The Red Light King: Carolus Rex.

Chapter 4: The Search for Leadership...

(Princess Celestia, present time...)

After that, I decided to stop, taking a break so that everypony here can process on what I have given. The girls were in a complete trance of shock and awe, I bet their heads are a wreck with how I used to act. I don't hold it against them, I mean, my little ponies looked up to me like some form of goddess, a true benevolent leader who can guide them towards peace and harmony. Heh... I guess I may have to live with the guilt and shame about my past, especially when I'm going to tell him what I did to Luna, all those years ago....

This is, of course, National Secrecy. The hidden history part I mean! So I reminded them on how important it is to keep a tight lip on this, especially Twilight, seeing as she grabbed out some more paper and started writing it all down...

"Now Twilight." I spoke, "We would very much appreciate it if you don't record anything we're about to say. This is of the utmost secrecy, understood?" Before she could say anything, Rex snatched her note and burned them again. This, in turn, also helped by driving our point of keeping a tight-lip of it. We wouldn't want the press or the other nations to get nosy about us. Especially since Rex doesn't want any persistent interference from anyone.

Twilight looked up at me, with a desperate need. "But Celestia, why can't I write any of this down?"

I was going to answer her, but Rex got to answer her with a scoff. "You fucking idiot! This is both a private, and personal thing! We ain't doing this just so you can tell everyone else!" He growled, "We're telling you this so you can have a better understanding of what really happened!" After that, Twilight hid under the table, staying out of his glaring sight.

Oh... My poor little Twilight. Why do you crave such unknown and untold knowledge so much?

At least Discord and Luna got Rex to calm down a little, but then I picked up on that smell again, the smell of blood. I know it came from him, but I don't think it's of natural causes. If anything, I think it's something else entirely, a far more deeper truth to why he keeps radiating that whenever he's infuriated.... Could it be connected to his mood? To his anger?? Well, whatever this is all about, I only pray that this doesn't happen every so often.

"Lovely, you need to calm down. You're starting to act out again." Discord tried to sugarcoat his mood, and no, not literally. That would be disgusting if he did that for real!

Anyway, Luna started to rub his right arm, to sooth away the rage that was building up within him. "Rexxy, enough playing Mr. Grumpy now! There is no need to get all snappy about her." She then grab hold of his hand and he gripped hers tightly.

"I really...REALLY...want to cleave her fucking limbs off..."

"Rexxy...." Luna narrowed her eyes at him, ready in case he does something horribly stupid.

Eventually he calmed down and sighed, "I know, I know! But the fact still remains within this race of yours: they're complete idiots."

"Rex, stop complaining about that already! You've made it quite clear about it!" I shouted, trying so hard not to come over to him and give him a slap. And even if I did succeed, he'll get back at me in a blink of an eye. I mean, must he be so thorough about his opinions all the time!?

Soon Pinkie shot up a hand, "Um, excuse me, your Highnesses? Can I ask you about something?"

This seem to have worked as Rex's foul mood has evaporated, "Yes, you can."

She was hesitant at first, seemingly not wanting to tread on personal grounds. "Well..... Why do you always fight with one another? I thought you were friends!?" Silence fell over us after what she just asked. Even the girls were wondering about that as well, seeing as how we four act towards one another.

Soon the room was filled with hysterical laughter, coming from both Discord and Rex. Of course they would laugh at that question, because none of the Elements would ever understand on how our Friendship works. Even so, I still blame Rex for this, it's how his kind works, I think. I can't understand any of it really, he said its a guy thing, something I still don't believe in really. The insults they throw at each other's faces out on impulse, yes. But everything else about it still baffles me! Even when I'm caught up within the act!

Soon Rex was holding his side, "Oh great gods!.... It hurts to laugh!" He said between laughs, even falling out of his seat, along with Discord.

Everypony else was just staring at them when they laughed, all very confused by the act and disturbed.

"Um.... Was there a joke I messed up or something?" Pinkie asked, smiling nervously. I guess even she can't get how some things work. Well there's always a first for everything!

The twos laughter started dying down as Rex crawled back up into his chair, wiping a single tear away. "Hehehe... Oh, that was a riot." He looked over to Pinkie, "Now why would you ask of that? Of course we're friends!"

"Then why?" Applejack inquired, "Why the harsh comments? That don't make much sense really!"

Rex shook his head in disappointment, seeing as how the girls only know one way of building a friendship. "You girls have your way of making friends, I have my own way, one that was necessary in order to bring them together! So, I don't really give two flying fuckwits about any of that softcore bullshit you pussbags will keep spouting out!"

