I awoke in the early hours of the next day, before the sun had risen. I watched as the colors of the room changed from black to purple into a calming blue which was the natural color. I felt fur brush my hand as I was sitting up, looking over I saw Willow had placed her tail on it. I looked back at her to see her blue eyes staring at me curiously. She carefully shifted, wiggling out of Snowdrop's grip, so that she could come and sit next to me.

I brush my hand down her back as I told her, "It's nothing, sister. I just couldn't stay asleep, too much on my mind."

She gave a soft whine and pushed up against my side.

"Yes I'm worried. My goal to honor Blake by continuing in his place turns out to be more of a trial than I was lead to believe."

Willow gave a small growl and a yip, soft enough to not disturb Snowdrop.

"Yes they were hiding Blake's relationship with Princess Luna from me. Though looking back, knowing sooner than I did would not have made meeting her any easier. They knew that."

Willow huffed before flopping down on my lap.

"You got that right. It is still an annoyance. Though, there has been some good from this journey." I replied, petting her and looking back at Snowdrop.

Willow just exhaled before rolling over, asking for rubs.

I did as she asked but replied with, "It's not like that and you know it."

She just looked at me and gave a soft bark.

"Why you little!" I yell, pushing her off me, and the bed.

"What's going on?" I heard Snowdrop say.

I looked back to see her rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she sat up. While Willow rolled over and laughed as she wandered over to the couch.

"Nothing, just talking with my sister."

"What did she say?" Snowdrop said with a cute tilt of her head.

"A joke that I did not find amusing." I replied.

"Was it that bad?" Snowdrop asked.

I turned away from her and replied, "Nothing that bares repeating."

"Oh ok." Snowdrop sounded down. Then she started to add, "Von-"

*Knock knock* Was heard outside out room, cutting Snowdrop off from saying more.

A voice was heard outside, "Princess Celestia request your presence in the dining room, Guardian."

"We'll be there soon." I call back.

With no more time to waste I rose from the bed and got ready, Snowdrop doing the same. It only took a few minutes before we opened the door to find a white stallion in gold armor standing at attention beside the door.

"Follow me please." He said curtly, before walking off. Not waiting to see if we were following.

We followed the stallion in silence, winding through the halls for a few minutes until we reached the dining hall. Upon entering we saw Celestia sitting at the head of a long table, other small tables were set in rows that had off duty guards and staff eating breakfast themselves. Celestia looked up as we approached, with a smile she gestured to her right where spots with food were already prepared. There was even a plate on the ground for Willow.

"Please, join me. I have some things I'd like to discuss." Celestia said as we took our seats. "But please, eat first. I'm sure you must be hungry, I don't believe any of us had supper last night with everything that happened."

All three of our stomachs growled at the reminder, Celestia giggling in response.

We sat down and began eating while Celestia spoke.

"The Guardians have heard of your return, though they do not know you aren't Blake, yet. You will need to meet with them later, if they don't find you first."

"What should I do if they happen to find me?" I ask.

Celestia takes a sip of coffee before answering, "I sent a letter last night after we concluded our discussion. I asked my friend, and former Guardian, Andrew Duron to come up here to meet you. I did explain to him your situation so that time would not be wasted in needless misunderstanding. I received confirmation that he is on his way here. Hopefully he should arrive before midday."

"What kind of person is this Andrew Duron?" Snowdrop asked.

Celestia paused before casting a spell that caused a bubble to appear around us before it became invisible.

"There, now we can speak without consequence. Andrew came to Equis shortly after the portals first opened. He had a rough early life and had learned to distance himself from intimacy. His wives eventually broke through this shell he had built up, and I believe much of what he did for Equis, he did because of his feelings for them. I'm unsure of when he became aware of the spirits, but he learned to use and manipulate magic because of it.

When the portal war started, he joined our military in an effort to help. His wives were foalnapped, and he took it upon himself to rescue them. When Luna and I were made aware of the situation, we went down to help as quickly as possible. Though by the time we found them, Andrew had made them pay the ultimate price. The only one 'alive' was their leader, who to this day experiences a fate worse then death. It was at this point we learned about his magic, though it would be months later when his first children were born that we learned about the spirits.

"His son was going to die at birth but he transferred the spirits to his son, using their power to allow him to live. Even without them Andrew continued to fight in the war and actually was pivotal in ending it. He still retains his magic, though it is nothing on the level he was previously capable of, and lives his life as council to the Guardians. He is also your best bet in retaining status as Guardian." Celestia concluded.

"Sound like he is, complicated." Snowdrop replied.

"That is one way of putting it. Though not inaccurate." Celestia agreed.

Listening to Celestia explanation one question came to mind.

"Celestia, what do you know of human magic?" I asked.

"Very little. I know it is unlike any other magic and that it draws upon the ambient magic that exist in the all things on Equis. The one to talk to if you truly wish to understand your magic is Princess Twilight of Ponyville. Though I'm sure Sir Duron will be able to answer your immediate questions, and help you learn to use it." She answered.

I gave a nod before returning to my meal.

The rest of breakfast went on in silence. Celestia looked over a newspaper sipping a cup of coffee, which I noticed actually refill itself. Snowdrop made a point to not look at Celestia. While Willow just curled up to my legs after she had eaten.

