Guardian Wings

Guardian’s Wings

Prologue:

It would be only five minutes before they broke into the place. What could he do? The barricade wasn’t the sturdiest thing ever and he had nothing to defend myself or the others. The door began to splinter and crack with a deafening noise. They were almost inside! Frostlight began to think, what would Nightwind do? He was trapped and doomed to die, but then he saw something glint in the corner of the room…

Chapter 1: Introductions

It was a rainy day, and the rain pattered on the dirt road in a fine rhythm. It reminded Frostlight of his first days of being a weather Pegasus. There was nothing that Frostlight enjoyed more than making weather, other than a couple other things. Most ponies would consider weather other than sunny days terrible. But Frostlight was a unique Pegasus. He enjoyed weather every minute he could. Other ponies would stay inside during rain storms, but Frostlight would sit on is patio and enjoy it, ignoring that fact he was drenched afterward. But if there was something he cherished more than rain, it was snow. To Frostlight, snow was even more magical than a unicorn’s literal magic. No matter how cold, he would feel the warmth of happiness whenever it snowed. His cutie mark even was three snowflakes, and his coat a bright white, with a teal mane. Even though he loved weather and making it, there was something more he pined for in life. And it was to become a member of the royal guard in Canterlot.

The chance to get an opportunity to join was very slim, and the initiation was brutal to even the most headstrong pony. Frostlight had a very nice muscle build, and could do things weaker ponies couldn’t, but still he wasn’t cut out for that type of daily activity. But still he loved to protect, he wouldn’t fight for any other reason. He felt fighting for fun was okay, but he still didn’t enjoy it, but when it came to protect somepony or something that he loved or cared for, he’d willingly lay his life on the line for it.

For now, Frostlight lay silently in his bed, listening to the rain patter on the road outside, and on his windowpane. He had friends, but didn’t try to be popular. Too much expectations and competition, and he weren’t the most outgoing Pegasus. He didn’t know how in the hay how someone as outgoing as Pinkie Pie could go around talking and making friends with strangers and not feel in the slightest uncomfortable. But he guessed in her Pinkie logic, strangers were actually friends, and she wanted to be BEST friends. But he decided that it was best not to question Pinkie logic, besides, it was fun that way. Frostlight heard a knocking at his door, and got up quietly to go see what it was, or who. He quickly turned on the lights before he opened the door and when he did he was greeted with the dark blue face of his long term friend, Nightwind. “How’s it going weather-pony?” He started. “Well, it’s a beautiful day and I’m kind of bored, but I guess today is going exceptionally okay.” Frostlight said. “What’s with you and those kinds of words? Are you trying to sound really educated or something?” Nightwind replied. “Nah, I just speak like this, you know I’m just trying to expand my vocabulary into words pegasi these days don’t use, you know, just trying to be different.” Frostlight said. “Well, you could be further from the herd, especially because of the way you adore gloomy weather.” Nightwind replied with a smug expression. “Hey! It’s not gloomy, it’s very beautiful, and I appreciate nature with its weather, and I enjoy making it.” Frostlight snapped feeling his face going red. “Okay chill out bro, I’m just saying you are acting like the weather happens on its own or some nonsense like that.” Nightwind said as he started to gaze at the sky.

The rain had died down and the weather team pulled in to clear the sky. “Well it’s about 78time; I’d rather it be night though.” Nightwind said ruefully. Nightwind’s special talent was being stealthy, he’d love to break into houses and sneak around for the fun of it, but he never stole anything. His cutie mark was a cloak and raven that was hovering above it, and resembled some sort of shadowy like mystery. Nightwind hardly opened up to other ponies but he was still nice to be with at times, though he could be insensitive at times. Frostlight was sensitive, but he wasn’t a total softy. He could actually be very solitary and very tough in a snap when he needed to be. “You want to go get something to eat?” Nightwind asked. “Yeah, let’s go.” Frostlight replied.

