The Book of Ethereal Secretsby Diabeto131ChaptersPrologue: Bar BrawlChapter 1: Rude AwakeningChapter 2: Making FriendsChapter 3: FamilyChapter 4: Tea PartyMemories of AngerPrologue: Bar BrawlPrologue I walked into the bar and stopped in the door. There were only 7 ponies here, well 6 ponies and a griffin. Four stallions - all earth ponies - sitting in the corner booth with the griffin, while a brown pegasus mare, whose outfit i can only describe as stereotypical adventure wear, sits in front of the bar. She looks to be talking with the bartender, who noticed me as I walked up to sit down a few seats away from the mare. "Steel? I'll be damned it is you!" Whiskey, the bartender, called out to me in a coarse, aged voice. He was one of few ponies I've made friends with in my travels. "Yeah it is! Hard cider," I replied sitting down, "hows business?" "It's a little slow right now, but I believe it'll pick up in a couple hours when everypony gets off work." I caught the bottle after Whiskey slid it towards me. I took a swig and embraced the cleansing fire as it rushed through esophagus. "I haven't seen hide nor hair of you in nearly two years, how have you been." "pretty good." I could be better, but Whiskey is one of my friends and I won't weigh him down with my problems. I looked back as I heard shuffling. The group in the booth had gotten up and walked up to the mare, who I swear looks like she is right out of a Daring Do book, and began to hassle her. They didn't talk loud enough for me to make out what they said, but it couldn't have been polite. Whiskey took notice of the tone of their whispers, and walked over to deal with them. This gave me some time alone to reflect on my thoughts as I would usually do when at a bar. My past proceeded to move to the front of my mind. I'm a unicorn born to two earth ponies. They were bakers in downtown Manehattan, and they hoped i would follow in their hoofsteps. They were a little surprised when I got my cutie mark, with it being gold and silver shield with an olive branch over it and not something baking related, but they were proud of what it meant. It shows my tenacity to protect those who can not protect themselves. That made them tear up, but at least they have my sister, Banana Bread, to help around the shop. I naturally moved to Canterlot after high school to join the royal guard. My thoughts were interrupted when one of the earth pony hecklers tapped my shoulder. I looked up at him, he was a good foot taller than me. "You should leave," he stated in a passive-aggressive tone of voice. I didn't like his attitude, so grabbed my cider and took another swig. The fact that i was ignoring him might have pissed him off a bit. He grabbed my shoulder and forced me to face him. "I said leave!" I stood up and looked over his shoulder and saw the griffin 'escorting' Whiskey out of the watering hole. That made me simmer on the inside. I then noticed that the other 3 earth ponies and mare were talking a bit louder. My eyes connected with the asshole trying to ruin my good time. I inhaled the last bit hard cider in the bottle, and proceeded to introduce it to it's newest best friend, the earth pony's head. He collapsed with a thud as the others turned to see what the loud DUNK was. I threw the bottle at the griffin ponyhandling my friend. It shattered on contact, knocking out the poor bastard. I may be a unicorn, but you can't protect royalty if you can't physically fight. The mare made use of the distraction by grabbing one of the earth ponies and slamming his head into the counter. The first casualty decided it was time to get up. I promptly stopped him with my boot. I didn't, however, take into account the pony charging at me. He sent me to the floor and proceeded with a chain of punches to my head. I lifted my arms in a way that would guard my cranium from his assault while I developed a plan. I saw an opening, and sent my left fist into his throat. While he was stunned, I pulled him to the side so that I was over him. He was out by the third punch. "GET OUT OF MY BAR!!" Whiskey was now holding the blunderbuss that hung over the counter. I stood up and pulled my two flintlocks from my coat and pointed it at the offenders still standing. The 3 remaining ponies, noticing their situation, quickly gathered their unconscious friends and left. I placed the pistols back into their respective holsters. "Who the fuck did they think they were making a mess in my bar?" Whiskey sighed as he grabbed a broom and mop to clean the mess. "Sorry about that," the mare finally spoke in a raspy tone. "To be fair, I through the first pu....uh... bottle." I interrupted, "did you know those stallions miss?" "The names Daring, Daring Do, and no i didn't know them." yep I'm going nuts. "They wanted to stop me from finding the book.." "Wait, did you say Daring Do?" She nodded. "As in the Daring Do from the books." She nodded again. Whiskey and I Swapped looks, then began laughing hysterically. "What in Cerberus's ass did you put in my drink Whiskey!?!" "What are you laughing at?" She didn't looked amused. She couldn't be THE Daring Do. Those are just books, right? "You're Steel Aegis, am I correct?" The fact that she knew my full name didn't sit right. I ordered another cider and sat down. "That would be me." I don't like where this is going. "You wouldn't by any chance know where Fort Hoffen is would you?" Upon hearing that name, anger shot through my body causing me to clinch my fists. The bottle I was holding shattered and cut my hand, but the burn of alcohol on my wounds did not even compare to the fury radiating from my insides. She flinched, "I'll take that as a yes." "WHY IN CELESTIA'S FAT SHINING ASS WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE THAT IS!" I lost a lot of friends at Fort Hoffen. It is in the ass end of nowhere, and overrun by monsters not even the creatures in the Everfree can hold a candle to in how disturbing and murderous they are. I am removed from my anger as Whiskey had grabbed a first aid kit and began doctoring my hand. "I'm looking for The Book of Ethereal Secrets." She announced with an all too enthusiastic smile. "Don't, That book caused every problem there was for Fort Hoffen," I said. Daring Do or not, going to Fort Hoffen is a bad idea. "That place is full to the brim with things that would make your skin crawl, figuratively and literally." "Please tell me where it is, nopony else will." She pleaded. "Have you ever stopped to think that maybe they didn't tell you for a reason?" I asked. All that got from her was an adorable pout. Whiskey finished wrapping my hand in bandages. I stood up and payed my tab and began walking to the door. "Thanks for drinks Whiskey, farewell." "Stay safe, Steel, and good luck." Whiskey replied I began walking down the streets of Trottingham to the hotel I was staying in. It wasn't fancy, but it was better then the street. Strange, I swear I could hear wings flapping. I looked around the airspace above the street but saw nothing. I finally arrived to the hotel and entered my room. It had one twin sized bed and a small bathroom, cozy. Author's Note This is my first story, so constructive criticism is appreciated. Chapter 1: Rude AwakeningChapter 1 It was a humid, warm afternoon in the village that sat within the thick walls of Fort Hoffen. I had just started my patrol. My first few months here were just that, walking, occasionally wall duty, but it was an important duty. The route today was from the barracks to the baker's, blacksmith's, then to the school and back. A few of the ponies waved at me and greeted me with the usual 'hello' and 'good morning'. These were nice ponies, and I couldn't happier to be their protector. It was in my mind, soul, and cutie mark. The Burned Bun came into view as I approached. I figured I'll grab some lunch on my route. Though now that I think about it, that is an odd name for a bakery. I stepped in and was greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread, cakes, and cupcakes. Sour Dough and his family were good friends of mine. "Sour," I called as I approached the vacant counter."Sour, where are you?" Tink. I searched for what tapped my shield ,and saw a light green filly with bright pink hair. I dropped to one knee as one would do for a princess, eliciting a giggle from the young foal. "Good afternoon, Sweets, is your father in?" "He's organizing the ingredients in the back," She was just as sweet as her namesake, Sweet Tart. "Do you want me to get him, Mr. Aegis?" "If you don't mind," She scurried through the door to the kitchen, humming a tune. I looked around a noticed the shop to be almost empty. That was strange, considering that the place was usually packed with guards coming in after their patrols and duties were completed. "Afternoon, Steel, I take it you want the usual?" Sour stated as he came out of kitchen followed by Sweets. "Yeah, where is everyone?" I decided to voice my concern for the emptiness. "Something about the one of the wizards 'reading a book'," Sour made air quotes with that last bit. They were probably talking about that one book they found deep in the Everfree the earlier this week. We lost three cadets that day, damned manticores. "Here you go, one banana bread to go." I took the slice and payed Sour as I left. As I walked, I noticed a rather nasty looking storm forming above. This is common, living in the Everfree and all, but it had a sinister orange glow. I continued the path up to... BANG BANG BANG I shot up covered in a cold dampness, hyperventilating. I got up and walked over to the bathroom and splashed a handful of water into my face. Staring into the mirror, I tried to calm down from the panic I felt. My white coat was somewhat dirty, and my black mane - that I usually kept as a short mohawk of a sorts - was disheveled. I had the same dark blue eyes as my mother. I traced the scar on my jawline with a finger, a reminder of Hoffen. Bang Bang Bang "Room service," A voice called from the door. I stepped up to the door before realizing that I didn't order room service. I looked at the clock, and it said it was a bit past 3 in the