Warframe: The Planet Equin Incident

Chapters

Chapter 2 Into the Fray
Chapter 3 Awaken
Chapter 5 Risen
Chapter 6 First Impressions
Chapter 7 Star Struck
Chapter 8 Dinner Time Discussions
Chapter 9 Anger Management
Chapter 10 Memories
Chapter 11 Negotiations
Chapter 12 Crash Landing
Chapter 13 Reunion
Chapter 14 Delays Part 1
Chapter 15 Delays Part 2
Chapter 16 Drive to Survive
Chapter 18 The Return of an Empire Part 2
Chapter 19 The Return of an Empire Part 3
Chapter 20 The Return of an Empire Part 4
Chapter 21 Reminiscing
Chapter 22 The Survivor
Chapter 23 The World Gathering
Chapter 24 The Trade
Chapter 25 Darkness
Chapter 26 Origins
Chapter 27 Correction
Chapter 28 Nightmares
Chapter 29 Mind Games
Chapter 30 Redemption
Chapter 31 Ascension
Chapter 32 Homebound
Chapter 33 From the Ashes We Rise
Chapter 34 Preparations
Chapter 35 The Rift
Chapter 36 The Rift Part 2
Chapter 37 The Beast of Canterlot
Chapter 38 Out of the Darkness
Chapter 39 Countdown
Chapter 40 The Fall of the Sunset
Chapter 41 Lily
Chapter 42 The Grove
Chapter 43 Legend of the Beast
???
Chapter 44 History Lesson
Chapter 45 Parenting 101
Chapter 46 Solace
Chapter 47 A New Breed of Hero
Chapter 48 The Stuff of Nightmares
Chapter 49 A Second Chance
Chapter 50 Revelations
Chapter 51 Settling a Dispute
Chapter 52 A New Friend
Oh Tennobaum!
Chapter 53 Of Men, Metal, and Centaurs
Chapter 54 Clash of the Titans
Chapter 55 Titanfall
Chapter 56 Smoldering Embers
Chapter 56.5 Burning Embers (Explicit Sexual Content)
Chapter 57 The Wayward Plea.
Chapter 58 The Anthem
Chapter 59 The Mandachord
Chapter 60 The Somachord
Chapter 61 Just Another Day
Chapter 61.5 Home Again. (Explicit Sexual Content)
Chapter 62 The Brink of War
Chapter 63 The Resistance
Chapter 64 The Corpsmare
Chapter 65 The Proposal
Chapter 66 Draconian Aid
Chapter 67 The G3
Chapter 68 The Final Countdown
Chapter 69 The True Hero's of Equestria
Chapter 70 The Sacrifices We Make
Chapter 71 The Freinds We Hold Dear
Chapter 72 The Bridges we Burn
Chapter 73: Truth & Reconciliation
Chapter 74: We All Lift Together
Chaper 75: Our First Goodbye.
Chapter 76 A Warriors Eternal Flame.
Chapter 77 Five Years Later
Chapter 78 Making Amends
Chapter 79 An Intergalactic Wedding
Chapter 80 The Honeymoon
Chapter 81 A New Life
Chapter 82 Our First Hello
Chapter 1 The Escape
Chapter 4 Investigation Day
Chapter 17 The Return of an Empire Part 1

Chapter 2 Into the Fray

Chapter 2 Into the Fray (Edited)

Chapter 2 Into the Fray

Location: Unknown

As I stared down the street, things were surprisingly quiet. It caught me a little off guard to be honest. I raised my rifle and grabbed the charging handle, giving it a good tug back toward me. SHUCK-KING! Nothing is more satisfying like the sound of a round being chambered. Well looks like I’m fully committed to this fight now.

I sprinted my way to the left and hugged the buildings, knowing full well that if I come under attack, being stranded in the middle of the street is most certainly suicide. As I worked my way down the street, I headed for the courtyard. I had made it about a block, that’s when I saw a mare and a filly run right in front of me, I froze at the site, gun at the ready.

The mare sliped into the nearby alley, but the filly stumbled and fell to the ground. With terror and fear in her voice she screamed “MOMMYYYYY!” and began to cry into her fore legs. I holstered my weapon on my back and walked up to the crying filly. Upon hearing footsteps, she looked up to see me towering over her.

It didn't help that I’m six foot five inches tall, 200 pounds, and my armor is an extremely dark red with cherry red secondary color, and purple highlights. I have what most call the proto armor; it was an experiment that was thrown together with haste in mind. What can I say; humanity was on the brink of extinction at the time.

Anyway, I took a knee in front of the filly and began to extend my arms to pick her up, when I hear a female voice scream “DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH HER!” Looking to my left toward the voice I saw the same mare ready for a fight.

I looked back down toward the filly and cradled her in my arms anyway. She was shaking like a leaf and was probably scared out of her mind. I slowly rose to my feet and walked over to the young mare. Once again taking a knee, this time in front of the mare setting the filly down in front of her. I rubbed the young ones head with my hand and with the calmest voice I can muster I said,

“You have to be brave young one.”

I looked the mare in the eyes and with a hushed whisper I said, “stick to the side streets, stay low and stay out of site, and find a safe place and hide.”

I rose to my feet to get back to the situation at hand, that’s when I felt a tap on my thigh. I looked down to at the mare, and with tears in her eyes she asked, “Who are you?”

My response is simple, “My name is Excalibur Prime, and I’m here to help.”

And with that I made my leave down the street. I grabbed my weapon and watched the streets and sky. As I began to make my way further down the main road I noticed there was nothing, just… nothing. Obviously the meeting I just had showed that the threat was not gone, but they weren’t here?

I began to close in on the courtyard; I could hear the fighting intensify. Once I reached the end of the street I took cover behind a cart and observed that battle in front of me. I could see these black creatures overpowering, what I would presume to be the local military by the looks of their armor.

The dead and the wounded littered the battlefield. Most of which were the ponies. It looked like the mass of the army was concentrating on the castle, who, or whatever was in there must be what they're after.

“Alright let’s get this party started,” I said to myself while vaulting over the cart. Without hesitation I lit the place up with my rifle, and watch as bodies begin to fall from the sky. It was a glorious sight... unless you have a weak stomach.

The gunfire caught the attention of the creatures. As I stood there gun in hand, I was reminded of the fight back on earth. The ground fight before we ran the Sentients from our atmosphere. I stood there outnumbered, yet I never took a hit. That was one of the proudest moments of my life, but it has haunted me for centuries.

I’ve been in situations like this so many times I didn’t even realize that I was on the other side of the courtyard and I had reloaded… twice! I came into this fight with 1000 rounds, now I’m down to 600 rounds or three mags. Backing my way toward the castle I noticed a small rock wall. Well it’s not a lot, but its cover and I’ll take what I can get.

I leaped behind the barrier and continue my volley of fire. I quickly noticed that I’m running out of ammo and fast too, 'they just keep throwing themselves at me,' generally it’s a terrible tactic, but when you have the numbers it’s a pretty effective one.

CLICK!

Well there goes another mag, with speed and precision I already had the next one locked and a round chambered. Looking down at my rifle I can see the barrel glowing bright orange, and the heat waves are just radiating off of it. I’ve never had to put this much continuous fire out in one sitting. I have to think of something and quick.

THUD!

I hear what I presume was a door opening behind me. Not knowing if what came threw was friendly or not I treated it like a threat. Spinning 180 degrees on my heels I lined up the rifle, only to see six mares looking right me. Except four of them look like something from Greek mythology, two were pegasi and two were unicorns.

Looking left to right I saw an orange one with blond hair, green eyes, and was she was wearing a brown cowboy hat, something I hadn't seen in a few hundred years. Cowering behind her was a little yellow Pegasus with long pink hair and bluish green eyes. Next to them was the pinkest pony I’ve ever seen, I mean everything on her was pink, except her eyes which were similar to the yellow Pegasus.

Flying above her was a sky blue Pegasus with a rainbow hair and pinkish eyes, she was defiantly out there, I mean I’ve never seen colors look so precise, it was… kinda creepy. Just below her and to the right was a white Unicorn with a purple mane, and light blue eyes, I don’t know what it was but something just screamed diva, and I hate divas. And finally out in front stood a little purple unicorn, she had a dark blue mane with a light purple streak running right down the middle, as I looked her over I made eye contact with her, something said to me, ‘she’s going to do something big’.

As I sat there, I remembered that there was a battle going on behind me. I swung around to deal with the incoming onslaught; that’s when something hit me directly in the chest, knocking my rifle out of my hand.

“OOF!” I yelled as I fell on to my back.

I look up to see this creature.

“HISSS!” was the only thing that came out of its mouth.

With one swift move, I gripped the creature by the throat with my left hand and with my right, SHA-KING! I open my glaive into its head with the tip of the blade just barely protruding out from between its eyes.

I sheathed my glaive and jumped to my feet, drew my Skana Prime and charged forward.

Slash, jab, cut, roll, repeat, slash, jab, cut, roll, repeat.

Now I am master swordsman, yet the overwhelming number of enemies was more than I could handle. I began to take hit after hit, kicks, jabs, and some sort of laser shot.

“OOF, GAH, *COUGH* I can’t keep going like this,” I mumbled to myself with pain in my voice.

“Come on girls we need help to that thing,” was all I heard behind me.

These creatures began to overpower me, I used every ounce of strength I had to throw them off of me, but to no avail. When I threw one… two would take its place. They just began to pile on top of me as I hit the ground. This was the worst dogpile I’ve ever been in.

With strength out of the question I was down to my last option. I channeled all my energy into my shield causing it to glow and surge with power. My shields make a loud noise that sounds a lot like glass breaking, this is my shield overload. It’s very effective for clearing large areas, but it has a down side. My shields are left depleted and I’m physically drained. Basically I’m like a new born puppy, I’m very vulnerable.

Bodies were launched in all directions. As I laid there on my knees and elbows, looked up to see the carnage I just created, and I’m pretty impressed. But the onslaught just kept coming. A small squad began to advance, and I’m still in no condition to defend myself, that’s when I hear a raspy female voice scream, “TAKE THIS!”

I watched that little blue pegasus kick one of those creatures in the head. She landed in front of the squad and took a defensive stance right in front of me.

BZZT, ZAP, BZZT.

I watched the last three in the group get hit by a purple laser.

As I rose to my feet I said, “Ordis I need help, bring the rain.”

I heard him respond over the comms, “I’m making my pass now.”

I looked around me to see the same six ponies surrounding me, not to attack, but to help. They looked up in awe when the Liset flew overhead, and from it fell a large blue creature. It rolled when it landed and took its place at my side; this is Storm, my Raksa Kubrow.

She stands at about six feet tall, and is about five feet long, she is the only thing that loves me more than herself, and she’s one of the last things I can trust in life.

“Storm anything that looks black with insect wings in a threat. Everything else is not to be harmed.”

She responded with, “BARK BARK!”

The nice thing about Kubrows is they can understand complex orders with relative ease. This was one of the few things the Orokin got right when they decided to play with the realm of genetic engineering.

Feeling more confident with Storm by me side and my new temporary allies I give Storm a simple command.

I said, “Storm… KILL!” while pointing towards the enemy.

With a powerful leap, she went straight for the hoard. Thankfully she’s always been able to hold her own, which means I only have to worry about myself, and the ponies fighting beside me. The fighting was intense; I slashed and hacked my way with every swing of my blade. Storm bit and clawed at everything she could sink her teeth into. My new squad mates kicked and “punched” as hard as they could.

‘We can do this, we can come out on top’ was all I could think of, we were winning this fight… until.

“GAHHH!” screamed a female voice.

In unison the rest of the group screamed, “TWILIGHT!”

“No,” I whispered with worry, I felt a cold chill run up my spine.

I was the first to her side; my mission had now gone from a defense to a rescue mission. She was hit badly, there was a large black mark on her left side and she was bleeding from a minor gash on her head, she needed medical attention... immediately!

I felt a shot hit me in the back; I looked over my shoulder to see the swarm beginning to gather their forces for one final attack.

I said, “Ordis deploy the archwing!”

“Yes Excalibur.”

I watched as my allies began to back up and huddle together expecting to be finished off… for good. The creatures began to move up blocking out the sun, it reminded me a lot like the scene from the movie 300, when the Persian arrows blacked out the sun. That’s when I looked down at my radar to see a familiar blue dot working its way toward my position.

I looked down the street to see my Odonata Prime coming right at me. There was no time to hesitate, the horns on the top of these creatures began to glow, and that’s when I knew, this was their final attack. I look to my left and see five ponies hugging each other with tears in their eyes.

I gave Ordis one command...

“Ordis, pilot the arching to the small group to my left and active the Energy Shield.”

“Yes Excalibur!”

I watched the wing come to a stop over them and saw that familiar shield open up. I spun around to cover the small unconscious unicorn to prevent any further harm to her. In that moment everything went silent… until they opened fire. My body began to react to the fire that I was taking; I just sat and watched as my shield began to drop from 740 to 700… 620… 548… 499… 401… 300… 292… 188… 92… and finally… 0.

This is where I began to feel pain surging through my body. I watched my health meter drop from 100% down to 2%. Most frames would have died by now, but thanks to some modifications to my armor I can survive massive hits like this.

And as fast as it started, the attack was over. Well there are two things these creatures did, 1) they failed to kill me, and 2) they pissed me off.

Rising to my feet I screamed, “ENOUGH!”

Raising my right hand over my head I felt a sword materialize, and with a quick fluid motion I fell to one knee shoving the blade into the ground making a very familiar TING. I sat there watching the sky open up as bodies begin to fly in all directions, revealing a beautiful blue color. As I drew the blade for the ground, it made a powerful SHING! Upon rising to my feet the sword vanished, that’s when I hear a large boom from the castle.

I looked up to see a large blue hue bleed from the windows and doors. It began to engulf the area, but instead of hurting me, it fazed around me. I looked to the sky to see these creatures being expelled from the city. This was when I knew we won, the day was ours.

But my victory is short lived; the young unicorn at my feet is still severely injured. I dropped to the ground and began to assess her injuries. The burn mark on her side appeared to be the worst of it all. I tried to treat her like a downed teammate, but there is one huge difference here, Tenno are human, she’s a pony.

I put my hand on her neck looking for an artery to try and find her pulse, “There we go,” upon finding her pulse I notice that it was weak, but it was there.

Now onto her breathing, I looked at her chest and listening to her breathing I can tell that it’s labored. I rose to my feet and held my left hand over her and release a mixture of medications.

Generally the mixture is absorbed by the armor a Tenno wears, and is administered straight into the bloodstream via small doses. But she was about to get the whole thing at once, as the medication hit her skin she began to squirm and scream in agony. I hated that I had to hurt her, but she needed help.

I wasn’t even half way through the application when that little blue pegasus screamed, “GET AWAY FROM HER!” and began to charge.

Responding to the threat I drew my Lex and point it right at her. She froze in her tracks, and gave me a menacing look. We stood there for a few seconds before I said,

“Your friend is hurt, if you value your life you will let me finish the treatment.”

We stared at each other once again until the white unicorn spoke up.

“Rainbow let it help.”

The pegasus began to back away and rejoined the group. Right as I finished the application of the medication, I kneeled down and lifted her into my arms much like the little filly I helped earlier in the day.

“Where is the nearest hospital?”

“Pardon?” asked the little orange one.

“I said where is the nearest hospital!?” responding with frustration in my voice.

After a few seconds of silence I said, “Ordis, I have a casualty I need you find me the nearest hospital stat!”

“Yes Excalibur, I am scanning the area now.”

After another few seconds of waiting in silence in the air he spoke up again.

“Excalibur I found a building resembling a hospital I’ve *BZZT* SENT YOU THE COORDINATES *BZZT* … my apologizes Excalibur.”

“Its fine Ordis, thank you for the coordinates,” I said responding to his statement.

Following my mini map I headed for the hospital in a dead sprint. I could hear hooves hitting the stone street; I assume that it was the group following me, but the sounds began to disappear as I began to create distance between me and them. After various turns down multiple streets I finally ended up in front of the hospital.

The building consisted of multiple stories and was topped off with a red cross, but what really sold it was the sign out front saying "Canterlot ER.”

I burst through the doors to see the hospital staff running around in a frenzied state, but they froze when they saw me standing there.

As I looked around I broke the awkward silence with, “I need a medic,” revealing the head of the small unicorn in my arms.

After a few more seconds a stallion walked up to me pushing a stretcher.

I laid the small unicorn on the bed and begin to list her injuries.

“She’s been hit; she has first degree burns on her left side, a small gash on her head, a weak pulse and labored breathing.”

The doctor looked at me with confusion but turned his attention to his new patient. He came around to the other side of the stretcher and began to push it away, explaining what I just told him to what I assume were nurses.

As I walked outside I began to feel my adrenaline wearing off, and the pain began to set in. I began to stumble on my feet, stopping where I was, I grabbed my head, giving it a quick shake trying to regain my composure, but everything began to go hazy. I fell to ground and began to lose consciousness, the last thing I saw were five ponies running up to me, then everything went black.

Chapter 3 Awaken

Chapter 3 Awaken (Edited)

Chapter 3 Awaken

Location: Medical Wing, Canterlot Castle, Planet Equin

“Awe my head, I feel like I got hit by a Minotaur,” I said while sitting up.

“Twilight!” I heard a mix of cheerful voices greeting me.

“Girls, where am I? What hit me? HA! WHERE ARE THE CHANGLINGS?!” I screamed worried about what had just transpired during the wedding.

“Twilight darling, everything’s fine,” Rarity answered with a happy tone.

“Yeah Twi, the changelings are gone,” responded Rainbow.

“They are?” I asked out of confusion while watching my friends shake their heads up and down. “So how did I get here?”

“Well sugar cube, you remember that thing on two legs that was helping us fight the changelings?”

“Yeah,” I said in response to Applejacks question.

“Well, you were hit by a magic attack; he did this thing with some green goop and took you to Canterlot ER.”

“Green goop? AAAH! AM I POISONED?” I said panicking.

“No Twilight, the doctor said you are going to be fine,” responded a familiar voice.

“Princess Celestia,” I said while bowing my head. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to check up on my star student,” she said with that motherly voice of hers.

“So what happened to the changelings?” I asked out of curiosity.

“Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor drove them out of Canterlot.”

“And what of the two legged creature we ran into?”

“It passed out after dropping you off at the hospital. The doctors couldn’t do anything for it, so I had it and you transferred here to the castle to be monitored.”

“Is that the safest thing to do Princess?” I asked with a hint of worry.

“Twilight he saved our lives, and he helped us fight the changelings,” Rarity said in response to my question.

“Princess?” I asked looking her right in the eyes.

“It’s alright Twilight, I'll deal with it while you get some rest.”

“If you say so,” I look downed at the sheets on the bed, still worried, “Wait, what about that dog it had, where is she?” I asked with my fear beginning to show.

“I put Fluttershy in charge of her.”

“Fluttershy?” I looked over at my yellow friend with confusion.

She looked at me and in a happy tone said, “Oh she’s very friendly Twilight, she told me her name is Storm and that she enjoys having her belly rubbed.”

“Really?” she nodded her head in response, “But it was so vicious; I would have thought that it would try to eat us.”

“Oh no Twilight, like I said she’s very friendly.”

“Okay… but Fluttershy please be careful, I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll be safe.”

I looked around the room; curiosity began to fill my head as I began to wonder. ‘What is it? What was that metal thing that flew by? Why did it help us? And why did it save me?’ I heard Princess Celestia speak up.

“Well Twilight, I’ll let you get some rest. I’m glad to see that you are alright,” she began to step out of the room until I spoke up.

“Wait Princess.”

“Yes Twilight?”

“Would it be possible for me to see this creature?”

A short time later

As I was being wheeled down the hall with my friends and the Princess, I could barely hide my curiosity. We rounded the corner where I saw my brother and Cadence.

“Twily! I’m glad to see that you’re alright,” my brother saod with joy in his voice.

I give him a hug and turn to Cadence.

“Hi Cadence.”

“Hi Twilight, how are you feeling?” she asked with a hint of worry.

“I’m fine Cadence, just a little sore.”

“That’s good to hear,” this time she sounded a little more relaxed.

“So Twilight, what are you doing here?” asked my brother.

“Actually Shiny, I want to see the creature,” I told him.

He looked at me and with worry in his voice, “Twilight, I don’t think that the best idea.”

“It’s quite alright Captain,” responded Celestia.

He dropped his head and said, “Yes your majesty.”

He opened the door and took a step inside followed by Cadence, Princess Celestia, me, and my friends. As we entered the room I saw the being lying on its back and watch what I presume was its chest rising and falling. After taking a few seconds to look the being over I looked at Celestia.

“So how is it doing?” I asked.

“We don’t know Twilight, the doctors can’t seem to get a diagnosis. They can’t get through its tough skin to take blood or to place an I.V. in,” The princess paused for a moment, “As of right now, it appears to be in stable condition.”

“Interesting, so what do we know about it?”

“Its height is 6 feet 5 inches tall, and weighs approximately 200 pounds, and has a skin that is as tough as a dragons hide,” responded the princess.

My brother spoke up and said, “And it has these weird weapons, we can’t figure out what the large long one made of metal does or what the smaller one does either, but it had what we can clearly classify as a sword.”

“And where are these weapons?” I asked with more curiosity.

“In the armory.” responded my brother, “And no you can’t examine them. We don’t know what they can do yet,” he said while giving me a stern look.

“Fine,” I crossed my forelegs and looked off to the side. I look back at the being; ‘I have so many questions I want to ask it.’

“Princess, is it alright if I stay here and examine it for a while?”

“Absolutely not! I will not let my sister get hurt a second time!” hollered my brother.

“But it saved me Shiny; if it wakes up, I don’t think it will harm me,” I said defending myself.

“Twilight it’s too risky, I will no-” I heard Celestia interrupt him

“Captain, its fine.”

“WHAT!” he responded with anger in his voice while he looked at Celestia.

“I believe that Twilight may be right about this, it saved her and her friends. I believe that it won’t hurt her or her friends,” the princess stateed with a hint of authority.

She looked down at me and said, “But Twilight, if it turns out that this creature is hostile. I want you to have the elements at the ready, we don’t need to risk having another attack on Canterlot in less than a week.”

“Yes princess, girls you know what to do,” I said while looking at my friends.

They all responded with, “Uh huh.”

“Alright Twilight, I’ll retrieve the elements for you and your friends.”

“Thank you Princess,” I said with joy in my voice.

“Captain, I want you and Cadence to take the rest of the day off,” Celestia said while looking at the new couple.

“Princess, I don’t think that’s the best idea,” Shiny answered with a hint of worry.

“Its fine your majesty, you’ve been through a lot the last few hours. You could use the rest, and I’m sure Cadence would love the attention,”

She gave him a wink.

His face glowed bright red. I couldn’t help but giggle.

Cadence spoke up and in a seductive tone said, “Come on Captain; let’s go have a little fun,” his blush grew even bigger.

He forced out a response, “Y-yes Cadence.”

I giggled some more as I watched them leave the room, with Celestia following close behind. Leaving me and my friends alone in the room.

I looked over to my friends and asked, “So girls, what do you think about this whole situation?”

“I don’t know sugar cube,” responds Applejack, she was defiantly confused and a little worried.

“Yeah, I mean the changelings are gone but now there’s this thing,” said Rainbow while pointing toward the creature “I mean, it pointed that small metal thing at me and threatened my life!”

“He was only trying to help Rainbow,” responded Rarity.

“He was hurting Twilight, I wasn’t just going to sit there!” she barked with a little frustration.

“RD relax.”

“How can I relax AJ! You saw what this thing can do, he probably killed half the changeling army!”

Rarity jumped in trying to defuse the situation. “But he saved us, and probably all of Canterlot.”

“Yeah but… *sigh* I guess you’re right,” Rainbow landed on the floor, knowing full well that this argument was getting nowhere.

I looked over at Fluttershy and asked her a question, “So Fluttershy, what do you think about this?”

“I don’t know Twilight, I mean, I’m glad that it helped us, but I’m still pretty scared. Look how big it is,” she said, pointing toward the creature.

“Yeah it is pretty large," I looked over at Pinkie "Pinkie you seem unusually quiet, what do you think?”

“I don’t know Twilight; personally I think it’s an alien from another world. HA! Should I throw it a welcome to Equestria Party?! Or a Thank You for saving us Party?!”

I know Pinkie can be odd at times, but there was one thing that was clear to me.

“Pinkie, aliens don’t exist.”

“Are you sure Twilight? It’s pretty spooky looking.”

“Well look at those colors, so dark a dreary,” Rarity said, jumping into the conversation.

“Yes Pinkie, I’m sure.”

“So Twilight, what do you think it is?” asked Rainbow.

“Maybe a new type of dragon,” I said while trying to reassure my worried friends. But truth be told, I didn’t know what it was. When Rainbow, Rarity and I followed Spike when he went on his little quest, I wanted to learn more about wild dragons. But this creature didn’t look anything like a dragon, it lacked scales, teeth, claws, and a tail.

We sat for a moment in silence, lost in our thoughts. I began hear hoof steps coming down the hall, I looked up to see Princess Celestia walk in with the chest that contained the Elements of Harmony.

She opened the chest and began to distribute the elements to their owners she said, “Her you are girls, and remember I want you ready in case this being turns out to be dangerous.”

“We won’t let you down Princess,” I answered with confidence.

“Thank you Twilight. Now, I suggest you all go and get something to eat, you’ve all been through a pretty rough day,” she said.

I looked out the window and noticed at the sun was significantly lower in the sky. Rainbow grabbed my wheelchair and we headed out the door. We worked our way down the long hall to the dining room in total silence. I could tell that my friends were scared, I was too. That creature destroyed half, if not most of the changeling army, but he also threated Rainbow’s life. It was a force to be reckoned with, but then again, it did save my life, along with my friend’s lives too.

I whispered to myself “*sigh*… I don’t know what to think.”

A short time later

It felt nice to have a full belly, but dinner was an awkward one. We didn’t talk much and anything we did say went straight back to either the changeling attack or the creature that was located in the medical wing. Rainbow wheeled me to my room and we said our good nights. I rolled myself in and lied down on the bed, placing the crown on the nightstand. I rapped the covers around me and closed my eyes. I was way more tired than I thought, because next thing I knew it was the next morning.

Chapter 5 Risen

Chapter 5 Risen (Edited)

Chapter 5 Risen

Location: Unknown

*GAAAASSSSSPPPP, COUGH COUGH COUGH, HEAVEY BREATH HEAVY BREATH, MODERATE BREATH, Light breath!*

“Ahhhhhh, I feel like I got hit be a freight train,” it's the first thing I said while sitting up and grabbing my head.

I shook it and blinked my eyes to regain my site. As I looked around, it would appear that is was in a medical room. I guess that’s understandable since I passed out after I dropped off that little unicorn at the hospital.

Upon further examination I could see medical equipment similar to the old equipment that was used on earth a thousand years ago. Turning my head away, I looked out the window to see the sun high in the sky, but it hadn’t reached its peak yet. So, by my assumption, it was probably late morning.

After guessing the time, I looked at the HUD on the inside of my helmet.

“740 Shields, health 100%... hmm no ammo,” I reached for my back and examined my thigh to see that my Soma and Lex were gone, “Great, now I have to find my gear,” I said with frustration.

I got off the bed and rose to my feet and looked at the back of my hands, “Well, at least I still have my Venka,” rolling over my right arm I noticed a small three bladed device, “And my Glaive.”

I looked away from my weapons and to the upper left hand corner of my helmet to see that my radar wasn't working. Makes a lot of sense since I wasn’t able to map the area. I let out a good sigh; ‘looks like I’m gonna just wing it’. I got off the bed and worked my way to the door and grabbed the handle, turning it gently.

I opened it just a hair and looked outside, “Nothing, good,” I opened the door slowly and let myself out. Once I was out, I slowly shut it behind me and began to walk down the hall, trying to be as quiet as possible.

As I worked my way around I could see various rooms and long hall ways. Most rooms were either locked, opened to a single room, or lead to yet another hallway. And as much as I wanted to leave, jumping out the window during the day would create a lot of attention and I couldn't afford to leave my weapons behind, also... I wanted my Skana back!

So I decided to follow the main hall I was in, pausing every once and a while to hide from passing guards and maids. After making a few turns here and there, I eventually came to a large set of double wooden doors. I reached out to grabbed the handle, but just before I touched it the door began to open. Without hesitation I bullet jumped to the top of the other door and wall latched.

Looking down below me, I saw three unicorns leaving the room. They were clearly part of the local military with the armor they wore. But just before they closed the door, I swung inside and landed just in front of the large set of double doors. I rose to my feet and turned to take a step, only to see nine pairs of eyes looking right at me.

The first thing that came to mind was, ‘well this is awkward.’

I began to survey the room to see the same six ponies from earlier circled around Storm. But it was the three new faces that threw me for a loop; they were much larger than the others.

One was a tall white mare with a long flowing main, and light pink eyes, next to her was another dark blue mare with light blue eyes, and next to her was a light pink mare with purple eyes. But there was one thing they all had in common, besides having wings and a horn, were the crowns they wore on top of their heads and they stood on a raised pedestal leading to two chairs.

That’s when it hit me, ‘Shit I’m in the throne room’.

Boy it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop, until I broke that with,

“Storm, heel.”

The large animal barked happily and took her place by my side. Once again we stood there in awkward silence until the door behind me began to open.

“Cadence I was wondering if-”

I spun on my heels to see the same three unicorns standing in the open doorway; clearly they were surprised to see me.

“Guards arrest that thing!” barked the white stallion with a blue mane.

Out of habit I reached for my Skana, only to realize, ‘right I don’t have it’. So I brought my arm down and open my glaive with a definitive SHING! And take my defensive stance.

With knees bent, left hand forward, and my glaive at my side, they knew that I wasn’t going to go down easy. As the three stallions began to advance, I began to retreat with Storm following my lead.

They continued to advance while we retreated; I kill the mics in my helmet so the three guards can’t hear me,

“Storm nonlethal take down, you take the one on the left I got the one on the right.”

“Bark,” was her response to my order.

“Okay, on my command.”

A few more seconds passed until I felt my foot hit something solid. It was now or never, this is where we make our attack.

“Storm, NOW!”

Without hesitation she leapt after the left guard, tackling him to the ground. I do a quick backflip onto the steps and thrust myself forward into the other guard, leaving the third one behind. I grabbed him like a football player tackling the quarterback; we rolled on the floor a few times until we came to a complete stop. With me on top of him, holding him by the neck with my left hand.

And with one swift hit, I punched him in left temple knocking him out cold. Rising to my feet I saw Storm holding down the other guard with her overwhelming strength. So that just left me and the blue haired stallion. He stood there sword in hand… floating? … whatever, it was at the ready.

We began to circle each other, slowly switching sides. I decided to make the first move. I swung my glaive in a 'X' pattern in front of my self before doing a back flip and finishing with a forward roll catching my glaive behind my head.

This wasn’t meant to be an attack, it was a show of force. I learned that threats and intimidation tend to work better than actual attacks. But I was amazed to see that this stallion wasn’t backing down. He was clearly an experienced soldier. He came at me swinging, the fighting was good, and he knew what he was doing.

Ting... Cling... Shing!

The sound of metal hitting metal filled the room as our blades clashed. He’d swing, and I’d roll, I swing and he'd jump. But as much as I was enjoying this fight, it needed to end. We eventually backed off each other to take a moment.

He was breathing heavily, clearly exhausted, where as I, hadn’t even broken a sweat. As we watched each other he spoke up,

“You’re good.”

“You too,” after completing my compliment I shot forward with my Slash Dash ability, grabbing him by the neck and forcing him into the wall behind him with a good THUD!

“But I’m better,” I said, whispering into his ear.

Making sure he didn’t try anything stupid I held my glaive at the ready. Once again, I never planned on hurting him, it was just a threat. But I would kill him if need be.

“Don’t hurt him!”

I looked over my right shoulder to see who said that.

I watched the little purple unicorn open her mouth, “Please don’t hurt my brother.”

I looked back at the stallion to see him glaring at me; man if looks could kill I’d be a dead man. After taking a second to mull over what I just heard. I released my grip and let the stallion fall to the floor. After looking at him, I turned my attention to the rest of the group and began to approach them. The other two guards were still subdued, so it was just me verses the rulers of this place.

“Not another step!” ordered the large white alicorn.

I followed her order and stopped in my tracks. There was a moment of silence. The three alicorns were waiting for me to make a move… which I did. I lifted my right arm in front of me… ting, ta ting ting, was the sound my glaive made as I hit the floor. With my right foot, I kicked it across the floor and raised my hands in the air.

“I hereby surrender,” I looked over at Storm and said, “Storm, release him,” she climbed off the guard allowing him get to his feet and run like a little coward, “Storm sit,” she sat on her haunches, “Good girl, now stay.”

Everyone was dumbfounded that I surrendered. I was winning that fight and they knew it. But I didn’t want to create any more issues. I’m a guest to this planet, and I need to act like one. I watched as a yellow bubble formed around me and two of the three alicorns approached.

The pink one ran past to the downed stallion and with a worried tone she asked, “Shiny, honey, are you alright?”

Ignoring them, I dropped my arms and look to the white alicorn while she examined me.

“Why did you surrender?” she asked out of confusion.

“Because I don’t want to make yet another enemy.”

After a moment silence I spoke up, “Anyway, let’s get this interrogation over with.”

“Pardon?” asked the darker one.

“Generally, this is the point where you start to ask questions,” I said, answering her question.

“How would you know that?” asked the white one.

“Because I’ve been in dozens of interrogations and I’ve given a few myself.”

“I think we should hang him!” screamed a male voice.

“Shining Armor!” said the pink one with a hint of shock.

“I’m just going to ignore that comment.”

“So, what is your name?” asked the white alicorn.

“Excalibur Prime.”

“What are you?”

“I am a Tenno Guardian.”

“I see, are there more of you?”

“Yes and no, there is only one of me, but there are 27 different primes, of which I am one of them. And there are a few thousand non-prime Tenno.”

“You said guardian, what do you mean by that?”

“It is my job to protect those who can’t protect themselves…" I sighed and grabbed my helmet with my right hand, "look what I did with your troops was to be a sign of intimidation to make them back off. My intentions were never to kill them, only to incapacitate," I let my arm go limp.

As I watched her, I could tell that she was thinking about what I told her... and possibly about the battle that just took place.

“Look your majesty interpret this how you want, I can either be your greatest ally or you’re worst enemy. Either way I’m going to leave this room, one option ends in peace, the other in blood, the choice is yours.”

“Are you implying that you’ll escape? Because the containment spell you’re in is designed for high class V.I.P.’s,” said the white stallion as he approached the two alicorns in front of me.

“Oh for fuck sake.”

SHING SHING CRASH!

“WHAT, THE… IT BROKE THROUGH THE SPELL!” screamed the stallion in surprise.

I used my hidden claws and slashed at the barrier and finished my attack with a swift kick, causing the energy shield to shatter like glass.

I stood there and crossed my arms, I made a simple statement, “Your majesty, as you can clearly see I am a force to be reckoned with.”

As the initial shock of what I just did wore off, she took a moment to make her decision. I waited and looked to the rest of the ponies in the room. They just sat there in shock and awe. Turning my head back to the white alicorn I continued to await her answer.

“If I ask you to become our ally what will you do?”

“I will follow any rules and regulations you put in place, and if I violate them, I will hand myself over and face my punishment, whatever it may be.”

“And if I refuse?”

“I’ve take plenty of life over the years, I will not hesitate to defend myself, and the body count... will.... be... high.”

Once again she took a moment to think about her decision.

