The Wolf and the Rainbow

Chapter Seven

Moon Howl was getting ready to leave the hospital, Rainbow Dash at her place to get everything ready while Scootaloo was at school. The stallion made sure he had everything, and wasn’t forgetting anything, when a knock came at the door. “Come in.” Moon Howl called out.

A white earth pony mare walked in, Nurse Redheart if he remembered correctly, her steps were filled with nervousness. “U-Um, Mr. Howl? Y-You have a… Uh, visitor.” She said, looking back out the door.

Moon Howl raised an eyebrow, her posture was strange and she was fearful about something. He knew it wasn’t him, because she kept looking out the door. “They may come in, though… I am getting ready to leave.” Moon Howl replied, the nurse pony nodding before motioning for someone to enter.

The Charger went wide eyed, as a pure white pony, taller than him, slowly walked in. She had a mixture of green, blue, and pink; colored mane, with a sun cutiemark. But what really caught his attention, was the fact that she had both a horn and wings. The mare gave him a nod, a warm smile on her muzzle. “Hello, I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria.” Nurse Redheart quickly knelt, giving him a strange look. Celestia looked down at her. “Please, I am not insulted. Those of his kind are a proud group of ponies… Only kneeling before two, neither of which I am.”

Nurse Redheart gave a nod. “Y-Yes, Princess. I understand.”

“Good, now would you mind leaving us in private? I wish to speak with Moon Howl, alone.” Celestia asked, Nurse Redheart nodding before she quickly left. The eldest princess then turned to the Charger, just staring at him. The way she was staring, and smiling, at Moon Howl actually made the former Astartes feel uncomfortable. “You have caused quite the ruckus, Ayden Wolfhowl… If I had known about what would have happened, I would’ve had you sent to my castle. At least, then, Twilight wouldn’t be asking so many questions.” She giggled.

“W-What?” Moon Howl managed to say, confused at how this pony knew who he really was. “H-How did you?”

“I was aware of your presence, and past, moments before you arrived. It isn’t an everyday thing, for an Astartes to find their way into Equestria.” Celestia answered, holding her smile. “Before you ask, I am not here to threaten you. Merely to inform you that I know, and you may turn to me when you wish.”

Moon Howl simply nodded, keeping his yellow eyes locked on to the alicorn. “Guess that explains some things… I am grateful for your assistance, Princess.” He gave a respectful nod.

Celestia returned the nod, walking towards the door but stopped. “By the way, do not worry about the expenses of your hospital visit, or ones in the future.” She looked back at him, giving a wink. “They will be on me. Consider it a… Welcome to Equestria, and thank you for all the things you’ve done for all, gift.”

Moon Howl nodded, not sure if that winking was her messing or flirting with him. "Uh, thank you, Princess… Your generosity is much appreciated.”

Celestia used her magic to open the door, happily walking out. “It was my pleasure, ~My Little Pony~!” She said, singing the last part, and further confusing Moon Howl quite a bit.

-Rainbow Dash’s House-

Moon Howl was praying to both the All-Father, and the Wolf King, the entire time he tried to keep up with Rainbow Dash. One does not know how hard it is, to keep up with a speed demon and daredevil mixed into one, with unfamiliar appendages. Though, he could tell that she was impressed that he actually stayed right on her tail, and his rather large wing span. All and all, it was a good flight, and he tested his speed.

The two landed on to the Cloud House’s, more like palace in Moon Howl’s opinion, porch and walked up to the door. “I know, the place is a bit big, but what can you expect? I am the fastest flyer in Equestria, the Wonderbolt’s rising star, and Ponyville’s only Weather Captain.” Rainbow Dash said, pulling out her key and opened the door.

“She doesn’t know Imperial Bureaucrats, if she thinks this is big.” He thought, with a smirk. “I’m sure I can cope with it, after all… If those titles are true, I should be honored that such a pony is allowing me to live with her.” Moon Howl teased, causing Rainbow Dash to blush a bit.

“W-Well, they a-are!” She practically shouted, nervously. “After all, I did do the Sonic Rainboom, three times.” Rainbow boasted, after composing herself, while opening the door.

“Three times? That’s rather impressive.” Moon Howl complimented, the All-Father’s knowledge allowing him to know how rare such a feat was. “Doubt I, or my brothers, could attempt such a feat… After all, we’re just warhorses.”

