outline of the next few chapters. I normally don't do that usually just straight from my head to the computer. Still the case now but I am happy, the lineup I got ready for you guys if pretty sweet.

Ch. 13 - Day of the Dead

Alex took in long breaths as he sat with his hind legs crossed and his back straight. He had his mind cleared and his soul open for the Light. Waiting for the Light to overlap his mind and calm his restless spirits. He wore heavy clothing, a white shirt and a dark leather vest with a long cloak. He was never really comfortable with just his fur, still holding on to his human mannerisms. Even though there were similarities between humans and ponies, they were still worlds apart.

The wind was fierce and tried with all of its might to break Alex's concentration. He sat perched at the side of a river bank, the steady flow of water crashing against stone was loud in his ears and soothed his spirit even more. His nerves and his wits refocused on his new objective of finding his inner fire. That place where he would have his purpose, while he had half of it figured out he still needed to find the other half. The part of him that was missing, the Ashbringer. He could here the silent calls of the Ashbringer even with the miles upon miles of distance between them. It's dark seductive voice loud within his mind and calling him to it. Alex had no idea the Ashbringer became such a part of him now. His mind now beginning to wander to the day he healed the Rezalb crystal,

What I felt when I touched it...The Light coursed through me like it had never done before, and I through it. It had healed much more than my hand. It had healed my spirit. On that day, though I never realized it, the crystal attached to me. Only I could unlock the hidden secrets and powers of the Ashbringer.

This begged the question of why it had chosen him? He was never the most powerful of his fellow brothers and sisters, he was always average at what he did. And that was protect the innocent. He never truly could match the skills that of Uther or Turalyon. He had never gained that much respect from the Holy Light. He could not count how many times he wished he had met the founder of the Paladins or met the hero of the Second War. It pained his heart, he was so young and so naive that he did not know that he could have been mentored by truly inspirational people. They were his brothers in arms and he did not even know them personally. Alex had made some mistakes in his life and it was that one that hurt him the most. He prayed for the pain to end, for it all to stop. Meditation was supposed to calm your nerves and focus you, not whatever this was.

The Light had answered his silent prayers, but not the way he had originally expected. Flooding through his mind was the suppressed feelings and images of his wife's death. Regret and remorse. If he had stayed inside and healed his wife she could be with him, she could still be alive. Alex clenched his eyes tighter shut together to try and combat the feelings that were reviving within him. Like metal scraping against metal, he heard the painful noise rip through his mind and cause him to raise his hooves to help put the pain go down. The sound intensified and rose to an unbearable level where he was now on his knees begging for it to stop. It was in that short time he learned that he had exploited the powers of the Light. Though he had known all the prayers by heart and all the vows by heart, it seemed he would have to relearn everything from scratch.

Alex uttered his voice pained from the noise in his ears, "Light forgive me."

Alex felt the pain go down and his head did not feel like it was going to be ripped apart into small pieces. He was meditating on a different level than he had been used to. For nearly eleven years he had neglected the teachings of the Paladins because of his falling from grace as a Death Knight. He did not have as much of an outlet for the Light than he had before, and maybe it had something to do with the Ashbringer no longer in his grasp. Which made sense, it was apart of him as him to it. They needed each other to be powerful, apart they are strong.

Instead of finding answers to questions, he decided to merely silently reflect on what has most recently had his mind occupied. The Scourge. Why they were interested in Equestria, he had no idea. The Equestrians were peaceful ponies. Lawful and devoted to their causes. Peace ruled the land rather than war and strife. Yet somehow it had found its way to them. Why? Why did they deserve such a fate? Then again the Scourge had no conscience or concept of mercy so why would they care. But normally the Scourge are calculated in what they were doing, not just mindless domination. If their goal was domination they would have had Azeroth conquered by now, so they always had some sort of goal or objective to fulfill. Unless the undead on Equestria now were those free willed undead, the Forsaken. But even they would not stoop so low as to invade the peace of Equestria. But what if Alex was wrong, what if the whole thing was a facade of peace? So many questions at one time that he could barely handle it.

He gathered his attention to his side as he heard a feminine voice ask him, "What are you doing out here alone?"

Alex knew the knowledgable voice anywhere, belong to the most intelligent pony Alex had ever met, Twilight Sparkle. He looked over and saw her dressed in a similar way as Alex but her cloth was thinner and she wore robes over her shirt, splitting off and opening over her hind legs. The robes a very dark purple color, like a black cherry. It suited her well, not only fitting her well but also matched her colors. She stood on her hind legs, which Alex took that as a sign she finally trusted him as her friend once more. Alex did the same and stood up, he answered looking right into her violet eyes, "I tried to meditate...but it appears that I was going too fast for myself to use the amount of power the Holy Light offered me. It would appear that I am handicapped as the term would imply."

Twilight seemed intrigued at the mention of the Holy Light and inquired, "Ever since you have arrived here you always seemed to mention this 'Holy Light'. What is it exactly?"

Alex rubbed the back of his neck with his hoof and ran it through his mane and replied, "Well...that's sort of hard to explain...The Light is not what you would typically believe in as a faith. It is not some mythical all seeing god, no, it is more of a concept. It is what you perceive it to be. I perceive it as a force that protects the creatures it had created. All around us at all times, making sure we are doing the right thing, almost like a silent guide."

Twilight took note of this and sat down at the bank of the river and asked, "So, where you came from, you did not have a pantheon?"

Alex sat next to her and replied looking at the water, "Quite the opposite actually we had multiple. There were the ones that were known as the Titans that many believed laid the foundation and created first life. And that the Old Gods, their ancient enemies, came and corrupted the first races with flesh."

"Corrupted with flesh?"

"Yes," Alex nodded, "We believed that the first of our kind were made from stone and the Old Gods came and corrupted the first with flesh. But there also existed the Dragon Aspects that were made to protect the races of Azeroth from any evils. Even that of their own."

There was some silence as she took in all the information and with her telekinesis she grabbed a perfect stone and quickly threw it across the river. The rock skidding across the surface of the water. 1 skip. 2 skip. Kerplunk! And Twilight asked again, "What about this Dalaran? What exactly did they teach there?"

Alex answered as best he could, "I am no expert at their exact curriculum but they taught Arcane magic there and they learned to become Mages."

"Mages?"

"Yes Mages. Like I said before they are very close to unicorns as they can manipulate the real and turn it into something else. They tend to focus on magic that creates and changes, most often taking the shape of harmful spells such as bursts of fire or concentrated shards of arcane. Purely meant to attack, some of my friends call them 'Glass Cannons'. As they tend to wear cloth to not hinder their movement, that and they can create shields with their magic."

Twilight opened her mouth to ask a question and Alex answered before a noise came out of her mouth, "And before you ask, no I am not using magic. Magic implies that I am changing or manipulating something to my twisted advantage. What I use is more based on faith and belief in one's self. Manipulating the Light is what is called suicide, only reserved for beings of purity and light energy. So no, I have to ask permission to use powers of the Light and only within the realm of possibility within myself. Which is why it takes so long to master the ways of the Paladin."

More silence ensued between them, leaving both to ponder their feelings. Search for something to talk about. Alex asked, "So, how is that staff treating you?"

Twilight turned to meet Alex's gaze and a smile formed on her face as she answered, "It is treating me very well, I have studied it for hours and still I am finding hidden spells left behind on it."

Alex rested his hooves back and propped up his back and raised an eyebrow. Twilight answered the look, "Most staves around here leave with them special spells and invocations specifically made for the staff. And are only reserved for the true masters of magic. As there are main elements there are also lesser arcane elements that are usually imprinted on the staves. This one, while I have not learned of its name, is a light manipulation staff. So it has spells that are fire, solar, and storm related. I have learned some but it seems that this has more than I expected."

Alex smiled, "How about you show me?"

Twilight looked at him seemingly surprised at his offer, picking up what he was implying, an eyebrow raised she returned, "Really? You want to spar with me?"

Alex stood up and tapped a hoof on the sword at his side, "Come on. We both need some practice for the undead, plus it gives you a chance to practice ways other than making friends."

Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes at Alex and replied standing up, "Alright. I suppose you have a point."

Alex smiled. He had not fought a mage in a while, this was going to be interesting. Alex brought his hoof to the sword and pulled it out, unsheathing it's full length and readying for the coming duel. Alex took a few steps back, three or five feet between them. Alex hoist the sword up and held it with both hooves and readied for Twilight to attack. Tightening his grip and opening his mind to the Light, his smile grew cruel.

Twilight decided to disregarded his creepy smile and opened her hoof, magic snapping and her staff suddenly coming into existence. The staff falling into her hoof and her activating her magic that connected her mind to the staff and the spells she had spent hours studying now flushed through her mind and filled in where they belonged. Some flash spells, blink spells, flare spells, flameslash, wings of the phoenix, solar rays, thunderstrike, and lightning bolt. She had to admit she was rather anxious to try her hand at hoof-to-hoof combat. She had sparred with Celestia a few times but those were when she had been much younger than she was now.

She stepped back a few feet as well to get her senses ready. Twirling her staff around a few times to get a familiarity with the weight, in her sparring matches with Celestia and sometimes even her brother they often used weighted staves. Not magical and were not a little dense with the amount of magic pumping through it. Which is why she also subconsciously taught herself to use her telekinesis to help carry the added weight a little bit. It offered no hindrance on her spell casting capabilities so it just became an everyday thing.

She lowered her staff slowly, readying for an attack. Holding it pointed out and in more of a riposte stance, her staff readied at the side. She formulated some starting series of spells which all would occur soon. The anticipation alone was killing her, with the stance Alex took he looked as though he was in his own world. His own little corner of the universe. He did not look so neutral in his life. It scared her how calm he was and how centered he made himself.

Twilight's breath drew in and held it in her lungs for a while until they would begin the duel. Silence that could kill a good man ensued for a few minutes. Twilight inspected Alex's stance and calculated his opening move in her head. From the placement of his hooves to how the wind rolled off of him, she determined that he was going to charge her. Asking for a teleport spell or for making good use of one of her new flash spells. Or that is exactly what he wanted her to think and he was trying to trick her, in which case she had an arcane needles spell in case in came down to that.

With the dying of the wind Alex punched forward and charged headlong towards Twilight as she expected. Readying his sword for a downward arc, pure light peeling off of him and his sword like a shining beacon in the dead of the night. Twilight flipped her staff in her hooves and just before his sword came down towards her she blinked out of existence and teleported about thirty yards behind him. Taking advantage of this moment of weakness she pulled a free hoof back and pure arcane began to form and she shot it forth three concentrated crystals of arcane energy. They flew threw the air and just as they went to impact Alex he brought the face of the blade towards his own and a translucent aura filled the air around him and the arcane bolts exploded as if on the surface of glass. He smiled as he silently prayed into his blade and it glowed bright white light and he slashed the air in front of him in a diagonal arc. A wave of light issued forth and shot forward at an astonishing rate.

Twilight held up her staff with both her hooves and summoned a large arcanic shield to block the wave of light. The force behind the wave caused her to dig her hooves into the dirt and only push her back about a half yard. She lowered her hooves, the shield of purple died down as they fell. Twilight could tell that he was not going to lighten up on his attacks, this told her that she should not either. Twilight decided to take matters into her own hands and purple light gathered on the tip of her staff and she charged forth. The entire staff soon became engulfed in it's violet glow. She brought her staff forward and shot a beam of light and it struck Alex in the shoulder and caused him to reel back. She swung her staff in a horizontal arc, hoping to smash into his side but was parried by his sword. Alex glanced the blow away and in his free hoof summoned light and a warhammer glowing with light smashed against her head and she toppled to the ground. Momentarily stunned, on one knee she gathered back her senses and saw as he was about to bring his sword down she punched the earth and sent out a wave of telekinetic energy flying him back a few yards.

This gave her enough time to gather in more arcanic energy and her horn summoned forth a torrent of arcane energy. When it should have been dark purple it was orange red and her eyes glowed the same color. She opened up her arms and she willed herself to hover in the air. She felt magic pumping into her veins and her horn pulsating with pure power. She kept the raw magic under control however and continued on with the spell. The orange red energy spreading forth and connecting to her back muscles, fitting and conforming to her shape. Soon they it took on the form of wings and as soon as they did she pumped even more magic into them and pulled herself back and in a large flap waves of flame came forth and went to devour Alex's form.

As she expected he was prepared and he shot his hoof in the air and a pillar of light shot down from the heavens and soaked him in its light. A golden layer of glass formed around him and the flames only clung to the surface only to slowly die, harmlessly attaching to the ground at his feet. She hovered back to the ground and readied for another attack, already feeling the magical exhaustion creeping up through her mind and into her horn. Once he stopped casting the shield he charged forth and closed the distance and in a blinding flurry of clashing steel they traded blows. Every attack Twilight had was countered by Alex but with her quick wits and still ample amount of magic left she could blink around her opponent. Slowly she started to wear him down and once he brought his sword down she glanced it away and it slid into the earth. Giving her the opportunity to strike.

She shoved one end of her staff into the dirt and pushed off of the ground, swinging her back hooves in motion with the swing of a sword and they collided into Alex's jaw and he fell to the ground. The fight was her's. She had won.