“Luna?” she said while looking at the darker one.

“We believe he can help protect Equestria sister,” responds the dark alicorn.

“Hmmm.”

“Princess may I speak freely?” asked the little purple unicorn.

“Of course Twilight.”

She walked up to the white alicorn and said, “He saved our lives, and when I talked to Luna last night she said there is good in his heart. I truly believe he’s a good pony, we just need to let him show it,” upon finishing her statement she looked up at me.

I just stood there in silence once again waiting for an answer.

“Alright, mister Prime-”

“Excalibur.”

“Pardon?”

“I hate it, when people call me mister Prime,” I said using my right are to accentuate my point.

“Um… Excalibur I’ve made my decision.”

…

“I would like to make you an ally of Equestria.”

“As you wish your majesty,” I said, after finally getting my answer.

“Let me introduce you to everypony. First off, my name is Princess Celestia, and this is my sister, Princess Luna,” she pointed toward the dark alicorn, “this is my niece Princess Cadence and her husband Prince Shining Armor,” she said while looking at the pink alicorn and white stallion.

“And I believe you’ve already met my student, Twilight Sparkle,” she said looking at the little unicorn in front of me.

“Yes, I took her to the hospital," I looked down at the little unicorn, "How are you feeling Twilight?”

“Much better, I’m still a little sore. But anyway, I want to thank you for saving me and my friends.”

“You’re quite welcome.”

Celestia pointed to the various ponies and said, “And these are her friends, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy.”

I looked back to the alicorns and give a light bow and said, “Your majesties,” than I took a moment to turn to the other ponies “ladies, it’s nice to meet you all”

“What a gentlecolt,” responded Rarity.

With introductions finished, Twilight didn’t hesitate to start asking questions of her own.

“What are you? Where are you from? What’s you history like? What was that metal thing that flew by? Oh I have so many more questions!”

I looked back Celestia with a raised eyebrow. She couldn’t see my face but she knew what I was thinking.

“Twilight, let’s give our guest some time to relax. He’s been through a lot in the past few days,” Celestia looked at me with confusion and little bit of embarrassment and asked, “Uhm… my apologizes but, what sex are you?”

I couldn’t help but laugh a little, but then again anything proving my gender is hidden under my Warframe.

“I’m male; I thought the deep voice would have given that away.”

“My apologies Excalibur, we’ve never seen a being like you before.”

“Makes sense, I’m not exactlyfromhere.”

“Are you an alien?” asked Pinkie Pie, raising her foreleg.

“Pinkie we went over this, aliens don’t exist,” responded Twilight with frustration.

“Ha! That’s why my species used to think. But yes Pinkie, I am in fact, an alien,” I said, answering the pink mares question.

“That’s… so… AWESOME!” screamed Rainbow while “grabbing” her cheeks.

“But that doesn’t make any sense!” said Twilight trying to comprehend the situation.

“Twilight, it would appear that you can’t accept what is clearly standing in front you,” I said to the little unicorn. Who had begun to pace back and forth.

“But… I… it just doesn’t make sense.”

“Twilight, we are not alone in this universe. I’ve met multiple types of aliens. All varying in a range of shapes and sizes, which reminds me Princess Celestia… what planet am I on?” I asked while looking at the white alicorn.

“Why, you're on earth silly,” responded Pinkie.

I cross my left arm over my chest and grab my head with my right.

“Of course it is,” I said with annoyance.

“Whaaaaaaaaaat?” responded Pinkie, dragging on the question on longer than needed.

I looked at the pink mare, “I’ve mapped dozens of planets, most of which the inhabitants call their planet earth. I would know, my home world goes by the same name.”

I stepped away from the group like I was answering a cell phone.

“Ordis, you there?”

“Excalibur is that you? I thought *BZZT* YOU MET A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH*BZZT*”

“Yes Ordis, it’s me, and no I’m not dead, I just regained consciousness a little while ago.”

“Oh thank goodness you are safe and sound. What can I do for you?”

“I want you to take a note, the name of this planet is Earth. Give it whatever number “Earth” this is, but classify it as," I paused and looked at everyone, “Planet Equin.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Thank you Ordis.”

After finishing my little phone call, I looked back to see everyone wide eye and clearly confused.

“What?” I asked out of confusion.

“Who are you talking to?” asked Twilight.

“Ordis.”

“Who’s Ordis?” asked Princess Celestia.

“He’s more of a what, than a who,” I said, responding to the princesses question.

Chapter 6 First Impressions

Chapter 6 First Impressions (Edited)

Chapter 6 First Impressions

Location: Throne Room, Canterlot Castle, Planet, Equin.

“Maybe it would better if I showed you,” I tell the group.

“Showed us what?” asked Princess Luna.

“Ordis… *sigh* look let’s just head outside. Princess Celestia, is there a large open area on the premises?” I asked while looking toward the white mare.

“Well there’s the castle courtyard,” responded Celestia.

“Can you take me there?”

“Of course, follow me.”

“Storm heel,” I said looking toward my best friend while she ran to my side, “Oh! Before I forget,” I raised my right hand and watched as my glaive returned to my grasp, sheathing it on my wrist. Everyone was a little surprised that I could make my weapon return, but after seeing what I did earlier, they blew it off pretty quickly.

Celestia began to walk past me and I followed her lead with Storm at my side. Behind us was Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor, Twilight and her friends.

But before we left the room I said, “Your majesty you might want to get a medic, you still have a trooper on the floor.”

“Oh… right,” she looked a little embarrassed. Probably because she forgot about the unconscious soldier on the floor.

She stepped through the open door and hollered, “Guards!”

I stood and watched while two unicorns ran up and sais in unison, “Yes your majesty?”

She looked at one of the guards and said, “I want you to get a doctor, and I want you to stay with him,” she said while pointing toward the unconscious stallion in the room.

They did as they were told and we continued down the hall. It didn’t take long for someone to speak up.

“So Excalibur, what’s it like being a Tenno?” Rainbow asked excitingly.

My response was, “Do you want the lie, or the truth?”

“Uh… both… I guess.”

“It’s just like the fairy tales. I fight the dragon, win, get the girl in the end. Ride off into the sunset, and live happily ever after,” I said sarcastically.

“Was that the lie?” asked Twilight.

“Yes… the truth is I’ve faced horrors that no one should ever see in life. There is no getting the girl and ridding off into the sunset. There is only fighting,” I said with a hint of sorrow.

“So what’s your history like?” asked Twilight.

“Written in blood,” I deadpanned.

“What do you mean by that?’ she appeared to be a little shocked by my remark.

“I watched as my species was pushed to the edge of extinction. I faced horrible depression, watched my own teammates slip into madness. And now, I face threats that would more than love to end everything you have here,” I said while gesturing to the building we’re in.

“Like what kind of threats?” asked Shining Armor. It would appear that he still doesn’t trust me.

“Mainly, the Grineer.”

“And what are these Grineer?” asked Princess Celestia.

“Filthy clones is what they are… they’re battle hardened soldiers that want to rule the universe. They already took my galaxy and are doing their best to destroy all who oppose them. As of right now, the Tenno are the only things standing in their way.”

“They sound like brutes,” responded Rarity.

“They’re stone cold killers, I’ve watched too many innocent lives lost to their weapons.”

“And how do we know you haven’t brought them with you?” Shining asked with anger.

“You don’t. But were located in a galaxy that is uncharted to everyone. As of right now, I’m the first to step on this ground. I may have mapped the planet but I don’t know where its relative location is to the Origin System.”

“The Origin System?”

It would appear that Twilights full of questions. I guess that’s understandable since I’m an alien to this planet. I should be used to it by now, but I get tired of being asked the saaaaame questions… all the time.

“My galaxy.”

“Oh,” responded Twilight.

A moment of silence fell between everyone.

“So Princess Celestia, perhaps you can answer some questions of mine?”

“Of course, ask away?”

“First off, what were those things that were attacking the city?”

“They’re called Changelings.”

“Changelings?” I asked repeated.

“Shapeshifters,” answered Cadence, “They feed off of love. That’s why they were here, they needed to feed.”

“Interesting, guess it was a good thing I showed up when I did.”

“Yes, and we thank you for what you did,” responded Celestia.

“It’s what I do.”

Yet another moment of silence fell upon us.

“So your majesties, have you addressed your people about what happened? Because I know I’m not going to get the warmest welcome when I step outside.”

“What do you mean by that darling? Everypony is very accepting here in Equestria,” responded Rarity.

“To some, I’m considered a freak; others a god. But I don’t always get the warmest of welcomes, my first impression her involved a bloody battle, than I kicked Mr. Armor’s ass here,” I said while pointing my thumb over my shoulder.

“I was winning and you know it!” barked Shining Armor.

“Yoou keep telling yourself that,” I said sarcastically.

“Anyway, to answer your previous question Excalibur. I have told my subjects about you, and they are very thankful. Who knows, you may have some new fans,” answered Celestia.

“Hurray for me… anyway how long was I-”

While we passed a hallway I saw a little white maid with a purple mane look at me. So I stopped and just looked at her. She was way more nervous than need be. She just stood there and shook, eyes darting to both sides.

“Excalibur, is there something wrong?” asked Twilight.

I just ignored her.

“Excalibur, are you alright sugar cube?” asked Applejack with a hint of worry.

Ignoring her too, I continued watched the maid... and that’s when I saw it, on her foreleg, a flicker.

“Gotcha.”

I shot forward and grabbed her in a head lock, and placed my right hand on her muzzle. Everyone stood there shocked at my sudden attack.

Princess Celestia screamed, “Don’t you dare hurt-“

I leaned forward and gave my right arm a hard pull.

CRACK!

They stood there and watched as I let the maid drop to the floor, her neck clearly broken.

Shining looked over his shoulder, “GUARDS ARREST... WHAT THE!?” Screamed Shining Armor. He looked back and was shocked by what he saw.

“You’re welcome Princess,” I said while looking at Celestia.

“A changeling… but… how did you know?” asked Twilight, still shocked by the dead body on the floor.

I walked up to the little purple unicorn and said, “She was acting a little off when she saw me. As I observed her further, I saw a flicker on her left foreleg. Her disguise was ruined, simple as that,” I looked up at Celestia, “It would appear your little problem, isn’t completely gone.”

“I would have to agree with you Excalibur,” she looked at the guards that just arrived and said, “I want all guards on alert, look for any suspicious activity,” she looked at the dead changeling,“and please clean up this mess,” she pointed to the dead changeling.

“Yes your majesty,” they answered in unison.

“Anyway, now that that’s over with, shall we continue?” I asked

“Yes,right this way,” responded Celestia.

It was hard to believe how far we walked. Because before I knew it, we were at the front door of the castle. Celestia opened the door and we all stepped outside.

“Alright I hope you’re ready for this,” I stepped forward while everyone else waited behind me.

“Ordis, do you have my location?”

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Alright, I have a large open courtyard in front of me; I want you to land in it.”

“Yes Excalibur, I’m making my descent now.”

“Roger that.”

I stood there in silence waiting for Ordis to make his landing.

“Excalibur, what are we waiting for?” asked Twilight.

“You’ll see,” I said turning my head to look over my shoulder.

A few more seconds passed by as everyone waited in confusion. That’s when a little dot appeared in the sky.

“What the hay is that?” asked Rainbow.

As the dot got bigger, it began to take shape of my Liset. Within a few seconds the ship came to a roaring stop overhead, and began to lower itself to the ground, causing dust and leaves to kick up into the air. I walked up to the ship and watched the rear door open, revealing the inside of the ship.

I walked inside and stopped at the top of the ramp. I looked over my shoulder and said, “Wanna take a look inside?” It was clear that everyone was speechless; they all just nodded their heads slowly in response.

Stepping into my ship; everything appeared to be the same way I left it. Even though I don’t have a whole lot. Storm took her spot on the incubator. I turned back to see the looks on everyone’s faces, it was priceless. Their jaws would have fallen off if they weren’t attached to their skulls.

“Welcome aboard the Liset,” I said.

“I can believe this… it’s so… advanced,” said Twilight with a huge smile.

“This… is… AMAZING!” screamed Pinkie.

“How awesome is THIS!” screamed Rainbow.

“Oh… my,” mumbled Fluttershy.

“It’s so… bland,” stated Rarity.

“I don’t get it,” said Applejack, while looking at everything.

“I can’t believe this Excalibur. How did you make something like this?” asked Celestia, awe struck.

“I can thank the Orokin engineers for the ship. Which reminds me, Ordis, say hello to our guests.”

“Hello everyone,” responded Ordis.

“Who said that!?” asked Rarity.

“I did,” responded the cephalon.

“Who?” asked Applejack.

Everyone was clearly lost about the voice they were hearing.

“Ordis is the ship,” I said. “Here I’ll be right back,” I turned and walked up the hidden ramp into the upper part of the ship. “Ordis, why don’t we show them who you really are?”

“Yes Excalibur.”

I grabbed the little cube as it left the console and I walked back down the hidden ramp to see everyone looking at all the technology in the room. Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were looking at my foundry. Rainbow, Applejack, and Pinkie were looking at my Mods library. Fluttershy and Rarity were petting Storm, and Shining Armor was looking at my arsenal.

“Excalibur what is this?” asked Twilight.

“This is my foundry.”

I walked up to it and pressed a small button. A holographic screen popped up with a list of names for weapons, gear, and Warframe blueprints. The three princesses and Twilight stood there wide eyed.

I raised my hand to the screen and said, “This contains a plethora of blueprints for various weapons, gear, Warframes, and the like… here watch this.”

I tapped an icon saying Orokin catalyst, and watch as the little blue object comes into view.

“This is amazing,” responded Twilight, dumbfounded by the interactive screen.

“Just click on what you want to look at,” I said.

Just before I turned to leave, Twilight asked, "What are these little icons on the bottom of the picture?”

“They’re the resources required to make the catalyst.”

“Where do you keep those?” she had a huge smile plastered on her face.

“In here actually,” I grabbed a small cub with a handle on it and removed it from the foundry and held it up to her face. “All of my resources are broken down on a molecular level and contained in here. When they are needed; they are rebuilt and put into the object that’s being made.”

“Fascinating,” replied Celestia.

I put the object back in its place and walked over to Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie.

“So what does this do?” asked Rainbow.

“Here click on this,” I pushed a button on the machine. It began to roar to life, opening yet another holographic screen. Thus revealing all my mods.

“Wow-ee-zowie! What are these?” asked Pinkie.

“Mods,” I said.

“What in the hay are mods?” asked Applejack, doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that she’s having a hard time comprehending the advanced technology.

“Mods are short for Modules; they are used to improve my gear.”

“Awesome!” replied Rainbow.

“Here, you can scroll around and give them a look.” I took my hand and pulled it across the screen, causing the list to slide to the left.

“Excalibur, are you going to introduce me *BZZT* TO OUR NEW ALLIES? *BZZT*”

“Oh my, what, was that?” asked Rarity with a hint of shock.

“Sorry about that, Ordis isn’t in the best shape,” I said trying to calm the disturbed unicorn.

I held up the little cube in my hand and said, “Everyone this is Ordis, my cephalon.”

“Hello everyone,” responded the small cube.

With hesitation but in unison everyone said, “Uh…hi.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” the little cube said with joy.

An awkward moment of silence filled the air.

“Uh… Ordis,” I pointed toward the ponies in sequence, “this is Princess Celestia, her sister Princess Luna, their niece Princess Cadence, her husband Prince Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack.”

Twilight walked up to me with a puzzled look and said, “I don’t get it… I mean it’s just a cube.”

“Actually Twilight he’s a highly advanced A.I.”

“A.I.?” she asked while cocking her head to the right a little.

“Artificial Intelligence, he maybe an inanimate object, but his programming allows him to make individual decisions. Basically he has free will like you and me.”

“Can I look at him?” asked the small unicorn.

“Don’t ask me, it’s his decision.”

“Oh… uh…Ordis, is it alright if I pick you up?” she asked with a hint of worry.

“Of course Miss Sparkle, as long as you don’t *BZZT* SHATTER ME INTO A MILLION PIECES *BZZT* oh my! My apologies, I hope you can forgive me?” he asked with worry in his voice.

She looked at me with troublesome eyes.

“He took a hard hit before we got here. That’s how he got that crack on his casing,” I told Twilight, trying to reassure her.

She began to levitate him in front of her face and examined him from every angle.

“Here follow me,” I also give a slight hand gesture telling everyone to follow me.

We walked up the hidden ramp into the upper compartment of the ship.

“Here Twilight, hand me Ordis,” I told her, while sticking out my open hand.

“Sure, her you go,” she replied while “handing” me the little cephalon.

I placed him back in his home and walked over to a table on the left hand side of the compartment.

“Princess Celestia, if I remember correctly, you said Twilight here was a student of yours?” I said looking at her majesty.

“Yes, she was my star pupil,” responded the mare with confidence.

“What did you teach her?” I asked out of curiosity.

“Everything I could. But mostly she learned everything from the castle library.”

“Ah, looks like we got a book worm,” I give the little purple unicorn a glance.

She looked to the side and gave off a slight blush. Now, I know I’m a super soldier, but I’m still human, it was a pretty cute sight.

“Pfft, more like egghead,” said Rainbow, clearly giving off a friendly insult.

“Ordis, I want you to black out any information in the codex that may be considered dangerous. Specific chemical reactions, weapon designs and the like… oh and my battle records.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Excalibur, what are talking about?” asked Celestia.

“Done Excalibur,” interrupted the cephalon.

“Thank you Ordis, look at this,” I open the codex to its holo feed, “this contains all available information about the universe. I’ll let you look at it, but any info that is considered dangerous or to advanced is blacked out. Now Twilight, I’ve seen that look in your eye before, and all questions you may have about the universe, are all contained in this drive.”

“A...and… you’re going to let me… look at it?” she was damn near speechless.

“You, and anyone else in this room can look at it for the time I am here. But anything in black is strictly confidential. I don’t want anyone to ask about what is hidden under those lines, got it?”

“Yes!” she was so excited, that little mare was special… she was going to go far in life.

“Got it?” I looked toward everyone else in the room.

“Got it,” replied everyone at some point.

“Good,” I deadpanned.

“Anyway... Excalibur what other cool stuff can you show us?” asked Rainbow excitedly.

“Here,” I walked over to a round pad on the floor and kneeled down, causing 14 planets to appear around me. Everyone gasped and backed up when the planets popped up around me.

“These are the planets of my solar system.”

A mixture of oohs and aahs filled the room. I placed my hand over the little blue planet, and watch as it zoomed in.

“This is my home planet. We call it Earth.”

Everyone replies with a good, “Woooooaaaah.”

I rose to my feet and the solar system disappeared into the projector.

Turning around I asked, “Anyone want to go for a ride?”

Chapter 7 Star Struck

Chapter 7 Star Struck (Edited)

Chapter 7 Star Struck

Location: Aboard the Liset, Castle Courtyard, Canterlot, Planet Equin.

“Anyone want to go for a ride?” he asked.

“Can we Princess?” I asked while looking up to the white alicorn.

“I don’t see why not,” responded the Princess.

“Alright… Ordis,let’s get this show on the road,” responded Excalibur with a hint joy.

“Yes Excalibur.”

I sat there and listened to the ship come to life. It made this loud roaring sound. I watched as we began to take off. I couldn’t believe that we were flying without wings.

“Ordis. lets make a pass of the town.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Here everyone, step towards the window and take a look,” Excalibur stepped out of the way allowing everypony to look out the window. I watched as we began to reach the edge of Canterlot and began to turn to the left. I couldn’t believe how amazing this view was, I could see all of Canterlot… There were no words to describe the beauty of the town.

“Everypony looks like ants from here,” hollered Pinkie, clearly she was awestruck by the site.

I looked toward Excalibur to see him standing there with his forelegs crossed. I could tell what he was thinking, he was happy to see the stars in our eyes. He had been through so much the past couple days, he really needed to see the joy we were giving him.

“Why don’t we check out something else? Ordis pick a direction and go with it,” he ordered the ship.

“Yes Excalibur.”

We just sat there and started out the window. I never knew how beautiful Equestria looked from up here. I guess that’s one of the downsides to being a unicorn. This was a peaceful moment; I would never forget this for as long as I lived. We just sat there for a few minutes and enjoyed the sites until.

“Here I’ll be right back,” said Excalibur while walking down the ramp to the lower part of the ship, leaving us in our thoughts.

A couple more minutes passed until, “Yes Excalibur, deploying it now,” said Ordis, obviously replying to one of Excalibur’s orders.

“Deploying what?” asked Rainbow.

“Look out the window,” he replied.

We continue to look out the window, only to see the horizon. Until... Excalibur flew right up in front of the ship. He was going the same speed as the Liset, but he had these metal wings attached to his back. He rolled over on his back and gave us a mock salute, then rolled back over.

“Princess Celestia, what is the highest a pegasus has flown?” Excalibur asked, his voice filling the ship.

“The record is about 20,000 feet, why?” she answered.

“No reason.”

He’s clearly planning something.

“Ordis black out the window, and follow me. I want this to be a surprise,” he told the ship.

“Yes Excalibur.”

We sat and watch as the window went dark, leaving us in silence. I really wanted to know what he was planning. That’s when I felt the ship begin to rise up and accelerate yet again.

“Everyone… all my species ever wanted to do was to make the impossible, possible, we wanted to fly… we made it happen. We wanted to explore the depths of the oceans… we made it happen… if we could imagine it, we were going to make it happen. We made all these advancements in technology… well, you can see what came out of it. But what we really wanted to do… was to touch the heavens themselves/ Ordis open the window.”

We sat and watched as the window brightened, revealing… THE CURVATURE OF THE EARTH! And the stars… they…were… AMAZING!

“I-I… can’t believe this,” I sais awe struck.

“Were at about 33,000,000 feet, or the upper atmosphere… welcome to my life,” said Excalibur, floating by the window with open forelegs.

It was so beautiful, this is what he sees every day… what I wouldn’t do to join him.

“Hey Ordis, kill the artificial gravity for a moment.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

After Ordis said that we began to float in air.

“Woah nelly!” screamed Applejack as she began to float into the air.

“What’s going on?” screamed Shiny.

“Weeeeeeee this is fun!” hollered Pinkie.

“How is this possible?” I asked out of utter confusion.

“This is space, without atmosphere; there is no gravity to hold you down. Making you essentially weightless,” responded Excalibur.

We continue to float around, bumping into the walls, ceiling, and each other for a few minutes, laughing like mad mares.

“Fun isn’t it?” asked Excalibur.

We were all speechless; we just nodded our heads with huge grins while looking out the window.

He let off a light chuckle and with a hushed tone he said, “I forgot what it was like to share a moment like this with such wonderful people.”

Once again we sat there in silence, soaking in moment.

After a couple of minutes Excalibur said, “Alright. Ordis, activate the artificial gravity, but do it slowly please.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Awwww,” responded everyone in unison.

We slowly dropped to the floor with a little bit of sadness, we were having too much fun for it to end.

“Alright Ordis, I’m coming aboard.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

We watched Excalibur disappeared from view.

“That was… AWESOME!” screamed Rainbow Dash.

“That was a lot of fun,” replied Fluttershy.

“I would have to agree with Fluttershy on this one, that was fun!” responded Rarity.

“I think I’d rather keep mah hooves on the ground,” Applejack appeared to be a little nervous.

“DID YOU SEE ME!?” screamed Pinkie while laughing hysterically.

Letting my friends and I have our little moment, I happened to notice Cadence and Shiny snuggling up to each other.

“Isn’t this romantic Shiny,” whispered Cadence.

“As much as I would hate to say it, it is beautiful,” he said while putting a foreleg around Cadences shoulder. I couldn’t help but feel happy for them as a smile crawled across my face.

“This is pretty impressive, isn’t it Luna?” asked Princess Celestia while looking at her sister.

“We would agree with you sister, this is impressive,” answered Luna.

“So what do you think?” asked a deep male voice.

We all turn around to see Excalibur standing in the middle of the ramp.

“It’s beautiful,” I answered.

“Yes it is. Anyway, were gonna head back to the castle. I suggest you take one more look.”

I didn’t want this moment to ever end. Everything I looked at through a telescope was right here in front of me. I felt a tear forming. I heard him walk up to me, so I looked up at him with my sad eyes.

“I’ve seen that look before; you don’t want this to end, do you?” I gave him a slight nod in agreement, “Here, I got an idea. Everyone line up in front of the window,” he said.

“What are you going to do?” asked Cadence out of confusion.

We all got in front of the window waiting for him to give us another order.

“Just smile and act like you care,” responded Excalibur with a hint of sarcasm.

We watched as he pulled out a little device, opened it, and held it up to his head.

“I hope no one’s camera shy?” he asked.

“Wait what?” asked Rainbow.

“Oh don’t tell me you guys haven’t invented the camera yet?” responded Excalibur, lowering what I’m guessing is a camera, he also sounded a little frustrated.

Princess Celestia giggled a little bit while putting her hoof in front of her mouth, “Yes we have Excalibur.”

“Good, one less thing I need to explain. Now smile.”

We sat and waited for the usual flash with smiles on our faces.

Nothing happen until Excalibur said, “Alright there we go. Ordis upload that pic to your data base a print off eight copies please.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

“I’ll have those ready be the time we get back to the castle.”

“Why are you doing this for us?” I asked while everyone began to move around.

I’m a little lost at his sudden act of kindness. He was so aggressive with the changeling attack, and with the fight he had with my brother. And now he’s so… nice, I couldn’t quite understand it.

“Just because I’m a super soldier, doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he turned his head to look at me, “Now just relax and enjoy the ride,” he gave me a light pat on the head and left to go to the lower part of the ship.

I sat and watched as we began to descend back to earth.

‘I wonder what he was thinking when he first landed here in Equestria. It must have been a beautiful site.’

After a few more minutes, I decided to go ask him a few questions. I descended the ramp to find him petting Storm. He hadn’t seen her a few days, and I knew that she was worried sick about him. She must have been so happy to have her master back.

“So Excalibur, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?” I asked.

“Sure go for it,” he answered, not taking his hooves off of Storm.

“What’s life like on your planet?”

He let out a heavy sigh and said, “My planets been desolate for a few hundred years… when I awoke from my cryo chamber, I found out the hard way that my planet had fallen... I searched high and low for answers, but all I got was a data file saying that the Orokin had let loose a biochemical that caused all plant life on Earth to grow at an overwhelming rate, leaving it an overgrown forest.”

I raised my hoof to my chest and let my ears fall, “Oh… I’m so sorry.”

He rose to his feet, “It’s alright Twilight, it’s something I learned to accept over the years.”

“So what were those metal wings you were using earlier?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

Leaning against the wall and crossing his forelegs he said, “It’s called an archwing, it’s a pair of jet thrusters attached to a harness, they allow me to… well… fly.”

“How do they work?”

“They attach to my waist, with some simple thoughts I can pilot them where ever I want to go, or Ordis can when I’m not using them. Much like when I saved you and your friends.”

“You used them to save us?”

“Well… mostly your friends. I was shielding you with my body, *huff* that wasn’t very fun,” he said while jerking his head a little.

“You used yourself as a shield?” I respond, shocked by his statement.

“Yeah, I wasn’t going to let you die like that. You have your whole life ahead of you, and it’s my job to make sure you live that life.”

“But why would you sacrifice your life for a strangers? And… an alien’s at that.”

“Whos life is more important, mine? Or the all the innocent civilians of your town princess?”

I was a little caught off guard by his comment, mainly because I’m not an alicorn princess.

“I believe all life is precious,” responded Celestia. I jerked my head back to see her standing there, I didn’t even realize that she was behind me.

She walked up and stood beside me, joining the conversation.

“As do I, which is why I defend it with honor. I’d rather die knowing that I saved a life then…” he trailed off.

“Then what?” I asked.

“Then knowing each and every day I could have done something more to save them,” he responded with sorrow.

This conversation wasn’t going very well, everything seemed to lead to something depressing from his life.

“Anyway. Ordis, how close are we to the castle,” he asked the ship.

“ETA, five minutes.”

“Thank you Ordis… oh and are those picture done yet?”

“Yes Excalibur you *BZZT* HAVE FOUNDRY ITEMS READY TO CLAIM *BZZT*” responded the broken cephalon.

He let out a light sigh, “Thank you Ordis.”

He walked past me and Celestia to his foundry and grabbed eight slips of paper. I assume those were our pictures. Once he had them, he approached Celestia and held them out.

“Here you are your majesty. I hope you enjoyed your trip to space,” he said with a hint of joy.

She took them with her magic and said, “Thank you Excalibur,” she looked down at me and gave me a picture and said, “Here you are Twilight.”

As I looked it over, I still couldn’t believe that we went to space. We all looked so happy, well… I… mean, we went to SPACE! I just wish my, OUR, savior was in the picture with us. I looked up to see that it was just me and the princess in the lower compartment. I guess Excalibur left to get ready for our landing.

I turned and headed up the ramp to join everypony else. When I reached the top of the ramp, I saw Excalibur and all my friends looking out the window.

“Ordis, you can land in the courtyard.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

I stood there and listened while the ship began to come to a roaring stop and slowly make its descent to the ground. Excalibur turned around and began to go down the ramp yet again. We all followed close behind, knowing that our little trip was finally over.

The rear ramp opened and we began to make our leave, except Excalibur, who was standing in this on this little pad with two flat things on each side.

“Excalibur, are you coming?” asked Princess Luna.

“In a minute. I want to grab something,” he said.

We sat and watched as a screen popped up in front of him. He played with it for a moment and stopped. Probably finding what he was looking for. He raised his right foreleg to his face and, SHING! That small disc of his opened up in his hoof, he held it to his side and I watched as a robotic leg came out and grabbed it from his grasp. The same leg came back out with a ferocious looking weapon, which he took and placed in the crook of his lower back. He fiddled with the screen again, but while he was doing so he asked,

“So who here knows where my weapons are?”

“They are in the armory,” responded Celestia.

“When can I have them back?” he asked, not taking his attention away from the screen.

“I can have a guard retrieve them for you if you’d like?”

“No, I’d rather grab them myself; I don’t like anyone other than myself touching my Skana,” he sounded a little angry.

“What’s a Skana?” asked Rainbow.

“My sword,” he deadpanned.

“We can stop by and grab your weapons on our way to dinner,” responded Celestia.

We continued to watch him while he continued to play with the screen, until that little appendage came out yet again holding a different weapon. It was a small device resembling the other one I saw on his leg when my friends and I first met him.

He took it and with a jerk of his hoof a small cylinder popped out the left side. He took a moment to look at it and closed it with a jerk in the opposite direction and placed it on his lower leg and stepped off the pad.

“So what are these weapons called?” asked Shiny with a hint of disgust.

“The sword is called the Mios, it’s a bone forged sword made from infested flesh, with a tendon whip and hook hidden in the handle,” he answered calmly.

“I-it’s… made…. from… flesh?” mumbled Fluttershy, she was clearly scared.

“Yes.”

“That’s disgusting,” said Rarity trying not to vomit.

“It’s better than most weapons,” he said.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked.

“Grineer weapons are bulky and tend to fall apart or jam. Corpus weapons overheat and melt. I only trust Tenno or Orokin made weapons, but infested melee weapons tend to do a good job at maiming the enemy.”

“So what innocent creature did you have to kill to make that… that…that thing!” screamed Fluttershy while pointing to the sword on his back.

“That innocent creature was a disease ridden Grineer trooper! He was eight feet tall and probably weighed 350 pounds! If anything I put it out of its misery!” barked Excalibur.

An uncomfortable silence fell on everyone.

‘What did he mean by disease ridden trooper?’

“Can we go now?” he asked with a calmer tone.

“Yes, right this way,” responded Celestia.

We left the ship, walked across the courtyard, and entered the castle. Celestia opened the door and we walked in awkward silence. I looked at the massive sword on his back, 'was it really made from a large bone and flesh?' But before I knew it we were in front of large set of doors with two guards posted in front.

“Here we are,” said Celestia.

She opened the doors and stepped inside, the room was full of swords, spears, bows, and sets of armor. Excalibur looked around the room trying to find his weapons. Once he did, he walked over and grabbed the longer metal one.

“So what does that do?” I asked while I watched him examine the weapon.

“It’s called the Soma Prime; it’s a light machine gun calibered in .223, it has a 200 round magazine and can fire at a rate of 15 rounds per second.”

“Come again?” asked Cadence.

“I’ll take it that you haven’t invented the gun yet?” he gave Cadence a glance, “That’s probably a good thing,” turning his attention back to his weapon.

He placed his… Soma… on his back and reached down to grab his smaller one. He brought it up in front of his face and grabbed the top back half of it and gave it a light tug. I watched as the part he pulled slipped forward and closed with a click. He placed it on his left lower leg and grabbed his Skana; he gave it a quick glance and placed it on his back.

He looked like he was ready for war; I mean he was armed to the teeth. It was a little intimidating, but at the same time I’ve never felt safer.

“So now what?” he asked looking at Celestia.

But unfortunately my stomach gave the answer with a loud growl. My head shot down immediately when I heard it; I looked up and felt my face begin to heat up,

“Hehe, sorry. I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast,” I said felling a little embarrassed.

“Why don’t we get dinner?” asked Celestia.

“Awe yeah, I’m starved!” screamed Rainbow.

“Lead the way you majesty,” said Excalibur while waving his hoof in front of him.

With our minds set on our stomachs, we left and headed for the dining hall.

Chapter 8 Dinner Time Discussions

Location, Dining hall, Canterlot Castle, Canterlot, Planet Equin

We walked into the dining hall and began to take our places at the large table. With the way Excalibur had reacted on his ship, no one wanted to talk about anything. He would be nice one minute and angry the next, I didn't really understand it.

Anyway, Princess Celestia took her place at the head of the table. To her left sat Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Cadence, and Shining Armor. To her right sat Luna, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Excalibur and finally, me.

It was pretty funny when Excalibur sat down. When he did, the chair creaked and shook a little, his head jerked down and he said, “This chair looks a little sketchy.” We all gave out a little chuckle at his remark.

Upon seeing that everypony was seated. Celestia clapped her hooves together, signaling the waiters. A door at the end of the room opened and a waiter pony stepped through. Although he stopped when he spotted Excalibur. After a moment, he hesitantly began to step forward and walked up to Princess Celestia.

“Yes, your majesty. How may I serve you tonight?” he asked.

“What’s for dinner?” she asked.

“Chef’s salad your majesty.”

She looked at everyone at the table and said, “Is that fine everypony?”

“Uh-huh,” responded everyone. Except Excalibur, who just sat there in silence.

“Your food will be ready shortly,” responded the waiter.

He turned and worked his way to the kitchen, leaving us alone.

Luna decided to speak up and break the silence, “So Excalibur, you called your weapon a gun. What does it do?”

“A gun is a very powerful weapon that is not to be taken lightly. They are very lethal when used correctly,” he answered.

“How so?” I asked.

“If I took rock and tossed it at you, do you think it would hurt?” he said looking at me.

“No.”

“Now if I threw it at you at three thousand feet per second, would it hurt?”

My eyes went wide at his remark.

“A gun fires a small projectile called a bullet at speeds faster than the speed of sound. We have weapons that can drop a target at over a mile away, killing you before you even heard the shot.”

“Interesting,” responded Luna, “My sister and I were wondering if… we could... possibly... have some of these weapons?” she asked.

“ABSOLUTLY NOT! I WILL NOT GIVE HIGHLY ADVANCED WEAPONS TO A PLANET THAT IS NOT READY FOR THEM!” he screamed, slamming his hoof on the table.

“AND WHY NOT?!” barked Shiny.

