Equestrian Legends: Family bonds... [Book-2]by Joseph_TannerChaptersChapter 1: Farewells.Chapter 2: ReconnaissanceChapter 3: The new guardianChapter 4: Course of historyChapter 5: The first battle...Chatper 6: Changing sides...Chapter 7: The night shiftChapter 8: Uneventful developmentsChapter 9: Long time no seeChapter 10: Back in actionChapter 11: Arrests, cyder, bloodshed...Chapter 12: AftermathChapter 13: Celebration, Grief, Birth, End...Chapter 1: Farewells.Chapter 1: Missing In Action Chapter One: Missing In Action Living in Equestria? Definetly not the place i had expected to live the rest of my life. Oh,well let me tell you the story how i got here, and who i am... so let's start, shall we? I don't even know when exactly it all started... We were sent to some barely populated town after many reports of an explosion like sound, 12 of us were sent to investigate. When we arrived we immediately started asking around the locals... at least the ones we found. When we were preparig to leave an older woman, about her 80's ran up to me and patted me on my back to get my attention. "Hey, young man, did you check that dead end road?" Said the old lady pointing behind me. "There is supposed to be a kid about your age living there, alone maybe he can help you!" Back then i was only about...what? Maybe 24 or 26 years old. "Thank you ma'am, i'll go look around" I replied. "Wait! Which house is he supposed to be living in?" I asked in my confusion. "It should be the last one to the right... i think...or was it the one one the..." She anwsered while not sure about the anwser. I guess that was enough, considering she was around her 80's afterall and her memory was going. "Thank you again ma'am, be safe!" I tried to pull a smile at her, but i just somehow couldn't. After searching all the houses on that road, alone, since the others were too lazy, i got to that door and knocked. "Excuse me, is anybody home?!" I shouted, then the same old lady came up to me. "I'm glad i found you young man, i think i saw the kid i told you about heading towards the forest!" She pointed to the forest near the landing zone. "All right lady, that's enough for us to know, please now go and stay home" Said an all too familiar voice, it was Staff Sergeant Barns. "Now, you heard the woman, pick up your rifle, load your pistol and take Mike and Bob with you." He told me in almost a shout like fashion. "SIR, YES, SIR!" I forgot he's not the drill instructor, and i just wanted to yell back at him. "Very well, move it Corporal, understood?" "Yes sir!" Still felt like yelling at him, it was a good enough excuse. "One more thing..." "Yes sir?" "You have a lot of potential" "Thank you, sir!" Didn't feel like yelling anymore and began to look for Private Mike Smith and Private First Class Bob Cooper. *5 minutes later* "Bob, Mike, get your equipment ready and move it, we have a target to find!" "Sir yes sir!" They responded in unison. As we reached the edge of the forest it started to rain, the trees blocked the light coming from above as well. At least our tactic lights were working... At least mine, im the only one who had one. These guys should think more about the details... "Hey, Bob! Do you see that white thing on that tree over there?" Mike asked. "If any of you would happen to see a tall figure with no face, just ignore it. At this pont it would be just too late..." I said out loud with a chuckle. I mean, come on, what? Is the *Slenderman** going to be around here ?* "Heh, nice one Corporal" Bob laughed. "This place is getting darker and da..." Then, Mike suddenly went silent. Bob and I turned around to see what happened. When we saw Mike sitting on the ground, we almost laughed. But soon we noticed why he was on the ground. The poor bastard stepped into a bear trap. "What the hell is that thing doing here?!" Bob wondered, i sighed. "Bob, stand back. Mike, hang on it's going to be loud" I reached out to Bob. "Give me that thing for a sec" "Are you sure this will work sir?" "Any brighter ideas?" Bob shook his head in response. "Thought so..." I prepared to shoot the chain of the trap off with Bob's shotgun. "Ready guys?" I asked them, not wanting to have metal shards flying onto ther faces. "Yes sir!" The chain blew into seweral pieces, and we yanked his leg out of the trap. "Bob, go help him get a medic, i'll go on looking for the target. If i don't return in 2 hours, leave without me" "Without you? Are you sure sir?" "This is an order, now move it soldier before he bleeds out" "Best of luck sir, and thank you" Said Mike while saluting me. I saluted back and replied. "You need it better" After 10 minutes of walking i came to a clearing with a huge tree. I saw a figure under it, just sitting there. Was he asleep? Was he dead? I got my pistol ready just in case and slowly crept towards the figure. I was about to ask him who he was when suddenly a loud *BOOMM* shook the ground. For first i thought it was just lightning, but then suddenly... everything went blurry. What the fuc... I looked back at the tree, the figure was gone. "What? Where did he go?" Then, a mysterious and distorted voice said behind me. "You... Will... Never... Return" I turned around to see nobody behind me, when i turned back and went towards the tree suddenly i heard a loud crack. *BAM* I collapsed as everything went black. *Hours later* I have no idea how long i've been out for, but i bet they already left, so there's just one thing left to do. I thought of going back to that house, maybe he'll be there this time. But as i got out of the forest i noticed it was about noon, we came in searching at about 10 p.m... Was i out for half a day? or a day AND a half? I was confused... After 10 minutes of walking i suddenly had a terrible pain in my head and heart, then i heard a screeching noise, it was literally like the sound people use in horror games for jumpscares or screamers... "No, i can't die just yet!" I fell to my knees, yelling and then everything went black, yet again. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Strange, we got back about an hour and a half ago, 30 minutes left, i hope the corporal is fine. Mike wobbled his way out of the medical tent and stood next to me. "You think he's fine? Shouldn't we go or send reinforcements looking for him?" "You know what he said, don't you? Besides, he can take care of himself" I was hoping he would make it. "Yes, but, he saved me. The least thing i can do is worry about him, i know he is a corporal afterall but, still..." "Anyways, how is your leg?" I was worried for him as well. "No infection, a shattered bone" " Uhhhmmmm.... Mike, i think i saw something move in those bushes" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I woke up again, this time i was sure they must have left me behind, like i told them. But when i opened my eyes i saw 2 familiar faces, it was Bob and Mike. "Sir, are you all right?" They asked at the same time, i just gave them a thumbs up. "How long was i gone?" "You have been deemed M.I.A for a week, but by command of Staff Sergeant Barns a team was sent for you, it took them 3 days to find you sir" Said a medic who just walked in. "3 days!?!? How did that happen?" "Bob and Mike found you in a bush, in a small pool of blood and an open wound on your head, you are lucky they found you sir, it could've got infected badly under all that time" "Bob, Mike, i will make sure you both get a promotion" Then, i closed my eyes. "Everything okay sir?" Asked the medic. "I'm fine... but i'm tired as all hell" "Truth be told, you could use some sleep anyways sir" They all left my tent, and i fell asleep. While i was sleeping, i dreamed with my parents. "It wasn't your time yet son, we are happy that you still remember the promise you made to us." "Oh, you mean the one about..." I was cut short by my father. "Yes son, that one, the one to find your brother" I saluted to him. "Yes, dad" "Calm it son, im not your superior officer" "Yes, si... Okay dad" Then, my mother spoke. "Well son, it's time for us to go... Yet again..." I knew what she meant, i gave mom a hug and shook hands with dad. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "What's the situation? Will he make it?" "He had a bad stroke, he's unconscious at the moment, but he should make it" Another medic ran up, saluting to me, the other medic was on a break. "Hello Staff Sergeant Barns" "Always good to see you know what you do doc" Then one of them exclaimed. "Hurry, he's giving high blood perssure and stopped breathing, get over here and help me! " The medic nodded, and ran off towards the corporal's bed. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I woke up, bolting up from the stretcher, grasping for air, covered in sweat and flailing my arms around. "What happened sir? You just stopped breathing, followed by a stroke, close call sir " I looked to my left, i had not 3 but 5 srynges in my arm. "Since when did i become a drug addict?" I asked the medic's looking at the with a grin. "Wait, we didnt put those there... by the looks they had adrenaline in them, that must be what saved you sir, looks like your heart started failing as well." We both looked at each other. "Who could it have been then?" When i got up, i thanked the medics and got my equipment back and ready, but when i left the tent i was surprised to see we were still at the landing zone. "Was i in THAT bad condition? It was too risky to transport?" I asked myself and then it hit me, it was dad and mom who saved me. I looked at the sky. "Thanks" Then i reached into my pocket for a picture of my parents, my brother, and me. "Hang on brother, in coming to see you, no matter what" I said out quietly when nobody was in earshot. But when i tried to put it back i noticed something else in that pocket. Probably a spare clip. Much to mysurprise it was a feather, a thick , strong cyan feather. "How the heck did this get in there?" I just put both of them back into the pocket, still smiling at my parents. Then, i remembered that door, there was something about that house, i just had to go back and check again. I nearly forgot to report for duty to Barns. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I think it's time to see how the medics did on the corporal, he should be fine by now. If there's something that would kill him, it's not a heart attack or a stroke... i know him better than that. Then i walked over to the supply crate and took out a small box, i opened it and nodded. "I think it's time" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** When i was going to see the Sergeant i saw him walking towards me, apparently he was just looking for me. "Reporting for duty si..." He slapped my hand out of the saluting position to make me stop and pay attention. "Glad to see you are all right, Sergeant" Wait, i'm just a corporal... "Sergeant? I'm not a sergeant sir" "From now on, yes, you are. Congratilations, soldier" We both saluted. "Sir, if i may..." "What is it, sergeant?" "I propose a promotion for Private Mike Smith and Private First Class Bob Cooper, sir" "Well, you see... i was just about to do so, care to accompany me?" "Yes sir" Great minds think alike... i guess. "Before we tell them the good news, however i'll need you to come with me. It's time to change the tag on your uniform, and to pick up your new equipment" He said. "Yes sir" As soon as we got to the supplies he asked me to give him my colt and handed me back a D.Eagle and 3 magazines for it, with the company of a Benelli M4 shotgun. I was happy enough from the promotion, but now i get new weapons too? It was too good to be true, the fact that i was a gun nut just added onto it. It was time to reward Bob and Mike, their faces beamed of happiness, Mike even forgot that he needed crutches and saluted without them. Things got a bit wierd lately, tomorrow i'll go and check that house again, i hope i'll find soomething worth the time. *The following morning* "Rise and shine, Mr. Miller, Rise and, shine..." Said a shadowy figure. "Who the hell are you?!" I pointed a pistol at him, i shouldn't be pointing a firearm at an unaremed civillian but... basic reactions and all that. "Listen closely... When you see your brother, tell him these words..." "What are you talking about?" "Preapare... for unforeseen...consequences..." Then, as the figure appeared, so did it disappear. I got up, got equipped, loaded up on ammo, the usual morning routine. When i was about to leave the camp suddenly i heard a groan... i looked around and realized it was my stomach. Hah, i guess i didn't eat anything for those 4 days i guess... I went over to the mess hall, thinking there should be some rations left behind, much to my surprise when i walked in i saw a figure walking around inside. *Pans hitting each other* "Oops, that's not it" *The figure bumps his head into the wall* "Shit" I turned my flashlight on and pulled my pistol out. Who the hell is that? It could be a hobo or a newbie... I shined my flashlight at the figure. "Identify yourself! Name and Rank! now!" I yelled, not too loud, wouldn't wake the whole camp. "Yyes si...ssir, Private Ryan reporting for duty sir..." "Ryan...Ryan, Ryannn... uuugh i can't recall you being on the chopper on the way here" "Yes sir, you are right, i arrived 10 minutes ago, i was sent to replace Private First Class Mike Smith, he is to be realocated back to base due to his injuries, sir" "Well, since we are here, let's find some breakfast, shall we?" "Of course sir" We sat down, ate some soup while we traded stories about our past, and a few stories back from the boot camp. "Hey, Ryan i just realized something, wanna hear it?" "Yes sir" "Don't you find this situation funny?" "What do you mean sir?" "Well, i am Sergeant John Miller and you are Private Ryan... Does it ring a bell?" "I think it does sir" He replied. "That's one of my favourite movies" I exclaimed. "Yeah, Saving Private Ryan is a good movie sir" When we were done eating we stood up, i gave him a tour around the camp. At the end i offered my hand for a shake. "Good to see there's still hope in our generation" There was about 3 years between the two of us. "It's an honor serving along you sir" He shook my hand. "Hang on, what's this on your hand?" I saw some sort of wierd triangle tatooed onto the back of his hand with a half circle on the bottom. I just smiled, and awkwardly looked into his eyes. "Laa shay'a waqi'un mutlaq bale kul'un mumkin" He had no idea what i sad... either did i. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The sergeant patted me on the back, then went off to his tent. How did he know? He said the whole thing correctly... On the first try too... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I left to get some more rest but woke up again at about 10 am. "That was a good one" I got out of bed, then realized that i just fell in face first into the bed last night, i slept as i fell in. Is the bulletproof vest really that comfortable? We were there for a week now. I went back and checked on that house "I swear if they don't anwser i'll just break the fucking door down" I said out quietly. I got to the door, and knocked, immediately putting my ear next to the door and heard: "I'm comiing, give me a sec" A man with black hair and brown eyes opened the door. "Yess? Can i help you sir?" "Yess, i'm afraid you can. May i come in for a minute?" "Sure but, eehm could you please put your gun on the table there?" "I think that would go against my orders, but if you keep a secret i guess i can do that" I put the shotgun onto the table in his living room, in front of the TV. On my way there one of the floor boards must have caught my boots, and i fell to the ground while i was unloading the shells back into my ammo bag. "Son of a..." "Heh, that one gets me all the time too" He grinned. "So, i have a few things to ask sir, if that's allright" I looked at him as he offered me a bottle of beer, then looked me in the eye. "I'm sure this is a secret" He said to me with a warm smile, i was wondering why he was so friendly. "Could be, thanks" We said cheers and drank it down, but at the last sip, i noticed there was a feather on the TV. It was big and thick, with a cyan color, like the one i have in my pocket. I almost choked on the beer, then i turned to him. "So, where is that pretty feather from sir?" "It's fromm... my daughter" "Daughter?" "Yes, we got... separated for a while recently" "Oh, what happened?" "She's... away...at her friends"I knew that he was lying, i passed interrogation training a while ago as head of class, but i decided i won't question him, since his daughter is the topic. "Wait a second " I said, reaching into my pocket for the feather. Just as i showed him the feather i found he picked up the shotgun from the table and pointed it at me. "What... have you done... to her?" He asked agressively. "What are you talking about? "My Das... daughter! What did you do to her?!" Now he was pressing the barrel into my face. "First of all, what does she look like?" "You should know by now. Where is she!?" "I don't know" "I won't ask again" "Sir, take that out of my face or else i'll be forced to respond agressively" I warned him. "By all means, try..." He pulled the trigger, apparently he forgot that i unloaded it in front of his eyes. I pulled my pistol out and loaded a full magazine into it so he knew i'm not bluffing. He threw the gun away and holded his hands up. "Now it's my time to ask..." He nodded. "Have you been to the forest recently?" He nodded. "Have you sat under a tree during a thunder storm?" He nodded. "You know i should just pull the trigger right now, right?" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I didn't know what came over me, but now i had a military offical pointing a gun into my face. "Where did you get that feather?" "I was in the forest, something hit me in the head and i fell unconscius, when i woke up at the medic's tent i had it in my pocket" Did she help him get back? Is she still on earth? Why? How? "I came here with my squad to investigate a sound that was like an explosion" No way, is he talking about the... rainboom? "I think you know why i'm not pulling the trigger, exept for the fact i don't want to" I looked into the barrel, then all the memories i had with her came through my mind, i felt tears making their way down my face. "Sorry, i just... remembered her" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "It's all right, i have no more questions, thanks for your...hospitality..." I bent down to pick up the shotgun he trew on the ground, the picture of my parents my brother and me fell out onto the ground. "Here's your photo, they look just like my parents used to..." "Used to?" I asked. "They died in a car accident" "Also did mine" "It was on 1995.05.24..." "Same here?" What a coincidence... "What about your, brother?" "I never knew him" "Do you miss him?" "Eeeeyyuppp" "Do you miss your daughter?" He nodded. "When is she supposed to be back?" "2 hours ago..." He lied again... I know he did. "Shouldn't we go and... look for her?" The man shook his head violently. "How old is she?" " She's... 16 " "Then we must go and find her!" "Look, sir. I appreciate the offer but..." I cut him off mid sentence. "This isn't an offer, but my duty sir" He nodded. "Something particular about her?" "She has... rainbow colored hair..." One of those punks, eh? "I think the two of us should be enough, my squad wouldn't care much, no offense" "Indeed" I loaded the shotgun back and asked him to follow. "Let's go, we need to find her" I was actually worried for his daughter. "Sure..." End of Chapther One Chapter 2: ReconnaissanceChapter 2: No Return Chapter Two: No Return. Shit, i hope we won't find *Dashie*, if this guy would see her, i'm sure he would inform his squad and take her away to a lab and... "By the way sir, what's your name?" He asked all of the sudden. "Brian... Brian Miller" "I'm Sergeant John Miller... another coincidence?" He asked, he was right tho, first the feather, now our names maching, something's on here... "Sir, uhhm there's something you must know... but you have to promise not to tell anybody in your squad" "Sir, i'm afraid i shouldn't be promising this, but i still have my honor. You can tell me if you want to, i would rather die than break a promise" I didn't quite belive him, but he was the one with guns... But, i can't risk it, he might scare her and then she'd just go farther. I really have no chance to kill him, either did i have any desire to. Things were rushing through my mind. "How do i get rid of him?!" Then, the anwser hit me... well, i should hit him with it... a tree branch But, what about his helmet? "Sorry, did you say something? " He asked, damn. Did he hear me? "Uhm... i was just wondering how heavy your helmet could be" I had to try it, there was no other way to scrape him off. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Well, what harm could it do, i think i'll let him try it on. "Here try it on, it shuouldn't be that hea..." Then, i heard a loud crack, that bastard hit me in the back of the head with a branch. Now you'll get it... When i woke up, i was in the same clearing i passed out last time. Was it just a dream? This time, i saw the same figure. He's still here? Oh, he'll get it this time... I reached for my pistol but i couldn't find it.Shit, did he take it? I'll get a lot of crap if i don't get it back A.S.A.P. My vision was still blurry, in fact i was literally blind for 15 minutes after i woke up again. Under that 15 minutes i overheard a conversation. "Dad... do you still love me?" Shit! It's the dude and his daughter, if only i'd see where they are... "Of Course i do, there's nothing, not even a small fight such as ours that could change that!" Yep, it must be them, then i heard a loud *Crack* and woke up. "Did i just dream of dreaming? Dreamception?" I went over to where i last saw the figure sitting, maybe he left something i can use to find him, his ID, etc. When i sat down to check my head i found a shard of wood actually stick out of my neck. Did he stab me with the damn thing? At least there's no dried blood or an open wound. "No Infections this time, Doc" I chuckled, but then, i saw a shadow in front of me on the ground. It must be just a bird or a cloud When i looked up i saw something... yellow with wings flying over above me, yelling out something, i couldn't make it out. Seconds after i noticed the creature and i hid in a bush. Who knows what it could do. "Raaiinn boowww where are yoouuu?!" "Come on out, sugarcube. We are here to bring you home" I found my pistol where i had left it last time. I heard hoofsteps getting closer, with them so did the shouting grow louder. "Do you think we should check Zecora's hut? Maybe she saw her" "She doesn't remember a thing, i don't think she know where Zecora lives" They argued a while, then they went off to the direction they came from. Phew, that was close, i wouldn't have wanted to harm civillians... not again... I peeked out of the bush i was hiding in and what i saw made my jaw drop. What the fu... What is going on? Who is this Rainbow? Who is this *Zecora*? Where the hell am i? What's wrong with all these names?!?! My mind was racing to figure out the anwsers... but i coudn't. I climbed out of the bush, and dusted myself off, i had my equipment intact, no damage no missing ammo. I thought about what my parents said: "Find your brother... for him... for you... for us..." I took out the photo and with it, the feather fell out as well. As i picked them up i noticed now it was dark grey cyan. "Wierd..." I put the feather back and looked at the photo. "Mom... Dad... tell me at least YOU know where i am..." What happened next was a surprise. "He is in this dimension... you must find him... he'll explain everything" It took me some time to realize what had just happened. "Thanks folks" "But, don't be surprised, for the creatures living here, none of them are humans" They said in unison. "All right, i'll try not to freak out about what i'll find out" After an entire day of walking, i noticed my boots were falling apart. "What the hell? I just got them 3 days ago" After five more minutes, i came to a lake, my canteen was empty and i was thirsty... 1 day of walking with no end afterall did take it's price... I refilled my canteen, drank up, and leaned back with my arms behind my head, trying to get some sleep in a bush. *Hours later* I woke up to a sharp whistle, i peeked out of the bush and saw the same figure kneeling on the ground, talking to a buch of... Wait, what? Do i see this right? Ponies? Is that guy really talking to a bunch of horses? Then, about two Pegasus guards came down from the sky behind the figure, with spears in hoof. Shit, if they get closer to him i'll have to act. I took a closer look trying to read from lips with the scope on my rifle... i saw tears in all of their eyes. What happened? I tried to put together what the hell was going on. After the figure stood up, he just faded untill he disappeared. Was he dead? After his disappearance, they turned around and started walking. They must be going home, i decided to track them down. I just simply got out of the bush, and slowly walked behind them, in hearing range i heard their conversation. "What do you think, princess? Do you really think it was the right thing to do?" "He needed to go back, Equestria has no room for Humans, this world isn't made to house them" "Are you going back to Canterlot now?" The biggest of them all, a white Alicorn, apparently named Celestia nodded at the smaller purple Unicorn. "I'll see you there then, bye princess" They each went separate ways. Shit, which one should i follow? I had to think fast. Then i noticed that one of them had rainbow colored mane and cyan coat, with cyan wings. She fit the description i got abot that dude's daughter. Maybe she got to our world the way we got here now, maybe he took care of her? Somehow this was the most logical anwser i could think of. I decided to follow this so called Rainbow Dash since she fit the description of that man's daughter. After a short while she spread her wings and flew upwards. "Crap, i forgot about that... now what?" I was stuck in the dark, at night, in a forest. I set up a small camp, a tent and fell asleep, hoping i would wake up before they find me instead. The following morning i cleared the traces i left behind. I did expect some sort of establishment for these beings to live in, but an entire town? They don't have fingers, how did they build it? I was shocked at the sight. I was afraid how the locals would react to me just walking around the roads... Then again, i need to talk to their leader, this so called Celestia... she must be in that castle. My plan was done, i assumed this so called Canterlot would be the capital. It was early in the morning, i saw a small but cozy looking house, i walked up to the front door and saw a sign saying: Sugarcube Corner Sorry, we are closed, please come back later! Under those two lines there was a smily face... when i saw it, it made me grin. I knocked on the door anyways and i heard a loud. "I'm coming, hold on a sec..." Said an excited voice. The door swung open and a barrage of confetti flew out, with the door almost hitting me in the face. It would have if i didn't have fast enough reflexes. "Hi, welcome to Sugarcube Corner! I haven't seen anyone around looking like you, are you new here?" She asked me so quickly i could barely make out the words. "Yeah, hi uhhmm i am new here an..." I was cut short by the pink mare. "Wait a second, i think yesterday i saw someone who looked like you do... well... sort of... what exactly are you? No offense" "I'm a Human" "Human, human uhhm yeah, the person i saw yesterday was also a human! Do you know him?" "Uhm, yes, but, can i come in? I don't want to scare other ponies with being here" "Ah, sure, come in!" "Thanks, yes i think i know him" "Is he your friend? Do you have friends around here? OOh, uh... Do you want to be my friend?" She asked manacingly. "Sure" "OOH, i know, i'll make you a welcome to Ponyville party later today!" "Uhm, maybe later friend... so far you are the only one who knows about me being here" " Oh, it's a secret? I Love secrets! Telling secrets to friends is the best way to test them!" "Yes, it is a secret. Now, who's the best around to tell a secret?!" I asked with a fake smile, the anwser was just what i expected. "Mee! ME, It's totally me!" By the time she finished she was bouncing around on the floor on her ass. "Do you promise you won't tell?" "Yeppers, i pinkie promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" "Me and the other human you saw came from the same world" "Oh, so you are from that other place too? It's soooo exciting!" "I know, right?" I asked with another fake smile, she started to be a bit annyong but... she was just too friendly to be rude with. "Wait, let me get something! I promise you'll like it!" She bolted upstairs and back, i literally saw the pink trail she left behind. Great, now i'm in a cartoon as well... "Do you know why i look different that the other man you saw?" The pink mare sat still shaking her head in response. "According to the sign on the enterance, i think this is a bakery, correct?" I asked her. "No, i don't know, and yes it is! Is it the secret?" "Well, not yet..." Her hair deflated in response, her ever-cheerfull smile turned into a frown. I actually felt pain in my heart for some reason... but, im supposed to be a heartless killer, to pull the trigger when i'm told to... am i not? In fact, right there my heart hurt more than when my parents died. I opened my mouth once again to speak... but i couldn't do as much as scream in pain, the pain grew soo big i literally fell off the chair my new pink friend offered me to sit on, curled up on the floor, grasping for my heart... before i blacked out i saw her panic and run around, not knowing what to do. Why was she worried about me? Just a stranger from another world she met 30 minutes ago... "Sorry... the secret has to wait... I'll see you later, my friend" I managed to spit out through clenched teeth before i lost consciousness. While i was... unconscious, i saw my parents, once again... Why do i see them this often recently? Am i going to die soon or something? "John, you are going the right way... the man you saw is your brother... he may not belive or remember you... we managed to give you another photo ... it has both of you on it, tho a bit older picture. If you show him that, he should belive you" They said in unison. I simply nodded. "Thanks again..." When i woke up, i was in my underwear in a hospital, hooked up to many medical equipments. "Ah, i see you're awake, we nearly gave up hope on you" Said a Unicorn with a lab coat. "Well... i feel like a sack of shit, if not two..." "Yes, that's no surprise... it took us about.. 2 days straight... a lot of supplies... but at last, you are alive." Said a nurse. "So i've been out for 2 days?" The doctor and nurse swapped glances, then the doctor nodded. "Well sir, you see... you were in a coma for 6 months" "6 MONTHS!? I was lying here dead for half a year!?!" I asked furiously. "Yes, we did everything we could, we even had to perform blood transfer on you" "Blood transfer? Who was the donor?" "Well... it was a yellow pega..." He was cut short by a loud and long beep, the sound of a heart flatlining... i havent heard it since that day. The doctor and nurse quickly apologized and ran towards the sound. Wait... where did my equipment go? I closed my eyes thinking about who the blood donor... or... donors could've been. "Hey, you're finally awake! I was so very very very worried about you!" Said an all too familiar and cheerfull voice. My eyes shot open and it was the pink pony, yet again... Was she worried about me all along under those 6 months? "Now YOU promise us not to do that ever again! You scared us! We were very very very very worried about you!" "We? What do you mean?" "Well, you didn't make me promise not to tell anypony else about you being here, and i needed help getting you here, you were very heavy with your clothes, what were you carrying?" At this point i was sure it was her, no doubts... "Hey, i told you i'll see you later, haven't i?" Then, out of nowhere came anoter voice. "What's up Pinkie? Is your friend all right?" "Oh, hello Twilight. Yes, he woke up a while ago!" Pinkie replied. "Glad to hear it, but remember what Princess Celestia said, we still have to be a bit carefull with him!" "But... Brian is a human, and his also a human, and..." She was cut short by a hoof to her mouth. Then, a purple unicorn with a light pink and a darker purple stripe in her mane came through the door. "I'm glad you're all right sir, we were worried about you" The doctor came in gently pushing the girls aside, he was in a bad mood, his labcoat was covered in blood. "Did he make it, doc?" The doctor shook his head. Then, something came over me and for some reason the following words left my mouth: Requiescat In Pace... The doctor, and the two mares in the doorway suddenly gave me a schocked stare. "Sorry, i... don't know what that was" I hope i didn't just say some... i don't know... unholy oath, or a curse or anything like that, the last thing i need is everypony suddenly becoming hostile to me... "It'sss... allrgiht, i guess.. i should introduce myself. My name is Twiligh Sparkle, my friend here is Pinkie Pie... but we just call her Pinkie..." "Well, i won't intrude on your conversation, sir, if you want to you can leave the hospital, your call sir." Said the doctor. "Thanks, doc" I nodded. "Great news! We have a surprise planned for you!" Twilight exclaimed. "Yeppers, we'll introduce you to our friends, it will be fun!" "Great, let's go" I hoped my things were part of it... who knows what would happen is some... bad behaving pony got my weapons Pinkie pulled out a small box from behind her and handed it to me. "Here, you should wear these untill we get you some better clothes from Rarity" I took the box, opening it is... what? No... No way. "Wow, these look amazing just by their look, would you two leave me some privacy so i can try them on?" "Sure thing! Come on Pinkie, let's go" A purple aura surrounded the door and closed it gently. I put on the white fabric hoodie, shirt, vest, pants, some leather like boots, and some sort of belt. "Okay girls, you can come in now" I shouted through the door. The door swung open, Pinkie was still as excited as ever. Then, i saw a light-blue aura pick up the shards that fell out of the door and put it back together. Then, i heard a third voice, assumingly another mare. "My-my, you look fabolous! I see from the description i recieved about you fits you perfectly!" A white unicorn with blue, whirled mane walked in. "Hmm... there's something off tho... did you put the hood on?" I shook my head. "How can you expect to look great in these enviroments... here , see for yourself!" She summoned a mirror out of nowhere, i tried the hood on. "So, what do you think?" "I...I... cannot put into words...It's amazing...Thank you!" I still coulnd't comprehend that i looked just like... i ever wanted to. "Why, i'm glad you enjoy your new attire, i worked hard on the sewings to attach the hood, and... Do you feel the unnecessary weight around the chest area?" "Well, i can feel it's a bit weighted, more than the boots" "That's even better, i made those boots out of... leather..." She looked a bit sad when she said it. I guess they got leather from other creatures around, monsters or something. "As for that belt, same metarial, and i used some help from a friend of mine to make those plates on your boots both durable, strong and light, there's also a huge steel plate in that vest, light, strong, and durable!" I can't belive how friendly they all are... they saved my life, kept me alive, fed me... i owe my life to them... "I bet Brian will be happy to see you. It must have been hard for him to be the only human in Equestria" Pinkie said, i nodded in agreement, i turned my attention back to the white unicorn. "Let me guess, you are Rarity, correct?" "Oh my, in my excitement i forgot to introduce myself, please forgive my bad manners." "It's okay, i'll introduce myself at this so called surprise you got ready" "You already know about it? It was Pinkie who told you wasn't it?" "I... wouldn't say it was her. Anyways, Let's go!" "But it has to be a surprise! We'll have to blindfold you!" Pinkie informed me. "Uhm, sure Pinkie" The three mares blindfolded me. "Don't worry, we won't let you run into anything, just hold onto my mane, you are on my left side" Twilight informed me, i responded with a nod. After a few minutes of walking and me pulling a bit too hard on her mane from the sudden turns we got to a small house at the edge of town, next to a beach. When we stopped, i expected a pair of hooves, a magical aura or maybe teeth to take my blindfolds off, but then i felt... hands? Was it that Brain they were talking about? Am i finally going to see my brother after all? To be honest, i expected maybe a few more ponies, a cake and some confetti or decoration... When i opened my eyes, i saw two large bodies, it was dark for some reason. I saw a small purple flash from behind me. "What is she doing?" I asked Pinkie. "Princess, now!" Pinkie yelled. A bright light suddenly blinded me, only about 5 meters in front of me, what i saw, was... unbelivable! "What's going on?" The next moment i found myself staring at the moon, up on the bright night sky, it was beautiful. Then, i noticed it started moving faster, and faster, then i saw the sun coming up on the horizon in front of me... As the sun rose, it illuminated the two figures standing in front of me, they had horns... i could've told by the amount of light already, then i noticed their wings... "Wait... a bit more" Said Brian out of nowhere. As the sun rose higher and higher, i could finally make out the bigger one being this so called Princess Celestia... as soon as she stopped raising the sun. It was around... 10 am maybe, when i took a better look i saw a row of guards next to me. "Please, this way sir" "Don't worry, you'll be fine" They said. "Sure" The guards slowly walked towards the figures, i followed as i could. When we stopped, i turned around and saw the three mares bow down. Yep, it must be the pincess... aaand she must be right behind me... When i turned back around the figure was only 1 meter away from me. "Well, seems i have gained another subject, i have a feeling you are a loyal and disciplined one, a very good one at that indeed" Said the bigger royal figure. "The events that occoured while you were unconscious, have left you stuck here, in my kingdom along with Brian. Therefore, i must ask you: Do you agree to never do anything, that isn't the right thing to do?" "Yes ma'am" Instinctively, i saluted. Then realised she's not my superior officer, but the crown itself. Celestia chuckled. "You know, i had a feeling you would do that. There's only one thing i need to ask you, this is important you anwser truly, and honestly. What is your name?" "Yes ma'am, John Miller ma'am!" "It is decided" She said a bit louder than her talking voice, i remained silent. "Welcome to Equestria, Sergeant John Miller! However... i have one, only one condition, of you keeping your rank." "Sure ma'am" "You must prove your talents as a soldier, by serving in the law enforcement. Your starting rank will be the same, in the royal Canterlot army" "Yes ma'am" "Brian, i think this is the perfect time to let both of you know of something very important" I swapped glances with him. "What is it, your highness?" We asked in unison. "Well, i think Sergeant John Miller already knows about it" She looked at me with a smile. "Yes, your highness?" Brian replied. "John, is your older brother" Brian looked at me, the mares behind us, then the princess. "Okay" Okay? Seriously? A magical and royal figure just revealed to him his lost brother... What the hell *Brian?*** Brian turned towards me and we shook hands. "I knew we had something in common, that feather was enough to make sure..." "I had a feeling you'd be here" I replied with a grin. "Now, i think you two should get some sleep, you have the weekend to get used to the enviroment, on monday your basic training will begin, to make sure you didn't get out of shape under that half of the year. It would be a shame to waste such talent wouldn't it? You may go now, if you will" She added. "Uhm.. Excuse me, Princess" " Yes? Sergeant John Miller?" "To begin with, please, call me John, or simply Sergeant. Second, may i ask where is my equipment i was wearing when you found me?" I asked, i was hoping i didn't make any offensive body language. "Sure thing, John and i'm glad you asked, i forgot, we had an empty house in town, and prepared it for you to stay in for now, it will be there in the chest at the foot of your bed. Was that all your desired?" "If i may, one more thing." "Yes?" "It honors me to serve such a wise, compassionate, generous and powerfull leader, i swear on my life i will do the best i can to protect the royal family, and every citizen of Equestria, even if the price may be my life" She smiled with another chuckle. "As it honors you, it honors me, and makes me proud to have gained such a determined, loyal, and honorable subject. I can see that you have a bright future ahead of you" "Thank you ma'am" "You should go now, you'll need the sleep, as for me, i'll be leaving for Canterlot tomorrow morning. Here, take this document, should any guards halt your way, this will allow you enterance to the castle, and to the thore room, but be carefull, my sister still doesn't find you... sympathic" Celestia levitated the document into my one of the bags on the back of my belt. "I see Rarity had overdone her best this time. Good night John" "Good night, Princess" "John, one more thing" "Yes, your majesty?" "Simply call me Celestia, and forget the formalities, yes ma'am and all that. Brian is my friend, and so are you" "Yes ma..." Oops "Okay, Celestia" I nodded. End of Chapter Two Chapter 3: The new guardianChapter 3: First Weekend Chapter Three: First Weekend "Well, no way back, is there?" "Nope, sorry John. I came here because my daughter offered me a chance." "Oh, is your daughter this so called Rainbow Dash?" "Yes, but, how do you know?" "You know, i saw her when they sent you back to earth before i went into the coma" "I see you've also met Pinkie..." "Yep" "About what happened back in the forest..." "Don't worry, it's okay" I assured him. "But how did you get in here?" "I woke up in a forest nearby after you, well... did your part..." "Ah, ok" "Uhm, Brian?" "Yes?" "I know it's wierd but... can i sleep over at your house tonight?" "Well, there's no more room, you see..." "Don't worry, I've slept on the floor before" He chuckled in response. "Sure, but Dashie doesn't know much about who you are and what you are" "So, she won't get scared or anything?" "Hopefully" After we got to his house, he knocked on the door. "Come on, pops it's your house!" Said somepony, assumingly Dash, and Brian opened the door. "You go first" "Sure..." As i took one step into the house, i found myself lying on the ground. "Welcome home pops!" Said the pegasus with a rainbow mane and cyan coat, cyan fethered wings... yep, it was her. "Ow, Nice to meet you too, Dash" After Dash realized she didn't hit his father, but me instead, she said three words. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Dash bucked me so hard i literally flew out the doorway, i think Brian knew it would happen, since he was still holding the door open. Not like i would've just broke through or anything... "I see you two have met..." "You think?" Brian walked up to me, trying to help me up. "Come on, get up" I took the bucket off my head that fell from a shelf from the impact, then grabbed his hand and got up. "Hah, you look just like me, or, i look just like you, if you prefer. Hey, Dashie[/b! Come and apologize to our visitor!" He yelled into the doorway. "Comiiing..." She yelled, walking out of the doorway, as soon as she saw me standing right next to her father she gave us a confused look, Brian and I swapped glances then gave eachother a high five. "Yoouu... two are related or something?" Her face was still in shock. "Well, in fact. Yes, we are" Brian managed to spit out while laughing. "What now?" She wondered, thinking we were joking. "That's right, Dashie let me introduce you to our new friend, visitor, and my own brother" "Your brother? What? Are you serious?" "Yes Dash, your father is my little brother" I reached a hand around Brian's neck, pulling him in. "John, i think we should explain it better to her" "Only tomorrow tho..." They both nodded. "Well, sorry about, you know..." Said the now blushing pegasus. "Been through worse..." I looked at Brian, mimicing firing a shotgun with a grin. "Indeed you have..." He said in response. "Let's get you a blanket and a pillow okay?" "Thanks for letting me stay guys" They looked at me and said "Anything for family!" in unison. "Good night Dash, Brian" Next morning i woke up a bit earlier than they did, and made a trip for my equipment, gefore i left i made them a little breakfast, i had some rations left for Brian, and for Dash... i guess toast or grass sandwich would do, i was still wearing the clothes Rarity gave me, i love them. When i got to the right adress, there was a guard at the door, well, looked more than just a guard. The stallion had a white coat, and blue mane, wearing a purple armor. "Hello sir, i came here to claim my house" "Ah, you must be the Sergeant who Celestia told me about. I heard the great news from my sister in her letters." "Sister?" "Oh, Twilight i mean" "Oh, so you're her brother?" "Indeed. Name's Shining Armor" "Nice to meet you, uuuhmmm...." "Yes?" He asked. "Uhm... Your rank?" "Oops, i forgot to add that. Captain Shining Armor at your service." "Aaaand, how does saluting go around here?" "The way you feel it more fitting, my sister isn't the easiest to befriend. If she found you safe to consider a friend, then so should i, just call me Armor, and uhm... don't salute to me ever." "Sure, Armor" "Now that you are here, i can go back and report. It was nice meeting you, John" We both saluted and waved bye. I went upstairs, and found the chest Celestia told me about. I opened it and found my equipment in it... at least the boots, pants, shirt, dog tag, helmet, knife, bulletproof vest in it. "How nice of her to at least give me the knife back" "Something missing?" I promptly had another heart attack, coughing up some red-grey-green goop onto the wall, nobody noticed it. "What are you still doing here? Didn't you just leave?" "Oh yes, i forgot tell tell you, part of your equipment will arrive in today's mail. A grey mare with golden mane with... Funny eyes will deliver it" " Uhh, Funny?" "You see... she's a bit... clumsy" "Oh, i see" "She may make a few mistakes, please forgive her" "No problem" "See you around the barracks?" "Sure will!" We sad bye, again, for real this time. I think i should do a little clean up... this place got really dusty. I looked at the clock, it was about 6 am, then heard the doorbell. "I'm coming, hold your hor...ses" Oops... I opened the door, a grey mare, golden mane, and... funny eyes looked back up at me. "Delivery to Sergeant John Miller!" She said with a voice as cheerfull as Pinkie. "That would be me, thank you very much..." She took a box out of her mailbag and threw it into my hands. "Please, sign this paper right here" "Sure" I signed the paper, confirming that i did take the package. "There you go, miss... uuhmmm" She gave me a confused look. "Yyyeeesss?" "Excuse me uhh, what's your name?" "Mail Mare Derpy Hooves at your service!" She said, trying to salute, but at the end she knocked the package out of my hands. Part of my equipment... shit! That must be the pistol! If it falls it will fire, i have to get her safe! "Oops, sorry i didn't mean to kno..." At the point i tackled her to the ground. As the box made impact with the floor a loud "BANG" was heard. "Just like i thoght..." "Excuse me sir?" "Heh, sorry" I was still on top of her Not that way, sicko on the ground, then climbed off. "You all right, Derpy?" "I'm fine sir. I just don't know what went wrong" We both smiled. "Sooo... why are you delivering at 6 am already?" "I was told to deliver it as soon as possible" "Ah, care to come in for a coffee?" "Oh, i would but, i have many to deliver and..." "Don't worry, that can wait, i'll help you with it after the coffee" "Oh, would you really?" "Well, you woke up early to get this to me so... at least i can return a favor" "That's nice of you sir, thank you" "Come on in, take a seat i'll get the coffee right away" She walked in, put her mailbag and hat on the sofa and sat down. "Here's your coffee. Hey, care for some muffins?" When she looked at me i swear i saw her eyes shine. "If that's not too much to ask" I went back and returned with two muffins. "Here's one for now, and one for later" We sat there, and drank our coffees. "Thank you sir, but i have to get back to work" "Sure thing, let's go!" Apparently she forgot i'll help her, we left to help Ms. Hooves with the packages, luckily she was a pegasus so i told her the plan. "Okay Derpy. I take the packages you go with the letters" "Ookie Dookie Chocolate Cookie!" Apparently she was just as random as Pinkie... We went our separate ways, 4 hours later we met at the post office. "How did it go?" "All done. What about the packages?"I gave her the clipboard with the signatures. "Thank you very much sir, you did me a great favor. Wait, let me get you a gift" She went into the office, clocked her shift out, and came back with a small bag in her mouth. "Here, take this, you'll need it around!" Through clenched teeth, and threw it over to me, the bag landed in my hands with a small jingle, apparently i forgot that i had no money at all in the local currency, that's right, i was a bum basically at this point. "Wow, i completely forgot that you have a currency as well... thanks Ms. Hooves!" We said our goodbyes and went on our own ways. When i got home, i inspected my belt a little better. 3 medium bags and even a pouch for money? Oh *Rarity, you just knew the details didn't you?* I picked up the box that now had a hole in the side, and realized. Wait, if the gun fired, and i was in the line of fire to save *Derpy, why did i not get shot?* I was sure the box was touching my back when it fired... Anyways, i'll go and see Rarity, i have a few things to thank her, and maybe she can fashion a pistol holser to my belt as well. I walked over to Brian and Dash's house, carrying a bigger box as a gift for Brian, when got there i knocked on the door. "Coming, hang on..." The door opened, Dash gave me an audible slap. "Next time you leave like that at least leave a note where you went" "Ow, i forgot that part, how was the breakfast I made?" "You? You made it? I thought it was dad" "Yes, it was we. Is Brian home?" "Sure is, why?" "I got him a surprise" "Can i see it?" "When he does, sure" "Come in, don't just stand out there" "Hey Dashie, who was it?" Brian yelled out. "It's John, he want's to see you" She replied, Brian walked out of the bedroom into the kitchen. "Hey brother, how's your day going?" "Not much, i met Derpy earlier, helped her with the deliveries, and met Twilight's brother" "You did what?" "What do you mean?" "Derpy? Really? That feather brain?" "Come on Dashie, just because she's clumsy you don't get to be mean with her." Brian scolded her, , nodded in agreement. "Fine..." "So, what can i help you with, John?" "Hmm? Oh yes, i got a surprise for you in this box here" I handed the box over to Brian, Dash chuckled, Brian raised an eyebrow. "Is this one of your pranks, Dashie?" We both shook our heads. "Go and try them on. I hope the size is about right" Brian opened the cardboard box and took out the cyan feather. "Ha...Ha...Ha... How funny..." Later they told about how they met, only then i realized how ackward this situation was, Dash gave me a confused look. "How did you get that?" "I thought you would know" "Well, what do we have here?" "What is it dad?" Brian looked at me with a smile, then back into the box. "Special clothes" "Clothes? Really? You gave dad some rags?" "You two hold on here, i'll try them on" Brian locked the bedroom door behind him. "So you were the guy in the forest?" "What?" "Before i found dad again i saw somebody who looked exactly like dad, in a forest. He was lying in a pool of blood and was wearing wierd clothes, and a few minutes back i saw others wearing the same clothes. I decided at least i should help him and got him to a bush near them" "So you were the one who saved me, weren't you?" She nodded with a grin, I gave her a thumbs up. "Welcome, yes i know i'm amazing..." She replied. We heard the door open and Brian walked out in my previous equipment, steel capped boots, camoflauge pants and a trenchcoat, black shirt, and even the kevlar helmet. "What do you think?" "You look, great dad" I gave him a thumbs up. "Are you sure we won't get into trouble for this?" "What for? Me giving you some clothes that are a bit better at protecting you?" Brian looked into the mirror. "Dashie, would you take care of the house for a while?" "Sure... why?" "John, come i'll give you a tour around" "Sure, but, do you want to wear that on the way?" "Well, you got used to wearing it all the time as well, it can't be that bad" "Okay, go on ahead, see you at Sugarcube Corner" Brian nodded with a two finger salute what i returned then, he left. "Uhm, Dash?" "Sup?" "I nearly forgot to give this to you" I handed her a pair of black sunglasses, she took it and tried it on. "Thanks! How do i look with it?" "Welcome, about... Maybe 20% cooler" She gave me a smile and a high five. "By the way, can you do me a favor?" I asked. "Sure, what is it?" I took off my plated vest and the bulletproof vest, then handed the bulletproof vest over to her. "What is this?" "It's... another thing to protect him" "Why are you giving him all these protective things?" "Because you and i both want him to be safe, don't we?" She nodded. "Besiedes, he'll know what it's for" "And what's the favor?" "Any paper and qulls with ink nearby?" She bolted into the bedroom and back in no time with a piece of paper and a vial of ink. "No doubt, you deserve your name..." She blushed in response. "What now?" "I need a quill" She sighed, then extended one of her wings towards me. "Do it quick" I plucked one of her feathers as she told me to. "Let's leave him a note" "What kind?" "How about... Take this, wear it with care, and stay safe?" "Yeah, that should do" We made the note and signed it. "Go hide it somewhere, when he comes home give it to him"I put the note into one of the pockets on the vest, not completely so it will stick out and be easier to notice. "Got it!" "Thanks, see you later, Dash" "Later, John" As i was on my way to Sugarcube Corner i noticed a group of about 3 mares and 2 stallions hurrying towards the forest. I stopped one of them and asked what's going on. "Oh, there's a fire in the forest, we are trying to put it out!" "Can i come along?" "Sure can, let's hurry!" While in a hurry i saw the smoke rising above the trees. Suddenly i had an adrenaline rush and when i was at the edge of the forest i noticed i outran the group. Was i really running that fast? I outran 5 horses? I heard a loud "CRACK" noise, a huge tree just fell. I ran into the forest deeper and deeper, when i started to see the light emmited by the flames. What should i do? What should i do? My mind was racing. "Hold on Fluttershy, i'm coming!" A voice yelled. "Just don't know how..." This time a bit quetly, i ran along the edge of the flames hoping to see a body to that voice. Then, "BAM" I ran right into her. "Hey now partener, watch your way would' ya?" "Sorry, what's going on here?" "My friend, Fluttershy is trapped in there. Wouldn't ya mind lending a hand or two?" "When i came there was a group of ponies coming to help, go find them and lead them here, i'll get her out of there" "Are you sure? Will you be fine?" "Trust me, please."The mare nodded. "Good luck partner" And ran off to find the group. "Well, no time to think, i have to force my way through" Here goes nothing... I took a deep breath, and covered my face with one of my arms. While in the flames i felt incredibly hot, more than i should have. "Fluttershy! *Cough* Fluttershy! Where are you!?" After a while of searching, i found a clearing, and saw something lying on the ground. I ran up to it, it had wings, and yellow coat, pink mane. Her left hind leg was caught by branches, she was barely breathing so i kicked the branches out of the way and picked her up and took my vest off along the hoodie and wrapped it around her, i didn't want anything to burn or fall onto her. "Don't worry, i've got you." I ran and ran through the obstacle course of burning logs and falling branches, when i saw the edge of the flames i had another rush, and ran even faster. It's over, i saved her. As i finished the thought i was hit by a falling log, throwing me to the ground. As i fell i heard a quiet scream. Was she awake? I struggled to get out, and managed to carry on. Finally, i was out of the flaming hell. I got a bit farther from the forest in case a tree would come down our way. "Finally *Heavy breathing* out of that *Heavy breathing* hellhole..." I knew that mare would come back with help, so i put Fluttershy down and sat next to her to catch my breath. I lied down, on my back to rest, but ended up either falling asleep or passing out. The next thing i knew, was me lying on my bed, back at home in my boots, pants and shirt. I woke up covered in sweat and most of my body was covered in bandages. I slowly sat up, and put my right hand to my forehead. "Owww, what happened?" I thought i was alone, when my hand got to my forehead i noticed it was also wrapped in bandages. "What happened? You saved Fluttershy! You were amazing!" Dash yelled in response. "Tell me at least she's safe..." "She's all right, she isn't know for her bravery and passed out from the smoke. If you wouldn't have ran into the burning forest she wouldn't have made it." I just smiled. "What are all these bandages?" "You got burned badly... Didn't you feel it?" "Now that you mention... No... I didn't." "What? How? Did you use magic or something?" "No, to be honest i only focused on getting her out of there, even if it would mean me dying instead of her." "Man, now i can see how you can be dad's brother." I gave her a high five. "How long was i out?" "The rest of the day."I slowly turned to get out of bed, as i sat on the bed, we heard a knocking on the door. "Is it Brian?" I asked her quietly, she shook her head in response. "I came alone..." I pulled the pistol the aimed it at the door. "Hey, what are you doing?" She panicked. "Who's there?" I shouted at the door, a while later we got the response. "I have heard of the mess that fire made. I'm here, to lend my aid." "It's Zecora, she's a friend of ours, she want's to help" Dash whispered to me, i lowered the pistol. "Sure." I walked to the door and opened it. "Come on in." Zecora, a zebra walked into the room. "Oh, i see you are badly burned. Tell me, how much did it hurt?" She asked. "It...didn't...at all..." "You were in a bad shape i thought. Please, take a look at the potion i brought." Zecora reached into her saddlebag and threw me a vial of bright green liquid. "What will this do?" "Your wounds are sevire. The brew will help them disappear." "Sure... Why not..." "Come on, she knows what she's doing, drink up!" Dash elboved me, almost making me drop the vial. "Hehe..." She added, i uncapped it and drank it all up. "Anything you're feeling? By now, it should be working." I just stood there with closed eyes, and nodded in agreement. "It is." "I have a potion for the effect to vanish. I can give it to you, if you wish." I nodded, she threw the potion, i drank it. "All better, sorry for wasting your metarials" "Do not worry, for there's more of them back at home, than i can carry." "Sooo... now you'll just stay burned as you are?" Dash asked, i guess i should've thought about it... "I think i have a better idea... No offense, Zecora" "None taken" "What do you have in mind?" "Dash, where's my belt? There's something in it that i'll need." "Gimme a sec, i'll get it." She searched the house franticly, then 10 minutes later she came back. "Hehe, can't find it, sorry." I pointed to the chair behind her. "Have you checked over there?" "Of course i did, why?" "Because it's right there?" Dash facehoofed. "Is this some kind of cruel joke?" She threw the belt over to me and i put it on. I crunched my shoulders and neck, my neck didn't go with out a loud "CRACK" noise. "Ouch..." I guess she didn't expect the noise... "Well, first things first. Where's Brian?" "He's off helping Pinkie with and order." "Say, Zecora... Could you give me a tour around the town?" "In the town, i have no business to do. But a tour i'll gladly give to you." "Have fun you two." Dash commented, we nodded at her and left. "I think i know where we should go first. We need to get something for our thirst." I followed her down a dirt road, untill we saw a long fencing, as soon as we got to the fence gate we heard a voice. "Howdy partner? What brings you here to the old Sweet Apple Acres?" Said an elder mare from a rocking chair. "We are... visiting." I replied. "Oh yes, you must be one of AppleJack's friends" "Yes, is she around?" "She's in the barn, makin some cyder. Hurry on, you might get some." "Thanks, uhhm, Granny" We made our way into the barn, it was the same mare i sent for help back at the forest. "So, you're Applejack, correct?" "Howdy, partner? Glad to see you're all right!" "Good to see you're no worse." "And yes, name's Applejack. Pleasure to make an acquaintance. Can i get you two something? Maybe some cyder?" We nodded in response. "Three fresh squeezed apple cyder comin right up." She rushed out of the barn. "You knew this would happen didn't you?" I asked Zecora, she nodded with a smile, i chuckled and Applejack came back balancing 3 cups of cyder on her back. "Come on, drink up partner." We drank it down, it was better than good. "Thanks Applejack, that won the first place." "Welcome." "Since we're here... need any help around?" "That's nice of 'ya to ask but, no thank' ya. If there'll be anything i'll let'ya know. Besides, you are in no shape for hard labor, no offense." "None taken, thanks." Zecora elboved me in my kidney, straight in my kidney. "Oh yes, one more thing." "Go on partner." "Since i woke up in my bed at home, i assume sooner later you did return with the rest of the helpers." "Damn straight i did." "Is, your friend all right?" "Yes, whatever you wrapped around her, it saved her life. If you didn't sacrifice your clothes she would've died of the smoke." "Is she at home?" "She should be by now, between the three of us, she wanted to get you something to return the favor. Anythin else 'ya need friend?" "No, that's all, thanks." "Well then, if you'd excuse i have to get back to apple squeezing." We nodded. "Have you seen where is Rarity? The way to her home is not a mistery." Zecora asked. "I haven't, but i wanted to go there anyways." We began walking, again, until we got to Carousel Butique. I knocked on the door. "Please, come in!" We entered the shop, i swear even a gasmask wouldn't hold the fumes back. "Ah, John, Zecora, good to see you two." Rarity welcomed us. "Hey Rarity, i wanted to ask you a favor a while ago... I'm afraid i have to ask a bit more than that now." "Oh, don't you even mention it. I've heard of the heroic deeds of you saving Fluttershy from that terrible forest... I bet all the debrits in there were just repulsive!" "Yes, it was but im afraid i ruined the coat and hoodie you made for me. I'm sorry..." "You're what? Dear, you sacrificed your beloved article of clothing to save a life, what are you sorry about? I can make another for you in no time!" "Oh, i see. Can i ask you a favor then?" "Most certainly!" She said with a smile. "I would appreciate if you'd make me another hoodie and vest." Rarity nodded in agreement. "Also, i know i already have 3 bags and a pouch on my belt, but i'll need one more bag onto it." She nodded again. "I'm sorry sweetie but i ran out of the proper metarial i need to make the other bag. But if you can get some more i'll gladly make it." "How much do you need?" "About... a square meter or two." "But you have everything for the rest i asked for?" "Certainly do darling." "Zecora umm, no offense but would you leave us in private for a minute?" I asked, she nodded with a smile, indicating she took no offense. "I need something else..." "Don't hold back." "Could you make a holster for this onto my left side?" I pulled the pistol out of my belt bag and gave it to her, she took the measures and hoofed it back. "Surely can, but in that case i'll need more leather." "Also, could you make a sword sheath next to the pistol holster?" "I'll see if the space around will be enough, and i think the left over metarial will be just enough." "Thanks, how much will it cost?" "Money? Oh my, it's the least i can do for a friend." I gave her a confused look. "Thanks again." "You're quite welcome." "If you would excuse, i would pay Fluttershy a visit." "I'll send your clothes to your house when they are done, see you around John!" "Bye Rarity." I left the store, Zecora was waiting for me. "Now to Fluttershy?" She nodded. I hope she's in better shape. "When she needed your help you didn't deny her. Are you not worried for the rest of your attire?" I gave her a worried look. "What do you mean?" "There was a price that saving her life had needed. You gave up what you wanted and payed it" I guess she's either all rhymes or silence... "I don't care if i get it back in one piece, or see it as a pile of ashes. The only thing that matters to me is that she got to keep her life." She gave me a smile, then we got to a cottage near the forest. "Are we there?" She nodded, i knocked on the door. "Oh my goodness" Fluttershy called out after she noticed my bandages."Oh my goodness! You look terrible! I mean... not that way... but.. .you need help... you got burned badly. I'll get some bandages and change yours... if that's allright with you..." I completely forgot about those details... That explains why everypony was staring at me. "Oh, don't worry. They don't hurt at all." "Okay, but... are you sure? I mean...if you say so it must be true..." "Yes, i'm fine, thanks for the offer tho." "Oh, okay. If i can... you know... do anything to help you can... let me know... okay?" I nodded. "Oh, by the way..." "Yes?" "I'm glad you're okay..." I guess she wasn't yet used to my presence, but she smiled at me. "Well, i think we should go now... I only came to see if you're okay." "I understand. Thank you for... saving me." "No problem."I smiled at her to cheer her up. "Well, it was great to see you. Bye John, bye Zecora." "See you later." We started back on the road we came here. "So, is there anywhere else i should know a way to?" "For getting to the Canterlot barracks to be. The train station is what you need to see." "Let's go" We got to the station and she told me the price of a return ticket to Canterlot: 50 bits. "I hope i'll get some discount for being a soldier..." She nodded. "Let's go home now, shall we? "She nodded again, as we got to my house she stopped in the doorway. "What, you're not coming?" "I'm sorry, i belive i need to leave. For there are other places, i need to be." "Okay, thanks for the tour. See you around." "I'm happy to you who i have come. In my house in the forest, you are always quite welcome." We waved our byes and she left, i went back to my room, then laid down on the bed. I hoped everything will go well tomorrow... A while after i heard a knocking on the door, i went down to check it. As i opened the door i saw a familiar face. "Hello John. You have a package from Carousel Butique!" Derpy stood in the doorway, saluting me, she knew what happened yesterday, she handed me a small package. "Thanks Derpy." "Sign it here, here, here aaand here..." I scribbled. "Thanks John. Have a nice day, and get well soon!" She smiled. "Thanks Derpy. I'll be okay in no time, see you next time." Derpy flew off into the sky... Maybe it was her last delivery for today. I opened the package. Rarity got done already? I put on the hoodie and plated vest and laid back into my couch and embraced the dark slumber. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4: Course of historyChapter 4: The Training Chapter Four: The Training. That must have been the worst nightmare of my life so far... I foud myself in a graveyard's enterance, when i entered i couldn't belive what i saw. Graves, graves as far as the eye can see... I saw one that was... different. I approached it, it was... no... it was Brian's grave...the gravestone had the following written into it: Here lies Brian Dash Miller. A friend to all, and a loving father. Betrayed by his brother. Died protecting the ones he loved. He will never be forgotten. I just stood there, in shock... "What? Why? How? When?" My mind was racing, my heart breaking. I knew there was something about to go wrong, my dreams always warned me about something in the future... I hoped this once they were wrong, then... out of nowhere i heard the same voice from the forest. "He... Will... Be... Ours..." "No! Don't you dare lay a hand on him!" I yelled back, the voice broke into a maniac laughter. "You fool... We will make him suffer... Along with his miserable daughter!" "Tell me who you are! I dare you!" "We... are the Legion... And one day, HE will join us... Oh yes he will..." "What do you mean? Why are you doing this?! Tell me you son of a..." I was cut short, as suddenly, like a bad jumpscare, earpiercing screeching surrounded me. I fell to my knees, hoping to wake up, but i didn't have such luck. The voice let out a chuckle. "You, miserable pile of flesh... How DARE you oppose us?! You cannot stop us!" "SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP YOU SON OF A BITCH! I'LL ALL OF YOU APART IF I FIND YOU! ALL OF YOU![/b"] I gave in all the anger i had for the figure, and all the air i had in my lungs. "If so... YOU will suffer as well..." It replied. "Enough! Out with you!" Suddenly, said another voice, a voice i would always remember, then, the distorted voice disappeared, along with the graveyard. I suddenly felt the urge look up, and i did and saw the moon on the sky. "It's... the moon... even in my darkest nightmares... how can you stay still so... beautiful?" Then, a ray of blue light shined down at me. Another figure, much more like Celestia appeared in front of the moon, it was smaller than her, yet still so majestic. But i had no time to admire the figure and the moon together, i saw the figure getting bigger and bigger, it was approaching me slowly, but surely. "Fear not, i have come to end your tormenting nightmare." The figure informed me, that just made it sound worse... The figure landed in front of me, our of the light. "Who are you, and what do you want?" I asked. "Like i said before, i have arrived to eliminate your nightmare. As for who i am, the moon, the stars, the night itself..." The figure stepped into the light, revealing her face. I stepped back to keep a fair distance. "It is my duty, to keep my subjects safe from the harm the night may bring through their slumber." "Your subjects? Isn't Priccess Celestia the ruler of Equestri..." Then i remembered Celestia mentioning she had a sister. "Continue..." Said the regal voice. "Ah, i get it. You're Princess Celectia's sister, aren't you?" "Indeed, i am the younger ruler of Equestria, Princess Luna." I took a few steps toward her, i didn't have a reason to belive her, but something about her made me trust her. "It is an honor to meet you, your highness." I bowed down, instead of saluting, hoping i would do it properly this time. "Rise, Sergeant Miller." Luna gave me a small smile. "Is that truly what you think?" "Beg your pardon, what do you mean?" "What you said about the moon, and the night, was that truly how you feel?" "Yes, your majesty. I always enjoyed looking onto the dark night sky, watching the stars dance around the moon..." Luna gently chuckled. "Tomorrow, i will be awaiting you at the Canterlot train station. There are quite a few who adore the night i bring, most just sleep though." "They don't know what an artistic sight they miss..." I reassured her... I know, it sounds like im just licking her hooves, or kissing her flank. But one does not lie to a royal figure, even in their own dreams. "Well said. Now, is your time to rise from your slumber, and prove you are worthy of our trust." "As you wish, Princess." Luna stood on her hing legs, and put her left forehoof onto her forehead. Wait, was she... Saluting me?! And then, i woke up to Dash shaking me violently. We didn't even notice that my burns were completely healed. "Wake up John, come on John, wake up!" She kept yelling. *Yawn* "Morning Dash, what's up?" "Morning? It's almost noon! Your train is leaving in about 10 minutes!" My eyes shot open. "What!?" "Come on, there's no time! Get on my back and hold on as tightly as you can!" I just did it, no questions asked. "Let's make like a rainbow and dash!" I felt wind in my face like never before. "Here we are, the train station, now go before it's late!" "Thanks Dash, owe you that one." "Spare it for later, now go!" I went to the reception, there was a mare at the cash register. "Hello sir, can i help you?" "Yes please, i would like a return ticket to Canterlot." "I'm sorry sir, i only have one left, and i was told to spare it for a fellow named John Miller." "That's me! Here, the princess gave me this letter to meet her in the station." I began scrambling in my belt's bags, they were empty. "What? It was right here!" I said out loud, then checked my pocket and found a piece of paper.I looked at the paper, it had a messeage on it:Dear employees, hereby now i declare that the human named John Miller is to meet me at the Canterlot Royal Palace at monday noon, and must be given a luxury ticket. It even had a seal unter the text, and signature from Princess Luna. The cashier's eyes shot open as she readt it. "I'm sorry sir, i didn't think it would be you. Here's your ticket, and please forgive me sir." "It's all right, you didn't know." "Sir, your train is leaving from platform 3 and you have 5 minutes to get on." "Thanks ma'am." I made my way to the platform and got on the train and sat down at an empty seat. "Train to Canterlot station departing from platform 3 in 2 minutes!" Said the loud speaker, the train departed, like it was supposed to. About halfway there the inspector walked up to me to see my ticket. "Hello sir, may i see your ticket?" "Hello inspector, give me a minute." I gave him the ticket. "Hmm, may i ask something sir?" "Go ahead inspector." "This is a ticket to a luxury class cart, this isn't a luxury cart sir." "Is that a problem sir?" "No, but many would try to sneak onto luxury class with either no tickets at all, or just fake ones." "What's the big deal about luxury class?" "Not much, i guess just the name. Here's your ticket sir." He gave me my ticket back. "Thank you and stay safe sir." "Thank you inspector." "So long sir." "See you later inspector." About 10 more minutes later the train finally arrived. I made my way out of the terminal, only to find a royal guard standing in the doorway. "Hello sir, are you John Miller?" "Yes, can i help you?" "Please follow me sir." "Sure, lead the way." I followed to guard only to be stopped by the view of the city. It was just... huge, and beautiful, decorations, stores, it had everything! "Is... there something wrong sir?" "Oh, no. I'm fine, sorry, move on." I nearly lost track of him in the crowd, but afterall i managed to follow behind, a while later we got to a huge gate and a wall. "Here we are, the gate of the royal palace. Here you will meet the princesses and recieve further instructions." "Got it, thank you sir." "Best of luck sir." The gates opened and i saw a long staircase with huge wooden doors at the end, i made my way to the top of the stairs, at the door there were dozens of soldiers ready to give their lives for the kingdom, or take out anything that threatens it... I always admired such discipline and dedication... When i was about to reach for the door two spears crossed my way. "Can i help you sir?" Suddenly, they surrounded me, ready to strike. "I belive so, sir." I reached into my pocket and showed him the letter, the guard took it and readt it out loud. As soon as he finished, he handed me the letter back. "Welcome sir, you can find the throne room at the end of the corridor behind this door." "Thank you sir." As i entered the door, i was in a corridor. I saw two giant wooden doors at the end, protected by only two guards. This place is huuuge I made my way to the guards at the door, they reacted the same way the others did. "Halt! What brings you here?" I showed them the letter. "You may pass" He replied, as i opened the door, i saw a pair of huge thrones.I'm in the right place, then, out of nowhere a voice said. "Kill the assassin!" "Keep your blades and spells, i bring word not steel!" I just stood there, with the knife hanging on my side, in a room full of guards. I think it's safe to say, i was in some deep shit, as all of the guards charged at me i heard another familiar voice. "Stay back!" I looked around and found the source of the voice. It was Armor. "What's the meaning of this?" He asked questioning his junior officers. "Well, you see, he is an intruder." One of his them replied. "What are you mumbling about, Stormwing? He is one of our most powerfull allies!" He yelled. "Then how do you explain his sudden appearence?" "He was invited by Princess Luna and myself all together. He even carries a letter to confirm it!" "Do-Does he?" I think he lost this arguement... "Yes! And you instantly tryied to get him killed instead of the normal identification procedure!" "You are right, Captain. It's my fault." He hang his head in shame. Suddenly, we heard hoofsteps coming from behind, slowly. "Ah, right on time. Good to know you showed up afterall..." We turned around to see a pair of white glowing eyes. "Good to see your wounds are gone" Said Luna, Celestia standing by her side. "Yes, but i'm afraid you came here for no reason" Said her elder sister. "What? I failed already?" "No, there's just no need for you to prove. You truly deserve our trust and mutual respect." Said the regent of the moon and stars. "Oh, what's this now?" Celestia asked, pointing at my chest. "What do you mean?" "Take off your hoodie and vest, i'll show you" I did so. "Give it to me, let me show you" I handed the said clothing over to her, she turned it around and pointed me to a hole in the back of it. More precisely, a bullet hole. "This is unlike anything i have seen before..." She commented. "It must be where the thing Derpy knocked out of his hand hit him" Luna corrected her. "It is, but how what does it have to do with me being here?" "Well, it's part of the reason." Celestia replied. "Not to mention saving Fluttershy." Luna continued. "In fact, according to what we heard from Rainbow Dash, you didn't care what would happen to you, if it meant saving Flutterhsy. Is that truly how it was?" They asked in unison, i looked at Celestia with a grin. "Hey, i told you the first day i got out of hospital. I'll do anything to save the citizens of Equestria even if it would cost my life." "Was the letter i wrote for you usefull?"Celestia asked, i shook my head. "I'm afraid it got burned in the forest" "Then... how did you get here?" She responded with a question. We swapped glances with Luna, she nodded. "Luna however, gave me another one, granting me access so far" "Well said. Please, follow us to the armory" We turned to follow the princesses when... *CRUNCH* *SNAP* *SPLAT* I had a spear running through my heart, i saw my own blood splatter all over their backs, the warm liquid making them turn around. "StormWing! What the hell are you doing?" They yelled in unison. "Guess what, it DID cost your life..." He slowly pulled out the spear, followed by me falling to the ground. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** As John fell to the ground, i saw his eyes turn black, fully black. I guess it was just like my eyes changing when i was Nightmare Moon... "Seond Lieutenant StormWing, you are under arrest. You will anwser to court marshall for killing your comrade!" Captain Shining. Armor exclaimed, i looked over to my right, i saw tears in Celestia's eyes. "Make me..." Replied the now defecting StormWing. We closed our eyes at once to blink, by then StormWing was a few feet further ahead of us, i looked back at John, lying on the ground. Strangely, he wasn't bleeding, or breathing. "Bring it on Armor!" Stormwing closed his eyes in confidence. Then, a bright flash of light blinded all of us. After we got to our senses John was standing behind StormWing. "Time to pay... traitor..." John reached his hand around StormWing's neck. He couldn't move from the shock, John was now holding his knife to his neck. I swapped glances with John, his facial expression asked me what the traitor's fate would be, i nodded. "Time to go, bastard" John said, followed by a loud *SPLAT* sound, as he slit a throat, i looked back at Celestia, she couldn't belive what we were seeing. John bent down to the corpse's face and closed it's eyes. "Death knows no master, her word is final" He whispered. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** When i came to my mind, i was standing in front of the princesses, their faces still splattered with blood, but my wound was gone, and that bastard was lying in front of me with his throat cut. "What the hell happened just now?" I glanced up at Luna, only to find a smile on her face. "That's something we didn't expect..." Celestia replied. "Tell me, John. Do you humans have the ability to defy death?" Luna asked. I explained how i went under medical experiments back on earth, and that i was almost immortal. At the last word, they swapped glances. "This is most troubling..." Celestia replied. "What's the matter?" "You see, the only species who are realatively immortal were us, alicorns so far" "And so far i'm the only human who can do that" "How long have you known abou that?" Luna asked, either worried about what i could do, or happy because i survived. "They told me before the tests, but i doubted they would succeed, apparently they did" "Well then, tho i doubt it will ever happen, i must warn you" Celestia told me about the Nightmare Moon incident and Luna being banished. "Let me guess, the same would happen to me if i were to oppose." They both nodded. "I understand, i felt something take over me when i fell. I know you two would just be making sure i wouldn't harm any innocents" "I'm glad you understand" Luna replied. "Uhm, Armor, i think we should clean this mess up" "Let me handle this" Celestia said, with her horn glowing, she touched the corpse with it, it disappeared along the blood smeared all over the floor. "Oh, right." "And you were worred about the hole on his clothes?" Luna asked her elder sister with a grin. "Well said" Her sister replied. "Uhm, let's just go to the armory?" We made our way to the armory, on the way many of the guards gave many kinds of looks, worried, angry, confused, doubting. "Here we are!" Armor exclaimed. "Sooo, why are we here?" "In here, for obvious reasons, you can find all kinds of weapons. Some, are guaranteed to be new to you." Armor replied. "You may go in, feel free to borrow any weapons, but be careful not to take more than you can carry." Celestia continued. "Sure, thanks" After seeing their level of techology i was sure i'll find medieval weapons and such. Much to my surprise, i found a few guns as well. "Wait, where do you have these from?" I asked. "We were hoping you would know what they are and how to use them." The princesses said in unison. "Ah, well, want me to instruct you to their use?" "Not us, our soldiers" Armor responded. "I'm afraid that's something i can't do" "What for?" "They would need to have fingers to operate these" I held my hand up and moved my fingers around. "Then, consider them yours." Luna told me, i picked up a sniper rifle and a shotgun. "What are you doing?" Celestia asked with a worried look. I took out the magazie from the rifle, then a bullet out of that, as well as a buckshot from the shotgun. i held both of them in my hands. "See these?" They nodded in response. "Every time i use the weapons i'll need one of these for them to work" They nodded. "I think you know a replication spell or something like that, don't you?" "Yes, we do. But it's a bit risky not to duplicate the one holding the item as well." "Your call to either make more or not, i'll leave them here. I'll only take the melee weapons." I looked around, i found many swords and axes... spears and bows... i couldn't decide. "Hey, how about this one?" Armor asked, and ran up to me with a sheathed sword in his magical aura. I took it and pulled the sword out. It was a masterpiece... a cold steel sword, no rust, no stains. At the bottom of the grip was carved the head of an eagle. I lookd at the princesses, they knew what i was going to ask. "All yours" Luna reassured me, i looked over at Celestia, she nodded with a grin. "Where did you get these?" "Oh, some were found, some commonly made by our blackmisth. And some are ancient artifacts..." Luna responded. "Ah, how come i haven't seen any of your blacksmiths?" "They can be found all over Equestria. There's even one close by, want me to show you the way?" Armor offered. "Would be nice, if the princesses agree" "Well, there's one more thing" "That is?" "Your task in the law enforcement will be simple. Walk around the citizens, and when you see anything suspicious or illegal, go and do what you have to." Celestia said with a serious face. "And you are authorized to use lethal force and methods to save others, or against suspects if they attempt to fight you. Please, do your best to avoid having to use such" Luna added. "What about if the try to escape?" "Do whatever is necessary to stop them, even if they lose a limb..." Luna replied, Celestia gave us a worried look. "That's everything you wanted?" They nodded in response. "Great, but... what about my payment?" "Oh yes, we can't expect you to just starve while risking your life for others." Celestia replied, summoning a scroll into my hand out of nowhere. "How do you prefer your payment? Daily, weekly or monthly?" "Uhm... weekly sounds about good." "Every week when you open the scroll a bag of 500 bits will fall out. Should you try open it more than once a week, it will not work." "Got it, anything else?" "Take this" Luna threw me a bag of 2000 bits. "Woah, thanks" I thanked her. "You might want to use these at the blacksmith's" "Now, you can go" "See you all later" "See you when we see you, John." They replied, as we left the room the guards again, wanted to kill me for some reason. "Just show me to the blacksmith, i'll visit later" "Sure" He replied, after showing me, i went back to the station and took a train back home. "What a day this was..." End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5: The first battle...Chapter 5: Change in the wind Chapter Five: Change in the wind. As i stepped off the train, i was greeted by familiar faces. "Welcome back!" I was greeted by Pinkie, Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Dash and Brian. "Heyy, guys what are you all doing here?" "Come on, we all knew where you were today" "Yeppers, how did it go? How did it go?" Pinkie was just as energetic as allways... "Oh my, what happened to you?" Rarity asked, pointing at my chest. "What do you mean?" She levitated my shirt off to demonstrate, as my shirt was gone they gasped at the sight of the hole in my torso where my heart was supposed to be. "What the hell?!" Brian couldn't belive his eyes, none of them could. "Don't worry, i'm fine" I told them in quick response, and saw a purple aura surround me. "Don't worry John, we'll fix you, it won't hurt." Twilight spoke up, Suddenly i felt pain like nothing before. I felt flesh, tendons, muscles, bones, and skin grow as slow and painful as possible... When it was over, i fell down to the ground. "Oops...sorry, it looks like it DID hurt..." Twilight tried to apologize, i stood up, and grinned. "I figured out something amazing while i was away." "What is it?" Applejack asked, i pulled out the sword and held it to my wrist. Brian stepped closer, holding my hand with the sword still. "John, don't be redicilous. We all know you would die from that." I looked at the mares, their eyes were in tears, Pinkie's hair deflated. "Why are you doing this? Did we do something wrong? Is there a problem wth the princesses? I'm sure there's another way to solve it! Please don't do it!" Twilight ran up to me and embraced me. "Don't do it!" Then, a light blue aura surrounded her and pulled her away, along with Brian. "I'm sure you know what you are doing,John. I do not approve of this, but it's your decision" Rairity said with wet eyes. "Thanks..." I chuckled, they each turned their heads away from me, except Brian. "Do whatever you want to John..." When i cut my wrist, it started bleeding as it is supposed to be then, when i reached the alteries, there was suddenly a fountain of blood gushing down onto the ground. "Hey, i'm still fine, trust me" "Hey, he stopped bleeding, he isn't dead!" Brian yelled to get their attention, when they looked over to me i just stood there with a hand that was barely held onto by a tendon. *Splat* Not anymore... "Look, i'm sorry to scare all of you like this" *smack* "You'd better be!" They all looked at me with a worried and a bit releaved face. They all came closer to see that it wasnt an illusion or some trick. "Why did you do that?" Twilight asked. "It's kind of a... uuuhmm... promise." "What kind of demented promise is this?" "I swear i will do everything to protect all of you here, you are my family. I will always be there when you need me, as you were there when i needed you." They all started to tear up yet again, but this time they were happy. "But what about your hand?" "Well, Brian. This is what i want you to withness..." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** John closed his eyes, for a minute. When he opened them his eyes were completely black. His hand slowly started to grow back. "What kind of ancient blessing is this?" Twilight commented in surprise, after his hand completely gerw back, his eyes slowly faded back to their original color. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I stood there, with my hand better than ever. "By the way... i passed. I'll recieve payment weekly and all i have to do is patrol around town and keep an eye out for illegal or suspicious individuals" "Here's a trick I have learned" Rarity replied, her horn began glowing again, she touched her horn agains my belt, another bag with a pistol sheath appeared there. "Neat trick, Rarity" She blushed, it's easy to tell with her white coat. "Twilight, your brother told me to give this to you." I reached into one of the bags and took out an amulet. "Oh, thanks John, he was supposed to give me this a week ago." "Uhm, Twi... Do you mind if i pay you a visit tomorrow?" "No, you are welcome at all times, when can i expect you?" "About noon?" "Sure thing" We went our ways to our homes, i noticed something moving in the bushes. "Shh... guys, i saw something in the bushes, don't move" We stood still for a few seconds and heard voices. "We mean no harm, we are simply lost in the dark!" "We will come out, but promise not to judge us for what we are!" I looked at the guys behind me. "What do you think?" "Your call" I unsheathed the sword. "Fine! But come out slowly!" As i finished, i suddenly saw a pair of green and blue eyes in the dark, glowing. "Changelings!" Apparently Dash wasn't pleased to see them. "What now?" I looked at the figures in the dark, i had no idea what they were. God wish i had a flashlight... Then, out of nowhere a beam of moonlight shined onto the figures. Thanks Luna... "These things are evil, you have to kill them John" Dash tried to convince me. "Please, we mean no trouble. It is true, we are changeligs, but the others cast us out because we didn't approve of the queen's behavior." They looked different, one of them had a horn and wings, the other had none of those. "If both of you are changelings, why do you look different?" "My name is Steadywork, i'm just a drone, a mere worker" "What about your friend?" "My name is Quicksteps, a soldier" I raised my sword up. "What are you doing around here?" "Like i said, we were exiled by the others for disobeying the queen" They were still standing in the moonlight. "What did you find, Sergeant?" Asked an all too familiar voice from behind... "These here say they were exiled due to disobeying their queen" Luna raised an eyebrow at them. "I see, how should we proceed, what do you suggest, sergeant?" "I propose they shall be taken prisoner for a week, and see if they resist. Should they stay calm, they will be released to the public, but only under observation. After a month, they can be accepted into the society" "Very well, sergeant" I knew she only calls me Sergeant only in offical manners. Then, i saw one them start shaking violently. It began screamng in agony as it's body started to split into half veticaly. "What is this?" I was confused... "I knew it..." Luna replied, then another more distorted voice spoke up. "Heheheheh.... I see you got yourself a new pet, Luna" That comment made it personal, but i sheathed my sword, knowing i'm not the one to handle such situations. "Show yourself, Chrysalis!" The changeling was now torn in half, the same fate awaited the other one. A greenish black figure appeared in front of us, their queen. "Here i am, Luna. Now, it is time to surrender!" I was waiting for the signal to lash out at that bitch. "Guys, run. You have nothing to do here. I on the other hand have duties here" Luna turned around and looked at me. "John, i have to warn you to be carefull, she's the queen of the changelings." Oh, i'll show her what change is... "Leave at once, this is the final warning!" Her horn began glowing, i quickly pulled the pistol as well. "Foolish little creature..." "Close your eyes Sergeant!" Even with closed eyes i saw a blindig light, when it was gone i opened my eyes again, Luna was gone, in her place stood a bigger alicorn, with black coat, and snake like eyes It was probably Nightmare Moon... "It is an honor to serve" "Look what we have here... How come YOU aren't in your pathetic little house sleeping through the night?!" "I'm a servant of the night, stars and the moon itself" "Oh, looks like this is going to be interesting..." Chrysalis threw in, as she finished that sentence, she summoned a whole amy of chngelings. "You? Servant? What possible way could YOU serve ME?!" "Blood, loyalty and honor" "Well then, we shall see about that" The nightmare let out a sharp whistle, soon after that i saw pairs of white glowing eyes all around us. For some reason my clothing was just like Rarity left it, and before i realized, i had the hoodie and vest back. The ones i left at the palace after Stormwing's... episode. "Ah, i see you called your miserable pile of donkeys..." As i saw the eyes getting closer, the nightmare came to stand next to me. I reached for my sword, when i had the grip in hand the nightmare extended one of her wings into front of me. "Stay your blade, my children have come to aid us" I let go, a dark figure suddenly appeared in front of us. "Have you called for us, Mother?" As the figure finished the sentence, it's eyes turned toward me. "Yes, Moonsinger, we have an intruder on our hooves." The nightmare replied, the figure's eyes were now scanning me, when it noticed my sword growled at me. "How DARE you threaten our mother?!" The figure lunged at me, taking me down to the ground. "You're mistaking. I'm not the enemy here!" "Yeah, likely story..." Now the pairs of eyes were closing in around us, more specificaly me. "He speaks the truth, he is an ally to us"Luna spoke up, the nightmare was gone. "But, he has weapons and was right next to you!" "And he was standing next to me because i let him, use your brain sometimes." Luna scolded her daughter, Moonsinger let me go, i stood up and grabbed my sword. "How about asking first?" "I'll keep an eye on you..." Luna turned towards me and said. "John, i'm afraid i have to ask you. Please stay out of this fight untill i give you the signal." "Sure, but... why?" "With that, you would be insulting their honor..." I let go again. "Okay, but if any of them come at me i'll cut them down" I didn't specify if i was talking about the changelings or her daughters... unavoidably attracting a paticular unicorn's attention... "Is that so?" She leapt at me, i caught her and threw her to the ground, pushing the pistol to her face. "I meant the changelings." I had no intention to kill her, and Luna knew it as well. "Fine, let me go now" While they were preapirng for the fight i made my way to the forest, behind the changelings. The figres in the dark regrouped behind Luna, then i heard her voice in my head. "When i signal you with a sharp whistle, you try to do your best to eliminate their queen" I suppose it was telepathy, i looked all over them, they each wore cloaks, some of them had horns, some had wings, Moonsinger stood next to Luna. "Let's show them how dangerous the dark is!" She yelled as they charged towards the changelnigs. As the frontlnes met i saw a wave of body parts shoot up towrds the sky, pegasi, unicorn, changeling... It was the most brutal fight i ever withnessed... God have mercy on those souls... When the massacre died down, i saw Luna surrounded alone with only 4 of her children reamaining, she looked onto the top of the tree i was in, like she knew i was there, he probably did. She looked sad, i had a clear idea why... she whistled, as i reached for the pistol, i realized the bullets might not go though their scale armor so i pulled the sword and lunged at the queen. Now you'll get it you son of a bitch... While i was in the air, i realized i was in a birdlike position, arms spread in the air. It felt natural... when i was about to stab the bitch, i suddenly stopped mid air, and couldn't move. "Hehehe... nice try, but you need more than that to defeat me!" "You son of a... Let me go!" "And who are you to command me?" As she finished, Luna shot a bolt of shadow magic, breaking the changeling queen's concentration. She looked over to the remaining group, shot a bolt of green magic back at them, actually it was more like a wide beam. Luna cast a spell shield around them along with one of her unicorn allies. But it didn't last long agains the non-stop bombardment. I fell to the ground, i got up and ran towards where the shield just was. They were all weakened by the beam's effect. At least the queen also ran out of energy for more. "This isn't over yet... Now i'll finish this!" The changeling managed to spit out while breathing heavily. "Bring it!" I heard Moonsinger call out, and charged at her, only to be thrown up, then slammed into the ground by magic. The other three luckily managed to catch her before the ground could. "You three, take Moonsinger to safety, it's my time to fight." They hesitated, nobody likes to take orders from anybody, but there was no time to argue. "Oh really? Let's see what's stronger! Your blade or mine!" Chrysalis charged at Luna, she tried to impale her with her horn... *Crunch* *splat* "What?!" Chrysalis asked in her surprise, she tried to pull out, but by then i already had her by the throat. "You're... not... going... anywhere..." "What?! How are you not dead yet?!" I heard a loud *CRACK* as i broke her horn off from her head, followed by a scream of agony. "YOU MISERABLE PIECE OF SHIT! I'LL EAT YOU ALIVE!" I unsheathed my sword, my eyes turned completely black again. "So be it!" As i finished the sentence, i saw 5 other figures around Chrysalis. They were wearing the same clothes as me... but in different colors. I couldn't see their faces, they had their hoods on. "What in Euquestria is this?!" Chrysalis asked terrified. I looked at Luna, grinned and back to Chrysalis. "Your worst nightmare..." The other 5 figures pulled out swords exactly looking like mine. "You have no chance...even if you kill me now, many more will return" Chrysalis tried taunting me. "Then the more fun i'll have enjoying their torment..." We all stood there, not bothering about her statement. The figures raised their blades and in unison we all said. "May the night last forever!" I came to my mind to impaling Chrysalis, so did the 5 other figures. My clothes were now covered in blood, green ish black blood. Her eyes closed, and fell to the ground with a loud thump. "In death, no longer my enemy." I knelt down to close her eyes, giving even her the final rights, to my surprise, her eyes suddenly opened, at the same time i felt the horn she left in my stomach explode. It wasn't a pretty sight... my torso was blown off from my legs from the waist up. I looked over to where Luna was, she was alive, but uncoscious. I crawled my way over to her, the sword was still in my hand, i just stabbed it into the gound. "I... did... my... best..." I managed to spit out, i was still profusely bleeding. "It's...been an...honor....*cough*" Then, the darkness came again. *2 days later* I woke up with a groan. Where am i? By the time i came to my senses, i was in some sort of cocoon, surrounded by some green ooze. The changelings must have taken me somewhere, what are they planning? It must have been them, i saw blurry figures that were black and had blue eyes. Through the cocoon i heard one of them speak. "I don't care if he might die! If we succed he'll be my most destructive weapon ever! Those pathetic princesses will stand no chance!" Wait... *My? Was Chrysalis still alive?* "This one, will obey" The changeling responded to it's queen. I saw it's eyes turn towards me, they started glowing as i blacked out again. *Unknown time later* God knows how long i've been here now. My only hopes are that they succeed with whatever they meant to do with me, either leaving me dead for good, or releasing me. "I belive we finished, it's done!" Said a familiar, yet different voice. "It's time to test it!" Another voice replied. Great, let me out of here and i'll tear you apart scale by scale myself... I blacked out once again, waking up in a forest. Where the hell am i? I stood up, only to realize i had my legs back. What have they done to me? I saw a familiar looking lake nearby i went to take a drink from it, when i was about to drink i noticed my reflection. Let's see how cruel all the time has been... I drank, stood back up and began walking. After an hour or two i noticed a familiar clearing in front of me. Wait, isn't this where i first saw *Pinkie** and her... no, my friends?* I could hardly remember the way to the town, but after a bit more time spend walking i made it there. I was thinking about how long it must have been, if anyone would even remember me, or would i be still welcome, but then i noticed an all too familiar rainbow sweeping through right in front of me. "Hey, Dash! It's me!" It was getting dark afterall, maybe she didn't see or hear me. I continued on the way, only to be stopped by a guard. "Halt! Who goes there?" "Sergeant Joh..." I was cut short by the guard. "Sir, seriously, identify yourself." "I am, i'm Sergeant John Miller! Brother of Brian Miller!" He groaned at me. "I guess we'll have to do it the hard way..." The guard surrounded his sword with a red aura, preparing for agression. "Stay your blade, i bring words not steel" "What kind?" "I'm a messenger from the changelings, i was told to seek Priness Luna. She would be the one to appoint a meeting of our leaders to agree on a more peacefull future in between our species" He nodded. "Follow me this way, but don't try anything funny" He warned me, as we walked through town, i noticed it got very, very dark. "Are you the one doing this?" The guard questioned me. "No sir, a messenger has no need of magic" "Well then, let's carry on." His horn began glowing, acting like a flashlight, as we continued on our way, i was thrown to the ground by a figure. "Give me a reason not to kill you right here and now!" It took me some time for my eyes to adjust to the darkness, it was Luna. I was happy to see at least she was all right, yet also scared what would happen if i told her the truth but she didn't belive me. "Because i'm one of the servants of the moon, the night, and the stars." She let me stand back up, a beam of moonlight focused around me. "Show yourself!" I took off my hood. "Here, do you remember me now, Luna?" "Your face reminds me of somebody... i used to know." "I saved you from being impaled by Chrysalis's horn" She gasped, tears formed around her eyes. "John? Is that you?" I smiled, and slowly walked towards her. On the way the guard tried to stop me, she told him to let me pass with a nod. "Yes, it is..." "But... you are so different! What happened to you?" I chuckled. "The changelings tried to make me into their weapon. How long was i away?" She hesitated to anwser. "3 years..." The guard coughed, attracting our attention. "My lady, he idntified himself as Sergeant John Miller, i didn't belive him due to him being assumed dead, It's my mistake" He informed the princess, and apologized to me. "I'm sorry sir." He saluted, i put a hand onto his shoulder. "It's all right, you did what you thought is the best." "Thank you for your honesty, you may return to your designated guard post." Luna instructed him. "Yes your highness" And walked off to where we came from. "Sooo, did i miss something while i was gone?" "Only a few birthdays, your... my... our friends were devastated, and somewhat proud by the news of you being assumed a martyr" "Even back on earth i was considered hard to kill, it takes more to kill me than a few bugs." She smiled. "We missed you, i'm glad you're here." I noticed her eyes still being in tears. "What's wrong?" "Nothing... nothing..." I knew she was hiding something... but i shouldn't question my superiors. "Hey, your call to tell me or not." She smiled. "Sadly, your house has been occupied since then, for now you have to come with me to Canterlot." I nodded in response, her horn started glowing and seconds later we were at the gates of the palace. "Well, that was quick" As we walked by the guards, they bowed down to her, and once again stopped me. "He's comgin with me" I passed the guards, giving them a nod and putting the hood back on. "So, did the changlings return after our little meeting with them?" "They would've usually did by now, but something was holding them back, maybe it was being busy with you" "Well, if they come back Chrysalis won't get away next time." "John, i've been thinking about this while you were away." "What is it?" "What made you take the stab for me?" "The same that made me save Fluttershy back then, i guess" "And how about your relative immortality?" "Back on earth i was subject to experiments, the goal was to make the perfect soldier. After they ended, the scientist told me i would stop aging at about 25 years of age" "Scientists?" She asked. "Oh, yes. On earth we don't have magic, so we have to rely on knowledge. We gain our knowledge from studying and experimenting. Scientists are who gain knowledge from experiments for others." "Quite interesting, later i would love to hear more about it" "And you surely will" I reassured her. As we got up the stairs she closed one of her wings around me, telling the guards she was aware and approved of my presence. "Here we are!" She exclaimed. The doors opened, revealing a huge room with a balcony, after inspecting the doorway i noticed a huge moon shape carved above the doors, we walked into the room, then she spoke up. "Welcome to my own quarters, it should do for now, right?" I nodded. "Where do you want to sleep? The bed or the couch?" I hesitated with the anwser. "The floor should be enough" I grinned as i said it, she chuckled in response. "Tomorrow we'll share the great news of your return with our friends" "Uhm, can i just get back to work tomorrow?" "If you wish to, by the way i have a surprise for you. I'm sure you'll appreciate it" "Great! Where is it?" She pointed under the couch. I knelt down to look for what she meant, i found a long tube in wrapping paper. I reached in to get it, i took it out and asked her. "Is this it?" I asked while pointing at the tube in my hand, she nodded with a grin. I shook the tube to hear what could be inside, no clue. I opened the tube and looked inside, i saw nothing. I reachd into it thinking the box might be oversized. As i searched around in the box something cut my finger, i turned the box upside down. Something bright and thin fell out with a lound clanking noise. Luna used her telekenisis to levitate it back to me, i took it and realized it was my old sword. "The guards found it near me on the ground, they gave i to me to decide what should happen to it. I decided to keep it to remember the one who saved me, and proved his loyalty towards the stars of the night and the moon... I meant to keep it but now, i belive it belongs to your hands." The fact that she wanted something to remind her of me did feel good, but now i had things to do. "Sure will, thanks for keeping this for yourse... me... us" "Let's just sleep now, shall we?" She asked with a tired tone, followed by a yawn. As i laid my head to rest on the couch, we heard a loud banging on the door. "Open up, by the orders of Princess Celestia!" Yelled a voice, most likely a guard through the door. "John, get your sword ready and hide behind that curtain. It might get messy, if you fell like it's the time, strike." I nodded as i unsheathed the sword behind the curtain while she opened the door. "What's the meaning of this?" She asked the 4 guards who came in. "Deepest apologies Princess Luna, we had reports of you being followed by an unknown and suspicious individual. We were sent to investigate, may we come in?" "No, you can't! I'm alone here, and if you'd excuse i would prefer to sleep now..." "Yes ma'am, thank you for your time" The guards promptly left, closing the doors behind them. She walked up to the curtain i was behind, and jabbed a hoof into it to get tell me it's safe to come out. I replied with a groan, and fell out from behind the curtain sidways. Yes, she basicly just punchd me in my man parts... Wwwhhhhyyyyy Luna, wwwwhhhyyy? She gave me a worried look. "What's wrong?" "You just... don't hit me there ever again will you?" I managed to get back up, still in pain. *Sigh*How do you tell a priness she just hit you in the body part you use to reproduce? She went back to her bed, i stood behind the curatin. "Uhm, will you sleep, John?" "Yes, back on earth i used to stand guard for days, i learned to sleep while standing with eyes open" She thought i was joking, but she soon realized i could do so. "Well then, good night John" "Night Luna" *Some time later* "Are you sure this is the right room?" A deep voice asked. "Of course it is, just look at her. All alone, no guards, almost too easy!" Another one replied. Who are they? Are they trying to... kill her? "Now, where did you put the poison?" "I think i dropped it in the doorway." "I'll go get it, you check the balcony for guards or a way out." While they were talking they had their backs turned to me, i was next to the balcony door that was open, and slowly crept out to the balcony, and hid next to the doorway. I heard hoofsteps coming my way, i pulled the pistol. "Hey, balcony's clear!" The figure walked towards the railing, and to my surprise it lit a cigarette. I slowly walked up behind the figure.*BAM* I knocked him unconscious. I dragged the body out of sight, the other figure yelled. "What's taking so long?" I tried to mimic the other's voice. "Uhm, nothing. I just stopped for a cigarette" The figure hesistated with the response, under that time i took the box of cigarettes for myself. "Sure thing, but we have things to do!" As the other figure came out, i did the same to him as well, one of them was wearing a cloak, i tore it to shreds using the pieces to bind their hooves and mouths. I walked back to the curtain and went back to sleep, only to notice the sun come up behind me on the way inside. Morning *Celestia*, it's been a while I decided to look for any of the guards and inform them of the intruders. As i was walking around the corridors i saw a blue tail turn around the corner. I hurried to make my way after it, i caught up with the guard. "Excuse me sir, i need your assis.." At this point the guard turned around. "John? Is that you? Man, where have you been?" "Ah, hey Armor. It's been a while indeed. Look, i need your help follow me." He noddd and we made our way back to Luna's quarters. By the time we got there a dozen of guards were there not knowing what happned. We walked up to them to ask what will happen next. "Good job catching the last one captain" That sentence got the other's attention and once again i was surrounded by spears. "Keep you spears guys, he's with us" "Sir, we had reports of suspicious individuals and he..." I cut him off mid sentence. "And they are in there lying on the ground for trying to poison the princess. And who's fault is that they got inside? YOURS!" I scolded the rookie. The crowd turned their faces toward him, they were disappointed. "Yes, but how did you get in here then?!" He tried to save it, but then Luna walked out into the doorway, i stood there in silence, staring at Luna with a grin on my face. "He has nothing to save himself with, kill the assas..." He was cut short by Luna. "Silence! How dare you accuse the most honorable, loyal and responsive soldier in all of Equestria!?" "Ho... honorable?" The rookie was frightened from what could happen to him at this point. "He, saved many citizens and even me on an occasion. In the battle he saved me in, he disappeared for 3 years, he returned yesterday and i allowed him stay in my quarters, and this is how you pay your respect to a hero such as him!?" "It was you who let him in?" The rest of the guards nodded along with Luna, Armor and myself. "R... ight... i'm... i'm sorry sir." The rookie apologized to me. "What's your name?" "Flash Sentry, sir!" "Flash, Armor and John may stay, the rest of you return to your guard posts" "What's your designated task?" I questioned Flash. "He stands the night guard on my baclony..." Luna replied instead. "So you, leave your designated guard post, i come to replace you, and when i do your job better than you did, you try to get the other guards to kill me?!" "John, take it easy. He's still a rookie" Armor calmed me. "No captan, he's right. I made a mistake and that almost got the princess killed... I'm sorry princess." I knew she was mad at him, she nodded at him. "On your way now, Flash" He left without a word. "Well, it's great to know you're back John. Can i be of your service, princess?" Luna shook her head. "I'll be leaving then, see you later John." "See you around, Armor" I went and took a look at my equipment, my belt was missing. "Hey, uhm... did the guards not find my belt by chance?" "I wish they did, i lost consciousness after you crawnled next to me with the sword. Coming to think of it, they didn't find your bottom half either" "Maybe the changelings brought it with me, they might had put me back together" "John, please come with me" I followed her back to her quarters, the doors shut behind us. "What would you do to these intruders?" At this point they were fully aware what was going on around them. I looked at the sword in my hand and replied. "What i must..." I said with an inner grin, but frown outside. "John, you're a soldier, how come you don't enjoy bloodshed?" "I do... when it's deserved, but these would have no option to defend themselves, and in hand to hoof combat they would most likely try to escape" Her horn began glowing, forming a force field making escape impossible. "Set them free, and do it as you wish" She gave me permisson to either kill them slowly and painfully or with a single snap of their neck basically. I untied both of them, as i expected they immediately tried to run, worhtlessly. "You have been deemed a traitor to the kingdom, your penalty is to fight for your lives. Your opponent will show you no mercy, you can not use wings or horns, as either does your opponent have them" Luna frightened them with the royal canterlot voice, i took off my hood, revealing my entirely black eyes, with red pupils. Afterwards i pulled up my sleeves, not willing to get them too bloody and cracked my knuckles. "I haven't done this for a while... I hope i can still kill you fast enough" I was against a pagasus and an unicorn, to be honest i wouldn't mind if they used their abilities. "Come on, put your hooves up and get over it!" I taunted them some more. I looked over to Luna, and asked her if i could try a new trick. She nodded in response with a grin. "Heh, this is going to be fun" I said while i summoned only 4 of the figures, the figures managed to have the intruders held by all 4 hooves. I walked up to the unicorn and grabbed it's throat. "Hmm, so soft. How long do you think it would take to cut through?" I wanted to see how far Luna would let me go. The unicorn tried to swallow in fear, but couldn't. "You dick! Let her go!" The pegasus spoke up. "What's that? Now you talk?" I let go of the unicorn's throat only to go behind the pagasus and examine his wings. "Say, how much could it hurt to have your feathers plucked one by one? Or maybe i should just tear them out of your spine?" I asked with an intended arrogant tone. The unicorn tried to focus on some sort of spell, but before she could've finished i broke one of the pegasus's legs, the following scream made the unicorn give up on the spell. I walked over to Luna and whispered into her ears. "You do know i'm a very successfull interrogator, right?" I walked over to the unicorn and asked. "Hmm, such a beautiful horn. I wonder how hard i need to hit it for it to break off... Or maybe i should just tear it out in one piece?" She must have imagined the pain it would bring, tears swelled up in her eyes. "Hey, princess." I said to get Luna's attention. "Hmm?" I turned my head over my shoulder and asked. "Long and slow or just a quick snap'n'swipe?" "Your call, Sergeant" I gave her a thumbs up and made my way back to the captives, as soon as i got there the peagasus spoke up. "Hey, Sergeant! Why don't you go back and lick her craphole some more eh?" As soon as he finished the sentence a loud *SNAP* and *CRACK* echoed in the room, followed by the unicorn's scream. "Were you saying?" "You son of a bitch! Let her go!" He yelled, i guess they were close to eachother. "What's wrong? Why do you care so much about what i do to her?" "Because she's my daughter you hooflicking mother fucking sicko!" "Is that so?" I asked the unicorn, staring into her eyes that were filled with tears from the pain, she nodded. I asked Luna to fully heal her, she wasn't sure why but she did. I also asked her for a sword which she happily made out of darkness. The figures let the unicorn go, she fell to the ground with a loud thump. I thew the sword over to her, she caught it. "Let me explain the rules... We'll have a sword duel, if you win i'll let you both go free. If i win, one of you will be forced to watch the other die. Simple enough?" She nodded, shaking in fear. She used telekenisis to throw the sword at me, i deflected it with mine. The sword hit the wall behind me and fell to the ground, i picked it up and flung it back to her. "Come on!" She charged at me with her horn glowing. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The unicorn charged at John, her horn glowing. I was thinking about disabling it but what fun would that be for him?" John simply stepped out of the way, grabbing the unicorn by the throat. He held the blade in his hand up to her throat and made his way towards the pegasus. "I think i won" He informed our prisoners and let her go, falling to the ground yet again, then signaled the figures to let the pegasus go, they obeyed. "You have 5 minutes to decide who will die..." He was planning on either making the father watch his daughter die, or making her withness her father's death. I was shocked by how cruel his methods could be, he made his way over to me yet again, i was nearly disgusted by his presence for what i had just withnessed. "Hey, Luna. What do you think the outcome will be?" "Are you actually going to do it or are you just terrorizing them?" "Hmmm, i haven't decided yet." He chuckled as he said it. We stood there, in silence waiting for their decision to be made, s short while after the unicorn came up to us. "We have decided that my dad is the selected one" The unicorn informed us, John looked at me with an unsure face. "They tried to kill you, we have to set an example..." He commanded 2 of the figures to hold the unicorn by her limbs and take her to the now to be executed pegasus, John looked into the pegasi's eyes and asked. "Any last words or wishes?" "Keep your word and let her go free" The pegasus replied, John looked into the unicorn's eyes. "Anything you want to tell him before..." He stopped mid sentence, we all knew what he meant. The unicorn nodded and the figures took her closer to her father. "Goodbye daddy... i'll always remember you." "And i'll always love you, goodbye, Trixie" While he said that sentence, i closed my eyes to stop tears from leaking. As soon as he finished the sentence a loud *SPLAT* echoed once again, this time leaving to scream behind. The unicorn had her azure coat and silver mane splattered with her father's blood... I knew John is the most loyal and disciplined and good hearted yet he did it on command... I could've stopped it... It would've been just a word... Yet i let it happen... But was it the right thing to do? ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I was standing behind the pegasus, his throat slit and the unicorn was covered in his blood... I hoped Luna would tell me to stop, but she let it happen. I guess it was the right thing to do. I couldn't look into the unicorn's eyes...not after what i had just done, yet i turned to face her and said. "I'm sorry, it had to be this way. If you desire vengeance for this, so be it." I just stood there, watching her cry over her father's corpse... I felt guilt like nothing before... i was not proud of what i had just done. I sent away all the figures, they made their way slowly towards the crying unicorn. "Wha are you all doing?! Go away!!" I yelled at them, then i realized they were made of darkness... something Luna was excellent at controlling... I looked over to her and saw her eyes and horn glowing, tears flowing down her face. "Luna! What are you doing?!" "I'm finishing what you started, John" I knew she shouldn't live with such a memory, but she didn't do anything to deserve the same fate. She only obeyed her father's will. "Luna, i understand what you think and feel, but we have to let her go and live! It was her father's last will!" To that, her eyes stopped glowing and the figures disappeared. After that was over, i made my way over to the throne room, hoping to find Celestia. I put the hood back on, that was covered in blood of course... and sword in hand... i made perfect target for the guards, but before i left Luna spoke to me. "John... I... I don't know how to tell you but..." "What is it, Luna?" "This was all a test..." "WHAT?!" "Celestia wanted to make sure you would always be loyal to us, no matter what the cost would be... and she told me she wanted this scene to play out every night you spend here..." I couldn't belive it... Celestia? She knew i would do anything to stay true to the kingdom... "That means..." A tear made it's way down my face, she turned away knowing why it was there. "Yes John, you are right... You did all of this for nothing..." I clenched my left hand into a fist so hard i heard bones shatter. I rushed over to the still crying unicorn and lifted her up from the ground. "Come on, we have things to do!" She was struggling to get away at first, but she realized i meant no harm... not anymore... Luna stood in the doorway, wings spread. "John, don't do this!" "Oh, yes i will. Let's see how SHE passes MY test!" I replied, pushing her out of my way with one hand, i ran through the hallways, guards flying and running after me with each meter i ran, when i saw those doors i turned around and slammed them open with my back, in the throne room i saw Celestia with her back to me, talking to another alicorn and Armor. "Stop him!" A guard yelled from behind, Celestia, along the other two turned their attention toward me with a blood covered unicorn in my left and, sword in the right. Celestia sent the guards away by lifting one of her wings, and looked at me. "What the fuck is the meaning of this!?" I yelled at her. "John, i'm afraid i have to ask you to change your tone..." "Or what? You put me through another test making me kill Brian and Dash? Or are you going to send me to the moon as well?" I taunted her, knowing what she was capable of. "Sergeant John Miller, I did not expect this outcome." Bullshit she didn't... bull fucking shit... "You knew i would do this didn't you?" She stood there, eyes closed, no anwsers. "YOU KNEW THIS DIDN'T YOU!?" "John, i'm terribly sorry for putting you through this..." "ME!?... You apologize to ME!? Do you know what SHE had to withness?" She shook her head. "I made her withness me slitting her father's throat in front of her eyes..." Her jaw dropped to the ground, gasping in shock, Armor and the alicorn next to him did the same. "YOU made ME brutally murder an innocent... in front of his daughter's eyes!" Tears made their way down her face, i put the unicorn down to the ground, Celestia's eyes and horn stopped glowing and looked down at her. "I'm terribly sorry for what ha..." She was cut short, the unicorn didn't hesitate to smack Celestia, the ruler of the whole kingdon in the face. The unicorn turned around and asked me to point her to the exit, i told her to wait a minute and i'll go along. "Celestia, i'm disappointed in you. You have lost one of your most faithfull followers... I hope you're happy, because from now i only accept orders from Luna herself!" I turned around, only to see the said alicorn. "May i leave now, your highness?" She nodded, i took Trixie with me showing her the way out. "So... Trixie, is it?" She nodded. "Look, i'm terrib..." I was stopped by a hoof to my mouth. "It's not your fault, you didn't know..." "Can you forgive me?" She nodded with a grin. "What about Cele...." At that point realized we both hate her... "I'll get her for this someday..." She replied. "Do you have any friends or relatives to go to?" She shook her head. At that moment, i saw another tear drop make it's way down. I stopped and spoke up. "Trixie..." Her ears perked up and looked at me. "Hm?" "I swear, if it wasn't fo..." I realized there was no reason not to go back and kill Celestia right then and there... only one. She was Luna's sister afterall... And i ruined enough families for that day... "Wasn't for what?" I grinned. "Nevermind, sorry" As soon as we got out of the gates, the guards turned against us. "Keep your blades, we did no harm inside." They didn't belive me. "Yeah, likely story friend..." I slaughtered all 5 of them, and tho i'm not proud of it, i looted their corpses and found enough money for 2 tickets back to Ponyville, a second later i figured i'll need another one of Luna's letters. "Oh shit, Trixie stay here... not here ... nvm come with me, i need something from Luna" She sighed and came along, at the corridors i noticed there were only two kinds of guards. White coated and grey coated, logic told me the white coat ones were under Celestia's command, at the end i found Luna yet again. "Ah, back so soon, Sergeant?" I bowed down, so did Trixie. "Your highness, i need a favor" "That would be?" "I would appreciate if you could use your magic to modify my equipment to clearly show my loyalty and servitude." "If that's all your heart's desire, sure" Her horn began glowing, i closed my eyes and after a flash of light i opened my eyes, my clothes turned from blinding white to dark blue, and i had a cape with a black, crescent moon on it, i also found a belt and a silver medallion on my neck in the shape of anothe crescent moon. "That medallion should give you access to literally anywhere, any room in any building but please, don't abuse such authority." She informed me. "Talking about authoritiy umm, i noticed that the grey coated guards are mostly designated under your command, the white coat ones however only obey Celestia. Is there a difference in their behavior or anything i should know?" She nodded. "I'll tell you all about it later" "Thank you Luna" "See you later, John" Trixie followed me outside, only to be comfronted by Flash and Armor. "What in the name of Celestia is the meaning of this?!" Armor asked. "What am i supposed to know about it?" I replied. "From Luna's balcony Flash could've clearly seen what happened here" Trixie pointed out. "What? I saw nothing!" He exclaimed. "Well, one more thing you guys have to figure out, i have to escort Trixie back home." "See you laterJohn" They said in unison. "Later guys" We made our way to the train station only to find guards flooding the city. There was literally a guard on every corner and under every lamp post... yep, all white coat and golden armor... On our way to the ticket booth i noticed a mare crying over a stallion lying on the ground, i made my way over to her and knelt down. "Greetings, what happaned?" "Oh, you? What do YOU care?" "Ma'am, i'm Princess Luna's personal bodyguard, you can trust me" "Wait, Luna's? Not Celestia's?" She asked again to be sure, i showed her the medallion. "Oh, my bad sir, i thought you were one of Celestia's bootlickers..." "No problemo, now what happened?" "My husband, he didn't pick up a tin can when he was told to" What... the... fuck... Really? They beat him near death because he didn't pick up a fucking tin can?! I wonder if *Celestia** knows about this...