When we were done I thanked Celestia and made to return to my room. Snowdrop was following until I heard her stop.

Turning around I saw her looking behind us. Curious I asked, "Is everything ok?"

Without looking back she replied, "Go on to the room. I'll be there in a bit."

And with that she turned and started down the hallway in the opposite direction from me. I started after her but was stopped when I heard.

That would not be wise, pup.

Bael? What do you mean?

She will be safe. The one that called to her wishes her no harm.

Called to her? I heard nothing.

Because you were not meant to. It was a call to the mind. You can think of it like how we are conversing currently.

I though for a moment before saying, It was Luna, wasn't it.

Correct. Now is not the time to deal with her. Her emotions are far to volatile. For now let the Wendigo vessel speak to her alone.

Assuming he mean Snowdrop, I complied. Returning to the room to wait for either Snowdrop or Andrew Duron to arrive.

Snowdrop POV

I didn't want to leave Von, but I knew that I needed to talk to Luna. Who probably needed to talk to me just as much, if not more.

I could see a trail of magic guiding me to her. Into what seemed to be the gardens if the change from marble to grass under my hooves seemed to indicate. I walked deep into the gardens, away from prying eyes and ears, following the guiding stream of magic.

I saw her silhouette before I rounded the final hedge.

"Hello dear friend. I'm glad you came." Luna said sweetly, I think she was smiling.

I walked over until I was standing just in front of her.

"Hello Luna." I simple said, not knowing what else to say.

I heard her sniff, she was crying, as she replied, "H-hello Snowdrop."

I did the first thing that came to mind. I opened my arms and smiled.

Luna lunged forward to return the hug, bawling as she did so. We stayed like that for several minutes, my own tears flowing from getting to see my friend again. It felt good to hold her again, to let her know I was here, and that I wasn't just her imagination.

"I missed you." Luna said as she hugged me tighter.

I returned the squeeze, "Me too. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again."

"I thought you were dead." Luna replied.

I gave a small laugh, "No, but I've been asleep for over a thousand years."

"That I can forgive. Just don't do it again." Luna giggled.

We sat down, still leaning on each other, not wanting to give up our closeness.

"Much has changed since we last met like this." Luna said, resting her head on mine.

"Yes. Was it for the better?" I asked, not truly knowing all that has changed.

"Some. I have made many friends since my return, something I never had before. Though when it comes to ruling, many things are much more complicated than before. Like the nobles, most act as though they run Equestria rather than Tia and I. And because Tia needed their help after Nightmare Moon and I were banished, there are laws that exist that allow them to act this way. The problems they cause when someone, include Tia and I, go against their wishes is almost not worth the trouble." Luna vented.

I needed more before I could help, "Go against them how, Luna?".

"When Ryan became consort to Tia the fuss the nobles raised at their 'Sun Goddess' being 'corrupted' by a non-Pony was all anyone talked about. They used old laws and outdated rulings to twist it so that they could not be together. Eventually a fix was found, but for months it caused us much stress and heartache." Luna explained.

"What about you and Blake?" I ventured.

Luna froze before moving off me and looking away, "I suspect we would have had our own problems. Though no one knew of our relationship before he left, besides Tia and a handful of our closest friends."

I moved closer and gave her a hug, "I'm sorry. I understand it must hurt."

She put her hand over mine as she tried to keep from breaking down again, "I had closed myself off from the idea of love not long after I returned. It wasn't even long ago that he confessed. I turned him down and told him why. However even telling him that, he only took it as a challenge. We traveled on a mission with three others, one who was the Guardian before Blake, and he strove to prove his feeling for me. We engaged in several battles on this journey and during one Blake was gravely injured. When he was I was so afraid to lose him. It was after then, that I decided to accept his feelings. Oh those next couple weeks were magical." Luna said with a dreamy sigh, remembering the fond time.

"How long has it been since then?" I asked her, wishing to continue the story.

"About three months. A short time to feel so strongly I know. Though I believe that may be due to my earlier repressing of feelings. Blake made me feel like I was the only mare for him. As though so long as we had each other, nothing could ruin what we felt for each other." Luna wiped a tear from her eyes.

I hugged her closer, wanting to let her know I wouldn't leave her alone.

"Nothing has ruined what you feel Luna. Blake may be gone, but that doesn't mean your love for him goes as well." I consul.

Luna turned back to me with teary eyes, "But, what do I do with him gone!? I loved him Snowdrop!" She cried, on the verge of another breakdown.

I just pulled her to me and stroked her mane, "Shhh, it's ok. You can still love, Luna. Blake wouldn't want you to be alone. I'm sure he would want you to find someone who can love you like he did, with their whole heart."

Luna sniffed as she pulled back, no doubt staring at me. Trying to find any insincerity, though she'd find none.

"Snowdrop, do you love me?" Luna asked.

I smiled at her, "Of course I do, Luna. I'm your best friend, no matter how much time has passed."

Luna went silent for a time. Just as I was about to ask her what was wrong I felt her put her hands on my shoulders, her whole body was shaking.

"Luna? What's wrong?" I asked, unsure what was bothering her now.

Luna stunned me when I felt her quickly lean forward and press her lips to mine. I felt my eyes widen in shock as I took in the sensation on my lips.