Finally the exhaustion had caught up to her and she felt herself slaked in sweat and her lungs rising and falling quickly in attempts to take in large gulps of oxygen to bring her heart rate to a reasonable level. She turned and willed her staff to disappear and it soon blinked out of existence. She turned and pressed her hooves on her thighs trying to take in more air and she looked as Alex rolled on his back. He snapped his jaw back into place, Twilight slightly cringing at the sound. She had known violence since she had been taken in by Celestia. She had told her that the cruelty of this world cannot be misplaced. Celestia taught her defense and how to claim victory for her own. But she had never been taught to kill. All of her spells were centered, more or less, around defensive capabilities. She could never find the heart to kill something, a prospect she would need to change with these undead ponies walking around.

Twilight offered a hoof to Alex as he lied on the ground to catch what little of his breath he had lost during the fight. Twilight then felt the crash of the sudden feelings she had felt when she first approached Alex, the entire reason she was there in the first place. But Alex noted, "That was a good fight, I did not know you had it in you to fight to win."

Twilight nodded clearly showing she had conflict within herself to say something. Before Alex could ask what it was Twilight took the initiative and answered, "Alex...I wanted to apologize for my earlier behavior."

"Twilight it's--"

"No Alex," Twilight said turning to face his warming gaze, "It's not okay. I treated you like you did not even have a voice of reason, like all you did you were doing for yourself and not others. It was not until recently that I looked back over the events and realized that you saved Rarity...again. And for that, I'm sorry."

Twilight quickly got rid of the uncomfortable feelings and pulled Alex in for a warming hug. Alex was surprised at first at the gesture but he soon returned the hug and he said, "Apology accepted Twilight."

They both shot their eyes open, their eyes like pinpricks as she heard Rarity's voice ask, "What in the name of Celestia are you two doing!?"

"Kay, I'll see you guys later!" Pinkie called back to Vinyl Scratch and Lyra.

Lyra replied, "Yeah see you later Pinkie!"

Pinkie waved her hoof back to them and when she became out of ear shot she grumbled to herself, "I swear if I have to put up with another second in this insufferable form I will extinguish an entire race."

A few weeks ago Varimathras had teleported to this planet, with no idea what to do or where to go. This was the last time he ever trusted Sylvanas in a mutual arrangement. He did however receive a message from Kil'Jaedan with orders to find another planet to destroy. And just his luck he found himself here, a planet called Equis. A planet filled with magical talking creatures and other beings of magic. He could feel the residual arcanic energy deep within the planet's core. Varimathras then decided to gather more information about the world. Using an old tactic his brother, Balnazzar, used. But instead of taking control of a leader of an order he was stuck with a bright pink pastel horse with knowledge on next to nothing, but there was a large amount of magic that he could use for safe keeping.

It had set into dusk fairly quickly, the air less thick than it had been a few hours previously. The grass dancing in rhythm with the wind, hypnotic to mortal races but had no effect on Varimathras. It was mocking to him, that such a planet as this could accept peace and love in place of war and chaos. He could feel the stains in the earth though, the dead calling out with mercy. But their cries fell on deaf ears as Varimathras had no mercy towards any peace loving race. They deserved to be burned down, to prove their arrogance.

The more Varimathras thought about it though, the more similarities could be drawn between Equis and Azeroth. A world painted with the blood of so many fallen dead. He sauntered his way to a forest that the locals called the Everfree. The no doubt prime place for the forces of darkness to convene. When Varimathras awoken he had discovered he was not alone, two others from Azeroth found their way here. Rovos the Chilled End, a servant of the Lich King and Alexandros Morgraine the Ashbringer. Both holding alligences with his enemies. He had more in common with Rovos and reluctently accepted an agreement with the lich. In all respect Varimathras hated his superiors, loathed to even call them that. He wanted this world for his own, but learned Rovos wanted the same thing.

So Rovos and Varimathras agreed to split the profit. Varimathras agreed that he would give information to Rovos if Varimathras gets an equal wage of the land. He however needed demons. He had sent an order to the Twisting Nether and was told that there should be some on their way. All Varimathras has to do is open a portal, not like the Burning Portal but scaled down. Then Varimathras can begin his campaign with his ally and take Equis for themselves.

He stepped into the undergrowth of the forest and the dark ground responded well to his hoof falls. The dark creatures sensing his demonic taint and stains of dark magic, all fleeing from the sight of him. He scoffed at the dark forces, even they were weak like the peaceful forces. He was disgusted that he was even associating with them. But he needed allies, while a Dreadlord is powerful indeed, they cannot enslave an entire planet alone. Any that think they do are more ignorant than he thought.

Varimathras shifted his shoulder and popped a bone in his shoulder, he still had to grow used to the significantly smaller frame. It was easier to take the form of a human mainly because their forms were similar to a Dreadlord, with the humanoid forms. But a pony was a whole other beast. Literally.

Varimathras looked down at his hooves as he advanced through the limited vision that was offered to him by the Everfree Forest. He had to use the form of a pink one. Varimathras grumbled, "The fact that this pony has to be high pitched and annoying just seems insulting."

Only fitting for one such as yourself Lord Varimathras. Considering you have been fighting on the wrong side of the war.

Varimathras knew all too well who that voice belonged to. It was the voice of Rovos the Chilled End. A chorus of voices spoke with that of his own and echoed off of one another. Causing his voice to sound powerful and more threatening. A voice like the pure breath of the frost chilled hills he was made from. Long tattered robes pulled tightly around him, four chains circling around his chest, and a shadow filled hood that obscured his undead face. A dark resonate glow was glowing beneath him as he hovered a foot above the ground, dark blue and icy air rollinf off of him. Cracked and froze in spots by ice. There had been a reason why he was known as the Chilled End. Varimathras growled at Rovos, "Do not mock me or my former masters, they rivaled powers like no other beings. And it would appear that it does not matter, our old grudges. We failed at our mission, all we have is ourselves."

The Lich crossed the alcove and came closer to Varimathras, who could feel the numb pain of fear trying so hard to breach Varimathras' courage. The Lich responded, So the events that we find ourselves in. Reveal your true form, I do not wish to speak to such a weak mortal husk.

Showing relief Varimathras willed forth his true form to be revealed. A small torrent of violet energy swirled from his hooves and engulfed him briefly. He grew to his true height, his bones snapped and repositioned, his large leather wings sprouting from his back and his horns curly out from his head. He cracked his neck and said, You cannot understand the amount of torture it is to transform into that. Why have you left her alive? She is so weak, she does not deserve to live any longer than she has been.

Rovos returned, I can understand the feeling but I have not nearly gotten enough answers from her yet. And I assure you, that she was the perfect pick. I have recently gotten information that she would kill in secret. Something I hope you have been doing?

Varimathras crossed his sharp claws over his chest and replied, Indeed. I knew it when I first took on this form. And yes I have been doing such things. I need to do something to keep my mind otherwise occupied than happiness and laughing. I thank Sargaeras himself that she kills ponies.

Rovos dropped his hooves and asked, So, what have you learned?

Varimtathras looked elsewhere from the Lich, the sight becoming sore on his demonic eyes and fell to a pool of reflective water. He saw himself, a tall standing demonic form. Tall and muscularly toned, a dark violet dreadlord. Large horns looping as they sprouted from his head, sharp eyes fixated on his reflection and folded leather bat wings. Completing the ensamble was a set of dark colored steel plate armor. Varimathras explained, It would appear that Alex has reconnected himself with the Light and is growing powerful. He has found out of your invasion and is hoping to train the ponies to defend themselves.

Rovos growled, Damn it! I hoped that I had more time!...oh well...we will have to make due with the situation.

Shall I dispose of him?

No, Rovos lifted a hoof, That would only draw attention to both yourself and me. We need to remain silent right now, I am still raising my army and I hope that your's is arriving soon?

Should be no longer than a few days.

Rovos seemed cautious, perhaps it was a lich thing but he seemed calculating and tenacious with his every word. Another thing he did was talk with his hooves, his bone hooves curled and gnarled with age and dark magic. Rovos turned and said, If we are to proceed we need to do so with caution. And I as well have news.

And that would be?

I have received reports that the Princesses have been captured, the ponies' goddesses of the sun and moon. With their leaders in our hands we can watch as they slowly tear each other apart. But with Alexandros on their side, we very well might see some resistance.

Varimathras growled, Then we strike now while they are weak. We kill the snake while it sleeps.

Rovos turned fast to Varimathras, Yet that is exactly when the snake is ready to strike, in its time of weakness. If we strike now then Alex will see it coming. We gather our forces and wait for our time to strike. Now what is the news that you wish to bring to me.

Varimathras looked Rovos straight in the eyes and his tone became serious as he explained, The Ashbringer is here. It is hidden in a secret place, I do not know exactly where it is but I would suggest that we find it before Alexandros does.

Rovos nodded slowly, his motions slow and calculated to the minute and motion. Rovos was cruel and so was Varimathras, but he could never be anywhere near the grueling dead panned cruelty that Rovos had at his disposal. Rovos crossed his hooves and said, When the ashes start to rise, and the moon falls from the sky. When a thousand candles burn into the night. When the angel softly cries on the flames below the sky. When a thousand souls still pray for you and I, is when the Ashbringer shall inherit his birth rite. Through love or through death it shall be given and shall be received. With his soul or without his soul, it does not matter, but he will return to the earth-

Varimathras stepped next to Rovos and finished the last line of the prophecy staring up at the star filled night he spoke, -from ashes to ashes and dust to dust he shall return. A blight or an omen.

Rovos followed his gaze and his tone became deadly and cold, I will send out search parties to find the blade.

Varimathras returned, And when should they expect a warning?

If Liches could smile Rovos certainly would have done just as such and answered with a voice of knives, Immediately.

Rarity had no idea what to think, or what to feel from the sight in front of her. But one thing was certain her face burned with rage and utter embarrassment. She had considered talking to Alex about the "incident" again. But now she could barely even look at the stallion. Both covered in sweat and held each other in an embrace. Not only did Rarity feel extremely awkward but she also felt her heart pluck a little bit at the sight. Twilight obviously saw that Rarity became a little bit mad at the scene and she said sheepishly her face beet red as well, "We...we were...just...um...hugging, that's all I swear to you Rarity."

Rarity knew the genuine feeling in her tone, something that Applejack had taught her, and knew that it was just a hug. But something about seeing some other mare in Alex's hooves just riled Rarity up to no end, only proving her feelings for him correct. But that also made her conflicted and made her hate herself for even wishing she could be the only mare in Alex's life. Rarity remained silent and turned at the voice of her brother as he said, "Well, I will leave you three alone. I have work with Steel Flash to finish."

He trotted off and Rarity clenched her jaw tight, the strife within her could tear herself apart if she had let this conflict grow anymore. Alex was a friend though and that is all that she wants is a friend. All these feelings and fantasies were just that, feelings and fantasies. Rarity answered Alex before he even asked and said, "I know darling. Just a hug."

Alex raised an eyebrow with a slight blush on his cheeks, "But you still don't think so."

Rarity let out a breath to answer him, clearly revealing to both of them her envious feelings and her hatred of both of them at the moment. Twilight waved a hoof, her cheeks still a strawberry color, "I-I-I'm going to-to go now."

Some weight seemed to lift from Rarity's shoulders as Twilight as well sauntered off. She did not hate Twilight but she did not exactly want to see her either. She swore to the stars above that she would never allow petty romance get in between her and her friends. But that was proving to be quite the challenge considering she both felt it was not but is a romance. And that she neither likes nor hates Twilight. And she knew that just letting it fester and boil inside of herself would do no good, but she did it anyway.

It had settled into nightfall fairly quickly and left a see of stars in its wake. Those that were visible anyways, the storm clouds still swirling and amassing above them. Rarity pressed a hoof to her forehead to try and ease the headache she had just instantly been receiving. She knew that love was a complicated matter that should be only reserved for those that are prepared for it. At least that is what her mother had told her. But she was drunk mostly and Rarity was most certainly not ready for this. Her life had picked up so fast in recent days. She could barely pick up a needle without remembering the grueling images of death and despair that occurred a few days before. So many feelings welling up inside of her she just needed release from it all. To talk to somepony she could absolutely trust. Somepony she knew would save her.

Rarity looked over at Alex and seeing his face only made things harder for her to keep them buried. She felt her eyes tremble and begin to quiver. She brought a hoof to her eyes and wiped them dry and Alex stepped forward with a loving hoof and he offered, "Rarity? Are you alright?"

She kept her gaze away from him and sputtered, for the first time in her life unable to say anything or find someplace where to begin. Alex took her hoof and said, his voice in a genuine tone, "It was just a hug I promise you. Twilight was just apologizing to me about a a few days earlier-"

"It's not that," Rarity finally forced out. In now way was it in its usual grace or beauty. But the silent quiverings of a teenage filly, "It's just...these recent events. They seem to have...caught up with me...so much in so little amount of time..."

Her voice trailed off as she could not hold it in any longer. She threw her arms around Alex and unloaded her tears onto his chest. Staining the white shirt with her salt filled tears. Alex embraced her warmly and let her cry into him. He offered no words as he seemed to know exactly what she was going through. For what seemed like hours they stood there, Rarity almost crying her eyes dry and Alex just standing in silence. Letting her unload her feelings through her eyes. Gently rubbing her shoulder occasionally.

Soon she stopped her crying and then realized that she had taken advantage of Alex with her feelings yet again. What was she turning into? Some sort of envious monster with no satiable stop to her hunger for...her yearning for love. She felt calloused towards herself as she sputtered out, "How...how do you do it?"

She looked up at him with misty eyes and he looked at her for a few seconds as he answered, "You mean make it through times such as this one?"