The Elements cringed away from his harshness towards them. This really is something different they aren't used to seeing, nor will they ever do.

"Well then, I think it's time to continue." I proposed and the girls were all too eager to listen some more, if not only to get Rex to back off from them.

He gave a grunt and nodded, "Yeah, whatever. Let's get this over with!"

I sighed but moved onward with the story. "Alright then...."

(Queen Gaia, Mother of the Royal Sisters...)

Well, this is unexpected. My eldest daughter, Celestia, came barging in through the doors unsanctioned. And we were planning on showing Carolus Rex to his fellow teammates and around this school. But then again, we were talking about it outside of her room. So I decided to introduce them to each other: little Tia was speechless when I told her about what he is here for, and Rex was.... Well quiet. He doesn't exactly talk much, but his actions really do speak for themselves, and he's still giving off that whole eerie aura. He's even giving my little Tia the cold stare! I can understand that he can tell people's motives and behaviour, as he said before his dad taught him that. So I guess that is to be expected, especially when he, a lone human turned Alicorn, is in a new world, with a different set of rules and laws.

Oh wait, we told him about our reasons! Oh darn it all to Tartarus, did I just had another 'Blonde' moment!? Oh I'm so sorry, my mind hasn't been in the right place for some time now, and I don't know why!?

"... Mother?" I was snapped out of my senseless monologuing by my daughter, "Just... Why?"

I was confused at this. Why does she sound so upset about this? "Honey, I do not understand---?"

"WHY!?" I was a bit startled by her outburst, as she cut me off. "Why would you and father do this; bringing yet another misfit!? How could you do this to me!?" How could we do this to her? We only did what we thought was right for her and the others!

I was going to voice my disapproval of this sort of behaviour, but my husband did the honours. "Selfish child of ours! Do you have no shame, or dignity!? Watch that tongue of yours and show respect to your parents!" Tia flinched at her fathers words, while Rex was just standing there like a statue, watching and taking in any form of Intel to help him. This is something that his God pointed out about choosing him: being able to read a persons characteristics and motivations.

Oh he also said that he has a tendency of... Getting angry too quickly.

My king and love sighed, "Celestia, do you know why we did what we did?" He asked her, but she didn't answer. So he continued, "It's because of how arrogant and ignorant you have gotten lately. You keep proclaiming yourself as something you have yet to prove. Even going so far as to centre everything around your delusional idealism, while over-glorifying things that have yet to happen. Do you not see such consequences from these actions?" She still said nothing and turned her gaze down to the ground.

"Maybe we should start explaining what happened on our interstellar journey Solaris?" I proposed, seeing as how Tia doesn't understand the importance of it just by how she was behaving, and thinking.

My husband nodded, "Agreed. Perhaps it is best, since she's here and not with the rest of her class." He sighed and closed his eyes for a brief moment, before continuing onwards. "As Star Swirl stated before you ran out; we were confronted by a God, since we trespassed in his territory. And we found out why he was so protective about it, because of his mortal children..."

(A few days ago...)

"... Well, that was interesting..."

"If you mean that we were nearly tricked into becoming slaves to a Daemon Trickster, then no, it's really not..."

"I completely agree, King Solaris."

Well this is a drag! Just recently we found a dimension that was suitable for finding a leader... The downside of it all was that it was completely ravished by war, and only war! I mean, how is it that we didn't sense it from the beginning!? Now we didn't get the full story, but we believed it to be too long and a major fustercluck, because of a certain Daemon God, whose name I really can't pronounce at all, was playing us for fools when he told us he could give us what we wanted. If it wasn't for the Anathema coming in, we would have ended up as that things slaves. As for what the Anathema looked like, I could not tell, all I knew that it was male, and held more power than the three of us combined. He was even giving off this golden light, it made it impossible to see his face and form! He told us to go through a portal he opened up, and said that it'll take us to a place where we can find what we seek, so we took it.

As for why he is called The Anathema, is because of that Daemon kept saying that, only because he was on the opposite side of it and three other Daemon Gods.

Ugh, just thinking about that place just gives me a headache!

"Anyway, we are getting close to our destination." Star Swirl stated, as we saw the end of our journey through the Warp. Upon exit, we found that the world we saw was... Well we were thoroughly surprised by it!

I rubbed my eyes, thinking that I might have been seeing some sort of illusion, but I wasn't. "Dearest, is it just me? Or...?"

"No my dear, you are not." He said as he turned to look at both me and Star. "It may look like home, but it really isn't. For starters: this world is bigger then ours. I do not recognise any of the continents here, for there are hundreds of them. And this place seems...."

