I
3,556 Years Ago
I tumbled through the inky black darkness for what seemed like ages. I fell and fell and fell until finally I saw a portal ahead of me. On the other side of it appeared to be a clearing in a forest. Eventually, I fell through it and onto the ground, although strangely enough I felt no pain from the sudden impact. I tried to groan as I stood up, but all that came out was an unearthly moan that scared the forest critters away.
What happened? Where am I?
Looking around I saw that I was in an old, old forest. This was made known by the moss and vines covering the tall trees, along with the wild brush consisting of ferns and other plants. Looking down, I saw two objects on the ground that I instantly recognized. One was a colossal sword with thorns wrapped around the area a guard would be, known as the Thorned Greatsword. The other was a large, ornate mirror fashioned into a shield, known as the King's Mirror. Picking them up, I found that they were surprisingly light, despite their size. Putting the sword down, I held the mirror with both hands and turned it towards myself, dread filling me as I took in my appearance.
I looked exactly like I did at the convention, only bigger. I was roughly nine and a half feet tall, with the same armor as the Looking Glass Knight. Serving as my head was a helmet with three weeping faces and a crown of thorns on top. For my chest was a large breastplate with a golden emblem of two dragons. My shoulders were now the faces of bearded men with thorny crowns. Covering my thighs was a plate-mail skirt. My feet, thankfully, still looked like feet, although they were made out of some form of steel or similar metal.
No...NOOO!
I tried to scream, but what came out was a demonic roar that shook some of the weaker branches of the trees around me. I can't eat, sleep, smell, or anything! And I like doing those things! I want to do those things! What about my parents!? My family!? I hyperventilated, but once again it all just sounded like unearthly moans.
Okay, let's try to look on the brighter side. I can see and hear. That's a plus. I'm also ageless. That's another plus. And hey, now I'm my favorite character!
Picking up my sword and shield, I decided to try and find someone who could change me back. God knows how people would react to me like this, but hopefully they wouldn't call 911 or something like that. And maybe...maybe I could find out if my parents are okay. God, I hope they are.
Wait, how am I gonna communicate with them? Charades? Eh, it will have to do for now.
And so I began my journey.
Present Day
I shook my head to snap out of my daydream. I looked around. My shield was laying against the trunk of the large old oak I had been laying against over the centuries, never once moving. My sword was by my side, resting. All around me were trees and plants that had claimed the cobblestone pathways and crumbled the pillars and columns of the indoor garden. Birds were chirping happily, and the other little creatures were scurrying around the area. I smiled internally. It was nice, sitting here under the shade, where everything was peaceful.
I looked towards the gaping hole in the brick wall on the far end of the room, where one of the Sisters magical blasts hit, having missed it's intended target. I sighed internally as I thought about the rebellion that lead up to the fight. My mind flashed to that night when Luna came to me, offering me to join her. And how the following morning Celestia had done the same thing. Luna had stormed off, and I never saw her again. Celestia, on the other hand, simply nodded and walked away, coming back once everything was over to say she was sorry. She still comes by every few years, but I ignore her everytime.
I heard the sound of hooves appoaching me, but I made no effort to move. Then I saw them, just coming up the hill towards me. Tia had come, and apparently Luna was back from her banishment, as she was with her. Luna looked the same as she did before she was corrupted by her anger and jealousy. Her ethereal mane and tail still looked exactly like the night sky as they waved in an unseen wind. Her navy blue coat still looked as pristine as ever. Tia had changed over the years, her mane changing from a light pink to a rainbow. Her white coat looked recently brushed and cleaned, as always. I stood up to my full height and crossed my arms, staring down at them as they stopped in front of me.
Why have you come? I asked, finally speaking for once after centuries of silence. It was a relief when I first met them and they could hear me, although there were some embarassing times where I had been thinking something and they heard it.
"To talk." Tia answered.
I motioned for her to continue.
"What we did was wrong. We shouldn't have tried to force you to pick a side. And...we're sorry." Tia apologized.
I turned to Luna. Anything to add, Luna?"
She shifted uncormfortably for a moment before finally looking up at me, eyes full of remorse. "We...I, am sorry. I was so blinded by my anger and jealousy that I couldn't see why you would turn me away. I thought you would join me because of how much you cared for the night. But I should have known better than to try to make you choose a side." Tears welled up in her big, azure eyes. "I'm sorry. We're sorry. Can you forgive us?"
