A Guarding Light

Chapters

Prologue
Flashback Sequence
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Flashback Sequence Part 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 4.5, The Morning After
Chapter 4.5.2, The Bookening
Chapter 4 and three quarters; EXPOSITION!
Chapter 5, Unforeseen Invasions

Prologue

"Princess, can you tell me a story?"

"Of course Twilight, and I have the perfect story for you"

Once upon a time, in the distant past, there was a warrior. He was known as the Guardian.

The Guardian appeared out of nowhere, a bipedal creature wearing full armor, wielding weapons of powerful magic, and with a companion, known simply as Ghost.

When the Guardian first appeared, ponies were frightened of him, as he had defeated a great dragon that threatened all of Equestria single handedly.

However, there were five ponies whom were not afraid of him. The first, was a unicorn named Chocolate Swirl, he was the son of Starswirl the Bearded and was extremely talented in the art of chaos magic.

Chocolate approached the Guardian and offered him a stick of cotton candy and a glass of chocolate milk.

The Guardian accepted the gift from the eccentric colt, and the two quickly hit it off, becoming fast friends.

Chocolate Swirl's friends quickly came up to the pair and introduced themselves to the Guardian.

Their names were Luna Evermore, the Princess of the Moon, Chrysalis Cocoon, princess of the Changeling Hives, Sombra Dusk of the Crystal Empire and Celestia Evermore, Princess of the Sun.

That's you Princess!

Hmhmhm, yes, I was friends with the Guardian, Twilight. Now, to continue my story.

The six quickly became good friends. However, the Guardian's five friends eventually had to go their separate ways. Chocolate furthered his studies in chaotic energies, Chrysalis became Queen of a hive, Sombra continued his studies in Crystalmancy and finally, my Sister and I had to take the throne of Equestria.

Many years passed while the Guardian protected Equestria from Dragons and other nasty things.

However, all good things must come to an end.

Creatures of the Darkness arrived, ready to snuff out the Light of all of Equestria. They came wielding weapons to rival the Guardian's own.

And the Guardian fought them, all by himself.

The fighting stopped after a few years. However, nothing was heard from the Guardian again. It is said he fell fighting the minions of the Darkness after preventing them from ever returning.

The Guardian faded into myth, and then legend. To this day, the only pony to know that he is not a simple story, is myself.

A slight wind whipped around the Canterlot Castle gardens, forcing the Guards stationed there to stay alert with the chill it carried with it. The two guards did not wear their traditional armor this night, swapping it for winter coats. there were two of them stationed there this night.

"Do you ever wonder why we're here?" the first one asked his partner, he was an orange coated pegasus.

"Well..." started the second, whom was a maroon unicorn.

"No" stated the first. "Don't start that again, you know exactly what I mean Simmons." The maroon unicorn, Simmons, frowned at his partner before speaking again.

"Grif, I was going to say that I don't know why the princess posted us in the gardens" Simmons said, shooting a glare at his partner.

"Oh..." said the orange pegasus, Grif. The two stood there in silence for another minute before Grif spoke again.

"Y'know, that statue looks really weird, I wonder why the Princess keeps it here?" he asked, Simmons shrugged.

"Dunno, apparently it's a memorial" he said before looking at the moon, calculating the time.

"C'mon, I think our shift is over" Simmons said, opening the door to go back inside. Grif instantly smiled.

"Finally! I though we would never go back inside!" he exclaimed before walking inside next to his partner.

The slight breeze caused a leaf to fall on the memorial statue the two spoke about. It was a marble statue of a bipedal warrior wearing full armor in a heroic pose. It held in it's hand an object that very few ponies would know the name of, but t'was a powerful weapon. By it's shoulder, suspended by a small pillar of clear glass, was a floating magical construct.

Etched on the base of the statue were a series of words

In honor of the Guardian and his Ghost, they protected Equestria from the Darkness, wielding only their Light

-----Years Later, 1AT (After Tirek)-----

Somewhere, deep underneath the Everfree forest sat a stone statue. It was a bipedal warrior, clad in armor, in a pose that spoke of a warrior fighting for his life from a dangerous foe.

The stone cracked slightly, and a bright light burst forth.

Author's Note

Author's Notes for this chapter are the same as the next one's

Flashback Sequence

~Equus - far in the past - 2 years before Diarchy~

It was a peaceful day in Equestria. The Birds were frying, Ponies were screaming while running for their lives and a giant dragon was burning a village to the ground.

Okay... Maybe not so peaceful after all...

The great and feared dragon known as 'Ripclaw' to all ponykind had decided to do what he does best on this fine day in Equestria... Kill...

Ripclaw was known throughout all of Equus as one of the most powerful adult dragons in written history, and it was true, as he had surpassed some of the most powerful in one on one duels.

But something... Extraordinary was going to happen on this fateful day... On this day, a hero was going to fall out of the sky...

~Sydney, Australia, Earth - 2015~

My name is Ian Lake...

And I am finally on my way to my first con... of sorts, don't really know if the EB Expo is considered a con or not.

I had finally gathered up enough courage and money to go to Sydney for EB Expo, and I could not wait! I had always wanted to go, but never really had the courage to travel from Melbourne to Sydney just for this. This year was the year I had decided to go however.

I had decided to go all out too, dressing up as my character from Destiny for the cosplay contest. Destiny was a great console based MMO that had come out the year prior and had myself and my friends hooked for good.

The plastic armor plating shifted slightly as I looked over myself once more.

Upon my chest sat a black plate of plastic, attached to a pack on my back. A tube reached back from the left-hand side of the plate covering my chest to attach to the pack. a golden crown-like crest was painted on the left side of the breastplate. a short blade-like protrusion poked up over my left shoulder from the pack itself.

On my shoulders were a pair of black pauldrons, small tanks on them and a small spike giving the a bit of a menacing look. Further down my arms were a pair of bracers, a tank on each facing outwards, white designs were painted on and part of them were a bright sun yellow.

On my legs were black greaves matching the gauntlets and their accompanying pauldrons, thick white stripes were painted from foot to thigh on the plastic plates. Upon my waist sat a thick black plastic belt, a tattered and ragged black cloth hung from my right hip, white dots peppering it.

Underneath all of the fake plastic armor I wore a bright sun yellow bodysuit. I was proud of my handiwork on the plastic plating, it had taken me a while to get it right, especially the back pack of the Queens Guard Plate.

The only things I regret not having time to make were replicas of my helmet and my favorite gun, the Helm of Saint-14 and The Last Word respectively.

A smile on my face, I started the walk from my hotel room to the expo, but as I stepped outside my room I bumped into someone else.

He wore an eerily perfect cosplay of the Merchant from Resident Evil 4, right down to the red eyes. I apologized quickly, saying that I never saw him there. His reply was said in a perfect impression of the Merchant.

"It's quite alright Stranger. Say, you're looking mighty under-armed for a Guardian" he stated, I could just imagine a lecherous grin underneath his face mask. Gulping I replied with a simple 'yeah', this simple one worded reply seemed to make his eyes glimmer.

"How about I give you this, Stranger" the Merchant said, reaching a hand into his cloak and retrieving an almost perfect replica of The Last Word. My jaw dropped at the sight of the gun.

"How much?" I ask, the Merchant shakes his head as he puts the gun in my hand, his eyes twinkle once more.

"Free of charge Stranger, and if you follow me, I shall retrieve another complement to your gear from my room, a helmet" he said, I grinned madly.

"Sure! Thanks man, didn't have the time to cobble together a helm or a gun" I said, gratefully bowing slightly to the man as I followed him to his room.

~later~

I woke up with a start, wondering where I was, as I could feel wind whipping around me. My eyes snapped open quickly.

My fears turned out to be true.

I was falling through the sky, but what I saw far below me really blew my mind.

Far below me was a large, black, Leathery-winged being that breathed fire.

A Dragon.

And it was torching a medieval styled village.

I looked upon the great beast in fury as it continued to torch the town, I heard a harsh voice in the distance from down below.

"Hahaha! Ag rotmindol ponies, ag! Burn hahaha!" the voice exclaimed in a language that I recognized slightly. I frowned, it sounded like the language of the Dov from the Elder Scrolls V, Skyrim, but this place did not look anything like Skyrim.

I angled myself as I fell, my mind slipping from thinking about what happened previously to whats happening now. I angled myself so that I was facing the Dragon before bringing my limbs together and 'diving' through the air, rocketing for the back of the hovering behemoth as it spoke again.

"Hi fent pah dir! Nunon med usliik lohiim tol Zu'u lost. Ru los vunek!" it roared as I continued to speed towards the unaware dragon, I was getting close. Using my adrenaline fueled instincts I flipped myself to land feet first upon it's back.

The impact was astounding, but I barely felt any of it, if my mind was not adrenaline fueled and acting on instinct, I would wonder why this was, but as I was not, I paid it no mind.

A large dust cloud was brought up by the Dragon's impact with the ground, I stood up from my crouched position directly between the Dov's wings and used it's neck as a set of stairs down to the ground.

~Celestia Evermore's POV, just outside Manehattan~

A large cloud of dust was thrown up by Ripclaw's impact with the ground. The dark shape that collided with the immense drake concerned me, I did not know what it was. And as I was already on my way to Manehattan to confront the monstrosity, I redoubled my groups speed.

