Chapters Twilight's meeting of Thanatos, the god of death
Twilight sat in her bedroom in Canterlot castle. It had been a few years since Kaorn's defeat and Equestria had changed since his army had purged the land. The Crystal empire had fallen to ash, burying those who had resisted Kaorn in his usurping of the throne. It also stood as a memorial to Princess cadence and shining armor, the first victims of Kaorn's tyrannical takeover. Canterlot had become the only large city left in equestria, and Twilight had moved to Canterlot until Ponyville could be rebuilt. Ponyville had been completely leveled during his invasion, and there were only a few ponies left in the construction industry.
After Celestia had died, Fury Flight had taken on the responsibility of the bringer of the sun. Luna had become more detached from the world after Celestia died, and was rarely seen outside the castle. Twilight's friends had also moved into the castle as Fury had deemed it good to have the Elements close by, just in case.
Twilight heard a noise coming from the hallway outside of her room. It sounded like a coarse whisper, calling her name softly from the darkness. She walked into the hallway and turned towards the library where the voice resounded from. She entered the library to see a lone hooded figure draped in a black robe. he was a pale white from what Twilight could tell. The figure removed the robe and revealed his form. He was indeed a pale white in color, almost too pale. His horn was long and sharp at the edge, and his wings were not just one, but a double set of a pale blue.
"Twilight Sparkle, it is truly an honor to meet you", the figure said to the purple alicorn.
"How do you know my name stranger", Twilight asked, a touch of fear in her voice.
"Where are my manners", the figure said slowly. "My name is Thanatos, and I am the old god of death. I was banished ten thousand years ago for a punishment that I have paid for in full", Thanatos said to Twilight as her eyes widened at the sound of his name.
"What punishment did you pay for, Thanatos", Twilight asked slowly. Her fear began to grow as Thanatos' horn lit up.
"My punishment was for a long time ago, before this world began. Me and my brethren ruled this universe for thousands of years, and we destroyed every bit of creation that came along until the new ponies arrived here. They waged a war, killing off my brethren and banishing me to a land of the dead for ten thousand years", Thanatos said very calmly. "I did not come to this castle to explain why I was banished though princess. I come bearing a message of great importance to you", Thanatos said.
"What kind of message would appeal to me that a being, banished for thousands of years would have", Twilight asked.
"A way to change the past princess, to bring back those fallen and save a future filled with death", Thanatos said with a smile on his face.
"That would mean changing the past, and rewriting history forever. That kind of magic doesn't exist", Twilight said angrily, staring into the eyes of death itself.
"For beings such as yourself, it is impossible", Thanatos said, and then continued his answer. "But for beings such as myself who can control time itself, it is not out of the question. The planets are aligning and my magic is growing. When they are aligned, I will be able to open a hole in time and rewrite history", Thanatos said as he let his magic dissipate.
"this is unreal, a way to change history and bring back my brother and the princesses. what's the catch", Twilight said as she pranced happily in place in front of Thanatos.
"The price is only your greatest achievements. As with all powerful magic, a sacrifice is needed to make the magic work", Thanatos said with a solemn face.
"Oh, I guess that would make sense. Can I have some time to think about it, and talk it over with my teacher and mentor", Twilight asked sadly.
"Of course Twilight, take all the time you need. Remember that the alignment is coming though, and it will not wait for you to decide", Thanatos said as he disappeared into the shadows, becoming nothing as his body faded away into the darkness.
Twilight stood alone in the empty library, thinking about the decision that had just been brought before her. A way to change history, and save the world from a war that destroyed it. It only cost her everything she had ever done, could she do it? Could she give up everything she had, her castle, the Guardian, Her friends? Twilight knew she couldn't make a decision of this magnitude on her own. She decided to use the whistle that Fury flight had given to her to call him from anywhere. She blew on the whistle and nothing happened. She blew on it again and again, and nothing happened. She blew on it harder and a popping sound and Fury Flight was now standing in front of her, holding his ears with his hooves. He used his magic to take the whistle out of Twilights mouth.
"Once or twice is good enough Twilight, you don't have to blow your lungs out", Fury said as he took his hooves off of his ears. "What is so important that it can't wait until morning Twilight", Fury said annoyed as he folded his wings.
"Fury Fight, there was a pony here who said that he could change time and save the future. He also said that he was banished for a very long time", Twilight said to Fury Flight.
"What was this pony's name Twilight, there haven't been very many ponies banished", Fury said as he looked to a corner in the library.
"His name was Thanatos, and he said he was an old god", Twilight said as she looked over to Fury Flight.
"Hmm, I don't recognize the name, let's look in the records here", Fury said as he used his magic to bring a book to him from one of the aisles of the library. "It's not in here. There isn't even a record of a Thanatos in the war records. This is very strange, even with my knowledge I can't find this name or face. Go back to bed Twilight, I'll stay here and look some more for this Thanatos", Fury said as he turned to the first aisle beside him and started to look on the shelves at the books. Twilight started to walk out, but then turned around and started to search the shelves next to Fury. "I told you to go to bed Twilight", Fury Flight said as he looked to Twilight.
