The Alter Accords.

The Alter Accords

Chapter Five: Money Problems.

Velox was rather ‘bummed’ as Rainbow Dash had put it when she spied him coming out of city hall. He had talked to the mayor about properties around Ponyville and their costs and while they weren’t as high as some other properties say around Canterlot or Manehatten they were still far beyond his income level as it was now. He had even gone around looking for extra jobs to take on around town but the few that were open were more quick fix jobs only meant to be taken a time or two.

‘I need a stroke of luck right now, come on universe you owe me, send me something, an errant flyer for something that has a high bit reward, or returning a lost pet to a wealthy owner who pays handsomely.’ He was so caught up in his thoughts that the thump of the mailbag that Derpy was carrying shocked him enough to make him slightly jump. ‘OR a vital piece of mail that will contain all the answers I need to earn the bits works.’ “Hey Derpy, I take it I got mail?”

The gray mailmare nodded with a slightly goofy, yet adorable, smile. “I don’t know where you live so I have been holding onto your mail so next time I see you I can give it to you.”

Pulling out a tied stack of letters and hoofing it to him he smiled. “Thank you Derpy, do I need to sign anything?” A quick sign off on the package later and the Pegasus had to continue her route wishing him a good day.

He wanted to quickly dig into the pile to read what all it held but…he was in the middle of the road and blocking it. “Mind moving your rump?”

Swiftly doing so, he gave a sheepish smile and said sorry to the pony as she moved on. Taking the stack by the cord in his mouth he flew over to the Golden Oaks library and walked in.

Spike and Twilight were gone for the day or so having to go meet the Princesses yesterday so the library was currently being tended to by the dark blue Pegasus giving him a place to stay for a day. ‘Least that is what Twilight said, I think she may be feeling guilty I apparently no longer have a place to sleep.’

Either way it worked out for him, he needed to be in town a couple of days while he searched out jobs and opportunities. “Anyways let’s see what we have here.”

He eventually got through the mail, most of it being junk mail, and found a few opportunities. “Alright viable courses of action…hmmm I am not good thinking about that sorta thing.”

Taking a look around he made sure the windows were unoccupied since he had already had a close call before with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Once he was sure it was all clear in the windows he did a quick sweep of the library before the glow overtook him.

In his place the form of Lego was stretching out and taking everything in before heading over to the mail. “Alright let’s take a look at each letter individually.”

The first letter was from an acquaintance he helped out find something she was looking for. ‘As well as plenty of misfortune in the process…though, she looked to be having fun during the entire time even if she was stubborn about it, plus with the whole misunderstanding at the end there I am not even sure why she wrote me a letter.’

The second letter was from Photo Finish and remembering what happened with her had Lego shuddering. ‘While it would most likely be a good source of bits I just really don’t want to have to go to her for that. I mean what it took to get the info from her about Twilight was already too much and I really REALLY don’t want to do that again.’

The last possible letter of opportunity was a mixed bag for sure. ‘The hunters guild, I swear you do one job for them and they want to keep using your plot every chance they get. Hunting a hydra, not a chance even if the pay is pretty high and would give me a big boost, besides I would have to hunt with a group and I couldn’t change cause of that.’

Lego went to lie down and started to think about the solution. It was perhaps his strong suit since he was so slow in speed and cautious when it came to chances. Novo would have jumped to an experiment as soon as he thought he had everything even skipping past double checking. Velox would have just jumped at the first thing that seemed interesting as long as it wasn’t something that was obviously horrid.

‘Why are my forms so different from each other, I am the same person no matter which I am, but I think differently, seem to absorb knowledge differently, and overall almost seem like different ponies. One of the doctors that I showed my transformation, even if I had to pay him extra to keep it a secret said that it was due to my brain changing, spitting out different chemicals or something to that nature. To confirm it he would have to have a probe in my head as I changed and I am not having something in my head as it changes shape.’ Shuddering remembering when he had a piece of metal through one of his legs from a crash as Velox then trying to shift to Novo. ‘Never again, wont shift if there is broken bones or fractures and won’t change if something is inside me when I shift either, nearly lost my leg cause of that.’

Standing up and starting to glow, he changed to Novo the green coated Unicorn form of his. ‘Ok I can think faster as Novo but now that I switched twice I should really stay as him for today unless it’s really needed.’

The shape-shifter was about to go over the letters again when there was a knock at the door. “One moment!” He called out as he went over to check out who it was.

