"Hhhhhh," I sighed as I looked out at Ponyville from my porch, relaxing as I watched my children play in our front yard.

It's been two years since the portals closed Equis off from Earth and the war with Purge concluded. The event being commonly termed 'The Collapse'. The truth of it being a organization lead by changelings caused an interesting result. Many ponies that were sympathetic to the cause were instantly remorseful for what part, however minor, they played in helping or condoning Purge. Many were imprisoned if their crime was great enough, though in most cases the offenses were so minor that community service was the common result.

We failed to ever find Hunger. The bastard almost acting as if he had disappeared entirely. I had no doubt that one day he would return with another plan to conquer Equis, but it would be anyone's guess when he would reappear. I continue to hope that I'll still be strong enough to fight him when that time came.

I heard the door open to my house and saw Vinyl and Octavia come out to join me. I was in my dire wolf form, just because I enjoyed it from time to time, and my mares just came to sit in front of me and lean against my side. The three of us enjoyed the late autumn weather as our children played a game of their own design together.

The twins, now two years of age, played with their year old sister, Adara Rose. My daughter was an adorable little terran pony, with a dark grey coat and mulberry eyes like her mother. The trait I passed on was apparent in her mane, a lovely silver color. Her terran traits helped her keep up with her older siblings as the played around.

Crimson's magic manifested just a few months ago in the form of violent wind, that ripped a whole in the ceiling of his room, which of course got him grounded. I got Mizuki to start teaching him soon after, with Twilight helping. Mostly because the mare wouldn't take no for an answer to be involved in his training.

Concerning Mizuki, she was sadly unable to regain her arm, prosthesis included. Whatever magic was imbued into the claymore that severed it initially, prevented any interaction with her body, magical or technological. Doctors say it was a miracle that Celestia's magic even managed to cauterize the wound. I could tell it bothered her, but only mildly. I figured it had to do with Nanal's influence on her personality, though in this case it was probably for the better. Though I will say it hasn't overly hindered her in her abilities as a vessel. Training Crimson seemed to give her a challenge that took her mind off things, at least during their lessons.

His winds were weak at the moment, except when he throws tantrums, though Twilight helped figure out a fix to that problem. His magic was just strong enough for him to slightly push his siblings around, which they found could be fun in their imaginary games.

I let out a pleased groan as I felt Vinyl reach up and scratch behind my ear while Octavia drug her fingers down my back in a slow scratch. I knew that if they continued long enough I'd probably fall asleep right here on the porch, though sadly that wouldn't happen.

"We should probably get going soon." I heard Vinyl say as the scratching stopped.

I let out a small annoyed growl before I nodded and got up to stretch. A small field of static surrounded me as my body glowed while I shifted back into my human form, a task that had become almost second nature to me by this point.

I stretched my arms as I replied, "Yeah, you're probably right. I'd probably get an earful later if I showed up late to the ceremony."

With a quick whistle I got the attention of the kids. When they heard it they stopped their playing and came running.

"Dad!" Crimson said as he jumped with a boost from his wind, landing him in my arms before I put him on my shoulders.

"Hey! No fair!" Silver cried as she hugged my left leg.

"Mine~" Adara whined as she hugged my right.

Vinyl and Octavia just giggled as they watched me get swarmed, content to watch the comedy routine in progress.

After a minute of watching the girls try and dethrone their brother Vinyl stepped in.

"Hey what about your mothers? Are we chopped spinach or something?"

Reminded they had other parents to carry them, the girls rushed over to their mothers who gladly picked them up. After they nuzzled them Vi and Tavi looked over to me. I gave them a nod and we set out towards town.

Funny enough this was Twilight's idea, or I should say Twilight was the one who found a book that mentioned this idea.

Almost like the United Nations, except this group would actually accomplish something. This ancient council used to exist in the earliest years of Equis, back when knowledge of magic was minimal and chaos was the natural order of the world.

It was comprised of the strongest member of every known race that was willing to work together. Each race of pony, zebras, yaks, dragons, griffons, sirens, and so on; all worked together to defeat threats that would have destroyed them all, and mediate the worst conflicts between the races. From destroying elementals, to imprisoning wendigos, to actually creating the realm of tartarus for the worst criminals to be banished to. This council allowed for the continued existence of almost all races in the early days of Equis.

When such monumental threats had been dealt with, the council disbanded, it's existence lost to the passage of time.

Well until Twilight found the one still existing book that mentioned them that is.

So after many diplomatic missions and much longer debate about how this would be accomplished, a consensus was reached. The public ceremony for the creation of the new council was being held in the Castle of Friendship, as it was the most inclusive setting for many difference races to gather.

Because of the fact I was the only public human magus, it was decided that I would act as the human representative on the council.

We entered the castle, which was filled with all manner of griffon, zebra, dragon, pony, human, and many others, all there either to see the representatives or acting on behalf of news organizations. It was crowded and I had Crimson get off my shoulders and wait with his mothers as I continued further in. The harmony map room was where the ceremony was to take place, though the only members that would be in the room would be the representatives, the heads of the races gathered, and the Princesses of Equestria. As humans didn't really have a 'ruler' Mizuki was present to aid in representing the human race, which was needed for purposes that had been vaguely explained to me.