His head jerked over to look at my brother.

“My planet started with the spear, and then the bow, and the sword, and the crossbow, the gun, and eventually the nuclear bomb! If I gave you weapons, I’d have to distribute them to the entire planet, and that is something I will not be a part of!”

The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.

“Everypony why don’t we just calm down,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

…

“Most planets adapt and evolve at their own pace. It took mine centuries to get this advanced, yours will too… eventually,” he said in a calmer tone.

'It would appear that my little remark worked.'

I heard the door to the kitchen open and we watched while the waiter walked out with eleven salads. He approached the table and began to distribute them to everypony. But when he got to Excalibur, the Tenno brought up his hoof and waved off the waiter.

“Excalibur darling, you must eat something. You haven’t eaten in at least three days,” said Rarity.

“I’m fine,” he said.

“Please Excalibur, you’re our guest. Eat,” said Celestia.

The waiter just stood there not knowing what to do, but Celestia gave him a nod to leave the salad. So he did and left the room. Excalibur just stared at his meal, not knowing what to do.

“Well, are you going to eat or what?” asked Rainbow.

“Yeah, you afraid of salads or something?” asked Cadence sarcastically.

“I’m more worried about how you’ll react when I take my helmet off,” he said while pointing toward his head.

“Wait… what?” I asked with utter confusion.

“Is this not your true form?” asked Luna.

“No, what you see is a highly advanced exo suit,” he said while holding his hoof to his chest.

“Pardon?” asked Applejack.

“I’m wearing a highly advanced piece of armor, build specifically for me,” he said while looking at my orange friend.

“Excalibur, anything you do now will only peak our interest more. You are full of interesting surprises after all,” said Celestia with a large grin.

“Alright, but I warned you.”

He reached up to his head and with his left hoof, he grabbed it just below the horn, and with his right, grabbed the back of his head. Giving it a quick jerk to the left. He lifted his helmet a little, which gave out a light Tsssss.

He tilted his head down and began to pull the helmet off and place it on the table. I didn’t know what to expect, but what I saw was beautiful… I mean interesting! His head was furless except for his small mane on top of his head and the goatee around his mouth. He had a short muzzle and his ears were located on the side of his head instead of the top. But it was those dark brown eyes that really caught my

attention; they were full of wonder and wisdom.

He just turned his head and looked at everypony, examining their reactions. We just sat there in amazement. I won’t lie, for an alien… he was kinda cute.

“So is this who you really are?” asked Celestia.

He looked at her, “Yes, your majesty.”

“Interesting, so what species are you?”

“I’m human.”

“But you said you were a Tenno?” asked Rainbow.

“That’s what we call ourselves, it’s not the name of my species,” he said while looking at Rainbow, “What does the name of your military go by here?” he asked, looking at Princess Celestia.

“The Royal Guard,” she answered.

“Basically it’s the same thing.”

I heard my stomach let out a loud growl, and I felt my face heat up in embarrassment yet again.

“Why don’t we talk and eat?” asked Cadence.

“Let’s,” said Excalibur while grabbing a salad fork and flipping it through the digits on his right hoof.

I levitated my fork and dove in. I was so hungry, and I hadn’t eaten in almost 12 hours. But as I ate, I would eye Excalibur every once and a while, he just ate his salad slowly, but I could tell that he was looking around for something.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked.

“We appear to be lacking something to drink,” he said giving me a glance.

“Here, I’ve got it,” said Cadence as she stood up and walked into the kitchen, after a couple of moments she returned with two bottles of wine and 11 wine glasses.

“I hope you like wine,” she said with joy.

“I prefer cider, but wines fine with me,” said Rainbow.

“With all due respect your majesty, I think I’ll pass on the wine. A glass of water will do me just fine,” said Excalibur.

“Why’s that?” asked Luna.

He looked at her, “I don’t drink,” responded Excalibur, sounding a little frustrated.

“How come?” asked Rarity.

“I’ve watched too many people crawl into a whisky bottle and never climb out,” he said giving Rarity a glance.

He turned his head to Princess Celestia and asked, “May I please have a glass of water?”

“Of course,” answered Celestia with a clap of her hooves.

The waiter pony walked out of the kitchen and up to Princess Celestia.

“Yes your majesty?” he asked.

“Could you please get our guest here a glass of water?”

“Yes your majesty. I’ll be back shortly,” the waiter turned and began to leave the room.

I watched while Excalibur lowered his head and closed his eyes, he took a heavy breath and let it out slowly, “Thank you,” he said trying to calm down a little. The waiter returned shortly and gave Excalibur his drink, which he sipped slowly. Cadence poured the whine and took her seat. A couple minutes of silence passed until I heard the dining hall door open.

There stood Spike as he said, “Hello everypony.”

“Spike, please come and join us,” I said with glee.

“With pleasure!” responded the little dragon.

He took a few steps until he saw Excalibur looking at him.

“Hi, I’m Spike,” he said, looking at our guest.

Excalibur got out of his seat and walked up to the little dragon. He kneeled down and put his hoof out and said, “Spike, it’s nice to meet you, the name's Excalibur,” Spike grabbed his hoof with his claws and gave it a welcoming shake.

Excalibur rose to his feet. I couldn’t help but notice how Excalibur towered over the little dragon, but then again, Spike is still a baby dragon. Those teenage dragons we meet would probably be as tall as Excalibur. Anyway Spike walked over to the table and sat next to me, while Excalibur took his seat back.

“Spike, where have you been?” I asked with confusion and worry.

“Sleeping, why?”

‘Of course he was sleeping.’

“Just wondering,” I said with a smile.

“To bad Spike, you missed out on an AWESOME trip,” Rainbow said enthusiastically with food in her mouth.

Excalibur gave a glance and ran his hoof left and right in front of his neck, trying to get Rainbow to be quiet.

“What trip was that?” asked Spike.

Rainbow noticed his gesture and said, “Oh… never mind.”

Excalibur leaned over and whispered into my ear, “I’ll take him up when we have a chance, promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” I whisper back.

“Oh… okay,” Spike said with a hint of sadness.

A moment of silence passed yet again.

“So Spike, if I’m not mistaken you’re a dragon, correct?” asked Excalibur, while looking at Spike trying to lift his spirits.

“Yes sir,” answered the little dragon.

“Interesting, this is first time I’ve ever met a dragon.”

“Really?” asked Rarity.

He looked at her, “Yep, where I’m from they were always the things of myths and legends. They were thought to be powerful beings shrouded in secrecy… it would appear that they aren’t so secret anymore,” responded Excalibur.

“So I’m guessing you don’t have dragons where you’re from?” asked Cadence while taking a sip of wine.

“Nope, we don’t have Unicorns, Alicorns, or the Pegasus either, or talking ponies for that matter, so meeting you all is a first too.”

“Well we’ve never met a human before, so I guess there’s a first for everything,” said Celestia with a smile.

“Yes there is.”

We all returned to our meals and continued eating. The waiter pony decided to come out to check and see how we were doing, but once he noticed Spike, he turned around and went back to the kitchen to retrieve him a meal. At this time I couldn’t help but notice that my brother kept giving Excalibur the stink eye. I think Excalibur noticed it too, but tried to ignore it.

Excalibur gave Shiny a quick glance and said, “What seems to be troubling you Mr. Armor?”

“What do you think?” he deadpanned.

“Let me guess… it’s me isn’t it?” responded Excalibur while putting his fork down and resting his mouth on his hooves.

“Yes,” Shiny deadpanned.

“And why would that be?”

“Because you think you can just walk in here and save the day!”

“Shining Armor!” screamed Cadence.

“No, its fine your majesty, I want to hear this,” said Excalibur, his face completely expressionless.

Shiny just sat there and glared at Excalibur.

“Look… I did you a favor Mr. Armor,” said Excalibur leaning while back in his chair, “If I hadn’t acted when I did, everyone in this room would most likely be dead.”

“Do you think this is some sort of game!?” barked Shiny.

“No… but apparently you do.”

“What the HELL is that supposed to mean!?”

“To me, that fight was a walk in the park compared to most I’ve been in. Now granted I lost consciousness, but I was able to hold out long enough to save your sister, and yet here I am completely healthy… like nothing ever happened.”

“I think you’re just some filthy war mongrel with blood on your hooves! You don’t care about anypony, you were just looking for a fight… maybe even prove your worth!”

That comment put Excalibur over the top.

Excalibur stood up causing the chair he was in to fall to the floor, he smacked his hoof on the table and screamed, “I”M A HIGHLY DECORATED SOLDIER THAT HAS SACRIFICED EVERYTHING TO SEE HIS SPECIES SURVIVE! YOU’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED WAR LIKE I HAVE, AND YOU NEVER WILL!”

“I WAS THE CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD AND PROTECTED THE PRINCESES AND EQUESTRIA WITH PRIDE!” screamed Shiny while doing the same thing Excalibur did.

“I WAS THE GENERAL OF AN ENTIRE RESISTANCE! I WATCHED MY PEOPLE NEARLY BECOME EXTINCT IN A PERIOD OF A FEW MONTHS! EVERYTHING… GONE! OUR WAR WAS LOST BEFORE IT EVER STARTED; EVERYTHING WE HAD WAS TURNED AGAINST US, OUR WEAPONS OUR TECHNOLOGY… WAS USED TO SLAUGHTER US!”

I couldn’t believe this. I knew my brother had issues with Excalibur, but I never knew that this would transpire.

“IF YOU THOUGHT THE CHANGELING ATTACK WAS BAD, WATCH THIS!”

Excalibur reached behind his back and placed a small round device and placed it on the table, he gave it a quick tap and one of those screens popped up.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The camera showed a large city, filled with ruined and blown out buildings, explosions can been seen here and there, bodies litter the town, and the sky was painted black with smoke.

“Commander I want you and the Jagdpanthers to make your advance. Take three Sherman’s with you and head for the rendezvous point, you know what to do,” said an all too familiar voice, while looking up at a young soldier sitting out of the tank.

“Yes sir!” responded the young man, “Alright boys you heard the General let’s move! YEEE HAW!”

The grinding of metal tracks and gears can be heard as the two large tanks roar to life while they pull forward, with three lighter Sherman tanks in tow. The camera pans over to and looks at five more tanks, but they have longer barrels and open tops.

“Alright I want all Hellcats on that ridge,” an arm comes into view and points to a nearby ridge, “Provide covering fire for our ground forces, all remaining Sherman’s, I want you to keep those Cats alive!”

“Yes sir! Cats let’s move!” responded a voice over the radio.

The camera pans over to the burning city, a moment passes, then it pans a little to the left.

“Rhino, how are you holding up?”

A deep voice responds, “We ahead of schedule sir. We're about to reach the rendezvous point.”

“Alright. Wait for the Panthers and begin your advance north.”

“Yes sir.”

The camera pans to the right.

“Nyx, how’s the eastern assault coming?”

Gunfire and the sound of explosions fills the radio. A female voice bleeds through, “Were doing good here, *BOOM*, we’ve run into a little resistance though, *BOOM*, hey take your heads out of your asses and cover the T-72!”

“Nyx you better keep that tank alive, that’s our last T-72!”

“I’ll do my best sir, *BOOM*, what did I just say?! Gaaah, get that Pershing up there!” the radio goes silent.

“Frost, how’s the evacuation coming?”

“Were doing good sir, the rest of the civilians are boarding the shuttles now.”

“Alight,” the camera pans to the sky to see P51’s, P38’s, and Messerschmitt 109 planes flying overhead, “Alright, Hawks you know what to do. Escort those shuttles to the Wasps and they’ll take it from there.”

“Roger that,” answered a young female voice.

“Wasps, when the fly boys get to the rendezvous point, you are to escort the shuttles to the Trinity and the Guardian, got it?”

“Got it,” answered a young male voice.

The camera pans to see a female figure in black with gold outlines and a large orange flame coming from the top of her head.

“You ready lieutenant?”

“Yes Sir,” responded a light female voice.

“Alright.”

The camera drops to see the ground, a pair of arms come into view and plant them selves on the ground. The camera begins to pan up, the sound of metal can be heard. Then the camera begins to move forward followed by the sound of jets taking off. The camera view rises over the city, looking at the fight in progress.

The camera pans over to look at the Lieutenant, she looks back and gives a light nod, the camera does the same. Looking back at the city the video feed begins to descend and lands in the middle of a city street looking directly at these small metallic creatures with a small light in their chests, a large gun barrel comes into view and opens fire.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Excalibur stopped the video and grabbed the little device.

“That was pretty much the extent of my entire force. We were out gunned and outnumbered, and we were constantly on the move… you don’t know what it’s like to fight an enemy that can adapt to just about anything!” barked Excalibur.

“What were those large metal things?” I asked.

“Tanks... from a time long forgotten. Surprisingly enough they were too simple for the Sentients to use.”

A moment of silence filled the hall.

“Anyway I’m done here… I’m not going to sit here and take this shit.”

Excalibur grabbed his helmet and slipped it over his head and walked to the doors of the dining hall and pushed both of them open with a large amount of force.

Before he left he looked over his should and said, “You don’t know what it’s like… to lose EVERYTHING,” then he walked out and into the hall way.

I gave Shiny a glance and said, “We’re going to talk about this later,” I jumped out of my seat and tried to catch up to Excalibur.

Chapter 9 Anger Management

Location: The halls of Canterlot Castle, Canterlot, Planet Equin.

‘God I’m so fucking pissed! … The nerve of that asshole! To think that I want to prove myself to him!? I’ve proven myself ten times over… he thinks he’s so high and mighty on that. damn. thrown!’

As I stormed my way down the hall way I could hear footsteps running toward me, but I just tried to ignore them.

“Excalibur!” hollered Twilight.

I did my best to ignore her, but I knew it wasn’t going to get me very far.

“Excalibur… wait!”

I just kept walking, trying to get as far away from everyone as I could. But eventually Twilight caught up to me, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see her looking up at me. But I just ignored her more and continued forward.

“Excalibur, could we please talk about this?” pleaded Twilight.

“I’d rather not,” I said forcefully.

“Please?”

I looked at her, “No! Just leave me be!” I looked forward.

“Excalibur, he didn’t know!”

That sentence alone brought me to a halt. Twilight saw this and decided to stand in front of me and see if she could get me to talk…which I did.

“He didn’t know… he didn’t know… OF COURSE HE DIDN’T FUCKING KNOW!”

Twilight was startled by my outburst and took a step back with terror in her eyes.

“WHY WOULD HE EVER KNOW? I’M AN ALIEN FROM ANOTHER GALAXY! OF COURSE HE WOULDN’T FUCKING KNOW… IVE SEEN THINGS, I’VE DONE THINGS NO HUMAN SHOULD EVER WITNESS… EVERYTHING... I LOST EVERYTHING! … JUST STANDING HERE BRINGS BACK PAINFUL MEMEORIES THAT I FORGOT A LONG TIME AGO… I'VE GOT A WAR TO FINISH AND HERE I AM ON THIS GODFORSAKEN ROCK FIGHTING YOUR BATTLES…" I pointed at her before putting my arm back down, "YOU KNOW WHAT? ... I LEAD A RESISTANCE OF LESS THAN TEN THOUSAND ANGAINST AN ARMY THAT WE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT! AND WON!”

Twilight just stood there in shock. I was scaring her and she knew it. I decided to take my anger out on her instead of her brother… this wasn’t one of my finer moments. She just stood there with tears in her eyes. Twilight is delicate girl… she didn’t deserve this.

I jerked my head to the left, “Just leave me alone.”

I stepped past here only to hear, “Please…*sniffle*… let me help.”

I came to a stop and mumbled, “Twilight…”

“PLEASE, JUST LET ME HELP YOU!”

She couldn’t help this poor soul; everything that I tried to forget was coming back into the light and boiling to the surface… it overtook me.

POW!

I gave the wall to my left a good punch with my right hand, causing the stone to crack and crumble on impact. I removed my balled up fist and shook my hand a few times. I couldn’t see Twilight behind me, but I knew that she was shocked, if not scared out of her mind.

“Twilight… for your safety…it would be best if you just left me alone.”

With that, I just left her, I didn’t look back, I didn’t acknowledge her… I just… left.

‘I’ll apologize to her later; right now I just need to be alone.’ I thought to myself.

What I really needed to do was meditate. I began to look for suitable places to meditate. I had realized that I hadn’t meditated in a few days, so it was probably the reason why my anger was boiling over. That, and I hadn't been able to be in a good fight in a little while. Anyway, while I walked around the castle I tried to look for a good place to relax… but, to no avail. Eventually I went outside to try and find a place.

The night was pretty nice though, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the stars were just wonderful… I guess I need to start taking more time to myself. As I walked around some more, I eventually came to a small metal archway leading to a garden.

‘This’ll do,’ I thought.

I stepped through the small archway and began to look around, it was quit peaceful. So I just picked a spot and took my stance. I brought my hands together as if I were praying; then I brought my feet together, closed my eyes and cleared my mind. My breathing slowed as I began my motions, which flowed like water. Following the ways of old, I bent my knees and turn my body, letting my energy flow through me. My arms and legs did the motions without hesitation, I was one with world.

And before I knew it, I was finished, back in my original position. I opened my eyes and scanned the scene; I noticed that I was alone in the garden… probably because of how late at night it was. After taking a moment, I began to meditate further; I brought my legs up and crossed them, I then placed my hands on my knee caps, palms facing the sky.

I closed my eyes and let the bobbing of my floating body lull me into a state of euphoria. A Tenno is at his best in this state, if we can take the time to meditate during a fight, we can face our enemy with overwhelming power… or we can use it to keep our selves mentally stable. I took this time to think about what I said to Twilight.

‘She didn’t deserve that… at all. I guess I’ll have to make a formal apology to Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadence, along with Twilight and her friends. Shining Armor will have to wait; I’ll only apologize if he does it first.’

As I “sat” there lost in my thoughts, I heard a voice speak up, “May we join you?”

I opened my eyes, raised my head slowly, and looked to my right toward the voice.

“Princess Luna, please grab a seat,” I said while gesturing my open palm in front of me.

She walked over and took a seat on the grass in front of me. She opened her mouth to say something but I interrupted her.

“Before you say anything. I want to apologize for my outburst, I tend to have a short fuse in certain situations.”

“It’s quite alright Excalibur.”

“Alright,” I give her and quick glance and asked, “So, you’re obviously here for something.”

“I just came to talk… and… to apologize for asking you about your weaponry.”

“Apology accepted, so what do you want to talk about?” I asked while lowering my legs to the ground.

She stayed quiet for a moment.

“What is life like being a Tenno?” she asked.

‘Of course she’d ask that, everybody asks that.’ I mentally deadpanned.

“It’s not the most glorious… like what I said earlier today, but knowing that I can help others… it’s one of the best feelings ever," I gave her a glance; she just sat there, waiting for me to continue, “*sigh*… when you’re as old as I am, life isn’t that fun anymore. You’ll take what little joy you can get… I’ve seen and done things that… I’m not proud of.”

“Try me?” she asked with a small smile.

“What do you mean by that?”

“How old are you… if I may ask?”

“One thousand and twenty years.”

“Well…I too have done things that I’m not proud of," I scrunched my brow in confusion, “One thousand years ago I tried to overthrow my sister… she banished me to the moon.”

My eyes went wide… ‘Oh!’

“So what brought that on?” I asked.

“I became jealous of the attention my sister was receiving. So I used dark magic to turn myself into Nightmare Moon.”

“Nightmare Moon?” I asked.

“A more powerful version of myself.”

“Ah, so what brought you back?”

“Twilight Sparkle and her friends used the Elements of Harmony to change me back.”

“The Elements of Harmony?”

“The main force we ponies use to defend our land. They are magical gem stones that create harmony and peace throughout Equestria… but, Twilight and her friends are the living embodiment of the Elements.”

“How so?”

“Twilight is the Element of Magic, Applejack is the Element of Honesty, Rainbow Dash is the Element of Loyalty, Rarity is the Element of Generosity, Fluttershy is the Element Kindness, and Pinkie Pie is the Element of Laughter. Basically all key components to a good friendship," she said.

“Friendship… really?”

Luna nodded her head.

I gave a little chuckle and said, “Sounds like something from a little girls TV show.”

“The magic of friendship is how Equestria stays so peaceful.”

I give her a glance, “You’re completely serious… aren’t you?” she gave me a small nod to answer my question, “Huh… alright then.”

A moment of silence passed.

“You know… if I learned anything when I was a teenager, it was never ask a girl her age… but may I ask… how old are you?”

“One thousand and nineteen.”

“And your sister?”

“One thousand and twenty.”

I guess she could relate more than I was expecting. It was hard to believe that I was the same age as the ruler of this land.

“When were you banished to the moon… if I may ask?”

“When I was eighteen, it’s been almost a year since I was saved.”

“Well I was nineteen when I dawned my Warframe.”

A moment of silence passed yet again.

“So Excalibur what was-”

“AHHHHHHHHH!” a female voice screamed out.

“What, pray tell... was that?” asked Luna in confusion.

“I don’t know, but that girl has a good set of lungs on her,” I said, giving the Princess a look.

“Help me!” screamed the voice.

My eyes went wide. “I gotta go!” I said to Luna while making my leave across the garden.

As I sprinted to the edge of the garden, I tried to head in the direction I heard the voice. I left the garden and scaled a nearby building. Upon reaching the top I took a second to try and locate that voice again.

“Come on, say something,” I whispered.

“Please let me go.”

I heard the same voice, it was faint, but I heard it.

“Bingo,” I turned to my left and followed the voice.

I ran across a few roof tops and came to yet another stop, trying to hone in on the distressed girl… I mean mare.

“Quite squirming,” barked a male voice.

‘I know where this is headed,’ I thought to myself.

Running across yet another roof I stopped in in front of an ally way and peered down. What I saw next made me sick. A rather large stallion had a young mare pinned to a wall, although it looked like he isn’t getting very far with the amount of squirming she kept doing.

“Please let me go,” she whimpered.

“Shut the hell up!” ordered the stallion.

“Alright time to end this,” I whispered.

With stealth and precision I lowered myself down the wall and walk toward the tussle. Neither of them knew I was there; as I stood there I eventually spoke up.

“You know, if there’s one thing I hate in life, its bullies… and especially bullies that take advantage of young women like this.”

Both their heads immediately jerk to the left to see me standing there. The young mare had tears in her eyes and the stallion had anger in his.

“Who the hell are you!?” he barked.

“Please, help me,” whimpered the mare.

His head jerked down as he yelled, “Shut up!”

He looked back at me and said, “Look buddy, just get out of here before I decide to hurt you.”

“Hurt me? I doubt that,” I said with a hint of sarcasm.

“Alright you asked for it,” he climbed of the mare and began to levitate a knife in front of him.

I just stood there. That stupid little pocket knife would even be able to put a dent in my shields. I put my hands together and interlaced my fingers, extending my arms. I could hear the cracking of my knuckles, when I was finished I wiggled my fingers a little and put my arms down. This wasn’t even classified as a fight, because the next thing he knew I was holding him off the ground by his jaw. He tried to get away, but no one can escape my deadly grasp.

“Oh quite you squirming, *SHING* or do I have to put these to good use.”

His eyes went wide when I open my left Venka right next to his head.

“Hey b-buddy… let’s… let’s talk about this,” he said with fear in his eyes.

“What’s there to talk about,” after saying that, I gave him a swift right hook to his left temple.

He fell to the ground limp; I started at him for a moment, then turned my attention to the young pegasus. I walked up the cowering mare and took a knee, she had snow white coat and a light blue mane and tail, with a snowflake mark on her flank.

“Are you alright?” I asked with a calm demeanor.

She looked up at me and gave me a light nod.

“Hey it’s alright… you’re safe now.”

“Okay,” she whimpered.

“Does anything hurt?” I asked, trying to assess her wellbeing.

She gave me a nod, telling me 'no'.

“Okay. Can I give you a look anyway?”

“Okay,” she whispered.

I began to look her over she had a few bruises here and there but nothing major.

“So what’s your name?” I asked while trying to calm her down.

“W-Winter… B-B-Breeze,” she said.

“Well Miss Breeze, my name is Excalibur Prime,” I said.

As I tried to calm her down and reassure her that everything was alright. I heard Ordis over my comms,

“Excalibur, are you there?”

“Yes Ordis, what is it?”

“Miss Sparkle and her friends are here to see you?”

“I’m kinda busy at the moment, what do they want?”

“They want to talk to you?”

“About what?” I asked with a hint of frustration.

“They wouldn’t tell me. They said it’s personal.”

‘They’re probably looking for an apology,’ I thought to myself.

“Could you please tell them that I’ll talk to them later.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

As I finished my assessment I looked at Miss Breeze and said, “So you have a few bruises but you look alright to me," she just sat there and started at the ground, “Hey… could you please look at me?” I asked with a hint of sorrow. She just continued to stare at the ground. I removed my helmet and gently grabbed her chin with my left hand and raised her head to look me in the eyes, “Hey… it’s alright; I’m not going to hurt you, I just want to make sure that you’re alright,” I said, giving off a small smile.

Her eyes began to fill with tears; she lunged forward and grabbed me in a large hug. It caught me a little off guard, but after a moment I wrapped my arms around her and began to stroke her back.

“Thank you, thank you, thank yooooou!” she said while sobbing into my chest.

“You’re welcome… just let it out.”

We sat there for a few minutes while she sobbed into my chest. We may not have known each other, but she needed someone to hold her… and it was me. She finished her sobbing and began to calm down, she looked up at me; I couldn’t help but give her a smile.

“Uh… I-I’m… I’m sorry,” she said while turning her head away.

“It’s quit alright; you’ve been through a lot.”

She looked back at me and gave me a smile. Then she looked passed me at the unconscious stallion on the ground.

“What are you going to do with him?”

I looked at the stallion and said, “I’ll take him to the castle and hand him over to the guard.”

She looked at me, “But… how will they know what he did?” she asked with confusion.

I look back at the pegasus in my lap and said, “I was recording a majority of the attack. If he isn’t charged with rape, he’ll be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Don’t worry, I'll make sure he gets punished for what he did.”

She gave a small sniffle and said, “Thank you.”

“No problem.”

I grabbed the young mare and picked her up and set her on the ground, I put my hands behind me and rose to my feet. I bent over and grabbed my helmet and slipped it over my head only to hear, “EXCALIBUR!?”

“AHHH…. SHIT! Ordis what is it?” I barked while bending over and holding my now throbbing head.

“Sorry for startling you Excalibur but, *BZZT* THE GIRLS WANT TO PAINT A TARGET ON YOUR BACK *BZZT*”

“What?” I asked out of confusion at his statement.

“Miss Sparkle and her friends want to talk you right now.”

I let out a heavy sigh and said, “Could you please tell them that I had a serious situation that needed my attention.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Thank you.”

I looked at Winter and let out a small sigh, she just stood there and looked at me with a furrowed brow.

“Who are you talking to?” she asked.

“He’s a friend, and let’s just say, I’ve got girl troubles.”

Winter gave out a small giggle and said, “What kind of mare issues?”

“I think they want to ring my neck,” I said while walking over to the unconscious stallion.

I raise my left hand over him, but before I did anything, I looked back and Winter and said, “You might want to look away.”

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I’m going to make him disappear, and it’s going to be a little odd.”

“I don’t mind,” she looked at him with hate in her eyes, “Anything you do will only make me feel better.”

“Alright.”

I looked back and activate my teleporter used to capture targets. The stallion began to disappear into my left hand. After about 10 to 15 seconds he was completely gone. A few words popped up on the inside of my helmet and said, “Status Captured”.

I turned around to see Winter standing there with wide eyes and an open mouth. It was a pretty funny site.

“Where did he go?” she asked while walking up to me.

“He’s stored safely away.”

“Okay,” she said with a smile.

I was amazed she didn't question me further

We walked out of the alley and onto the main street. I think she expected me to just leave, but I asked, “Do you want me walk you home?”

She looked up at me, she was shocked by my remark, but she said, “Only… if it’s… alright with you,” I could sense a little embarrassment.

“It would be my pleasure,” I answered.

We begin to walk down the street awhileI escorted her home. I heard Ordis speak up yet again.

“Excalibur?”

I tilted my head back quickly and said, “Yes Ordis?”

“Miss Sparkle and her friends want to come aboard the Liset.”

“What for?” I asked.

“She said that they want to look at the Codex.”

“Permission granted.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

Once Ordis was gone, I struck up a conversation with Winter. She told me about her life, where she was born, and how she ended up her in Canterlot. It felt nice to have a “normal” conversation with someone. When she finished up she asked me how I ended up here in Equestria. I didn’t tell her about the incident with the Grineer. So I lied and said that I was lost. I told her about the Changeling attack and eventually how I ended with her.

Next thing we knew we were standing in front of her house. We said our good byes; she couldn’t help but give me another hug, which I gladly returned. I told her that if she ever needed me, just go to the castle and ask for me. She told me she would if needed, and with that, we parted ways.

I made it about a block when Ordis contacted me yet again.

“Excalibur?”

“Yes Ordis?” I was getting tired of this.

“Do you have a moment?”

“Yes I do,” I answered.

“Miss Sparkle and her friends want to talk to you.”

“Alright, put me on speaker.”

“Done Excalibur.”

“Alright girls what do you want?”

“Where the hey are you?” asked Rainbow Dash. I could tell she was trying to restrain her anger.

“I tell you what I told Ordis. I had a situation that needed my attention.”

“What kind of situation?” asked Applejack, not believing me.

“A rape case,” I said with a little anger.

“Oh,” responded Applejack with shock.

“Let me guess… Twilight told you what I said to her, and you’re looking for an apology?”

“How did you know that?” asked Fluttershy.

“Because I’m not too proud of what I did. I took my anger out on her when she didn’t deserve it.”

“So when are you going to be back?” asked Rarity.

“I don’t know.”

“Well you better get here soon, before I-“

I didn’t want to hear Rainbow finish that sentence, it had been a rough day.

‘I’ll catch them when I get back to the castle, as of right now ill just enjoy the peace and tranquility the night has given me.’

“Excalibur?”

...

“Ordis… just don’t”

Chapter 10 Memories

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, Planet Earth, 1,000 Years before the planet Equin incident.

Earth… my home. I was born here and I’ll die here. Humanity was becoming more advanced each and every day. We’ve already colonized the moon, and are working on the rest of the planets in our solar system. But for me, I prefer to keep life simple; all this tech just tends to give me a head ache. For me… life was good. I had a good job, a place to myself, hell, I even had my own car. But everything changed one fateful day.

It was a nice, sunny Saturday morning; I had just gotten up and clicked on the television. But when I tried to find something good to watch. All I saw was the emergency broadcast system.

“ALERT, ALERT, THIS IS THE EMERGENCY BROAD CAST SYSTEM; THE EARTH IS UNDER ATTACK, WE SUGEST THAT ALL CIVILIANS GRAB ONE SUITCASE PER PERSON AND HEAD FOR ONE OF THE DESIGNATED SAFE ZONES… ALERT, ALERT, THIS IS TH-”

I stood there and watched the television, dumbfounded. The earth is under attack… from what? I flicked through the TV and tried to find a channel that was showing something. Eventually I found a live news feed. The video showed a young female news reporter hiding behind a car.

She was looking at the camera and said, “The Earth is under attack by an unknown enemy,” she peeked up over the car, “But it would appear that the Military is handling the situation,” the live video showed a massive railgun tank take a shot at a landing shuttle, blowing it out of the sky. The ship came to a crash landing in a nearby building.

“YAY,” the young reporter looked back at the camera, “There is no need to panic, but I suggest that everyone stay inside and wait for the military to deal with the situation.”

She looked back over the car and watched as the tanks and infantry fought off the incoming landing craft. As the shuttles begin to hover over the ground, these small, metal beings drop down and begin to attack the infantry. The men didn’t even stand a chance; they were beaten or vaporized instantly.

The creatures quickly surrounded a nearby tank; they rapidly disassembled the mass of metal and began to add it to their bodies. They took the massive turret and began to use it on our own tanks. I watched as these things… killed multiple tanks. They were slaughtering us without even trying.

“Uh… we need to get out of here,” said the scared reported.

She began to run with the camera man following close behind. She didn’t make it far before one of these metallic creatures fell in front of her; she and the camera man fall on their backs as this thing began to glow.

She let out a blood curdling scream as the camera went black. I felt a chill crawl up my spine. It was time to go, and I had to do it now. Without hesitation I began to run through my house grabbing, guns, ammo, maps, food, and clothing. I opened the front door and ran out an unlocked the car.

I opened the back door and ran back into my house. I just started grabbing backpacks full of equipment; I made multiple trips from the car to the house and back. Once I was loaded up I left the door to my house unlocked… there was no point anymore; the world was already coming to an end.

I pulled out of the driveway and just went with a direction. I needed to get away from the city, and I knew full well that in a town this big, everything would be gone in a matter of a few days. I just needed to get away… the safe zones are a terrible idea, and if the military can’t kill these things… how would they protect a few thousand people?

I raced down the streets at, at least 100 miles an hour… screw speed limits, I wanted out. But all police cars were headed into the city, while I was heading out. Everything was lost… life as I knew it… was over.

I spent the next several hours driving, I took a quick stop somewhere in Montana for fuel. It was interesting; I got out with an AR-15 strapped to my chest. Apparently where I was, they hadn’t gotten the news yet.

“Son, what’s with the rifle?” asked an older gentleman as he walked up to me.

“Haven’t you heard?” I asked with a little worry while placing the fuel nozzle in my car.

“Heard what?” he said.

“The Earths under attack,” I told him.

“What?” he asked with a hint of shock.

“Yeah, listen to this,” I got in my car and turn on the radio.

“Alert, alert, this is the emergency broad cast system, the earth is under attack, I repeat the earth is under attack. We recommend that all civilians head to the designated military safe zones, you are only allowed to bring one suitcase per person… Alert, alert thi-”

I turned the radio off and looked at the shocked man; he started at me wide eyed with disbelief.

“I suggest you gather your family and run,” I told him.

I removed the gas pump nozzle from my car and got in. With that… I left him and the nearby town. I was on my own, the only person I could trust… was… myself.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Roof of Canterlot Castle, Canterlot, Planet Equin, Present day.

As I stood there on top of the castle. I just tried to enjoy the long night that was provided for me. When you’re a thousand years old, you tend to forget the little things in life.

“Excalibur… what are you doing up here?” asked a female voice.

Without looking at the voice I said, “Just trying to enjoy the moment Princess Celestia.”

She walked up next to me and said nothing.

“Look your majesty I’m sorry for my outburst at dinner, it was uncalled for.”

“It’s quite alright, not everyone is perfect.”

A moment of silence passed

“So how can I help you?” I asked.

“Twilight and her friends are looking for you.”

“I know.”

“What for? … If I may ask?”

“It’s a personal matter,” I told her.

After taking a few more minutes I looked at Princess Celestia.

“I think this is a good time as any to find Twilight and her friends.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” she said.

I walked over to the edge of the roof and stood there.

“What are you doing Excalibur?” asked the princess.

“Oh nothing,” after I said that, I jumped off the roof.

A second or two passed as I fell through the air. Before I hit the ground I used my Warframes glide ability to gently land on the ground. I landed on my hands and knees, but with very little force. I stood up and entered the castle.

I walked up stairs and tried to look for Twilight, but I realized that I didn’t know where her room was.

Okay I'll be honest, without me mapping the entire castle I got lost.

Thankfully I ran into Princess Cadence, “Oh Excalibur, I’ve been looking for you,” she said.

“Really? What for?” I asked.

“I want to apologize for Shining’s outburst at dinner.”