In the doorway was five stallions all of the same color mane and coat as well as wearing armor in various types to fit with their tribe. “Are you one of the Starshifter brothers, preferable Novo or Velox?”

It was the dawn guard, Celestia’s guard, and often the one seen hauling ponies in who have done something wrong. “Spike did it.”

The guard in the lead just looked confused before he realized what the Unicorn was talking about. “OH I am sorry we are not here to arrest you, but to escort you to meet the Princess.”

For some reason that thought terrified and strangely angered him, but he quickly squashed it down as he had before. ‘Got to find out why I react like that whenever I think about coming face to face with them but another day.’ Nodding he levitated his saddle bags over to him and settled them on his flanks. “Alright then as long as I am not being detained I do not mind coming, but do you mind telling me why you are bringing me?”

The guard that was in the lead that was bringing him to a chariot drawn by a few Pegai answered the question as they walked. “Not at all. Our instructions were to bring you and your brother to the palace in Canterlot to explain in detail about the method of channeling magic that your brother had shown.”

‘Panic, Panic and run!’ Squashing the idea down quickly so as not to show that thought on his face he smiled and said simply. “My brother is not around and I am not sure where he is. He was asked by Twilight to look after the library however he had to leave town on business just before you arrived so I am watching the library right now. I have no clue where he went so you may have to settle for me.”

The guard in the lead seemed to be about to say something when a Pegai dispatch flew in and landed in front of him. “No sign of the other we are to locate Captain. Several witnesses say that the Pegasus went to the library but if you are coming out of there he must not be there.”

Nodding, the Captain spoke to the reporting guard. “That is correct, Corporal, my sergeant scanned the library with magic and only found one inside and its one of the ones we are looking for. Continue searching but the unicorn says his brother just left town before we arrived.”

The squad saluted then flew off to continue the search as the Captain went up into the chariot. “Hop aboard Mr. Starshifter.”

Canterlot was a beautiful work of art, a city of majesty hanging onto the side of the mountain as delicately as a balancing crystal figure on a stand. Buildings rose up high but never as high as the palace that lay within the city. Spires that looked to flimsily made was a testament both to art and magic as Novo had once read that the structure was as strong as any Earth Pony fort from before the unification.

Problem was Novo couldn’t see any of it as in his mind all that was running through it was. ‘Oh my gosh, they are going to murder me, they are going to dissect me, they are going to know how I tick, they are going to know the moment I stand before them that I can switch, they will think I am a changeling when I am not, banishment to the moon, banishment to the sun, wait how would I even breath or live on the last two, what if it just pain that won’t let you die, BURNING ALIVE FOR A THOUSAND YEARS!’

Years of controlling himself made it so he was neutral looking on his face even if his inner mind was screaming like a foal that dropped their toy only to have it break. On the plus side Novo wasn’t aware he was already in the hall before the throne room cause of his inner musing, though that was quickly broken when he hear the next statement.

“Novo Starshifter from Ponyville.” The announcer called out as the doors opened to the throne room letting the Unicorn spot a couple of familiar figures as well as two that shook his resolve.

Twilight Sparkle, student to the Princess of the sun seemed to have been stopped mid speech as she had the look on her face that she had when exploring a topic she found fascinating. Spike looked bored out of his mind, but it was the other two that suddenly found the guest the most interesting that made Novo want to bolt.

“Come forward my little pony, we have much to talk about.” Came the gentle voice of the Sun Princess. The pink eyes were gazing at him with love and understanding though Novo seen none of it only terror seemed to permeate his mind. The flowing aurora of hair in soft pastels of blue, green, purple, and pink seemed to be flowing on wind that wasn’t present as the pure white Alicorn stood to greet him. She was a giant, even by pony standards, at least twice the height of her student with both the wings of a Pegasus that would be envied for their span, as well as a horn that would make even the loveliest of models envious, topped off with a lovely golden sun cutie mark to set it all off.

Beside the majestic ruler stood her diminutive younger sister of the night, at least diminutive compared to her sister even though she stood a head above other ponies naturally, Princess Luna as her voice joined in the welcome. “We welcome thee Starshifter and know that we are eager to hear how one discovered such talents that young Twilight Sparkle has spoken of.”