The room was closed to the Press after all parties were present, myself being one of the last to arrive. Twilight spoke loudly to gather everyone's attention.

"Greetings everyone! On behalf of Equestria, I thank you for agreeing to this meeting and I welcome you to the Castle of Friendship." She said while standing on her throne to better project her voice. "If the representatives of those races that are present could please take their seats around the map of harmony, we will begin."

I sat between the representative of the dragons and griffons. The former was too large for a chair so he was simple laying on his belly with his head close besides me. Even though Dragon Lord Ember technically held dominion over the dragon race, it was decided it would be better to have a separate representative for this council. So the twelve foot, stark white dragon next to me, who apparently was a cousin to Ember, took that honor. Apparently he was a front runner for dragon lord himself, though he didn't care for the responsibility, so he passed on the competition for the dragon lord torch.

The griffon on the other hand, had obtained this title by way of a tournament. A gruff character, his red feathers stuck out brightly against his black fur. His weapon of choice, a black halberd, leaned against the back of his chair, always with quick reach. Though he seemed approachable enough, at least with how he was chatting up the zebra representative who was next to him.

It took a few moments before everyone was settled, there being a dozen races in total, all with very different personalities. Though when we did, all attention was on Twilight. She just smiled with a bit of pride at seeing all these races here together to form something to help each other.

"Everyone present is aware why we are here correct?" She asked. With no creature speak to the contrary she went on, "Good. I'm believe everyone can agree that this is a momentous occasion. With the result of the ending of the Purge War, it is my belief and those of your leaders that it is our duty to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again."

Receiving nods all around she continued, "Humans were not the only ones who suffered. The criminal behind Purge was found to have used beings from all races as batteries for a golem army, the damage of which was grand. Everyone who holds a seat here, you have agreed that should a threat of this scale occurs where magic is not the answer, you will answer the call to fight it. The final defense for Equis as a whole, you will be our safeguard."

A few representatives swelled with pride a bit at Twilight's praise. I smirked at how confident she had become in her role of princess, it was a welcome change from the timid alicorn I had originally met. Though the ceremony wasn't quite over.

"With the consent of all those present, there is one more item we must address. So that we can insure that we hold ourselves accountable, a spell will be cast with the binding of an oath to allow for trust among all members. And to put all minds at ease, this spell was painstakingly crafted with magic from all of the races, so that no one race can ever hold power over this council." Twilight explained. "To start, please put your right hand, wing, fin, or claw, on the map of harmony and we will conduct the oath."

We all did as told, and waited for further instructions.

I saw Twilight charge her horn and a stream of rainbow light flow from it to each leader around the room, who were also channeling their race's magic towards the map, until a complete circle was linked and streams of light shot out to link to each representative's chair, Mizuki being the anchor to mine.

With the spell cast Twilight spoke, "Now the oath, please repeat after me."

I swear to protect Equis and all who call it home.

Any who would threaten the peace is my foe.

Should the call be made, I will answer.

For I am, a Guardian of Equis.

With the oath said, a crest appeared on all of our chests before fading away. It's influence must have come from human magic as the crest was a triquetra. Though each race's version was distinctly different, they could all be recognized as a triquetra. It was interesting as it allowed for each representative to remain unique, but were also connected to their fellows by the crest.

"The spell is complete." Twilight smiled. "Congratulations everyone, you are now Guardians. This title represents your status as the champion of your race. It is equivalent to nobility of the highest standing for any of the races included here today. Should it be necessary to complete your duties, you are allowed to exercise this title to request aid on your missions."

With that everyone rose from their seats, now that the ceremony was concluded. Only the press left to deal with.

The leaders of the races left first to be greeted by a hoard of news reporters, again Twilight acted as the spokesmare for the leaders.

She and the other leaders stepped aside to reveal us, with our crests faint though still distinctly visible, before she announced, "Let of greet our new defenders, our Guardians of Equis."

Cheers roses from everyone present, as news reporters swarmed the leaders and the Guardians with a swarm of questions. I looked over to Vinyl and Octavia and smiled as they smiled back while our kids cheered loudly.

Later on after the media was sated, the town of Ponyville was subjected to the largest party in it's history. So large Pinky needed to call in a friend, Grilled Cheese I think it was, to make it to her proper 'Pinky Pie Awesome Party Happiness' scale... her term, not mine.

I had conversed with each of the Guardians in at least a small capacity, enough to remember their names. Though a couple of us formed a small group and separated from the party to have some privacy.

I was join by: Blackclaw the Griffon, Azure Splash the Sea Pony, Smash the Minotaur, and Mizuki. We had something important to talk about. With the exception of myself, all present were vessels, in a way.