“You got that right, big guy! The first time was how I got my cutie mark.” Rainbow Dash flaunted the mark on her flank, making the cloud and rainbow colored lightning bolt clear to him. “Been proud of it, ever since.”

“Anything you’re proud of, which isn’t part of you?” He asked, following the mare inside of her home. Moon Howl’s gaze picked up on the décor, which reminded him of buildings from Ancient Terra.

Rainbow Dash stopped, and rubbed the back of her head. “Guess I was boasting a bit, wasn’t I?” She asked, Moon Howl giving a teasing nod. “Well, there is a couple of things I’m proud of, that isn’t one of my many attributes… Like my pet, Tank!” The mare raised a hoof up, before calling out. “Hey, Tank! Come and meet our newest guest!”

The sounds of buzzing filled Moon Howl’s ears, making him raise an eyebrow. When said pet hovered into the room, making the stallion become somewhat confused about her choice. “Is that… A tortoise, wearing a patellar on his shell?” He thought, the tortoise landing on to Rainbow Dash’s hoof, allowing the mare to give him a shell noogie.

“Meet Tank! The most tenacious and awesome pet, ever. He’s a-?” She was suddenly cut off.

“A tortoise, judging by his shell style…My guess is that he’s from the Galapaponies Islands?” Moon Howl interjected, once again using the All-Father’s gifted knowledge.

“Y-Yeah, how did you know that?” Rainbow Dash asked, setting Tank down, actually surprised that somepony knew that.

“When you travel on a quest, like I have, you see a great deal of things.” Moon Howl answered, smirking at her. “That isn’t a problem, is it?”

“N-No… Just a first that no one called him a turtle, before I correct them.” Rainbow Dash admitted.

Moon Howl raised an eyebrow. “I don’t see how. For one, he’s much too big to be a turtle. Plus, his shell is completely different from a normal turtle shell.” He pointed out, making Rainbow Dash blush.

“Quick question, you’re not an egg-head, are you?” She asked.

“You would be wrong, in assuming. I prefer the heat of battle, and daring situations.” Moon Howl answered.

“Score!” She mentally squealed, before nodding with a goofy smile. “W-Well, your stuff is already in the guest room. Second floor, first room on the right.” She turned around, and actually walked up the stairs, trying to make Moon Howl watch her do so.

And did he, but the former Astartes had to push such thoughts away. ‘Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I appreciate your hospitality.”

Rainbow Dash looked back, and winked at him. “You can call me Dashie.” She simply said, before disappearing upstairs.

Moon Howl went wide eyed, at the comment she made. “Ok, now that is flirting…” He mentally said.

-Later that Day, at the Schoolhouse-

Moon Howl landed outside of the schoolhouse, wearing his armor rather proudly… How he missed it, the stallion felt so naked without it, literally! He grinned at the thought of Scootaloo’s reaction, when she saw him, before noticing the other adults glancing at him. He was used to it, the All-Father’s people often had the same reaction when they saw a Vlka Fenryka.

“Well howdy, stranger.” A male voice, with a thick country accent, spoke up. This caused Moon Howl to turn, and see a red stallion, just shy of his own height, walk up to him. “Never seen you around these here parts before. Are ya new ta town, or somethin’?”

Moon Howl gave a nod. “Aye, lad, you can say that.” He looked towards the schoolhouse, for a second, and then back to the stallion. “I officially moved here earlier today.”

“That so? Reckon ya haven’t ran inta Ms. Pinkie Pie then, have ya?” The stallion asked.

“Can’t say that I have.” Moon Howl shook his head, and not recalling the name.

The stallion gave a nod. “Ya better get ready, then, partner. She throws a party fer any new pony in town.” He said, thinking for a moment. “I’m Big Macintosh, by the way. Friends call me Big Mac.”

“Moon Howl, friend.” He gave a nod, the other stallion’s eyes going wide.

“Yer that there Charger both my sisters, Applejack and Applebloom, talk about?” Big Mac asked.

He flashed the red stallion a fanged grin. “The one and only, my friend.” He answered, looking back at the schoolhouse. “I’m guessing you’re here to pick up Applebloom?”