The princess of the night was similar to her sister but in an opposite direction. She had the same flowing hair as her sister, but instead of an aurora she had the nightscape in her hair, a field of stars that seemed to match all in the sky at night. Her coat was a lovely dark blue, deeper then Novo’s coat when he was Velox. She was also an Alicorn possessing both wings and horn that would make others of the respecting tribes weep for their beauty and like her sister her mark seemed to make everything meld together. On her flank was an inky spot of black that seemed to reflect no light but absorb it except where the crescent moon that was her mark was emblazoned.

Both Alicorns wore jewelry but compared to the natural loveliness of the princess they were easily over looked, even though others would say they complemented it instead.

That was the only thought of anything good before the Pegasus found the floor rushing up to him as he fainted.

The gradient grayscale of the dream assaulted him once more as he found himself in his familiar dream. However he quickly knew it wasn’t the same dream as before, he had sound he could hear voices all around him a crowd watching the spectacle that was here. Slowly the shadows of low standing buildings could be seen in the fog but never fully seen as six figures stood before in prominence before him.

“-What do you have to say for yourself?! How do you explain this injustice, this travesty and this monstrosity you brought about?” One of the six spoke in a deep male voice.

The next voice that spoke up was female and sounded as if she had more years then others carried with her, almost elderly. “You have done this of your own free will you admitted, but why? Weren’t we perfect? Weren’t we all that were needed?”

A third voice, a sad sounding but angry male voice called out to him now. “You leave us with no choice, for the good of Equus we do this.”

Star was expecting the bright spots to appear at first but instead he found he could see the six figures clearly as they stood proudly, though he recognized none of them he did recognize an important fact as the glowing started.

Wings spread and horns ablaze the six stood there as they prepared their spell. “Alicorns?” Star wondered right before he was hit with the combined power.

“GAHH!” His hoarse voice called out as he woke up. ‘Ok that was new, but at the same time I shouldn’t have expected anything less. But why Alicorns, not like I have met any before to-’

Remembering what he was doing before he looked around and noticed he was in a room he had never seen. “How did I get here?” He asked aloud to himself as he stood up on the very cushy bed. “Ok remember what was happening before, what were you doing?” He remembered the letters, he was trying to figure out how to earn a lot of money quickly to buy some land and he had three prospects when somepony knocked on the door of the library.

“The guards…chariot ride, but where were we going again?” Then it came back to him, Canterlot, the princesses, that terror that filled him. ‘Why am I scared of the sight of them, sure they could turn me inside out in a blink or on a whim but, they are supposed to be kind and fair rulers, or naïve and weak depending on if I listen to other countries reports of them.’

The door to his room opened up and a purple horned head poked her way in. “Novo are you awake?” spying him standing on his bed she quickly tossed the door open and dove to hug him. “Oh thank goodness, the Princesses and I were so worried when you passed out like that, is everything ok?”

As always Star was uncomfortable with physical contact no matter what form he was in and quickly pulled out of the hug with a smile. “Ya I think so, I think I was just too excited to meet the Princesses that I just forgot to breath.”

The two toned mane of the Unicorn shook as she nodded and smiled. “That is what the doctors thought too, it’s not uncommon for that to happen when somepony meets the Princesses.”

“I guess it would. I hope I didn’t leave a bad impression of myself though.” ‘Unless I am looking to be banished that is, which I really don’t want.’ He thought to himself for a moment looking a bit depressed at the possibility.

Twilight just chuckled at his words and nuzzled him to help calm him, though for him it just made him stiffen up some. “Don’t worry about that, the Princesses know you didn’t mean to and are looking forward to meeting you tomorrow, they told me that if you woke up to wish you a good night.” Of course the mention of sleep made the prized student yawn. “Speaking of good night, I am going to bed too. Sweet dreams Novo.”

Walking out the door the shifting unicorn just stood there, before looking out the window. “How long was I out for, and Twilight is WAY too affectionate for her station.”

Looking out at the stars as they started to twinkle to life as the night took over the day Star was left with his thoughts. ‘Meeting the Princesses obviously affected my dreams, so no need to worry about that. Six Alicorns is easily a sign that my brain is just trying to work with what I seen during the day, I mean there is only three Alicorns, Celestia, Luna, umm Candice or something, no it was something to do with music or something. Oh it was Mi Amore Cadenza. Why did I think Candice?’ hearing the door open he smiled to himself as a tray of food was brought in. ‘Oh dinner, right, I mean Twilight did say, OH MY GOSH is that FISH!’