It was soft, but firm at the same time. A desperate need in the feeling. Like if I where to push away now, Luna would break... but I didn't want to push away.

Luna felt so fragile as she continued the kiss. Not pushing deeper, nor pulling away. She was still shaking as we stayed there, like if she were to move I'd disappear. However I wasn't going anywhere.

I put my arms around Luna's neck and pulled her closer, pressing into the kiss. Luna's shaking eased as she felt me return her kiss. We stayed like that for a few moments longer, enjoying the sensation of the other's lips. The hormones making my head feel pleasantly fuzzy.

We pulled apart, I felt a string of saliva connect us for a moment longer before it broke. Both of was were breathing heavily as we tried to put our brains back into functioning order.

I felt Luna stiffen as she calmed down, heat rising in her neck, meaning she was blushing. She tried to pull away but I held onto her.

She was panicking at this point, "S-snowdrop! I'm so sorry! I don't know what came over me! Please let go!" Luna begged.

"Nope. You aren't running away after a kiss like that. You're going to stay and explain why you just kissed me." I told her sternly.

"I don't know. My feelings are so all over the place I can't think! With all you said, I just acted on impulse. Please, I don't know why I did that." Luna rambled, blushing harder if the heat from her skin was to be believed.

I just took her face in my hand and made her look at me.

"Luna I don't regret kissing you. Do you?" I asked.

Luna was silent for a moment, before she answered with a soft, "No."

"Then stop panicking and listen to what I have to say. I do love you, but not in the way you need right now. You are my precious friend and nothing will ever change that. However, my love as a friend is not the same as what Blake felt for you. Take your time to grieve, understand where your heart is. Don't use my love to try and forget how you felt for Blake." I tell her. After receiving a nod I continued, "I want you to do one thing. When you can tell me you can continue with Blake gone, tell me how you feel then. If you feel something for me beyond as a friend, we will continue this conversation then."

Luna wiped another tear from her eyes. "Ok, I'll try."

"Good. Now no more tears. It's time to be strong, for your people, for Blake." I say, reminding her she was still a Princess of Equestria.

"Thank you Snowdrop, you always know just what to say to help." Luna thanks me.

I just giggle in response, "No I don't, I just say what I think would make me feel better."

"Well it works. Keep doing that." Luna giggled in kind.

We gave each other another hug and just stayed like that for a while.

Von POV

Snowdrop returned happy after a hour or so. When I asked her about where she went, she said that she spoke with Luna. Asking how that went, she replied 'well' and left it at that. Seeing no reason to press for more I let her be, though I noticed her humming happily as she did minor things around our room.

With no reason to explore we stayed in the room. Willow and Snowdrop took a nap while I spent time reading a book of Equis' history. It was sometime in the afternoon, a little after lunch had been brought to us, that again there was a knock on the door.

*knock knock* "Guardian your presence is requested in the training grounds" A guard called through the door.

I put the book down and retrieved my bracers and whip. Upon exiting said guard was waiting for me, possibly the one from this morning but it was impossible to tell. Again I was asked to follow and so I did.

We walked in silence, not knowing what to expect when we arrived. I expected more memories to trigger, though I wondered how powerful they'd be.

Upon arriving we grounds were empty. The guard left me alone in the middle of the grounds, telling me to wait here.

I stood there alone for a few moments before I started to wonder what was going on. It was then that images flooded my mind, the strong kind.

I saw my body, no... this was Blake, turn to intercept a strike with his sword. The strike rang out as I saw who was attacking him. A man in his mid forties, with dark blonde hair and a beard, a pale complexion, and scars lining his arms. He used a weapon I understood as a tonfa. In the clash the man smiled.

"Well done, Blake. You managed to not get your arm chopped off." The man said in a warm tone, but firm. With a bit of teasing.

"Had to do something, that arm is important. I do so much with it." Blake replied, equally joking.

The image broke and I felt a presence. Reacting, I turned the same way Blake had to block. Only to find nothing there.

I felt pain flare up my back as a kick was delivered to my spine. I tumbled across the ground, twisting so I could use my momentum to end up back on my feet.

"So you are influenced by Blake's memories. That could be your downfall." I heard a voice say.

Focusing on my attacker, I recognized the man from the memory. He stood about ten feet away, with small arcs of energy jumping across his bare arms.

"Why attack me?" I asked, still on guard.

The man looked at me with no emotion, "I wanted to see what the new Guardian is capable of. So far I'm not impressed."

"You used Blake's memory to deceive me. How?"

The man scoffed, "Celestia made me aware that you possess at least clips of Blake's memories. I figured I'd put you in a situation I once put him in when he became a Guardian, as a test to prove if it could be triggered without you seeing someone or hearing their name. As you can tell, it worked."

"You're Andrew Duron." I state.

"Indeed, and you are the wolf that became a man because they needed a vessel." He replied.

"So you're here to help me?" I ask, unsure of what this man could be thinking.

He looked me over before declaring, "Perhaps. First you are to attack me with the intent to kill. Don't hold back."

Before I had a chance to question his demand he leaned forward before moving in a flash. I barely managed to move my head so that his punch missed me. He moved faster than anything I had ever seen.