“Well thank you, but unfortunately, I don’t take third party apologies; you can tell him that if he wants my respect, he can talk to me in person.”

“Oh… okay,” she said looking away from me as her ears fell back.

I took a heavy breath and said, “I want to apologize for what I said, it’s just… I’m stuck in this situation, and the longer I’m here the more lives I fail to protect. I let my anger over take me… It was unprofessional.”

“It’s alright, we all have our moments,” she said with a light smile.

“Ha! You have no idea. Anyway, have you seen Twilight and her friends?” I asked.

“Uh… last I saw them was at your ship,” she said.

“Well I know they’re not there. Maybe you can point toward their rooms?”

“Sure, follow me,” she said.

We walked down the halls for a little while. We passed the time with a little small talk. She asked about where I went tonight… well I told her. I told her about the argument I had with Twilight and how she didn’t deserve it. Then about how I talked to Princess Luna for a little while, then the rape situation with Winter, and how I dropped off the stallion with a video of his actions, and finally the talk with Celestia.

I asked her about her life, which she… gladly spilled. She told me about how she was Twilight's… foalsitter? … Then how she fell in love with her brother… who happened be a certain disgruntled Prince. And finally about the chaotic wedding she just had.

“Sounds like you’ve had a lot of fun then, haven’t you?”

“Well, it wasn’t the wedding I wanted, but it was defiantly one to remember.”

“No kidding,” I said jokingly.

“Anyway, here’s Twilight room,” Cadence said while pointing toward the door in front of us.

“Thanks,” I said.

“No problem,” she turned to leave, as she walked she hollered over her shoulder, “I’ll see tomorrow I guess. Don’t do anything stupid.”

‘Thanks’ I mentally deadpaned.

I turned to the door and raised my hand,

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!

I gave the door three good hits with the knuckle of my index finger.

“Who is it?” asked a raspy female voice.

“The muffin man,” I deadpanned, “Guess?”

The door opened as I stood there, I gave Applejack a look, and she just gave me a death glare. As I studied the room more I could see Twilight looking at me with watery eyes, she had all her friends sitting around her on the large bed.

“Permission to enter,” I asked.

“Pardon?” replied Applejack.

“A man never enters a girl’s room without permission,” I told Applejack.

“*Sniffle* permission *sniffle* granted,” mumbled Twilight.

I stepped past Applejack while she closed the door. Everyone just stared daggers at me, sometimes I just with that my suit could block those daggers… oh wait that’s right… I can black out my HUD… Anyway, I stood there for a moment until Rainbow spoke up.

“What the hay are you doing here?”

“I came to apologize,” a dramatic pause fell for a second, “To all of you… but mostly Twilight.”

“Go on,” said Rainbow.

“I want to apologize for my outburst at dinner," they just sat there in silence waiting for me to continue, “Look, when a Tenno dishonors someone that doesn’t deserve it, they own up to their mistake, and do everything they can to make things better.”

I grabbed my helmet and removed it from my head so that everyone could see my face.

“Twilight, what I said to you was a mistake, you didn’t deserve that… and I’m sorry.”

She sat there and watched me, slowly but surely a smile began to crawl across her face. Her horn glowed, and then she disappeared in a flash of purple.

‘What th-’

“Oof.”

I felt something hit me in the chest as I fell to the ground. I laid there for a second; I looked up to see Twilight holding me in a tight hug.

‘Is everyone on this planet always this clingy?’ I thought to myself.

She just sat there and cried into my chest much like Winter did earlier that day. I turned my head and looked at everyone else in the room. I gave my wrists a jerk and shook my head in confusion trying to get an answer, but they all just gave me the same reaction. After a few seconds she stopped her crying and just nuzzled herself into my chest, it may have been cute, and the attention I was earning wasn’t bad… but it was getting a little annoying.

“Uh… Twilight?” she just ignored me when I said that. I rolled my eyes and said her name again, “Twilight?” her head jerked up and she looked me in the eyes, “Can I please stand up?” I asked.

Her jaw went slack and I couldn’t help but notice a little blush come forward.

“Uh… yeah,” she crawled off my chest and stood next to me.

What I did next caught everyone off guard. I put my hands over my head and leaned back, I curled my body and pushed with me hands forcefully, I hovered in the air for a second, landing right on me feet. Everyone sat there in amazement at my flexibility. One of the many perks of being human. I gave everyone a glance as a small smile crawled across my face.

“Jealous?” I asked.

They all nodded their heads in agreement. I never fail to impress, mainly because I’m a futuristic space ninja. I walked over and grabbed my helmet; quickly slipped it over my head, once it was in place I headed for the door.

Before I walked out I stopped and turned around, “I suggest you all get some sleep, it’s been a long day.”

I turned to leave but I heard Twilight say my name.

“Excalibur?”

“Yes?” I said looking back at her.

She opened her mouth but closed it quickly, “Never mind, good night.”

“Good night everyone.”

I stepped out the door and headed back to my ship.

“What a crazy day,” I whispered to myself.

Chapter 11 Negotiations

Location: Halls of Canterlot Castle, Canterlot, Planet Equin

As I walked down the halls getting ready breakfast, I happened to hear what sounded like a vase shattering. I furrowed my brow and just ignored it as I walked. But the closer I got to a nearby hallway, the more I could hear someone yelling.

“You’re such a cluts!” barked an older female voice.

“I’m sorry,” whimpered I light female voice.

“I should fire you right here right now!” barked the older female.

“P-please I n-need this job.”

My pace quickened by about half a step as I got closer. I finally came to a connecting hall to see two mares in maids uniforms. The younger grey mare was bent over on the ground trying to pile up all the broken shards, while the older white mare was looked at her with disgust. I stood there for a second to see what would transpire next.

“You’re nothing more than a waste of space!”

“Eh-hem!” I said getting both of the maid’s attentions; they looked at me so I continued, “What is going on here?”

I began to walk up to the two mares.

“Oh it’s nothing sir,” the older mare looked at the younger one with anger in her eyes, “This little disgrace just broke this vase here.”

“You know… I don’t like it when people treat others like shit,” I said with a little anger while standing in between the two maids.

“But shes-”

“But nothing! She has feelings like you and me! What if that was you in this situation? What if I just threw you to the curb like a piece of garbage?”

“I… uh,” responded the mare with no good answer.

“Here’s something I’ll tell you about the Tenno, we may be considered gods, but we don’t consider ourselves any higher or lower than those around us.”

“But… but… she’s just a-”

“Don’t you even finish that sentence!” I sais forcefully while pointing a finger at the older mare. “If I were you... I'd you go

before I get REALLY pissed.”

“Yes sir,” she said with a hint of fear.

I watched for a moment while the maid backed up slowly before turning around quickly and running down the hallway. Once she was gone, I turned back to the young maid, she was on the ground yet again trying to pick up the broken vase. I grabbed my helmet and took it off quickly and set it down on the ground.

“Here let me get that for you,” I told her in a calming tone.

“B-but I-I need to get this cleaned up right away!” she said with a hint of fear and worry.

I grabbed her hoof and held it.

“I insist,” I told her with a smile.

“O-okay…” she said hesitantly.

I gathered the shards and held them in my hand. Once they were in place I set them in the nearby table and looked at the sad maid.

“Hey, it’s alright.”

She just sat there and started to cry.

“My names Excalibur Prime, what’s yours?” I asked with a smile.

“F-Feather… D-Duster,” replied the maid hesitantly.

“Well Miss Duster, it’s nice to meet you.”

She sat there and continued to cry. I watched for a few seconds until I grabbed my helmet and stood up.

“Hey, everything’s going to be fine.”

She stood on all fours and began to wipe her face with her right foreleg.

“No *sniffle* it’s not… I’m going to be fired and I just know it *sniffle* *sniffle*”

I kneeled down in front of here and raised her chin my hand so she could look me right in the eyes.

“It was an accident, and they happen to the best of us. If anything I can talk to your boss, or the princesses for that matter," her eyes went wide when I mentioned that last part, “Here, how about we go for a walk?” I asked.

“But, I have a job to do.”

“Isn’t it a maid’s job to take care of those in the castle?”

“Y-Yes,” she mumbled.

“Then you can do your job while you walk with me.”

“Okay…” she whispered.

“Come on, follow me,” I said.

She did as I asked and walked next to me. She just stayed silent while we walked.

“So Miss Duster, what seems to be troubling you?” I asked.

“It’s just,” she took a moment to think, “This is the only job I have..”

“Is it really that bad?” I asked surprisingly.

“Yes, but with cleaning being my special talent I don’t have very many options, but…” she trailed off.

“Let me guess? It doesn’t pay well... does it?”

She shook her head up and down, answering my question.

“I barely make enough to feed myself, let alone pay my bills,” she said in a depressed tone.

I thought about that for a moment. While I was pondering what she said, I noticed that we were approaching the dining hall. Just before I started to reach out to grab the door handle Feather Duster’s stomach let out a loud growl. She looked down at her stomach and gave on

an embarrassing chuckle.

“When was the last time you ate something?” I asked out of curiosity.

“Not… since yesterday,” she said while lowering her head.

“Alright, you’re joining me for breakfast and I’m having a lunch and dinner made for you.”

“But…”

“I care for everyone, your health right now is more important than what others think.”

She just stood there and didn’t say anything. I reached over and opened the door and stepped inside, Feather Duster followed close

behind.

“Morning Excalibur!” hollered everyone, but their expressions changed once they saw the little maid standing behind me.

She tried to hide behind her mane but to no avail.

“Uh Excalibur, what is she doing with you?” asked Cadence out of confusion.

“Well I met her in the hallway, and I thought she could join use for breakfast,” I explained to Cadence. “I hope it’s not an issue?” I said,

changing my tone from a happy one to a serious one.

“Well it’s just…” Cadence trailed off.

“What?” I said forcefully.

“Well, lower class maids aren’t allowed to-”

“Allowed to do what? Eat with us?” I said, I could feel my blood beginning to heat up.

“I’m sorry Excalibur, but its castle policy,” said Princess Celestia rather calmly.

I give Celestia a glance; I rub my mouth with my hand and try to do my best to control my anger.

“You know what? I don’t care what the policy says, from what I got out of her, not only hasn’t she eaten in at least twelve hours. But she barely makes enough to pay her bills, let alone feed herself,” I looked at Feather who had begun to cry, “And I know she isn’t lying to me.”

“But Excalibur-“

“But nothing!” I screamed interrupting Celestia, “I will not see her health deteriorate any father then it has. You told me yourself Princess that all life is precious… or were you lying to me?” I asked forcefully.

Celestia took a moment to mull it over.

“I don’t care what you say or what you do, if you want to kick her out of this room then so be it… but you’ll have to go through me first… and I won’t go willingly.”

“Excalibur, would you please calm down?” pleaded Twilight.

I glanced over at her; I took a second and took a deep breath, “Yes Twilight,” I said in a calmer tone, I looked back at Celestia, “But Miss Duster is going to join us, no matter what, got it?”

“If that’s what you want,” answered Celestia.

I turned around and looked at Feather; she was sitting on her haunches crying. I kneeled down in front of her and began to wipe the tears from her face.

“Hey it’s going to be alright,” I said trying to reassure her.

She sat there for a few more seconds until she whimpered, “Okay…”

“Come on, you can sit with me,” said giving her a reassuring smile.

I stood up while she got on all fours. I walked over to the table and placed my helmet down, then I grabbed the chair to my right and pulled it out. Feather hesitantly walked over, but she eventually jumped into the chair and took her place. I took a seat to her left and gave her a glance. She looked pretty depressed, so I placed my right hand on her back and gave it a light rub. She gave me a glance and a small smile crawled across her face. I gave her a reassuring smile in return, but apparently someone took notice.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you smile yet darling.”

I looked over at Rarity, who happened to have a smile on her face.

“What, do I look stupid or something?” I said sarcastically.

“No it’s just… you look better when your smiling,” answered Twilight.

I let out a happy chuckle and a smiled, which caused everyone to smile, even Feather Duster.

Breakfast went well; we talked and joked the whole time. I even got feather Duster to open up even more. It was a lot of fun, I’ve been alone for so long that I forgot what it was like to be this happy. Once we were done eating and joking I made sure that Feather Duster got her meals and I escorted her to the door. I stepped outside with her and closed the door behind me.

I kneeled down in front of her and looked her in the eyes, “Quick question, how does the currency on this planet work?”

“Oh! We have gold bits,” she answered happily, “Why?”

“So if you went out and found a little bit of gold, you could take it to a bank or something and have it exchanged?”

“Yes… why are you asking?”

I reached behind my back and grabbed a resource storage device and opened up the holographic screen. I cycled through the screen until I found what I was looking for.

“I know that your situation isn’t a perfect one and I’m more than willing to help you,” I pressed on the button that said 'gold' and watched as a small bar appeared in front of me.

I grabbed it with my right hand and held it in front of her.

“I want you to take this,” I told her with a joyous smile.

“B-but I can’t!”

“Feather, I’m rich beyond my wildest dreams. I don’t need any more gold,” I said.

I grabbed the food bag that contained her food from her back and place it in front of me. I open the sides and place the gold bar in it. I look back at the screen and got two more gold bars; and place them in the bag and tied it shut.

“There’s 1000 ounces there, I want you to keep quiet about this though. I don’t want you getting hurt,” I placed the pad behind me before continuing, “It’s your decision on how you want to spend it, but I’m going to trust that you do the right thing with it.”

“I will!” she screamed in utter joy, she grabbed me in a large hug before screaming, “THANK YOU!”

‘There’s that hugging again,’ I mentally deadpanned

She broke the hug and looked right at me with a smile going from ear to ear.

“Feather, be careful, and if you have any issues, not matter how big or small, go straight to the princesses and ask for me directly okay?”

“I will,” she said shaking her head.

“Good luck.”

“Thank you,” she grabbed the bag and placed it on her back and began to walk away.

“Oh before I forget,” she stopped and looked over her shoulder, “If anyone asks, you were helping me, and if they have any issues they can come and find me,” I said.

“Will do.”

I turned back to the dining hall and stepped inside. When I did, I happened to notice Twilight playing with my helmet. I stood there for a second to see what she was going to do, honestly it was pretty funny.

“Having fun there?” I asked playfully.

“Eep!” Twilight screamed, “Uh… Excalibur, I was just-”

“Its fine Twilight, but the helmet doesn’t work very well when it’s not on.”

“Oh… I knew that,” she said as a blush worked its way onto her cheeks.

“Suuuure you did,” I said sarcastically.

I walked back over to the table and took a seat; I looked at Celestia and said, “Your majesty, since I’m going to be here for a while, this is probably a good time to start negotiating any terms and conditions you want me to follow.”

“I think that’s a good idea Excalibur,” she looked back at Twilight and her friends, “Girls, I’m sorry, but going to have to ask you to leave.”

“Of course Princess,” Twilight set my helmet down and got out of her chair.

Her friends followed close behind, as they approached the door I said, “Twilight,” she stopped and turned to look at me.

“Yes?”

“Here,” I grabbed my helmet and turn it on before tossing it toward her.

She caught it in her magic and looked at it wide eyed.

“Just don’t break it,” I said with a smile.

Her face lit up as she turned back to her friends, who too were wide eyed. They were all mumbling to each other as they left the

room. Now I could place my attention to Princess Celestia and her relatives.

“Alight, what do you want me to do?” I asked while leaning back in my chair.

“Well, what can you do for us?” asked Celestia.

“Well… what I’ve done in the past is provide protection for the inhabitants… that’s the easiest thing to do, but the Tenno are neutral in all conflicts, but we have a few exceptions.”

"What exceptions are those?" asked Luna.

I took a quick moment before continuing.

“Let’s say a war broke out between you and a nearby country. If the nearby country attacked us here, much like the Changelings. I would defend this land and do my best to create peace. But if you decided to attack a nearby country, I will not be apart it.”

“I can understand that,” responded Celestia.

“And if I harm anyone under your rule without a justifiable reason, I will hand myself over and face whatever punishment you deem fit.”

“Okay... but what do you want out of this?”

“I just need a space to repair my ship, and possibly search for resources. It’s probably going to take me a few months to make the necessary repairs to my ship. I don’t have all the tools and proper resources to make everything perfect… that and I don’t know what the extent of the damage is," I took a moment to think about my situation, “I guess the best thing I can think of is... I provide protection, aid you when need be, and you allow me to search for possible resources to make repairs.”

“That seems fair to me,” she looked at Princess Luna, “Luna, what do you think?”

“We think it seems fair sister,” answered Luna.

Celestia looked at Cadence and Shining Armor.

“Cadence, Shining, what do you think?”

“I don’t have a problem with it,” answered Cadence.

Shining just sat there in silence.

“You still don’t trust me? Don’t you?” I asked Shining.

“Yes,” he said trying to retrain his anger.

I didn’t want to repeat what happened last night, so I did my best to stay calm.

“Well if it’s any consolation, while I’m here, and because you are one of the rulers of this place, I do have to take orders from you,” I said with a slight hint of sarcasm, but I’m mostly serious. He starts to mull over what I said, “Look you go on and think about it, but you don’t have my full respect either. I never meant to come here willingly, I saw a situation and did what I thought was right. I never came her to prove myself; my malfunctioning equipment dumped me here.”

We sat there for a moment until Celestia spoke up.

“Well, I think we are at an agreement,” she looked me in the eyes before continuing, “Excalibur, we wish to thank you for becoming an ally of Equestria.”

That went better then I thought, most negotiations take hours or days, that was over in less then ten minutes.

“My pleasure your majesty, and I want to thank you for becoming an ally of the Tenno.”

Everyone got out of their seats and walked over toward me; I stood up and faced everyone. I extended my right hand out to shake hands… or hooves in this case. Celestia extended her right hoof, which I took and shook lightly. Luna and Cadence did the same thing, but when I got to Shining, he stood there and looked at my hand. I desperately didn’t want to shake his hoof, but I had to respect him no matter how much of an issue I had with him. Slowly but surely he extended his right hoof, which I took and gave a light shake. Once we were done we headed for the door. I opened in and stepped out into the hallway.

30 minutes later

“Alright everyone, mount up, were headed for Ponyville,” I said to Twilight and her friends.

They all waved to the Princesses and said their goodbyes before getting on board the Liset. Once I saw the last pony enter I turned

back to the Princesses and Prince. I quickly gave them a salute; Celestia gave a light nod, which told me that I am relieved. I turned back and entered the ship.

“Alright. Ordis, set your coordinates for Ponyville,” I ordered the cephalon.

“Yes Excalibur.”

The ship roared to life as it began to rise off the ground. Once it was above the buildings, Ordis oriented the ship and we headed for Ponyville.

Chapter 12 Crash Landing

Chapter 12 Crash Landings

Location: Aboard the Liset, on route to Ponyville, Planet Equin.

“Alright people, the minute I get you home, the minute I can start my repairs,” said Excalibur.

“Do you need any help?” I asked.

“Unless you know how repair a highly advanced intergalactic space ship. I’m going to have to decline your offer Twilight,” he said.

“Oh… right,” I said sheepishly.

“Hey it’s alright. I’m glad that you are willing to help, but I think this is a little out of your league Twilight,” said Excalibur.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I said sadly.

“Anyway,” he grabbed his helmet and placed it on a nearby table, “It’s going to be a few minutes until we land, might as well make yourselves comfortable,” he said to everpony.

Excalibur ran his… I guess I need to find out what he calls his hooves, through his mane as he took a deep breath. Once he was done, he placed his hooves on the table.

I walked up next to him. I remembered that I had that little toy of his.

“Hey Excalibur?” I asked.

“Yes Twilight?” he said while looking at me.

“I was wondering if you explain something for me.”

“Depends on what the something is,” he said.

I used my magic to grab the little thing from my saddlebag.

“I was wondering if you could tell me what this is,” I held the little object up in front of me.

He looked down on his left hip and grabbed it; looking back he took it from my grasp.

“Where did you get this?” he said quickly.

“Uh… my brother got it from you,” I said nervously.

“Well… I can understand disarming me, but taking my property is something completely different,” he explained.

“I’m sorry,” I said nervously.

he closed his eyes, “*sigh* its fine Twilight. I shouldn’t be taking this out on you, you didn’t know,” he explained before opening those dark brown eyes.

“Its fine Excalibur,” I looked at the little object, “so what is it?” I asked out of curiosity.

By now everypony had surrounded us.

“Well to be honest… I don’t know what it does,” said Excalibur as he looked at the small object.

“Really? But it’s yours?” said Rainbow.

“Yes, but I only had it for a few minutes before I landed here,” explained Excalibur, “I haven’t had time to examine it.”

“So what do you think it is?” I asked.

“It could be anything. It could be a toy, a bomb, a useless paper weight,” explained Excalibur.

“So you don’t know what it does?” asked Rarity.

“Just because the Orokin made it, doesn’t mean I know what each and every little thing does,” said Excalibur.

“So what do you think it is?” asked Fluttershy.

Excalibur held it up in front of his face, “It looks like a toy to be honest,” he put it down, “I’m gonna have Ordis search for it in the data files and see what he comes up with.”

He placed the little object on the table and we watched as a small light started at the top and ended at the bottom.

“Ordis, see what you can find on this little object,” said Excalibur to the ship.

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Thank you Ordis.”

Excalibur walked over to the window and crossed his forelegs. I decided to join him while my friends sat around behind us. I could see Ponyville coming into view. I was about to ask Excalibur a question when a big boom filled the ship, causing it to shake.

“What was that?” asked Applejack.

After regaining his footing Excalibur said, “Ordis, what hit us?”

“I’ve lost power to the right rear engine,” responded Ordis.

“Alright,” Excalibur was so calm, “close the flaps, and reroute all power to the rest of the engines.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Excalibur?” asked Fluttershy.

He turned to look at her, “Yes Fluttershy?”

“Are we going to die?” asked my yellow friend nervously.

He kneeled down in front of her and put his right hoof on her shoulder.

“No. As long as the rest of the engines hold out we'll be fine,” he said reassuring her. She smiled.

BOOM!

The ship began to shake violently, Excalibur looked surprised.

“Okay maybe.”

“Excalibur, I’ve lost all power to the left rear engine!” said Ordis in a panic.

I could feel the ship going into a dive.

He stood up, “EVERYONE GRAB SOMETHING SOLID AND HOLD ON!” ordered Excalibur.

We all shuffled around and tried to find something solid. I grabbed the table on the right side of the ship. Excalibur grabbed the edge of it and stood up.

“Ordis, reroute all power to the forward engines and make this crash as soft as possible!” order Excalibur.

“Yes Excalibur!”

By now Spike, Rarity and Pinkie had joined in next to me. Applejack, Rainbow, and Fluttershy were hugging the table on the left side of the ship. Fluttershy had started to cry while the rest of us hoped for the best.

“Ordis, you see the courtyard in the middle of the town!?” said Excalibur.

“Yes Excalibur.”

We must be headed right for Ponyville.

“Land us there!” screamed Excalibur.

“Yes Excalibur.”

I could hear the front of the ship roar as Ordis made an attempt to slow us down and make our landing somewhat soft. It was a tense few seconds... it felt like an eternity. When we hit the ground there was a loud crash, I could hear rocks hitting the metal ship. Excalibur struggled to stand, but I lost him when he shot forward violently. We slid for I don’t know how long, but we eventually came to a stop. All of us began to moan and struggle to release our grips on our tables.

I could hear Excalibur grumbling on the other side of the table, “If you’re dead raise your hand.”

“I’m good,” I said.

“Me too,” said Rarity.

“I’m here,” said Rainbow.

“That was fun!” screamed Pinkie, who was a little happier than should be.

“Huhuuu,” mumbled a scared Fluttershy.

“I’m here,” said Applejack.

“Did anyone get the cutie mark of that Pegasus?” said Spike as he rose from the floor.

We all got up and walked out from the tables to see Excalibur rising from the floor.

He glanced up quickly, “Good you’re alright,” said a relieved Excalibur.

He looked around for a moment until he found his helmet, which he slipped over his head.

“Ordis, what’s the damage?”

“Both rear engines are not responding. Other than that I cannot detect any further issues Excalibur,” responded the ship.

“Well I guess it could be worse,” said Excalibur.

“So what do we do now?” asked Rarity.

“For you guys,” Excalibur pointed to everypony, “you can go home, for me, I have to drag this thing out of the ground and park it. Then I have to repair both rear engines, on top of my original repairs.”

“Are you sure you don’t want us to help you?” asked Rarity, element of generosity showing herself off.

“Unless you have a really big crane, there’s no way this ship can move… unless…” he paused, “Ordis do you still have power to the stabilizers?”

“Yes Excalibur, I do.”

“Well that makes things easier,” said Excalibur, sounding a little relieved, “lift this bird up and lower the landing gear.”

“Yes Excalibur.”

The ship roared to life as we began to life up. I notice the ground rise up out of the window. I also noticed a large crowd scattering when we rose up.

‘This might be bad,’ I thought to myself.

The ship hovered in the air for a moment before lowering back down. When the roaring stopped I could see many of the towns folk coming out of their hiding places. I heard the ramp lower behind me, turning around, I saw Excalibur descend the ramp. I chased after him.

“Excalibur! You may want to be careful,” I sad frantically.

He continued walking, “Why's that?” the rear ramp to the ship opened up as he walked down it.

“Because-” I began but it was too late.

“MONSTER!” screamed one of the Ponyville residents.

By now Excalibur had reached the bottom of the ramp, he looked to see who had screamed. I heard a magic attack, Excalibur threw his forelegs up covering his head. A light blue magic attack hit him in the chest causing him to launch in the opposite direction. I heard glass breaking before I ran outside.

“Twilight! Get out of there!” screamed Amethyst.

I looked at her, “WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR!?” I barked in retaliation.

“That thing ponynapped you!” screamed Amethyst.

I could hear broken glass behind me. I turned around to see Excalibur climbing out a broken window.

“Twilight, if I hadn’t just made a deal with the princesses,” he stepped on the ground and pointed at Amethyst, “I’d have her head mounted on my wall!”

I sat down and waved my forelegs frantically, “Excalibur, she didn’t know!”

“Now hold on there partner,” said Applejack as she and the rest of my friends ran in front of Excalibur.

“It was a simple mistake,” said Rarity, trying to diffuse the tense situation.

He looked at my friends and relaxed a little.

I looked back at Amethyst, “He’s not going to hurt anypony!”

“Then perhaps you can help explain who and what he is?” asked Mayor Mare as she began to step out from the gathering crowd.

I looked at the mayor, “Mayor,” I looked at Excalibur, “this is Excalibur, he’s a friend.”

He looked at me, then the mayor and finally my friends, “I got it girls.” He stepped between them and walked up to the mayor, who was now standing right next to me.

He took a knee, “My apologies for the dramatic entrance mayor.”

“I-it’s q-quite alright,” said the frightened mayor.

“HEY!” screamed a voice from the gathered crowd.

Everypony looked at the crowd as a familiar mint colored unicorn stepped through.

She ran up to Excalibur, “I know you!”

He looked at me then back to her as he stood up, “I’d question that.”

“Lyra, what are you talking about?” I asked while raising a hoof.

She looked at me and pointed a hoof at Excalibur, “In the woods!”

“Lyra!” hollered Bon Bon as she ran up to the mint colored unicorn, “what are you doing?”

Lyra turned to look at the candy maker, “I told you they're real Bon Bon!” said an enthusiastic Lyra.

Excalibur kneeled down to look at Lyra, “What are you talking about?”

She turned to look at him, “During one of my trips in the Everfree! There is a giant metal thing with dead creatures inside that look a lot like you!” she said.

Excalibur looked at me then back to Lyra, “Take me there.”

***

My friends and I, and Bon Bon followed close behind Excalibur while he followed Lyra through the Everfree forest.

“W-why did we h-have to c-c-come i–into the forest again?” asked a rather scared Fluttershy.

“You do realize that I didn’t force any of you to come with me?” said Excalibur, "Then again why did I let you come with me?" No pony answered.

“Now you tell me,” replied Fluttershy.

“It’s alright Fluttershy, I won’t let anything hurt you,” said Excalibur, reassuring my shy friend.

We made it about 20 feet when the bushes began to rustle. We all froze. Just like our adventures before, a Timber Wolf jumped out.

“EEP!” screamed Fluttershy.

“TIMBER WOLF!” screamed Rarity.

We all began to shake as fear took its hold.

Excalibur wasn’t even fazed, he just stepped forward and approached the animal.

“Excalibur, what ar-”

It snarled as it jumped at him. I expected it to rip him limb from limb. I closed my eyes and feared the worse. But I never heard the tearing of flesh. I opened my eyes to see Excalibur’s right arm shoved halfway down the beast’s throat.

SHING!

I saw three metal claws protrude from its back. With one swift jerk he lifted the animal over his head, slamming it on the ground. He opened another set of claws on his left hoof and shoved them into the animal. He removed his right arm and jumped into the air. He brought his clawed hooves down in rapid succession, ripping the wooded beast to shreds. Now what really surprised me was each time he removed his claws; the wood began to disappear into thin air. I didn’t question it though, I was caught in the moment, he killed the beast without even trying!

It was kind of hot. He’s so strong, and protective, and why do I have these thoughts!?

“Told you I wouldn’t let anything hurt you,” he said as he rose to his feet.

He raised his hands to the side of his head as his claws closed into his hooves with a definitive shing.

“So Lyra, how much closer are we?” he asked while looking at the mint colored mare.

“Just up a head actually,” she said.

He motioned for her to continue, “Lead the way.”

As she trotted past him I heard her say, “That was so cool!”

Bon Bon stepped forward as she followed Lyra. Excalibur followed close behind. Now I don’t know how far we walked but next thing I knew we crested a hill, stopping in front of a rather large gorge.

“Down there,” pointed Lyra.

We all looked into the dark abyss; I could make out this large, square, metal shaped object with large round things on each corner. But the forest had taken its toll; the massive thing was full of holes and covered in vines.

“Looks like a Corpus shuttle,” said Excalibur, he grabbed his Soma before looking back at us, “all of you stay here, I’m going to investigate.”

“Hey you’re not going leave us here… are you?” asked Lyra.

“Lyra!” whispered Bon Bon, “I don’t want to be here any longer, can we please go home?”

“Fine!” mumbled Lyra, “good luck everypony!”

“Thank you,” said relieved Bon Bon.

The pair turned to leave, leaving the rest of us alone.

“I suggest you do the same and go,” said Excalibur.

“Why?” asked Rainbow.

“Because it’s not safe,” replied Excalibur.

“Oh no! We’ve done crazy and stupid adventures before, were sticking to you like glue!” replied Rainbow.

“Dash… you’re and idiot,” replied Excalibur.

“HEY!”

“Excalibur, we’re here to help you,” I interjected, “now we are going with you.”

He looked at all of us, “Are all of you thinking about joining me?”

We all nodded our heads, well, all except Fluttershy.

“Um… I’d feel safer if I just stayed here,” mumbled my yellow friend.

“Oh come on Fluttershy, it’ll be fun!” screamed Pinkie as she grabbed Fluttershy.

“Oh… uh… I don’t think-”

“Unless you want to stay out here with the Timber wolves?” said Pinkie with a more serious tone.

“I’LL GO!” screamed Fluttershy, before she sunk down to hide behind her mane.

“We’re joining you Excalibur,” I said confidently.

He took a second to think about it, “Alright… I won’t force you to stay,” he turned around, “but if you get killed, it’s not my fault.”

We walked down the large embankment, well except Pinkie who rolled down the hill. Anyway, once we made it to the bottom we stood in front of the massive ship.

“Yeah it’s a Corpus ship alright,” said Excalibur, “that’s a bad sign.”

“What’s the problem?” asked Rarity.

He looked at the white mare, “It means my thought about being the first and only outsider on this planet was wrong,” he paused, “But then again. I’ve never seen anything about your planet in any of the Corpus data maps.”

“Well this thing does look like it’s been here a while,” I said.

“I would have to agree. I know for a fact that if this ship had reported your planet, I’d be fighting to expel them from your atmosphere,” he said.

“So how do we get in?” asked Applejack.

“Find a hole I guess,” replied Excalibur with a shrug of his shoulders.

We walked down the massive metal beast. After a few minutes Excalibur found a rather large hole and alerted us. Once we caught up to him we stepped inside. It was pitch black, so Rarity and I used light spells to illuminate the way. As I walked, I almost tripped over some debris; I don’t know how Excalibur saw it.

“Excalibur, how can you see?” I asked.

“Night vision.”

“Night vision?” I repeated.

“My helmet has the ability to allow me to see in the dark,” he said.

“Ah… so how- EEP!” I screamed when I saw a scary creature looking at me. My friends screamed in terror when I screamed.

Excalibur spun around and pointed his weapon at the creature before relaxing.

“It’s alright everyone,” he walked over and pushed the creature with his right leg, causing it to fall off its perch, “its dead.”

“What is that thing?” I asked.

“A Corpus Crewman,” he said, “one of the shuttle operators,” he kneeled down to look at it, “and he’s been dead for a while.”

He stood up and turned around, “I doubt that any of the crew are still alive, but their robotics might still be online. All depends if the power cores are still online.”

He began to walk forward, followed by the rest of us.

“Here let me look at something,” he said as he placed his weapon on his back.

He tapped a square, flat thing on the wall. It lit up, so he played with it some more. A few seconds passed, then the lights came on, we all jumped but relaxed once again.

“There we go!” he said as he looked at the ceiling quickly before looking back at the screen, “the power core is running at 13%. But it’s no big deal, as long as it keeps the lights on, were good.”

He began walking again.

Now that I could see, I noticed that the massive ship was made out of metal. Where do they get this much metal? I could also see white metal square boxes that were just as tall as Excalibur scattered her and there along with the bodies of the dead crew. I could also see that this hallway was extremely long.

We walked through about three doorways, and one of them we had to crawl through the opening. Once we reached the fourth doorway. Excalibur stepped through, that’s when we heard a door open behind us. One of these odd looking bulges on the wall opened and out stepped a metal creature. It looked at us and took a defensive stance. I heard a fwoosh as Excalibur shot past us and opened his forelegs. The creature began to attack with these light blue magic attacks. They hit Excalibur in the back as he stood there.

“Excalibur!” we all screamed in unison.

“I’m good!” he looked back at the creature, “damn chicken walkers.”

As he stood there and took the attack. He grabbed his sword with his right hoof and let his foreleg drop to his side. This is where he impressed us yet again; in one swift spin he turned around and began to block the attack with his sword. Not even my brother could block a magic attack like that, and most magic travels mush slower than that thing.

We watched in awe as the attacks dissipated into sparks as he approached the creature. He began to glow blue as he approached, but it was gone within a few seconds. Once he was in reach, he grabbed it by the horn and held it as its attacks hit the ceiling. He placed his sword on his back and grabbed the creature between its legs. With a powerful tug he ripped the horn off and dropped it. He lifted the creature in the air as it sparked and bleed as it struggled in his grasp.

“Filthy piece of trash,” he threw the creature on the ground, landing with a loud metal thud. Before it could get up he grabbed his sword and shoved it through the animal. It squirmed under the blade, but slowly came to a stop as its life left its body.

SHING!

He removed his sword and placed it on his back; he looked back at us and asked, “Is everyone okay?" we all shook our heads, “Good,” he began to walk past us, “and that’s why I didn’t want any of you to come.”

“What was that thing?” I asked as we began to walk with him.

“A Corpus Moa, their robotic sentries designed to protect the ship and crew. They must have come online when I turned the power on,” he said.

“How many more are there?” asked Spike as he looked around frantically.

“I don’t know. The Corpus tend to carry dozens of them when they carry cargo,” he said.

No pony responded, we just walked in silence.