* "Anything remarkable about the guards who did this?" "Not much, wait, he's the one who did it!" She pointed at a squad of 10 guards, all white coat... "Wait here ma'am, Trixie, do you have a healing spell?" She nodded and began healing the stallion, i unsheathed my sword and made my way over to the squad. "Hey, guys. I need a few anwsers!" "And just who ARE you to question us, professional soldiers?" The squad leader replied with an arrogant tone. I showed hm the medallion as well, he withdrew his blade. "What do you want?" "Why did you beat that stallion up for not picking up the tin can?" They all laughed in response. "Because we could... Now what? YOU will beat US up?" He taunted me... and right then and there, he just signed his death will. I growled at him, he charged at me but i countered it, ending up impaling him. At the sight of their leader the other ten begged me for forgiveness, but who was i to decide? "Okay shitbuckets, line stand in line one by one." I ordered them. "Okay douchebag, do you have a family?" "Yes sir, a wife and a daughter" "Go home, and be with them, tomorrow you'll report to Princess Luna and ask to be designated under her command instead" "Yes sir" He started off on his way home, when he passed me by he tried to stab me in the back, but the blade broke before the armor did. I turned around, and with one quick swipe made a blood fountain out of him. I sheathed my sword, and looked back at the line and spoke to the next one. "Family?" "A wife, a son and a daughter" "You go home and report tomorrow to Luna for the same reason the other guy" "Yes sir, thank you sir" He gave me a small bag of money. After killing in total 4 of them sending 5 home and letting one run away i made my way back to the mare, stallion and Trixie. "How is our friend doing?" "He's in a bad shape, but he'll live" "Oh thank you! Both of you! How can i repay the favor?" The mare must have been as thankfull as Pinkie was cheerfull.. "Oh, it's the least i can do... but i suppose my friend here could use some food and drinks" "Sure thing, come along" She mare replied. As the mare went off on her way to home, i picked up the stallion as Trixie continued healing him on the way. "So, what brings you, a royal bodyguard here, onto the streets?" Trixie and I swapped glances. "She's my cousin... I'm here for a visit" "Ah, no offense but your... species would make it a bit difficult wouldn't it?" "Adopted cousin..." Trixie explained. I didn't like the fact that we were lying but i think she shouldn't know the truth this time. Soon we got to their home, she let us in and brought some coffee and cupcakes, we took some, drank the coffee thanked her and left. By the time we left the stallion was in a good enough condition to leave him at home. We continued on our way back to the station, on the way i saw many posters on the walls with the picture of Celestia with the text "OBEY" and pictures of Luna with the text "RESIST" What the hell is going on here? I was wondering all the way to the station, to my surprise the enterance was guarded, but by grey coat guards, i just had to see how they react to the medallion... We walkd up to the doors, guards stopped us wings spread. "I'm sorry sir, no enterance allowed today" One of them informed us. I showed him the medallion. "Oh, in that case you two may enter. I'm glad to finally see a comrade sir" I put my left hand onto his shoulder. "I known, by the way... do you have any information about the posters and Celestia's guards misbehaving?" He shook his head in response. "I'm afraid i have no information, i'm sorry sir" "Right, thanks anyway and... stay away from those white coat guys..." "Sure will sir, have a nice day" We made our way to the ticket booth, yet again and got 2 tickets for the medallion. We got onto the train, it was empty, nopony else just us and the inspectors. "Where is everypony?" Trixie asked what i was just thinking about... "I don't know... but there's somethng going on with Celestia..." An inspector walked up to us. "Hello sir, hello young lady, may i see your tickets?" I swapped glances with Trixie, she nodded. "By the orders of Princess Luna i'm escorting The Great and Powerfull Trixie to her home in Ponyville, she was summoned to Canterlot to aid healing the wounded after a terrible accident" He nodded in response. "All right, have a nice day you two" "Stay safe sir" We replied in unison and he left. "Sooo what will you do when we get there?" "I don't know..." I was still feeling terrible, and i wanted to help her any way i can. "Hey, Trixie" "Hmm?" "I was thinking... and came to a solution." "That is?" "I was wondering if... you would come and live with me" Her eyes shot up to me. "Wha... what do you mean?" "If i were to do it, would you let me adopt you?" She was only about 10 years old afterall... "Well, that's.... very kind of you" "Would you let me or would you not?" She nodded with a smile, during the train ride i asked her if she loved to learn new spells on even tricks, i guess she and Twilight will come along. The train suddenly stopped, a white coat soldier got up and the train went onwards on it's way. "Good day sir" He greeted me as he walked by us, soon after we got off the train in Ponyville. "So, which way?" "Come right this way" I told her with a grin... I wonder how Brian will react to seeing me after all these years. As we walked down the roads Trixie pulled in my sleeves to get my attention. "Hmm?" She pointed to the sides of the road... as we made our way stallions, mares, foals and fillies bowed down to us.. .or maybe just me i don't know. As i inspected the crowd around us i saw a white coated filly unicorn with pink and purple curled mane, i made my way over to her, she seemed familiar from somewhere... I looked around to make sure it was me who the bowed down to... there wasn't any royalty nearby so it must have been me. "Thank you for your warm welcome citizens! Please be on your way now!" The crowd did so, but not before breaking out in a loud sheering, they kept saying something i couldn't make out clearly, but i think it was something like. Long live the assassin brotherhood! I knelt down to the filly, and asked her. "Hey there, what's your name?" "Oh, hi i'm Sweetie Belle , you must be the returning hero Rarity was talking about!" "Rarity? You know her?" "Of course i do, she's my big sister!" "Ah, can you bring us to her?" She nodded in response and smiled. We made our way to Carousel Butique, nothing changed about it, as we entered we heard a bell ring above the door. "Rarity! I brought an old friend!" "The customer has to wait! Come help me with the important order right now!" Rarity's voice replied through a doorway. "Shh, i'll go help her, thanks Sweetie Belle" "Any time!" With that she left. Rarity turned around the corned with a tower of boxes and fabrics in her forehooves, she was walking on her hind legs... a bit surprising isn't it? I walked over to her, "Here, let me help with these..." "Oh, thank you my dear, my sister never bothers to help me and..." She replied, soon after stopping to realize it was me standing in front of her. "Oh my, John! What happened to you? Where have you been for these 3 years?" I saw her eyes dart across me, probably examining my equipment, but i saw her eyes suddenly stop staring at my left knee... well... the edge of my sword was covered in blood, so were my clothes. "Oh..." "So, where do you want these?" "Oh, right, be a dear and follow me" I followed her up the stairs to her workshop i saw many manequins and bluprints. So this is how she usually spends her nights... "They should be fine right here" As she said it i put the boxes down, she levitated the fabric rolls over into a rack. "Thank you John, it's getting dark outside... would you two like to spend the night here with us?" "Yes, thanks Rarity" "Oh, John... would you mind fetching Sweetie Belle back home?" "Sure thing... where can i find her?" "Either Sweet Apple Acres with her friends or at Golden Oak Library talking to Twilight" I nodded and made my way to the enterance. "Trixie, would you mind helping Rarity while i'm gone? She said we can spend the night here with them." "Sure thing... where is she?" "She's upstairs in her workroom" She nodded and made her way towards the stairs, i left to look for the missing filly. Soon it got even darker and i noticed a cloaked figure with yellow glowing eyes... I knew it was suspicious and i had to investigate so i let out a sharp whistle attracting it's attention. I had a hand reaching back for the pistol, the other with a flashlight in it. The figure slowly made it's way towards me, i pointed my flashlight at it revealing another familiar face. "Ah, John... you are something pleasant so see, but not who i expected here to be." I grinned as i heard it. "Good to see you too, Zecora. Can you do me a favor?" "I have many things to do, only later. I'll gladly help a friendly neighbour!" "Do you have a brew or potion for seeing in the dark?" She scrambled around in her saddlebag, and threw me a vial of black liquid. "This should aid you see in the dark... but it's effects will leave a mark" I drank it down, thanked her and we went on our ways, soon after i saw the library. I walked up to the front door and knocked, i heard a grownd followed by a yawn in reposnse, the door whipped open unavoidably throwing me into the rose bush. "Who s there?" A voice called out carrying a candle. "Ow..." "Ooops...sorry Brian, what are you doing here at this time of the day?" I climbed out of the bush and stood into the doorway once agian. "And why are you wearing these rags anyways?" Under his speech i inspected the figure in the candle's light... a baby dragon, purple scales green spines... "Hey, is Twilight here?" "Sure is..." He waved a claw telling me to follow him. "Twilight! Brian's here to see you.... Don't ask why!" With that, he went upstairs to sleep. I was standing there, in the darkness... no light source what so ever... i was thinking about scaring or pranking Twilight, but realized she might do something unpleasant in response with her magic... so i decided to just stand still bloody sword in hand... hehe. *Yawn* "Hang on Brian, i'm coming..." A second later i saw a candle levitate it's way into the room, followed by yet another old friend. She stopped on top of the stairs and focused her magic to light the torches in the room on the walls, suddenly the whole room was flooded in light. "Hey Twilight, glad to see an old friend" She panicked, waving the candle around her head. "Stay where you are!" I sheathed the sword and took a step towards her. "Aren't you happy to see me?" "I don't know who you are... so leave now!" Suddenly i was surrounded in her magic aura lifted into the air a rendered moveless. "I told you to stop..." She levitated a torch near my cape. "Hey now, are you sure making fire inside a tree is a good idea?" I asked, a second later the torch disappeared and i fell to the ground, got up and walked into front of her. "What's wrong? Are you scared?" She was shaking in fear... i didn't mean to go that far... well, shit. I knelt down to eye level to her... i forgot about my new eye color however... I slowly raised my left hand up and took off my hood. "John!" She yelled, while lunging at me for a hug, ending up with us rolling down the stairs... I guess she was happy i wasn't trying to kill her. "Oh i'm so glad you're back!" "Glad you're all right Twi, i'm looking for Rarity's lil sister, Sweetie Belle have you seen her?" "No, i haven't, sorry John" "Then i'm off looking for her... tomorrow i'll come back, i want to do some research..." She agreed immediately... who wouldn't be welcome to study in a library? I left and made my way to Sweet Apple Acres... when i was reaching to open the gate i was greeted by a big red stallion chucking a hatchet right into my hand. "What brings you here stranger?" The stallion asked. I took the hatchet out and handed it back to him. "Good aim friend, i'm here to see Applejack... i need her help, would you let me in?" "NNooppe...." "*Sigh*Look, buddy i came here to talk to her not to make you eat through your ass..." I taunted him. "I'm sorry friend, you're not coming through here..." I unsheathed my sword. "Still ain't scared..." He truly wasn't... i guess he was just looking out for his family... "Look, did she mention one of her friends disappearing 3 years ago?" "Yeep." "What was his name?" "Some John Miller, why?" I handed him my dog tag. "What is this?" "We use this in the army to identify the corpses..." He threw it back to me. "So what you're saying is that you are the one who saved Princess Luna and returend?" "Yes, i'm Sergeant John Miller, Princess Luna's personal bodyguard..." "I still don't belive you know." "Hey, why would i lie to you?" He stood there thinking, soon after he opened the gate. "Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres John, i'm Big Macintosh, you can call me Big Mac if you will" He walked me to the doorway and let me in. "Stay here i'll get her in a minute" And a second after Applejack walked in and greeted me. "*yawn* John? Is that really you? Well i be damned what happened? Where have you been all this time?" "Hey A.J, good to see you haven't changed one bit, sorry to wake you but i'm looking for Sweetie Belle" "Ah, she must be playing in the treehouse with her friends, come on i'll show ya " She showed me to the treehouse where the fillies were playing. "Thanks, I can handle it from here" "John, welcome back to Ponyville... see you around partner!" "Bet you will!" I made my way to the door and knocked. "Shhh, Stay quiet Scootaloo!" "Ow, get your horn out of my kidney Sweetie Belle!" "Sorry Apple Bloom..." It must be them... I knocked on the door once again, a bit stronger, in response the lights went out. "Come on Sweetie Belle... i'm here to take you home!" I yelled, the weather was getting worse, a storm coming. I remembered i still had the cigarettes from the figure on the balcony... i scrambled around in my belt's bags and found a lighter... How did she know how to make one? Thanks, Luna. *3 hours later* *yawn* "Just... gotta... wait...here..." *2 hours later* snoring *The following morning* I woke up in a pile of hay the next morning... i have to admit it was comfortable tho. I made my way to the porch and knocked on the door. "Morning partner, i see the girls had more patience than you did" A.J greeted me. "Good morning A.J , where did they go?" "Come on in, i'll tell ya all bout it..." I went in, took a seat and much to my surprise A.J gave me some coffee instead of her awesome cyder... i wasn't disappointed but that was a surprise. "Thanks, any ideas who put me into the bale of hay?" "Any time, i asked Big Mac to get you out of the rain and somewhere soft... i guess he found a place for you.." She chuckled, i grinned. I took a sip of my coffee, she put a plate onto the table. "Fritters?" "Sure, thanks" We finished our breakfast, i thanked her and helped wash the dishes. "Thanks for... yesterday" "Any time John, see you around" "See ya" I set off on my way back to Carousel Butique, hoping they weren't worried about me. I entered the store, what i saw warmed my heart... something for the first time in years... I saw 3 little fillies sleeping in sleeping bags, hugging Trixie, using her wizard hat as a pillow and cloak as a blanket, i guess they made quick friends. I carefully made my way to Rarity's workroom, the door was open and she wasn't there. I checked the kitchen, empty... suddenly i heard water running, i guess she was taking a shower... i made my way to the bathroom's door and knocked. "Come in..." She replied.... I was shocked because usually... you know... females who are showering usually don't invite males in... but i guess since she had her beautiful white coat i couldn't see anything i wasn't meant to anyways. I opened the door, just enough to speak through. "Psst, Rarity! It's me John, can i come in?" "Sure!" I took a deep breath, and walked in closing the door behind, staring at the floor. "What's wrong John?" "You know, usually human females don't let us in like you did..." "Oh, is that a good or a bad thing?" "Well, usually letting others in while showering is a sign of trusting them" "Why?" "Because while you shower they could walk up and... stab you..." I cleared my throat at the end of the sentence. "Right, is that all why they don't let you in?" I took a deep breath... inhale... exhale... "Uhhh... how do i break it down to you... eerrgghh" She sunk her head under the water level of the bathtub she was in. "You know how you ponies have body parts called coats and manes?" She nodded. "Like me, humans don't have coats... so if we take our clothes off you can see our body better... and just like you ponies, we humans have different body parts we use to reproduce, while showering these are visible to others nearby" She blushed after realizing what i just said. "Oh my... I'm terribly sorry if it's embarrassing John..." I... had nothing to say at this point... Taking an explosive horn to my stomach and being considered dead for 2 years was no problem but this... heh, awkwaardd. "It's all right, you didn't know" She was still blushing, she bent over the edge of the bathtub and put down the lid on the toilet, telling me to go and sit there... At first i hesitated... manners and all but i decided to take a seat next to her... we talked about our past, plans for the future and i anwsered a few safe to ask questions she might have had about earth as she baithed... what happened next, i can't belive it happened. "Uhm... John?" "Yes?" "Would you... join me?" I felt my jaw hit the floor, many times... I have to admit it was very hot there so i took the boots, the hoodie and the vest off leaving the socks, pants and shirt on. "Look, Rarity... No offense but how old exactly are you?" "24... why?" I was about... 24 when i got there... then add the 3 years i missed... 27?! Was i really getting that old? Then again, the experiment made sure my body stops aging at 25 years of age... I had no idea if accepting it would be illegal in itself... but i figured i should just... sit on the edge of the tub with my legs hanging. "I'm 25" I replied. "25? Oh my, you're telling me you were a soldier at the age of only 20 years?" I can't remember telling her i joined the army at that age. I nodded. "Don't you find it dangerous or boring?" "Boring? Sometimes... but most the time it's either exciting or terrifying" "Back on Earth, did you enjoy it? The wars i mean..." "I was lucky enough not to be involved in one... but once i was living in another country, Hungary I was sent there to keep the citizens at bay... their riots against the prime minister became too violent and tried setting us on fire... They were throwing glass bottles that set almost everything on fire when it broke, i was standing in the front line pushing them back from killing the government officals then, i saw that the person next to me picked up one from the ground and threw it back into the crowd..." Her face was both sad for what she heard, yet happy because i returned her trust and told her my past. "Oh my, that's just terrible..." I knew she had enough... information... about what the human mind is capable of... but i continued. "I saw the bottle fly in the air... landing in the corwd... the just the scream a female made from the bottle hitting her was terrible... when i heard the fire and many screams joined hers... That's not everything... the crowd wasn't just adults... elderly and children were in the crowds as well... just imagine the screams of agony coming from the very person standing in front of you, seeing their faces as they collapse dead at your feet... we were able to stop the riots but at the end... chldren, pregnant women... and even old people were lying on the streets dead, burned alive or trampled by the crowd..." While i was telling her the story i was staring at the floor, i looked up on her face... It was covered in tears... "Oh, im... sorry that must be hard to hear..." "John..." "Yes?" "Please... forget those things that happened in the past... you can't do anything about them... They aren't your fault." I wiped her tears off and promised her to try and forget the terrors humanity can bring in it's wake. Before any of you would call me a waifu stealer... It was just seem to be the right thing to do... okay? "Thank you John" "For what?" "Returning my trust" She grinned. "It's natural" "John, would be a dear and get that gown for me?" She asked, pointing at the rack on the wall. "Sure thing" I got up and gave it to her. She stood up and got out of the tub... i turned away of course because... manners and got used to doing it. She got to the mirror, dried her mane, wrapped a towel around it and we got to the kitchen, not before me getting fully dressed again. "Hey, John would you help with the breakfast for the girls?" "Sure, what do you need?" She trew me a bag of 100b. "Sugarcube Corner?" She nodded with a grin. I made my way to the streets once again... On the way i lit another cigarette, hoping it would help me forget the cramp in my left shoulder from the haystack. After a while i noticed the early waking ponies staring at me... Must be the medallion... I tucked it under my shirt and moved on. Sometime after that thought, i felt a pair of hooves reach around my neck, out of instinct reached behind for it's neck, crouched down and slammed the figure to the ground in front of me... A very, very familiar figure i might add. "You learned a few new moves i see..." Said the cyan coated pegasus with polychromatic mane on the ground... "He-Hey... Dash! Good to see you!" "Hey, same here... i was away on flying training for 3 years!" "Really now? I was on a vacation for 3 years as well!" I gave her a hug and went on our separate ways. "Well, i have to get some cupcakes from Pinkie to return a favor from Rarity so... I'll catch up with you later!" "John, before you go..." She put on the sunglasses i gave her all those years ago. "High five!" She yelled, while my palm hit her hoof... I guess she was today just as awesome as she was back then. I got to Sugarcube Corner... The memory of my first time there flashed through my mind... along with seeing Pinkie sad for the first time as well as the coma... After a second i shook my head to pull myself together, followed by knocking on the door. "Come in!" I heard Pinkie's voice... I bet she had the party cannon loaded like last time i was here. I gave the door a strong pull, jumped in and rolled... routine manouver but i ended up pulling the pistol as well, part of the routine. I looked around, nobody inside... Where did she...? The next moment i was on the ground, Pinkie above me. "John! Welcome baaaaaack!" "Ow, good to see you again, Pinkie." I got up, dusted myself off and got to the point. "Hey Pinkie, he must be your friend who disappeared..." Said a brown coated stallion behind the counter. "Good to see you're still all right sir" Said a blue coated mare with pink mane next to him, i made my way to the counter. "Greetings, my name is..." I was cut short by him. "Sergeant John Miller... Everybody knows the hero who saved Princess Luna" He grinned. "I'm Mr.Cake... and this is my wife Mrs.Cake" I shook hands and hooves with him, and hugged his wife... he gave me a confused look... but i to make some sort of gesture. "Honored to make an acquaintance" I replied. "Well met John, what can i get you?" Mrs.Cake asked. I looked at the counter with the prices... "5 Cupcakes please" She used a spoon with her mouth to put them into a paper bag and put it onto the counter. "Here you go" "Thank you, how much is it?" I asked... they laughed in response. "Oh silly, it's for free! You are the first customer today! The first customer always get their order free!"I guess local economy was better than earth's global economy. "Ah, i see... i have to go now, see you Pinkie, bye Mr and Mrs.Cake!" I put the hood back on and ran like never before... i got there in no time, and made my way to the kitchen. "Ra... Rari.... Rarity i... got the... cupcakes... fuckin ell... let me just... catch my breath..." "Hmm? Oh thanks John" I threw the bag she gave me on the table. "I was the first today so it was for free" She threw the bag back to me. "Oh dear, keep it for your troubles" She took them out and put them on a plate with 4 glasses of milk. "One, two, three, four, fi... wait, John sweetheart you bought one too many..." "I don't think so, that one is for you, now if you'd excuse i have to pay Twilight a visit" "Sure, thanks again John... i'm glad you're back" I waved bye and left... on the way there i saw a crowd standing in a circle around somethng, i decided to investigate. That's when i noticed i had another much bigger bag hanging on my left side, i gently pushed the ponies out of my way to see what the commotion was about... I saw a pool of blood on the ground, many in fact, small ones and a griffon with it's back to me, i went around with the crowd to see what the hell was going on, when i got a clear view of the scene i was shocked, what i saw made me climb onto top of a nearby building and inspect it better. Apparently Fluttershy was helping a duck family get throught the street when she ran into the griffon, who started yelling and lashing at her. I unsheathed my sword and jumped to do my job. I took a good look at Fluttershy, she was unconscious and she had deep cuts all over her body, wings, and even face... That was the final straw. "What's your name, douchbag?" I asked the griffon pointing a sword at her throat. "Gilda, not like you'll ever need to use it..." As she finished the sentence she turned her back to me, i sheathed my sword and reached into the bag... i found a shotgun. "Gilda, you are under arrest in the name of Princess Luna!" I aimed the shotgun at her. "Oh, so you think you're a big shot around?" I shot her wings making sure she's not getting away with those, she screamed like Fluttershy must have in pain, a while later she lunged at me. "Big mistake" I told her, putting away the shotgun and leaving a deep cut in her side with my sword, it was badly bleeding and she was lying on the ground. "Just who do you think you are?!" She asked furiously. I wanted to make her suffer like Fluttershy must have, i sheathed my sword and started floating mid air, surrounded by a dark cloud. I took off my hood revealing my black eyes with blood red pupils, then said on a deep, distorted voice. "I'M HEAVEN AND HELL, EVERYTHING YOU COULDN'T BE!" "Wha... what are you going to do to me?" "After i'm done with you... i'm gonna pick up the pieces, gonna burry them deep..." I spiced it up with a chuckle.It this point she was shaking in fear, i guess that was enough fun for me, i got back to the ground, the cloud dispersed and put my hood back on and chuckled. "John! You went too far!" I heard a voice call out. "Step right up if you have something to say!" I yelled into the crowd, seconds later Brian emerged fromt he wall of ponies in front of me. "You went way too far... she didn't desere such punishment!" I cut him short by grabbing his throat and slamming him against a wall, holding him in the air against it. "You saw everything that happened!?" "Well..." "YOU SAW THE WHOLE THNG?I!" "Yes..." "You saw the whole thing and you did nothing to help Fluttershy... that makes you just as much of a bad friend as much of a criminal is makes Gilda!" With that, i threw him to the ground. "You're right... i'm sorry..." He managed to spit out, i helped him get up. "I'm not the one you should apologize to, now go home and mind your own business, no offense" He nodded and we shook hands, patting me on the back. "Welcome back, Brother." I made my way back to Fluttershy, by then she was conscious again, i knelt down and petted her head. "Shh-shh... It's all right, you're safe now..." I told her, i reached for her and lifted her up from the ground, she didn't fight back. Afterwads i let out a sharp whistle, suddenly 2 of Luna's guards appeared with a wagon. "Did you call for us Sergeant?" One of them asked while they saluted. "Yes, take that griffon to prison for injuring this citizen out of fun... tomorrow i'll take the keys" "Sir yes sir!" They threw her into the wagon. "One more thing guys, tie her wings and legs together to prevent further struggle to escape." They nodded, i reached into the bag on my left and threw them a rope. "What about her? Shouldn't we take her to a hospital sir?" The other guard asked, pointing at Fluttershy. "I'll take care of her, you just take the prisoner to her cell." They nodded and took off into the skies towards Canterlot. The crowd was just as dense when i got here. "Anypony had a thing to say?" I shouted, no response. "Then be on your way now!" I yelled, the crowd dispersed. Where the hell is the hospital!? I rushed over to Twilight hoping she would have a spell to help her, i rushed throught he whole town to make it there in time, i knocked on the door but nobody anwsered. "Come on! I have a seriously wounded here!" "Hang on for a minute!" Twilight yelled through the door. "Twi, it's important!" "I told you to wait!" I had enough, put Fluttershy on the ground and busted the door's hinges off with the shotgun, what i saw shocked me. "What?" Twilight asked, standing on a chair with a noose around her neck. End of Chapter 5. Chatper 6: Changing sides...Chapter 6: The Truth Chapter Six: The Truth. I was standing in the doorway, in a rush to save Fluttershy once again, and at the sight of Twilight preparing to hang herself... I'm glad i didn't have Flutter in my arms because i'm sure i would've dropped her. "Why?... Tell me why are you doing this Twilight..." Her eyes swelled up in tears. "Because... he... left me... " At this point she started out right crying, i slowly walked up to her and asked. "Who? Who left you?" I slowly reached for the noose and took it off from her, she was still crying. "Twilight, what happened? Tell me, please..." I wiped her tears off as well I won't repeat myself... it's just what a good friend does, isn't it? I knelt down to give her a shoulder to cry on, and patted her back. "There-there... don't worry, it'll be okay... calm down" She took a few breaths and then stopped crying. "Joh- John... tha- thank you..." She whispered. "All better?" "Much better" "Great, you have to help Fluttershy" I stood out of her way and pointed at Fluttershy. "Oh dear! Oh dear!" She hurried over to her and focused her magic... soon after her horn and Fluttershy's body was surrounded by a purple aura, the wounds disappeared before i could look at them. "That was close John... But she'll be fine in a day or two" "I'll bring her home and... i would appreciate if you would come along" She nodded, we left the library and she locked the door, i lifted Fluttershy over my shoulder and about halfway there i broke the silence. "Sooo... back in the library...." "I'm sorry John" "Who were you talking about?" "My ex-stallion..." "Oh..." I pacepalmed. "Don't tell me you wanted to hang yourself because he left you... please don't..." "I don't know what came over me..." "Look, i know there are many differences between you and me... but back on earth i had to withness all of my friends being killed, some shot, some throat cut, or stabbed, and see what remained of my parents after they died in an accident... Yet i'm still here aren't i? I didn't give up after losing everybody i loved, and either should you." Her eyes shot down at the ground as i said that. "I'm sorry to remind you of that John, you are a true inspiration to a few of us, have you noticed that?" I hope not...” "No, i haven't actually..." "John..." "Hmm?" "Sincere condolences" As she said that, i remembered all of them... faces, names and memories spent together till their time had come... I stopped walking, reached into my pockets for the picture of my parents, i expected it to be gone but it was there, no folds or tears, nothing changed, and i felt a hoof on my shoulder. "Are they your parents?" She asked, suddenly i felt tears build up, but closed my eyes before they could escape. "Let's... just go" We got to Fluttershy's house, the door was open and the lights were on. "Wierd..." Twilight wondered. We put Fluttershy into her bed, closed the door and left to go back to the library we were just as silent as on the way there. Oh i'll give my piece of mind to that little shitbag... I bet *Shining Armor** can tell me his name... I'm sure Twilight had introduced them before” "John*, thanks for stopping me” „Don't mention it Twi... Or try that again” "Anyways, what did you want to research or study?” I unsheathed my sword. "This... Is there anything about it? I got this from the royal armory and Luna said some were artifacts, i want to know if this is one of them.” She pushed my hand away, telling me to put it away or others may get scared or worried. I was the law enforcement afterall... A while after we got back to the library, as i took a step inside i felt somewhat... depressed. "Ugh...” "Something wrong?” "No, no... let's just clean this mess up.” I have no idea how she got the rope around the chandelier, but she couldn't get it down with telekenisis, and the chandelier it was attached to wasn't fix enought to let me climb up and untie the rope... I bet *Dash** could help with this* Of course by the time i finished that thought, Twi simply made the rope disappear. "You saw nothing here today, okay John?” "Sure haven't!” "Great, as for your sword, i think i saw it one of the books a while ago... Let's see...” She began eyeing the labels of the books like a machine, one after the other... soon she found something. „Aaaaha! Here it is, the ancient sword of the legendary assassin: The Bird Son of No One. Assassin, huh? "What does it say about him?” "Back in ancient times, the changeling queen, Chrysalis found a way to travel through time and space, bringing another... Human? Back with them. They decieved him to take part in the fight between the Solar Empire and the New Lunar Republic... Much to his dismay Princess Celestia wanted him wiped off from the face of the planet, unavoidably making him side with Princess Luna instead, at her side he was a one of the most memorable, honorable and loyal fighter who served under Princess Luna's command, however he saw that many civillians were often stuck between the two opposing sides, so he issued the battles to stop and began to diplomaticly solve the solution, but one of Celestia's messengers attacked him but failed, he used... What?" At this point she flipped the book over to me, the page she was on had an image of the assassin she was talking about, he used some mechanism at his wrists to make some sort of dagger with extendable and retractable blades... "Wow, is that all there is about him?” "No, there's still something about him, he wore similar robes to yours, but his ones we just, simpler... He also had an amulet what he got from Princess Luna after saving her life, and the sword you hold in your hands... Had taken more that a million lives on record... Wow, that guy was dangerous, how come i never saw this book before? I have readt the whole librarby five times at least...” A million lives? Why do i get these things? Why did *Luna** give me similar robes and and medallion? Did she ask Armor to show this exact sword?* My mind was racing, i was deep in thought. "John? Joohn... Hey John!” "Oh, sorry... i don't know what that was... but, uhm can i borrow that book for a day or two?" "Oh, sure thing, here you go!" She smiled, like nothing happened today and levitated the book into my hands. "Thanks Twi, that's all i wanted for now, see you later!" "Later John" As i left the library it suddenly hit me... Shit! I forgot about Trixie! I rushed back to the butique, on my way there i saw an unicorn mare with white coat and cyan and dark blue mane, and pink tinted sunglasses. My only guesses were she was listening to music, i had no time to examine her better, but i doubt they invented MP3 players, she was talking to another earth pony, she had grey coat and black mane, for some reason she was carrying a chello around.... Hey, musicans? Come on let's give em some respect... I made my way up to them and asked while heavily breathing in my hurry. "Excuse me... Ladies... Are you...*Cough* Musicians?" The mares looked surprised, i guess they didn't know who or what i was at the time. "Uhm, hello sir, in fact yes we are... Can we... uh help you?" The grey mare asked, she almost whacked me in the face with her instrument when she turned around to look at me. "Not much... I just... came here... to tell you that... keep going... music is awesome... my name is, John Miller... Pleased to meet you" "Why thank you good sir, my name is Octavia Melody, my friend here is a DJ, her name is..." She was cut short by the other mare. "DJ Pon-3... but that's just my stage name, you can call me Vinyl Scratch, or simply Vinyl." "Great, do you girls have a performance in the upcoming days?" "Now that you mention, i should be practicing for my performance at the castle in Canterlot tomorrow..." I saw her taking a few steps backwards... i guess she noticed my sword and it's condition, man i should clean it at least... "Uhh John, please tell us that's tomato sauce on your sword..." I nodded with a grin. "Oh, good... you had me worried for a minute, anyways, like i said i'll be performing in the Canterlot Royal Palace tomorrow at noon... Would you like to come John? I can get you a ticket there." I grinned and pulled out my medallion. "Heh, thanks Octavia but i think i can take care of that myself easier." "As you wish, see you two later " We waved back to her with Vinyl. "So, what's up John? I haven't seen you around before... From your clothes and equipment i have one guess, are you a traveller or something?" "Oh, no, no... I'm just a guard at the palace..." "Well, cool enough, wanna hang out?" "Sssorry Vinyl, but i have important things to do, no offense" "Hey, none taken, see you tomorrow at Canterlot" "See you there Vinyl." I ran even faster, i didn't mean to stay with them that long, when i got there i looked in through the window and saw that they were still sleeping Good, i'm not late yet... I slowly made my way inside, for the third time today and began looking for Rarity, but i only found Brian in the workroom, wrapped with all kinds and colors of fabrics, as he noticed me he chuckled and gave me a look, i swear that look was saying: Help me... Please... I grinned and helped him get out of there, and put the fabrics back to where they belong and shook hands. "What's up Brian? Have you seen Rarity? I have something to ask her." He began thinking for a while, then replied. "Hmm, now that you mention she told me she'll be visiting Fluttershy today to take measures for her dress to the gala" "Gala? What gala?" "Oh the Grand Galoping Gala, i guess you haven't heard of it, it'll be tomorrow noon at the Canterlot Royal Palace" "Huh, i don't think Flutter is in good enough condition to help her, thanks for the info, see you later Brian" "Wait! If you happen to see a mint green unicorn with a harp on her flank, she knows all about human biology... and psychology... You should do your best to avoid her, don't run tho" All about human biology? I think i know what you mean... "Thanks" "Just thought you should know, see you later" When i got downstairs, the three fillies and Trixie were enjoying the cupcakes and milk in the kitchen, i heard their laughter as they told Trixie about their adventures. I walked into the kitchen but stoppedin the doorway, i felt stiff in my neck so i cracked it, *Crack* *Crunch* and pretended that i broke my neck and fell to the ground face first making a loud "Thump" noise. The girls turned around to see what it was, when they saw me they gasped, Trixie just chuckled. "Hey mister, are you all right? Come on, wake up!" I groaned in response, lifting my right hand up and giving them a thums up "Hmmph, hmmph..." They all laughed, i got back up and told them i'm fine. "So girls, how is the morning? Enjoying breakfast?" Then i realized the other two didn't even know who i was, unless Trixie and Sweetie told them about me, and apparently they did... and introduced themselves, first came the orange pegasus named Scootaloo , then Applejack's sister, Applebloom. "Yes! It's amazing!" Scootaloo replied, still enjoying the last bite of hers. Heh, it does better be, you don't know what i had to go through to get it... "Girls, uhm don't you know what Brian is doing here?" "Oh, Rarity asked him to look after us while she's gone and ya weren't around" Applebloom replied with a mouthful. "Thanks AppleBloom, tell Big Mac i said thanks" She raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Sure will" "Trixie, uhm i have to go back to Canterlot for a while, if you want to you can come with me or go over to Brian." "Nah, i'm coming with you" With that, we said bye to the girls and went back to the train station, got our tickets and onto the train. The same inspector walked by us, he knew we had a Permanent ticket, he simply greeted us as he walked by, on the way we stopped at a station, while others got on i noticed a poster on the walls saying: For a brighter future with a picture of Celestia... what the hell was going on? I decided to ignore it, and the train continued on it's way, it wasn't a busy day, it was only us and the inspector on the train, suddenly the cart door slowly opened, but not from the way the inspector was... I couldn't belive what entered, it was me, well... another me. "A clone?" I whispered to the now mayorly confused Trixie, the figure looked around, but she cast an invisibility spell before it could notice us and walked by... she dispersed the spell and i whispered to her. "Close your eyes, i have to get rid of him". She did and i pulled out my knife, only to notice the clone was wearing a blinding white suit of metal armor with the text : "For a brighter future.", too bad it's neck wasn't protected....*Splat* *Squirt* *Thump* aaand body thrown out the window. "One down, now we should get out before they notice the blood on the floor..." She nodded and we got out of the cart, the train was going on a moderate pace, but still not quite safe for jumping off, yet enough to run after. "What now? We can't just jump... and who knows how far we still are..." "Well, since it's impossible for me to die... Let's find out!" I jumped off with a gin on my face, knowing it might end up with me in pieces, but i landed on the ground and rolled for a while, when i stopped immediately ran after the train soon catching up, don't know how but i did. I let out a sharp whistle getting Trixie's attention, i ran up to next to her and told her to jump onto my back, she hesitated but soon did it. "Hang oon!" I yelled, soon jumping onto my belly, sliding on the ground till we stopped, we stood up and she gave a honest opinion. "John, you're crazy..." "Heh, i know many people called me that" "They called you crazy?" "No, they called me John" She giggled, and we walked along the rails until we got there, we completely missed the train station tho since we didn't need to get off the train, but we got there, on the way there the mare who's husband we saved waved at us, we waved back. We got to the gates. "Good afternoon, i came here to see the princesses and..." "Ah, hey John, Trixie...." "Oh, hi Flash, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be scouting?" "Not since the Incident..." He looked as depressed as Twilight did back in the library... "Soo... Can we go in?" He nodded and we made our way in, this time i saw no white coat guards at all on the way in... I guess they were busy terrorizing the citizens. As we walked down the endless corridors the remaining grey coat guards all nodded at us with a disciplined look, i nodded back, soon we got to the throne room once again, as i reached for the door a guard spoke up. "Sir, the princesses already have visitors, please wait here" "Okay, but who's in there?" To that, the guards swapped glances, soon after we heard a voice through the door: "Guards! Guards! Get in here now!" Trixie knew she had to stay out, i pulled my pistol and told the guards. "Let's do this guys" I kicked the doors in, the guards at my side, but when we entered we only saw the two princesses and Captain Shining Armor, with another alicorn by his side. "What happaned your majesty?" The guards asked, we were confused as the princesses were. "Nothing, we didn't even call for you..." "But we all heard you calling for us through the door!" The princesses were even more surprised by my presence.... "No, we didn't. You may go now" The guards nodded and left the room, i was going to leave as well when i heard a new voice. "No, you can stay Sergeant" I turned around to see who it was, it was the third alicorn, she stood in front of me and introduced herself. "I heard many great things about you, Sergeant. Allow me to introduce myself, i'm Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and i would like you take give my soldiers a few lessons on behavior and such, would you agree?" I was honored by the request already, but i wanted to stay for the gala tomorrow. "Sure thing my lady, but may i ask where exactly would i need to go? Also, would you take offense if i would arrive there two days from today?" "Oh, you would need to arrive to the Crystal Empire at any choosen date, but at least a week from now." "It would be my honor, that is if Princess Celestia and Luna would approve of my temporary relocation." As i finished that sentence, i saw Celestia suddenly summon a quill and a piece of paper and began scribbling, after she was done the paper levitated into my hands. It had the following written on it: We, *Princess Celestia** and Princess Luna now officaly approve of Staff Sergeant John Miller's temporary relocation to the Crysal Empire, this document will never expire. Followed by the offical royal stamp. I put the paper intothe bag on my left, and nodded at the two on the thrones with a grin. *Did they just promote me? The pink alicorn turned back to the sisters. "Luna, Celestia, if you'd excuse i have to go back now." She trned towards the captain. "Come honey, let's go" They turned around to leave, but i got Armor by the shoulder and asked. "Wait, Armor, don't you know who's Twilight's stallion?" He raised an eyebrow. "Look, i know it's none of my business but i have something to tell him and..." I was cut short by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. "Oh, you mean Flash Sentry? Did he do seomthing? By the way since my name is a bit complicated please call me Cadence." "Thanks, Cadence. No, he didn't i just have something to tell him" With that i escorted the couple outside, and they explained that they are married. "Hey Armor, you should've told me you have this much of a beautiful wife...." I finished with a grin, Cadence blushed. "Hey, you never asked...." He replied with a grin. End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7: The night shiftChapter 7: Altair's legacy Chapter Seven: Altair's legacy I escorted Armor and Cadence outside, Armor let out a whistle and two crystal guards appeared with a cart, they got on and took off. I waved at them and made my way beck to the princesses. "Good to see you again John" Celestia greeted me, i wasn't as happy to see her tho after seeing that clone on the train, i walkd closer to them and asked Luna to follow me to one of the corridors, she came with me. "Hello SSG.Miller, what can i do for you?" I showed her the book i borrowed from Twilight, her eyes shot open. "Is this what you wanted to tell me All about later"? She nodded, her horn began glowing and levitated the book over to her, flipping through the pages she suddenly stopped, it was the same page Twilight showed me, she just stared at it for a while without blinking, then shook her head and continued flipping through soon after finishing the book and giving it back to me. "Yes, it is..." She looked suddenly depressed, since she's immortal i guess she knew him personaly, probably the memories coming back. "Uhm, something wrong?" "Oh, no no... i just remembered why i chose you to replace him..." "Oh, i suppose like every other living thing, he passed on sooner later as well, could you show me to his final resting place?" She didn't say anything for a while, then nodded. "Yes, it's in the Everfree... If you wish to enter however i must ask you to bring a few things from the armory." I waved my hand telling her to come with me, we got to the armory and i looked around. Let's see... FN Fal assault rifle and USAS-12 automatic shotgun... my canteen a spoon and fork, a hatchet, a shovel aaand a compact tent "Ready to go Luna" And under a wink of an eye we were at the edge of the forest. "Come John, it's three days of walking from here" We started walking, a few creepy noises aside it was a calm and uneventful tour, until the time came for her to raise the moon. "Oh, wait a minute John, i have to raise the moon" With that, her eyes began glowing and she flew upwards a few meters, soon after the sun made it's way out of the sky, making room for the moon. "I haven't seen it this clearly for a while..." She grinned. "Let's set up camp for tonight, shall we?" She asked, i set up the tent, and told her to wait for me and i'll go get some firewood, a while after i returned she was waiting for me patiently. I set up the wood and she set it on fire, it was just like camping with my parents... But the thoughts were interrupted by Luna's stomach growling, thats when i realized i didn't pack anything to eat... "Ehm, Luna... would you go inside the tent for now? I'll tell you when you can come out" She nodded and got into the tent, i looked at the hatchet, it had no dirt on it, and we were hungry... I rolled up my pants leg to my knee. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I got into the tent as John asked me to, i wonder why he needed me to, maybe he was... well... body functions with the digestive system... *Some time later* It's been a while now and still nothing, i was about to ask him what's going on when i heard a loud *Thump* *Splat* *Crack* *Snap* followed by John's scream... followed by a sentence i don't think i'll forget for a while. "Aggh, okay Luna you can come out now, i got something for us to eat!" I couldn't belive my ears, and i hoped he didn't just do what i think he did... I made my way out of the tent, only to see him skinning his left leg that he just chopped off... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Okay *John, stay calm, it hurts more than you expected it to, but it could be worse....* I tried repeating that in myself, it didn't help at all however, when i heard **Luna come out of a tent followed by a gasp, i knew i either made a complete fool out of myself or a person dedicated to keep himelf and a friend away from starving... She walked sat down next to me, and asked me what i'm doing. "Well, i'm making some cooked meat for us, it did hurt like all hell but it'll grow back soon" She raised an eyebrow and asked: "Uhm, John... You know that i could've just used a spell to get us food right?" As i finished removing the skin and bones, i replied. "Yes, i know... But if it was Pinkie, Rainbow, Brian,A.J, or Fluttershy they wouldn't be able to use spells" We sat there, in silence next to the fire, after having roasted for long enough i took it out of the fire and let it cool for a while. "Hey uhm, Luna... I think you haven't eaten meat yet, i know it sounds disgusting to eat a part of me, but we have to... It may taste horrible too, i didn't try it myself yet" She nodded and took a bite, it looked like she enjoyed it... I hope she won't want more that what we have now... after that thought she chuckled and told me that i'm delicious. Uhhm... thanks but you're getting a bit creepy... "Sorry, you know. I was thinking about asking Twilight to help me develop a spell that could turn ponies into humans for a while... What do you think?" Crap, then Rarity would have to make a lot more clothes... "Uhhm, after they transform they would panic about a few new limbs and organs... Not to mention they woult need to learn to walk on two legs" We both laughed at the thought of guards tumbling around like babies in a full suit of armor."How far are we ?" I asked, much to my surprise Luna told me we are halfway there. "Luna uhm, do you feel tired?" I had the idea of packing up and moving on, we had to get back to Canterlot before noon tomorrow, so we had to hurry. "No John, i'm fine" I stood up onto one leg, broke a branch down from a nearby tree to use at crutches and asked her to help me clear camp and move on. A while after we got to the ruins of an old castle. "Here we are... It's been a long time since i set hoof here" We entered the ancient ruins of the castle, it was still in great shape considering how old the place is, bookshelves from floor to ceiling filled with books and codexes and, red banners with golden edges hanging from the walls with a crescent moon on them, she walked over to a shelf and took out a book and gave it to me. "Here, this is his personal Codex, but to read it you must be officaly an assassin... But this isn't what we came for so follow me" I put the thick and heavy book away and followed behind, soon we got to a stone statue of him, the foot of the statue had something engraved into it: Here lies *Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, loyalty, freedom and honor above all else, founder of the **Dark Shield Assassins and a hero to Equestria... May death bring your peace*" As i finished reading out loud she bowed to the statue, i followed since i knew what he did in his lifetime. "What would i have to do if i became one?" She grinned, turned her head toward me and replied. "Defend the freedom of citizens of Equestria and the Crystal Empire until your death..." Not like that isn't what i was already trying to do... "Sure thing, where do i begin?" She walked close to the wall and pushed one of the bricks, a hidden door... Behind it was a coffin, i had a guess who was inside, and a box, she gave the box to me telling me to open it. "Careful John, if you're not worthy you'll get hurt" The box opened with no problems, inside were metal bracers those must be what he used, the retractable blades. "I guess i'm worthy heh" She smiled, walked closer to me and whispered. "Put them on, those are called Hidden Blades" I managed to get them on, without slitting my wrists with them. Hidden blades huh? That sounds fitting. "Anything else we need to do? If not we should go if we want to be there on the gala." I turned around to face her, but she was gone... "Oh haaa haa, very funny... Come on! We have to go..." Then, i heard the same whistle NightmareMoon called her children with... Slowly a dark cloud of smoke appeared in front of me, and a while later the smoke slowly dispersed, revealing Luna and MoonSinger, who walked up to me and gave me a key. "Here you go John, if mother trusts you then so do i" I blinked for a while to see if i'm seeing it wrong, i wasn't. I couldn't belive MoonSinger was smiling at me. I took the key and returned the smile. "Thanks, MoonSinger" I put the key away, and turned towards Luna. "Ready to go?" She nodded and walked towards the exit, followed by us. "John, there's something i want to give to you, but it's in a place very close to my heart, and the home of my children. In there, your authority will be useless however, and i must ask you never to tell anypony... or anybody about it..." I nodded, MoonSinger continued. "Don't worry, if you keep your blades... all of them... sheathed for as long as possible and stay on a calm tone you should be welcome there." I nodded in agreement, i guess she had no idea that the long metal objects on my back and in my hands were weapons, but i'll put em into the bag as well... For some reason that bag acts like an infinite storage space.... Anywayyys, we left the castle ruins and the dark forest welcomed us with some rain. "Oh you piece of... *Sigh*" Then all of the sudden Luna stopped. "John, i see a human like figure ahead... and it's surely not Brian..." I reached into the bag for the shotgun, but pulled out a grenade launcher. What the? I don't remember putting this into the bag... I threw it back in and got the shotgun with an attached flashlight. "Get ready, if this situation get's out of hand kill the thing" They nodded, i approached the figure, it had it's back to me. As i got closer i noticed it had no arms... just as i realized that it suddenly turned around and stared me in the face with blood red eyes and spoke to me. "Can you sing the song of darkness?" I took a few steps back and pointed the shotgun at it... "Identify yourself, this is the final warning!" It just stood there in front of me, staring at the gound when suddenly it anwsered me. "Farawell to heaven, my friend" Then the figure lunged at me knocking the shotgun out of my hand, with it's mouth open trying to swallow me in one piece, i managed to throw the figure to the ground soon jumping onto it's back to keep it down, it worked. It was breathing heavily and agressively, soon after trying to break free, i stomped the back of it's head into the ground breaking it's jaw with a loud *Crack* While i did it i looked away at the two behind me, and saw them close both eyes as it cracked. It was wearing a hoodie, i grabbed him by it's collar and held him tilted to the ground at a 45 degree angle, and turnd towards Luna, she knows that means me asking if i should kill the suspect, prisoner. She nodded, i let out the hidden blade on my right hand, since i was holding the figure with the left, and lifted it into the air ready to strike but first i turned back to her again to confirm it. She nodded again, i looked into her eyes and did a double take at MoonSinger, asking her if she's sure she should see it, she still nodded, i motioned my head to the side telling them to turn away, they did and with a quick swipe i ended it's life and let it fall backwards to the ground. I stood there for a while to make sure it was dead, i remembered last time i got blown it half when i thought the enemy was dead, so i made sure. Followed by that i knelt down and closed it's eyes. "May in death you'll hear the song of darkness" With that, they turned back around. "Did you really have to kill it? It didn't hurt us..." MoonSinger asked with a slight scold in her tone, Luna placed a hoof over her shoulder. "He had to, he was just protecting himself and us..." She gave me a grin as she said it, i retracted the blade and asked Luna. "I think i should go first, in case something else comes our way, you tell me when to turn, okay?" She shook her head and took off ahead of us, a while later we got to a clearing, where we saw a large barrier with some sort of fortress inside. Luna started making her way to the gates, we followed but soon i found myself way behind the other two, and i saw a barrage of arrows cover out the moon, flying towards me. "John! No!" MoonSinger yelled, but it was too late. I spread my arms and closed my eyes. This is going to hurt isn't it? Then, i heard a constant *Crack* *Splat* when it stopped, i opened my eyes, only to find myself lying on the ground, full of arrows... at least my legs and upper hand, and my throat. The pain i felt is something i would never wish for anybody ever, no matter what they did. The first thing i saw was MoonSinger running towards me worried, i guess she didn't know about my... Curse... Thankfully tho filled with arrows, my arms weren't pinned to the ground, i stood up breaking the arrows off one by one, then pushing them through and pulling them out on the other side. "John! Are you allright?" She asked, i wanted to reply but i noticed blood squirting out of my throat, so i just nodded instead but i was in so much pain i collapsed to my knees. *Cough* "I have not... Come this far... To die now!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, as i stood up blood was spraying out of every hole the arrows made. I slowly began walking towards the gate, then i noticed another barrage of arrows. Right then and there i stopped walking, unsheathed my sword it turned black, i started floating mid air like the last time we saw Chrysalis and yelled again. "THIS IS THE LAST TIME I TOOK AN ARROW TO ANYWHERE! HIT ME ONCE MORE AND I'LL TEAR ALL OF YOU APART WITH MY BARE HANDS!" I swiped my sword in anger, casting a wave that simply burned every arrow to ashes, and knocking everypony to the ground except Luna and MoonSinger. I fell to the ground, got up and sprinted toward the gate as i could, i got in and stood next to the now shocked and worried Princess. "Look, i'm sorry. I don't know what came ove..." I was cut short by her hoof the the mouth. "It's okay John, i understand completely, and please forgive my children's behavior. They are just very protective of me... And it's been a long time since somebody wore robes like yours inside these walls" As i saw all of the Defenders getting back up, i immediately sheathed the sword and threw it to the ground, followed by my knife and the bag. "Back off monster! Stay away from mother!" They slowly surrounded me with spears, getting closer and closer i stood there with my hands in the air and slowly walked further from Luna until i heard a voice call out. "You fools! Let him go! Don't you remember the great service the Dark Shield Assassins did for us?!" I turned to see who it was, it was an elder earth pony with similar robes to mine, slowly walking down a set of stairs. One of their soldiers walked up to him. "But, but WiseWords! He's an intruder! Didn't you see what he just did?" The elder pushed him aside making his way toward me. "Yes, indeed i have... But it seems you haven't. He just survived the strike of a thousand arrows, and he risked his life many times to save our dear mother! He is the descendant of the great Altair Ibn-La'Ahad!" The elder one was now standing right in front of me. "All respect the Dark Sheld Assassins!" The elder one yelled, every other bowed down to me and their mother... All except for one paticular stallion, SteadyAim. "Dark Shield Assassin my flank... If you want me to belive it show me the traditional weapon..." I grinned, walked up to him and cracked my fingers, extracting the blades in the process and retracting them afterwards. "Oh, i'm sorry..." I made my way to the elder and knelt down to eye level. "It's an honor to meet you, wise elder" He smiled and replied. "And it's a huge relief to see the Dark Shield Assassins finally have returned... At least you have, would you tell us your name, great hero?" I was a bit surprised but anwsered. "John Miller" Luna stood next to me. "Allright everypony, i'm back home but tomorrow i'll have other things to do!" The crowd dispersed leaving the two of us. "John, welcome to the Garden Of Shadows!" She summoned a bigger box out of nowhere, inside were some ancient looking... wait... it was an entire suit of armor. "This is the very armor Altair wore in his final battle... It belongs to you now" She levitated the armor into the air and with a flash of light it replaced my armor and she put my things back on, the bag and sword with the knife and pistol. "Thanks, Luna" She smiled. "Now go and rest, tomorrow morning i'll send somepony to wake you up at 7 A.M, and we'll teleport back to Canterlot for the gala, where you will be assigned as my personal guard" I had no idea what the time was, Luna showed me to my room next to hers and we fell into our slumber. End of Chapter 7 Chapter 8: Uneventful developmentsChapter 8: The Gala Chapter Eight: The Gala Later that night i woke up to an urge to... urinate... I got out of my room and cut my finger with my knife, marking my door with a drop of blood, soon after i met up with a guard patrolling. "Excuse me sir, could you tell me where's the outhouse is?" The guard turned around and began thinking. "Hello sir, if you're looking for the toilet it's the second door to the left on that hallway" He pointed a hoof to my left. "Thanks!" I bolted towards the mentioned door, knocked but nopony anwsered i knocked again, no response. "Anypony inside?" I asked, still no response... I opened the door found a toilet, most surprisingly it was like the ones we use, and did my business and returned to my room, that night i dreamt with my parent's yet again. Everything was white around me, i saw four figures in the distance, and made my way towards them. When i got closer i realized it was Brian and our parents and Dash. "Hey guys, did i miss the family reunion?" Brian grinned. "Not yet" Brian explained how he and Dash share dreams as the effect of the teleport, naturally he thought my immortality was the effect on me... little did he know, it wasn't. "Wait, so this dream is basically another mean of communication? When you guys wake up you'll actually remember this?" Dash nodded and replied. "Looks like you have the choice to join us or have your own dreams" That was good to hear tho. i could've used their company in my 3 year sleep over at the changelings... We laughed, but the laughter died down as my mother pointed behind me with a terrifed look on her face, we turned around only to see a white figure lunge at Brian. It wore blinding white clothes with a blood red belt, was it who i think it was? "Who are you working for? Tell me and i'll spare your life..." At this point i was sure who it was, but what was he doing here? How was he here? Dash tried to drag him away from Brian, but i stopped her. "What are you doing?! He's going to kill dad!" She yelled at me, i simply replied. "Trust me, he won't" The figure let Brian go, and stood in front of me. "What makes you so sure about it?" He asked, with a taunting tone. "Oh Altair, don't you remember our first tenat?" Brian dusted himself off, grabbed Altair by the shoulder and asked. "What the hell is wrong with you? What do you want? Who the hell are you?" My family closely inspected Altair, and noticed that we had the same exact sword and calmed down. I closed and arm around Altair's shoulder followed by a fake chuckle. "Heheh, Mom, Dad, Brian, Dash, meet my friend Altair!, we are guards at the Canterlot Castle... He was an earth pony but one day woke up as a human! Isn't that interesting?" They seemed to belive it when Altair replied. "Ah, now that you mention... i did forget it, would you mind filling me in, John?" Shit, i read about those in the book Luna gave me, i know there were only three tho... "Gladly, first: Keep your blade from the flesh of the innocent. Second: Do not compromise the brotherhood. and the last : Hide within plain sight." Their suspicion went away, we got away with it, as soon as they nodded in agreement of beliving us i woke up, looked at my arm and realized i had a watch on my wrist, it was 6 A.M. I stretched my legs , set the bed and checked on the other occupants, i went to check on MoonSinger, knocked on her door. "Who's there?" At least she was awake. "It's me, John! Can i come in?" After a while of silence she replied. "Sure thing" I slowly opened the door, entering her room i saw many sets of armor, and a desk with a quill and ink pot next to a book. I guess she needed something to keep track of her thoughts, or maybe just... memories.... "Good morning John, feeling any better from yesterday?" I tapped my hands all over my body checking, no wounds. "Morning for you too, looks like i'm fine thanks" She walked by me, leaving the room. I followed and we had a brief walk on the outside walls, she told me where exactly we are and that for what i've done so far and what i am i'll always be welcome until their walls stand and she taught me their signal whistle. She also told me that Luna was the one who made this place, before her banishment. Apparently orphanages weren't so pleasant here either... no much surprise there, and Celestia couldn't help them because of the budget, again, no surprise. We saw the sun rise on the horizon, we got back inside and got to Luna's door. "Are you sure she's awake?" She took some time to anwser. "Only she can lower the moon, and by that i mean ONLY she can, and it's about time for you to leave if you want to get back before noon" There was a window next to the door looking at the garden, we stared out through it, the door slowly opened behind us. "Good morning mother!" MoonSinger instantly said, Luna gave her a warm smile in response, followed by a yawn. "Morning Luna, still sleepy aren't we?" I reached into the bag and took out three cans of energy drinks and gave them one each, opening one myself. "Drink up" I chugged it down, they were sceptic at first, but since i didn't die from drinking it they drank it down, slightly choking after they finished. "Woah, what was that? I feel a lot more arawe now" Luna asked, i chuckled when i realized they only invented medicine and coffee. "Energy drinks, it makes you feel less tired... But on the long run it has the same amount of sugar as a slice of cake" They nodded swohing acknowledgement. "Right, shouldn't you get going now to be there in time?" We made our way to the gates, the guards were much more friendly to me this time, of course i didn't expect any salutions since i had no authority here, but they gave me more than a grin as we walked by. Luna started charging her teleport spell, a second after we were back near the Canterlot Castle gates, the guards immediately greeted us with the usual salutions and bowed down to her, i walked with her to her room. "John, i'm afraid i have duties about the Gala that i must now tend to. Also i'm sorry to ask you to dismiss your... traditional armor and change to something more... elegant." At this point a box appeared in mid air, i opened it revealing a tuxedo, it was the correct size, it was black with a blue tie and collar. "What's wrong?" She asked all of the sudden. "Soory it's just... I haven't worn one of these since my parents burial... It'll do nicely tho, thanks. Is there anywhere a place i can change my clothes?" She nodded, moving out of the doorway hinting me to use her quarters, suddenly Trixie came up to us. "Nice to know you two haven't forgot about me" I just got in changed and came out, i even had to get rid of the hidden blades, but i wasn't planning on going there unarmed. "Looking great John" They replied in unison. "Luna, would you be upset if i took a visit to the armory before the Gala begins?" She shook her head, and we took off to do our tasks. Trixie and i made our way to the armory, and i took a Steyr AUG assault rifle with a Berett M92 pistol. I just tucked the pistol under the suit jacket into the belt, and you can guess that i was running around with the rifle in my hands, and the bag on my left, the strap was under the jacket as well, in case i needed some ammo. I was on my way to see Celestia for my task on this event, i saw two huge doors, a sun engraved on top. Hope she's here... When i was about to knock i heard a loud thump and crashing noise, i knocked on the door. "Princess Celestia! Is everything okay?" I had to call her that since now it was offical manners, no anwser. "Okay, i'm coming in!" Still no response, i kicked the door in. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I was about to go find Luna and meet up with Twilight and her friends, as i reached the door suddenly i heard a voice from behind me. "Well isn't it the pretty princess?" I turned around to see a cloaked figure with wings in front of me, but when i realized what happened i was on the ground in the doorway. What now? What now?! This once i had no idea what to do, i was about to give up hope, the figure was slowly coming towards me with a sword when the doors flung open, the figure turned it's attention toward the door, the next thing i heard was loud *Boom* *Boom* *Boom* And the figure in front of me fell to the ground. "Celestia! What happened?" It was John, he saved me at the last moment, i wanted to say thanks, but i eneded up choking on something... i spat it out only to realize it was my blood. John threw his gun to the ground and immediately checked what's wrong, my thoat was cut. He unbuttoned his shirt and cut his chest open, he rubbed his fingers against his heart barely grunting in pain while doing so, his fingers had some green ish grey substance on them. He proceeded to rub the substance into the wound, soon after making it disappear, i could breathe and talk once again. He smiled as i took a deep breath, and offered a hand to help me get up. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I helped her get up, she looked more surprised than scared... "Are you all right now? Good as new?" She coughed, cleared her throat and replied. "Yes, thank you very much John" I patted her on the shoulder. "Any time Princess..." She turned her head to the now dying intruder, i looked at it as well. I picked my rifle back up and aimed at the figure, Celestia levitated it's hood off it's head, i saw it had green eyes that were glowing in the dark it's hood made... "Who are yo..." *Bam* *Splat* "Don't waste your time with these things Celestia..." She suddenly turned mad and furious because i just seemingly killed one of her subjects for my own pleasue, but a second later the figure turned into a changeling, her jaw dropped. "Ho... How did you know?" Then i realized what the changelings did to me, i could sense those things nearby. "It's what they did to me under the time i spend declared dead... I can feel their presence, but there are no more of them" She sunk her head down. "I'm afraid we have to cancel the gala then..." I changed magazine, and looked her int he eye. "Don't you dare do it... everypony has been waiting for this since the last one, please trust me. I have a feeling it'll be fine." She raised her head back up. "John... Why did you save me? You could've just left me to die with a cut throat like Trixie's father..." I facepalmed with my left hand. "*Sigh* "Your death wouldn't have got his life back, and what kind of guard would i be?" She smiled, but turned into a frown and tears, i raised an eyebrow in response. "What's wrong?" She shook her head to keep her thoughts at bay. "Sorry it's just... First you burned yourself to save Fluttershy, then prevented Twilght, my most faithful student from hanging herself, and even Luna in her fight against Chrysalis, and now me. You made so much sacrifices for us, why?" She was right, i didn't stop to think about why would i do it, just... did it. "Because you do everything to protect the ones you love, don't you?" She came closer to me and gave me a hug, showing gratitude... I felt a bit wierd, standing in a castle hugging a princess in a tuxedo with a rifle in my right hand and a corpse behind us in the room while having my chest still cut open, but i've been through worse. "All right now, what would be my task in the upcoming event?" I held a hand onto my chest, pulling a finger down just like the knife made it's way the wound disappeared once again. "Before the briefing, John did you even think about learning magic?" I stopped to think about it, i didn't have Altair's sword yet i did what i did... and the experiment's effect would take at least a week for that size of wound to heal. "Now that you mention, i would but, i'll have to leave for the Crystal Empire in a week, and you have royal duties to attend, not to mention you are already Twilight's mentor" She grinned. "Then why not ask my sister to teach you? She's more experienced in defensive spells, and i can offer you maybe a few offensive ones... but i'm sure you have many other means of offense, not linked to arcane knowledge" I nodded. "Thanks, i'll ask her tomorrow" She nodded. "Now for your task, you of course are part of the security personel, as such you do not need any invitation to enter, and should do your best to make the guests feel safe yet happy. The list of guests includes many of our friends: Twilight, AppleJack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Brian, and your task will be keeping the V.I.P personel safe, who of course are Captain Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza... When our friends arrive you and Flash Sentry will accompany them to the Gala room." I wasn't pleased with the thought of Flash and Twi close proximity... "Yes ma'am, anything else i must know?" She sighed, we agreed to stay away from adressing eachother by authority ranks, but it was offical manners. She shook her head in response, we promptly left to tend to our tasks at hand. I made my way to the gates but didn't use the main doors, there was a long red carpet, a row of soldiers along the sides, saluting my authority when they noticed me. God i hate it when the only thing respected is my rank, not me. I walked closer to them and gave them my piece of mind of our task. "Allright ladies, listen up! We are here to keep the guests happy and safe no matter what cost, understood?" They yelled in agreement. "All right then do your best guys" I decided to pay Gilda a visit in the prison, mabye taunt her a little more, on the way there i noticed there were more and more white coat guards around every corner either that or they were simply more armored and armed. I approached the cell she was in, she was awake but not a good condition. "Oh great, you again, what do you want?!" She was just as friendly when i met her. "For now you'll stay here, there has not yet been a decision about your case" With that i left ther there to rot a few more days. "Hey, let me out of here, don't you dare just leave me here!" Nope, hehe. The Gala went as it was supposed to, no troubles after a while Cadence came up to me and asked me about when will i visit the Crystal Empire, i told her that i will be there for a week from tomorrow. A while later Celestia had a conversation with me. "John, you're doing a great job so far, i would like you to go up to that tower with a long range gun and keep watch if something hostile is coming" I nodded, and she teleported us into the very tower. "Just so you know, i'm not quite a professional sniper..." She chuckled. "I guess you are right, please feel free to talk to any of the guests you personally know, and enjoy yourself, but please don't get too much intoxicated and keep an eye out for troublemakers" She hoofed me an ID card, granting me access to nearly every singe facility in the castle, of course the exceptions were the royal quarters. "Thanks Celestia, anything else i should know?" She nodded. "Please, change back into your traditional assassin equipment, i want to introduce you to a few... friends of mine" She turned around and i changed back, while i was putting the hidden blades on she asked me about the colors. "Hmm? Oh, i don't know. Once i got these into a very bad condition and Luna used a spell to repair it, causing the colors to change as well" "Well, let's go now shall we? Oh and please prefer not to... expose... your weapons to their sight." Being honest, the sword was in the sheath the knife in it's sheath next to the sword and the pistol somewhere in the void in one of the bags, a while ago i discovered that the hidden blades had a pistol attached, tho without sights sure harder to aim, also a hollowed out inside for use of poison. We made our way into a room, on the sides many more guards, and different equipment that i've never seen before. "Uhm, Celestia. What's up with those guards?" Her ears perked up and turned to me. "Oh, they are the Equestrian Elite Royal Guards, the best to be found. If you weren't Luna's personal guard or. And i mean no offense by this, a human you would be one of their ranks" I told Celestia to go and i'll follow soon, she agreed. I walked up to one of the guards, saluting. "An honor to meet such a talented ally. Tell me, how many lives did you need to take to get here?" He saluted back. "I have heard of what you did so far sir, more than i would want to admit sir" I looked at his armor, he had quite a few medals, i grinned and put a hand on his shoulder. "Keep the great work up, nobody would prefer to be disappointed" He nodded in acknowledgement. "One more thing, i hope your time spent here will be mostly boring" I grinned, soon after he realized what i meant he grinned too, soon after i walked through the door, many others inspecting me. Much to my relief Celestia broke the silence after clearing her throat. "Mares and Stallions, i would like to present to you: Sergeant First Class John Miller!" The occupants who i had no time yet to look at clapped at me, i simply replied. "Greetings, it is an honor to meet all of you" Celestia introduced each of them to me. "John, meet: Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts and Sergeant at the Wonderbolt Academy and representative of Cloudsdale." I saluted her, tho i was technically higher authority... kind of, since i wasn't a wonderbolt, she saluted back. "Honored to meet you sir" Celestia continued her speech. "I'm sure you already met Princess Mi Amo..." She was cut short by Cadence clearing her throat. "Right, Princess Cadence and her husband, Prince Shining Armor, her personal guard and Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard" I greeted them with a smile and a nod, they waved from their chairs. "And you surely know our friend Zecora, only communicative resident of the Everfree Forest" I waved at her, she waved back. "Sheriff Silverstar, the law of Appleloosa and Chief Thunderhoof, the chief of Appleloosa's native occupants, the buffalos" The sheriff walked up to me and offered a hoof for a shake. "Howdy friend?" I shook hands and hooves with him. "Hope your days are less exhausting, friend" Then came the Chief, bearing a box in his hooves, soon after giving it to me. "Here my friend, please accept this gift from my kind." I put the box away to open it later, and pulled another one out to give to him. "I appreciate the act my friend, may this bring you great health" He took the box, not to be rude, i gave him about 10 liters of the goo i used on Celestia's throat with instructions how to use it to heal wounds. "Please, now as you know one an other follow John to the Gala room" I sighed and took out the good old FN Fal rifle and took off my hood, when we got to the Gala room everypony was enjoying themselves and having a good time, even a few of the guards joined the guests, dancing and singing along with them. As i was looking around i saw Brian, now he was about his 40's running with Dash after him, he suddenly stopped and opened his arms to catch her, but they actually crashed into Pinkie, i couldn't hold in the chuckle. I made my way over to the group, all of them wearing Rarity's hoofwork. "Hey Dash, Pinkie, Brian, how is the Gala so far?" They turned their attention to me, but in a worried face. "It's amazing so far but, why are you wearing your assassin uniform? Are we in danger?" I understood what she meant, she had the correct idea but i corrected her. "Well Dash, you see, we... I only put the hood on when i'm walking around as an assassin, not John Miller" She smiled in relief, and nodded. "Uhm, have any of you seen Twilight or Flash? I neet to talk to them" Pinkie immediately replied. "Oh, when we go here Twilight told me she'll be talking to Princes Celestia, i guess you should find them together!" Of course she would be looking forward to her mentor's company, i should've known. "Thanks Pinkie, i'll get back to you guys later, okay?" They nodded and waved bye, i began looking for the previously mentioned personel then, i ran into Flash, and i remembered that moment and image of what would've happened to Twilight if i was just a minute late... "Hey Flash, could you spare a minute friend?" He stopped walking. "Sure thing John, what do you want to talk about?" I would've been the happiest to just shoot him dead right there and then, but i had to stay polite... "Well, i know it's a bit personal but, isn't Twilight your marefriend?" He hung his head down for a few minutes, we were standing there in silence, all of the guards were either at the Gala room or in the throne room. "Well, not anymore. We broke up a few days ago..." I knew it was him who she meant... "Sorry to bring this up, but... Do you know what she did... at least tried to do a few days ago?" He raised an eyebrow. "Nooo, what was it?" I gave him the rifle, telling him to break it in half with his hooves, he tried but couldnt. He gave it back, the anger i felt for him was enough to let me curl the thing up into a metal ball, he gulped when he realized i was quite in a calm state. "Well, i promised her not to tell anypony, but you must know about this." I waited for his anwser, he didnt. I slowly concentrated at the ball in my hand, slowly making it disappear. "She tried to hang herself because you left her, i was the one who talked her down from doing it, if i were to arrive just a minute late now she would be either underground or still hanging." His face suddenly changed from curious to plain terrified. "Wha- What!? She actually tried it because of me? I- I don't know what to say or do to this..." I cracked my knuckles and neck, taking a deep breath. "Yes, she tried it because you left her yet she still loves you, and since you're still worried about her you should come with me and find her and tell her how you feel about her, right?" He blushed, since he didn't think Twi actually still had something for him. "Good idea John, thanks for saving her..." There was one more thing i needed to tell him. "Flash, i haven't told Shining Armor about this, since we know he wouldn't have been as... polite... as i was" He didn't reply, just standing there in silence, no breathing no blinking no smallowing...*Sigh* *Bam* *Thump* No, i didn't shoot him, i just slammed him face first into a wall, at least it worked, he started waving around and with his face burried in a wall he managed to spit out a muffled. "Thanks, now get me out of here..." I took him out of there. "You all good now Flash?" He nodded with a loud *Crack* i fixed his broken nose. "Let's just go, i want to talk to her in one piece" As we walked down the hallways we notied a few guards in a hurry coming our way. "Hang on what's goin on here?" I asked, hoping it would be nothing more than a toilet break or missing their favourite song. "A cloaked figure at the gates claiming to know you and Princess Luna, but it refuses to identify itself" I turned to Flash, he nodded and continued looking for Twilight, as i joined the guards they tried to slow down to let me keep up the pace but once again i ended up leaving them a bit behind, when we got to the gate i saw many guards surround the figure in a circle, in the middle of it was of course the figure and Snining Armor with Cadence at his side. I slowly made my way to the middle of the circle, it had multiple layers. "Captain, what's going on?" Armor turned his head over his shoulder. "Just in time, this figure claims to know you, do you know her?" While i was running along the guards i put the hood on, now it was time to take it off, i unsheathed my sword while i did it the figure let out a growl and a green aura surrounded it's horn, when i took the hood off it disappeared and the figure took it's hood off as well. "Oh, hi John, finally someone who makes sense." It was Moonsinger what was she doing here, i have no idea. "So you do know her..." Armor sent the guards away. "What brings you here Moonsinger?" I knew she had hatred in her and i knew Celestia was the one who got the most of it, i couldn't just send her back home but i couldn't risk Celestia considerng her an intruder and ordering her execution... Especially by my own hands like last time... "Since you know her, me and Cadence will be in the Gala room" Armor turned his attention to Moonsinger."Welcome to Canterlot, Moonsinger, i trust you since John does, but i can't say much for the other guards" She nodded in acknowledgement and we made our separate ways, soon after we saw Flash talking a flight out a window after Twilight threw him through it, Celestia gasping in shock. Owww shit... I immediately looked at Moonsinger, she looked calm and collective at the sight of Celestia.. We began to run toward them, tho it was a risky idea since Celestia knew who was coming with me, oh yes she was. As we got closer Celestia threw Twilight behind her and took up an agressive position. "John, what's the meaning of this?! What is she doing here?!" As she finished her horn began glowing, unfortunalety my reflexes lead me to pulling an AK-74 out of the bag and aim it at her, tho as i realized i immediately pointed it away. We just stood there in silence, Celestia about to blast us to pieces with me pointing a loaded assault rifle at her face, Moonsinger closed her eyes and i heard her telepathicly. "What are you waiting for? Kill her, kill her and do your duty as a Dark Shield Assassin" I turned the rifle down to the ground. "Are you fucking kiding me Moonsinger?!" I grabbed Moonsinger by the throat pressing her againt a wall, luckily by now i could use telepathy as well. "Do you really want me to murder your mother's sister?!" I let her go, she hung her head down after the scolding i gave her. "Celestia, relax she means no harm... I can assure you that." Celestia picked up a more defensive stand. "I will not ask again, what is she doing here?" "She's here to visit me and your sister" She let us pass, i looked out the window Flash got through, he was on the ground... Either dead or alive i had no idea. Slowly we got to Luna's quarters, we heard... sobbing, we swapped glances she gave me a worried look, i gave her a depressed one, but we knocked on the door. "Princess Luna, are you in there?" Soon after she replied. "Who goes there?" We waited a while. "It's me John, and a guest of ours, she came to see you" The doors slowly opened, revealing Luna sitting on the ground holding a picture in the air with her magic. We both knew that she was a bit more dangerous than usual when she was either mad or sad, so we slowly stood behind her. No joke, for the first time it was Luna who i was afraid of... "Luna... What's wrong?" The next moment i found myself slammed against the wall if her room, making a dent into th wall. For the first time she, the one i had most faith in, attacked me, throwing me into the wall breaking my spine to pieces on impact I never asked for this... i couldn't help but let out a scream, to which she replied with. "NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS" As she stepped closer, i felt more pressure all over my body, hearing and feeling bones shatter one by one each step. The next thing i knew was Luna now standing in front of me, knowing full well what she was doing, and who she was doing it to. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Mother was hurting John more than i ever saw her do so to anypony else, i wanted to help him but i was rendered moveless in fear, when she stood in front of John i felt a strong wave of energy pushing me back as well, and heard John scream out his lungs, i knew if i would do anything i would end up like him, but then suddenly i heard a new voice chuckle. *Chuckling* "Oh Luna, did you forget who stands before you? Have you forgotten what i am?" John was gone, something must have taken over his mind, now opening his eyes. The figure fell to the ground, mother's magic was somehow uneffective on him. "Let me give you a grim reminder..." He suddenly melted into a dark cloud, blocking out my view and heard both of them scream. Then, a bringht flash of light made all 3 of us unconscious. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *10 minutes later* I woke up in a world of pain, i tried to stand up, somehow i managed but the pain was unbearable. I saw Moonsinger and Luna standing in front of me, a bit worried. "John! I'm so sorry for what i have just done! I'm glad you're not hurt" I wanted to let her know i had my skeleton shattered to dust and massive internal bleedings with the goo being the only thing keeping me alive and on my feet, but she lunged at me with a bear hug. Ow shi... *Thump*" After a while she let me go, i stood up and noticed a part of my spine poke through my throat, i pulled it out and threw it out the window. "I did get hurt, the gray goo is all that's keeping me alive and somewhat standing right now, my bones are shattered to dust and in this very moment i'm losing my last drop of blood, but i'm fine thank you very much" I slowly walked out of the room, trying some reverse psychology. Instead of letting her know how upset i am i tried to make her feel bad. Before i left i tore the medallion she gave me off and threw it onto the ground, as it made impact with the floor it shattered to pieces. "Luna, i risked my life for you and went through a world of pain to protect you and your subjects, and this is how you repay me? No thank you" As i walked down the hallway i noticed Twi and Celestia talking, i walked by simply greeting them but Celestia called after me. "John i have overheard your conversation with my sister and i know what happened before that, what are your plans now?" I just wanted to whack her across the face soo bad... "Nothing, first you lost my trust with your little exam, and now i plain refuse to obey her commands, do you know how it feels to have your ribs tear through you internal organs and suffer a massive internal bleeding? Probably not. If you feel like it consider me a traitor, banish me to the moon or whatever you feel like." Twilight looked shocked from how i just spoke to her mentor, but coming to think of it i was one as well, but not the same way. "John, i already apologized to you and Trixie for your exam, and now i apologize in the name of my sister please we, not like you aren't good at controlling our emotions brought back by bad memories" At this point i was thinking about going back to the Garden of Shadows... But i replied to Celestia first. "Oh really? I'm sure you have a spell to see other's memories, come on try it... But be careful what you find" She swapped glances with Twilight, and her horn began glowing. "I also have to warn you that i'll have access to every single memory, this may be a bad idea if you have some personal memories you don't wish to share with us" I shook my head in response. "I have nothing to hide... or be proud of" Her horn touched my forehead, suddenly every single detail about my life flashed by her eyes, permanently burning into her mind, a while later i felt a slight headache. I was about to ask for a break when she screamed up and fell to the gound, we checked what was wrong with her, i hope she didn't go pass her limit of sanity. She woke back up, i helped her stand up. "You all right Celestia?" She was heavily breathing, but nodded then turned her head towards me and took a few steps back, she knew it. "John you are a soulless murderer... You have done undescribingly disturbing things... for which i would order anypony's execution..." I pulled out my sword, and got half naked with my chest exposed and asked her. "Do you want me to die here and now?" She gasped, she saw the scar left behind from saving her, she didn't reply. "Twilight, what i'm going to do may be something you shouldn't see." She stood still beside her mentor, i looked at Celestia, still no anwser. Oh for fuck sake... *Splat* My chest was cut open, revealing all my organs now as a pile of mush from and my heart intact covered in the gay goo. "Come on Celestia, here's the chance" Her horn began glowing, and the cut i made started to heal relatively fast, i grabbed my heart and told her to stop, she did "Tell me, you want me dead or not?!" She shook her head, i let my heart go and the wound disappeared, not leaving a scar this time and got dresed back up. It was getting dark, and i promised Octavia to be there on her show. "Celestia, do you now understand why i'm so... unpredictable in behavior? You must, since you, Luna and i are doomed to the same fate... To watch everything and everybody be destroyed by the passage of time..." Twilight began straight out crying after imagining what i just said, Celestia threw me out of the window. When i hit the ground i simply stood up and made my way into the Gala room to see Octavia's performance, she managed to get me a seat in the first row. I enjoyed the show, and later met up with her. "Oh, hello John. I thought you forgot, thank you for coming" I grinned and reached into the bag telling her to close her eyes, she did and i pulled out some plowers. "And what kind of friend would i be? Besides, i never heard anybody or anypony play the chello like you did" To be honest i was half expecting her to eat the flowers, but she took them and put them away. "Oh thank you John I'm sure you're one of the best at what you do as well" I grinned, since she meant it to be a compliment but i knew what she meant... "I sure am... Hey, uhhm how long do you plan on staying? Since i have some spare time i could go home with you to Ponyville" She began thinking, soon after replying. "Hmm, i was actually going to the station before we talked now, you can come with me if you want to" We got to the station and i had to buy the tickets since... i didn't have the medallion anymore. The train ride went smoothly, nothing out of the ordinary just a few questions from her, when we got back home i asked her something awkward. "Hey uhm... Octavia?" Her ears perked up. "Yes?" "Uhm, the thing is that i used to live in the castle, but i quit my job and now i have nowhere to go... Could i..." She cut me short. "And what kind of friend would i be if i said no?" She said with a grin, i walked her back home but i couldn't sleep. I was thining about what to do now... I guess it'll be a while until i figure out something... End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9: Long time no seeChapter 9: Dark days ahead.... Chapter Nine : Dark days ahead... Thankfully Octavia had a spare bedroom i could stay in, she told me i could stay as long as i have to. Since i couldn't sleep i went down to the kitchen, pulled a dust tray out of the bag and a lighter, opened the window and lit a cigarette, surprisingly she didn't wake up to the smoke, either did anypony think there was a fire from the smoke. What now John, you really messed up this time... I was just taunting myself. Who knows, maybe i'll pick up a job as a mercenary... My train of thoughts was interrupted when i realized. Shit, i have to go to the *Crystal Empire** tomorrow...* It wasn't too late, so i decided to ask Spike to send a letter to Cadence for me about me quitting the job and many apologies. "Thanks Spike, owe you a favor" He grinned. "Let's just not wake me up late night next time" I left and went back to Octavia, she was sipping some tea in the kitchen, i guess she's about elegance just like Rarity. As i stepped in, she greeted me with a simple. "Can't sleep much?" I nodded, and took a seat next to her at the table. "Oh Octavia, what should i do?" She began thinking. "Do you have anywhere to go? A friend or relative yet?" "Well, only Brian... But i wouldn't be a burden on my brother, either on you" I crossed my hands on the table in front of me and laid my head onto them. "Hmm, anything else you're good at? Other than... you know" "Not much... Wait, i do have somewhere to go but, i promised not to tell anypony what and where it is..." She looked less worried now. "Let's go to sleep now..." We went back to our rooms, and slept. That night was another nightmare, tho it was shared with Brian. "Hey Brian, am i just dreaming you or are you actually here?" He grinned. "As much as i'm not imagining you... Look John, i have something important to tell you... bad news..." I turned to a frown, he looked depressed, soon i understood why. "I have a heart disease, sooner later it will fail and... i'll have to say goodbye to you, and all of our friends... I'm fully aware that you however are not-capable of death" Tears formed in my eyes, just the thought of losing my brother and being stuck in this body for all eternity separated from him was crushing... "No... That can't be true... There must be a way! I'm immortal, i can survive without my organs, i can give you my heart and..." By now he was standing in front of me, one of his hands on my shoulder, slowly shaking his head. "It would be unfair to others... I still have a few months tho, i just wanted to let you know, Dash already knows" I took a few steps back, letting myself fall to despair and sorrow. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** John was now barely visible, yet he was about a meter away, he was enveloped by some dark mist and his eyes turned red, piercing throught the darkness of the could that was now surrounding him. "No... Even if you die... I will find a way to bring you back..." Okay, now he was getting creepy. "John, please understand, i lived a happy long and loving life... I don't want to spend my last weeks knowing you are stressing out about me." His eyes turned back to normal, the red pupils were gone. His eyes were just like when i let him in back on earth, the cloud disappeared yet his face was covered by teh shadow his hood made. "Brian... How do you want to be burried? Coffin, cremated?" Good point. "A coffin would do..." Then, i heard him gasp and soon sobbing followed, he was crying for me... I walked closer to comfort him with a brotherly embrace, but when i got close enough i noticed i noticed he was... crying blood... Blood poured out of his eyes, making their way down his clothes, i embraced him into a bear hug and tapped his back. "It's okay John, it's okay..." Then, he let me go, i let him go. "Brian, one question..." I raised an eyebrow. "What would happen to... Dash?" That question hit me off guard, i knew he had endured much more pain than i have, the pain of my wings were nothng to measure to his suffering for others so far... "John, how much does getting stabbed hurt?" He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Why do you want to kno... No, don't you dare do that!" I guess i gave him the wrong idea... "No, i'm not planning on doing that, just tell me how much. If you stab me here in a dream i will simply wake up but feel the pain, and will not be hurt" He sighed, with and unexpected *Click* a long blade extended from his wrist. "Where do you want it? Stomach, heart or throat?" I grinned. "You know how to do it don't you? Whichever is the quickest way to go" He sighed again. "You're the one who asked me to do this..." Suddenly i felt pain like never before, he stabbed me in the stomach, heart and slit my throat. He gently let me fall to the ground, and closed my eyes. "Requiescat In Pace, Brother" Was that really how the assassin's gave their enemies their final rights? ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** He slowly started fading away, i guess he was waking up. "See you tomorrow" With that, he disappeared. A minute later i heard a familiar voice talking to me. "Isn't that just terrible, John?" I looked around, in the total darkness around me. Suddenly another beam of light appeared, and a familiar cyan coat pegasus walked up. "Hey Dash, you know about it don't you?" She nodded, tears in her eyes. I knew i probably was the one who was in the worse situation, seeing that i will never meet up with him, or her, or any of my friends in the afterlife... but she was about to lose her father afterall, something i already been through. I woke up breathing heavily and sweating, it was morning. I checked the kitchen, looks like i wasn't the first to wake up. "Morning John..." I walked up to her. "Thanks for letting me stay, if you'd excuse i would leave now, i have a few things to take care of" She nodded. "Any time, and good luck" I left and made my way over to Brian's house, i knocked on the door. "Who's that?" I rolled my eyes around. "Who do you think i am? Santa?" The door opened, Dash welcomed me with a half smile. "Where is Brian?" She frowned. "In the hospital..." Was he really that sick? "How and when was it discovered?" "Under the 3 years i was away on flight training, and if i remember correctly you were away as well" I nodded. "Let's go visit him" She nodded and we left for the hospital, on the way we were in complete silence. When we got to the enterance we stoped. "John..." "Hmm?" "Race to Brian!" I grinned, she flew upwards, i turned into a could of smoke flying through the building, getting there before her. "About time to arrive Dash" Her jaw dropped, i looked back at my brother. "Is it really that bad already?" He nodded with a frown. I walked up to the wall next to his bed, and then. *Thump* *Bang* *Boom* *Thump* Soon the wall gave to my headbutts and i made a hole. "I hope they have insurance against idiots" I commented, they broke out in laughter, tho is quickly died down. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** When i woke up, i looked at the medallion still on the ground, i know John was rightfully upset, now also knowing the grave news about his brother... He must be in a terrible state of mind, i walked down to the kitchen for breakfast, usually we have breakfast together with Tia. So before the kitchen i went to her room. "Hey, Tia. Are you there?" A yawn replied, the door opened and we walked down to the kitchen, and sat down for breakfast. "I should've been more careful about my emotions, that must have been painful for John, getting all of his bones shattered to dust and organs turnd into mush..." Tia nodded. "What if he decides to turn against us?" A while later i found the anwser to my question. "No, don't you dare put him through that like you did to me" She sighed. "Look Luna, i know you have faith in him for his loyalty to bring him back here, so do i but... He does have his own will and life..." Tho i wanted to disagree, she was right... "But if you banish him, he'll simply go insane, and like everything, the banishment will come to an end as well... I don't think having an immortal assassin with a legendary weapon roaming free in Equestria would be the safest for our subjects..." I caught her off guard, she made a facial expression and i had no idea about it's meaning. "I guess you're right... but... What should we do?" I facehoofed. "Maybe what's appropriate and apologize? Maybe?" After that sentence, she slammed on the table. "What do you mean apologize? We are royalty, do you know what would happen if we would start apologizing to everypony?!" I looked around, the guards at the door gave me a nod showing their agreement, but with a worried face. "Celestia, we are the rulers, all those ponies outside rely on our decisions! Most of them expect us to show them or tell them what is right! Don't you dare let your pride get in the way of your duty!" As i finished the sentence, another guard rushed in through the door. "My aplogies your highnesses, Princess Luna, there is an unicorn claiming to be your daughter waiting at the gates" I stood up, and gave the cook an approving look, soon after Tia did the same. "Thank you, your hignesses" We left the kitchen, i went to the gates while Tia went the other way, when i got there i wasn't surprised it was Moonsinger. "What bring you here Moonsinger? Shouldn't you be home with your brothers and sisters?" She shook her head. "We were attacked by the changelings, we managed to fight them off but... we need some help with the repairs, or at least defending our workers" That however did surprise me. "What?! The changelings?! Go look for John, i know he won't hesitate to help you... Unfortunately i have things to do here... Belive me they are worthless things, but they have to be done" She nodded in response. "I hope it won't be too late..." As she turned around i got an idea. "Wait!" I turned to two of the pegasus guards. "You two, take her to Ponyville A.S.A.P!" They nodded. "Yes your majesty" Just a second later they flew off towards the town. **John, please help them... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I was wondering why, the same doctor i woke up to came in through the door. "Good morning Mr.Dash,Ms.Dash... And good to see someone as recognized and important making time for his brother here too sir" I guess it was me he was talking about... "Good to see you're still okay doc" He nodded, then turned toward Brian. "Mr.Dash, you should be fine for a good while now... Just don't stress yourself or do too hard labor. You're free to leave the hospital" Brian smiled, so did we all. "Thanks doc" He replied, i helped him get up and they gave him his clothes back, we left the room to let him change back, when i saw him i was surprised yet honored at the same time. Turns out he had worn the military equipment i gave him, every day... "What did you expect?" I had nothing to say, i was proud of him. We walked back to their house, when we got there the door was busted open. "What in the name of Celestia?" Dash stood in the doorway, looking around she noticed nopony inside. I reached into the bag, and handed Brian my pistol, he was hesitant as first but he took it. "Hang on to it" He nodded. "Dash, sorry to ask but stay out here, Brian cover me" To my surprise instead of saying Sure they replied with a Yes sir! I chuckled, throwing a flashlight over to him, he saw enough movies to know how to properly hold those two together. When we got to the bedroom i noticed a figure rummage around, i bumped his elbow. "Over there..." I whispered, he shined the flashlight at the figure, it was startled of course. "Hey, who are you?" Brian asked, pointing the pistol at Moonsinger. "Oh, hi John, i was just looking for you! Uhm, would your friend mind pointing that thing anywhere else but at me?" Brian lowered the pistol. "What is it Moonsinger?" "Please come with me back to the garden, i'll explain on the way" We cleaned up the mess she made and fixed the door, in the meantime she told me about the attack and that they need help. "Hey, mind if i come too?" We swapped glances. "What about your heart?" He grinned. "The doctor said no hard labor, standing guard isn't. And it wouldn't be stressful either" We agreed to let him come over, but not to tell anypony the whereabouts and what it is. Dash heard it all of course and ran up to him. "Dad! Be careful..." He gave her a hug and told her. "Don't worry, if i survive then i'll see you tomorrow" It was broad daylight, yet a while after entering the forest we were attacked by bandits. "Look what we have here, your equipment looks like a lot of money..." Their leader said, Brian pulled out the pistol to which they got ready to attack, i told him to wait pulling a molotov cocktail from the bag. "Hey, could you all stand over there in a crowd?" They were dumb enought to do so... "John, don't you dare..." I slowly pulled the knife out too, they raised an eyebrow in response. "Hey, Brian... When was the last time you ate meat?" End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10: Back in actionChapter 10: Not So Dark Days Chapter Ten: Not So Dark Days We argued over the morality of burning ponies alive, then feasting on their corpses... "Look, Brian... They are wasting our ever so precious time... We have to get through and this is the fastest way" He sighed. "Fine, but i have nothing to do with it" I looked over my shoulder at Moonsinger. "Cover your eyes and ears if you want to, this is going to be distrubing" She nodded in agreement, but didn't do anything. "Your call..." I flung the bottle over at them, soon after i relived the memories i told Rarity about... Tho i have to admit, for some reason i enjoyed it... The smell of burning and sizzling flesh, their screams of agony and pleading for mercy... I guess if nobody or nopony else, at least i should get used to these... Soon after the last fire died out, leaving three of them still turning agound on the ground, still alive, i walked up to one of them, Brian shot the other two, they suffered enough. "Wh-Why so brutal? We only wanted some... money so we won't starve..." I grinned, shortly after replied. "If you would've just asked, i would've given you a lot, but now it's too late" We continued on our way, leaving the corpses behind... Soon after we were there, Moonsinger in front so they could easily verify us as allies, they did but they were upset about the third presence with us, but they got used to him, since help was indeed welcome. I showed Brian to his room next to mine, then went back down to the walls, they were in bad shape, not to mention the bodies left behind... "Uhm, Moonsinger, where should we put the bodies?" She looked at us, and pointed at a pit nearby. "Throw the bodies of my brothers and sisters into that one, i'll take care of them later..." She used her magic to make the changeling remains disappear. "Sure, should we take their armor off or just... leave them as they are?" "Your call, without them they would be much easier to move tho... And their equipment would come usefull later..." We began stripping them of their armor, and carrying them down to the storage, once we were done i saw Wisewrods walking around, i told Brian to go on i'll be there in a minute. "Greetings, John... Good to see Moonsinger didn't visit you in vein" "Greetings to you as well, i'll always be there should you need aid. Could you spare some time to talk?" He nodded and we walked down to the ancient library. "Come along John, i want to tell you something..." The elder clearly levitated a book over to me, but he was an earth pony... how? The book had the following title: Altair's Codex: Chapter 2: The Maker. I opened it, in his handwriting there were depictions of a human, most likely young, wielding powers that would put the princesses to shame, the power to control space and time entirely in Equestria... He became an ally to the Dark Shield Assassins... Altair even went as far as describing him to have limitless powers, no limits, he could literally make anything and everything happen... Wait... that means he can help Brian! I slammed the book shut and gave it back. "Thank you elder, you have no idea how much you helped" He nodded, and i sprung back up to the others to help, we cleared the bodeis but we had no idea how to build the wall so we got some free time. I walked him back to the library, showing him the book. "John, come on... please don't belive these stories..." I raisend an eyebrow. "Stories? Should i not belive in a world where magic is as natural as technology? Should i not belive that i myself am the descendant of the legendary assassin Altair Ibn-La'Ahad!? Should i not belive anythig the Pincesses say?" For some reason i noticed my eyes turning red, his eyes reflected them, and in my sudden rage i pushed him against the wall with an extraced blade... close call. I let him go, leaving him in the library, i informed him on my way outside. "You know... Coming to think of it... You never proved your loyalty to the kingdom..." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** He was right... i never had the chance to do it, either did i have to... "Oh really? How do you want me to prove it?" He chuckled, soon after he was engulfed by blue flames, his clothing changed into dark black scale armor with a helmet... He looked like a changeling. "Go ahead, try to kill me... Like i was one of them" He spread his arms, waiting for me to act... "Do you really want me to prove my loyalty by having no trouble shooting my own brother?" He nodded, i slowly pulled out the pistol. "Come on, try something better" He threw me a shotgun... "Hey, if anyone outside asks what the noise was we tell them that you slipped and hit your face in the floor" He nodded, i took aim *Boom* He flew back to the wall, and fell to the ground limp, blood pouring from the suit of armor... I was waiting for him to get back up, like he usually would do, but he didn't... I got worried, what if the other's find us like this? I knelt down and took of his helmet, a second ago his suit of armor was bleeding profusely, now... it was empty. Suddenly i felt my thoat grabbed, i was thrown to the ground. "Always make sure your enemy is in the right place, and make sure they're dead" How did he do it? He helped me get up, and the armor disappeared. "How... How did you do that?" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I chuckled. "Heh, in the dream i introduced Altair to you i told you the tenats... Always hide in plain sight" "Riight... so where should we find this so called creator?" I began thinking, maybe if i become a fully pledged assassin... or a true mentor at that... but then i heard a voice in my head, not like the one in the forest, not like the one from the nightmare and definetly not like my parents. "Oh John, i know what your desire is... And i have already granted you such" "Wait, you mean... " "Yes, Brian now gets a new,, more functional and healthier heart... it'll hurt a lot for him for a while, and he'll be in near death for his body to accept the new organ, but it'll extend his life by a good 30 years... And tho i'm capable of, i prefer not to intervene with destiny" Apparently Brian heard the same thing... He had no idea how to respond, since he was already in pain. "Don't worry, i won't let him die, for now... I do let him suffer for it tho, you must understand... You have to work for everything... I'm sorry" As the sentence ended Brian wasn't suffering as much, he knew he wouldn't die. "And that's why i prefer not to intervene with one's destiny or fate" He was right, things are meant to happen, and if we change them, who knows how it will end. "And just so you know, i could turn Brian immortal, or you back to mortal again, but it's how things are meant to be, so i can't change anything permanent about your lifespams... I'm sorry" We just accepted the fact, and we had an idea. "Brian uhm want to join the Dark Shield Assassins? It's basically a secret organization sworn to focus on defending primarily Princess Luna, and the royal family, only after them come the citizens" I hoped he would join... to my relief he nodded. I simply can't put into words how happy i was... Serving the Princesses alongside my very own brother... While i was trying to express myslef the creator spoke again. "One more thing, from now on i will see everything you two do... Well, except for the bathroom... *Cough* Anyway, i will try not to intervene with your destinies, when i have to i will let you know about it this way, don't be afraid to ask me to help tho, you can aske me to help with anythings but i may not be able to do so. You two should consider yourselves lucky... Right, Brian?" He seemed to know what that meant, i however had no idea... "Thanks but, uhm... What should we call you?" He began thinking... "Well, belive or not, once i walked among the ponies you came to know, but after Celestia called me a tyrant and tried to get me executed i gave up hope of a normal life here... How about big brother tho?" Ow haa haa, looks like i'm not the only one with a sense of humor... At least if we aren't talking to God himself... "No John, i'm not God" I wish he would stop reading my mind... "Okay, i'll stop *Chuckle*" About damn time... After the clean up was finished Moonsinger had something to tell us. "John, Brian, thank you very much for your help, as you can see we also have civillians here, not only fighters and farmers. Talking about farmers, a few of our ones insist on thanking you personaly and making a celebration feast for your return..." We swapped glances. "Uhm, sure... We would gladly meet them" Brian nodded, slowly leaning his head towards mine. "Uhm, when do i get my assassin equipment?" Apparently he thought he'll be getting equipment and robes similar to mine, but Luna appointed me as the mentor of the brotherhood, he on the other hand was just a recruit... yet. "Great, to be honest they almost got done, a few hours and it will be ready, the want it to be a surprise tho... They would be thanking you as for who you are, and what you are... both as welcoming the human race and welcoming the Dark Shield Assassins back" Even better... Just make sure nothing goes wrong, or else we'll earn a terrible reputation for the future humans to somehow end up here... "Great! You heard that Brian? We will be representing every single human in existance!" "Yeah, all of them..." "By the way, have you heard the great news Moonsinger?" She shook her head, i hoped she would be happy for it. "First off, did you know he's my brother?" "Really? I didn't know so far" "And guess who just became an assassin..." "No way! Really?" "Yes, Moonsinger. i decided to join the cause just so my life will have another purpose" We walked back into the library, all three of us sat down at a desk and we started flippings throught he pages of the book Luna gave me... Even i learned a few things, not just Brian, we all sat there, simply absorbing knowledge, the time flew by until it was nearly time for the feast to begin. "Hey uhm, Brian. Come with me for a minute" "Sure" We excused ourselves and left her with the book, and hurried into his bedroom. "What is it John?" "The thing is, there are different ranks in the brotherhood, and you are just a novice, so you'll have to do with... worse equipment, but for this event i'll let you wear master assassin equipment, okay?" He raised an eyebrow, soon after agreeing. "Oh, that'll be a challenge then, and thanks, but then how come you have the master assassin equipment already?" I gave him his stuff, the robes, sword and hidden blades. "Brian, please understand, for now when we are talking about offical manners by the book you'll have to call me mentor... and you would unfortunately have to rise through the ranks... i wish i could do more, you only get basic armor for now and only one hidden blade, a knife and some supplies, i truly wish i could do more for you, but we must honor and respect the creed..." He grinned and took them, for the event like i said he'll be wearing equipment like mine, but different colors, my robes are dark blue, with blinding silver edges, his ones were blinding white with golden edges... I had a clear idea about why, and hoped it wasn't the case... The thing is that i readt about the Lunar Republic had it's own special forces made of elite Dark Shield Assassins... he did write what their name was, but it was unreadable, and so did the Solar Empire had theirs in response, the Solar Knights... Sadly, just like the Templars Altair fought against back on earth... I explained the previous thoughts to Brian, he was worried. "Hey, the rivalry was more likely about millions of years ago... maybe this is the era of peace..." "I hope so, but i also readt about a tryrant who once ruled the Crystal Empire, when but we should talk about this with the princesses" He agreed, and gave the equipment back and changed into his now signature suit of armor, with the same colors and a broadsword... i just hoped it wasn't too heavy... he had his helmet on, so did i have the hood... Then we returned to Moonsinger hoping she didn't read that part yet... much to our surprise and relief she hadn't. "Hey, uhm... what's with his equipment? Isn't he supposed to have similar things like yours?" "It's a long and complicated story i would not start now, let's just go. We don't want to be late right?" And so, we entered the dining room, all farmers, fillies and foals... They gave us a warm welcome, but they were indeed worried about our weapons... We sat down and talked to them, enjoyed the meal, nothing special really. At the end we thanked them for their gift, they thanked us for our help in return, and we left towards our rooms, on the way we had our conversation. "Sooo is that armor heavy?" He shook his head with a grin, carrying the helmet in his armpit, his sword was much thicker and longer than mine, but also heavier, at least it wasn't scraping the ground as we walked around... That would've been just plain annoying. "*Sigh* Brian, i'm afraid you are no longer and assassin officaly... since... you know..." He nodded. "Tho you may not be officaly one, you are a honorary one" He grinned, and we waited for the new day to go home... we bascally bummd around bored, until the night had come, and we embraced our slumber once more. *The following morning* *Yawn* Let's go... I left my room to see Brian, but he wasn't in his room... Where the hell is he? I paid a visit to Moonsinger, maybe she knows, she did. Apparently he was on the training ground parcticing with the sword. I walked down the stairs, looking at the walls, they didn't hace even torches on them, just a plain brick wall... And it wasn't even the newly build one, after i got there i walked up to him. "Morning Brian, how's it going?" He was in middle of a swing, and turned towards me, you can guess what happened next. *Clank* ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I was down in the training grounds, practicing when John came up close, i was in middle of a swing and turned toward him. *Clank* What the hell are those hidden blades made of? He just raisend an arm and stopped the 75Kg sword mid air with a 5cm thin, 25 cm long blade... how? I don't know, don't question someone who's immortal... "Nice one, sorry, you startled me..." He just grinned and pushed the blade away. "Ready to go home? I'm sure our frends and the princesses will be amazed" He was right, i knew Dashie would at least make a few jokes about it or just be proud... "Sure thing, let's go!" We waved bye to the Garden, and started off towards Ponyville on foot as always, i wasn't much of a sports fan, let alone now a fighter... Everything was peaceful, too much for the Everfree Forest, i was worried what happened to the dangerous things living here. "John, don't you find it wierd that nothing attacked us yet?" "Now that you mention, it is strange... Stay sharp" I unsheathed my sword, so did he. After walking a few hundred meters we stopped. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "What in the name of the royal sisters is this?" Brian was so shocked at the sight he got paralyzed, so i had to push him away a few meters to fix it. "How is this possible? I know magic can do anything but, don't everypony has a right to resting in peace?" I nodded, what we saw was nothing more than a bloody corpse left behing with chunks bitten out of it, when we approached it we realized it was a filly and it started moving almost like... "A zombie!?" The filly turned it's eyes toward us, what she said got even me depressed... "Please... Help me... *Cough* just... End the pain... please..." I knelt down to her. "Whoever or whatever did this to you, we'll make sure it suffers much more than you did" She gave me a smile, Brian knelt down next to me. "John, is there a way to..." I cut him short with a simple shake of my head. "But... You could just..." I shook my head even more. "I could only save her if she wouldn't have vital organs missing, for now i can only heal cuts, not missing flesh..." "Yeah? What about cutting your arm off and the shotgun blash hah?" "That's the experiment's effect, not mine... That's what my body does automaticly..." We stopped talkng for a while. "Do you want to do it?" "I just can't... We just can't..." At this point i shoved him back, away from her, i stood up and aimed my wrist at her head. "John! Don't you dare!" He was right, blowing her head to chunks would've been inhumane, so i unsheathed my sword and raised it up above my head. *Splat* I ran it through her heart. "Thank... you..." I walked away into the forest, further from the clear path she was lying in the middle of and dug a hole. "Brian, could you bring her over?" He sighed, soon after picking her up and bringing her over to her final resting place, we covered her up with dirt, and made sure she was deep enough not to be uncovered by weather, and one again knelt down to her grave, stabbed our swords into the ground, put our hands on the grip and laid our heads on them. "Death bring you peace..." "May in death you suffer no more..." We dusted ourselves off and stood up. "John, was this the right thing to do?" He was still not sure, i have to admit i used a wrong example... "Look, Brian... I'm sorry for what i'm going to ask as an example, but... If that was Dash, would you not make her suffering end?" He didn't reply, knowing him i guess he wanted to agree, yet wouldn't actually do it himself, a while after we saw Brian's house in the distance, as well as a couple coming our way, he had his helmet on and i had the hood on as usual... When we got close to them i noticed that they started backing away so i stopped. "Uhm, excuse us, can we help you?" The mare hid behind the stallion who was next to her, even the stallion seemed worried. "Sorry sirs, we are simply looking or our daughter who went missing this morning, she had grey coat and purple mane, green eyes" We swapped glances with Brian, we knew where exactly she was... Brian slowly walked closer to them. "I'm afraid we do know where she is... Please follow us, and... belive me we did everything we could" They followed us down the path, but we soon came to a stop... The filly who was supposed to be burried was now standing in front of us in the middle of the road... he head hung down low, her forehead casted a shadow covering her eyes. "*Gasp* Here you are sweetheart, we were so worried!" The mare could hold back the sentence, and the stallion walked closer to her to bring her home. "Wait! Stay there!" They didn't listen, the filly lunged at her father, biting his throat... The stallion fell to the gound struggling to keep the blood in his veins, i on the other hand blew the filly's head open and started healing the stallion with the goo... in vein, i did heal the would but the blood loss was too much... Creator! Is this meant to be this way? No response, i guess he was busy... i was about to give up on him, when a black light blinded us all, at first i thought it was Luna, but it was the Creator... Brian took off his helmet, knelt down crossing his sword above his heart, i did the same. He cleared his throat, and crouched into eye level with us, placing a hand over our shoulders. "Pleasure to finally meet you in person, John, Brian... Let's save this poor soul..." With a snap of his fingers, the filly was healthy and living once more, and the stallion was just as healthy... they thanked us and left. We stood up and shook hands, at least with Brian, when it was my turned he gently pushed my hand away chuckling. "I'd rather not risk it, hehe..." "What are you doing here anyway?" She grinned. "Visiting a few new and old friends, let's go now shall we? Ponyville is close by anyways..." "Sure let's go..." I replied, followed by Brian's comment. "It's been a while too..." End of Chapter 10 Chapter 11: Arrests, cyder, bloodshed...Chapter 11: The Eternal Union Chapter Eleven: The Eternal Union "Soo... Creator, right?" Brian asked with a slight grin, to which he simply replied. "Oh, simply call me... I don't know, uhm, Bill?" "Sure Bill, so... What's the purpose of your visit?" He sighed with another grin. "You know, it's not the first time i set foot into Equestria. I'm nearly as old as the royal sisters, i knew Altair personally as well" Brian nearly choked to death in his surprise, i had to slam him in the back many times, his armor only made it harder, what i followed with a question. "Soo, just a friendly visit?" "Oh, you have soo much more to learn..." Of course at that we swapped glances, i pulled out the Codex, before i could open it he continued. "Not from that, that's merely a fraction of the knowledge about Altair's legacy... As for you Brian, only Celestia can tell you about the Solar Knights" "So you're here to... Teach us?" He chuckled. "Finally you get the point" By the time he finished we already were over at Brian's doorstep, before we entered he asked us. "Uhm, should we tell them the truth about Bill?" I shook my head in response. "They'll know everything... In time" We opened the door, we were greeted by our beloved friends, as we looked around we saw everypony we knew. "Welcome back guys!" They yelled in unison, all of them, Pinkie, Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Derpy, Lyra Heartstrings the unicorn Brian told me about, Cadence, Armor, Celestia and Luna, even Moonsinger, how did she get here before us? Come on, magic... Of course at the sight or Bill the princesses dropped their jaws, Celestia, Who else? of course started yelling at him. "You?! You?! You get your miserable ass out of my domain!!" Bill replied calmly, he reminded me of myself for some reason... "Come on Celestia, are you not happy to see me? The one who made sure you meet Altair?" I walked closer to her and whispered into her ears. "Come on, don't ruin the surprise party, we'll talk about it afterwards, he's our guest anyway..." She nodded, the party was amazing, before we noticed it was already getting dark, the party was over and everypony left, except the royalty and Dash who was of course living there, after noticing Brian's armor and the sun on his chest we were all summoned outside. "First things first, what happened?" Cadence asked, i expected Armor to be still here with her, but i guess he had duties to attend. "Well, i suppose Celestia and Luna knows, you should as them instead" Bill replied still calm, Cadence turned her attention at the mentioned alicorn. "Come on speak up, we must know" "Come on, tell them, they deserve to know" Now we all were staring at her, she shighed and agreed to tell us but only in Canterlot. "Ow come on, not fair... I wanted to know too!" Dash commented, i guess she was allowed to know as well, since she and i were the only family Brian had, so she came along. When we arrived the princesses told the guards to not let anypony in no matter who. "So, where shall i begin?" "The beginning" I was losing my patience... "Actually, i think our friends should know about it as well, so if you would forgive me i'll send them a messeage to come here tomorrow, for now let us sleep once again" She turned her attention to her youger sister. "Shall we?" Luna nodded in response, their horns began glowing as the sun gave way to the moon... The following morning we all gathered at the castle gates awaiting our friends, who arrived in the company of the Elite Royal Canterlot Guard, as they stopped the guards saluted to all of us, well... Except Dash... I nodded at the guards. "Good to see you guys again" They nodded back with a grin. "Thank you for your services so far, follow us to the throne room and stand guard outside" One of them replied. "Apologies sir but, you don't have authority to command us..." They all broke out in laughter, except for Luna and Celestia, Luna then cast a silencing spell to make them shut it, and spoke. "I'm afraid yes, Warrant Officer John Miller does have the authority..." The guard grinned. "Yes ma'am, my bad sir" On our way to the room i leaned in and whispered to Celestia. "Hey, i know everything you're going to say, in my dreams Altair told me everything" When we got there the guards turned around and we closed the door, and stood into front of the 6 mares, Celestia, the tallest of us standing in the middle, Luna and Cadence on her sides, with me and Brian next to them, you can guess who i was next to... The mares bowed down to the princesses, mainly Celestia, who in response spoke up. "Friends..." She looked at us at her sides, then back to them. "And faithful students..." We all grinned at Twilight, she blushed and chuckled in response, then i suddenly noticed something off. "Hang on, where's Bill?" "Up here, Celestia, you are meant to tell them about it right now, it's my duty to make sure everything happens as it's destined to" She sighed again. "Fine fine, i'll do it... You just shut up, okay?" We all laughed, we tried to hold back but didn't work. "Now, i'm sure all of you know what the Elements of Harmony are..." Brian shook his head, i facepalmed, they facehoofed. "What? You all knew? Why didn't you tell me?" "Right, the Elements of Harmony are magical powers, meant to keep Equestria in peace and harmony, that are being resembled by our friends here, Fluttershy is kindness, Pinkie is laughter, Rainbow Dash is loyalty, Rarity is generousity, Applejack is honesty, and Twilight is magic. I'm sure you all know their purpose now, and what they are, but i haven't told you how they were made" Before she could continue, i commented. "And since Bill came down to us, and we have to be here with Brian as well, i suppose it has something to do with Altair, correct?" She nodded. "Indeed, John you are correct, in the meantime you two were away in... there... i and Luna talked about it and decided it's time for you to know it" Celestia was going to give us one of her history lessons, the other two alicorns and the mares sat down into a half circle in front of her on their haunches, so we sat down next to them, she chuckled. "Are you all expecting me to give you a brief or thorough history lesson?" We all nodded and said 'Thorough' in unison. "First of all, John may i borrow Altair's codex to demonstrate?" I scrambled around in the bag, meanwhile Applajack came up with an obvious question. "Hold on would 'ya? Who the hay is this Altair you all keep talkin 'bout?" I stood up slowly, handing the book over to Celestia, she noticed that i had the hood on still, and my eyes started to turn red. "John, please calm down, she didn't know..." I looked the direction Applejack was sitting, with a slight grin, Brian must have stood up to restrain me if necessary, i heard his armor clanking. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I've seen him fight many times, i knew he usually had that position when he was about to lunge at the enemy, i stood up and put the helmet on. "John, calm the hell down, she didn't know!" He looked over his shoulder at me, shadows started to surround him, a black shadowy figure with red eyes... Just like in one of my nightmares... "Girls! Get away from Applajack..." They started backing off, John chuckled. "She didn't know who he is? Why don't we send her after him and let her see?!" With that, he lunged at her, holding her in the air against a wall by her throat. "JOHN FOR FUCK SAKE LET HER GO!" I unsheathed my sword, he immediately let go of her and looked at me. "Oh really? Drawing your blade against you own brother? Are you sure you want to fight with me?" He had a good point, i would've stood no chance... "John, it's the final warning, calm down or i'll call the guards" He chuckled once again. "Heheh, good... Do it, it's been a while since i spilled some fresh blood..." Celestia sighed, as her aura started surrounding him, but the five shadow assassin figures were already closing in around us. "Have you changed your mind yet?" I sheathed my sword, and stood into between him and Celestia, her aura disappeared from around him, so did his figures. "At least you had come to your mind, brother..." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "John, i will not fight you... Go ahead and kill her, but you have to pass through me first!" Luna smiled, i laughed and fell back to the ground, back in my normal form, i started walking towards him, clapping. On the way Dash suddenly lunged at me, taking me to the ground. "Don't you dare hurt po..." *Splat* *Thump* I turned around, the mares were terrified, the princesses upset, Brian on his way to dismember me. "John! You went way too far this time, i'll end your for this!" As his blade was about to hit my i punched it away with the back of the hidden blade on my left hand, grabbed his left arm with my one, and slit his throat with the right one. *Hack* *Cough* *Thump* I unsheathed my sword and proceeded to walk towards the remaining mares, Celestia tried to block my way. "Tia, let him go... trust him he knows what he does" Finally Luna said something in the meantime. "Why... Why are you doing this John?" I smiled. "Remembe? I have a feeling... A feeling of uninvited guests" Her eyes shot open and gasped, lettimg me to the ground once again. "John, please wait! We mean no harm!" I lowered my blade. "What do you want, changeling?" They turned into assassin's in training robes, they looked like novices. "John, they are on our side, back then Altair and i managed to gather enough changeling rebels against Chrysalis to form them a secret colony, they used to transfrom into humans and their horns were to be removed, forcing them to stay as humans for the rest of their lives, then they were trained into full pledged assassins" "Wait, wat about the other two i just killed?" "Don't mind them, they were only my illusions" Suddenly i heard the door open, it was Brian and the real mares. "Brian, did i ever tell you how much i hate your ass?" He shook his head with a grin. "Come on John, nobody's perfect" "Yes, in fact, i told all of them i was going to say now, Brian, John, please come here, and kneel down in front of us" We did as they asked. "John, may i borrow your blade?" I grinned. "Which one, my lady?" "The longest of them all" She replied with a grin. "As you wish your highness" I gave her the blade, she surrounded it with her magic. "You know, it is true the Solar Empire and the Lunar Republic used to be on full out war... But Altair came to a conclusion, so we united our forces for a greater good, the Dark Shield Assassins and the Solar Knights were no more, intead there was an elite, undefeatable, best of the best full human armed force" "What was it called?" Brian threw in. "The two sides were still their own of course, the Empire and the Republic, yet they each contributed their fighters into the united forces, that was called Eternal Union, made of my most faithful and honorable knights, and Luna's most honorable and good hearted assassins" "What are you trying to tell us, your majesty?" "Hereby now, we, Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadence are the most honored appoint you, Warrant Officer John Miller and the Mentor of the assassin brotherhood of the Dark Blade Assassins of Equestria, and the Crystal Empire" They each hit my shoulders slowly with the sword. "Rise, Mentor John Miller" I stood up. "An honor to serve your highnesses" I looked at the novices, they saluted me with their hands at their sides and over their hearts. "Allways an honor to see you mentor!" The alicorns turned their attention back to Brian. "Brian, we are just as honored as you are to appoint you as the supreme commander of the Bright Shield Protectors of Equestria and Crystal Empire!" Celestia let out a loud and sharp whistle, five human knights wearing the same armor as Brian entered the room, they walked next to my assassins and they lined up. "Long Live the Eternal Union and the True Rulers of Equestria and the Crystal Empire!" The knights took their helmets off, none of the assassins or knight looked either like eachother or us, but there was something we needed to do first. The novices and squires lined up. The assassins in front of me, the knights in front of Brian. We removed their horns, leaving no trace of ever having them, the only ones who knew the truth about their species was us, no, they were from then on humans, not just costumes or illusions. "Commander, Mentor, knights and assassins, may we have your attention for a minute longer" We all turned our attention at them, hand over heart, kneeling. "Commander, Mentor, your apprentices will follow you through your days, even if you might not know about it, they will not miss a chance to do their duty or learn from you" "Yes your majesty" We replied, then they adressed our novices. "Squires, Recruits, you have our trust and faith, don't lose it, when in doubt always consult your superiors, when you are not with your superiors you are to fly back here to the castle, where you will each have your individual quarters. If you follow in your predecessor's footsteps, one day, you, like they now will be trusted with training the future generations of the protectors of the innocent, one day you all will be remembered as true heroes, martyrs, and legends, one day you will earn the title of Commander, General, or Master Assassin, and Mentor" We all lined up once again, the royals said out loud a phrase we were meant to use, they each said a part of it, first came Celestia. "May the sun grant you great procetion, in the time of need" "May the moon grant you strenght, to protect those who need the most and overpower your enemies" Luna added her part, followed my Cadence. "And may your heart lead you through hard times, may your heart be strong in times you need it, may your hearts greant you courage, to defend the innocent, or to end the torments of the innocent who can not be saved, may your heart lead you to glory, honor and victory" At the end, we were all blinded by lights, when they were gone we found our most pleasant surprises so far. "One last thing..." We looked up, the alicorns disappeared, in their places was a white skin, colorful hair knightress Celestia in white set of armor, and a dark blue robed hoodless female assassin, Luna. Behind them, way Cadence as the princess she was, a human in a beautiul dress, even Rarity admired her attire. "Let the training begin!" Luna exclaimed, we grinned and swapped glances with Brian. "What do you saw brother? Time to put our skills to the benifit of all?" I held out a hand, he grabbed it and patted me on the back. "As ready as you are..." End of Chapter Eleven Chapter 12: AftermathSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 13: Celebration, Grief, Birth, End...Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 1: Farewells.Chapter 1: Missing In Action Chapter One: Missing In Action Living in Equestria? Definetly not the place i had expected to live the rest of my life. Oh,well let me tell you the story how i got here, and who i am... so let's start, shall we? I don't even know when exactly it all started... We were sent to some barely populated town after many reports of an explosion like sound, 12 of us were sent to investigate. When we arrived we immediately started asking around the locals... at least the ones we found. When we were preparig to leave an older woman, about her 80's ran up to me and patted me on my back to get my attention. "Hey, young man, did you check that dead end road?" Said the old lady pointing behind me. "There is supposed to be a kid about your age living there, alone maybe he can help you!" Back then i was only about...what? Maybe 24 or 26 years old. "Thank you ma'am, i'll go look around" I replied. "Wait! Which house is he supposed to be living in?" I asked in my confusion. "It should be the last one to the right... i think...or was it the one one the..." She anwsered while not sure about the anwser. I guess that was enough, considering she was around her 80's afterall and her memory was going. "Thank you again ma'am, be safe!" I tried to pull a smile at her, but i just somehow couldn't. After searching all the houses on that road, alone, since the others were too lazy, i got to that door and knocked. "Excuse me, is anybody home?!" I shouted, then the same old lady came up to me. "I'm glad i found you young man, i think i saw the kid i told you about heading towards the forest!" She pointed to the forest near the landing zone. "All right lady, that's enough for us to know, please now go and stay home" Said an all too familiar voice, it was Staff Sergeant Barns. "Now, you heard the woman, pick up your rifle, load your pistol and take Mike and Bob with you." He told me in almost a shout like fashion. "SIR, YES, SIR!" I forgot he's not the drill instructor, and i just wanted to yell back at him. "Very well, move it Corporal, understood?" "Yes sir!" Still felt like yelling at him, it was a good enough excuse. "One more thing..." "Yes sir?" "You have a lot of potential" "Thank you, sir!" Didn't feel like yelling anymore and began to look for Private Mike Smith and Private First Class Bob Cooper. *5 minutes later* "Bob, Mike, get your equipment ready and move it, we have a target to find!" "Sir yes sir!" They responded in unison. As we reached the edge of the forest it started to rain, the trees blocked the light coming from above as well. At least our tactic lights were working... At least mine, im the only one who had one. These guys should think more about the details... "Hey, Bob! Do you see that white thing on that tree over there?" Mike asked. "If any of you would happen to see a tall figure with no face, just ignore it. At this pont it would be just too late..." I said out loud with a chuckle. I mean, come on, what? Is the *Slenderman** going to be around here ?* "Heh, nice one Corporal" Bob laughed. "This place is getting darker and da..." Then, Mike suddenly went silent. Bob and I turned around to see what happened. When we saw Mike sitting on the ground, we almost laughed. But soon we noticed why he was on the ground. The poor bastard stepped into a bear trap. "What the hell is that thing doing here?!" Bob wondered, i sighed. "Bob, stand back. Mike, hang on it's going to be loud" I reached out to Bob. "Give me that thing for a sec" "Are you sure this will work sir?" "Any brighter ideas?" Bob shook his head in response. "Thought so..." I prepared to shoot the chain of the trap off with Bob's shotgun. "Ready guys?" I asked them, not wanting to have metal shards flying onto ther faces. "Yes sir!" The chain blew into seweral pieces, and we yanked his leg out of the trap. "Bob, go help him get a medic, i'll go on looking for the target. If i don't return in 2 hours, leave without me" "Without you? Are you sure sir?" "This is an order, now move it soldier before he bleeds out" "Best of luck sir, and thank you" Said Mike while saluting me. I saluted back and replied. "You need it better" After 10 minutes of walking i came to a clearing with a huge tree. I saw a figure under it, just sitting there. Was he asleep? Was he dead? I got my pistol ready just in case and slowly crept towards the figure. I was about to ask him who he was when suddenly a loud *BOOMM* shook the ground. For first i thought it was just lightning, but then suddenly... everything went blurry. What the fuc... I looked back at the tree, the figure was gone. "What? Where did he go?" Then, a mysterious and distorted voice said behind me. "You... Will... Never... Return" I turned around to see nobody behind me, when i turned back and went towards the tree suddenly i heard a loud crack. *BAM* I collapsed as everything went black. *Hours later* I have no idea how long i've been out for, but i bet they already left, so there's just one thing left to do. I thought of going back to that house, maybe he'll be there this time. But as i got out of the forest i noticed it was about noon, we came in searching at about 10 p.m... Was i out for half a day? or a day AND a half? I was confused... After 10 minutes of walking i suddenly had a terrible pain in my head and heart, then i heard a screeching noise, it was literally like the sound people use in horror games for jumpscares or screamers... "No, i can't die just yet!" I fell to my knees, yelling and then everything went black, yet again. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Strange, we got back about an hour and a half ago, 30 minutes left, i hope the corporal is fine. Mike wobbled his way out of the medical tent and stood next to me. "You think he's fine? Shouldn't we go or send reinforcements looking for him?" "You know what he said, don't you? Besides, he can take care of himself" I was hoping he would make it. "Yes, but, he saved me. The least thing i can do is worry about him, i know he is a corporal afterall but, still..." "Anyways, how is your leg?" I was worried for him as well. "No infection, a shattered bone" " Uhhhmmmm.... Mike, i think i saw something move in those bushes" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I woke up again, this time i was sure they must have left me behind, like i told them. But when i opened my eyes i saw 2 familiar faces, it was Bob and Mike. "Sir, are you all right?" They asked at the same time, i just gave them a thumbs up. "How long was i gone?" "You have been deemed M.I.A for a week, but by command of Staff Sergeant Barns a team was sent for you, it took them 3 days to find you sir" Said a medic who just walked in. "3 days!?!? How did that happen?" "Bob and Mike found you in a bush, in a small pool of blood and an open wound on your head, you are lucky they found you sir, it could've got infected badly under all that time" "Bob, Mike, i will make sure you both get a promotion" Then, i closed my eyes. "Everything okay sir?" Asked the medic. "I'm fine... but i'm tired as all hell" "Truth be told, you could use some sleep anyways sir" They all left my tent, and i fell asleep. While i was sleeping, i dreamed with my parents. "It wasn't your time yet son, we are happy that you still remember the promise you made to us." "Oh, you mean the one about..." I was cut short by my father. "Yes son, that one, the one to find your brother" I saluted to him. "Yes, dad" "Calm it son, im not your superior officer" "Yes, si... Okay dad" Then, my mother spoke. "Well son, it's time for us to go... Yet again..." I knew what she meant, i gave mom a hug and shook hands with dad. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "What's the situation? Will he make it?" "He had a bad stroke, he's unconscious at the moment, but he should make it" Another medic ran up, saluting to me, the other medic was on a break. "Hello Staff Sergeant Barns" "Always good to see you know what you do doc" Then one of them exclaimed. "Hurry, he's giving high blood perssure and stopped breathing, get over here and help me! " The medic nodded, and ran off towards the corporal's bed. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I woke up, bolting up from the stretcher, grasping for air, covered in sweat and flailing my arms around. "What happened sir? You just stopped breathing, followed by a stroke, close call sir " I looked to my left, i had not 3 but 5 srynges in my arm. "Since when did i become a drug addict?" I asked the medic's looking at the with a grin. "Wait, we didnt put those there... by the looks they had adrenaline in them, that must be what saved you sir, looks like your heart started failing as well." We both looked at each other. "Who could it have been then?" When i got up, i thanked the medics and got my equipment back and ready, but when i left the tent i was surprised to see we were still at the landing zone. "Was i in THAT bad condition? It was too risky to transport?" I asked myself and then it hit me, it was dad and mom who saved me. I looked at the sky. "Thanks" Then i reached into my pocket for a picture of my parents, my brother, and me. "Hang on brother, in coming to see you, no matter what" I said out quietly when nobody was in earshot. But when i tried to put it back i noticed something else in that pocket. Probably a spare clip. Much to mysurprise it was a feather, a thick , strong cyan feather. "How the heck did this get in there?" I just put both of them back into the pocket, still smiling at my parents. Then, i remembered that door, there was something about that house, i just had to go back and check again. I nearly forgot to report for duty to Barns. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I think it's time to see how the medics did on the corporal, he should be fine by now. If there's something that would kill him, it's not a heart attack or a stroke... i know him better than that. Then i walked over to the supply crate and took out a small box, i opened it and nodded. "I think it's time" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** When i was going to see the Sergeant i saw him walking towards me, apparently he was just looking for me. "Reporting for duty si..." He slapped my hand out of the saluting position to make me stop and pay attention. "Glad to see you are all right, Sergeant" Wait, i'm just a corporal... "Sergeant? I'm not a sergeant sir" "From now on, yes, you are. Congratilations, soldier" We both saluted. "Sir, if i may..." "What is it, sergeant?" "I propose a promotion for Private Mike Smith and Private First Class Bob Cooper, sir" "Well, you see... i was just about to do so, care to accompany me?" "Yes sir" Great minds think alike... i guess. "Before we tell them the good news, however i'll need you to come with me. It's time to change the tag on your uniform, and to pick up your new equipment" He said. "Yes sir" As soon as we got to the supplies he asked me to give him my colt and handed me back a D.Eagle and 3 magazines for it, with the company of a Benelli M4 shotgun. I was happy enough from the promotion, but now i get new weapons too? It was too good to be true, the fact that i was a gun nut just added onto it. It was time to reward Bob and Mike, their faces beamed of happiness, Mike even forgot that he needed crutches and saluted without them. Things got a bit wierd lately, tomorrow i'll go and check that house again, i hope i'll find soomething worth the time. *The following morning* "Rise and shine, Mr. Miller, Rise and, shine..." Said a shadowy figure. "Who the hell are you?!" I pointed a pistol at him, i shouldn't be pointing a firearm at an unaremed civillian but... basic reactions and all that. "Listen closely... When you see your brother, tell him these words..." "What are you talking about?" "Preapare... for unforeseen...consequences..." Then, as the figure appeared, so did it disappear. I got up, got equipped, loaded up on ammo, the usual morning routine. When i was about to leave the camp suddenly i heard a groan... i looked around and realized it was my stomach. Hah, i guess i didn't eat anything for those 4 days i guess... I went over to the mess hall, thinking there should be some rations left behind, much to my surprise when i walked in i saw a figure walking around inside. *Pans hitting each other* "Oops, that's not it" *The figure bumps his head into the wall* "Shit" I turned my flashlight on and pulled my pistol out. Who the hell is that? It could be a hobo or a newbie... I shined my flashlight at the figure. "Identify yourself! Name and Rank! now!" I yelled, not too loud, wouldn't wake the whole camp. "Yyes si...ssir, Private Ryan reporting for duty sir..." "Ryan...Ryan, Ryannn... uuugh i can't recall you being on the chopper on the way here" "Yes sir, you are right, i arrived 10 minutes ago, i was sent to replace Private First Class Mike Smith, he is to be realocated back to base due to his injuries, sir" "Well, since we are here, let's find some breakfast, shall we?" "Of course sir" We sat down, ate some soup while we traded stories about our past, and a few stories back from the boot camp. "Hey, Ryan i just realized something, wanna hear it?" "Yes sir" "Don't you find this situation funny?" "What do you mean sir?" "Well, i am Sergeant John Miller and you are Private Ryan... Does it ring a bell?" "I think it does sir" He replied. "That's one of my favourite movies" I exclaimed. "Yeah, Saving Private Ryan is a good movie sir" When we were done eating we stood up, i gave him a tour around the camp. At the end i offered my hand for a shake. "Good to see there's still hope in our generation" There was about 3 years between the two of us. "It's an honor serving along you sir" He shook my hand. "Hang on, what's this on your hand?" I saw some sort of wierd triangle tatooed onto the back of his hand with a half circle on the bottom. I just smiled, and awkwardly looked into his eyes. "Laa shay'a waqi'un mutlaq bale kul'un mumkin" He had no idea what i sad... either did i. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The sergeant patted me on the back, then went off to his tent. How did he know? He said the whole thing correctly... On the first try too... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I left to get some more rest but woke up again at about 10 am. "That was a good one" I got out of bed, then realized that i just fell in face first into the bed last night, i slept as i fell in. Is the bulletproof vest really that comfortable? We were there for a week now. I went back and checked on that house "I swear if they don't anwser i'll just break the fucking door down" I said out quietly. I got to the door, and knocked, immediately putting my ear next to the door and heard: "I'm comiing, give me a sec" A man with black hair and brown eyes opened the door. "Yess? Can i help you sir?" "Yess, i'm afraid you can. May i come in for a minute?" "Sure but, eehm could you please put your gun on the table there?" "I think that would go against my orders, but if you keep a secret i guess i can do that" I put the shotgun onto the table in his living room, in front of the TV. On my way there one of the floor boards must have caught my boots, and i fell to the ground while i was unloading the shells back into my ammo bag. "Son of a..." "Heh, that one gets me all the time too" He grinned. "So, i have a few things to ask sir, if that's allright" I looked at him as he offered me a bottle of beer, then looked me in the eye. "I'm sure this is a secret" He said to me with a warm smile, i was wondering why he was so friendly. "Could be, thanks" We said cheers and drank it down, but at the last sip, i noticed there was a feather on the TV. It was big and thick, with a cyan color, like the one i have in my pocket. I almost choked on the beer, then i turned to him. "So, where is that pretty feather from sir?" "It's fromm... my daughter" "Daughter?" "Yes, we got... separated for a while recently" "Oh, what happened?" "She's... away...at her friends"I knew that he was lying, i passed interrogation training a while ago as head of class, but i decided i won't question him, since his daughter is the topic. "Wait a second " I said, reaching into my pocket for the feather. Just as i showed him the feather i found he picked up the shotgun from the table and pointed it at me. "What... have you done... to her?" He asked agressively. "What are you talking about? "My Das... daughter! What did you do to her?!" Now he was pressing the barrel into my face. "First of all, what does she look like?" "You should know by now. Where is she!?" "I don't know" "I won't ask again" "Sir, take that out of my face or else i'll be forced to respond agressively" I warned him. "By all means, try..." He pulled the trigger, apparently he forgot that i unloaded it in front of his eyes. I pulled my pistol out and loaded a full magazine into it so he knew i'm not bluffing. He threw the gun away and holded his hands up. "Now it's my time to ask..." He nodded. "Have you been to the forest recently?" He nodded. "Have you sat under a tree during a thunder storm?" He nodded. "You know i should just pull the trigger right now, right?" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I didn't know what came over me, but now i had a military offical pointing a gun into my face. "Where did you get that feather?" "I was in the forest, something hit me in the head and i fell unconscius, when i woke up at the medic's tent i had it in my pocket" Did she help him get back? Is she still on earth? Why? How? "I came here with my squad to investigate a sound that was like an explosion" No way, is he talking about the... rainboom? "I think you know why i'm not pulling the trigger, exept for the fact i don't want to" I looked into the barrel, then all the memories i had with her came through my mind, i felt tears making their way down my face. "Sorry, i just... remembered her" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "It's all right, i have no more questions, thanks for your...hospitality..." I bent down to pick up the shotgun he trew on the ground, the picture of my parents my brother and me fell out onto the ground. "Here's your photo, they look just like my parents used to..." "Used to?" I asked. "They died in a car accident" "Also did mine" "It was on 1995.05.24..." "Same here?" What a coincidence... "What about your, brother?" "I never knew him" "Do you miss him?" "Eeeeyyuppp" "Do you miss your daughter?" He nodded. "When is she supposed to be back?" "2 hours ago..." He lied again... I know he did. "Shouldn't we go and... look for her?" The man shook his head violently. "How old is she?" " She's... 16 " "Then we must go and find her!" "Look, sir. I appreciate the offer but..." I cut him off mid sentence. "This isn't an offer, but my duty sir" He nodded. "Something particular about her?" "She has... rainbow colored hair..." One of those punks, eh? "I think the two of us should be enough, my squad wouldn't care much, no offense" "Indeed" I loaded the shotgun back and asked him to follow. "Let's go, we need to find her" I was actually worried for his daughter. "Sure..." End of Chapther One
Chapter 2: ReconnaissanceChapter 2: No Return Chapter Two: No Return. Shit, i hope we won't find *Dashie*, if this guy would see her, i'm sure he would inform his squad and take her away to a lab and... "By the way sir, what's your name?" He asked all of the sudden. "Brian... Brian Miller" "I'm Sergeant John Miller... another coincidence?" He asked, he was right tho, first the feather, now our names maching, something's on here... "Sir, uhhm there's something you must know... but you have to promise not to tell anybody in your squad" "Sir, i'm afraid i shouldn't be promising this, but i still have my honor. You can tell me if you want to, i would rather die than break a promise" I didn't quite belive him, but he was the one with guns... But, i can't risk it, he might scare her and then she'd just go farther. I really have no chance to kill him, either did i have any desire to. Things were rushing through my mind. "How do i get rid of him?!" Then, the anwser hit me... well, i should hit him with it... a tree branch But, what about his helmet? "Sorry, did you say something? " He asked, damn. Did he hear me? "Uhm... i was just wondering how heavy your helmet could be" I had to try it, there was no other way to scrape him off. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Well, what harm could it do, i think i'll let him try it on. "Here try it on, it shuouldn't be that hea..." Then, i heard a loud crack, that bastard hit me in the back of the head with a branch. Now you'll get it... When i woke up, i was in the same clearing i passed out last time. Was it just a dream? This time, i saw the same figure. He's still here? Oh, he'll get it this time... I reached for my pistol but i couldn't find it.Shit, did he take it? I'll get a lot of crap if i don't get it back A.S.A.P. My vision was still blurry, in fact i was literally blind for 15 minutes after i woke up again. Under that 15 minutes i overheard a conversation. "Dad... do you still love me?" Shit! It's the dude and his daughter, if only i'd see where they are... "Of Course i do, there's nothing, not even a small fight such as ours that could change that!" Yep, it must be them, then i heard a loud *Crack* and woke up. "Did i just dream of dreaming? Dreamception?" I went over to where i last saw the figure sitting, maybe he left something i can use to find him, his ID, etc. When i sat down to check my head i found a shard of wood actually stick out of my neck. Did he stab me with the damn thing? At least there's no dried blood or an open wound. "No Infections this time, Doc" I chuckled, but then, i saw a shadow in front of me on the ground. It must be just a bird or a cloud When i looked up i saw something... yellow with wings flying over above me, yelling out something, i couldn't make it out. Seconds after i noticed the creature and i hid in a bush. Who knows what it could do. "Raaiinn boowww where are yoouuu?!" "Come on out, sugarcube. We are here to bring you home" I found my pistol where i had left it last time. I heard hoofsteps getting closer, with them so did the shouting grow louder. "Do you think we should check Zecora's hut? Maybe she saw her" "She doesn't remember a thing, i don't think she know where Zecora lives" They argued a while, then they went off to the direction they came from. Phew, that was close, i wouldn't have wanted to harm civillians... not again... I peeked out of the bush i was hiding in and what i saw made my jaw drop. What the fu... What is going on? Who is this Rainbow? Who is this *Zecora*? Where the hell am i? What's wrong with all these names?!?! My mind was racing to figure out the anwsers... but i coudn't. I climbed out of the bush, and dusted myself off, i had my equipment intact, no damage no missing ammo. I thought about what my parents said: "Find your brother... for him... for you... for us..." I took out the photo and with it, the feather fell out as well. As i picked them up i noticed now it was dark grey cyan. "Wierd..." I put the feather back and looked at the photo. "Mom... Dad... tell me at least YOU know where i am..." What happened next was a surprise. "He is in this dimension... you must find him... he'll explain everything" It took me some time to realize what had just happened. "Thanks folks" "But, don't be surprised, for the creatures living here, none of them are humans" They said in unison. "All right, i'll try not to freak out about what i'll find out" After an entire day of walking, i noticed my boots were falling apart. "What the hell? I just got them 3 days ago" After five more minutes, i came to a lake, my canteen was empty and i was thirsty... 1 day of walking with no end afterall did take it's price... I refilled my canteen, drank up, and leaned back with my arms behind my head, trying to get some sleep in a bush. *Hours later* I woke up to a sharp whistle, i peeked out of the bush and saw the same figure kneeling on the ground, talking to a buch of... Wait, what? Do i see this right? Ponies? Is that guy really talking to a bunch of horses? Then, about two Pegasus guards came down from the sky behind the figure, with spears in hoof. Shit, if they get closer to him i'll have to act. I took a closer look trying to read from lips with the scope on my rifle... i saw tears in all of their eyes. What happened? I tried to put together what the hell was going on. After the figure stood up, he just faded untill he disappeared. Was he dead? After his disappearance, they turned around and started walking. They must be going home, i decided to track them down. I just simply got out of the bush, and slowly walked behind them, in hearing range i heard their conversation. "What do you think, princess? Do you really think it was the right thing to do?" "He needed to go back, Equestria has no room for Humans, this world isn't made to house them" "Are you going back to Canterlot now?" The biggest of them all, a white Alicorn, apparently named Celestia nodded at the smaller purple Unicorn. "I'll see you there then, bye princess" They each went separate ways. Shit, which one should i follow? I had to think fast. Then i noticed that one of them had rainbow colored mane and cyan coat, with cyan wings. She fit the description i got abot that dude's daughter. Maybe she got to our world the way we got here now, maybe he took care of her? Somehow this was the most logical anwser i could think of. I decided to follow this so called Rainbow Dash since she fit the description of that man's daughter. After a short while she spread her wings and flew upwards. "Crap, i forgot about that... now what?" I was stuck in the dark, at night, in a forest. I set up a small camp, a tent and fell asleep, hoping i would wake up before they find me instead. The following morning i cleared the traces i left behind. I did expect some sort of establishment for these beings to live in, but an entire town? They don't have fingers, how did they build it? I was shocked at the sight. I was afraid how the locals would react to me just walking around the roads... Then again, i need to talk to their leader, this so called Celestia... she must be in that castle. My plan was done, i assumed this so called Canterlot would be the capital. It was early in the morning, i saw a small but cozy looking house, i walked up to the front door and saw a sign saying: Sugarcube Corner Sorry, we are closed, please come back later! Under those two lines there was a smily face... when i saw it, it made me grin. I knocked on the door anyways and i heard a loud. "I'm coming, hold on a sec..." Said an excited voice. The door swung open and a barrage of confetti flew out, with the door almost hitting me in the face. It would have if i didn't have fast enough reflexes. "Hi, welcome to Sugarcube Corner! I haven't seen anyone around looking like you, are you new here?" She asked me so quickly i could barely make out the words. "Yeah, hi uhhmm i am new here an..." I was cut short by the pink mare. "Wait a second, i think yesterday i saw someone who looked like you do... well... sort of... what exactly are you? No offense" "I'm a Human" "Human, human uhhm yeah, the person i saw yesterday was also a human! Do you know him?" "Uhm, yes, but, can i come in? I don't want to scare other ponies with being here" "Ah, sure, come in!" "Thanks, yes i think i know him" "Is he your friend? Do you have friends around here? OOh, uh... Do you want to be my friend?" She asked manacingly. "Sure" "OOH, i know, i'll make you a welcome to Ponyville party later today!" "Uhm, maybe later friend... so far you are the only one who knows about me being here" " Oh, it's a secret? I Love secrets! Telling secrets to friends is the best way to test them!" "Yes, it is a secret. Now, who's the best around to tell a secret?!" I asked with a fake smile, the anwser was just what i expected. "Mee! ME, It's totally me!" By the time she finished she was bouncing around on the floor on her ass. "Do you promise you won't tell?" "Yeppers, i pinkie promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" "Me and the other human you saw came from the same world" "Oh, so you are from that other place too? It's soooo exciting!" "I know, right?" I asked with another fake smile, she started to be a bit annyong but... she was just too friendly to be rude with. "Wait, let me get something! I promise you'll like it!" She bolted upstairs and back, i literally saw the pink trail she left behind. Great, now i'm in a cartoon as well... "Do you know why i look different that the other man you saw?" The pink mare sat still shaking her head in response. "According to the sign on the enterance, i think this is a bakery, correct?" I asked her. "No, i don't know, and yes it is! Is it the secret?" "Well, not yet..." Her hair deflated in response, her ever-cheerfull smile turned into a frown. I actually felt pain in my heart for some reason... but, im supposed to be a heartless killer, to pull the trigger when i'm told to... am i not? In fact, right there my heart hurt more than when my parents died. I opened my mouth once again to speak... but i couldn't do as much as scream in pain, the pain grew soo big i literally fell off the chair my new pink friend offered me to sit on, curled up on the floor, grasping for my heart... before i blacked out i saw her panic and run around, not knowing what to do. Why was she worried about me? Just a stranger from another world she met 30 minutes ago... "Sorry... the secret has to wait... I'll see you later, my friend" I managed to spit out through clenched teeth before i lost consciousness. While i was... unconscious, i saw my parents, once again... Why do i see them this often recently? Am i going to die soon or something? "John, you are going the right way... the man you saw is your brother... he may not belive or remember you... we managed to give you another photo ... it has both of you on it, tho a bit older picture. If you show him that, he should belive you" They said in unison. I simply nodded. "Thanks again..." When i woke up, i was in my underwear in a hospital, hooked up to many medical equipments. "Ah, i see you're awake, we nearly gave up hope on you" Said a Unicorn with a lab coat. "Well... i feel like a sack of shit, if not two..." "Yes, that's no surprise... it took us about.. 2 days straight... a lot of supplies... but at last, you are alive." Said a nurse. "So i've been out for 2 days?" The doctor and nurse swapped glances, then the doctor nodded. "Well sir, you see... you were in a coma for 6 months" "6 MONTHS!? I was lying here dead for half a year!?!" I asked furiously. "Yes, we did everything we could, we even had to perform blood transfer on you" "Blood transfer? Who was the donor?" "Well... it was a yellow pega..." He was cut short by a loud and long beep, the sound of a heart flatlining... i havent heard it since that day. The doctor and nurse quickly apologized and ran towards the sound. Wait... where did my equipment go? I closed my eyes thinking about who the blood donor... or... donors could've been. "Hey, you're finally awake! I was so very very very worried about you!" Said an all too familiar and cheerfull voice. My eyes shot open and it was the pink pony, yet again... Was she worried about me all along under those 6 months? "Now YOU promise us not to do that ever again! You scared us! We were very very very very worried about you!" "We? What do you mean?" "Well, you didn't make me promise not to tell anypony else about you being here, and i needed help getting you here, you were very heavy with your clothes, what were you carrying?" At this point i was sure it was her, no doubts... "Hey, i told you i'll see you later, haven't i?" Then, out of nowhere came anoter voice. "What's up Pinkie? Is your friend all right?" "Oh, hello Twilight. Yes, he woke up a while ago!" Pinkie replied. "Glad to hear it, but remember what Princess Celestia said, we still have to be a bit carefull with him!" "But... Brian is a human, and his also a human, and..." She was cut short by a hoof to her mouth. Then, a purple unicorn with a light pink and a darker purple stripe in her mane came through the door. "I'm glad you're all right sir, we were worried about you" The doctor came in gently pushing the girls aside, he was in a bad mood, his labcoat was covered in blood. "Did he make it, doc?" The doctor shook his head. Then, something came over me and for some reason the following words left my mouth: Requiescat In Pace... The doctor, and the two mares in the doorway suddenly gave me a schocked stare. "Sorry, i... don't know what that was" I hope i didn't just say some... i don't know... unholy oath, or a curse or anything like that, the last thing i need is everypony suddenly becoming hostile to me... "It'sss... allrgiht, i guess.. i should introduce myself. My name is Twiligh Sparkle, my friend here is Pinkie Pie... but we just call her Pinkie..." "Well, i won't intrude on your conversation, sir, if you want to you can leave the hospital, your call sir." Said the doctor. "Thanks, doc" I nodded. "Great news! We have a surprise planned for you!" Twilight exclaimed. "Yeppers, we'll introduce you to our friends, it will be fun!" "Great, let's go" I hoped my things were part of it... who knows what would happen is some... bad behaving pony got my weapons Pinkie pulled out a small box from behind her and handed it to me. "Here, you should wear these untill we get you some better clothes from Rarity" I took the box, opening it is... what? No... No way. "Wow, these look amazing just by their look, would you two leave me some privacy so i can try them on?" "Sure thing! Come on Pinkie, let's go" A purple aura surrounded the door and closed it gently. I put on the white fabric hoodie, shirt, vest, pants, some leather like boots, and some sort of belt. "Okay girls, you can come in now" I shouted through the door. The door swung open, Pinkie was still as excited as ever. Then, i saw a light-blue aura pick up the shards that fell out of the door and put it back together. Then, i heard a third voice, assumingly another mare. "My-my, you look fabolous! I see from the description i recieved about you fits you perfectly!" A white unicorn with blue, whirled mane walked in. "Hmm... there's something off tho... did you put the hood on?" I shook my head. "How can you expect to look great in these enviroments... here , see for yourself!" She summoned a mirror out of nowhere, i tried the hood on. "So, what do you think?" "I...I... cannot put into words...It's amazing...Thank you!" I still coulnd't comprehend that i looked just like... i ever wanted to. "Why, i'm glad you enjoy your new attire, i worked hard on the sewings to attach the hood, and... Do you feel the unnecessary weight around the chest area?" "Well, i can feel it's a bit weighted, more than the boots" "That's even better, i made those boots out of... leather..." She looked a bit sad when she said it. I guess they got leather from other creatures around, monsters or something. "As for that belt, same metarial, and i used some help from a friend of mine to make those plates on your boots both durable, strong and light, there's also a huge steel plate in that vest, light, strong, and durable!" I can't belive how friendly they all are... they saved my life, kept me alive, fed me... i owe my life to them... "I bet Brian will be happy to see you. It must have been hard for him to be the only human in Equestria" Pinkie said, i nodded in agreement, i turned my attention back to the white unicorn. "Let me guess, you are Rarity, correct?" "Oh my, in my excitement i forgot to introduce myself, please forgive my bad manners." "It's okay, i'll introduce myself at this so called surprise you got ready" "You already know about it? It was Pinkie who told you wasn't it?" "I... wouldn't say it was her. Anyways, Let's go!" "But it has to be a surprise! We'll have to blindfold you!" Pinkie informed me. "Uhm, sure Pinkie" The three mares blindfolded me. "Don't worry, we won't let you run into anything, just hold onto my mane, you are on my left side" Twilight informed me, i responded with a nod. After a few minutes of walking and me pulling a bit too hard on her mane from the sudden turns we got to a small house at the edge of town, next to a beach. When we stopped, i expected a pair of hooves, a magical aura or maybe teeth to take my blindfolds off, but then i felt... hands? Was it that Brain they were talking about? Am i finally going to see my brother after all? To be honest, i expected maybe a few more ponies, a cake and some confetti or decoration... When i opened my eyes, i saw two large bodies, it was dark for some reason. I saw a small purple flash from behind me. "What is she doing?" I asked Pinkie. "Princess, now!" Pinkie yelled. A bright light suddenly blinded me, only about 5 meters in front of me, what i saw, was... unbelivable! "What's going on?" The next moment i found myself staring at the moon, up on the bright night sky, it was beautiful. Then, i noticed it started moving faster, and faster, then i saw the sun coming up on the horizon in front of me... As the sun rose, it illuminated the two figures standing in front of me, they had horns... i could've told by the amount of light already, then i noticed their wings... "Wait... a bit more" Said Brian out of nowhere. As the sun rose higher and higher, i could finally make out the bigger one being this so called Princess Celestia... as soon as she stopped raising the sun. It was around... 10 am maybe, when i took a better look i saw a row of guards next to me. "Please, this way sir" "Don't worry, you'll be fine" They said. "Sure" The guards slowly walked towards the figures, i followed as i could. When we stopped, i turned around and saw the three mares bow down. Yep, it must be the pincess... aaand she must be right behind me... When i turned back around the figure was only 1 meter away from me. "Well, seems i have gained another subject, i have a feeling you are a loyal and disciplined one, a very good one at that indeed" Said the bigger royal figure. "The events that occoured while you were unconscious, have left you stuck here, in my kingdom along with Brian. Therefore, i must ask you: Do you agree to never do anything, that isn't the right thing to do?" "Yes ma'am" Instinctively, i saluted. Then realised she's not my superior officer, but the crown itself. Celestia chuckled. "You know, i had a feeling you would do that. There's only one thing i need to ask you, this is important you anwser truly, and honestly. What is your name?" "Yes ma'am, John Miller ma'am!" "It is decided" She said a bit louder than her talking voice, i remained silent. "Welcome to Equestria, Sergeant John Miller! However... i have one, only one condition, of you keeping your rank." "Sure ma'am" "You must prove your talents as a soldier, by serving in the law enforcement. Your starting rank will be the same, in the royal Canterlot army" "Yes ma'am" "Brian, i think this is the perfect time to let both of you know of something very important" I swapped glances with him. "What is it, your highness?" We asked in unison. "Well, i think Sergeant John Miller already knows about it" She looked at me with a smile. "Yes, your highness?" Brian replied. "John, is your older brother" Brian looked at me, the mares behind us, then the princess. "Okay" Okay? Seriously? A magical and royal figure just revealed to him his lost brother... What the hell *Brian?*** Brian turned towards me and we shook hands. "I knew we had something in common, that feather was enough to make sure..." "I had a feeling you'd be here" I replied with a grin. "Now, i think you two should get some sleep, you have the weekend to get used to the enviroment, on monday your basic training will begin, to make sure you didn't get out of shape under that half of the year. It would be a shame to waste such talent wouldn't it? You may go now, if you will" She added. "Uhm.. Excuse me, Princess" " Yes? Sergeant John Miller?" "To begin with, please, call me John, or simply Sergeant. Second, may i ask where is my equipment i was wearing when you found me?" I asked, i was hoping i didn't make any offensive body language. "Sure thing, John and i'm glad you asked, i forgot, we had an empty house in town, and prepared it for you to stay in for now, it will be there in the chest at the foot of your bed. Was that all your desired?" "If i may, one more thing." "Yes?" "It honors me to serve such a wise, compassionate, generous and powerfull leader, i swear on my life i will do the best i can to protect the royal family, and every citizen of Equestria, even if the price may be my life" She smiled with another chuckle. "As it honors you, it honors me, and makes me proud to have gained such a determined, loyal, and honorable subject. I can see that you have a bright future ahead of you" "Thank you ma'am" "You should go now, you'll need the sleep, as for me, i'll be leaving for Canterlot tomorrow morning. Here, take this document, should any guards halt your way, this will allow you enterance to the castle, and to the thore room, but be carefull, my sister still doesn't find you... sympathic" Celestia levitated the document into my one of the bags on the back of my belt. "I see Rarity had overdone her best this time. Good night John" "Good night, Princess" "John, one more thing" "Yes, your majesty?" "Simply call me Celestia, and forget the formalities, yes ma'am and all that. Brian is my friend, and so are you" "Yes ma..." Oops "Okay, Celestia" I nodded. End of Chapter Two
Chapter 3: The new guardianChapter 3: First Weekend Chapter Three: First Weekend "Well, no way back, is there?" "Nope, sorry John. I came here because my daughter offered me a chance." "Oh, is your daughter this so called Rainbow Dash?" "Yes, but, how do you know?" "You know, i saw her when they sent you back to earth before i went into the coma" "I see you've also met Pinkie..." "Yep" "About what happened back in the forest..." "Don't worry, it's okay" I assured him. "But how did you get in here?" "I woke up in a forest nearby after you, well... did your part..." "Ah, ok" "Uhm, Brian?" "Yes?" "I know it's wierd but... can i sleep over at your house tonight?" "Well, there's no more room, you see..." "Don't worry, I've slept on the floor before" He chuckled in response. "Sure, but Dashie doesn't know much about who you are and what you are" "So, she won't get scared or anything?" "Hopefully" After we got to his house, he knocked on the door. "Come on, pops it's your house!" Said somepony, assumingly Dash, and Brian opened the door. "You go first" "Sure..." As i took one step into the house, i found myself lying on the ground. "Welcome home pops!" Said the pegasus with a rainbow mane and cyan coat, cyan fethered wings... yep, it was her. "Ow, Nice to meet you too, Dash" After Dash realized she didn't hit his father, but me instead, she said three words. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Dash bucked me so hard i literally flew out the doorway, i think Brian knew it would happen, since he was still holding the door open. Not like i would've just broke through or anything... "I see you two have met..." "You think?" Brian walked up to me, trying to help me up. "Come on, get up" I took the bucket off my head that fell from a shelf from the impact, then grabbed his hand and got up. "Hah, you look just like me, or, i look just like you, if you prefer. Hey, Dashie[/b! Come and apologize to our visitor!" He yelled into the doorway. "Comiiing..." She yelled, walking out of the doorway, as soon as she saw me standing right next to her father she gave us a confused look, Brian and I swapped glances then gave eachother a high five. "Yoouu... two are related or something?" Her face was still in shock. "Well, in fact. Yes, we are" Brian managed to spit out while laughing. "What now?" She wondered, thinking we were joking. "That's right, Dashie let me introduce you to our new friend, visitor, and my own brother" "Your brother? What? Are you serious?" "Yes Dash, your father is my little brother" I reached a hand around Brian's neck, pulling him in. "John, i think we should explain it better to her" "Only tomorrow tho..." They both nodded. "Well, sorry about, you know..." Said the now blushing pegasus. "Been through worse..." I looked at Brian, mimicing firing a shotgun with a grin. "Indeed you have..." He said in response. "Let's get you a blanket and a pillow okay?" "Thanks for letting me stay guys" They looked at me and said "Anything for family!" in unison. "Good night Dash, Brian" Next morning i woke up a bit earlier than they did, and made a trip for my equipment, gefore i left i made them a little breakfast, i had some rations left for Brian, and for Dash... i guess toast or grass sandwich would do, i was still wearing the clothes Rarity gave me, i love them. When i got to the right adress, there was a guard at the door, well, looked more than just a guard. The stallion had a white coat, and blue mane, wearing a purple armor. "Hello sir, i came here to claim my house" "Ah, you must be the Sergeant who Celestia told me about. I heard the great news from my sister in her letters." "Sister?" "Oh, Twilight i mean" "Oh, so you're her brother?" "Indeed. Name's Shining Armor" "Nice to meet you, uuuhmmm...." "Yes?" He asked. "Uhm... Your rank?" "Oops, i forgot to add that. Captain Shining Armor at your service." "Aaaand, how does saluting go around here?" "The way you feel it more fitting, my sister isn't the easiest to befriend. If she found you safe to consider a friend, then so should i, just call me Armor, and uhm... don't salute to me ever." "Sure, Armor" "Now that you are here, i can go back and report. It was nice meeting you, John" We both saluted and waved bye. I went upstairs, and found the chest Celestia told me about. I opened it and found my equipment in it... at least the boots, pants, shirt, dog tag, helmet, knife, bulletproof vest in it. "How nice of her to at least give me the knife back" "Something missing?" I promptly had another heart attack, coughing up some red-grey-green goop onto the wall, nobody noticed it. "What are you still doing here? Didn't you just leave?" "Oh yes, i forgot tell tell you, part of your equipment will arrive in today's mail. A grey mare with golden mane with... Funny eyes will deliver it" " Uhh, Funny?" "You see... she's a bit... clumsy" "Oh, i see" "She may make a few mistakes, please forgive her" "No problem" "See you around the barracks?" "Sure will!" We sad bye, again, for real this time. I think i should do a little clean up... this place got really dusty. I looked at the clock, it was about 6 am, then heard the doorbell. "I'm coming, hold your hor...ses" Oops... I opened the door, a grey mare, golden mane, and... funny eyes looked back up at me. "Delivery to Sergeant John Miller!" She said with a voice as cheerfull as Pinkie. "That would be me, thank you very much..." She took a box out of her mailbag and threw it into my hands. "Please, sign this paper right here" "Sure" I signed the paper, confirming that i did take the package. "There you go, miss... uuhmmm" She gave me a confused look. "Yyyeeesss?" "Excuse me uhh, what's your name?" "Mail Mare Derpy Hooves at your service!" She said, trying to salute, but at the end she knocked the package out of my hands. Part of my equipment... shit! That must be the pistol! If it falls it will fire, i have to get her safe! "Oops, sorry i didn't mean to kno..." At the point i tackled her to the ground. As the box made impact with the floor a loud "BANG" was heard. "Just like i thoght..." "Excuse me sir?" "Heh, sorry" I was still on top of her Not that way, sicko on the ground, then climbed off. "You all right, Derpy?" "I'm fine sir. I just don't know what went wrong" We both smiled. "Sooo... why are you delivering at 6 am already?" "I was told to deliver it as soon as possible" "Ah, care to come in for a coffee?" "Oh, i would but, i have many to deliver and..." "Don't worry, that can wait, i'll help you with it after the coffee" "Oh, would you really?" "Well, you woke up early to get this to me so... at least i can return a favor" "That's nice of you sir, thank you" "Come on in, take a seat i'll get the coffee right away" She walked in, put her mailbag and hat on the sofa and sat down. "Here's your coffee. Hey, care for some muffins?" When she looked at me i swear i saw her eyes shine. "If that's not too much to ask" I went back and returned with two muffins. "Here's one for now, and one for later" We sat there, and drank our coffees. "Thank you sir, but i have to get back to work" "Sure thing, let's go!" Apparently she forgot i'll help her, we left to help Ms. Hooves with the packages, luckily she was a pegasus so i told her the plan. "Okay Derpy. I take the packages you go with the letters" "Ookie Dookie Chocolate Cookie!" Apparently she was just as random as Pinkie... We went our separate ways, 4 hours later we met at the post office. "How did it go?" "All done. What about the packages?"I gave her the clipboard with the signatures. "Thank you very much sir, you did me a great favor. Wait, let me get you a gift" She went into the office, clocked her shift out, and came back with a small bag in her mouth. "Here, take this, you'll need it around!" Through clenched teeth, and threw it over to me, the bag landed in my hands with a small jingle, apparently i forgot that i had no money at all in the local currency, that's right, i was a bum basically at this point. "Wow, i completely forgot that you have a currency as well... thanks Ms. Hooves!" We said our goodbyes and went on our own ways. When i got home, i inspected my belt a little better. 3 medium bags and even a pouch for money? Oh *Rarity, you just knew the details didn't you?* I picked up the box that now had a hole in the side, and realized. Wait, if the gun fired, and i was in the line of fire to save *Derpy, why did i not get shot?* I was sure the box was touching my back when it fired... Anyways, i'll go and see Rarity, i have a few things to thank her, and maybe she can fashion a pistol holser to my belt as well. I walked over to Brian and Dash's house, carrying a bigger box as a gift for Brian, when got there i knocked on the door. "Coming, hang on..." The door opened, Dash gave me an audible slap. "Next time you leave like that at least leave a note where you went" "Ow, i forgot that part, how was the breakfast I made?" "You? You made it? I thought it was dad" "Yes, it was we. Is Brian home?" "Sure is, why?" "I got him a surprise" "Can i see it?" "When he does, sure" "Come in, don't just stand out there" "Hey Dashie, who was it?" Brian yelled out. "It's John, he want's to see you" She replied, Brian walked out of the bedroom into the kitchen. "Hey brother, how's your day going?" "Not much, i met Derpy earlier, helped her with the deliveries, and met Twilight's brother" "You did what?" "What do you mean?" "Derpy? Really? That feather brain?" "Come on Dashie, just because she's clumsy you don't get to be mean with her." Brian scolded her, , nodded in agreement. "Fine..." "So, what can i help you with, John?" "Hmm? Oh yes, i got a surprise for you in this box here" I handed the box over to Brian, Dash chuckled, Brian raised an eyebrow. "Is this one of your pranks, Dashie?" We both shook our heads. "Go and try them on. I hope the size is about right" Brian opened the cardboard box and took out the cyan feather. "Ha...Ha...Ha... How funny..." Later they told about how they met, only then i realized how ackward this situation was, Dash gave me a confused look. "How did you get that?" "I thought you would know" "Well, what do we have here?" "What is it dad?" Brian looked at me with a smile, then back into the box. "Special clothes" "Clothes? Really? You gave dad some rags?" "You two hold on here, i'll try them on" Brian locked the bedroom door behind him. "So you were the guy in the forest?" "What?" "Before i found dad again i saw somebody who looked exactly like dad, in a forest. He was lying in a pool of blood and was wearing wierd clothes, and a few minutes back i saw others wearing the same clothes. I decided at least i should help him and got him to a bush near them" "So you were the one who saved me, weren't you?" She nodded with a grin, I gave her a thumbs up. "Welcome, yes i know i'm amazing..." She replied. We heard the door open and Brian walked out in my previous equipment, steel capped boots, camoflauge pants and a trenchcoat, black shirt, and even the kevlar helmet. "What do you think?" "You look, great dad" I gave him a thumbs up. "Are you sure we won't get into trouble for this?" "What for? Me giving you some clothes that are a bit better at protecting you?" Brian looked into the mirror. "Dashie, would you take care of the house for a while?" "Sure... why?" "John, come i'll give you a tour around" "Sure, but, do you want to wear that on the way?" "Well, you got used to wearing it all the time as well, it can't be that bad" "Okay, go on ahead, see you at Sugarcube Corner" Brian nodded with a two finger salute what i returned then, he left. "Uhm, Dash?" "Sup?" "I nearly forgot to give this to you" I handed her a pair of black sunglasses, she took it and tried it on. "Thanks! How do i look with it?" "Welcome, about... Maybe 20% cooler" She gave me a smile and a high five. "By the way, can you do me a favor?" I asked. "Sure, what is it?" I took off my plated vest and the bulletproof vest, then handed the bulletproof vest over to her. "What is this?" "It's... another thing to protect him" "Why are you giving him all these protective things?" "Because you and i both want him to be safe, don't we?" She nodded. "Besiedes, he'll know what it's for" "And what's the favor?" "Any paper and qulls with ink nearby?" She bolted into the bedroom and back in no time with a piece of paper and a vial of ink. "No doubt, you deserve your name..." She blushed in response. "What now?" "I need a quill" She sighed, then extended one of her wings towards me. "Do it quick" I plucked one of her feathers as she told me to. "Let's leave him a note" "What kind?" "How about... Take this, wear it with care, and stay safe?" "Yeah, that should do" We made the note and signed it. "Go hide it somewhere, when he comes home give it to him"I put the note into one of the pockets on the vest, not completely so it will stick out and be easier to notice. "Got it!" "Thanks, see you later, Dash" "Later, John" As i was on my way to Sugarcube Corner i noticed a group of about 3 mares and 2 stallions hurrying towards the forest. I stopped one of them and asked what's going on. "Oh, there's a fire in the forest, we are trying to put it out!" "Can i come along?" "Sure can, let's hurry!" While in a hurry i saw the smoke rising above the trees. Suddenly i had an adrenaline rush and when i was at the edge of the forest i noticed i outran the group. Was i really running that fast? I outran 5 horses? I heard a loud "CRACK" noise, a huge tree just fell. I ran into the forest deeper and deeper, when i started to see the light emmited by the flames. What should i do? What should i do? My mind was racing. "Hold on Fluttershy, i'm coming!" A voice yelled. "Just don't know how..." This time a bit quetly, i ran along the edge of the flames hoping to see a body to that voice. Then, "BAM" I ran right into her. "Hey now partener, watch your way would' ya?" "Sorry, what's going on here?" "My friend, Fluttershy is trapped in there. Wouldn't ya mind lending a hand or two?" "When i came there was a group of ponies coming to help, go find them and lead them here, i'll get her out of there" "Are you sure? Will you be fine?" "Trust me, please."The mare nodded. "Good luck partner" And ran off to find the group. "Well, no time to think, i have to force my way through" Here goes nothing... I took a deep breath, and covered my face with one of my arms. While in the flames i felt incredibly hot, more than i should have. "Fluttershy! *Cough* Fluttershy! Where are you!?" After a while of searching, i found a clearing, and saw something lying on the ground. I ran up to it, it had wings, and yellow coat, pink mane. Her left hind leg was caught by branches, she was barely breathing so i kicked the branches out of the way and picked her up and took my vest off along the hoodie and wrapped it around her, i didn't want anything to burn or fall onto her. "Don't worry, i've got you." I ran and ran through the obstacle course of burning logs and falling branches, when i saw the edge of the flames i had another rush, and ran even faster. It's over, i saved her. As i finished the thought i was hit by a falling log, throwing me to the ground. As i fell i heard a quiet scream. Was she awake? I struggled to get out, and managed to carry on. Finally, i was out of the flaming hell. I got a bit farther from the forest in case a tree would come down our way. "Finally *Heavy breathing* out of that *Heavy breathing* hellhole..." I knew that mare would come back with help, so i put Fluttershy down and sat next to her to catch my breath. I lied down, on my back to rest, but ended up either falling asleep or passing out. The next thing i knew, was me lying on my bed, back at home in my boots, pants and shirt. I woke up covered in sweat and most of my body was covered in bandages. I slowly sat up, and put my right hand to my forehead. "Owww, what happened?" I thought i was alone, when my hand got to my forehead i noticed it was also wrapped in bandages. "What happened? You saved Fluttershy! You were amazing!" Dash yelled in response. "Tell me at least she's safe..." "She's all right, she isn't know for her bravery and passed out from the smoke. If you wouldn't have ran into the burning forest she wouldn't have made it." I just smiled. "What are all these bandages?" "You got burned badly... Didn't you feel it?" "Now that you mention... No... I didn't." "What? How? Did you use magic or something?" "No, to be honest i only focused on getting her out of there, even if it would mean me dying instead of her." "Man, now i can see how you can be dad's brother." I gave her a high five. "How long was i out?" "The rest of the day."I slowly turned to get out of bed, as i sat on the bed, we heard a knocking on the door. "Is it Brian?" I asked her quietly, she shook her head in response. "I came alone..." I pulled the pistol the aimed it at the door. "Hey, what are you doing?" She panicked. "Who's there?" I shouted at the door, a while later we got the response. "I have heard of the mess that fire made. I'm here, to lend my aid." "It's Zecora, she's a friend of ours, she want's to help" Dash whispered to me, i lowered the pistol. "Sure." I walked to the door and opened it. "Come on in." Zecora, a zebra walked into the room. "Oh, i see you are badly burned. Tell me, how much did it hurt?" She asked. "It...didn't...at all..." "You were in a bad shape i thought. Please, take a look at the potion i brought." Zecora reached into her saddlebag and threw me a vial of bright green liquid. "What will this do?" "Your wounds are sevire. The brew will help them disappear." "Sure... Why not..." "Come on, she knows what she's doing, drink up!" Dash elboved me, almost making me drop the vial. "Hehe..." She added, i uncapped it and drank it all up. "Anything you're feeling? By now, it should be working." I just stood there with closed eyes, and nodded in agreement. "It is." "I have a potion for the effect to vanish. I can give it to you, if you wish." I nodded, she threw the potion, i drank it. "All better, sorry for wasting your metarials" "Do not worry, for there's more of them back at home, than i can carry." "Sooo... now you'll just stay burned as you are?" Dash asked, i guess i should've thought about it... "I think i have a better idea... No offense, Zecora" "None taken" "What do you have in mind?" "Dash, where's my belt? There's something in it that i'll need." "Gimme a sec, i'll get it." She searched the house franticly, then 10 minutes later she came back. "Hehe, can't find it, sorry." I pointed to the chair behind her. "Have you checked over there?" "Of course i did, why?" "Because it's right there?" Dash facehoofed. "Is this some kind of cruel joke?" She threw the belt over to me and i put it on. I crunched my shoulders and neck, my neck didn't go with out a loud "CRACK" noise. "Ouch..." I guess she didn't expect the noise... "Well, first things first. Where's Brian?" "He's off helping Pinkie with and order." "Say, Zecora... Could you give me a tour around the town?" "In the town, i have no business to do. But a tour i'll gladly give to you." "Have fun you two." Dash commented, we nodded at her and left. "I think i know where we should go first. We need to get something for our thirst." I followed her down a dirt road, untill we saw a long fencing, as soon as we got to the fence gate we heard a voice. "Howdy partner? What brings you here to the old Sweet Apple Acres?" Said an elder mare from a rocking chair. "We are... visiting." I replied. "Oh yes, you must be one of AppleJack's friends" "Yes, is she around?" "She's in the barn, makin some cyder. Hurry on, you might get some." "Thanks, uhhm, Granny" We made our way into the barn, it was the same mare i sent for help back at the forest. "So, you're Applejack, correct?" "Howdy, partner? Glad to see you're all right!" "Good to see you're no worse." "And yes, name's Applejack. Pleasure to make an acquaintance. Can i get you two something? Maybe some cyder?" We nodded in response. "Three fresh squeezed apple cyder comin right up." She rushed out of the barn. "You knew this would happen didn't you?" I asked Zecora, she nodded with a smile, i chuckled and Applejack came back balancing 3 cups of cyder on her back. "Come on, drink up partner." We drank it down, it was better than good. "Thanks Applejack, that won the first place." "Welcome." "Since we're here... need any help around?" "That's nice of 'ya to ask but, no thank' ya. If there'll be anything i'll let'ya know. Besides, you are in no shape for hard labor, no offense." "None taken, thanks." Zecora elboved me in my kidney, straight in my kidney. "Oh yes, one more thing." "Go on partner." "Since i woke up in my bed at home, i assume sooner later you did return with the rest of the helpers." "Damn straight i did." "Is, your friend all right?" "Yes, whatever you wrapped around her, it saved her life. If you didn't sacrifice your clothes she would've died of the smoke." "Is she at home?" "She should be by now, between the three of us, she wanted to get you something to return the favor. Anythin else 'ya need friend?" "No, that's all, thanks." "Well then, if you'd excuse i have to get back to apple squeezing." We nodded. "Have you seen where is Rarity? The way to her home is not a mistery." Zecora asked. "I haven't, but i wanted to go there anyways." We began walking, again, until we got to Carousel Butique. I knocked on the door. "Please, come in!" We entered the shop, i swear even a gasmask wouldn't hold the fumes back. "Ah, John, Zecora, good to see you two." Rarity welcomed us. "Hey Rarity, i wanted to ask you a favor a while ago... I'm afraid i have to ask a bit more than that now." "Oh, don't you even mention it. I've heard of the heroic deeds of you saving Fluttershy from that terrible forest... I bet all the debrits in there were just repulsive!" "Yes, it was but im afraid i ruined the coat and hoodie you made for me. I'm sorry..." "You're what? Dear, you sacrificed your beloved article of clothing to save a life, what are you sorry about? I can make another for you in no time!" "Oh, i see. Can i ask you a favor then?" "Most certainly!" She said with a smile. "I would appreciate if you'd make me another hoodie and vest." Rarity nodded in agreement. "Also, i know i already have 3 bags and a pouch on my belt, but i'll need one more bag onto it." She nodded again. "I'm sorry sweetie but i ran out of the proper metarial i need to make the other bag. But if you can get some more i'll gladly make it." "How much do you need?" "About... a square meter or two." "But you have everything for the rest i asked for?" "Certainly do darling." "Zecora umm, no offense but would you leave us in private for a minute?" I asked, she nodded with a smile, indicating she took no offense. "I need something else..." "Don't hold back." "Could you make a holster for this onto my left side?" I pulled the pistol out of my belt bag and gave it to her, she took the measures and hoofed it back. "Surely can, but in that case i'll need more leather." "Also, could you make a sword sheath next to the pistol holster?" "I'll see if the space around will be enough, and i think the left over metarial will be just enough." "Thanks, how much will it cost?" "Money? Oh my, it's the least i can do for a friend." I gave her a confused look. "Thanks again." "You're quite welcome." "If you would excuse, i would pay Fluttershy a visit." "I'll send your clothes to your house when they are done, see you around John!" "Bye Rarity." I left the store, Zecora was waiting for me. "Now to Fluttershy?" She nodded. I hope she's in better shape. "When she needed your help you didn't deny her. Are you not worried for the rest of your attire?" I gave her a worried look. "What do you mean?" "There was a price that saving her life had needed. You gave up what you wanted and payed it" I guess she's either all rhymes or silence... "I don't care if i get it back in one piece, or see it as a pile of ashes. The only thing that matters to me is that she got to keep her life." She gave me a smile, then we got to a cottage near the forest. "Are we there?" She nodded, i knocked on the door. "Oh my goodness" Fluttershy called out after she noticed my bandages."Oh my goodness! You look terrible! I mean... not that way... but.. .you need help... you got burned badly. I'll get some bandages and change yours... if that's allright with you..." I completely forgot about those details... That explains why everypony was staring at me. "Oh, don't worry. They don't hurt at all." "Okay, but... are you sure? I mean...if you say so it must be true..." "Yes, i'm fine, thanks for the offer tho." "Oh, okay. If i can... you know... do anything to help you can... let me know... okay?" I nodded. "Oh, by the way..." "Yes?" "I'm glad you're okay..." I guess she wasn't yet used to my presence, but she smiled at me. "Well, i think we should go now... I only came to see if you're okay." "I understand. Thank you for... saving me." "No problem."I smiled at her to cheer her up. "Well, it was great to see you. Bye John, bye Zecora." "See you later." We started back on the road we came here. "So, is there anywhere else i should know a way to?" "For getting to the Canterlot barracks to be. The train station is what you need to see." "Let's go" We got to the station and she told me the price of a return ticket to Canterlot: 50 bits. "I hope i'll get some discount for being a soldier..." She nodded. "Let's go home now, shall we? "She nodded again, as we got to my house she stopped in the doorway. "What, you're not coming?" "I'm sorry, i belive i need to leave. For there are other places, i need to be." "Okay, thanks for the tour. See you around." "I'm happy to you who i have come. In my house in the forest, you are always quite welcome." We waved our byes and she left, i went back to my room, then laid down on the bed. I hoped everything will go well tomorrow... A while after i heard a knocking on the door, i went down to check it. As i opened the door i saw a familiar face. "Hello John. You have a package from Carousel Butique!" Derpy stood in the doorway, saluting me, she knew what happened yesterday, she handed me a small package. "Thanks Derpy." "Sign it here, here, here aaand here..." I scribbled. "Thanks John. Have a nice day, and get well soon!" She smiled. "Thanks Derpy. I'll be okay in no time, see you next time." Derpy flew off into the sky... Maybe it was her last delivery for today. I opened the package. Rarity got done already? I put on the hoodie and plated vest and laid back into my couch and embraced the dark slumber. End of Chapter 3