I growled, willing my bracers into claws and went for his head. He just leaned back, easily dodging my strike. I tried to distance myself from him, but he didn't relent. I was constantly on the defensive, narrowly dodging or deflecting his attacks. I started to feel a pattern, and another memory flash happened. I tried to use it to predict the next step but received a punch to the gut.

"If you let those memories define you, you will always lose. Stop relying on them!" He shouted, continuing his flurry of attacks.

I was getting angry at this point. I had no control over the memories, and this man was accusing me of relying on them!

His next strike I deflected and grabbed his wrist, and with a twist of my body I threw him over my shoulder. He just twisted in midair and landed on his feet. I took my whip and attempted to keep him at a distance. However with my first strike he caught the chain and sent a flow of energy along the metal. The energy wasn't strong, but it caused the muscles in my arm to seize.

Another memory flash occurred, though this time I tried to ignore it. It still took a moment to take back in my surrounding and notice Andrew Duron was charging me. I grit my teeth as I grabbed the still electrified chain with my other hand and jumped. Andrew looked surprised as I flipped over him lining up the chain where he was charging so he would get clothes-lined by it. I landed expecting to pull on the chain and throw him again, however when I pulled there was empty air for resistance.

I heard clapping as I spun around, preparing to continue. There I saw Andrew Duron standing relaxed, slowly applauding.

"Bravo, you broke out of the memory trap. That move would have been nasty if you managed to catch me with it." He said, walking towards me casually.

I remained on guard, this man was too chaotic to anticipate. He stopped a few feet away before continuing.

"I wouldn't say I'm impressed with your skill, but you are passable. However you need training, you are too raw in your movements and style. It is very easy to read you as the fight is prolonged. Though there is one aspect that certainly needs to be addressed... You need magic." Andrew stated, as though he was teaching a student.

"How? I don't even understand the magic I see those around me use." I question.

Andrew chuckled, "So naive. Understanding Equisi magics aren't necessary. Honestly more of a hindrance." He said before raising his hand. A small ball of energy formed, floating above it.

"You'll teach me to do that?" I asked, still confused.

"No. You can't mimic what I can do. What I'm going to do is guide you to find your personal element."

I just sighed and shook my head, "I don't understand at all. Personal element, what's that?"

He formed more orbs causing them to orbit over his palm, before moving his fingers and cause the orbs to dance around his body. "This might look complicated but is in fact child's play. I'm barely expending any magic to show off like this. The reason is because energy is my personal element. Each human's magic is tied to an aspect of magic, or element in other words. Mine is tied to energy, I can manipulate no other aspect directly besides that one. You need to figure out what aspect you are tied to, and then learn to shape the magic to your will to use it in any way you can imagine."

"How am I meant to figure out what aspect I'm tied to? How do you know I'm even capable of performing human magic, I wasn't originally human after all." I counter.

"I know because you have them inside you. They are as much tied to human magic as human biology. You are capable, I can sense it within you. Quite a lot actually." He actually sounded slightly impressed as he muttered the last part.

"That doesn't answer how am I suppose to identify my aspect." I reminded him.

He sighed, "Because there isn't an answer. Each aspect relates to a name that in the ancient tongue of the ones inside you. More than one name can relate to the same aspect but it will manifest in different ways. I can't help you find your name, it's something only you know. I only know mine and my son's, the latter only because I was the one to give him it."

"Would Bael and Korvin know?" I ask.

"Fool! Don't use their names carelessly! Words in their language have power, that includes names." Andrew caution "It's why knowing your true name is so important to performing magic as a human."

"I'm Von, that's the only name I've known myself as. Though... I can't remember who gave me that name." I try to think back, but the harder I try the more my mind clouds.

Andrew looked at me strangely, "Von... that's your name? Celestia neglected to include it when she wrote me yesterday. Whoever gave you that name gifted you with a blessing and a curse."

I was more confused now, "What do you mean? What's wrong with my name?"

Andrew shook his head and chuckled, "You've literally been using your true name for your whole life, or maybe it's only part of it." He muttered the latter half of his sentence.

"I have? So does that mean I can use magic?" I ask with hope.

"Possibly. The meaning of your name is ice. It's up to you to figure out how to recognize and manipulate this aspect." Andrew then looked behind him suddenly, "And you might want to figure it out fast." He said, still looking behind him.

"Where is Guardian!? We looking for him all over!" I loud voice shouted.

Rounding the corner and entering the training grounds was a minotaur, followed by a griffon and zebra.

"Old man, where is Guardian!?" The minotaur shouted at Andrew. Though that just seemed his normal volume.

Andrew looked at the bull with contempt. "Old? Calf, if I'm that old then you should show some respect." Then he muttered, "To think Smash though this fool was ready."

The minotaur huffed and walk just in front of Andrew, "You weak. Give away title to son. You no longer worth respect. Respect for the strong."

"Then hit me." Andrew challenged.

As this was going on the griffon and zebra wandered around to me. The zebra's stripes were faint, a dull gray on the rest of his white coat, his eyes were black to the point iris and pupil could not be distinguished from each other. He carried set of pouches on a belt around his waist. The griffon I actually had a memory flash about, Blackclaw was his name. Red feathers on his head turning slightly grey at the edges, black fur after his neck, a black halberd on his back, and his left leg replaced with a black metal prosthetic. The zebra was the first to talk to me.