"You can't search this library all by yourself Fury, and I haven't been able sleep tonight anyway", Twilight said as she continued to search. The two then began to search the library early into the morning.
Twilight's meeting of Thanatos, the god of death
Dawn crept up on the two ponies searching in the library, forcing Fury Flight to stop searching and raise the sun for the day. Twilight stood at the end of the last aisle of the library saggy eyed, picking up the last book on the shelf that she had not read through. She let a large yawn out as she looked to Fury Flight at the window where he was raising the sun with his magic. "We have been through every book in this library Fury, and not so much as a mention to Thanatos or the old gods", Twilight said tiredly as Fury returned from the window.
"I know Twilight, but there has to be something on him somewhere. The only other library as extensive as this one was in the Crystal Empire", Fury Flight said as he looked to the ceiling. He then looked to the back of the library where two shelves met. "Could it be, follow me Twilight", Fury said as he walked towards the two shelves, and then passed through them. Twilight looked at the shelves and was amazed as they began to separate and show another room in the library.
"Where is the switch to this fury", Twilight said as she walked through the new doorway.
"There is no doorway Twilight, it is based on the same magic as the Eternal cave, only those who can see the doorway can enter", Fury said as he pulled a book from one of the shelves. "If it would be in here, it will be in one of these books", Fury said showing twilight a book thick enough to be a tree. "This is the history book of equestria", Fury said as he gave the book to Twilight.
"What is this place anyway", Twilight asked, looking at the books in the library with a fan girl awe. There were books everywhere, different books than any of the books on the other side.
"This is the eternal library of the first seven. It was made to store only the most precious of books and the darkest of spells. It is here that the History books of equestria are kept", Fury said as he opened the history book held in twilight's magic. The pages looked weird, Twilight knew she was important and all, but how did the author know that she had a hayburger this morning. "I bet your wondering why this history looks fairly new", Fury said, smiling at twilight.
"The thought definitely crossed my mind", Twilight said as she looked at the book.
"This book is written by magic, and it records every moment of every pony's life, big or small. All you have to do is speak a name to the book and it will show you their history. For example", Fury flight said and spoke into the book. "Princess Luna, and now watch as her life comes out in the book", he finished as the book's text changed before Twilight's very eyes. Luna's life began to play before her eyes as she read the text on the tattered pages.
"Alright, let's get down to business then. Thanatos", Twilight spoke into the book. It began to shake and then went blank. "Did I do it wrong", Twilight panicked.
"No Twilight, I am afraid that it is not in this book, which means that he predates the first seven's history", Fury said as he used his own magic to place the book back in it's place on the shelf. "This one might be the one", Fury said as he pulled a book, if he could call it a book. The book was in shreds, The binding was nothing more than tattered leather, and the pages nothing but loose parchment. "This book is dated before Kronos set the great clock that ticks in the great beyond, in a time that was simpler. A time before pony kind was even thought of, a time when fear was a reality and hatred was normal", Fury said as Twilight's face began to cringe.
Twilight opened the book and began to read the hieroglyphics that adorned the page. She suddenly saw pain and blood and shut her eyes.
"What it is it Twilight, what's wrong", Fury said as he threw the book down and moved towards Twilight.
"I'm alright Fury, honest. The text just seemed to tell a story without me using my magic", Twilight said as she returned from her state of fright.
"It must be the hieroglyphics, they are a form of magical text that I haven't came across before", Fury said as he picked up the book. He opened it and began to read from the text. His eyes widened as he started to read the ancient story and a cold sweat began to trickle down his forehead. "Dear gods, this is truly hell", Fury said as he dropped the book. "Thanatos was a monster, he started a war with the Godly ones, whoever they are. The war raged for thousands of years ending with Thanatos on top. It says then that a great white alicorn with a red mane locked Thanatos away in the realm of the dead for ten thousand years." Fury said as he began to shake off the effects of the magic. "There's more. He vowed to return and destroy the world when his punishment was lifted", Fury finished as the book drifted back into place with the aid of Fury's magic.
"Maybe after all these years he has truly changed, Luna did after all", Twilight said cheerfully.
"Luna was under the Nightmare spell Twilight as was I, we could not control what we felt or did", Fury corrected Twilight. Twilight made a sort of pouty face and began to walk away. "There is only one way to find out Twilight", Fury said to the Purple alicorn as she began to trot sleepily away. "We have to bring him back here. Did he give you a way to call him here or to you", Fury Flight asked Twilight as she turned around.
"Well no, he didn't even give me a way to call him", Twilight said as another yawn overtook her.