Now it might sound confusing and impossible, but it was very true. Just months after the portals closed, I was approached by two humans. They were the vessels for Love/Lust and Kindness/Sloth . Upon figuring out who I was, or at least who I used to be, they sought me out to ask for something unexpected.

They had also found love with non-humans, Azure Splash and Smash respectively. Love was a meek fellow, not wanting to get involved in the war. Though upon seeing the results of the war, he knew something needed to be done. He asked Azure if she would accept his power and do something in his place. It was fate by the fact that rumors about the creation of Guardians of Equis had started not long before that. Seeing the opportunity before them, they opted to find out how to transfer vessel power to a non-human.

Smash on the other hand was the one to suggest it to his partner. Being aware of her state from apparently early on in their relationship, when rumors of a Guardians reached them he bought up the idea to act in her stead. However, both pairs had a slight problem.

Much like Nylus and Nanal, these Solests and Umbrans were not overly vocal to their vessels. So having seen me due to the award ceremony after Manehattan, both pairs set out to find me. Oddly enough they found each other before finding me, which lead them to approaching me together.

With Mizuki's help, we discovered that by using a blood oath the essence of being a vessel could be passed safely to another. Similar to the drake that Mizuki and I had fought back in the Badlands.

Bravery/Fear still needed to be placed in a new vessel, that is where Blackclaw came in. His family had adopted a human child that had ended up in Equis several years before the portals first opened. In Mizuki and I's search for a replacement vessel we had found that this boy, now a young teenager, was actually a match to the Arachne bloodline. Though we were hesitant to make someone so young a vessel, Blackclaw resolved this problem.

He had received a blood transfusion from his adopted brother just a year before we showed up, and wished to become the vessel in his brother's place. With limited guidance from Nylus and Nanal, and a lot of help from Twilight, we discovered that anyone with the blood of first Magi of the appropriate bloodline, the abilities of a vessel could be given to them. Even forcefully if absolutely necessary.

With this knowledge all three non-humans were made into proto-vessels. With a couple weeks of training after the ritual, each pair returned to their homelands with the goal to become a Guardian. The results of with were clearly seen.

"It's good to see you both again. Ponyville is quite the nice place." Blackclaw greeted us.

"Ooo, the party has been so much fun! That Pinkie Pie is such a riot." Azure giggled. "This town reminds me of when Jeffrey and I visited the Crystal Empire, so much love and feelings of friendship in the air. Though I like the warmer weather here."

Smash just raised his fist, which I bummed. He had always been a quite fellow, even before the influence of Sloth.

"Nice to see you all as well. Do you have anything to report?" I asked.

All three knew immediately what I was referring to. Smash was the first to respond.

"Nada." He drawled out.

Blackclaw looked down and kicked the dirt slightly, "Same for me I'm afraid."

"I'm not overly surprised, but a no for me as well." Azure replied.

I sighed, while Mizuki just shrugged, "Well I can't say I didn't see that coming. Though it still annoys me." I answered.

Upon recruiting them as proto-vessels I made them aware of Hunger and all that we knew about him thus far. I had tasked them to attempt to find anything that might be related to where the bastard might have disappeared to. I check up occasionally, though the results are always the same. No news, nothing unusual, and still no leads.

"We'll stop the bastard. He'll show up again one day." Blackclaw said in his optimistic style, "And when he does, he'll have the whole Guardians of Equis waiting to stop him." He said while striking a pose.

His antics got chuckles to smirks of amusement for his efforts, which he seemed perfectly satisfied with.

Smash actually caught our attention next, "Back to party?"

With nothing left to discuss we all nodded our heads in reply and lazily rejoined the party. Our brief departure not even noticed by the jollily-intoxicated atmosphere of a party winding down. Most looking like they were about to be leaving for home or attempting to find their hotels.

I found Vinyl and Octavia on a bench with three passed out munchkins using them as pillows, their own eyes drooping slightly as well. I walked up to them and carefully picked up little Adara, the movement causing them to wake up a bit. They smile at me before carefully picking up the other two, and with a nod we all began our walk home.

"We're proud of you Andrew. You know that?" Vinyl said softly before letting out a small yawn.

Octavia followed up with, "You are the best thing that ever happened to Vinyl and me."

"I could say the same thing, girls. You've given me so much more than I could even dream of." I smiled. "With only more to come."

Without another word we continued home. Tonight drawing to a close, but an entire life ahead. We would live through it together, and I could never be happier than I am by just knowing that.

...Tonight has such a lovely moon.

Author's Note

Well here we are. The true, complete end to my tale... well, the first part at least.

I hoped everyone enjoyed it, and will again say thank you to everyone who read this to completion. Especially those patient enough to wait for my updates. I would never be able to do this without the encouragement of my readers, you all are awesome.

This was a challenge for sure, but one I enjoyed and would gladly do again. Which is probably a good thing considering that I'm writing more stories, including sequels.

Stay awesome everyone, Lyruil out.

P.S.
If anyone gets the reference for the name of Octavia and Andrew's foal, post it in the comments. You might get something special.