Chapters I walked through the door that lead backstage, "You guys ready?" I asked Josh; the drummer; Red; the guitarist; and Angelle; the vocalist.
Angelle walked over and gave me a hug, "We were waiting on you."
"Someone had to make sure that we would get paid this time. We don't want a repeat of last week now do we." I said causing Josh to scratch his head, "Just get to your instruments. We are playing another Evanescence song."
"Which one?" Red asked.
"Sweet Sacrifice." I responded, "I think the only reason they request their songs is because Angelle can sing it just like Amy Lee."
I grabbed my bass and plugged it into the amp as everyone else set up their equipment. Once done we signaled the curtain guy and he lifted the curtain. We waited a moment to let the cheers quiet down some then we started to play.
[youtube=https://youtu.be/i5NzkMwg-DM?list=PL9sioyhPCpo4rlUonYNW4-tTcWlO7t3Ef]
As the song came to a close I looked at Angelle signaling for her to bring the mic over to me, "Are you sure you want to do this John? The last time you did you only made it half way through the song." Angelle asked.
"Yes I am. This time I actually spent time preparing for it." I responded as she walked away to prepare her part of the next song.
The crowd was talking quietly as I switched to a longer cable for my bass. Once I was satisfied with my choice I moved forward away from my amp. The owner of the bar looked at us not expecting another song. One of my other friends walked out from back stage with his guitar on, "So you ready to do this John?" he asked.
"Yes I am Reece." I responded making Reece smile as Angelle started with her keyboard.
[youtube=https://youtu.be/0jgrCKhxE1s?list=PL9sioyhPCpo4rlUonYNW4-tTcWlO7t3Ef]
Once the song finished, we bid our farewell to the crowd and walked back to the room with our stuff. Reece, Josh, and Red headed out after they picked up their instruments into our trailer. Leaving me and Angelle alone, "That was an interesting show. Do you think the bar's owner will let us play here again after your little stunt John?" Angelle asked as she jumped up onto the side of the sofa and started to swing her legs.
"I don't think he will mind if more people come here to watch us. That is more business for him." I sat on the sofa and Angelle fell backwards into my lap, "You know it is a miracle that the others have not found out about us, but then again you only act like this when it is just us."
"Well have you seen how they look at me? They just want my ass. If they see us like this the band is done." Angelle responded as she started to twist her shoulder length white hair around her finger, "Plus those three give me the creeps sometimes, but they are good at what they do so I deal with it."
I pulled her up and rapped my arms around her body, "Is that why you don't like it whe-"
I was interrupted by a knock at the door, "John, I have your band's pay." the bar owner said.
"Bring it on in." I responded before the door opened, "I will give the others their shares when I see them again."
The owner stopped and looked at Angelle and me, "I am not interrupting anything am I?" he asked jokingly, "Just make sure that you warn me when you want to play a song other than what was requested. The crowd loved it but I need to know when you do that kind of thing."
"I will try and remember to tell you, but no promises. You know where to find us if you want us to play again." Angelle got off my lap and stood up as I finished the sentence. Once she was from in front the sofa I stood up and walked over to the owner and took the pay for the gig.
"Try to stay out of trouble you two. I actually like ya. Your other friends not so much." he said before leaving the room.
Angelle grabbed my hand as we too started for the door, "So do you want to stay at my place tonight? I want to spend some actual alone time with you for once John." she said as we approached the back door of the bar.
"I don't see why not. I mean we have been together for a while." I responded as I held the door open for her to walk outside into the back parking lot, "Lets just hope that the guys don't try and find me in the morning." when I finished the sentence something hit me in the back of the head sending me stumbling forward, "Da fuck was that!"
Red walked out the shadow and grabbed me, "That was Josh having a bit of fun before he has some more fun with Angelle."
Angelle's eyes went wide as Josh grabbed her arms and pushed her into the wall, "You have no idea how long I wanted to do this to you." he said into her ear as his hand started to wander over her body. Angelle started to try and fight against his grip but was slammed back into the wall for her efforts, "Now don't make this harder than it has to be."
"Josh! Stop this!" I yelled trying to get free of Red's grip. As I watched his hand trace over her body the sides of my vision started to turn red, "Let me go Red!"
"Not a chance lover boy." Red responded before ha dead legged me forcing me to my knees.
My vision went red as I heard another voice speaking to me in my head 'Let me take control. They won't be able to hurt her.' the voice said, "Please guys stop this." I pleaded as I felt control of my body slipping.
****3rd Person****
John's body went limp in Red's grip as Josh started to pull Angelle's shirt off. Angelle started to whimper in embarrassment, "Please don't do this Josh." Angelle said quietly.
"Quiet you whore. I am doing what I want and no one can stop me." Angelle managed to kick him in the shin causing Josh to let her go, "You bitch!" he spat as he grabbed her arm and threw her into the wall hard enough to bust her lip.
Suddenly John managed to grip Red's arm and break his hold, "I said to stop." John growled in a voice not his own, "Now you will pay." John grabbed Red's arm and forced it out of socket before he stomped on Red's knee cap causing a cracking sound as Red screamed in pain.
Josh turned and looked at the scene before him, "What are you doing John relax." he said causing John's glare to snap to him, "Now don't do anything haste my friend. This was all in good fun."
"Good fun. Good fun! You call raping a girl good fun!" John lunged at Josh and brought his elbow down onto Josh's collar bone. Josh screamed as his shoulder produced a cracking noise. Not stopping John pivoted on his toes and punched Josh in the chest sending him sliding away from Angelle.
"John please stop this." Angelle said not receiving a response from the guy standing before her, "Lucifer! Stop!" she yelled causing him to look into her deep blue eyes. She gasped when she saw that his normally hazel eyes were a dark brown. Not knowing what else to do she pulled him down to her and kissed him.
****John's POV****
I woke up to Angelle kissing me with a busted lip. I pulled away and looked around and saw the beaten forms of Red and Josh, "Angelle what did I do?"
"You saved me that’s what. How you did it I don't know but I am glad you did." Angelle pulled herself closer to John right before a blinding flash pulled the from the parking lot.
*****
It was a normal day in Ponyville. Well as normal as Ponyville could get. The Friendship Castle glowed as Twilight Sparkle was testing a new spell. A spell that should allow for travel across distances that would have taken days with other teleportation spells. Suddenly her cutie mark started flashing causing her to loose focus on the spell. She did not think anything of it as it fades away and she runs to the Map. When she got there her jaw dropped when it showed that all of her friends were needed right here in Ponyville. The door to the room opened and five mares walked in, "Howdy there Twilight" Applejack greeted as she looked at the map.
"Haya Twi. Were are we going this time? The dragon lands? The Minator Kingdom? The Diamond Dog mines?" Rainbow Dash asked as she flew around the room.
"It says that somepony needs our help here in Ponyville Rainbow." Pinkie Pie said with an oddly serious voice.
"Really? That means that I don't have to leave my animals. Yay." Fluttershy said quietly.
"But who would need our help here girls?" Rarity asked.
"I don't know but I don't think it will be good." Twilight said.
"Ahh. Twitching tail!" Pinkie cries out as she dives for cover as a bright flash of light appears outside.
Rainbow was looking out the window and saw what appeared to be two bodies falling out the sky. Without saying a word she zoomed out the room to catch the duo before they hit the ground. The other five follow her with confused looks on their faces.
*****
All I felt after the flash of light was wind hitting my body. I was unable to open my eyes for some reason. Suddenly a soft object hit me and grabbed hold of me. I felt my body touch the soft grass on the ground. I heard several voices around me all of them were female. The one voice I had hoped to hear I did not. "What are they?" one of them asked. What do you mean what are we? We are humans just like you.
"I don't know Rarity, but I think that one of the Princesses might. Lets get these things inside and I will send a letter to them." I felt some kind of warmth consume my body as I once again left the ground, "Fluttershy could you please go as Spike to meet me in the guest room closest to the throne room. Have him bring a quill and a piece of parchment."
"Ok Twilight."
****3rd Person****
Fluttershy flew slowly into the Castle followed by Twilight and the rest of her friends. The two humans held in Twilight's magic. The group moved slowly down the halls towards a largish bedroom. Once inside Twilight floated the two onto the bed. Spike came into the room not long after, "What do you need Twilight?" he asked.
"Spike take a note."
Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,
Two strange creatures fell out of the sky next to the castle. They seem to be unconscious but alive. If possible could either of you or both come and see these creatures and tell me what you think we should do.
Your Fateful Student and fellow Princess,
Twilight Sparkle.
"Send it Spike." Twilight said receiving a nod from Spike before he shot out a stream of green flames that consumed the letter turning it to ash. The ashes flew out the room carried by some kind of magical wind, "That is all I needed Spike." Twilight said.
"So what do we do now Twilight?" Rarity asked as she looked at the two on the bed.
"All we can do is wait and see what the Princesses say." Twilight responded.
"But I hate waiting…." Rainbow complained.
"Well we can't rush them. They do kinda rule the entirety of Equestria." Pinkie said drawing looks of confusion from the others in the room, "What I can make sense too."
"Pinkie……" Twilight said before lightning flashed in the sky, "I thought that there was no storms scheduled for today."
"There's not." Rainbow responded.
The door suddenly opened and two thestral night guards walked in flanking Princess Luna, "Twilight Sparkle. Tis good to see you again."
"Princess Luna." Twilight said and all of the mares in the room save for Twilight bowed to Luna.
"Please don't do that. We are friends, are we not?" Luna asked smiling at the six in front of her, "Now tell me where are these two strange creatures you have found."
"They are lying on the bed." Twilight said pointing her hoof at the two still forms on the bed.
Luna's eyes widened when she looked at the two, "Twilight I need you and your friends to leave the room."
"But Princes-"
"NOW!" Luna cut Twilight off. The six mares and Spike left the room, "Guards go stand outside and make sure they do not try and come in here."
"Yes mistress." the two said saluting Luna before they turned and went stand outside.
After the door closed Luna walked closer to the bed, "How did two of your kind manage to return to this world after the damage your kind did all those years ago. You shouldn't even be alive right now. You humans lost your natural magic when you tried to force the world to bend to your will." Luna's horn flashed and a light blue beam shot into John's forehead.
*****
John looked around seeing nothing but darkness surrounding him. No sound could be heard other than the shuffling of his feet as he turned. Suddenly the darkness fell away and a grassy plain appeared beneath him. A full moon sat high in the sky surrounded by stars, "At least I am someplace beautiful. I missed the night sky."
"So a human with some taste. What a rare event." Luna said as she approached him from behind, "But tell me how did you come to our world, your kind was banished over two thousand years ago."
John turned around and jumped back in shock, "What do you mean banished from your world? And what world are you talking about because humans have always been on Earth?"
"Your kind has always been so ignorant. Even when we were allies I never trusted any of you. The only reason I allowed you humans to live is because my sister refuses to kill anything."
"Tell me where I am. Please. I need to find the one that I was with, she is the only thing I care about at this moment in time." John responded ignoring Luna's hateful glare.
"You won't find her here whelp. This is a dream that I am using my magic to sustain. The fact that you are still living speaks volumes for your heart. This world should be killing you but it is not. The one you are looking for is lying next to you in one of Equestria's castles, but she is in a dreamless state." Luna spoke coldly towards John.
Suddenly John's eyes flash brown but quickly return to normal, "Please let me wake. I want to see her."
"I can't do that until you swear that you won't corrupt this world like your kind does with everything it touches."
"If it makes you feel better I disown humanity, and it's actions. The only other human I will ever interact with is the one sleeping next to me."
"If that is all you will agree to then it will do, but I ask that you do not answer any of the questions anypony ask about your world. Also be happy it was me who came here and not my sister."
*****
I slowly opened my eyes once the strange dream faded. The ceiling was a strange blue crystal like material and as I turned my head I saw that the entire room was like that. When I turned to my left I stared at Angelle's face and started to panic. Her face was still bleeding. It looked as though someone or something tried to clean some of the blood up, but they did not try and stop the bleeding. I picked her head up as I pulled a section of the soft bed spread to her mouth and applied pressure to the busted lip. Once I got the piece of cloth on the bleeding lip I heard a soft giggle. I turned my heard and saw the winged unicorn from my dream, "Why are you laughing?" I asked.
"Because, it is a joyful sight to see a human showing compassion to another. Now if you would like I can heal her mouth, and wake her up." the mare said with a soft but commanding voice.