She nodded, allowing him ample time to answer, "Well. In all honesty I never really did get over anything that I went through. I just bear the pain and let it be. An already infected wound is not one that seals easy. I know. But it will always heal when the time comes. You have seen more than I ever did with little time to recover from each event. And I can say that it will only get worse."

He gazed back down at her and wiped a tear that escaped her grasp and said, "But without a doubt I will always be by your side. Your friend until the end. Something that I never had and never believed I deserved."

Rarity smiled and pulled him in for a warm hug. All other feelings and confusions being lost in the moment of friendship. Her love for him still remained and she still hated herself for taking advantage once again, but she ignored it for the few seconds she had at embracing him in her hooves. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before. She needed Alex, as anything. A friend or more than that, it did not matter. All that mattered to her was that she always had him near her. She held him in tighter and said into his shoulder, "Promise me that you'll never leave."

Rarity pulled away and they stared at each other and Alex smiled and said, "Not if I have anything to say about it."

Rarity returned the smile and said, "Look at me...I'm crying like a little filly..."

Alex returned, "Well, at least we know that you are still a pony."

"Stop..."

She lightly tapped his shoulder and their attention was drawn to a pony coming into clear view. They released each other from their grasps and saw Steel Flash standing with a bright smile plastered on his face as he nodded at Rarity. Rarity bowed to Steel Flash and smiled as she greeted him, "Steel Flash, a pleasure as always."

She remembered back to the times that she had helped Steel. Times became hard for him after he lost some of his hearing and his grandfather, the entire reason why he does not speak. He took a vow of silence until he is unable to shape steel. Which was very unlikely. She offered him help where no other ponies would. She showed him friendship where not others would. She had grown to know the stallion for being a kind hearted and pure pony to know personally. She took heart in knowing that she had healed a pony. Not physically, but emotionally. And now Steel Flash has never been so happy in his life.

Steel looked over at Alex and grunted pulling out a bag of cloth and hoofed it over to Alex who then began to unwrap what was inside. Rarity looked over and saw pieces of armor. A shoulder plate, a chestplate, and a bracer. Alex had a sense of wonder in his eyes, like laying eyes on somepony he had not seen in ages. Before Alex could strap on any of them Steel Flash clasped his shoulders and while looking at him straight in the eyes he said in a deep and gruff voice, "Not. All. But...some."

And with that Steel Flash nodded and turned to leave. Alex offered his thanks and the tall stallion left back to his blacksmith shoppe. Rarity had her mouth hanging open and stared at Alex who had finished strapping on the pieces of silver armor. Freshly shined and with small ornate inlays. Alex shrugged and asked, "What?"

Rarity looked at where Steel once stood and then back at Alex and said, "I could not even get Steel Flash to talk. What did you do to do that?"

He shrugged once more and replied, "We just...talked."

They both chuckled but their laughter was short lived as they heard the ear splitting scream of a pony screaming. They both knew the scream was a sign that the undead have arrived. Alex looked to Rarity and he had a very stern gaze and asked, "I don't expect you to accept but, do you wish to help in the defense of Ponyville?"

Rarity thought long and hard, she did not ever want to see those undead ever again. But she could tell that they were not going anywhere any time soon. Her old world was gone, a world filled with peace and harmony. Rarity released a sigh and looked directly at Alex and answered in the same tone, "If it's all the same to you."

Thunder crackled and offered to echo the raindrops that fell from the sky, every sound reverberated. The rain coming down hard, like a redemptive rain that wishes to see the end of this conflict soon. Landing not only on the defenders of Ponyville but also on the Scourge invaders. They stood there staring at the fearful eyes of the living and imposed such fear. Growling and murmuring dark whispers and promises of feasting on everyone of those defenders. But the only ones that was not affected by the fear was Twilight and Alex that stood at the frontlines and stared down directly at the jaws of nightmares.

Alex had offered to open his mind to the Light and he was pulsating with the bright energy of the all giving light, and the undead could sense that. As he could sense the dark taint that was on them. It was like a mutual hatred for one another. Promised enemies destined to always fight on the battlefield. Alex never felt so much anger in all of his life. Alex turned to glance at his rag tag team of defenders. Most were armed and armored. Wearing tattered clothes or slightly rusted weapons. Their faces plastered with fear and their morale dropping by the minute. Their courage hung on by a thread, to the very knife point. Alex stared back down at the awaiting undead. Anger filling his eyes.

Alex raised his voice to become louder than the rain fell, his gaze meeting Twilight's and Rarity's and then falling on the defenders of Ponyville, "I know that each and every one of us have already lost some of our loved ones to the black taint that is the undead. The walking corpses of pure sin. I know that it is hard to kill the ones that you love when everything that makes them a pony is gone and replaced with an animal like creature. But they meet us on this most holy ground, ground that we all can call home. Ground that we own! Our home! If you stand here now then you are willing to defend everything that you hold dear. If you are here now then you will not let anyone of those bastards past these lines! If you are with me now then you will defend! For Ponyville! For the Princesses! For Equestria!!!"

He pointed at the undead as if asking for them to charge at him, they roared and pushed on from the forest revealing their true numbers. Alex had 100 defenders and they had 500. Outnumbered 5 to 1, but Alex had faith in this defense, he knew they would not let Ponyville fall into the hands of evil. They charged up the hill and were eagerly awaiting the spear heads of the first line. Alex said to Twilight and Rarity, "Stay together. I can't afford to lose either of you."

He looked to Rarity whose eyes lit up a bright blue energy and she jumped and hovered in the air and hovered by a bright blue aura. Opening her hooves and Alex felt the earth rumble and erupt crystals that swirled around her and Rarity said with a smile and said, "Where else would I be?"

Alex shared a look with Twilight, both equally surprised at the Rarity they saw now. But their gaze fixated on the enemy once more and the Undead were almost close to them now. Alex muttered to himself, "When shadows come to claim our souls, some must rise the Light of old. Names in stone spirits of legend, deeds unknown yet never forgotten. These are the Duranin. Of honor within and of fear without, remember them when in hope you doubt."

As he finished the last line his physical form flashed away with the crack of lightning and briefly revealed him fully armored and holding the Ashbringer. But as the undead came close to him his sword burned bright and hot like it was fresh out of the forge and it came down slashing through his first undead that came close to him. Slicing through too many to count. Like wheat to a scythe they fell before him, less put together than most of the undead that Alex had faced before. Hastily put together soldiers. This was not a real attack, this was one to shake them. Scare them into submission.

They had struck hard and fast. Breaking through almost the entire first line. A few falling and to be consumed by the horde of ghouls. Blood flying through the air and falling with the rain. Alex brought back his sword and slashed through another ghoul. Cutting down each and every ghoul that came towards him like wheat to a scythe. Like a machine that was prepared for utter decimation. Two tried to down Alex but he decapitated the other and the last sank his teeth into the headless corpse.

Alex strained pushed against the strength of the ghoul. With all his might he shoved against the ghoul and pushed him off. The ghoul fell to the ground and with a final hiss Alex pulled his sword up and stabbed it deep into the undead's chest. He looked around and saw that they were putting up a good resistance. With the occasional casualty. Five or six for every defender. The only ones who actually knew what they were doing was, in hind sight, Alex. Twilight would likely need to rest after this, and who knows how Rarity would react. Alex only hopes that he pressed the no longer ponies part into them enough. Alex was the only one who has prior knowledge of warfare. He was their only hope in this battle. Alex drew his sword close after he cut another one down and prayed into the blade. The blade hummed and lit up to his soft and well heard prayer, white electricity rippling off the blade. Alex took it and stabbed the sword deep into the earth. The earth erupted and cracked, small chasms filled with pure light erupted up and either swallowed the ghouls or disintegrated them into pure dust.

Alex felt the slight tug on his muscles as he finished his prayer, Consecration it was called. Alex refocused and saw almost equal numbers with the undead and the defenders. Alex prayed to the Light that they would make it out of this.

Rarity knew the first thing that her friends would ask. Where did she learn to do such aggressive magic? The truth was that she had always known. Ever since she learned of magic she had a silent obsession with learning more than just advanced telekinesis incantations. She knew an array of spells, mainly involving making constructs. Mostly of the crystal variety. She had secret tomes that were kept by her grand father that taught the art of casting constructs. So she picked them up and in her free time when she did not have any jobs and all her household chores were finished she would go to her old house and practice.

She used it uniquely however and used telekinesis as well a part of her magic casting. Often connecting constructs and telekinesis. Rarity felt her heart tug as she recognized most of the faces that were the undead ponies. She told herself so many times that they were no longer ponies and it helped her cope with the traumatic stress that came with killing those that she used to know. She gathered magic in front of her and the crystals she had immersed answered her call and they gathered in a big heap. She clapped her hooves and they shattered into many shards. All taking the form of sharp needles.

She opened her hooves once more and they followed her movements and they awaited her next command at her sides. Once she found her targets she thrust her hooves forward and the needles flew forward. All stabbing into multiple ghouls and a few fell to the ground with death overtaking them. She then smashed into the ground kicked up dirt and earth as a small shockwave went out. That fear of their nightmarish faces came inside of her and was very strong. She almost fell back out of fear but reminded herself that these were undead. No mercy.

Rarity could not believe the atrocities that she subjected herself to. Bodies lying across the grass knolls to Ponyville. Near the entrance of town past the bridge and holding their position as best they could. The air was suddenly cold and pierced through her like a knife running against her skin. Each and every ghoul was as cruel and gaunt as the last. Rarity found five surrounding her but luckily they swarmed and did not think much into strategy. Rarity flicked her hoof while she used a spell and a solid blade made of bright magenta arcanic energy formed on her hoof, a full three feet long. She readied it for combat even though she could feel her stomach wrenching against her torso. She fought with herself to fight. She was not about to let her friends put themselves in danger and have her sit on the side lines. It was not going to happen.

The readied unicorn counter charged one of the ghouls and shoved her arcane blade deep into the ghoul's chest and it fell over as its empty veins filled with the same magenta color. Blood or whatever it was that inhabited the undead corpse spurted out of the wound and splattered over Rarity's nicely groomed coat. But horror had over taken her, for her to care about anything but surviving. Arcanic energy crackled on her hoof as she readied another spell, her horn glowing with the same color. She shot her hoof forward and a bolt of energy shot out and hit one of the charging ghouls. Striking it right in the chest and it sprawling on the ground. The other three closed in on her and as they approached she reeled her hoof back and then swung it in a wide arc while also casting a spell. A wave of magenta magic sliced all three in half and the cleaved ghouls steamed with the heated slice and with a sound of meat falling to the ground she focused on something else to try and occupy her mind besides the battle she subjected herself to viewing.

The clouded dark engulfed the land and nipped the defenders as they made quick finishes of the ghouls, Twilight rounded the rest up and incinerated them. Twilight, it seemed to Rarity at least, handled the fighting much better than Rarity and she was more against warfare than any other pony. When it was all said and done, she stood on the battlefield and finally she felt her stomach heave back and she leaned back and let the contents of her stomach spill out of her mouth. Spewing over the ground and a little bit still clung to her muzzle she wrenched back another time and more came out. The smell was almost unbearable and the feelings of having to kill was unlike anything she had done before. The sights and feelings still fresh within her even though it happened only a few minutes ago.

They suffered some heavy losses, having lost twenty five ponies and one of them was bitten by one of them. Alex had to kill him as he had explained that the disease could spread through the ghouls and turn ponies into them. Rarity never could have imagined the dark magic that it took to concoct such a disgusting substance. How could one pony be so cruel as to do this? She began to question whether or not these people from Azeroth were actual ponies. Then again this came from a pony that barely seen the inside of Equestria. Beyond their borders was a mystery to her. If one thing however was certain, it was that this war was not going to end any time soon. And not without its acceptable amount of bodies. And with that last thought she wrenched back and spewed out more of her dinner. Fertilizing the grass and seemingly having the nightmarish images disappear.

Author's Note

Finally an update, sorry for the long read but these are going to be a bit longer than usual because of everything that I am setting up. Leaving no stone unturned. I hope you enjoyed it!

:raritywink:
~Sylus~

Ch. 15 - Dear Sister

"Ugh..." Luna stirred herself awake. Her eyes trying as much as she could to open up her eyes, straining with all she could to open her eyes. But they felt as if metallic weights were forcing them down, never before has she ever felt so weak. All of her muscles completely sapped. It was not through magical exhaustion, she almost completely never felt that ever since her ascension. She felt drained of her strength, like she had done something all too strenuous on her immortal physique. Which had to be a lot considering she was the goddess of the moon. She felt as though she was being siphoned, her strength and stamina slowly draining out.

Though she could not see she tried to move her hooves. Which two factors prevented her from doing such a trivial task. For one thing she did not have enough strength to barely move it, second she was bound in chains that hung high from the ceiling. Her fore hooves lifted in the air, suspended for the stars know how long. Weak. Weakness racked all over her body.

She forced her eyes to open, grogginess in her eyes. With her vision blurred she hoped that she might be able to make out what in the name of Tartarus was going on, and where she was. But all she could make out was the dark stone walls that seemed to close in on her. Her chains rattled slightly with her slow movement. She had never been left so castrated as now. Finally after a few minutes she fully opened her eyes, and vaguely had enough strength to lift her head. Her vision still blurred and all the shapes in front of her she could almost not make out. She hated herself, she could have sensed that surprise attack if she so chose to. She was a fool to allow herself to be captured like that. Once she had finally released herself from the shell of sleep her back rose up with sudden heated pain.