"Princess Celestia! do you really think we are needed to confront Ripclaw? I know everypony states that King Epoch can see the future, but why are we needed specifically?" asked one of my companions, Sombra Dusk, he was quite the meek stallion, but incredibly selfless, always helping when he was needed. His question was valid.

"I understand your concern Mr Dusk, but I have learned to trust my father over the years. He is the Alicorn of Time itself, and he can see small glimpses of what can or will be depending on certain choices. I feel that he believes that we are the ones who will provide the better outcome, but quickly, we must reach Manehattan to find out what impacted with Ripclaw" I replied, Sombra gulped, however, he put on a brave face, ready to help in any way possible.

~A minute later - Ian's POV~

A groan sounded from the Dragon I had just jumped off as it raised it's head to look at me.

"Wo krilon iidah lot Vulnahkriid!?" it demanded in it's native tongue, I turned to face it, somehow knowing that it asked who dared to attack it, I looked down at my hand, which was still in my Titan gear, I smirked as I looked back to the now named Vulnahkriid, or Dark Fury Killer

"I'm no-one special Mr Vulnahkriid... just a Guardian... whose duty it is to protect the innocent."

Author's Note

hey guys! sorry it took long to post this :twilightsheepish: i kinda wrote this upon impulse when I realized that I had never given you guys a description of the Guardian :twilightoops:

so here it is! in this flashback sequence!

i'll give you guys a link to each of the pieces of gear that the Guardian has equipped.

Helm of Saint-14
Queen's Guard Plate
Molniya Custom T1 Gauntlets
Molniya Custom T2 Legs
Mark of the Pit (3D view does not have the proper model)
Predawne shader

Chapter 1

Air burst into my lungs, it was such a rush especially after being trapped in stone for who knows how many years. I fell to my knees, not having the strength to stand up any longer. Memories burst forth as I remembered all my antics with my friends, especially Chocolate Swirl, and every foe we fought together.

Guardian... Ian... are you alright? Came an electronic voice from inside my head, it had been a long time, the long, dark, dreamless sleep had kept the two of us apart for the length of time we were trapped.

"Ghost... What happened? where are all the Vex?" I asked my long time companion. In response, the Artificial Intelligence that was my Ghost materialized in front of me. he looked around, not seeing anything that could be considered anything resembling the evil mechanical constructs we were fighting prior.

I... Have no idea... All I remember is detecting a surge of Chaos and Dark Magicks Ghost replied, looking around the small cavern that we were in. It was the entry to the Vex stronghold that we were going to assault, but we could not make it past the army in the front room before the surge of Magick sealed us in stone.

"Odd..." I said, looking around the room, before, there were heaps of Vex portals that we were taking down one by one. Now... they were all gone, as if the Vex had never been there at all. With a frown I looked behind me, to the tunnel that had been dug to allow us to reach the underground fortress.

The tunnel was still there, it had lead to a Dragon's cave near Everfree Castle. Setting my jaw, I looked back to what was once the Vex stronghold before I set off down the tunnel out.

It was a beautiful morning in Ponyville, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping and Pinkie Pie was singing her morning song. In the castle of Friendship however, mornings were not good at all.

Twilight Sparkle had just woke up, and she was already getting bombarded by invitations to many things, such as parties from the Canterlot Elite and some even for her hoof in marriage from other Nobles.

Like usual, Twilight's adoptive younger brother (and number one assistant), Spike the Dragon, had sorted through it, looking for those that were from friends, family and foals. Before promptly incinerating the rest with no remorse.

However, something unusual happened this morning. There was a burst of magick from somewhere inside the Everfree, an unusual type of magick at that. It reeked of light, absolutely reeked of it. To many lesser unicorns, this was crippling, and most unicorns in Ponyville would be unable to move for another hour or two.

To Twilight however, it was familiar. She had felt two different Magickal signatures that rivaled it in the past.

The first, she felt on the day she got her cutie mark, the day that fate had tied her to five other ponies whom had gained their cutie marks that day. A power that she had felt every time she and her friends used the Elements of Harmony, and, more recently, when she and her friends had used Rainbow Power to defeat Tirek.

The second, was the Magickal signature of her mentor, Princess Celestia.

With a frown on her face, the young Alicorn spread her wings and flew off to gather her friends.

I had finally reached the surface. The Dragon that had occupied the cave that the tunnel was built through remembered me, and gave me free passage through his home, as long as I did not touch his hoard.

As I exited the cave, I could almost instantly feel a noticeable difference in the Everfree Forest.

It was Chaotic. Much more than it had been in my own era. Ghost's fears had been true, we had been trapped in stone long enough for the world to change around us.

Focusing my Light, as Celestia had taught me a long time ago, I sent out a Magickal probe, looking for a Magickal signature even remotely close to that of any of my friends. Almost instantly, I sensed a group of signatures heading right for me, six ponies with a linked Magickal aura rivaling that of Celestia's own.

Twilight felt a Magickal probe matching the signature of the pulse that she had felt earlier, it was looking for something, Twilight frowned before looking to her friends gathered behind her.

"careful girls, whatever that Magickal signature belongs to, it knows we're here" the lavender alicorn stated, almost instantly, her five friends started murmuring between themselves, wondering what it could be, maybe some other ancient evil that was just released?

Through the treetops I quickly arrived at the signatures that I had felt with my probe. Quickly I noticed that these were not soldiers, not even old mages. But six mares, barely out of fillyhood.

Soundlessly, I touched down on the ground behind them, my Lift ability allowing me to slow my fall enough so that I made no sound once I touched the ground.

"My my my. What brings six young mares, such as yourselves, into the Everfree?" I quipped from behind them. Five of the six whipped around at the sound of my voice, each one was astonished so much that they made no sound (although, one looked overjoyed for some reason, odd). The sixth of the group, a young lavender alicorn, sighed in annoyance before turning around.

Her eyes looked fit to burst from her head, I snorted softly before opening my mouth once more.

"Heyooooo!" I said with a wave

How? how was this possible!? this is not plausible in any way shape or form! how is he here?

That was what Twilight Sparkle's mind was currently repeating, over and over.

Here, stood right in front of her, was a character from stories that her mentor, Princess Celestia, had told her when she was but a filly.

Right out from stories ranging from the completely absurd, to the heroic, was the Guardian, the Defender, the Hero who stared directly into the Void and walked away completely unscathed.

This was too much for the young Alicorn to handle, so her brain did the only thing it could think of other than questioning the possibility of him being here of all places.

ERROR! Twilight.EXE has encountered a problem. Would you like to send a crash report?

THUD

Whelp... That was a thing...

Uhm... does she do that often? Ghost asked, revealing himself to the remaining five. one of the five, a shocking pink on pink mass of pony, put a hoof to her chin, thinking hard, before she spoke.

"Nnnnnnnope!" she stated, all too happily, all while bouncing up and down slightly, a large grin splitting her face almost in two. I coughed slightly, trying to regain the attention of the group once more. My endeavors were rewarded, however, as all five of the conscious mares looked back to me.

"Uh... Ill introduce myself soon, i think we should wait for your friend to wake up first. However, this place is dangerous, so I suggest we take this to my place..." I stopped for a moment, scratching my head. "Or at least... I hope my place is still there... Been trapped in stone for a while..." I sheepishly laughed as I bent down to pick up the unconscious mare, slinging her over my shoulder.

"W-where was your 'place', if I may be so bold as to ask?" Asked the marshmallow with purple hair... Sorry... Meant pony... Been WAAAAAY too long since I had marshmallows last... Aaaaaaanyway...

"Not too far from here actually, was out in a large field outside the forest, could see Everfree Castle from there, back before this blasted forest grew so large... Also in plain view of Mt Canter, one of the largest mountains in all of Equus" I explained as I started to walk in the direction of my house.

"Everfree Castle? Mt Canter? could you possibly mean the Castle of the Pony Sisters and Mt Canterlot?" Asked the marshmallowy pony once more, I looked down at her, confused.

"They changed the names? Ahwell, my place should still be there. Had an impressive orchard of Rainbow Apple trees, best apples in all of Equestria I dare say, but hard to miss" I explained, waving off the fact that the ponies changed the names of two of the largest landmarks in their land.

"Rainbow Apples? Do ya mean Zap Apples? They're Rainbow colored, and ya gotta treat em just right ta get 'em ta grow" Asked one of the others, she was an orange mare with a blond mane, upon which sat a Stetson. I stopped in my tracks, before turning to the orange pony.

"How do you know that? I never told anyone how to grow my apples, would be bad for business. The way to grow them wold have been lost with me" I asked, visibly bristling at the fact that one of my most closely guarded secrets was known by this earth pony.

"Mah granny discovered 'em 'bout seventy years ago, put the Apple Family back on the map, been growin' 'em fer that long too" She said, a scowl on her face. I turned away again before continuing my trek with the alicorn in my arms.

We've been gone for more than seventy years, at the least. However, I suspect it has been much longer. Back in our time, the Apple Family was still big, and trying to weasel the Rainbow Apple secret out of us... Ghost stated in our mental link, I nodded, before replying with my mind.

'Yeah, I remember... How long has it been then? I wonder...'

It did not take too much longer to reach what remained of my abode.

Needless to say, the years had not been kind to my home, the Everfree had grown a lot in the years since my disappearance. However, it had left my house alone.