"Please. I will do what ever you ask." I responded and pulled Angelle closer, "She is all I have here in this world. She was all I had on Earth other than my music."
"Very well." the horn on the mare's head started to glow a light blue as did the cut on Angelle's lip. After a moment the glow faded and the bleeding stopped. Not long after her eyes slowly opened and they met mine as she smiled.
"That is a face I can get used to waking up to." Angelle said softly before she pulled me into a hug.
"Angelle, something strange happened." I said.
"What do you mean strange?" she asked.
"Ask the magical talking pony at the foot of the bed." I said as her eyes got wide.
Her gaze drifted towards the mare, "An alicorn……" she said softly, "Were are we?"
"You two have been brought to Equestria by some unknown means of teleportation." the mare said.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"I am Princess Luna, Co-ruler of Equestria."
"Is there other humans here?" Angelle asked.
"There has not been humans on this planet for over two thousand years. All traces of your race have been destroyed over time so none of this day and age even know of your existence." Luna said, "My sister's student and her friends found you two and sent us a letter asking us to come and see what she found. My sister was to busy with the nobles in Canterlot to come. So I came instead of her."
"So when do we get to leave this room? Because the sooner I can get to a music shop the sooner I can start doing what I love." I said and received a glare from the Princess, "What do you expect me to treat you different because your royalty?" Luna kinda shrugged and nodded, "Well don't because you are no different from others in my eyes. Where we came from we elect our leaders and even then they only get a chance at two four year terms at max. Even then they do not have actual control of the Government." Luna backed up a little at my little rant, "So tell me Luna, when you I get to go get me a new bass?"
I see now that was a mistake because as soon as I said that she picked me up with her magic and threw me into the wall, "You have yet to call us by name you whelp! I shall have you-" Luna was cut off as Angelle's fist connected with her jaw, "How dare you?" Luna growled.
"I am only doing what I feel is right. I know what you alicorns are capable of, and I don't care. If I cannot protect the one whom I love and that has protected me when I needed, then what kind of person would I be?" Angelle snapped.
I chuckled a little, "My black-winged angle. I have been waiting for a chance to call you that." I pushed my hands against the wall trying to force myself away from it, "Can you please let me go? Because if she is like me if you don't you might be in pain."
"Did thou just threaten us? We are the Princess of the Night, leader of the Equestrian army, and the Nightmare!" Luna all but yelled.
"No just warning you. I incapacitated two guys who were bigger and stronger than me in less than five minutes without them even touching me. You are in a way a woman, so tell me what lengths would you go to protect the one you love?" I said calmly.
Luna sat down as soon as the question left my mouth and she started mumbling some uncomprehendable words. I fell from her magical grip not long after. Angelle ran over to my side and hugged me, "I see why you act the way you do, but that does not mean I forgive you for not addressing me properly." Luna said as she looked at us, "I will tell you now that I have no intentions of holding you two captive, but you need to come with me to Canterlot tonight before you can be allowed to roam and do as you please."
"I can agree to that but can I at least get something to pass the time?" I asked.
"You have her don't you." Luna responded making my face turn red and Angelle laugh.
The wait did not seem as long as it was. Luna gave Angelle and me some thick books on Equestrian society so that we would at least know something of the country we were in. Both me and Angelle were not allowed out of the room when Luna left saying to ask the two guards outside if we needed anything. To say the least it was quite boring in the room. It got down to the point of asking the guards to take turns keeping us occupied with some of the stories they have heard or of the things they did. When Luna finally came back it was right after the sun went down, "Gather what little things that are yours and follow me." Luna ordered before she turned and walked out the room without waiting for a response from us. The two guards moved to stand on side of Angelle and me.
"Well do you think she will try and kill me again?" I asked jokingly only to be slapped in the back of the head by Angelle, "What I just wanted to ask a question." Angelle pushed me forward and started to walk.
"Just do what she says so we won't have any jail time alright. You can explain your actions once we get to were ever we are going." I sighed and started to walk alongside her.
Luna glanced behind her, "I never caught your names."
I looked at the midnight blue alicorn in shock from the lack of hostility in her voice, "My name is John." I responded.
"And I am Angelle."
"Well, John and Angelle, we shall be taking a chariot to Canterlot. Once there you will only speak when spoken to and only then. You will not touch anything unless given permission by me or my sister. Is that understood?" Luna said coldly.
"Perfectly." I said and Angelle just nodded, "At least I can watch the night sky on the way. This would be a lot worse if it was during the day." I mussed to myself.
A small brief smile graced Luna's lips when I said that.
*****
"Princess Celestia." a guard in gold armor said as he saluted.
"Yes, Sgt. Shield." Princess Celestia responded from her throne.
"Princess Luna is leaving Ponyville with the two unknown creatures that Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends found."
"Thank you for the report Sgt. please go and spend the night with you family. I am sure that they would love to see you." Celestia responded with a motherly smile. Before Sgt. Shield left the throne room, "I hope these creatures are not what I think they are. We have known peace for to long to have them return."
*****
The chariot touched down in some kind of courtyard full of guards. At the head of the guards was a tall white alicorn, who I could only guess was Princess Celestia, "Come we shall speak in the throne room. Guards you are to stay outside the room and are not to let anypony in. Am I clear?" Luna ordered receiving salutes from all the present guards.
Luna walked over to the white alicorn and they talked quietly. The other alicorn nodded and motioned for us to follow. Nothing interesting happened while we walked through the white halls of the castle. As expected we got odd looks from the castle staff as we passed them on our way to whatever room the two Princesses are leading us to. Suddenly a door appeared floating in the air causing Angelle and me to jump back in surprise. The door opened to reveal a strange creature that was made of different body parts from random animals or something, "Ooooh. What did you bring me today Sunbutt? These two are absolutely covered in chaos. Especially him." the strange creature said pointing at me.
"Discord." Celestia said giving the creature an irritated look, "I told you to stop calling me that, and these two are not for you to toy with."
"Why are you so grumpy Sunbutt? I thought creatures of chaos were my domain not yours." it said getting serious suddenly.
"Because their kind are the ones that killed all other draconequis!" Celestia snapped as the temperature of the room increased slightly before Discord pinched her horn, like someone would a small flame, cooling the room.
"Now Celestia, we both know it was a race of proud warriors that killed my kin not some hairless apes." he said absently while he painted a portrait of himself.
"Discord, the humans are capable of great destruction if the need is great enough." Luna said as she stepped toward Discord, "Now if you will excuse us. We have work to do."
*****
Deep in a Jungle on the other side the world a tall dark figure walks up the stairs of an ancient temple. The moonlight reflects off of a large sword strapped to the figure's back as it enters the temple. As it walks the torches of the temple light the way to a large room filled with other similar to the dark swordsman, "Brothers and Sisters!" he yells in a gravely voice, "The time that we have been waiting for has arrived! The humans have finally returned! It is time we take our revenge on them for destroying our once great civilization!" the crowd erupted in cheers, "They reside in the protection of the Sun and the Moon! Prepare the war machines! We are marching to war by next sundown!"
*****
Celestia shudders suddenly, causing her to drop her tea, "Sister what is the matter?" Luna asked.
"I don’t know." she responded.
Angelle moved towards the window of Celestia's study, "How much longer are you going to be holding us here?"
Luna's gaze switched to Angelle quickly, "Quiet!" she snapped, "You do not have any right to ru-"
Celestia rose her hoof telling Luna to stop, "They have every right that our little ponies have. It will only be a little longer. We will make an announcement to the press then you are free to go."
"Thank you Celestia, but would there be anyway for me to play music while we wait? I need to work out a little stress and that is the least violent way for me to do it." I said standing up.
"I will see if it is possible. Depending on what you can and want to play there might be somepony you could play along with." Celestia said with a smile, "If you could give me a list of instruments you play I can send somepony to by them for you."
"Sister you can't be serious. Their kind killed hundreds of thousands of people in the Great War just because they were not happy. They can't be allowed to be free." Luna complained.
"Luna if you cannot let go of the past you will have to be removed from anything dealing with the humans. I placed a certain spell on the humans when we banished them. If these two were brought here then they are not the same as the humans that tried to take over."
Luna huffed and suddenly vanished in a flash of light. Celestia shook her head as me and Angelle approached her, "So what now?" Angelle asked.
"Now we wait and see if she comes around or just avoids you two at all times."
"That’s fine with me. I have never liked people who put themselves over others. You on the other hand I have not decided about you yet." I stated bluntly.
*****
A Dark figure slowly moved in front of Celestia's study window with a bow. As Angelle turned her back to the window it drew an arrow and aimed at her back, "This is for our ancestors you monsters." once it finished the sentence it let the arrow loose sending it through the window and into Angelle.
*****
Suddenly Angelle coughed up some blood and fell to her knees, "ANGELLE!" I yelled as I rushed to her. When I got to her I noticed an arrow in her back. I looked out the window and saw a tall dark figure running in the shadows. I refocused my self on Angelle, only to see the life slowly fading from her eyes. I screamed as the temperature around me quickly started to raise.
"John, calm down! You will kill everypony here!" Celestia yelled only to receive a death glare from me. She opened the door, "Guards evacuate the castle."
"Yes, Princess" the two guards saluted and ran off.
Celestia turned back to me, "John please listen." she pleaded.
"WHY SHOULD I LISTEN?! THE ONLY ONE IN THIS GOD FORSAKEN WORLD THAT LIKE ME IS NOW DEAD BECAUSE YOUR GUARDS COULDN’T STOP AN INTRUDER!" once I finished my sentence the furniture and books in the study burst into flames.
Celestia teleported out of the room as the flames spread engulfing everything.
*****
Celestia appeared next to Luna on her balcony, "Sister I need your help to contain John. Something killed Angelle and he lost it."
"I told you not to trust them." Luna responded.
"He is using magic sister. If we don't contain him he will kill everything around him until he runs out of mana."
"I guess but if any of our ponies die I will personally see him executed." Luna said as she teleported away followed shortly by Celestia.
*****
Celestia and Luna appeared outside of the study, "Sister why is it so hot?" Luna asked.
"John is of the Demonic line it seems. He has a strong connection to fire." Celestia answered as the gold door melted. The two sisters charged their horns and formed a shield around the room to contain the fire. Numerous unicorn guards ran into the room, "I thought I order everypony to evacuate the castle."
"You did, but I rallied up those of us who could cast a shield spell and came as soon as we could." the unicorn guard closest to Celestia responded. The horns of all the guards lit up as the added their power to the shield causing it to become a rainbow of colors.
Suddenly the flames inside the shield intensified further as it attacked the shield, "It is not safe for any of you to be here." Celestia said, "I order you all to leave or you will be court marshaled."
"Sorry Princess but this is our job. None of us wanted to be safe and just sit around." one of the guards said.
"We all joined because we wanted to make a difference. To be able to protect our fellow citizens of Equestria." another one said.
A single tear fell from Celestia's eye as a crack formed on the shield, "It is time for all of you to leave." she said quietly before she teleported all of them out of the castle, "Sister you need to leave. I can take the heat but you can't."
"Are you sure you will be fine?" Luna asked.
"Yes I will." more cracks appeared on the shield. As soon as Luna teleported the shield shattered and flames covered the room.
*****
"We need all ponies who can cast a shield spell to come us." a unicorn guard said.
"Why do we need to go with you? You just evacuated the castle, and you want us to go back." a random noble yelled.
"So that we can contain what is happening in the castle and not have it destroy the entire city!" the guard yelled at the noble.
"You! Guard!" a white coated unicorn with a blonde mane called out, "You have no right to treat us like commoners! We are nobles so that means we out rank you! So we don't have to do anything!"
Suddenly Luna appeared, "Guards we need to surround the castle with a bubble while my sister deals with the situation."
"Yes ma'am" all the unicorn guards said as they saluted.
"Princess Luna," the unicorn guard who was trying to get help before said, "we have been trying to get all unicorns who could cast shield spells to help but none of them are willing to. The guard alone are not strong enough to do this job."
"Why are you buffoons still out here?! Get into the castle and help my Aunt Celestia!" the white unicorn yelled.
"Blueblood! Shut up!" Luna yelled at him, "None of us can even enter the castle anymore. My sister as used wards that have been in place for a very long time. Ones designed to stop anypony from entering or leaving the castle. Now every one of you who can will go help the guard with their shield spell."