I sighed internally. It was good that they now saw the error of their ways, but...could I trust them to not make the same mistakes? I thought on this for a moment before sighing internally again. I can only hope they don't do this again. I got down on one knee and opened my arms wide.
C'mere. Immediately I found myself embracing the two diarchs, their tears running down my armor. I pet their heads with a free hand, soothing them. We sat there for some time, until they finally stopped crying and I released them. So what now?
"Well..." Tia began.
Yes? I asked.
"You could come to Canterlot and live with us again." Celestia offered.
Wouldn't everypony run away in fear and start a panic? Like the first time? I asked.
"Nothing we can't handle." Luna replied.
Luna, when I moved in last time neither of you could keep your subjects calm. Only the guards remained calm, and I could tell they were scared out of their minds. Not to mention the constant...remarks.
"We've gotten better at it! Tia especially!" Luna said defensively.
I don't know...
"Please?" They said in unison, giving me their best puppy dog eyes.
Alright, alright. But only because it's you two. I conceded. Never could resist that cuteness of theirs.
"Yay!" They hoof pumped in victory whilst I picked up my sword and shield and followed them out of the garden, having to duck a little bit through the eight foot tall doors. I looked around. Despite this place being a crumbling ruin, it still retained some of it's former glory. Torn carpets and tapestries that were made from the finest silk, armor stands serving as fake sentinels, and old yet artistic architecture.
So, Tia, what have you been up to all this time? I asked as we turned another corner.
"Well, after I left I gathered my little ponies and searched for a spot to make a new capital. I couldn't bear staying here anymore, what with you giving me the cold shoulder and Luna being banished. Eventually, we decided to build the new capital on the nearby mountain. It took a few years, but in time we got it done." Tia informed.
I see, I see. You know...I am sorry about giving you the silent treatment, even if you did deserve it.
"Oh it's fine, I understand. Sure, it hurt to see you acting so cold, but I understand why you did it." She turned back to me and smiled. "Besides, we're together again, that's all that matters to me right now."
Awww...Come here you! I grabbed Tia and wrapped her in a hug, squeezing her.
"Ow ow ow! You're crushing me!" Tia exclaimed, struggling to escape my grip. Luna giggled as she watched before I snatched her up too.
"Ow ow! I can't breathe!" Luna shouted as she kicked and flailed. After squeezing them a bit more which earned me a squeak from both of them, I relented and let them go.
They both gasped for air for a moment before giving me the stink eye. I laughed and kept walking. Then I realized something.
Why are we walking? Can't one of you just teleport us? I asked.
"Oh, I forgot we could do that. Must have gotten caught up in the idea of a reunion." Tia said, blushing a little before teleporting us into a breathtaking throne room.
Marble seemed to be the main material for the castle, and it was marvelously carved, too. A long red carpet with deeper red trims led up to the throne. The throne was unlike the other thrones I remebered, what with there being no actual seat, just an oval-shaped back with a red cushion lined with gold. The throne itself lay upon a base of gold with two levels. The lower layer containined ponds on the sides where the ramp split it apart. These ponds trickled down into smaller ponds on either side of the base.
Stained glass windows, one pink, one purple, one blue, and one yellow were on either wall, depicting different scenes. The pink and purple ones were on the left wall while the yellow and blue ones were on the right. Marble columns lay inbetween the gaps between the windows. I let out a low whistle in my mind at the attention to detail. Then, I noticed the servant ponies and guards staring at me in shock and slight fear, before the guards rushed forward and surrounded me and pointed their spears at me. I sighed.
"Stand down, all of you!" Tia ordered.
"But Princess–!"
"No buts! This being has been a dear friend of mine for centuries! You will show him respect!" Tia demanded, giving them all a stern glare. The guards obeyed and lowered their spears, albeit reluctantly.
Wow Tia, didn't know you could be so strict, I teased.
"Oh hush you."
Luna cleared her throat, motioning to our audience.
"Oh, right. All of you head to the dining room and tell the rest of the staff to head there as well. Me and my sister will explain everything and answer any questions about our guest there. Alright?"
The ponies all uttered a 'Yes Princess' before filing out of the room. I smiled mentally before telling Tia and Luna that I was going to explore the castle for a bit and walking out of the room. The maids, butlers, and guards I passed by gave me looks, and a few of the guards tried to arrest me, but I ultimately scared them off with a few menacing swings from my sword.
Now, where are the gardens?