"What?" I asked, a bit confused as to why he stop.

He shook his head, having a bit of an unnerving expression. "I'm not sure why, but this world seems a bit...unstable. Like, their isn't a presence of a higher being, or anything related to magic itself." I was surprised by his analysis of this dimension. Surly there is a being of a higher power here, well somewhere!

Looking over towards Star Swirl, he was using a search spell to see if what my husband said was right. After he was done, he nodded. "He is right milady, there is little-to-no Magic here. But I did pick up something..."

"Really? What is it?" I asked.

"I'm not certain, but there is a sentient race. It's just that they're...different." He said, though there was an uneasy tone in it, there was also curiosity. A weird mixture really.

Solaris spoke up next, "I sense it too. Whatever this specie is using is clearly the opposite of magic. But why are they the only intelligence here?" I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my sockets when I heard that, the only intelligence of a species here! That can't be right, can it!?

"T-the only...intelligence here!? But that's impossible!" I shouted out loud, my voice being carried across the void. Soon I clamped my muzzle as everything started to quiet down... "Sorry..."

Solaris hissed at me, "Honey, what were you thinking!?"

"Oh I don't know..." I said as I pull my hands away from my mouth. "Maybe it's because I'm a bit shocked by the fact that there is only one!"

"Gaia, just because there is one, doesn't necessarily mean it is the only one." He stated, "Besides, there are some suitable candidates we can look into--"

"HALT!!!!!" An unknown voice called out of nowhere, or at least, for the moment. Seconds later, flashes of light appeared from all around us three: they were bipeds like us, only...the power between us both were very different. They wore pure white robes adored with golden plated armour that can put our guards one to shame, seeing that it has a Divine feeling to it. They also have wings themselves, along with a Halo floating on top of their heads.

All of them trained their weapons on us, not letting us go anywhere without a few stabs.

One of them came up to us. I couldn't see his face since they all either wore hoods, or helmets, and judging by this one, he must be the first of many Commanders. "I will only say this once: who are you three? And what do you want?" He demanded us, his voice was on the gruffer side.

Solaris placed me behind him, "We are simply just looking for someone on this world." He answer him, not wanting to provoke them into thinking we are a threat.

The being hummed at this. "Hmm.... Well, at least you are honest with your intentions..." But he fixed his glare on my beloved. "But what do you want from the humans?"

"Is that what they are called?" I asked.

"Yes, and they are our Creator's mortal children. It is our duty to protect them until they can find their place among the stars." That confused me, protecting them until they find their place among the star? What was he on about?

Before we could say anything, three more lights shined. Now these ones were different from all the rest: the one in the middle was shorter, but seems all the more important. I didn't see him having wings, nor any piece of armour on his robe, save for that Halo ring they all have. Now though... I can actually see what they look like: apparently they almost look like apes, only they had no fur on them, except for their mane and facial hair. At least, from the short one I'm seeing. His skin is somewhat tan, along brown eyes.

His escorts were the tallest warriors I have ever seen, even taller than a Minotaur! Their armour had more decorative accessories adoring them, making them the higher ranking. And the power those two were radiating, they can actually take on any and all armies our world has to offer. But even then they can still come out on top, unscathed.

The one that was interrogating us, turn around and bowed before them.

"My lords!" He spoke in a respectful tone. "I am sorry for calling you from your duties, but these three have come to Eden to take a human being to wherever they are from."

His lordship on the left gave a glance our way and... I not so sure, but I could have sworn he was smiling a bit under his helmet. After that, he turn to his left and spoke, "What are your thoughts you two? Because I'm telling you right now, they are in way over their heads."

"Perhaps..." The right one responded, "... But that is only your opinion Gabriel. We don't know that for certain."

The man in the middle nodded, "While that may be true Michael, it is still unclear as to what they attend to do with whoever they choose." He then turn to face us. "Our apologies, but we are suspicious about you being here."

Star Swirl spoke up. "We didn't mean to intruded in your realm, but we have become a little desperate. And I do not believe we have given our names. You did question about our identity, after all."

The soldier stood up, "My apologies sirs, I sort of jumped to conclusions that they wished ill will upon Humanity."

The one named Michael placed a hand on his shoulder, "It's alright brother, you were only doing your duty to protect them. And yes, we must exercise caution, but be mindful of what is to be said. We don't want to start making enemies." He said with such wisdom and a caring voice.