Luna winced at the painful feeling and vaguely felt the burning sensation, and the small trickle of fluid coming down from where her wings were supposed to be. Huh...her wings...she could not feel her wings. She scrambled as best she could to try and see her back. She looked and saw that all the skin and fur of her back had been ripped and torn off. She saw every bleeding muscle, even where her wings were supposed to be. There she saw little stubs as she tried to wiggle her wings. Every crevice of her back quickly filling with blood. She growled once more at the pain and shoved her face in her hoof, biting hard on the appendage to try and ease the pain of her back. She did not have long before she would pass out from blood loss. About five to ten minutes if she was lucky.

Luna clenched her eyes shut and forced her magic to try and do something about her wounds. When nothing happened she brushed her head against her raised hoof and squealed as she felt a stump hit her hoof. She could not believe it. Not only was she prevented from flying but she was also prevented from magic. At least her horn was not bleeding out, the same could not be said about her back. She had never felt so mortal as she did now. Never had she felt so helpless.

Her blurred vision cleared mostly as she looked up gravely and soaked in her environment. It looked like a dungeon mixed with some twisted macabre laboratory. Multiple tables sat strewn across the stone room, holding racks of tubes and other glassware. Cells lined the outer edge of the room. Wrought iron bars could be vaguely seen from the dim lighting offered by the sconces along the wall. Lying in the center of the room was an operating table. Luna tried her best to make out the shapes that were at the operating table. Only two ponies, one who hovered and the other who was the victim of the hoverer's actions. The victim appeared bleached white at the hooves and the hoverer was wearing a long lab coat. The lab coat wearer seemed hard at work and deep in thought. Luna tried to force herself to speak out and warn of the consequences that pony would have on kidnapping the two diarchs of Equestria, but her throat seemed to be sore and left her unable to speak. She listened with the only sense that she was in control right now, her hearing.

That same high pitched annoying voice as before rang out, "Now do not squirm, you do not want to make this hurt more than it is supposed to do you?"

Celestia tried with all of her might to break free and she roared across the chambers, "I promise by all that is holy that if you continue this. I will make you feel the wrath of the sun itself!"

The lab coated pony gripped her muzzle and shut her up and taking a long metallic rod that glowed a bright blue electric energy on it and jabbed it hard into her side. Celestia clenched in pain and growled as the pony stopped. The torturer kept the electric current going and as he did so he said, "Nch nch, now is that any way how to treat you host...I wonder...how long can you put up with this?"

Luna gathered all of the strength she could muster and said, "Don't...leave...leave her alone..."

The lab coated pony turned and his decayed face beamed with joy and his voice rand out once more, "Good news everyone! The nightly guardian has awakened, and now we can begin the real experiments."

That will not be necessary, Professor Putricide. A deep and chorusful voice answered. Each vibration of his voice sent out waves of power and rumbled the very earth they were beneath. Luna lifted her head to try and find the voice, looking up she saw a figure similar to the one Celestia had seen in her dream. But this one was taller and was more heavily plated than the first. His skull very visible and his armor clanked as he entered the room. He held a lot of power at his fingertips, Luna quivered as she felt his aura of power as he floated into the room.

Putricide bowed, "My lord Nel'Thrix. Welcome to my laboratory. I hope it is to our master's liking."

Nel'Thrix hissed at Putricide, I did not come here to be sided by a friendly conversation. Now, show me the reason that you have requested my presence before I use your head as ambience for a room.

The lich hovered into the room and stood above Putricide and he replied, "I assure you that you will not be disappointed with-"

"I will see to it that you are both bleeding on the floor begging for your lives." Luna managed to growl out. Which offered the attention of Nel'Thrix and Putricide.

Putricide snapped, "Quiet! You-"

No, Putricide...stop...tell me, what was their purpose?

Putricide answered matter of factedly, "They are going to be power units for charging both our necropolis' and our undead."

Nel'Thrix stepped closer to Luna an leaned in really close. Their nozzles almost touching, Luna grunted at this sudden invasion of space. But the mere feeling of him near her sent shivers up her spine. He was powerful and she was not, she could not outsmart him any day of the weak. Or out cast him. His large dark blue glowing orbs stared into her very soul. His gaze narrowed and he said aloud, Your soul...it is...broken...and confused. You do not know where you lie...you are neither good nor evil. For you have carried both of each...and lived to tell the tale...most interesting.

Luna spat in his face and felt a surge of strength and pulling her head back she cracked it into the undead pony's head. He reeled back but Luna felt magic wrapping around her throat, squeezing out her life. Her soul being sucked out, desperate gasps and coughs for air filled Luna. The lich cackled, A strong one...that strength of yours can get yourself in trouble...

She felt something sift through her mind, an entity that looked through her mind and heart. Knowing what it was she thought and what she felt. It struck hard and her back flared up in sudden pain and she seized as she tried to fall to the ground. Her soul screamed in terror and her voice ripped through the stone halls as the entity continued to rip apart her brain. Nel'Thrix had an outstretched hoof that glowed in bright blue energy and he said, So much jealousy and envy for your older sister...a thousand years of resentment and hatred. You are perhaps as dark as Arthas himself...

"Don't listen to him Luna! You are stronger than this!-"

Silence! Nel'Thrix lifted his other hoof and a cut formed along Celestia's stomach, glowing blue and filling with frost, prompting a sudden scream of pain from Celestia.

He paused in his words and lowered his hoof, Luna fell limply as the magic lifted from her mind and soul. She paid attention as Nel'Thrix took out something he had sheathed on his back. Nel'Thrix said, We came to this world with hopes that we might live on it to take what deserved to be ours. We were servants of the Lich King once. But no more. Frostmourne no longer whispers to us mainly because it was destroyed. So, I took an artifact form Azeroth with me. Shadowmourne, the sister blade to Frostmourne.

Luna looked up and, drenched in sweat that dripped down her cheeks she saw a large axe that looked archaic and dark, frost clung to the dark metal haft and the skull of something stared a lifeless blue hue and Luna. Dark energy breathed in and out of it, it was not inanimate like most weapons were this had a conscience. It looked intimidating and imposing. Holding the axe in one hoof and her other outstretched facing Luna. The magic rising in her mind once more. She screamed as it increased the pain of her back and he said, You have been wronged by your sister, she can no longer help you. Nopony can.

"No...it's...it's not true!" Luna shouted back as best she could.

He continued, You have been an outcast ever since you were a filly. Why were you picked out? Why was it? And your sister allowed this to go on while she was gone doing who knows what.

Luna could not help but conform to the superior magic of the lich and she fell limp. Nel'Thrix yanked his outstretched hoof and coming out of Luna's open mouth was her very soul. All conscious thoughts ripped out and being replaced by something cold and dark, she still held somewhat control but she knew that her thoughts were not her own. She shivered and Nel'Thrix asked, Now that is over, I must ask, how do you feel?

She did not immediately answer that question. She let it sink back into her. She returned and her subjects still held fear and terror in their hearts. Why was she supposed to be feared? She did not harm anypony that walked in her light. She did not deserve to be treated like such filth and trash. Her jealousy built up inside the pit of her stomach and she let vengeance rise in her. And she opened her eyes. She felt power filling her veins. Not like the power that Nightmare Moon had promised, it was much stronger and more potent than that magic. Luna stood on her hooves with ease as her strength had returned to her. Her eyes blazed with dark blue smoke and glowed the same tint. Luna stared straight at Nel'Thrix and that same fear she had once felt was gone. Replaced with emptiness.

She answered with a voice that had echoes of other voices following her own, a steely voice came out, I feel like I can freeze the whole world in fear and drink in their terror.

Nel'Thrix smiled and said lifting Shadowmourne to her, Then the pact is nearly done. All that awaits you and your new purpose is to grasp the axe and seize power unlimited.

Luna lifted her hoof but the chains stopped her. Luna looked at them and with anger flaring briefly she ripped the chains apart and the shackle bracers still clung to her and she siezed the axe and a shiver rippled through her. Magic spreading over her and as it did she glowed bright blue and in a flash she revealed herself fully armored. Heavy plate that was dark ebony. Her chestplate had an emblazoned skull design on it. From neck to toe she was dressed for slaughter. Her shoulderplates were still metal but large skulls were carved out and glowed bright blue like her eyes. A small row of spikes on the crest of the shoulderplates. A hood was pulled over her only showing her glowing eyes. Her horn had grown back and so did her wings which now only had rough muscle and sinew. Luna smiled as she tested the weight of the axe and her deeper voice echoed with much power and with a cruel smile on her face she asked, Where are some lambs to slaughter?

Author's Note

Death Knight Luna, yeah, how do you like that? I hope that was awesome for a few of you. I had to do this, it was just too awesome to pass up.

Ch. 16 - Ashes of Eternity

After that certainly eventful meeting, Alex decided to calm down his nerves by meditating. Clearing his mind and allowing nothing to fill him, but this time he was not trying to center himself and open himself to the Light. This time, he was was trying to enter that place in between Equis and Azeroth. Where he had first met Ashbringer, where he came into this world. He thought that maybe the Ashbringer might have more insight into their situation.

Focusing hard, Alex felt the wind suddenly change and opened his eyes. The same barren desert he had seen before on his way in, and the same shrouded figure in front of him. Alex stood up, his armor clanking and lifting to his weight and his heresy. His broadsword resting at his side and an itch for him to draw it. Alex stood up and a gentle breeze rocked over Alex. It was anything but calming as his situation. So many ponies looked to him for advice, tutorship, and apprenticeship so they can just protect themselves from the undead. Alex knew where they were coming from though, so he felt a sense of obligation to help these ponies. So the same fate that befell Alex's own people did not befall the ponies.

The Ashbringer said, staring out into the setting sun, "A glorious end of the day, making way for an even more gorgeous night, don't you think?"

Alex grunted as he stepped next to the Ashbringer, "There are more important things right now than admiring the setting sun."

Alex glanced over at Ashbringer, moving his eyes slightly and saw a smile curl on his lips and his response to Alex's comment was, "And that is where we differ Alexandros. I can see the beauty in all things, the simplest things. Whereas you tend to live in the moment, not wanting to waste a breath to taking in the grandeur. Often times we can find the answer for our questions in the little things in life."

Alex returned the ghost of a smile, "I do not remember you being so cryptic."

"I have to," Turning fully to meet Alex, "If I'm not, then who will? Last I recall I am merely a part of you."

Ashbringer's expression suddenly turned dark and said, "Your enemy has moved quite well in the past few days."

Alex faced Ashbringer fully and asked, "How are you able to go over such long distances?"

"I am an apparition of you," Ashbringer replied swiftly, "I can extend my reach from the sword as long as I need. But when I am near a soul stealing blade I must return to the blade."

"So they have Frostmourne?"

"No, the have the sister blade and you might not like the one that wields it."

Alex nodded promptly and Ashbringer waved his hoof in front of him and a gathering of clouds formed and swirled into images and he could hear powerful voices exchange words.

A deep feminine voice dictated, The preparations have been made and they will soon rise.

A lich voice that Alex had come to memorize answered, Excellent my champion. The first of the Equestrian Death Knights. You will lead the Fallen to victory sevenfold. Your one mission and one mission alone is to follow Rovos and my orders, no others are above you. Now meet with Rovos, he will raise your brothers and sisters soon.

Alex then saw the image shimmer and he saw a tall standing midnight colored alicorn dressed in imposing ebony plate armor. Carved skulls were dressed around the armor, spikes faceted on the shoulders. A free flowing mane of pure ice and bright blue eyes illuminating the pale midnight coat of fur. Very imposing and very similar to the Death Knights that Alex knew very well. But his eyes moved to the axe readied at the undead mare's side. Shadowmourne, the weapon that tried to take over Frostmourne's place as collector of the damned. Frost flowing and sticking to the archaic head and the skull of a frost wyrm on the top. It held many similarities to Frostmourne, forged into an axe rather than a sword to show that the two sister blades are opposite each other. Alex froze as he thought of the countless souls that reside inside of the Ashbringer because of his fall. Alex had seen images of the Death Knight inside the mirror, but they much more cheery and more lively than the mare he saw now. It was Luna.

Alex turned and rubbed his hoof on his chin and in a slightly agitated voice he stated, "So they have caused Luna to fall to darkness once more?"

Ashbringer added, "That who has been wounded by darkness can be infected by it."

Alex crossed a hoof over his chest and rested his other elbow on the edge of his hoof in his armpit, tapping his chin as he prompted, "Nel'Thrix said something about the Fallen? Is he referring to the undead?"

The paladin turned his head and Ashbringer answered after a brief nod, "Yes. These are not the undead that you know. The Fallen are much more calculated and powerful than before. The Scourge were stunted because a small part of Arthas still remained and had mercy on Azeroth. Now they can inflict unparalleled terror on Equis."

There was cold silence after Ashbringer spoke. Both remembering their time served as one of the Four Horsemen. Slaughtering as the Lich King saw fit. After minutes of silence Ashbringer spoke offering him Alex's attention, "Your only chance at surviving is to find the Ashbringer before they do. They will only grow more powerful, this rests on your shoulders."

Alex returned, "Is there anything that you can do to help Luna?"

Ashrbinger released a sigh and moved his gaze longingly to the setting sun, "I can offer only possibilities. Again, it falls on you what you choose to do with the Light. You still follow its domain but it is in abundance here. Do with it what you will. Farewell."

Alex nodded and closed his eyes, his conscience moving from that place and being put back into his own mind. Alex shot his eyes open, while he had gotten information it was not the information he expected. At least he had a way to keep tabs on Rovos and the Fallen. Alex stood up from his crossed sitting position and stretched out like a cat, breaking a few kinks in his back. Be was left sore after the battle, something he would have to get used to.