Maybe coming her was a bad idea?

“Hold up,” said Excalibur as he put a hoof out, “I got I target.”

“What is it?” I whispered.

“I don’t know. I need to get closer to find out,” he said.

He grabbed his weapon and readied it as he walked forward slowly, we followed close behind at the same pace. We entered a rather large room; it looked like half of Ponyville could fit in this one room. It was filled with large metal crates and small round tubes. Excalibur scanned the room with his weapon as he looked for the target.

“Over here,” he said as he walked to the left.

He walked over to a wall and lowered his weapon.

THUD!

“EEP!” I screamed as I nearly jumped out of my hid.

"AHHHHH!" screamed the rest of my friends.

All of us looked at the wall, but instead of metal it was made of glass. On the other side was a rather ferocious looking creature. It growled as it scratched at the glass barrier.

“WHAT IS THAT THING!?!” screamed Rainbow.

“It’s an Infested Ancient,” said Excalibur.

He pressed a little button next to the glass, one of those little screens appeared.

“Well it appears that the containment cell still works,” he said.

I couldn’t read the language, but apparently Excalibur could.

“Excalibur what does that say?” I asked.

Without missing a beat he began speaking, “Test subject number 2218, subject is extremely dangerous. Do not attempt to remove from containment without a proper containment team. Uh... yadayadayada... subject is to be transferred from Eris system to Jupiter system,” he paused, “looks like the Corpus intended to experiment on it.”

“Why would they do that?” asked Rarity.

“Because they want power,” replied Excalibur as he looked at my friend.

That creature growled, which grabbed his attention.

“You’d like that wouldn’t you,” said Excalibur.

“Reeee huuuuu.”

“You think I’m that stupid to release something like you on this planet?”

Apparently he could understand the creature.

“I don’t care what Lephantis or the Golem think, you we a miserable mistake,” he said.

“Raaaaa.”

“I told the Orokin not to dive into genetics after they made us. They wanted you to fight with us, but you turned against us.”

Were these things created to fight with Excalibur?

“I am you, but I’m what happens when the Tennogen virus works,” he paused, “I’m immune, this planet isn’t.”

He is one of those things?

“Reeee.”

“You know what I think? You all deserve to burn,” he said coldly.

He pressed a little button on the screen, which caused the room the being was in to erupt into flames. The beast moaned in agony as the flames flooded the room, within seconds the screaming was over. I was wide eyed, not only could he talk to the creature but he sounded rather cold about it.

He stepped away and began to walk away. I ran up to him, my friends stayed behind and tried not to vomit.

“Excalibur, what was that about?” I asked.

“You know that rather ugly looking weapon you saw a few days ago?”

“Yes.”

“That’s what it came from.”

THAT BONE MADE WEAPON CAME FROM THAT CREATURE!!!

“The infestation only have one mindset. Eat and reproduce,” he said, “if that thing had been released it would’ve turned everything it could sink its teeth into one of the infested… I’m glad it wasn’t set free when this ship crashed.”

We walked over to a set of metal things much like the one he messed with earlier, except there were more screens and it was much more bulky. Excalibur pressed another button causing them to light up. As he looked at the screen I asked him a few questions.

“So… you are one of those things?” I asked nervously.

He looked at me, “I am what happens when the Tennogen virus works,” he looked back at the screen, “when the Orokin began to make bioengineered animals to fight along with us… well... that’s what they became.”

That’s scary. If humans could make space ships, metal defense creatures, Excalibur, and those things… what else could they do?

“Huh… well it would appear that this ship was attempting to make a void jump,” he crossed his arms, “but failed and ended up here. The reports say that the crew starved to death or were dragged away in the night by mysterious creatures,” he looked at me, “little did they know that a town was less than a few miles away.”

The rest of my friends joined us. He interacted with the screen again.

“That’s odd,” he said.

“What?” asked Rainbow.

“There’s another test subject on board,” he scrolled through the screen yet again, “Oh no,” he sounded scared.

“What?” I asked.

“The file here says that test subject 2231 is extremely dangerous, but it’s the abilities listed that has me worried,” he said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He looked at us.

“It’s a Tenno.”

Chapter 13 Reunion

Chapter 13 Reunion.

Location: Corpus Shuttle, Everfree Forest, Planet Equin.

We followed Excalibur as he approached an oval looking object.

“What is that?” asked Applejack.

He looked at it, “It’s a cryo pod.” He took his hoof and cleaned the glass to reveal a face. “I don’t recognize that frame.”

He pressed a button on the pod, nothing happened.

He did it again, nothing.

He hit the side of the pod the third time causing a screen to appear and blink. The language was fairly different this time, more... wavy. He pressed one of the buttons on the screen and stepped back. The pod hissed as it opened. The top half lifted up as the lower half split in two to each side.

The pony fell out as Excalibur caught it in his forelegs. “I got yah,” he said taking a knee.

He quickly adjusted him or her in his legs as he cradled them. I couldn’t see under Excalibur's helmet but I knew he felt distraught. As I looked at the being it was orange and black in color. The helmet only had the right side, and it had a rather uncomfortable collar around its neck. Near its hooves it had these large square things on it, on all four of its hooves it had sharp claws. It looked ravenous.

It moaned.

“There we go,” said Excalibur with joy.

We all watched as Excalibur’s friend came to life, but what it did next surprised us.

“AHHH!” it screamed as it jumped out of his hooves.

He released it and allowed it to crawl away in fear.

“It’s ok-”

“Twilight!” he looked at me, “let me handle this.”

I nodded at him.

He stood up slowly, “It’s alright you’re safe now.”

“Who… who are you?” asked the Tenno.

“My name is Excalibur Prime, I’m a Tenno just like you,” he said with his hooves in the air.

“No! you’re… you’re lying!” screamed the Tenno.

“I’m not,” he said calmly, “if you just let me help you.” He took a step forward.

“BACK OFF YOU FILTHY CORPUS FREAK! I WONT LET YOU EXPIRIMENT ON ME ANY MORE!” it screamed.

Experiment! This is bad!

The soldier began to shake violently as it grabbed its head and began to breath heavily.

“I will not let the Corpus touch you again,” said Excalibur softly, “if you would just come-”

“NO!” it rose to its feet as it shook violently, “RAAAAAAAAAA!” the Tenno let out a blood curdling scream as it leaned forward.

I felt a terror filled chill roll up my spine as these bright orange claws appeared from its hooves.

Excalibur looked back at us, “Run.”

We were frozen in fear.

“I SAID RUN!”

We ran.

Without looking back I heard loud banging, I assume it was Excalibur using his Soma. I took a moment to look back; I could see his weapon flashing as sparks flashed off of his attacker as it charged him. While I was looking back I tripped.

“Oof.”

“Twilight we need to go!” screamed Rainbow.

She grabbed me and helped me to my hooves, “I know!”

I could hear more screaming and gunfire erupt through the ship. We ran for I don’t know how far until we came to an intersection in the ship. It was a fact we were lost.

“Which way!?” screamed Spike.

“Uh…” I looked to my right, “this way.”

My friends followed as I sprinted down the hall. The sounds of fighting died off behind us as the sound of our hooves hitting metal filled the room, but we never stopped running.

CRASH!

We came to a sliding stop when one of the walls in front of us exploded with metal chunks flying in all directions. I saw Excalibur peel himself off the opposite wall. A bright orange rope grabbed him by the left leg and dragged him back through. The sound of metal being ripped apart filled the air. I won’t lie… I was really really scared.

“EXCALIBUR!” we all screamed in unison.

He came bursting through the opening in the wall, “PICK ANOTHER DIRECTION!” He ran in the opposite direction of us, his attacker followed close behind.

When it came through the hole in the wall it looked to its right and saw nothing, it turned its head to the left and saw us. It stepped into the hall, walking with a hunch as it approached, dragging its claws against the wall, causing them to spark.

“GOGOGO!” screamed somepony. I was frozen with fear.

My jaw began to quiver as my eyes went wide. It towered over me, bringing up one of those massive claws, I closed my eyes and expected the end. I heard a fwoosh and a groan, I opened my eyes to see Excalibur standing in front of me.

“TWILIGHT GO!” he grabbed me and pushed me in the opposite direction.

That was all the motivation I needed, I ran as fast as I could. I looked over my shoulder, that attacker grabbed Excalibur by the right leg, sinking its claws into his armor. He screamed in agony as he punched it in the head. I looked away, I didn’t want to see him hurt… or die.

“TWILIGHT COME ON!” screamed Rarity.

“I’M COMING!” I screamed.

My friends rounded the corner and headed for the massive room we had been in earlier. Before I rounded the corner myself I looked back to see Excalibur limping as he ran right for me.

“COME ON EXCALIBUR!” I screamed frantically.

“JUST GET OUT OF HERE!” he screamed as he waved his hoof.

“NOT WITHOUT YOU!” I retaliate.

He ran up to me and grabbed me by the shoulders, lifting me in the air, “EEP!”

“I SAID GO!” he practically threw me down the hall.

“Oof,” was that really necessary?

Applejack and Rainbow grabbed me and lifted me to my hooves… again. I watched as Excalibur was tackled into the wall of the hallway, causing a loud crash. His attacker began swiping at his head, causing metal shards and shavings to fly in all directions. Thankfully it missed every attack. He took an opening and grabbed it by the neck and unleashed a volley of hits with his right hoof, after the fifth of sixth hit he pushed his attacker away and jumped in the air, kicking them in the chest.

That’s when I stopped looking again, we all ran in a panic as we reentered the massive room once again. We looked around frantically not knowing what to do.

“EVERYPONY HIDE!” I screamed.

We all scattered, I headed for large metal crate. Once I was behind it I peeked out from behind to see Excalibur stumble inside. He looked over his shoulder, then ducked as a rather large pipe went whizzing over his head. I gasped as he began to limp away. Once he was about 20 or so more feet in, he stopped and turned around.

His attacker walked in and looked at him, silence filled the room.

“I’m done fighting you!” he said.

“Just like a Corpus coward, you’d rather beg for your life then fight!” retaliated his attacker.

“I am not a filthy Corpus Zanuka Hunter, I am a Tenno just like you!”

“You’re lying!”

“Then I’ll prove it to you!” he grabbed his helmet, removed it, and let it drop to the floor.

His attacker began to breathe heavily, it was angry. Without hesitation it charged him. He didn’t move, once it was within in reach it grabbed him by the throat and lifted him into the air. It was ready to sink those massive glowing claws into his head and he grabbed at its foreleg.

“NO!” I screamed as I stepped out from my hiding spot.

“TWILIGHT STAY OUT OF THIS!” He screamed.

His attacker looked at me then back to him, “WHO IS SHE!?”

“An innocent civilian, leave her out of this!” he screamed.

His attacker slammed him to the floor, “That’s it! I’m going to kill you right here right now!”

A tense silence filled the air.

“Fine,” replied Excalibur, “If you find me worthy of death then so be it, but you have to honor my last demand.” He sounded so calm.

“And what would that be!?”

“You have to take care of the inhabitants of this planet, they have done nothing to invoke war against the Tenno. They have gained us as an ally, and as your honor states, you have to respect their wishes… along with mine,” he explained.

His attacker looked at him before raising her massive claw, it brought it down hard. I closed my eyes, he was dead and I knew it!

Fwoooooosh!

I looked back and saw Excalibur’s attacker fall on top of him. I began to cry, I couldn’t believe that he was dead! I only knew him for a few days but I cared for him so much. He saved me… my friends; he showed us the wonders of space and what our future holds. He was my hero… and now… he was gone. As I cried, I noticed a foreleg embraced the limp body. It sat up, I saw Excalibur holding his attacker as it fell in his lap.

“EXCALIBUR!” I immediately ran up and grabbed him in a hug, “I thought it killed you!”

I couldn’t hold back my tears I cried into his chest.

“It’s alright Twilight,” he wrapped a foreleg around me, “I had a feeling she wasn’t going to kill me.”

I looked into his dark brown eyes, I felt safe in his grasp. By now my friends had come out from their hiding places, but I paid them no mind. I just wanted to be next to him.

“Are you alright Excalibur?” asked Fluttershy.

He stroked my back, “I feel like I hit a brick wall.”

We all laughed; since he was literally throw through a wall.

“Excalibur I found your helmet!” said Pinkie as she stood up with the helmet hanging loosely on her head.

He looked at her, “Well Pinkie, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you look a lot like a Tenno,” he said happily. She stumbled over to him, “thank you Pinkie.” He took it off her head and placed it on his. She wore a goofy grin when the helmet came off.

I looked down at the unconscious being in his lap, “What are you going to do with him?”

He looked at it, “Her actually… I’ll take her to the ship and place her in my medical pod,” he said.

“Are you sure that’s a safe thing to do?” asked Rarity.

“She’s a Tenno, and we stand by each other no matter what,” he said, “once she awakes I’ll make sure to calm her down.”

“And what if she attacks again?” asked Rainbow.

“I have a few ability inhibitors, I can control her abilities with that. As for now… restraining her is a bad idea,” he said.

He stood up and cradled her in his forelegs; Rarity took notice of his injured leg.

“Oh my! Excalibur you’re injured,” she said.

“Huh?” he looked at his leg, “oh, I can fix that.”

“Excalibur I know for a fact that you are going to need stiches,” replied Rarity.

“Pff, I’d rather fix it now then wait,” he said.

“How do yah intend to do that?” asked Applejack.

“Like this.”

He placed his friend down and pulled out a little device from behind his back. He pressed it and the little device lengthened. He pressed it to his leg, it let out a light psss. We watched in awe as the five holes in his armor disappeared.

“How did you do that?” I asked.

“It’s a med pack,” he tossed the used canister and picked up his friend and began walking forward, “stupid thing about my armor is it doesn’t allow me to use the medication for other Tenno on myself, why the Orokin did that, I’ll never know. Anyway, it’s a mix of highly potent endorphins, once it mixes with my blood, my blood cells work on overdrive. Allowing a severe injury that would take days, weeks, or months to heal, in a matter of seconds.”

“Wow.”

“Anyway, let’s get you all home,” said Excalibur.

Sometime later

We came out of the Everfree forest and headed for Excalibur’s ship. Every once and a while I glanced at the mare in his forelegs. Apparently she had lost consciousness. She may have tried to kill him, but she was his friend. We entered town walked through Ponyville. Most of the townsfolk looked at Excalibur with fear. He was intimidating at first but once they get to know him, I'm sure they will like him. Once we approached the ship in the center of town, most of the ponies that looked at the ship scattered as we approached. The door to the ship opened as we walked inside.

“Ordis I’ve got a patient, I need the medical pod,” he said.

“Yes Excalibur, opening now,” replied Ordis.

I watched as a metal and glass pod came out of the floor and flattened out near his foundry. He placed the mare in the pod and closed the doors.

“Ordis I need you to do a diagnostic scan. I want to know her suit name, shields, armor, and vitals,” he said.

“Yes Excalibur.”

“Thank you Ordis,” he said.

He headed back outside as we followed close behind. He took off his helmet and held it as he looked around.

“So this is where you live?” he asked.

“Yep, this is Ponyville,” I said.

He shook his head, “It’s quaint,” he looked at us, “I like it, reminds me of home… sort of.”

“It’s a nice little town,” said Rarity.

“I can tell,” he said.

We stood there as he continued to look around. Just down the street I could see three familiar fillies running toward us. They were in a hurry when the arrived because they were breathing hard.

“Applejack!” said Apple Bloom.

“Rarity!” said Sweetie Belle.

“Rainbow Dash!” said Scootaloo.

“Have… you… seen… this thing yet!?” said Scootaloo as she pointed at Excalibur’s ship.

“Of course we have,” replied Rarity.

“Yah Apple Bloom, our friend Excalibur here brought us back in it,” said Applejack.

“Who?” asked Sweetie Belle.

Apparently they missed the tall two legged creature standing a few feet away.

“Me,” said Excalibur.

All three girls looked at him, then to each other then back to him. All three smiled as a mischievous grin crawled across their faces.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ALIEN HUNTRERS!” they all screamed in unison.

“What?” said Excalibur as he raised an eyebrow.

They jump at him. Excalibur’s eyes went wide; he dropped his helmet as they tried to tackle him. What he did next no pony expected. He leaned forward and jumped into to air, doing a back flip before landing on his feet. All three fillies missed him and landed on the ground behind him.

He looked at us, “Anyone want to explain what that was?”

“APPLE BLOOM!” screamed Applejack.

“SWEETIE BELLE!” screamed Rarity.

My two friends walked up to their sisters as the three fillies moaned and rubbed their heads.

“Apple Bloom where are your manners!?” scolded Applejack.

Apple Bloom looked away nervously.

“Sweetie Belle, a lady doesn’t treat a guest like that!” scolded Rarity.

“I…” Sweetie Belle trailed off.

I watched as Excalibur walked up to the feuding sisters.

“Girls let me handle this,” he said.

What would he know about children? Unless… he’s married…

He kneeled down in front of the three fillies but looked at Applejack and Rarity.

“Instead of scolding them, it’s better to see what they learned from the situation,” he looked at the three fillies. They looked nervous, “girls I want you to give three reasons why what you did was a bad idea?”

They looked at him nervously.

“It’s only one reason each,” he said.

“Uh… we could have gotten hurt,” said Scootaloo.

“We could have hurt you,” said Sweetie Belle.

“We weren’t thinkin,” said Apple Bloom.

“No the best answers but I’ll take them,” said Excalibur as he stood up and looked at us with a smile.

They all looked at him with awe

“Wow yer tall,” said Apple Bloom.

He looked down at here, “Well it can be a curse at times.”

“How so?” asked Scootaloo.

“You hit your head on everything less than five feet tall,” he said happily.

That got a laugh out of the fillies and us.

“Hey mister could I get a ride on yer shoulders?” asked Apple Bloom.

“...I don’t see why not, here turn around,” he said.

“Like this?” asked Apple Bloom as she turned to face away from him.

“Yep,” he reached down and grabbed her under her forelegs and lifted her into the air, placing her on his shoulders. “Now hold on tight,” she wrapped her forelegs around his forehead as he lowered his forelegs.

“Woah, so this is what it’s like ta be tall,” said Apple Bloom happily.

“Can we ride next?” asked Scootaloo excitedly.

“Yeah I wanna ride!” said Sweetie Belle.

He chuckled happily, “Here both of you turn around,” he said.

Quickly they turned around; he wrapped a foreleg around their sides and under their chests. Slowly he lifted them onto his shoulders and held onto them. They laughed and smiled at their new increase in height.

“This is awesome!” said and excited Scootaloo.

“Yeah!” screamed Sweetie Belle enthusiastically.

Excalibur smiled and laughed as he held the three fillies. I could feel my heart melt, he maybe an advanced soldier but he is a caring pony and he proved it time and time again.

“Applejack, look at how tall ah ah’m,” said Apple Bloom happily.

Applejack laughed a little before speaking up, “Apple Bloom ah think we should leave Excalibur and let him get back to his work.”

“Awe, do we have to?” asked Apple Bloom.

“I’m sorry girls but I have work that needs to get done,” said Excalibur.

“Awwwwww,” they all said in unison as their heads dipped and ears fell back.

He placed Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle down before removing Apple Bloom. They walked to their sisters and stood by them, except Scootaloo who stood by Rainbow. Excalibur picked up his helmet off the ground and walked past and back to his ship. He took a deep breath as he ran his hooves through his mane. I walked up next to him and looked at him.

“What are you thinking?” I asked.

“I’d rather not leave my ship in the center of town,” he said as he looked at me.

“But it can’t fly, right?” I asked.

“Well it can, but I can’t go forward.”

“So what are you going to do?”

He let out a heavy sigh, “Maybe limp it to a nearby field or something.”

I know there’s a large field near the library.

“You can park it near the library,” I offered.

“And where is that located?” he asked.

“Follow me,” I said happily.

“Twi were gonna head out,” said Applejack.

“Okay by girls,” I said with a wave.

“By Twilight, by Excalibur” said everypony in unison.

“By everyone,” said Excalibur. He looked at me, “So where to?”

“Right this way,” I said.

We left his ship as we headed for the library. It was a tense few minutes. The residents of Ponyville were still nervous about the new alien and his fancy ship. Then again, we did crash rather violently. I know that he made a deal with Celestia and Luna so he won’t hurt anypony, but the local residents don’t know that. Anyway within a few minutes we were at the library. Excalibur walked past the “building” and surveyed the nearby field.

He crossed his forelegs, “Well it’s out of the way and on the edge of town,” he said. He turned around and let his forelegs drop, “it’ll do.”

“Really!?” I have no idea why I was so excited.

“Yep,” he looked to the sky, “Ordis you got my location?”

I couldn’t hear what Ordis said.

Excalibur walked a little ways away from me before he spoke again.

“Alright, Ordis orient the ship and come to the field I’m in.”

I looked back over Ponyville to see the ship rise about the buildings. Slowly but surely the ship turned to face away from us and it began to back up, within a few minutes it was above the field. The engines roared as it began to lower to the ground. Once the legs were planted firmly the ship turned off.

“Wow!” said Excalibur.

“What?” I asked as I trotted up to him, Spike followed close behind.

“Now that I have a minute to look at the damage, it looks like my ship went through a metal grinder,” he said.

I looked up at the back of the ship. The back end was filled with black holes of various shapes and sizes. There were large metal flaps which had a small amount of smoke coming out of them. Excalibur walked forward and ducked under the ship, I followed him yet again.

“Woof… so that’s what that did,” he said while looking at the belly of the ship.

I walked over and looked at the rather large hole in the bottom of the ship. The hole was black around the edges, the metal was torn to shreds, and it was leaking some kind of fluid.

“What happened?” I asked.

He continued to look at the whole as he talked, “A Grineer gunner got a lucky shot,” he leaned in closer, “what is that?”

He took his helmet off and squinted to get a better look. He turned sideways and stuck his right foreleg inside the whole. Whatever he was looking at was wedged in there pretty far because he reached in until placed his shoulder next to the ship.

“Ah,” he pulled away a little, “I think I got it.” he grunted one last time. He pulled his hoof out as he held a small, black pointed object with a white tip. He walked out from under the ship to get a better look; once again I followed with Spike in tow. He held it up in front of his face as he examined it.

“What is that?” asked Spike.

“It’s a 40 millimeter armor piercing high explosive anti-air round,” he said, “and it’s live.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

I know what 40 millimeter means, but I don’t know what anti-air means, and high explosive had me worried.

“It can go off at any moment.”

“WHAT!?” I screamed out of shock.

“This is one of the reasons why I hate Grineer ammo,” he turned around and faced the field. He brought his left lower leg up as he held the small object. He grunted as he brought his right foreleg forward. I was impressed at the throw; the small object went at least 200 feet.

BOOM!

The small object exploded once it hit the ground, causing dirt and grass to fly in all directions. I felt my eyes go wide and my jaw went slack. That little object could have killed us without hesitation.

“Wow, I can’t believe that worked,” said Excalibur. “Alright.” He turned around and headed for his ship.

Spike eventually knocked me out of my thoughts.

“That was... AWESOME!” he said.

I shook my head as I regained my thoughts.

“Excalibur!?” I said frantically as I ran up to him.

“Yes Twilight?” he asked as he turned to look at me.

I was really scared, I could have just died.

“Y-you f-face that… everyday?” I asked with my fear showing.

He kneeled down and looked me in the eye, “Twilight what I face could turn your planet to ashes. War was never meant to be pretty… you and your species are decades no! Centuries behind where I stand. Technology can not only extend life… but take it too.”

“Why is your species so violent?” I asked nervously.

“The unfortunate fact about my species is that we hate each other. We have, and always will try to kill each other.” He smiled lightly, “Twilight you should be glad you live in a peaceful place like this. I lost my life and my planet to war. Now the changeling attack was bad, but that was nothing compared to the horrors my species has enacted on each other.”

“Like what?” I don’t know if I want to hear him answer.

“Genocide, or massive cleansings of ethnic races,” he paused, “you know? I think telling you about the violent history of my people is probably a bad idea at the moment.”

Probably a good idea.

“But you face violent weaponry like that on a regular basis?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Why!? Why would you willingly run into a fight like that?” I asked frantically.

Then again my friends and I faced Nightmare Moon and she wanted eternal night.

“Because I fight for freedom, peace, and love… I fight for you.”

He’s fighting for me? Does he have feelings for me?

“Everyone deserves to live, others deserve to lose it by my hand,” he said, “I am a protector… a guardian. I’d hate to see a young girl like you die prematurely.”

Chapter 14 Delays Part 1

Location: Outskirts of Ponyville, Equestria, Planet Equin.

Well I finally got some time to work on the repairs of my ship. Shortly after I parked the Liset I headed back to the Corpus shuttle. I purged it of anything hazardous or dangerous, you know, weapons, robotics and the like. I took what supplies I could use, like tools, exterior panels and a few weapons. I also took what I thought I could use to repair the damaged engines, like rubber tubing, wires, and other little parts. Then I blew the thing sky high, I couldn’t allow anyone on this planet to have that equipment. After making sure there was nothing salvageable I left it, another good thing is the local inhabitants find the forest too scary to even enter.

I removed almost half of the metal panels on my ship. The Orokin just had to place everything in the hardest places to access. But now that I had time to inspect the damage I learned that the right engine had a cut fuel and hydraulic lines; that was a simple remove and replace job, but the left engine was a whole ‘nother story.

It was shot, completely blown to hell.

If I turned it on I’m pretty sure it would explode. The unfortunate fact is I can’t walk down to the local store and ask ‘I need a new ship engine what do you have available?’ I can’t do it for a multitude of reasons. For one, this planet lacks any complex vehicles, so I’m up shit creek. I’m also lacking in necessary tools. Normally I’d pull the panels remove the bolts and screws and pull the engine out with a crane. Well because this is a backwoods repair, I have to rip the engine apart as it sits and have Ordis manufacture replacements, and that takes a lot of time and resources.

Anyway it’s been a week since the incident with the ship and the other frame I met. I learned that she was a Valkyr or berserker frame. No wonder I didn’t recognize the build, the Corpus really did a number on her. They manufactured new abilities for her, and augmented her armor. She kicked my sorry ass because of the augmentations. She is literally built to run head long into a fight and disregard all possible injuries she could sustain. They gave her the ability to heal herself upon every hit with her Hysteria ability. She is literally an unstoppable object!

No wonder the Orokin feared us.

She goes by the name Serenity. Apparently she went missing some time ago, and if I had known I would have gathered a team and searched for her. Well then again she ended up here; we would have never found her, but a search would have been a good idea. She’s been unconscious since the event, which has me concerned. And as if I had enough on my mind Twilight… and her friends decided to use me as their personal puppet. Well I wasn’t too bad, but it prolonged me repairs by a week.

***

Monday.

It’s unbelievable that the days of the week resemble the old days of earth. Twilight came trotting up as I began to remove the first few panels of my ship.

“Hey Excalibur,” she said happily.

“Hey Twilight, what are you up to?” I asked as I placed the panel on the ground.

“Well I just came from Rarity’s and she wants to see you,” she said happily.

Great the prissy diva wants to see me. Now I know she’s a good person, but I just have the uncanny feeling that this is not going to go well.

“And what does she want with me?” I asked as I kept working.

“She said it was a surprise, and she seemed really excited,” she said.

“Does she need me this minute?” I asked.

“As soon as possible would be nice. Rarity doesn’t like it when she’s forced to wait,” she said.

“Great,” I deadpanned, “alright let’s see what she wants.”

I grabbed my helmet and slipped it over my head before I looked at Twilight.

“So where am I headed?” I asked.

“Oh! Follow me!” she said happily.

Once I again I walked through the small town… and yet again I earned a lot of nervous looks. Like I care, I’m used to it. Apparently Twilight took notice though.

“I’m sorry Excalibur,” she said.

“For what?”

“The nervous and scared looks everypony is giving you,” she said.

“It’s fine Twilight… I’m kind of used to it,” I said.

Silence filled the air.

“So what was your life like as a child?” I asked trying to change the subject.

“Oh! Let me tell you!”

Not like I just asked or anything.

She told me about growing up in Canterlot. How much fun she had as a filly with her brother and foalsitter Cadence. Then how she was accepted into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, and how she earned her cutie mark.

“Your cutie mark?” I asked.

“Yeah. A cutie mark is obtained when a pony discovers his or hers unique talent,” she said.

“So I’m guessing it’s the tattoo on your rear there,” I said as I pointed to her flank.

“Yep!”

“And that goes for ALL or your kind?” I asked out of confusion.

“Yes. Why is that a problem?”

“Doesn’t seem very masculine for all males on this planet,” I said.

“You know… I never thought about that,” she said as she looked to the sky.

At least I finally learned what that mark is for.

“So do you have a cutie mark?” she asked as she looked back at me.

I laughed, “Hehe… *HA* no,” I said plainly.

“Really? You don’t have a special talent?” she asked.

“Humans aren’t known for have ONE special talent, we specialize in a variety of talents, you name we can do it,” I said.

“Oh yeah like what?” she asked trying to find fault in my statement.

“Well I’m a soldier; I specialize in protecting people right?”

“Yeah.”

“And as you have noticed I’m repairing my ship, so I’m also a mechanic. I have to be diverse in my abilities, I can also do carpentry, welding, and a handful of other things,” I said.

I noticed that we began to approach a building that resembled a carousel from back on earth.

“Wow that’s impressive!” she said.

“Yeah well…”

“EXCALIBUR!!!” screamed Rarity as the door to the building shot open.

The surprise made Twilight jump, didn’t faze me.

“Hi Rarity, so how can I help you?” I asked.

“I need you to come inside quickly!” she said as she bolted back inside.

I gave Twilight a quick glance, she just raised a hoof.

I rolled my eyes, “Well this should be fun,” I said with a little frustration, “I’ll see you around Twilight.”

I was about to step inside when Twilight asked me a question.

“Excalibur, is it alright if I look at that codex of yours?”

I turned my head to look at her, “Sure, just tell Ordis.”

“Thank you!” she said happily before running off.

I smiled a little as I let out a happy huff. I turned back and stepped inside the building. As I looked around it appeared that the main room contained mirrors, what I believe were mannequins, dresses, and rooms with a curtain for a door.

‘Shit I know where this is headed,’ I thought to myself.

I couldn’t see Rarity anywhere.

“Alright Rarity I give, where are you!?” I hollered.

“Coming!” she chimed happily.

Within a few seconds she came trotting in from another room.

“I’m glad you came!”

“Okay what’s the catch?” I decided to jump to conclusions.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“You want me here for something.”

“What makes you think that?” she asked innocently.

“Rarity you are clearly not in danger. So I’m not here to rescue the damsel in distress. So I know I’m here for something.”

“What, a lady can’t have a little fun?”

“If you’re implying something my answer is no,” I said.

“Oh get your mind out of the gutter,” she said, “I just wanted to find out about the fashion habits of your planet.”

I raised an eyebrow at that, “Rarity… you are asking the least fashion forward person in the universe.”

“What do you mean darling?”

“I wore clothing that didn’t even go with itself,” I said.

“Why?”

Fuck!

“Because I didn’t care how I looked. Personally I wanted to be left alone and if wearing clothing that was outside of the norm, or that plainly pissed people off… then I’d do it.”

“Oh well… that complicates things,” she said as she looked away from me.

“*sigh* here Rarity look at this,” I pulled out a data pad and held it in my hand.

I opened the device, causing a screen to appear. I scrolled through until I found the file that said fashion, and yes I have a file for everything. I’m not only a soldier but a data collector.

“Here you can play with this,” I held it out for her; she raised a hoof and took it, “the screen will react when you touch it; it has everything you would ever want to know about the fashion of my planet.”

“Really?”

I nodded my head in response.

“Wow,” tears began to form in her eyes, “thank you.”

She really likes her fashion.

“You’re welcome,” I said warmly, “so is there anything else you need?”

The tears disappeared as she perked up, “Well I was wondering if I could get your measurements and make you an outfit. I’ve always wanted to design an outfit for a different species and when I saw you I knew that you were perfect for it!”

Kill me.

“I think I’ll pass,” I said.

Bad idea on my part.

“WHAT!? Why not!?” she said rather surprised.

“Because I hate fashion,” I said plainly, “now if you’ll excuse me I have some work to do.”

I began to head for the door, I wanted to get out of there before something stupid or bad happened… and as luck would have it… it did.

I couldn’t move, I grunted as I tried to get my body to work.

“Okay why can’t I move?” I asked looking for answers.

She hummed as she trotted up in front of me. Her horn was glowing light blue. “Because I have you in my grasp,” she said happily.

A little to happily to be honest… fucking magic.

“You’re not going to let me go are you?”

“Nope!”

“You know I could arrest you for holding me hostage?” I said.

“How do you intend to do that when you can’t move?” she said with a mischievous smile.

“Damn, got me there,” I replied.

And I took my Venka off to allow me to have better access to the ships interior.

She just stood there and looked at me with a large smile.

I took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh, “Fine, you win.”

“Yay! Ooowhowho we are going to have so much fun!” she said happily as she let me go.

She will. I won’t and I know it.

I followed her as we walked a few feet to a pedestal.

“Now if you’ll just strip down we can get started!”

Wait what?

“Rarity I can’t do that.”

“Why not!?” she asked.

“My suit is literally attached to me. I need to be at my arsenal in order to have it removed,” I told her.

“Well let’s go and have you take it off,” she said as she headed for the door.

“Rarity I’m not doing that.”

“Why not?” she said as she turned back to face me.

“Because it will take several hours to get every little piece off,” I lied.

“Oh… okay,” she said sadly.

“Here,” I walked up to her and removed my helmet, “the suit is skin tight, and is extremely thin. Just take the chest and other measurements and make them two sizes smaller.”

“Okay!” she said happily.

I walked over to the pedestal and stood there. I wasn’t too happy but I can sacrifice some time out of my day. When she started she wore these tiny red glasses, which were cute and funny at the same time. While she worked we chatted happily, told stories and jokes and had my fun. When I gave her the time she told me about her life and the stories of how she found her love for fashion.

A few hours passed. By the time I was done it was midafternoon. I said my goodbye and Rarity… much like everyone else on this planet gave me a hug. I walked back to my ship, Twilight was inside reading the codex, she was lost in her own little world so I just ignored her. I continued to remove panels until nightfall. That’s when I kicked Twilight out; I needed some time to myself. She wasn’t happy, but thankfully a stomach growl convinced her otherwise. I choked down a few nutrition and protein pills and meditated until the next morning.

Tuesday.

It was early in the afternoon as I continued to survey the damage on my ship. After I removed a handful of other panels I began to play with the engines. I messed with the right one, after I crawled in the ship and inspected the right engine. As I said earlier I had a cut fuel and hydraulic line. I crawled out grabbed my Sheev and a couple pairs of pliers, then I crawled back in. I used the pliers to clamp the lines and used the dagger to cut the bad sections so I could remove them. As I was playing with the lines I heard someone call my name.

“Excalibur, are you here?” asked a light female voice.

“In here!” I hollered from the inside of the ship.

“Where?” replied the voice.

I sheathed the dagger in the crook of my back and grabbed something stable and began to pull myself out. Once I had the edges of the outside of the ship I pulled myself part way out. I saw Fluttershy hovering nearby. I crossed my arms as I looked at her upside down form.

“Fluttershy, how can I help you?” I asked.

“Uh… I was wondering if…” she said shyly.

I wonder if that light voice of hers could even register in a decibel test?

“Wondering what?” I asked.

“Um… if I could… um… playwithStorm?” she said quickly but quietly.

Thankfully I got a hearing boost when I became a Tenno.

“Sure,” I said with a shrug of my shoulders.