As for the other, Gabriel, spoke next. "Well, let us introduce ourselves now shall we. I am Gabriel, one of the Archangels of the Hierarchy Society." He greeted us with a bow, before pointing over the others. "This here is Michael, also an Archangel. And The Messenger of God himself, Jesus Christ."

When he was done, we did the same. "Well, my name is Solaris, King of Equestria, our homeland..."

"Homeland? Then what is your world's name?" The Messenger, Jesus, asked. "Surely it has one."

Solaris nodded, "Yes, it is known as Equus."

"Ah." He then looked towards me, "I suppose this is your mate and Queen."

I nodded, "Yes, that I am! I'm Gaia, Queen of Equestria. And this..." I pointed out to Star. "Is our Arch Mage, Star Swirl the Bearded." He bowed to them. We were being polite as possible with these Angels as they call themselves.

Gabriel gave a little chuckle, "You know, I sort of like these three."

Michael raised a brow at his comment, "Really now? Explain."

Gabriel smiled, "Well then, brother, the King and Queen could probably give the Ancient Royals of the past a run for their money. And that elderly unicorn there reminds me of Merlin." We were confused by this, especially Star Swirl himself.

Michael saw this and told us, "Nevermind him. We will discuss that later." We took his for it.

Jesus then spoke up next, "I have relayed the message back to our All-Father. He should be here any second..." After saying that, he wasn't kidding. But it isn't just that, I was beginning to feel this... Overwhelming force. It was unlike any other...

"What do you three want?" A voice sounded its demands. Soon though, we were all shrouded in that same bright light, only this one felt more tense. "What do you hope to gain, by stealing one of my own mortal children?" Wait, what? Stealing??

"W...why would we steal?" Solaris asked. Though that made it somewhat worse.

The Light felt like it was starting to burn us, "Do you honestly believe I, or any of my Angels, would let the likes of you to go down upon Earth and pluck out one human?! Bah! The nerve of you celestial creatures!" What happened after that rant, was divinely and terrifying. The one who had spoken, the All-Father, started to manifest and form himself, he was big, both in height and mass! He, too, wore such a glorious and divinely armour, it only seem to add more fear in me. The last thing was his face, But I couldn't tell since he hid it in blinding light, making him more anonymous like his Angelic Warriors. Oh and he also has a Halo!

Even though we can't see his face, I can tell he was glaring down at us. Just what did we do wrong? Surely he can see we mean no harm!

"In case you missed my point: did you ever consider the consequences of what happens when you take a human?" Consequences, what... Oh... Oh dear, we didn't...

"No, we did not..." I muttered quietly, but that didn't fell on deaf ears.

"Exactly. You would have started problems if you took one that has a loving family and friends. Not to mention, the concept of being on another world, in another dimension, is a daunting task to accept." he said, "So clearly, none of you thought ahead of this plan of yours...whatever it is."

None of us said anything, I mean, how could we? Was all of this for nothing? Have we been wasting our time? I just don't know what to do...

"Who are you?" My husband spoke up.

I looked between him and the All-Father, fearing that a fight would happen. With the two of them staring each other down, I could only hope that nothing bad happens to my beloved.

Eventually though, he spoke. Answering my dear king, but what he said though... "I am the All-Father of my Angels and mortal children, the Creator of this world and its inhabitants... I. Am. God." I can't believe on what he just told us. How could we have missed it!? It's no wonder he was called the All-Father! He rules this universe!

My husband eyes widened at that statement, "W-what!?"

"You heard me boy, and now, I'm going to give you three choices on what's to happen next: One, you give me a reason why I should let you have one of my mortal children help you in whatever it is, I will grant it. Two, we can fight it and you will most certainly die from it, so I know you won't go for that. Three, you turn around and leave empty handed. So make the choice!" OK... This just got more harder then before.

We only have two options that will get us out of here unscathed, but would we obtain what we came here for, or leave here empty handed like God said. Fighting them would be suicide! There's no way we can win, not to mention this is their dimension, so they have the home field advantage over us. I guess there is only thing we have to do, and I think God is also counting on that as well. Was he actually testing our resolve and conviction? Time to find out...

Breathing in and out, calming my nerves as much as possible, I made the move. "We wish for you to hear out our reasons. Will you please grant us that."

He raised a brow, at least I think he did, before he gave his answer. "Granted. Speak the Truth, and only the Truth. I will know if you are lying to me. Now, state your business!"

Alright, here goes! "We have been traveling through one dimension to another, in search for someone that can fill the role of Leadership..."

"Leadership you say, but why?"

"For a group of young immortals back home. You see, we are responsible for training and nurturing them, having them coexist with one another. Though lately, none of that has been going to plan, especially when one of them is so obsessed with becoming the True Leader of the team..."