"I thought we agreed that you can't wander on your own?" Alex looked back and found Rarity. Her mane and tail combed very casually, not in its usual curls but she looked in the process of finishing. She was looking healthier than she was a few hours ago, as beautiful as always.

Alex smiled and returned, "I thought it would be well within reason that I have a few moments on my own."

Rarity smiled and said, "Just try not to terry too far."

Silence had ensued for a few moments and Alex was the first to speak, interrupting Rarity, "I want to apologize."

Rarity slightly kept her smile as she lifted an eyebrow, "What for?"

Alex rubbed the back of his neck keeping his gaze on her large blue orbs, "About the whole thing with Silver Bolt. I just..."

Rarity raised a hoof and said, "Say no more, you still have to get used to the royal family and the lines of leadership if something wrong did come across the princesses. Silver Bolt was just trying to ensure that your intentions were pure."

Alex grunted, "More pure than his."

Rarity nodded ignoring his comment to himself. Rarity finally said, "Twilight made an agreement with Silver Bolt that they won't leave for a few more minutes cause she-"

"She wants to read more in that book?" Alex finished for her. Letting Rarity nod, Alex shook his head and said aloud, "I could have sworn I have seen that book before. Did she say where she got it from?"

It seemed vaguely familiar to him but he could not place the location where he saw it or the title of the book. It was all rather strange, she knew the name of one of the agents of the Lich King. Rogue agent anyway, and she held a mysterious tome that held familiar feelings and letters inscribed on it. Alex looked up as he noticed another form walking past them and saw it was Fluttershy. Alex went to greet her when she passed right by him with a look of horror on her face.

Alex followed his gaze on her and said, "What's wrong Fluttershy?"

She jumped at the sudden attention but composed after she saw Alex, in her ever timid voice she said, "Oh, hello Alex. I...I was just going to check up on something. I heard this voice call out to me for help so I just had to find out where it was...it sounded hurt."

Alex nodded, "Well then point us into the right direction."

Fluttershy just gave an agreeable Mmhm. They followed Fluttershy until they reached the bottom of a bridge and in the gentle current and stained in crimson was something that Alex could not believe his eyes. It was a Faerie Dragon, from Azeroth. He wondered why it was here. Fluttershy reached out to grab the faerie dragon and said, "Oh you poor thing, are you alright? Where does it hurt?"

The faerie dragon looked up at the gentle pegasus with large emerald green eyes and in an ever soft spoken and child like voice it responded, "Thank you so much. I...oh my."

The faerie dragon uttered when she saw Alex. The faerie dragon said, "You...you do not belong here...like me..."

Rarity asked, "What creature is this?"

Alex answered, "It is a Faerie Dragon, a roaming creature from my own lands of Azeroth. They are peaceful creatures that prefer to live in forests of light. But it would seem that it mistaken the Everfree as a beacon."

Fluttershy looked at him with wide pleadful eyes, "What is it you can do to save it?"

The faerie dragon rushed out of Fluttershy's craddled hooves and sprung into Alex's. He took a closer look at the thing. Faerie dragons never grew to be overly big, he only large ones came from a spell cast from a mage. It had an air of health and healing that touched Alex's very soul. It had bright red tall ears that folded down against its slightly flattened rounded head. The scales were of a dark emerald hue with hints of blue, orange, and red all round it. Its wings were small and folded well, though a large gash moved from its small shoulder to its wing. It was very adorable and cute, almost overly so. Alex rested a hoof on the quavered dragon and he silently prayed to the light to heal and he was answered. His hoof glowed as he pressed it lightly against the faerie dragon and lifted it once the energy died. He opened his eyes and the dragon leaned up and licked his cheek saying, "Thank you friend! Oh I've never felt so strong before."

Alex hefted the filly sized faerie dragon and asked, "How did you get here?"

"I...I don't know...one minute I am contemplating the weight of a human head, by the way did you know that it weighs ten pounds? Then the next I'm just...flying away from these horrible creatures." The faerie dragon shuddered in Alex's hooves and Fluttershy rested a hoof on the dragon to soothe it and she seemed to calm down.

Alex asked, "Creatures?"

The faerie dragon nodded at him and said softly, "They were decayed and rotted, it was not very pleasant...I did everything I could to try and stop them but...I got injured."

Rarity tapped Alex on the shoulder and whispered, "Can we talk?"

"Sure just a sec," Alex looked back at the dragon and asked, "What is your name?"

The faerie dragon perked up and answered in an ever joyous tone, "Oh, my name is Brightwing! A pleasure meeting your acquaintance mister..."

"Alex,"

He replied, "I will be right back, in the meantime Fluttershy will keep you company."

Alex set Brightwing back into the grass and stood up. He brushed himself off and followed Rarity a few feet away, just out of earshot and Rarity asked, "What is going on? Is it just me or are there a lot of beings coming from your world?"

Alex ran a hoof through his mane and replied, "I don't know, if I did I likely would have told you by now...let's put it aside for now and focus on what's important."

Rarity nodded and said, "So what are we going to do about Brightwing?"

Alex looked over and saw Fluttershy and Brightwing getting along seamlessly. Alex thought for a second then responded, "I'll take care of her, Fluttershy has enough on her plate with Angel and her other animals. If that is okay with you."

Rarity shrugged, "It's...fine...I mean, Opal does not really care in these later days. She seems more nonchalant than usual so as long as you want to do this, it's fine with me."

Alex and Rarity joined Fluttershy and Brightwing as they approached Brightwing said, "Oh I have always been able to talk, since the day I just a little hatchling."

Alex interrupted, "Brightwing? Do you mind if I-"

"Yeah sure," Brightwing interrupted, "It's fine. I would be more than glad to live with you."

Alex was about to say something else when he was shushed by Brightwing's wing and she said, "I am new to this place and I don't know where to go. I think I need to know where my friends are."

Alex shrugged, "Well alright then. Fluttershy you don't mind taking care of Brightwing while I'm gone right?"

Fluttershy responded in a heartbeat, "Oh without a doubt!"

Alex stood and looked over to Rarity and said, "I think we should meet with the rest and get ready to head out. They are likely waiting for us."

Rarity raised a hoof and said, "After you, darling."

Rarity had to admit that with the new change of her focus, it was rather taxing on her mind. Most if not all of what she thought about used to be what sequins match, how many seems would be needed for a nice gala dress, and how many needles she needed. Now it was what defensive spells she needed to learn, how to remove blood stains from her coat and clothes if she wore any. Likely she would have to wear some kind of armor. Alex highly suggested it and she was not about to doubt him, she was not Twilight who questions his every other move when he knew next to everything about the enemy. Which is what scared her and allowed her to sleep at night because of it.

She glanced at the battle dressed stallion and took note that he knew more about the enemy than anypony, and nopony questioned that fact. He hunted these foul beasts but when does the hunter become the hunted. Perhaps he left his world before he became the hunted. Or he stayed the hunter.

"Alex!"

Rarity looked and saw Twilight jogging to meet them. Rarity waved a hoof and Twilight replied with a brief but bright smile but it died quickly as she looked over at Alex who turned to meet her and said in reply, "Hey Twilight."

Twilight joined their side and chided, "There has been something on my mind lately that has been bugging me."

"Okay, what is it?"

Twilight took a deep breath and asked with a twinge of fear in her voice, "Who is this 'Lich King'?"

Rarity kept her gaze on Alex and from the question it appeared to be a sore subject to bring up. Alex rolled his shoulder and explained, "I used to call him my Prince. I used to call him a fellow brother in our order. When the Scourge plundered across our lands, Arthas was one of the first to answer. Like his teacher he was noble and honorable. But then he became obssessed with Mal'Ganis and wanted nothing more than to kill him, his heart grew dark and his mind clouded away from judgment. He chased Mal'Ganis to Northrend and hunted him into the snow ridden wastelands of Icecrown. It was there that he truly embraced darkness and killed the expedition that he brought with him to feed the dark and hungry sword, Frostmourne. He came back and slaughtered all of his people to raise them again as his twisted and malformed undead army. No one able to stop him, not even me."

The feelings he radiated were dark and mournful, crackling with emotions not felt for a long time. Rarity gulped hard at his explanation, she imagined an endless field of dead bodies littered across the land. She can see those dark creatures hobbling over the decaying corpses. All moving closer to a pony dressed in dark armour. She shuddered as she returned from her over acting imagination. She looked over and met eyes with Twilight as she said, "I'm sorry for opening a closed wound I didn't mean to-"

"It's fine Twilight," Alex returned, "You probably should know, considering Rovos was once his servant. Or the servant to his right hand, Kel'Thuzad. And there is something that you both should know...Princess Luna is now a Death Knight, she is now a soulless servant of Rovos and the Fallen."

Both their hearts stopped as they heard this, their goddess of the moon fallen once again to evil forces. Rarity shook her head slightly and said, "I can't believe it...how do you know about this?"

Alex replied, "The Ashbringer is...split...it has many eyes and can watch our enemy and come back to me with what it saw. And it saw Luna dressed in dark ebony armour, carrying Frostmourne's sister blade Shadowmourne..."

They put the conversation hold, though on a darker note, as they joined with the other members of their rescue party. Silver Bolt and Firefly were waiting incessantly for them to arrive. Silver had his hooves crossed over his chest, a cloak wrapped around his shoulders leaning against a tree. Firefly was sitting on a stump twirling a knife around her hoof. A dagger to be more specific, a red hued blade that glinted in the light. They both looked up as they approached them, Silver Bolt spoke snidely, "So Ponyville's vaunted justice returns, perhaps to admit that I am your leader now."

Alex growled, "I am not of this country, you are no leader of mine. That and you have no idea the enemy that we face. Once you look into their eyes you will never be the same again."

Alex stepped threateningly in Silver Bolt's face and hissed, "And I would suggest for your sake that you cut the attitude. I do not take kindly to those pretending to be my allies."

They exchanged angered looks and once again Twilight split them up and stepped in between them and said, "If their goal was to divide us then it is clearly working, both of you calm down or I will find the princesses myself. Now, can we all at least try to get along while we're together. Lets try and work together."

Silver Bolt snarled, "I suppose..."

Twilight breathed an air of relief, "Good, now let's go shall we?"

Alex and Twilight took the lead and Firefly and Silver Bolt right behind them. Rarity brought up the rear and gathered her vision about herself, noticing details and things that she could easily remember. She knew Ponyville and the outlaying countryside for miles around. Ponyville Cemetery was only about two or three miles away. When her gaze returned to the front of her, her gaze was glued to the dark tome that was fashioned to a chain that clanked at Twilight's side. Swaying back and forth, Rarity was not one that could sense magic very well that was more Twilight's thing. But she could just tell that it held some wild magic within it, like Discord used it as a napkin. It was not a pleasant feeling but Twilight knew what she was doing but Rarity hoped that she would not have to reform Twilight like they did with Luna.

Now that she thought of Luna and the recent news of her becoming this 'Death Knight', horrific images sprang to mind as she thought of what such a title as that might entail. Nothing pleasant, she could imagine. All that she hoped was that she could be saved once again.

Author's Note

Sorry for such the long wait for this one, I had SO much other stuff to do. Nothing that was more important I just kind of forgot about this one. You all know how it is, I tend to bite off more than I can chew :twilightsmile:

More to come, just be patient.

Ch. 17 - Lament of Innocence

Ditzy's ears burned with the loud thunder of heavy steel, shaping under the hooves of who she knew to be a master blacksmith. Ditzy curled closer and embraced the warm blanket and the bright red glow of the iron furnace. Its heat not offering her any comfort of the days that have passed.

As she thought, her breathes drew more hoarse as they came out.

She longed for the bright summer days that she could spend appreciating the work done by all. What everypony had worked for since the last weeks of winter. She longed for he cold days of winter where she could cuddle close to a hearth and let the evening unwind and she could finally relax from a long and strenuous day of delivering mail. But such days can never be known again.

Earlier she had seen the Cutie Mark Crusaders baring weapons, small of stature, and sullen faces. She had heard what happened at the school house during the outbreak. The poor fillies had to put down close friends of theirs. Former, close friends.

Alex had explained it to her and she had mildly understood what was going on but it did not stop her heart from dropping into the pit of her stomach. And now their only line of defense was now on an expedition to save their princesses from certain doom. It all was too much.

Tears brimmed in her eyes. She wanted peace again. She wanted the old days. But she was not sure if even that is possible any more. She fixated her eyes on the floor and was complying with Alex's exact orders. He said for them to not leave the forge under any circumstances. While Ponyville might be safe for the moment, there is always a chance that the undead will be out there. Ditzy shook her head as she stared at the floor. The constant ringing of metal against metal soothed her, slightly, it at least distracted her from her thoughts that have lately been ever plagued by the Scourge. The double beats left her with constant noise in her ears. One right after another in rapid succession. Virtuoso was tasked with learning the nuances of the forge and aid Steel Flash in making proper weapons for the militia.

Ditzy smiled even at the mere mention of his name. She was glad that she was now with somepony, to aid her in the darkness that would soon envelope all of Equestria if they cannot stop Nel'Thrix. She had evesdropped on their conversations from time to time, listened in on their tactics and planning. Ditzy shook her head and listened as one of the bangs stopped, and no sooner than a few seconds she saw Virtuoso standing in the threshold wiping the coal ash from his hooves. Soot covered most of his face, other than the eyes and they looked upon her with both curiosity and sympathy. Ditzy looked back to the floor and drooped her ears, still troubled by the latest events.