*****
The typically spotless white interior of the castle was now charred black in some areas where the fire has died. Celestia is using her magic to pull what fire she can into herself to keep it from leaving this area of the castle. Despite being aligned with the sun, Celestia was starting to have issues taking in the fire. Slowly she started to make her way towards John. John had changed, what compassion that he had in his eyes were gone along with anything positive. The only thing that were still there was hate and pain. Hate that was directed at her. Charging her horn she focused a spell designed to drain the mana of a living creature but leaving enough that they don't die. When the spell hit John, Celestia noticed a physical addition to him. He now had a large pair of white bat wings. Angelle's body was nowhere to be found.
It has been two weeks since the castle was scorched. Celestia was forced into telling the press that humans had returned and that a single human was responsible for what happened. There has been riots and protest by some saying that he needed to be executed, others think that he should be spared on account that he is the only one of his kind left on the planet. An empty coffin was buried in respect for Angelle. John has been in a coma since he had his mana drained.
*****
"Princess Celestia," a guard started, "There is a large force of warriors approaching our boarder."
"Me and my sister shall go and talk to their leader to see what they plan to do." Celestia responded from her throne.
"Shall I assemble a squadron of pegasi for an escort?"
"Please, we shall be leaving at sun down."
"Yes, Princess Celestia." the guard bowed and left the room.
*****
"Sir we are nearing the Equestrian boarder. Shall I send the formal declaration?" one of the large dark creatures said.
"No. If those two have not changed they will meet us soon." one in balky black armor said. It turned around and yelled, "We stop for the day! We shall wait for the Sun and Moon to appear!" the large figure turned back towards the direction of Canterlot and looked to the sky, "Soon we shall have our vengeance on those accursed humans."
*****
Celestia and Luna both flew with urgency towards the army that is on their border in complete silence other than the sound of the wind zipping past their ears. Neither of them are happy with what is happening and are determined to get to the bottom of why an army is approaching their country.
Celestia's mind was heavy with thought of John. She felt responsible for his lose and sudden outburst. He was nothing like the humans of old. They were proud warriors who seldom let their feelings control them, but John is something else entirely. He holds the emotions that would have saved the humans long ago close. Celestia lowered her head as she thought. She pushed the remainder of her thoughts to the side for later and raised her head, "Sister, I feel we are close."
"As do I." Luna responded never once looking at her sister, "Who's army do you think it is?"
"That is the problem sister, I do not know. I fear that an enemy from long ago has returned but I am uncertain." Celestia responded as she started her decent closely followed by Luna. Celestia stopped as soon as she broke the cloud layer, "Sister, I think I just found them."
Luna stopped next to Celestia and stared at the mass before them, "This is not good. Shall I go down first?"
"No, we shall do it together. They have stopped instead of crossing into Equestria. I think they might be here for something other than war." Celestia started her decent once more and Luna quickly followed.
*****
The head figure smiled as Celestia and Luna descended towards its camp. It motioned for two of its soldiers to follow as it moved towards Celestia and Luna, "It is good to see you two have not changed much. I am Slaocken leader of my people. Though we have forgotten the name we once went by, we have not lost our ways."
"Slaocken it is an honor." Celestia said, "What has brought your mighty army to our boarders? I hope it was not war."
"War no. A person of interest yes. It has come to my knowledge that a human, the ones who destroyed our civilization, is being housed in your country." Slaocken stated, "We wish for you to turn him over to us, so he can be punished for the sins of his people."
"Im sorry but I can not do that. He has nothing to do with happened all those years ago." Celestia said frowning at Slaocken.
"Then war. Those are your options. Hand him over or my army slaughters your people then kills him once we destroy your capital."
"That does not make you any better than the humans of old, you fiend." Luna responded as she resisted the urge to attack the beast, "I may not like him but he was kind even though I gave him every reason to hate all ponies based on how I treated him. So in turn I personally wont let you do anything to him."
"Then war it is." Slaocken stated darkly, "I hope your ponies can defend themselves." Slaocken lifted his hand in the air and clinched his fist. Suddenly the hole of his army was moving.
Celestia and Luna both shot into the air and stared in shock at just how many of them their were, "Sister, we cannot stop them ourselves. There is to many even for us." Luna said in shock, scared for her subjects.
"Luna it is time to initiate Eclipse Protocol. We are in a state of complete war, and we will need all who are able bodied ready to fight." Celestia stated defiantly as her horn started to glow followed shortly by Luna's horn. Slowly both the sun and moon drift to the center of the sky. Once the celestial bodies where in place both Luna and Celestia changed. Celestia's rainbow mane became streams of fire, while Luna became taller, matching the height of Celestia, her coat darkened and her mane grew in length. Both sister suddenly disappeared once their transformation was complete.
"So it begins." Slaocken said with a deep, dark laugh as the two vanish.
*****
I slowly open my eyes as I bring my hand to my head, "How did I get this killer headache?" I asked not exactly expecting an answer. As the rest of my senses came back to me I heard the beeping of a heart monitor. "What happened?" I still was not expecting an answer, but to my surprise the door opened.
A mare with a white coat and red mane trotted in, "Lets see." the mare looked at the different instruments by my bed, "Blood pressure looks about normal, heart rate is steady, and brain activity is…." the mare stopped and finally looked at me, "Your awake!" the mare stated quite loudly, "I must inform the Princess. Stay here." the mare ran out the room before I could say anything.
"The least you could have done was answered a question or two before you ran off." I said after the door closed. "I wonder how long I was out?" I asked absentmindedly as I pulled the I.V.s and such from my body, "Man I hate those things. Now where is a cotton ball and some gauze so I can cover this fucking thing?" I searched around the room for what I needed and found them in a cabinet opposite to the door. As I was cleaning and bandaging hole in my arm the door opened and I heard a slightly annoyed exhale.
I turned to see Celestia standing in the doorway at least I thought it was Celestia, "John you do know your supposed to wait for the doctor to do that right?"
"Eh. I honestly don't like just lying around doing nothing so I decided not to wait." I responded calmly as I walked towards her, "So can you tell me exactly what happened to give me a headache and why I am in this room?"
Celestia started her story of how I came to be in this room. Nothing was that bad other than the fact that I am now truly alone in this world. I am the only living human left. Celestia must have noticed the tear in my eye because she trotted up to me and wiped it away with her hoof, "It will be ok John. There is still a chance that more humans will arrive."
"If what you said is true there wont be many that come if any. Not many have the ability to be peaceful unless attacked." I said as I slowly backed away from Celestia, "If it is fine with you, I'd like to get some instruments for me to take my mind off of these things. I will even try and play with some of your local musicians if they are available. Solos are fun and all but groups of musicians are always more so."
"I'll see what I can do. Is there a specific type of instrument you would like? This way when I send for one I know what to get." Celestia responded giving me her usual warm smile that I didn't realize she was missing.
"If it’s the same to you, I'd rather pick the instruments myself. That way I can get the ones that are to my liking." I responded, "Also I'd like to go today if at all possible."
Celestia frowned, "I wish I could grant that request but unfortunately all stores were closed at the start of Eclipse Protocol. All ponies have been distributed into manufacturing, agricultural, and guard positions."
I gulped, "Does that mean your at war?"
"Yes, but as you are not an Equestrian citizen neither Luna or I can force you into any of those things. Personally I'd prefer if you stayed here in Canterlot away from it all." Celestia responded.
I clenched my fist, "Celestia why has a war started suddenly. Don't just say because they happen, because a war on the scale of doing what your doing means something very bad is happening. So please tell me." I said some how managing to keep my voice calm.
"Are you sure you want to know John?" she asked and I responded by nodding my head. Celestia took a deep breathe and said, "The army that is attacking should not exist. Their kind was supposedly whipped out long ago by your kind. They have lost everything but their culture and even that is almost gone. They have come to kill you. They are here because they what to punish you for what the humans of old did to them."
"Celestia……" I said through clinched teeth, "Bring me to the blacksmith. I need some armor and a sword."
"John, please don’t do this. You don't have any training. Both magical and sword play. It could take years to train you with either let alone both." Celestia pleaded.
"I said to take me there. I wont be having anyone die for me if I am not on the battle field fighting with them. On my world, the one who has others fight for them are cowards. I will not have my name on that long list." I responded with more force in my voice this time.
Celestia slumped, "I guess I should tell you that even Luna didn't want to turn you over to them. If you really want to follow this path that has changed so many before you, go find Luna on the training field with the current recruits. She will help you from there." once she finished she turned and walked out the room slowly, but before she left completely she turned and looked at me, "Please come back if you go to the field of battle. I have buried to many because of war." Celestia left after that leaving me in silence.
*****
After what seemed like an hour of walking I finally found the place I was looking for. My ears were greeted by the sounds of combat drills and shouting. I smiled as I walked onto the training field. Everypony who was not training stared at me. I was thankful for the cloak that Celestia gave me not long after I left the infirmary, to hide my wings. It did not take long for me to find Luna. She was different, she tall, black, and clad in midnight blue armor. As soon as she saw me approaching she dismissed the guard/soldier and trotted towards me. Once she was close enough not to have to yell she spoke, "So you have awaken. I take it you are lost and that is why you are here. The field of battle is no place for a musician, it is the place of warriors."
I grinned a little at Luna, "I have come to receive armor, weapons, and training." I kneeled, "I wish to serve Equestria in this conflict for I am no coward. I will not have others take the field of battle in my name without me among their ranks."
Luna gave me a surprised but proud smile, "Very well. I will train you, but you will have to earn your place among these mares and stallions. Earn their trust and friendship. Do you understand?"
I stood and saluted her, "Ma'am yes ma'am!"
"Grab a training sword we start now. Keep your cloak and learn to use it."
No sooner than I picked the sword up did she start. Soon all the guards/soldiers on the field moved to make room for their Princess and me. I managed to block some hits but very few most hit my arms and legs with astounding force that will no doubt leave bruises. No matter how hard I tried I was unable to hit her, but the longer we went the hotter the air around me got until I instinctively released the sword and pulled my cloak taught to block Luna's attack as I wiled my sword around to hit her in the back. As soon as the wooden sword hit her back she stopped and nodded, "It seems that you do have some magic control, and that was a very good idea to use your cloak to block my vision of your person."
I could only smile at the slight praise I was getting even if I am not completely fond of the one giving it, "This sword is not all that comfortable for me. I prefer much larger ones or two swords designed to be used at the same time." I looked around and saw faces of shock on everypony's face when I finished speaking, "Did I say something wrong?"
"Not at all John. It is just odd that you asked for a bigger sword, because that is one of our great sword training weapons." Luna responded.
"For me it is just a standard sword. I personally prefer swords about five or so feet in length but not to thick." I responded only to receive more shocked looks.
"I do not know of any weapons of that size in our armory, but I am sure that our smiths can craft it for you if you give them a basic shape to work with." Luna said, "Would you like me to help you make a training one?"
I nodded, "If you wouldn’t mind that would be great."
*****
After a few hours Luna and I shaped a sword of wood that resembled a nodachi but with a shorter hilt. "I have to say, this is an interesting design. Such a long but narrow blade would be problematic for anypony who tried to use it."
I stood up and grabbed the sword and swung it a few times, "This feels much better." I smiled, "Hey up for a rematch?" I asked Luna.
"Wouldn't you rather fight somepony else? I don't want to completely cover you in bruises." Luna responded, sounding a little to sure of herself.
"Now why would I do that? I don't want to hurt them before they see actual battle. Are you just scared that I'll scuff up you pretty armor?" that question got the response I was waiting for. Luna grabbed a sword I had not seen yet. The sword was elegant. It had blades on both ends making it a double threat weapon. Before I knew it Luna shot towards me. The swords collided and we started a power struggle. Luna wanted to hurt me, I could see it in her eyes. I pushed off the ground launching myself into the air. I didn't have long before she followed. I pulled my sword behind my back and swung it out causing me to spin and dodge Luna's attack and hit her leg as she passed. We both landed, and she shook her head as if she was clearing it. She then threw the weapon to the side like it was going to kill her, "Luna is everything alright?" I heard a few gasps around me when I addressed her by name, but I honestly didn't care.
"No I am not ok. I almost lost control. I guess this is why mine sister does not wish for us to take the field of battle once more." she looked me in the eye and I saw something I didn't expect, she was scared, "John go to the blacksmith and have him make your sword and armor. You can resume training whenever you wish but I will not be helping you." Luna turned and quickly left, leaving me with the guards/soldiers, who were all staring at me in surprise.