"You are similar, but I am not familiar. A twin of Blake I would assume, but not no family he had for that to be true." The stallion rhymed.

The griffon just stared at me, analyzing something about me. I could tell he also had already realized I was not Blake.

With nothing else to do I answered, "Yes, you are correct, I'm not Blake. My name is Von. Blake, as he was dying, gave me the responsibility to be Guardian in his place."

The griffon seemed to realize something from my words, but remained quite as the zebra replied.

"So Blake has become a spirit, I must say I'm sad to hear it." He bowed his head for a moment. "But forgive me, I have forgotten to give my name to thee. Whitestripe is how I am known, you'll find it on my gravestone."

"Nice to meet you, and this is Blackclaw am I correct?" I ask, to confirm Blake's memory. All I received was a nod.

The ground shaking made us focus back on the conflict that was occurring.

Andrew stood beside a hammer that was embedded in the ground, the bull looked to be enraged as he wrenched the hammer from the ground.

"You weak! Only can dodge! Crunch will break you!" The minotaur, who I supposed was name Crunch, yelled as he wildly swung his hammer.

Andrew looked bored as he leaned out of the way of the strikes, he had energy arcing across his body again, but it was much weaker than when he fought me. I saw him even yawn as he looked down at a watch on his wrist, casually checking the time.

The minotaur's swings started to get slower as he continued to fail to land a blow. After a few more minutes the minotaur dropped his hammer and collapsed to his knees panting.

"Coward! Why you no fight Crunch!?" He glared at Andrew.

Andrew just stared down at the bull, "And miss seeing how stupid you are? Not a chance."

Andrew turned and started towards us. I almost missed seeing the Crunch grin. Before any of us could warn Andrew, Crunch moved with a burst of unnatural speed. I saw him grab his hammer and swing it over his head to bring it down on Andrew. When he brought it down a cloud of dust billowed up, obscuring our view. There was a burst of energy that lashed out from the cloud, and a clapped of thunder so loud we had to cover our ears.

"Andrew!" I heard the Blackclaw yell when he recovered. Drawing his halberd, he aimed it towards the cloud. These two must have been close for him to react that strongly.

When the dust cleared, we all stared in shock. Andrew stood behind Crunch, who was on his knees with his eyes glazed over. Crunch fell to the dirt in a heap, his body sparking with excess energy. Andrew stared down with a hard look in his eyes.

"Worm. Know your place." He said to the unconscious body at his feet.

Andrew started walking back to us, Blackclaw sheathed his polearm, but before he got to us he collapsed in a coughing fit. We all rushed over Blackclaw put Andrew's arm over his shoulder. Andrew coughed especially hard and a glob of blood followed.

The zebra spoke up, "Quickly, take him to help. We will deal with this welp." He said to Blackclaw.

Blackclaw glanced at the unconscious Crunch before looking back and nodding. Without a word he launched into the air, carrying Andrew with ease to find help.

After watching him leave the zebra turned to me and said, "Stay with the oaf if you please, I'll be back with help quickly."

I watched him round the corner out of sight before going to check the minotaur. As I looked him over I could tell he was a powerful individual, though Andrew's human magic appeared to win out. I wondered why he had suffered such terrible after effects. It would be something I'd ask when I saw him again, I hoped he would be ok.

I approached closer, checking the minotaur for signs of major trauma, though he appeared to have none. When I looked over his face I noticed his eyes did not have the same glazed look as a few moments ago.

His eyes snapped to me which caused me to jump back. He stared with anger as he slowly got up, retrieving his hammer in the process.

"Old man shock Crunch good, but Crunch strong. Where did old man go?" He looked around, mostly ignoring me.

I felt it would not be good to reveal what happened to Andrew after he brought this brute down so instead I replied, "He left after he beat you. The other guardians are off looking for someone to take a look at you."

"Crunch was not beat, is still alive! Crunch will finish things with old human." He said as he was about to storm off.

"How about you fight me instead?" I called to him.

He paused long enough to study me, "Crunch thought you were Guardian, but Crunch no recognize you. Who are you?"

I reveal the crest and reply, "I was told I am a Guardian because I bare this crest. I am Von Steelsoul."

Crunch seemed enraged by my claim, I soon learned why, "Crunch no accept you as Guardian! Crunch memory good, no remember you! You steal from Guardian! You evil! Crunch make you pay for Guardians' honor!"

I got no chance to reply before Crunch charged me with his hammer ready.

Time for the test.

Luna POV

I had known Andrew was visiting to help that dog understand his human form. Though I was frustrated when I heard he went directly to the training grounds instead of visiting me or Tia first. Now here I was wandering the halls, bored as I waited around for when Andrew would be available. There is no way I could be around that Von character, not after yesterday. He probably hates me anyway.

I paused when I heard what sounded like quickly making their way towards my direction. I strained to see down the hall until I saw a figure round the corner and heading in my direction. As it got closer I could make the figure out to be the zebra Guardian, Whitestripe if I remember.

He started shouting to me as soon as he was close enough for me to hear, "Princess Luna I am glad I found thee, quickly could you come with me?"

When he was closer I answered, "Sir Whitestripe, whatever is the matter?"

"An incident in the training grounds I'm afraid, we should go before there is anymore pain." He replied before starting back where he came.