Instead, a large pack of Timberwolves had settled on the land that I once called home. At least, they were Timberwolves in appearance, but I knew that they were different, Another equine species, one known for camouflage of the highest quality.

"Oh good, looks like Chryssy was kind enough to guard my home for me, gotta love the buggy mare" I said, putting the alicorn mare down, before striding forwards, obtaining the attention of the creatures posing as wooden wolves.

"Hail, fair shape shifters, I thank thee for guarding my home during my long absence" I said grandly, bowing to the creatures. almost immediately, the clearing was filled with the sound of Magickal cloaks being dropped.

There, all over the clearing, were Changelings. And they were bowing to me

Author's Note

Im... admittedly stuck on my other stories... and why this is here? well... I counter writer's block by writing... which I rarely get time to do :rainbowlaugh: especially seeing as I play alot of things...

Including Destiny, Dark Souls 2 and Borderlands: the Pre-Sequel :rainbowlaugh:

Chapter 2

Prince Metamorphosis Cocoon, eldest son of Queen Chrysalis, known by his friends and personal guard as Morphos, could not believe his eyes.

He, just like all hatchlings, had been told the story of the greatest hero of all Changeling history, his mother's friend.

Every Prince and Princess of the hive had to rotate between different jobs yearly, ranging from gathering solid food and farming love, to guarding points of interest, and each brought with them their personal guard.

This year, his job had been to guard the abandoned home of the Guardian. To prevent thieves and to keep the building in perfect condition. Just in case it's owner was simply missing, and not dead.

But here he was, standing in front of Metamorphosis himself.

"Greetings, long lost Hero. My name is Prince Metamorphosis Cocoon, firstborn of Queen Chrysalis. And may I be the first to greet you back to this glorious country of Light"

Prince Metamorphosis Cocoon... now THAT name brings back memories. Last I heard from Chryssy, she had informed me that she had given birth to her first Prince, and that she had named him Metamorphosis... They were going to visit after I finished my mission in the Vex Stronghold.

"Metamorphosis..." I said as I dropped to my knees, tears streaming down my face. Reaching up, I removed my helmet, dropping it to the ground. "So good to finally meet you... my Godson..." I whispered to him as I looped my arms around his form, hugging him close.

within seconds, Metamorphosis reciprocated the hug, tears streaming down his own face.

"I always hoped... That you were simply missing... Not gone for good... Especially after all the stories Mother told me..." The Changeling Prince said back, burying his face into my neck. With a solemn smile, I ended the hug, looking directly into my Godson's eyes.

"I'm here now. Come, let us go inside, I have other guests that I promised introductions to" I said, standing back up, cradling my helm under my arm. Metamorphosis nodded before cleaning his face and standing to attention once more. Turning, I noticed the five mares slowly come out of the brush, their alicorn friend draped over the back of the orange one.

"You... are friends with Chrysalis!? That monstrous bug!?" the marshmallowy pony exclaimed, almost exasperated. I rolled my eyes at her.

"What ever happened to the stories of me and my friends? Surely Sunbutt and Lulu made sure the tales of the six of us were well published?" I asked the large gathering of Changelings and the six Ponies. Metamorphosis simply shook his head before speaking.

"Let me explain inside Uncle..."

Inside, the house was immaculately preserved. The couch sat in the exact same spot. every utensil in the kitchen that did not survive the years had been replaced, and even the cupboards looked brand new. And one cabinet stood out, it was my memento cabinet, holding all the treasures I had gathered over my time in Equestria. It was even enchanted with a preservation spell so that everything inside stayed the way they were, even the clothes and hats.

"I... guess introductions are in order before you explain what has happened in my absence. My name is Ian Lake, I am what is known as a Titan, A Guardian of the Light. Long ago, I was friends with four ponies and a Changeling. We were once known as the Elements of Unity. although, you could have also called us the Elements of Harmony, but we preferred Unity." I took a deep breath, remembering our old adventures as I sat on the couch.

"There was myself, the Element of Honor. Chocolate Swirl, the son of Starswirl the Bearded was the Element of Joy. Princess Luna Evermore was the Element of Truth. Queen Chrysalis Cocoon was the Element of Compassion. Sombra Dusk, the most talented Crystamancer in all of the Crystal Empire, was the Element of Selflessness. And finally, Princess Celestia Evermore was the Element of Leadership." I explained when I saw the confused expressions of the five mares, Metamorphosis chuckled heartily.

"Well Uncle, these six mares are the current Elements of Harmony. I'll leave the introductions to them, but it's true." the Changeling Prince said in between chuckles. I gave the mares odd looks before the first introduced herself.

"My name is Rainbow Dash! I'm the fastest flier in all of Equestria and the Element of Loyalty!" brashly exclaimed one of the two pegasi in the group, she had a cyan coat with a rainbow mane and tail. I chuckled at the introduction before commenting.

"Loyalty? Seems like we share a purpose Skittles. Protectors through and through, Loyalty and Honor are thought by some to be the same" I quipped with a smirk. The flying Rainbow Parade scowled at the nickname before tapping my offered fist with a hoof.

"HI! I'm Pinkie Pie! I'm Ponyville's number one party pony! And I'm the Element of Laughter!" Joyfully exclaimed the pink on pink monstrosity, bouncing in place with a smile threatening to split her face in two.

"Hah! you and Dizzy would get on famously! that was Chocolate's nickname by the way" I chuckled, patting the excitable pony on her puffy pink mane, whom smiled even larger than before.

"Ah'll go next, ah guess. Ahm Applejack! Apple farmer and Element of Honesty, at yer service." said the orange pony, tipping her stetson to me. I smiled at her before walking over to my memento cabinet. I opened the door a took out a single hat that I treasured like my own foal.

My Stetson.

"Well then Partner, seems like you are a glutton for work, much like Lulu. Heh I remember her old battlecry crisply, 'Fear Us Cretins! For We are the Hammer of Justice itself!'" I said, placing the hat with a promise upon my head, remembering old adventures. after a moment of silence I returned my promise to it's place in the cabinet. When I looked back, I noticed a solemn smile on Applejack's face. Seems like her stetson was a promise too. but all nice things must come to an end.

"I'm sure that is all nice and dandy. But the only one of you that could possibly relate to Generosity would be Sombra, and I refuse to associate myself with that ruffian! Nor do I think that dear Fluttershy would ever dream of being grouped with that insect!" stated the marshmallow pony with a flip of her impeccable purple mane. Metamorphosis snarled at the prissy unicorn. However, I put a hand on his shoulder. the gesture calmed my Godson heavily.

"I understand that things may have changed over the years, but the six of us were representatives of various species and were even protectors. Sombra dedicated his life to bettering life in his home country, the Crystal Empire. And even Chrysalis showed mercy in the face of her foes, especially if they aimed to kill her" I stated, a frown on my face. My attention was quickly grabbed by the remaining conscious mare of the group that I had yet to be introduced to. She was a meek butter yellow pegasus with a pink mane.

"U-um... Would you mind telling me more about Chrysalis... If you don't mind that is..." She asked, in a voice almost inaudible to the naked ear. I smiled at her curiosity of what the Changeling Queen was like behind the exterior.

"Like all Changelings, Chrysalis has the ability to sense emotion, she can tell if you are afraid, in love or angry, among other things. During my time, the Changelings were close allies with Equestria, usually being used as negotiators during hostage situations or as ambassador's assistants. Their abilities allowed them to sense what the opposition was thinking, how their mind worked, and use it against them" I explained to the butter yellow pegasus. At the mention of the emotion sensing ability of the Emotivores, I noticed that every non Changeling eye in the room widened.

"Chysalis was exceptional though. while all Changelings can use this ability, Changeling Royalty have a more acute version, as they are able to sense emotion at a far greater distance than their subjects. And Chryssie used this to defuse wars. She singlehoofedly prevented wars between many species, without raising a single weapon." I finished with a smile. The Pegasus, which I assumed was Fluttershy, smiled softly before slowly frowning once more.

"We all met her a while back, at the wedding of Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor... She had infiltrated it and posed as the bride... Why would she do that Mister Guardian?" Fluttershy softly asked, I frowned slightly.

"That seems like something she would do... But only as a last resort to feed her Hive. Chryssie was more attuned to asking others for aid feeding others... The only reason why she would impersonate a bride like that would be if she was refused by every single race on the planet for aid." I said, looking over to Metamorphosis for enlightenment. The Prince looked back at me and sighed.

"Mother has spent many years trying to gain help from the other races to feed the Hive, many do not wish to help, as the Equestrian Nobles claim we are beasts and nothing more. After our treaty with Equestria was destroyed by said Nobles nine hundred years ago, we have been slowly wasting away." Metamorphosis said solemnly, looking away. As I leaned down to comfort my Godson, I noticed other movement. It seemed that Fluttershy had the same idea as I did, as she had wrapped the Prince in a warm embrace.

"I'm sure the Princesses will help when they find this out... I mean... They were Chrysalis' friends, surely they will help an old friend" the meek pegasus said, comforting the Changeling Prince. a small blush and a similarly sized smile appeared on Metamorphosis' face as he softly hugged Fluttershy back.

"Thank you for your kindness. I'm sure that once we manage to get Mother and my Godmothers in a room things will get better." He said, breaking the hug with a warm smile for the pegasus. again, the mares all looked stricken at this statement.