*****
"Luna, please come out your room." Celestia called from outside Luna's bedroom door, "I can’t do this alone. I need your help leading our ponies through this war."
"No you don't!" Luna cried from her room, "Me helping will only destroy our fragile country. I can't control myself. The slightest bit of anger made me lose control."
Celestia closed her eyes and mouthed a few words before she forced Luna's door open with her magic. What she saw startled her. The room was a mess, there was things thrown all over the room, "Sister, what did you do?"
"Nothing Celestia. I did nothing. I let myself start to slip back into the nightmare. John provoked me and I lost control. I tried to actually hurt him."
*****
After I went and place my order at the blacksmiths I was free to wander. I had to make the stallion promise not to tell anypony about my wings. I left the castle grounds and started to walk the city. My goal was to find a way to play music, even though all the stores are supposed to be closed. As I walked I saw a few groups of ponies protesting the war. I laughed a little as I passed because they all stopped what they were doing and stared at me. I just ignored them as I carried on with my search. Much to my relief I found a music store. There was a sign in the window saying that there was nothing for sale but all are welcome to come and play. I smiled as I opened the door. At first all I saw were wind instruments that you would normally see in a school band, but as I moved further into the shop I started to see cellos, string basses, keyboards, violins, guitars, bass guitars, and quite a few other ones. I walked over to a nearby string bass and ran my fingers over the strings. I slowly pulled my hand back and moved to the next one and did the same. I continued to do this until I found one that felt right. I picked it up and went off to the side of the room. I plucked each string of the bass and surprisingly it was in tune. I started to let my hands flow across the bass as I plucked out a simple melody that started sorrowful but slowly became more joyful as I played. I was so focused on playing the music that I didn't realize an older looking stallion walked up to me, "That is some mighty fine playin you fine playin you just did. To bad you had to come during this time of war."
"Thanks. I wish I would have to, but I'm afraid this war is because of me." I responded as I walked to place the string bass back on the stand.
"Now don't be sayin that. This war couldn't be your doing."
"It is. The ones attacking want my head for something my ancestors did."
"Well that ain't your problem then. How about I give you that there sting bass to get your mind off of that issue." the old stallion said.
"I would be grateful for that. What is your name sir?" I asked.
"Names Solid Sound. Just call me Solid."
"My names John. Nice to meet you Solid." I smiled as I shook his hoof, "Would you happen to have a case and stings for the bass?"
"One case and your first set of strings are on the house my friend. It has been a long while since I heard somepony play one of those things with any creativity or emotion. Hearing you play made me happy to see that there is still those who value the fine art of creative music." Solid responded.
"Lets grab that case and those stings. I need to get going back to the castle." I said. I really didn't want to leave. This place feels calm and relaxing, something that the castle does not have.
Solid trots behind the counter and grabs a pack of strings and a case. On my way to him I grabbed the string bass, "I hope you come back. Not many play music anymore."
I placed the string bass in the case, "I will. I feel relaxed surrounded by all these instruments." I grabbed the string bass and started for the door, "Have a good day Solid." I waved as I left and hurried back to the castle. As I got closer to the castle I noticed something moving out the corner of my eye. I slowed down to try and get a good look at whatever is following me. I walked through the castle gate, and as soon as I saw it I turned and there was a small blue and black lizard frozen in fear eyeing me. I set the string bass down and sat on the ground, "It is ok." I said softly, "I wont hurt you little one." surprisingly that actually worked and the little thing slowly moved its way towards me, "That’s right, I just want to be your friend." after I said that the lizard started moving a little faster towards me until it was in my lap. I rubbed the lizards head, "Do you want to come with me?" it nodded, "Good, lets get inside. Im sure that Princess Celestia would love to meet you." I picked the lizard up and put it on my shoulder. I then stood up and grabbed my string bass and continued into the castle. As I walked through the halls I saw a line of ponies, mostly unicorns, who had their noses so high that I am surprised they could even see ahead of them. I stopped outside the throne room door and was about to open it when one of the ponies spoke up.
"See this is why you should just be kicked out of Equestria. You have no respect for how things work here. You can clearly see the line so get in it you hairless ape."
I ignored the unicorn as I opened the door and walked in. The guards closed the door behind me not saying a word. I looked at Celestia sitting on her throne. She looked miserable, "Celestia are you alright?"
She jumped in surprise, "Yes I am fine. I am just tired is all." Celestia scanned over my body, "I see that even though you have no money you still managed to get an instrument."
"Yeah. Solid Sound gave it to me after I played it in his store." I responded.
"I am not surprised at that one." Celestia responded with a soft smile, "He always had a soft spot for musicians who actually know true music." her eyes shifted to my shoulder, "There you are you troublesome dragon."
"Dragon? This adorable thing is a dragon?"
"Yes she is." Celestia responded with a slight sharpness to her words, "As a test for getting into my school for gifted unicorns I have them try to hatch a dragon egg. Well this particular dragon decided to run as soon as it hatched this morning. I have had the staff of the school searching for her, but every time somepony gets close she darts away."
"She didn't run from me." Celestia's jaw dropped, "All I did was get on her level and told her that it was safe."
"It is not a complete loss. The little filly who hatched her didn't want a dragon to accompany her. So I guess you can keep her."
"So do I have to name her or does she discover her name through some type of journey or something?" I asked.
"You name her." Celestia responded flatly, "and if you wish you can join in on the magic training classes at my school."
"Sounds good Celestia. Just give me a time and I'll try to make it." I stretched my arm out and my little dragon crawled down it, "Now lets see, how about Flare?" she shook her head, "Blitz, Seera, Zalphite." she stopped me there and nodded, "Zalphite it is then." I looked at Celestia, "How long does it take for them to grow?"
"It depends on there diet and if the have a hoard or not. A gem heavy diet is a slow moderate growth, a meat heavy diet is a slightly faster growth, and a hoard oriented life is rapid growth with slight madness. Your choice." Celestia responded.
"Is there someplace I can hunt?"
"The Everfree Forest. Which boarders the town you were found in, but be warned it is not a safe place."
"So go get my armor and sword before I leave right?" I asked.
"If you must but only at night. None can see your wings." she responded.
"I will tell you when I depart. I shall leave you to be tortured by those stuck up nobles." I grabbed my string bass and left the throne room. As the door closed behind me I looked at the nobles and laughed a little because the guards were using magic to keep them from listening in on Celestia and me. I went to my room and set the string bass down and then went to the blacksmith to get my armor, "Steel Hoof, how did my armor come out?"
The earth pony looked at me, "Sorry, but your armor is not quite ready. Your sword is on the wall over there though." he said pointing at my sword.
The sword had to be at least double the length of every other weapon near it, "Thank you Steel Hoof. About how much longer till my armor is ready?"
"I really don't know. Princess Celestia came by and gave me some designs for it, but I am having trouble crafting it."
"Take your time. I should be fine with just my sword tonight." I said drawing a curious look from Steel Hoof.
"Why do you need your sword tonight if you don't mind me asking?"
"I'm going hunting. Princess Celestia gave me permission to hunt for food, for me and my dragon friend." I responded.
"Well good luck to you then." Steel Hoof said as he went back to work.
I left the blacksmiths and headed back to the throne room. The sun was starting to set on the horizon, so I decide it was time to go talk to Celestia. My wings started to itch with the thought of finally being able to fly, but I would have to wait a little while longer for that.
Author's Note
If your wondering what John's sword looks like here is a picture
When I arrived at the throne room there was no longer a line of nobles. I smiled at the thought of not having to see those stuck up ponies again today. I slowly pushed the door to the room open only to see Celestia looking at a book with a tear in her eye. I slowly made my way towards her not saying anything. I reached her side and managed to get a glimpse of a human in what appeared to be armor. Sadly I did not have enough time to study it before Celestia shut the book and looked at me. I gave her a smile not knowing what to do, "Who was that?" I asked, hoping for a bit of human history on this world.
"That was Michael. The leader of the humans that were known as angels and brother to the leader of the humans called demons, Lucifer. On your world they are just parts of religions. Stories that many no longer believe to be true, but they are. Every story in that book called the bible is true to some extent. They became over exaggerated over the years. Those two who some of the few who never lost their magic. The angels and demons were never enemies, because they operated as a big family. They squabbled as all families do, but they never broke apart." Celestia took a deep breathe, "When the fall of humanity started they began working on a means of reconstruction for after. Many angels and demons volunteered to be placed in an ageless sleep. Only to be awakened when the next king of humanity returns. When that happens the king only needs to make himself known for them to come. Sadly I know nothing of the location that the angelic and demonic armies are slumbering."
"It is alright Celestia. I know I am special but I am no king so you don't have to worry about it. I had actually come to tell you that I am about to leave for the forest, but there is something I just thought of. How do I use my wings?" I asked.
"I think that it might be best if you hold off on flying right now. I don't have time to teach you to fly, so that would have to wait until somepony who can knows. I can teleport you to the forest and then bring you back in the morning if you would like?" Celestia asked.
"Sounds good to me. Anything I should know about the forest before you send me there?"
"Other than to stay away from the deeper sections of the forest and anything that seems off in any manor." Celestia responded.
"Alright send me when you are ready." I told her before she charged her horn. With a bright flash my surroundings changed from the clean, calm, orderly throne room, and was replaced with the wild, dangerous, dark forest that is the Everfree. I scanned my surroundings to look for any immediate dangers to myself and Zalphite who clung to my shoulder.
*****
Fluttershy was finishing up feeding her animal friends for the night, when Angel Bunny hops over to her and pulls on her tail, "What is it Angel?" Angel started to chatter on about something and pointed to the forest, "Something is happening in the forest?" she asked and got a confirming nod. Angel motioned for her to follow, "Lets go and see what is happening Angel." Fluttershy said as she followed her pet.
*****
As I moved through the forest I couldn't help but feel I was being watched, but I tried my best to ignore it as I followed some animal tracks to what seems to be and abandoned castle. The castle was surrounded by a ravine with a single wood and rope bridge connecting it to the forest. I continued to follow the tracks until they stopped at the bridge. Cursing I slowly made my way across the rickety bridge. Once across I stepped through a collapsed gate and saw my prey. A chimera was moving through the area scanning for something until it saw me and charged. I jumped to the side at the last moment causing it to slam into the low-sitting wall from the gate. It slowly stood back up and charged at me, but when I went to dodge this time the chimera's snake tail bit my arm. I cursed myself for not asking about what animals could poison me. Not long after the bite I started to wish that I was not alone, because I was starting to get dizzy and light headed. The chimera knew the poison was working so it slowly moved towards me.
"STOP! YOU BAD CHIMERA LEAVE HIM ALONE!" I heard a slightly familiar voice call out. As everything faded I heard an angry roar that I presumed belonged to the chimera.
*****
Fluttershy screamed when the chimera started after her. She tried to stare it down like she does with other unruly animals but this one is resisting her, "BEGONE FOUL BEAST!" a feminine voice yelled, "LEAVE MY SUBJECT ALONE!" a cloud of dark purple mist slipped out the castle and raced towards the chimera. When the chimera saw the cloud it ran towards the bridge and left, "Sleep now little one." the cloud said before Fluttershy began to sleep. The cloud grabbed Fluttershy and John then headed towards Ponyville. The cloud dropped Fluttershy off at her cabin and then flew to Canterlot Castle's medical wing. The cloud laid John in one of the medical beds and used the room buzzer to call a doctor to the room. Then it hid.
*****
After a few hours of work the doctors managed to pull all the poison from John but he was still asleep. When the doctors left the room to leave him to rest the cloud came back out into the open. The cloud condensed itself and slowly became a tall ebony alicorn and looked down at John and smiled, "I have missed your kind. The loss of the humans was a horrible blow to the world far worse than the war with them was causing." before she could react the door opened and Celestia walked in.
"I will say this once and only once, get out." Celestia growled.
"Please, I come in peace. I have returned him to you, and save one of your precious element bearers. If not for me they would both be chimera food." the ebony alicorn stated.
"I don't believe you. John is a very capable warrior even with his lack of training. A single chimera shouldn't have been able to do this." she pointed at John, "Nightmare Moon, leave before I personally remove you from this world."
"Celestia, I will not ask for forgiveness from you, all I ask is for a chance to prove that I have changed. He would have died and you wouldn't have known about it if I hadn't brought him here." Nightmare Moon responded with a hurt tone.