"That doesn't bold well. And who is this youngling that wants to become this True Leader?"

My husband answered that one, "That would be our eldest daughter, she keeps believing she is the one. Most of this we don't know where she got it from, but it's going to cause more problems than solve them. It's all circled around ignorance and arrogance, delusional idealism, and over-glorifying goals. She think she own it all, when we never taught her that kind of behaviour. So if we find someone who can actually lead this team and show them a better way, it'll stop all of this nonsense before it spreads to the others."

God placed a hand under his chin and hummed, thinking all of this over. Soon he spoke again, "And my mortal children, the Humans, you believe one of them is fit for this role?"

We were confused by this, first he's protective about them, and now he's questioning their abilities?

"Do not mistake me for being harsh towards them..." He said as he started to walk around us in a circle, "But I will tell you about them. You see, Humanity isn't what you would call peaceful, at least, not yet. Hence the reason why I was so hostile towards you three, not only was it to protect them, but it was to protect you as well. They are coming to the point where they must make the ultimate decision; put aside their differences and stand united as a species? Or divide themselves more and end their existence through one last war?" As soon as he came to a stop in front of us, we were stunned for words. "Right now, their Freedom is at stake, and those that want to live free must fight for it. The cost of it has always been high, but after it is all said and done, I must make preparations for things to become a reality. Another reason why I was unwilling to give you what you seek, there are some key point characters that must complete a mission to bring about Peace and Harmony, only then will there be true freedom, and no more wars...at least here upon Earth." Wait, what does he mean by that? Is there going to still be wars fought, but not on Earth?

No! It is not my place to go prying into anyone's plans, especially a Gods one. Whatever it is, I'm sure they'll all pull through. Now, back to the main reason.

"Excuse me, not to be rude, but what about our...?"

"Even though the information I gave you about my children, you still want to go through with this?" He asked.

We all nodded at this, "Even so, because we ponies are not all that different. You see, even we have to stop the Tribal Wars ourselves, but after 500 years, the three tribes are still a little distrustful towards one another." I said, "Hence the reason why we made a team from the start, to break that cycle of hatred and show them that we can live with each other."

After saying that, he gave a little smile, even though we couldn't see it. "Well, I can relate to most of what you said, especially your eldest daughter. I had a feud with one of my Archangels a long time ago, who went against me, all because I gave the mortals free will...."

"I'm so sorry to hear that."

"Thank you for your sympathy, but worry not, it is the past. Let us focus on the here and now!" He looked towards all of his Angels, "What say you, my Angelic children?"

All the Angels bowed their heads, "Holy Father, we will follow your decision, even if some of us disagree with it. If you see fit, then we will also give our blessings to them and the chosen one."

He nodded to them and turned back to us, "Very well, it is decided. I will grant you your wish..."

"Really!? Oh thank--!"

"But..." He cut me off, "On two conditions: First, I choose who should go. Should he or she accepts this, will go with you. Refuse, you will go home empty handed." Well, I guess that's fair. This is his world and people after all. "Second, once this chosen decides to go with you, change them into you, an Alicorn should I say. Now, do we have an agreement?"

"It's a deal." Solaris agreed to his terms, and with that, God had Jesus search for who should be the one. "I just hope we aren't biting off more then we can chew on."

"I assure you, you're not..."

"Father, I have found one!" Jesus shouted.

God himself went over to the Messenger, "You have? That was quick. Who is it?" He asked and Jesus showed him. Though it seems that there was a problem. "Oh dear, this won't go well..."

"What is it?" I asked, a little worried right about now.

God sighed, "Well, we found one suitable candidate for the job. But there's a problem with that one, he is one of my key point characters for my plan..."

"So we can't take that one?"

"Actually I anticipate he will go, he may be one of the important pieces, but the rest will carry out the mission. No, the real problem is his Guardian Angel. She isn't exactly one for... Letting go."

"This...can't end well..."

"YOU DAMN RIGHT IT WON'T!!!" A voice shouted out from behind us, "I don't know who you are, I know what you are, but I can't let you take him! He plays an important role for Fathers plan!"

This must be the Guardian Angel they were talking about. Great, this really can't end well....

Author's Note

And there you have it!

Sorry about the long-ass wait folks, this wasn't exactly an easy chapter to make, but now we get to see what happened back then.

So God let them have one human, but apparently he was an important figure for his plan, but nothing to fret about, well save for an overly protective Guardian Angel that's not on board with this ship...

So as usual; comments, likes, suggestions, favs.

Thanks for reading!