“Eeyup.” Moon Howl suddenly got the feeling, that was his catch phrase. “What about you? Heard ya were a loner.” Big Mac asked.

“Here to surprise a certain filly.” Moon Howl answered, looking at the other stallion. “Figured I would brighten her day up.”

“Sounds real noble of ya, Mr. Howl.” Big Mac nodded, before a thought came across his mind. “Say, Mr. Howl, the boys and I are getting’ tagether fer Thursday’s Hoofball game. Figure ya might like ta join in with us.” He offered giving a lazed smile.

Moon Howl thought it over for a moment, having to use the All-Father’s knowledge again. Stallions battling each other, attempting to get a ball to the opposing side’s goal line? Brutally hitting each other, possibly break each other’s bones? Oh yeah, no way in Helheim is he going to miss a chance to watch something like that. “I’ll do my best to show. Where and when?” He asked.

“Seven p.m. sharp, Surger Cube Corner, Mr. Cake has the best television fer it.” Big Mac informed, the two stallions nodding to one another.

Moon Howl gave a smirk. “Hopefully, you will see me then, Big Mac.” The normally silent stallion gave a nod, as the school bell suddenly rang.

Big Mac smiled, as the foals rushed out and he saw his youngest sister. “There’s Applebloom, hopefully I’ll see you on Thursday, Mr. Howl.”

Moon Howl nodded, as the red stallion left with the filly. The sight made him smile, he understood the stallion’s devotion to his youngest sibling. Every Vlka Fenryka had such thoughts, when a younger wolf joined the squad. He gave a longing sigh, remembering his departed brothers. He spent little over a hundred years with them. They survived everything from pirate raids, to full fledge Tyranid Invasions. Yet, that one battle ended everything for him, and took away that powerful, yet dangerous, bond.

“Say you’re sorry, Diamond Tiara.” A filly’s voice brought the stallion out of his thoughts. Moon Howl noticed Scootaloo with two earth pony fillies. One was gray, wearing glasses and a pearl necklace. While the other was some shade of purple-pink, with a tiara on her head. “It’s the only right thing to do.” The gray filly said.

“I don’t see why I should, Silver Spoon. After all, I just told her the truth and wanted to see how well she could fly, now.” ‘Diamond Tiara’ commented, huffing away from the two.

“Because you took it way too far, that’s why.” Silver Spoon said, glaring at the school’s bully. “Now, say it.”

Diamond Tiara only looked at them with one eye. “Only if she proves what I said isn’t true, then I will.” She said, smirking at the request.

“But, that means I have to find somepony to adopt me, or something.” Scootaloo said, both ears dropping into her mane.

“There’s no way she could do that, right now.” Silver Spoon glared, not believing what she heard. But the three got caught off guard, when a forth voice spoke up.

“She might not, but I can” The three fillies turned to see Moon Howl, smirking behind his helmet, walking up to the three. He stood next to Scootaloo, revealing his hidden wing, and draped it over her. “How are you, little pup?”

The two earth pony fillies were dumbfounded by the massive, armored, stallion; their jaws agape. “Moon Howl!” Scootaloo squealed, buzzing up and hugging the stallion’s neck. “W-What are you doing here?” She asked, a glued smile on the pegasus filly’s face.

Moon Howl smiled at her. “I came to surprise you, along with spend the day with my favorite filly.” He answered, before his attention went to the pink earth pony filly. “You must be Diamond Tiarra… I’ve heard quite a lot about you, from Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo.”

Diamond Tiarra’s ears folded down, into her own mane, as the Charger’s gaze fell on to her. “Y-Yes, sir.” She said, her body shaking at the very sight of him.

Moon Howl got closer to her, and lowered his head down. “Here is a word of warning: Those of the Vlka Fenryka are wolves… Every member is family, to each and every one within our ranks. Mess with just one of us, and you better prepare yourself to deal with us all.” Despite wearing his helmet, Diamond Tiara could feel the stallion's glare. “Scootaloo is one of us, I gave her my necklace to prove this. Is that enough proof for your little ‘deal’?”

The fill gave a rapid nod, while Silver Spoon couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “I-It is, sir! More than enough!”

“Good…” Moon Howl moved to where Scootaloo was, in front of Diamond Tiara. “Now, apologize to the pup.”