morning. I quickly put my jacket on, and my guns into their holsters and hid in the closet. I focused my hearing on the door and heard at least 3 voices arguing. They definitely were not hotel staff. A loud thud echoed through the room as they broke the door down. I peaked out of the door and spotted the four earth ponies from last night, wearing dark red jumpsuits with a large orange eye adorning the back. One opened the window to let a griffin in, He had a bandage wrapped around his head. I clocked him good. He started barking orders to the others. "We got to find this guy, quick. If we don't, it's our hides." He proceeded to look around, then he pointed to two of the others. "He might have gone downstairs, so you two go and watch the stairs and elevator on the first floor." They promptly saluted and left the room as the griffin and two remaining thugs started searching the rest of the room. My heartbeat increased as the griffin began approaching the closet. Every step he took nearly caused a miniature heart attack. I held my breath as his talons gripped the door knob. "Hey Beak, check this out," I let out the breath as I dared to peak. one of the earth ponies had decided to search my pack. He was holding a bracelet, which caused my eyes to widen and rage to fill me as I realized what he had. "Listen to this, 'I am forever yours'," he laughed. I kicked the closet door open, knocking the griffin of balance. I charged at the pony holding the bracelet. My fist connected with his face; therefore, it made a satisfying crack as his mandible fractured under the weight of my attack. The other earth pony rushed me and got few good strikes in on my abdomen and right arm. He went for another blow, but i caught his hand and twisted it behind his back. I wrapped my other arm around his neck as i noticed the griffin pulling a gun. I pulled mine first and clipped his arm, causing him to drop the firearm. I replaced the spent pistol with my other. The earth pony I was holding had passed out from me squeezing a bit harder then I realized. I let him drop to the floor and kept my flintlock pointed towards the griffin. I walked up to him and kicked the gun away as he reached for it. I figured it's time for answers. "Why?" I didn't feel more than one word was needed. He just glared at me. I picked up his gun with my magic and floated behind him pointing at his wing. "If you want to retain your ability to fly, then tell me why you're after me." Most would assume that was an empty threat, but I would have went through with it and he could tell by the look in my eye. "Fort Hoffen," he stated. Not these idiots, too. I pointed the gun held in my magic to his leg and fired. blood splattered across the carpet, I did not envy the pony who would have to clean this mess. I knocked the griffin out with a swift kick to the dome. I walked over to the bracelet and put it back in my pack. I heard sounds that a horse drawn carriage would produce coming from my window. Looking out I saw at least ten more ponies leaving the carriage - most were earth ponies with a few pegasi and a unicorn, all wearing the same dark red jumpsuit - and entering the building. I grabbed my sword and scabbard, and put them in their rightful place on my back with my pack and headed to the hallway. I looked over towards the elevator and noticed it was moving, to this floor. I headed for the stairs and as I approached the 2nd floor, I heard hoofsteps coming up. I headed into the hall in an attempt to hide while they passed, but the knob started turning. I panicked and ran into the first room I saw to hide from them. After closing and locking the door, I heard a gasp. Two mares were staring at me from the bed, eyes wide with fear. Then, I realized what they were doing before I interrupted them. "Well...this is...um...embarrassing." I stated in hopes that they wouldn't flip out, but they just stared. Don't scream, don't scream, oh PLEASE don't scream. Almost in slow motion, their mouths opened. I rushed forward placing my hands over their mouths - eliciting a couple of squeaks from them - as not to alert my pursuers. I looked over to the window. "Does your room have a fire escape?" They nodded. I released them and placed a finger over my mouth in a shushing motion and made my way to the fire escape. First thing I do after I make it out of this is catching the train to Manehattan. The sooner I'm out of Trottingham, the better. Chapter 2: Making FriendsChapter 2 Of course they would have pegasi patrolling the allies and streets around the hotel. I had to hide in a dumpster to evade two flying through the ally. Now I smell like garbage, and I'm being chased by a.. cult? That's probably right. Though I would have expected robes instead of jumpsuits. I risked a peek at the ally I was in, and it seems clear. I stepped out as quietly as I could. I only made it a block away from the hotel. Why is everypony so damn interested in knowing where that is, it confounds me. Princess Celestia even told her citizens that it was a danger and is off limits to the public. And now I'm being hunted by deranged cult ponies who probably want to sacrifice me to some 'greater being' and feed my innards to the monsters that inhabit Fort Hoffen. I heard footsteps behind me, shit. I turned around and saw the two pegasi I saw flying about earlier. They had a smug grin that begged me to take it from them, but I figured it would be better for my physical condition if I ran. I looked towards the other end of the ally and saw three earth ponies enter. "Well then." was all I could say be for a sharp pain hit the back of my neck. I reached back and plucked the offender from my flesh. It was a dart. Why me? Why do they need ME? Why a cult? WHY IS EVERY THING BLURRY? Were my last thoughts before the darkness overtook me. Ignoring the strange weather, I continued down the path towards the blacksmith. Hammer Watch provides the guards with weapons and armor. He also provides the public with items such as silverware, metal parts such as hinges and the like, and tools. I was welcomed to Fort Hoffen first by him. He's a good sort to every pony he meets. He stands on a ladder repairing his shop's sign. The last Everfree storm tore the town a new one, a few houses were utterly destroyed, and it has taken a month to get where are today in repairs. We aren't even halfway through with the new houses. The ladder began to wobble, so I quickly moved in to steady it. Hammer looked down to see what steadied him. "Afternoon, Steel," he spoke through the nails in his teeth. "Afternoon, finally finished the new sign, I see," I responded. "Eeyup," he took the nails from his mouth, "hopefully the newer hinges will survive the next storm." He looked to the sky, noticing the strange weather. "Well shit, looks there's gonna be another one today." He finished hammering the last few nails in, and climbed down. I noticed a long gash along his forehead. It didn't look fresh, but it hadn't completely healed yet. "Ouch, what happened there?" I pointed to the wound. He looked up and rubbed his index and middle finger along the length of it. "Got it from the old sign when it fell," I grimaced at the image of the large 3 foot by 4 foot sign smacking into his cranium, "hurt like hell, but it would make one hell of a story." He grinned as he headed for the outdoor forge and pulled out metal pieces that he would heat up and hammer into the shapes required for whatever he was ordered to craft today. "How's the sword and shield holding up?" He motioned to the shield strapped to my left arm. "The sword cuts clean through the practice dummies, and the shield managed withstand a manticore's stinger," I lifted the shield and pointed towards the shallow dent in the center, "six times." He smiled, obviously proud of his handy work. "Glad to know that the fruits of my labor have managed to save your ass." I let out laugh as I began to walk away, but then I heard him call my name and looked back at him. "How have things been with you and Joy?" I smiled, "Things couldn't be any better." I looked at the bracelet on my left wrist that read 'I am forever yours'. She was a teacher at the school, which is why I look forward to these calm days on patrol. "Later Hammer, I have schedule to keep." He waved me off with his hammer in hand. I continued down the path towards the school. Water covered me head to toe as I awoke. I saw an orange unicorn with a green mane. He was wearing that red jumpsuit the others wore, but he had a blood stained, white apron. His sleeves were rolled up, and he had brown leather gloves, well they were brown. He was holding an empty bucket. I looked down and noticed I was tied to a wooden chair. My jacket and shirt were missing. He snapped to get my attention. "Great, your awake," He said as enthusiastically as a filly on Hearths Warming Eve. "Now, I need a bet of information from you, we could do this the easy boring way, where you just tell me the truth, OR we can do this the fun, hard way, where I beat, cut, chop, and tear it out of you." this is gonna hurt, bad. "So, where is Fort Hoffen?" he picked up a small club. I remained silent. No way, no how, am I going to let anypony who doesn't already know, know where Fort Hoffen is. His smile only grew with the silence. The club collided with my head, and caused a ringing in my ear. Another swing connected with the opposite temple. A headache was forming and I felt warmness flow down my right cheek. "Let me ask you again," he cleared his throat, "where is Fort Hoffen?" "I heard it's out in the middle of nowhere, try looking there," I spat. The club connected with my jaw, hard. The familiar taste of copper filled my mouth. I spit the mouthful at my interrogator's hooves. He cackled. "Oh, feisty~" he sang. I was hating his guts more and more every second. He put the club down and picked up a scalpel. "This is my favorite part," He walked up to me and placed the blade under my left collar bone. "Where is Fort Hoffen?" the scalpel was digging into my skin. "It's up your ass, couldn't you tell." The blade cut deep and I screamed in pain. "You frown to much," He gripped my