"'Godmothers'!?" exclaimed the marshmallow unicorn, almost disgusted. Metamorphosis frowned at her tone of voice before speaking once more.

"My mother and her friends were like family once. All of them were deemed my Godparents upon my birth. And I feel no different about my surrogate Aunts and Uncles even after so many years apart" He said, looking away from the unicorn. I quickly noticed his ire at this, and changed the subject.

"Now that introductions are out of the way for those of us that are awake, how about you tell me whats been going on since I disappeared. Apparently it has been at least nine hundred years from what you said" I said. Metamorphosis sighed solemnly once more before speaking.

"Well, you know what happened to us Changelings, so let's go back to the start and explain everything. Two thousand years ago, you went missing. Around the same time period as two ponies reaching Avatar status. The first was Chocolate Swirl. According to him, he had gained enough skill to be considered for the position when he last saw you and went looking for the Avatar of Chaos, whom was a Draconequus named Eris at the time. He told us that Eris had already chosen him and all he had to do was accept." Metamorphosis explained, recalling the old tale his Chaotic Uncle once told him. Everyone in the room was listening intently to the story.

"They merged together, as happens when a new Avatar rises, morphing Chocolate into a Draconequus. Normally Draconequui are made by a high concentration of Chaos magic. But as a rule, the Avatar of Chaos becomes one. Another rule to being an Avatar is taking on a new name." The Changeling prince continued. But before he could go on further, Applejack wanted to ask a question.

"What are these 'Avatar' thingies yer talkin' about anyways? Never heard of them before" the Farm Mare asked. Her companions agreeing with nods all around, I took this as my queue to explain an old term.

"An Avatar is the highest class of Magickal being. There are four stages to reach this. The first is 'Control'. All beings that research an archetype of Magick reach this stage, as this simply means you know how it works. Once someone reaches the stage of Control, they can use the subject where it exists. A Magmancer can control nearby lava and an Aquamancer can gather the moisture in the air." I explained, sketching a small picture of a pair of unicorns. One gathering water from the air, the other gathering lava from a volcano.

"The next stage is known as 'The Hunt'. A user of an archetype must 'search' for keys to a box given to them by the current Avatar of that field of Magick. For example, a Crystamancer must search for a certain type of gemstone or crystal, and once they find it, the item will become a key to the box." I continued, drawing a unicorn with a small box next to a hunk of a random gemstone. At this the mares murmured amongst each other, however, I continued.

"The third stage, is known as 'Mastery'. Once a pony or other being finds all the keys they need they reach this stage. Admittedly, The Hunt and Mastery are technically the same, but most scholars prefer to distinguish these apart. Once a being reaches Mastery, they can use the element to bolster themselves or objects. Metalmancers, for example, can use a piece of metal to harden their own skin into a metal carapace, or turn simple cloth into flexible sheets of metal" I stated, drawing a Minotaur with a sword bouncing off his bare arm. Again, more murmurs, they were becoming louder now.

"Finally, is becoming an Avatar. As Metamorphosis stated earlier, anyone that has reached Mastery can search out their respective Avatar. Once the Avatar is happy with their replacement, they merge, becoming one. Some Avatars are changed into new forms, like Chaoticians becoming Draconequui. All Avatars take on a new name as well. One such Avatar that I met chose the name Hephaestus. He's a Minotaur and was the Avatar of Metal, greatest smith in the world too." I continued, drawing the same Minotaur again, forging a sword from nothing, not even using an anvil. I smirked, I had a small bit more to add.

"Also, I have personally witnessed the ascension of two ponies. Their names were Celeste and Lunares, and by inheriting their parent's powers during the merge, became the Avatars of Sunlight and Moonlight. Becoming Celestia Evermore and Luna Evermore respectively" I finished, the faces the five conscious mares made were priceless. During the stupor of the mares, I turned to Metamorphosis and spoke.

"So... What name did Chocolate choose?" Metamorphosis grinned widely at the mares, whom were still murmuring amongst each other before answering. As if he knew that saying the name would summon the Devil, so to speak.

"The name he chose... is Discord."

With a bright flash of light and the sound of glass breaking, a Draconequus appeared in the middle of the room.

"Fluttershy? What happened to our day out? We were going to visit one of my most favorite places in the world! Hang on..." he spoke, before looking around. Once his eyes met mine, his jaw literally hit the floor.

"Well butter me with Taco sauce and call me Mary... Long time no see best buddy!"

Author's Note

And here we are! Introductions, story time and then a lecture! What more could you ask for?

The four stages of magic mastery are kinda my own, I used them as a plot device... Because we all know six mares that did something similar to obtain 'Rainbow Power' (blech! gotta wash my mouth out... too cliche)

Flashback Sequence Part 2

The Dragon stared at me incredulously, almost as if I was some oddity to him.

And then he burst into laughter.

"Hahahahaha! you would be barely a mouthful to me puny creature! So I shall save myself some trouble and roast you now!" it said, using a normal dialect instead of it's native tongue. A low growl came from the back of it's throat, before a torrent of flame jetted forth.

I closed my eyes tightly, afraid of what was to come next.

But the searing heat never came.

I opened my eyes a bit to see what had happened, and what greeted me shocked me.

Around me was a, seemingly, impenetrable purple dome, as the flames were licking around it but not going through. It was then that a voice sounded in my head, a familiar voice.

Listen, Guardian, we don't have time for me to repeat myself at the moment, your Ward of Dawn will not last too long. All you have to do is think of activating your Heads up Display and everything will come to you it stated, a slight mechanical echo in it, I did as it stated, thinking of activating a HuD.

In front of my eyes, a familiar interface sprung up. Along the top of my view was a white bar, and in the bottom left of it were five icons and a bar that was slowly filling up with white, next to three of the icons were numbers.

Instantly, I knew what I was looking at.

The HuD of Destiny.

Thinking quickly, I thought of equipping the weapon that I thought was equipped in the 'primary' slot, just like I did when activating the HuD. It was that moment that I felt an unfamiliar, yet strangely suitable shape in my grasp. I brought my hand into my view and my eyes widened.

In my hand was a beautifully crafted tool of death, dark steel with golden detailing, a wooden grip and a golden slide of sorts. The words 'Tex Mechanica' were engraved along the barrel and detailed with gold.

I was holding The Last Word.

I let the wooden grip sit comfortably in my right hand as I rested my trigger finger along the trigger housing just like I had seen in all the movies.

As I had the hand cannon resting in my hand comfortably, the torrent of flames licking the shield stopped. Vulnahkriid looked dumbfounded at the sight of the purple dome.

"What!? No Unicorn shield spells can stand against my flame! How!?" the beast questioned. I smirked, knowing that it would not be able to see it.

"I told you, mr Vulnahkriid, I'm just a humble Guardian. Who's gonna kick your ass to protect this town from your rampage" I stated before charging for the beast, catching him off guard.

Remember, Grenades are also thought activated. And for your Disintegrate skill, all you have to do is punch a foe the voice informed me, echoing through my head, I mentally thanked him for the information as I threw my left fist forwards into Vulnahkriid's nose.

The great beast flinched backwards with the force of the punch. Using the great dragon as leverage, I jumped high, then, I forcefully threw my feet at Vulnahkriid's face, drop-kicking the beast in the snout. Coming out of the kick, I flipped myself back onto my feet.

Looks like all the combat training I used to help slim me down really paid off, didn't it?

Vulnahkriid roared in pain at his seemingly broken snout, bringing a clawed hand up to it. As it came away, a spot of the dragon's thick blood left his nose atop a gleaming white claw. The beast snarled at it's much smaller foe.

"Mey! For that crime I shall gut you alive!" Vulnahkriid snarled as he swiped at me with a claw. I quickly ducked the sweeping blow as I brought The Last Word up, lining it up with the Drake's left eye.

"Bad move" I growled back as I pulled the trigger.

The Last Word agreed with me, chiming in to the conversation with a deafening 'BANG'. The projectile flew out at speeds exceeding the speed of sound as it sunk deep into the beast's eye, making the sight-giving orb implode in a gory display.

Vulnahkriid roared in equal parts rage and pain as he brought his claw up to the messy remains of his left eye.

"Rax Wah Ruus! You win this time puny one, but I shall return and destroy you! Tiid Bo Viing!" snarled the great beast as it flung itself into the air, before he turned tail and started flying away. I cursed. Until I realized something, If I had the HuD and my personal favorite firearm, would I have access to everything else I had in the game?

Do I have access to the Truth rocket launcher? I asked inwardly to my new friend.

Yes, you have access to all your gear the voice replied, grinning to myself, I mentally gave the command to switch The Last Word hand cannon for the Truth rocket launcher. Spreading my legs wide and taking a firing stance for the large over-the-shoulder weapon, I lined the sights up with the fleeing reptile and pulled the trigger thrice, adjusting the aim slightly for each rocket so that they would not collide in mid-air.

The three missiles immediately recognized the heat signature of the fleeing drake and aggressively tracked his movements.

Three large explosions erupted around the beast, concussing him with enough force to make him crash into a field just outside of town. At that moment, something clicked in my mind, I may have just killed a living creature, that could have had a family.

Immediately, I sprinted for the place the great fire-breathing creature landed.

Vulnahkriid had landed a short ways away from the village, far enough out that he would not crush any buildings, but close enough that I could see that he was still breathing.

