Ashes to Ashes

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."