*****
I slowly awoke to the sound of arguing mares, "Never mind what you say you are a creature of jealousy and hat. You are incapable of showing compassion for others." I heard Celestia state.
"Well at least I don't think it is impossible for ponies to change." a new voice said.
I slowly opened my eyes, which neither of them noticed, and looked at the new alicorn, "Some of us are trying to sleep you two." I groaned sarcastically as I sat up, "You two are very loud you know that right."
"John!" Celestia exclaimed as she rushed over to me and gave me a hug.
"So that is the proud warriors name." the ebony alicorn said.
"Nightmare Moon. Leave now. You are not wanted here. I don't want you twisting John's kind soul." Celestia snapped.
"Celestia, calm the fuck down. I don't know her but I am guessing that she brought me here. I owe her my life, because you did not warn me about what animals had poison and which don't." I said drawing stares from the two alicorns.
"So it was your fault that he got poisoned from that chimera." Nightmare Moon growled, "You need to go deal with your citizens. Leave us to convers and return when you cool off."
"You don’t command me in my castle you harlequin." Celestia snapped.
"She is right Celestia. I'll be fine, go take care of your ponies." I said as I through my legs over the side of my bed, "Plus it seems that there is two sides of the story and you refuse to listen to hers. So let us be and I will listen for you and then decide the verdict then." Celestia huffed and stomped out the room, "Now tell me what happened to make her hate you so much Nightmare Moon." Nightmare started on her story going back to when she turned Luna against Celestia up until the Element Bearers pulled her from Luna 'Cleansing' her, "That explains why she hates you. Now how did you find me?"
"Well after I was pulled from Luna's mind I was stuck in that old castle. Over time I slowly gained enough strength to create my body, but while I was bidding my time I reflected on what I did and realized just what I was doing. I began working on becoming a better pony. When I saw you passed out on the ground and the chimera attacking the bearer of kindness I knew what I had to do. I chased the beast off and returned the mare to her cottage and brought you here." Nightmare explained.
"Then I don't see why you can't stay." I said.
"How can you make that decision so easily?"
"Because it is better for someone who has no involvement in something to settle the problem than someone who is in the middle of it." I responded, "Back on my world we have a system, not a perfect one, that when someone goes on trial a jury or a council if you will is selected by the government to listen to both sides of one thing or another. After all that needs to be said is said they go to another room and decide on a verdict of guilty or innocent." I explained.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Lets just hope that Celestia will listen to me, because she is the only one telling me about the good side of humanity. Luna has told me nothing but negative things about them." I said as I finally began to stand up, "Have you seen a small blue and black dragon by any chance?"
"She is hunting mice through the castle. That dragonling is smart. It also seems like you will be giving her the food she requires other than just gems, unlike what the student of Celestia does. All it seems that one eats is gems and sweets. He will never grow right if he don't get any meat." Nightmare said.
"Let's get out of here then. I think it is time that Celestia learns to except that you changed." I stated receiving a nod from Nightmare. I lead Nightmare from the medical wing to the throne room receiving nothing but fearful stares as we walked by. When we got to the throne room the line of nobles was back and the one who called me out yesterday was at the front. Me and Nightmare walked to the door and opened it.
"Don't you know that Nightmare Night was last month?" the stallion said causing Nightmare to stop and glare at him.
"Tis not a costume peasant. For we are the real Nightmare Moon." she responded and continued to follow me while the stallion looked at us with his jaw touching the floor.
Celestia looked up and frowned when she saw Nightmare, "John I was wondering when you would show up, but you Nightmare Moon I did not want to see."
"Celestia stop now. Stop before you turn your city into a battle ground. I will not tolerate you berating someone who has saw the error of their ways and is trying to get better, and I say so far she is doing a wonderful job." I said causing Celestia's glare to shift to me.
"It would not end in a battle, because she is to weak to defend herself. That is the only reason she is still solid is it not?" Celestia retorted.
I looked at Nightmare Moon whom held her head low, "You wouldn't be fighting her. You would have been fighting me, and if I am not mistaking I am not an Equestrian citizen which would mean that I am a diplomat from the human kingdom, right?" Celestia nodded, "The from this moment forth Nightmare Moon is under my protection, so to attack her is to start a war with me and the Angelic and Demonic armies." I finished watching Celestia closely.
"Very well." Celestia started, "If you want to protect her so much give me the name that will represent your country." Celestia said with a smirk.
"The human kingdom shall be called Purgatory. A place of unity and peace. A place of redemption." I responded causing Celestia's smirk to become a frown.
"Now how will the kingdom of Purgatory repay Equestria for fighting this war for your people?" Celestia asked.
"We will help rebuild and guard your nation till you are once again a prosperous place." I responded watching as Celestia started to laugh at me.
"This is funny." she laughed, "You cant make any demands of me, because there is no human kingdom. There will be no kingdom till the human king appears. You are alone and scared. There is nothing stopping me from just throwing you into the dungeons on the account of rebellion. Guards. Take them out of my sight."
The six guards in the throne room surrounded me and Nightmare. Nightmare lowered herself and looked at me, "Run!" she yelled as she threw her body into the guards in front of her making me a path. I ran and jumped over her and the two guards that she pulled to the ground. Once I was away from the group I planted my left foot and changed directions.
I ran straight at Celestia, "I am done running. Nothing will change if we run from our problems." my wings extended and started to flap pulling me into the air as the were coated in white fire making them look like a cloak. A white flaming crown appeared on my head as two humans appeared in between me and Celestia causing me to stop. I looked at the two as they bowed and vanished. I then looked at a terrified Celestia, "You look like you saw a ghost." the flaming crown vanished and my wings returned to normal.
Celestia stared at me after what just transpired, "It can't be. Your queen was supposed to appear when you took your place as the human king." she said in disbelief, "Guards release Nightmare. We cannot afford to start another war. Return to your post."
"It seems the world has a new ruler to add to the council of nations." Nightmare Moon said in a sing-song way as she moved to my side, "And he has quite the impressive wingspan." she looked behind us and laughed quietly, "And it seems I'm not the only one who thinks so."
I look at the mare guard standing by the door and saw that she was fighting to force her wings down with a blush covering her face, "Back to the problem at hand." I said turning back to Celestia, "Nightmare is not to be harmed by an Equestrian citizen or another individual with any ties to the government. Is that understood?"
"Yes, crystal. Now tell me how are you going to watch over her to ensure her safety?" Celestia asked with a slight smirk.
"Easy, I am requesting permission to lead a team to the last known human town to try and locate the two slumbering armies. Nightmare shall come with me." I stated.
"How would you even think to do that? We are at war fighting your battle. Those monsters have already destroyed ten towns on the boarder." Celestia said.
"Then why have you and your sister not taken the field of battle with your subjects as good rulers should?" I asked.
"Because we are scared that our subjects will fear us if we do that."
"How can you ask me or anyone to fight if you yourself won't? At least Luna is training them. You are just sitting here. So I would like to go and retrieve the army that will follow me and lead them, fight with them, and possibly die with them. You need the help of the two armies, but I am the only one who can wake them. So let me leave. I promise I won't let your country burn if you let me claim mine." I stated firmly.
"I guess that you can go. I don't like it, but even if I try to stop you will go anyway. I permit you the use of the airship Eclipse. It is top of the line. The crew shall be brought to the ship and an exploration crew will be formed by tomorrow. The smithy should be done with your armor now. I shall send for it to be brought to the captain's quarters on the Eclipse. Weapons designed for minators shall be placed in the armory for you to use."
"Would it be possible to bring me to the ship now so that I can get acquainted with it?" I asked.
"Right this way." Celestia stood and lead us through the castle and down some stairs that lead inside the mountain.
When we enter a large cavern inside the mountain I head Nightmare whistle causing me to look towards to back of the cavern. I saw a large ship with no gas bag but it appeared to have four large propellers attached to its hull. The ship was held aloft by two stands that cradled the hull snugly, "That’s is quite a ship Celestia." I said.
"That’s she is. It is the only one of its kind known to still be airborne. While it is an ancient ship it is still more advanced than any we produce today, that is one of the main things your ancestors used to their advantage."
"So your saying this was a human ship?" I asked.
"Yes. Before the humans of old fell the Angelic and Demonic generals gave this ship to me for safe keeping until the king arrived. So technically it is your ship. She has not seen battle in over 2000 years, but every generation we trained a crew to pilot her for this moment." Celestia answered, "Sadly there is some things on that ship that only a human of equal angel and demon blood can access."
"Let's get to work then, and I am changing the name. While I like Eclipse it does not fit this ship." I said before starting my way to the ship. I looked at its sleek, black hull and said, "How about Shadow Wolf." as the words left my mouth the ship started to shake as the propellers began spinning.
"So they did give it a name." Celestia said as she watched, "John your ancestors managed to implement a system on all of their ships making it so that way when the captain of said ship says it's name the ship's systems come online."
"So that means I am its captain. Well lets get aboard and get her back into the sun. The old girl needs to be free and see the open sky again." as soon as I finished my sentence there was a flash of light and we were all on the Shadow Wolf's deck, "Now how do we get her out of the cave?"
"Simple. It flies out." Celestia said as the ship slowly shifted its propellers forward. The Shadow Wolf moved slowly, but it did not take long to get out the cave.
Once the Shadow Wolf was out the cave I saw just how much of a toll sitting in that cave for so long did to it, "Celestia is there anyway that we can get all this stuff cleaned off the ship?" after I asked that question the two alicorns looked at each other and smiled as there horns lit up and a storm formed over us, "Yeah, well have fun with your rain I'm going check out bellow deck and seeing what we have to work with." I walked towards the trap door that covered the stairs and went inside. To my surprise the inside of the ship was much cleaner than the outside almost as if someone cleaned it on a regular basis. I walked through the halls of the ship looking at the different rooms. There is three rooms of bunks for the crew, a large storage room, a kitchen and mess hall, armory, a small smithy, a vehicle bay, the engine room, the captain's quarters, and a room that don't know how to open. I decided to go to the bridge and wait for Celestia and Nightmare to finish up outside. When I walked into the bridge is was surprised to see that it looked and lot like the bridge of the Enterprise from Star Trek just less high tech. I sat in the captain's chair in the center and waited. The door to the bridge opened after a few more minutes and the two tall alicorns walked in, "How does she look now?"
"Really good. The black pulls the light around it in causing a very weird effect when you look at it directly." Celestia stated.
"Your just mad because it gets rid of some light when it is clean." Nightmare said, "I think it is marvelous. This ship is absolutely beautiful, and really organized."
"How long will it take the crew to be ready to deport for what will be my capital?" I asked.
"By sunrise. I would recommend that you take one who has known the world since those times." Celestia said, "I have a friend who refused to fall to nature itself. He wanted a death fighting with his brothers who are also frozen in time. Zeltas refused to be sealed with his brothers in the Heavenly city. He requested to be put to sleep inside of this ship so that when the king arrives, he can lead him home. The door that blocks the rest of the ship from us is the one that he resides behind. The only way to open it is the blood of the king that he follows."
"Why did you say that in such a weird way Celestia?" I asked.
"Why not? It was funny to see the confusion on your face, that’s why." Celestia responded, "But what I said is true. He waits behind that locked door for his king to awaken him. All you would have to do is let a few droplets of your blood fall into the lock. I was told that he was guarding something for you but not what."
"Then lets open that door." I said as I stood and started my way towards the door, "Lets go awaken Zeltas, and see what he has." we walked towards the locked door. Celestia seemed nervous, while Nightmare Moon was giddy for some reason. When we reached the door I bit my finger to cause it to bleed, and placed it against the lock. I pulled my finger away and looked at the door. Nothing happened at first, but after a few moments the lock clicked and the door opened. I walked into the hall, "How much of the ship was blocked by this door?"
"About half of it. Why?" Celestia asked.
"So all of that is just the back half the ship? That is great. So you have no idea what to expect from here on." I said, "You two just stay here and don't kill each other. I'll be back." I walked down the hall looking for anything that would signify a sleeping human. All the doors in the hall had locks similar to the first one, all except a door at the very end which was bigger. I reopened the cut on my finger and let my blood go into the lock. Several clicks could be heard from the door as different locks undid themselves. The door suddenly went quiet and slowly opened. Before the door could open all the way a body fell out. A human body with white angel wings. The human started to cough as he started to move, "I take it that you are Zeltas?" I asked.