I caught up to him and asked, "I'm afraid I don't understand. What happened in the training grounds?"

"Sir Andrew fought Guardian Crunch, and was hurt though he was not punched. Friend Blackclaw is helping him now, so he will be safe and sound. But I had to leave Guardian Von, I told him I wouldn't be long." The zebra rhymed as we made our way towards the grounds.

I hesitated at the mention of the one person I had no desire to be around, "It sounds like Andrew overtaxed his body, the stupid fool. I'm sure I'm not the only that will make him regret that later. Though if Crunch was dealt with, why is help needed in the training grounds? Is he in need of medical attention too?"

"Guardian Crunch may have been down, though I fear it was not for the count. I left find help, to finish dealing with the infantile welp." Whitestripe explained.

Von doesn't have training or magic, and minotaurs don't show mercy in fights. I don't want him dead! I thought to myself

"Stand still." Was all I told Whitestripe before I teleported us both to the training grounds.

Celestia POV

I sat in my study with Snowdrop across from me, on lunch break from court. At her feet was Von's sister, who apparent didn't like being left in a room alone. I had summoned her to see how she was fairing from yesterday, and also in hope of fixing our friendship.

"You appear to be in better spirits than this morning, Snowdrop. Did something happen with Von?" I asked, noticing the soft smile she had on since she had entered the room.

"With Luna actually, we met after breakfast. It was good for both of us I think." She replied.

Really? Lulu, didn't tell me about that. Though it would explain her cheerful mood in court this morning. "That's good. Lulu missed you terribly when she returned. I'm sure she's thrilled you've returned."

"What about you, Celestia. Are you glad I'm back?" Snowdrop looked at me with a critical gaze.

I felt confused, "Snowdrop, of course I'm happy you're back. You were my friend too. Luna wasn't they only one I cried for after I banished Nightmare Moon to the Moon. I even sent search parties to the Tundra to find you, but they never found a trace. Not even to confirm you were dead. I had actually always held out hope you would come back."

Snowdrop now looked confused, "You did? Why? I fought against you so strongly when you wouldn't take Luna's side back a thousand years ago. We were never as close as I was to Luna."

"So? You are like another sister to me Snowdrop. Just because we fought doesn't mean I don't love you. You are family in my eyes." I told her honestly.

Snowdrop huffed and turned away, "We met when I was just a filly. Luna only got to know me because she visited my dreams regularly after the spring sunrise ceremony where we met for the first time. It wasn't until I was a full grown mare years later that Luna asked me to live in the palace. I barely spent a year before Starswirl asked me to join him on his journey to the Tundra, and you know what resulted because of that. Then I returned for scarcely a month before that Nightmare finished corrupting Luna and I lost my best friend." Snowdrop recalled, "In all that time we might have had less than a dozen conversations alone, and most of those were to talk about Luna. We were barely friends Celestia, much less family."

I felt ashamed about how she remembered our time together, "I'm sorry you feel that way, Snowdrop. I do regret not making an effort to know you more personally, but I meant what I said. Those years Luna would visit you in your dreams, she would share about with me the next morning. Oh how'd she go on about all the things you'd talk about, how wonderful it was to have a friend like you. Even though you were just a filly, Luna valued your opinion over any other pony that wasn't Starswirl or myself. I felt as though I knew you so well because of what Luna told me. Then as you grew she kept insisting that we make you honorary royalty. That's why Starswirl asked you on that trip of his in the first place, it was the only way to do so that the nobility could not contest. As fate would have it, you also became ageless and gained so much because of that journey. Luna was so happy when she heard the news.

"It also what made it so very difficult when she returned to find out that you were gone. I had dealt with my grief after you couldn't be found, but Luna's was so fresh because to her it only felt like months. That was the moment of realization of how long she had truly been gone for. Not the new ponies all around her, the new castle I had built, the lack of use of the formal tongue, or the changes to culture and the world. No, it was knowing you were gone that made her missing thousand years real.

Tears started to well up in my eyes, "And it was when she realized her grief, that I was reminded that I thought I had been responsible for your death. I had been given back one sister, and made to think that I had killed another. I-I'm so sorry for what I put you through. I should have listened, to both you and Luna. If I had, maybe Nightmare would have turned out differently. I-if I had, you wouldn't have needed to suffer frozen in the north or Luna and Nightmare be banished in the first place. N-none of this would have happened if I had just listened!"

I cried. I turned away and bawled, covering my face to hide my shame. Even though I knew that wouldn't matter to Snowdrop. I couldn't look her in the eyes, just looking at her reminded me of all the mistakes I made that millennia ago.

I kept crying until I felt a hand on my shoulder and a wing across my back. I never heard her move but I knew who it was. As I moved to look up at Snowdrop, she pulled me into a hug. I started to cry into her shoulder as she stroked my mane and spoke calmly.

"Shh, it's ok. Please, no more tears. I can't stand to sit here while the mare I thought of as responsible bawls her eyes out. You'll make me feel like I'm the bad pony here." Snowdrop said.

I sniffed into her shoulder, "But I'm the one who could had stop it all. All of what happened was because of me."