“Really!?” she said excitedly.

“Yeah let me just get out of here,” I replied.

I grabbed the top part of the ship and pulled myself out, then I drop the fifteen or twenty feet to the ground, landing with no trouble. Fluttershy flew down and landed next to me. I walked inside as Fluttershy followed close behind. I walked over to the incubator and pulled Storm out of stasis. I put her in there shortly before we left Canterlot.

The metal cover shot over the pad, which caused Fluttershy to jump to the ceiling as she screamed in fear. The cover disappeared revealing the large blue animal. She stretched as she stood up and shook herself. Once she was comfortable she sat on her haunches and barked happily. Fluttershy came down from the ceiling shortly after she saw Storm.

“Stormm you remember Fluttershy?” I asked.

“Rarf, Rarf,” replied Storm.

“Here Fluttershy I’m going to grab something,” I said as I looked at the yellow pegasus.

“Okay,” she said happily as she began to pet Storm.

I walked up the ramp to the top part of the ship and searched for Storms favorite toy. Once I found it I grabbed it and walked back down to Fluttershy.

“Alright Fluttershy lets head outside,” I said as I continued to walk.

“Okay,” she said happily.

“Storm heel!”

The massive dog ran up to my side as we walked to the bottom of the ramp of the ship and into the field. I stopped and stood there. Storm stood to my right and Fluttershy on the other side of her. I held up her toy so that Fluttershy could see it.

“This is her favorite ball, she’s had it for a few hundred years,” I said.

“So?” asked Fluttershy.

“Just don’t lose it,” I said.

Storm WILL, not would, or could, WILL, kill anyone that loses her favorite ball. I held it in front of Storm, she sniffed it for a second before I held it up and threw it. Storm started to go for it but I stopped her.

“Storm heel!” I said forcefully. She went back to sitting next to me.

Once the ball hit the ground and bounced I released her.

“Storm,” her name is her que to go.

She immediately went after the ball leaving me and Fluttershy alone.

“So Excalibur I was wondering if… I mean if you don’t mind that is… if I could ask what type of breed she is?” asked Fluttershy nervously.

What is with this girl? She has to be afraid of her own shadow.

“Storm is what is classified as a Kubrow,” I said.

“A Kubrow?” repeated Fluttershy.

“The Orokin saw that we needed help in our fights so they created Kubrow’s,” Storm returned and I threw the ball again.

“What do you mean created?” she asked.

“They are genetically created attack dogs. Their base DNA is domesticated dog, hence her playful nature, but they do have a serious side.”

“Like when we first met you in Canterlot?”

“Yes,” I threw the ball again, “The Orokin took different kinds of DNA and this is what they came up with.”

“Like what?”

“Well, she has bear, badger, wolf, wolverine, and a few other DNA types in her,” I tossed the ball, “the Orokin thought that we needed something more in our fights. So they created Kubrow’s. Personally I hated their reasoning in making them.”

“Why?” she asked.

“They saw them as animals, but with the Tennogen virus we could communicate with them. Storm wasn’t a mindless animal she could understand me, she cares for me,” I tossed the ball, “the Orokin saw them as meat shields or cannon fader. Just another thing to throw at the enemy while we did the hard work while they were distracted. But the Tenno saw them as something more,” I tossed the ball, “we saw them as companions, someone we could trust. They listened while we vented, and as long as we loved and cared for them they loved us back.”

Storm ran up and gave me the ball, “You wanna throw the ball for her?” I asked as I held the ball up.

“Sure!” replied Fluttershy with a smile.

I handed her the ball and she threw it for Storm.

“So these Orokin never cared for the animals they created?” she asked.

“The unfortunate fact was that we were at war. They were concentrating on finishing it quickly; they never cared about what they created. But since they were our fighting companions we fed, trained, and played with them. They bonded to us and we bonded to them,” I paused, “for the longest time Storm and Ordis were my only friends.”

“Really?” she asked as she threw the ball.

“After the war, we all fell into a terrible depression. We separated ourselves from others and went our own ways,” I said with a hint of sadness.

She looked at me, “I’m so sorry Excalibur.”

I looked at her, “It’s alright Fluttershy that was 900 years ago. I’ve since gotten over it.”

She threw the ball and flew up to me and gave me a big hug, “Still, you should have never gone through something like that.”

I hugged her back, “That was the risk I was willing to take. I knew full well what I was walking into when I put on this suit.”

Storm ran up and looked at us. Fluttershy let go of me and landed on the ground.

“I still feel sorry for you,” she said as she picked up the ball and threw it again.

Silence filled the air as we took turns throwing Storm’s ball. After a few minutes I spoke up.

“So how are you holding up?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Well it’s been a rough week with all that’s happened. Not many people could handle all that violence and stress,” I said.

“I’d say I’m doing pretty fine, I mean, I had my eyes closed for most of the major events,” she said.

Smart girl.

“Well I’d say your good then.”

We played with Storm for a few hours while we talked. She told me her life story. How she grew up and how she met Rainbow Dash at junior flight camp… sounds like a military academy for children to me. Then how she earned her cutie mark and when she moved to Ponyville. Then how she became friends with Twilight and the rest of the gang I’ve come to know.

As much as I hated not being able to repair my ship, I haven’t had this much contact with a normal “person” in a long time. It was nice to talk but it began to bring up old memories, and ones that I forgot a long time ago. After my time in my cryo-pod all I ever focused on was fighting. It was hard to get accustomed to this type of life.

By early to midafternoon Fluttershy left and I went back to my repairs. I finished repairing the tubes in the right engine and began to mess with the horrendous mess of the left. But with everything being so badly shredded it was impossible to work. I did my best to remove what I could until darkness fell once again.

Wednesday.

“Yo! Excalibur you home?”

'Damn.'

I dragged myself out from the heart of the ship, “What is it Rainbow?”

“Hey! I was wondering if you could grab those metal wings of yours and do some tricks with me?” she asked.

“And what makes you think I would want to do that?” I asked.

“Because you think I’m awesome!” she said.

What kind of response is that?

“Okay…” I said questionable.

“You know I bet you couldn’t beat me in a race?” she said in a cocky tone.

She thinks that she can beat my archwing? Challenge accepted.

“You know Dash I think you dropped a challenge… and I just picked it up,” I said knowing full well that she couldn’t beat me.

Another downfall of the Tenno is we rarely back down from a challenge… no matter how one sided it is.

“Yes!” she brought a hoof down in victory, “hurry up I want to see your face when I win.”

Good luck with that cocky pony.

“Alright let me get out of here,” I said as I began to shuffle out from inside of the ship.

Once I was out I dropped to the ground and headed to the front of the Liset with Dash in tow.

“Ordis deploy the Archwing!”

“Yes Excalibur.”

Once I reached the front I waited for the Archwing to come out from inside the ship. The metal arms grabbed my Odonata Prime and held it in place. I grabbed the closed set of metal wings and brought them down to the ground. I turned around and pulled the harness to the small of my back. I felt the harness clamp down and watched as me shields went from 740 to 1680. After some adjusting I looked at Dash.

“Let me grab my helmet and we can get ready,” I said.

“Awesome!” she replied.

I walked to the back of the ship, up both ramps and grabbed my helmet from the right hand table. I slipped it on and exited the ship. Dash stood there tapping her hoof, she looked frustrated.

“You done yet?” she asked.

I rolled my eyes, “Yes Rainbow I’m done.”

“Good let’s go!” she shot off in a blur of blue and rainbow colors.

That blew my mind. She went from being in front of me to a few hundred feet in the sky within a few seconds… maybe I had my work cut out for me.

Unless she can get up to mach three?

I opened the closed wings and brought the engines to life as I lifted off the ground. I quickly flew up to her. She had a smug grin on her face.

“You ready to give up yet?” she asked.

“Oh you’ve seen nothing yet,” I said, “so where too?”

“How about the lake and back?”

“Which direction would that be?” I asked.

“Over there,” she said as she pointed across town.

I looked to see a small blue body of water on the other side of town.

“So to the lake and back to the ship?” I asked.

“Yep!”

“Alright.”

She lined up next to me and prepared herself. Once she was ready I started the count down.

“Three,” I said.

“Two,” she said.

“One,” we said in unison.

We both shot forward, my engines roared as she flapped her wings hard. I couldn’t help but screw with her… I just paced her. Within 30 seconds we were at the lake. We came to a “sliding” stop as we hovered over the lake. I gave her a slight lead as we turned around. She had a determined look on her face as I followed close behind. Another few seconds passed as we came back to the ship.

Once she passed over the ship she began to celebrate… probably a little too much, but like I care, I gave her the win.

“Awe yeah! I knew I’d beat you!” she said victoriously.

“Alright looks like you got me,” I lied.

“Yeah I did!” she began this stupid little dance.

“Here how about we make this interesting?” I said.

Why did I do that?

“Oh yeah… how so?” she asked.

“How about a few laps around town?” I asked.

“You’re on,” she said with confidence.

She’s so screwed.

To make sure that this was fair we talked to Twilight. Who was more than willing to judge our little contest. We took an hour to prepare, Dash did some stretches while I meditated. It was amazing how fast word spreads in this town, because half the town showed up at the library. Then again the place isn’t that big. Twilight gave a little introduction… which was a little much. Then again if I can get the town to like me then that’s a bonus… to bad Dash is going to be humiliated. Then again she caused this.

“Now let’s get this race started!” said Twilight to the rather large crowd.

The crowd stamped the ground with excitement.

“Alright you two you know the rules five laps, first one to finish the last lap wins,” she said as she looked at us, “you two ready?”

“Awe yeah I’m gonna kick his flank!” replied Dash.

“Ready,” I said calmly.

“Then take your positions,” she said.

We both walked over to a… who the hell set up the start line?

“You two ready?” asked Twilight.

Dash began to hover off the ground. She pulled a pair of goggles over her eyes, “Ready!”

I just stood there, “Yep,” I said calmly.

She held up a flag and let the tension build.

“GO!” she said as she dropped the flag.

Dash shot off immediately. I took two steps before activating the engines. Dash flew with one hoof out as I tried to make myself as small as possible. In less than two seconds I caught up to Dash. I gave her a glance she looked me right in the eyes as a cocky grin creeped across her face. I shook my head left and right slightly.

Time to end this.

Bwoooooosh!

I activated my afterburners which flooded the engines with power. I shot ahead of her by a landslide. I banked the first corner, then the second, third and finally I crossed the start line. One lap down. As I passed over the line I could hear the crowd cheering. I looked across the town to see Dash struggling. This was over and I knew it.

I finished my last four laps in less than a few minutes; I even passed Dash a couple of times. She gave up halfway through her second lap. But I didn’t gloat or celebrate, I did the honorable and smart guy thing and kept my mouth shut. I waited as she flapped over halfheartedly. She was depressed and it was written all over her face. I felt bad.

She walked with her head hung low.

“Hey Dash?” I said.

She turned around to face me “WHAT!?” she snapped.

I kneeled down in front of her, “Look I’m sorry that you lost,” I said trying to reassure her.

“Why should you be sorry? Shouldn’t you be celebrating!?” she said with anger.

“I could but… I think I’d rather celebrate a good race with you,” I said.

“Rainbow are yo-“

I raised a hand to Twilight as she approached. I shook my head telling her to be quiet.

“Dash winning isn’t everything. There will always be winners and losers, that’s life. What you should do is learn from those experiences and enjoy them,” I said, “You know... I haven’t had that much fun in a long time. If there is anything you could take away from this is the happiness you gave me.”

Boy that was a cheesy motivational speech.

“Really I made you feel better?” she asked.

“Yep,” I took my helmet off, “why don’t I buy you a drink?” I smiled.

“Sure,” she sounded a little happier.

“How about I tell you a few war stories of mine, their pretty awesome,” is said with a smile.

“Okay!” she said.

I took Dash and Twilight out for the rest of the night. We enjoyed some drinks; well I had a rather good soda. Anywho, we talked the night away as we enjoyed each other’s company. I could only imagine who would want to kidnap me tomorrow.

Chapter 15 Delays Part 2

Chapter 15 Delays part two

Location: Liset, Edge of Ponyville, Equestria, Planet Equin

Thursday

The events of yesterday prolonged my repairs… again. This morning a knock at zero dark thirty interrupted my meditation. I left the cab of my ship and headed down the ramp and all the way to the back of the ship. I opened the back door to see Applejack standing there.

“Applejack? What are you doing here this early?” I asked.

“Sorry for waking you sugar cube,” she replied.

“I wasn’t sleeping.”

“Oh! Well I was wanderin' if ah could ask ya something?”

I know where this is headed… more distractions.

“And what would that be?” I said, being rather annoyed.

“If yah would be willing to help me out at the farm?” she asked.

‘Really?’ I mentally deadpanned.

I rolled my eyes, “Why? If I may ask?”

“Well ah saw what yah did with mah friends and I thought I’d just ask, but it’s alright if yer busy,” she said as she began to turn away. I could sense the sadness in her voice.

“Damn,” I deadpanned under my breath. “Applejack wait.”

She stopped to look at me.

“What do you need me to do?”

I’m making a stupid mistake… again.

She explained how she wanted me… of all people to help her with a harvest.

I’d rather put a bullet in my mouth then delay my repairs any longer. But I am an honorable warrior and I am willing to help… as much as I don’t want to.

“Here let me grab something I have an idea,” I said as I walked back into my ship.

Applejack followed close behind. I went to my arsenal and grabbed my Tonkor Grenade launcher. Once I was done I placed it on my back and turned in my Soma. Let’s just say I had a really stupid idea. Once I was set we headed to her farm. As we walked she talked about her family. She asked if we had farms back on my planet… well that was a given… then again she didn’t know that. I told her what I could. I’m not an expert on farming.

She really didn’t like it when I got into modernization of my planet. Then again I didn’t either. She told me about her family and how her grandmother helped to settle Ponyville. I couldn’t believe that the place was so recent. As we approached the farm she opened the old wooden gate and we headed for the simple wooden home. The place was the spitting image of what was thought of back home. As we approached the house I could see one of the fillies from when I got here. She was cute in that little red bow of hers, nearby stood a tall red stallion with an orange mane and tail and he had a rather large apple for a cutie mark. Sitting in a rocking chair sat an older green mare with snow white hair.

“Mornin everypony,” said Applejack happily.

“Mornin AJ,” replied the young filly, “Oh! Yah brought Excalibur!”

“Howdy,” I said.

I’m not trying to act like them I say that often.

“Well Excalibur let me introduce ya to the family,” said Applejack, “You already meet Apple Bloom,” she said as she pointed to the young filly.

“Oh you mean the alien catcher,” I said sarcastically.

She blushed at that remark, “Hehe… sorry about that.”

“It’s fine Apple Bloom,” I said. I looked at the large red stallion.

“That’s Big Mac,” she said.

What a fitting name… then again just about every name on this planet reflects their talent.

“Granny Smith it’s time to wake up!” she said loudly.

Old mare… name of Granny Smith… is that considered stereotyping? I mean honestly.

“He wha!?” replied the old mare, “I’m commin'.”

She looked like she was on her last leg as she shakily rose from the wooden rocking chair. Slowly but surely she walked over to me and began to examine me. I watched her as she circled me and looked me up and down. Let me guess? This is where she starts judging me.

She looked at Applejack, “Applejack, are you sure this young wiper snapper can keep up with us?”

Nailed it.

“I can assure you Miss Smith that I can keep up. A farm is nothing compared to the things I’ve faced,” I said as I looked at the mare.

“If you say so,” she said obviously questioning my abilities.

“Here let’s get you started,” Applejack said.

She began to head toward one of the fields as the sun began to rise. After a few minutes of walking we stopped in the middle of an orchard.

I began to look around, “Okay, what do you want me to do?”

“I wanna see if you are what you say you are,” she said.

“What?”

“I wanna see if you put them muscles to good use."

“Are you looking for a stupid reason to get me shirtless?” I said sarcastically.

She blushed at the site, “N-no!”

Worth it.

“I’m kidding Applejack,” I said trying to reassure her.

“Uh… yeah I knew that!”

Crap now I got two mares after me.

“So what do you want me to do?” I asked.

“I want to see you harvest this field,” she said coming down from her embarrassment.

“Ordis deploy and extractor,” I said.

“Yes Excalibur, deploying now.”

“What in tarnation are you doin?” asked Applejack.

I took my Tonkor off my back and remove the two grenades before placing the launcher back on my back. I put one grenade on my hip while I played with the other one. The nice thing about these grenades is that they can be programed to do various different tasks. One of them is concussive blasts. I opened the one in my hand, gave it a quarter turn before closing it. I placed the now armed grenade on my hip and did the same thing with the other. All while Applejack watched in awe. Once I was ready I grabbed my launcher and opened it, placing both grenades inside.

I held the weapon straight before lifting it to the sky.

Thunk!

I fired one grenade into the air. The small object flew through the air before exploding above the tree line. The sound of apples hitting the ground filled the air. After a couple of seconds the rapid thuds of the apples died off.

“Huh… I can’t believe that worked,” I said.

“What the hey was that about!?” scolded Applejack.

“I cheated,” I said as I looked at the angry orange mare.

“Why if you harmed my trees I’ll-”

“Applejack I set the grenades to their concussion mode. When they explode they release a nonlethal blast,” I explained.

“Meaning?” asked Applejack.

She can’t be this stupid.

“It allows me to do shit like this,” I pointed the launcher at me feet and pulled the trigger.

The grenade hit the ground and immediately exploded, thus launching me 20 feet in the air. I used my glide ability to slowly descend to the ground. She stood there dumbfounded. While I let my ‘stupid’ action set in, I placed the launcher on my back and grabbed two more grenades and set them to concussion mode. Once they were set I grabbed the launcher and placed the grenades inside. I didn’t plan to use all of my grenades to harvest an orchard I just wanted to see what would happen.

“Applejack this is your livelihood, do you honestly think that I would try and ruin it?”

“Well…”

“I have a reputation to uphold. Now this may not be how in envisioned this day to go, but I would never ruin someone that didn’t deserve it,” I said.

“You gotta-“ she looked past me, “what is that?”

I turned around to see a familiar extractor working its way toward me.

“Took that dumb thing long enough,” I said.

The large robot flew above the tree line before stopping in front of me. I grabbed it and turned it around. I opened the console on the back and began to give it orders. Instead of the usual resource list I have the thing programmed for, I set it for apples.

‘I’m really putting all this tech to good use,’ I though sarcastically.

Once the thing was set I released it. Immediately it went and gathered the fallen apples. Applejack watched in awe as the small red fruits disappeared into orange flakes and were sucked into the machine.

“So where do the apples go?” she asked.

I opened the screen in my palm and called the machine back. After a few seconds of waiting it stopped in front of me. I looked at it and gave it an order.

“Drop one apple,” I ordered.

Another small orange beam appeared. Directly underneath the extractor a small apple began to take shape. Within a few seconds the small fruit was ripe for the picking… jeez that was cheesy. Anyway I bent over and grabbed the fruit and stood up while I tossed it in the air and turned to look at Applejack.

“Wow… how does it do that?” asked Applejack.

“Right you weren’t there for my little explanation,” I said, “Resource collectors are designed to take resources, break them down to a molecular level and store them.”

“Molecular what now?”

Looks like they haven’t found molecules yet, does Twilight know that there are objects smaller then a grain of sand?

“Basically it takes it apart and reassembles it,” I said, trying to make it easier for her to understand.

“Ah… so how many can that thing hold?” she asked.

“Well I’ve never tested the stupid thing on apples,” I turned to look at it, “at its current rate it looks like a few hundred,” I rubbed the spot on my helmet where my face would be, “I bet a few of these could handle the whole farm… then again that would put you out of a job.”

“Well ah don’t like the thought of some machine taking mah job,” she said.

Good I didn’t want give these things away anyway, they take a lot to make and maintain. Damn things are bullet magnets, I don’t know why I keep them... oh wait yes I do... resources. Anyway I just wanted away to make this easier so that I could get back to my repairs.

“You know I could probably program the stupid thing to take apples right off the tree,” I paused, “unless you don’t want me to do that?” I asked as I looked back at the orange mare.

“Well ah think that one day wouldn’t hurt,” she said hesitantly, “we’re behind on our harvest anyway.”

“Your call.”

She took a moment to think about it.

“Alright do it,” she said.

“Alright,” I said as I turned back around to face the machine.

After a minute or two of programming I got the extractor set and let it loose for a test run. When it took the apples directly off the tree and nothing more with it I let the little thing loose. Since Applejack didn’t need me to harvest a whole field we headed back to the farmhouse. We spent most all day doing chores. I never felt more like a six year old… and it’s been over 1000 years since I was six! Anyway, Applejack had me move crates of apples and do other chores. Some point though out the day the extractor alerted me that it was full. When I brought it over to the barn and brought it inside. I placed it over an empty cart and unloaded its contents.

It broke the cart.

Damn thing harvested half the field. Well if I ever need apples as a resource I know what I’m sending. I released it again to finish its work. I still couldn’t figure out why I didn’t just say no to Applejack… or any of her friends for that matter. I guess it was the respect and willingness to help others that drove me to say yes.

I worked my ass off for the rest of the day. Well with my increased endurance I never broke a sweat. Granny Smith and her brother Big Mac were impressed at my abilities… no real surprise. Granny Smith… after scolding me for about 20 or so minutes convinced me to have lunch and dinner. I won’t lie… she made a damn good apple pie. Once again I wasted another day… well… I guess it wasn’t all bad.

Friday

"Shot through the heart and you’re to blame… darling you give love a bad name.”

Decided to remove the bottom panels of the ship and see what I could find. Well it was more cut lines and broken wires. I don’t know how I wasn’t killed in that fight. With the engines blown and most of my hydraulic lines shot and electric lines severed... this ship is closer to being a bomb then a ship.

“Hey Excalibur!?”

Great what does Twilight want?

“Yes Twilight!?” I said from under the ship.

“What is that noise!?” she asked.

“What? My music!?”

“Music? But where are the instruments and band ponies? Or a phonograph for that matter?” she asked as she began to look around.

“Actually it’s coming from my music player,” I said as I walked out from under the ship.

“Music player?”

I walked back under the ship and grabbed the little video player that I modified to store and play music, and removed it from the hull of the ship… gotta love magnets! Anyway I stepped back out as I lowered the volume and showed her the screen.

“How is it doing that?” she asked.

“It’s stored on here digitally and it plays when I want it to,” I said.

There is no point in diving into its operation… she may be smart but I know it will go over her head.

“So how did you fit the record in there?” she said as she pointed to the device.

“You know how sound is captured on a vinyl record?”

“Yeah.”

“Same principal,” I said.

“Ah…”

She looked at the screen to see the words Shot Through the Heart by Bon Jovi. She twitched her ears as she listened to the song.

“Shot though the heart and you’re to blame?” she said as she looked up at me, “I don’t get it.”

“It’s a song about love gone bad,” I said.

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s about a girl taking a man’s heart and playing with his emotions. He loved her and she put on a mask and used him.”

“That sounds terrible! Why would someone sing about that!” she said in disbelief.

“People sing about everything,” I said.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” bent over and placed the player on the ground, “go ahead screw with the thing, just don’t break it.”

I could modify another one but it took me forever to download all my songs on it. I went back under the ship and looked in the new hole I made. I let out a heavy sigh as I crossed my arms.

“What the fuck am I going to do?” I mumbled to myself.

I hear a familiar song start playing. I walked back out to see Twilight looking at the little player. On the screen stood three familiar bearded faces with a rather good looking 33 Ford Coupe next to them. The music played as she listened closely. She scrunched her brow as her eyes darted from side to side as she try to understand. This planet was years if not decades away from the era of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. I stood there and watched her as she gave me a questionable glance every once and a while. Once the song finished I picked up the device and turned off the music.

“Cause every girls crazy for a sharp dressed man?” she asked.

“Simple… do you think someone is handsome when they dress up?” I asked.

She began to blush.

Take that as a yes.

I laughed at the adorable site… when did I get so soft?

“Anyway,” I turned back to my ship, “most of the music I listen to has a meaning behind it,” I stepped underneath and up to the opening I made.

“Really? Like what kind of meanings?” she asked as she followed me.

Oh this will be fun.

“Drugs, sex, and rock and roll,” I said.

“...D-did you say drugs and sex?”

I looked at her, “It was an awkward time… leave it at that,” I said with a chuckle.

“And you went through that?” she asked nervously.

I laughed a little, “No, no, I was born long after that era. But this music was still popular during my generation.”

“Oh… okay…” she sounded relieved.

“Anyway,” I turned back to the opening… again, “you’re obviously here for something?”

“Well Pinkie invited us all out for a picnic and she wanted to see if you would like to come,” she said.

I began to fiddle with some of the lines, “Well Twilight as much as I’d like to-“

Pssssssss

I stood there feeling rather annoyed, “Petu... Well that oil lines shot.”

“Oh my! Excalibur, are you alright?” asked Twilight.

I began to wipe my face with my hands, “Yeah I’m fine,” I shook the oil off my hands and onto the ground.

She looked at the dark black liquid on the ground, “What is that stuff?”

“Oil, it’s used as a lubricant to make the ship run smoother,” I said as I wiped the remaining oil out of my eyes.

Oil had begun to leak out of the ship and onto the ground.

“You know what Twilight? Let me close off this line and I’ll be with you shortly,” I said.

“Really!?” she said excitedly.

“Yes.”

I clamped the line, wiped the remaining oil from my face and hair. Now I know I have shields, but where’s the sense in using them when they are not needed. I went joined Twilight and her friends at one of the local fields; we sat and talked most of the afternoon away. But Twilight had a hard time with the concept of personal space. She wanted to be as close as she could to me. I did what any man would do in that situation.

I played ignorant.

I know the concept of love… but I can’t return her feelings for various reasons. Once we were done, Twilight and I walked back to the library. I continued to remove panels and rubber oil lines while Twilight and I swapped stories. Next thing we knew it was night time.

Saturday

Shshshshshshshs

“…”

Shshshshshshshs

“…”

Shshshshshshshshshshshshshshs

“What the hell is that?”

I turned to see Pinkie jumping and scratching at the wall of the library. After a second she began to look around frantically. I watched her with utter confusion.

“Hey! Where’d you go!?”

“Who is she talking to?” I said under my breath.

That’s when it hit me.

I looked at my right hand. I found a laser pointer in some of my tools and began to screw with the thing. What can I say it’s a laser pointer… they’re fun no matter who you are. I smell stupid antics.

I held the thing up to my chest and turned it on. Within seconds Pinkie found the small red dot and began to chase it. I made the dot run along the ground as she chased it like a cat. I smiled as she ran after it. After she chased it around the ground some more I ran it up the wall of the library, just out of her reach. She scratched at the wall in a futile attempt to get the small dot. Within seconds Twilight opened the front door and walked outside and up to her pink friend.

“Pinkie what are you doing?” she asked.

“Trying to catch that spec!” she said as she pointed to the dot.

Twilight looked up at the dot, “Really?”

“Yeah!” replied Pinkie as she began to jump after it.

I began to laugh under my breath.

I brought the dot down and in between the mares. Pinkie watched it with wide eyes as Twilight tried to examine it. Twilight looked down at it and brought a hoof up and over it. There is no way she’s that gullible? When she brought her hoof down I moved the dot. She jerked her head up in shock as she watched the dot.

I crawled the dot over to Twilight hoof and made it creep up her body. She watched it as I snaked it up her foreleg, up her chest, on her neck, around her cheek and onto her nose. She watched it with crossed eyes while Pinkie stuck her rear in the air like she was about to pounce. She shook her rear twice and tackled Twilight; they rolled on the ground while I let the dot drop to the ground.

I withheld a laugh yet again.

As they sat on the ground Fluttershy came fluttering up.

“Girls what are you doing?” she asked.

“Were trying to catch that spec!” replied Pinkie as she pointed to the red dot.

Fluttershy looked at the dot, then flew over to it.

“Oh hello there,” she said with a happy tone.

I moved it away like it was scared.

“Oh nonono! Please come back,” she pleaded.

I made the dot move around some more. Fluttershy watched it while Twilight and Pinkie walked up and stood next to her. I made the dot zig zag and do circles before stopping it right in front of them. Being clever I began to write the words ‘c-a-t-c-h m-e’, in cursive. Twilight squinted her eyes as she watched the dot and mouthed each letter.

“Girls did you catch that?” she said as she looked at her friends.

“No,” they replied in unison.

“It said catch me!”

“Oh it’s on!” said Pinkie with a smile.

I began to move the dot quickly as the Yakety sax music played in my head. They continued to chase the dot as I moved it a various directions. I made loops, zig zags, and the like. I was trying so hard not to burst out laughing. After about a minute or two Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity walked by.

“Uh guys…” asked Rainbow, “what are you doing?”

“Were trying to get that spec,” said Pinkie as she pointed to the red dot again.

“Why?” asked Rainbow.

“Because it’s fun!” replied Pinkie.

“Well I’ve never seen anything like it before,” replied Twilight.

Oh yeah, no, she’s that gullible.

Rainbow flew down to get a better look at it. I gave her a second before moving it.

“Hey! Get back here!” she said as she began to fly after it.

I moved the dot around for a few seconds until I made go up Rarity’s leg and onto her side without her knowing. The rest of her friends continued to watch the dot.

“Rarity! It’s on you!” screamed Rainbow.

“EEEEEEEEKKKKKKK GET IT OFF!” she screamed in fright.

“I got it!” screamed Rainbow as she tackled Rarity.

“Rainbow Dash!” she scolded, “was that really necessary?”

“Well it’s off you isn’t it?”

“You didn’t need to tackle me to do it!” she scolded some more.

Worth it.

Dash began to look around, “Hey where’d it go!?”

The six mares began to look around. I slowly moved the dot out into the open where they could see it.

“There!” pointed Applejack.

They all watched the dot for a second until I began to move it… immediately they took chase. Once again I moved the dot along the ground. I was having a really, and I mean REALLY, hard time not laughing.

I screwed with them for about five more minutes until I moved the dot up the library and into the leaves where they ultimately lost it.

“Hey where’d it go!?” said Rainbow as she frantically looked for the dot.

I began to walk over as they continued to look high and low for the little red dot.

“What are you six up to?” I asked trying to be as nonchalant as I could.

“Excalibur you didn’t happen to see a small red spec running around?” asked Twilight.

“You mean like that one?” I asked as I pointed high up the wall of the library.

“Where!!!” they all said in unison as they turned around and looked up.

I turned on laser and pointed it high up the tree.

“There it is!” screamed Rainbow.

She shot after it but hit the wall like a brick before falling to the ground. All her friends watched as she fell, I tried not to laugh. I also made sure to turn off the laser before she could reach it.

“Owwwww,” mumbled Rainbow as she sat up and rubbed her head.

“Darn, you were so close,” I lied. I look up at the tree, “well it looks like the thing scurried off.”

“Awe,” replied everyone in unison.

I looked back the mares, “Eh, you’ll get it next time,” I began to walk away, “I’m so glad I was recording that,” I said under my breath as I headed back to my ship.

Sunday

“Excalibur!” screamed Twilight in a panic.

“What!?” I said frantically as walked out from under the ship.

She ran up to me with a letter floating close behind.

“I have a letter from the princess!” she said as she hovered the letter over to me.

I took it from her grasp, ripped off the ribbon and began reading.

Dear Excalibur

You are needed in Canterlot immediately, I’ll explain when you get here.

Please hurry!

Signed Princess Celestia.

Chapter 16 Drive to Survive

Chapter 16 Lets Race

Chapter 16

Location: City unknown, Montana, Planet Earth, 1000 years before the Planet Equin incident.

Crash!

I kicked the backdoor in of a random home, gun raised. I was ready for a fight. Anyway, I began to search the small home looking for something to shoot. I made sure to be ready in case something attacked. After I searched the bathroom, bedrooms, and the kitchen I lowered my AR. I think I reinforced that fact that I wanted to shoot something.

It’s been three months since the invasion of Earth. The military was slaughtered almost immediately and most of the general population was dead. Made me glad that I avoided the safe zones… damn things were big ass targets. Anyway as it turned out these things called themselves Sentients. Little was known about them, all we knew was they could adapt to our technology and kill us with little effort.

I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a stack of envelopes and began to look at them.

“To Mister and Misses Rudiger,” I said as I read one of the letters.

I tossed them over my shoulder as I looked at them. Once I reached the end of the stack I tossed the last envelope on the floor and began searching the kitchen. I turned around and opened the fridge; it was empty… no surprise there. I moved to the left and opened the cupboards; it contained cups… of course.

Moving across the kitchen I opened another cupboard, it contained spices. I grabbed a few and looked at them before tossing them over my shoulder. I took the salt and pepper knowing full well I could use them, but if I don’t I could trade them for something. I threw them in my pack and continued searching. After a few more minutes I found some granola bars and a meat stick. I placed the granola bars in my pocket and chewed on the meat stick.

I’ve eaten cardboard better than that thing… but I needed the protein.

Thunk!

I dropped the meat stick and pulled my rifle to my shoulder while my eyes darted every direction looking for the source of the noise. I slowly walked out of the kitchen, through the living room and into the hall. I went through the bathroom before checking the bedroom and storage room. I walked back out into the hall and began to think that my imagination was getting the better of me... until looked at the hallway closet. I oriented myself to face the door with my rifle at the ready. I slowly grabbed the door knob and wrapped my fingers around it. With a fast and violent jerk I opened the door and stepped back.

“PLEASE DON’T SHOOT!” begged a young blonde haired woman as she curled up in a ball.

“Who are you?” I asked calmly.

“M-Melanie,” replied the young girl.

“Get up, and keep your hands where I can see them,” I ordered.

She kept her hands in the air as she slowly stood up.

“Step forward.”

She took two steps forward.

“Lift up your shirt.”

“WHAT!?”

“Pull it above your belly button,” I said trying to get her to relax.

“Okay…” she said nervously.

She reached down and grabbed the bottom of her purple shirt and lifted just above her belly button, revealing her stomach.

“Turn around, slowly.”

She held her shirt as she slowly turned counter clock wise, stopping when she turned a full 360 degrees.

“Now grab your right pant leg and life it up.”

She grabbed the right pant leg of her grey sweat pants and pulled it up above her sock.

“Other leg.”

She did the same with her other leg.

“Now grab your armpits,” I said.

She crossed her arms and squeezed her arm pits.

“Alright,” I flicked the safety on and lowered my rifle.

“What was that about?” she asked as she let her arms go limp.

“It was to check for weapons,” I said. I turned away and walked down the hall, “so what’s a pretty face like you doing here?”

“I was trying to hide until I saw you heading for this place,” she said as she began to follow me.

“Ah,” I replied as I kept walking to the kitchen.

I walked around the other side of the counter and looked at her. Now that I could see her she was pretty cute. She had long blonde hair, which hadn’t been washed in who knows how long. She also had these deep blue eyes, wore a short sleeve purple shirt and long, grey sweat pants.

“S-so what are you going to do to me?” she asked nervously.

I crossed my arms and let my rifle dangle from its chest strap, “I can do a lot of things. I could rape you, beat you, kill you… not in that order; it all depends on what you want me to do first.”

“W-what?”

“You know what? I’m just going to get straight to the point,” I paused, “there are a lot of things I could do to you, but for now I’m going to let you live,” I said.

“What do you mean by that?” she asked.

“Even I the apocalypse I treat women with respect. You should be glad that you ran into me and not someone else,” I said.

“Whys that?”

“With a pretty face like that… someone would pin you to a wall, strip you nude and have their way with you. Then kill you,” I said.

“R-really?”

Three months into hell and she hasn’t figured that out… idiot.