"Who is asking?" he asked before coughing again as he stood to his full height.
"The name is John. Princess Celestia told me about you." I said.
"So Sunbutt is still around. Speaking of still around, how long have I been asleep?" he asked.
"Over 2 thousand years I think. Celestia would be able to tell you a closer number saying that she lived through it all. I have woke you so you can lead me to our city and your brethren. The two armies are needed to stop the genocide of the ponies. A genocide that is being done by an enemy that should have died long ago by the mad human armies." I explained.
"I shall lead you to the city of old, but I request that you let me have control of the ship till we arrive." he said.
"Not to be rude but why do you need control of the ship?" I asked.
"The city is hidden so that no raiders of any type could locate and loot it. I am the only conscious sentient being who can gain access to it. I only ask that you let me pilot the ship. You are still in command my king." he responded as he kneeled before me.
"I am not your king. I am your equal. While on this ship all are equal none are treated better than others." I said as I pulled him to his feet, "I need friends. Brothers and sisters in arms, not subjects that I command like pawns."
"As you say." Zeltas said, "Let us go to the bridge. I need to check the ship's systems for faults caused by age."
"Let us get moving then. The sooner we get to the city the better." I said as I started to walk back down the hallway. Zeltas followed me, "Zeltas, what happened to cause humanity to become so violent towards the inhabitants of this world?"
"It all started when a very old human sage started seeking a path to immortality. As all would expect he had followers, and being a sage gave him great amounts of influence over the populace. He started a rebellion that went unnoticed to any of humanity's allies. Sadly the sage was successful in taking over. The Angelic and Demonic armies never followed the human government. We were more like international peace keepers. The sage moved his army against us when Michael and Lucifer refused to join him. When we proved to much for him he turned his forces against the nations we once called friends. It was a slaughter, nation after nation fell to his madness. We tried to stop him but every nation other than Equestria saw us as just more of his soldiers. With our help Celestia and Luna managed to push the sage's forces back to his capital. Once we were sure that they were no longer going to try and push us back we crafted the spell that would send them to the world you grew up on. After that you should know what happened." Zeltas explained.
We arrived at the bridge not long after he finished the story, "Celestia. Nightmare, Im surprised that you didn't wait at the end of the hall for me to return." I said too the two large alicorns who did not notice us enter the room.
"John." Nightmare said, "We grew bored and decided to come and investigate this wondrous ship. Celestia just followed to watch me." Nightmare trotted over to me and moved closer to my ear, "I think she likes to watch my plot." she said with a slight giggle.
I shook my head, "Nightmare what am I going to do with you?"
"I don't know, but I hope that it is fun!" she responded excitedly.
Zeltas cleared his throat, "If you three don't mind I need to start the system scan. I have to be certain the ship is fully functioning before we leave."
"Sir Zeltas we have kept the ship in fine shape over these many years." Celestia said, "But if you so wish to check over everything you may."
"I was not asking permission." Zeltas said as he walked over to the ships main console.
"He seems fun." Nightmare said.
"He is ready to get moving. I don't blame him either." I said, "We need to get to the city as soon as possible."
"Shadow Wolf, initiate full system start up." Zeltas stated before a whirling sound echoed through the ship, "Celestia if you plan on staying in Canterlot it is time for you to leave the ship. We are about to start our journey."
"But the crew is not here." Celestia said.
"We don't need a crew. This ship was designed to be a warship that only needed it's captain. It is fully automated." Zeltas responded, "Shadow Wolf plot course for 'The Den'. It is time for you to go Celestia."
"Celestia I promise that we will return with help. Just let us leave." I said to the alabaster alicorn, who promptly teleported away.
"John the Shadow Wolf can only leave when you give the order. She is your ship after all." Zeltas said.
I looked at the man and nodded, "Shadow Wolf begin raising altitude, and start for 'The Den'." the Shadow Wolf lurched as it started moving, "Zeltas, how long will this trip be?"
"It will probably be close to four or five days depending on if we run into any problems." he explained.
"So John, where would I be sleeping for this journey of ours?" Nightmare asked.
"You can sleep in my room. I don't know how often I will actually be there." I responded.
"What do you mean?"
"I will be staying on the bridge to watch our progress, but I will sleep occasionally."
"Very well. I shall let you be John, but should I be told that you are not sleeping I will drag you to the bed and use a sleep spell on you." Nightmare said in a commanding voice.
Zeltas chuckled a little, "Don't worry about him. The ship will forcibly teleport him to his room and make him sleep. Don't need a tired captain piloting a warship."
*****
The three travelers have been gone for almost five days. The war has moved from the boarder and more towards the larger cities.
Celestia was pacing in the throne room as she tried to find an outcome that would result in victory for Equestria, but she can think of none that would involve Luna and herself only leading. Luna walked in to the throne room and stared at her sister, "Sister," Luna started pulling Celestia's attention to her, "Clouds Dale has fallen. The remaining Pegasi are assisting the guard in delaying them."
"Luna," Celestia said in a depressed tone, "I am afraid that we will not win this war. The only way we can come close is if me and you take the field of battle, but even then it is a slim chance. We need the help that only John can bring us but it don't seem that he will make it in time to save us."
"Sister, I will join the fighting if I must, but only if that is what gives us the highest chance of success."
"Sadly it is. I will have the fleet of airships prepared. We will go with them and lead our troops." Celestia said as a piece of parchment appeared along with a quill. She quickly wrote down a message and sent it, "Sister let us get ready." she said before the two teleported out of the throne room.
The two alicorns appeared in a room with two mannequins with armor on them. One set was a rose gold set of plate armor that covered much more than the guards. The other was a set of jet black set of light armor, "It has been a long time since we have worn these armors." Luna said as she approached the set of black armor.
"That it has sister." Celestia responded as she moved to the rose gold armor, "But it is needed." she said as she pulled her regalia off, and puts the front of her armor in its place.
After a few moments the two sisters both pulled the helmets over their heads causing their mane and tails to change. Celestia's became flames, and Luna's also becomes flames, but hers still shows the night sky, "Tia I am scared." Luna said drawing a look from her sister, "Not for myself, but for our subjects. It has been so long since the last war if the history books are right."
"Yes it has but that also means that all have forgotten the power that is inside us. We may sit and watch but we are not weak like many think we are." Celestia responded, "Our little ponies can surprise us. They have done it many times since you were sent to the moon, my dear sister. Now let us meet our fellow ponies on the battlefield and show these monsters why you don't attack Equestria." Celestia finished before the two teleported out of the room and onto the deck of an airship. She lifted her hoof and motioned for the fleet to move.
*****
I watched the land pass by and sighed, "I thought that we would be at the city by now." I complained.
Nightmare walked up to me and placed a hoof on my shoulder, "Zeltas said we should be there before the end of the day." I smiled, "So do you have any plans for after all of this?" she asked.
"No not really. I mean yeah I am going to have to lead a nation, but I still want to do things. I just don't know how to do it alone." Nightmare slapped the back of my head, "What was that for?"
"For saying that you are alone. You will never be alone so long as you have friends. That is a lesson that I wish I would have learned sooner, but I guess that it all worked out in the end right." she said with a slight smile.
"I just don't know. My queen was supposed to appear when I got here, but the girl I was with got killed by a fucking assassin. Now I don't have anyone to call family." once I finished a tear slowly slid down my face.
"You can call me family." Nightmare responded quietly, "I don't have anyone either, so we can be family."
"As adopted siblings?" I asked not noticing the slight blush on Nightmare's face.
"No." she responded, "I want to be your queen." she mumbled just loud enough for me to hear, "You are the only one to ever stand up for me. Even the most loyal of my guards ran from Celestia."
"Nightmare…." I started, "I don't know how the Angels and Demons would respond to a pony queen."
"There is spells for changing one's race. Granted they are permanent and require a lot of magic, but they do exist. Normally they are used when a pony falls in love with a race to large for them to have children, but I will gladly change to be with you. I do not know what I will look like but I will do it if you wish." Nightmare said with a small smile.
I looked at her in disbelief, "Nightmare, I can't ask you to do that. If you wish to do so then I wont stop you but I can not ask you to do that."
"I want to do it. I just wanted to know what you thought of the idea." her horn glowed before her form was hidden behind a bright light. After a few moments the light died down and a tall slim woman stood in her place. She wore a deep midnight blue dress that touched the ground, her skin was fair, her hair was long and black, and her eyes were cyan, "How do I look John?" she asked.
"You look amazing Nightmare." I responded, "But what about your magic and all?" I asked.
She looked over her shoulder as a pair of black feathered wings stretched out, "At least I can still fly. I don't need magic." she responded as she looked back at me with a smile, "So about me being your Queen?"
"I would be honored." I said with a smile as I lead Nightmare to the bridge, "So how much longer do you think we have until Equestria is begging for them to spare them?"
"Depends on if they paid attention to what you told Celestia. You are right. A good ruler does not ask their subjects to do something they would not do themselves. That includes fight in a war." Nightmare said as she stumbled a little trying to get used to her new body, "How do you walk like this? It is impossible to keep your balance?"
"Not impossible just different from what you are used to, but you can use me for support until you figure it out completely." I responded before she grabbed my left arm, "Better?" she nodded, "Good because we are almost to the bridge."
"John," Zeltas said as he bowed. He looked at Nightmare and he drew he ornate gold sword and pointed it at her, "How is there a fallen angel here?"
"Relax Zeltas, it is Nightmare. She used a spell to make her human. She will be the Queen." I stated.
"Come on Zeltas. It is still me you big buffoon. I just thought that a human appearance would be taken better than a pony one." Nightmare said as she left my side and stumbled towards a chair, "Besides, I would hate to disappoint John. He is kind of the only one that stood up for me when I needed help. Even if I told him to run."
I rubbed the back of my head and grinned sheepishly before speaking, "So Zeltas how long till we arrive at the city?"
He smiled, "We have just arrived." he motioned out the window on the bridge. When I looked I saw a large city being held in the air by a series of propellers, "Welcome to the city of Eden. The place where all of human civilizations originated from." he chucked at my awestruck expression, "I will dock the ship my Liege. Go prepare your belongings to be brought to your room in the palace."
*****
Hissing could be heard all around the lowest district of the flying city as many humans awake from their long slumber. The sky was quickly filled with angels and demons alike as they left to tend to their duties. At the center of all the commotion, two humans watched as the two armies once again flowed through the great city. One had large white feathered wings and the other had dark red leathery wings. Both wore ornate armor that displayed the emblems of both armies on each shoulder. The two spread their wings and took flight towards the palace airship dock as a large black ship was being latched into place.
*****
Me and Nightmare walked towards where the ship was touching the dock. I watched the sky in amazement as angels and demons alike flew around, "Nightmare," she looked at me, "Do you think that we will be accepted?"
"They are the ones who wanted to have a king of both angelic and demonic decent so they better. You chose me as your queen so they can deal with that also." she responded before she pulled me into a hug. I looked at the dock and saw two men. Both of them bowed when I approached.
"My King we have been waiting for you." the one with the feathered wings said.
"There is many things that require your attention. One being the formal declaration of Humanity's return to Equus." the one with leathery wings continued.
"I am Michael." the first said.
"And I am Lucifer. We will be your Generals and advisors." the second finished.
"Rise my Generals. We have work to do." I ordered uneasily, "There is a very high chance that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria will not be able to keep their nation together much longer. They are currently fighting a race that we have no name for that was thought to be destroyed by the mad King before humanity was banished from Equus."
"Sir why are they attacking Equestria?" Michael asked.
"They are attacking because Celestia refused to allow them to take me. They wanted to torture me for the actions of the mad King." I responded. Lucifer motioned for us to follow.
"It will be sometime before our fleet is ready for battle. Currently the only functioning ship is yours." Lucifer said as he motioned to the shipyard that sat next to the docks, "At one time we had a few hundred ships, but that was before the mad King tried to corrupt us."
"Would it be possible to move the city to Equestrian airspace while we work on the ships?" I asked.
"It would be possible but not recommended. Eden, while it can fly has no defenses other than us. That is why we had so many ships." Michael responded.
"If it can be done do it." I snapped at them causing them to jump, "I will not have a nation that I do not belong to fight my war. They have lost enough as it is. By the time we got those ships in the air it might be to late to save them. I would rather risk moving the city and slowly restore the armada than sit and do nothing."