Virtuoso crossed the room and rested a hoof on her shoulder, "Darling, are you alright?"

Ditzy gave a sour chuckle and responded, "Alright? Half of the town that I grew up in are walking dead and I have to watch as they are killed again. Not exactly the definition of alright."

Virtuoso chuckled, despite seeing the chargrin on her face, "Okay no need to get hysterical about it."

Ditzy blinked, seeing fresh the image of Big Mac dying, she suppressed this and shook her head. The air was heavy and humid even in the warmth of the forge nearby. She huddled on her stool and wrapped her wings around herself in a half hearted attempt to comfort herself. When she knew there was none. There was nothing in this world that could possibly comfort her. She knew that this was all a horrible nightmare that she could never wake up from, this was reality.

She breathed heavily as her ears finally could no longer handle the loud noises, she barked, "I am going to get some air."

Nopony answered her, Virtuoso had gone back to forming steel after a quick peck on her cheek in hopes to comfort her. She huffed as she went outside, a resounding jingle of the bell above the door echoed and stopped after she shut it. The streets picked bare, the windows and doors of some houses boarded up out of fear. The peaceful liveliness of Ponyville was gone, and the grim looks of those she happened to pass by were none the better.

She begrudgingly wandered the streets, no clear path to anywhere, and nearing the edge of the town that was now boarded up. Pony after pony rushing near the perimeter of the makeshift gate, either to help wounded or to prepare for another attack. Paranoia bled into reality and caused her to grunt inwardly at the display. She continued on her walk.

A few minutes had passed, in what felt like eternities. And she had found herself in the public garden, personally maintained by Roseluck and her two sisters. It was a small area, about maybe twenty or thirty feet all around, but it was enough. The only spot in all of Ponyville that did not suffer from the doom and gloom of the rest of the town. The roses in bloom, contrasted by the tulips and the various other flowers. A pleasant smell invaded her nostrils, the smell very much improving some of her mood. The effervescent green grass as well lit a smile across her face briefly. The joyous wildlife while had not largely changed outside, lightened her heart somewhat.

Her mind filled with the pleasant memories of yore, when she and Virtuoso would walk for hours through the Whitetail Woods and the gardens of Manehattan and Baltimare, confiding within each other their feelings and plans for the future. While this moment was small, it was enough to hold the reigns of her sanity for a little while longer.

Her reverie of happiness was broken when she heard the sound of a twig snapping near the edge of the garden. Her ears perking up, her crooked eyes shooting up and her heart pounding in her chest. Her head darted around to see if anypony else was around to hear it. She was alone, no pony around for at least the area around her.

She gulped as she muscled enough courage to at least inspect where the sound had come from. Her hoof falls quiet on the gravel stoned pavement. She tiptoed everso gently towards the sound of the noise, or the origins of the noise at least.

Ditzy tried so much to reassure herself that it was just an animal and nothing else. She both believed herself and also did not believe herself. It was a weird feeling but she muscled through it anyways. Her eyes were glued to the brush near the edge of the garden and to the unforgiving plains of Equestria where the dead now roam free, waiting for her to wander off and become their next meal.

Finally, she stopped at the edge and inspected, crouching down suddenly as she could faintly hear voices, deep and sinister sounding, "The Scourge fools are blind to our intentions. They will not see what is coming to them."

"I applaud you," The second one was deeper and sounded as if knives were scraping across stone, "Avandth, you have been proving a valuable edition to the Nathrezim. You are proving better than even Balnazzar himself."

Ditzy kept quiet, holding her breath in case they could hear her breathing, a far cry but very possible now that the dead can walk.

Avandth replied, "Balnazzar was not discrete. He was sloppy which was how he was caught in the first place. Now he rots within the Twisting Nether. But back to the matter at hand, do you have the serum ready for use?"

The other answered, "A few more tests must be made before we can entrust the formula to you."

A devious chuckled erupted the conversation and a shudder ran up her spine, "Excellent. Soon, both the living and the dead will conform to our will. And what better ground zero than Ponyville itself."

Ditzy's eyes grew the size of plates as she assessed the potential of such a thing. She had no aspirations to do so.

She hovered a hoof over her mouth in petrifying fear and sat back in the brush, quietly. Shaking her head in dismay at what she had heard. But while she was clumsy sometimes does not mean that she is not smart. She put the pieces together but one of them did not fit. Why would they discuss a plan so close to Ponyville unless that is exactly what they wanted. Could this have been a ruse to trick whoever was listening? It very wel might be, but she likely would keep this to herself, the risk was too great if she were inform some other pony.

Gathering herself she slinked away, fear gripping her as she dashed back to the forge, very much preferring the deafening sound of shaping metal over the sound of their dark voices. Making a mad dash towards the forge, where she could at least feel some semblance of safety. As she ran however, she could not shake this feeling of impending doom. Impending doom for all.

A fate, worthy of all ponies.

Author's Note

Took a while to bust open the outline and read back up on my plan for this. Hey, for those of you that don't know (which I highly doubt) World of Warcraft Legion is coming out soon. And I am so sick pumped for it. So, in preparation for this expansion I will take Ashes to Ashes back up and deliver you this very awesome plot that I unjustly left you all hanging. For this, I am deeply sorry. But now it rises again from the ashes (Heh. Get it because...*cough*...anyway).

Enjoy, more to come lovelies!

Ch. 1 - Destinies Change

I... was... pure... once...

Fought... for... righteousness...

I... was... called... Ashbringer...

Betrayed... by... my... order...

Destroyed... by... Kel'Thuzad...

Made... to... serve...

My... son... watched... me... die...

Crusades... fed his rage...

Truth... is... unknown... to him...

Scarlet... Crusade... is pure... no longer...

Balnazzar's... crusade... corrupted... my son...

Kill... them... all!...

Words that cried out of his waning and injured soul. Alexandros awoke unsteadily and sat up fast. He remembered in great detail his life leading up to his death, so much pain and blood. All of which he did not wish upon his sons, Renault and Darion. His eyes adjusted to the lifting haze of deep sleep. He knew not where he was taken or anything dealing with death. All he remembers is calling out to Darion one last time and then nothing but bone chilling darkness. He lifted his arm and clenched his eyes shut together, but there was no hand that rested on him. He sat there with his eyes shut realizing what was resting against his forehead. It was a hoof.

His mind lead him elsewhere for a moment. It kept him from everything, he did not remember a thing about death. All he remembers was loneliness and being cold. His spine shivered as fresh in his mind was the unholy memories of his life. His rise to power, his son's betrayal, his resurrection, and finally his death. He felt wounded that he was the cause for so many hero's deaths. So much blood. So much pain. So much death. His actions were not his own and his powers tainted by the dark magic that resurrected him. Nothing felt much worse than his own despair as he was slain by Darion his youngest son. A fate Darion did not want for him.

He opened his eyes slowly and saw a hoof covered in pale yellow fur, almost a white. He stood up and felt disjointed and weird. On all four legs, every movement was devastatingly hard for him to do. He steadily remembered the way his Charger moved his legs. He mimicked the movements and caught on quite quickly. He said to himself out loud, "By the Light, I think I have this down."

The paladin stopped dead in his tracks he realized something that was strange. His voice was odd. It had a slightly higher tone and was more brave sounding and commanding, same as his old voice but much more younger than the latter. Also, his muscles were not as tight and as sore as they used to be. He felt fresh, he felt younger by about twenty years younger than his age on Azeroth. Although he was not physically damaged he carried on his soul great unimaginable pain. He stood on his hind legs and he stood at his human height and looked down at his hooves. He closed his eyes and for the first time in almost thirty years, held back tears he said shakily, "Light forgive me for my sins... I'm sorry Renault... I'm sorry Darion... I'm...I'm sorry..."

His last words could not exit his lips. He choked back the sadness and uttered, "...Elena."

He breathed in a deep breath and felt sadness very lightly lift from his shoulders. Alexandros still carried an unfathomable amount of despair and regret but he needed to figure out where he was and a place to rest. Waking in a strange land brings disadvantages such as unknown dangers. He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the cry of what seemed to be a woman. He galloped with great speed, with slightly awkward movments. Dodging and weaving through brush and flora, uncharacteristically overgrown even for a forest. He heard another cry, this one more urgent and he picked up his pace. Before he pushed past a wall of brush he heard in the back of his mind,
Our... destiny... has... changed...

He remembered the words and put them in the back of his mind. Alexandros pushed past the brush and saw a terrible sight. In a feedle position on the ground in fear was a young looking mare. Bright blue fear filled eyes, extravagent makeup, a greatly coiffed mane and tail, all accenting well with her whitish grey colored coat. She was cowering in fear to three creatures that looked to be wolves but were made of wood and were bigger than any wolf he has seen. They snarled and barred their fangs as they drew closer to the fearful mare, now holding a unconscious purple dragonling in her hooves. Alexandros prayed to the Light silently to give him the speed and the strength to protect these innocent creatures. It was a long shot for two reasons. One, he was in a different land. Two, he had done enough evil and killed enough innocents to be branded as a murderer. He did not expect the Light to answer his prayer, and it wasn't. So he had to rely on his youthful strength and speed to defeat these strange foes.

Alexandros charged towards the middle one and collided with the beast with his shoulder. Knocking the beast to the ground splintering under his weight. He forgot how strong he was when he was younger. His shoulder bruised under the oaken enemy, he looked down and to his sides. Their preditorial eyes were now on him, their new quarry. Alexandros put on a feirce face and readied himself for their attacks.

The one beneath him was still disoriented from the tackle and did not pose as a threat right now. The one on his right swiped down in a wide arc with its large claws. While they held superior numbers and superior strength he had the superior mind and superior stamina. He quickly dodged out of the way and the blow landed instead on the disoriented wolf on the ground. The wolf howled in pain and its large form fell limp. The other two continued their death stare on him, Alexandros was unfazed by their obvious glares at him to leave. He would not let innocent blood be spilled while he was around, no matter what his past was.

The left charged him and Alexandros used a counter charge of his own. He pushed forward and slammed into his foe. The wolf landed two swipes on its quarry. One across the base of his neck near his throat and the other on his side. Alexandros winced at the pain but responded with renews vigor and strength. He brought his hooves down on the wolf's snout and wood splintered and shattered under his hooves. Barbaric ferocity enclosed around Alexandros as he pooled his emotions into this fight. He kept bringing down his hooves on the oak wolf beneath him and ignored its cries and howls of pain. He was in a flurry of anger and despair. Forlorn of his past life and distraught by the exiting emotions on his family. He had almost lost Elena to wolves and that same protective ferocity he had that day channeled and fueled his attacks now.

Under one more strike to the face the wolf fell limp as it slipped into unconsciousness. He shot his focused gaze on the last wolf and shouted atop his lungs, "How dare you harm the innocent! Leave! NOW!"

The wolf reeled in fear but remained defiant. Alexandros growled under his breath and faster than before he slammed into the wolf but the wolf swatted him away with its paw. He felt the wooden arm bruise and shatter more than a few of his bones. His back slammed against a tree and felt his back tense and pull at his strength, but he put fresh in his mind the day he slew an entire horde of undead. Fatigue grew on his young, not war tightened muscles but stood back up in increased confidence. The wolf looked at him flatly and in awe under his persistence and refusal to let him feast on a small dragon and a... wait was she... she was a unicorn.

He refocused on the wolf with a fierce gaze. He shouted in a powerful voice, "You will not take the lives of these innocents! You fight a losing battle pup."

The wolf focused at the last word and fell aback in distraught and sadness. Alexandros focused and saw that wolf had white ashen wood for its frame and bright red eyes. He slammed his hoof on the ground and yelled, "Leave this place! And be spared!"

Almost like the wolf resonded to him. It regained normal composure and it no longer barred its teeth at him. Instead it dropped its ears and left defeated and fearful of him. Once the wolf was out of ear shot and out of sight he turned his gaze upon the fearful mare. Alexandros could not tell if she held a fearful gaze or a gaze of excitement as she was still alive. It didn't matter to him anyways, he did what he did to protect others. That's all he's ever done.

Rarity was dumbfounded and in awe at the sight she had just beheld. He was swift and tough as he made relatively quick work of the timber wolves. Her mind told her that he was too barbaric for acting so cruelly to those animals, but she couldn't. He carried with him a certain hopeful feeling. Her soul felt calmer around him and she felt warm inside. He was truly a sight to behold. His coat was one of those coats that had two colors, a light yellow like Fluttershy and a bleeding red. His eyes were a dark green like the treetops and flowing in the wind was his beautiful bright orange mane and tail, flowing like the steady and slow rhythm of flames. His frame was of average size and finely toned with strong muscles. With all of his injuries he shrugged them off like it were nothing. He stepped closer to her.

She held Spike tighter and watched as he approached her. In a calm and soothing voice he said with a sympathetic face, "Are you alright miss?"

Rarity was at a loss for words she said in a flustered tone, "I...I mean yes...yes I am...had you not come along I would have been those wolves dinner for sure. You have my deepest gratitude, mister..."

The earth pony stallion sat in silence for a moment. Deep in thought for a few seconds, he finally answered, "I am Alex."

"Well," Rarity said picking up Spike in her hooves and standing up, "A pleasure making your aquaitince Alex. I am Lady Rarity."

There was silence before they started walking in a direction. Rarity said carrying Spike, "I've never seen your face before. So your obviously not from Ponyville. Where are you from?"