Chapter 4: Course of historyChapter 4: The Training Chapter Four: The Training. That must have been the worst nightmare of my life so far... I foud myself in a graveyard's enterance, when i entered i couldn't belive what i saw. Graves, graves as far as the eye can see... I saw one that was... different. I approached it, it was... no... it was Brian's grave...the gravestone had the following written into it: Here lies Brian Dash Miller. A friend to all, and a loving father. Betrayed by his brother. Died protecting the ones he loved. He will never be forgotten. I just stood there, in shock... "What? Why? How? When?" My mind was racing, my heart breaking. I knew there was something about to go wrong, my dreams always warned me about something in the future... I hoped this once they were wrong, then... out of nowhere i heard the same voice from the forest. "He... Will... Be... Ours..." "No! Don't you dare lay a hand on him!" I yelled back, the voice broke into a maniac laughter. "You fool... We will make him suffer... Along with his miserable daughter!" "Tell me who you are! I dare you!" "We... are the Legion... And one day, HE will join us... Oh yes he will..." "What do you mean? Why are you doing this?! Tell me you son of a..." I was cut short, as suddenly, like a bad jumpscare, earpiercing screeching surrounded me. I fell to my knees, hoping to wake up, but i didn't have such luck. The voice let out a chuckle. "You, miserable pile of flesh... How DARE you oppose us?! You cannot stop us!" "SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP YOU SON OF A BITCH! I'LL ALL OF YOU APART IF I FIND YOU! ALL OF YOU![/b"] I gave in all the anger i had for the figure, and all the air i had in my lungs. "If so... YOU will suffer as well..." It replied. "Enough! Out with you!" Suddenly, said another voice, a voice i would always remember, then, the distorted voice disappeared, along with the graveyard. I suddenly felt the urge look up, and i did and saw the moon on the sky. "It's... the moon... even in my darkest nightmares... how can you stay still so... beautiful?" Then, a ray of blue light shined down at me. Another figure, much more like Celestia appeared in front of the moon, it was smaller than her, yet still so majestic. But i had no time to admire the figure and the moon together, i saw the figure getting bigger and bigger, it was approaching me slowly, but surely. "Fear not, i have come to end your tormenting nightmare." The figure informed me, that just made it sound worse... The figure landed in front of me, our of the light. "Who are you, and what do you want?" I asked. "Like i said before, i have arrived to eliminate your nightmare. As for who i am, the moon, the stars, the night itself..." The figure stepped into the light, revealing her face. I stepped back to keep a fair distance. "It is my duty, to keep my subjects safe from the harm the night may bring through their slumber." "Your subjects? Isn't Priccess Celestia the ruler of Equestri..." Then i remembered Celestia mentioning she had a sister. "Continue..." Said the regal voice. "Ah, i get it. You're Princess Celectia's sister, aren't you?" "Indeed, i am the younger ruler of Equestria, Princess Luna." I took a few steps toward her, i didn't have a reason to belive her, but something about her made me trust her. "It is an honor to meet you, your highness." I bowed down, instead of saluting, hoping i would do it properly this time. "Rise, Sergeant Miller." Luna gave me a small smile. "Is that truly what you think?" "Beg your pardon, what do you mean?" "What you said about the moon, and the night, was that truly how you feel?" "Yes, your majesty. I always enjoyed looking onto the dark night sky, watching the stars dance around the moon..." Luna gently chuckled. "Tomorrow, i will be awaiting you at the Canterlot train station. There are quite a few who adore the night i bring, most just sleep though." "They don't know what an artistic sight they miss..." I reassured her... I know, it sounds like im just licking her hooves, or kissing her flank. But one does not lie to a royal figure, even in their own dreams. "Well said. Now, is your time to rise from your slumber, and prove you are worthy of our trust." "As you wish, Princess." Luna stood on her hing legs, and put her left forehoof onto her forehead. Wait, was she... Saluting me?! And then, i woke up to Dash shaking me violently. We didn't even notice that my burns were completely healed. "Wake up John, come on John, wake up!" She kept yelling. *Yawn* "Morning Dash, what's up?" "Morning? It's almost noon! Your train is leaving in about 10 minutes!" My eyes shot open. "What!?" "Come on, there's no time! Get on my back and hold on as tightly as you can!" I just did it, no questions asked. "Let's make like a rainbow and dash!" I felt wind in my face like never before. "Here we are, the train station, now go before it's late!" "Thanks Dash, owe you that one." "Spare it for later, now go!" I went to the reception, there was a mare at the cash register. "Hello sir, can i help you?" "Yes please, i would like a return ticket to Canterlot." "I'm sorry sir, i only have one left, and i was told to spare it for a fellow named John Miller." "That's me! Here, the princess gave me this letter to meet her in the station." I began scrambling in my belt's bags, they were empty. "What? It was right here!" I said out loud, then checked my pocket and found a piece of paper.I looked at the paper, it had a messeage on it:Dear employees, hereby now i declare that the human named John Miller is to meet me at the Canterlot Royal Palace at monday noon, and must be given a luxury ticket. It even had a seal unter the text, and signature from Princess Luna. The cashier's eyes shot open as she readt it. "I'm sorry sir, i didn't think it would be you. Here's your ticket, and please forgive me sir." "It's all right, you didn't know." "Sir, your train is leaving from platform 3 and you have 5 minutes to get on." "Thanks ma'am." I made my way to the platform and got on the train and sat down at an empty seat. "Train to Canterlot station departing from platform 3 in 2 minutes!" Said the loud speaker, the train departed, like it was supposed to. About halfway there the inspector walked up to me to see my ticket. "Hello sir, may i see your ticket?" "Hello inspector, give me a minute." I gave him the ticket. "Hmm, may i ask something sir?" "Go ahead inspector." "This is a ticket to a luxury class cart, this isn't a luxury cart sir." "Is that a problem sir?" "No, but many would try to sneak onto luxury class with either no tickets at all, or just fake ones." "What's the big deal about luxury class?" "Not much, i guess just the name. Here's your ticket sir." He gave me my ticket back. "Thank you and stay safe sir." "Thank you inspector." "So long sir." "See you later inspector." About 10 more minutes later the train finally arrived. I made my way out of the terminal, only to find a royal guard standing in the doorway. "Hello sir, are you John Miller?" "Yes, can i help you?" "Please follow me sir." "Sure, lead the way." I followed to guard only to be stopped by the view of the city. It was just... huge, and beautiful, decorations, stores, it had everything! "Is... there something wrong sir?" "Oh, no. I'm fine, sorry, move on." I nearly lost track of him in the crowd, but afterall i managed to follow behind, a while later we got to a huge gate and a wall. "Here we are, the gate of the royal palace. Here you will meet the princesses and recieve further instructions." "Got it, thank you sir." "Best of luck sir." The gates opened and i saw a long staircase with huge wooden doors at the end, i made my way to the top of the stairs, at the door there were dozens of soldiers ready to give their lives for the kingdom, or take out anything that threatens it... I always admired such discipline and dedication... When i was about to reach for the door two spears crossed my way. "Can i help you sir?" Suddenly, they surrounded me, ready to strike. "I belive so, sir." I reached into my pocket and showed him the letter, the guard took it and readt it out loud. As soon as he finished, he handed me the letter back. "Welcome sir, you can find the throne room at the end of the corridor behind this door." "Thank you sir." As i entered the door, i was in a corridor. I saw two giant wooden doors at the end, protected by only two guards. This place is huuuge I made my way to the guards at the door, they reacted the same way the others did. "Halt! What brings you here?" I showed them the letter. "You may pass" He replied, as i opened the door, i saw a pair of huge thrones.I'm in the right place, then, out of nowhere a voice said. "Kill the assassin!" "Keep your blades and spells, i bring word not steel!" I just stood there, with the knife hanging on my side, in a room full of guards. I think it's safe to say, i was in some deep shit, as all of the guards charged at me i heard another familiar voice. "Stay back!" I looked around and found the source of the voice. It was Armor. "What's the meaning of this?" He asked questioning his junior officers. "Well, you see, he is an intruder." One of his them replied. "What are you mumbling about, Stormwing? He is one of our most powerfull allies!" He yelled. "Then how do you explain his sudden appearence?" "He was invited by Princess Luna and myself all together. He even carries a letter to confirm it!" "Do-Does he?" I think he lost this arguement... "Yes! And you instantly tryied to get him killed instead of the normal identification procedure!" "You are right, Captain. It's my fault." He hang his head in shame. Suddenly, we heard hoofsteps coming from behind, slowly. "Ah, right on time. Good to know you showed up afterall..." We turned around to see a pair of white glowing eyes. "Good to see your wounds are gone" Said Luna, Celestia standing by her side. "Yes, but i'm afraid you came here for no reason" Said her elder sister. "What? I failed already?" "No, there's just no need for you to prove. You truly deserve our trust and mutual respect." Said the regent of the moon and stars. "Oh, what's this now?" Celestia asked, pointing at my chest. "What do you mean?" "Take off your hoodie and vest, i'll show you" I did so. "Give it to me, let me show you" I handed the said clothing over to her, she turned it around and pointed me to a hole in the back of it. More precisely, a bullet hole. "This is unlike anything i have seen before..." She commented. "It must be where the thing Derpy knocked out of his hand hit him" Luna corrected her. "It is, but how what does it have to do with me being here?" "Well, it's part of the reason." Celestia replied. "Not to mention saving Fluttershy." Luna continued. "In fact, according to what we heard from Rainbow Dash, you didn't care what would happen to you, if it meant saving Flutterhsy. Is that truly how it was?" They asked in unison, i looked at Celestia with a grin. "Hey, i told you the first day i got out of hospital. I'll do anything to save the citizens of Equestria even if it would cost my life." "Was the letter i wrote for you usefull?"Celestia asked, i shook my head. "I'm afraid it got burned in the forest" "Then... how did you get here?" She responded with a question. We swapped glances with Luna, she nodded. "Luna however, gave me another one, granting me access so far" "Well said. Please, follow us to the armory" We turned to follow the princesses when... *CRUNCH* *SNAP* *SPLAT* I had a spear running through my heart, i saw my own blood splatter all over their backs, the warm liquid making them turn around. "StormWing! What the hell are you doing?" They yelled in unison. "Guess what, it DID cost your life..." He slowly pulled out the spear, followed by me falling to the ground. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** As John fell to the ground, i saw his eyes turn black, fully black. I guess it was just like my eyes changing when i was Nightmare Moon... "Seond Lieutenant StormWing, you are under arrest. You will anwser to court marshall for killing your comrade!" Captain Shining. Armor exclaimed, i looked over to my right, i saw tears in Celestia's eyes. "Make me..." Replied the now defecting StormWing. We closed our eyes at once to blink, by then StormWing was a few feet further ahead of us, i looked back at John, lying on the ground. Strangely, he wasn't bleeding, or breathing. "Bring it on Armor!" Stormwing closed his eyes in confidence. Then, a bright flash of light blinded all of us. After we got to our senses John was standing behind StormWing. "Time to pay... traitor..." John reached his hand around StormWing's neck. He couldn't move from the shock, John was now holding his knife to his neck. I swapped glances with John, his facial expression asked me what the traitor's fate would be, i nodded. "Time to go, bastard" John said, followed by a loud *SPLAT* sound, as he slit a throat, i looked back at Celestia, she couldn't belive what we were seeing. John bent down to the corpse's face and closed it's eyes. "Death knows no master, her word is final" He whispered. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** When i came to my mind, i was standing in front of the princesses, their faces still splattered with blood, but my wound was gone, and that bastard was lying in front of me with his throat cut. "What the hell happened just now?" I glanced up at Luna, only to find a smile on her face. "That's something we didn't expect..." Celestia replied. "Tell me, John. Do you humans have the ability to defy death?" Luna asked. I explained how i went under medical experiments back on earth, and that i was almost immortal. At the last word, they swapped glances. "This is most troubling..." Celestia replied. "What's the matter?" "You see, the only species who are realatively immortal were us, alicorns so far" "And so far i'm the only human who can do that" "How long have you known abou that?" Luna asked, either worried about what i could do, or happy because i survived. "They told me before the tests, but i doubted they would succeed, apparently they did" "Well then, tho i doubt it will ever happen, i must warn you" Celestia told me about the Nightmare Moon incident and Luna being banished. "Let me guess, the same would happen to me if i were to oppose." They both nodded. "I understand, i felt something take over me when i fell. I know you two would just be making sure i wouldn't harm any innocents" "I'm glad you understand" Luna replied. "Uhm, Armor, i think we should clean this mess up" "Let me handle this" Celestia said, with her horn glowing, she touched the corpse with it, it disappeared along the blood smeared all over the floor. "Oh, right." "And you were worred about the hole on his clothes?" Luna asked her elder sister with a grin. "Well said" Her sister replied. "Uhm, let's just go to the armory?" We made our way to the armory, on the way many of the guards gave many kinds of looks, worried, angry, confused, doubting. "Here we are!" Armor exclaimed. "Sooo, why are we here?" "In here, for obvious reasons, you can find all kinds of weapons. Some, are guaranteed to be new to you." Armor replied. "You may go in, feel free to borrow any weapons, but be careful not to take more than you can carry." Celestia continued. "Sure, thanks" After seeing their level of techology i was sure i'll find medieval weapons and such. Much to my surprise, i found a few guns as well. "Wait, where do you have these from?" I asked. "We were hoping you would know what they are and how to use them." The princesses said in unison. "Ah, well, want me to instruct you to their use?" "Not us, our soldiers" Armor responded. "I'm afraid that's something i can't do" "What for?" "They would need to have fingers to operate these" I held my hand up and moved my fingers around. "Then, consider them yours." Luna told me, i picked up a sniper rifle and a shotgun. "What are you doing?" Celestia asked with a worried look. I took out the magazie from the rifle, then a bullet out of that, as well as a buckshot from the shotgun. i held both of them in my hands. "See these?" They nodded in response. "Every time i use the weapons i'll need one of these for them to work" They nodded. "I think you know a replication spell or something like that, don't you?" "Yes, we do. But it's a bit risky not to duplicate the one holding the item as well." "Your call to either make more or not, i'll leave them here. I'll only take the melee weapons." I looked around, i found many swords and axes... spears and bows... i couldn't decide. "Hey, how about this one?" Armor asked, and ran up to me with a sheathed sword in his magical aura. I took it and pulled the sword out. It was a masterpiece... a cold steel sword, no rust, no stains. At the bottom of the grip was carved the head of an eagle. I lookd at the princesses, they knew what i was going to ask. "All yours" Luna reassured me, i looked over at Celestia, she nodded with a grin. "Where did you get these?" "Oh, some were found, some commonly made by our blackmisth. And some are ancient artifacts..." Luna responded. "Ah, how come i haven't seen any of your blacksmiths?" "They can be found all over Equestria. There's even one close by, want me to show you the way?" Armor offered. "Would be nice, if the princesses agree" "Well, there's one more thing" "That is?" "Your task in the law enforcement will be simple. Walk around the citizens, and when you see anything suspicious or illegal, go and do what you have to." Celestia said with a serious face. "And you are authorized to use lethal force and methods to save others, or against suspects if they attempt to fight you. Please, do your best to avoid having to use such" Luna added. "What about if the try to escape?" "Do whatever is necessary to stop them, even if they lose a limb..." Luna replied, Celestia gave us a worried look. "That's everything you wanted?" They nodded in response. "Great, but... what about my payment?" "Oh yes, we can't expect you to just starve while risking your life for others." Celestia replied, summoning a scroll into my hand out of nowhere. "How do you prefer your payment? Daily, weekly or monthly?" "Uhm... weekly sounds about good." "Every week when you open the scroll a bag of 500 bits will fall out. Should you try open it more than once a week, it will not work." "Got it, anything else?" "Take this" Luna threw me a bag of 2000 bits. "Woah, thanks" I thanked her. "You might want to use these at the blacksmith's" "Now, you can go" "See you all later" "See you when we see you, John." They replied, as we left the room the guards again, wanted to kill me for some reason. "Just show me to the blacksmith, i'll visit later" "Sure" He replied, after showing me, i went back to the station and took a train back home. "What a day this was..." End of Chapter 4
Chapter 5: The first battle...Chapter 5: Change in the wind Chapter Five: Change in the wind. As i stepped off the train, i was greeted by familiar faces. "Welcome back!" I was greeted by Pinkie, Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Dash and Brian. "Heyy, guys what are you all doing here?" "Come on, we all knew where you were today" "Yeppers, how did it go? How did it go?" Pinkie was just as energetic as allways... "Oh my, what happened to you?" Rarity asked, pointing at my chest. "What do you mean?" She levitated my shirt off to demonstrate, as my shirt was gone they gasped at the sight of the hole in my torso where my heart was supposed to be. "What the hell?!" Brian couldn't belive his eyes, none of them could. "Don't worry, i'm fine" I told them in quick response, and saw a purple aura surround me. "Don't worry John, we'll fix you, it won't hurt." Twilight spoke up, Suddenly i felt pain like nothing before. I felt flesh, tendons, muscles, bones, and skin grow as slow and painful as possible... When it was over, i fell down to the ground. "Oops...sorry, it looks like it DID hurt..." Twilight tried to apologize, i stood up, and grinned. "I figured out something amazing while i was away." "What is it?" Applejack asked, i pulled out the sword and held it to my wrist. Brian stepped closer, holding my hand with the sword still. "John, don't be redicilous. We all know you would die from that." I looked at the mares, their eyes were in tears, Pinkie's hair deflated. "Why are you doing this? Did we do something wrong? Is there a problem wth the princesses? I'm sure there's another way to solve it! Please don't do it!" Twilight ran up to me and embraced me. "Don't do it!" Then, a light blue aura surrounded her and pulled her away, along with Brian. "I'm sure you know what you are doing,John. I do not approve of this, but it's your decision" Rairity said with wet eyes. "Thanks..." I chuckled, they each turned their heads away from me, except Brian. "Do whatever you want to John..." When i cut my wrist, it started bleeding as it is supposed to be then, when i reached the alteries, there was suddenly a fountain of blood gushing down onto the ground. "Hey, i'm still fine, trust me" "Hey, he stopped bleeding, he isn't dead!" Brian yelled to get their attention, when they looked over to me i just stood there with a hand that was barely held onto by a tendon. *Splat* Not anymore... "Look, i'm sorry to scare all of you like this" *smack* "You'd better be!" They all looked at me with a worried and a bit releaved face. They all came closer to see that it wasnt an illusion or some trick. "Why did you do that?" Twilight asked. "It's kind of a... uuuhmm... promise." "What kind of demented promise is this?" "I swear i will do everything to protect all of you here, you are my family. I will always be there when you need me, as you were there when i needed you." They all started to tear up yet again, but this time they were happy. "But what about your hand?" "Well, Brian. This is what i want you to withness..." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** John closed his eyes, for a minute. When he opened them his eyes were completely black. His hand slowly started to grow back. "What kind of ancient blessing is this?" Twilight commented in surprise, after his hand completely gerw back, his eyes slowly faded back to their original color. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I stood there, with my hand better than ever. "By the way... i passed. I'll recieve payment weekly and all i have to do is patrol around town and keep an eye out for illegal or suspicious individuals" "Here's a trick I have learned" Rarity replied, her horn began glowing again, she touched her horn agains my belt, another bag with a pistol sheath appeared there. "Neat trick, Rarity" She blushed, it's easy to tell with her white coat. "Twilight, your brother told me to give this to you." I reached into one of the bags and took out an amulet. "Oh, thanks John, he was supposed to give me this a week ago." "Uhm, Twi... Do you mind if i pay you a visit tomorrow?" "No, you are welcome at all times, when can i expect you?" "About noon?" "Sure thing" We went our ways to our homes, i noticed something moving in the bushes. "Shh... guys, i saw something in the bushes, don't move" We stood still for a few seconds and heard voices. "We mean no harm, we are simply lost in the dark!" "We will come out, but promise not to judge us for what we are!" I looked at the guys behind me. "What do you think?" "Your call" I unsheathed the sword. "Fine! But come out slowly!" As i finished, i suddenly saw a pair of green and blue eyes in the dark, glowing. "Changelings!" Apparently Dash wasn't pleased to see them. "What now?" I looked at the figures in the dark, i had no idea what they were. God wish i had a flashlight... Then, out of nowhere a beam of moonlight shined onto the figures. Thanks Luna... "These things are evil, you have to kill them John" Dash tried to convince me. "Please, we mean no trouble. It is true, we are changeligs, but the others cast us out because we didn't approve of the queen's behavior." They looked different, one of them had a horn and wings, the other had none of those. "If both of you are changelings, why do you look different?" "My name is Steadywork, i'm just a drone, a mere worker" "What about your friend?" "My name is Quicksteps, a soldier" I raised my sword up. "What are you doing around here?" "Like i said, we were exiled by the others for disobeying the queen" They were still standing in the moonlight. "What did you find, Sergeant?" Asked an all too familiar voice from behind... "These here say they were exiled due to disobeying their queen" Luna raised an eyebrow at them. "I see, how should we proceed, what do you suggest, sergeant?" "I propose they shall be taken prisoner for a week, and see if they resist. Should they stay calm, they will be released to the public, but only under observation. After a month, they can be accepted into the society" "Very well, sergeant" I knew she only calls me Sergeant only in offical manners. Then, i saw one them start shaking violently. It began screamng in agony as it's body started to split into half veticaly. "What is this?" I was confused... "I knew it..." Luna replied, then another more distorted voice spoke up. "Heheheheh.... I see you got yourself a new pet, Luna" That comment made it personal, but i sheathed my sword, knowing i'm not the one to handle such situations. "Show yourself, Chrysalis!" The changeling was now torn in half, the same fate awaited the other one. A greenish black figure appeared in front of us, their queen. "Here i am, Luna. Now, it is time to surrender!" I was waiting for the signal to lash out at that bitch. "Guys, run. You have nothing to do here. I on the other hand have duties here" Luna turned around and looked at me. "John, i have to warn you to be carefull, she's the queen of the changelings." Oh, i'll show her what change is... "Leave at once, this is the final warning!" Her horn began glowing, i quickly pulled the pistol as well. "Foolish little creature..." "Close your eyes Sergeant!" Even with closed eyes i saw a blindig light, when it was gone i opened my eyes again, Luna was gone, in her place stood a bigger alicorn, with black coat, and snake like eyes It was probably Nightmare Moon... "It is an honor to serve" "Look what we have here... How come YOU aren't in your pathetic little house sleeping through the night?!" "I'm a servant of the night, stars and the moon itself" "Oh, looks like this is going to be interesting..." Chrysalis threw in, as she finished that sentence, she summoned a whole amy of chngelings. "You? Servant? What possible way could YOU serve ME?!" "Blood, loyalty and honor" "Well then, we shall see about that" The nightmare let out a sharp whistle, soon after that i saw pairs of white glowing eyes all around us. For some reason my clothing was just like Rarity left it, and before i realized, i had the hoodie and vest back. The ones i left at the palace after Stormwing's... episode. "Ah, i see you called your miserable pile of donkeys..." As i saw the eyes getting closer, the nightmare came to stand next to me. I reached for my sword, when i had the grip in hand the nightmare extended one of her wings into front of me. "Stay your blade, my children have come to aid us" I let go, a dark figure suddenly appeared in front of us. "Have you called for us, Mother?" As the figure finished the sentence, it's eyes turned toward me. "Yes, Moonsinger, we have an intruder on our hooves." The nightmare replied, the figure's eyes were now scanning me, when it noticed my sword growled at me. "How DARE you threaten our mother?!" The figure lunged at me, taking me down to the ground. "You're mistaking. I'm not the enemy here!" "Yeah, likely story..." Now the pairs of eyes were closing in around us, more specificaly me. "He speaks the truth, he is an ally to us"Luna spoke up, the nightmare was gone. "But, he has weapons and was right next to you!" "And he was standing next to me because i let him, use your brain sometimes." Luna scolded her daughter, Moonsinger let me go, i stood up and grabbed my sword. "How about asking first?" "I'll keep an eye on you..." Luna turned towards me and said. "John, i'm afraid i have to ask you. Please stay out of this fight untill i give you the signal." "Sure, but... why?" "With that, you would be insulting their honor..." I let go again. "Okay, but if any of them come at me i'll cut them down" I didn't specify if i was talking about the changelings or her daughters... unavoidably attracting a paticular unicorn's attention... "Is that so?" She leapt at me, i caught her and threw her to the ground, pushing the pistol to her face. "I meant the changelings." I had no intention to kill her, and Luna knew it as well. "Fine, let me go now" While they were preapirng for the fight i made my way to the forest, behind the changelings. The figres in the dark regrouped behind Luna, then i heard her voice in my head. "When i signal you with a sharp whistle, you try to do your best to eliminate their queen" I suppose it was telepathy, i looked all over them, they each wore cloaks, some of them had horns, some had wings, Moonsinger stood next to Luna. "Let's show them how dangerous the dark is!" She yelled as they charged towards the changelnigs. As the frontlnes met i saw a wave of body parts shoot up towrds the sky, pegasi, unicorn, changeling... It was the most brutal fight i ever withnessed... God have mercy on those souls... When the massacre died down, i saw Luna surrounded alone with only 4 of her children reamaining, she looked onto the top of the tree i was in, like she knew i was there, he probably did. She looked sad, i had a clear idea why... she whistled, as i reached for the pistol, i realized the bullets might not go though their scale armor so i pulled the sword and lunged at the queen. Now you'll get it you son of a bitch... While i was in the air, i realized i was in a birdlike position, arms spread in the air. It felt natural... when i was about to stab the bitch, i suddenly stopped mid air, and couldn't move. "Hehehe... nice try, but you need more than that to defeat me!" "You son of a... Let me go!" "And who are you to command me?" As she finished, Luna shot a bolt of shadow magic, breaking the changeling queen's concentration. She looked over to the remaining group, shot a bolt of green magic back at them, actually it was more like a wide beam. Luna cast a spell shield around them along with one of her unicorn allies. But it didn't last long agains the non-stop bombardment. I fell to the ground, i got up and ran towards where the shield just was. They were all weakened by the beam's effect. At least the queen also ran out of energy for more. "This isn't over yet... Now i'll finish this!" The changeling managed to spit out while breathing heavily. "Bring it!" I heard Moonsinger call out, and charged at her, only to be thrown up, then slammed into the ground by magic. The other three luckily managed to catch her before the ground could. "You three, take Moonsinger to safety, it's my time to fight." They hesitated, nobody likes to take orders from anybody, but there was no time to argue. "Oh really? Let's see what's stronger! Your blade or mine!" Chrysalis charged at Luna, she tried to impale her with her horn... *Crunch* *splat* "What?!" Chrysalis asked in her surprise, she tried to pull out, but by then i already had her by the throat. "You're... not... going... anywhere..." "What?! How are you not dead yet?!" I heard a loud *CRACK* as i broke her horn off from her head, followed by a scream of agony. "YOU MISERABLE PIECE OF SHIT! I'LL EAT YOU ALIVE!" I unsheathed my sword, my eyes turned completely black again. "So be it!" As i finished the sentence, i saw 5 other figures around Chrysalis. They were wearing the same clothes as me... but in different colors. I couldn't see their faces, they had their hoods on. "What in Euquestria is this?!" Chrysalis asked terrified. I looked at Luna, grinned and back to Chrysalis. "Your worst nightmare..." The other 5 figures pulled out swords exactly looking like mine. "You have no chance...even if you kill me now, many more will return" Chrysalis tried taunting me. "Then the more fun i'll have enjoying their torment..." We all stood there, not bothering about her statement. The figures raised their blades and in unison we all said. "May the night last forever!" I came to my mind to impaling Chrysalis, so did the 5 other figures. My clothes were now covered in blood, green ish black blood. Her eyes closed, and fell to the ground with a loud thump. "In death, no longer my enemy." I knelt down to close her eyes, giving even her the final rights, to my surprise, her eyes suddenly opened, at the same time i felt the horn she left in my stomach explode. It wasn't a pretty sight... my torso was blown off from my legs from the waist up. I looked over to where Luna was, she was alive, but uncoscious. I crawled my way over to her, the sword was still in my hand, i just stabbed it into the gound. "I... did... my... best..." I managed to spit out, i was still profusely bleeding. "It's...been an...honor....*cough*" Then, the darkness came again. *2 days later* I woke up with a groan. Where am i? By the time i came to my senses, i was in some sort of cocoon, surrounded by some green ooze. The changelings must have taken me somewhere, what are they planning? It must have been them, i saw blurry figures that were black and had blue eyes. Through the cocoon i heard one of them speak. "I don't care if he might die! If we succed he'll be my most destructive weapon ever! Those pathetic princesses will stand no chance!" Wait... *My? Was Chrysalis still alive?* "This one, will obey" The changeling responded to it's queen. I saw it's eyes turn towards me, they started glowing as i blacked out again. *Unknown time later* God knows how long i've been here now. My only hopes are that they succeed with whatever they meant to do with me, either leaving me dead for good, or releasing me. "I belive we finished, it's done!" Said a familiar, yet different voice. "It's time to test it!" Another voice replied. Great, let me out of here and i'll tear you apart scale by scale myself... I blacked out once again, waking up in a forest. Where the hell am i? I stood up, only to realize i had my legs back. What have they done to me? I saw a familiar looking lake nearby i went to take a drink from it, when i was about to drink i noticed my reflection. Let's see how cruel all the time has been... I drank, stood back up and began walking. After an hour or two i noticed a familiar clearing in front of me. Wait, isn't this where i first saw *Pinkie** and her... no, my friends?* I could hardly remember the way to the town, but after a bit more time spend walking i made it there. I was thinking about how long it must have been, if anyone would even remember me, or would i be still welcome, but then i noticed an all too familiar rainbow sweeping through right in front of me. "Hey, Dash! It's me!" It was getting dark afterall, maybe she didn't see or hear me. I continued on the way, only to be stopped by a guard. "Halt! Who goes there?" "Sergeant Joh..." I was cut short by the guard. "Sir, seriously, identify yourself." "I am, i'm Sergeant John Miller! Brother of Brian Miller!" He groaned at me. "I guess we'll have to do it the hard way..." The guard surrounded his sword with a red aura, preparing for agression. "Stay your blade, i bring words not steel" "What kind?" "I'm a messenger from the changelings, i was told to seek Priness Luna. She would be the one to appoint a meeting of our leaders to agree on a more peacefull future in between our species" He nodded. "Follow me this way, but don't try anything funny" He warned me, as we walked through town, i noticed it got very, very dark. "Are you the one doing this?" The guard questioned me. "No sir, a messenger has no need of magic" "Well then, let's carry on." His horn began glowing, acting like a flashlight, as we continued on our way, i was thrown to the ground by a figure. "Give me a reason not to kill you right here and now!" It took me some time for my eyes to adjust to the darkness, it was Luna. I was happy to see at least she was all right, yet also scared what would happen if i told her the truth but she didn't belive me. "Because i'm one of the servants of the moon, the night, and the stars." She let me stand back up, a beam of moonlight focused around me. "Show yourself!" I took off my hood. "Here, do you remember me now, Luna?" "Your face reminds me of somebody... i used to know." "I saved you from being impaled by Chrysalis's horn" She gasped, tears formed around her eyes. "John? Is that you?" I smiled, and slowly walked towards her. On the way the guard tried to stop me, she told him to let me pass with a nod. "Yes, it is..." "But... you are so different! What happened to you?" I chuckled. "The changelings tried to make me into their weapon. How long was i away?" She hesitated to anwser. "3 years..." The guard coughed, attracting our attention. "My lady, he idntified himself as Sergeant John Miller, i didn't belive him due to him being assumed dead, It's my mistake" He informed the princess, and apologized to me. "I'm sorry sir." He saluted, i put a hand onto his shoulder. "It's all right, you did what you thought is the best." "Thank you for your honesty, you may return to your designated guard post." Luna instructed him. "Yes your highness" And walked off to where we came from. "Sooo, did i miss something while i was gone?" "Only a few birthdays, your... my... our friends were devastated, and somewhat proud by the news of you being assumed a martyr" "Even back on earth i was considered hard to kill, it takes more to kill me than a few bugs." She smiled. "We missed you, i'm glad you're here." I noticed her eyes still being in tears. "What's wrong?" "Nothing... nothing..." I knew she was hiding something... but i shouldn't question my superiors. "Hey, your call to tell me or not." She smiled. "Sadly, your house has been occupied since then, for now you have to come with me to Canterlot." I nodded in response, her horn started glowing and seconds later we were at the gates of the palace. "Well, that was quick" As we walked by the guards, they bowed down to her, and once again stopped me. "He's comgin with me" I passed the guards, giving them a nod and putting the hood back on. "So, did the changlings return after our little meeting with them?" "They would've usually did by now, but something was holding them back, maybe it was being busy with you" "Well, if they come back Chrysalis won't get away next time." "John, i've been thinking about this while you were away." "What is it?" "What made you take the stab for me?" "The same that made me save Fluttershy back then, i guess" "And how about your relative immortality?" "Back on earth i was subject to experiments, the goal was to make the perfect soldier. After they ended, the scientist told me i would stop aging at about 25 years of age" "Scientists?" She asked. "Oh, yes. On earth we don't have magic, so we have to rely on knowledge. We gain our knowledge from studying and experimenting. Scientists are who gain knowledge from experiments for others." "Quite interesting, later i would love to hear more about it" "And you surely will" I reassured her. As we got up the stairs she closed one of her wings around me, telling the guards she was aware and approved of my presence. "Here we are!" She exclaimed. The doors opened, revealing a huge room with a balcony, after inspecting the doorway i noticed a huge moon shape carved above the doors, we walked into the room, then she spoke up. "Welcome to my own quarters, it should do for now, right?" I nodded. "Where do you want to sleep? The bed or the couch?" I hesitated with the anwser. "The floor should be enough" I grinned as i said it, she chuckled in response. "Tomorrow we'll share the great news of your return with our friends" "Uhm, can i just get back to work tomorrow?" "If you wish to, by the way i have a surprise for you. I'm sure you'll appreciate it" "Great! Where is it?" She pointed under the couch. I knelt down to look for what she meant, i found a long tube in wrapping paper. I reached in to get it, i took it out and asked her. "Is this it?" I asked while pointing at the tube in my hand, she nodded with a grin. I shook the tube to hear what could be inside, no clue. I opened the tube and looked inside, i saw nothing. I reachd into it thinking the box might be oversized. As i searched around in the box something cut my finger, i turned the box upside down. Something bright and thin fell out with a lound clanking noise. Luna used her telekenisis to levitate it back to me, i took it and realized it was my old sword. "The guards found it near me on the ground, they gave i to me to decide what should happen to it. I decided to keep it to remember the one who saved me, and proved his loyalty towards the stars of the night and the moon... I meant to keep it but now, i belive it belongs to your hands." The fact that she wanted something to remind her of me did feel good, but now i had things to do. "Sure will, thanks for keeping this for yourse... me... us" "Let's just sleep now, shall we?" She asked with a tired tone, followed by a yawn. As i laid my head to rest on the couch, we heard a loud banging on the door. "Open up, by the orders of Princess Celestia!" Yelled a voice, most likely a guard through the door. "John, get your sword ready and hide behind that curtain. It might get messy, if you fell like it's the time, strike." I nodded as i unsheathed the sword behind the curtain while she opened the door. "What's the meaning of this?" She asked the 4 guards who came in. "Deepest apologies Princess Luna, we had reports of you being followed by an unknown and suspicious individual. We were sent to investigate, may we come in?" "No, you can't! I'm alone here, and if you'd excuse i would prefer to sleep now..." "Yes ma'am, thank you for your time" The guards promptly left, closing the doors behind them. She walked up to the curtain i was behind, and jabbed a hoof into it to get tell me it's safe to come out. I replied with a groan, and fell out from behind the curtain sidways. Yes, she basicly just punchd me in my man parts... Wwwhhhhyyyyy Luna, wwwwhhhyyy? She gave me a worried look. "What's wrong?" "You just... don't hit me there ever again will you?" I managed to get back up, still in pain. *Sigh*How do you tell a priness she just hit you in the body part you use to reproduce? She went back to her bed, i stood behind the curatin. "Uhm, will you sleep, John?" "Yes, back on earth i used to stand guard for days, i learned to sleep while standing with eyes open" She thought i was joking, but she soon realized i could do so. "Well then, good night John" "Night Luna" *Some time later* "Are you sure this is the right room?" A deep voice asked. "Of course it is, just look at her. All alone, no guards, almost too easy!" Another one replied. Who are they? Are they trying to... kill her? "Now, where did you put the poison?" "I think i dropped it in the doorway." "I'll go get it, you check the balcony for guards or a way out." While they were talking they had their backs turned to me, i was next to the balcony door that was open, and slowly crept out to the balcony, and hid next to the doorway. I heard hoofsteps coming my way, i pulled the pistol. "Hey, balcony's clear!" The figure walked towards the railing, and to my surprise it lit a cigarette. I slowly walked up behind the figure.*BAM* I knocked him unconscious. I dragged the body out of sight, the other figure yelled. "What's taking so long?" I tried to mimic the other's voice. "Uhm, nothing. I just stopped for a cigarette" The figure hesistated with the response, under that time i took the box of cigarettes for myself. "Sure thing, but we have things to do!" As the other figure came out, i did the same to him as well, one of them was wearing a cloak, i tore it to shreds using the pieces to bind their hooves and mouths. I walked back to the curtain and went back to sleep, only to notice the sun come up behind me on the way inside. Morning *Celestia*, it's been a while I decided to look for any of the guards and inform them of the intruders. As i was walking around the corridors i saw a blue tail turn around the corner. I hurried to make my way after it, i caught up with the guard. "Excuse me sir, i need your assis.." At this point the guard turned around. "John? Is that you? Man, where have you been?" "Ah, hey Armor. It's been a while indeed. Look, i need your help follow me." He noddd and we made our way back to Luna's quarters. By the time we got there a dozen of guards were there not knowing what happned. We walked up to them to ask what will happen next. "Good job catching the last one captain" That sentence got the other's attention and once again i was surrounded by spears. "Keep you spears guys, he's with us" "Sir, we had reports of suspicious individuals and he..." I cut him off mid sentence. "And they are in there lying on the ground for trying to poison the princess. And who's fault is that they got inside? YOURS!" I scolded the rookie. The crowd turned their faces toward him, they were disappointed. "Yes, but how did you get in here then?!" He tried to save it, but then Luna walked out into the doorway, i stood there in silence, staring at Luna with a grin on my face. "He has nothing to save himself with, kill the assas..." He was cut short by Luna. "Silence! How dare you accuse the most honorable, loyal and responsive soldier in all of Equestria!?" "Ho... honorable?" The rookie was frightened from what could happen to him at this point. "He, saved many citizens and even me on an occasion. In the battle he saved me in, he disappeared for 3 years, he returned yesterday and i allowed him stay in my quarters, and this is how you pay your respect to a hero such as him!?" "It was you who let him in?" The rest of the guards nodded along with Luna, Armor and myself. "R... ight... i'm... i'm sorry sir." The rookie apologized to me. "What's your name?" "Flash Sentry, sir!" "Flash, Armor and John may stay, the rest of you return to your guard posts" "What's your designated task?" I questioned Flash. "He stands the night guard on my baclony..." Luna replied instead. "So you, leave your designated guard post, i come to replace you, and when i do your job better than you did, you try to get the other guards to kill me?!" "John, take it easy. He's still a rookie" Armor calmed me. "No captan, he's right. I made a mistake and that almost got the princess killed... I'm sorry princess." I knew she was mad at him, she nodded at him. "On your way now, Flash" He left without a word. "Well, it's great to know you're back John. Can i be of your service, princess?" Luna shook her head. "I'll be leaving then, see you later John." "See you around, Armor" I went and took a look at my equipment, my belt was missing. "Hey, uhm... did the guards not find my belt by chance?" "I wish they did, i lost consciousness after you crawnled next to me with the sword. Coming to think of it, they didn't find your bottom half either" "Maybe the changelings brought it with me, they might had put me back together" "John, please come with me" I followed her back to her quarters, the doors shut behind us. "What would you do to these intruders?" At this point they were fully aware what was going on around them. I looked at the sword in my hand and replied. "What i must..." I said with an inner grin, but frown outside. "John, you're a soldier, how come you don't enjoy bloodshed?" "I do... when it's deserved, but these would have no option to defend themselves, and in hand to hoof combat they would most likely try to escape" Her horn began glowing, forming a force field making escape impossible. "Set them free, and do it as you wish" She gave me permisson to either kill them slowly and painfully or with a single snap of their neck basically. I untied both of them, as i expected they immediately tried to run, worhtlessly. "You have been deemed a traitor to the kingdom, your penalty is to fight for your lives. Your opponent will show you no mercy, you can not use wings or horns, as either does your opponent have them" Luna frightened them with the royal canterlot voice, i took off my hood, revealing my entirely black eyes, with red pupils. Afterwards i pulled up my sleeves, not willing to get them too bloody and cracked my knuckles. "I haven't done this for a while... I hope i can still kill you fast enough" I was against a pagasus and an unicorn, to be honest i wouldn't mind if they used their abilities. "Come on, put your hooves up and get over it!" I taunted them some more. I looked over to Luna, and asked her if i could try a new trick. She nodded in response with a grin. "Heh, this is going to be fun" I said while i summoned only 4 of the figures, the figures managed to have the intruders held by all 4 hooves. I walked up to the unicorn and grabbed it's throat. "Hmm, so soft. How long do you think it would take to cut through?" I wanted to see how far Luna would let me go. The unicorn tried to swallow in fear, but couldn't. "You dick! Let her go!" The pegasus spoke up. "What's that? Now you talk?" I let go of the unicorn's throat only to go behind the pagasus and examine his wings. "Say, how much could it hurt to have your feathers plucked one by one? Or maybe i should just tear them out of your spine?" I asked with an intended arrogant tone. The unicorn tried to focus on some sort of spell, but before she could've finished i broke one of the pegasus's legs, the following scream made the unicorn give up on the spell. I walked over to Luna and whispered into her ears. "You do know i'm a very successfull interrogator, right?" I walked over to the unicorn and asked. "Hmm, such a beautiful horn. I wonder how hard i need to hit it for it to break off... Or maybe i should just tear it out in one piece?" She must have imagined the pain it would bring, tears swelled up in her eyes. "Hey, princess." I said to get Luna's attention. "Hmm?" I turned my head over my shoulder and asked. "Long and slow or just a quick snap'n'swipe?" "Your call, Sergeant" I gave her a thumbs up and made my way back to the captives, as soon as i got there the peagasus spoke up. "Hey, Sergeant! Why don't you go back and lick her craphole some more eh?" As soon as he finished the sentence a loud *SNAP* and *CRACK* echoed in the room, followed by the unicorn's scream. "Were you saying?" "You son of a bitch! Let her go!" He yelled, i guess they were close to eachother. "What's wrong? Why do you care so much about what i do to her?" "Because she's my daughter you hooflicking mother fucking sicko!" "Is that so?" I asked the unicorn, staring into her eyes that were filled with tears from the pain, she nodded. I asked Luna to fully heal her, she wasn't sure why but she did. I also asked her for a sword which she happily made out of darkness. The figures let the unicorn go, she fell to the ground with a loud thump. I thew the sword over to her, she caught it. "Let me explain the rules... We'll have a sword duel, if you win i'll let you both go free. If i win, one of you will be forced to watch the other die. Simple enough?" She nodded, shaking in fear. She used telekenisis to throw the sword at me, i deflected it with mine. The sword hit the wall behind me and fell to the ground, i picked it up and flung it back to her. "Come on!" She charged at me with her horn glowing. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The unicorn charged at John, her horn glowing. I was thinking about disabling it but what fun would that be for him?" John simply stepped out of the way, grabbing the unicorn by the throat. He held the blade in his hand up to her throat and made his way towards the pegasus. "I think i won" He informed our prisoners and let her go, falling to the ground yet again, then signaled the figures to let the pegasus go, they obeyed. "You have 5 minutes to decide who will die..." He was planning on either making the father watch his daughter die, or making her withness her father's death. I was shocked by how cruel his methods could be, he made his way over to me yet again, i was nearly disgusted by his presence for what i had just withnessed. "Hey, Luna. What do you think the outcome will be?" "Are you actually going to do it or are you just terrorizing them?" "Hmmm, i haven't decided yet." He chuckled as he said it. We stood there, in silence waiting for their decision to be made, s short while after the unicorn came up to us. "We have decided that my dad is the selected one" The unicorn informed us, John looked at me with an unsure face. "They tried to kill you, we have to set an example..." He commanded 2 of the figures to hold the unicorn by her limbs and take her to the now to be executed pegasus, John looked into the pegasi's eyes and asked. "Any last words or wishes?" "Keep your word and let her go free" The pegasus replied, John looked into the unicorn's eyes. "Anything you want to tell him before..." He stopped mid sentence, we all knew what he meant. The unicorn nodded and the figures took her closer to her father. "Goodbye daddy... i'll always remember you." "And i'll always love you, goodbye, Trixie" While he said that sentence, i closed my eyes to stop tears from leaking. As soon as he finished the sentence a loud *SPLAT* echoed once again, this time leaving to scream behind. The unicorn had her azure coat and silver mane splattered with her father's blood... I knew John is the most loyal and disciplined and good hearted yet he did it on command... I could've stopped it... It would've been just a word... Yet i let it happen... But was it the right thing to do? ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I was standing behind the pegasus, his throat slit and the unicorn was covered in his blood... I hoped Luna would tell me to stop, but she let it happen. I guess it was the right thing to do. I couldn't look into the unicorn's eyes...not after what i had just done, yet i turned to face her and said. "I'm sorry, it had to be this way. If you desire vengeance for this, so be it." I just stood there, watching her cry over her father's corpse... I felt guilt like nothing before... i was not proud of what i had just done. I sent away all the figures, they made their way slowly towards the crying unicorn. "Wha are you all doing?! Go away!!" I yelled at them, then i realized they were made of darkness... something Luna was excellent at controlling... I looked over to her and saw her eyes and horn glowing, tears flowing down her face. "Luna! What are you doing?!" "I'm finishing what you started, John" I knew she shouldn't live with such a memory, but she didn't do anything to deserve the same fate. She only obeyed her father's will. "Luna, i understand what you think and feel, but we have to let her go and live! It was her father's last will!" To that, her eyes stopped glowing and the figures disappeared. After that was over, i made my way over to the throne room, hoping to find Celestia. I put the hood back on, that was covered in blood of course... and sword in hand... i made perfect target for the guards, but before i left Luna spoke to me. "John... I... I don't know how to tell you but..." "What is it, Luna?" "This was all a test..." "WHAT?!" "Celestia wanted to make sure you would always be loyal to us, no matter what the cost would be... and she told me she wanted this scene to play out every night you spend here..." I couldn't belive it... Celestia? She knew i would do anything to stay true to the kingdom... "That means..." A tear made it's way down my face, she turned away knowing why it was there. "Yes John, you are right... You did all of this for nothing..." I clenched my left hand into a fist so hard i heard bones shatter. I rushed over to the still crying unicorn and lifted her up from the ground. "Come on, we have things to do!" She was struggling to get away at first, but she realized i meant no harm... not anymore... Luna stood in the doorway, wings spread. "John, don't do this!" "Oh, yes i will. Let's see how SHE passes MY test!" I replied, pushing her out of my way with one hand, i ran through the hallways, guards flying and running after me with each meter i ran, when i saw those doors i turned around and slammed them open with my back, in the throne room i saw Celestia with her back to me, talking to another alicorn and Armor. "Stop him!" A guard yelled from behind, Celestia, along the other two turned their attention toward me with a blood covered unicorn in my left and, sword in the right. Celestia sent the guards away by lifting one of her wings, and looked at me. "What the fuck is the meaning of this!?" I yelled at her. "John, i'm afraid i have to ask you to change your tone..." "Or what? You put me through another test making me kill Brian and Dash? Or are you going to send me to the moon as well?" I taunted her, knowing what she was capable of. "Sergeant John Miller, I did not expect this outcome." Bullshit she didn't... bull fucking shit... "You knew i would do this didn't you?" She stood there, eyes closed, no anwsers. "YOU KNEW THIS DIDN'T YOU!?" "John, i'm terribly sorry for putting you through this..." "ME!?... You apologize to ME!? Do you know what SHE had to withness?" She shook her head. "I made her withness me slitting her father's throat in front of her eyes..." Her jaw dropped to the ground, gasping in shock, Armor and the alicorn next to him did the same. "YOU made ME brutally murder an innocent... in front of his daughter's eyes!" Tears made their way down her face, i put the unicorn down to the ground, Celestia's eyes and horn stopped glowing and looked down at her. "I'm terribly sorry for what ha..." She was cut short, the unicorn didn't hesitate to smack Celestia, the ruler of the whole kingdon in the face. The unicorn turned around and asked me to point her to the exit, i told her to wait a minute and i'll go along. "Celestia, i'm disappointed in you. You have lost one of your most faithfull followers... I hope you're happy, because from now i only accept orders from Luna herself!" I turned around, only to see the said alicorn. "May i leave now, your highness?" She nodded, i took Trixie with me showing her the way out. "So... Trixie, is it?" She nodded. "Look, i'm terrib..." I was stopped by a hoof to my mouth. "It's not your fault, you didn't know..." "Can you forgive me?" She nodded with a grin. "What about Cele...." At that point realized we both hate her... "I'll get her for this someday..." She replied. "Do you have any friends or relatives to go to?" She shook her head. At that moment, i saw another tear drop make it's way down. I stopped and spoke up. "Trixie..." Her ears perked up and looked at me. "Hm?" "I swear, if it wasn't fo..." I realized there was no reason not to go back and kill Celestia right then and there... only one. She was Luna's sister afterall... And i ruined enough families for that day... "Wasn't for what?" I grinned. "Nevermind, sorry" As soon as we got out of the gates, the guards turned against us. "Keep your blades, we did no harm inside." They didn't belive me. "Yeah, likely story friend..." I slaughtered all 5 of them, and tho i'm not proud of it, i looted their corpses and found enough money for 2 tickets back to Ponyville, a second later i figured i'll need another one of Luna's letters. "Oh shit, Trixie stay here... not here ... nvm come with me, i need something from Luna" She sighed and came along, at the corridors i noticed there were only two kinds of guards. White coated and grey coated, logic told me the white coat ones were under Celestia's command, at the end i found Luna yet again. "Ah, back so soon, Sergeant?" I bowed down, so did Trixie. "Your highness, i need a favor" "That would be?" "I would appreciate if you could use your magic to modify my equipment to clearly show my loyalty and servitude." "If that's all your heart's desire, sure" Her horn began glowing, i closed my eyes and after a flash of light i opened my eyes, my clothes turned from blinding white to dark blue, and i had a cape with a black, crescent moon on it, i also found a belt and a silver medallion on my neck in the shape of anothe crescent moon. "That medallion should give you access to literally anywhere, any room in any building but please, don't abuse such authority." She informed me. "Talking about authoritiy umm, i noticed that the grey coated guards are mostly designated under your command, the white coat ones however only obey Celestia. Is there a difference in their behavior or anything i should know?" She nodded. "I'll tell you all about it later" "Thank you Luna" "See you later, John" Trixie followed me outside, only to be comfronted by Flash and Armor. "What in the name of Celestia is the meaning of this?!" Armor asked. "What am i supposed to know about it?" I replied. "From Luna's balcony Flash could've clearly seen what happened here" Trixie pointed out. "What? I saw nothing!" He exclaimed. "Well, one more thing you guys have to figure out, i have to escort Trixie back home." "See you laterJohn" They said in unison. "Later guys" We made our way to the train station only to find guards flooding the city. There was literally a guard on every corner and under every lamp post... yep, all white coat and golden armor... On our way to the ticket booth i noticed a mare crying over a stallion lying on the ground, i made my way over to her and knelt down. "Greetings, what happaned?" "Oh, you? What do YOU care?" "Ma'am, i'm Princess Luna's personal bodyguard, you can trust me" "Wait, Luna's? Not Celestia's?" She asked again to be sure, i showed her the medallion. "Oh, my bad sir, i thought you were one of Celestia's bootlickers..." "No problemo, now what happened?" "My husband, he didn't pick up a tin can when he was told to" What... the... fuck... Really? They beat him near death because he didn't pick up a fucking tin can?! I wonder if *Celestia** knows about this...