Diamond Tiara walked up closer to Scootaloo, till scared of Moon Howl being nearby. “I-I’m sorry for what I said, S-Scootaloo. I take back all those mean things I said to you, and breaking your necklace.”

Scootaloo smiled, Moon Howl nodding to her. “Thank you, Diamond Tiara. I accept your apology.” She said, the Charger giving another nod for her ending it at that.

Without another word, Diamond Tiara quickly left, while Silver Spoon continued to stare up at the large stallion. “S-So, you’re Moon Howl?” She looked at the armor, the large sword, and the black fur cloak draped over his body.

“You are correct; I am Moon Howl.” He opened his wings a bit, the cloak folding more on to his back before closing them back. “You are?”

“S-Silver Spoon, sir.” The filly answered, intimidated by his sheer size. In all her life, Silver Spoon has never seen a pony so big nor armor so… Barbaric.

Moon Howl gave a nod, his mind locking her name away, just in case he needed to know something. “Nice to meet you, now then… If you do not mind, I wish to spend the day with Scootaloo, as I said before.” The filly nodded, while he walked back to her. “Ready to go, little pup?”

Scootaloo’s head nodded so fast, Moon Howl even had trouble keeping up how many times her head went up and down. “You bet!” She bounced up, and down, as the stallion lead her towards Ponyville. “Today is going to be so awesome!”

Moon Howl couldn’t help but laugh at her eagerness. “I am glad to raise your spirits, little pup.” He said, as they got closer to the main part of town. “So, what would you like to do first?” They stopped, as the pegasus filly began to think. “I made sure nothing was planned for me today, even told ‘Princess Twilight’ she will have to hold off on her questions.”

Scootaloo’s smile grew even wider. “Awesome! Oh, think you can show me some of your moves?” She asked, looking up at him. “Or tell me about Wolf King some more?”

“I can do both, actually.” Moon Howl looked down at her. “Which would you like first?”

“Hm…” Scootaloo thought for a moment, then a question came to mind. “Oh! I would like to know… Since he was so great, did Wolf King ever regret anything? I mean, he sounds so confident and doesn’t seem to look back on anything.”

That question made Moon Howl hesitate, for all Vlka Fenryka knew their King and his Saga… The entire Saga. “There was one thing our King regretted, something that broke his heart just thinking about doing.”

Scootaloo stopped smiling, looking up at him. “What did he have to do, exactly?”

“Know this, nothing meant more to Wolf King than family… So, when an incident occurred, and one of his eighteen brothers was condemned to death, it felt like somepony plunged a sword into his heart.” Moon Howl started, looking down at her.

“Why did it… Hurt him so much?” She asked, wondering how the great king could have regretted it.

“Because, it was Wolf King that had to carry out the execution order of his brother.” He answered, the filly gasped at what she just heard him say. “Before you ask ‘why would he do it’, it was his father that gave the order. Granted, he never saw eye to eye with his brother, known as Crimson King, but to actually kill him?” Moon Howl recalled how the great Fel-Handed told the story. Even using the vox speakers of his sarcophagus, one could hear the sorrow in his voice. “None could imagine the pain and agony our king suffered. The blood of his own brother, one he often found true competition with, was on his hooves. Legends say he howled, and howled, for days until his voice was hoarse, to try and drown out his sorrow.”

Scootaloo couldn’t believe it, nor could a certain cyan pegasus mare that was spying on them from a cloud. “Dang… He actually went that far?” Rainbow Dash thought, watching the two from her favorite cloud. “Talk about dedication and loyalty to one’s leader.”

“He never truly forgot what he did, and it changed him… But our king held the Vlka Fenryka even closer, and became far more protective.” Moon Howl looked at Scootaloo, smiling. “How about I show you some of my moves, hm? Teach you a few things, just in case you truly wish to be a Wolf Sister.”

Scootaloo nodded, smiling even brighter, as the two of them walked towards the Park. Rainbow Dash using her cloud to follow them, smirking. “This should be good; I’ll get to see how Moon Howl trains.” She muttered, but quickly hid when the Charger looked up at where she was, before continuing their way towards the Park. “Crud… How could he hear me from up here?” Rainbow Dash thought, glancing back down at the two.