Sleep didn’t find Star that night except in fits and bursts since he had already got a few hours of sleep earlier as he was up all night thinking of things. The most important one was how did the Princesses know he ate meat and would that affect anything.

When he was called to the throne room he found the two Princesses there with his two friends. ‘Friends? I mean sure I guess they are but, suppose all of the Elements are my friends, well I hope they are anyways.’

For some reason he found the thought that they were his friends comforting, so much so when the Sun bringer spoke he was able to push down his fear. “Come Let us try again my little pony, we wish to speak with you today.”

Luna nodded though looked to be a tad tired as Novo walked over to them. “Of course your Highness, what can I do for you?” Bending his legs some in a bow he rose back up with a smile.

“My student has told me a few things of you and your brothers, but while we have you here, tell me, you spoke to my student of a riddle: ‘All is one and one is all.’ Is that correct?” He gave a nod though Celestia took a moment to look serious. “I take it you are a transmutation specialist as well?” Again he nodded and she sighed. “It figures one like you would come about again, though it is a great boon to ponykind it is also very dangerous. I don’t suppose you are telling ponies what the answer to your riddle is?”

“Of course not, a key to knowledge must be turned by the owners hoof and not another’s to be able to properly step through the door.” The forest green unicorn said to the Princess of the day.

Said Princess had her eyes closed for a moment before opening them and staring at him with those pink eyes. “Good, keep it that way, the answer to that riddle is only for those that should help ponykind and no one else.”

‘I know, I know.’ He thought sadly to a friend in the past and what had come of him when he shared the knowledge with him. “Don’t worry Princess, I am not in the habit of making that mistake again.”

Either she didn’t hear his meaning or choose not to press upon it, either way she continued. “Good. Now let us talk about this ‘Current’ you and your brother discovered. My student here believes that if some of the royal guard can learn it, it would help a lot in helping to guard Canterlot as well as other important dignitaries and facilities. In light of the recent invasion, failed as it was, Luna and myself have found our guard lacking in its ability to help protect my little ponies. As such we are hoping either you or your brother could help teach some of the Pegai in the guard that technique.”

Novo knew he could teach that to others but at the same time it would mean time away from Ponyville, he had a job to do with the Apples, he had to get back at Filthy Rich, he had to…’I don’t have much else tying me to there do I?’ He was about to say he would take the job but instead when he spoke, much to his own surprise he spoke other words. “Can I have time to think on it?”

Celestia seem to smile and nod towards him as she stood up and rang a small bell. “Of course Novo, take all the time you need, for now let us have breakfast. I am sure we could all use it.”

Breakfast was rather nice buffet that was brought, all kinds of fruit, melons, even a few cereals, some cakes even, but most of all the delicious smell of.

“Mmm bacon.” The moment after he said it his eyes widened and looked at the rest of his company. Celestia seemed unfazed at his comment, Luna looked in playful interest both at what he had said and towards the bacon his comment his was directed at. However Twilights and Spikes eyes looked horrified and almost haunted.

In an almost quivering voice the Unicorn spoke. “Y-you eat meat?”

Novo could swear he seen Spike’s scales turn a bit green in the purple parts and pale in green on his other color. “Ya, I do, and yes I like the taste, however I have to eat it cause my body along with my brothers don’t exactly produce protein efficiently.”

Giving a hard swallow the Element of Magic just nodded. “P-Princess may I ask how you knew about Novo needing that m-meat?”

As the food was given out to the various plates as well as a bowl of gems for Spike they all found their gaze towards the plate of bacon that Novo got along side of the rest of his breakfast. “I have Unicorns scan all visitors to see if there are any allergies or particular dietary needs since a wrong food here or there might cause harm to a dignitary.”

‘Makes sense actually, don’t want to cause an international event cause you gave some peanuts to a Griffin only to have his throat swell shut.’ Seems Twilight also understood the meaning and let it go at that.

Breakfast was eaten mostly quickly in between questions, mostly towards Novo from Twilight asking how he came about the method that he uses to transmute so easily and finely. The conversation was actually one to Novo’s liking till it was brought up short when Twilight started to suddenly gag and run off with Spike running after her saying ‘Don’t think about it Twi’.

Looking down he seen had had just taken a bite of the bacon and that was no doubt what had disturbed her. Sighing and putting the piece of flesh down, he stood up and smiled. “Mind if I get this delivered to my room to finish where I won’t disturb anypony?” Celestia hadn’t minded at all as she told him that she would see to it.