Nightwind and Frostlight headed down the paved road and stopped at the small diner alongside the road. They lived in a small town named Sky wind, and Nightwind would sometimes tease others in a joke saying the town was half-named after him. The town itself was about 15 miles out from Ponyville, and didn’t get too much traffic. Despite being called Sky wind, the town was built on the ground, symbolizing the bond between the Earth ponies and the Pegasi. Another town to the east symbolized the bond between Pegasi and Unicorns, but Frostlight never paid attention to its name. They pushed the doors open with their heads, feeling too lazy to use their hooves, at sat down heavily at the counter. “I’ll have some hay fries, and I’ll guess Frost over here will have water.” Nightwind said. “No objections here.” Frostlight mumbled. Frostlight had been in this diner many times over and still felt calm every time he came in. It had white and black tiles on the floor, and a sort of sturdy wood that formed the tables and counters. “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited Cross Sticks and Static Sound over to eat with us.” Nightwind began. “I don’t care, its fine.” Frostlight said. Frostlight was bored completely out of his mind, and he needed something to fix that. Static and Sticks were fun to hang out with, and were ranting on about how the band they were going to form was gonna rock. “Helllllloooo!” Static shouted as she pranced into the diner. Sticks were sort of quiet, but when he got his hooves on a pair of drum sticks and a drum kit, he could really rock it out loud. Static preferred the guitar, and Sticks of course the drums. Nightwind liked the bass, but Frostlight wasn’t in the band. Frostlight was more focused on other matters, and plus Frostlight wasn’t very good at singing so they would have to find another pony to sing. Sticks had a jagged mane that screamed rock and roll, and you could spot him easily out of the average herd. His coat was a gray, and his mane was half red and half yellow, and was divided down the middle. Static Sound had the weirdest mane cut ever, but it seemed to fit her nicely. It was hard to explain her mane to a stranger until they saw it themselves. It was like a normal mane, but there was many turn-backs at the end of the mane that dropped at her body, much like Pinkie Pie’s, and she had a sort of hook shaped curl on top of her mane that protruded very noticeably. Her mane was deep lavender, while her coat was a striking magenta. It looked like a rock n’ roll version of Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle combined to some extent.

“You guys been behaving yourselves lately?” Frostlight said hesitantly. “What’s it to you?” Static said narrowing her eyes. Static was sort of a rebel and loved a little bit of chaos every now and then. The pony police were usually used to her shenanigans, but sometimes they were forced to have to put her in a detention center. “Never mind, I was just wondering…” Frostlight trailed off eager to change the subject. “How’ve you been Frost?” Cross Sticks greeted. “I’m fine, but I need to find a way to join the Royal Guard in Canterlot.” Frostlight said grimly. “You still hung up on that?” Nightwind intervened. “I thought you gave up on that about a week ago.” “Nah, I just felt pretty down, but I hear the princess is giving tests out to potential recruits to see if they got what it takes to join the guard. But still, it’s pretty hard to join if you’re not an Alicorn.” Frostlight said. “Well forget it, no one ever will realize that you don’t need some fancy magic OR wings to be in that guard. It’s seems unfair if you ask me.” Static said with an edge to her voice. Static never liked Alicorns; she’d always rant on about how they’re arrogant and petty. I always had envied them, to have both wings and a horn seemed very unique. I sighed, “Well, I can always try, but I doubt I’ll make it in…” “Hey don’t think like that Frostlight,” Sticks was always there to encourage Frostlight. “You can make it and maybe even surpass other recruits, but with that mindset you won’t make it past initiation!” Frostlight smiled, it was a while since Frostlight last smiled, maybe two weeks, “Thanks Sticks.” He smiled back at me, “You ponies going to order something or what?” The barpony asked. “Nah, we’re leaving right now” Nightwind said as he proceeded to the door. “Let’s go find something to do.”

The four ponies thought it would be best if they decided to pay Ponyville a visit, and maybe play in the park and if they wanted to, have a picnic or nap a bit. They were only hanging out, and they didn’t feel they need to do something extreme at the very moment, so a subtle visit to Ponyville seemed nice. “Nightwind and I will go ahead and find us a nice tree to hang around at the park there, so we’ll meet you there.” Frostlight said, and was met by agreement. Nightwind and Frostlight were Pegasi, but Static was a unicorn, and Cross Sticks was a normal earth pony. Frost and Night were fast when it came to flying, and they’d love to race. After hearing about the stories of the Element Ponies in Ponyville, and hearing about Rainbow Dash’s swiftness and speed, it seemed to affect how competitive they got. They always sort of admired her, although they never met her. But both of them had met Pinkie Pie, after their first visit to the town. It seemed impossible to NOT meet her, but it was nice to see somepony who liked to see other ponies happy, so she could be happy too.