jaw, and placed the now bloodied scalpel on the side of my mouth, "I'm gonna make you smile." The door slammed open showing a grey pegasus. My torturer looked annoyed; then, he released his grip and set the blade on the counter as the two had a conversation quite enough that I couldn't here it. "Damn it, if you want to do something right, do it yourself!" He screamed as he marched out the door with the pegasus hot on his hooves. I tried to use my magic to undo my restraints, but there was an anti-magic ring on my horn. Looking around, I tried to determine my location. There were boxes against the wall, and hooks hung from the ceiling holding slabs of meat. I must be in a slaughterhouse, probably in the griffin quarter of Trottingham. I thought. I heard the door open, and looked to see the last thing I had expected to see. Daring Do was crouched at the door, she grimaced at what that sadistic bastard did to me. She silently came up behind my chair and cut the bindings holding my hands. "What?" Was all I could think to say as I rubbed the bruises around my wrists. "Shhh, we need to go before they notice," she whispered. "I'm not leaving without my jacket," more like what was in my jacket. She rolled her eyes at me. "I'm not leaving without it." I deadpanned. "Fine, I think it might be in the first door to the right," she motioned to the door. We sneaked into the surprisingly unguarded hallway. I opened the door on the right. I looked around, and saw my jacket on a counter with a sink. I also saw a naked stallion tied to a chair similar to the one I was just in. I walked up and put my jacket on. Checking the pockets I found the bracelet, I sighed in relief. Then I noticed my pack, along with my sword and twin flintlocks, next to the counter. After my equipment was in place, I turned around and froze. The stallion was red with graying hair. He had a cutie mark of an anvil on his left pectoral, and a scar going along his forehead. He was covered in bruises and cuts. His knee caps were exposed to the world, and he was missing a hand and three of his fingers on his other. Tears flowed down my face as I dropped to my knees in front of the dead stallion. "Hammer, oh Celestia no." I choked out as I looked him over. "What's taking you so.." Daring stopped when her eyes fell upon the scene. I had lost another friend in this world. "Three," I said quietly. Daring had a look of confusion on her face. "Three of us left, ten made out of Fort Hoffen, now there are three." I said as the anger grew inside. "Steel, are you going to be okay?" She asked with a hint of fear and concern in her voice. I was about to respond when the handle on the door began to turn. I looked around and saw a few large crates, and motioned to them. We scurried behind the crates as a certain orange unicorn walked in. "Ah, good morning Mister Hammer, no no no.. don't get up on my account." He laughed as he approached a table near the door. His magic picked up a butcher's knife and pair of clean latex gloves over to the sink as his magic turned it on. "That friend of yours... uh, what's his name..Oh yeah, Steel Aegis, he's a fun one." He was organizing the other knifes on the table as I started my way to the counter. I felt Daring grab my wrist. She mouthed 'what are you doing'. I pulled myself free from her grip. My steps were masked by the running water in the sink. It was almost full when I grabbed the gloves and cleaver. I approached the unicorn, who turned around and opened his mouth to alert his friends, and stuffed the gloves into his mouth. His horn lit up, but I grabbed his head and slammed it onto the table. I raised the knife and chopped of his horn at the base. His muffled scream could not be heard outside the room. I then threw him into the counter. He tried to stand up but I grabbed his head again. I pushed his muzzle into the sink water, and it turned red from his horn, or the lack there of. He struggled for air, but I pushed down harder. Daring ran up to me and tried to get my attention, but I was focused on the creature that killed one of the few friends I had left in this world. "Steel, stop it, you can't just kill him!" She silently yelled. "Why the fuck not, he killed, why should I show him any mercy." I spat maliciously. "Because your better than that." She had tears in her eyes. I sighed, she was right. If I killed him, I would no better then the filth I'm holding down in the sink. I pulled him out. His muffled coughs echoed through the room. I knocked him out with a punch. there was a moment of silence. "Alright, let's get out of here," I finally spoke. Daring motioned me to follow her. We were almost caught a few times, but we made it out and headed to the motel Daring was staying in. She doctored the wounds I received while in the sadist's custody. While she did so she told me what she knew about the cult who was after me. They are called "The Eyes of the Harbinger", and they are looking for the book, which is why Daring is looking for it. "So will you tell me where it is know?" She asked. "No," I calmly stated, "We need to stop them before they find out, besides even if they do find out, the place has a powerful shield keeping any thing from entering," I narrowed my eyes, "or leaving." "So how would one get past the shield?" She has an otherworldly curiosity. "Let me think, usually only the ones who put the shield up could bring it down, but the Everfree has a certain magic about it that has most likely has taken over the shield and made nigh invincible." I sat back in the chair. "The only way I can think of getting through that barrier would be a very powerful inherent bypass spell." "An inherwhat now?" "Some unicorns have an inherent magic that manifests itself into a specific spell." I stated "Do you have one?" "Yes, I can suppress another's magic with my own, but really powerful mages and the princesses have far too much magic for me to use against them." I half gloated. "How do you know so much about the shield?" "Because, I, along with four other unicorn guards, put it up. We didn't want those monsters getting out." There was a silence afterwards. It wasn't awkward, it was thoughtful. Daring decided to break the silence. "You said there were only three of you left?" I nodded "Where are the other two, they might be in danger." I thought hard about it. "Sour is still in Canterlot I think, and Zylus is still Manehatten last I heard from him." "Zylus sounds like a zebra's name," I nodded again, "I thought only ponies lived at Fort Hoffen." "We needed an expert on the local flora, turns out most zebras outside their homeland are alchemists." I chuckled at the thought, and I didn't know why. "So." "So." "Lets head to Manehatten." "Great, I promised my mom I would visit anyway." I honestly couldn't remember the last time I saw my sister. "Taking me to meet the parents? moving fast aren't we?" Daring smirked. I merely responded with a deadpanned stare. She chuckled, "Lets go." We made our way to the train station and bought two tickets. It was going to be a long ride, but for once, I wasn't alone, so there's that. Chapter 3: FamilyChapter 3 I planned to end my travels by the end of this week. I want to be there for my family and friends, at least what's left of them. Now that Sour and Zylus are in danger, I have to stop The Eyes. Those two are the best friends I could ask for. We suffered together, fought together, and survived together, and I would do anything to help them and they would do anything to help me. I was brought back to reality by Daring clearing her throat. "Yes." I responded. "Tell me about your family," She stated with curiosity lacing her voice. "What about them?" She appeared to think about this for a few seconds. "Start with your parents?" I thought about where to begin. "Cheese Cake is my father, and Velvet Silk is my mother. They met and married in Canterlot; then, they opened a bakery in Manehattan after I was born. I have a cousin in Ponyville." I paused as I remembered something I had forgotten. "He and his wife just had foals, I still haven't met them yet. I honestly can't wait." "You have any siblings?" She asked. I don't know why, but the look on her face was that of one who is intently listening. "I have a younger sister, she's four years younger then me. Her name is Banana Bread." Daring snickered, "don't laugh at her name to her face, she will break you." Daring gave me a questioning look, "The last pony who laughed at her name had to go to the hospital to get the ladle removed from his rec-" She threw a hand up to stop me. "I don't need the details. Point taken." She bit her lip in thought. I decided to stare out the window at the passing country side. The train will be coming up on Manehatten within the hour. She appeared to have completed her thought, but hesitated on speaking it. "Did..d-did you have family in Hoffen." I thought about what I lost. I stared out the window. My silence was all the answer she needed. "oh," she spoke quietly, "sorry." I sighed. It wasn't a sigh of sadness, but with a bit of happiness. "She was an amazing mare," it's been 4 years since I last talked about her. I don't know why, but I felt that I needed to get it of my chest. "Her name was Morning Joy." I smiled at hearing her name, even if it was myself speaking it. "She was a teacher at the school in Fort Hoffen, and she loved every minute of it." "Where did you meet her?" I thought back to a time when I was happier. I placed my hand on my chin, unconsciously stroking the scar on my jaw, in thought. We were marching towards the castle gates from the inside. We were in a block formation with our major at the front. I stood at his left as his lieutenant. As we approached the gate the captain was instructing other blocks of guard of what they were to do today. It was the Summer Sun Celebration tonight, and so the guards were to be on high alert. Not for any attempts against the princess, but because the Canterlot elite 'cut loose' with alcohol. A lot of alcohol. "Guard, halt, face left." The major instructed us. He was tall and well built with a white coat and blue mane. The captain approached us. He was a bit short, but he could probably carry a bison on his shoulders and still fight off the entirety of the griffin army. "Major Shining Armor, your unit will keep an eye on the merchant district," Captain Iron Heart announced."Keep an eye out for opportunistic thieves and the rowdy drunk nobles that seem to plague this town on days like today." "Yes sir," Shining replied saluting. The rest of the block joined the salute in absolute unison. We then continued our march down the streets to the market. I always admired how the ponies of Canterlot can decorate a street to look bigger then it is in reality. When we arrived, Shining gave us our directions and sent us on our way. I was to accompany Shining in patrolling the farmers market and then a few ally ways. The day was calm, but the night was when most disturbances occurred. We walked through the stalls making small talk with the merchants and nobles who didn't believe they were above talking to guards and the common rabble. Shining and I split up to cover a bit more ground. Passing by a furniture shop, I heard shuffling. I looked in the ally and saw two stallions harassing a beige mare with a curled, green mane. I recognized one of the stallions as a noble that I have seen before. If we had a list if ponies who need to be locked up on occasions like this, he would be at the top. "Aww, c'mon you should *hic* join me an my friend here for a little fun at my place," the rowdy noble slurred. The mare rolled her eyes. "Not in your dreams, now if you can excuse me, I have a play to attend." She replied. I just noticed she was wearing a rather beautiful dress. The stallions surrounded her and started to grab her. "Hey! How many times have I told you guys that 'no' is not a synonym for 'go ahead and take me'." I've had with fools like these. They couldn't put up much of a fight due to their drunken stupor, but I still put the cuffs on them. I saw a couple more from my unit rounding the corner. After catching their attention with a whistle, I ordered them to take the offenders to lock up for the night. I turned my attention to the lady, who had a flirtatious- although I couldn't tell at the time- look on her face. "Thank you so much officer, would you mind escorting me to the theater?" I couldn't find a reason why I couldn't, so I did. The theater was along my patrol route. we talked along the way. It turned out, the third grade class at Canterlot Elementary were putting on a play for the celebration, and the mare, who I learned was named Morning Joy, was their teacher. We arrived and she thanked me again before going inside. I continued my patrol with a almost unnoticeable skip in my step. "I was walking by a cafe sometime the next week when she spotted me. How she could recognize me without my armor astounds me. She offered me a cup of coffee, and we hit it off." I finished my story as we got off the train. Daring gave me a scrutinizing look. "What?" "Just seems a little.. cliche," she stated. "Well, that's how it happened," we walked down the Manehattan streets for about fifteen minutes before we came across 'The Bun Factory'. I never understood why dad chose that name for the bakery. We entered the shop, and I saw a yellow mare with straight red hair. The bell was over the door to alert any employees that there was a customer. But the mare, that I knew as my sister, just continued reading her book as we approached the counter. "Welcome to 'The Bun Factory' how may I help you," She stated in a monotone voice, still not looking up from her book. I had to fight back my laughter. If mom and dad saw this, they would give the lecture of a lifetime. "Yeah, I would like two slices of banana bread." I said nonchalantly. She looked up in noticeable surprise. That, however, was overcome quickly as she seemed to leap over the counter and gave me a bone crushing hug. "Steel, oh my gosh. Lily, he's here!" A small beige filly with hair as black as mine with deep green eyes, came running down the stares followed by an older couple. I knelt down and embraced the young filly. My dad ,who I was the spitting image of, and my mother joined in on the hug. "I missed you so much Daddy!" Lily shouted. I laughed and squeezed her tighter. "I missed you, too, Lily." I kissed her on the head, just above her horn. "Wait, you're a father?" Daring asked in confusion. Chapter 4: Tea PartyChapter 4 Daring just stood there, staring. I sighed and pulled her away from the others so they couldn't hear. she had a look of pure confusion. "You have a daughter?" She whispered, dumbfounded. "Is it really that hard to believe that I could procreate?" I pinched the bridge of my muzzle."Yes, I have a daughter, her name is Summer Lily." Her face took a on look of contemplation. After a minute of silence, she spoke up. "You have been spending months out in the world with a kid at home?" Her eyes began to narrow. Again, I sighed. "I'll explain why later, let's just say that, even though I survived Hoffen, It still destroyed me." I felt something tug my hand. Looking down, I saw Lily looking up at me. "Auntie Bana said you'd have tea party with me when you got back." Lily stated. I looked up at my sister with an eyebrow raised. She had a grin spreading ear to ear. "She would be correct." I looked back down at Lily, Who was sporting the same grin. My heart warmed to see her smile. Lily looked towards Daring. "Who are you?" She said sweetly. I was about to introduce them when Daring interrupted. "I'm Yearling." She said with a smile. Using a fake name I see. "I'm Lily, are you Daddy's very special somepony," Daring's face turned a neat shade of red. I was fighting back the laughter when I answered for her. "No, she isn't Lily, I don't have one." I ruffled her mane. "Auntie Bana said that you needed one." I groaned and shot Bana a glare. "What? you do." She coolly stated. I looked down at Lily. "I'm going show Yearling where she will be staying and then we can get started." I motioned Daring to follow me. The bakery had three stories, the bakery on the first floor, and a house on the second two. It had four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It had a kitchen separate from the bakery. I took Daring into my old room. I pulled out an old cot from my closet that I used to take on camping trips. After I put it together, I pulled the extra blanket and pillow from the closet. "You will be sleeping here." I said patting the cot. After setting everything up, somepony knocked on the door. I opened it to find my sister on the other side. She pointed to Daring. "Can I talk with Yearling for a minute?" I looked back at 'Yearling'. She shrugged and followed my sister down the hall towards the stairs to the bakery. I looked back at my closet. Now, where is that old tux. <><><><><><> Daring followed Bana down into the bakery. They approached a table by the counter where a coffee maker sat. Bana pulled a chair out from under the table and sat down. Daring followed suit sitting across from her. It was silent for a long moment before Bana broke it. "So, who are you to my brother?" Daring just appeared confused by the question. Bana shook her head, "if you're not dating, then what are you, friends, acquaintances, did you just follow him here? Which is it?" Daring thought hard, she didn't know how Steel viewed her. "We are sort of, well...." She kept thinking. "I guess we are kind of, sort of partners?" Bana's expression was unreadable. "Why are you two traveling together." Bana pulled a coffee mug off the counter and poured herself cup. Daring thought again on how to answer this question. "We are going to stop a cult from getting a magical book from the remains of Fort Hoffen." Steel interrupted. Bana did a spit take as the mares turned to see the intruder. Steel was adjusting the collar and cuffs of his tuxedo. "The book that caused the incident actually." "You can't be serious." Bana sounded rather angry. "You remember how that place fucked you up right," Steel nodded, his stoic expression never changing, "and you're going back?" "Not if I can help it, they still don't know where it is, so we are going to stop them before they find out." He suddenly switched to using a Canterlot accent, with extra snootiness. "Now, if you could excuse me, I have a tea party to attend." Memories of AngerA Memory Shining Armor stood in the hall outside of the throne room door with an expression of worry on his face. Loud muffled shouting comes from the inside. He looks around at the eight individuals sitting or standing around the various waiting benches. Some bore expressionless faces, while others were crying. They were the survivors of Fort Hoffen. After being informed that they would need to send in one pony as a representative, the vote was unanimous. Ser Steel Aegis was to talk to Princes Celestia about the situation. The doors sprang open as a stallion wearing silver guard armor with a red trim entered the hallway. He reached up and took off his helmet. A loud clang echoed through the hall as he threw it on the ground. "Fuck!" He shouted. Shining had known Steel for years, and has never seem him enraged. He worried for his friend. As he approached, he tried to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder, but Steel just slapped it away. "Don't fucking touch me!" "What happened?" Shining inquired. Steel motioned to the others in the hall, who are now watching him. "These mares ad stallions lost every damn thing. Property, ways of life, Loved ones, but the monsters responsible will sit on the graves of what they lost as those who swore to protect the innocent do NOTHING!" His anger prevented him from noticing the maid walking up to the group holding a bundle of blankets. "I refuse to let those that have sacrificed their very lives be swept under the fucking rug like some CELESTIA DAMNED DUST BUNNIES!" Steel's rage is cut short when he hears crying. He turns around and sees the maid. After walking a towards her he carefully takes the crying bundle from her. When the foal looks at Steel, it grows quiet. Steel drops to his knees and pulls the child closer to his chest. his sobs echo through the hall, the others stay silent, not shedding a tear of their own. "I'm s-so sorry, Lily."
Prologue: Bar BrawlPrologue I walked into the bar and stopped in the door. There were only 7 ponies here, well 6 ponies and a griffin. Four stallions - all earth ponies - sitting in the corner booth with the griffin, while a brown pegasus mare, whose outfit i can only describe as stereotypical adventure wear, sits in front of the bar. She looks to be talking with the bartender, who noticed me as I walked up to sit down a few seats away from the mare. "Steel? I'll be damned it is you!" Whiskey, the bartender, called out to me in a coarse, aged voice. He was one of few ponies I've made friends with in my travels. "Yeah it is! Hard cider," I replied sitting down, "hows business?" "It's a little slow right now, but I believe it'll pick up in a couple hours when everypony gets off work." I caught the bottle after Whiskey slid it towards me. I took a swig and embraced the cleansing fire as it rushed through esophagus. "I haven't seen hide nor hair of you in nearly two years, how have you been." "pretty good." I could be better, but Whiskey is one of my friends and I won't weigh him down with my problems. I looked back as I heard shuffling. The group in the booth had gotten up and walked up to the mare, who I swear looks like she is right out of a Daring Do book, and began to hassle her. They didn't talk loud enough for me to make out what they said, but it couldn't have been polite. Whiskey took notice of the tone of their whispers, and walked over to deal with them. This gave me some time alone to reflect on my thoughts as I would usually do when at a bar. My past proceeded to move to the front of my mind. I'm a unicorn born to two earth ponies. They were bakers in downtown Manehattan, and they hoped i would follow in their hoofsteps. They were a little surprised when I got my cutie mark, with it being gold and silver shield with an olive branch over it and not something baking related, but they were proud of what it meant. It shows my tenacity to protect those who can not protect themselves. That made them tear up, but at least they have my sister, Banana Bread, to help around the shop. I naturally moved to Canterlot after high school to join the royal guard. My thoughts were interrupted when one of the earth pony hecklers tapped my shoulder. I looked up at him, he was a good foot taller than me. "You should leave," he stated in a passive-aggressive tone of voice. I didn't like his attitude, so grabbed my cider and took another swig. The fact that i was ignoring him might have pissed him off a bit. He grabbed my shoulder and forced me to face him. "I said leave!" I stood up and looked over his shoulder and saw the griffin 'escorting' Whiskey out of the watering hole. That made me simmer on the inside. I then noticed that the other 3 earth ponies and mare were talking a bit louder. My eyes connected with the asshole trying to ruin my good time. I inhaled the last bit hard cider in the bottle, and proceeded to introduce it to it's newest best friend, the earth pony's head. He collapsed with a thud as the others turned to see what the loud DUNK was. I threw the bottle at the griffin ponyhandling my friend. It shattered on contact, knocking out the poor bastard. I may be a unicorn, but you can't protect royalty if you can't physically fight. The mare made use of the distraction by grabbing one of the earth ponies and slamming his head into the counter. The first casualty decided it was time to get up. I promptly stopped him with my boot. I didn't, however, take into account the pony charging at me. He sent me to the floor and proceeded with a chain of punches to my head. I lifted my arms in a way that would guard my cranium from his assault while I developed a plan. I saw an opening, and sent my left fist into his throat. While he was stunned, I pulled him to the side so that I was over him. He was out by the third punch. "GET OUT OF MY BAR!!" Whiskey was now holding the blunderbuss that hung over the counter. I stood up and pulled my two flintlocks from my coat and pointed it at the offenders still standing. The 3 remaining ponies, noticing their situation, quickly gathered their unconscious friends and left. I placed the pistols back into their respective holsters. "Who the fuck did they think they were making a mess in my bar?" Whiskey sighed as he grabbed a broom and mop to clean the mess. "Sorry about that," the mare finally spoke in a raspy tone. "To be fair, I through the first pu....uh... bottle." I interrupted, "did you know those stallions miss?" "The names Daring, Daring Do, and no i didn't know them." yep I'm going nuts. "They wanted to stop me from finding the book.." "Wait, did you say Daring Do?" She nodded. "As in the Daring Do from the books." She nodded again. Whiskey and I Swapped looks, then began laughing hysterically. "What in Cerberus's ass did you put in my drink Whiskey!?!" "What are you laughing at?" She didn't looked amused. She couldn't be THE Daring Do. Those are just books, right? "You're Steel Aegis, am I correct?" The fact that she knew my full name didn't sit right. I ordered another cider and sat down. "That would be me." I don't like where this is going. "You wouldn't by any chance know where Fort Hoffen is would you?" Upon hearing that name, anger shot through my body causing me to clinch my fists. The bottle I was holding shattered and cut my hand, but the burn of alcohol on my wounds did not even compare to the fury radiating from my insides. She flinched, "I'll take that as a yes." "WHY IN CELESTIA'S FAT SHINING ASS WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE THAT IS!" I lost a lot of friends at Fort Hoffen. It is in the ass end of nowhere, and overrun by monsters not even the creatures in the Everfree can hold a candle to in how disturbing and murderous they are. I am removed from my anger as Whiskey had grabbed a first aid kit and began doctoring my hand. "I'm looking for The Book of Ethereal Secrets." She announced with an all too enthusiastic smile. "Don't, That book caused every problem there was for Fort Hoffen," I said. Daring Do or not, going to Fort Hoffen is a bad idea. "That place is full to the brim with things that would make your skin crawl, figuratively and literally." "Please tell me where it is, nopony else will." She pleaded. "Have you ever stopped to think that maybe they didn't tell you for a reason?" I asked. All that got from her was an adorable pout. Whiskey finished wrapping my hand in bandages. I stood up and payed my tab and began walking to the door. "Thanks for drinks Whiskey, farewell." "Stay safe, Steel, and good luck." Whiskey replied I began walking down the streets of Trottingham to the hotel I was staying in. It wasn't fancy, but it was better then the street. Strange, I swear I could hear wings flapping. I looked around the airspace above the street but saw nothing. I finally arrived to the hotel and entered my room. It had one twin sized bed and a small bathroom, cozy. Author's Note This is my first story, so constructive criticism is appreciated.
Chapter 1: Rude AwakeningChapter 1 It was a humid, warm afternoon in the village that sat within the thick walls of Fort Hoffen. I had just started my patrol. My first few months here were just that, walking, occasionally wall duty, but it was an important duty. The route today was from the barracks to the baker's, blacksmith's, then to the school and back. A few of the ponies waved at me and greeted me with the usual 'hello' and 'good morning'. These were nice ponies, and I couldn't happier to be their protector. It was in my mind, soul, and cutie mark. The Burned Bun came into view as I approached. I figured I'll grab some lunch on my route. Though now that I think about it, that is an odd name for a bakery. I stepped in and was greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread, cakes, and cupcakes. Sour Dough and his family were good friends of mine. "Sour," I called as I approached the vacant counter."Sour, where are you?" Tink. I searched for what tapped my shield ,and saw a light green filly with bright pink hair. I dropped to one knee as one would do for a princess, eliciting a giggle from the young foal. "Good afternoon, Sweets, is your father in?" "He's organizing the ingredients in the back," She was just as sweet as her namesake, Sweet Tart. "Do you want me to get him, Mr. Aegis?" "If you don't mind," She scurried through the door to the kitchen, humming a tune. I looked around a noticed the shop to be almost empty. That was strange, considering that the place was usually packed with guards coming in after their patrols and duties were completed. "Afternoon, Steel, I take it you want the usual?" Sour stated as he came out of kitchen followed by Sweets. "Yeah, where is everyone?" I decided to voice my concern for the emptiness. "Something about the one of the wizards 'reading a book'," Sour made air quotes with that last bit. They were probably talking about that one book they found deep in the Everfree the earlier this week. We lost three cadets that day, damned manticores. "Here you go, one banana bread to go." I took the slice and payed Sour as I left. As I walked, I noticed a rather nasty looking storm forming above. This is common, living in the Everfree and all, but it had a sinister orange glow. I continued the path up to... BANG BANG BANG I shot up covered in a cold dampness, hyperventilating. I got up and walked over to the bathroom and splashed a handful of water into my face. Staring into the mirror, I tried to calm down from the panic I felt. My white coat was somewhat dirty, and my black mane - that I usually kept as a short mohawk of a sorts - was disheveled. I had the same dark blue eyes as my mother. I traced the scar on my jawline with a finger, a reminder of Hoffen. Bang Bang Bang "Room service," A voice called from the door. I stepped up to the door before realizing that I didn't order room service. I looked at the clock, and it said it was a bit past 3 in the morning. I quickly put my jacket on, and my guns into their holsters and hid in the closet. I focused my hearing on the door and heard at least 3 voices arguing. They definitely were not hotel staff. A loud thud echoed through the room as they broke the door down. I peaked out of the door and spotted the four earth ponies from last night, wearing dark red jumpsuits with a large orange eye adorning the back. One opened the window to let a griffin in, He had a bandage wrapped around his head. I clocked him good. He started barking orders to the others. "We got to find this guy, quick. If we don't, it's our hides." He proceeded to look around, then he pointed to two of the others. "He might have gone downstairs, so you two go and watch the stairs and elevator on the first floor." They promptly saluted and left the room as the griffin and two remaining thugs started searching the rest of the room. My heartbeat increased as the griffin began approaching the closet. Every step he took nearly caused a miniature heart attack. I held my breath as his talons gripped the door knob. "Hey Beak, check this out," I let out the breath as I dared to peak. one of the earth ponies had decided to search my pack. He was holding a bracelet, which caused my eyes to widen and rage to fill me as I realized what he had. "Listen to this, 'I am forever yours'," he laughed. I kicked the closet door open, knocking the griffin of balance. I charged at the pony holding the bracelet. My fist connected with his face; therefore, it made a satisfying crack as his mandible fractured under the weight of my attack. The other earth pony rushed me and got few good strikes in on my abdomen and right arm. He went for another blow, but i caught his hand and twisted it behind his back. I wrapped my other arm around his neck as i noticed the griffin pulling a gun. I pulled mine first and clipped his arm, causing him to drop the firearm. I replaced the spent pistol with my other. The earth pony I was holding had passed out from me squeezing a bit harder then I realized. I let him drop to the floor and kept my flintlock pointed towards the griffin. I walked up to him and kicked the gun away as he reached for it. I figured it's time for answers. "Why?" I didn't feel more than one word was needed. He just glared at me. I picked up his gun with my magic and floated behind him pointing at his wing. "If you want to retain your ability to fly, then tell me why you're after me." Most would assume that was an empty threat, but I would have went through with it and he could tell by the look in my eye. "Fort Hoffen," he stated. Not these idiots, too. I pointed the gun held in my magic to his leg and fired. blood splattered across the carpet, I did not envy the pony who would have to clean this mess. I knocked the griffin out with a swift kick to the dome. I walked over to the bracelet and put it back in my pack. I heard sounds that a horse drawn carriage would produce coming from my window. Looking out I saw at least ten more ponies leaving the carriage - most were earth ponies with a few pegasi and a unicorn, all wearing the same dark red jumpsuit - and entering the building. I grabbed my sword and scabbard, and put them in their rightful place on my back with my pack and headed to the hallway. I looked over towards the elevator and noticed it was moving, to this floor. I headed for the stairs and as I approached the 2nd floor, I heard hoofsteps coming up. I headed into the hall in an attempt to hide while they passed, but the knob started turning. I panicked and ran into the first room I saw to hide from them. After closing and locking the door, I heard a gasp. Two mares were staring at me from the bed, eyes wide with fear. Then, I realized what they were doing before I interrupted them. "Well...this is...um...embarrassing." I stated in hopes that they wouldn't flip out, but they just stared. Don't scream, don't scream, oh PLEASE don't scream. Almost in slow motion, their mouths opened. I rushed forward placing my hands over their mouths - eliciting a couple of squeaks from them - as not to alert my pursuers. I looked over to the window. "Does your room have a fire escape?" They nodded. I released them and placed a finger over my mouth in a shushing motion and made my way to the fire escape. First thing I do after I make it out of this is catching the train to Manehattan. The sooner I'm out of Trottingham, the better.
Chapter 2: Making FriendsChapter 2 Of course they would have pegasi patrolling the allies and streets around the hotel. I had to hide in a dumpster to evade two flying through the ally. Now I smell like garbage, and I'm being chased by a.. cult? That's probably right. Though I would have expected robes instead of jumpsuits. I risked a peek at the ally I was in, and it seems clear. I stepped out as quietly as I could. I only made it a block away from the hotel. Why is everypony so damn interested in knowing where that is, it confounds me. Princess Celestia even told her citizens that it was a danger and is off limits to the public. And now I'm being hunted by deranged cult ponies who probably want to sacrifice me to some 'greater being' and feed my innards to the monsters that inhabit Fort Hoffen. I heard footsteps behind me, shit. I turned around and saw the two pegasi I saw flying about earlier. They had a smug grin that begged me to take it from them, but I figured it would be better for my physical condition if I ran. I looked towards the other end of the ally and saw three earth ponies enter. "Well then." was all I could say be for a sharp pain hit the back of my neck. I reached back and plucked the offender from my flesh. It was a dart. Why me? Why do they need ME? Why a cult? WHY IS EVERY THING BLURRY? Were my last thoughts before the darkness overtook me. Ignoring the strange weather, I continued down the path towards the blacksmith. Hammer Watch provides the guards with weapons and armor. He also provides the public with items such as silverware, metal parts such as hinges and the like, and tools. I was welcomed to Fort Hoffen first by him. He's a good sort to every pony he meets. He stands on a ladder repairing his shop's sign. The last Everfree storm tore the town a new one, a few houses were utterly destroyed, and it has taken a month to get where are today in repairs. We aren't even halfway through with the new houses. The ladder began to wobble, so I quickly moved in to steady it. Hammer looked down to see what steadied him. "Afternoon, Steel," he spoke through the nails in his teeth. "Afternoon, finally finished the new sign, I see," I responded. "Eeyup," he took the nails from his mouth, "hopefully the newer hinges will survive the next storm." He looked to the sky, noticing the strange weather. "Well shit, looks there's gonna be another one today." He finished hammering the last few nails in, and climbed down. I noticed a long gash along his forehead. It didn't look fresh, but it hadn't completely healed yet. "Ouch, what happened there?" I pointed to the wound. He looked up and rubbed his index and middle finger along the length of it. "Got it from the old sign when it fell," I grimaced at the image of the large 3 foot by 4 foot sign smacking into his cranium, "hurt like hell, but it would make one hell of a story." He grinned as he headed for the outdoor forge and pulled out metal pieces that he would heat up and hammer into the shapes required for whatever he was ordered to craft today. "How's the sword and shield holding up?" He motioned to the shield strapped to my left arm. "The sword cuts clean through the practice dummies, and the shield managed withstand a manticore's stinger," I lifted the shield and pointed towards the shallow dent in the center, "six times." He smiled, obviously proud of his handy work. "Glad to know that the fruits of my labor have managed to save your ass." I let out laugh as I began to walk away, but then I heard him call my name and looked back at him. "How have things been with you and Joy?" I smiled, "Things couldn't be any better." I looked at the bracelet on my left wrist that read 'I am forever yours'. She was a teacher at the school, which is why I look forward to these calm days on patrol. "Later Hammer, I have schedule to keep." He waved me off with his hammer in hand. I continued down the path towards the school. Water covered me head to toe as I awoke. I saw an orange unicorn with a green mane. He was wearing that red jumpsuit the others wore, but he had a blood stained, white apron. His sleeves were rolled up, and he had brown leather gloves, well they were brown. He was holding an empty bucket. I looked down and noticed I was tied to a wooden chair. My jacket and shirt were missing. He snapped to get my attention. "Great, your awake," He said as enthusiastically as a filly on Hearths Warming Eve. "Now, I need a bet of information from you, we could do this the easy boring way, where you just tell me the truth, OR we can do this the fun, hard way, where I beat, cut, chop, and tear it out of you." this is gonna hurt, bad. "So, where is Fort Hoffen?" he picked up a small club. I remained silent. No way, no how, am I going to let anypony who doesn't already know, know where Fort Hoffen is. His smile only grew with the silence. The club collided with my head, and caused a ringing in my ear. Another swing connected with the opposite temple. A headache was forming and I felt warmness flow down my right cheek. "Let me ask you again," he cleared his throat, "where is Fort Hoffen?" "I heard it's out in the middle of nowhere, try looking there," I spat. The club connected with my jaw, hard. The familiar taste of copper filled my mouth. I spit the mouthful at my interrogator's hooves. He cackled. "Oh, feisty~" he sang. I was hating his guts more and more every second. He put the club down and picked up a scalpel. "This is my favorite part," He walked up to me and placed the blade under my left collar bone. "Where is Fort Hoffen?" the scalpel was digging into my skin. "It's up your ass, couldn't you tell." The blade cut deep and I screamed in pain. "You frown to much," He gripped my jaw, and placed the now bloodied scalpel on the side of my mouth, "I'm gonna make you smile." The door slammed open showing a grey pegasus. My torturer looked annoyed; then, he released his grip and set the blade on the counter as the two had a conversation quite enough that I couldn't here it. "Damn it, if you want to do something right, do it yourself!" He screamed as he marched out the door with the pegasus hot on his hooves. I tried to use my magic to undo my restraints, but there was an anti-magic ring on my horn. Looking around, I tried to determine my location. There were boxes against the wall, and hooks hung from the ceiling holding slabs of meat. I must be in a slaughterhouse, probably in the griffin quarter of Trottingham. I thought. I heard the door open, and looked to see the last thing I had expected to see. Daring Do was crouched at the door, she grimaced at what that sadistic bastard did to me. She silently came up behind my chair and cut the bindings holding my hands. "What?" Was all I could think to say as I rubbed the bruises around my wrists. "Shhh, we need to go before they notice," she whispered. "I'm not leaving without my jacket," more like what was in my jacket. She rolled her eyes at me. "I'm not leaving without it." I deadpanned. "Fine, I think it might be in the first door to the right," she motioned to the door. We sneaked into the surprisingly unguarded hallway. I opened the door on the right. I looked around, and saw my jacket on a counter with a sink. I also saw a naked stallion tied to a chair similar to the one I was just in. I walked up and put my jacket on. Checking the pockets I found the bracelet, I sighed in relief. Then I noticed my pack, along with my sword and twin flintlocks, next to the counter. After my equipment was in place, I turned around and froze. The stallion was red with graying hair. He had a cutie mark of an anvil on his left pectoral, and a scar going along his forehead. He was covered in bruises and cuts. His knee caps were exposed to the world, and he was missing a hand and three of his fingers on his other. Tears flowed down my face as I dropped to my knees in front of the dead stallion. "Hammer, oh Celestia no." I choked out as I looked him over. "What's taking you so.." Daring stopped when her eyes fell upon the scene. I had lost another friend in this world. "Three," I said quietly. Daring had a look of confusion on her face. "Three of us left, ten made out of Fort Hoffen, now there are three." I said as the anger grew inside. "Steel, are you going to be okay?" She asked with a hint of fear and concern in her voice. I was about to respond when the handle on the door began to turn. I looked around and saw a few large crates, and motioned to them. We scurried behind the crates as a certain orange unicorn walked in. "Ah, good morning Mister Hammer, no no no.. don't get up on my account." He laughed as he approached a table near the door. His magic picked up a butcher's knife and pair of clean latex gloves over to the sink as his magic turned it on. "That friend of yours... uh, what's his name..Oh yeah, Steel Aegis, he's a fun one." He was organizing the other knifes on the table as I started my way to the counter. I felt Daring grab my wrist. She mouthed 'what are you doing'. I pulled myself free from her grip. My steps were masked by the running water in the sink. It was almost full when I grabbed the gloves and cleaver. I approached the unicorn, who turned around and opened his mouth to alert his friends, and stuffed the gloves into his mouth. His horn lit up, but I grabbed his head and slammed it onto the table. I raised the knife and chopped of his horn at the base. His muffled scream could not be heard outside the room. I then threw him into the counter. He tried to stand up but I grabbed his head again. I pushed his muzzle into the sink water, and it turned red from his horn, or the lack there of. He struggled for air, but I pushed down harder. Daring ran up to me and tried to get my attention, but I was focused on the creature that killed one of the few friends I had left in this world. "Steel, stop it, you can't just kill him!" She silently yelled. "Why the fuck not, he killed, why should I show him any mercy." I spat maliciously. "Because your better than that." She had tears in her eyes. I sighed, she was right. If I killed him, I would no better then the filth I'm holding down in the sink. I pulled him out. His muffled coughs echoed through the room. I knocked him out with a punch. there was a moment of silence. "Alright, let's get out of here," I finally spoke. Daring motioned me to follow her. We were almost caught a few times, but we made it out and headed to the motel Daring was staying in. She doctored the wounds I received while in the sadist's custody. While she did so she told me what she knew about the cult who was after me. They are called "The Eyes of the Harbinger", and they are looking for the book, which is why Daring is looking for it. "So will you tell me where it is know?" She asked. "No," I calmly stated, "We need to stop them before they find out, besides even if they do find out, the place has a powerful shield keeping any thing from entering," I narrowed my eyes, "or leaving." "So how would one get past the shield?" She has an otherworldly curiosity. "Let me think, usually only the ones who put the shield up could bring it down, but the Everfree has a certain magic about it that has most likely has taken over the shield and made nigh invincible." I sat back in the chair. "The only way I can think of getting through that barrier would be a very powerful inherent bypass spell." "An inherwhat now?" "Some unicorns have an inherent magic that manifests itself into a specific spell." I stated "Do you have one?" "Yes, I can suppress another's magic with my own, but really powerful mages and the princesses have far too much magic for me to use against them." I half gloated. "How do you know so much about the shield?" "Because, I, along with four other unicorn guards, put it up. We didn't want those monsters getting out." There was a silence afterwards. It wasn't awkward, it was thoughtful. Daring decided to break the silence. "You said there were only three of you left?" I nodded "Where are the other two, they might be in danger." I thought hard about it. "Sour is still in Canterlot I think, and Zylus is still Manehatten last I heard from him." "Zylus sounds like a zebra's name," I nodded again, "I thought only ponies lived at Fort Hoffen." "We needed an expert on the local flora, turns out most zebras outside their homeland are alchemists." I chuckled at the thought, and I didn't know why. "So." "So." "Lets head to Manehatten." "Great, I promised my mom I would visit anyway." I honestly couldn't remember the last time I saw my sister. "Taking me to meet the parents? moving fast aren't we?" Daring smirked. I merely responded with a deadpanned stare. She chuckled, "Lets go." We made our way to the train station and bought two tickets. It was going to be a long ride, but for once, I wasn't alone, so there's that.
Chapter 3: FamilyChapter 3 I planned to end my travels by the end of this week. I want to be there for my family and friends, at least what's left of them. Now that Sour and Zylus are in danger, I have to stop The Eyes. Those two are the best friends I could ask for. We suffered together, fought together, and survived together, and I would do anything to help them and they would do anything to help me. I was brought back to reality by Daring clearing her throat. "Yes." I responded. "Tell me about your family," She stated with curiosity lacing her voice. "What about them?" She appeared to think about this for a few seconds. "Start with your parents?" I thought about where to begin. "Cheese Cake is my father, and Velvet Silk is my mother. They met and married in Canterlot; then, they opened a bakery in Manehattan after I was born. I have a cousin in Ponyville." I paused as I remembered something I had forgotten. "He and his wife just had foals, I still haven't met them yet. I honestly can't wait." "You have any siblings?" She asked. I don't know why, but the look on her face was that of one who is intently listening. "I have a younger sister, she's four years younger then me. Her name is Banana Bread." Daring snickered, "don't laugh at her name to her face, she will break you." Daring gave me a questioning look, "The last pony who laughed at her name had to go to the hospital to get the ladle removed from his rec-" She threw a hand up to stop me. "I don't need the details. Point taken." She bit her lip in thought. I decided to stare out the window at the passing country side. The train will be coming up on Manehatten within the hour. She appeared to have completed her thought, but hesitated on speaking it. "Did..d-did you have family in Hoffen." I thought about what I lost. I stared out the window. My silence was all the answer she needed. "oh," she spoke quietly, "sorry." I sighed. It wasn't a sigh of sadness, but with a bit of happiness. "She was an amazing mare," it's been 4 years since I last talked about her. I don't know why, but I felt that I needed to get it of my chest. "Her name was Morning Joy." I smiled at hearing her name, even if it was myself speaking it. "She was a teacher at the school in Fort Hoffen, and she loved every minute of it." "Where did you meet her?" I thought back to a time when I was happier. I placed my hand on my chin, unconsciously stroking the scar on my jaw, in thought. We were marching towards the castle gates from the inside. We were in a block formation with our major at the front. I stood at his left as his lieutenant. As we approached the gate the captain was instructing other blocks of guard of what they were to do today. It was the Summer Sun Celebration tonight, and so the guards were to be on high alert. Not for any attempts against the princess, but because the Canterlot elite 'cut loose' with alcohol. A lot of alcohol. "Guard, halt, face left." The major instructed us. He was tall and well built with a white coat and blue mane. The captain approached us. He was a bit short, but he could probably carry a bison on his shoulders and still fight off the entirety of the griffin army. "Major Shining Armor, your unit will keep an eye on the merchant district," Captain Iron Heart announced."Keep an eye out for opportunistic thieves and the rowdy drunk nobles that seem to plague this town on days like today." "Yes sir," Shining replied saluting. The rest of the block joined the salute in absolute unison. We then continued our march down the streets to the market. I always admired how the ponies of Canterlot can decorate a street to look bigger then it is in reality. When we arrived, Shining gave us our directions and sent us on our way. I was to accompany Shining in patrolling the farmers market and then a few ally ways. The day was calm, but the night was when most disturbances occurred. We walked through the stalls making small talk with the merchants and nobles who didn't believe they were above talking to guards and the common rabble. Shining and I split up to cover a bit more ground. Passing by a furniture shop, I heard shuffling. I looked in the ally and saw two stallions harassing a beige mare with a curled, green mane. I recognized one of the stallions as a noble that I have seen before. If we had a list if ponies who need to be locked up on occasions like this, he would be at the top. "Aww, c'mon you should *hic* join me an my friend here for a little fun at my place," the rowdy noble slurred. The mare rolled her eyes. "Not in your dreams, now if you can excuse me, I have a play to attend." She replied. I just noticed she was wearing a rather beautiful dress. The stallions surrounded her and started to grab her. "Hey! How many times have I told you guys that 'no' is not a synonym for 'go ahead and take me'." I've had with fools like these. They couldn't put up much of a fight due to their drunken stupor, but I still put the cuffs on them. I saw a couple more from my unit rounding the corner. After catching their attention with a whistle, I ordered them to take the offenders to lock up for the night. I turned my attention to the lady, who had a flirtatious- although I couldn't tell at the time- look on her face. "Thank you so much officer, would you mind escorting me to the theater?" I couldn't find a reason why I couldn't, so I did. The theater was along my patrol route. we talked along the way. It turned out, the third grade class at Canterlot Elementary were putting on a play for the celebration, and the mare, who I learned was named Morning Joy, was their teacher. We arrived and she thanked me again before going inside. I continued my patrol with a almost unnoticeable skip in my step. "I was walking by a cafe sometime the next week when she spotted me. How she could recognize me without my armor astounds me. She offered me a cup of coffee, and we hit it off." I finished my story as we got off the train. Daring gave me a scrutinizing look. "What?" "Just seems a little.. cliche," she stated. "Well, that's how it happened," we walked down the Manehattan streets for about fifteen minutes before we came across 'The Bun Factory'. I never understood why dad chose that name for the bakery. We entered the shop, and I saw a yellow mare with straight red hair. The bell was over the door to alert any employees that there was a customer. But the mare, that I knew as my sister, just continued reading her book as we approached the counter. "Welcome to 'The Bun Factory' how may I help you," She stated in a monotone voice, still not looking up from her book. I had to fight back my laughter. If mom and dad saw this, they would give the lecture of a lifetime. "Yeah, I would like two slices of banana bread." I said nonchalantly. She looked up in noticeable surprise. That, however, was overcome quickly as she seemed to leap over the counter and gave me a bone crushing hug. "Steel, oh my gosh. Lily, he's here!" A small beige filly with hair as black as mine with deep green eyes, came running down the stares followed by an older couple. I knelt down and embraced the young filly. My dad ,who I was the spitting image of, and my mother joined in on the hug. "I missed you so much Daddy!" Lily shouted. I laughed and squeezed her tighter. "I missed you, too, Lily." I kissed her on the head, just above her horn. "Wait, you're a father?" Daring asked in confusion.
Chapter 4: Tea PartyChapter 4 Daring just stood there, staring. I sighed and pulled her away from the others so they couldn't hear. she had a look of pure confusion. "You have a daughter?" She whispered, dumbfounded. "Is it really that hard to believe that I could procreate?" I pinched the bridge of my muzzle."Yes, I have a daughter, her name is Summer Lily." Her face took a on look of contemplation. After a minute of silence, she spoke up. "You have been spending months out in the world with a kid at home?" Her eyes began to narrow. Again, I sighed. "I'll explain why later, let's just say that, even though I survived Hoffen, It still destroyed me." I felt something tug my hand. Looking down, I saw Lily looking up at me. "Auntie Bana said you'd have tea party with me when you got back." Lily stated. I looked up at my sister with an eyebrow raised. She had a grin spreading ear to ear. "She would be correct." I looked back down at Lily, Who was sporting the same grin. My heart warmed to see her smile. Lily looked towards Daring. "Who are you?" She said sweetly. I was about to introduce them when Daring interrupted. "I'm Yearling." She said with a smile. Using a fake name I see. "I'm Lily, are you Daddy's very special somepony," Daring's face turned a neat shade of red. I was fighting back the laughter when I answered for her. "No, she isn't Lily, I don't have one." I ruffled her mane. "Auntie Bana said that you needed one." I groaned and shot Bana a glare. "What? you do." She coolly stated. I looked down at Lily. "I'm going show Yearling where she will be staying and then we can get started." I motioned Daring to follow me. The bakery had three stories, the bakery on the first floor, and a house on the second two. It had four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It had a kitchen separate from the bakery. I took Daring into my old room. I pulled out an old cot from my closet that I used to take on camping trips. After I put it together, I pulled the extra blanket and pillow from the closet. "You will be sleeping here." I said patting the cot. After setting everything up, somepony knocked on the door. I opened it to find my sister on the other side. She pointed to Daring. "Can I talk with Yearling for a minute?" I looked back at 'Yearling'. She shrugged and followed my sister down the hall towards the stairs to the bakery. I looked back at my closet. Now, where is that old tux. <><><><><><> Daring followed Bana down into the bakery. They approached a table by the counter where a coffee maker sat. Bana pulled a chair out from under the table and sat down. Daring followed suit sitting across from her. It was silent for a long moment before Bana broke it. "So, who are you to my brother?" Daring just appeared confused by the question. Bana shook her head, "if you're not dating, then what are you, friends, acquaintances, did you just follow him here? Which is it?" Daring thought hard, she didn't know how Steel viewed her. "We are sort of, well...." She kept thinking. "I guess we are kind of, sort of partners?" Bana's expression was unreadable. "Why are you two traveling together." Bana pulled a coffee mug off the counter and poured herself cup. Daring thought again on how to answer this question. "We are going to stop a cult from getting a magical book from the remains of Fort Hoffen." Steel interrupted. Bana did a spit take as the mares turned to see the intruder. Steel was adjusting the collar and cuffs of his tuxedo. "The book that caused the incident actually." "You can't be serious." Bana sounded rather angry. "You remember how that place fucked you up right," Steel nodded, his stoic expression never changing, "and you're going back?" "Not if I can help it, they still don't know where it is, so we are going to stop them before they find out." He suddenly switched to using a Canterlot accent, with extra snootiness. "Now, if you could excuse me, I have a tea party to attend."
Memories of AngerA Memory Shining Armor stood in the hall outside of the throne room door with an expression of worry on his face. Loud muffled shouting comes from the inside. He looks around at the eight individuals sitting or standing around the various waiting benches. Some bore expressionless faces, while others were crying. They were the survivors of Fort Hoffen. After being informed that they would need to send in one pony as a representative, the vote was unanimous. Ser Steel Aegis was to talk to Princes Celestia about the situation. The doors sprang open as a stallion wearing silver guard armor with a red trim entered the hallway. He reached up and took off his helmet. A loud clang echoed through the hall as he threw it on the ground. "Fuck!" He shouted. Shining had known Steel for years, and has never seem him enraged. He worried for his friend. As he approached, he tried to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder, but Steel just slapped it away. "Don't fucking touch me!" "What happened?" Shining inquired. Steel motioned to the others in the hall, who are now watching him. "These mares ad stallions lost every damn thing. Property, ways of life, Loved ones, but the monsters responsible will sit on the graves of what they lost as those who swore to protect the innocent do NOTHING!" His anger prevented him from noticing the maid walking up to the group holding a bundle of blankets. "I refuse to let those that have sacrificed their very lives be swept under the fucking rug like some CELESTIA DAMNED DUST BUNNIES!" Steel's rage is cut short when he hears crying. He turns around and sees the maid. After walking a towards her he carefully takes the crying bundle from her. When the foal looks at Steel, it grows quiet. Steel drops to his knees and pulls the child closer to his chest. his sobs echo through the hall, the others stay silent, not shedding a tear of their own. "I'm s-so sorry, Lily."