I approached the wounded beast and he looked up at me. The proud look in his eyes had vanished, and it was replaced with the pleading eyes of a creature that had realized that he was not the predator in this encounter, but the prey.

"Orin brit ro. such Irony. 'Tis usually I in your place Guardian. Kill me, I wish for no disgrace to my name for losing a battle against grik mal paal, a foe smaller than myself." The once proud dragon stated, his head down in defeat and sorrow, I frowned.

"No" I stated. Shocked, Vulnahkriid looked up at me in surprise. "I shall not kill you, proud dragon, as to claim such a victory would dishonor myself. I lashed out in fury because you were throwing away lives for fun. I would be no better than you" I explained. Vulnahkriid looked down once more. I reached my hands up to my helmet, fumbling around, I found the latch to remove the piece of armor.

I threw it to the ground, before looking at Vulnahkriid once more, our eyes met as I frowned at the downed beast.

"I do not wish to kill you at all, but what I do wish, is for you to live, and change. I know that dragons have the capacity in their hearts to be kind. So live, and become something more than a killer" I said, Vulnahkriid looked me straight in the eye once more, before grinning and flaring his wings.

"Ro laan. 'Tis a fair request. Mu los do gein Thu'um. I accept your terms, and shall live to change. Erei un grind. Until we meet again. Lok, Thu'um" he said, giving me a formal bow before using his wings to propel himself into the air. He looked back down at me before speaking once more.

"Fos los hi for? what is thy name? I wish to tell my spawn of our meeting" the proud drake asked, I smiled back up to him.

"My name is Ian, or Ofanaatdorah in Dovahzul!" I called out to my new friend. He frowned slightly, as if wondering how I know enough of his language to give myself a name in Dovahzul.

"That statement brings up many more questions about you, Ofanaatdorah, but I shall ask them voknau un grind, upon our next meeting, until then, Paaz shul grind, Pruzah wundunne!" Vulnahkriid called out before flying away.

I stood on that place for a while, smiling in Vulnahkriid's direction well after the proud beast had long since faded into the horizon, wondering what sorts of adventure I would encounter in this world unlike my own.

Chapter 3

Discord had seen many things in his two thousand something years. He had fought space monsters, became the embodiment of chaos and got frozen in stone one thousand five hundred years prior to this very moment.

And he certainly DID expect that this would happen... what!? An Avatar of Chaos can't think the opposite of everyone else? Blasphemy!

But still though, he knew the Guardian would eventually return. Chaos magick was not malevolent. And while it was mixed with enough Dark Magick to direct it to the greatest force of Light on the planet, the worst it would do would be to seal it in stone for an undefined amount of time.

Although, Discord was incredibly glad that his only remaining male friend was back, and he showed it exuberantly.

"Ian! My old friend! Welcome home! To your Home too! I would ask how being trapped in stone for two thousand years feels like, but I was trapped for about one thousand five hundred myself. Fancy a Cotton Candy Cloud?" the Draconequus exclaimed happily, embracing his old friend and producing a cloud made of cotton candy. The Guardian grinned broadly at his old friend as he pulled Discord into a large hug.

"Glad to see Ascension never changed you Swirly. So I assume that you are acquainted with these young mares?" I asked my old friend with a gesture around the room. The Draconequus followed my sweeping movement before turning back to me and speaking once more, albeit a bit sheepishly.

"Well... Uh... I don't think you know this, but... Sunbutt sealed me away in stone after I went a bit loopy and tried ruling Equestria about fifteen hundred years ago. These young mares stopped me after I broke out and tried taking over once more." The chimeric amalgamation sheepishly admitted, poking his fingers together. I simply facepalmed.

"Swirly... Dizzy... Buddy... You are the biggest buffoon I know... What ever got into you to try that?" I exasperatedly asked, Discord frowned once more.

"It... Uh... has a bit to do with yourself and Sombra... You know how you were trapped by a culmination of Chaotic and Dark Magicks? the burst of Chaos was from my own Ascension... the Dark was from Sombra... And the burst tainted me enough to make me go loopy" the Draconequus explained solemnly, I looked shocked, Sombra, the kindest and most generous pony I had ever met... Had fallen to the Darkness? Frowning, Discord continued.

"It seems Sombra had been studying the abilities and powers of the dead Vex that he would sometimes bring to his lab. I think the Darkness still lingering in their mechanical corpses corrupted him before turning him into an Avatar of Darkness." He finished with a sigh. I frowned, a sad look on my face.

"I told him that studying the Vex would bring about nothing but bad things, but he was too naive" I said, sighing as I shook my head. It was this moment, that I had noticed two things, one, that a certain two eyed, one horned, flying purple pony person was starting to stir awake.

And two... The sound of engines rumbling overhead.

I frowned, that was a sound that I never expected to hear here. The only foes from Destiny that had shown up when I arrived here were the Vex, but that... Was the sound of a Fallen Skiff.

"What is that dreadful sound!?" Exclaimed Rarity, gritting her teeth and putting her hooves over her ears, I turned to Discord, who also looked concerned as to what the unknown sound was, I decided to answer their questions, both spoken and unspoken.

"That is the sound of trouble flying overhead, a race of four-armed bipeds known as the Fallen" I said, a concerned look on my face, I reached down to pick up my helmet that I had left on the table in front of me during the conversation. Before I walked out the door, I turned to the others once more.

"It should only be a scouting party, so it will very likely be just the one Skiff, but just in case, I want everypony to stay here" I received nods and a groan in reply, I nodded back as I retrieved The Last Word from my hip and walked outside.

It had been five minutes of following the Skiff through the treetops, not too far off, was the end of the Everfree, and, from what I could see, a village. I inwardly wondered what kind of crazy pony would build a village at the edge of a dangerous forest.

The Skiff seemed to be heading straight for the village, ready to cause havoc. I frowned.

"Ghost, let's get going"

~Ditzy 'Derpy Hooves' Doo's POV~

My day was going splendidly, I had almost finished delivering the mail. which meant that the only thing between myself and spending time with Dinky was a few more houses.

It was at this moment, that I heard a loud rumbling sound. Confusedly, I looked around, wondering what It was. That is, until it appeared just outside Ponyville.

It was a large tan contraption, flying around like a Dirigible without a balloon. Other pegasi flocked around it, wondering what it was, that is, until a flash came from it, and a pegasus fell from the sky, horribly burned.

Everypony started screaming and running from it as a compartment in the back opened up, allowing nine bipeds and a large floating ball to jump out. Four of said bipeds had two arms and were smaller than the others, while the rest had four arms, with the largest of the group, almost twice as tall as the two armed bipeds, seemingly in command.

I was stunned in place, not knowing what to do.

One of the two armed ones spotted me.

And then it's head exploded.

~Ian's POV~

Boom, Headshot.

The remaining Dregs and Vandals looked around frantically, looking for the thing that removed the head of their comrade. The Servitor and the Archon however, looked in the direction the shot came from, following the vapor trail of the sniper round that I had fired from my Final Boss sniper rifle. Smirking, I put it back in my 'Inventory' of sorts, replacing it with The Last Word.

I jumped from my position in the trees, hitting the ground with a combat roll before charging at the Fallen scouting party. However, I was wondering why an Archon was with them, but it didn't matter, it would fall. And the bigger they are, the harder the Fallen Fall.

When they came into eyesight once more from the other side of a building, I brought my gun up, quickly popping a round into each of the Dreg's heads, each of their now headless bodies falling to the ground.

By this point the Vandals, Archon and Servitor had all turned around. Quickly, the Servitor activated it's protective aura, giving each of the remaining fallen protection from projectiles, at the same time, each of the Vandals had activated their stealth modules, quickly becoming shimmering silhouettes.

The Archon called out a warcry in their language, before charging with a shot from it's shrapnel launcher. I danced out of the way of the projectiles, quickly reloading my Hand Cannon. I raised it up, and fired a few projectiles at the imposingly large Fallen, fanning the hammer.

It staggered slightly before growling and blinking a short distance towards me, it was this moment that i noticed that the blurs of the Vandals were dangerously close. I backflipped away from a sword blow, artfully dodging the strikes of the four-armed aliens.

"Ghost, bring out the twins will you? I think I should gives these guys a taste of their own medicine" I stated to my always present companion. With a mechanical chirp, Ghost equipped the dual swords to my back.

Once more resting in my hands, were a pair of beautifully crafted swords. The right was a gleaming golden sword, with a dark, stained steel hilt. A gleaming gold Topaz was set in the pommel of the hilt and the symbol of a setting sun was etched into the bottom of the blade. Nocte Solis, or the Sun's Night, enchanted with the burning fury of the sun, and the calming cool of pure Harmony. Slight flames licked at the dead straight golden blade.

In my other hand sat it's direct opposite, with a dark Obsidian blade and a gleaming golden hilt. Like it's sister, a gem sat in the pommel, a pure black Onyx, and finally, etched into the bottom of the blade, sat a half moon. Luna Diem, or Moon's Day was also enchanted, with the direct opposites of it's sister. The calming cold of Lunar Magick and the raging anger of pure Chaos. Small snowflakes fell from the curved obsidian blade.

Forged by Hephaestus, Avatar of Metal himself, the would never be any better blades. Brandishing the sister swords, with obvious skill, I met the blades of the stealth Vandals. Slashing through the aliens with ease, severed limbs uncloaking as the effects of the stealth faded.