I let out a huff and a small smile, “Welcome to hell.”

I turned around and grabbed a glass from the open cupboard. I turned back and placed it on the counter. I pulled my pack off and placed it on the counter, I glanced up to see Melanie still standing in the same place, “You know you can sit down.”

“I just want to see what you’re doing.”

I pulled a can from my bag, “Getting a drink.”

I opened the can with a loud *ptsss, before pouring the brown fizzy liquid into the glass. I crushed the can and tossed it over my shoulder. The can made a loud thunk when it hit the hard floor. I sipped the drink while she watched me.*

“Is that…”

“A coke. My last one… and no you can’t have any,” I said flatly.

She let out a sad sigh as she looked at the floor.

I put the glass down and grabbed one of my many water bottles, pulling it from its home.

“Hey.”

She looked up.

I tossed her the bottle. It hovered in the air for a moment until she caught it in her hands. She looked at the bottle, then gave me questioning glance.

I rolled my eyes, “Its water.”

She looked back at the bottle and grabbed the cap with her right hand and began to untwist it slowly.

I let 10 seconds pass, “Jeez! It’s a water bottle not a hand grenade,” I said feeling rather annoyed.

She glanced at me before she unscrewed the lit a little faster. Once the cap was off she took a sip from the water bottle. Once she was done she lowered the bottle.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

I took a sip from my drink, “Don’t mention it.”

I grabbed my bag and drink and walked past her and into the living room. I took a seat on the couch and placed my bag next to me. Melanie walked in and stood there, watching me.

I gave her a glance, “You keep eyeing me like I’m going to explode,” I said.

She didn’t say anything.

“*sigh* grab a seat and relax. I promise I won’t do anything.”

Like she’d trust me.

“Okay…” she mumbled as she took a seat in a nearby chair and placed the water bottle on the floor.

We sat in silence as I sipped my drink.

“So what’s your name?” she asked breaking the silence.

I looked at her, “What makes you think I’m going to tell you?”

“I told you mine!” she retaliated.

“And that’s where you went wrong,” I said with a nod of my head.

“So what do you want me to call you?” she asked.

“Anything but late for dinner,” I said trying to lighten the mood.

“And if I call you a dick or something?”

I took a sip of my drink, “I’ll put a bullet in your head,” I said coldly.

Her eyes went wide as she leaned back a little… that shut her up.

I finished off my drink and sat in silence. I wasn’t happy that I was stuck with this girl.

Bang Bang Bang!

“Eep! What was that!?” asked Melanie as she curled up into a ball in the chair.

When I heard the gunfire I grabbed my rifle as I shot up off the couch. I stood there for a second until I walked over to a nearby window and opened the shades with two fingers. I looked outside to see a man and a woman shooting. Melanie walked over and stood next to me.

“What’s going on?” she whispered.

“I don’t know,” I said.

The couple ran and hid behind a car and kept shooting. I looked down the street from them and saw a Sentient working its way toward them.

Well they're screwed.

“Sentient,” I said.

“What!?” she said with a loud whisper.

I removed my fingers and began to walk away. Melanie mimicked my actions and looked out the window. I went to the back door and closed it as best as I could. Once it was close I grabbed the coffee table in the living room and placed it in front of the door.

“We need to help them,” she said frantically.

“What makes you think I would?” I said forcefully.

“Because it’s the right thing to do!” she said as she turned to look at me.

“Well sweetheart this is the apocalypse. I know for a fact that they wouldn’t help me!” I pointed my finger at her, “they’re on their own!”

I turned around and took a step. I felt a hand pull one of my pistols from my belt. I quickly turned around to see Melanie holding my 1911. She was shaking like a leaf while she pointed the weapon at me.

“You’re really going to do this?” I deadpanned.

I heard more shots going off outside.

“Yes!”

I rolled my eyes; she looked like she’d never held a gun in her life.

I took a deep breath, “Take the safety off.”

“What?”

“The little piece of metal next to your right thumb,” I said.

She looked at the gun and clicked off the safety.

“Pull the hammer back.”

“I knew that,” she lied.

She tried to pull it back with her thumb. After the third failed attempt she brought the gun to her body and used her left hand to pull it back. Once she was set, she brought the gun back up.

“There you go!” I said giver her false enthusiasm.

“I’ll do it I swear I’ll do it!”

I began to walk forward. She pulled the trigger, when the gun didn’t go off properly she cocked the hammer again. She continued until she was backed against the wall. I grabbed the gun and yanked it from her hand. She curled up and hugged the wall as best as she could when I took my weapon back. By now the gun fire outside had ended.

Held the gun in front of my face and grabbed the slide.

Shuck-king!

I pressed the gun next to her head, “Gun don’t work when it ain’t loaded.”

She had begun to cry by now.

I watched her for a few seconds. The sounds of her sobbing filled the air.

“I should kill you for pulling a stunt like that,” I said calmly.

I put my thumb on the hammer and pulled the trigger, lowering it slowly.

“But I won’t,” I said as I lowered the gun.

She began to relax a little, “Why?”

“Because you’re too stupid to operate a gun,” I said as I began to walk away, “let alone hurt me.” I took a seat on the couch and put my pistol in my backpack.

By now darkness had fallen, and I didn’t want to get caught out in the dark with Sentients in the area.

“Now as much as I don’t want to say it, it looks like were stuck here,” I said.

“Really?” she asked nervously.

“Yes really.”

I ran my hands through my hair as I let out a big yawn, once I was done I let my arms go limp as I stared at the ceiling.

“If I were you I’d get some sleep,” I said not taking my attention away from the ceiling.

“I don’t know if I want to,” responded Melanie.

I adjusted my head to look at her, “Why? You think I’m going to do something?”

She just looked at me.

I looked back at the ceiling, “You can take the bedroom if you want. Lock the door if anything else.”

“And what are you going to do?” she asked.

“Sleep on the couch or do something on the floor.”

“And what if those things find us?” she asked.

“Then I’m gone, and you’re up a creek,” I responded.

“Y-you’re not going to help me?” she said with sadness.

I took my head off the back of the couch, “You failed to kill me. What makes you think you could hold your own against a Sentient or another attacker for that matter? Unless you have some skills of any use, you’re a dead weight to me.”

“That’s rude!”

“Chivalry died when the world went to hell sweetheart,” I replied.

“You know what!? Fuck you!”

She stormed off to the bedroom.

“As long as it’s not you doing it!” I hollered.

I heard the bedroom door slam.

I shrugged and laid down on the couch. I adjusted my backpack next to me and laid my rifle in between my legs. After a couple of minutes I fell asleep.

A few hours later.

“Hey.”

“…”

“Hey! Wake up!”

“…”

“Please wake up.”

I scrunched my face as I moaned. I blinked as I let my eyes adjust to the darkness.

“What?” I said out of frustration.

“I… I’m scared,” replied Melanie.

I sat up and looked at the dark figure, “And you want me to do what exactly?”

“Could… could I please sleep with you?” she asked nervously.

I raised an eyebrow, “You can’t be serious?”

“Please?” she pleaded.

I let out a frustrated sigh, “Fine.”

“Thank you,” she said with relief.

“Well…I doubt we’ll fit on the couch,” I said.

“We… we can go to the bedroom,” she said nervously.

“Lead the way,” I grabbed my pack before I stood up.

We walked down the hall and into the bedroom. She went around the left side of the bed while I took the right. I tossed my pack near head of the bed and took my rifle off and set it on the floor next to me. She climbed under the sheets while I joined her. I laid on my back as far as I away from her as I could.

It was an awkward few minutes.

“Is… is it alright if I hold you?”

She always this forward?

“Uh… sure,” I said.

I scooted to the middle of the bed. She adjusted herself and laid her head on my shoulder and a hand on my chest.

“Just so you know,” I reached under and grabbed the large knife I keep on my hip. I pulled it out to where she could see it, “try anything stupid and I’ll kill you.”

She gulped, “Understood.”

“Good,” I leaned over and threw the knife at the floor, causing the blade to stick into the floor.

I leaned back and wrapped an arm around her.

I could feel her heart beat racing, “Nervous?”

“Yes.”

“Never shared a bed with a boy before?”

“N-no,” she replied nervously.

“I’d think a girl like you would get all the guys,” I said sarcastically.

“My parents very rarely let me date… and all my relationships ended poorly anyway,” she said.

“Well that’s unfortunate,” I said.

“Eh, I had my books.”

Silence filled the room.

“So what about you?” she asked.

“What about me?”

“Did you have a girlfriend when all this happened?” she asked.

“No… thankfully,” I replied.

“So have you…”

“No I have never slept with a girl before. I rarely dated… let alone slept with anyone.”

“Do you-“

“You just met me and I prefer my first time to be with my wife… who ever that may be,” I said quickly, “I suggest you get some rest it’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”

The room fell silent.

“So what’s going to happen to me?” she asked.

I took a deep breath, “I don’t know.”

And that was the end of that conversation. I just held her until she fell asleep. I won’t lie she did look cute as she slept. But the last thing I needed right now is to care for someone. Once I made sure she was asleep I passed out.

The next morning.

I woke up to an empty spot next to me. Once I realized she was gone I frantically searched for my gear… only to find that it never left my side. I let out a sigh of relief and got out of the bed. I picked up my knife, sheathed it and strapped my rifle on. I walked out of the room to see Melanie messing with a radio.

“Attention all survivors this is the United States National Guard-“

My eyes went wide, “What are you doing?!”

She looked up at me, “I just thought we could head to the safe zones,” she said nervously.

I ran up and yanked the radio from her hand and threw it to the ground before putting a bullet in it.

“EEP! ... What did you do that for?” asked Melanie out of shock.

“They’ll be here within-”

The house shook as a loud roar passed overhead.

I looked at the ceiling as a chill rolled up my spine, “We need to leave!”

“There’s a car in the garage!”

“Find the keys!” I ordered as I ran back into the bedroom and grabbed my pack.

I ran back into the living room to see Melanie in the kitchen.

“I found the keys!”

“Gogogo!” I said as I rushed her.

She ran to the back of the kitchen and opened a door revealing the garage. She disappeared as I followed close behind. Once I stepped in the garage I froze.

“WOW!”

She looked back from the driver side of the car, “What!?”

“That’s a nice car!”

I looked at the gorgeous blue 65 Mustang. The dark blue paint was in perfect condition and the twin racing strips made it even better! It was a shame that I was probably going to wreck it. But it was a perfect escape rig… sort of.

“Hey!” I looked at her, “get over your car boner and let’s go!”

Ouch.

“Right,” I ran up to the passenger side and tossed my pack in the back seat. I closed the door, “I’ll get the door you start it up!” I said as I ran for the door.

“What is this!?” she said in a panic from the driver’s seat.

“What!?”

She looked up at me with fear and confusion on her face, “It has three pedals!”

“Oh for! Mmmmmm!”

I ran to the driver’s side, “Get out!” she climbed out, “It’s a manual!”

“What!”

“It’s a manual transmission! Look we don’t have time to argue!” I said frantically.

I pressed the clutch in as turned the ignition. Once the car was started I got out and ran for the door.

“You get the other side!”

“Okay!” she said as she got on the opposite side of me.

“Okay on three. Onetwothree!”

With a forceful tug we opened the garage door. Once it was all the way up we ran back to the car. I climbed in the driver’s side and she got in the passenger. I pressed on the gas as I threw the car in first. In a flash we were outside. I shifted through the gears as the engine roared. I pulled out of the driveway and onto the street. I looked in the mirror to see Sentients giving chase.

The chase has begun.

My foot was pressed to the floor as far as it would go. I kept watching the mirror to see more and more Sentients giving chase. I was breathing heavily. Oh what a rush! Out of the corner of my eye I could see Melanie crying.

“Hey!”

She looked at me with fear.

“We’re going to get out of this!”

“You promise!?” she said with fear in her voice.

I looked behind me, “Nope!”

A shadow began to engulf the car. I adjusted my head and looked up, I could see a dropship making its move.

“A game of cat and mouse huh?” I looked back street in front me, “you’re on!”

I made hard right turn down an unknown street. When the car straightened out Melanie grabbed the dash and her seat.

“You might want to strap in!”

Without a second thought she grabbed the seat belt and clipped in.

I lost the ship on that turn but the Sentients weren’t far behind. I raced down various streets trying to lose my pursuers, but every time a made a turn they weren’t far behind.

“Look out!” screamed Melanie as she pointed to the front of the car.

I watched as a Sentient landed in front of the car.

POW!

I hit the thing full force. I looked into its cold eyes as I dragged it down the street. I dragged my rifle out from next to my leg and placed it on the dash. I opened fire; I shot as fast as I could pull the trigger. Melanie screamed out of shock as she covered her ears.

“DIE YOU FUCKER!”

I unloaded all 30 rounds into the creature as glass flew in all directions. Once the rounds stopped I looked at the gun them back to the Sentient.

Fuckers ‘ll never die.

I jerked the well and did a hard right turn, causing the Sentient to fall off the hood. I flooded the engine with power trying to regain my lost inertia. I took my rifle and hit the broken glass with my barrel, thus causing it to fall onto the hood, then the ground.

“I see the freeway!”

I could see a bridge in the distance. I prayed as we got closer to the overpass. Once we made it I turned onto an onramp… or off ramp? Doesn’t matter, and raced up the thing. Once I was on the long two way road I kept my attention forward.

Meleane happened to look down at the dash, “What’s that red button?”

“What?” I looked at the lower part of the dash, “no way!?”

“What?” she asked out of confusion.

“Is that what I think it is?” I said.

“What?” replied Melanie.

I looked at my mirror to see Sentients closing in. Immediately I looked at the button.

“Hope for the best.”

I pressed the button, immediately the I felt the car jerk forward as the engine roar with even more power.

“HELL YEAH! THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!”

I looked at the mirror to see the Sentients lag behind. I victorious smile crawled across my face.

“YEEEEEEEEHAW!”

The Sentients gave up their chase… or we outpaced them I don’t know. I drove for about an hour until we stopped at a small gas station in the middle of no where. I turned off the now beaten car… what a shame… I climbed out and so did Melanie. I took the empty mag out of my rifle and put in a fresh one.

“Thank the lord for nitrous,” I said as I walked to the front of the car, and so did Melanie. She looked scared, “Hey what’s up?”

Without hesitation she grabbed me in a hug, “Thank you!” I screamed as she cried into my chest.

I hugged her back, “It’s okay… just... let it out,” I said reassuring her.

Guess I can’t let her go now.

Chapter 18 The Return of an Empire Part 2

Location: Frozen North, Equestria, Planet Equin.

After I had a panic attack at the library… and the train to Canterlot… and Canterlot. Celestia had decided to send me and my friends to the long lost Crystal Empire. Anyway, the train ride from Canterlot to the frozen north of Equestria was uneventful. We literally hit the end of the line. I don’t know why somepony would build a trail station this far north?

Once we boarded off the train. We waited for Shining and Excalibur to meet us.

Thankfully we didn’t have to wait long.

“Twilight!” hollered a male voice.

“Shining Armor!?” I replied as I tried to find the voice in the storm.

We watched as my brother approached wearing a black scarf and a black pair of snow goggles. Next to him walked Excalibur.

“Twily! Yah made it!” he said happily as he removed his goggles and lowered his scarf.

I ran up and gave him a quick hug. Excalibur walked up but didn’t say anything.

“We better get moving, there are things we don’t want to run into out here in the dark,” he said with a tone of worry.

“What kind of things?” asked Fluttershy nervously.

“Let’s just say,” Shining looked back at us, “the empire isn’t the only thing that has returned.”

“Your highness,” Excalibur looked at us, “girls, we need to move… now.”

I could tell that Excalibur was a little on edge. But it’s nothing he can’t handle… right?

We left the small train station and began to trudged our way through the massive storm as we worked our way to the empire. Shining and Excalibur lead the way while we followed close behind. Both my brother and Excalibur were on edge. They constantly scanned the barren land in front of us. Excalibur walked with his Soma at the ready, it made me a little nervous.

While we walked Shining looked back at us, “Something keeps trying to get in!”

“Like what!?” I asked.

“We think it’s King Sombra!” replied Excalibur.

“But Princess Celestia said I was being sent here to find a way to protect the empire. If King Sombra can’t get in, then it must already be protected!” I replied.

A strange and ominous howl filled the air.

We all froze in our tracks. Fluttershy gasped in fear as we all began to look around frantically. Excalibur brought his weapon up quickly as he looked around in all directions.

“This is bad!” said Excalibur.

“This is one of those things isn’t it!?” said Fluttershy as she began to panic.

“We have to get to the Crystal Empire… NOW!” ordered my brother as he turned to look at us.

Immediately a large black mist with these evil green eyes appeared behind us, letting out an evil, throaty roar.

“FALLOW ME!” screamed Excalibur.

He turned back and ran in the opposite direction of the mist. Quickly we followed him as fast as we could through the storm. I took a quick second to peer behind me to see the mist gaining. Quickly I picked up Spike and threw him on my back as I widened my gait by half a step. I don’t know how long we ran but I could see the magic barrier gain in size.

I watched as Excalibur looked over his shoulder. He came to a sliding stop as he turned around.

“Keep going!” he ordered.

He past us ran in the opposite direction. I looked to see my brother attacking the mist. He fired off a few attack spells but to no avail. The mist would break apart and dodge his attacks. I came to sliding stop as my friends ran past me. Excalibur came to a sliding stop next to my brother as he opened fire with his weapon. The loud sounds of the weapon ripped through the roaring wind. I watched as the massive cloud attacked them. Excalibur did this roll to his left while my brother jumped to the right. They continued to attack and do everything they could to fight off the mist… but to no avail.

“Twilight!”

I stopped looking at the ensuing battle and turned my head to look at Spike.

“We need to go!” he said frantically.

“… Right!”

I turned around and headed for the barrier… they’re going to be okay… right?

I fazed through it to see my friends breathing hard after the exhausting chase. I took a moment to catch my breath.

“Everypony… okay?” I asked between breathes.

Each of my friends made some sort of noise as a conformation. Once I knew that my friends were okay I looked back at the barrier. I really hoped that Excalibur and my brother would be alright out there. It felt like I watched that blue wall for an eternity. After sometime, Shining came flying through the barrier. He landed about fifteen feet away.

“Shining!” I quickly ran up to him as Spike fell off my back. He began to sit up as he rubbed his head. Physically he looked fine but his horn was covered in black crystals, “Shining your horn!” I said as I grabbed his hoof with mine as he sat up straighter.

He tried to use his magic but it only sparked and failed. He shook his head quickly and gave me a depressed look. I couldn’t help but feel sad for him. I just hoped that that spell on his horn would fade quickly. But now that I knew that he was safe I looked around frantically.

“Wait!” I looked at my brother an placed my hooves on his shoulders and shook him, “Where’s Excalibur!?”

As if it was timed perfectly, Excalibur came flying through the barrier. He crashed onto the ground and barrel rolled a few times until coming to a complete stop. He let out a moan before getting up quickly.

He faced the barrier, “Yeah you better run you fucker!” he screamed.

He rubbed his helmet where his face would be. Then he placed his sword on his back.

He walked up to us, “Everyone all right?”

We all nodded telling him that we were all right.

He looked at my brother, “You okay your majesty?”

“I am,” replied my brother, “and thank you for the save.”

Wait… my brother just said thank you!? If my brother said thank you? Something really bad must have happened back there! I guess I’ll talk to him about it later.

“You’re welcome… besides your wife would have killed me if I didn’t bring you back alive,” said Excalibur.

That got a giggle out of all of us.

He looked at all of us, “Alright let’s get going.”

He turned away and took a step, but I noticed something sticking out of his armor.

“Excalibur! What’s that thing in your foreleg!?”

He turned and looked at me, “Huh?”

I pointed to his right foreleg, “You have something in your armor!”

He lifted his right foreleg a little before adjusting it to get a better look.

“Odd,” he grabbed it and pulled it from his armor. He looked at it for a second before tossing the long black crystal to the ground. “Well that was-GAH!”

His armor flashed a bright blue, letting out a loud sound that sounded like glass shattering as his body jerked violently. He fell to one knee as he grabbed his head with one hoof and he placed the other on the ground for support. He moaned in agony as his breathing got heavier. I watched in fear as the bright red lights on his right foreleg began to take on a blackish hue. Once the initial shock was over my friends and I ran up to him.

“Excalibur are you alight!?” asked Fluttershy.

He took a few heavy breaths before answering as he glowed blue yet again, “Whatever that was, its messing with my armor. My systems are going haywire!”

A few tense seconds passed before he spoke up again.

“Okay… my shields and energy have been halved… and I don’t feel very well,” he said.

“How so?” I asked.

“I have a splitting headache and I feel a little nauseous… but I think I can handle it,” he stood up, “alright let’s get moving.”

He struggled to get up but regained his composure after a second. Now that the shock of everything that had happened ended we were finally able to get a good look at the Empire. Everything, and I mean everything, was made out of crystal. I guess I can see where it got its name. Anyway, Excalibur led the way to the castle. Although I thought that he looked like he was struggling. He would grab his head and shake it every once and a while… which had me concerned.

After a short walk we entered the rather nice looking castle. Then we headed for the throne room. Where we ran into Cadence! We did our little “hello” which caused Excalibur to laugh. I’ll scold him later; I mean she is family now! Both Excalibur and Shining explained how Cadence has been up for days and has rarely slept and eaten…which only prompted me to work harder on saving the empire. While we talked and tried to get a plan in motion Excalibur excused himself to the little colt’s room. After a few minutes he came back.

“I may or may not have a situation,” he said.

“What do you mean?” asked Cadence.

“That crystal has done something... and it’s not good.”

I was beginning to worry. I gulped nervously, “Like what?”

He lowered his head and took his helmet off. When he raised it I almost fainted. My friends gasped at the site.

“This.”

He had a spider web like pattern of black lines crawling up the right side of his face and his right eye had a dark black smoke trail emitting from it. I don’t know how he could stay so calm because what ever happened could kill him!

“Oh my!” Cadence ran over and began to look at it.

Excalibur kneeled down for her to look at it, “Whatever that crystal did not only affected my armor but I think it’s trying to affect my mentality.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I keep hearing voices in my head. Its feels like an attempt of mind control or brainwashing. It’s taking every ounce of will I have to keep them out… and I know for a fact that this is going to get worse.”

“It would appear to be a form of dark magic,” explained Cadence.

He glanced at her, “Can you fix it?” he asked.

She winced at the thought and looked away, “…Maybe…”

Excalibur stood up, “Meaning…?”

She looked back at him, “If I didn’t have this spell going to protect the empire… I could probably find something to fix it,” she said nervously.

I was expecting Excalibur to explode in a full out panic… but he didn’t

“So I’ll keep a bullet on standby… got it.”

What did he mean by that?

“What do you mean by that?” asked Rarity.

That's what I was thinking!

He looked at her, “It’s means that I won’t allow anybody to use me as their personal puppet,” he looked at all of us, “if push comes to shove I’m either, A, going to put a bullet in my mouth, or B, use the self-destruct on my Warframe destroy myself and the suit.”

He’s… going… to do… what!?

“Excalibur you can’t!!!” I protested.

He looked at me, “I’m sorry Twilight but I cannot allow this suit fall into the wrong hands… unfortunately death is the only way out.”

I felt tears in my eyes. I ran up and hugged him, “Please, Excalibur don’t do this!”

He put his hooves on my back, “I’m sorry Twilight, but I can’t risk the wellbeing of this planet.”

I continued to cry into his chest as he held me. After a minute or two he let go of me. I fell back on all fours and wiped my eyes with my hoof. He kneeled down in front of me and placed a hoof on my shoulder. He gave me a reassuring smile.

“Twilight… I’m placing my life in your… hooves, you know what to do. Cadence has the spell going and with Shining down, I have to keep Sombra out if he gets in,” he moves his hoof to my face. I placed my hoof on the ground; he started to clear the tears away with one of the digits, “don’t worry about me, the empire comes first,” he stood up, “girls finalize a game plan, we have less then twenty-four hours,” he put his helmet on and started to walk over to Cadence, “this is now a Tenno Op,” he stood next to Cadence and looked back at us, “its time to lock and load people! Now gogogo!”

We all gave a salute and headed for the door. As the girls and Spike ran though I stopped at the door and looked back, “We won’t fail you!”

“We know Twilight,” replied Cadence.

I turned back and ran out the hall. We discussed options for I don’t know how long, but we finally came to a conclusion that we had to do some research. We checked the castle for a library, which it didn’t have! We eventually went to the public library. We searched the massive building, that’s when we found a book on the empires history. Thankfully that book contained all the info we needed! After a song and some set up we got the Crystal Fair up and running.

Which actually worked!

I got all my friends to run the fair which worked perfectly. But when we learned about the Crystal Heart… that’s when the panic started.

“I don’t get it! I didn’t know that the Crystal Heart was an actual relic!” I begin to look through the book frantically while I stood in front of Cadence, Shining, Rainbow, and Excalibur, “The book didn’t mention anything about the ponies powering the Crystal Heart,” I ended up reaching the end of the book. And the final page was gone! “There was a page missing! How did I not notice!”

I put my hoof to my forehead and shook my head back and forth in disbelief. Cadence started to sway back and forth.

“It’s okay Twilight,” she said weakly.

She passed out and fell to the floor, thankfully Shining caught her. Excalibur ran up and put a hoof on her head. Once the magic in her horn faded the barrier protecting the empire faded. Excalibur looked to the south. I looked back to see that black mist starting to surround the area.

Excalibur looked at my brother, “Shining get Cadence up and get that barrier working!” ordered Excalibur as he stood up. He ran to the front of the door leading to the throne room. His archwing roared came shooting out and attached to his back. He started to run to the end of the balcony.

“I’ll stall for as long as I –GAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

He jumped but hit the railing at the end of the balcony. He screamed in agony as he grabbed his head and started to step backwards. He lost his footing and fell to the floor. Excalibur held his head while he flailed around on the ground. I ran up and tried to calm him down.

I looked back at my brother, “Shining do something!?”

Quickly he shook Cadence in an attempt to wake her up. After a few tense seconds she was able to stand. Once she was on her hooves she reset the spell. Just in time too, Sambra almost got to the empire. As soon as the spell closed over the top of the castle I looked back at Excalibur. His screaming started to subside as he started to relax. His breathing was heavy and frantic but at least he had calmed down.

I placed my hooves on his side, “Excalibur, are you okay?”

He grabbed his head and moaned, “Yeah… that was the worst thing I’d ever been through, ” He placed a hoof underneath himself and sat up, “it was like my consciousness was being ripped from my body.”

He looked at me. I quickly gave him another hug. I don’t know what I would do if I lost him. I felt him wrap his right foreleg around me as he placed his head on top of mine. I let go of him and looked at Cadence.

“Cadence are you okay?”

“Yeah, just a little shaken up.”

My brother looked at me, “I have to find the Crystal Heart!”

I walked up to him, “No, you stay here with Cadence,” I looked at her. She fell forward, my brother put a hoof out to catch her, “she needs you Shining Armor,” with a whip of my tail and some determination I headed for the door, “I’ll retrieve the heart!”

“Let’s do this!” said Dash as she began to follow me.

This is when I realized that the only way to pass Celestias test was to find the Crystal Heart. As Dash and I raced through the halls of the castle. I told her that she, and the rest of the gang needed to stall until I found the heart.

But how do I find a heart in an entire empire?

I exited the castle while Dash went to inform the others. I walked through the streets with a hoof to my chin as I started to think of ideas. Someone must have tipped off Spike because within ten minutes he came running up wanting to help me. I was reluctant, but he was so persistent. So, I ended up giving in. Just before he came running up that’s when it hit me!

Where would be the best place to hide such an important artifact? In the castle! Where it could be guarded at all times and anypony would be too afraid to look. I placed Spike on my back and I headed at full pace back to the castle. I explained my little plan as we entered the castle. We, and when I say we, I mean I, searched the castle for at least an hour. I began to get frustrated. Now where would somepony hide such an important artifact? I walked past the throne room. And that’s when it hit me!

Celestia's explanation passed through my head, ‘If hatred and fear take hold…’

I realized that the current castle wasn’t the one that Sombra ruled in, he ruled in a castle made out of dark crystal! I trotted up to the throne with Spike next to me. All the while I explained the differences in castles. Going on a hunch I used some dark magic on the throne, which worked! A dark shadow appeared and revealed a hidden passage.

I tapped my hooves together out of joy. Now I could finally get to work on finding the heart! I activated a light spell and started down the stairs. And also making sure that Spike stayed at the top of the stairs. I walked for a little while before stopping. Spike asked if I could see anything. Well with it being so dark I couldn’t, and my distance test said it was a really long fall. With Cadence's magic fading, I had to hurry. So I started to descend a little more quickly than I should have.

In my haste I tripped and fell the rest down the stairs. Thankfully I timed my levitation spell right and caught myself before I hit the bottom. I quickly oriented myself correctly and placed myself firmly on the floor. I looked behind myself and found a door. I was overjoyed! I grabbed the handle with my magic and tried to open it…

Dumb thing moved!

After looking like a foal- thankfully I was alone- I finally got the door to stop by using dark magic again. Once the door opened I saw a white light. That’s when I knew I found the heart!

“Spike!” I started for the door, “I think it’s here!”

Quickly I ran inside… only to find myself back in Canterlot Castle, the throne room to be exact.

“Huh?” I said out of confusion.

“What are you doing here?” asked Celestia with disgust.

I looked back and took a few steps toward her. She was facing away from me while she signed letters before sending them away with her magic.

I froze in my tracks while my ears fell back as I started to look around, “I don’t know,” I started to walk toward her, “I opened the door and-”

“And now you must go!”

I froze in my tracks, “Go where!?” I asked out of confusion.

“Doesn’t matter to me,” she looked back at me with hate in her eyes, “you failed the test Twilight!”

I practically died! How did I fail? I mean, I was there! What happened to my brother? Cadence, my friends… Excalibur!?

“I don’t understand! The test!?” I said frantically.

“Not only will you not go on to the next level of your studies," she looked at me with hate filled eyes, "but you won’t continue your studies at all!” she said harshly.

My ears fell back again and I felt tears in my eyes, “But you didn’t say anything about not being your student if I failed!” I said trying to save everything I worked so hard for!

She put a wing around me. I felt like I had saved everything for a second… but it was short lived.

She pushed me away, “Didn’t I?”

She started to walk away. I didn’t know what to think. I started to panic. That’s when the door on the other side of the room opened up. I turned to see Excalibur walk in. He was shuffling through some papers with his head down.

“Excalibur!” I said frantically.

He looked up, “Oh, Twilight. What are you doing here?” he went back to the paperwork in his hooves.

I ran up to him, “Please! Talk some sense into Celestia!”

He kept walking. He glanced at me quickly, “What’s there to talk about? You failed… miserably.”

I was shocked.

“What!? No please! Not you too!”

He stopped at the doorway to the throne room. His head shot up. Then he turned to look at me, “Twilight! I lost and arm and eye because of you!”

What!?

“After the fall of the empire I lost everything! The respect of my men! My position! I was shunned by everyone! ” he paused, his gaze moved to the floor, he took a deep breath, “you know... I actually had feelings for you,” he looked back at me, “but that all changed!” He turned back and started to walk to Celestia, “although I should thank you. At least I was able to find someone that looked past my injuries.” He stopped in front of Celestia, “how are you doing sweetheart?”

She looked at him with a smile, “Just fine… my prince.”

…P-prince…?

He took his helmet off and placed a kiss on Celestias lips.

“No!nonononononono! Excalibur please your cant do this to me! I... I LOVE YOU!”

“Twilight!”

He looked back at me.

“Twilight!”

“Sorry,” he looked at Celestia, “but I’m spoken for.” He placed another, longer kiss on her lips.

“Twilight!”

My whole world shattered. The… the human I loved… left me… for my teacher! I…I lost everything! The human I loved, my teacher, my studies, and most likely my friends! I didn’t want to live anymore! I fell into a miserable heap on the floor and cried my eyes out.

“Twilight!”

I heard Spike calling for me. My eyes widened as I shook my head. I looked back to see Spike running down the stairs babbling about how long I had been down in this hole. I let his ramble go on for a little while before I ran over to the other side of the door. Spike walked up looked at the wall. That’s when I saw his eye change from white to a dark green.

“Wait Ponyville how did I- no!” He started to back away, “Twilight please I don’t want to go!” tears began to form in his eyes.

I slammed the door shut.

His eyes went back to normal. I explained how King Sombra’s dark magic created a door to a pony’s worst fear. I reassured Spike quickly and told him that I would never let him go. Quickly I used some love magic that Cadence taught me when I was a filly, which surprisingly enough opened the door.

Okay, I’ll admit, I’d been guessing most of the time.

The frame of the door glowed white, and once the magic hit the bottom of the frame the door opened. Quickly I trotted through with excitement… only to find…

More BUCKING STAIRS!

Eep! Sorry for swearing!

Well, um... anyway, Spike and I started walking up this time. After what felt like an eternity, my legs were burning and we were nowhere near the top. I was so sick and tired of Sombras games, but I had to find the heart! For my brother, for my friends, for-

“If *huff* Sombra can create a door to your worst fear *huff* why not a staircase that goes on forever?” asked Spike.

I froze. He had a very valid point. After turning my neck to a rather interesting angle, that’s when it hit me yet again. I grabbed Spike and used a gravity spell to levitate us up to the opposite side of the stairs. As we slide, down… or is it up? Never mind, we slide in a direction, all while I celebrated with utter joy! A few minutes later we came sliding out of the stair well and onto the roof. That’s when we found the heart!

After reorienting gravity and landing on the floor, I looked at Spike, who waved his claws telling to go. I walked forward with stars in my eyes. I found it! The empire was saved! But when I stepped on the round spot on the floor it changed to a sinister black. It was a trap and I didn’t even realize it! I quickly jumped after the heart… only to have it knocked out of my grasp. My ears fell back as I sat there for a moment.

After the initial shock wore off I frantically I started to look for the heart, “The heart! Where’s the-”

“Here!” replied Spike.

I looked through an opening in the crystal barrier, “It rolled over to me when you dropped it.”

Spike did his best to avoid the newly sprouting crystal weeds that had begun to appear.

“Don’t move!” I ordered.

He took it a little too literally. He actually stopped moving.

“You can move, just not towards me,” I said with sadness.

He backed away quickly. I needed to escape. I used a teleportation spell, but I was immediately sucked back into the makeshift cell. I don’t know how I fell for this. I just wanted to pass this test!

“How could I have been so foolish?” I said to myself. I started to push on the crystal, “I was just so eager to get it!” I ran to the opposite side and used my back to push on the barrier, “And when I saw what was going on outside I-”

“You have to get out of there Twilight!” I faintly heard Spike.

I tried getting out and failed!

“You have to be the one to get the Crystal Heart to Princess Cadence. If you don’t, you fail Celestia’s test!”

I began to look at the failing barrier around the empire. I walked to the far side of the cell and placed my hoof on the wall, “King Sombra is already attacking the empire. He could reach the crystal ponies at any moment. Reach Princess Cadence, my friends, my brother! Even Excalibur!”

I didn’t have the time to find out a way to escape. I had to think quickly… and I only had one option.

Excalibur's words passed through my head, “Whos life is more important, mine? Or the all the innocent civilians of your town..."

I ran back and looked back at Spike to see him fall on his flank, “Spike you have to be the one to deliver the heart to Princess Cadence!”

“Me? But Twilight?”

“Go!” I said firmly.

“But-”

“GO!”

Quickly he removed his claws from his armpits, grabbed the heart, and jumped out one of the openings to the top of the castle.