Lucifer chuckled, "He definitely has promise." he said to Michael. He looked at me, "If that is what you wish then so be it." his hands glowed and suddenly the city shifted as it started to move, "It will take us approximately a week to arrive. Until then we will show you what you need to know."
"I guess that will work." I mentally slapped myself in the face, "Before I forget, my name is John. This is Nightmare Moon. She will be your Queen."
"Your Highnesses." they both said mockingly.
"Alright. I will give you a break on that one, but next time I wont be so nice." I responded causing them to laugh me following suit shortly.
Nightmare shook her head, "What will I do with you three?" she sighed as we continued walking towards the palace.
The walk did not take to long. Several jokes were told and Nightmare began to ignore us. The Palace was surprisingly humble. It would be better to just call it a large mansion. It looked to be about four stories tall. The walls were a crystal white with a golden roof. I looked at all the other buildings and then back at the 'Palace'. Every building looked like it other than the size. We walked into the building. The first room we were in was a long hallway that opened up to a large room at the end, "King John," Michael said, "All of your belongings have already been brought to your chambers." he motioned us forward, "Before you can be formally introduced as our King you will need a crown."
"No." I said firmly, "I will not have a crown. My status will be shown by my armor. I will have an insignia placed on it to mark my title."
"As you wish. Would you like to have a word with your people before you begin your training as king?" Lucifer asked.
"No. I would like to get what ever you need to teach me out the way before we get to Equestria." I responded, "Lucifer would you mind teaching your Queen how to properly fight with her body. I have a feeling that she will want to be by my side on the field of battle."
Lucifer bowed, "It would be my honor." he motioned for Nightmare to follow, "This way." Lucifer led Nightmare away leaving me with Michael.
"King John," Michael started, "May I ask why you have made your Queen a fallen angel of all things?"
"She was not always one. Not long before we got here she was actually an alicorn. She wanted to stay with me as my Queen and I didn’t think a pony would be a good choice. So she used magic to become human." I explained, "Now can we start with the 'training'."
"Yes we may," he responded, "First it you will have to learn of your predecessor and the laws that we have."
"This will be fun." I said sarcastically.
Author's Note
Sorry if it looked rushed. I did my best at trying to fill out the events of the chapter. As for the five day time jump. Well lets just say the only way I would have wrote those days is if I would have put it as various ponies on the front lines and personally I am not good with gore.
Nightmare jumped over Lucifer's blade as she brought her own down onto his head, "Well done." Lucifer said, "To think that you have only been in that body for four days, and you are moving like you were born with it." he then looked away from Nightmare and watched one of the female angels train with a spear.
Nightmare smiles at the complement before she dusts her dress off, "Lucifer," she said getting his attention from angel, "Fighting is not really all that hard. I just have to change somethings because of how this body moves." she explained.
"That still don't explain how you can move like that." he responded as he once again watches the angel.
"Why don't you go and talk to her?" Nightmare asked.
Lucifer looked at her, "Because, she is a Valkyrie. They do not find love, because it affects how they are on the battlefield."
"I don't see how that is a bad thing." Nightmare responded, "I personally will fight harder because of the ones I love. I would try to finish the fight faster without making unnecessary risks." she looks at the Palace that she has slowly started to call home, "But the result depends on the feelings of the one that is loved by the warrior."
"Those are wise words." Lucifer said with a smile, "Go and spend time with the King."
"Tell me what she says." Nightmare said quickly before she ran towards the Palace before Lucifer could respond. Lucifer's face was red as he looked at the Valkyrie and sighed.
*****
I sat on my throne, which I hated, and listened to some gryphon dignitary who just happened to have seen the city, "You see," the dignitary said, "With Equestria out the way all other nations could flourish, yours included. So why not let those shadow men destroy them and take the land for yourself." he finished.
Man I fucking hate this. I sighed, "Now you see the problem is that," I started as Nightmare strolled into the room with a big smile. She walked up and sat next to me, "I have made a deal with Princess Celestia already, and it involves me and my soldiers protecting them once we arrive." the dignitary did not look happy about that.
"But how can you have already made a deal with her?!" he yelled, "You have not even been formally announced as a nation."
I stood up and spread my wings, "I have because it was Celestia who took me in when I arrived on this world! I have because they are fighting this war because of me! Now LEAVE!" I yelled causing him to slide back, "I do not want to see any gryphon dignitaries in my city until Equestria has been secured!" I finished and he ran out the room.
"That could have gone better." Nightmare said from on side of me, "But things like this were a common thing in the old days before I took over Luna."
"Really?" I asked as I sat down.
"Yeah, the Gryphons as a whole do not like ponies, or at least Celestia. They do not like that she will drain other nations of resources if the need came about. She would not ask for trade she would just take." she explained. Our thrones are close enough for me to put my arm around Nightmare. I pulled her into a sudden hug, then let go leaving my arm behind her, "Contrary to how most think of Luna she is actually the nicer of the two."
"I had noticed that. Luna actually listened even though she made it obvious that she didn't like me, but apparently she never did like humans." I said as I fully relaxed.
"Who told you that lie?" Nightmare asked.
"Luna." I responded causing Nightmare to laugh, "What?"
"Luna didn't hate humans, she loved them. She was actually in a relationship with one before the war. She would always dream of him if she could sleep next to him." Nightmare responded.
"Really? I guess that I don't know what is true or not, but I don't care. I am happy here with you." I said causing Nightmare to lean over and kiss me on the cheek.
Michael walks into the room looking a little irritated, "Why did I hear a gryphon contemplating starting a WAR with us?"
"Well he was kind of asking us to betray Celestia and join an alliance with the gryphons and such." I responded nonchalantly.
"At least you paid attention a little, but that does not mean you should have done what you did!" Michael almost yelled.
Man is he pissed. I look at Michael in the eyes, "I honestly don't care. If any of the nations of this world remember the humans they will not risk a war with us saying that Equestria can't save them." I said my voice getting a little deeper and my eyes slightly turning brown, "I have a promise to uphold and I will do that. If it means that I have to piss of a few countries to do so than so be it let them get pissed." I slam both hands into my face and I hold them there for a few minutes trying to calm down. When I moved my hands, my eyes were back to normal, "Was that all you needed Michael?"
He looked at me, "Yes that is all."
I stood up, "Then you and Lucifer take care of any other dignitaries that come in today. I don't know if the next one will leave if they try to get me to break my promise." I walked past Michael and went to the stairs leading up. I climbed up to the fourth floor and walked down the hall to a set of large double doors. I pushed them open and walked in. Zalphite was resting in a small bed by the window. I walk over to my large bed and sit down. Not long after I sat Nightmare came in.
"John…" she started looking at me. She looked scared and hurt, "What happened to you? You were so kind."
"Im sorry you saw that. I was just getting so mad. I don't know why everyone thinks it is ok for someone to just up and break promises they made." I responded as my magic flared a little but nothing happened that I could see, "I mean from what I have been told this is suppose to be a world of happiness and friendship, but it seems like only the ponies and me care about that." my magic flares again as I collapse into a sobbing heap on the ground. Nightmare walks over to me slowly and sits beside me. She pulls me into an embrace and just holds me as I cry.
Running could be heard outside my room before someone knocked, "My King and Queen!" Lucifer yelled from the other side the door, "Something has happened!"
"Then take care of it!" I yelled back, "I am in no mood to deal with anything." I said quietly so only Nightmare could hear me.
"But Sir," he started again, "All of our ships are back to working condition! It seems someone with a large mana pool used a low level restoration spell on them!" Lucifer finished. I grabbed the door with my magic and pulled it open, "My Lord what is wrong?" he asked as soon as he saw me.
"You ask what is wrong but as soon as I tell you, you will try to scold be just like Michael!" I yelled at him, "I don't see why I can't lead in a way that will not destroy my personal morals! We are supposed to be the ones who help keep others safe not sit by and let our oldest ally die for something that was caused by me!"
"King John I will have a word with Michael." Lucifer said, "I just want you to know that I am grateful that you are trying to stay true to yourself. That is what we need. We need a king who will not stray from his beliefs if there is another way to do things." Lucifer left the room and closed the door behind him.
"John.." Nightmare said, "I hope that we make it to Celestia in time. I may not like her but I do not wish to see Equestria fall from the beast that are attacking."
I rap my arms around Nightmare and pull her closer as I start to relax, "So do I." I looked out the window and watched as airships filled the sky, "I just hope that we are fast enough." I started to think for a moment, "Nightmare how fast did Lucifer tell you those airships could get to Equestria without the city slowing them down?"
"Just under three days from where we found the city why?" Nightmare responds.
"Because we are going ahead of the city with half the fleet. The rest will meet us there in three days time." I quickly get up and run to the mannequin that is holding my armor. The armor was a basic set of heavy plate for the chest. The arms had light plate armor along with the legs. Instead of a helmet I had a hooded cloak and crown. Next to the mannequin was my Katana and some throwing knives. I put on my armor and place my weapons in their proper places and walked to the closet before Nightmare stopped me.
"So what about me?" she asked with an innocent smile.
"You have this." I opened the closet to reveal a midnight blue set of light armor with twin swords on a table next to it, "I hope you like it."
She pulled me in and kissed me, "I love it and you." she said before she started to put her armor on.
"Love you too. I will meet you at the Shadow Wolf." I walked out the room and ignored Michael as he tried to stop me. I walked out the palace and started for the dock that holds my ship. After a decent walk I arrived at the ship to see that it is now fully staffed by both angels and demons. I walk into the ship and went to the bridge.
"King John!" all the angels and demons on the bridge yelled as they saluted.
"At ease. Send a message to the Valkyries and have them meet on the deck after we leave port, and send word to half the fleet that they are to form up on this ship. We are leaving for Equestria." I ordered before everyone scrambled to carry them out. I left the bridge and went on deck and waited for a little while before Nightmare landed in front of me, "How does it fit?"
"It fits perfectly." she responded happily.
"Good. Shadow Wolf, set course for the capital of Equestria. Wait until half the fleet has joined then accelerate to full speed." the Shadow Wolf detached itself from the dock and started moving away from the city. Not long after we left the docks about twenty female angels with spears landed before me.
One of them walked up before bowing, "I am Freya, leader of the Valkyries."
"Freya I thank you for your services to this point as the leader of you elite team but I will have to ask you to relinquish your position." I order drawing looks from every Valkyrie on the deck, "Your Queen shall be leading you from this moment forth until we see fit to return you to command." all the Valkyries sighed in unison, "Now, for this mission I want all of you to stay as close to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria. If they die then us being on that battle field is for nothing."
"Yes, King John!" they all yelled.
I looked at Nightmare, "I know you don't like Celestia, but without her and her sister there is no hope for Equestria. So please keep them alive."
"As you wish my love." Nightmare responded before she turned to the Valkyries, "Alright now I want all of you to meet me over there so that way we can get familiar with each other." she pointed towards the bow of the ship, right as it jolted forward signifying and increase of speed, "We have only a few hours if that so lets get started." she ordered as I walked away.
*****
"Where is he?" Luna asked as she parried a sword that was headed for Celestia.
"I don't know but we won't last much longer. Ponyville is almost completely destroyed." Celestia responded as she became a cyclone of death spinning her sword killing all who got close. She sent out a burst of magic that turned all the creatures around them to ash, "That should give us a small breather." Celestia walked over to the map inside the circle of chairs in Twilight's castle, "I just hope that sending Twilight and her friends to the secret chamber of our old castle was a good idea."
"It was. They do not need to know the darkness that is war. Especially Fluttershy. She would never be the same." Luna responded as she walked up behind Celestia.
A guard ran into the room, "Princesses the fleet has been destroyed. There is no known survivors."
"Order the retreat. Me and my sister will slow them down." Celestia said with a sigh as the guard ran out.
"How many do you think managed to escape the slaughter?" Luna asked.
"Not enough." Celestia responded as she walked out the castle fallowed by Luna, "Be ready to fall this time. Let us give our subjects the time they need to say by to their families." Celestia ran forward with her swords and started to cut down her opponents. Luna shed a tear as she to joined the fight. The two alicorns both sent spells through their enemies as they also engaged others in close quarters with others. The sisters were quickly surrounded by the dark creatures, "I don't think that we can go any farther sister."
"I agree." Luna said before a purple dome appeared around them as a large number of hooves could be heard hitting the ground. There was a sudden clash of metal as the Equestrian guard re-entered the fight. For a moment they were making good headway. The guard managed to push towards Celestia and Luna. Leading the charge was Prince Shinning Armor. At his side was a very pissed Princess Cadence who was using wingblades to make short work of any who got close.