"That's not true and you know it." Snowdrop consoled me, "You told me Luna had been hexed, didn't you. Then the Nightmare was not your fault. It was my fault I didn't notice it when I returned from the north. I hold as much blame for what happened back then. Though that doesn't change anything now does it? We've learned from it and now we move forward. I shouldn't have accused you like I did yesterday. You were only helping and I could do nothing. I'm not exempt from bad decisions. I just ask that you forgive me for being so emotional and hurtful."

I pulled apart to see her own eyes brimming with tears, with my hand I brushed away her tears with my thumbs. "You have nothing to be forgiven for. So please, if you ask me to stop blaming myself don't make up for it by starting yourself."

I actually saw Snowdrop give me a smile as she replied, "Ok, it's a deal. I'll stop being a tear factory if you do."

I giggled at her, to which she with giggling of her own. Until soon we were both giggling and laughing for several minutes. We hugged each other and stayed like that for a while, thankful that we had finally cleared the air as it were.

After a time Snowdrop asked, "Celestia, you kept mentioning the Nightmare as though it was a separate pony. Is there something you're leaving out beside that it came from a hex?

Oh, this would be hard to explain, "Well, you see-"

Sister! You must get to the training grounds immediately! We have an issue of international importance occurring!

Luna!? That sounded important, "Snowdrop, we have to go to the training grounds. I'll teleport us."

"What!? Why!?" Was all she got to say before I lit my horn and cast the spell.

Von POV

And another blow dodged that would have taken my head off. Where is this minotaur getting his strength? He was drooling in the dirt only a few minutes ago!

I heard the sound of teleportation off to the side, but couldn't spare the time to see who had just arrived. I was constantly on guard to insure I didn't end up a bloodstain on the ground. Crunch was filled with this berserker rage, that let him move faster than when Andrew fought him earlier. I realized he wasn't actually serious in that fight.

"Von!" I heard a cry off to the side. It sounded like Snowdrop.

I flipped back away from another swing, granting just enough space to spare a glance to the entrance to the grounds. Like I thought Whitestripe had returned, though I didn't expect who he brought with him. Luna was on one side of him while Celestia and Snowdrop where on his other. Guessing by the teleport sound Celestia was likely the one who just appeared, and Snowdrop must have been with her for some reason.

"Crunch Stronghammer! Cease this duel at once!" I heard Luna shout while she marched onto the training grounds.

Crunch ignored her, or didn't hear her at all, as he continued attacking me.

"I said, Cease this duel at once!" Luna commanded in a shout that I felt create a slight wind.

This got Crunch's attention. He stopped, looked back at Luna and replied, "No. Pony Princess no get to tell Crunch what to do. Crunch must destroy imposter!" He said as he readied to charge again.

"You are a Guardian! You must respect the authority of all race leaders! Now I demand you cease this fight!" Luna stamped her hoof.

Crunch shifted his stance, and I could not realize why soon enough. He pivoted in place and swung his hammer, straight at Luna.

Luna barely registered the movement quick enough, she shielded herself with her arms and put up a defensive shield, but it wasn't enough. Crunch's hammer broke through the shield like glass and smashed into Luna's arms. She screamed as her bones broke and she was sent flying across the yard. The others rushed to her as she lay motionless in a heap.

Crunch turned back to me and said, "Now your turn. DIE!" He said, brandishing his hammer.

He... had hurt the princess.

My head throbbed with pain. I cried out as I fell to my knees, keenly aware Crunch was nearly upon me. This felt just like when Snowdrop was hurt, a rage that turned my sight red. I felt my gauntlets pulse in response to my heart and the gem of my whip hum.

H̶̳̘̞̃̽̊ͅų̶̲̙͛̽ŗ̴̨̲̕t̵̜̺̦̗̍̆͆ ̴̟̗͊̎̈́h̶̙̯̑̾̕͝i̷̢̦̦̜͒͗m̸̰̻̣̄̃

Gladly.

The scales of my gauntlets spread up my arms and to the rest of my body. I felt myself change into a much more familiar form. My whip wrapped around my neck, forming a collar. I felt a pressure well up inside me, one that made the gem, now around my neck, shake with anticipation. I did the only thing I felt right to release the pressure... I howled.

The gem answered and released a burst of icy mist that consumed where I stood. I felt a chill across my claws as ice formed into deadly blades over them. I felt the cloud of mist shift as Crunch entered it, swinging his hammer wildly. I dodged to the side as the hammer impacted where I was.

"Coward! Fight Crunch!" He roared, swing his hammer blindly.

I answered by leaping at him, raking my ice covered claw across his chest as I passed by. His roar of pain and anger was music to my ears. I stalked around in the mist, circling him for an opening. I dashed back and forth, covering my prey with wounds, waiting for the time to land the kill.

Crunch let out a extra loud roar, and swung his hammer around him, the gale from the swing scattering the mist. I admired the state I had put him in. His body was covered with cuts, the edges of which were lined with frost. He was breathing heavily, leaning slightly on his hammer.

"Hhh, hhh. Crunch will, hhh, end you! Evil metal dog!" He raise his hammer again.

I grinned as I crouched lower, preparing to finish this. As he took a step forward I began to pant in anticipation, thirsting for his blood.

"ENOUGH!" A shout rang out.

Two forms descended from the air to land between us, the white one faced Crunch while the pale blue one turned to me. These things were interrupting my hunt, how dare they!