…

THAT IDIOT!!!

Chapter 19 The Return of an Empire Part 3

Location: Crystal Empire, Equestria, Planet Equin.

The spell over the empire is failing fast. Cadence can barely stand, Twilight is nowhere in sight and Sombra is making his assault. To top it all off, I’m suffering from severe mental breakdown, all while Rarity and Applejack were standing on the end of the balcony and were doing a miserable job of stalling.

‘You will fall, just like this miserable place.’

‘I’ll die before I let this place fall!’

I kept hearing a dark voice in my head. I was constantly resisting but I could only go so far before I’d have to do something drastic. As we all stood on the balcony I watched Cadence finally give in, she fell into Shining's forelegs. The glow on her horn finally faded into nothing. I looked to the south to see that massive black cloud attack.

Rarity looked up to the sky and let out a terraifed gasp, “Huh! Spikey wikey!”

What a terrible pet name for a dragon… wait what is he doing up there!?

I looked up to see Spike running down a twisting spire of dark crystal. And he had what I presumed was the heart. I heard the mist let out a deep throaty roar and plunge into the ground. Within seconds a large, black crystal spire protruded from the ground. As it got closer to the heart… I finally got to look at who Sombra really is. A filthy grey unicorn, with a black mane and tail, he was clad in metal armor and wore a rather stupid looking cape for a king of his stature. And he had these evil red eyes. And that horn looked more like a giant fang cover in blood then a normal horn.

“Nooooo! SPIKE!” screamed Rarity.

He slipped and dropped the heart. Thankfully he was able to grab the spire and hold on. I looked to see Sombra headed straight for the falling heart. That’s when I jumped into action. I activated my archwing and shot straight up into the air. As I gained altitude I grabbed my Rathbone hammer off the left wing and opened it.

I came to a stop and lifted it over my head with both hands, “Hey Sombra!” he looked up at me, “CATCH!”

With all my strength I threw the massive weapon. The twin head hammer went rocketing through the air as it descended at an alarming rate. His eyes went wide. Within a few seconds the giant hammer landed on top of him, causing the spire to explode and crumble. He crashed into the ground with a loud explosion. Crystal chards flew in all directions.

Without thinking I activated my Energy Shield and headed straight for the handle of the hammer at full speed. Thankfully the shield took the brunt of the hit when I connected with the handle. I caused the massive hole in the ground to double its size. I used my archwing and pushed off the hammer and out of the hole. I landed about twenty feet away and faced the hole.

“Look out!” screamed a bystander.

I turned around, only to get a magic attack to the chest. The massive blast sent me hurdling into a nearby building. I crashed through the wall and landed on a table. I shook my head quickly and looked out of the hole I just made. I could see Sombra standing there, facing me. Apparently he teleported out or something. Quickly I jumped to my feet and shot out of the hole at full speed. I tackled Sombra and dragged him across the ground by the neck. I ended up reaching one of the legs of the castle and dragged him up the leg, past the balcony and to the roof. He hit me with a magic attack causing me to spiral out of control. We both landed on the roof. He was near the edge while I was on the opposite side. I propped myself up with my elbows. I could see, what looked like a pyramid made out of black crystal.

“Excalibur!” screamed Twilight.

“Twilight! Where are you!?”

“In here!”

I looked at the pyramid. Sombra looked at it then back to me. He had a mischievous grin. With a flash of his horn he made Twilight appear in front of himself. Quickly I stood up and drew my Lex. He reached out and held her with one hoof. I didn’t have a clear shot.

I had to think of something and quickly.

“Excalibur!” pleaded Twilight.

“Just stay calm Twilight!”

She had tears in her eyes and she was scared beyond recognition. I made a promise to protect these people… and Twilight is one of them.

“What’s wrong?” I looked at Sombra who wore a sick looking smile, “you scared?”

“I fear no one and no thing,” I replied calmly.

“Oh! I doubt that,” he started to nuzzle up to Twilight. Which caused her to wince in response, “I’m going to have fun killing you… and when I do,” he licked her ear. Which caused me to fill with rage. Why? I don’t know, “I’m going to enjoy this little filly.”

She eeped in response while she closed her eyes and tried to get as far as she could from him.

‘I’m going to kill him, ruthlessly and mercilessly!’

I looked at Twilight, “Twilight? Do you trust me?”

She looked at me, “Yes.”

“Good,” I pointed my Lex at her left, back leg and pulled the trigger.

BANG!

“AHHH!” she screamed in agony while she grabbed her back leg and fell to the left.

I pointed my Lex at Sombra and opened fire.

BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG!

I unloaded every round into his chest and ran at him at full force. Once I reached him I holstered my pistol and gave him a brutal left hook. Then I hit him with a right. Next was a left uppercut, followed by a right knee to the jaw. While he was suspended in the air I grabbed his ears and slammed his head into the ground and gave him a ruthless kick, causing him to fly through the air and crash into one of the crystal columns. He hit the ground with a thud.

Quickly I sprinted up to him and grabbed his back and neck. I spun him around and shoved his head into the column. The I spun the opposite direction. I held him with one hand and used my other to remove my Odonata Prime and attach it to his back. I activated the jets and pointed him upward while I held the wings as they roared. I released him, causing him to shoot straight up. Once he was 150 feet in the air I opened up my left palm and activated the self-destruct mode on the wings. A loud bang and a massive explosion filled the sky.

Unfortunately, Sombra survived.

I watched him plummet to the earth as he screamed in pain and anger. He crashed through the roof of a crystal building. I turned around and ran up to Twilight, who was sitting on her haunches and holding her left, back leg.

She looked at me with tears in her eyes, “Y-you shot me?”

I put my right hand on the wound and pressed lightly, “I know Twilight and I’m sorry.”

“Why?” she asked nervously.

“I needed a clear shot. I couldn’t risk you being in further harm, besides…” I put left hand on her cheek, “I grazed you. You’ll have a small cut; it should heal in a week... just remember that it was to save your life.”

She smiled.

She couldn't see it, but I smiled back.

“Now if you'll excuse me,” I stood up, “I have an empire to save.”

I grabbed my Soma off my back and ran to the edge of the roof. I looked back at Twilight and gave her a nod. She smiled back and nodded. Looking back, I jumped off the roof and slid down the wall of the castle. Somba came running down the street at full speed. While I slid down the wall I opened fire between my legs with the light weight machinegun. Rounds landed all around him, hell, I probably even hit him on multiple occasions. I could hear Twilights friends cheering as I slid past the balcony. The wall came to an end when I reached the massive arch of the castle.

I landed heavily on the crystal street. I straightened my stance and held my Soma with my right hand. I had just run out of ammo before I hit the ground. Normally the amount of lead I pumped into him would kill anybody, but he was nothing of this world. Now that I was on the ground, I couldn’t risk hurting any innocent civilians. They had been gone for 1000 years; they deserve to live a normal life.

‘Your death will be painful.’

‘Doubt full.’

He casually walked up and stopped about 50 feet away from me. I placed my gun on my back and looked at him.

“You are a noble fighter,” he complimented.

I shrugged, “I try.”

“Why don’t you… join me?”

Here comes the temptation.

“I can give you everything. Riches, power, more mares then you could ever wish for!”

Let’s see, riches, I have more than enough, plat, credits and gold. Power, I’m over a thousand years old, and I wear one of the most technologically advanced suits ever build. Hell, I even kicking Shining Armors ass and destroyed a highly advanced containment spell. And finally mares, well just about every girl I’ve meet so far has had something for me. And that’s not including the women that want me on other planets.

I grabbed my helmet where my chin would be, “Tempting…” I lowered my hand, “but I think I’ll pass. I don’t fight for lust, I fight for honor. You destroyed these peoples lives, I intend to fix that.”

‘You will fall!’

‘Than I’ll take you with me!’

“Then why don’t we settle this like stallions,” he said.

“You wish to surrender? I accept!” I said jokingly.

“Haha,” he deadpanned.

He made a ruthless and dark looking scythe appear out of thin air... reminded me a lot of an old friend.

I drew my Skana and prepared for a fight.

“I hope you are ready to die,” said Sombra.

“Don’t worry, because you will be the first to fall.”

‘Arrogant…’

‘No… determined.’

We charged each other.

TING!

Out blades connected. I used all my strength to shove him away. He landed a few feet away and charged me again. I took a step with my right foot and brought my sword down. He held the scythe up and blocked the attack with the handle. I removed my blade and spun 360% to the right and aimed for his head. He blocked to the side. I did the same thing again, only in the opposite direction.

I continued to swing from up to down with an 'X' pattern. But every time he blocked. Now I was getting really exhausted. This “infection” was getting worse and it was affecting my stamina. With one final clang with our weapons we jumped back. I stood with my feet together and my sword in my right hand. I was breathing heavily while Sombra wore a stupid and cocky grin.

“Looks like my little crystal is working well,” he said confidently.

“I will admit…”

I winced as another “thought” ran through my head. It was getting significantly worse.

‘You will perish, and your precious little marefriend will become my slave.’

‘I’ll rip your fucking head off if you touch a single hair on Twilights head!’

“… It is a little annoying.”

“The longer you resisted the more painful it will become,” he said, “join me, and I can make the suffering stop.”

“Jeez, do you ever shut up! I’ve had bullet wounds that hurt more than this!”

I was starting to get really, really angry!

“Looks like you don’t have much longer.”

My fists clenched tighter, “SHUUUT UUUP!!!”

I charge Sombra. Our blades connected with a massive TING! Thinking quickly I punched him in the head with my left hand. He took a few steps back, but I continued my relentless assault. I assaulted him with a ruthless combo of up and down swings, after… the ninth or tenth swing… I brought the sword out from under my left armpit and swung the sword up with such force that it broke the sound barrier and caused Sombra to fall backwards. He lost grip of his scythe, it landed on the ground about 20 feet away.

I started to breathe very heavily. Not from exhaustion but from full force anger. I approached him with a clenched jaw and hate filled eyes. He had a look of genuine fear in his eyes. I brought my sword over my head and was about to split his skull in two.

“GAHHHH!”

A massive jolt of pain shot through my head. I dropped my sword and grabbed my head. I stumbled backwards while my upper body shook in all directions. After coming to a stop some distance away I bent over and screamed in agony.

My eyes were as big as dinner plates, “AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!”

“EXCALIBUR LOOK OUT!” screamed Twilight from somewhere.

I stood up and faced Sombra.

SHING!

“GAK!”

My shields exploded in a flash of blue light. The inside of my helmet was flashing red with the words, "SEVERE INTERNAL DAMAGE! NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION!" I blink twice before looked down at my abdomen. Through the flashing words I saw the handle of my sword sticking out of my stomach. I looked up at Sombra who wore a victorious smile.

“Fuck.”

I fell to my knees as the world went black.

…

...

I awoke to see nothing but darkness.

“Where am I?” I asked to no one in particular.

I looked around. After a few seconds a white light in the distance became known. It began to get closer. I used my arm to shield my eyes; I closed them when the light became too intense. Once the light died down I opened my eyes and lowered my arm, in front of me stood a young blond woman in a white dress.

I squinted at the figure, “Me-Melanie?”

“Hi honey.”

My eyes went wide. After a second or two of complete and utter confusion, I walked up to her as I looked around the abyss some more, “I… I don’t get it... what happened? Where am I?”

“Where you are doesn’t matter.”

I looked at her, “This better not be hell… because if it is, Satan is going to get a nasty surprise,” I said jokingly. She put her right hand to her mouth and giggled.

I wrapped my arms around her waist while she wrapped her arms around my neck.

She smiled, “I missed you.”

I smiled in return, “I missed you too.”

We shared a kiss. I know that she had been dead for hundreds of years but it felt so real. After a few seconds I broke the embrace and held her. She placed her head under my chin.

“It’s been too long,” I said.

“1000 years to long.”

She moved out from under my chin and looked at me. We held each other’s forearms and smiled.

“I have someone I want you to meet,” she let go of me and took a step to the side.

A smaller, younger, teenage girl in a white dress approached. She had gorgeous, dark blue eyes and light brown hair. She walked up and stood in front of me. She had a soft, yet warm smile.

“Hi dad.”

I looked at Melanie with utter shock.

“Say hello to your daughter,” she said with a smile.

I looked at the teenage girl with shock until a smile crawled across my face. She hugged me, and I hugged her back. I felt tears stream down my cheeks. Melanie joined in on the group -no- family hug. After a few seconds we all leaned back and I looked at the younger girl.

“What’s her name?” I asked Melanie, not taking my eyes off of my daughter.

“Cristina… I named her after you,” I looked at Melanie.

“… I love it,” I looked at Christina and frowned “honey I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there for you.”

She smiled at me before hugging me again, “It’s okay dad,” she looked up at me, “you saved mom, and the planet I would be raised on… you were a hero.”

“You're still a hero,” said Melanie.

I smiled as I looked at her, “Thank you,” I looked back at my daughter, “I still wish that I could have been there for you. To watch you grow up, to see your first steps, to hear your first words. To take you to school, to watch you go on your first date, and walk you down the aisle on your wedding day… and to see your first child,” the floodgates began to open.

“It’s okay dad… I still love you with all my heart,” I smiled yet again.

“I love you too,” I looked at Melanie, “And I love you too.”

"I love you too honey."

We shared yet another family hug. After what was probably a few minutes we broke the embrace.

“So what happens now? I die?” I asked Melanie.

She shook her head side to side, “No… your time has not yet come.”

I wiped my soaked eyes dry, “So... then what?”

“Do what you were born to do,” said Christina. I looked at her, “this is your destiny, fight and protect those who need it.”

She held my helmet up out of nowhere. I took it and looked at it.

“We will always be with you,” said Melanie.

I looked around to see multiple people in different uniforms surround me. I could see men from medieval times, Spartans, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Navy, Marine, Army, Air force, policemen and firemen, and all different kinds of uniforms! Many old, many new, some I had never seen. They were my ancestors and my grandchildren… they were warriors… protectors.

“WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP! NOT EVEN WHEN WE ARE BROKEN! WE! WILL! KEEP! FIGHTING!!!” they all screamed in unison as they raised their weapons.

I slipped my helmet on and smiled, “WE ARE WARRIORS OF GUN AND BLADE! WE ARE… THE TENNO!” I screamed as I fist pumped the air.

They all pumped their weapons in the air, “A'OO! A'OO! A'OO!”

I laughed with joy as I looked around the massive crowd.

“Here,” said Melanie softly. I looked at her. She held my Skana by the blade with both her hands.

I took it by the handle with my right hand and smiled at her before I held it high. All the men and women began to turn into bright flashes as they started to fly toward my sword. I watched in awe as the small weapon glowed a bright white light. I could feel them, their strength, their determination… their power. Once the last ball of light entered the weapon I lowered it to my side and looked at Melanie.

“And what of you two?”

She smiled, “We will be where we always have,” she put a hand to my chest, “in your heart.”

I put my hand over hers, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she replied with a smile.

In flash of light she disappeared into my chest.

I looked at Christina, “I love you sweetheart.”

She hugged me, which I gladly returned with my left hand, “I love you too dad.”

She followed her mother and disappeared into my chest. That hole I had carried for centuries… was filled with complete and utter happiness.

I looked around the dark abyss with a new sense of determination, “Let’s dance.”

Authors Note.

So originally I was going to end it with Excalibur saying "Fuck" but it was way to short then I wanted. So I ended up coming up with this idea while I was at work and I kept it. I don't know about anyone else but I actually cried while I wrote this. Hell I keep crying every time I read it and it takes a lot to make me cry.

Chapter 20 The Return of an Empire Part 4

Location: Crystal Empire, Equestria, Planet Equin.

“EXCALIBUR!” we all screamed in unison.

Quickly I teleported to his slumped over body. He was sitting on his knees with his forelegs on his side and his head sat limp. Sombra had used his magic to throw his sword through his abdomen. The few seconds Excalibur had been unconscious felt like an eternity.

I placed my hooves on his shoulders and screamed at his face, “EXCALIBUR! WAKE UP! PLEASE WAKE UP!” he still didn’t move. My tears were uncontrollable, “PLEASE WAKE UP!” my lower lip quivered, “Don’t leave me like this… I… I love you.”

I fell to the ground and buried my face into my forelegs. With an injury like that, I knew that he wouldn’t survive.

After a few seconds my head shot up, “Sombra!” I said through gritted teeth. I stood up and glared daggers at the former king, “I”LL KILL YOU!”

I charged him at full speed. He stood shock still. Once I was within reach he slapped me across my face with his hoof. I landed off to the side, while I rubbed my cheek. I tried to stand up and fight him, but I felt my body freeze. Sombra walked in front of me with his horn glowing a sinister black. I was trapped by his magic. He picked me up and placed me in a bowing manner.

“Now… this is what you should be like,” I heard multiple pops of magic. Straining my eyes I could see my friends, Spike, my brother, and sister in law is the same position. We all struggled to break free, but to no avail, “bowing before your king.”

“We will never bow before you!” retaliated Cadence.

He walked up to her, “Bold words for a pony on her knees.”

“You stay away from my wife!” screamed Shining.

He looked at my brother, “Ah,” he walked over to him, “the noble prince,” Shining stared daggers to the former king, “what was your plan here? Send that thing to kill me? You bask in the glory while he did the dirty work? Why… you are no better than me!” he said with a sinister smile.

“At least he was willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the empire!” retaliated my brother, “he will be remember for his acts today!”

“Shining?” I asked softly.

He ignored me, “Somepony that is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of others! He died a warrior’s death, on his hooves with a blade in his hooves!”

I looked at my brother in utter shock and confusion. He may have been mad at the Tenno Warrior, but he truly did care about him.

“You are a fool to think that he could defeat me!” said Sombra.

“At least he tried!” I retaliated.

“Yeah! He is a better pony then you ever would be!” said Rainbow.

“You mean was!” retaliated Sombra as he looked at Rainbow.

“No!” screamed Fluttershy, “even in death he will be there for us!”

I couldn’t help but feel proud of her.

“We owe him our lives! And we intend to avenge him you brute!” said Rarity.

“He was, is, and always will be better then you!” said Applejack.

“Yeah! He was the greatest pony to ever live!” said Pinkie.

Sombra growled in anger. I felt my head get shoved downward, “If you think he’s so perfect,” I heard the shing of a blade being lifted into the air, “then you shall-”

SHING! SHING!

“RRRAAAAAAA!” screamed Sombra in agony.

“HURAA!”

I felt the spell around me fade. Quickly I looked up to see what happened. And I saw…

“Excalibur!” we all screamed in unison.

There he stood, bright as day. He still had his sword sticking through his body, but he obviously didn’t care about it. He shoulders rose every time he took a heavy breath. He stood with a hunch, fore legs slightly bent, his hooves where clenched tight and those metal claws were fully extended.

He leaned back and took a deep breath while crossing his forelegs in an ‘X’ in front of his face, “SOMBRA!” he jerked his forelegs to his sides and leaned forward while taking a small step, “I’M GOING TO RIP YOUR FUCKING HEART OUT!” he grabbed his helmet with his left hoof and pulled it off by the horn before throwing it to the ground, “And you’re going to look me in the eyes WHEN I SUCK YOUR SOUL FROM YOUR. DEAD. CORPSE!”

He grabbed the handle of his sword with his right hoof. With a powerful tug he pulled the blood soaked blade from his abdomen, lifted it over his head, and threw it with such force that it stuck at least four or five inches into the crystal street. He cusped his hooves together and summoned forth an ethereal black and red sword, it looked exactly like his Skana, but this one was made of pure energy.

He turned he head to the side, a powerful and digesting sounding crack filled the air. His jaw was clenched tight while grinded his teeth. His head was dipped, giving him an evil appearance. The digits on his left hoof wiggled and flexed with anger. I looked in the direction Excalibur was looking. I saw Sombra walk out from the hole he made in the side of a building.

And he looked angry.

“You just won’t stay dead… will you!?” screamed Sombra out of utter anger.

Excalibur took three steps before leaning back again, “GET OVER HERE!” he continued walking with that hunch.

Excalibur was beyond furious, it was full-fledged rage. His slow step turned into a run, then a trot, and finally he was moving at full speed. Sombra brought his scythe up for an attack, only to have Excalibur knock it out of the way by his left foreleg and get kneed in the face. Sombra went flying back into the previous hole he made. Excalibur walked in, after a few seconds Sombra came flying out of the hole and landed on the ground with a loud thud. Sombra stood up; he shook his head and growled. Excalibur grabbed the broken wall before stepping out.

“Popcorn?”

“Pinkie where did you-”

“Shh! This is so awesome!” said Rainbow.

Anyway, Excalibur walked with a menacing gait. Now that I got a good look at his face, the infection had spread to the right half of his face and both of his eyes had that smoke trail to them. I could see the hatred in his eyes. Sombra turned to face Excalibur with that scythe at the ready. Sombra held his ground while Excalibur walked up. He brought that sword over his head before dropping it, Sombra blocked in a flash of sparks. Excalibur continued his one hoofed assault, each time the bladed weapons clashed in a flurry of red sparks.

With one final attack Sombra’s scythe moved to the side just a little bit. This allowed Excalibur to make another move. He grabbed Sombra by the neck and lifted him into the air. Sombra gaged as he tried to grab Excalibur’s foreleg. Excalibur leaned back and threw Sombra with all his strength. The former king flew through the air before he rolled on the ground until he came to a stop on his stomach.

Excalibur started to walk up to him, “What’s wrong little pony?” he wore a sinister smile, “ya scared?”

Sombra rose to his hooves, “You don’t scare me.”

Excalibur stopped about 20 feet away, “Oh… you will.”

I a burst of speed and red light Excalibur shot forward and swung his blade. Sombra screamed in agony when his left foreleg was severed completely. Excalibur came to a stop just behind him and straightened his back. Sombra sat on his rear and held the stub of a leg. He opened his eyes for a second, only to see his severed limb disappear into a dissolved mess of red light.

“Looks like I found your weakness,” said Excalibur without looking back.

Sombra looked over his shoulder with the first sign of fear, “What… what are you?”

Excalibur turned around, that wicked smile came back, “Your reckoning.”

Excalibur took a step, Sombra turned and fell backwards. He started to crawl away in fear. Once Excalibur reached Sombra he grabbed him by the throat again and lifted him into the air above his head.

“Oh look at you...” Excalibur brought Sombra down in front of his face, “… who’s the weakling now!”

Excalibur lifted Sombra higher and slammed the former king into the ground. He let go, leaned over him, and unleashed a number of brutal attacks with his left hoof. He hit so hard that it was actually forcing Sombra into the hard, crystal ground. Once the brutal attack was finished, he grabbed Sombra and lifted him into the air yet again. Sombra had a bruised right eye, blood trickling out of his nose and he was missing a few of his sharp teeth.

“Pathetic…” Excalibur looked closer at Sombra's now broken face, “what happened to that all powerful king that killed me?” Excalibur threw Sombra back into the ground, “because all I see is a FUCKING COWARD!”

Excalibur brought up his right back leg and started to stomp Sombra into the ground further. He stomped the former king three times until finally kicking him. Sombra barrel rolled in the sky for about fifteen feet before landing face down. Excalibur walked up to the severely injured unicorn and looked down on him.

“Well?” he kicked him in the face, “you gonna fight?” he kicked him again, “or are you going to wallow in your failure!?” He kicked him again, “come on! Fight me you pathetic waste of space!” He started to kick Sombra multiple times.

I heard a strange noise. I looked over to see that scythe start to glow and wiggle. That’s when I knew that Sombra was going to catch Excalibur when he wasn’t looking. The massive weapon levitated off the ground and shot toward Excalibur’s back.

“Excal-”

I didn’t even finish my warning.

SHING!

Ting… ting!

Excalibur had spun 180% and cut the massive scythe in two. Both haves missed him and landed on the ground next to Sombra. I felt my jaw hit the ground. I couldn’t believe that he did that! He stood there for a moment with the blade being held in both of his hooves. After a moment he let go with his left hoof and let his forelegs go limp as he stood up straight.

“Nice try.”

SHING!

“RAAAAAAA!”

Excalibur turned around quickly and cut off Sombra’s horn. After a few seconds of screaming, Sombra gained what little composure he had. He started to shake with fear, his eyes were bigger then dinner plates as he started to crawl away on his back.

SHING!

Excalibur… with a ruthless thrust… shoved the sword though the bottom of Sombra’s jaw, the blade sticking out of his now opened mouth. Sombra gagged and pawed at the blade sticking out of his mouth. Excalibur lifted him off the ground and into the air, where he held him at chest height.

Excalibur leaned into his ear, “Let me tell you something Sombra… the Tenno don’t die… we just go to hell and regroup.”

He leaned back and held up his left hoof next to Sombras eye.

SHING!

The claws on his left hoof opened. Sombras eye went wide yet again.

“… If this wound kills me… I’ll see you there.”

Then Excalibur shoved the three metal claws into Sombra’s side. He pulled them out; they were now red with Sombra's blood. He brought his foreleg back and thrust the blades in again… and again… and again… he did it about twelve times, each time Sombra maoned in agony… even a few tears escaped his eyes. After the final attack, Excalibur left the blades in Sombra’s side. He removed the ethereal sword from Sombra’s jaw. His head went limp as the former king gagged while he sucked in as much air as he could.

“You are not from this realm,” said Sombra with a scratchy voice.

“No…”

SHING!

Excalibur shoved the sword through the bottom of Sombra’s head, thus killing the unicorn king.

“… I’m not.”

Excalibur thrust the sword even farther into the deceased king’s head. My friends all looked away or closed their eyes at the site, but I couldn't look away. After a few seconds the former king began to dissolve into nothing. Once half of his body was gone it fell from the claws and landed on the ground before finally disappearing into nothing.

A second or two passed.

“KING SOMBRA IS DEAD!” screamed a bystander.

“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!” screamed the crowd of crystal ponies.

Excalibur looked at the corpse before looking back at us. We all leaned back in fear. He just ruthlessly killed the former king. Who’s to say that he wouldn’t turn on us? I could see the hate in his eyes, but I could also see a slight hint of accomplishment. He closed the claws on his left hoof and began walking toward us. He grabbed the end of the sword in front of his chest and collapsed it into his right hoof. He walked up and stood in front of Cadence. She looked up at him with fear while he looked at her with no emotion at all.

“The empire is saved.”

Excalibur’s eyes rolled into the back of his head as he fell on his knees with his forelegs limp and his head hung low. He gave it his all. Immediately we all jumped into action. Without saying a word we surrounded him, but we didn’t know what to do!

“What do we do!?” I screamed.

“I don’t know!” replied Cadence.

Rarity perked up, “Twilight! Remember that thing he did at the ship in the Everfree!”

I had a moment of realization, “I do!” I looked at my friends, “Quick look for one of those healing things!”

We started to search his limp body.

“Ah can’t find anything!” said Applejack frantically.

“Me neither!” screamed Rainbow.

“Excalibur!”

“Ooooh!” I looked at Cadence, “I don’t know what to do!”

“Excalibur, please respond!”

I heard a faint voice. I looked at his helmet.

“Ordis!” I ran over and grabbed the helmet with my magic, “Ordis, is that you!?” I screamed into the opening.

“Miss Sparkle! Where is Excalibur? He is not responding and his vitals are dropping rapidly!”

“He’s here with us! He’s unconscious and has a terrible wound in his stomach! What do we do!?” I said frantically.

“Okay, you need to grab a health restore! He carries them on his left hip!”

I ran back to Excalibur with the helmet in tow. I looked around frantically to see a bunch of those small devices he carries, “Ordis which one is it!?”

“Far left!” replied the Cephalon.

I grabbed one of the devices on the very end, “Okay now what!?”

“Press it and it should open!”

After fiddling with it for a few seconds the device extended, “Okay what now!?”

“You have to *BZZT* THRUST IT INTO HIS THIGH! *BZZT* you have to inject the serum into a large muscle like his thigh!”

“His thigh?” I repeated.

“The big meaty part on his leg!”

I looked at the long tube before thrusting it into Excalibur’s leg. We watched for a few seconds until Ordis spoke up again.

“Okay, his vitals are stabilizing, but he is suffering from a severe infection of unknown origin!”

Cadence perked up, “The crystal!”

I looked at her, “Can you fix it!?” I asked frantically.

“I don’t know!” she looked up before looking to the side, “the heart!”

She ran over and grabbed the crystal heart off of the ground with her magic. She stopped and looked at the surrounding crowd.

“The crystal heart has returned! Use the light and love within you to restore the glory of the empire! You are free!” She used her magic to throw heart toward the middle of the courtyard of the castle.

Once the heart passed over the center star in the street. Two crystal spikes appeared and grabbed the heart. The crowd smiled with joy. Immediately they started to bow as their coats changed from dark and colorless to a crystal shine. The magic they were letting off began to flow into the streets, causing them to glow. The power surged out before coming back to the heart, causing it to spin.

It reached an incalculable speed and released a surge of magic, much like at Cadences wedding. The large blue wave filled the air. As it passed past Cadence, me, and my friends we gained a beautiful crystal coat, and the surge caused all the dark crystal to shatter into nothing. I looked up at the sky to see a rainbow pulse shoot from the top of the castle. It peaked out and exploded in a flash of light as the rainbow magic floated in all directions. I was over joyed! The empire was saved and the magic was restored!

But our joy was short lived.

I looked back at Excalibur who had a slight glow but was still unconscious.

“Miss Sparkle! Whatever you did has purged the infection from Excalibur’s body!”

I couldn’t believe that that worked.

“How is he holding up?” I asked feeling a little relieved.

Cadence walked up.

“He is suffering from severe blood loss. He has severe internal hemorrhaging. I suggest you get him to me as soon as possible!”

My relief disappeared, “Ordis we can’t! We are at least a day’s travel from Ponyville!”

“Well that… complicates things…” replied the cephalon.

“What do we do?” I asked.

Ordis went silent for a few moments, “Make him comfortable until…” he trailed off.

“Until what!?”

“Until he passes…”

“What!?” I said frantically.

“I’m sorry Miss Sparkle, but he only has a three point two percent chance of surviving a wound like this. Without the help of a medical pod he will most likely not survive!”

“But… but he survived the changeling attack!” I said quickly.

“He was not suffering from such severe internal bleeding! He only had internal bruising, which is easily survivable for a man of his stature… this… this is one of the worst wounds he has ever suffered from. I… I don’t know if the suits auto heal can keep up and fix this! If Trinity, Oberon, or even Chroma were there I know they could easily save his life!” I didn’t know what to think, “I’m sorry Miss Sparkle.”

My head dropped as I started to cry harder, “I *sniffle* understand Ordis.”

I looked at my friends, who were all crying. “Come on girls, you heard Ordis.”

Cadence grabbed Excalibur with her magic and lifted him into the air. We walked to the castle with our heads hung low. The only sounds that were heard were the occasional sniffle. A large crowd gathered on each side of us. While we walked, the crowd bowed out of respect. We entered the castle and took Excalibur to an empty bedroom. Cadence removed his weapons and placed them in a nearby chair before she laid him down and made him comfortable. She placed a sheet on his lower half. Ordis wanted to watch him, so I placed the helmet on a nearby chair so it faced Excalibur. We all cried while we looked at the war hero.

After a few minutes we left without saying a word. The rest of the day was a miserable one. I didn’t even eat dinner. That night, I didn’t sleep either. At about midnight I left my room and walked to Excalibur’s. I stood just inside the room and looked at him. His breathing was light, but at least he was still alive.

“Twilight?”

“Eep!” I jumped a little. I looked back to see Cadence standing in the doorway, “oh Cadence… it’s you,” I said out of relief as I tried to control my pounding heart.

“Sorry for scaring you,” she walked up to me, “Couldn’t sleep?”

I looked at her, “No.” We stood next to each other and looked at Excalibur.

“Me neither.”

A few seconds of silence passed.

“You love him,” she looked at me, “don’t you?”

I sighed, “I do. Even though I haven’t known him very long,” I looked at her, “he has sacrificed so much for us,” I looked back at him, “...do you think he has the same feelings for me?”

She sighed, “I’m sorry Twilight, but I can’t tell you that,” she said with sadness.

A second or two passed, “*sniffle* why not? Is it because you are trying to spare my feelings?” I asked as tears rolled down my cheeks while I looked at her.

“Actually I can’t tell…”

Wait… what?

“Something is preventing me from feeling his emotions. I couldn’t even feel anything during his battle with Sombra. I knew that he was angry, and his facial expression just screamed hate… but to be honest Twilight,” she looked at me, “I don’t know what he thinks of you.”

I looked back at him, “Well… at least you're honest with me.”

“I always will be Twilight,” she looked at me, so I looked back, “go to him, even if he doesn’t love you… at least you know he was willing to sacrifice himself for you.”

I smiled, “Thank you Cadence.”

I gave her a hug, which she gladly returned, “Your welcome Twilight.”

We separated from each other. She smiled at me and I smiled back. She turned and left the room without saying another word. I turned back and looked at Excalibur. I put one hoof in front of the other and walked up to the bed. I used my magic to move the sheet to the side and climbed onto the bed. I moved his right foreleg and cuddled up next to him. I used my magic to place his limp appendage around me and pulled the sheet over me.

I cried into his chest until I finally fell asleep.

Two Days Later.

I was a miserable wreck. I never left Excalibur’s side… well only when I had to go to the bathroom. I ate in the same room and looked at the ceiling all day. I didn't bathe, brush my mane or tail, and my eyes still stung from all the crying I had done. Over the last two days my friends tried to coax me out and do something, but each time I refused. I wanted to be there when he passed.

I will admit that on more than one occasion I imagined the things we would do together. The first kiss we would have, then him proposing to me at dusk in Canterlot. Then the wedding, he would hold me close while we danced our first dance, then the honeymoon, where we would go somewhere far away where we would be alone. Then our first foal, I would be in the hospital where he would be as happy as a school filly while he held my hoof and gave me words of encouragement. He would hold our child as he sat next to me on the hospital bed.

We would sit together as we watched him or her play with their toys. I would get to wake up every morning to the human I love. He would say “good morning sweetheart” with the most loving tone, then I would smile and give him a big hug. Then we would walk our foal to school and pick them up at the end of the day. We would grow old together, and I would be the happiest mare in the world.

“*sigh* if only,” I said to myself.

I rested my head in that pocket on Excalibur’s chest where his foreleg connected. I lied there with my eyes closed as I imagined more scenarios. Then I felt something move on my back. My head shot up to look at the digits on Excalibur’s hooves. I watched it for a few seconds. I thought I was feeling things so I turned back.

That’s when I felt it again.

I looked back to see the digits twitch. I looked back at him. His face winced a couple of times before he finally held his closed eyes tight. His head moved to the right before rolling to the left. His left hoof came up and grabbed his forehead.

“Awwwww,” his eyes opened as he ran his hoof through his mane, “what happened?”

“Excalibur?” I asked softly.

He looked at me, “Twilight?”

I nodded.

He moaned and grabbed his eyes and rubbed them, “What happened?” he ran his hoof across his face before stopping at the back of his head, “did we win?”

I shot forward and wrapped my hooves around his neck. I cried as I held him close. He was shocked at first but he eventually wrapped his hooves around me. I held him close, not wanting to break the embrace.

I didn’t even notice Cadence walk in.

“Twilight I was-” I heard her hooves stop, “SHINING! SPIKE! GIRLS! GET IN HERE! HE'S AWAKE!” she screamed as she left the room and ran down the hall.

I just ignored her, “Excalibur… I missed you,” I said into his ear.

“Quick question,” I leaned back and looked him in the eyes, “where did I go?”

Chapter 21 Reminiscing