Frostlight and Nightwind flew as fast as they could, for they always had some sort of non-verbal agreement every time they went somewhere that it would be a race to see who would get there first. Frostlight loved to fly, it felt exhilarating to feel the speed, adrenaline, and wind whip across his body. Besides the stray bug that hit Frostlight’s face every now and then, it was almost perfect. Although Frostlight loved to fly, he was afraid of falling, heights didn’t bother him, but the very feeling of falling just made him shudder. It always gave him an empty stomach feeling and it almost always disoriented him afterwards. Nightwind had a small lead on Frostlight, but Frostlight was gaining on him. Frostlight would always win in straight paths, but he wasn’t as good when it came to twists and turns. But that’s where Nightwind always won; he could pull off dazzling stunts even when danger was ever-present. Frostlight continued to gain on Nightwind, who only seemed almost only a blur of black and blue to his eyes. Frostlight couldn’t help but feel he would win, but that only motivated him to gain speed to catch up. His wings felt lighter than air as he sped through, only two miles left until they reached Ponyville. On his right his saw the Everfree Forest come into view, and Frostlight instantly knew they were almost there. Frostlight heard Nightwind say something, but the rush of wind drowned out his words. Frostlight flapped his wings even harder so that it felt that they would become instant lead from all the work they were doing. He caught up to Nightwind and they were flying side by side. Both Pegasi looked at each other at the same time, and they couldn’t help but grin. They had both tied.
Both Nightwind and Frostlight arrived in Ponyville and quickly made it to the park just so they could fall exhausted onto the soft grass that grew there.

Frostlight continued his exasperated gasps for air while Nightwind tried to recover his breath so he wouldn’t look tired out, but the failed in doing so and eventually gave up. Nightwind cared a lot for his reputation and would always try to build upon it when given the chance. Frostlight cared what people thought of him, but didn’t care for being popular. “So, you think we tied?” Frostlight said still breathless. “Let’s just keep it that way so we don’t have to argue about it.” He chuckled. We both gazed out onto the park field looking for a nice tree to curl up under. It was hot, and Frostlight would always feel hotter than other ponies would feel. He was always sensitive to heat, but he wouldn’t get sunburned too often. “Hey! You think that tree would do the trick?” Nightwind called to Frostlight. Frostlight looked over to where he was pointing and say a lovely oak tree that had many twisted branches spread out making a beautiful umbrella shape forming a significant shadow in the noon sunlight. “Perfect.” Frostlight said quietly.

They quickly flew over and lay down on their sides, still heaving breathless from the race they had on the way here. “When do you think they’ll get here?” Frostlight asked. “Soon, I guess, you know they always take their time when they travel without real purpose.” Nightwind replied. “But you never know, it’s pretty hot all a sudden…” Nightwind trailed off and began to gaze off into the sunlight. “The Weather Team has really been working hard lately; they’ve been changing the weather faster than ever.” Frostlight said. “You know Frost; you may be the best flyer other than Dash and the Wonderbolts that I’ve ever seen, I mean you fly so fast.” Nightwind began. “Hey,” Frostlight cut him off, “You actually almost beat me today, so I don’t want to hear how good I was.” Nightwind frowned, he seemed anxious. “Why are you so humble when it comes to compliments?” He asked. “Because arrogance leads to failure when expectations are high, and I don’t need that.” Frostlight said without hesitation. He knew why Frostlight acted how he did, and Frostlight knows what he wants and he knows how to get there, unless when it comes to the Royal Guard. “I know the Wonderbolts are very selective of their crew, but if and I mean IF, you can’t join the Royal Guard, maybe you should try to join them.” Nightwind suggested. “Maybe…” Frostlight said, “Just maybe.”