* "Anything remarkable about the guards who did this?" "Not much, wait, he's the one who did it!" She pointed at a squad of 10 guards, all white coat... "Wait here ma'am, Trixie, do you have a healing spell?" She nodded and began healing the stallion, i unsheathed my sword and made my way over to the squad. "Hey, guys. I need a few anwsers!" "And just who ARE you to question us, professional soldiers?" The squad leader replied with an arrogant tone. I showed hm the medallion as well, he withdrew his blade. "What do you want?" "Why did you beat that stallion up for not picking up the tin can?" They all laughed in response. "Because we could... Now what? YOU will beat US up?" He taunted me... and right then and there, he just signed his death will. I growled at him, he charged at me but i countered it, ending up impaling him. At the sight of their leader the other ten begged me for forgiveness, but who was i to decide? "Okay shitbuckets, line stand in line one by one." I ordered them. "Okay douchebag, do you have a family?" "Yes sir, a wife and a daughter" "Go home, and be with them, tomorrow you'll report to Princess Luna and ask to be designated under her command instead" "Yes sir" He started off on his way home, when he passed me by he tried to stab me in the back, but the blade broke before the armor did. I turned around, and with one quick swipe made a blood fountain out of him. I sheathed my sword, and looked back at the line and spoke to the next one. "Family?" "A wife, a son and a daughter" "You go home and report tomorrow to Luna for the same reason the other guy" "Yes sir, thank you sir" He gave me a small bag of money. After killing in total 4 of them sending 5 home and letting one run away i made my way back to the mare, stallion and Trixie. "How is our friend doing?" "He's in a bad shape, but he'll live" "Oh thank you! Both of you! How can i repay the favor?" The mare must have been as thankfull as Pinkie was cheerfull.. "Oh, it's the least i can do... but i suppose my friend here could use some food and drinks" "Sure thing, come along" She mare replied. As the mare went off on her way to home, i picked up the stallion as Trixie continued healing him on the way. "So, what brings you, a royal bodyguard here, onto the streets?" Trixie and I swapped glances. "She's my cousin... I'm here for a visit" "Ah, no offense but your... species would make it a bit difficult wouldn't it?" "Adopted cousin..." Trixie explained. I didn't like the fact that we were lying but i think she shouldn't know the truth this time. Soon we got to their home, she let us in and brought some coffee and cupcakes, we took some, drank the coffee thanked her and left. By the time we left the stallion was in a good enough condition to leave him at home. We continued on our way back to the station, on the way i saw many posters on the walls with the picture of Celestia with the text "OBEY" and pictures of Luna with the text "RESIST" What the hell is going on here? I was wondering all the way to the station, to my surprise the enterance was guarded, but by grey coat guards, i just had to see how they react to the medallion... We walkd up to the doors, guards stopped us wings spread. "I'm sorry sir, no enterance allowed today" One of them informed us. I showed him the medallion. "Oh, in that case you two may enter. I'm glad to finally see a comrade sir" I put my left hand onto his shoulder. "I known, by the way... do you have any information about the posters and Celestia's guards misbehaving?" He shook his head in response. "I'm afraid i have no information, i'm sorry sir" "Right, thanks anyway and... stay away from those white coat guys..." "Sure will sir, have a nice day" We made our way to the ticket booth, yet again and got 2 tickets for the medallion. We got onto the train, it was empty, nopony else just us and the inspectors. "Where is everypony?" Trixie asked what i was just thinking about... "I don't know... but there's somethng going on with Celestia..." An inspector walked up to us. "Hello sir, hello young lady, may i see your tickets?" I swapped glances with Trixie, she nodded. "By the orders of Princess Luna i'm escorting The Great and Powerfull Trixie to her home in Ponyville, she was summoned to Canterlot to aid healing the wounded after a terrible accident" He nodded in response. "All right, have a nice day you two" "Stay safe sir" We replied in unison and he left. "Sooo what will you do when we get there?" "I don't know..." I was still feeling terrible, and i wanted to help her any way i can. "Hey, Trixie" "Hmm?" "I was thinking... and came to a solution." "That is?" "I was wondering if... you would come and live with me" Her eyes shot up to me. "Wha... what do you mean?" "If i were to do it, would you let me adopt you?" She was only about 10 years old afterall... "Well, that's.... very kind of you" "Would you let me or would you not?" She nodded with a smile, during the train ride i asked her if she loved to learn new spells on even tricks, i guess she and Twilight will come along. The train suddenly stopped, a white coat soldier got up and the train went onwards on it's way. "Good day sir" He greeted me as he walked by us, soon after we got off the train in Ponyville. "So, which way?" "Come right this way" I told her with a grin... I wonder how Brian will react to seeing me after all these years. As we walked down the roads Trixie pulled in my sleeves to get my attention. "Hmm?" She pointed to the sides of the road... as we made our way stallions, mares, foals and fillies bowed down to us.. .or maybe just me i don't know. As i inspected the crowd around us i saw a white coated filly unicorn with pink and purple curled mane, i made my way over to her, she seemed familiar from somewhere... I looked around to make sure it was me who the bowed down to... there wasn't any royalty nearby so it must have been me. "Thank you for your warm welcome citizens! Please be on your way now!" The crowd did so, but not before breaking out in a loud sheering, they kept saying something i couldn't make out clearly, but i think it was something like. Long live the assassin brotherhood! I knelt down to the filly, and asked her. "Hey there, what's your name?" "Oh, hi i'm Sweetie Belle , you must be the returning hero Rarity was talking about!" "Rarity? You know her?" "Of course i do, she's my big sister!" "Ah, can you bring us to her?" She nodded in response and smiled. We made our way to Carousel Butique, nothing changed about it, as we entered we heard a bell ring above the door. "Rarity! I brought an old friend!" "The customer has to wait! Come help me with the important order right now!" Rarity's voice replied through a doorway. "Shh, i'll go help her, thanks Sweetie Belle" "Any time!" With that she left. Rarity turned around the corned with a tower of boxes and fabrics in her forehooves, she was walking on her hind legs... a bit surprising isn't it? I walked over to her, "Here, let me help with these..." "Oh, thank you my dear, my sister never bothers to help me and..." She replied, soon after stopping to realize it was me standing in front of her. "Oh my, John! What happened to you? Where have you been for these 3 years?" I saw her eyes dart across me, probably examining my equipment, but i saw her eyes suddenly stop staring at my left knee... well... the edge of my sword was covered in blood, so were my clothes. "Oh..." "So, where do you want these?" "Oh, right, be a dear and follow me" I followed her up the stairs to her workshop i saw many manequins and bluprints. So this is how she usually spends her nights... "They should be fine right here" As she said it i put the boxes down, she levitated the fabric rolls over into a rack. "Thank you John, it's getting dark outside... would you two like to spend the night here with us?" "Yes, thanks Rarity" "Oh, John... would you mind fetching Sweetie Belle back home?" "Sure thing... where can i find her?" "Either Sweet Apple Acres with her friends or at Golden Oak Library talking to Twilight" I nodded and made my way to the enterance. "Trixie, would you mind helping Rarity while i'm gone? She said we can spend the night here with them." "Sure thing... where is she?" "She's upstairs in her workroom" She nodded and made her way towards the stairs, i left to look for the missing filly. Soon it got even darker and i noticed a cloaked figure with yellow glowing eyes... I knew it was suspicious and i had to investigate so i let out a sharp whistle attracting it's attention. I had a hand reaching back for the pistol, the other with a flashlight in it. The figure slowly made it's way towards me, i pointed my flashlight at it revealing another familiar face. "Ah, John... you are something pleasant so see, but not who i expected here to be." I grinned as i heard it. "Good to see you too, Zecora. Can you do me a favor?" "I have many things to do, only later. I'll gladly help a friendly neighbour!" "Do you have a brew or potion for seeing in the dark?" She scrambled around in her saddlebag, and threw me a vial of black liquid. "This should aid you see in the dark... but it's effects will leave a mark" I drank it down, thanked her and we went on our ways, soon after i saw the library. I walked up to the front door and knocked, i heard a grownd followed by a yawn in reposnse, the door whipped open unavoidably throwing me into the rose bush. "Who s there?" A voice called out carrying a candle. "Ow..." "Ooops...sorry Brian, what are you doing here at this time of the day?" I climbed out of the bush and stood into the doorway once agian. "And why are you wearing these rags anyways?" Under his speech i inspected the figure in the candle's light... a baby dragon, purple scales green spines... "Hey, is Twilight here?" "Sure is..." He waved a claw telling me to follow him. "Twilight! Brian's here to see you.... Don't ask why!" With that, he went upstairs to sleep. I was standing there, in the darkness... no light source what so ever... i was thinking about scaring or pranking Twilight, but realized she might do something unpleasant in response with her magic... so i decided to just stand still bloody sword in hand... hehe. *Yawn* "Hang on Brian, i'm coming..." A second later i saw a candle levitate it's way into the room, followed by yet another old friend. She stopped on top of the stairs and focused her magic to light the torches in the room on the walls, suddenly the whole room was flooded in light. "Hey Twilight, glad to see an old friend" She panicked, waving the candle around her head. "Stay where you are!" I sheathed the sword and took a step towards her. "Aren't you happy to see me?" "I don't know who you are... so leave now!" Suddenly i was surrounded in her magic aura lifted into the air a rendered moveless. "I told you to stop..." She levitated a torch near my cape. "Hey now, are you sure making fire inside a tree is a good idea?" I asked, a second later the torch disappeared and i fell to the ground, got up and walked into front of her. "What's wrong? Are you scared?" She was shaking in fear... i didn't mean to go that far... well, shit. I knelt down to eye level to her... i forgot about my new eye color however... I slowly raised my left hand up and took off my hood. "John!" She yelled, while lunging at me for a hug, ending up with us rolling down the stairs... I guess she was happy i wasn't trying to kill her. "Oh i'm so glad you're back!" "Glad you're all right Twi, i'm looking for Rarity's lil sister, Sweetie Belle have you seen her?" "No, i haven't, sorry John" "Then i'm off looking for her... tomorrow i'll come back, i want to do some research..." She agreed immediately... who wouldn't be welcome to study in a library? I left and made my way to Sweet Apple Acres... when i was reaching to open the gate i was greeted by a big red stallion chucking a hatchet right into my hand. "What brings you here stranger?" The stallion asked. I took the hatchet out and handed it back to him. "Good aim friend, i'm here to see Applejack... i need her help, would you let me in?" "NNooppe...." "*Sigh*Look, buddy i came here to talk to her not to make you eat through your ass..." I taunted him. "I'm sorry friend, you're not coming through here..." I unsheathed my sword. "Still ain't scared..." He truly wasn't... i guess he was just looking out for his family... "Look, did she mention one of her friends disappearing 3 years ago?" "Yeep." "What was his name?" "Some John Miller, why?" I handed him my dog tag. "What is this?" "We use this in the army to identify the corpses..." He threw it back to me. "So what you're saying is that you are the one who saved Princess Luna and returend?" "Yes, i'm Sergeant John Miller, Princess Luna's personal bodyguard..." "I still don't belive you know." "Hey, why would i lie to you?" He stood there thinking, soon after he opened the gate. "Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres John, i'm Big Macintosh, you can call me Big Mac if you will" He walked me to the doorway and let me in. "Stay here i'll get her in a minute" And a second after Applejack walked in and greeted me. "*yawn* John? Is that really you? Well i be damned what happened? Where have you been all this time?" "Hey A.J, good to see you haven't changed one bit, sorry to wake you but i'm looking for Sweetie Belle" "Ah, she must be playing in the treehouse with her friends, come on i'll show ya " She showed me to the treehouse where the fillies were playing. "Thanks, I can handle it from here" "John, welcome back to Ponyville... see you around partner!" "Bet you will!" I made my way to the door and knocked. "Shhh, Stay quiet Scootaloo!" "Ow, get your horn out of my kidney Sweetie Belle!" "Sorry Apple Bloom..." It must be them... I knocked on the door once again, a bit stronger, in response the lights went out. "Come on Sweetie Belle... i'm here to take you home!" I yelled, the weather was getting worse, a storm coming. I remembered i still had the cigarettes from the figure on the balcony... i scrambled around in my belt's bags and found a lighter... How did she know how to make one? Thanks, Luna. *3 hours later* *yawn* "Just... gotta... wait...here..." *2 hours later* snoring *The following morning* I woke up in a pile of hay the next morning... i have to admit it was comfortable tho. I made my way to the porch and knocked on the door. "Morning partner, i see the girls had more patience than you did" A.J greeted me. "Good morning A.J , where did they go?" "Come on in, i'll tell ya all bout it..." I went in, took a seat and much to my surprise A.J gave me some coffee instead of her awesome cyder... i wasn't disappointed but that was a surprise. "Thanks, any ideas who put me into the bale of hay?" "Any time, i asked Big Mac to get you out of the rain and somewhere soft... i guess he found a place for you.." She chuckled, i grinned. I took a sip of my coffee, she put a plate onto the table. "Fritters?" "Sure, thanks" We finished our breakfast, i thanked her and helped wash the dishes. "Thanks for... yesterday" "Any time John, see you around" "See ya" I set off on my way back to Carousel Butique, hoping they weren't worried about me. I entered the store, what i saw warmed my heart... something for the first time in years... I saw 3 little fillies sleeping in sleeping bags, hugging Trixie, using her wizard hat as a pillow and cloak as a blanket, i guess they made quick friends. I carefully made my way to Rarity's workroom, the door was open and she wasn't there. I checked the kitchen, empty... suddenly i heard water running, i guess she was taking a shower... i made my way to the bathroom's door and knocked. "Come in..." She replied.... I was shocked because usually... you know... females who are showering usually don't invite males in... but i guess since she had her beautiful white coat i couldn't see anything i wasn't meant to anyways. I opened the door, just enough to speak through. "Psst, Rarity! It's me John, can i come in?" "Sure!" I took a deep breath, and walked in closing the door behind, staring at the floor. "What's wrong John?" "You know, usually human females don't let us in like you did..." "Oh, is that a good or a bad thing?" "Well, usually letting others in while showering is a sign of trusting them" "Why?" "Because while you shower they could walk up and... stab you..." I cleared my throat at the end of the sentence. "Right, is that all why they don't let you in?" I took a deep breath... inhale... exhale... "Uhhh... how do i break it down to you... eerrgghh" She sunk her head under the water level of the bathtub she was in. "You know how you ponies have body parts called coats and manes?" She nodded. "Like me, humans don't have coats... so if we take our clothes off you can see our body better... and just like you ponies, we humans have different body parts we use to reproduce, while showering these are visible to others nearby" She blushed after realizing what i just said. "Oh my... I'm terribly sorry if it's embarrassing John..." I... had nothing to say at this point... Taking an explosive horn to my stomach and being considered dead for 2 years was no problem but this... heh, awkwaardd. "It's all right, you didn't know" She was still blushing, she bent over the edge of the bathtub and put down the lid on the toilet, telling me to go and sit there... At first i hesitated... manners and all but i decided to take a seat next to her... we talked about our past, plans for the future and i anwsered a few safe to ask questions she might have had about earth as she baithed... what happened next, i can't belive it happened. "Uhm... John?" "Yes?" "Would you... join me?" I felt my jaw hit the floor, many times... I have to admit it was very hot there so i took the boots, the hoodie and the vest off leaving the socks, pants and shirt on. "Look, Rarity... No offense but how old exactly are you?" "24... why?" I was about... 24 when i got there... then add the 3 years i missed... 27?! Was i really getting that old? Then again, the experiment made sure my body stops aging at 25 years of age... I had no idea if accepting it would be illegal in itself... but i figured i should just... sit on the edge of the tub with my legs hanging. "I'm 25" I replied. "25? Oh my, you're telling me you were a soldier at the age of only 20 years?" I can't remember telling her i joined the army at that age. I nodded. "Don't you find it dangerous or boring?" "Boring? Sometimes... but most the time it's either exciting or terrifying" "Back on Earth, did you enjoy it? The wars i mean..." "I was lucky enough not to be involved in one... but once i was living in another country, Hungary I was sent there to keep the citizens at bay... their riots against the prime minister became too violent and tried setting us on fire... They were throwing glass bottles that set almost everything on fire when it broke, i was standing in the front line pushing them back from killing the government officals then, i saw that the person next to me picked up one from the ground and threw it back into the crowd..." Her face was both sad for what she heard, yet happy because i returned her trust and told her my past. "Oh my, that's just terrible..." I knew she had enough... information... about what the human mind is capable of... but i continued. "I saw the bottle fly in the air... landing in the corwd... the just the scream a female made from the bottle hitting her was terrible... when i heard the fire and many screams joined hers... That's not everything... the crowd wasn't just adults... elderly and children were in the crowds as well... just imagine the screams of agony coming from the very person standing in front of you, seeing their faces as they collapse dead at your feet... we were able to stop the riots but at the end... chldren, pregnant women... and even old people were lying on the streets dead, burned alive or trampled by the crowd..." While i was telling her the story i was staring at the floor, i looked up on her face... It was covered in tears... "Oh, im... sorry that must be hard to hear..." "John..." "Yes?" "Please... forget those things that happened in the past... you can't do anything about them... They aren't your fault." I wiped her tears off and promised her to try and forget the terrors humanity can bring in it's wake. Before any of you would call me a waifu stealer... It was just seem to be the right thing to do... okay? "Thank you John" "For what?" "Returning my trust" She grinned. "It's natural" "John, would be a dear and get that gown for me?" She asked, pointing at the rack on the wall. "Sure thing" I got up and gave it to her. She stood up and got out of the tub... i turned away of course because... manners and got used to doing it. She got to the mirror, dried her mane, wrapped a towel around it and we got to the kitchen, not before me getting fully dressed again. "Hey, John would you help with the breakfast for the girls?" "Sure, what do you need?" She trew me a bag of 100b. "Sugarcube Corner?" She nodded with a grin. I made my way to the streets once again... On the way i lit another cigarette, hoping it would help me forget the cramp in my left shoulder from the haystack. After a while i noticed the early waking ponies staring at me... Must be the medallion... I tucked it under my shirt and moved on. Sometime after that thought, i felt a pair of hooves reach around my neck, out of instinct reached behind for it's neck, crouched down and slammed the figure to the ground in front of me... A very, very familiar figure i might add. "You learned a few new moves i see..." Said the cyan coated pegasus with polychromatic mane on the ground... "He-Hey... Dash! Good to see you!" "Hey, same here... i was away on flying training for 3 years!" "Really now? I was on a vacation for 3 years as well!" I gave her a hug and went on our separate ways. "Well, i have to get some cupcakes from Pinkie to return a favor from Rarity so... I'll catch up with you later!" "John, before you go..." She put on the sunglasses i gave her all those years ago. "High five!" She yelled, while my palm hit her hoof... I guess she was today just as awesome as she was back then. I got to Sugarcube Corner... The memory of my first time there flashed through my mind... along with seeing Pinkie sad for the first time as well as the coma... After a second i shook my head to pull myself together, followed by knocking on the door. "Come in!" I heard Pinkie's voice... I bet she had the party cannon loaded like last time i was here. I gave the door a strong pull, jumped in and rolled... routine manouver but i ended up pulling the pistol as well, part of the routine. I looked around, nobody inside... Where did she...? The next moment i was on the ground, Pinkie above me. "John! Welcome baaaaaack!" "Ow, good to see you again, Pinkie." I got up, dusted myself off and got to the point. "Hey Pinkie, he must be your friend who disappeared..." Said a brown coated stallion behind the counter. "Good to see you're still all right sir" Said a blue coated mare with pink mane next to him, i made my way to the counter. "Greetings, my name is..." I was cut short by him. "Sergeant John Miller... Everybody knows the hero who saved Princess Luna" He grinned. "I'm Mr.Cake... and this is my wife Mrs.Cake" I shook hands and hooves with him, and hugged his wife... he gave me a confused look... but i to make some sort of gesture. "Honored to make an acquaintance" I replied. "Well met John, what can i get you?" Mrs.Cake asked. I looked at the counter with the prices... "5 Cupcakes please" She used a spoon with her mouth to put them into a paper bag and put it onto the counter. "Here you go" "Thank you, how much is it?" I asked... they laughed in response. "Oh silly, it's for free! You are the first customer today! The first customer always get their order free!"I guess local economy was better than earth's global economy. "Ah, i see... i have to go now, see you Pinkie, bye Mr and Mrs.Cake!" I put the hood back on and ran like never before... i got there in no time, and made my way to the kitchen. "Ra... Rari.... Rarity i... got the... cupcakes... fuckin ell... let me just... catch my breath..." "Hmm? Oh thanks John" I threw the bag she gave me on the table. "I was the first today so it was for free" She threw the bag back to me. "Oh dear, keep it for your troubles" She took them out and put them on a plate with 4 glasses of milk. "One, two, three, four, fi... wait, John sweetheart you bought one too many..." "I don't think so, that one is for you, now if you'd excuse i have to pay Twilight a visit" "Sure, thanks again John... i'm glad you're back" I waved bye and left... on the way there i saw a crowd standing in a circle around somethng, i decided to investigate. That's when i noticed i had another much bigger bag hanging on my left side, i gently pushed the ponies out of my way to see what the commotion was about... I saw a pool of blood on the ground, many in fact, small ones and a griffon with it's back to me, i went around with the crowd to see what the hell was going on, when i got a clear view of the scene i was shocked, what i saw made me climb onto top of a nearby building and inspect it better. Apparently Fluttershy was helping a duck family get throught the street when she ran into the griffon, who started yelling and lashing at her. I unsheathed my sword and jumped to do my job. I took a good look at Fluttershy, she was unconscious and she had deep cuts all over her body, wings, and even face... That was the final straw. "What's your name, douchbag?" I asked the griffon pointing a sword at her throat. "Gilda, not like you'll ever need to use it..." As she finished the sentence she turned her back to me, i sheathed my sword and reached into the bag... i found a shotgun. "Gilda, you are under arrest in the name of Princess Luna!" I aimed the shotgun at her. "Oh, so you think you're a big shot around?" I shot her wings making sure she's not getting away with those, she screamed like Fluttershy must have in pain, a while later she lunged at me. "Big mistake" I told her, putting away the shotgun and leaving a deep cut in her side with my sword, it was badly bleeding and she was lying on the ground. "Just who do you think you are?!" She asked furiously. I wanted to make her suffer like Fluttershy must have, i sheathed my sword and started floating mid air, surrounded by a dark cloud. I took off my hood revealing my black eyes with blood red pupils, then said on a deep, distorted voice. "I'M HEAVEN AND HELL, EVERYTHING YOU COULDN'T BE!" "Wha... what are you going to do to me?" "After i'm done with you... i'm gonna pick up the pieces, gonna burry them deep..." I spiced it up with a chuckle.It this point she was shaking in fear, i guess that was enough fun for me, i got back to the ground, the cloud dispersed and put my hood back on and chuckled. "John! You went too far!" I heard a voice call out. "Step right up if you have something to say!" I yelled into the crowd, seconds later Brian emerged fromt he wall of ponies in front of me. "You went way too far... she didn't desere such punishment!" I cut him short by grabbing his throat and slamming him against a wall, holding him in the air against it. "You saw everything that happened!?" "Well..." "YOU SAW THE WHOLE THNG?I!" "Yes..." "You saw the whole thing and you did nothing to help Fluttershy... that makes you just as much of a bad friend as much of a criminal is makes Gilda!" With that, i threw him to the ground. "You're right... i'm sorry..." He managed to spit out, i helped him get up. "I'm not the one you should apologize to, now go home and mind your own business, no offense" He nodded and we shook hands, patting me on the back. "Welcome back, Brother." I made my way back to Fluttershy, by then she was conscious again, i knelt down and petted her head. "Shh-shh... It's all right, you're safe now..." I told her, i reached for her and lifted her up from the ground, she didn't fight back. Afterwads i let out a sharp whistle, suddenly 2 of Luna's guards appeared with a wagon. "Did you call for us Sergeant?" One of them asked while they saluted. "Yes, take that griffon to prison for injuring this citizen out of fun... tomorrow i'll take the keys" "Sir yes sir!" They threw her into the wagon. "One more thing guys, tie her wings and legs together to prevent further struggle to escape." They nodded, i reached into the bag on my left and threw them a rope. "What about her? Shouldn't we take her to a hospital sir?" The other guard asked, pointing at Fluttershy. "I'll take care of her, you just take the prisoner to her cell." They nodded and took off into the skies towards Canterlot. The crowd was just as dense when i got here. "Anypony had a thing to say?" I shouted, no response. "Then be on your way now!" I yelled, the crowd dispersed. Where the hell is the hospital!? I rushed over to Twilight hoping she would have a spell to help her, i rushed throught he whole town to make it there in time, i knocked on the door but nobody anwsered. "Come on! I have a seriously wounded here!" "Hang on for a minute!" Twilight yelled through the door. "Twi, it's important!" "I told you to wait!" I had enough, put Fluttershy on the ground and busted the door's hinges off with the shotgun, what i saw shocked me. "What?" Twilight asked, standing on a chair with a noose around her neck. End of Chapter 5.
Chatper 6: Changing sides...Chapter 6: The Truth Chapter Six: The Truth. I was standing in the doorway, in a rush to save Fluttershy once again, and at the sight of Twilight preparing to hang herself... I'm glad i didn't have Flutter in my arms because i'm sure i would've dropped her. "Why?... Tell me why are you doing this Twilight..." Her eyes swelled up in tears. "Because... he... left me... " At this point she started out right crying, i slowly walked up to her and asked. "Who? Who left you?" I slowly reached for the noose and took it off from her, she was still crying. "Twilight, what happened? Tell me, please..." I wiped her tears off as well I won't repeat myself... it's just what a good friend does, isn't it? I knelt down to give her a shoulder to cry on, and patted her back. "There-there... don't worry, it'll be okay... calm down" She took a few breaths and then stopped crying. "Joh- John... tha- thank you..." She whispered. "All better?" "Much better" "Great, you have to help Fluttershy" I stood out of her way and pointed at Fluttershy. "Oh dear! Oh dear!" She hurried over to her and focused her magic... soon after her horn and Fluttershy's body was surrounded by a purple aura, the wounds disappeared before i could look at them. "That was close John... But she'll be fine in a day or two" "I'll bring her home and... i would appreciate if you would come along" She nodded, we left the library and she locked the door, i lifted Fluttershy over my shoulder and about halfway there i broke the silence. "Sooo... back in the library...." "I'm sorry John" "Who were you talking about?" "My ex-stallion..." "Oh..." I pacepalmed. "Don't tell me you wanted to hang yourself because he left you... please don't..." "I don't know what came over me..." "Look, i know there are many differences between you and me... but back on earth i had to withness all of my friends being killed, some shot, some throat cut, or stabbed, and see what remained of my parents after they died in an accident... Yet i'm still here aren't i? I didn't give up after losing everybody i loved, and either should you." Her eyes shot down at the ground as i said that. "I'm sorry to remind you of that John, you are a true inspiration to a few of us, have you noticed that?" I hope not...” "No, i haven't actually..." "John..." "Hmm?" "Sincere condolences" As she said that, i remembered all of them... faces, names and memories spent together till their time had come... I stopped walking, reached into my pockets for the picture of my parents, i expected it to be gone but it was there, no folds or tears, nothing changed, and i felt a hoof on my shoulder. "Are they your parents?" She asked, suddenly i felt tears build up, but closed my eyes before they could escape. "Let's... just go" We got to Fluttershy's house, the door was open and the lights were on. "Wierd..." Twilight wondered. We put Fluttershy into her bed, closed the door and left to go back to the library we were just as silent as on the way there. Oh i'll give my piece of mind to that little shitbag... I bet *Shining Armor** can tell me his name... I'm sure Twilight had introduced them before” "John*, thanks for stopping me” „Don't mention it Twi... Or try that again” "Anyways, what did you want to research or study?” I unsheathed my sword. "This... Is there anything about it? I got this from the royal armory and Luna said some were artifacts, i want to know if this is one of them.” She pushed my hand away, telling me to put it away or others may get scared or worried. I was the law enforcement afterall... A while after we got back to the library, as i took a step inside i felt somewhat... depressed. "Ugh...” "Something wrong?” "No, no... let's just clean this mess up.” I have no idea how she got the rope around the chandelier, but she couldn't get it down with telekenisis, and the chandelier it was attached to wasn't fix enought to let me climb up and untie the rope... I bet *Dash** could help with this* Of course by the time i finished that thought, Twi simply made the rope disappear. "You saw nothing here today, okay John?” "Sure haven't!” "Great, as for your sword, i think i saw it one of the books a while ago... Let's see...” She began eyeing the labels of the books like a machine, one after the other... soon she found something. „Aaaaha! Here it is, the ancient sword of the legendary assassin: The Bird Son of No One. Assassin, huh? "What does it say about him?” "Back in ancient times, the changeling queen, Chrysalis found a way to travel through time and space, bringing another... Human? Back with them. They decieved him to take part in the fight between the Solar Empire and the New Lunar Republic... Much to his dismay Princess Celestia wanted him wiped off from the face of the planet, unavoidably making him side with Princess Luna instead, at her side he was a one of the most memorable, honorable and loyal fighter who served under Princess Luna's command, however he saw that many civillians were often stuck between the two opposing sides, so he issued the battles to stop and began to diplomaticly solve the solution, but one of Celestia's messengers attacked him but failed, he used... What?" At this point she flipped the book over to me, the page she was on had an image of the assassin she was talking about, he used some mechanism at his wrists to make some sort of dagger with extendable and retractable blades... "Wow, is that all there is about him?” "No, there's still something about him, he wore similar robes to yours, but his ones we just, simpler... He also had an amulet what he got from Princess Luna after saving her life, and the sword you hold in your hands... Had taken more that a million lives on record... Wow, that guy was dangerous, how come i never saw this book before? I have readt the whole librarby five times at least...” A million lives? Why do i get these things? Why did *Luna** give me similar robes and and medallion? Did she ask Armor to show this exact sword?* My mind was racing, i was deep in thought. "John? Joohn... Hey John!” "Oh, sorry... i don't know what that was... but, uhm can i borrow that book for a day or two?" "Oh, sure thing, here you go!" She smiled, like nothing happened today and levitated the book into my hands. "Thanks Twi, that's all i wanted for now, see you later!" "Later John" As i left the library it suddenly hit me... Shit! I forgot about Trixie! I rushed back to the butique, on my way there i saw an unicorn mare with white coat and cyan and dark blue mane, and pink tinted sunglasses. My only guesses were she was listening to music, i had no time to examine her better, but i doubt they invented MP3 players, she was talking to another earth pony, she had grey coat and black mane, for some reason she was carrying a chello around.... Hey, musicans? Come on let's give em some respect... I made my way up to them and asked while heavily breathing in my hurry. "Excuse me... Ladies... Are you...*Cough* Musicians?" The mares looked surprised, i guess they didn't know who or what i was at the time. "Uhm, hello sir, in fact yes we are... Can we... uh help you?" The grey mare asked, she almost whacked me in the face with her instrument when she turned around to look at me. "Not much... I just... came here... to tell you that... keep going... music is awesome... my name is, John Miller... Pleased to meet you" "Why thank you good sir, my name is Octavia Melody, my friend here is a DJ, her name is..." She was cut short by the other mare. "DJ Pon-3... but that's just my stage name, you can call me Vinyl Scratch, or simply Vinyl." "Great, do you girls have a performance in the upcoming days?" "Now that you mention, i should be practicing for my performance at the castle in Canterlot tomorrow..." I saw her taking a few steps backwards... i guess she noticed my sword and it's condition, man i should clean it at least... "Uhh John, please tell us that's tomato sauce on your sword..." I nodded with a grin. "Oh, good... you had me worried for a minute, anyways, like i said i'll be performing in the Canterlot Royal Palace tomorrow at noon... Would you like to come John? I can get you a ticket there." I grinned and pulled out my medallion. "Heh, thanks Octavia but i think i can take care of that myself easier." "As you wish, see you two later " We waved back to her with Vinyl. "So, what's up John? I haven't seen you around before... From your clothes and equipment i have one guess, are you a traveller or something?" "Oh, no, no... I'm just a guard at the palace..." "Well, cool enough, wanna hang out?" "Sssorry Vinyl, but i have important things to do, no offense" "Hey, none taken, see you tomorrow at Canterlot" "See you there Vinyl." I ran even faster, i didn't mean to stay with them that long, when i got there i looked in through the window and saw that they were still sleeping Good, i'm not late yet... I slowly made my way inside, for the third time today and began looking for Rarity, but i only found Brian in the workroom, wrapped with all kinds and colors of fabrics, as he noticed me he chuckled and gave me a look, i swear that look was saying: Help me... Please... I grinned and helped him get out of there, and put the fabrics back to where they belong and shook hands. "What's up Brian? Have you seen Rarity? I have something to ask her." He began thinking for a while, then replied. "Hmm, now that you mention she told me she'll be visiting Fluttershy today to take measures for her dress to the gala" "Gala? What gala?" "Oh the Grand Galoping Gala, i guess you haven't heard of it, it'll be tomorrow noon at the Canterlot Royal Palace" "Huh, i don't think Flutter is in good enough condition to help her, thanks for the info, see you later Brian" "Wait! If you happen to see a mint green unicorn with a harp on her flank, she knows all about human biology... and psychology... You should do your best to avoid her, don't run tho" All about human biology? I think i know what you mean... "Thanks" "Just thought you should know, see you later" When i got downstairs, the three fillies and Trixie were enjoying the cupcakes and milk in the kitchen, i heard their laughter as they told Trixie about their adventures. I walked into the kitchen but stoppedin the doorway, i felt stiff in my neck so i cracked it, *Crack* *Crunch* and pretended that i broke my neck and fell to the ground face first making a loud "Thump" noise. The girls turned around to see what it was, when they saw me they gasped, Trixie just chuckled. "Hey mister, are you all right? Come on, wake up!" I groaned in response, lifting my right hand up and giving them a thums up "Hmmph, hmmph..." They all laughed, i got back up and told them i'm fine. "So girls, how is the morning? Enjoying breakfast?" Then i realized the other two didn't even know who i was, unless Trixie and Sweetie told them about me, and apparently they did... and introduced themselves, first came the orange pegasus named Scootaloo , then Applejack's sister, Applebloom. "Yes! It's amazing!" Scootaloo replied, still enjoying the last bite of hers. Heh, it does better be, you don't know what i had to go through to get it... "Girls, uhm don't you know what Brian is doing here?" "Oh, Rarity asked him to look after us while she's gone and ya weren't around" Applebloom replied with a mouthful. "Thanks AppleBloom, tell Big Mac i said thanks" She raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Sure will" "Trixie, uhm i have to go back to Canterlot for a while, if you want to you can come with me or go over to Brian." "Nah, i'm coming with you" With that, we said bye to the girls and went back to the train station, got our tickets and onto the train. The same inspector walked by us, he knew we had a Permanent ticket, he simply greeted us as he walked by, on the way we stopped at a station, while others got on i noticed a poster on the walls saying: For a brighter future with a picture of Celestia... what the hell was going on? I decided to ignore it, and the train continued on it's way, it wasn't a busy day, it was only us and the inspector on the train, suddenly the cart door slowly opened, but not from the way the inspector was... I couldn't belive what entered, it was me, well... another me. "A clone?" I whispered to the now mayorly confused Trixie, the figure looked around, but she cast an invisibility spell before it could notice us and walked by... she dispersed the spell and i whispered to her. "Close your eyes, i have to get rid of him". She did and i pulled out my knife, only to notice the clone was wearing a blinding white suit of metal armor with the text : "For a brighter future.", too bad it's neck wasn't protected....*Splat* *Squirt* *Thump* aaand body thrown out the window. "One down, now we should get out before they notice the blood on the floor..." She nodded and we got out of the cart, the train was going on a moderate pace, but still not quite safe for jumping off, yet enough to run after. "What now? We can't just jump... and who knows how far we still are..." "Well, since it's impossible for me to die... Let's find out!" I jumped off with a gin on my face, knowing it might end up with me in pieces, but i landed on the ground and rolled for a while, when i stopped immediately ran after the train soon catching up, don't know how but i did. I let out a sharp whistle getting Trixie's attention, i ran up to next to her and told her to jump onto my back, she hesitated but soon did it. "Hang oon!" I yelled, soon jumping onto my belly, sliding on the ground till we stopped, we stood up and she gave a honest opinion. "John, you're crazy..." "Heh, i know many people called me that" "They called you crazy?" "No, they called me John" She giggled, and we walked along the rails until we got there, we completely missed the train station tho since we didn't need to get off the train, but we got there, on the way there the mare who's husband we saved waved at us, we waved back. We got to the gates. "Good afternoon, i came here to see the princesses and..." "Ah, hey John, Trixie...." "Oh, hi Flash, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be scouting?" "Not since the Incident..." He looked as depressed as Twilight did back in the library... "Soo... Can we go in?" He nodded and we made our way in, this time i saw no white coat guards at all on the way in... I guess they were busy terrorizing the citizens. As we walked down the endless corridors the remaining grey coat guards all nodded at us with a disciplined look, i nodded back, soon we got to the throne room once again, as i reached for the door a guard spoke up. "Sir, the princesses already have visitors, please wait here" "Okay, but who's in there?" To that, the guards swapped glances, soon after we heard a voice through the door: "Guards! Guards! Get in here now!" Trixie knew she had to stay out, i pulled my pistol and told the guards. "Let's do this guys" I kicked the doors in, the guards at my side, but when we entered we only saw the two princesses and Captain Shining Armor, with another alicorn by his side. "What happaned your majesty?" The guards asked, we were confused as the princesses were. "Nothing, we didn't even call for you..." "But we all heard you calling for us through the door!" The princesses were even more surprised by my presence.... "No, we didn't. You may go now" The guards nodded and left the room, i was going to leave as well when i heard a new voice. "No, you can stay Sergeant" I turned around to see who it was, it was the third alicorn, she stood in front of me and introduced herself. "I heard many great things about you, Sergeant. Allow me to introduce myself, i'm Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and i would like you take give my soldiers a few lessons on behavior and such, would you agree?" I was honored by the request already, but i wanted to stay for the gala tomorrow. "Sure thing my lady, but may i ask where exactly would i need to go? Also, would you take offense if i would arrive there two days from today?" "Oh, you would need to arrive to the Crystal Empire at any choosen date, but at least a week from now." "It would be my honor, that is if Princess Celestia and Luna would approve of my temporary relocation." As i finished that sentence, i saw Celestia suddenly summon a quill and a piece of paper and began scribbling, after she was done the paper levitated into my hands. It had the following written on it: We, *Princess Celestia** and Princess Luna now officaly approve of Staff Sergeant John Miller's temporary relocation to the Crysal Empire, this document will never expire. Followed by the offical royal stamp. I put the paper intothe bag on my left, and nodded at the two on the thrones with a grin. *Did they just promote me? The pink alicorn turned back to the sisters. "Luna, Celestia, if you'd excuse i have to go back now." She trned towards the captain. "Come honey, let's go" They turned around to leave, but i got Armor by the shoulder and asked. "Wait, Armor, don't you know who's Twilight's stallion?" He raised an eyebrow. "Look, i know it's none of my business but i have something to tell him and..." I was cut short by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. "Oh, you mean Flash Sentry? Did he do seomthing? By the way since my name is a bit complicated please call me Cadence." "Thanks, Cadence. No, he didn't i just have something to tell him" With that i escorted the couple outside, and they explained that they are married. "Hey Armor, you should've told me you have this much of a beautiful wife...." I finished with a grin, Cadence blushed. "Hey, you never asked...." He replied with a grin. End of Chapter 6
Chapter 7: The night shiftChapter 7: Altair's legacy Chapter Seven: Altair's legacy I escorted Armor and Cadence outside, Armor let out a whistle and two crystal guards appeared with a cart, they got on and took off. I waved at them and made my way beck to the princesses. "Good to see you again John" Celestia greeted me, i wasn't as happy to see her tho after seeing that clone on the train, i walkd closer to them and asked Luna to follow me to one of the corridors, she came with me. "Hello SSG.Miller, what can i do for you?" I showed her the book i borrowed from Twilight, her eyes shot open. "Is this what you wanted to tell me All about later"? She nodded, her horn began glowing and levitated the book over to her, flipping through the pages she suddenly stopped, it was the same page Twilight showed me, she just stared at it for a while without blinking, then shook her head and continued flipping through soon after finishing the book and giving it back to me. "Yes, it is..." She looked suddenly depressed, since she's immortal i guess she knew him personaly, probably the memories coming back. "Uhm, something wrong?" "Oh, no no... i just remembered why i chose you to replace him..." "Oh, i suppose like every other living thing, he passed on sooner later as well, could you show me to his final resting place?" She didn't say anything for a while, then nodded. "Yes, it's in the Everfree... If you wish to enter however i must ask you to bring a few things from the armory." I waved my hand telling her to come with me, we got to the armory and i looked around. Let's see... FN Fal assault rifle and USAS-12 automatic shotgun... my canteen a spoon and fork, a hatchet, a shovel aaand a compact tent "Ready to go Luna" And under a wink of an eye we were at the edge of the forest. "Come John, it's three days of walking from here" We started walking, a few creepy noises aside it was a calm and uneventful tour, until the time came for her to raise the moon. "Oh, wait a minute John, i have to raise the moon" With that, her eyes began glowing and she flew upwards a few meters, soon after the sun made it's way out of the sky, making room for the moon. "I haven't seen it this clearly for a while..." She grinned. "Let's set up camp for tonight, shall we?" She asked, i set up the tent, and told her to wait for me and i'll go get some firewood, a while after i returned she was waiting for me patiently. I set up the wood and she set it on fire, it was just like camping with my parents... But the thoughts were interrupted by Luna's stomach growling, thats when i realized i didn't pack anything to eat... "Ehm, Luna... would you go inside the tent for now? I'll tell you when you can come out" She nodded and got into the tent, i looked at the hatchet, it had no dirt on it, and we were hungry... I rolled up my pants leg to my knee. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I got into the tent as John asked me to, i wonder why he needed me to, maybe he was... well... body functions with the digestive system... *Some time later* It's been a while now and still nothing, i was about to ask him what's going on when i heard a loud *Thump* *Splat* *Crack* *Snap* followed by John's scream... followed by a sentence i don't think i'll forget for a while. "Aggh, okay Luna you can come out now, i got something for us to eat!" I couldn't belive my ears, and i hoped he didn't just do what i think he did... I made my way out of the tent, only to see him skinning his left leg that he just chopped off... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Okay *John, stay calm, it hurts more than you expected it to, but it could be worse....* I tried repeating that in myself, it didn't help at all however, when i heard **Luna come out of a tent followed by a gasp, i knew i either made a complete fool out of myself or a person dedicated to keep himelf and a friend away from starving... She walked sat down next to me, and asked me what i'm doing. "Well, i'm making some cooked meat for us, it did hurt like all hell but it'll grow back soon" She raised an eyebrow and asked: "Uhm, John... You know that i could've just used a spell to get us food right?" As i finished removing the skin and bones, i replied. "Yes, i know... But if it was Pinkie, Rainbow, Brian,A.J, or Fluttershy they wouldn't be able to use spells" We sat there, in silence next to the fire, after having roasted for long enough i took it out of the fire and let it cool for a while. "Hey uhm, Luna... I think you haven't eaten meat yet, i know it sounds disgusting to eat a part of me, but we have to... It may taste horrible too, i didn't try it myself yet" She nodded and took a bite, it looked like she enjoyed it... I hope she won't want more that what we have now... after that thought she chuckled and told me that i'm delicious. Uhhm... thanks but you're getting a bit creepy... "Sorry, you know. I was thinking about asking Twilight to help me develop a spell that could turn ponies into humans for a while... What do you think?" Crap, then Rarity would have to make a lot more clothes... "Uhhm, after they transform they would panic about a few new limbs and organs... Not to mention they woult need to learn to walk on two legs" We both laughed at the thought of guards tumbling around like babies in a full suit of armor."How far are we ?" I asked, much to my surprise Luna told me we are halfway there. "Luna uhm, do you feel tired?" I had the idea of packing up and moving on, we had to get back to Canterlot before noon tomorrow, so we had to hurry. "No John, i'm fine" I stood up onto one leg, broke a branch down from a nearby tree to use at crutches and asked her to help me clear camp and move on. A while after we got to the ruins of an old castle. "Here we are... It's been a long time since i set hoof here" We entered the ancient ruins of the castle, it was still in great shape considering how old the place is, bookshelves from floor to ceiling filled with books and codexes and, red banners with golden edges hanging from the walls with a crescent moon on them, she walked over to a shelf and took out a book and gave it to me. "Here, this is his personal Codex, but to read it you must be officaly an assassin... But this isn't what we came for so follow me" I put the thick and heavy book away and followed behind, soon we got to a stone statue of him, the foot of the statue had something engraved into it: Here lies *Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, loyalty, freedom and honor above all else, founder of the **Dark Shield Assassins and a hero to Equestria... May death bring your peace*" As i finished reading out loud she bowed to the statue, i followed since i knew what he did in his lifetime. "What would i have to do if i became one?" She grinned, turned her head toward me and replied. "Defend the freedom of citizens of Equestria and the Crystal Empire until your death..." Not like that isn't what i was already trying to do... "Sure thing, where do i begin?" She walked close to the wall and pushed one of the bricks, a hidden door... Behind it was a coffin, i had a guess who was inside, and a box, she gave the box to me telling me to open it. "Careful John, if you're not worthy you'll get hurt" The box opened with no problems, inside were metal bracers those must be what he used, the retractable blades. "I guess i'm worthy heh" She smiled, walked closer to me and whispered. "Put them on, those are called Hidden Blades" I managed to get them on, without slitting my wrists with them. Hidden blades huh? That sounds fitting. "Anything else we need to do? If not we should go if we want to be there on the gala." I turned around to face her, but she was gone... "Oh haaa haa, very funny... Come on! We have to go..." Then, i heard the same whistle NightmareMoon called her children with... Slowly a dark cloud of smoke appeared in front of me, and a while later the smoke slowly dispersed, revealing Luna and MoonSinger, who walked up to me and gave me a key. "Here you go John, if mother trusts you then so do i" I blinked for a while to see if i'm seeing it wrong, i wasn't. I couldn't belive MoonSinger was smiling at me. I took the key and returned the smile. "Thanks, MoonSinger" I put the key away, and turned towards Luna. "Ready to go?" She nodded and walked towards the exit, followed by us. "John, there's something i want to give to you, but it's in a place very close to my heart, and the home of my children. In there, your authority will be useless however, and i must ask you never to tell anypony... or anybody about it..." I nodded, MoonSinger continued. "Don't worry, if you keep your blades... all of them... sheathed for as long as possible and stay on a calm tone you should be welcome there." I nodded in agreement, i guess she had no idea that the long metal objects on my back and in my hands were weapons, but i'll put em into the bag as well... For some reason that bag acts like an infinite storage space.... Anywayyys, we left the castle ruins and the dark forest welcomed us with some rain. "Oh you piece of... *Sigh*" Then all of the sudden Luna stopped. "John, i see a human like figure ahead... and it's surely not Brian..." I reached into the bag for the shotgun, but pulled out a grenade launcher. What the? I don't remember putting this into the bag... I threw it back in and got the shotgun with an attached flashlight. "Get ready, if this situation get's out of hand kill the thing" They nodded, i approached the figure, it had it's back to me. As i got closer i noticed it had no arms... just as i realized that it suddenly turned around and stared me in the face with blood red eyes and spoke to me. "Can you sing the song of darkness?" I took a few steps back and pointed the shotgun at it... "Identify yourself, this is the final warning!" It just stood there in front of me, staring at the gound when suddenly it anwsered me. "Farawell to heaven, my friend" Then the figure lunged at me knocking the shotgun out of my hand, with it's mouth open trying to swallow me in one piece, i managed to throw the figure to the ground soon jumping onto it's back to keep it down, it worked. It was breathing heavily and agressively, soon after trying to break free, i stomped the back of it's head into the ground breaking it's jaw with a loud *Crack* While i did it i looked away at the two behind me, and saw them close both eyes as it cracked. It was wearing a hoodie, i grabbed him by it's collar and held him tilted to the ground at a 45 degree angle, and turnd towards Luna, she knows that means me asking if i should kill the suspect, prisoner. She nodded, i let out the hidden blade on my right hand, since i was holding the figure with the left, and lifted it into the air ready to strike but first i turned back to her again to confirm it. She nodded again, i looked into her eyes and did a double take at MoonSinger, asking her if she's sure she should see it, she still nodded, i motioned my head to the side telling them to turn away, they did and with a quick swipe i ended it's life and let it fall backwards to the ground. I stood there for a while to make sure it was dead, i remembered last time i got blown it half when i thought the enemy was dead, so i made sure. Followed by that i knelt down and closed it's eyes. "May in death you'll hear the song of darkness" With that, they turned back around. "Did you really have to kill it? It didn't hurt us..." MoonSinger asked with a slight scold in her tone, Luna placed a hoof over her shoulder. "He had to, he was just protecting himself and us..." She gave me a grin as she said it, i retracted the blade and asked Luna. "I think i should go first, in case something else comes our way, you tell me when to turn, okay?" She shook her head and took off ahead of us, a while later we got to a clearing, where we saw a large barrier with some sort of fortress inside. Luna started making her way to the gates, we followed but soon i found myself way behind the other two, and i saw a barrage of arrows cover out the moon, flying towards me. "John! No!" MoonSinger yelled, but it was too late. I spread my arms and closed my eyes. This is going to hurt isn't it? Then, i heard a constant *Crack* *Splat* when it stopped, i opened my eyes, only to find myself lying on the ground, full of arrows... at least my legs and upper hand, and my throat. The pain i felt is something i would never wish for anybody ever, no matter what they did. The first thing i saw was MoonSinger running towards me worried, i guess she didn't know about my... Curse... Thankfully tho filled with arrows, my arms weren't pinned to the ground, i stood up breaking the arrows off one by one, then pushing them through and pulling them out on the other side. "John! Are you allright?" She asked, i wanted to reply but i noticed blood squirting out of my throat, so i just nodded instead but i was in so much pain i collapsed to my knees. *Cough* "I have not... Come this far... To die now!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, as i stood up blood was spraying out of every hole the arrows made. I slowly began walking towards the gate, then i noticed another barrage of arrows. Right then and there i stopped walking, unsheathed my sword it turned black, i started floating mid air like the last time we saw Chrysalis and yelled again. "THIS IS THE LAST TIME I TOOK AN ARROW TO ANYWHERE! HIT ME ONCE MORE AND I'LL TEAR ALL OF YOU APART WITH MY BARE HANDS!" I swiped my sword in anger, casting a wave that simply burned every arrow to ashes, and knocking everypony to the ground except Luna and MoonSinger. I fell to the ground, got up and sprinted toward the gate as i could, i got in and stood next to the now shocked and worried Princess. "Look, i'm sorry. I don't know what came ove..." I was cut short by her hoof the the mouth. "It's okay John, i understand completely, and please forgive my children's behavior. They are just very protective of me... And it's been a long time since somebody wore robes like yours inside these walls" As i saw all of the Defenders getting back up, i immediately sheathed the sword and threw it to the ground, followed by my knife and the bag. "Back off monster! Stay away from mother!" They slowly surrounded me with spears, getting closer and closer i stood there with my hands in the air and slowly walked further from Luna until i heard a voice call out. "You fools! Let him go! Don't you remember the great service the Dark Shield Assassins did for us?!" I turned to see who it was, it was an elder earth pony with similar robes to mine, slowly walking down a set of stairs. One of their soldiers walked up to him. "But, but WiseWords! He's an intruder! Didn't you see what he just did?" The elder pushed him aside making his way toward me. "Yes, indeed i have... But it seems you haven't. He just survived the strike of a thousand arrows, and he risked his life many times to save our dear mother! He is the descendant of the great Altair Ibn-La'Ahad!" The elder one was now standing right in front of me. "All respect the Dark Sheld Assassins!" The elder one yelled, every other bowed down to me and their mother... All except for one paticular stallion, SteadyAim. "Dark Shield Assassin my flank... If you want me to belive it show me the traditional weapon..." I grinned, walked up to him and cracked my fingers, extracting the blades in the process and retracting them afterwards. "Oh, i'm sorry..." I made my way to the elder and knelt down to eye level. "It's an honor to meet you, wise elder" He smiled and replied. "And it's a huge relief to see the Dark Shield Assassins finally have returned... At least you have, would you tell us your name, great hero?" I was a bit surprised but anwsered. "John Miller" Luna stood next to me. "Allright everypony, i'm back home but tomorrow i'll have other things to do!" The crowd dispersed leaving the two of us. "John, welcome to the Garden Of Shadows!" She summoned a bigger box out of nowhere, inside were some ancient looking... wait... it was an entire suit of armor. "This is the very armor Altair wore in his final battle... It belongs to you now" She levitated the armor into the air and with a flash of light it replaced my armor and she put my things back on, the bag and sword with the knife and pistol. "Thanks, Luna" She smiled. "Now go and rest, tomorrow morning i'll send somepony to wake you up at 7 A.M, and we'll teleport back to Canterlot for the gala, where you will be assigned as my personal guard" I had no idea what the time was, Luna showed me to my room next to hers and we fell into our slumber. End of Chapter 7
Chapter 8: Uneventful developmentsChapter 8: The Gala Chapter Eight: The Gala Later that night i woke up to an urge to... urinate... I got out of my room and cut my finger with my knife, marking my door with a drop of blood, soon after i met up with a guard patrolling. "Excuse me sir, could you tell me where's the outhouse is?" The guard turned around and began thinking. "Hello sir, if you're looking for the toilet it's the second door to the left on that hallway" He pointed a hoof to my left. "Thanks!" I bolted towards the mentioned door, knocked but nopony anwsered i knocked again, no response. "Anypony inside?" I asked, still no response... I opened the door found a toilet, most surprisingly it was like the ones we use, and did my business and returned to my room, that night i dreamt with my parent's yet again. Everything was white around me, i saw four figures in the distance, and made my way towards them. When i got closer i realized it was Brian and our parents and Dash. "Hey guys, did i miss the family reunion?" Brian grinned. "Not yet" Brian explained how he and Dash share dreams as the effect of the teleport, naturally he thought my immortality was the effect on me... little did he know, it wasn't. "Wait, so this dream is basically another mean of communication? When you guys wake up you'll actually remember this?" Dash nodded and replied. "Looks like you have the choice to join us or have your own dreams" That was good to hear tho. i could've used their company in my 3 year sleep over at the changelings... We laughed, but the laughter died down as my mother pointed behind me with a terrifed look on her face, we turned around only to see a white figure lunge at Brian. It wore blinding white clothes with a blood red belt, was it who i think it was? "Who are you working for? Tell me and i'll spare your life..." At this point i was sure who it was, but what was he doing here? How was he here? Dash tried to drag him away from Brian, but i stopped her. "What are you doing?! He's going to kill dad!" She yelled at me, i simply replied. "Trust me, he won't" The figure let Brian go, and stood in front of me. "What makes you so sure about it?" He asked, with a taunting tone. "Oh Altair, don't you remember our first tenat?" Brian dusted himself off, grabbed Altair by the shoulder and asked. "What the hell is wrong with you? What do you want? Who the hell are you?" My family closely inspected Altair, and noticed that we had the same exact sword and calmed down. I closed and arm around Altair's shoulder followed by a fake chuckle. "Heheh, Mom, Dad, Brian, Dash, meet my friend Altair!, we are guards at the Canterlot Castle... He was an earth pony but one day woke up as a human! Isn't that interesting?" They seemed to belive it when Altair replied. "Ah, now that you mention... i did forget it, would you mind filling me in, John?" Shit, i read about those in the book Luna gave me, i know there were only three tho... "Gladly, first: Keep your blade from the flesh of the innocent. Second: Do not compromise the brotherhood. and the last : Hide within plain sight." Their suspicion went away, we got away with it, as soon as they nodded in agreement of beliving us i woke up, looked at my arm and realized i had a watch on my wrist, it was 6 A.M. I stretched my legs , set the bed and checked on the other occupants, i went to check on MoonSinger, knocked on her door. "Who's there?" At least she was awake. "It's me, John! Can i come in?" After a while of silence she replied. "Sure thing" I slowly opened the door, entering her room i saw many sets of armor, and a desk with a quill and ink pot next to a book. I guess she needed something to keep track of her thoughts, or maybe just... memories.... "Good morning John, feeling any better from yesterday?" I tapped my hands all over my body checking, no wounds. "Morning for you too, looks like i'm fine thanks" She walked by me, leaving the room. I followed and we had a brief walk on the outside walls, she told me where exactly we are and that for what i've done so far and what i am i'll always be welcome until their walls stand and she taught me their signal whistle. She also told me that Luna was the one who made this place, before her banishment. Apparently orphanages weren't so pleasant here either... no much surprise there, and Celestia couldn't help them because of the budget, again, no surprise. We saw the sun rise on the horizon, we got back inside and got to Luna's door. "Are you sure she's awake?" She took some time to anwser. "Only she can lower the moon, and by that i mean ONLY she can, and it's about time for you to leave if you want to get back before noon" There was a window next to the door looking at the garden, we stared out through it, the door slowly opened behind us. "Good morning mother!" MoonSinger instantly said, Luna gave her a warm smile in response, followed by a yawn. "Morning Luna, still sleepy aren't we?" I reached into the bag and took out three cans of energy drinks and gave them one each, opening one myself. "Drink up" I chugged it down, they were sceptic at first, but since i didn't die from drinking it they drank it down, slightly choking after they finished. "Woah, what was that? I feel a lot more arawe now" Luna asked, i chuckled when i realized they only invented medicine and coffee. "Energy drinks, it makes you feel less tired... But on the long run it has the same amount of sugar as a slice of cake" They nodded swohing acknowledgement. "Right, shouldn't you get going now to be there in time?" We made our way to the gates, the guards were much more friendly to me this time, of course i didn't expect any salutions since i had no authority here, but they gave me more than a grin as we walked by. Luna started charging her teleport spell, a second after we were back near the Canterlot Castle gates, the guards immediately greeted us with the usual salutions and bowed down to her, i walked with her to her room. "John, i'm afraid i have duties about the Gala that i must now tend to. Also i'm sorry to ask you to dismiss your... traditional armor and change to something more... elegant." At this point a box appeared in mid air, i opened it revealing a tuxedo, it was the correct size, it was black with a blue tie and collar. "What's wrong?" She asked all of the sudden. "Soory it's just... I haven't worn one of these since my parents burial... It'll do nicely tho, thanks. Is there anywhere a place i can change my clothes?" She nodded, moving out of the doorway hinting me to use her quarters, suddenly Trixie came up to us. "Nice to know you two haven't forgot about me" I just got in changed and came out, i even had to get rid of the hidden blades, but i wasn't planning on going there unarmed. "Looking great John" They replied in unison. "Luna, would you be upset if i took a visit to the armory before the Gala begins?" She shook her head, and we took off to do our tasks. Trixie and i made our way to the armory, and i took a Steyr AUG assault rifle with a Berett M92 pistol. I just tucked the pistol under the suit jacket into the belt, and you can guess that i was running around with the rifle in my hands, and the bag on my left, the strap was under the jacket as well, in case i needed some ammo. I was on my way to see Celestia for my task on this event, i saw two huge doors, a sun engraved on top. Hope she's here... When i was about to knock i heard a loud thump and crashing noise, i knocked on the door. "Princess Celestia! Is everything okay?" I had to call her that since now it was offical manners, no anwser. "Okay, i'm coming in!" Still no response, i kicked the door in. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I was about to go find Luna and meet up with Twilight and her friends, as i reached the door suddenly i heard a voice from behind me. "Well isn't it the pretty princess?" I turned around to see a cloaked figure with wings in front of me, but when i realized what happened i was on the ground in the doorway. What now? What now?! This once i had no idea what to do, i was about to give up hope, the figure was slowly coming towards me with a sword when the doors flung open, the figure turned it's attention toward the door, the next thing i heard was loud *Boom* *Boom* *Boom* And the figure in front of me fell to the ground. "Celestia! What happened?" It was John, he saved me at the last moment, i wanted to say thanks, but i eneded up choking on something... i spat it out only to realize it was my blood. John threw his gun to the ground and immediately checked what's wrong, my thoat was cut. He unbuttoned his shirt and cut his chest open, he rubbed his fingers against his heart barely grunting in pain while doing so, his fingers had some green ish grey substance on them. He proceeded to rub the substance into the wound, soon after making it disappear, i could breathe and talk once again. He smiled as i took a deep breath, and offered a hand to help me get up. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I helped her get up, she looked more surprised than scared... "Are you all right now? Good as new?" She coughed, cleared her throat and replied. "Yes, thank you very much John" I patted her on the shoulder. "Any time Princess..." She turned her head to the now dying intruder, i looked at it as well. I picked my rifle back up and aimed at the figure, Celestia levitated it's hood off it's head, i saw it had green eyes that were glowing in the dark it's hood made... "Who are yo..." *Bam* *Splat* "Don't waste your time with these things Celestia..." She suddenly turned mad and furious because i just seemingly killed one of her subjects for my own pleasue, but a second later the figure turned into a changeling, her jaw dropped. "Ho... How did you know?" Then i realized what the changelings did to me, i could sense those things nearby. "It's what they did to me under the time i spend declared dead... I can feel their presence, but there are no more of them" She sunk her head down. "I'm afraid we have to cancel the gala then..." I changed magazine, and looked her int he eye. "Don't you dare do it... everypony has been waiting for this since the last one, please trust me. I have a feeling it'll be fine." She raised her head back up. "John... Why did you save me? You could've just left me to die with a cut throat like Trixie's father..." I facepalmed with my left hand. "*Sigh* "Your death wouldn't have got his life back, and what kind of guard would i be?" She smiled, but turned into a frown and tears, i raised an eyebrow in response. "What's wrong?" She shook her head to keep her thoughts at bay. "Sorry it's just... First you burned yourself to save Fluttershy, then prevented Twilght, my most faithful student from hanging herself, and even Luna in her fight against Chrysalis, and now me. You made so much sacrifices for us, why?" She was right, i didn't stop to think about why would i do it, just... did it. "Because you do everything to protect the ones you love, don't you?" She came closer to me and gave me a hug, showing gratitude... I felt a bit wierd, standing in a castle hugging a princess in a tuxedo with a rifle in my right hand and a corpse behind us in the room while having my chest still cut open, but i've been through worse. "All right now, what would be my task in the upcoming event?" I held a hand onto my chest, pulling a finger down just like the knife made it's way the wound disappeared once again. "Before the briefing, John did you even think about learning magic?" I stopped to think about it, i didn't have Altair's sword yet i did what i did... and the experiment's effect would take at least a week for that size of wound to heal. "Now that you mention, i would but, i'll have to leave for the Crystal Empire in a week, and you have royal duties to attend, not to mention you are already Twilight's mentor" She grinned. "Then why not ask my sister to teach you? She's more experienced in defensive spells, and i can offer you maybe a few offensive ones... but i'm sure you have many other means of offense, not linked to arcane knowledge" I nodded. "Thanks, i'll ask her tomorrow" She nodded. "Now for your task, you of course are part of the security personel, as such you do not need any invitation to enter, and should do your best to make the guests feel safe yet happy. The list of guests includes many of our friends: Twilight, AppleJack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Brian, and your task will be keeping the V.I.P personel safe, who of course are Captain Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza... When our friends arrive you and Flash Sentry will accompany them to the Gala room." I wasn't pleased with the thought of Flash and Twi close proximity... "Yes ma'am, anything else i must know?" She sighed, we agreed to stay away from adressing eachother by authority ranks, but it was offical manners. She shook her head in response, we promptly left to tend to our tasks at hand. I made my way to the gates but didn't use the main doors, there was a long red carpet, a row of soldiers along the sides, saluting my authority when they noticed me. God i hate it when the only thing respected is my rank, not me. I walked closer to them and gave them my piece of mind of our task. "Allright ladies, listen up! We are here to keep the guests happy and safe no matter what cost, understood?" They yelled in agreement. "All right then do your best guys" I decided to pay Gilda a visit in the prison, mabye taunt her a little more, on the way there i noticed there were more and more white coat guards around every corner either that or they were simply more armored and armed. I approached the cell she was in, she was awake but not a good condition. "Oh great, you again, what do you want?!" She was just as friendly when i met her. "For now you'll stay here, there has not yet been a decision about your case" With that i left ther there to rot a few more days. "Hey, let me out of here, don't you dare just leave me here!" Nope, hehe. The Gala went as it was supposed to, no troubles after a while Cadence came up to me and asked me about when will i visit the Crystal Empire, i told her that i will be there for a week from tomorrow. A while later Celestia had a conversation with me. "John, you're doing a great job so far, i would like you to go up to that tower with a long range gun and keep watch if something hostile is coming" I nodded, and she teleported us into the very tower. "Just so you know, i'm not quite a professional sniper..." She chuckled. "I guess you are right, please feel free to talk to any of the guests you personally know, and enjoy yourself, but please don't get too much intoxicated and keep an eye out for troublemakers" She hoofed me an ID card, granting me access to nearly every singe facility in the castle, of course the exceptions were the royal quarters. "Thanks Celestia, anything else i should know?" She nodded. "Please, change back into your traditional assassin equipment, i want to introduce you to a few... friends of mine" She turned around and i changed back, while i was putting the hidden blades on she asked me about the colors. "Hmm? Oh, i don't know. Once i got these into a very bad condition and Luna used a spell to repair it, causing the colors to change as well" "Well, let's go now shall we? Oh and please prefer not to... expose... your weapons to their sight." Being honest, the sword was in the sheath the knife in it's sheath next to the sword and the pistol somewhere in the void in one of the bags, a while ago i discovered that the hidden blades had a pistol attached, tho without sights sure harder to aim, also a hollowed out inside for use of poison. We made our way into a room, on the sides many more guards, and different equipment that i've never seen before. "Uhm, Celestia. What's up with those guards?" Her ears perked up and turned to me. "Oh, they are the Equestrian Elite Royal Guards, the best to be found. If you weren't Luna's personal guard or. And i mean no offense by this, a human you would be one of their ranks" I told Celestia to go and i'll follow soon, she agreed. I walked up to one of the guards, saluting. "An honor to meet such a talented ally. Tell me, how many lives did you need to take to get here?" He saluted back. "I have heard of what you did so far sir, more than i would want to admit sir" I looked at his armor, he had quite a few medals, i grinned and put a hand on his shoulder. "Keep the great work up, nobody would prefer to be disappointed" He nodded in acknowledgement. "One more thing, i hope your time spent here will be mostly boring" I grinned, soon after he realized what i meant he grinned too, soon after i walked through the door, many others inspecting me. Much to my relief Celestia broke the silence after clearing her throat. "Mares and Stallions, i would like to present to you: Sergeant First Class John Miller!" The occupants who i had no time yet to look at clapped at me, i simply replied. "Greetings, it is an honor to meet all of you" Celestia introduced each of them to me. "John, meet: Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts and Sergeant at the Wonderbolt Academy and representative of Cloudsdale." I saluted her, tho i was technically higher authority... kind of, since i wasn't a wonderbolt, she saluted back. "Honored to meet you sir" Celestia continued her speech. "I'm sure you already met Princess Mi Amo..." She was cut short by Cadence clearing her throat. "Right, Princess Cadence and her husband, Prince Shining Armor, her personal guard and Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard" I greeted them with a smile and a nod, they waved from their chairs. "And you surely know our friend Zecora, only communicative resident of the Everfree Forest" I waved at her, she waved back. "Sheriff Silverstar, the law of Appleloosa and Chief Thunderhoof, the chief of Appleloosa's native occupants, the buffalos" The sheriff walked up to me and offered a hoof for a shake. "Howdy friend?" I shook hands and hooves with him. "Hope your days are less exhausting, friend" Then came the Chief, bearing a box in his hooves, soon after giving it to me. "Here my friend, please accept this gift from my kind." I put the box away to open it later, and pulled another one out to give to him. "I appreciate the act my friend, may this bring you great health" He took the box, not to be rude, i gave him about 10 liters of the goo i used on Celestia's throat with instructions how to use it to heal wounds. "Please, now as you know one an other follow John to the Gala room" I sighed and took out the good old FN Fal rifle and took off my hood, when we got to the Gala room everypony was enjoying themselves and having a good time, even a few of the guards joined the guests, dancing and singing along with them. As i was looking around i saw Brian, now he was about his 40's running with Dash after him, he suddenly stopped and opened his arms to catch her, but they actually crashed into Pinkie, i couldn't hold in the chuckle. I made my way over to the group, all of them wearing Rarity's hoofwork. "Hey Dash, Pinkie, Brian, how is the Gala so far?" They turned their attention to me, but in a worried face. "It's amazing so far but, why are you wearing your assassin uniform? Are we in danger?" I understood what she meant, she had the correct idea but i corrected her. "Well Dash, you see, we... I only put the hood on when i'm walking around as an assassin, not John Miller" She smiled in relief, and nodded. "Uhm, have any of you seen Twilight or Flash? I neet to talk to them" Pinkie immediately replied. "Oh, when we go here Twilight told me she'll be talking to Princes Celestia, i guess you should find them together!" Of course she would be looking forward to her mentor's company, i should've known. "Thanks Pinkie, i'll get back to you guys later, okay?" They nodded and waved bye, i began looking for the previously mentioned personel then, i ran into Flash, and i remembered that moment and image of what would've happened to Twilight if i was just a minute late... "Hey Flash, could you spare a minute friend?" He stopped walking. "Sure thing John, what do you want to talk about?" I would've been the happiest to just shoot him dead right there and then, but i had to stay polite... "Well, i know it's a bit personal but, isn't Twilight your marefriend?" He hung his head down for a few minutes, we were standing there in silence, all of the guards were either at the Gala room or in the throne room. "Well, not anymore. We broke up a few days ago..." I knew it was him who she meant... "Sorry to bring this up, but... Do you know what she did... at least tried to do a few days ago?" He raised an eyebrow. "Nooo, what was it?" I gave him the rifle, telling him to break it in half with his hooves, he tried but couldnt. He gave it back, the anger i felt for him was enough to let me curl the thing up into a metal ball, he gulped when he realized i was quite in a calm state. "Well, i promised her not to tell anypony, but you must know about this." I waited for his anwser, he didnt. I slowly concentrated at the ball in my hand, slowly making it disappear. "She tried to hang herself because you left her, i was the one who talked her down from doing it, if i were to arrive just a minute late now she would be either underground or still hanging." His face suddenly changed from curious to plain terrified. "Wha- What!? She actually tried it because of me? I- I don't know what to say or do to this..." I cracked my knuckles and neck, taking a deep breath. "Yes, she tried it because you left her yet she still loves you, and since you're still worried about her you should come with me and find her and tell her how you feel about her, right?" He blushed, since he didn't think Twi actually still had something for him. "Good idea John, thanks for saving her..." There was one more thing i needed to tell him. "Flash, i haven't told Shining Armor about this, since we know he wouldn't have been as... polite... as i was" He didn't reply, just standing there in silence, no breathing no blinking no smallowing...*Sigh* *Bam* *Thump* No, i didn't shoot him, i just slammed him face first into a wall, at least it worked, he started waving around and with his face burried in a wall he managed to spit out a muffled. "Thanks, now get me out of here..." I took him out of there. "You all good now Flash?" He nodded with a loud *Crack* i fixed his broken nose. "Let's just go, i want to talk to her in one piece" As we walked down the hallways we notied a few guards in a hurry coming our way. "Hang on what's goin on here?" I asked, hoping it would be nothing more than a toilet break or missing their favourite song. "A cloaked figure at the gates claiming to know you and Princess Luna, but it refuses to identify itself" I turned to Flash, he nodded and continued looking for Twilight, as i joined the guards they tried to slow down to let me keep up the pace but once again i ended up leaving them a bit behind, when we got to the gate i saw many guards surround the figure in a circle, in the middle of it was of course the figure and Snining Armor with Cadence at his side. I slowly made my way to the middle of the circle, it had multiple layers. "Captain, what's going on?" Armor turned his head over his shoulder. "Just in time, this figure claims to know you, do you know her?" While i was running along the guards i put the hood on, now it was time to take it off, i unsheathed my sword while i did it the figure let out a growl and a green aura surrounded it's horn, when i took the hood off it disappeared and the figure took it's hood off as well. "Oh, hi John, finally someone who makes sense." It was Moonsinger what was she doing here, i have no idea. "So you do know her..." Armor sent the guards away. "What brings you here Moonsinger?" I knew she had hatred in her and i knew Celestia was the one who got the most of it, i couldn't just send her back home but i couldn't risk Celestia considerng her an intruder and ordering her execution... Especially by my own hands like last time... "Since you know her, me and Cadence will be in the Gala room" Armor turned his attention to Moonsinger."Welcome to Canterlot, Moonsinger, i trust you since John does, but i can't say much for the other guards" She nodded in acknowledgement and we made our separate ways, soon after we saw Flash talking a flight out a window after Twilight threw him through it, Celestia gasping in shock. Owww shit... I immediately looked at Moonsinger, she looked calm and collective at the sight of Celestia.. We began to run toward them, tho it was a risky idea since Celestia knew who was coming with me, oh yes she was. As we got closer Celestia threw Twilight behind her and took up an agressive position. "John, what's the meaning of this?! What is she doing here?!" As she finished her horn began glowing, unfortunalety my reflexes lead me to pulling an AK-74 out of the bag and aim it at her, tho as i realized i immediately pointed it away. We just stood there in silence, Celestia about to blast us to pieces with me pointing a loaded assault rifle at her face, Moonsinger closed her eyes and i heard her telepathicly. "What are you waiting for? Kill her, kill her and do your duty as a Dark Shield Assassin" I turned the rifle down to the ground. "Are you fucking kiding me Moonsinger?!" I grabbed Moonsinger by the throat pressing her againt a wall, luckily by now i could use telepathy as well. "Do you really want me to murder your mother's sister?!" I let her go, she hung her head down after the scolding i gave her. "Celestia, relax she means no harm... I can assure you that." Celestia picked up a more defensive stand. "I will not ask again, what is she doing here?" "She's here to visit me and your sister" She let us pass, i looked out the window Flash got through, he was on the ground... Either dead or alive i had no idea. Slowly we got to Luna's quarters, we heard... sobbing, we swapped glances she gave me a worried look, i gave her a depressed one, but we knocked on the door. "Princess Luna, are you in there?" Soon after she replied. "Who goes there?" We waited a while. "It's me John, and a guest of ours, she came to see you" The doors slowly opened, revealing Luna sitting on the ground holding a picture in the air with her magic. We both knew that she was a bit more dangerous than usual when she was either mad or sad, so we slowly stood behind her. No joke, for the first time it was Luna who i was afraid of... "Luna... What's wrong?" The next moment i found myself slammed against the wall if her room, making a dent into th wall. For the first time she, the one i had most faith in, attacked me, throwing me into the wall breaking my spine to pieces on impact I never asked for this... i couldn't help but let out a scream, to which she replied with. "NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS" As she stepped closer, i felt more pressure all over my body, hearing and feeling bones shatter one by one each step. The next thing i knew was Luna now standing in front of me, knowing full well what she was doing, and who she was doing it to. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Mother was hurting John more than i ever saw her do so to anypony else, i wanted to help him but i was rendered moveless in fear, when she stood in front of John i felt a strong wave of energy pushing me back as well, and heard John scream out his lungs, i knew if i would do anything i would end up like him, but then suddenly i heard a new voice chuckle. *Chuckling* "Oh Luna, did you forget who stands before you? Have you forgotten what i am?" John was gone, something must have taken over his mind, now opening his eyes. The figure fell to the ground, mother's magic was somehow uneffective on him. "Let me give you a grim reminder..." He suddenly melted into a dark cloud, blocking out my view and heard both of them scream. Then, a bringht flash of light made all 3 of us unconscious. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *10 minutes later* I woke up in a world of pain, i tried to stand up, somehow i managed but the pain was unbearable. I saw Moonsinger and Luna standing in front of me, a bit worried. "John! I'm so sorry for what i have just done! I'm glad you're not hurt" I wanted to let her know i had my skeleton shattered to dust and massive internal bleedings with the goo being the only thing keeping me alive and on my feet, but she lunged at me with a bear hug. Ow shi... *Thump*" After a while she let me go, i stood up and noticed a part of my spine poke through my throat, i pulled it out and threw it out the window. "I did get hurt, the gray goo is all that's keeping me alive and somewhat standing right now, my bones are shattered to dust and in this very moment i'm losing my last drop of blood, but i'm fine thank you very much" I slowly walked out of the room, trying some reverse psychology. Instead of letting her know how upset i am i tried to make her feel bad. Before i left i tore the medallion she gave me off and threw it onto the ground, as it made impact with the floor it shattered to pieces. "Luna, i risked my life for you and went through a world of pain to protect you and your subjects, and this is how you repay me? No thank you" As i walked down the hallway i noticed Twi and Celestia talking, i walked by simply greeting them but Celestia called after me. "John i have overheard your conversation with my sister and i know what happened before that, what are your plans now?" I just wanted to whack her across the face soo bad... "Nothing, first you lost my trust with your little exam, and now i plain refuse to obey her commands, do you know how it feels to have your ribs tear through you internal organs and suffer a massive internal bleeding? Probably not. If you feel like it consider me a traitor, banish me to the moon or whatever you feel like." Twilight looked shocked from how i just spoke to her mentor, but coming to think of it i was one as well, but not the same way. "John, i already apologized to you and Trixie for your exam, and now i apologize in the name of my sister please we, not like you aren't good at controlling our emotions brought back by bad memories" At this point i was thinking about going back to the Garden of Shadows... But i replied to Celestia first. "Oh really? I'm sure you have a spell to see other's memories, come on try it... But be careful what you find" She swapped glances with Twilight, and her horn began glowing. "I also have to warn you that i'll have access to every single memory, this may be a bad idea if you have some personal memories you don't wish to share with us" I shook my head in response. "I have nothing to hide... or be proud of" Her horn touched my forehead, suddenly every single detail about my life flashed by her eyes, permanently burning into her mind, a while later i felt a slight headache. I was about to ask for a break when she screamed up and fell to the gound, we checked what was wrong with her, i hope she didn't go pass her limit of sanity. She woke back up, i helped her stand up. "You all right Celestia?" She was heavily breathing, but nodded then turned her head towards me and took a few steps back, she knew it. "John you are a soulless murderer... You have done undescribingly disturbing things... for which i would order anypony's execution..." I pulled out my sword, and got half naked with my chest exposed and asked her. "Do you want me to die here and now?" She gasped, she saw the scar left behind from saving her, she didn't reply. "Twilight, what i'm going to do may be something you shouldn't see." She stood still beside her mentor, i looked at Celestia, still no anwser. Oh for fuck sake... *Splat* My chest was cut open, revealing all my organs now as a pile of mush from and my heart intact covered in the gay goo. "Come on Celestia, here's the chance" Her horn began glowing, and the cut i made started to heal relatively fast, i grabbed my heart and told her to stop, she did "Tell me, you want me dead or not?!" She shook her head, i let my heart go and the wound disappeared, not leaving a scar this time and got dresed back up. It was getting dark, and i promised Octavia to be there on her show. "Celestia, do you now understand why i'm so... unpredictable in behavior? You must, since you, Luna and i are doomed to the same fate... To watch everything and everybody be destroyed by the passage of time..." Twilight began straight out crying after imagining what i just said, Celestia threw me out of the window. When i hit the ground i simply stood up and made my way into the Gala room to see Octavia's performance, she managed to get me a seat in the first row. I enjoyed the show, and later met up with her. "Oh, hello John. I thought you forgot, thank you for coming" I grinned and reached into the bag telling her to close her eyes, she did and i pulled out some plowers. "And what kind of friend would i be? Besides, i never heard anybody or anypony play the chello like you did" To be honest i was half expecting her to eat the flowers, but she took them and put them away. "Oh thank you John I'm sure you're one of the best at what you do as well" I grinned, since she meant it to be a compliment but i knew what she meant... "I sure am... Hey, uhhm how long do you plan on staying? Since i have some spare time i could go home with you to Ponyville" She began thinking, soon after replying. "Hmm, i was actually going to the station before we talked now, you can come with me if you want to" We got to the station and i had to buy the tickets since... i didn't have the medallion anymore. The train ride went smoothly, nothing out of the ordinary just a few questions from her, when we got back home i asked her something awkward. "Hey uhm... Octavia?" Her ears perked up. "Yes?" "Uhm, the thing is that i used to live in the castle, but i quit my job and now i have nowhere to go... Could i..." She cut me short. "And what kind of friend would i be if i said no?" She said with a grin, i walked her back home but i couldn't sleep. I was thining about what to do now... I guess it'll be a while until i figure out something... End of Chapter 8
Chapter 9: Long time no seeChapter 9: Dark days ahead.... Chapter Nine : Dark days ahead... Thankfully Octavia had a spare bedroom i could stay in, she told me i could stay as long as i have to. Since i couldn't sleep i went down to the kitchen, pulled a dust tray out of the bag and a lighter, opened the window and lit a cigarette, surprisingly she didn't wake up to the smoke, either did anypony think there was a fire from the smoke. What now John, you really messed up this time... I was just taunting myself. Who knows, maybe i'll pick up a job as a mercenary... My train of thoughts was interrupted when i realized. Shit, i have to go to the *Crystal Empire** tomorrow...* It wasn't too late, so i decided to ask Spike to send a letter to Cadence for me about me quitting the job and many apologies. "Thanks Spike, owe you a favor" He grinned. "Let's just not wake me up late night next time" I left and went back to Octavia, she was sipping some tea in the kitchen, i guess she's about elegance just like Rarity. As i stepped in, she greeted me with a simple. "Can't sleep much?" I nodded, and took a seat next to her at the table. "Oh Octavia, what should i do?" She began thinking. "Do you have anywhere to go? A friend or relative yet?" "Well, only Brian... But i wouldn't be a burden on my brother, either on you" I crossed my hands on the table in front of me and laid my head onto them. "Hmm, anything else you're good at? Other than... you know" "Not much... Wait, i do have somewhere to go but, i promised not to tell anypony what and where it is..." She looked less worried now. "Let's go to sleep now..." We went back to our rooms, and slept. That night was another nightmare, tho it was shared with Brian. "Hey Brian, am i just dreaming you or are you actually here?" He grinned. "As much as i'm not imagining you... Look John, i have something important to tell you... bad news..." I turned to a frown, he looked depressed, soon i understood why. "I have a heart disease, sooner later it will fail and... i'll have to say goodbye to you, and all of our friends... I'm fully aware that you however are not-capable of death" Tears formed in my eyes, just the thought of losing my brother and being stuck in this body for all eternity separated from him was crushing... "No... That can't be true... There must be a way! I'm immortal, i can survive without my organs, i can give you my heart and..." By now he was standing in front of me, one of his hands on my shoulder, slowly shaking his head. "It would be unfair to others... I still have a few months tho, i just wanted to let you know, Dash already knows" I took a few steps back, letting myself fall to despair and sorrow. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** John was now barely visible, yet he was about a meter away, he was enveloped by some dark mist and his eyes turned red, piercing throught the darkness of the could that was now surrounding him. "No... Even if you die... I will find a way to bring you back..." Okay, now he was getting creepy. "John, please understand, i lived a happy long and loving life... I don't want to spend my last weeks knowing you are stressing out about me." His eyes turned back to normal, the red pupils were gone. His eyes were just like when i let him in back on earth, the cloud disappeared yet his face was covered by teh shadow his hood made. "Brian... How do you want to be burried? Coffin, cremated?" Good point. "A coffin would do..." Then, i heard him gasp and soon sobbing followed, he was crying for me... I walked closer to comfort him with a brotherly embrace, but when i got close enough i noticed i noticed he was... crying blood... Blood poured out of his eyes, making their way down his clothes, i embraced him into a bear hug and tapped his back. "It's okay John, it's okay..." Then, he let me go, i let him go. "Brian, one question..." I raised an eyebrow. "What would happen to... Dash?" That question hit me off guard, i knew he had endured much more pain than i have, the pain of my wings were nothng to measure to his suffering for others so far... "John, how much does getting stabbed hurt?" He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Why do you want to kno... No, don't you dare do that!" I guess i gave him the wrong idea... "No, i'm not planning on doing that, just tell me how much. If you stab me here in a dream i will simply wake up but feel the pain, and will not be hurt" He sighed, with and unexpected *Click* a long blade extended from his wrist. "Where do you want it? Stomach, heart or throat?" I grinned. "You know how to do it don't you? Whichever is the quickest way to go" He sighed again. "You're the one who asked me to do this..." Suddenly i felt pain like never before, he stabbed me in the stomach, heart and slit my throat. He gently let me fall to the ground, and closed my eyes. "Requiescat In Pace, Brother" Was that really how the assassin's gave their enemies their final rights? ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** He slowly started fading away, i guess he was waking up. "See you tomorrow" With that, he disappeared. A minute later i heard a familiar voice talking to me. "Isn't that just terrible, John?" I looked around, in the total darkness around me. Suddenly another beam of light appeared, and a familiar cyan coat pegasus walked up. "Hey Dash, you know about it don't you?" She nodded, tears in her eyes. I knew i probably was the one who was in the worse situation, seeing that i will never meet up with him, or her, or any of my friends in the afterlife... but she was about to lose her father afterall, something i already been through. I woke up breathing heavily and sweating, it was morning. I checked the kitchen, looks like i wasn't the first to wake up. "Morning John..." I walked up to her. "Thanks for letting me stay, if you'd excuse i would leave now, i have a few things to take care of" She nodded. "Any time, and good luck" I left and made my way over to Brian's house, i knocked on the door. "Who's that?" I rolled my eyes around. "Who do you think i am? Santa?" The door opened, Dash welcomed me with a half smile. "Where is Brian?" She frowned. "In the hospital..." Was he really that sick? "How and when was it discovered?" "Under the 3 years i was away on flight training, and if i remember correctly you were away as well" I nodded. "Let's go visit him" She nodded and we left for the hospital, on the way we were in complete silence. When we got to the enterance we stoped. "John..." "Hmm?" "Race to Brian!" I grinned, she flew upwards, i turned into a could of smoke flying through the building, getting there before her. "About time to arrive Dash" Her jaw dropped, i looked back at my brother. "Is it really that bad already?" He nodded with a frown. I walked up to the wall next to his bed, and then. *Thump* *Bang* *Boom* *Thump* Soon the wall gave to my headbutts and i made a hole. "I hope they have insurance against idiots" I commented, they broke out in laughter, tho is quickly died down. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** When i woke up, i looked at the medallion still on the ground, i know John was rightfully upset, now also knowing the grave news about his brother... He must be in a terrible state of mind, i walked down to the kitchen for breakfast, usually we have breakfast together with Tia. So before the kitchen i went to her room. "Hey, Tia. Are you there?" A yawn replied, the door opened and we walked down to the kitchen, and sat down for breakfast. "I should've been more careful about my emotions, that must have been painful for John, getting all of his bones shattered to dust and organs turnd into mush..." Tia nodded. "What if he decides to turn against us?" A while later i found the anwser to my question. "No, don't you dare put him through that like you did to me" She sighed. "Look Luna, i know you have faith in him for his loyalty to bring him back here, so do i but... He does have his own will and life..." Tho i wanted to disagree, she was right... "But if you banish him, he'll simply go insane, and like everything, the banishment will come to an end as well... I don't think having an immortal assassin with a legendary weapon roaming free in Equestria would be the safest for our subjects..." I caught her off guard, she made a facial expression and i had no idea about it's meaning. "I guess you're right... but... What should we do?" I facehoofed. "Maybe what's appropriate and apologize? Maybe?" After that sentence, she slammed on the table. "What do you mean apologize? We are royalty, do you know what would happen if we would start apologizing to everypony?!" I looked around, the guards at the door gave me a nod showing their agreement, but with a worried face. "Celestia, we are the rulers, all those ponies outside rely on our decisions! Most of them expect us to show them or tell them what is right! Don't you dare let your pride get in the way of your duty!" As i finished the sentence, another guard rushed in through the door. "My aplogies your highnesses, Princess Luna, there is an unicorn claiming to be your daughter waiting at the gates" I stood up, and gave the cook an approving look, soon after Tia did the same. "Thank you, your hignesses" We left the kitchen, i went to the gates while Tia went the other way, when i got there i wasn't surprised it was Moonsinger. "What bring you here Moonsinger? Shouldn't you be home with your brothers and sisters?" She shook her head. "We were attacked by the changelings, we managed to fight them off but... we need some help with the repairs, or at least defending our workers" That however did surprise me. "What?! The changelings?! Go look for John, i know he won't hesitate to help you... Unfortunately i have things to do here... Belive me they are worthless things, but they have to be done" She nodded in response. "I hope it won't be too late..." As she turned around i got an idea. "Wait!" I turned to two of the pegasus guards. "You two, take her to Ponyville A.S.A.P!" They nodded. "Yes your majesty" Just a second later they flew off towards the town. **John, please help them... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I was wondering why, the same doctor i woke up to came in through the door. "Good morning Mr.Dash,Ms.Dash... And good to see someone as recognized and important making time for his brother here too sir" I guess it was me he was talking about... "Good to see you're still okay doc" He nodded, then turned toward Brian. "Mr.Dash, you should be fine for a good while now... Just don't stress yourself or do too hard labor. You're free to leave the hospital" Brian smiled, so did we all. "Thanks doc" He replied, i helped him get up and they gave him his clothes back, we left the room to let him change back, when i saw him i was surprised yet honored at the same time. Turns out he had worn the military equipment i gave him, every day... "What did you expect?" I had nothing to say, i was proud of him. We walked back to their house, when we got there the door was busted open. "What in the name of Celestia?" Dash stood in the doorway, looking around she noticed nopony inside. I reached into the bag, and handed Brian my pistol, he was hesitant as first but he took it. "Hang on to it" He nodded. "Dash, sorry to ask but stay out here, Brian cover me" To my surprise instead of saying Sure they replied with a Yes sir! I chuckled, throwing a flashlight over to him, he saw enough movies to know how to properly hold those two together. When we got to the bedroom i noticed a figure rummage around, i bumped his elbow. "Over there..." I whispered, he shined the flashlight at the figure, it was startled of course. "Hey, who are you?" Brian asked, pointing the pistol at Moonsinger. "Oh, hi John, i was just looking for you! Uhm, would your friend mind pointing that thing anywhere else but at me?" Brian lowered the pistol. "What is it Moonsinger?" "Please come with me back to the garden, i'll explain on the way" We cleaned up the mess she made and fixed the door, in the meantime she told me about the attack and that they need help. "Hey, mind if i come too?" We swapped glances. "What about your heart?" He grinned. "The doctor said no hard labor, standing guard isn't. And it wouldn't be stressful either" We agreed to let him come over, but not to tell anypony the whereabouts and what it is. Dash heard it all of course and ran up to him. "Dad! Be careful..." He gave her a hug and told her. "Don't worry, if i survive then i'll see you tomorrow" It was broad daylight, yet a while after entering the forest we were attacked by bandits. "Look what we have here, your equipment looks like a lot of money..." Their leader said, Brian pulled out the pistol to which they got ready to attack, i told him to wait pulling a molotov cocktail from the bag. "Hey, could you all stand over there in a crowd?" They were dumb enought to do so... "John, don't you dare..." I slowly pulled the knife out too, they raised an eyebrow in response. "Hey, Brian... When was the last time you ate meat?" End of Chapter 9
Chapter 10: Back in actionChapter 10: Not So Dark Days Chapter Ten: Not So Dark Days We argued over the morality of burning ponies alive, then feasting on their corpses... "Look, Brian... They are wasting our ever so precious time... We have to get through and this is the fastest way" He sighed. "Fine, but i have nothing to do with it" I looked over my shoulder at Moonsinger. "Cover your eyes and ears if you want to, this is going to be distrubing" She nodded in agreement, but didn't do anything. "Your call..." I flung the bottle over at them, soon after i relived the memories i told Rarity about... Tho i have to admit, for some reason i enjoyed it... The smell of burning and sizzling flesh, their screams of agony and pleading for mercy... I guess if nobody or nopony else, at least i should get used to these... Soon after the last fire died out, leaving three of them still turning agound on the ground, still alive, i walked up to one of them, Brian shot the other two, they suffered enough. "Wh-Why so brutal? We only wanted some... money so we won't starve..." I grinned, shortly after replied. "If you would've just asked, i would've given you a lot, but now it's too late" We continued on our way, leaving the corpses behind... Soon after we were there, Moonsinger in front so they could easily verify us as allies, they did but they were upset about the third presence with us, but they got used to him, since help was indeed welcome. I showed Brian to his room next to mine, then went back down to the walls, they were in bad shape, not to mention the bodies left behind... "Uhm, Moonsinger, where should we put the bodies?" She looked at us, and pointed at a pit nearby. "Throw the bodies of my brothers and sisters into that one, i'll take care of them later..." She used her magic to make the changeling remains disappear. "Sure, should we take their armor off or just... leave them as they are?" "Your call, without them they would be much easier to move tho... And their equipment would come usefull later..." We began stripping them of their armor, and carrying them down to the storage, once we were done i saw Wisewrods walking around, i told Brian to go on i'll be there in a minute. "Greetings, John... Good to see Moonsinger didn't visit you in vein" "Greetings to you as well, i'll always be there should you need aid. Could you spare some time to talk?" He nodded and we walked down to the ancient library. "Come along John, i want to tell you something..." The elder clearly levitated a book over to me, but he was an earth pony... how? The book had the following title: Altair's Codex: Chapter 2: The Maker. I opened it, in his handwriting there were depictions of a human, most likely young, wielding powers that would put the princesses to shame, the power to control space and time entirely in Equestria... He became an ally to the Dark Shield Assassins... Altair even went as far as describing him to have limitless powers, no limits, he could literally make anything and everything happen... Wait... that means he can help Brian! I slammed the book shut and gave it back. "Thank you elder, you have no idea how much you helped" He nodded, and i sprung back up to the others to help, we cleared the bodeis but we had no idea how to build the wall so we got some free time. I walked him back to the library, showing him the book. "John, come on... please don't belive these stories..." I raisend an eyebrow. "Stories? Should i not belive in a world where magic is as natural as technology? Should i not belive that i myself am the descendant of the legendary assassin Altair Ibn-La'Ahad!? Should i not belive anythig the Pincesses say?" For some reason i noticed my eyes turning red, his eyes reflected them, and in my sudden rage i pushed him against the wall with an extraced blade... close call. I let him go, leaving him in the library, i informed him on my way outside. "You know... Coming to think of it... You never proved your loyalty to the kingdom..." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** He was right... i never had the chance to do it, either did i have to... "Oh really? How do you want me to prove it?" He chuckled, soon after he was engulfed by blue flames, his clothing changed into dark black scale armor with a helmet... He looked like a changeling. "Go ahead, try to kill me... Like i was one of them" He spread his arms, waiting for me to act... "Do you really want me to prove my loyalty by having no trouble shooting my own brother?" He nodded, i slowly pulled out the pistol. "Come on, try something better" He threw me a shotgun... "Hey, if anyone outside asks what the noise was we tell them that you slipped and hit your face in the floor" He nodded, i took aim *Boom* He flew back to the wall, and fell to the ground limp, blood pouring from the suit of armor... I was waiting for him to get back up, like he usually would do, but he didn't... I got worried, what if the other's find us like this? I knelt down and took of his helmet, a second ago his suit of armor was bleeding profusely, now... it was empty. Suddenly i felt my thoat grabbed, i was thrown to the ground. "Always make sure your enemy is in the right place, and make sure they're dead" How did he do it? He helped me get up, and the armor disappeared. "How... How did you do that?" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I chuckled. "Heh, in the dream i introduced Altair to you i told you the tenats... Always hide in plain sight" "Riight... so where should we find this so called creator?" I began thinking, maybe if i become a fully pledged assassin... or a true mentor at that... but then i heard a voice in my head, not like the one in the forest, not like the one from the nightmare and definetly not like my parents. "Oh John, i know what your desire is... And i have already granted you such" "Wait, you mean... " "Yes, Brian now gets a new,, more functional and healthier heart... it'll hurt a lot for him for a while, and he'll be in near death for his body to accept the new organ, but it'll extend his life by a good 30 years... And tho i'm capable of, i prefer not to intervene with destiny" Apparently Brian heard the same thing... He had no idea how to respond, since he was already in pain. "Don't worry, i won't let him die, for now... I do let him suffer for it tho, you must understand... You have to work for everything... I'm sorry" As the sentence ended Brian wasn't suffering as much, he knew he wouldn't die. "And that's why i prefer not to intervene with one's destiny or fate" He was right, things are meant to happen, and if we change them, who knows how it will end. "And just so you know, i could turn Brian immortal, or you back to mortal again, but it's how things are meant to be, so i can't change anything permanent about your lifespams... I'm sorry" We just accepted the fact, and we had an idea. "Brian uhm want to join the Dark Shield Assassins? It's basically a secret organization sworn to focus on defending primarily Princess Luna, and the royal family, only after them come the citizens" I hoped he would join... to my relief he nodded. I simply can't put into words how happy i was... Serving the Princesses alongside my very own brother... While i was trying to express myslef the creator spoke again. "One more thing, from now on i will see everything you two do... Well, except for the bathroom... *Cough* Anyway, i will try not to intervene with your destinies, when i have to i will let you know about it this way, don't be afraid to ask me to help tho, you can aske me to help with anythings but i may not be able to do so. You two should consider yourselves lucky... Right, Brian?" He seemed to know what that meant, i however had no idea... "Thanks but, uhm... What should we call you?" He began thinking... "Well, belive or not, once i walked among the ponies you came to know, but after Celestia called me a tyrant and tried to get me executed i gave up hope of a normal life here... How about big brother tho?" Ow haa haa, looks like i'm not the only one with a sense of humor... At least if we aren't talking to God himself... "No John, i'm not God" I wish he would stop reading my mind... "Okay, i'll stop *Chuckle*" About damn time... After the clean up was finished Moonsinger had something to tell us. "John, Brian, thank you very much for your help, as you can see we also have civillians here, not only fighters and farmers. Talking about farmers, a few of our ones insist on thanking you personaly and making a celebration feast for your return..." We swapped glances. "Uhm, sure... We would gladly meet them" Brian nodded, slowly leaning his head towards mine. "Uhm, when do i get my assassin equipment?" Apparently he thought he'll be getting equipment and robes similar to mine, but Luna appointed me as the mentor of the brotherhood, he on the other hand was just a recruit... yet. "Great, to be honest they almost got done, a few hours and it will be ready, the want it to be a surprise tho... They would be thanking you as for who you are, and what you are... both as welcoming the human race and welcoming the Dark Shield Assassins back" Even better... Just make sure nothing goes wrong, or else we'll earn a terrible reputation for the future humans to somehow end up here... "Great! You heard that Brian? We will be representing every single human in existance!" "Yeah, all of them..." "By the way, have you heard the great news Moonsinger?" She shook her head, i hoped she would be happy for it. "First off, did you know he's my brother?" "Really? I didn't know so far" "And guess who just became an assassin..." "No way! Really?" "Yes, Moonsinger. i decided to join the cause just so my life will have another purpose" We walked back into the library, all three of us sat down at a desk and we started flippings throught he pages of the book Luna gave me... Even i learned a few things, not just Brian, we all sat there, simply absorbing knowledge, the time flew by until it was nearly time for the feast to begin. "Hey uhm, Brian. Come with me for a minute" "Sure" We excused ourselves and left her with the book, and hurried into his bedroom. "What is it John?" "The thing is, there are different ranks in the brotherhood, and you are just a novice, so you'll have to do with... worse equipment, but for this event i'll let you wear master assassin equipment, okay?" He raised an eyebrow, soon after agreeing. "Oh, that'll be a challenge then, and thanks, but then how come you have the master assassin equipment already?" I gave him his stuff, the robes, sword and hidden blades. "Brian, please understand, for now when we are talking about offical manners by the book you'll have to call me mentor... and you would unfortunately have to rise through the ranks... i wish i could do more, you only get basic armor for now and only one hidden blade, a knife and some supplies, i truly wish i could do more for you, but we must honor and respect the creed..." He grinned and took them, for the event like i said he'll be wearing equipment like mine, but different colors, my robes are dark blue, with blinding silver edges, his ones were blinding white with golden edges... I had a clear idea about why, and hoped it wasn't the case... The thing is that i readt about the Lunar Republic had it's own special forces made of elite Dark Shield Assassins... he did write what their name was, but it was unreadable, and so did the Solar Empire had theirs in response, the Solar Knights... Sadly, just like the Templars Altair fought against back on earth... I explained the previous thoughts to Brian, he was worried. "Hey, the rivalry was more likely about millions of years ago... maybe this is the era of peace..." "I hope so, but i also readt about a tryrant who once ruled the Crystal Empire, when but we should talk about this with the princesses" He agreed, and gave the equipment back and changed into his now signature suit of armor, with the same colors and a broadsword... i just hoped it wasn't too heavy... he had his helmet on, so did i have the hood... Then we returned to Moonsinger hoping she didn't read that part yet... much to our surprise and relief she hadn't. "Hey, uhm... what's with his equipment? Isn't he supposed to have similar things like yours?" "It's a long and complicated story i would not start now, let's just go. We don't want to be late right?" And so, we entered the dining room, all farmers, fillies and foals... They gave us a warm welcome, but they were indeed worried about our weapons... We sat down and talked to them, enjoyed the meal, nothing special really. At the end we thanked them for their gift, they thanked us for our help in return, and we left towards our rooms, on the way we had our conversation. "Sooo is that armor heavy?" He shook his head with a grin, carrying the helmet in his armpit, his sword was much thicker and longer than mine, but also heavier, at least it wasn't scraping the ground as we walked around... That would've been just plain annoying. "*Sigh* Brian, i'm afraid you are no longer and assassin officaly... since... you know..." He nodded. "Tho you may not be officaly one, you are a honorary one" He grinned, and we waited for the new day to go home... we bascally bummd around bored, until the night had come, and we embraced our slumber once more. *The following morning* *Yawn* Let's go... I left my room to see Brian, but he wasn't in his room... Where the hell is he? I paid a visit to Moonsinger, maybe she knows, she did. Apparently he was on the training ground parcticing with the sword. I walked down the stairs, looking at the walls, they didn't hace even torches on them, just a plain brick wall... And it wasn't even the newly build one, after i got there i walked up to him. "Morning Brian, how's it going?" He was in middle of a swing, and turned towards me, you can guess what happened next. *Clank* ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I was down in the training grounds, practicing when John came up close, i was in middle of a swing and turned toward him. *Clank* What the hell are those hidden blades made of? He just raisend an arm and stopped the 75Kg sword mid air with a 5cm thin, 25 cm long blade... how? I don't know, don't question someone who's immortal... "Nice one, sorry, you startled me..." He just grinned and pushed the blade away. "Ready to go home? I'm sure our frends and the princesses will be amazed" He was right, i knew Dashie would at least make a few jokes about it or just be proud... "Sure thing, let's go!" We waved bye to the Garden, and started off towards Ponyville on foot as always, i wasn't much of a sports fan, let alone now a fighter... Everything was peaceful, too much for the Everfree Forest, i was worried what happened to the dangerous things living here. "John, don't you find it wierd that nothing attacked us yet?" "Now that you mention, it is strange... Stay sharp" I unsheathed my sword, so did he. After walking a few hundred meters we stopped. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "What in the name of the royal sisters is this?" Brian was so shocked at the sight he got paralyzed, so i had to push him away a few meters to fix it. "How is this possible? I know magic can do anything but, don't everypony has a right to resting in peace?" I nodded, what we saw was nothing more than a bloody corpse left behing with chunks bitten out of it, when we approached it we realized it was a filly and it started moving almost like... "A zombie!?" The filly turned it's eyes toward us, what she said got even me depressed... "Please... Help me... *Cough* just... End the pain... please..." I knelt down to her. "Whoever or whatever did this to you, we'll make sure it suffers much more than you did" She gave me a smile, Brian knelt down next to me. "John, is there a way to..." I cut him short with a simple shake of my head. "But... You could just..." I shook my head even more. "I could only save her if she wouldn't have vital organs missing, for now i can only heal cuts, not missing flesh..." "Yeah? What about cutting your arm off and the shotgun blash hah?" "That's the experiment's effect, not mine... That's what my body does automaticly..." We stopped talkng for a while. "Do you want to do it?" "I just can't... We just can't..." At this point i shoved him back, away from her, i stood up and aimed my wrist at her head. "John! Don't you dare!" He was right, blowing her head to chunks would've been inhumane, so i unsheathed my sword and raised it up above my head. *Splat* I ran it through her heart. "Thank... you..." I walked away into the forest, further from the clear path she was lying in the middle of and dug a hole. "Brian, could you bring her over?" He sighed, soon after picking her up and bringing her over to her final resting place, we covered her up with dirt, and made sure she was deep enough not to be uncovered by weather, and one again knelt down to her grave, stabbed our swords into the ground, put our hands on the grip and laid our heads on them. "Death bring you peace..." "May in death you suffer no more..." We dusted ourselves off and stood up. "John, was this the right thing to do?" He was still not sure, i have to admit i used a wrong example... "Look, Brian... I'm sorry for what i'm going to ask as an example, but... If that was Dash, would you not make her suffering end?" He didn't reply, knowing him i guess he wanted to agree, yet wouldn't actually do it himself, a while after we saw Brian's house in the distance, as well as a couple coming our way, he had his helmet on and i had the hood on as usual... When we got close to them i noticed that they started backing away so i stopped. "Uhm, excuse us, can we help you?" The mare hid behind the stallion who was next to her, even the stallion seemed worried. "Sorry sirs, we are simply looking or our daughter who went missing this morning, she had grey coat and purple mane, green eyes" We swapped glances with Brian, we knew where exactly she was... Brian slowly walked closer to them. "I'm afraid we do know where she is... Please follow us, and... belive me we did everything we could" They followed us down the path, but we soon came to a stop... The filly who was supposed to be burried was now standing in front of us in the middle of the road... he head hung down low, her forehead casted a shadow covering her eyes. "*Gasp* Here you are sweetheart, we were so worried!" The mare could hold back the sentence, and the stallion walked closer to her to bring her home. "Wait! Stay there!" They didn't listen, the filly lunged at her father, biting his throat... The stallion fell to the gound struggling to keep the blood in his veins, i on the other hand blew the filly's head open and started healing the stallion with the goo... in vein, i did heal the would but the blood loss was too much... Creator! Is this meant to be this way? No response, i guess he was busy... i was about to give up on him, when a black light blinded us all, at first i thought it was Luna, but it was the Creator... Brian took off his helmet, knelt down crossing his sword above his heart, i did the same. He cleared his throat, and crouched into eye level with us, placing a hand over our shoulders. "Pleasure to finally meet you in person, John, Brian... Let's save this poor soul..." With a snap of his fingers, the filly was healthy and living once more, and the stallion was just as healthy... they thanked us and left. We stood up and shook hands, at least with Brian, when it was my turned he gently pushed my hand away chuckling. "I'd rather not risk it, hehe..." "What are you doing here anyway?" She grinned. "Visiting a few new and old friends, let's go now shall we? Ponyville is close by anyways..." "Sure let's go..." I replied, followed by Brian's comment. "It's been a while too..." End of Chapter 10
Chapter 11: Arrests, cyder, bloodshed...Chapter 11: The Eternal Union Chapter Eleven: The Eternal Union "Soo... Creator, right?" Brian asked with a slight grin, to which he simply replied. "Oh, simply call me... I don't know, uhm, Bill?" "Sure Bill, so... What's the purpose of your visit?" He sighed with another grin. "You know, it's not the first time i set foot into Equestria. I'm nearly as old as the royal sisters, i knew Altair personally as well" Brian nearly choked to death in his surprise, i had to slam him in the back many times, his armor only made it harder, what i followed with a question. "Soo, just a friendly visit?" "Oh, you have soo much more to learn..." Of course at that we swapped glances, i pulled out the Codex, before i could open it he continued. "Not from that, that's merely a fraction of the knowledge about Altair's legacy... As for you Brian, only Celestia can tell you about the Solar Knights" "So you're here to... Teach us?" He chuckled. "Finally you get the point" By the time he finished we already were over at Brian's doorstep, before we entered he asked us. "Uhm, should we tell them the truth about Bill?" I shook my head in response. "They'll know everything... In time" We opened the door, we were greeted by our beloved friends, as we looked around we saw everypony we knew. "Welcome back guys!" They yelled in unison, all of them, Pinkie, Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Derpy, Lyra Heartstrings the unicorn Brian told me about, Cadence, Armor, Celestia and Luna, even Moonsinger, how did she get here before us? Come on, magic... Of course at the sight or Bill the princesses dropped their jaws, Celestia, Who else? of course started yelling at him. "You?! You?! You get your miserable ass out of my domain!!" Bill replied calmly, he reminded me of myself for some reason... "Come on Celestia, are you not happy to see me? The one who made sure you meet Altair?" I walked closer to her and whispered into her ears. "Come on, don't ruin the surprise party, we'll talk about it afterwards, he's our guest anyway..." She nodded, the party was amazing, before we noticed it was already getting dark, the party was over and everypony left, except the royalty and Dash who was of course living there, after noticing Brian's armor and the sun on his chest we were all summoned outside. "First things first, what happened?" Cadence asked, i expected Armor to be still here with her, but i guess he had duties to attend. "Well, i suppose Celestia and Luna knows, you should as them instead" Bill replied still calm, Cadence turned her attention at the mentioned alicorn. "Come on speak up, we must know" "Come on, tell them, they deserve to know" Now we all were staring at her, she shighed and agreed to tell us but only in Canterlot. "Ow come on, not fair... I wanted to know too!" Dash commented, i guess she was allowed to know as well, since she and i were the only family Brian had, so she came along. When we arrived the princesses told the guards to not let anypony in no matter who. "So, where shall i begin?" "The beginning" I was losing my patience... "Actually, i think our friends should know about it as well, so if you would forgive me i'll send them a messeage to come here tomorrow, for now let us sleep once again" She turned her attention to her youger sister. "Shall we?" Luna nodded in response, their horns began glowing as the sun gave way to the moon... The following morning we all gathered at the castle gates awaiting our friends, who arrived in the company of the Elite Royal Canterlot Guard, as they stopped the guards saluted to all of us, well... Except Dash... I nodded at the guards. "Good to see you guys again" They nodded back with a grin. "Thank you for your services so far, follow us to the throne room and stand guard outside" One of them replied. "Apologies sir but, you don't have authority to command us..." They all broke out in laughter, except for Luna and Celestia, Luna then cast a silencing spell to make them shut it, and spoke. "I'm afraid yes, Warrant Officer John Miller does have the authority..." The guard grinned. "Yes ma'am, my bad sir" On our way to the room i leaned in and whispered to Celestia. "Hey, i know everything you're going to say, in my dreams Altair told me everything" When we got there the guards turned around and we closed the door, and stood into front of the 6 mares, Celestia, the tallest of us standing in the middle, Luna and Cadence on her sides, with me and Brian next to them, you can guess who i was next to... The mares bowed down to the princesses, mainly Celestia, who in response spoke up. "Friends..." She looked at us at her sides, then back to them. "And faithful students..." We all grinned at Twilight, she blushed and chuckled in response, then i suddenly noticed something off. "Hang on, where's Bill?" "Up here, Celestia, you are meant to tell them about it right now, it's my duty to make sure everything happens as it's destined to" She sighed again. "Fine fine, i'll do it... You just shut up, okay?" We all laughed, we tried to hold back but didn't work. "Now, i'm sure all of you know what the Elements of Harmony are..." Brian shook his head, i facepalmed, they facehoofed. "What? You all knew? Why didn't you tell me?" "Right, the Elements of Harmony are magical powers, meant to keep Equestria in peace and harmony, that are being resembled by our friends here, Fluttershy is kindness, Pinkie is laughter, Rainbow Dash is loyalty, Rarity is generousity, Applejack is honesty, and Twilight is magic. I'm sure you all know their purpose now, and what they are, but i haven't told you how they were made" Before she could continue, i commented. "And since Bill came down to us, and we have to be here with Brian as well, i suppose it has something to do with Altair, correct?" She nodded. "Indeed, John you are correct, in the meantime you two were away in... there... i and Luna talked about it and decided it's time for you to know it" Celestia was going to give us one of her history lessons, the other two alicorns and the mares sat down into a half circle in front of her on their haunches, so we sat down next to them, she chuckled. "Are you all expecting me to give you a brief or thorough history lesson?" We all nodded and said 'Thorough' in unison. "First of all, John may i borrow Altair's codex to demonstrate?" I scrambled around in the bag, meanwhile Applajack came up with an obvious question. "Hold on would 'ya? Who the hay is this Altair you all keep talkin 'bout?" I stood up slowly, handing the book over to Celestia, she noticed that i had the hood on still, and my eyes started to turn red. "John, please calm down, she didn't know..." I looked the direction Applejack was sitting, with a slight grin, Brian must have stood up to restrain me if necessary, i heard his armor clanking. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** I've seen him fight many times, i knew he usually had that position when he was about to lunge at the enemy, i stood up and put the helmet on. "John, calm the hell down, she didn't know!" He looked over his shoulder at me, shadows started to surround him, a black shadowy figure with red eyes... Just like in one of my nightmares... "Girls! Get away from Applajack..." They started backing off, John chuckled. "She didn't know who he is? Why don't we send her after him and let her see?!" With that, he lunged at her, holding her in the air against a wall by her throat. "JOHN FOR FUCK SAKE LET HER GO!" I unsheathed my sword, he immediately let go of her and looked at me. "Oh really? Drawing your blade against you own brother? Are you sure you want to fight with me?" He had a good point, i would've stood no chance... "John, it's the final warning, calm down or i'll call the guards" He chuckled once again. "Heheh, good... Do it, it's been a while since i spilled some fresh blood..." Celestia sighed, as her aura started surrounding him, but the five shadow assassin figures were already closing in around us. "Have you changed your mind yet?" I sheathed my sword, and stood into between him and Celestia, her aura disappeared from around him, so did his figures. "At least you had come to your mind, brother..." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "John, i will not fight you... Go ahead and kill her, but you have to pass through me first!" Luna smiled, i laughed and fell back to the ground, back in my normal form, i started walking towards him, clapping. On the way Dash suddenly lunged at me, taking me to the ground. "Don't you dare hurt po..." *Splat* *Thump* I turned around, the mares were terrified, the princesses upset, Brian on his way to dismember me. "John! You went way too far this time, i'll end your for this!" As his blade was about to hit my i punched it away with the back of the hidden blade on my left hand, grabbed his left arm with my one, and slit his throat with the right one. *Hack* *Cough* *Thump* I unsheathed my sword and proceeded to walk towards the remaining mares, Celestia tried to block my way. "Tia, let him go... trust him he knows what he does" Finally Luna said something in the meantime. "Why... Why are you doing this John?" I smiled. "Remembe? I have a feeling... A feeling of uninvited guests" Her eyes shot open and gasped, lettimg me to the ground once again. "John, please wait! We mean no harm!" I lowered my blade. "What do you want, changeling?" They turned into assassin's in training robes, they looked like novices. "John, they are on our side, back then Altair and i managed to gather enough changeling rebels against Chrysalis to form them a secret colony, they used to transfrom into humans and their horns were to be removed, forcing them to stay as humans for the rest of their lives, then they were trained into full pledged assassins" "Wait, wat about the other two i just killed?" "Don't mind them, they were only my illusions" Suddenly i heard the door open, it was Brian and the real mares. "Brian, did i ever tell you how much i hate your ass?" He shook his head with a grin. "Come on John, nobody's perfect" "Yes, in fact, i told all of them i was going to say now, Brian, John, please come here, and kneel down in front of us" We did as they asked. "John, may i borrow your blade?" I grinned. "Which one, my lady?" "The longest of them all" She replied with a grin. "As you wish your highness" I gave her the blade, she surrounded it with her magic. "You know, it is true the Solar Empire and the Lunar Republic used to be on full out war... But Altair came to a conclusion, so we united our forces for a greater good, the Dark Shield Assassins and the Solar Knights were no more, intead there was an elite, undefeatable, best of the best full human armed force" "What was it called?" Brian threw in. "The two sides were still their own of course, the Empire and the Republic, yet they each contributed their fighters into the united forces, that was called Eternal Union, made of my most faithful and honorable knights, and Luna's most honorable and good hearted assassins" "What are you trying to tell us, your majesty?" "Hereby now, we, Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadence are the most honored appoint you, Warrant Officer John Miller and the Mentor of the assassin brotherhood of the Dark Blade Assassins of Equestria, and the Crystal Empire" They each hit my shoulders slowly with the sword. "Rise, Mentor John Miller" I stood up. "An honor to serve your highnesses" I looked at the novices, they saluted me with their hands at their sides and over their hearts. "Allways an honor to see you mentor!" The alicorns turned their attention back to Brian. "Brian, we are just as honored as you are to appoint you as the supreme commander of the Bright Shield Protectors of Equestria and Crystal Empire!" Celestia let out a loud and sharp whistle, five human knights wearing the same armor as Brian entered the room, they walked next to my assassins and they lined up. "Long Live the Eternal Union and the True Rulers of Equestria and the Crystal Empire!" The knights took their helmets off, none of the assassins or knight looked either like eachother or us, but there was something we needed to do first. The novices and squires lined up. The assassins in front of me, the knights in front of Brian. We removed their horns, leaving no trace of ever having them, the only ones who knew the truth about their species was us, no, they were from then on humans, not just costumes or illusions. "Commander, Mentor, knights and assassins, may we have your attention for a minute longer" We all turned our attention at them, hand over heart, kneeling. "Commander, Mentor, your apprentices will follow you through your days, even if you might not know about it, they will not miss a chance to do their duty or learn from you" "Yes your majesty" We replied, then they adressed our novices. "Squires, Recruits, you have our trust and faith, don't lose it, when in doubt always consult your superiors, when you are not with your superiors you are to fly back here to the castle, where you will each have your individual quarters. If you follow in your predecessor's footsteps, one day, you, like they now will be trusted with training the future generations of the protectors of the innocent, one day you all will be remembered as true heroes, martyrs, and legends, one day you will earn the title of Commander, General, or Master Assassin, and Mentor" We all lined up once again, the royals said out loud a phrase we were meant to use, they each said a part of it, first came Celestia. "May the sun grant you great procetion, in the time of need" "May the moon grant you strenght, to protect those who need the most and overpower your enemies" Luna added her part, followed my Cadence. "And may your heart lead you through hard times, may your heart be strong in times you need it, may your hearts greant you courage, to defend the innocent, or to end the torments of the innocent who can not be saved, may your heart lead you to glory, honor and victory" At the end, we were all blinded by lights, when they were gone we found our most pleasant surprises so far. "One last thing..." We looked up, the alicorns disappeared, in their places was a white skin, colorful hair knightress Celestia in white set of armor, and a dark blue robed hoodless female assassin, Luna. Behind them, way Cadence as the princess she was, a human in a beautiul dress, even Rarity admired her attire. "Let the training begin!" Luna exclaimed, we grinned and swapped glances with Brian. "What do you saw brother? Time to put our skills to the benifit of all?" I held out a hand, he grabbed it and patted me on the back. "As ready as you are..." End of Chapter Eleven
Chapter 12: AftermathSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 13: Celebration, Grief, Birth, End...Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