As he was leaving the royal dining hall he heard a distinct crunch and a whisper. “Lulu, you don’t need protein in your diet why are you eating it?”

It was the playful nature of the retort that made Novo calm down. “Why Celly, do you not like the taste? Tis a shame, means more for us.”

He was glad the royal ponies didn’t seem to take offense to his diet and found the teasing they had going between them slightly endearing. ‘Shows that no matter your station, or lot in life, family is family and is always there to share your burdens. I wonder if I had anypony like that.’

This left his thoughts downtrodden and morose for a while after he got back to his room. ‘Why am I so upset, this would solve my money problems, buck if I am part of the guard I could get access to the royal library and see if there is the answers I want there. So why then am I so BUCKING angry with myself?!’

He kept asking himself that for most of the day as it was nearing the time when sunset would be happening before his thoughts were broken as a knock came and the door opened without him answer in a violet glow of magic. “Novo, mind if I come in?”

“Come on in Twilight, I need something to take my mind off a few things anyways.” He said facing out towards the sky watching the blue of the heavens turn orange and almost angry looking in color.

Stepping into the room the Unicorn smiled and began talking. “Nice room.” Getting only a grunt of acknowledgement her smile wilted and turned to a look of concern. “Is everything alright?”

He wasn’t sure why but the question made him angry. “I should be alright, I will get to be a trainer of guards, buck I might even be made a knight. I will get a large commission; get a nice bit of fame, though that never really concerned me. Get access to the royal archives and library to have a wealth of knowledge at my hoof and yet each time I think of all the positives I get angry with myself and I don’t know why!”

He was nearly ready to grab something to throw and break against the wall when he felt her nuzzle at his side. “As your friend it makes me sad to see you like this, but if you think this is something that will make you happy then why shouldn’t you go for it. I mean sure change is scary and can make you upset and angry and trust me, I have been there.”

His anger vanished at what she was saying as he looked towards her as she raised her head, he had to ask. “When were you like that?”

The answer he got was brought with the biggest truest smile he had ever seen. “I was told to go to Ponyville to learn about the magic of friendship. I was angry at the Princess for a while till I really learned about friendship and made my best friends: Pinkie, Dash, AJ, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Without them I would have never realized what I was missing and how lonely I was.” Starting to take a step away she slowly headed to the door. “What I am saying is, sometimes change is for the best even if you are angry about it.”

And with that she was gone, the door closed and the green Unicorn was left with his thoughts. ‘Change is good huh, kind of funny actually. The pony whose name means Change in ancient equestrian is afraid of change, is that it? Guess Twilight is a true friend huh, going out of her way to comfort me like this even if we haven’t known each other that long, guess that means she will have to do without our back and forth of magicks while I am here. AJ will have to go on bucking and getting behind her on her harvest without me as Lego there. Fluttershy won’t have to worry about me killing any of her precious animals.’ His mood was getting more and more depressed as he thought about them but he didn’t stop. ‘I don’t know much about Rarity as we haven’t really hung out a lot, but I would like to, I mean hopefully she isn’t as bad as Photo Finish or Hoity Toity, I hated working for those two. There is Dash whom I really like racing with and generally talking with, I mean she knows the pleasures of a cloud bed just as much as I do. Then there is Pinkie, so energetic, she threw me that party with nothing to gain from it but smiles, plus I really want to learn how she does the things she does.’

Suddenly Novo’s eyes grew wide as his thought train came to an abrupt end. ‘I am not listing off what they will do without me, but WHY I don’t want to leave, I don’t want to leave Twilight alone to talk with no pony to understand her. I don’t want to leave AJ to work her flank off and still get behind. I want to make Fluttershy happy and forgive me about the Manticore. I want to get to know Rarity more. I want to hang with Dash more and more. Finally I want to figure out Pinkie…I don’t want to leave my friends. My friends…’

Moving to the door he quickly ran down the hall to find Twilight almost as soon as he turned. “Oh hey whats wrong, you look to be in a hurry.”

Star, never one for affection or much of a touchy feely pony quickly hugged Twilight. “Thank you. I have my answer now thanks to you and I need to tell Celestia it.”

She frowned and was about to tell him that it is ‘Princess’ Celestia but she was dragged down the hall by his hoof as he opened the door to the throne room with this forest green aura surrounding it. “Princess, sorry for interrupting you but Novo here has his answer.”