Cross Sticks and Static Sound arrived about 15 minutes later, carrying with them a bag full of foods and other equipment, and they arrived by carriage apparently. “Too lazy to walk eh?” Nightwind shouted to them. “Cross Sticks didn’t seem to care about the comment, but Static Sound perked up at the remark and shouted back, “I’m sorry we could magically grow wings and fly over here quickly like you two!” She shouted. “Use your magic then!” Nightwind replied with a smug grin. It’s almost as if the two had a love-hate relationship, they just loved to hate each other, at least in a playful manner. “Hurry up! The day won’t last forever!” Frostlight shouted to them as they hurried over to the tree we were under. “I wouldn’t mind if night lasted forever…” Nightwind said under his breath. Frostlight grinned at him, “I bet you wouldn’t.” Frostlight said. Static Sound began to unpack everything, and Cross Sticks seemed to have disappeared to somewhere else. “Where’s Sticks?” Frostlight asked. “Well, he’s probably off wandering; he’s a quiet one you know?” Static Sound replied to me. Frostlight heard the rustling of leaves above him and looked up only to see that Nightwind was trying to find a descent place to rest on the tree branches, but without knowing, he knocked off several twigs which promptly landed on his face. “Watch it!” Frostlight snapped. “Get over it, it was an accident!” He shouted back. Frostlight felt bored but annoyed at that point, so he felt the need to wash away that feeling. “Static, keep an eye out on the food.” Frostlight told Static sound, and quickly grabbed a Frisbee out of bag that Static brought with her. Frostlight was REALLY good at Frisbee, and could aim the disc and throw it pretty far. So he flexed his right wing and used it to grip the Frisbee, and fling it at Nightwind. Though Nightwind is good at sneaking, but he’s better at detection. He quickly ducked down and caught the disc with his left wing. “Nice try, but you’ll have to do better!” He said as he threw it back at me. Frostlight weaved to the side and caught it quickly fearing that it would go past and off into the park. “Hey! I’m trying to tune my guitar!” Static shouted, but quickly ditched that idea and caught the disc in mid air as she threw it back and Nightwind. She looked to her left, and while using her magic, she flung it off into the park. Nightwind and Frostlight frowned, but then it came back and hit the tree. “Sticks! Get over here!” Static Sound shouted. Sticks emerged out of a bush in the distance, looking groggy and trotted over to us. “I’m trying to sleep and I get hit in the head with a stupid Frisbee…” He moaned. Nightwind and Frostlight chuckled at that and Frostlight picked up the Frisbee again, and Nightwind jumped down for a round of disc tag. Basically its tag, but you have to tag somepony with the Frisbee, and you HAVE to throw it, even if its point blank range.

Nightwind quickly dodge rolled behind the tree and ran off, Frostlight wondered why when he realized he was it. Nightwind was smart to use the tree because every pony knew Frostlight could throw. No magic or wings were allowed to ensure the fairness of the game unless the wings were used in place of hooves in throwing, but Frostlight still learned how to throw with my mouth. Frostlight quickly turned sideways, and launched the disc at Static Sound. Static was already running away and made a turn behind a rock. But Frostlight predicted that, and threw the disc with a curve so that it would weave in an arc so that it hit her behind the small boulder. The disc began to curve and the wind took it so it went faster and even Nightwind could hear the sound of it making contact with Static Sound’s body, and of course her shouting in pain. Every pony stood quiet after hearing that, about one minute later she came out from behind the rock limping. A bright red streak was slashed across her flank that was extremely obvious showing so that even Nightwind could see it from across the park. “By Celestia…” Frostlight breathed. He took off running faster than he could comprehend knowing that Static would be back faster than you could say “Revenge”. He never meant to hit her that hard but there was no taking it back now that it was done with. “FROOOOOOOOST!!!” Frostlight heard Static Sound shout at him. Frostlight knew he was in for it, and looked behind myself as he ran toward Nightwind. She was gaining on him, and fast. “Hit the deck!” Frostlight heard Nightwind shout, and hastily he dove down to see the Frisbee wedge itself in the ground a couple meters in front of him. Frostlight got up as fast as he could and headed for a group of trees in hope of finding a hiding place. Static Sound was beginning to run toward the Frisbee and now that she was distracted it was a perfect time to hide. “Where do you think I should hide? Maybe those trees?” Frostlight gasped. “I don’t know right now but you should hurry it up, I’ll try to calm her down.” Nightwind told me. Frostlight began to run again and he also wondered where Cross Sticks went again, but it didn’t matter now, he had to hide.

Meanwhile Cross Sticks saw what happened and took cover in a nearby bush and watched the carnage unfold. He decided it was smart that if he hid in a bush, then Static wouldn’t take it out on him. Static was short tempered, and he didn’t want any of it. He noticed Frostlight was headed out of the park and toward some forest in the distance, and that Nightwind was going toward Static Sound, most likely to calm her down. He figured Nightwind had that under control, but he decided it best to keep an eye out on Frostlight and went to follow him into the forest.

Frostlight continued running to the forest he spotted, it seemed a lot more effective than hiding in a group of trees. She would never find him here as long as he kept quiet until she calmed down. He ran for what seemed an endless amount of time but then reached the edges of the forest. An old sign stood at the path going into the forest, but it was unreadable. Scratched and weathered for a long time it seemed, but it didn’t matter, he was going in. Cross Sticks was following him slowly to avoid his attention, but he couldn’t help but notice that the other ponies around him began to murmur around him, and he heard somepony ask another why that Pegasus was going into the Everfree Forest, and that he was a fool. Cross Sticks got worried, he had to warn Frostlight that it was dangerous, but he already went into the forest and disappeared from sight. He ran over to the forest’s edge and peered into the dark canopy looking for Frostlight, how hard could it be to find a white colored Pegasus in a dark green forest? And why didn’t he just fly to the clouds in the first place?