Now with them out of the way, only the Servitor and the Archon were left. Throughout my whirling dervish of blades, the Archon had fired at me a few times, however, each projectile that came close were deflected by my blades, I flicked the Fallen blood from them, before returning them to my back, retrieving The Last Word form my hip once more.

The Servitor fired a few blasts of energy at me, I backflipped out of the way of them before charging at the servitor, quickly swapping my Hand Cannon for another weapon. I blasted away at the Servitor with my Secret Handshake once I came within range. The seven rounds of buckshot ripped into it's metal casing, causing cracks to form along it's surface.

With a singular punch, the forces that caused the machine 'god' to hover ceased to function, and it fell to the ground, exploding.

Now, it was only me and the Archon itself. I looked around for it, before noticing that it had taken the chance to take a hostage while I focused on the Servitor.

It barked out orders in it's language, holding it's shrapnel cannon to the head of a grey pegasus mare with a blonde mane, her lopsided golden eyes were full of tears, fearing for her life, I frowned.

"You know, we have two options here Fallen Archon. One, you let the poor Mare go, and we fight like men. Or Two, you keep this up, and I blast your fucking alien head right off" I said, pointing The Last Word at it. It gave a guttural laugh before pushing it's shrapnel cannon into the side of the Mare's head.

Calmly, I placed my hand cannon on the ground, slowly approaching the Archon. Placing my weapon on the ground seemed to placate it, I smirked under my helmet as I turned my walk into a sprint, dashing at the large Fallen.

It did not have enough time to respond to my sudden change, startled, it dropped it's own weapon as I reached to my back and pulled out my blades.

I jumped onto it, stabbing Luna Diem and Nocte Solis into it's shoulders, together, we fell to the ground.

I pinned the Archon to the ground, crossing my swords and placing the tips of them either side of it's head.

I closed the scissor-like shape of the crossed swords.

The Archon's head rolled down the main street of Ponyville that day.

And Ditzy Doo would never forget it.

Author's Note

And here it is! we cut off exposition time for some action! and introducing... the Fallen!

Luna Diem and Nocte Solis... I really like how they roll off the tongue, what do you guys think about them? sister swords that are opposites, much like how Luna and Celestia are themselves. and, of course the swords are based off their respective princesses

Chapter 4

~???’s PoV~

He Is back.

Things are going well.

Soon it shall be here.

Much like it has been before, long ago.

Things have only just started for Equestria’s Guarding Light.

But as always, every beginning is also an end, much like how every end is a beginning.

They are coming, and they are going.

Will he do it this time?

Will he survive this iteration?

Only Time could tell.

And he was running out of it.

~Ian’s PoV~

The Archon’s head rolled down the street.

I turned to leave, my job done, the innocent protected.

I looked off to the side, wincing at the charred remains of a pegasus.

Ponykind got off with only a single death on this day.

But at what cost? How many family members would mourn this pegasus? How many foals were left fatherless or motherless?

Every loss pained me, but I could not sit and mourn, I had a duty to fulfil.

With a sigh I started to walk back towards the Everfree.

But a voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Th-Thank you Mister. For saving my life” came a voice from behind me. It was the mare that I had saved, a grey coated pegasus with a golden mane and a pair of gleaming gold eyes, one of which evaded command and pointed in the wrong direction, her cutie mark, at a glance, appeared to be a series of bubbles.

“T’was no problem Ma’am, It is my duty to protect the innocent, and I was merely fulfilling it” I stated, a small nod of thanks to the mare. She giggled a bubbly laugh, before curiously tilting her head again.

“What are you? If you don’t mind me asking” she said, her head tilted slightly to the left in curiosity. I smiled under my helmet, before reaching up to unlatch it.

“I’m just a humble Human. But you, my bubbly friend, may call me The Guardian. And I am Equestria’s Guarding Light.” I stated, with a smile before turning around and replacing my helmet once more, with a click and a hiss as the atmospheric systems started filtering the air once more.

The sun was setting off in the distance, I smiled inwardly, remembering a promise I made to Celestia long ago. I raised my hand high in the air, pointing straight up, my thumb pointing outwards and the rest of the fingers curled up.

I knew that nopony would get the reference I was making, but that was beside the point. The gesture meant, that no matter where she was, I would always be watching her, making sure that she and Luna were always protected. I simply continued to walk into the sunset, placing my hand back at my side.

I tapped into my innate Void Magicks, wrapping a cloak of pure nothingness around me.

~Ditzy’s PoV~

The Guardian vanished.

He simply disappeared, almost as if he was never there to begin with.

I pondered on what the gesture with his hand meant.

However, I was broken out of my thoughts by a Twilight Guard tapping me on my withers.

“Excuse me Ma’am, but do you know what happened?” he asked me, I smiled.

“The Guardian… He’s real” I whispered, recalling the myths of the great protector of Equestria from the days of old.

~Prince Metamorphosis’ PoV - The Guardian’s home~

“And that is everything that has been explained so far Princess. May I remove you from that wall now? I do not think that it is quite the comfortable perch” I said to the alicorn princess currently stuck to a wall for trying to attack me. with a sigh, her demeanor changed in an instant.

“What is it like living in hives?! Can Changelings turn into full grown Dragons!? Do you have to use the bathroom!? What does Love taste like!? What was Star Swirl the Bearded like!?” she rattled off, trying ts ask as many questions as possible in the shortest amount of time.

“One, like a giant house. Two, only really powerful ones. Three, what does that have to do with anything!? Four, like Love would feel like I guess, warm and fuzzy. And five, I never met him” I replied, answering each question in turn.

A giant creepy grin started spreading across Twilight’s face, making me grimace, hoping for some sort of distraction to prevent more questions.

It did not work.

She rattled off approximately another thirty questions.

“Wow Twilight… You’re starting to sound a bit like me… That… Is really fudging creepy” Pinkie said, a scared look on her face. Everypony in the room looked between Pinkie and Twilight, horrified looks on their faces.

It was this moment that my Uncle walked back in.

~Ian’s PoV~

I walked inside to a really creepy scene.

Twilight, the purple alicorn that fainted earlier, had an incredibly creepy smile on her face. Pinkie was staring at her, horrified. And everypony else was looking between the two, horrified looks on their faces, even Discord.

“Um… What did I miss?”

Not too long later, after informing the six mares of what had happened in town, they rushed out, to go make sure that everything was all right back in ‘Ponyville’ as they called it. Although, Twilight seemed a bit disheartened that she had to go without having more questions about the Changelings answered. Metamorphosis assured her that he would be happy to answer more at a later date.

However, not too much longer after that, Metamorphosis informed me that he was leaving for his mother’s hive, to inform her of my return, and told me to watch out for her visit in approximately another fortnight. One week for him to reach home, another for Chrysalis to return.

Afterwards, it was simply myself and Discord left. Of course, my good friend gave me the short version of what had happened in my absence.

Things had really gone to shit after I disappeared.

Discord went insane, Sombra became evil, Luna was corrupted by the Darkness before being sealed away on the moon for a thousand years, and during a period of Celestia’s grief, the Changelings were ousted from Canterlot and struck from the records. Along with all mention of myself, Discord, Sombra and Luna being Celestia’s sister. (whom was known from that point on as the persona the Darkness took on while controlling her)

He even told me of more recent events.

Luna’s return and subsequent purification. His own return and subsequent defeat. Chrysalis’ last ditch effort invasion. Sombra’s return after being sealed away and subsequent defeat. Himself being saved from his insanity and the return of an ancient evil, Tirek himself, a centaur that sided with the Vex, believing that he was helping them bring about ‘perfection.’

What surprised me the most however, was that each of these returning ‘evils’ were conquered by the same six mares that I had met earlier and a few others related to them.

He recounted these tales, and a few other, more slice-of-life tales to me.

I was surprised.

Not only were those six mares able to cleanse, or defeat almost all of my old friends. But they were able to seal away Tirek, a monster that took all my, and my friend’s strength to seal away in Tartarus, using a long forgotten tool.

They had achieved Mastery over Harmony, the only type of Magick that required more than one to use, and, more importantly, had no active Avatar for, other than the Tree of Harmony of course, the most primal form of Harmony itself.

What I had neglected to inform the mares of concerning Avatars, were the Aspect Trees. Each Aspect had a primal force, awaiting prospective Avatars if there were no active Avatars for their respective Aspect of Magick.

The few that I knew of that had no active Avatars tending to them were the Tree of Harmony, the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Void. And it seems like there may be a group taking the title of Avatar of Harmony in the near future, especially seeing as Discord said that they had used pure Harmony against Tirek.

After recounting these tales to me, Discord said that he had to go, as it was nearing night, and he had plans for this night. I did not begrudge my old friend, simply telling him not to be a stranger, and visit somewhat often.

I was alone again, in my home. I walked downstairs, to where my armory was placed. Ghost had found a way to remotely access any of my weapons stored here, so I used this as a place to remember the past, a place to recount my own tales.

I approached one of my collection, an odd weapon of Vex make.

The Vex Mythoclast.

A powerful Fusion Rifle with the ability to be fired like a Scout Rifle.

I was the one weapon that I owned that sickened me the most.

It was the one weapon that made me hurt an innocent.

I left my collection, sighing.

I wish we never found that thing. Amethyst would have survived otherwise. Ghost said, breaking me out of my thoughts. I smiled at my constant companion.