Both Luna and Celestia were in the room looking out to the sky for a moment before turning around to greet the two. “Oh can it wait a moment my little ponies, my sister and I were about to change the day to night, you can stay and watch if you wish.” The younger of the two sisters watched them as the elder spoke.

They both raised their heads up to the sky looking at the celestial body of the sun as the Princess of the day’s horn glowed right golden. The sun slowly slides into the horizon though to stutter a moment as both of the Princesses’ minds seemed to wonder for a moment before continuing. Luna following her sister’s lead did the same only raising her moon with an ethereal blue glow coming from her horn.

When they were finished they smiled to the unicorns and the day Princess spoke first. “So I take it you have an answer for me Novo?”

He nodded and took a deep breath to order his mind and calm his emotions. “Yes I have Princess. You see, honestly what you are offering me is many of the things I want, money, a title, access to knowledge from the libraries here and the archives, a chance to share knowledge that I only seem to possess. In fact I should be more excited to get this.”

Celestia would give a gentle smile as she nodded. “I am glad to hear this Novo, I will have a place prepared for you to live in at o-”

The Alicorn was interrupted, an uncommon practice that made Twilight gasp as Novo continued. “But…I am going to have to decline the offer.”

This of course made the lavender unicorn gasp again as she was about to ask why but Luna was the one to speak her mind first. “We wish to know why it is thou hast declined our most generous offer then.”

Closing his gray eyes for a moment he gathered the most prominent thoughts to the front of his mind. “Simple: I would have to live here wouldn’t I?” Seeing both of the Princesses give a nod he smiled. “That is the reason. I honestly like where I am living now, I have friends there and honestly with all my travels looking for an-adventures.” Quickly covering up his slip up, he continued. “Honestly I just would like a place to call home and enjoy life there.”

“Are you sure that is what you wish Novo Starshifter? I will most likely not come to ask this of you again. If you are sure then I only have one thing to say.” There was a moment of tension in the golden maned unicorn and a slight look of worry in his companions face. “I am proud of you my little pony.”

“Come again?” The phrase left his mouth as quickly as he thought it only to have him hold his hoofs up to his mouth to close it.

The solar pony came over and nuzzled his neck before looking square in his eyes for a moment, a moment Novo would swear that at the time she looked right into his soul. “I am proud of you, you seen your desires laid down before you all ready to be claimed, but instead you went with your heart and choose your friends. I couldn’t be any happier for you and proud you would listen to your heart more than your desires.”

Sighing and suddenly finding he had tears unshed in his eyes he dashed them away with a quick rub from his foreleg. “Thank you for understanding, I am sorry to have wasted your time.”

Celestia gave a quick nuzzle to her student as well before answering. “You haven’t wasted any of my time Novo, for when my ponies are happy that also makes me happy. I am also sure that things will work out for you in a way that will let your desires come to pass in Ponyville as much as they will here. Now my little ponies, I suggest you hurry up to the chariot pool and take the last one out for the night to get home. Surely your friends are missing you.”

Nodding quickly the shifter looked to Twilight quickly. “Lead the way, I have no clue where it is.”

Celestia watched with a smile as her prized student left with the strange Unicorn to go find Spike and head home, however, when they finally left her smile turned to a look of concern and worry that her sister picked up on. “You had seen it as well my sister?”

Celestia just nodded and looked to her sister. “Yes Lulu, that pony was most strange indeed.”

The night Princess just stared at where the two had stood before them shortly ago. “In an Alicorn’s light the Alicorn can see the shadows of destiny, we know of the one Twilight Sparkle has is a faint shadow that is slowly growing more bold, but that other pony, he cast three shadows we could see and a few of his destiny that was so faint that even we aren’t sure they were real or just a trick of light.”

Sitting down on her throne pillow she sighed. “I know, but when I looked into his eyes I didn’t see a trace of evil or malice. I just fear he may catch others in his destiny, for better or worse.”

Lego was moving towards the post office with his letter, he didn’t like that he was about to mail this but what choice did he have. ‘A couple of days in Manehatten, have Photo take the pictures of me that she wants, brush off anything she tries and just hope no pony sees them...ever.’ Lego shuddered remembering the photos he had to take to get the knowledge of Twilight and Ponyville and though he said never again, well…he needed the money.