Frostlight continued to run until he found a thick tree with plenty of leaves and branches to conceal him. Why didn’t he just fly away? He thought to himself. It didn’t matter now, he was safe from Static’s rage and all he needed to do was waiting. He lay down on the thickest branch that was near the bottom, but well concealed with leaves. He sighed loudly and began to daydream. What did he need to do to get noticed by the Royal Guard that wasn’t a fraud? Anypony could con them into getting their attention, but when the time came he would need to prove he could be an asset to them he would fail. It seemed unfair that only Alicorns were so common in the Guard, but at the same time it was understandable. They were the most versatile species that could fly AND use magic. It was a rare opportunity to be accepted into the Guard and not be an Alicorn. Maybe all he needed to do was prevent a disaster or something of that nature, but where would he start and where could he find one? He started to feel selfish and ditched the idea. How could he wish for somepony to be in danger? But as he thought that, a twig snapped nearby. He quickly got up and scanned the forest floor. Did Static find him, and how? He was in a thick forest and could have gone anywhere. A dark figure seemed to creep through the bushes nearby left to Frostlight, and he quickly shouted, “Hey!” The figure jumped, seeming to be startled and shouted back, “Frostlight! There you are!” It was Cross Sticks; he had wondered where he went. “So you were hiding here too?” Frostlight asked. “No, I’m actually here to get you out of here.” He replied. “Wha-“ Frostlight began but was interrupted by a rustling noise in the near distance. “Okay, you’re in the Everfree Forest and it’s dangerous! We need to leave now!” Cross Sticks demanded.

Frostlight quickly got up on the branch but something moved closer from the bushes behind him. Frostlight quickly spread his wings but before he could take off the tree trunk cracked horizontally around the tree and started to topple over. Frostlight jumped off the tree and landed with a heavy thud on the ground. “ACK!!” Frostlight grunted loudly. Cross Sticks ran over to him, “Are you okay?!” He shouted. “I think…I broke my left wing…” Frostlight choked out exasperated. “We’ll tend to that wings later but we need to leave!” Sticks shouted. Behind the tree stump, a black miasma of matter began to rise up and curl around the stump. Shapes began to form in the black matter. “What in the hay is that thing?” Frostlight gasped in pain. “It doesn’t matter now, we need to leave and inform the Guard!” Sticks shouted. Sticks helped me up even though it was my wing that was broken, not any of my legs. The black matter began to take on a more distinct shape. It began to look more like another Pegasus, IT WAS A PEGASUS. The thing started to move forward and we watched it in horror. It had terrible movement, very jerky and uncoordinated. But as it moved, it became more coordinated and deliberate. Sticks and Frost began to turn and charge forward in the opposite direction. “What is that…thing!?” Frostlight shouted as they ran by the moss covered trees. “I don’t know! But we’ll have to report this and find out soon!” Both of the friends looked behind each other, and saw that the black creature was right behind them, and was only getting faster and more dedicated to hunting them down, or whatever it had intended for them. The edge of the forest was nearing, but the creature was still getting closer. Their surrounding was getting lighter, but the creature seemed to make the environment around it darker. As if it blocked out the sun wherever it walked, and its eyes took on a shade of scarlet. The light seemed to grow brighter, but still out of reach, and the two were losing their breath quickly, and Frostlight’s will to go on was diminishing. His wing felt painful with the sense of a cramping pain as if something was making it crush inward. He felt like cutting it off if he could, but he needed to keep running. He needed to escape the creature.

They neared the forest and the creature was gaining, it was about 10 meters behind them. They were so close, and a dark figure appeared at the edge of the forest. Frostlight felt his heart drop, he was doomed. But something was different. It eyes, they didn’t glow. Another figure appeared beside it, and it said something hastily to the other. Frostlight and Cross Stick were running so hard; they couldn’t make any detail of their surroundings beside them. They suddenly heard a loud CRACK! And a loud thud of something heavy hitting the forest floor. It was Static Sound and Nightwind, and the noise behind them was a tree that Static Sound used her magic to bring down to block off the creature behind them. Frostlight and Cross Sticks collapsed onto the green field that collided with the edge of the Everfree Forest. Frostlight fell onto his broken wing and shouted in pain. “What’s wrong, well besides the….the thing that was chasing you?” Nightwind asked worried. “My…my wing, the left one…” Frostlight choked out, and passed out into blackness. “We need to…get to Princess Celestia now.” Cross Sticks said out of breath, but urgently.