I lept at the one closest to me, tackling it to the ground. I felt it put a hand on the scales of my cheek, which cause me pause.

"Von. It's ok. You've done enough. Luna will be ok." I heard the form beneath me say, it's voice cutting through the fog around my brain.

I snarled as I shook to clear my head. I felt arms circle my neck, hugging me to the ground. The scales over me began to retract, and I felt myself return to my human form. My body felt heavy as my consciousness started to slip.

I realized who brought me out of my frenzy before I fell unconscious, "Snowdrop. Thank you."

Snowdrop POV

As Von lay on top of me, passed out, I calmed my racing heart. Though I believed he wouldn't hurt me, what I just saw scared me terribly. I looked up to see Celestia standing over a collapsed and unconscious Crunch. I slowly and carefully squirmed my way out from underneath Von, sitting up so that his head rested on my lap.

"We are lucky the minotaurs are a hardy race." Celestia stated.

"How so?" I asked.

"If Von had managed to end this moron's life then he would have been sentenced to death. He's not an official Guardian yet. Though even if he was he'd have been stripped of his title and imprisoned for life. Crunch will undoubtedly be stripped of his title, though it will be up to the minotaurs to determine his punishment after that. This issue will result in a very large headache and a mountain of paperwork." Celestia explained.

"How bad are the injuries?" I asked, wanting to know what Von did.

"Well beyond loosing a considerable amount of blood, he has about five dozen inch deep lacerations, frostbite nipping at the edge of every wound, and a very severe concussion. Though that last one I have a feeling was from Andrew, not Von. The Guardian magic is doing its best to help him regenerate, but it only helps in a minor capacity. He won't die, but he's not going to be moving independently again for at least a week. Any non guardian would have died." Celestia said, lighting her horn briefly.

"He became like that for me..." I heard off to the side.

I turned, knowing who had spoken, "Luna! You're awake!" I said with relief.

"Yes. Long enough to see the end of the fight." She slowly stumbled over to us, a zebra I learned was called Whitestripe helping her. When she got to me Whitestripe helped ease her to the ground. I carefully pulled her into a hug, though I quickly let go when she hissed in pain.

"I'm sorry! How bad is it?" I asked her.

I felt her carefully put her head to mine, "A broken arm, possible mild concussion, very likely bruised up along my right side. I've most definitely had worse." She did her best to downplay her injuries.

"I'm guessing you sent for the castle doctors, Celestia?" I turn to her.

"Along with guards to deal with Sir Crunch if he does something stupid should he awaken." She explained, "Lulu, are you sure you should be moving? You took that blow with very little shielding." She asked Luna.

Luna was looking down at Von, and even reached down to brush his long hair out of his face. After a moment she pulled back and look at Celestia, "I'll be ok, Tia. Dr. Felix will be able to mend the bone easily enough. I'll most likely just need a day to recover. I'm more wondering about him." Luna said, nodding down to Von.

Celestia walked over to us, "Magical exhaustion if I had to guess. I'm fairly certain that was his first time using magic."

"Do you think it was them that caused him to react like that?" Luna asked Celestia.

"No it wasn't those spirits." I spoke up, "That was purely Von. Truthfully, seeing him do that was terrifying. Though I heard he reacted similarly when I was injured by a yeti just before we got to the Crystal Empire. This time though, he had magic."

The sisters were silent for a few moments. Finally Luna spoke up.

"If he was capable of that with no training, I pity any opponent that fights him in the future when he has been trained."

"Indeed. Though first he will need to be accepted as a Guardian." Celestia commented.

Whitestripe chose this time to speak up, "He will be accepted no doubt, especially after witnessing that bout. We are down two Guardians anyway, not accepting Von would be a serious misplay."

"Well, that would just leave our support to deal with the nobles." Celestia said before looking to Luna, "What say you, Lulu?"

She looked down at Von, thinking about something, before finally responding, "He has my blessing. My misgivings should not deny him. It's what Blake wanted."

"Then it's settled. Now lets go, there are many things to deal with. Better to not procrastinate." Celestia told us.

The guards and medics showed up soon after. Von had magical exhaustion like Celestia though. A pair of guards helped me get him back to our room. The minotaur was helped, along with making sure he was heavily drugged. The Guardians sent messages to their fellows, calling for a summit of their members. Celestia told me she would be announcing the news about Blake to the public, along with what happened today, when Von was recovered and could attend.

So here I sat, looking over Von as he lay resting. Willow at the foot of the bed, positioned to move quickly should she need to. I just thought about the glimpse of what I saw just before Von used his magic. What I kept from Luna and Celestia, because I feared how they'd react.

I looked deep into Von's sleeping soul, where I could see plainly the second soul within him. The spirits he accepted from Blake. However, I caught the barest flicker of something else... a third soul.

Watching Von, for there was no way I would sleep tonight. I whispered the name of this creature, for I was keenly familiar with what it was.

"Wendigo."

Author's Note

Well that was a lot of words. Hope the changing perspectives wasn't off-putting.

There was a hell of a lot I introduced in this chapter. This is where the story will be getting out of the heavy explaining of the past. The focus will be primarily on the future from here on out.

I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. I'm glad to say I plan to keep this faster output of chapters up for a while. Please let me know your thoughts about anything in the comments.

Stay awesome everyone, Lyruil out.