“You must be the brother to that nice delivery colt Velox.” The voice that called to Lego instantly turned his mood sour. “I heard something happened to his little cloud and now he is camping out somewhere but no pony seems to know, must be nice to have a family of vagabonds able to camp out anywhere they wish. I just hope you don’t throw your trash around where a civilized pony will see it.”

As Lego, Star was slow to do anything, actions or thought he always liked to take the long view and gather himself, normally at least. “Excuse me, I smell something, it stinks like a…sewage drain?” The large red stallion said as he turned to Filthy Rich. “Excuse me fine sir do you know where that smell is coming from?” Taking an exaggerated sniff in the pony’s direction he carried on speaking. “I mean it smells as if you are close so I am sure you can find the proper ponies to report that too.” He left the stuttering rich pony there as he continued walking not wanting to give him the satisfaction of more words then that.

Venturing on to the post office he thought to himself once more hoping that no pony that he knew would see the photos he was going to have to take. “Darling there you are.”

The voice or Rarity stopped him at the door as he turned to see said mare walking towards him with Spike in tow. “Hey dude, I have a letter from the Princess for you and your brothers.”

Taking the parchment from the extended claw of the tiny dragon he broke the seal slowly and unraveled it and began to silently read it.

‘Dear Novo, Velox, and Lego of the Starshifter family.

With the refusal of Novo to teach the methods of ‘The Current’ to members of the royal guard, and our guards inability to find Velox to ask him, we have come to the decision that something must be done in order to protect high value targets within Equestrian territory. As such it has come to our attention that your family is in need of work in regards to earning your way as you settle down. Being the case we have decided to hire you and your brothers to guard and protect several valued members of Equestria, as such one of you must always be available to guard and protect them when needed. We say one as we know that you will have jobs when this duty isn’t called upon so we do not wish to pressure you to losing any funding you obtain from other sources. If you wish to know who it is you will be protecting they are known by many names. The Defenders of Harmony, The Six Elements, The Elements of Harmony, but it’s possible you and your brothers may know them as your friends. We wish you all well in your new duties and know you will do your best when one of you is called upon to do your duties. As such the title of Knights of Equestria will be given to you three in order to help facilitate your duties and all the protections and authority that said title gives. We hope to hear a reply in favor of acceptance from you soon so that we may inform you of your powers and protections. Sincerely, Princess Celestia.’

Lego read the re-read the letter a few times before his brain went into motion. ‘Ding, hay fries are done!’ “Spike I need your help to mail a letter in a moment, but I would like a copy of this letter made as well.” He asked while ripping up his letter to Photo Finish.

Filthy Rich, land owner, father, wealthy elite, and stuck up pony of the year sat in his chair reading the paper sipping on some high quality cider. “Oh looks to be a good year for trade, will have to talk to my business pony in Canterlot to see if he can sell off some of our stock when prices peak then buy up a few of the ones that dipped to net a tidy profit.”

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts as he yelled for his daughter to see who it was. Flipping the page of the news onwards he scoffed at seeing a rumor that another archaeological had been discovered that may prove that Alicorns were a more widely common race then today. ‘As if that could be true even if there were more in the past it doesn’t mean they were common. If they were all as powerful as the Princess then surely there would be more than just three left today. No, Alicorns are a fluke and nothing more.’

“Daddy, there was a letter delivered for you.” Diamond Tiara, apple of her father’s eye, said giving him the mentioned envelop.

“Thank you my girl.” He rubbed her head and broke the seal of the letter and started to read it.

‘Dear Filthy Rich.

It is your favorite town resident Velox writing to you. Now I know what you are thinking, why should I read what this commoner has to say to me right? Well here is where things get complicated, you see, you and I have some major beef between us and that is fine. I don’t mind if you mess with me and in turn me and my brothers enjoy doing the same to you, a mutual hatred if you would, however, when I think back to your note that mentioned my friends I have to inform you of something. If you somehow come to try to harm them or even impede my efforts to help them, well our beef, it will turn into something more legal or illegal in nature depending on what happens. So in summary, don’t even think of bucking with my friends…ever.

Signed: Sir Velox Starshifter

P.S.: If you think I am lying about the Sir part or think my brothers do not have the same title, why don’t you write to Canterlot and get somepony official to write you back. I am sure you will be pleased with what they say.’

Diamond Tiara had never heard her daddy curse as much as he did that evening.