Alexandros let the question sink in. He couldn't tell her the whole truth right away, he needed to know whether or not he could trust her. Alexandros met her gaze as they walked, "Let's just say I'm from a far away land."

There was silence again. Making them at the victim of listening to the sounds of the forest. Alexandros expected birds to be singing, animals rustling through the wild. But this forest was not like that. It was deathly quiet, like an undisturbed graveyard. It was eerie and dark, he suspected he arrived sometime in the morning. Inspecting the wild growth around them he said, "If I'm not too blunt I would like to ask, what exactly was your reason for being here?"

Rarity dropped her ears as she said, "I came here looking for gems. I thought the Everfree Forest would have some in the ground. Low and behold all that I exited with was my hooves, my friend Spike, and you."

This place proved to be indeed strange. Dragonlings befriending these ponies. Towns called Ponyville. Dark forests called the Everfree. Nothing appeared overly dangerous at the moment, sure the Everfree was dark and eerie but it was no comparison to Duskwood or Deadwind Pass. It only appeared dangerous, nothing seemed to compare with the dangers of Azeroth. Alexandros focused back on Rarity, of whome was a sight to behold. She carried herself with a certain grace, her voice sounded like she was from Gilneas only less thick of an accent and more calm. Her mane and tail a dark blue color accenting very well with her bright grey coat, up close one can definitely tell that it was a bright grey and not a white. Then he saw the small purple and green dragonling on her back and he noticed something odd. He didn't have any wings. Perhaps he was a dragonkin? Or some other creature.

Alexandros said not breaking his gaze off of the small purple dragonling, "So do all ponies around here befriend dragonlings?"

Rarity seemed lost in thought for a moment and then refocused as she answered, "You mean Spike? He's a baby dragon not...what ever you said."

Silence continued for a few minutes until Rarity said out loud, "Alex. A strange name."

Alexandros' face grew darker as he said, "It's a family name."

Rarity saw the look on his face and said looking at him, "I apologize, I didn't know that you..."

"No. It's fine, you were just curious." Alexandros explained with the ghost of a smile, "Besides, my family isn't as close as we used to be."

She looked over at him and asked with a curious look, "If you don't mind I'd like to ask exactly what that reason is?"

He was about to answer when his chest, hooves, and back flared in pain. He was not in the adrenaline rush of battle anymore, his physical limits have been pushed. He buckled and fell being caught by Rarity. She said exasperatedly, "Alex. Do be careful dear, you have to take it easy you just defeated three timber wolves on your own. We have to get you to a hospital."

Alexandros was about to respond when he felt his eyes grow heavy and slowly his vision was enclosed by shadows. In the back of his mind her heard the choir of voices he was all to familiar with,
Our... connection... can't be... broken...
We... are... one...
You... and... I

Ch. 14 - Light's Vengeance

Twilight had work days. Days spent with hours of constant studying, and nothing but it. She would be lucky if she would eat on those days. She also had days where every chore of Golden Oaks seemed to pile up with no immediate end to their insufferable personalities. It was taxing most of the time and she would feel mental exhaustion most often during those times. But that day, that day she had mental and physical exhaustion like she could not believe. The day that her eyes were opened up to her.

She studied, she studied them as best she could to try and find a way to save them but there was nothing. This infection of the brain was encrypted with magic so dark and ancient that Twilight dare not touch it, not even to know the contents of the spell. It sent shivers up her spine just thinking about the spell. And in return all she got were headaches and visions. She does not know exactly where this originated but she knows that the contents of them are beyond that of Twilight. Her muscles tight and her throat sore from the ashes that now rose. Twilight stood up tall with her shoulders set back and resting from their work of the most recent hours. The day was won, but not without its casualties. Alex could only train so many, only so many could offer their lives for cause they know nothing about. It was an empty victory.

She stood atop a hill just outside on the field of battle where so many fell. Twilight held her head low out of respect for the dead. Was this what it was like to fight? Was this the cold gripping feeling that encompassed the tragedies of war? Are these the spoils of war? Twilight shook her head and a tear shed from her glistening iris as she stared at the dawning sun, peeking through dark clouds that hung a blanket of shadows over all of Ponyville. Lives lost and for what, only to live to die another day. Twilight sniffled as she felt nauseas from the acrid odor that rose into her nostrils. The smell of burning meat, pony meat. Her stomach could almost not bear the smell. They had no immediate plan to be rid of the bodies that piled up after the battle. They decided to erect a monument for the fallen in honor of their memory. The Battle of Falling Swords. Let it be known that the first ponies to die for a cause in a little over a thousand years were ponies that Twilight knew personally. All laying down their lives to help their comrades fight another day.

"Truly admirable traits to possess," Exclaimed a soft spoken male voice. Twilight nearly jumped at the sound coming from behind her. She turned and saw a hooded figure, a pegasus that carried a long knotted staff. He wore a long hooded cloak over what she could only assume was a mage coat of some kind. Raven feathers were stitched to the shoulders. There was a mystical air around him, unknown power that welled beneath his image. All Twilight could see from his face as a beard, aged grey with time and telling Twilight that he had stories. But with age also came power and it seemed to grow with every waking second that Twilight had yet to spend with this unknown stranger. The stranger continued, "Remorse. Empathy for the passings of those that you cared for...the earth will heal in time...as will the mourning and grief that resides deep inside of you. The sacrifices have been and you stand united with that of one from my world and that of your own. One victory of many to come. Do not fret Fin'alah, reinforcements are on their way and you need not worry about casualties that are only your own."

Twilight had so many questions, rushing through her mind like a blur but she decided to start from the beginning with, "Who in the name of Celestia are you?"

The pony removed his hood and revealed his full face. He showed only slight signs of aging from his tall lithe frame. A beard of jet black accompanied by a long jet black hair was most impressive. But what was more impressive was his eyes, holding in his large orbs of pure violet was power beyond anything that Twilight had felt before. Sending waves of electricity through her, it awoken her and warranted her very attention. It was unbelievable. His coat was a faded chestnut color, warm and inviting. Her nerves seemed to loosen a bit but she still held hesitation that he seemed to pick up as he added in his soft spoken tone, "You hold hesitation. That is most agreeable to your current situation...for you alone hold the key to your own planet's salvation...but where are my manners, I am Medivh and like you I am a master of the arcane. I sensed your power even when I entered this world."

Twilight made connections all the time. She had to, who else would. But of all the ponies to make her headache worse it was one that was cryptic beyond reasoning. Twilight pressed a hoof to her head and grunted from the pain. She cast a spell to attempt at suppressing the pain and it seemed to work. The pain subsided and she regathered her wits, Medivh remained as still as a statue staring at her with his large violet and pupilless eyes. Twilight drew back for a second and asked, "Wait...you said you are from another planet and that there is..."

"Yes I mean your friend Alexandros," Medivh nodded with wise words coming from him, "He is not a citizen of Equis, nor will he ever claim to be...and I am afraid that he is not the only one that have arrived from our world of Azeroth. For he brought with him a former student of the Lich King, Rovos the Chilled End who intends to turn this paradise of light into a land of eternal darkness. And Alexandros alone holds the key to saving your world."

Twilight looked downcast as she put it together and uttered, "The Ashbringer..."

Medivh nodded, "Yes my child, the missing part of him. If he does not find it, or worse it falls into the hands of Rovos, then your world is doomed."

Twilight looked back up and asked in a dark and serious tone, "Wait, if he holds the key to our salvation and he does not know it yet then why come to me?"

Medivh looked away and closed his eyes cracking a half smile as he added, "You are even smarter than I gave you credit for...there is a lot of power that wells within you, I can feel it as we speak...My role back on Azeroth was the pariah, the one to issue forth the end times with the invasion of the orcs. I am the one to blame, for there are no others who can be...I escaped my world after the Third War and took it upon myself to reach out and start anew. I came upon this one as it held many parallels to Azeroth, and perhaps even more with Rovos' invasion...I once took up an apprentice...under the haze of my father but I taught him...perhaps it is time that a new Guardian is to arise."

He opened his eyes and stared directly at her and said, "You, you are the New Guardian of Equis. I can teach you."

Twilight said nervously, "I appreciate the offer but-"

"The teachings of friendship can only go so far, Fin'alah," Medivh stepped next to her, "And even before your official studies on friendship you learned arcanic spells of defense. Celestia took you under her wing because she feared you, she wanted to keep you safe so you would control your powers...now that you have control over your abilities then your proper training can begin."

Medivh reached under the fabric of his cloak and took out a large tome and handed it to Twilight. Twilight held back every muscle to not have her scream in utter jubilation. A mystical tome given by an alien pony from another world. She grabbed the aged and cracked leather bound novel and just by touching it she could sense the contents. 5000 pages. 2000 dedicated to an actual subject as it is written in a language that she has no idea how to read or speak. But that is where the other 3000 come into play, it teaches the reader the language. Twilight could feel resonate power coming from the tome and she looked at Medivh with wide eyes and he said, "This will teach you the basics, I shall return with proper instructions on the spells that you will learn from the book. Thalassian is a ver easy language to pick up and I am sure it will come faster to you than any others. Al diel shala...Fin'alah."

Twilight watched as Medivh transformed into a crow and flew off onto the wind. Twilight had no idea how to begin to describe her feelings at that moment. She had just been offered to learn from a mystical and powerful being, so fast and to be honest rushed from her point of view. So fast but she had no choice. Alex was the key to saving Equestria, if somepony had to stand by his side then it would be her. From that moment onward she would dedicate herself to the teachings that this Medivh offered. This being was right, the teachings of friendship can go only so far before things would get repetitive. If she is to continue her studies then this would be it.

She looked down at the book and saw the aged red leather bound under borders of aged tin to hold the leather down. It was worn and beat up, perhaps thousands of years old at Twilight's well educated guess. She found it odd that she moved from one immortal mentor to another. It was odd really. But what was really important was reading the book and learning from it secrets that would allow her to grow as a student of the arcane. She held it up in her magic and opened it up for the very first few pages, in scrawled handwriting at the top it said, "Introduction: Thalassian a Independent Guide". Further intrigued she rushed on and read faster than she ever could before.

Rarity never felt more sick in all of her life. The amount of horrors that she let herself be subjected to was too much on her generous and benevolent mind. She laid out lazily on her bed, her blankets of silk tucked over her to trap in the heat as she felt so cold. Her stomach felt like it tied itself into hard knots. She had never felt so sick before that day. She stared up at the ceiling and she thought to herself why she subjected herself to those atrocities. She was not cut out for combat, and she doubted she ever would.

Rarity felt her knotted stomach heave and she rushed the bucket next to her bed up to her muzzle and spewed whatever contents were left in her stomach. She heaved once more as the sound of the food echoed off the walls of the bucket. She dry heaved and nothing came out. She hated that feeling of puking with an empty stomach. Her lungs burned from her constant vomiting since the battle. Her eyes stayed lulled open and she set the bucket down at the side of her bed using her telekinesis. She groaned at the pulling pain in her stomach. The images she had seen for herself no more than a few hours ago remained fresh in her mind.

She glanced down and saw her reflection in her vanity. She was uncharacteristically pale and there were red rings under the rims of her eyes. Her once proud mane was now a ruffled mess. She just had to step into that battle didn't she. She hated herself at that moment. She raised a hoof to her forehead and closed her eyes trying to take advantage of the situation and get some sleep while she could. However before she was able to settle down and fall asleep she heard gentle knocking on the door.

Rarity answered the knocking, "Come in."

Her voice pained her as it rang out in the room. But her mood heightened as she saw the visitor to her quarters. It was Alex, a smile plastered on his face and a tray of food in his hooves. Orange juice in a tall glass and some herb and noodle soup, the aroma of the soup wafting into her nostrils. She then felt suspended in her own section of heaven as she listened to Alex ask, "I did not want to come in empty hoofed so I made you some breakfast."

Rarity smiled as he ushered himself inside and she said warm heartedly, "That is so sweet, you did not have to do that."

He rested the tray in her lap and he said, "Well, consider this repayment for taking care of me. It's the least that I could do."

There were a few moments of silence as she used her magic to bring a spoonful of noodles to her lips and she gently blew on it to expel the heat it had. She took the spoonful and began to gently chew on the noodles, the warm broth soothing her irritated muscles in her throat and he asked, "So, how are you handling things? And be honest with me."

Rarity swallowed the noodles and responded her voice less hoarse than it was after a sigh, "In all honesty darling I feel like rubbish. I do not feel well at all."

Her face grew dark and she added, "I can't believe that is what happens during war...I thought things were different...I thought...I thought they could all be protected."

Her voice trailed off as she kept her gaze away from Alex, he probably thought less of her for not being as strong or as capable as him. Alex moved her chin and she faced him and he said looking into her eyes, "You can't save everypony. They would not be called consequences if they were just. We all want to keep those close to us so protected that nothing bad will happen but we risk sucking the life out of them if we do so."

Alex wiped away a tear that fell from her eye and continued, "This sickness is just a sign that you still have a heart Rarity. The same thing happened to me the first few times I saw the horrors of battle, and unfortunately I became used to it all. Keep that heart Rarity, you never know when you might need it."

Alex stood up and leaned in gently pecking her on the cheek. It was nothing more than a brotherly kiss but it still caused her to flash scarlet for a second. Her light hearted mood escaped her as she asked, "But you have more heart than any other pony I know?"

Alex cracked a half smile and said, "I have had time to atone. You feel better okay?"

Rarity nodded and said, "Yes sir."