“You were awfully quiet today Ghost, what were you up to?” I asked, smirking at the construct of pure Light. He looked away a bit.

I was looking at something we received a long time ago, one that we never bothered looking at. It mentions a Void-Dweller, called ‘The Merchant’, and how he brought people from their world to one not their own, and how that those whom received the article are referred to as ‘Displaced’. It seems there may be others like us amongst the Void, in their own worlds in the great expanse Ghost said, I frowned, thinking.

“I wonder if some of them would require help? While, for the moment, we are in a lull ourselves, there can be no telling what is out there, and who needs our help.” I asked, I pondered something, before coming to a conclusion.

I would send an item out into the Void, a message attached to it, to inform others that they are not alone, and that I would arrive to help at a moments notice.

Ghost replicated my Titan Mark for me, using a substance that we found from the Vex called ‘Glimmer’, a substance that could be bent into any shape.

I would bind a simple message into the cloth, a pure white Mark symbolizing four orders of soldiers that I had lead, named Titans in my honor, whom defended Canterlot on Six fronts, without a single one faltering.

It was emblazoned with a hexagon, divided into quarters, stained with the blood, sweat and tears of those that fought to defend ponykind from the Vex. Above it, was the year of the battle in Griffonian numerals. XXVIII, or 28PD, Post Diarchy.

“Those in dire need, and under siege from the Darkness, heed my words. The Light shall shine again. Call on me to aid in your plight, and a gleaming Light shall arrive. A Titan, a Defender of the innocent am I. With a Ghost by my side, I arrive to protect the innocent from those whom wish them harm, Defending you with the power of the Void. I am the Guardian, the Guarding Light of Equestria.”

Proud of my message, I focused on my Void Magick, flinging it throughout the Void, ready to arrive to anyone in need.

Author's Note

Another chapter! Why must I torture myself to give you people my story!? :raritydespair:

It's 4:15 in the morning here in Melbourne... and I literally just finished this for you guys... hopefully you appreciate my paaaaaaaain...

Especially seeing as I promised my little brother and best friend that we'd do the Vault of Glass later today...

Otherwise, hey look! I'm finally open for crossovers! I finally got my beginning arc out of the way, and am willing to get started with others! :yay:

Hopefully I'll get a crossover in the near future, because I want one at the very least before I start my next big arc.

Now excuse me, but imma go pass out now... i am so glad i'm writing this on a chromebook in my bed right now...

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Chapter 4.5, The Morning After

“The Culling, Void, CQB Ballistics, Spray and Play, High Caliber Rounds, Army Of One.” I recited, cleaning the gun in question, as was my routine.

“The Dreamwaker, Solar, Warhead Verniers, Army Of One, Javelin, Tracking.”

Ghost watched silently, hovering near the door of the Armory, where I was cleaning my weapons, keeping them in working order.

“Against All Odds, Arc, Linear Compensator, Persistence, High Caliber Rounds, Feeding Frenzy.”

“Is, uh, he always like this? I mean, from what Discord’s told us, I’d expect him to be more, y’know, badflank” said Rainbow Dash, curiously watching my well versed hand movements as I took apart each gun with ease for cleaning, before replacing each part, continuously reciting the perks and abilities of the weapon.

“The Chosen, Arc, Sightsys SLS20, Mulligan, Armor Piercing Rounds, Performance Bonus.”

Unfortunately, this is what he has become after many years of combat. Before he arrived in Equestria. From what I can gather from our shared memories. He was a much… softer man. He was a bit of an Introvert and a Family Man, he worked at a local bakery, baking bread early each morning before going home to help care for his baby brother of two years, and spent his free time playing Video Games with his other brother, aged thirteen.

What he has had to do to protect Equestria has changed him. Ghost replied to the technicolor mare.

“Secret Handshake, Void, Accurized Ballistics, Return To Sender, Field Scout, Spray And Play.”

“W-what kind of things has he gone through? If… you don’t mind my asking that is” Fluttershy asked.

“Her Benevolence, Solar, Sightsys SLS20, Clown Cartridge, Armor Piercing Rounds, Unflinching.”

Many things Ghost said with a sigh, looking down. Practically everything, from a Dragon Overlord demanding that Equestria become his due to the abundance of gems, to a technological time travelling terror, vowed to destroy all Light in the universe

“Doctor Nope, Red Dot-OAS, Persistence, Perfect Balance, Play and Spray.”

“Technological time travelling terror? what do you mean by that?” Asked Twilight, wondering if this ‘terror’ was the Darkness from the old stories Princess Celestia told her when she was a filly.

The Vex, a race of hyper-advanced machines dedicated to the destruction of all good in the universe, with the ability of limited time travel. Most Vex troops can only ‘bend’ time in order to warp a short distance thankfully.

“Her Mercy, Quickdraw IS, Zen Moment, Explosive Rounds, Counterbalance”

“What does he mean by ‘Her Mercy’? Is the weapon named after somepony? And old flame perhaps?” Rarity asked, curious as to what the weapon’s name meant.

’Her Mercy’ has two meanings, the first references a Queen from a galaxy that the Fallen visited once, The Queen of the Awoken mercifully spared the lives of a House of Fallen, after which, the weapon was first created.

The second, references an old friend of The Guardian’s, she would show mercy to creatures great or small, however, it caused her death, The Guardian uses ‘Her Mercy’ and ‘Her Benevolence’ in memoriam of her.

“The Chance, Quickdraw IS, Spray and Play, Field Scout, Grenadier”

“How romantic!” Rarity swooned, Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

“If he’s going to be like this, we might as well come back later. Can you ask him to come into town later Ghost?” Twilight said.

Of course Twilight, I’ll let him know when he breaks out of this state Ghost stated with a nod of his form, as, one by one, the girls filed out of my house and on their way back to Ponyville.

Author's Note

IM SOOOOOOOOOREEEEEEEEEEEHEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! :fluttercry:

sorry it's been around six months, I haven't been able to get back into the groove of writing for quite some time, but hopefully I'll get SOMETHING down :twilightsheepish:

hopefully this is enough for the moment (sorry for the 600 words :twilightoops: as I said, Can't get in the groove atm) at the very least, you get a bit of backstory and a look at the Legendary weapons The Guardian uses

I'll keep on trying to write something, cross your fingers I can get it down :unsuresweetie:

Chapter 4.5.2, The Bookening

Travelling undetected through the Void was fun. I was able to walk through Ponyville almost like a ghost, weaving in and out of the sparse street traffic, listening into various conversations throughout town.

It didn’t take too long to arrive at Twilight’s castle like Ghost told me she had asked after I was done with my breakdown. I shook my head.

Gotta stay calm. Keep a clear mind. I stated to myself, slowing my heart rate into normal parameters, gotta make sure I don’t devolve into another breakdown while Void Stepping in the middle of town.

My intangible form went through the front door of Twilight’s castle(which was pretty gaudy, seeing as it was made completely out of various shades of crystal). It was obvious (to me) that the castle was made by the Elements of Harmony. Gaudy crystal structures was one of Harmony’s main gimmicks.

Quickly fading through the many mostly empty rooms I came across Twilight rather fast, in the middle of a rather *ahem* scandalous situation(at least, in the minds of nobles) in one of the corners of a rather expansive personal library.

Twilight was quite snugly nestled in the middle of a book fort(a structure very similar to the usual pillow fort or blanket fort, except made of books) reading a rather well loved tome.

Smirking, I grabbed some ‘building blocks’(read; books) after leaving the Void and swiftly formed a rather large book castle across the room from Twilight’s own fort. Using my Void Magick I formed some small soldiers looking like books out of pure Void, giving them a semblance of life in order to play their part in my little ‘play’.

Once my little ‘army’ of miniature book men was ready, I sent an ‘envoy’ across the room to talk to Twilight and deliver my ‘demands’.

“Announcing, Sir Booksworth, Duke of Bookington, Envoy of the great Book Empire” stated one of the great Duke’s entourage as they arrived at Twilight’s side of the room. Slightly startled, the bookish alicorn looked up from her book and caught sight of the Booklings.

“Wh-what!?” she exclaimed, almost knocking her fort over in the process as she backed up slightly.

“Lady Twilight Sparkle of Pretty Pink Ponyland, I am Sir Booksworth, the Duke of Bookington, and I am here to deliver the demands of Emperor Guardian of the great Book Empire. My Lord demands full surrender and for you to hoof over any and all books in your possession.” the Duke stated, reading from a tiny scroll and pointing over at me upon my mention.

Twilight looked from the Duke to me in bewilderment.

“What…” She deadpanned as I gave her a vigorous wave.

“If you do not surrender within thirty seconds of the end of this message, then we will be forced to assault your keep and beat a surrender out of you” Booksworth stated, rolling the scroll back up. Twilight glanced at me before smirking. Lavender light poured from her horn as she used a spell in order to conjure her own forces to combat mine and reorganize her small, cozy fort into a large set of battlements and a castle.

“If you want my books Guardian, then you’re going to have to fight me for them. And beware, the Princess herself tutored me in Book War tactics” She called out, a large grin on her face.

“Who do you think wrote the book on book wars? Surely not Sunbutt, she could never best me and her Sister, no matter whom she enlisted as her ally” I called back as a tiny bugle was blown, signalling the advance for my troops.