"It seems that our Niece is in charge." Celestia joked as they watched Cadence tear through the enemy.
"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna." Shinning said as he got close, "Me and Cadence got here as soon as we could."
"Not a moment to soon." Luna responded, "Now may me join you in fighting for our country?"
"Lets show them the power of our ponies." Celestia said as Shinning dropped the shield and they all ran into the fight.
Over head none noticed the large number of airships arriving, "All forces drop and engage. I repeat drop and engage." I ordered as angels and demons jump off their ships and fly to the battle bellow. I watch my forces fall to the battle below from the bridge. I scan the field and I see Luna and Celestia, "Valkyries! Form up on me." I ordered before I walked out the bridge and onto the deck. Nightmare and the Valkyries are waiting for me, "I have spotted both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. You are to follow me to them and stay at their side until told otherwise." after a chorus of 'Yes Sir' I walked over to the edge of the deck, "Lets get started then." I dived off the ship followed by the Valkyries. I flared my wings and flew towards Celestia and Luna. I grabbed a magic gem, "I want all vanguard forces pushing the enemy back so we can establish a base of operations." I ordered into the gem. I closed my wings and rolled when I hit the ground. I stood up next to Luna, "Did you guys miss me?" I asked jokingly.
"John!" Luna yelled, "Thank the maker you are here."
Nightmare landed next to me, "Luna it has been some time."
"John we lost almost everything." Celestia said as a tear formed under her eye, "Those beast destroyed the country that we have built."
"Celestia. Luna." I said, "I cannot stay and talk. I am leaving Nightmare and the Valkyries to watch over you." I said before running towards the battle. I drew my sword and jumped over the ponies in front of me. As soon as I landed I spun and clashed swords with one of the creatures. I jumped back a few feet causing it to stumble before I shot forward and stabbed it in the chest. I let go of my Katana and threw four of my throwing knives into approaching creatures. I pull my sword from the dead body as I continued forward. Every enemy I passed ignored me, almost like they were ordered to let me pass.
"So the weak human finally shows his face." a deep voice said as one of the creatures faces me. This one has a bow on his back and a great sword in his hand, "I enjoyed killing the female's body. Her soul makes a great trophy." he laughs, "What you don't believe me?" he pulls a snow white gem from his side, "This is her soul. I have tortured it a great deal since the day I took her from you."
"John!" I hear Angelle's voice call, "Please help me!"
I start to feed magic into my sword as I approach the creature, "Give me that gem." I growled. The creature shook his head before putting it back on his side, "Then DIE!" I yell as I charge forward. I start swinging my sword wildly. He just jumped, ducked, and sidestepped all my swings.
"Such anger. You will never hit me like that." he mocked as he continued to dodge, "You know I think I will take your soul and torture it also."
I stopped swinging and just looked at him panting, "Never." I growl before I push more magic into my sword melting the blade. I threw the hilt to the side and used my magic to make a sword of solid magic.
"You know that you will never win. Your magic is to weak." he said with a smile as he approached me. He raised his sword and brought it down. I tried to block it but my magic sword shattered and his just kept going.
"KING JOHN!" I hear two voices call as I let darkness take me.
*****
Lucifer and Michael land side by side weapons draw, "Fowl beast leave the King alone." Michael said.
"Michael the voice of reason. To what do I owe the pleasure?" the creature said.
"None now be gone." Lucifer responded as he flared his magic and quickly started to roast the creature, "Michael, that beast had a soul gem on it. It is full and it appears that the soul is intact."
"Show it to the king once he heals. I'll take him to the Shadow Wolf. You lead our troops." Michael ordered as he picked John up and flew to the Shadow Wolf.
Lucifer looked at the battle and smiled, "It has been to long since I have let my blade taste blood." he said before he drew a large red claymore "Marcet sine adversario virtus" he charges into the fight lighting his blade with unholy black flames. The battle went on for hours, the Equestrians finally making headway with the help of the two great armies. Having pushed their enemies back Celestia and Luna board the Shadow Wolf. Lucifer is leading them to the medical ward on the ship, "I know that you two don't exactly agree with our king but cut him some slack alright. Being the perfect balance of angelic and demonic his power is stunted. While he can become a great warrior he will never be able to use advanced magic. He can do the basics but not much more." Lucifer explained as they walked through the ship.
"So why did you let him do what he did?" Celestia asked.
"Well he didn't really give us a chance to voice our opinion on the matter. Being who he is makes him a little head strong but he will be a great leader and ally because of it." Michael answered as they reached the medical ward, "Now don't pester him alright. He is still recovering from the fight."
Michael let them into the room. Luna looked at John's sleeping form, "To think that he has went from being just a refugee to being the leader of the world's strongest military force." she said as she sat next to his bed, "I can't believe I treated him so poorly when we met just because of what happened all those years ago."
"Sister relax. If he would have resented you do you think that he would have came back to save us?" Celestia asked as she sat next to her sister.
"You know that the Gryphons tried to have him leave you for dead right." Nightmare said causing the two alicorns to jump, "It was his kindness and his determination to keep the promise he made to you Celestia that gave him the strength to refuse them."
"Nightmare what did you do to gain his trust?" Luna asked with traces of hate in her voice.
"One I saved him from death and two he saved me from an execution. I didn't earn his trust he just gave me a chance to do good." she responded as she touched John's face, "But even with all your preaching about friendship, you wouldn't give me that chance Celestia. You could only think about what I did in the past. I was alone in that castle for years and you didn’t even consider the fact that I could have changed."
"I'm sorry." Celestia responded with a defeated tone, "I was letting my anger blind me."
"I understand all to well. I accept your apology. Now may I have a moment alone with my soon to be husband." she said quietly as a tear slowly drifted down her cheek. Luna and Celestia looked at her then quietly left the room, "Why did you have to be so rash?" she asked starting to sob, "I finally find someone who actually values me and you go and almost get yourself killed why?" Nightmare pulls John into a hug as she cries into his chest.
Freya slowly walked into the room, "My Queen," she started softly, "The troops want to know what orders you have for them."
Nightmare turned to Freya, "Tell them to push forward and destroy the enemy. Use any means to remove their threat to this world." she growled, "And if they ask why, tell them that those beast almost took their king from them."
Freya bowed, "Yes my Queen." she left the room.
Nightmare crawled into John's bed and just laid next to him. She stayed there for hours, waiting for him to wake up. Slowly sleep started to take her.
*****
Feeling started to return to my body. Below me was something soft and next to me was something warm. I started to feel the breathing of whatever is next to me and I started to try and open my eyes. The light of the room was blinding. I slowly turn my head to the side and see Nightmare lying next to me. Her eyes are puffy and her nose is red, 'Was she crying?' I think to myself. I lift my arm that she is not on top of and rub her cheek in hopes of waking her. She slowly starts to wake and looks at me, "Hey there." I say weekly.
"You’re an idiot." she says bluntly before slapping me softly, "But I still love you." she then kisses me, "We need to get to the bridge. I don't know how long we have been out but I do know that there has been progress in the war."
"Are you sure that it is ok to move me?" I ask a little uneasy about the thought of moving so soon.
"Yes I am now lets get you out the bed." she slides out the bed and slowly helps me sit up, "Don't try to move to quickly alright." I nod as I put my legs over the side of the bed. I noticed that surprisingly I am in a pair of blue jeans and a plain maroon t-shirt. Nightmare put my arm over her shoulder as she pulled me to my feet, "We will go slow alright."
"Yeah. Lets just get out of here. I hate hospitals." I say as we start to walk out the room. The walk to the bridge was long and painful but I didn't say anything. When we got to the bridge Lucifer and Michael were watching the reconstruction of Ponyville, "Michael. Lucifer." I said to get their attention, "What is the status of the war?"
Lucifer steps forward, "Well we pushed them back to the old Equestria boarder once Queen Moon gave us the go ahead to use all we had to fight them. We have lost almost half the fleet due to them using the ships as large bombs to destroy large amounts of our enemy."
"On top of that, Eden as arrived and is currently sitting above Canterlot. The fleet that was guarding it has been mobilized to finish what our initial attack force started. Total loses on our side look to be almost half of both Angel and Demon populations. They will probably fall to about twenty-five percent for both Angels and demons by the end. We will no longer be the strongest military, we will still hold the technological advantage." Michael finished.
"How long till the war is over?" I ask, really not liking the loses we are taking.
"I would say about two to three days." Lucifer answered, "But that does not include the time it would take us to find the families who managed to hide from their attackers."
"So long as they are found I don't care." I say getting a glare from Michael, "I only want to see this war over with. Then we will us what little resources we have to help Celestia and Luna restore their country to a stable point, then we can lick our wounds and rebuild ourselves. We are strong enough to keep going, they are not." I finished before I started to limp to my chair.
"That is very kind of you John." Celestia says as she walks into the bridge, "It takes a great man to do what you have done. Many would not have lead their troops like you did. No matter how dangerous it was, it seems as though you would go before you would send your army."
"I thank you for the compliment Celestia, but doing what I did only means that I care for those I rule. I would never ask them to do something I would not do myself." I say with a slight smile.
"But you see John," Luna said as she walked up next to Celestia, "While what you said is true, not many would do it. Long ago we were the same way, but after my fall I didn't trust myself to be on the battlefield again. You pushed Celestia in the direction that we went. Your words caused us to take up our weapons and actually defend our ponies."
"Luna. Celestia," Nightmare started, "I am sorry for the pain that I caused all those years ago. I don't even remember why I took the name Nightmare Moon." she looks down at me, "But I think that it is time that I am called a name more fitting for me."
"Well what name do you have in mind?" I ask.
"Well I was thinking something like Tsuki. It flows better than Nightmare Moon don't you think." she responds.
"I think that Tsuki is an amazing name." I turned my attention back to Celestia and Luna, "What plans do you have for rebuilding your country?"
"That is actually why we are here." Celestia said, "We were hoping that Eden could be placed within our boarders and used as an Equestrian city in a way. You and Tsuki will keep your place as the King and Queen, but we will rule the country as a joint effort. This way we can restore both of our countries at the same time."
"So you want to rule as a council instead of just being the Princesses of your country. That is a bold move but a much needed one. This way we can each focus on one aspect of rebuilding the country." I respond, "But which City shall be the capital of our joint country?"
"I feel like Ponyville will suffice, once it is rebuilt that is." Luna said with a smile. Celestia nodded in agreement, "That was the most welcoming of the towns before it was destroyed."
"I think that would be a grand idea." Tsuki said, "Ponyville? I do not know of that one."
"That is the town you made your appearance at. It is also where the elements of harmony live, well lived." Celestia answered.
"Oh," Tsuki slumped a little, "I guess that they won't be happy to see me then."
"They will come around. Just don't give them a reason to be scared of you, and just remember that the town does not care for titles. All are equals there." Luna reassured.
"Lets move on." I said pulling them from their conversation, "We need to figure out how we will even begin to do this. How will we secure our boarders? My army is almost completely gone. Equestria's population has been nearly wiped out. Yes we do still have soldiers but how can we justify the amount of land that we have?"
Celestia and Luna look at me, both looked at me with surprise, "I didn't think you were a politician on your world." Celestia said.
"I wasn't. I just paid attention to world events and what leaders did with their country. I could probably point out revolutions before they happen in some countries." I stated, "But I will not act like a god and use my knowledge to force other countries into action. I will help when asked but I will not force anything." I looked at the three rulers in front of me then to Michael and Lucifer, "I need you two to start on organizing the reconstruction of any major cities including Ponyville. I will find a suitable location to have Eden rest on the ground so all may see it. I will not have anyone thinking that we are better than them." Michael and Lucifer saluted and left, "So how shall we proceed Celestia and Luna? We have a nation to rebuild."
The two alicorns stared at me, "First we would have to request a meeting of the Council of Nations, so that they can be updated on the status of Equestria and Purgatory." Celestia said, "But I do not know how long that will take."
"Is there any laws against me going to each kingdom and personally request that the leader joins us for a meeting of sorts?" I ask. Celestia and Luna look at each other and shake their heads.
"There is no laws stopping you from doing such a thing." Luna responded.
"Alright then. Set course for the Gryphon kingdom." I ordered. The Shadow Wolf lurches suddenly as it carries out my order.