She watched him walk out of the room, she felt almost in a lightened mood and her stomach felt less knotted. her mind never wandered far when she was around Alex. All that it wandered to were fantasies. Not sexual fantasies but situational fantasies. Her and Alex out in the park, at Sugarcube Corner, at Golden Oaks. And they felt warm and inviting, making her snuggle her blanket closer as she desired the warm embrace of Alex. She could not believe herself, she was infatuated with Alex. How? He is just a friend that is all he is. A noble, strong, caring, and handsome friend. She had never met somepony quite like him before and she likely will never meet another stallion like him anytime soon.

But she knew that now would not be the time to fall in love with him. He is still soul searching and coordinating an entire town full of inexperienced ponies. He is teaching the town war. Surprisingly she did not throw up. She brought another spoonful to her lips and down another spoonful. In between delicate sips she said to herself, "I love you Alex."

It did not take long for Rarity to down her soup and orange juice, in fact she felt rejuvenated and decided to join the ponies in the town hall for a meeting. Twilight wanted to talk to them about something important. Rarity did not know what it was, but she could have guessed that it was nothing good. Usually Twilight does not joke about being serious, except when she went bonkers and thought she was going back to Magic Kindergarten. Rarity chuckled at the memory as she made her way to the town hall.

She took notice of the condition Ponyville was in and it was rather doom and gloom. The paint on the houses faded a little bit and the windows were boarded up. Nailed to the houses and shops were wooden planks. The grass that accented the mud roads were dying and now a yellow color. It seemed like life from Ponyville was sucked away. War had stricken the place and it was not about to change any time in the near future. She glanced over to the west entrance and saw the stoneworkers working on the memorial to the dead of the Battle of Falling Swords as so many were calling it. She still held some sort of repulsiveness when she thought about that battle. A battle hard won but at the cost of one fourth of the Defenders of Ponyville.

Rarity hoped that she would get over her emotional distress soon because her friends needed her and she was not about to just sit back and watch her friends throw their lives away and leave Rarity all alone. She looked to the west gate and saw Pinkie bounding toward her, once she became in ear shot Rarity said warm heartedly, "There you are darling, we were beginning to worry about you."

Pinkie Pie answered not losing a bound in her steps, "Oh sorry! I just wanted a few seconds to think and reflect."

Reflect? Since when did Pinkie Pie reflect? And since when did she mysteriously disappear into the Everfree Forest without so much as a warning where she was going. Something was not right with Pinkie and Rarity knew it, but she could not make assumptions on just a hunch she needed more evidence than this. Rarity gave a ghost of a smile and added, "I guess we all have. And it seems that I am not the ony one affected by it."

Her usual cheery voice some what depleted into something serious as she asked, "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Rarity nudged her friend lightly, "You are not as cheery as you usually are, and that's okay I know what everypony means to you."

Worry flickered briefly on the pink pony's face which was odd in a situation such as this. Why was she so worried? What was she hiding? But Rarity dismissed this as one of Pinkie's quirks. The party pony answered, "Well, we all haven't been ourselves lately. Haven't we?"

"I am not trying to pry or make you uncomfortable," Rarity answered, "I just want my friend to be alright."

There was silence on the way to the town hall. They exchanged no other words, partly because Rarity feared her friend. She has been acting so strange lately. She could not think about anything else. She tried so hard to try and dismiss her actions as just passing grief as she was friends with everypony. But this was stranger than grief, this was keeping a secret. Rarity knows all too well that secrets are capable of destroying friendships or even worse, destroy ourselves. Rarity needed to know what was going on with Pinkie. Before they knew it, they approached the town hall and opened the doors to it and stepped their way in.

The halls were quiet aside from the occasional clicking of hooves across the floor. Senators and countrymen scurrying quickly to their places of business. Rarity saw them and knew that they would find themselves in that storm of chaos. For Pinkie and Rarity felt out of place, in the sense that their only purpose was to answer the summons of their friend Twilight Sparkle. The only senator not to be seen in the main hall.

They gazed through the sea of faces to try and identify their friend. Trying with all their readily available strength to try and find their friend. Rarity slightly felt a tug at her stomach once more as her mind wandered to those painful images. Pinkie offered her attention as she asked, "Do you see her?"

Rarity shook her head, "No, I can't see a thing through this throng. What has everypony so stirred?"

"Rarity! Pinkie!" They turned to see Alex navigating through the crowd of ponies. Dressed in his garb he wore in the battle. Alex approached each of them and gave them both a hug. Rarity asked with urgency in her tone, "Alex what is going on."

He released a sigh and responded, "I am afraid that something terrible has happened. I cannot explain as I do not want to bring more disorder to an already chaotic situation. Come, Twilight will explain everything."

"Has something come up?" Rarity asked as they moved through the halls. Rarity found his clanking plate armor somewhat distracting but focused solely on Alex.

He stared ahead of him and replied, "You could say that. Let's just say that the enemy has pulled a move that could change the tide of this conflict."

Rarity's stomach tied itself into knots. A game changer, this early on? But they barely even fought a battle how could they possibly have turned the tide of this conflict. She had never been in a situation like this, her stomach began to slowly turn and felt as if she would lose its contents but focused on keeping it inside of her and followed on Alex's heels. They were taken to a room on the south side of the building and ushered inside the closed room and was brought into a room where there was a table in the middle of the small room. There was a certain air as they broke through the threshold of the room. It was cold, and empty despite the small gathering of ponies there.

Twilight held in her hoof a parchment that had her eyes glued to it. Rarity looked closer and saw that there were tear stains on it. Whatever this game changer was it did not have a positive effect on Twilight. Rarity looked and saw that the rest of her friends were there as well. Including Ditzy, Virtuoso, and Steel Flash. They all had faces of despair and forlorn. What could have affected them so adversely?

As if to answer her thoughts Twilight began to read the parchment aloud in a depressed tone,

My Most Faithful Student,

I am sorry to inform you that we have fallen on dark times. What we know and what has remained untrue for so long are now fallen between blurred lines. The Equestria we once knew is falling apart. I tried to keep it at its best and remain it in its peaceful state. Luna and I have received a vision of a threat to harm Equestria. We have taken it upon ourselves to seek it out in secret. We brought no guards and no one knows of our absence except for you.

Do not come searching for us, we wish to investigate this on our own. But if something were to happen to us, then our last location is the Ponyville Graveyard just outside of town. Please, do not worry for me or Luna. Continue on your studies of friendship while I remain away. I will return soon.

Princess Celestia

"Why would they leave with out an escort of guards?" Rarity spoke with a low toned voice. For she was affected by the news. Their most noble princesses, lost in the dark catacombs of Ponyville Cemetery. Her skin chilled and her heart heavy from the news. Her gaze down cast and her eyes closed in silent mourning.

Twilight answered, "They did not want us to worry. They dis not want to arouse rumor and suspicion. This is why they entrusted me with this information, this is also why we have not seen any guards come to protect our feeble walls."

Twilight crumpled the letter in anger and she uttered, "If only I had received this letter earlier."

Alex spoke, his hooves crossed over his chest, "But the sun and the moon still sets and rises. That means that they are still alive and there is a chance to save them."

Applejack joined, "Who'd want the Princesses?"

Alex answered, "The undead. They have captured your princesses. To instill chaos and despair on all of you."

Twilight's voice was cold and dark as she muttered, "Rovos..."

Alex looked over and he seemed astonished and asked, "What did you just say?"

Twilight looked right at Alex and enounced, "Rovos. The Chilled End. That is the name of the one that followed you Alex."

Alex turned to face her and asked, "How did you know that?"

Rarity harbored the same curiosity, what secrets was Twilight hiding? Ever since Twilight came back to town with that mysterious book, she has been acting strange. The room dead silent, not a word from anypony. Rainbow finally moved in the corner of Rarity's vision and asked, "Are you a spy?"

Rarity choked back a lump and looked surprised over at Twilight. Was she a spy of the enemy? What could she believe? Who could she believe? She stepped closer to Pinkie to hold herself up from passing out as the room began to spin. Pinkie caught her as her hooves slipped. Pinkie whispered trying not to let Rarity fall to the ground. As Pinkie grabbed hold of her she felt her throat tighten and Pinkie flashed away and a nightmarish creature took form. A tall standing demon like creature that made her heart jump, was this her friend? In the blink of an eye the demon was there, but then it was gone. And her pink friend returned in its place. Horror filled her eyes but they soon shrunk down and her breathing returned to normal. Pinkie asked, "Are you okay? You look paler than normal?"

She swallowed back a hard breath and replied getting back on her hooves, "Yes...ahem...I am fine...just a little woozy is all."

Pinkie nodded and continued to stand aside in the conversation. But Rarity kept her gaze on Pinkie, and then after a while she tucked away that horror filled image and returned to the current discussion. Twilight back pedaled, "Do you really think that I am a traitor?"

Applejack chided, stepping closer next to Rainbow and Alex, "Twi, we have seen dead ponies walkin' again. I don' know what tah think anymore."

"But how can we be sure?" Rainbow said, showing that she was not holding the same amount of mercy that Applejack or Alex held.

Alex raised a hoof in front of Rainbow Dash and said, "That is enough. I can tell whether she tells the truth."

Twilight backed into a wall with fear plastered on her face as Alex raised a hoof and brought it down on her head. Alex prayed, "Light show me the intentions of this one. Tell me her allegiance."

Alex's hoof gave off a soft glow and Twilight closed her eyes in fear of pain. They all had seen the extent of his powers, perhaps not to his fullest but they saw power none the less and he carried it well. Rarity leaned on a hoof to see Alex's face and he closed his eyes, his face showing serenity as he focused. After about a minute or so Alex lowered his hoof, the light in it dying. He opened his eyes and said, "She is not our enemy."

"And of this you are certain?" They all turned to see the new voice that entered the room. Rarity looked and saw a tall standing grey unicorn with silver mane and a mare to his left. The mare looked like an older version of Scootaloo and they stopped in front of the entrance to the room.

Twilight and Alex rushed over and stood in front of the the gathering of ponies and Alex hissed, "Yes. But what stranger would challenge my capabilities?"

The stallion smiled and added, "As acting soverign of Equestria I have taken it upon myself to search for our missing princesses. And it would seem that I am the only one who knows what they are doing?"

Rarity chided, "But you both look as though you travelled from Canterlot on hoof. Why did you not take the train? As you would have likely arrived quicker?"

The mare seemed uncomfortable with the sudden question and she blushed as she answered, "I am not exactly comfortable around trains..."

Rarity moved her gaze back over to Alex who seemed unmoved by the strange ponies, as well as Twilight. Holding hardened gazes on the silver pony. The unicorn rested his hoof on his sheathed sword and asked, "I would suggest that you reveal the location of where our monarchs were last seen."

Alex tensed up and growled, "And your reason behind making demands?"

The unicorn stepped closer to Alex and got close to Alex, they stared each other down. The unicorn answered, "I am your sovereign, we are running out of time so I suggest you make it quick."

Alex stepped and the unicorn back pedaled, Alex growled, "I am no citizen of this country, you will not make demands of me-"

"ENOUGH!" Twilight roared, "We certainly aren't getting anywhere with you two arguing. Perhaps we can strike an agreement."

Alex and the unicorn kept cold stares on each other and stepped back joining their ally's side. Rarity had only met this unicorn for only a few moments and already she could not stand his company. He was so arrogant and full of himself, why should we reveal the location of where the Princesses were headed to them. But she decided not to get involved as Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy decided to do. There was no reason for their voices not to be heard but they were not going to argue something they knew little about and they were no diplomats, though Rarity was exceedingly great at talking she decided not to chide in. She crossed her hooves over her chest and waited patiently for a ruling of the access of the information.

Twilight moved her gaze from the unicorn to Alex as she explained, "There was a reason the Princesses only trusted me with this information. Because she knew that I and my friends could only find them, and we intend to do such as this. But perhaps, Silver Bolt, we can combine forces and find our beloved monarchs."

Silver Bolt thought for a while but answered sternly, "Perhaps you are correct, but if any of your friends are to be injured or worse it is on your head Twilight."

Twilight nodded, "Do not worry we will keep the search party small. Only three of mine will accompany you."

Silver Bolt turned to leave but stopped at the threshold and added, "Be ready to depart in ten minutes."

Once they left Rarity turned to Twilight and asked, "Three? Why only three? We are all capable of accompanying you two to find the princesses."

Twilight explained, "We need to keep the party small so that we can moved quicker and more silent from the gaze of Rovos. And we will be more conspicuous if eight moved to rescue the Princesses. They are expecting us to save them, the less...casualties...the better. Which is why I am choosing the two strongest. Alex and Rarity."

Rarity remained silent and took in the information and only looked up as Alex added, "A most Noble Blessing..."

Rarity had a sneaking feeling that this would not be the last time that she would see action, so she would have to not even have to fight the undead ponies but her own feelings of war and her body's unhealthy reaction to it. She swallowed hard and nodded, "I understand."

Author's Note

The cute nickname that Medivh gave Twilight means "Last Light". I wanted the translation to be "Little Light" but I could not find the Thalassian word for little. Oh my god I am a super nerd when it comes to WoW and its lore. So yeah, can't say a few things but I can say that I hope you enjoyed the reason behind why Firefly and Silver Bolt took so long to get to Ponyville.

I'm going to work on one story at a time. No Matter What can wait, right now I am going to focus on Ashes to Ashes and Wild Fantasies. As it stands Wild Fantasies might turn out to be one of my shortest works.