An Elite Guardian

One bright side to being mistaken for the leader of an army who wants nothing more than the extermination of all but themselves: you get all the damned meat you want to eat cooked to the way you like it. No, I'm not joking. The first thing I did after seeing my armor- in the model of the original one from Halo two and three- was get something to eat. After eating a well done steak-ah, steak, how I missed thee- I asked Rainbow, "So, why does the armor look this way?"

"Because that's the armor the first King wore," she replied. "Legend states it protects the wearer from just about anything not Ifrit controlled." In other words, shit for what I have planned. "And, though I should have asked this earlier, who is the main leader of this group. Before I woke up, that is?"

"Inquisitor Laval," Rainbow replied before taking a sip of her drink, which I could swear from how it looked was lava. No thanks, I'll stick to soda. "He's from the highest noble house of the Ifrit, and some even say a descendant of the king who first wore that armor. In fact, he was the king until you returned."

"Then remind me to thank him," I said. Then murder his ass. "So, where are Twilight and Fleur?"

"Last I checked, getting your weapons, modified with Ifrit tech a little to show your allegiance," the mare replied.

"Ah," I said. "So, care to show me around the compound?"

"Of course, your majesty," she said. "Follow me." With that, we left the dining hall- where we had been for the last three quarters of an hour- and began to tour the area.

"If I may ask, what was my first name, for it can not remember it," I asked Rainbow.

"The legends say that your first name, my lord, is Ashen."

Okay, I like that name, simply because it is simple, yet eloquent, nothing like most noble names. Plus the whole phoenix mythos. Kind of appropriate for the myth, now that I know his name.. "Will I have to go by it?" I asked. "I have gotten used to Ruso 'Tafam."

"Not unless you wish to, my lord," the pegasus said. "Though, for the official stuff, I recommend using it."

"Noted. So, when will I meet Laval?"

"Soon," she replied. "He's in the middle of planning the attack to kill the four pony rulers after they weaken themselves trying to kill one another  in the Empire."

"So they plan on attacking the Empire?" I asked.

"No, we plan on attacking the Empire," she corrected.

"Ah, my apologies," I said. "I am not use to this new reality."

"Yeah, well, I guess that was to be expected," she said.

"Quite," I muttered. "So, later, perhaps you would like to duel me?" I asked her. She looked at me with shock.

"But my liege, I am but a converted-"

"Look at my face," I ordered her, and she did. "Does it look like it gives a shit? Regardless of current status, you have been by my side even before this happened and the truth was revealed to me, Rainbow Dash. If you are to be an Inquisitor, I wish to test your combat skill, as well as test my own against a pegasus. If the pure Ifrit have an issue, than they are allowed to challenge me. And I am quite certain I would prevail."

She looked at me with a shocked expression before bowing and saying, "If that is your wish, my liege." God, I can not wait to remove what ever it is that's controlling her right now.

Regardless, we continued walking, with her pointing out major points of the base such as the air field-which held the pseudo-banshees that were made out of a special crystal from the Ifrit's home dimension that  needed no fuel, only magic in the engines- the armory, and the officer quarters. After that last one, she said, "Now to show you your quarters, your majesty."

"I'll admit, I'm curious," I said.

"Then I'll show you the way," she said before a voice spoke up from behind.

"Ah, my liege," a voice that sounded ancient said. "An honor to see you awake." I heard Rainbow growl a little.

"What are you doing here, Archivist?" she said as I turned around and saw an Ifrit with wrinkled skin that was colored a dull red and clad in metal armor with flame  patterns, but it also looked dented and worn. "Laval ordered you to remain in your quarters."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because he's a delusional madman who could very well endanger our cause," she said. "Come on."

"Are you ordering me?" I asked, making her pause in fear. "He may have said he can not leave, but I outrank Lavar, and until I fell he is a threat, he will remain out. Go to Laval, tell him that-and if he has an issue, tell him I said he can suck it- then report back here."

"Y-yes, majesty," she said quickly as she was already on her way before I turned to Archivist.

"Is Archivist your name or title?" I asked him.

"Both," he replied. "I have long forgotten my name, but not my duty," he said before his voice dropped to a whisper only I could hear. "I know you are not an Ifrit at all, Ruso 'Tafam."

This made me reach for my energy sword before remembering I did not have it. "And how did you reach this incorrect conclusion?"

"Because," he said, " if you were Ifrit, you would have killed her there." He then pulled back. "Honestly, I believe it best."

I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Just that both the first King and the first Ifrit have finally awoken," he said. "If you wish to know more, meet me in the archive in two hours, 'Tafam. If you are there, I will answer whatever questions you have." With that, he simply walked away. But he then turned his head, "Bring your three friends as well, as what I have to say impacts them as well." And with that, he left. A minute later, Rainbow returned.

"Message delivered, sir," she said with a salute.

"Good," I said. "Show me my quarters, then find Sparkle and De Lis, and the three of you are to report there. In two hours, we go to the archive."

"Sir, as a suggestion, you shouldn't listen to the Archivist."

"A suggestion that I note as being with the Ifrit have removed all of your personality," I said. "Before, you would not have cared, simply been on your guard. You are lucky I do not kill you for insubordination where you stand," I said, hopefully putting on a good act. "Now, do as ordered."

Begrudgingly, she said, "Yes, sir," and led me to my quarters.

It seems things have gotten interesting.