~half an hour later~

The war was long and fierce, many forward command posts were created and destroyed, and many books were shot at both our walls using Bookapults.

Eventually, others turned up and joined in our battle.

Spike the Dragon, Twilight’s Son/Little Brother/Number One Assistant quickly turned the mostly even tides in the favor of Twilight when he joined in, the two forming dual pronged assaults on my command posts and walls.

However, the arrival of Rainbow Dash and her Bookasus Cavalry on my side quickly drove the Alicorn’s forces back to their own gates.

Unfortunately, our fun was cut short as the rest of Twilight’s friends showed up(just as RD and I were making what we hoped would be the final assault on Twilight’s castle).

“What in the name of Celestia are you four doing!?” exclaimed a surprised Rarity as she walked into the room, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie right behind her.

“Book Wars” the four of us said, looking down like foals with their hooves caught in the cookie jar.

Author's Note

Sorry for another short chapter, but i'm slowly making my way back into the groove (plus the end of this chapter seemed like the best ending point)

The whole 'Book Wars' think was something random that just popped into my head, and I couldn't stop writing once I started :rainbowlaugh:

Chapter 4 and three quarters; EXPOSITION!

With our little game interrupted, Twilight quickly got to the point of why she had called me to her castle.

“The first reason as to why I asked you to come here today, is in order to schedule a time to reveal you to the populace. Now, I’m going to reveal you to Ponyville within the next week, but I’m going to leave the larger scale reveal to the Princesses once you’ve been introduced to Ponyville.” Twilight explained, I nodded slowly.

I knew I would have to be introduced back to the populace if I was to go back to being the protector of Equus, and that along with that, my return would have to be revealed to Celestia and Luna.

“The second reason, is for some insight. Now, I know that you know about these Fallen beings, .” She continued, again, I nodded. Information about our possible future foes would be a good thing to tell Twilight and the girls.

“The Fallen are a race of nomadic scavengers, little more than pirates. However, there are semblances of ancient nobility, such as a caste system and their king-like Kells.

The Fallen are broken into six houses, each with their own Kells. The House of Devils, The House of Exile, The House of Winter, The House of Kings, The House of Wolves and the House of Judgment. Each are just as dangerous as the rest, but there are some I know more about than others, for example, the House of Kings are more secretive than their brethren, preferring to not reveal themselves unless absolutely necessary.” I explained, scribbling detailed pictures of Vandals, Dregs, Servitors and other Fallen troops and machines on a large blackboard that Pinkie spontaneously pulled out of a nearby cupboard, claiming that she had stashed it there in case of ‘exposition emergencies.’

“Although, for them to come to Equus would require something big, and THAT is what I’m afraid of, because of a foe that I faced before I was sealed in stone. A Technological Terror known as the Vex.” I stated, a grim look on my face as I started to draw the various Vex troops upon the blackboard.

“They are a mostly self-aware race of machines with limited control over time and space, able to appear out of seemingly nowhere. They are incredibly dangerous, especially those in a place known as the Vault of Glass; Their own domain. Not much is known about the Vault.” I said, finishing the drawings of the cyclopean mechanical monstrosities.

“Are these ‘Vex’ the Beings of Darkness that Princess Celestia told me about in the stories about you?” Twilight asked, examining the drawings and flawlessly copying them down onto paper.

“Yeah, let’s just be glad that they disappeared along with me” I said, nodding. I put the chalk Pinkie supplied me back in their container and placed it on the rail thingy on the blackboard that you keep the chalk on. (I never bothered learning if it had a proper name or not)

“So when are we gonna introduce him to Ponyville?” Rainbow asked, playing around with one of the little Bookasai that stuck around after our little Book War.

“Either today or tomorrow, whenever suits him I guess” Twilight replied, shrugging her withers slightly. I grinned under the helmet that I still wore. (It was habit to keep it on, I felt vulnerable without it)

“Today works fine, I gotta come out of hiding anyway if I’m gonna protect everypony” I said.

Author's Note

Exposition! EXPOSITION!!!!!!! Exposition! :yay:

Mostly just filler, like the last few have been, although, we ARE getting somewhere now! hopefully :scootangel:

So yeah, unless you haven't played Destiny yet, this is mostly just common vanilla/House of Wolves knowledge

I might end up combining this chapter and the last two into one mega chapter eventually, they're all pretty small and practically back to back anyway :derpytongue2:

Enjoy! :twilightsmile:

Chapter 5, Unforeseen Invasions

~Wolfship Kaliks-Syn, Taniks the Scarred~

Taniks looked over the data currently gathered on the nearby planet from his scout Skiffs he had dispatched across the surface. So far, data had confirmed the existence of intelligent life of multiple species, seemingly pre-industrial era.

Suddenly, a Dreg was all but thrown into his quarters. The Disgraced One groggily stood up from where he had landed upon being tossed into the room.

“What makes you disturb me?” Kaliks growled in his native tongue at the intruding piece of nothingness.

“The Archon and his crew sent by the Kell of Kells has not reported back. We suspect that he has somehow fallen to the locals or the lingering Dark Machines we have been searching for.” The Dreg stated, bowing low. Taniks smashed a fist into a nearby surface, he had sent that Archon to an area that felt oddly dangerous, and he had been right, although the loss of Skolas’ Archon would damage relations with the Kell of Kells and his Wolves.

“Send an invasion force! Stamp out those that would damage our relations with the Wolves!” Kaliks roared over a Ketch-wide intercom system. Various machines whirred to life throughout the Wolfship as Fallen got an invasion force worth of ships ready for planetary entry.

~Inside The Castle of Friendship, The Guardian~

I slowed my breathing, slowing my racing heartbeat and calming myself down. Twilight had managed to get everything in order within an hour or two and right now, she was addressing everypony in town, informing them of ‘an old friend of the Princesses’ (ie, me) being in town.

Soon, Spike would open the door out to the balcony so that I could step out and reveal myself to the populous of Ponyville. However, I was broken out of my thoughts when various sounds came from outside.

Screaming. And the engines of many Fallen Skiffs.

Ghost! Give me The Last Word, Her Benevolence and The Culling! Sounds like we have Fallen inbound I mentally called to Ghost. Almost instantly, my Hand Cannon appeared in my hand and my rifle appeared upon my back. Flexing my fingers around the grip of The Last Word, I burst through the doors to the balcony.

My stomach fell when I caught sight of the current predicament. Ten Fallen Skiffs hovered in the sky above Ponyville, the drop hatches opened and many Fallen Vandals, Dregs and Captains jumped out, Shanks and a few Servitors following behind.

Ponies ran to cover in large groups, herd instinct kicking in. A few stopped in fear and more looked like they were ready to fight, Easily spotted was the chromatic catastrophe that was Rainbow Dash and the ever truthful titan Applejack, bracing themselves in combat stances nearby a large red stallion wearing a yoke around his neck.

I blasted past Twilight and Spike in my sprint. I placed a foot upon the balcony railing in order to boost my leap, quickly firing a short burst of Lift in order to get a bit more height and some speed. I fired another short burst of Lift just before hitting the ground, cushioning my fall slightly as I hit the ground running. Quickly, I reached the side of Rainbow and Applejack.

“Get to safety you two, these guys don’t fuck around” I ordered, keeping my eyes on the various Fallen still jumping from their Skiffs. Immediately I felt the glares of Rainbow and Applejack trying their best to burn through the back of my helmet.

“Like hay we are! This is our home and we’re gonna defend it!” Rainbow snapped, I turned to look at her and hopefully intimidate her into backing down. However, it seemed to be taken in vain, as the rainbow maned mare and all the other ponies in fighting stances glared right back. I smirked behind my helmet.

“I like your spirit, but trust me, these guys are no joke. Those tube-like things they hold? they are ranged weapons like bows but much more accurate and much more dangerous.” I said, hoping to get them to back down, but Rainbow just smirked at me.

“So they’re like the Muskets used by the border guard? Sounds simple enough, we’ve just gotta get too close for them to hit us accurately” she cockily stated.

“Eeyup” intoned the big red stallion, and by fuck was that deep, that was deep enough to make me almost make a mess in my pants if you get my drift. Moving on, big red just stoically stood there(I could swear his short orange mane blew in a bit of a breeze) as everypony else just grinned.

I sighed.

“Try not to die out there and stay in groups in order to split their attention, I might have some use out of you guys later” I said, grinning once more under my helm as I started to move towards the various Fallen, but Ghost stopped me before I could get too far.

Give me a minute, I’m going to unlock some latent abilities in them, I won’t take long He stated as he appeared. Just as quickly as the shard of light appeared did he finish what he was doing. I unlocked some latent combat abilities along with a bit of instinctive knowledge, I’ll explain in more detail later, but just remember, trust what your instincts will tell you and you’ll know what to do Ghost quickly explained before disappearing into me once more.

“You guys better survive” I stated before dashing off to fight the invading Fallen.

Author's Note

Invasions! Fallen! Unlocking Potential! :flutterrage:

:unsuresweetie: I... need an Adult...

:pinkiecrazy: I am an Aduuuuuuuuult!

I'm leaving this here simply because I want to see if anyone wants to do a crossover :pinkiehappy:

I guess I'll leave it a week or two to see if someone'll hop in or not before saying 'fudge it' and doing it solo :applejackunsure: don't wanna leave you guys hanging for another six months, y'know? :derpytongue2: