Chapters A thousand years ago, before Celestia, and Luna had risen to the throne, their parents ruled. A young Celestia, and Luna stood by their parents, as they stared at the crowd nervously. All around were ponies, who were celebrating, another victory. The ponies were drinking and laughing. The guards who had been guarding had joined had discarded their armor to join the festivals, as ordered by the rulers. Solace and Faust were staring with smiles at their ponies until they frowned as they saw a lone figure standing off to the side watching the party with watchful eyes..
The figure wore armor that covered his entire body, that was black. It also wore a red cape. At it's hip, in it's sheathe was it's sword. The figure was the black knight, whose name was Zelgius .
Solace and Faust along with their newborn fillies, with guards and citizens, had been chased by the griffons. The griffon king, fearing the power of the fillies and their parent's ordered, them to be killed. The griffons invaded their homes, burning and killing everypony, they saw. The ponies could only watch in horror as their home's were destroyed. Some, even lost loved ones. So here they were, running in woods.
"We will rest here." Solace spoke, causing his general to protest.
"My lord, we must keep moving. The griffons could be right on us." Solace turned, looking at his mate, who held their fillies. He could see the fatigue in her eye's. He then turned and looked at his ponies. They all had looks of despair and sorrow.
"No. We stop for now." The general looked like he wanted to protest, but bowed his head, trotting off to give orders.
Solace sighed, then walked and nuzzled his wife while staring at his fillies, with looks of love. "They're beautiful." Solace spoke.
"We haven't named them yet." Faust spoke, with a smile. Solace stared down at his fillies who had opened their eye's staring at him.
"How about.....Luna....and Celestia." Faust smiled as she nuzzled her fillies, while Solace smiled. "My lord!" The two turned, seeing a guard running up panting. "We found something!"
Solace exchanged looks, of unease. "Is it the griffons?"
The guard shook his head. "We don't know what it is."
Solace turned to Fast. "I will be right back." Faust nodded her head. Solace, turned to the guard. "Show me."
Solace followed the guard, over to a part of the woods, were guards had their weapons pointed at something, but couldn't see. Solace walked up, causing the guards to move. Solace eyes widen at what he saw. Sitting against a tree, with a sword in it's sheathe, that was attached to an armored figure. Solace turned to one of the guard's. "Did you kill it?"
"No, my lord. We found it, like this." Solace turned and walked towards it, while his guards were telling him to stay away. Solace stare at it, trying to see through it's face mask.
"What are you?" Solace spoke out loud.
"It might be working with the griffon's. I say we kill it."
Solace stared at the creature. "No. We're taking it with us." Solace spoke up, causing the guards, mouths to drop. "My lord! You can't be serious!" Solace glanced at them. "I am. I'm not leaving something to die.....even if it' an enemy." The guard's mumbled under their breaths.
Solace returned with, the guards carrying the armored figure. Everypony stared at it, with looks of wonder. Solace walked up to his mate, who was staring at him. "What did you just bring in?"
"........I don't know."
For weeks, the ponies traveled, with their guest, who had been asleep. The guards tried to remove his sword, only for it, to not budge. One day he awoke, when they needed it.
"My lord. We can not keep dragging this thing with us."
"I told you, we are not abandoning it." Solace retorted.
The general sighed. "My lord. We need to get rid of it! The griffon's are right on, us!"
Solace stood to his full height causing the guard to tremble. "Do not intend to order me, general! I know the griffon's are on us." Solace sighed. "If we abandon it, then we are no better than the griffons."
No pony said a word. The general sighed. "Then we need to set up defenses." Solace sighed in despair. "They are that close us?"
"Even if we abandon the thing, It wouldn't matter." Solace nodded his head. The general saluted, then walked off. Solace sighed and walked towards, where Faust layed. Solace stared around at the ponies, who were hugging and crying, knowing this would probably be their last day, with their loved ones.
As he walked he saw, the guards building wooden stockades, placing them along the path, that the griffons had to come through since the trees that the ponies took shelter wouldn't allow them to fly in due to the thickness of the them.
He walked towards his mate, but also seeing the thing, still laying down, in a hut. Solace walked toward his wife, who nuzzling their children. She looked up to see her mate. Solace looked into her eyes, seeing tears. Solace walked over towards her, laying beside her.
"So they're coming." Faust stated. Solace didn't answer, which gave her the answer. "It's not fair." Faust nuzzled her fillies, with tears dripping down her eyes. The fillies woke, up and as if sensing their mother distress, began to cry.
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Solace nuzzled her while also having tears, streaming down his face.
"The griffons are almost here!"
Solace looked up, to see guards running towards, their positions. He stood up, and looked at his mate who still nuzzled her children. Solace smiled, a sad smile then turned and walked out.
"General! Have everypony that cannot fight, move by my mate, as well as the thing!" Solaced didn't bother listening as the general gave out orders but instead walked towards, where the guards stood facing. Solace saw in their eye's fear, but not for themselves, but for their loved ones. He also saw fear, but he knew they would fight to the last pony.
They simply stood waiting, for the griffons to come. That was when they heard it.
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Solace narrowed his eyes as he saw the griffon king, with griffon's carrying flagpoles that were pony skulls, behind him. Solace couldn't see the rest of his army, but could hear them.
The griffon stopped, then simply gave a nod, causing the griffons to charge. Solace watched as they rushed, towards them. "Fire!" The ponies let loose arrows, as well as spells that, cut down griffons. Ponies stood behind the wooden stockades, with spears. The ones' that survived the onslaught of, arrows and magic were cut down, by the spears as ponies thrust their spears through the holes. Solace watched as the griffon king, didn't seem fazed by the fact, his soldiers, were being cut down.
The ponies held their ground, for awhile, but the stockades were beginning to be cut down slowly. Solace thrust a spear into a griffon. "General pull them, back to the second, stockades!" The ponies began to rush back to the next stockades. The griffons quickly broke through and rushed again only to be cut down, by the same strategy. Though Solace could watch in horror, as the stockades began to fall. "HOLD THEM!"
Faust watched the ponies that were with her crying. "They going to get past." Faust stared down at her fillies who were crying. Faust nuzzled them trying, to stop their crying. "I don't want to die, mom." Faust looked to see the fillies and colts hugging their mother's.
Faust turned to her, fillies and began to sing.
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Faust had tears coming out of her eyes. The ponies hugged each other until they heard a gasp, causing them all to look at a pony, whose eyes were wide. Faust looked to see where she was, looking and gasped as well.
"Well look at what we found." A griffon, with ten behind him, were standing about ten yards away.
The ponies let out, screams as they backed away. Faust had her eyes narrowed.
"Well, let's kill them boys." The griffons chuckled, as they approached. Faust had tears, in her eyes, but didn't have fear in them. One griffon jumped, causing the ponies to let out screams. As the griffon swung it's weapon down at a colt, it let out a grunt of pain. Everyone had their eye's wide, as they saw the thing stand up while having the griffon, impaled with his sword.
"What is that thing?!"
The figure pulled the sword out, causing the griffon to fall over dead, then turned to look at the others. It spoke with a deep voice. "You all have nerve attacking the defenseless." The griffons didn't speak, but instead rushed at him, while the figure swung his sword cutting them all down. The ponies stared him with fear, as he turned towards them. "Stay here." He spoke as he walked off.
"Where are you going?!" It stopped, then turned towards them. "To repay my debt to you....queen Faust."
The figure turned and walked off towards where the battle was. Faust had her eye's open in shock. "It could hear us."
Solace thrust a spear into a griffon. "Lord! They have broken through!" Solace looked to see that his ponies being overrun. "Fall back to the narrow pass!" The guard began to fall back, but some were being cut down, as they retreated. Solace made it the pass with some guards. He stared to see, that there was only three hundred of his guards. Solace stared back at the griffons, who formed back up and waiting for something.
The griffon walked infront of his army with a smug look. "It seems you have lost!"
Solace didn't speak, but glared at him. "Kill them. All of them." The griffons began to walk forward staying in formation. Solace watched as they began to sprint towards them. The guards readied their weapons. Solace watched as they were twenty yards away. Solace and his guards eyes widened when the thing, jumped in front of them.
They watched as it grabbed it's sword and swung it horizontally, killing any griffon in it's path and sending others flying.
It swung again, cutting down more. "How is it that strong!"
Solace watched it cut down griffons, who came near it. "My lord!" Solace shook his head. "What do we do?" Solace didn't answer, but instead watched it cutting griffons down. "Why is it helping us?"
Solace finally turned, to his guards and spoke. "Rally to it!" The guards looked uncertain. "We have a chance to turn this battle, around!" Solace didn't wait, but charged towards the griffons. The thing cut more griffons down but, missed two who were behind him. He tried to turn around, but watched as Solace cut them down.
The two stared at each other, then swung at each other, killing the griffons behind them. The two slashed and cut down any, griffon that came near them. Solace, turned thrusting his spear through a griffon, while the armored figure slashed down three griffons. Solace pulled his spear out. He turned to the griffons, only for them to be hit by arrows, and spells. Soalce smiled as he saw the guards joining them. The ponies despite, being outnumbered, were pushing the griffons back.
The griffon king watched with anger, as he saw his forces being pushed back. "My lord, we must retreat." The griffon king didn't speak for minutes. "This isn't over." He turned and walked off, while the griffons blew horns, signaling to retreat.
Solace slashed down another griffon, then looked up at the sound's of the horns. The guards began to cheer, as they saw the griffons retreat. Solace smiled.
They returned to their loved ones, while the figure stood off to the side watching. Solace nuzzled his mate. The two stared at one another. "We won!"
"Yes, thanks to that." One guard pointed at the figure, causing all ponies to look at it. Solace and Faust, who held her fillies walked to the figure, standing in front of it. "You had no reason to help us."
The figure was silent, then spoke. "I couldn't let innocents, be killed. Plus....I still have to repay my debt to you."
The ponies became curious at what he said. "Why you say that?"
"Though I couldn't move at the time, I was able to hear. You could of left me for dead, but didn't."
The two ruler's didn't speak. "What is your name knight?"
"Knight?"
"You protected us when you didn't have to, thus wouldn't that make you a black knight?" Solace asked with humor, only to be elbowed by Faust.
The armored figure was silent. "I don't remember, but all I remember is a name." The ponies took a step back as it, swung it's sword around before thrusting into the ground. "I am Zelgius, The Black Knight."
"It's been such a long time, hasn't it?" Faust asked as she nuzzled her mate.
"Indeed it has." He smiled when he saw, Luna and Celestia staring at Zelgius. Over the years, he had protected the ponies, to eventually becoming, the bodyguard for them. "I just wish he would remove his armor and relax."
"I know my dear, but he more stubborn then anypony we met." Solace spoke, while frowning when he saw Zelgius, walk off. The two rulers looked at each other with looks of the same mind. "Guard, please watch our children." The guard saluted, as the two walked past him.
Zelgius stood in a garden staring, at the flowers. "Why must you always work?" Faust voice spoke from behind him, causing him to turn to see her, and Solace.
"You never know when a assassin might come."
".......you are alone." The two saw watched him, but couldn't read his body language because of his armor.
Zelgius turned away from them, only to be turned around by Faust as she stared into his helmet. Before Zelgius could speak, he was pulled into a hug by her. Beneath his helmet, his eyes widen. "You not alone." Solace walked around, wrapping his arms, around him as well. "You had been protecting us for many years, with no reward. Let us help you."
Zelgius didn't speak but instead he slowly wrapped his arms around them. The two rulers watched as he began to shiver, then they saw tears began to fall through his helmet hitting the ground. "Shh. It's ok." Faust whispered, as Zelgius tears continued to fall.
Zelgius stood watching the guard's training. "Seems they have got better." A year has passed, since Zelgius breakdown in the garden. He still stays away from crowds, but he found himself two.....friends. He even earned the friendship of Luna and Celestia. He chuckled at the memory.
Zelgius stood in front of Faust and Solace as they talked to one of the generals. Zelgius kept looking for any dangers, but saw two fillies sneaking up behind their parent's. The two opened their mouths behind their mother when. "Don't even think about it." The two pouted, coming in front of their mother. "Mom, how do you keep doing that?"
Faust chuckled. "I'm your mother. I know everything." She turned to Zelgius smiling. "Zelgius, could you come here." Zelgius, sighed but did as he was asked. "Yes my queen?" Faust rolled her eye's. "How many time's have I told you not to call me that?" She didn't receive a answer. "Anyway, Tia, Lulu, I want you to meet Zelgius."
"Mom/Mom!" Celestia and Luna whined at their mother who just smiled. The two fillies then looked at Zelgius. The three stared at one another. "Wonder when they are going to run away."
"You tall." Zelgius blinked underneath his helmet. "What?"
"You armor reminds me of the night." The two fillies were poking Zelgius, who stood there not really sure what to do in this situation, all while Faust just smiled.
"Why do you wear armor?" "Why don't you show you face?" "How do you eat?"
"Uh..."
Solace, was done with talking, turning towards his mate only to laugh at Zelgius, who was being swarmed by his children. "Poor Zelgius, can't handle some fillies?" Zelgius, glared at him from underneath his helmet. "What will the enemies realize, when The Black Knight can't handle children?" Everyone in the land feared The Black Knight, which caused enemies to not attack the ponies in fear of him.
Faust had a fake scared look on her face. "Your right! They must be planning to send children after Zelgius." The two rulers laughed while Zelgius was still being.....'attacked' by the fillies.
"Still hard to believe those two like me." Zelgius thought. "Sir." A voice spoke from beside. Zelgius looked to see a guard. "Lord Solace wishes to speak with you." Zelgius nodded his head, walking past the guard who sighed with relief. "I know he's on our side, but that armor makes him really creepy."
Zelgius walked in the hallways passing the guards who stared at him with looks of admiration and fear. "I wonder how they can have both?" Zelgius walked through a door, where he saw Solace and Faust, along with the generals. "Zelgius." Solace spoke. Zelgius, saw the looks and could tell they were serious.
"We just received a message from the griffon king."
"The same one who tried to kill us all?" Zelgius asked.
"The very same one."
"He want's to make a treaty." Faust spoke.
Zelgius, stood there for a minute then spoke. "I smell a trap but," The ponies stared at him. "We can get rid of him."
"You want to assassinate him?" Solace asked with shock. Zelgius, had never did anything that was dishonorable. "No. However, if he want's to make a treaty then we let him. If he doesn't." Zelgius trailed off, causing the ponies eyes to widen at what he was saying.
"If he attacks then we be forced to kill him, while if he does what a treaty, then he won't attack."
One of the generals scoffed. "It's definitely a trap."
Solace stood up. "I shall go meet him." The generals protested, but were cut off. "I'll go as well." Faust spoke.
"No. I need you here, to keep a eye on things."
Faust opened her mouth. "He's right. You needed here Queen, and besides," Zelgius spoke causing the ponies to look at him. "I'm going with him." Faust sighed.
Zelgius stood outside with ten other guards, as they waited for Solace. Zelgius watched Solace talking to his mate, and daughters, then watched as he hugged them, before walking over towards them. Zelgius walked over to the three. "Don't worry. I'll make sure he returns safely, my lady."
Faust pulled Zelgius into a hug. "You better come back yourself young man." Zelgius nodded his head, then looked at the fillies. "Will you come back, and play with us?"
Zelgius smiled underneath his helmet. "Of course. What are princesses, without their night?" The fillies smiled, then hugged Zelgius leg. He watched as they then ran off, then turned walking towards the guards.
The group marched towards the area, where the king wanted to meet. As they walked, Solace smiled and began to sing to which his guards gave him looks, but began to join in .
Zelgius just watched, but had a sweat drop on the back of his head. "....interesting song." Zelgius thought. They arrived at their destination. There were the same amount of griffons, as there was guards. Zelgius had his eyes narrowed as they walked towards them. In the center of them, sitting in a chair was the griffon king sitting in a chair and across him was another chair.
"Aw, King Solace, pleases sit." The griffon said mockingly on the word king. Zelgius narrowed his eyes but Solace didn't pay mind to it as he sat down. "Lord Metalbeak." Zelguis stared at the griffon to see, he wore a metal piece over his beak. "Guess that's how he earned his name." Zelgius thought, as well as staring at a red amulet around Metalbeak's neck. "He didn't have that before."
"We have much to discuss." Metalbeak stated.
"Indeed."
Metalbeak, however turned to Zelgius. "Aw it's the thing that helped you win." Zelgius could definitely tell he was being mocked. "Zelgius is a loyal Knight, as well as a friend, and if I recall, the one who slaughtered some of your soldiers."
Metalbeak growled but didn't speak of the matter. "Let the treaty begin."
"What do you want?'"
Metalbeak chuckled. "Well, first we will give your lands back."
"Sound's fair. We will also return any griffon back over to you."
"That would be kind. I would also ask for another thing."
Solace stared at him with wonder, as did Zelgius. "What would that be?"
"I was going to say, that we could conquer the land ourselves, but I have another idea." Nopony said anything but Metalbeak stared at Zelgius. "The head of The Black Knight!"
Solace stood up in anger. "Absolutely not!"
Zelagius just stared at Metalbeak, who was growling. "I guess we don't have a treaty."
"I guess we don't." Solace didn't seem bothered by it.
"Such a shame. KILL THEM!" Metalbeak shouted causing Griffons to jump from bushes. Zelgius pulled his sword out, swinging it horizontally, killing five griffons who had jumped at Solace. The guards charged into the griffon ambush. Zelgius began to cut down griffon's left and right, as they rushed at him.
Metalbeak watched this from his seat but once he saw his warrior failing, he reached up pulling the amulet off and held it in his right talon, began to chant that nopony paid attention to. "On...orci...nan..sokaa....rit...gbo...dun."
Solace swung his spear around then swung down cutting three griffons necks, as he stood back to back with Zelgius.
"Just like all over again!" Solace shouted, while Zelgius thrust his sword through a griffon, then pulled it out swinging causing a shockwave that slashed down the griffons.
The guards pushed back against the griffons causing some griffons to retreat. "Well that seemed to easy." Solace commented as they watched the griffons run. "Well now to take care of him." The two turned to see the amulet glowing as the griffon threw the amulet at Solace shouting "On...orochi...ara....mitama....sowaka!" The amulet landed by Solace which shot out a vortex. Before the vortex actually grabbed hold of Solace he was pushed out by Zelgius who became trapped by it.
"Zelgius!"
"I wasn't aiming for you, but it will do." Metalbeak spoke, only to grunt in pain when Solace threw his spear impaling him through the heart. Metalbeak grasped the spear with a talon then stared at Solace before falling to the ground dead.
Solace quickly turned to Zelgius, who was being sucked in the vortex. "Zelguis!" Solace ran over, only to be blocked by a magic barrier. Solace quickly ran over, grabbing his spear then begun to hit the shield with everything he had. The guards ran over to do the same thing. "Nothing's working!"
"Stop ." The ponies stopped, as they stared at Zelgius. Though they couldn't see his face, they could tell by his voice he was calm.
"Zealgius, we're going to get you out!" Solace shouted while Zelgius shook his head. "There's no chance. This is my fate.....I was kind of hoping to see Lulu and Tia when they were older."
"Don't say that! You going to see them grow!" Solace had tears dripping down his face, as did some of the guards.
"Solace, tell Faust I kept my promise.....tell Tia and Lulu....I couldn't keep their." Half of Zelgius body was in the vortex, leaving only his top half of his body.
"You will! You can tell them yourself!"
"Solace."
Solace stared at his friend. "I thank you for everything you have done for me....I will always be watching.....goodbye...my friend." Solace watched as Zelgius completely disappeared into the vortex. When it stopped, all that was left was the amulet which Solace picked up. "Goodbye.....my friend."
The ponies cheered as they saw Solace returned but stopped as they saw the gloom looks on their face's. "Where's the black knight?"
Solace walked up to his mate who was smiling, but it disappeared when she his face. "What's wrong?" She also noticed and familiar figure missing. "Where's Zelgius." Solaced didn't speak but instead showed her the amulet and told her.
"No....no...he can't be gone....how are we going to explain this to..." She trailed off.
"Dad!" Solace was hugged by his two fillies, who returned it. "Dad what's wrong?" Celestia asked noticing the look on her face.
"Where Zelgy?" Solace pulled them into a hug. "He's gone."
"Oh, when will he come back?"
"He's not." The two fillies pouted. "But he promised!"
Solace stared at the amulet. "Hold out your hoofs." The two did as they were asked. Solace reached down handing them the amulet. " He's gone......but he gave this to you.....he is always watching over you two....wherever he is."
The fillies stared at the amulet, then pulled it into their chests.
Solace walked over to his mate who had tears in her eyes. The two stared at the sky. "Wherever you are......I hope you are doing well my friend."
If anypony had looked at the gem in the amulet, they would have noticed a twinkle .
Zelgius stared at both Celestia and Luna with a raised eyebrow from beneath his helmet, while the two had neutral expressions on their faces. “You want me to do what?”
“We want you to protect Twilight and her friends.”
“I heard, but why not have a Royal Guard do this?” Zelgius asked staring at the the two. ‘I know they are up to something.’
“Zelgius. We understand your concern about wanting to protect us,” Celestia paused, before continuing “we fear that enemies will come for the element bearers.”
“You fear that your guards aren't up to the task.” The two didn’t speak, but it still answered the question. “Your guards are pathetic.” Zelgius said bluntly, causing the guards in the room to glare at him.
The two princesses frowned slightly. “They are the best ponies that have gone through the training regimen.”
“Training yes, but they have never seen battle until yesterday. The only one that seems cable of fighting is your Captain, Shining Armor.” Zelgius spoke.
“Why do you say things like this?”
“I only speak the truth. Your guard wouldn’t last long in a war.” Zelgius stated.
Zelgius gave the two one look before turning and walking towards the doors.
“You never gave us your answer.” Celestia pushed as Zelgius walked out the door.
They smiled has the heard his whispered “Yes.”
Zelgius walked through the hallways, staring at the guard with a look of disappointment underneath his helmet. “Have the guards really lost most of their fighting abilities?”
“Hey!” A deep voice spoke from behind Zelgius causing him to stop. “I heard what you said about the Royal Guard being weak, want to prove that!” Zelgius turned to see a guard, though this one was different.He was a earth pony whose fur was brown with a red mane. He wore armor like the guard but that was where the similarities ended, his armor was covered in scratches. He had a scratch that went down the right side of his face, where a scar was going through his eye.
“You are?” Zelgius queried.
“The names Axehoof! Lieutenant of the Royal Guard,also your better!” Zelgius stared at him. “I heard what you said about us, but you don’t look so tough!”
“What do you want?” Zelgius asked as he stared.
“A duel, Me….against you.”
Zelgius raised an eyebrow, “You want to duel?”
Axehoof smirked. “Are you scared, or maybe deaf?” Zelgius stared at him while there was a crowd forming. “The famous Black Knight is nothing but a coward!” He taunted at Zelgius who stood there. “He doesn’t even show his face! If he’s so brave then why doesn’t he remove his helmet, and show us his real face?”
Before he could go on he heard heavy steps, turning around he saw Zelgius staring down at him. “I accept your challenge.”
<<<<<>>>>>
Celestia and Luna sat at a table with the element’s who were asking about Zelgius. “Where did he come from?”
“Sir Zelgius was found by our parent’s. We don’t know the full story as we were just born at the time.”
“Then how did he end up being your guardian?” Twilight asked while scribbling down on paper, causing her friends, except for Pinkie and Fluttershy, to roll their eyes.
“Well,have you heard of the Massacre of the King Metalbeak Horde?” Celestia asked.
The elements all looked to each other in confusion until Rainbow spoke up in recognition, “Hey! I heard that before!”
“Dash, behave yerself!” Applejack growled at the pegasus who was hovering in the air, flapping her wings.
“It’s ok Applejack. Continue my little pony.”
“Well,I didn’t really pay a lot of attention but my old friend Gilda told me of a tale that was used to scare young fledglings. She was said that a monster in dark armor would come and…” Rainbow trailed off as hers widen in realization. “Oh...MY GOSH!”
Luna took a sip of tea. “Indeed, Zelgius was the one who helped our parent’s. He did it to repay a debt owed.”
“Debt? What debt?! All I see is cookies!” PInkie exclaimed as she munched on cookies that were not on the table before.
Luna raised an eyebrow in confusion, “How did she…”
“Don’t ask Luna. Anyway, back to your question,” Celestia sat there thinking “we were told by our father that Zelgius was found by the Royal Guards. At first they wanted to either kill him or leave him dead out of fear of him working with the Griffions.” The ponies eyes widened in shock
“Our father then told us that he took him under his care. For weeks he was carried, unconscious. It was when Metalbeak finally caught up to us that it happened.” Luna spoke as she appeared to have a far away look in her eyes. “He was planning on killing everypony, civilian and foal. It was our luck that that was when Zelgius awoke.”
“Wait hold up! When you were fillies?! How old is he!” Applejack shouted.
“If you wouldn’t interrupt us, we shall continue the story.” Luna spoke up with a small glare. The ponies just nodded their heads, while Pinkie started munching on popcorn. Luna raised an eyebrow but didn’t say a word about it.
“Anyway, the Griffons attacked. While most of them tried a frontal assault, there were a few griffons that had managed to sneak into the camp. One griffon almost killed a young colt but Zelgius killed him. He then proceeded to slay the rest of the saboteurs. He then joined our father in battle, though he was asked why he decided to help.”
The ponies were silent, taking in Luna words in. Celestia spoke up next, “It was his debt. He decided to help us to repay his debt, but he stuck around after the battle and protected us.”
“Princess, if he was there when you were fillies, then why did he disappear?” Twilight asked.
“We don’t know. All our parents told us was that he left. On that day we were given an amulet. Our father said Zelgius wanted us to have it. Though we didn’t know he was sealed in it at the time.”
“That must of sucked for him. I mean, he went from fighting battles everyday, to where there are no battles.” Applejack spoke.
“Thats why we also called you all here for this meeting. We assigned him to protect you six but…” Luna trailed off, allowing Celestia to finish. “He has never accepted any reward, nor does anypony know what he has done. He only follows his duty. We want you six to show him the Power of Friendship.”
Twilight turned looking at her friends who had smiles on their faces. She beamed, turning back to Celestia. “Princess we would be honored.”
“Where is the big guy anyway?” Rainbow asked.
A nearby guard spoke up,“He’s in the courtyard dueling with Axehoof after Axeoof issued a challange to him.”
“Shall we go watch?” Luna asked, with everypony quickly nodding their heads. The ponies followed the princesses outside the doors. The group found themselves at the courtyard with guards standing around in a large circle. In the center stood Axehoof and Zelgius, each staring at each other, At least Axehoof thought Zelgius was staring at him.
“You know, I been waiting for this. I’ll show you that the Royal Guard is all we need for protection!” Axehoof yelled as he pulled out a large axe.
“Thats a big axe.” Applejack commented.
“Size doesn’t mean anything.” Twilight said.
Rainbow smiled mischievously, “That’s what she said.”
Twilight blushed as she glared at her, “That was completely unladylike!”
Zelgius pulled his sword, then pointed it at Axehoof. “Let me show you why you are weak.” Axehoof growled and rushed at Zelgius held his ground. Axehoof leaped into the air, then grabbed his axe with both hooves before bringing it down with all his might . Zelgius raised his sword blocking it with one hand.
Axehoof jumped back to stare at Zelgius. “I’m impressed, Not a lot of things can stand up to my strength.” He growled though when he didn’t hear anything from Zelgius. “Stop thinking you better than us!”
The group watched as Axehoof rushed at Zelgius and started swinging madly, while Zelgius simply parried them.
“Why does he seem so upset?” Applejack asked.
Celestia sighed, “Zelgius made a comment about how every guard was useless besides your brother, Twilight.”
“Why would he say something so mean?” Fluttershy asked softly.
“You girls have to remember, Zelgius fought in battles with guards who knew how to fight in battle properly, and he probably sees it as a insult to their memory.”
The girls nodded their heads though they became a little worried when Rarity started shaking. “Sugarcube, yah alright?”
“Axehoof.”
The group gave each other looks. “Yeah?”
“How could he die his mane red, when it doesn’t go with brown! It’s horrible!” Rarity shouted as she busted into tears.
“Why won’t you lose?!” Axehoof swung his axe once more, only for Zelgius to knock it out of his hoof. Axehoof jumped back, as his axe embedded into the ground beside him.
Zelgius stared at Axehoof. “Ike stay back!” Zelgius blinked only to see he was staring at a man with a axe in his hands. Zelgius saw he was holding a different sword, but he saw he still had Alondite in its sheathe.
Zelgius blinked then saw Axehoof rushing at him again. He simply took a step to the side and swung down catching Axehoof off balance and causing him to fall to the ground.. Zelgius lowered his blade to his neck.
Axehoof glared up at Zelgius, who sheathed his sword. “I see the guard’s spirit is still there.” Axehoof became confused as did everypony who was there. “I wanted to test the guard. I’ll admit you all are weak,but I can see yourselves becoming the strong proud guard you used to be. The question,” Zelgius offered a hand down to Axehoof. “Is how hard will you train for it?” Axehoof stared at him, then took the hand offered.
“He was testing them?”
“It seems sir Zelgius still sees hope in the guard.”
Twilight stared over at at Zelgius who had walking away. “Who are you Zelgius?”
“Who am I?” Zelgius thought.
It was late in the afternoon and the picnic was in full swing. Rarity was sunning herself on a velvet chaise-lounge with garlands of daisies round her neck and wrists and woven into her mane, while Spike lay on his scaly belly a few feet away from her, making another one. Twilight sparkle was reading a book, absent-mindedly nibbling an apple tart as she did so. Pinkie Pie had found herself in the possession of a battered old parasol and was using it to float on the warm evening breeze as she chased butterflies. She drifted through the air about tree-height as Rainbow peered up at her from the picnic blanket. She was not flying, like she usually was, as she was so worn out from her morning’s work that she had spent most of the afternoon dozing on her back, sipping apple cider next to a similarly prone Applejack. Fluttershy was petting the butterflies that had landed on her. Zelgius stood off to the side watching them with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Well I have to say,” said Applejack dozily from under her hat. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time Rainbow.”
“Glorious day, darling!” agreed Rarity as she stretched on her chaise-lounge.
“Yeah; it’s a good one alright,” the blue Pegasus yawned. “But don’t expect every day to be like this you guys. Just doing this one really took it out of me.”
“Worth it,” chanted Pinkie Pie in a sing-song voice from somewhere above their heads. “Ooh: a tiger-stripe!” she added as she spotted another butterfly and blew into the parasol to propel herself after it.
Applejack noticed that Twilight hadn’t really said anything throughout all this. She lazily rolled over and peered up at the lilac unicorn who at that point was still absorbed in her book.
“Put down that book for a while, sugarcube. You’re going to hurt your eyes reading when the sun’s so bright.”
“But sunny days are the best kind of weather for reading,” Twilight asserted as she turned the page, though if you looked closely she was taking glances at Zelgius. ‘He really does take his duty seriously.’
“Darling why don’t you have a seat and relax.” Rarity spoke as she glanced at Zelgius.
Zelgius didn’t speak as he stood there causing the ponies to frown before Rainbow smiled mischievously then whispered something to Pinkie ear causing her smile to grow bigger and bigger. Twilight glanced at the two. ‘What are they up to?’
Zelgius meanwhile was deep in thought. ‘Who was that man I killed?’ He didn't notice Pinkie sneaking up on him with her party cannon.
“This is not going to be good.” Twilight spoke.
Zelgius heard Twilight speak but before he could ask what was going on, he heard a loud pop along with something slamming into his back. He saw…..small pieces of something that were different sizes and were in a variety of colors. Zelgius looked down to see his armor was….sparkling.
“Surprise!” Pinkie shouted. Zelgius stared at his armor then glanced at Pinkie. “What is this stuff?”
Rainbow didn’t answer but instead fell on to her back laughing uncontrollably, while everypony except Pinkie and Fluttershy glared at her. “That was completely rude!” Rarity shouted in a ladylike manner.
Zelgius just stared at his armor blinking beneath his helmet. “It’s glitter.” Twilight voice spoke causing him to glance in her direction.
“Glitter?” Zeligus queried.
“You don’t like it?” Zelgius blinked when he saw Pinkie was looking over his helmet. ‘How did she?’
“You don’t like it?” She asked again. He saw her eyes filling with tears. Her mane that was puffy was now deflated.
“I didn’t say that. I just never seen it before.” He watched her mane became fluffy again as smiled. “Okie dokie lokie!” He watched as she jumped off and practically skipped back over to the others.
Zelgius shook his head. “You can take your armor off you know.” Zelgius glanced over at Twilight who was smiling at him. Zelgius felt his heart flutter. ‘What was that’? Zelgius thought.
“Sorry. Like I said, I wear this for protection.” Twilight frowned.
Zelgius sighed but walked over to the group causing them to look at him with curiosity as stood next to Twilight then sat down with a thud. The ponies smiled at him. “I’m still not taking my armor off.”
“That’s fine but how is everypony doing to today?” Zelgius didn’t pay any attention to them socialising but on occasion would listen to Twilight.
“So Zelgius how have you been?” He looked over to see them looking at him while Rainbow was grinning at him. ‘That seems like she is up to something.’ Before Zelgius could say anything he was cut off as a loud chorus of screams resonated across the clearing. Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack's eyes widened collectively and they turned towards one another with the same horrified expression.
they shouted, leaning into one another faces. The others shared their concern and spread out to look for the "Crusaders". He watched in confusion as the mares and baby dragon scurried about frantically, wondering what to make of their reactions.
"Scoots!" Rainbow yelled, "Where are ya, Scoots?" She flapped her wings hard and zoomed through the air, leaving her trademark rainbow streak.
Applejack darted around the barn, her stetson somehow managing to stay on her head.
"Apple Bloom!" she bellowed, "AB, where are ya and the girls?"
Rarity jumped onto a table that was near the barn, looking left and right.
"Sweetie Belle, where are you?" she cried, "Tell me where you are, Sweetie!"
Zelgius heard screams and turned towards the sound. He narrowed his eyes that led into a forest. Zelgius sprinted into it.
“Zelgius!” Twilight shouted as she saw him run into the everfree forest.
“Come on!” Rainbow shouted causing them to follow after Zelgius.
He turned his head left and right frantically, trying to place where he heard the sound. As a third cacophony of screams reached his ears, he turned towards the direction of an abandoned pathway. Zelgius rushed towards the screams.
He reached the end of a pathway but saw holes at the end. Zelgius stopped but continued to stare at them. “Oh no.” He heard Rarity speak behind him.
“You know what did this?” He queried causing them all to shake their heads yes.
“The only things we know that do this are diamond dogs.” Rainbow said with venom. Before Zelgius could ask more they heard more screams coming from the holes.
“I’m coming!” Rainbow shouted. Before anypony could say anything she dove down the hole. Zelgius watched as Applejack and Rarity also jumped in.
‘From meeting the white pony, it seemed like she wouldn’t get dirty. Guess I was wrong.’ Zelgius thought.
“Oh ohohoh I love this part!” Pinkie shouted as she jumped….dived in while shouting weee. She also dragged Fluttershy with her.
Twilight went to jump in but felt herself get picked up. She blushed when she saw Zelgius holding her with one arm to his chest.
“Hang on.” Was all he spoke as he jumped in. The two dashed in through different tunnels left and right until the two landed. Zelgius lowered Twilight to the ground. The two looked around but couldn’t really see anything but darkness. “Girls! Where are you!?” Twilight yelled as she looked around.
“Twilight!” The two looked in the direction of the yells. They tried to go that way only for lights to appear. Zelgius stepped in front of Twilight as the two stared at a room full of diamond dogs who were holding different weapons.
Twilight's horn glowed while Zelgius drew out his sword holding it in his right hand. “Get them!” The lights became extinguished. Twilight looked around with her horn lighting up only a few feet in front of them. Zelgius stood there looking. Twilight watched as he swung to the left then spun and slashing to his front. Twilight didn’t see it but she heard thuds signaling his connected. That and the blood dripping off his sword.
Zelgius turned his head to see she was looking at him with slight fear at the blood. “Stay close to me maiden.” Twilight blushed when he called her that but smiled. “I will. I trust you.”
Zelgius blinked and saw he was standing somewhere else. He stood in front of a woman with three warriors in front of him.
“If you recall the name The Black Knight, you will withdraw from this place.” The man he talked to scoffed and replied back mockingly. “Riiiiggghht! That’s precious. You’re the legendary Black Knight? Maybe you haven’t heard…..he died in the war.But lets put your claim to the test if only to indulge in my own amusement.”
Zelgius watched as he stared at the man. “Then have at me…..and learn your folly.”
“In due time. But before I bother, why don’t you have a go-round with my restless minions? Douse the torches!” Zelgius watched as the torches were extinguished leaving the area dark.
Zelgius blinked to see he was back with Twilight behind him. He heard movement to his left which caused him to step, swinging slashing three diamond dogs, while spinning and swinging his sword sending out a magic slash that cut three down.
Twilight didn’t like fighting but as she watched Zelgius cut down the diamond dogs, the way it fought was almost poetic.
Zelgius thrust his sword through one dog chest then pulled it out, only to swing it to his left. Zelgius looked around the room or tried to. He narrowed his eyes as he saw a small speck of light. “Twilight stay close.”
“Yes.” Twilight spoke but feeling disappointed for some reason. “Why am I sad he didn’t call me maiden?”
The two walked towards the light while looking or listening for any noise to signal another Diamond dog. As the two neared the exit Zelgius swung his sword to his right but continued walking. Twilight followed but jumped a little when she heard a thud behind her.
The two stepped through to see more diamond dog surrounding Twilights friends and three fillies. Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity were holding the three. “Twilight!”
Zelgius walked with Twilight behind him towards them. He watched the dogs who just stared at them. ‘What are they waiting for?’ Zelgius thought as the girls hugged each other.
“What are they waiting for?”
“I see you killed my guards.” Zelgius with the ponies turned to see a dog sitting a chair with his hand or paw on his chin.
The girls glared at him while Zelgius stepped in front of the girl’s causing them to look at him. “You must be the one who killed my guards.”
Zelgius didn’t speak as he stared at the them. “You could provide us with entertainment.”
“Hey we’re not you performer's!” Rainbow shouted
“Got that right!”
The dog just smiled.”How about a deal then.”
The ponies looked at him with confusion while Zelgius glared at him. “If you can defeat my champion...I’ll let you all go. If you lose then you all die!”
The three mares pulled the fillies closer. Twilight opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by Zelgius. “I accept.”
“WHAT!?”
“Zelgius you can’t do this!” Twilight yelled.
“Look around the room. They are waiting to jump but are held back.” Zelgius explained.
“How do we that varmint will keep his word?” Applejack asked.
“I don’t but I will not let anything happen to you.” Zelgius walked forward, away from the group. Zelgius stopped ten yards away from the lead dog. “Bring your champion.” The dog smirked as he waved his hand through the air. He watched the dogs clear away from one side. “You might want to get your friends to get out of there.”
Zelgius turned and nodded his head at them causing them to walk and stood on the other side. “Now bring your champion.”
“Kintaro! Kintaro! Kintaro!” The dogs were chanting while the leader just sat in his chair with a smirk on his face as the chanting got louder. (Watch 0:05 to 0:19)
The girl’s eyes were wide. “Twilight what is that thing!?” Rarity yelled.
“I don’t know!”
“How do you not know!? You’re the egghead!” Rainbow shouted.
Zelgius watched as a thing stepped in front of him. It easily towered over Zelgius and looked to be about seven feet tall. It looked a diamond dog but the face was more wolvish like. It had no fur but white hair. It also had four arms, with each carrying an axe. It also had armor covering it’s chest, shoulders, arms, and hips. (This picture without wings.)
Zelgius watched as it raised, it’s arms and let out a yell causing the dogs to chant even more. Zelgius didn’t even seem impressed by this thing as he stared at it. He watched as it turned and looked at him.
“Finish it quickly! Earn more slaves.” The lead dog spoke while Kintaro stared at Zelgius.
“No problem. Puny thing crushed in one blow.” Kintaro spoke though with difficulty.
The two stared at each other when Kintaro made the first move by swinging all his axe’s down which Zelgius blocked with one hand. The sound of metal ranged out as did sparks. Kintaro looked like he was putting all his strength into his arms while Zelgius didn’t look like he was struggling.
“Zelgius!” The ponies shouted.
Zelgius pushed back causing the Kintaro to fall step back off balance. Zelgius swung his sword as he stepped causing Kintaro to block at the last minute with two of his arms. He used two of his arms that were free to swing at Zelgius who pushed back two of his arms to parry the blows.
The diamond dogs were still cheering beating on their chests or shields.
“Is he going to be ok?” Sweetie asked as they watched the fight.
“Of course! Zelgius won’t let any harm fall on us.”
Twilight didn’t say a word as she watched Zelgius swinging his sword or parrying. When Kintaro swung all his axes, Zelgius stepped to the side and hit Kintaro in the face with the pommel of his sword causing him to stumble backwards. Before he knew what happened, Zelgius swung his sword. There was a yell of anger followed with a thud.
The ponies and dogs stared at Kintaro who was looking at lower left hand or lack of. The ponies glanced at the ground to see it was laying on the ground with blood pouring out of it. They made sure the fillies wouldn’t look at it. Rarity face was green as she tried not to pass out or throw up. PInkie just had her head cocked to the side. Rainbow and Applejack seemed better but if you looked closer you could tell they were disturbed. Twilight just stared at Zelgius who didn’t seem like he was bothered by it.
‘Zelgius’ Twilight thought.
Kintaro glanced over to Zelgius and let out a yell of anger, then began to swing wildly at him while Zelgius just parried his blows. Zelgius blocked all three axes with Kintaro pushing them against him. Zelgius simply slid his sword down the axe slicing off Kintaro lower right hand. Kitaro glanced at it, then swung at Zelgius.
The ponies watched but glanced at the diamond dogs who had stopped their cheering and were looking worried. I don’t trust them.” Applejack spoke as they stared at the leader who was simply watching the fight.
“He doesn’t seem to care for his own men.” Rainbow growled out. The ponies didn’t argue with her, knowing she was loyal to her friend’s and anypony who weren’t often got a mouthful of her or a beating.
Kintaro laughed as he stepped towards Zelgius who simply stood there with his sword at his side. “You realize. This you death!”
Zelgius didn’t speak causing Kintaro to growl then ran towards him. Zelgius simply blocked the swings before stepping to the side and swinging his sword in a horizontal slash. Kintaro stood there for a moment as he stared at Zelgius who walked and stood behind him. Kintaro raised his axes to swing backwards.
The girl’s eyes widened. “Behind you!” Twilight shouted.
Zelgius simply stared at the leader as Kintaro slowly raised his axes but stopped. He stood there before blood began to pour from his neck. Kintaro made a gurgle before falling on his face to the ground and laid there as blood began to cover the ground around his body.
Zelgius stared at the leader who didn’t say anything but stared at him. “Well done! Kintaro has never beaten in a fight.” The dog spoke as he stood up causing the ponies to tense. “You all can go.”
“Yah really letting us go?” Applejack asked with narroed eyes.
“Of course! I made a deal! Though I did say I would let you go but..” He trailed off as the dogs began to walk forward. “I never said anything about my guards.”
“Yah a darn lier!” Applejack yelled.
Ten dogs jumped at Zelgius who swung his sword cutting them down he then raised his sword above his and swung sending a magic slash that cut through five. The lead dog had his eyes on the sword in Zelgius hand.
“Forget the ponies! Kill him and bring me the sword!” Zelgius watched as the dogs rushed him. He counted about twenty dogs left including the leader. Zelgius began to slash his way through them with ease. He didn’t notice the leader drawing a sword and hid behind a rock. Zelgius slashed the last two across their chests.
“Way to go Sugarcube!” Applejack shouted.
Zelgius turned towards them. The lead dog saw a chance and jumped from it’s hiding spot rushing towards Zelgius. The girl’s eyes widened. “Behind you!” Twilight shouted causing Zelgius to turn around only for the dog to thrust its sword into Zelgius chest.
“No!” The ponies shouted.
The lead dog smirked but it turned to horror when he saw Zelgius looking down at him. “What!?” He stared at his blade to see it didn’t pierce the armor. Before he could think more he let out a grunt of pain as a sword was thrust through his chest. The dog spit out a glob of blood and looked towards Zelgius. “You…” He didn’t finish his sentence as Zelgius pulled his sword out causing the dog to fall on his back dead.
Zelgius stared at the body then turned and walked over towards the group stopping in front of them. “Let’s get out of here.” The group nodded their heads following Zelgius as he walked towards where they thought the exit was.
The group walked out of the tunnel into sunlight. “Oh how I have missed you!” Rarity shouted dramatically causing everypony to roll their eyes. Zelgius sheathed his sword.
“Um..” A voice spoke causing Zelgius to look down to see the three fillies.
“What is it?” Zelgius queried but receive a answer in the form of a hug. “Thank you for saving us!” The three shouted.
Zelgius opened his mouth but was beaten by Pinkie. “Group hug!” She jumped on him. Zelgius saw Applejack and Rainbow smirk at each other.
‘Don’t you dare.’ Zelgius thought.
The two ponies jumped on him knocking him to the ground with the ponies still hugging him. He sighed as he laid underneath all the ponies but couldn’t help but smile beneath his helmet.
“Where are all my quills? Brbrbr.” Twilight stuttered nervously as she run around her library, until she found them and throws them at Spike, who was ready with a bag and caught it; although the quills pierced it. Twilight then moved to the bookshelves. “No, no, no, no, no...ugh! I need the Magical Compendium volumes one through thirty six! Where is it?”
Zelgius watched as she found the humongous book she was looking for and then dropped it on the little dragon.
It was a few days since the incident and the ponies were actually hoping to relax but, the ruler of Equestria decided now to give Twilight some kind of test. And so, Zelgius, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack watched; some worried, some amused, and some irritated, as their nearly hysteric by now friend was preparing herself for the test before she would go to the train station.
“Flash cards!” she suddenly exclaimed, and run towards her desk “I should make some flashcards. Spike, I'm gonna need you to quiz me.” the unicorn said, throwing the dragon that just now managed to crawl back from under the book ridiculous amount of paper cards. “On everything, everything I've ever learned. Ever-” Twilight paused and scratched her chin. “That isn't going to be enough cards.”
Twilight started to look for more cards, and Spike came up to her. “Twilight, calm down. It's just a test.”
“Just a test?” Twilight asked quietly, glancing at her assistant, before she lunged at him and shouted: “Just a test!? Princess Celestia wants to give me some kind of exam and you're trying to tell me to calm down because it's just a test?!”
As she continued to scream at the baby dragon, she advanced at him, causing Spike to back away. Once Twilight stopped, demanding an answer; Spike grabbed a nearby cushion and a helmet, trying to soften the blow everypony knew was coming to him.
“Uh...Yes.” Spike said.
Twilight’s horn began to shine with power causing Zelgius to raise an eyebrow beneath his helmet.
“Ah'd say she's handling things pretty well,” Applejack concluded, both she and Rarity smirking, “considerin'.”
Before Zelgius could speak, he was interrupted by Twilight who yelled. “Aaaahhhh!” There was flash of purple blocking everypony vision.
Twenty minutes later, after Twilight finished packing and library was back to normal, they all went to the train station. Though each pony was slightly covered in black marks. Twilight was looking at them with a sheepishly look.
“Are you sure you don’t want us to go as well?” Rarity asked their nervously pacing friend.
“Oh, yes, I’m sure.” Twilight replied, as she stopped murmuring something, most likely magic-related. “The Princess isn’t expecting me for four hours, so Spike and I will first drop by my parent’s first, and then go to the castle. You can come by the next train, after I...” she was about to say ‘either fail or pass’, but being so nervous, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
Zelgius walked forward placing his hand on Twilight causing her to look at him. “Be calm maiden. Clear your mind and look to the task at hand without doubting yourself.” Twilight blushed again at being called maiden but took deep breathes.
“Feel better?” Zelgius asked.
“Yes, thanks...” Twilight began, far more calm and collected than she was since the moment Celestia’s letter appeared.
“You are going to do great.” he told her.
“Yeah, ya’re obviously gonna pass.” Applejack agreed.
“Duh,” Pinkie Pie said. “And once you do, we’re gonna have a party to Celebrate!”
“Just do your best, Twilight.” said Rarity
“Of course she’s going to do her best; this is Twilight we’re talking about.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“Thanks everypony.” Twilight smiled hearing all of them cheer her. “See you soon.”
With that said, she and Spike stepped on the train. The others stood at the station, and as the train soon moved, they started waving after her even though they were going to see each other in few hours.
Zelgius turned to see the ponies smirking at him. “What?”
“Maiden Darling?” Rarity asked smiling. Zelgius didn’t say a word.
“Well I will see you all when the train comes. Toodles!”
The poneis said their farewells leaving Zelgius to stare at where Twilight and Spike left. “Maiden Darling?” Rarity voice spoke out.
“What did she mean by that?”
“And don’t worry, just do your best.” Twilight Velvet told her daughter as she hugged her.
“Thanks, Mom, Dad.” Twilight replied nervously. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come later?”
“Yes, go celebrate with your friends.” Night Light said, smiling as if he was certain she was going to pass. “We will both be at work until evening, anyway.”
“Okay.” the lavender unicorn muttered, now even more nervous, seeing how much faith her parents had in her. “Bye, I’ll try to come home more often.”
“Bye.”
She and Spike waved back as they began trotting through the streets of Canterlot, armed with a saddlebag full of quills, books and scrolls.Towards the castle.Towards the test.
Zelgius stood with his arms crossed as he and the girls rode the train while not nearly as long as the one the girls took seemed to lengthen as they wanted to hear how their friend passed.
“We’re...” Pinkie Pie, who sat closest to the window, said. “HERE!”
The moment she said that, the train slowed down and then stopped. Zelgius and everypony else rose up from their seats and marched toward exit, besides Pinkie, who for some reason headed towards the one on the other side of cart with Zelgius taking a glance at her.
He however heard Applejack shout. “Twilight!” Applejack suddenly exclaimed from outside of the train. “Did you pass?”
Zelgius stepped outside the train to see Dash fly quickly and joined the rest of the group in congratulating the lavender unicorn. Zelgius then noticed noticed the expression she bore once Applejack released her from hug.
“What happened?” he wondered at the sight of uncertainty and slight fear on her face. “She couldn’t possibly fail...”
“Are we gonna celebrate your awesomeness with Princess Celestia?” Pinkie Pie interrupted his thoughts as she strolled into the station with her Party Cannon, aiming it at the sky and firing the confetti while she bounced up.
“Not quite.”
Twilight voice, which returned to her usual tone, had a strange effect on both Pinkie and the Cannon, as they both receded to their previous positions.
Zelgius glanced at her but then turned his attention to Twilight who spoke. “We're going to the Crystal Empire!”
“Crystal what now?”
Zelgius heard a noise and turned to see a Royal Guard. “Twilight Sparkle?” the Guard asked, and once Twilight nodded, he continued: “We’ve arranged a train to carry you, Zelgius and everypony accompanying you back to Ponyville and then to the old station up north, near Crystal Empire’s borders. If you all would follow me, please...”
“Of course.” Twilight replied. “Come on, everypony, I will explain everything on the way.”
The group began to follow him while Zelgius mind wandered.”Crystal empire?”
Twilight thought she was nervous before, when Celestia asked her through the letter to come to Canterlot for an important test. She thought she was nervous when everypony expressed their faith that she would pass. She was wrong. Nothing could compare to the nervousness at the thought of being responsible of finding a way to protect an entire empire. The unicorn took few more deep breaths as she sat in the express train with her friends. Now that they knew what this was about, they were all serious, and tried to discuss what exactly was Twilight supposed to do in Crystal Empire. Zelgius had his arms crossed as he listened.
Most of their suggestions resolved around her casting some spell that would protect the empire.
“That wouldn’t make any sense.” Twilight told them repeatedly. “My brother’s protection spell is the strongest one there is, and Princess Cadance is an alicorn; if this was about casting spells, she could do that.”
“Then what could it be?” asked Rarity.
She didn’t know, and that scared her. “Ar’ya okay, sugarcube?” Applejack asked her, most likely alarmed by the breaths she took.
“I just don’t understand why Princess Celestia trusts that I will succeed!” Twilight exclaimed. “I expected about a thousand different things that could be on my test, but not this!”
“Calm yourself maiden.” Twilight turned her attention to Zelgius retorting. “Easy for you to say! You don’t have a test!’ She quickly cover her mouth with her hoofs while her and everypony eyes were wide.
“Zelgius I,.” He cut off. ““It is a mistake to underestimate yourself as it is to overestimate yourself.” Zelgius told her. “False modesty is as bad as false pride. Know exactly what you are capable of at any moment, and act accordingly, as any other path is folly—and could be deadly in battle. The Princess trusts you for she knows you are capable of figuring this out. This test is as much about proving it to yourself as it is about proving this to Celestia and everypony else.”
As Twilight listened to his words; she had found herself... calming down. She quickly thought about what Zelgius exactly said, about underestimating your own capabilities, and knowing what she could do and acting accordingly. The lavender unicorn went over in her head about what she was able off: she knew tons of spell, some easy and funny, other complicated and dangerous. She was smart, very smart, being able to come up with plan and answer for almost every trouble she encountered.
“Besides...you have your friends and me. As well as Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor..” Twilight looked to see her friends smiling at her which caused her to smile.
The train stopped shortly after that, and all of them went into the blinding blizzard.
“Ha! And you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves.” Rarity said triumphantly as the other mares tried to shield themselves from the snow and wind, while she was less affected by it thanks to the pink scarf she was wearing. Zelgius wrapped his cape around himself but noticed Twilight shivering and pulled into his cape causing her to blush.
“Twilight!”
“Shining Armor?” the lavender unicorn asked who gazed into the snowstorm. Pulling away from Zelgius.
From within the blizzard, a big white figure appeared, whose face was hidden beneath the cold protecting gear he was wearing; but the unicorn took it off as his sister and their friends came into view.
“Twily! You made it!” Shining Armor exclaimed happily, and soon, the two siblings were hugging each other. It didn’t last long, however, and once they stood apart, the stallion became serious. “We better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark.”
Zelgius stepped forward looking at Shining Armor. “Prince.”
“Zelgius!” Shining said as he raised a hoof to him. Zelgius stared at the hoof then looked at Shining. “What am I supposed to do?” Shining dropped his hoof muttering never mind.
“We need to go.”
“Brother why are you in such a hurry?”
“Let's just say the empire...” Shining Armor began, and glanced back to put more pressure on his next words. “Isn’t the only thing that's returned.”
The group made their way through the blizzard. “Something keeps trying to get in!” her brother said as Twilight and her friends followed him. “We think it's the unicorn king who originally cursed the place.”
“But Princess Celestia said I was being sent here to find a way to protect the empire!” she pointed out, confused. “If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected.”
“How far away is the Crystal Empire, Captain?” Zelgius asked all of the sudden, causing few ponies including Twilight, to glance at him. As he stopped.
Twilight listened to her brother reply:
“It’s not far now.” the tone in which he said that sounded surprised, most likely wondering how come the other stallion called him by his rank. “Why do you ask?”
“Make sure they all get there.” Zelgius said, not replying to his question. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll follow shortly.”
“Wha-” Shining Armor asked, not the only one confused here, but The Black Knight cut him off.
“He’s coming.”
The very next second after he said that; a terrifying roar sounded all around them.
The ponies frantically looked around for the noise. Twilight spared Zelgius a glance, curious as to where he was looking. Before she had a chance to ask what happened, he jumped to the front, with his sword in hand and swung a magic slash at...
Words could not describe what Twilight saw, the best what came to her mind was that it was some kind of shadow-like smoke thing, with glowing red-green eyes that burned with purple flames.
“King Sombra...” the unicorn realised with a jolt, fighting off the urge to run away in the opposite direction.
The slash hit Sombra causing him to let out a yell of pain. Zelgius brought his sword up and stood in his stance. He quickly glanced at the group. “RUN!” He shouted as he brought his sword up blocking a smoke tentacle that was swung at him.
Everypony, Twilight included, snapped out of their dazes and listened to what the Knight told them. While she hated that they were leaving him like this - and suspected that Rainbow must be feeling even worse, on account of the ‘never leaving pony behind’ policy - she knew that Zelgius had the best chance of coming out of that unharmed, and that he would soon follow them. She couldn't help but look backwards at him. ‘Zelgius’
Sombra threw another shadow tentacle which was blocked with Zelgius struggling as he was being pushed back, his armored boots slid across the snow. “You will not harm them.” Sombra laughed which was filled with dark power.
Zelgius felt himself sent flying as shadows swat him. Zelgius stood up, only to step to the side and swung down at the shadow that had pierced the ground. The sword cut through the shadow causing Sombra to let another scream of pain. Zelgius stood there glaring at Sombra beneath his helmet. Sombra growled only to be hit by a magical beam in the face causing another yell of pain. Zelgius glanced to his side to see Shining Armor who smiled at him. “Couldn’t let you have all the fun!” Zelgius smirked as he looked back at Sombra.
Sombra let out a roar as he sent shadows at the two. Zelgius cut down the shadows that got close to them while Shining blocked and shot them with magical beams. Zelgius stabbed a shadow and looked up to see Sombra shadows gathering but Zelgius also saw a shine of gold. He looked towards Shining. “Captain!” Shining looked towards him then looked up to the shadows that were falling down on him.
Zelgius ran towards him as Shining cast a bubble shield. Sombra struck the shield causing Shining to fall to his knees. Zelgius saw the shine of something and jumped in front of Shining.
Twilight panted as they stopped on the other side of the barrier, her run hardened by the weight of the baby dragon on her back.
“Everypony okay?” she asked her friends, and listened to their confirmation.
All of them were out of breath, but none of them hurt. Twilight was about sigh with relief, but then the sound of crossing barrier sounded twice more, and she turned around to see Zelgius holding her brother with one hand and the other one holding his sword. Zelgius lowered him to the ground causing Twilight eyes to widen.
“Oh no, Shining Armor, your horn!” she exclaimed as she run up to her brother whose horn was covered in something resembling small crystals at the end. Twilight watched as her brother tried to cast a spell, only to fail.
“Oh no, it must be blocking his ability to use magic!” Twilight realised, panicking. To her, magic was almost like air, to be deprived of it…
“I’m fine Twilight.”
Twilight opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by her brother. “I’m fine sis. It was thanks to Zelgius though. He jumped in front of me.” The group looked over to Zelgius who sheathed his sword. That was when they noticed he had lost his red cape. The group walked over towards him.
“Way to go pardner!” Applejack shouted causing the others to shout their own thanks. Twilight watched Zelgius but became worried when he fell to his knee.
“Whoa man!” Dash shouted.
Twilight walked up to Zelgius with a worried look. “You need rest.” Zelgius didn’t say a word. The group worried looks became terror when they saw red stuff dripping down his back and through his helmet. They didn’t need to be doctors to know that it was blood.
“Zelgius!” The group weren’t sure what to do.
“What do we do?! What do we do!?”
“Stop.” The group stopped to see Zelgius standing back to his feet ignoring their protests. “I’m fine. It was just a scratch. Besides we need to hurry to the princess.”
“No yah don’t pardner!” Applejack spoke as she stepped in front of Zelgius. “Yah need to see a doctor.”
Zelgius shook his head. “Will you stop being stubborn and let us help you!” Zelgius still tried to walk past them until he stopped and sighed. “I promise I am ok.”
The group opened their mouths to speak but closed them as Zelgius walked past them. “I thought Applejack was stubborn.” Dash commented causing the farm pony to glare at her.
“It's gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous!” Rarity’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
The group looked up in annoyance, and realized that they reached the crystal castle, which seemed to be bigger and more magnificent up-close. It appeared like a spire and was supported by four columns, which also served for entrances, as the main part of the castle was above the ground.
“There are no words!” the fashionista added after she finished making incoherent mumbling.
“Focus, Rarity.” Applejack brought her back to reality. “We're here to help Twilight, not admire the scenery.
“Eh, I don't see what the big deal is.” Rainbow, who was passing by them, added nonchalantly.
“Another old...!” Rarity spoke in disbelieve and pressed on Rainbow (quite literally): “Have you lost your mind? Look at the magni-”
She stopped notice when Dash started laughing, followed by Applejack, with whom she bumped hooves.
“Very funny…” Rarity said after few seconds, once she realized that the cyan mare has been merely pulling a joke on her. The group walked into the throne room to see…
“Cadance!” Twilight exclaimed happily at the sight of her old foalsitter.
The Princess, who was sitting on a throne made of crystal, had her head lowered; she glanced up and immediately brightened, as she trotted over to meet her.
“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” they recited and both laughed once they finished they greeting but Cadance shook as if her head hurt, and the light around her horn almost faded.
“One of these days we need to get together when the fate of Equestria or lives of ponies aren't hanging in the balance.” Cadance said once the seizure ended, and then sighed.
It then hit Twilight that she wasn’t looking well. She had bags under her eyes as if she didn’t sleep for days, and appeared to be dead tired.
“Are you okay?” the lavender unicorn asked, despite seeing that she was not.
“Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light.” Shining Armor replied for his wife, as he trotted to stand by her side. “That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra.”
“It's alright Shining Armor, I'm fine.” Cadance said in, trying and failing to convince anypony.
“She's not fine. She can't go on like this forever, and if her magic were to fade… well, you saw what's out there waiting for that to happen.”
Yes, Twilight saw. A terrible monster that was powerful enough to be of trouble for both her brother and…..she glanced over at Zelgius who had his arms crossed as he stared outside towards where Sombra was.
“Zelgius...nice to see you again.” Cadence spoke with difficulty.
“Save your strength Princess.”
“We need to find a way to stop Sombra!” Shining shouted.
“That's why we're here.” Twilight said, dispelling the fear she felt as she recalled King Sombra, and trying to sound confident.
“Why we're all here.” Applejack added, as she and the rest of her friends trotted over and nodded.
“Any idea where we should start?” Twilight asked her brother, knowing that the time was precious.
“Well,” Shining Armor began, “with Cadance putting all her strength into keeping her spell going, and me trying to keep an eye on signs of trouble in the arctic, we haven't been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies.”
“Crystal Ponies?” Rarity erupted at the thought, and then laughed in ecstasy, pulling her hair. “Hahaha, there are Crystal Ponies?!
She then realized the stares everypony was giving her, as if she lost her mind and tried to recover while looking dignified.
“Umm, hmm. Please continue.”
Twilight shook her head and glanced at Shining Armor, inclining him to speak. She knew that it was no use prying on his thoughts now, and besides, she had more important things to do.
“But we have to believe one of them knows how we can protect the empire without having to use Cadance's magic.” her brother finished the thought he started before Rarity interrupted him.
It then hit her.
“A research paper!” shouted Twilight.
“Huh?” Shining Armor asked, but she wasn’t listening anymore.
“That must be part of my test; to gather information from the Crystal Ponies and deliver it to you!” she added, pointing at her brother. “This is gonna be great! I love research papers!”
Her friends begun to muttering something between themselves, but Twilight wasn’t paying attention, as she is too engrossed in her thoughts. If they all would spread out through the empire, and ask all the crystal ponies about a way to protect the empire, and then would compare notes. ‘Yes that could work’ Twilight thought. She couldn’t help but glance at Zelgius in worry.
“First we need to keep this contained and not cause the crystal ponies to worry.” Zelgius spoke causing the group glanced at him.
“How do you expect that?” Twilight asked only for Zelgius to walk towards the doors. “Hey where do you think you going?”
Zelgius turned and stared at them. “I’m going to look around. I have a feeling Sombra is planning something.” With that said, he turned and walked out.
The group stared at the spot he had stood before Dash spoke up. “Anypony have any ideas?”
“The last page of the book mentioned a crystal heart as the faire centerpiece, so I used my magic to cut one out of a crystal block.” Twilight replied to Applejack’s question, looking proudly at her work.
“Nice work, Twi. Think we're ready to get this faire up and runnin',” said Applejack.
Twilight nodded and, just to be sure, she took another glance at the book they found in the library and compared with the tents and booths they just finished setting up, each featuring a traditional product or event. Everything looked fine.
“Okay then, Pinkie Pie and I will go to Cadance and Shining Armor, and then I’ll announce the beginning of the Faire.” she told everypony. “The rest of you, make sure the crystal ponies have a good time.” The group stopped when they heard music.
“Huh, I guess this is some sort of side effects of the Sombra’s reign.” Zelgius commented. “That, and the amnesia from earlier. Either way, it seems that the Crystal Faire is working.” Zelgius watched from a distance only to hear Dash voice behind him.
“Of course it is what did you expect? Anyway, for now, let’s mingle between them and see to it that they have fun with the rest of activities, before we’ll show them main event.”
Having said that, Rainbow flew the way to join the rest of her friends, she spotted the first crystal pony she asked for information, and headed towards her.
“We totally nailed it, right?” Dash asked her happily.
The crystal pony moved on, probably wanting to see more of the activities. Rainbow followed her, eager for some conversation.
“Must be feeling a lot of love and unity about now!”
She flew for a while, before she realized that the other pony stopped by the food stand.
“Gonna have some grub, huh?” Rainbow asked once she caught up. ”What are you thinking? Crystal Empire berry pie? Maybe some crystal corn-on-the-cob!”
She turned back with the cob, only to see that the crystal pony was gone.
“What is with these ponies?!” the cyan mare asked aloud, confused.
Zelgius stared at her then he heard hoofsteps and turned to see Twilight. “I just discovered something.” The way she spoke Zelgius knew it was something.
Few moments later, he, Twilight and Rainbow joined Cadance and Shining Armor up on the royal balcony, while Applejack was left with the fake Heart to make sure none of the Crystal Ponies discovered it wasn’t the authentic one.
“I didn't know it was an actual relic!” the lavender unicorn said as she frantically turned the pages of the book. “The book didn't mention anything about the crystal ponies powering the heart!”
She stopped at the end, where, to everypony’s shock, there were few scraps of paper, marking the spot where a page once was.
“There was a page missing...” Twilight voiced what each of them thought, “how did I not notice?!”
“It's alright, Twilight.” Princess Cadance told her, in attempt to comfort her, but what happened next did the opposite.
Cadence fell.
Shining Armor was quick to grab her before she hit the ground, exhausted after the long time of keeping the shield around town, which now was disappearing. Zelgius drew his sword causing everypony to look at him. “What are you doing!?” Twilight shouted.
Zelgius glanced at them all but answered. “I’m going to hold Sombra off….or kill him.”
“You can’t! He’s too strong!” Twilight shouted. Zelgius stared at her.
“Sombra plans to conquer this land or destroy it. I won’t let it happen.” They watched as he began to walk outside where there were screams of terror.
“Zelgius!” He didn't listen as he walked out the doors heading towards where the shadows were. Twilight watched her friends run in. “We have a problem.” Dash spoke.
Zelgius walked toward the shadow that gathered where there were ponies but had fled. He stopped and stared into as there was laughter. “So you have come to die.”
Zelgius didn’t speak but instead pointed his sword at Sombra who laughed. Zelgius eyes narrowed as he watched the shadows transformed into a humanoid figure with glowing red eyes. He wore armor that covered his entire body except his face. He had his long red cape, with spike sticking out of his back.
What Zelgius saw in his hand caused his eyes to widen.‘That sword!’ Zelgius thought as he stared a large golden sword with a black hilt that he once had. A name came to his mind as he stared at the sword. ‘Ragnell.’
“Die!” Without waiting for Zelgius to be ready, Sombra rushed at him swinging the sword which Zelgius parried as he swung his own attack which Sombra parried as well.
Zelgius attempted to slash him then from left, right, and then stab him, all from below, but Sombra perfectly deflected all the blows before he went on offensive himself. Zelgius was pressed back, but was unharmed, as the strikes that were aimed at him were all too known to him for some reason. He easily dodged the first two, and then prepared to block the next swing, as he wondered how they would compete in strength.
As the two blades clashed by the next strike, causing sparks to fly of the metal of the blades . The two pressed against each other but neither were able to gain an upperhand on the other. The two pushed each other away but they quickly swung their blades sending magic slash that collided with each other sending an explosion across the area.
Zelgius glared from beneath his helmet at Sombra who was laughing. “Seems I need more power!”
Zelgius watched with wide eyes as he opened his mouth, then Zelgius saw blue orbs appearing from beneath the ground going but were being pulled into Sombra mouth, making Zelgius realize what they were as he heard the screams and yells of horror. ‘He’s absorbing the souls of those who died under his rule.’ Zelgius thought with anger.
Sombra form began to change, with his body bulging as it looked like something was coming out of it. “Behold my true form! Had I used against those true then I would have not lost...but now…” Sombra trailed smiling as his body began to change more rapidly. “You get to see it….then die!”
Zelgius watched as Sombra body burst open, spraying blood everywhere as something stood with blood dripping down it’s body. (Watch 0:32 to 1:01 then from 1:21 to 1:41)
As it stood there Zelgius looked to the sky to see it had changed colors to yellow skies instead of blue. There was lightning striking across the sky as well. Zelgius glanced back to Sombra only to be sent flying by a hand swat.
“Now don't y'all worry your pretty little crystal heads!” Applejack said as she and the rest stood on the royal balcony above the sea of crystal ponies that, in the contrary to what she said, were quite worried. While behind Shining Armor was hugging Princess Cadance who somehow still supporting her spell, despite her clear exhaustion. “The real Crystal Heart will be here any second!”
“I don't know if they believe you...” Rarity, who stood next to her near the balcony edge, told her in hushed tone.
“No buck!” crossed Applejack’s mind.
“Don't know if Ah believe me...” she whispered politely instead, mindful of manners.
They both heard ponies gasp behind them suddenly and once they turned their head, they witnessed to their terror as Cadance’s horn stopped glowing, and she herself passed out.
“Oh no...” somepony whispered as they looked around the barrier that protected them from an evil unicorn king disappeared, revealing yellow skies instead of blue. There was lightning striking across the sky as well.
“Not good.” Dash commented causing the group to glare at her. Before they said anything they were cut off by a crash and looked to see Zelgius laying a crater.
“Zelgius!” Everypony yelled as he stood up. Zelgius glanced up to them but turned to look somewhere else. The group heard screams, causing them to look only to gasp.
“What in tarnation is that thing!?” Applejack yelled.
The thing they stared at, had blood dripping down it’s body. The thing had Ragnell in it’s right bony hand that had fire around it. The thing was like a skeleton with it’s organs showing causing the ponies to step back in fear. It was looking down at the ground then slowly looked up. The ponies watched as fire appeared in its eyes sockets. The thing let out a roar causing the ponies to shake in fear as well as it skeleton form became covered in fire.
Zelgius narrowed his eyes at Sombra true form. “You have let yourself become that corrupt Sombra?”
The ponies heard Zelgius causing their eyes to widen. “That’s Sombra!?”
Sombra let out a dark chuckle. “Power is everything in this world. Though I could use someone as strong as you. Join me and you shall have all you desire.” Sombra spoke as he held out a hand.
The ponies watched with wide eyes as Zelgius walked forward to him. “Zelgius don’t!” Shining yelled with the others shouting their own. When Zelgius was within arm distance he swung his blade slicing into Sombra arm drawing blood. Sombra stared at him with a neutral look before it turn to anger. “Then you die!” The two swung their sword at each other sending a shockwave around them as well as sparks.
The two swung their blades at each other with neither able to gain a advantage over the other, as they parried each other blows. Sombra jumped back, summoning fire in his left hand then pointed at Zelgius shooting out fire with dark crystals coming from the ground. Zelgius picked his blade up and swung down sending a magic slash that cut out the spell. Zelgius quickly brought his sword up blocking Sombra attack as he jumped through the fire.
The two pushed against each other. Zelgius became confused when he saw Sombra smile. Zelgius felt himself surrounded by shadows. “Where is this place?”
“I will never be good enough.” Zelgius eyes widened when he heard that voice.
“Twilight!” He turned and saw her but she was laying down crying with glowing dark eyes.”No.”
He walked towards her but she didn’t see him as he kneeled down. “Maiden this a dream wake up.”
He saw she didn’t hear him. “Maiden….you're stronger than this.”
“You can not save her.” Sombra voice spoke out from the darkness causing Zelgius to stand with his sword readied. “She will burn!” Fire appeared, surrounding the two. Zelgius watched as it came close to them.
Zelgius glanced at Twilight then rubbed her cheek with his hand. “Maiden wake up.” Twilight eyes snapped open as the shadow disappeared bringing Zelgius to stare at Sombra who had a shocked look on his face.
“How could.” He was cut off by Zelgius armored fist slamming into his face causing him to stumble back. Sombra had a shocked look on his face as he felt pain. “Impossible.”
Sombra glanced up only to block a swing from Zelgius but stumbled back as he was punched. Sombra stared at Zelgius who walked towards him and for the first time Sombra felt fear.
“Twilight? Twilight! Twiliiiight!” she heard Spike shout her name as he came closer, but didn’t react, trying to figure what just happened and why was she in Canterlot a moment ago...
... all while brushing her cheek for some reason.
“Get him Zelgius!” The group had cheered for Zelgius who was beating back Sombra.
‘How is this possible!? A moment ago he couldn’t stand against me!’ Sombra thought as parried another blow from Zelgius.
Sombra still smiled as he saw a mare a few feet away from him. Zelgius eyes widened as he saw Sombra raised his hand towards a mare.
“You coward!” Zelgius ran towards the mare and pushed her out of the way Everypony, Shining Armor included, gasped in terror as dark crystal spikes pierced Zelgius chest and arms, and lifted up his body several meters into the air, so now they almost were on the same level.
“No... it can’t be...” was all Shining Armor could think off as he continued to stare at Knight’s limp body. “Zelgius...”
Shining Armor remembered how he helped him during his and Cadance’s wedding, how he saved Twilight, how he saved his own life just few hours ago...
And now, he was dead.
The Captain could hear sobs of the mares around him, besides his wife who was still unconscious, as well as many more from below; along gasps of terror, coming from the crystal ponies. And he found that there were no words that could be possibly said now. The only thing he could do was grieve along them.
Before however he allowed any tears to appear in his eyes, Shining Armor heard something he didn’t expect: laughter. And at once he realized to whom it belong to.
He was here. His head formed from the smoke and shadow that approached the castle, turning most of the crystals in his wake into dark, twisted versions of them. Shining Armor gnashed his teeth in anger at the sight of one responsible for everything - starting with exhaustion of his wife, and ending with the death of his friend - but before he could name him, somepony else did.
“King Sombra...” stuttered a mare among the crowd, who stood the closest to him, maybe trying earlier to see if she could help Zelgius in any way or see if he was alive.
Shining Armor burned with rage at the sound of this... murderer chuckling arrogantly at the sound of terror in her voice. By then, he made his decision. The Captain of the Royal Guard did not care that he couldn’t use magic, or that Sombra bested Zelgius. If that Knight fought to the end; then so would he.
“My crystal slaves...” that monster said as he gazed at the row of ponies, while Shining Armor was about to turn around to make his way downstairs, when...They all heard Sombra let out a yell of pain.
They let out cheers though when they saw Zelgius standing on top of the crystal without a scratch on him. “How are you still alive!?” Sombra shouted at Zelgius who jumped down, landing on is armored boot staring at Sombra who face was bleeding from the magic slash.
“It ends.” Zelgius spoke softly but Sombra still felt the power behind it.
Zelgius raised his sword at Sombra. “You die this day Sombra!” With that said he sprinted at Sombra causing the two to exchange blows again.
Twilight and Spike had watched Zelgius speech as well as when he was impaled by crystals. ‘Zelgius’ Twilight thought.
“Hold on to me.” she told the baby dragon as she put him on her back. “We cannot let Zelgius have all the glory to himself, right?”
To her delight, Spike grinned happily.
Zelgius swung at Sombra who blocked it pushing back against. The two pressed their blades against each other. Zelgius pressed down causing the blade to fall out of his hand stabbing into the ground. Sombra quickly summoned a spell that wrapped around Zelgius neck choking him.
“I am going to kill you…..so…….bucking…..slow!”
Zelgius felt his vision blackening but quickly regained his vision when he heard a voice.
“Hey!”
“Huh?” Zelgius thought, feeling a slight pressure being taken off from his neck.
“Up here! I got the Crystal Heart!”
“Spike!” he realized, delighted that his sacrifice wouldn’t be in vain, as he noticed another sound: and angry roar.
“That is mine!” Sombra growled.
The force that was about to kill him disappeared and Zelgius gasped for air as he hit the ground. Realizing that the fallen unicorn probably went after the Heart.
“It’s going to be alright.” he thought, feeling his consciousness slip away. “Spike’s got the Crystal Heart, and they can use it to...” Zelgius trailed off as he realized what he just thought, and felt himself steered back awake. “Why does Spike have it? Twilight was the one who was supposed to do that. She wouldn’t risk failing Celestia’s test, unless... unless... she was...”
Fear, much stronger that he ever felt, gripped his heart as he imagined Twilight dead. From that thought came hatred.
“I WILL KILL YOU!!!”
That was all what was in his mind as he got up from the ground and chased after Sombra with his sword in hand while picking up Ragnell with his other. That bastard was atop a giant black crystal that was rising There was only one thing that he could see right now: the monster that took the life of the one that mattered to him the most. The Knight managed to notice, however, that his enemy became corporeal. Zelgius realized that the glittering thing must be the Crystal Heart, who by just being at this distance restored his body. Zelgius glanced down at Ragnell. He picked it up and threw it like a spear. Time slowed down as Sombra approached Spike who was falling. When he was near a blur went past him as well as Ragnell piercing his chest. Sombra glanced down at it, then tossed it aside causing it to land into the ground.
“Behold the crystal Princess!” A crystal pony shouted as Cadence landed on the fake breaking it.
“The crystal heart has returned, use the love and light inside you so Sombra does not!” The ponies smiled as the crystal heart causing the ponies to glow, while Sombra had a look of fear as the glowing intensified. Zelgius watched as a blast of something cover everything turning it into crystal including himself.
“AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!” Zelgius looked up to see Sombra yelling in pain then there was a flash.
Zelgius looked around to see the sky had returned to normal as well as the ponies. He made his way over to the group who came down.
“I’m glad that’s over!” Rarity sighed dramatically causing everypony to shaked their heads but smiled.
“This means a party!”
“This...is...not over!” The ponies let out screams as Sombra appeared again though he layed on the ground in pain. Shining picked up a sword and held it over Sombra.
“You don’t have the guts to kill me!” Shining hesitated then lowered his sword.
“You ponies may imprison me but I shall return more powerful!” Sombra laughed as he slowly stood to his hooves.
Before anypony could say anything they heard armored footsteps and saw Zelgius standing in front of Sombra who simply laughed at him. You can’t strike me down either!” Sombra laughed.
Zelgius stared at him but then swung his sword slicing through Sombra neck causing his eyes to widen even as his head fell from his body. The ponies eyes widened as the body stood there before falling over, which caused them to stare at Zelgius whose sword was covered in blood.
The events of past hour were not less surprising to Princess Cadence than everything that happened prior to that. She couldn’t understand at first why did all the crystal ponies started calling her ‘the Crystal Princess’ and bowing to her with respect. It only became clear to her, her husbands and their friends after an elderly mare, one that Twilight and others mentioned that worked at the library, explained that it was once prophesied long ago. A prophecy that one day, after a rule of shadow and fear, the Crystal Empire would be ruled by not just a non-crystal pony, but an alicorn whose cutie mark looked exactly like the Crystal Heart, alongside her husband.The idea of her and Shining Armor ruling an empire was scary, to say the least. However, being a Princess of Equestria for years, and performing some royal duties along her aunt Celestia and later Luna as well, gave her some ideas as how to act the part. No, act was the wrong word here - live the part. Her husband would quickly learn to do so later.
Having dealt with that, Cadence finally headed towards the room where Twilight and everypony else was. She absentmindedly noticed that her body was still crystallised, although the librarian mare assured her that the effects that the Crystal Heart had on bodies of ‘non-crystals’ should pass in about an hour or two. While her coat looked astonishing, and more like her new subjects’, the Princess far more preferred her normal look.
Finally she reached the doors to a huge room where, after opening them, Cadence found the five mares and one baby dragon. All of them for some reason, instead of resting like she suggested, or celebrating, appeared to be trying to cheer up the sixth mare. Strangely, she looked as if she was depressed.
“What’s wrong, everypony?” she asked as she trotted closer to them, currently more worried about her sister-in-law’s mood than the fact that everypony was still crystal.
“Oh, hi Cadence.” Twilight replied, for a moment brightening up, and then lowered her head down. “It’s... I failed Celestia’s test.”
“What?” the alicorn asked surprised. “I don’t understand. Weren’t you supposed to recover the Crystal Heart?”
“Yes, but it was Spike who brought it to you, though.” Twilight told her. “And the Princess warned me that in the end it must be me and me alone who ultimately assist you and my brother with protecting the empire. I might have found the Crystal Heart, but since it wasn’t me who gave it to you, it doesn’t count.”
Cadence opened her mouth to object, but found that she had no words. The lavender unicorn was right: she didn’t do as Celestia told her, and because of that, she failed. Knowing how much it meant to her to pass this, to prove to her aunt that she was a worthy student, the Princess of Love hugged her sister.
“Don’t get me wrong, if I had to choose once more between me passing Celestia’s test and everypony, I would have chose you all again.” the younger mare said as she returned hug. “It’s just...”
“I know.” Cadance finished for her as Twilight trailed off. “And I am proud of you for that. I know this couldn’t have been easy.”
The others joined them and they stayed like this in group hug for few moments, before everypony pulled back.
“So when do you think you’ll be returning to Canterlot?” the Princess asked them, trying to not sound sad.
“Now, if you don’t mind.” the lavender mare response took her by surprise; she hoped they would stay at least a day. “I’m sorry, I wish we could stay longer, but Princess Celestia would want to hear what have exactly happened.” Twilight said, looking out of the window.
Cadence followed her gaze. The aurora that shot out of the crystal castle once the Crystal Heart was powered was still there, and they knew it must be visible across all of Equestria. Looking back at other ponies, the Princess nodded for understanding Twilight’s reasoning, and admired her dedication to her duty as Celestia’s student.
Zelgius stood in the town square with his arms crossed watching as the crystal ponies rebuild what was destroyed in the fight by Sombra. Many of the crystal ponies had walked by him thanking him which he just said it was Spike and the other ponies that saved them. They still thanked him none the less. In front of him, however was the sword Ragnell from what his memories told him.
'How did it get here, though?' He wondered as he stared at it. He was do deep in his thought he didn't notice Shining Armor walking up behind him.
“You’re okay?” he asked, concerned causing Zelgius to turn and look at him. "You never come out of your armor do you?"
Zelgius turned back around to stared at the sword. "I must always be readied to protect the ponies."
The two stood in silence until Shining broke the silence. "Thank you.....for saving us.....and my sister."
Zelgius clenched his fist as he remembered when he became dead set on killing Sombra for harming Twilight. 'But why?' He thought.
"No need to thank me." Shining sighed then glanced at the sword.
"Hard to imagine how Sombra came about such a beautiful sword.
Zelgius didn't speak but instead walked over to the sword grabbing it's handle, pulling it out of the ground.
“Believe it or not, but the crystal ponies had a prophecy about her and me ruling the empire.” Shining spoke
“Really?” the knight asked, not surprised. “I... suppose congratulations are in order, then?”
“I guess.” other stallion replied, lowering his voice so the nearby crystal ponies (who, as Zelgius noticed, were still crystal) wouldn’t hear him.
“I never expected something like this. I knew I would have some more important duties once I married Cadance, but ruling an empire...”
“You’ll do fine.” Zelgius assured him, truly believing it. “Just remember that good of your subjects is most important, and everything will be fine.”
Zelgius then noticed out of the corner of his eye, he saw his friends that is leaded by the bouncing Pinkie Pie, are heading straight towards the train station. He walked towards the group with Shining Armor.
“I do so wish it was permanent.” they heard Rarity complain as they approached them. “Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?”
“But...” Applejack told her warmly. “... good things are better when they're a rarity.”
“Aww.” Rarity exclaimed, touched, and her and few others giggled.
“You’re leaving already?” Shining Armor asked as he squeezed between Twilight and Cadence.
“Yes, Princess Celestia would want to know all the details as soon as possible.” his sister replied, and Zelgius, opted to stay at the back of the group, couldn’t help but notice that there was some sadness in her voice. “Besides, you seem to have everything under control here; you don’t need further help... for now.”
Her brother chuckled at the jibe.
“Everything's gonna be okay.” he told her, and added in quieted tone: “You've gotta stop saving my rump like this, it's starting to get embarrassing.”
“Wasn't me who saved you in the end. It was Spike.”
Those words almost made Zelgius stop as he processed what they meant.
“That’s what all this moping is about?!” he thought, understanding at once what exactly she meant..
“It's just a test.” Shining Armor stupidly tried to cheer her up. “Maybe she'll let you retake it.”
“I don't think she's gonna give me a new test.” Twilight replied in almost broken voice, while Cadence signaled for her husband to not say another word, as the lavender mare followed her friends into the train.
Much to Zelgius annoyance, the same thought seemed to be on everypony’s face, even Cadance.
“Does everypony actually believe that Princess Celestia is going to fail her?” he asked the two rulers of the Crystal Empire in hushed voice.
“What do you mean?” Cadence asked, confused. “Twilight didn’t bring the Crystal Heart, so she failed.”
"Trust me." Before anypony could say a word the train whistled. The ponies bid the two new rulers goodbye while Twilight hugged them. Zelgius bowed to them but to his shock felt the two pull him into a hug. "You don't bow to us...or your friends."
As the ponies waved their goodbyes Zelgius glanced at Shining Armor. "King Shining Armor." Before he could tell Zelgius to not call him that he saw Zelgius toss the blade that Sombra used at him. Shining caught it with his magic. Shining Armor stared at the blade in his grasp then glanced back up at Zelgius.
"We haven't sparred like we promised but I leave this sword in your cable hoofs. Make sure you train with it otherwise you won't beat me."
Shining smiled at the challenge. "We will see."
"The blades name is...Ragnell." With that said he turned and walked into the train as it began to move back to canterlot. Though a big evil was vanquished, he couldn't but feel something darker was coming and that sword.....would probably one key to defeat it.
'I hope I'm wrong.'
“Keep it together, buddy...” the baby dragon mutters to himself for about tenth time already, “gotta stay strong... for Twilight...”
They are all currently in front of the castle in Canterlot, waiting for Twilight to finish telling Princess Celestia what have happened in the Crystal Empire. Save for Zelgius, everypony was anxious. Aside from Spike, the ones who were taking it worst is Rarity, who was laying on the ground - which spoke something about the seriousness of the situation - and Pinkie Pie, who was biting her hooves and had to be comforted by Applejack, while both of them followed Spike pacing back and forth with their eyes.
Zelgius didn't speak as he stood there calmly causing Rainbow Dash to glare at him.
“Okay, seriously, what is the matter with you?” she asked him, angry.
The rest of them stopped their... whatever each of them were doing, and looked at Zelgius
“I don’t think this to be of little matter.” he told them for now, being calm though they couldn't really tell with all the armor he wore. "The young maiden will be fine."
"Can you aleast show you care." Rainbow spoke while Zelgius just glanced away from her.
“She's totally gonna lose it!” Spike said, breathing heavily from his approaching panic attack. “Keep it together buddy... gotta stay strong... for Twilight-”
He is cut off by one side of door hitting him in the face, opened by a familiar lavender hoof.
Twilight jumps from the shadows of entrance to the daylight, unable to keep the joy in her heart to herself any longer.
“I passed!” she screamed in delight, pacing in place from the excitement.
Her friends all erupted, cheering for her and looking relieved...save for Zelgius though she had a feeling he was smiling underneath his helmet.
You were prepared to do your best; Twilight heard Rarity sing, when she looked up and being released from Spike’s embrace, she saw the other unicorn approach.
Had what it takes to pass the test; Rarity continued, coming closer, and the lavender
mare blushed from being praised like this.
All those doubts you can dismiss; the white unicorn lifted Twilight’s head, not letting her
not enjoy this moment, and lead her away towards the train station;
Turns out you were
Prepared for this! And then the others joined in.
Zelgius took in the sight of Twilight’s house, feeling... as if he was at home. Even if he lived here barely, the library, and, more important, it’s owner, became an important part of his heart.
'I shouldn't be feeling this way. I have to be able perform my duty without hindrance..' he thought to himself.
He could see that the lights were turned off inside, which did not surprise him. It’s really late after all, and even if everypony wanted to celebrate Twilight passing the test, parties couldn’t go on forever, not after stopping an evil force from taking over an empire. They were bound to be tired - aside from Pinkie Pie, of course - and go to sleep.
He remembered when they threw the party but he refused to go and instead, simply stood guard. Though he could of sworn he saw Twilight face drop with sadness. He walked through the doors, making his way upstairs where Twilight and Spike slept. He entered the room to see Spike asleep in his basket while Twilight lay in her bed uncovered. He stared at her as the moon reflected off her causing to gain a serene look. Zelgius stared for a few minutes before he shook his head then turned to leave but heard something. He turned to see Twilight shivering from the cold. He stared at her before turning and walking to where he slept. He pulled the blanket off his bed and walked back to Twilight room where he covered her with the blanket causing her to stop shivering. With that done he turned walking out unaware Twilight eyes opened, looking at the blanket then his retreating figure and smile before falling back to sleep.
Zelgius walked though ponyville as the moon and the stars showed in the sky casting light upon the world around him. He stopped in a garden that had five statues that were mare. One was a unicorn, with two pegasus and two earth ponies. He didn't pay them attention as he stared up at the moon unaware the statues were looking at him.
'Why do I feel like this?'
If there's a prize for rotten judgment
I guess I've already won that
No mare is worth the aggravation
Zelgius blinked and turned to see who was singing but didn't see anypony. 'What?'
Who d'you think you're kidding
He's the earth and heaven to you
Try to keep it hidden
Honey we can see right through you (Oh no)
Guy, you can't conceal it
We know how you're feeling
Who you thinking of?
Zelgius saw a purple flower hanging in front of his vision. He could of sworn he saw a image of Twilight smiling at him with her beautiful smile. Zelgius shook his head and walked off causing a sigh behind him.
No chance, no way, I won't say it, no, no
You swoon, you sigh, why deny it, oh, oh
It's too cliché, I won't say I'm in love
I thought my heart had learned its lesson
It feels so good when you start out
My head is screaming "get a grip, guy"
"Unless you're dying to cry your heart out"
The statues continued singing while Zelgius didn't pay attention to them as he continued to walk forward.
Guy, you can't deny it
Who you are and how you're feeling
Baby we're not buying
Hon we saw you hit the ceiling
Face it like a grown-up
When you gonna own up that you got, got, got it bad?
Zelgius stopped walking and stood there as the statues sang around while one held the purple flower.
No chance, no way, I won't say it, no no
Give up, give in, check the grin, you're in love
This scene won't play, I won't say I'm in love
We'll do it until you admit you're in love
You're way off base, I won't say it
Get off my case, I won't say it
Guy don't be proud, it's okay you're in
Zelgius cut them as he pulled his sword out, swinging it horizontally making the statues scream and run. Zelgius stared at them running then sheathed his sword. As he was about to walk off he looked to the ground and saw the flower. He stared at it before bending down, picking it up. He stared at it then turned and began to walk back to Twilight house. The five statues grinned at each other before becoming still once more.
Cadance trotted out of the train car, and sighed gratefully when no screaming crowd greeted her. It was one of the nicer things about Ponyville, the town just seemed to treat her as a normal pony instead of a Princess. Well, of course there was some things that just wouldn’t go away, but it really was the best she could hope for.
The Princess of Love looked around, and more than a few ponies gave her a polite wave, nod, or bow, which she gracefully returned. She started trotting down Main Street, heading towards Twilight’s library.
It was the unicorn’s birthday in a month or so, and Cadance wanted to help coordinate the party with the other Element Bearers, and visiting the best filly she ever foalssat for wasn’t a bad bonus to the trip.
Cadance sighed, maybe she should have sent Twilight a letter saying that she was coming, Celestia know’s how well that mare does with surprises. Speaking of surprises. She turned back to her husband who had the sword Zelgius gave him strapped to his back.
"Did you really needed to bring that with you?" Cadence asked while Shining just smiled sheepishly. "I just want to have a spar with him."
Cadence shook her head. It had been a week since the whole Sombra incident and she thought it might be a good time to surprise Twilight. Shining though had trained with the blade almost nonstop but not much as he did like spending time with his wife.
The two looked around the quaint town as she made her way through it. Canterlot and the Crystal Empire were certainly grand, they were considered some of the most beautiful cities in the world for a reason, but there was something just… pleasant about small towns like Ponyville. How everypony knew each other, and just stopping over at a friends house entirely unexpected was considered to be one of the most pleasant surprises there was.
Not to mention that the amount of Love is this town was practically staggering to her. She could feel the communal bond the town shared, the love they had for each other, was practically flooding into her. And the taste of some new love between couples was certainly the cherry on top, maybe those two musicians had finally gotten together? It would be about time.
The two picked up on their speed as they neared the Twilight library.
After a few seconds she noticed that the mare was staring at them blankly.
“Cadance!” Twilight suddenly cried out happily before bounding over to the Princess.
“Sunshine Sunshine Ladybugs Awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” the two grown mares launched into their standard greeting.
Drawing a few giggles from the fillies nearby as they went through the motions. The two of them turned back to face each other.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming Cadance?” Twilight asked,
"Where's Zelgius?" Shining interjected but sweat drop as he was ignored.
“I wanted it to be a surprise!” Cadance giggled.
Twilight turned towards her brother and hugged him which he returned. "It's good to see you to B.B.B.F.F."
"You to Twilight but where's Zelgius? He's usually always with you?"
Twilight looked over to the door. "I'm not sure."
Zelgius sat on a log as he stared at the flower in his hand deep in thought. 'Why do I have these strange feelings.'
'They don't trust you." A voice spoke in Zelgius head.
Zelgius eyes widened as he stood up. "Who's there?"
'They fear you.'
Zelgius didn't speak but pulled his sword out. "Show yourself coward and declare your intentions."
The voice simply chuckled. 'I simply wish for you to see the truth.'
Zelgius was quiet. "What truth?"
'I am the one that brought you here boy. I know your memories as well.' The voice taunted Zelgius who growled.
"What do you want?"
'Nothing.....yet. I simply wish to have loyal follower once more.'
"Follower?" Zelgius asked while still looking around for the owner of the voice. "What do you mean by that?"
'In due time......Black Knight.'
Zelgius looked around. "Hey. Come back here!" He waited but didn't hear a reply back causing him to sigh as he sheathed his sword.
'My memories?'
Deep within a dark cave, in the very depths of which no living thing has gone was absolute darkness.....until a pair of glowing red eyes opened.
Sweet Apple Acres was peaceful and quiet that afternoon. The birds would occasionally tweet a song or a few notes, but other than that, the orchard was silent. Gathered on a hill beside the barn, were Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie Pie. Rarity had brought the picnic blanket, which was laid flat against the green grass while the others brought confectioneries and food.
"Anypony know where Twi is?" Applejack asked, looking around the clearing for her alicorn friend. When everypony's head shook simultaneously, she furrowed her brow.
"I'm sure she'll show up," Rainbow assured, "She always shows up!"
Rarity pulled down her pink sunglasses to look at her pegasus friend.
"I do hope we don't have another nervous breakdown episode like last time," she said crisply, pushing her glasses back up.
A loud gasp originated from Pinkie, to which the group turned to look at her.
The group collectively turned to see Twilight, Spike and Zelgius coming towards them along with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. All the ponies gasped in surprise.
After everypony said their hellos, they continued the picnic's proceedings. Zelgius only watched and listened to the mares as they socialized with one another with Shining adding in his own cents.. After a few moments, he began to zone out and lost himself in his own thoughts before he heard Shining get up and walked over to lean on a tree while pulling out a book, reading it. Zelgius smirked as he stood up, walking over to him.
The ponies watched confused before Cadence turned to Twilight. "When are you going to tell him?"
Twilight face blushed while her friends chuckled at her. "It's not funny!"
"Twilight, I would like to know how you feel about him; and I want the truth."
"The truth? You honestly want to know how I feel about Zelgius?" Her gaze fell to the ground, but it could not mask her blush. "I mean, it's embarrassing coming from a nerd like me. So the truth is going to sound cheesy." Inhaling deeply, Twilight mustered every fiber of her will together before turning back to the alicorn with a stern glare in her eyes. However, the smile she bore was pitiful, full of plea. "You promise not to laugh?"
Cadence simply nodded. "Of course."
"Well, it's easy to say how much I like Zelgius as a friend. He's nice, loyal and understanding. I mean, how can you not find him appealing on that alone?" Zelgius image holding her filled her mind, causing her face to burn.
Her smile grew in width. "Honestly, he's too loyal to his duty, but it makes me want to be there for him even more. I wouldn't change him for anything, even though I wish he'd let me see his face."
Her friends didn't say anything nor Cadence. "Darling. How long have you felt this way?"
Twilight was silent before finally answering. "Since the diamond dogs."
Rainbow smirked before flying over to her and laying a forehoof around her shoulders. "It just means we going to help you."
Twilight didn't know what she meant until Cadence spoke. "They going to help you, with you feeling for Zelgius." Twilight looked over to her friends who were smiling at her causing her to smile back.
"Twilight." She looked over to see Cadence walk up to her then pulled her into a hug whispering in her ear. "Zelgius has feelings for you as well though he doesn't know how to express them." Twilight eye's widened.
"I believe you the one who can do it."
The ponies then glanced over towards where Zelgius and Shining stood. Zelgius stood away from Shining with his sword grasped in his right hand. They heard Shining reading something out loud.
"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess
We seek it thus and take to the sky
Ripples form on the water's surface
The wandering soul knows no rest."
Though they couldn't see Zelgius smile as he turned to face Shining. "Loveless Act 1."
"You know this?" Shining asked as he sat the book down, pulling his sword out.
"Read it before."
The two stood looking at each other. Zelgius and Shining's blades met each other as they jumped towards each other, the cling clang of the metal echoing throughout. Shining thrust with Ragnell, but Zelgius parried and used Shining's blade to guide his towards its target. Shining adjusted the position of the sword making Zelgius miss his head. Building on his initial attack, Zelgius twirled Alondite around his left hand, he then used his right hand to stop it from spinning and used the built up momentum to slash at a left angle causing Shining to jump backwards.
Blue streaks of light clashed as the two sent magic slashes at each other only for the two to send a shockwave throughout the area only for the two to jump at each other, parrying, dodging, moving into slashes and thrusts, both pitting the entirety of their sword skills against one another. They continued their onslaught of blows, neither one willing to give in! No words needed to be spoken during this spar no; their swords did the talking for them with every ringing clash.
Zelgius stormed forward, slashing with Alondite, Shining intercepted his strike with Ragnell. The two magic swords grinded against each other as sparks flew about. Zelgius broke off from the attack, immediately turning around; he then released Alondite and caught it with his right. He raised the sword up and then brought it down on Shining's head. Shining saw this coming, and used his telekinesis to maneuver Ragnell to counterattack. Zelgius was now fighting Ragnell itself, parrying the blows, thrusting, and slashing, taking any opening he saw to cut down Shining. The two jumped back only to jump back at each other.
As they closed the distance between each other their blades clashed together sending sparks everywhere. Shining slashed at Zelgius’s neck to which the Knight blocked the strike and returned one of his own towards his attacker’s head. Shining sidestepped the strike only to be met with the pommel of Zelgius sword to his face causing him to stumble back a few feet. Zelgius closed the distance swinging his sword, Shining just barely managed to block the strike.
*CLANG!*
The blades clashed loudly as Zelgius was pushing Shining back with extreme force. Their swords rang out as they clashed and slammed against each reapetedly for ten seconds straight at such a high rate of speed.
*CLANG!* *PING!* *RING!* *DING!*
As Zelgius and Shining locked blades, the two could only smile at how much fun they were having. As their blades were still locked, Shining pushed back and leapt through the air and performed a downward slash at Zelgius’s head. The Knight quickly brought his sword up above his head blocking the attack before knocking Shining back, causing him to land on his hoof but brought his sword up as Zelgius rushed at him swinging his blade. Shining parried it then swung his sword, while Zelgius swung his.
*Clang!*
The two pushed back against each other until Zelgius pushed his blade down, then immediately brought it up knocking Shining blade out of his grip causing it to sail in the air before stabbing into the ground a few feet away from them. Zelgius stared down at Shining Armor who was laying on the ground. Zelgius sheathed his sword then offered a hand to Shining Armor who accepted it.
The two didn't have to say anything, but they turned their heads as they heard hooves stomping. Before anypony could speak, Spike burped out a letter which Twilight caught. They watched as her eye's scanned through it before looking back up.
"Princess Celestia want's us to go to Canterlot as soon as possible."
"What?"
"She says there's something they need to discuss with us."
The ponies didn't see it, but Zelgius grabbed his chest as he stared towards Canterlot.
After Princess Luna has finished up her work with tonight’s starry, nightly sky, she is now joining up with her dear sister, Princess Celestia, for a special tea party that was set up by a special guest. To Luna’s great surprise, their host is none other than Discord, their ex-adversary from over 1,000 years ago.
While Celestia has been warming up to Discord’s change in heart, her sister was pretty suspicious to the trickster’s sudden, goodhearted nature. However, overtime Luna’s worries have been put to rest as Discord has proven himself to be a very cooperative friend despite maintaining his trickster persona. Needless to say, the tea party Discord is hosting is rather lovely in its own unique way. In one of the castle’s chambers, the tea party is relatively normal. Except with the use of trickster’s chaotic magic, the utensils and chinaware come to life as they eagerly serve their satisfied guests.
“I must say, Discord. This is very generous of you to set all of this up for us.” Celestia compliments as an animated teapot poured her another cup of tea before she takes a courteous sip.
“‘Twas my pleasure, Princess Celestia.” Discord responds mannerly before casually dipping his saucer into his teacup like it was a cookie and then taking a bite out of it.
“I agree.” Luna chimes in while a lively creamer cup finishes pouring a generous amount of half-and-half into her cup. “We should do more of these themed parties more often. Anyway, would you mind passing me the sugar, Discord?”
“Certainly, my princess of the night! What would it be? One lump or two?” he asks with a mischievous grin.
Luna gives a deadpan expression with a raised eyebrow before saying to Discord, “There better not be a mallet behind your back.”
“Why Luna! I’m hurt!” Discord exaggerates. “How could you think of me like that?” Celestia only smirks slightly as she sees Discord’s tail grasping a mallet behind his back. With a flick of his tail, he tosses the mallet away before it disappears into a small flash of light.
'Hmm… perhaps I should rethink on my material next time.' Discord thinks to himself.
"What yer think the Princesse want to see us about?"
The group had arrived at Canterlot and were making their way towards the castle with everypony bowing at the sight of Cadence.
"Must be something serious." Rarity spoke.
"Indeed. It must be serious if my aunt want's us all there." Cadence stated.
"Zelgius what do you think?" Shining asked as he glanced over towards the knight who had silent the whole trip here.
"Zelgius?"
The said Knight was walking but didn't hear anything around him from being deep in thought. 'Why do I have this feeling.....like something going to happen.'
'Because it will.'
Zelgius looked around startling the ponies as they saw him glancing everywhere.
'Where are you? What are you talking about?'
'Hahaha. You will see.'
"Zelgius?" A voice spoke causing to him to glance towards the group who were giving him looks of worry.
"I'm fine." Before anypony could speak he walked past them in a hurry towards the castle.
The group exchanged looks of worry with one and another. They quickly trotted after the knight who reached the doors where the guards bowed at Cadence then opened it. The group quickly made their way to the throne room but stopped outside as a yell ranged out.
"I WILL BUCKING MURDER YOU!" Luna shouted as she shot magic at Discord who was literally running around the room while Celestia sat in a chair calmly sipping a tree. The group stared at Luna trying not to laugh. On the right side of her face was a drawing of Discord holding a flag that said I was here hahaha.
"It was just a joke ahhhh!" Discord was cut off as he was shot causing him to fall to the ground where Luna proceeded to fire bolt after bolt at him. The group jaws dropped as they literally watch Luna murder Discord in front of them. Finally, she stopped letting out deep breaths.
"Hey, Moonbutt!" Everypony (except Celestia) looked to see Discord on the wall staring at them. "You missed. Woopwoopwoopwoop!" Discord ran towards the ceiling where he disappeared while Luna just let out a huff.
"Now we can..."
"I'm back!" Discord interrupted appearing behind them causing everypony to jump besides Zelgius and Celestia.
"Will you stop that!" Dash shouted as she glared at the trickster who completely ignored her as he floated around Zelgius inspecting him.
"So this is 'The Black Knight' I've heard of." Discord spoke while emphasizing the black knight.
Zelgius simply stared at him from beneath his helmet.
"Put it there!" Discord held out a paw while Zelgius simply stared at him causing him to frown as he lowered his paw.
"You're not very fun."
"DISCORD!" The whole room shook causing everypony to look at Celestia who had a serious expression on her face.
Discord appeared behind her with his face turning serious as well.
"Now that the fun is over.....I can tell you all why I called you here."
Everypony stared at her not saying anything, even Pinkie was silent.
Luna looked out one of the throne room windows. While the window was large it was dwarfed by the jewel-encrusted walls of the throne room. She stayed silent for sometime. Twilight couldn't help getting a little timid from the silence. Without turning to look at Twilight Luna spoke.
"My sister and I have many scouts throughout the land. They report to us on various things: economic information, politics, and occasionally the actions of brave ponies like you and your friends. However, we sent some scouts to a cave of where we sensed......something but no pony has returned. We think it might be the changeling hive."
Twilight thought of her friends. She thought of Ponyville. Then she thought of a horde of changelings destroying them both.
"Princess Luna why not just send me and the other elements? We defeated her twice now we can easily do it again!"
Before Luna had a chance to reply Celestia interrupted.
"I'm afraid not my dear Twilight."
Everypony stared at Discord who for once wasn't joking. What really shocked the ponies were his face expression. The normal funny trickster wore a face of all seriousness.
Zelgius went to speak but grabbed his helmet as a searing migraine tore through his head.
"Zelgius? Are you alright?"
He didn't hear them.
'They can not stop the storm that is to come.'
Zelgius collapsed to his knees causing the ponies to freak out. "Zelgius!"
'Today there will tribute. IN BLOOD!'
Zelgius slowly stood up with the ponies helping him.
"Sir Zelgius are thou alright?"
Instead of answering her question he walked over towards the balcony causing the ponies to shout his name from behind. He stared outside that seemed normal, with no pony dying.....or screaming in fear.
"Zelgius?"
The Knight turned towards the group with them having worried looks. He opend his mouth to speak when he heard it. He glanced towards where the sound was coming from, which was the only way to reach Canterlot on foot.
"Ok serious! What's your problem!?" Rainbow yelled as she flew over to him while he completely ignore turning his attention towards Celestia.
He spoke with a emotionless voice causing the ponies eyes to widen in fear fro his tone. "Prepare the Royal Guard. Get the citizens to safety."
"Why do you say that?"
"Do it now!" Zelgius shouted making everypony jump back.
"What is the matter with you!?" Twilight shouted.
That was when the ponies heard the sounds as well. Zelgius looked towards where the sound was coming from as did eveypony.
"War has come."
The ponies eye's widened as they watch the strange horde approach chanting a dark language. Zelgius narrowed his eyes even as the strange voice spoke in his head.
'EQUESTRIA IS MINE!'
Zelgius didn't say anything back as he watched this army approach.
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Zelgius turned towards Celestia with his narrowed underneath his helmet. "Is there a secret way out of Canterlot?"
Celestia turned her attention to Zelgius but didn't answer him causing him to yell. "Is there no other way!?"
"There is one way but...."
Zelgius cut her off. "Send word for everypony to flee towards the pass. Also have every guard we have to go to the wall!"
Zelgius saw out of the corner of his eye Shining getting ready to pull his sword out. "No."
"I am not going to just sit here while my brothers fight!"
Zelgius shooked his head. "The city is already lost. We don't have enough guards to repel them."
All the ponies became silent as they stared at Zelgius who was standing there looking aty them. "I need you all to go and make sure the citizens will be safe."
"No way! I am not leaving a friend behind!" Rainbow shouted while hovering in the air.
"She's right sugarcube."
Zelgius growled. "You need to go!" As the words left his mouth they felt the castle shook as well as a loud crash sound. Looking outside they saw the enemy loading boulder on what appeared to be catapults which they were using to launch into Canterlot. Boulders were smashing into houses and even though they were in the castle, they could hear ponies yelling and screaming.
"Go Now!" Zelgius glanced over towards the two Peausgus guards standing at the door who seemed nervous but also appeared to be waiting for orders. "Gather all guards! Have them at the wall now!" The tow saluted and flew off. Before anypony could say anything Zelgius rushed out the doors.
"ZELGIUS!" Twilight shouted as she tried to rush after him but was stopped by Celestia magic. "Princess?"
Celestia shook her head. "He's right. We have to evacuate." The ponies couldn't help but look out the window to see Zelgius with guards behind him rushing towards the wall.
Zelgius rushed through the city where the screams of pain and dying were heard. Zelgius glanced out of the corner of his eye to see a colt hoove sticking through a pile of rubble with blood dripping down it. Zelgius made it the wall and running up the stairs he was met with Guards standing at the wall facing towards the enemy. Zelgius pulled his sword out, turning towards them and yelled. "All unicorns use your magic to launch the rubble back into the enemy! Send them to Tartarus!"
The unicorn horns glowed as they focused on the rubble lying around the ground, slowly lifting it up before throwing it over the wall towards the enemy where it crashed into their ranks smashing them. Zelgius didn't have to say anything as the guards began shooting arrows at them as well. "Incoming!" One guard shouted as a boulder slammed into the wall knocking ten guards off it killing them from the force of impact. Zelgius saw another boulder toward them and quickly slashed his sword horizontally sending out a magic slash that destroyed it.
The enemy soon began charging towards the walls with ladders being carried. The guards arrows slammed into the enemy ranks killing many of them, but the fallen were simply replaced with more as they picked up the ladders. The enemy reached the wall where they began firing their own arrows up at the guards who were protected from the height but some of the arrows had still found their marks into the guards necks or faces killing them. A few of the guards had fallen over the wall their bodies crashing into the enemy ranks dead. Zelgius watched as ladders were being pushed up. "LADDERS!"
The ladders inched closer to the wall where Zelgius could see enemies standing on top of them as they inched closer to the wall. Not waiti ng he sent a magic slash that cut through three ladders causing the enemy on top of them to fall into the ground below. The other ladders slammed into the wall allowing the enemy to crash into the guards killing a few of the guards but were cut down. Zelgius could finally see the enemy.
The enemy was easily the same height as Zelgius while some were a little taller than him. The things appeared to have dark skin while their eyes glowed red. The monster had armor that covered it's entire being. The weapon it wielded had a jagged looking scimitar with a hook on the back side of it. Zelgius eyes narrowed as he watched the thing skin seemingly vaporized while the armor fell to pieces. Zelgius didn't think more on the matter as he spun and slashed through one horizontally. Zelgius watched as the things rushed towards the gate carrying what appeared to be a siege ram. The guards shot magic, arrows and even threw their spears down into the enemy below, but they still kept charging. Zelgius only had one thought on his mind as the battle continued while he parried a sword swung at his neck before slashing the thing's neck open and then spun to kick one off a ladder that knocked the ladder down.. 'Everypony, please be safe.' Zelgius thought as he saw the ladder being lifted back up.
"MOVE! MOVE!" Shining shouted as he guided ponies towards the exit of the secret pass. The girls were helping everypony they saw.
Twilight used her magic to move a boulder out of the way of a house that was on fire allowing the trapped family to exit. The family had smoke stuck to their fur but were unharmed. "Let's go!"
Applejack bucked a boulder destroying it while Pinkie.......was shooting it with her party cannon.
"This way." Fluttershy was gently guiding colts and fillies.
They couldn't help but look towards where the sound of battle was going on. "Zelgius."
"GRRR! We should be over there helping our friend!" Rainbow shouted as she helped push a boulder out of the way.
"It would be foolish. None of you have any combat experience." Luna spoke casually before she turned her attention back to where most of the fighting was happening. "Where is the rest of the guards?"
There was a loud roar causing everypony to jump in fear as the turned and saw what was attacking running right at them. Twilight out of reaction shot a magic bolt that knocked it into a wall where it slid down to the ground knocked out. "How are they in here!?"
Another ran at them only for an axe to be slammed into it's head causing it to fall to the ground dead while the body vaporized. Axehoof pulled his axe up then quickly spun and smashed it into another one in its chest. "Lieutenant Axehoof." Luna spoke causing him to salute.
"Wish this meeting was under better circumstances your majesties." Soon a hundred guards formed up behind him. Twilight glanced at each of them to see they were covered in black blood while some even had scratches on them.
"Why are you all here and not at the wall?"
"We were on route to the wall when some portal or something opened. Those things began pouring into the city. They are taking no survivors."
Luna growled. "They killing those who even surrender!?"
Axehoof nodded his head. "It's not just guards your highness."
Everypony eyes went wide while Fluttershy had tears forming in her eyes. "They..."
"They are killing anything that is moving."
Twilight couldn't help but feel despair before her eyes shot in realization. "Zelgius!"
"They will be trapped."
Axehoof lifted his axe until it rested on his shoulder. "Go. We will inform them. You all must get out of here!" Not bothering waiting they began sprinting towards the wall.
"We need to go!"
The group still felt uneasy especially when she felt like something bad was going to happen as she glanced towards where Zelgius was fighting.
Zelgius thusted his sword through one of the things chest then quikly ducked as a sword swung at his neck he then retaliated by punching the thing in the face knocking it off the wall. Zelgius pulled his sword out and spun slashing the things that had him surrounded killing them as well spilling black blood on the ground. Zelgius stood up with blood dripping off his sword. He looked to his left and right. The guards fought back killing the things but were eventually slowly being overrun.
"Zelgius!"
Zelgius glanced behind him down to the city to see guards and Axehoof. "We have to retreat! The things are already inside the wall by some portal!" Axehoof shouted straight to the point.
Zelgius glanced over towards the gate and even though the thing were being killed by the dozens the gate was beginning to crack from the siege ram. "FALL BACK!" Zelgius shouted. "FALL BACK!"
Zelgius cut down the things left and right as the guards were rushing past him. Zelgius slashed one more thing down then turned and jumped down where he landed by Axehoof. "To the escape route!"
Zelgius ran with the rest of the guard remaining following him. Zelgius saw the things were indeed already inside the city as he and the guards cut them down on their way to the exit. "Lueitanent!" Zelgius saw they were a hundred yards away before stopping causing the rest of the guard to stop as well as there were guard archers. Zelgius and the guards dropped to the ground as the archers fire arrows over them that slammed into the enemy behind them killing them. Zelgius stood up while one guard walked towards Axehoof. "We couldn't hold them! We all that's left."
Axehoof stared at them then barked out an order. "We're pulling back. Make way to the exit!"
"COME ON!" Everypony glanced over to see Twilight standing by the exit.
Zelgius turned towards Axehoof and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Guide them out of here."
"What are you doing!?"
"I am going to hold them off!"
Axehoof shooked his head. "Then we will stay with you!" The rest of the guards shook their heads in agreement.
"AXEHOOF!" The said pony jumped when he heard Zelgius shout at him. "Please. I need you to protect them."
Axehoof look conflicted before he slowly placed a hoof on Zelgius chest. "You better stay alive. I still need to beat you!" Axerhoof spoke with a smirk. Zelgius didn't answer but instead nod his head.
The guards each gave a look towards Zelgius as they ran past him until it was only him and Axehoof standing there. Zelgius looked towards the city where he could the gate finally broke as the enemy rushed in. Zelgius took a few steps forward where Axehoof stood behind him. "Make sure Twilight get's out of here safely."
Axehoof didn't speak but nodded his head as he rushed towards the exit. Twilight stood at the entrance and gave a look of confusion as Axehoof ran up towards while Zelgius stayed in the same spot. "ZELGIUS!"
"We have to go! He's going to hold them off!"
Twilight eyes widened. She tried to run towards him but was grabbed by Axehoof who begun to drag her into the tunnel. "No! Let me go! Zelgius!"
The Black Knight didn't even turn towards her as she kept shouting until she could no longer be heard. Zelgius grasped his sword by it's handle tighter as he heard the enemy approaching by the sound of armor clanking.
Zelgius brought his sword up then swung down sending out a magic slash. He watched as three of things came around a corner only to be killed by Zelgius slash. Zelgius then rushed forward just in time as the horde came around the corner where Zelgius slammed into their ranks and proceeded to cut them down left and right while also parrying their blades. Zelgius ducked as he dodged a sword swung at his neck then quickly spun killing the ones around him. He quickly raised his sword to block a strike, deflecting it then slashing the things neck spilling dark blood on the ground and his armor.
Zelgius swung his sword around ready to kill more of them but stopped when he saw them just standing there looking at him with their weapons lowered. "Have you lost all of your courage?" Zelgius taunted them.
"They haven't lost their courage. They are simply following their master command." A voice spoke out causing Zelgius to look towards the sound.
A figure walked out from within the enemies rank while the things moved out of the way as he walked towards Zelgius. The figure armor was completely black that covered its entire body. On top it's head were horns that gleamed in the darkness. All that could be seen were the figures eyes were completely white with no pupils and Zelgius felt that he was staring into the void itself.
"You the one who has been talking in my head." Zelgius stated while the figure simply let out a dark chuckle.
"Indeed I am." The figure raised it's right arm as it blocked Zelgius sword with Zelgius putting his full swing into it while the figure showed no signs of struggle. The figure simply swung it's left arm hitting Zelgius sending him crashing through a building.
Zelgius walked out of the building seeming unharmed. "Who are you?"
"I have no name to give you since you will be dead. But you can simply call me THE DARKNESS!" The figure rushed at Zelgius swinging his right arm. Zelgius raised his sword to block but was sent flying once again by the sheer force of the demon. Zelgius crashed into a wall causing to stagger trying to stand up. Zelgius made it to his feet and glanced up toward this...thing.
"Let the slaughter commence." When that said the demon rushed towards Zelgius.
Zelgius thrust his sword at it's chest intending to stab through it's heart. The sword stabbed the demon chest while he just looked bored at Zelgius who eyes widened underneath his helmet before they narrowed as he brought his sword back and swung all he had while the thing simply stood there letting itself get hit again. Zelgius swung his sword at Darkness who simply raised his right arm where Zelgius sword slammed into his forearm causing a loud clang sound as sparks came from the metal being grounded into each other. Darkness simply stared at him before throwing a uppercut with his left arm, hitting Zelgius in the chin sending him skidding a few feet across the ground. When Zelgius stopped skidding he glanced back towards Darkness while blood dripped out from beneath his helmet to the ground.
The two stared at each other while lighting flashed across the sky. The sky had began to darken when the invasion had begun, but it now seemed to have become even darker. The shadow monsters simply stared at the two as they watched the battle. Zelgius heard a small thunk on his armor. Glancing up he saw it had begun to rain. Zelgius then turned hisn attention back to this thing that called itself Darkness. Zelgius saw nothing in it's eyes that had nothing, but complete darkness.
Zelgius hand tightened around his sword handle as he glared at this demon. 'I have to kill it. Not just for Canterlot....but for all Equestria! With that final thought, Zelgius rushed towards the demon who simply stood even as Zelgius swung his sword down at its armor covered face. The sword hit Darkness in the face causing a loud clank that sounded throughout the whole area while Zelgius sword bounced of Darkness face who swung his right fist that made contact with Zelgius chest sending him skidding back a few feet. Zelgius coughed up blood underneath his helmet. Blood seeped through his helmet. Zelgius almost fell to the ground from the pain in his chest.
Zelgius sidestepped as a Darkness slammed into the spot Zelgius had occupied. Zelgius watched as he slowly walked out of the crater. Zelgius rushed at him only to be backhanded that sent him crashing through a building. Zelgius felt pain all throughout his body. 'How strong is this demon?' Zelgius thought only for his eyes to widen as Darkness appeared before him standing there looking down at him. Zelgius eyes were narrowed as he stared at up him. The two just stared at each other then Zelgius swung his sword upwards only for Darkness to grab it with his left causing sparks to fly everywhere with Zelgius pushing with all his strength. Darkness stared at then raised his right hand before pointing it at Zelgius chest a centimeter away.
Zelgius say a small dark light coming from his hand as it glowed darkly. Darkness stared at him then spoke. "Bang." Zelgius felt the magic it into his chest sending pain throughout all his body as he was blasted through the building where he slammed into the ground laying a hundred yards away from the exit. All around the shadow beings watched as their lord walked out of the building.
"You see. You are, but a mere insect compared to my power."
Zelgius didn't answer back as he slowly stood up only to gasp for air as he felt his chest get hit by Darkness who appeared in front of Zelgius slamming his fist into Zelgius chest causing him to double over. Darkness pulled his fist back then slammed his elbow into the back of Zelgius head causing him to slam into the ground. Zelgius let out a grunt of pain. He slowly tried to push himself back up only to let out a grunt of pain as a foot slammed into his back. Darkness had put all his weight on his foot as he pushed down on Zelgius.
"If you just stay still and die then you wouldn't be in so much pain."
Zelgius glared at him from beneath his helmet. Darkness scoffed as he felt Zelgius still trying to get up. He raised a hand that was pointed at Zelgius head. "Die." A blasts began to fire from his hand that repeatedly slammed into Zelgius who had pain shooting all through his body. He wouldn't give this thing the satisfaction of him screaming in pain. Darkness finally stopped as he stared down at Zelgius who was shaking. Hen smiled when he heard a grunt of pain as well the blood pouring from Zelgius and through his armor.
Darkness pushed off Zelgius with his foot as he turned towards his army. "Hunt them down and kill them."
Zelgius eyes widened as he knew what he was talking about. 'Twilight. TWILIGHT!' Zelgius felt his strength returned as he stood to his full height glaring at Darkness who turned to star at Zelgius.
"WHY WON'T YOU DIE!?" Darkness shouted as he rushed towards Zelgius with his hand poised for his neck only for Zelgius to grab his right hand an inch away from his neck. "Wha..." He was cut off as Zelgius swung his sword down until was resting on the ground. Zelgius stood up and let go of Darkness hand. Darkness remained in the same spot before his body began to separate from each other from his head down to his hip.
Zelgius watched with a blank look as he saw the body fall to the ground with dark blood began pouring out. Zelgius sighed then turned towards the things who simply stared at Zelgius whose adrenaline wore off. "Who's next?"
"Not many can defeat my general." A voice spoke from behind causing Zelgius to try to turn around only to feel pain erupt from his stomach. Zelgius looked down to see a shadow sticking through his gut. "I won't kill you. I have plans for you. I will give you one more gift."
Zelgius screamed as he felt his body was like on fire while the owner of the voice was laughing.
"HOW COULD YOU!?" Twilight shouted with anger at Axehoof while her horn glowed with everypony looking at her with nervous looks.
"Um Twi I think..." Twilight glared at her brother. "Never mind!" He quickly backed away while Twilight turned her attention back to Axehoof who simply stared at her with a sad look.
"WHY!?"
Axehoof stared at her then spoke. "He made me promise to look after you"
Twilight still glared at him until she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her. Turning her head she saw her friends with sad smiles as they held their friend in a hug. Twilight eyes softened before tears began to form in them. She quickly began to sob with her friends jus embracing her.
Axehoof stared at her sadly before turning his attention back to the rulers. "What do we now your majesties?"
The rulers glanced at Celestia who for once seemed lost on what to do. "I don't know."
Everypony looked down with sadness. "I think the first thing we should is to find shelter for everypony."
Celestia glanced at all the guards and citizens who all seemed tired. "That would be best for now."
Twilight finally calmed down but still had a few tears in her eyes. "Thanks." Her friends smiled at her.
Everypony began to freak out as a dark portal opened above them. The citizens were shaking in fear while the guard stood in their stances. Axehoof lifted his axe up growling. "Let them come! This guard is going to avenge his friend and home!"
Shining stepped up next to him pulling his sword out. "Get in line."
Everypony got into stances as they waited for whatever to come out of the portal. They all jumped as they heard laughter. "I give you all a gift. Do try to take care of it will you?" The voice spoke in a mocking tone.
"WHO ARE YOU!?"
Instead of receiving an answer there was a loud thud sound as something fell out of the portal with it closing after it. The ponies rushed towards the thing only to gasp. Twilight was the first to react. "ZELGIUS!" She rushed toward the fallen knight.
Zelgius layed on the ground with pouring from the wound on his stomach. His once proud armor was covered in crack and scratches and looked ready to break. His helmet was broken where you could see the whole area around the eye.
Shining shook his head before shouting. "MEDIC!"
Deep in Canterlot, within the palace where Celestia once sat, was nothing but darkness with the only thing being the monsters standing inside the throne room.
"Now Equestria is next." A voice spoke seemingly coming from nowhere. Where the throne chair was nothing even as a pair of glowing red eyes opened.
"Medic!" Shining shouted breaking everypony out of their trances. Two guard ponies forward where they began to try to help Zelgius. Twilight and her friends tried to rush towards him only to be blocked by Guards.
"Get out of the way! That's our friend!" Rainbow shouted as she glared daggers at the guard in front of her who still wouldn't let them past.
"Quick put a tent up! We need to get him inside!"
"Yer better move unless ya wanna be bucked into next week!"
Twilight horn glowed as she prepared to move these guards out of her way only to feel a pair of hooves wrap around her. Looking out of the corner of her eye she saw Cadence looking at her. "Twilight, you friends and you must stop."
"But..."
The Guard are doing everything they can to help. Even the doctors."
Twilight was quiet before she threw her hooves around her crying. Her friends also backed down with sad looks while the normally stoic guards only glanced at them with sad looks.
Shining stared at his sister with sadness then turned his head to Zelgius who was being carried into a tent. The last thing Shining saw of him was his limp hand hanging loosely. Shining sighed then turned and began to walk towards Celestia who's was talking with her sister.
"We have to launch a counter strike!" Luna shouted.
"Luna, we do not have the strength or morale in order to do so."
"Sister those things marched into Canterlot killing everything in their path! They almost even managed to almost kill Sir Zelgius!"
Celestia sighed. "Luna I can understand you wanting to drive those things out of our home, but now is not the time. We need to think things through."
Luna wanted to say more but was cut off as Shining coughed causing the two to look towards him. "We are not sure what to do your majesty. The guard are completely exhausted, the citizens are in unrest."
The two rulers were silent when Celestia spoke. "Have everypony get a good night rest. In the morning, we must be prepared to move out."
Shining nodded his head and turned his to walk away. "Captain."
Shining stopped as he heard Celestia voice. "Make sure Twilight is ok."
Shining didn't speak but only nodded his head as he walked away. As he walked through the crowd he stared at the ponies. He could see the despair and fear in them. Despair that they had lost loved ones in the battle and fear that the enemy would attack to finish what they started. What got his attention was a young colt being hold as he cried. Looking closer he recognized the resemblance to the colt that was buried underneath the rubble he saw. Shining gritted his teeth as he looked up towards Canterlot. Whoever was behind this would pay.
Shining walked towards the tent and not surprised he saw Twilight and her friends along with his wife. He could see in that they had been crying from how red they were. Shining walked over to his wife where he nuzzled her while she returned it. "Any word?" He was answered by her shaking her head no. Shining glanced over to where Zelgius was taken but couldn't see inside causing him to sigh.
That was when he felt sunlight reflect off of something causing it to go into his eye. Turning he saw Alondite stabbed into the ground where Zelgius had fallen from the portal. Still staring Shining walked towards it causing the main six to glance at with curious looks as was his wife. Shining stopped a foot away from it as he stared at it. Raising a hoof he grasped the handle and pulled only for the blade not to budge an inch. As he stared he could feel it....'Crying.' No pony could feel it but he did. He even felt his sword trying to offer comfort to it.
Shining glanced towards where Zelgius was being worked on in order to save his life. 'You can't die Zelgius.' Shining glanced to his sister who seemed to really be hit hard by it. 'You still have ponies who care for you.'
Everypony were silent as they stood outside the tent that Zelgius had been taken into to. Shining Armor stood with his arms crossed and looked to be calm, but if anypony had looked at him more closely they would see him gripping his sword tightly with his magic swirling around only for it to disappear then reappear.
Rainbow Dash the most confident of the group was even silent. She didn't seem to have all that confidence she always displayed anymore. Her eyes were full of worry as she kept glancing around nervously while occasionally looking towards the tent in hopes The Black Knight wold emerge completely healed. it never happened.
Pinkie one fluffy mane was completely down. The party planner no longer had one of her bright smile she always had but instead seemed to have no happiness anymore. Her eyes were full of tears. The party mare for once was silent and not speaking a word.
Applejack was in the same boat though she had her hat bent over her face so no pony could see her tears in her eyes.
Fluttershy was standing next to Rarity who had tears in her eyes while also glancing at Twilight. Her makeup she normally wore was dripping down her face. Fluttershy had walked over towards her and hugged her friend while also haveing tears in her eyes.
Twilight stood by the tent and had not taken her eyes off it ever sine she had walked over to her spot. She kept having her thoughts going a mile per minute. She couldn't help but feel what would happen if Zelgius didn't survive? Everypony would be sad of course! The silent figure that everypony had came to known and loved was injured. He even risked his life! Not just for the ponies he knew but for everypony! Now he lays in there wounded. Would anypony be able to tell him what they were thinking. Would she be able to tell him she loves......
Twilight stopped her train of thought at that. Did she love him? She knew she began developing feelings for him even though he wasn't a pony. Even if she did, would Zelgius even return those feelings? He was....not a pony. Would that even mean he looked at other races?
'Zelgius....'
Everypony perked up when they heard the flap of the tent opening and saw a pony with a doctor suite walk out. Before anypony could say anything, Twilight had rushed up to him. "Is he alright? Will he make it? Can we see him?"
The pony stared at her for a few minutes causing everypony to hold their breaths. "He will live." Everypony released their breaths and breathed again. "However, I hate to tell you but he is in a coma and we don't know when he will wake up." Everypony eyes widened at what he said.
"You mean...he won't ever wake up?" Shining was the first to voice.
"I didn't say that. It's just we don't when he will wake up." The doctor spoke. They could still tell he didn't want to say what could be a possibility of Zelgius never waking up again.
Thye doctor walked pass them but not before answering their other question. "You can see him."
As the words left his mouth, Twilight rushed inside before anypony. Looking around she could see ponies laying on cots covered in bandages. Some were even missing limbs. The groaning of pain could be heard. Twilight glanced left and right looking for Zelgius. When she looked up at the farthest end and saw his armor. Trotting over to it, she stared at it. The once beautiful armor had holes in it and was cracked. Glancing to her left she saw Zelgius for the first time without his armor. She noticed he was handsome even though he wasn't a pony.
Zelgius lay in the cot. Around it she ould see blood stains and knew it was from him. Zelgius had bandages covering his entire chest area. They had even wrapped a bandage around his head. Twilight took in his physical appearance as well. She saw what she could that he appeared to be muscular. He had no fur on his body except for a blue mane atop his head. She stepped towards him until she stood by his cot. Glancing over she saw Alondite in it's sheath by his armor.
She didn't pay attention to that though but stared at Zelgius. She soon heard the sound of hooves and knew it was here friends and brother. The group soon stood by the bed staring at Zelgius. "So that's what he looks like." Rainbow commented.
No pony said anything. "It's not fair!" Everypony glanced over towards Rainbow who was shaking. She had tears in her eyes but Twilight couldn't tell if it was from trying to hold back her sobs or anger. "I should have been there helping him! He shouldn't be like this!"
Applejack pulled her into a hug. "All of us do, but being angry ain't going to help it though." Applejcak spoke softly though Rainbow still shook.
Twilight glanced over towards her brother only to see he had lay a hoof on Zelgius. "You are really a guardian my friend. Even someone I could call brother."
Everypony were silent as they heard him spoke. Zelgius. Did you not care about your own life? You willing to die for others. Twilight once again had many thoughts going through her mind.
"Excuse me." The whole group turned towards the entrance of the tent to see a guard standing there. "The princesses have requested an audience with you all."
The whole group nodded at each other and began to make their way towards the exit though Twilight remained back still staring at Zelgius. She walked closer towards him until she stood an inch from him. I shouldn't....She soon began to lower her lips slowly down towards Zelgius. Shining stopped at the exit when he noticed his sister hadn't came out yet. Glancing bank he saw her kissing Zelgius. He couldn't help but smile though it was small. 'Looks like you do have somepony. Do you return those feelings though.'
Twilight backed away with a blush then turned and trotted out.
Celestia, with Cadence and Luna, stood around a map that lay across a table. The three were inside a tent that was designed as the main headquarters for now. Soon the flap opened up and walking inside was Axehoof who was soon followed by Shining Armor and the group. Shining walked over to his wife and nuzzled her which she returned.
Luna glanced around the table to see everypony then finally spoke. "As you know Canterlot has fallen." She glanced around to see no pony saying anything then continued. "The enemy has declared war on everything."
"Any idea what they want princess?"
Luna and Celestia exchanged uneasy glanced which everypony noticed. "We do."
Everypony became confused at what they said while Luna summoned a scroll that was black in appearance. She lay it across the table. What the group made them gasp in shock and anger. The scroll was completely black. All except for the red writing. The writing that was pony blood. "Is....that...?" Rarity trailed off.
"Yes. It is written in blood."
"Where did it come from?"
The two rulers were quiet then Celestia spoke. "The doctor that operated on Zelgius brought it to us."
Everypony were confused. "Why would a doctor have it?"
"He found it.......buried in Zelgius." Everypony eyes widened.
"He...."
Luna nodded her head while there was anger in her eyes. "Whoever did that to sir Zelgius buried tht scroll into him."
"That no good varmint! Ah will buck whoever did that to our friend!" The others nodded their head in agreement.
"What does the scroll say?" Axehoof asked.
The whole group stared at the scroll.
I see you have gotten my.....message haha. I write to you now to let you know that I have decided to hold back my army from completely annihilating this world. So, I offer you this. Gather all forces you can and meet my army in battle. The prize is Equestria itself. You have.....Well, I will know when you are ready and do make it where there is a better fight will you? So hurry up little ponies hahah. Give my regards to that....black armored figure will you HAHAHAHAHA
"He plans on wiping out every living thing on Equestria?"
Everypony were silent thinking over what the message just said. "We need to hurry then."
"So we basically have to unite all other races?" Applejack asked.
"Yes, you do." Everypony glanced over to the entrance of the tent and saw Zelgius standing there with Alondite at his hip. He only wore armor on his lower body. "of course I will be helping. Don't count me out just yet." Zelgius spoke with a smile.
Zelgius stood there at the table along with the main six, Shining Armor and the Princesse's as they stared down at the map of Equestria. They knew the plan but the problem was who would they try first? Zelgius stared down at the map with narrowed eyes as the others talked around him.
"There is no way the griffons will help! They much rather watch us die."
"Their king may be a stubborn old geezer, but even he knows when help is needed."
'Griffons huh? I wonder if their history rememberers me.' Zelgius thought in worry as he sighed.
Glancing over he saw the ponies generals arguing while Shining Armor was trying for them to be quiet which only served for them increase in volume. Zelgius glanced back down at the map and happened to see the area called the badlands. The direction where the changelings were blown away. Zelgius glanced at it more and more then finally made his choice. "I have a suggestion!" Zelgius shouted causing all chatter to stop and look at him.
"Zelgius?" Shining Armor asked while Zelgius sighed already knowing all the ponies were going to hate this idea.
"We are going to head here." Zelgius spoke while pointing down at the spot causing everypony to look at him in confusion.
"The badlands? Why?"
"This was where the changeling horde was sent."
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!?" Shining Armor yelled with all the ponies agreeing with him.
"We are going to need their help if we are to drive back this darkness." Was Zelgius comeback.
"They would not help us. Especially since you single handily helped drove them out. I honestly think they would rather have your head on a pike." Celestia spoke up from the side causing Zelgius to glance at her.
"My sister is right Sir Zelgius. Even if we agreed to talk. What if they just want your head?"
Zelgius was silent for a few minutes then slowly turned his attention back to the map making everypony think they changed his mind. "Tell me something," Zelgius spoke up causing everypony to stare at him as he turned around to face them. "What does a monster fear?"
"Duh! A heroic hero who was sent to slay it."
"Take away the hero and what does it fear?"
The ponies all glanced around at each other. None of them seemed to know where this was going.
“The only thing a monster fears is a bigger monster,” Zelgius spoke causing the ponies to glance at him with realization. Zelgius pointed up towards the sky with a finger. "That thing 'is' the bigger monster. There is also another saying as well."
"What would that be?" One of the guard generals asked.
"The enemy of my enemy.......is my friend. Chrysalis may hate ponies........and me. Once she discovers that thing is a more dangerous threat then she will help us."
All around the table there were small murmurs amongst them. Zelgius glanced at them each slowly. His eyes landed on Shining Armor who simply stared at him with a neutral expression on his face before sighing as he walked over towards Zelgius.The tow stared at each other with neither backing down from the other's stare. "I don't like it. The princesses don't like it. You can definitely bet that the ponies won't like it. However, that thing needs to be stopped. I'm in." Shining spoke.
"That's all I'm asking."
"You playing a dangerous game Zelgius." Celestia spoke.
"Game!? What game!? How come I wasn't told!? I wanted to play!" Everypony ignored Pinkie yelling.
"Even if we go. How will we find them?"
Zelgius smirked at her question causing everypony to become nervous at his smirk. Zelgius simply turned and walked out of the tent with most of the ponies walking after him. "Zelgius how are we going to find them? Zelgius?"
"We don't."
"You just said to find-"
"We don't find them." Zeligus turned to face all the ponies still with a smirk and his next words caused them to become full of dread. "They find us."
Celestia sat in her room staring at the amulet that her father had given her and Luna, a thousand years ago. "Zelgius." Celestia had never stopped thinking about The Black Knight that was her and sister's guardian. She chuckled as she recalled a memory of Zelgius joining a tea party. Though the two had to use puppy dog eye's, they were able to get him to join them. Their father and mother had walked in just as Zelgius said something silly, causing them to laugh. Celestia had a tear come out of her eye.
"Sister?" A voice spoke causing Celestia to turn, seeing her sister by her door with a worried expression. "Luna, I didn't hear you." Luna didn't speak but instead walked over towards her sister to stare at the amulet. "Thou was thinking of Zelgius." Celestia didn't speak but nodded her head causing her sister to nuzzle her with a tear forming in her as well. "We miss him as well."
Celestia sat the amulet down on her desk, turning towards her sister. "We should go and begin preparing for the wedding." Luna nodded her head. The two walked out of Celestia room, unaware of the amulet letting out a twinkle.
"Where...am I?" Zelgius spoke as he slowly opened his eyes. All he saw was a red space with nothing in here. "What?" As he tried to process what was going, that's when his eye's widen as he remembered. "Solace." He tried to move, but couldn't. "I guess I'm stuck here for the time being." Zelgius looked nowhere in particular he saw he was in, some sort of room. "Strange." He looked closer and saw the room had some signs of the sun. He also saw a bed that had covers and pillows but couldn't really tell what color they were.
"Did......check.....here?" Zelgius heard a voice, or something like it. He looked or tried to through the red gem, but most of everything was red he stared at. That was when he saw something. There were two of them. They looked like ponies but had insect like characteristics. They have black carapace-like coats, webbed manes and tails, reflection-less eyes, fangs, bent horns, jagged ears, insect-like wings, and holes in their legs.
He could only watch as they searched the room. "Ok, we can stay here till the signal." One spoke.
The other walked over and picked up the amulet. "Check this out!" The other one walked up. "Whoa! That is a pretty one." Zelgius could only watch as they tossed him around. "What say we toss it out the window? Might give the two something to play with." Zelgius became confused at what they said. "Two?" Before he could think more he saw himself being tossed out a window, then felt himself bounce around, then landed in a alleyway.
"What is going on?" Zelgius thought as he stared at the streets, seeing ponies in different clothes, that they didn't wear before. "How long have I been asleep?" He then watched as there were screams of terror, as the bug ponies broke through a shield of some kind. Zelgius watched as the guard were overwhelmed easily. "They harm innocents!?"
Zelgius also watched the changelings battled six ponies, only to be captured themselves. "I can't let this go on." He began to struggle but not making any progress, nor did he hear the gem cracking. "Mommy!" Zelgius stopped struggling to see what was going on.
"Mommy help me!" A young Pegasus filly screamed while running away from the Changelings that were chasing her.
"Leave her alone!" The mother shouted. The mare and her daughter thought it was a good idea to hide in one of the alleyways of Canterlot, that Zelgius was in. The Pegasus mother tried to get to her daughter until she was blasted by a green shot of magic.
"Grab her, and bring her to me!" A Changeling ordered. "Yes sir!" The other two replied while grabbing the young filly by her mane. They roughly dragged her over to her mother and threw her in front of her.
The mother quickly grabbed the filly and held her close.
"Mommy I-I'm scared." The filly said while tears started to form in her eyes.
"Shhhh its OK, everything will be OK." The mother said, trying to calm her daughter.
"What do we do with them?" A Changeling asked.
One of the changeling's stared at them. "Kill them." The changeling ordered causing the mother eyes to widen and her to pull her filly closer to her. Zelgius struggled more as the changelings horns glow, pointing them at the two ponies. As the changelings fired, the gem broke. The spells hit where the ponies had stood. "That takes care of that."
They turned to walk away. "You think you can try to kill innocent's?" A voice spoke causing them to turn back around and look into the dust. What they saw caused their eye's to widen . Standing in front of the unharmed ponies was a bipedal figure in black armor that covered his entire body. It was also holding a sword in it's right hand.
One of the changeling's quickly shook off it's shock. "Kill them!" The three changeling's gathered more magic, only for Zelgius to swing his sword sending a shockwave that cut down the changelings. Zelgius turned to the ponies. "Are you two alright."
The mother looked at the creature in front of her. "What are you?"
Before he could answer he heard something and spun slashing three changeling's in half. Zelgius turned back to face the mother only to see they were looking at him in horror.
"You killed them."
Zelgius didn't reply back to that. He took a step causing the two flinch. "Leave us alone!" The mother yelled while pulling her filly closer to her. Zelgius stopped, then turned around. "I suggest you hide in one of the building." The mother nodded her head as she and her daughter slowly walked past it.
Zeligus went to walk but stopped when he heard singing . He looked towards the sound to see another one of those thing's only it looked different then the others. "I'm going to guess that's there queen." Zelgius thought as he stared at the place she had stood, then turned his attention the thing's blocking his way in.
"Let's see if my swordsmanship has rusted." Zealgius thought as he walked forward. He saw most of the thing's were to busy chanting. He stood behind one, that he could of killed but didn't. "Not a honorable thing to do." Zelgius tapped it on the shoulder. The changeling turned only to gasp as it backed up. "What is that!?" The changelings looked at him, then turned and saw Zelgius with his sword raised.
"Surrender!"
The changeling's watched it raise it's sword only to swing down sending a shockwave that cut into the changelings. They were shocked at what happened, but that quickly turned to anger. Their horns glowed, as they fire spells at Zelgius who didn't move but instead let all of the magic bolts hit him; a giant cloud of smoke covered the area that Zelgius was standing in.
The changelings looked at the cloud of smoke for any sign of movement. "Did we kill it?" One changeling asked, only to be answered by a sword slashing his face in half. Zelgius moved, cutting down any changeling that attacked him as he made his way up the stairs. "These thing's don't know how to fight." Zelgius thought as he slashed three changeling's. "The griffons fought better then these thing's"
Zelgius thrust his sword through a changeling then pulled his sword out causing the changeling to fall down the stairs. Zelgius heard buzzing and looked up to see five changelings diving at him. He brought his sword to his left side then swung it, sending out a shockwave cutting them down. He turned and walked back towards the palace.
He opened the door to see ten changeling's that turned and looked at him. Zelgius rushed and cut them down. He stared at the bodies, then turned towards the final doors, or he a least thought they were.
Chrysalis was trying to contact her soldiers in the hive mind but wasn't getting a answer from the ones outside. "Why have they not answered?" Chrysalis growled as she walked in back in just in time to see Twilight trying to free Cadence.
"What do you think you are doing"? Chrysalis asked while using her magic to lift Twilight up.
"I was just ehm trying to free Cadence that’s all." Twilight replied with a cheeky smile. Chrysalis tossed over to her friends. "Twilight!"
"Come to me my subjects." Chrysalis commanded.
Ten changeling's that were in the room walked up to her. "What is it my queen?" One of her subjects asked.
"Take your men and see if there are any guards inside of the castle." Chrysalis ordered.
"But my queen; we already scouted the entire castle twice I do not think that--."
"DO IT NOW! THAT IS AN ORDER! ALSO, TELL THE ONE"S OUTSIDE THAT THEY BETTER HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR NOT ANSWERING ME!" Chrysalis shouted.
"Y-Yes your majesty." The Changeling replied. "You heard the queen, move out!" A changling ordered. The doors of the palace opened as six of the Changelings flew out of the room, leaving Chrysalis with only four Changelings as guards.
"Now as for you two." Chrysalis said while giving Princess Cadence and Shining Armor a mischievous glare. "I'm going to make the two of you suffer."
"I will not let you hurt them!" Twilight shouted as she and her friends stood facing the queen who laughed.
""And what are you going to do about it, I defeated Celestia. What makes you think I can’t defeat you?" Chrysalis asked mockingly.
The ponies glared at her."Exactly! You can sit and watch how my Changelings conquer all of Equestria! Hahahaha." Chrysalis said laughing manically.
"Twilight don’t!" Cadence pleaded.
"Silence!" Chrysalis shouted. "Come now Shining Armor." Chrysalis said while using her mind control spell to make Shining Armor walk over to her.
"I wouldn’t want my husband to miss out on all the fun now would I?" Chrysalis asked mockingly. She walked over to Cadence."How does it feel to have everything you love taken from you?" Cadence glared at her causing the queen to laugh.
"GAH!"
"What is that thing!?"
"It doesn't matter!Kill it!"
There where screams of terror as all of the ponies and Changelings listened to what was going on just outside of the wedding hall.
"What is going on out there?" Chrysalis asked.
"I do not know your majesty." A Changeling replied as he stared at the door.
"You two!" Chrysalis pointed at two changelings. "Go see what is going on!" The two changeling's nodded their heads and walked outside the doors. Everypony and Changeling were silent.
"GAH!" Chrysalis jumped slightly in fear, as did her subjects.
Zelgiius walked through the hallway to the throne room. He rounded a corner to see ten changelings coming out of a door. He swung his sword, sending another shockwave that cut some down. "Gah!"
The changeling's stared at him with wide eyes. "What is that thing!?" Zelgius readied his sword. "It doesn't matter! Kill it!" The changelings rushed him while Zelgius cut them down. Some of the changelings let out screams of terror. Zelgius walked past the bodies, only to swing his sword as two more changeling's came out of the doors. "GAH!"
Chrysalsi backed up to the changelings, that stayed in the room to protect her. "You two, attack whatever did that!" Chrysalis ordered. The Changelings nodded in response. They started to run towards the doors as a figure stepped inside slicing them in half. Chrysalis looked at the scene in horror, her two subjects laid dead on the hardened floor of the wedding room. She stared at the figure at what appeared to be a bipedal creature that wore black armor.
"W...what are you?" Chrysalis asked as everyone stared at it.
"Your so called army is attacking innocent civilians, and from the looks of it." Zelgius said completely ignoring her question.
'Why am I, queen Chrysalis afraid of this thing!?' Chrysalis thought. "I do not know what you are, but I queen Chrysalis am going to make you pay for the things you have done!" Chrysalis roared while shooting a bolt of magic at Zelgius who let it hit him. The ponies eye's widen when there was no burn, or any mark. "Impossible!"
"Your majesty, I suggest you surrender." Zelgius spoke. "How about you just die!" Chrysalis shouted as shot more magic at Zelgius, which just bounced off his armor. Zelgius rushed at Chrysalis.
"Seriously, what is that thing?!" Rainbow shouted.
"I don't know, but I think it's on our side." Twilight said.
All the ponies watched as it swung it's sword at Chrysalis who summoned shields, only to have them break. She would then teleport away, only to summon another shield as a shockwave hit her. She summoned another shield as Zelgius sword hit her shield sending her flying across the ground. Chrysalis tried to stand back to her hooves, but stopped when she saw a sword pointed by her throat. She slowly looked up to see Zelgius standing above her.
While this happened, Twilight over to the bride. "Quickly, go to him while you still have the chance." Twilight said while freeing Cadence from the sticky Changeling goo that had her hoofs tied to the ground.
Cadence quickly made he way over to Shining Armor; she looked at her husband and laid a hood on his muzzle. She shed a tear and hugged him tightly. Suddenly sparks came out of her horn, and suddenly a small heart appeared and made it's way over to Shining Armor's head. The heart popped in front of his head.
"Huh? wha, huh? Is-is the wedding over?" Shining Armor asked. Cadence smiled in response.
"Quickly! Preform your spell." Twilight said.
No." Shining Armor said while trying to preform the spell. His horn gave of some sparks but no magic came out of it. "My power is useless now, I don't have the strength to repel them" Shining Armor said defeated.
Cadence trotted over towards him and gave him a hug. "My love will give you strength." Cadence said while hugging him tightly.
"After this, they will attack you." Chrysalis mocked. Zelgius didn't reply back. "They will fear you."
"Perhaps, but I swore to protect them no matter what." Chrysalis stared at him. "Who are you?" Zelgius opened his mouth but stopped when he heard a sound. Him and Chrysalis turned to see what it was.
Shining Armor closed his eyes and hugged her back. Suddenly Shining Armor's horn started glowing; Cadence horn did the same. Their horns connected with one another and a bright purple/pink light covered them. Cadence one's messed up mane and coat wer returned to its normal state and her energy returned, Shining Armor's energy seemed to have returned to him as well.
The light became brighter and brighter, suddenly Cadence and Shining Armor's eyes became a bright white and the light became so bright that everybody had to close their eyes. Suddenly a big heart appeared. The magical energy became bigger and bigger until it 'exploded' sending a huge wave of magic across Canterlot. Zelgius watched as it passed over him but not doing anything.
"AAAAAHHH." Zelgius turned to see Chrysalis being blasted off, with her changelings. Zeligus stared for a few minutes then sheathed his sword. He walked back into the room, but saw the ponies weren't paying attention to him. "Good."
Cadence and Shining Armor landed on the ground and hugged each other. Twilight quickly trotted over towards the recently freed Princess Celestia.
"I'm fine, you have a real wedding to attend to." Celestia said in her motherly tone.
"Whoa wait one minute." Rainbow Dash said.
"What is it Dash?" Applejack asked.
"I know we're all happy and so, but we still don't know what that thing is!" Rainbow Dash said while pointing her hoof at Zelgius.
What is that thing?!" Shining Armor yelled.
Eveypony stared at Zelgius with different expressions on their faces, some were looks of terror, others were looks of curiosity. Celestia eye's were wide. "It can't be!" She walked towards the figure. She ignored the ponies yelling for to stay away. Zelgius stared at the white pony walking towards him. "She......looks familiar."
Celestia stopped in front of Zelgius. "Princess get away from it!" Celestia ignored them, as tears began to form in her eye's. "Why is she crying?"
"Zelgius?" The knight blinked. "How does she know my name?"
"It's me....Celestia." Zelgius eye's widened. "Tia?"
Celestia jumped, wrapping her hooves around Zelgius who returned it. The ponies weren't sure what was going on.
"It is you!" Zelgius didn't answer but held her as she cried.
"Um, princess I don't want to interrupt, but what is that?" Twilight asked.
Celestia pulled away still smiling. "This Zelgius, The Black Knight. He was Luna and I guardian. Along with our parent's." The ponies eye's widen, as they stared at him. "You never said you had a guardian aunt." Zelgius eyes widened then stared Celestia. "Aunt?"
"You have been gone a long time Zelgius." He saw afraid to ask but had to know. "How long?" He didn't get a immediate answer. "Two thousand years."
They watched as he looked at her. "Two thousand years huh."
"You not freaking out." Celestia stated. "I don't."
"Hey don't forget about me!" Spike shouted while running towards Zelgius. He stopped and looked up at him while Zelgius stared down at him.
"Wow, you are so cool." Spike said in awe.
"Thanks kid, your not to bad yourself." Zelgius said while giving him a pat on his head.
"You heard that Twilight he thinks I'm cool." Spike said.
"Yes, I heard that Spike." Twilight replied.
"Well let's get this wedding started!" Pinkie shouted.
"Wedding?" Zelgius asked staring at the ponies.
"Oh I almost forgot." Cadence said. "My name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, but you can call me Cadence."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness." Zelgius bowed. "There's no need for that." Zelgius stood back up and stared at the other pony next Cadence.
"And I'm Shining Armor, captain of the royal guard." Shining said.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said while giving him a smile that for some reason made him feel warm inside.
"My name is Rarity, a pleasure to meet you darling." Rarity said.
"Pleasure's all mine madam." Rarity gave a giggle. "A gentlecolt with manners.
"My name's Rainbow Dash! Fastest flyer in all of Equestria!" Rainbow Dash said.
"My name is Pinkie Pie! And I'm going to throw you the best Welcome to Equestria and thank you for saving Princess Cadence and Shining Armor's wedding party ever! "Pinkie said.
Zelgius didn't speak, but stared at the next pony."Mah name's Applejack, pleasure to meet ya partner." Applejack said.
"A pleasure to meet you too."
"Well I think we better start cleaning the rest of this mess, and like I said before: You have a real wedding to attend to." Celestia said.
"Yeah let's." Twilight said with a smile.
With that said, everybody was preparing the wedding, Fluttershy and her song birds preparing the music, Pinkie Pie hosting the reception, Applejack taking care of the catering of the reception, Rainbow Dash was going to do a sonic rainboom when the bride and groom would complete their I do's, Rarity being responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bride maids, and Twilight making sure everything goes as planned. Zelgius walked across the castle grounds scanning for any trouble. Celestia sighed as she saw him. "Never stop does it."
Zelgius stopped to stare at a wedding. "Invited to a wedding." He thought as he stood by the altar with his arms crossed. The ponies gave him looks of curiosity, while others had looks of a little fear. He watched out of the corner of his eye to see Twilight straitening Shining bow with her magic. He then heard music playing. He watched as two guards opened the door, letting three fillies come through first. Behind them was Cadence.
"Seriously, though." he heard Twilight say to Shining Armor. "I get why the Queen of the Changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?"
"I told her she wouldn't just be gaining a husband, she'd be getting a pretty great sister, too."
Zelgius also watched Rarity wiper her tears, letting Applejack put her hat on while still giving looks to see if Rarity was looking. He watched as Cadence walked up to the altar. "Mares and gentlecolts," started Princess Celestia when everypony was ready, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza..."
"Princess Cadance is fine." interrupted her the bride, smiling uncomfortably.
Celestia smiled warmly at her niece before she continued:
"The union of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable."
"May we have the rings please?" asked Celestia, glancing at Spike.
Spike presented to her the pillow he's been holding that had the rings on it. A gold glow appeared around them as they were wrapped in Celestia's magic and lifted through the the air towards the couple.
"I now pronounce you mare and colt." she said as she put the wedding ring on their horns.
Zelgius watched as the newly-wedds stepped out to a balcony to wave to a huge crowd of even louder cheering ponies.
"This is your victory as much as theirs." he heard Princess Celestia say to Twilight after a while. He turned his head so that he could hear better. "You persisted in the face of doubt, and your actions led to your being able to bring the real Princess Cadance back to us. Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn." He watched Celestia stare at him and opened her mouth but he cut her off. "Don't even think about it." Celestia pouted.
They all turned their attention to Cadance and Shining Armor as they shared their first kiss as a married couple. It was a kiss that spoke of love and devotion.
"Rainbow Dash, that's your cue." whispered Celestia to the cyan mare.
Zelgius glanced at her, confused. For a heartbeat, Rainbow seemed to share this confusion, but soon her eyes went wide as if she remembered something. Smirking, she flew quickly through the window, leaving her dress behind.
What happened next had his eye's wide open underneath his helmet as he saw a rainbow appear. "That's.....new."
Zelgius stood next to Celestia looking with everypony else in the courtyard as the newly-wed started dancing.
"You know you don't have to wear your armor." Zelgius looked to see Twilight staring at him along with her friends. "I wear it for protection."
"She's right. You don't have to wear it anymore." Celestia spoke. Zelgius didn't say a word causing her to sigh. "You not going to take it off are you?" Zelgius answer was to shake his head.
"Hello, everypony. Did I miss anything?" he heard somepony ask and turned his head to the right. Luna smile turned to a suspicious look as she saw her sister smile mischievously. "Lulu, how did you miss him flying in?"
Luna looked confused until she saw a familiar dark armored figure staring at her. "Lulu." Before Zelgius knew it, he was tackled but didn't fall down. "Thou has returned Zelgy!" Zelgius sighed. "She still remembers that nickname."
She pulled away with tears in her eyes. "Shouldn't we wait after the wedding is over?" Luna nodded her, then turned to the newly-wed dancing.
Twilight nodded to Pinkie Pie, signaling her to start.
Pinkie reacted with the usual for her enthusiasm and run over to the mixer with gigantic speakers connected to it.
"Let's get this party started!" she shouted while pulling Vinyl Scratch, or, as she preferred to go by, DJ Pon-3 from under the mixer and together they started playing the music.
Pinkie threw Twilight the microphone, which she catched with her magic and started singing:
Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom,
Two hearts becoming one
A bond that cannot be undone because
Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You're starting a life and making room
For us (For us, For us....)
Your special day
We celebrate now, the pony way
Your friends are all right here
Won't let these moments disappear because
Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You're starting a life and making room
For us, (For us... For us...Aah...)
"She has a beautiful voice." Zelgius thought as he watched Twilight walk over to where the wine was, as well watching the ponies. dancing and having fun while he still stood there. "Thou should join the fun." Luna spoke from his side. He saw she and her sister were doing their own dancing. "Sorry but I pass." Zelgius turned to walk away while Luna and Celestia smiled at each other with their horns glowing. Before Zelgius knew what was happening, there was a flash and he was standing next to Twilight, who stared at him holding a glass of wine with her magic. "Zelgius?"
He stared down at her. "Madam Twilight." She just giggled. "Twilight is just fine." Zelgius nodded his head. "So you were the princesses guardian?"
"Yes."
"You must really know them well."
"Yes."
Twilight stared at him. "You don't talk much do you." Zelgius shrugged his shoulders. "Never had to." The two were silent, that soon became awkward. Zelgius stared at her as she took a sip of her wine. "You have a beautiful voice." Zelgius walked off unaware of the blushing unicorn behind him.
There were three pair of eye's watching them. "Are you really trying to those two up?" Luna asked. "You know that as far as we remember, that Zelgius had always cared about his duty and never found a loved one."
"So you trying to set him up with Twilight who also doesn't really care about relationships." Candence said.
"Yes." Candence smiled as did Luna. "I say we try it. Oh I can't wait to see another wedding!" Candence squeal causing the other two to look at her. "Doesn't that seem far away?" Candence didn't hear what they said. The two princesses sighed but still had smiles on their faces.
Zelgius stood away from the crowd, scanning them. "Hello Zelgius." The said person turned and saw Shining. "Captian....or I should I say prince?" Zelgius went to bow only for Shining to stop him with a hoof. "Just my name please." Zelgius nodded his head as he turned back to the party. The two were silent. "You know......I thought Celestia would reward you in front of everypony."
"She did." Shining gave him a look that said 'what'. "I told her no."
"Why did you that?"
"All I did was my duty." Shining stared at him then smiled. "I heard you good with a sword." Zelgius smiled underneath his helmet. "Perhaps we can spar sometime." Zelgius turned and stared at him. "I would like that."
Hello everyone,
I am just informing everyone that it may be a long while before I can write another chapter. It has gotten busy in the Army life but I will try to come out with more cha[ters till then peace.
First I would like to apologize for not updating this story. I had reached the dreaded writers block for this story, it however, does not mean I have given it up, though.
Also, I have coming up with ideas for an OC who wants to join the Royal Guard. The difference is he's a minotaur. Haven't seen a lot of minotaur ocs. Anyway have a good night/day.