"Let's try this then", Fury said as he called upon his magic to amplify his voice. "Thanatos, I beseech thee. Come out and grant me your presence", Fury Yelled out as loud as he could.
"Fury, don't yell to loud. You will have every pony in the castle awake", Twilight hissed at Fury Flight.
"Don't be silly Twilight, we are in a totally different dimension. Why do you think there aren't any windows here", Fury replied back to Twilight.
"You requested my presence", came a voice from dark corner of the library.
"You must be Thanatos, The God Of Death", Fury spoke to the owner of the voice who still remained hidden.
"Indeed, I am Thanatos. Have you called me here with your decision Twilight Sparkle, or is it the great Fury Flight has a bit of jealousy that there is another powerful being in this world", Thanatos said as he left the corner, revealing his pale white body. Fury Cringed a little as he looked at the external features of the god. "I am afraid that I cannot stay here very long. You interrupted me in the middle of my sightseeing", He said as he pulled out a map of Equestria with his grim magic. "So much has changed in ten thousand years, you wouldn't believe, so please bring your questions before me now", He said, showing them the places on the map he had visited. According to the map, Thanatos had visited the ruins of the Crystal Empire, the rebuilt ponyville, and some of Canterlot.
"Yes well, my first question must be have you truly changed from the monster this book describes you as", Fury asked the old god.
"That was a very long time ago Fury Flight, and even gods can change. As for your question, yes, my views have been changed since my banishment. To watch the universe nearly die because of me, changed me to my core", Thanatos said calmly. "What is your next question", the pale white being asked.
"My next question has to be why Twilight, why can it not be me to take her place. I would give up my memories and accomplishments to restore the past in an instant", Fury said as he flared his wings out.
"It is not that simple Fury Flight, Twilight is the Eternal Guardian now, and her memories and accomplishments are the only ones that can restore the past and save the future from a horrible fate", Thanatos spoke with an ominous tone.
"What is the horrible fate", Fury snapped back.
"The future will be cut short by a war that consumes the living and the dead. The past shall collapse the future and time will be destroyed", Thanatos said looking to the ceiling. "Are there any more questions", he asked. seeing that there were none he continued. "Then Twilight, my offer still stands, but remember that the planets are beginning to align. You have until tomorrow to give me an answer", Thanatos said as he opened a portal with his magic. The portal was pitch black like the abyss itself, and began to swirl. Thanatos walked through the portal and disappeared along with it.
"Well that was almost pointless", Fury said as he walked towards the front of the ancient library where the doorway opened back to Canterlot. "Are you coming Twilight", Fury asked as he entered the doorway.
"Yea, I'm coming Fury", Twilight said, running to keep up with the other alicorn. They crossed back into Canterlot where the sun was up in the sky. Twilight judged that it was about eight o'clock.
"I am going to find a place to sleep for a while before Dash knows I'm awake", Fury said before he teleported out of the room.
Twilight found a place to set in the library where she began to think about the decision she had to make. After a while though, she found that she was too tired to function and fell asleep in the quiet library. She was woke up by Rarity around noon.
Twilight's meeting of Thanatos, the god of death
Fury Flight slept most of the morning away before Dash found his hiding place and pounced on him.
"Wakee, wakee sleepy head. Come on babe get up, you have a speech to give remember", Dash half said, half yelled in Fury's ear. Fury Flight stirred slowly and got up with a few grumbles about finding a spot she couldn't find.
"Why in Equestria do you have so much energy Dash", Fury said grumpily as he walked out of the custodian's closet in the west wing of the castle.
"Only because I have the most awesome night planned for tonight. First dinner at that one restaurant you like, then the wonderbolt's show, and a little something else later tonight", Rainbow said seductively, giving Fury a teasing eye flutter. Fury smiled and shook his head before walking down the hallway towards the main staircase in the middle of the castle. They walked down the stairs to the throne room on the second story to the balcony doors where Twilight and the rest of her friends stood waiting. "I found him snoozing in the janitors closet in the west wing like a lazy bum", Rainbow said jokingly.
"Like you didn't just wake up yourself", AJ said, bearing a smile a mile wide.
"AJ, why'd you have to spill the beans. I've been looking for him for at least a half an hour now", Rainbow said as she folded her wings up and her hooves touched the ground. She wouldn't admit to Fury that AJ caught her sleeping on Celestia's tree. It was the only tree in the courtyard and he had it named to honor and remember his sister and the ruler of Equestria. It was also the only tree in Dash could find in Canterlot that felt the same as the trees in sweet apple acres in Ponyville. "I looked in all of your usual napping spots, like the janitor's closets in the north, south and east wings. I also checked that patch of tall grass by Celestia's tree that the gardeners can't mow because you are always sleeping there", Dash said sarcastically to Fury as he opened his mouth to yawn.
The thought just hit him, what was his speech about? He had been so preoccupied by his work with Twilight that he had completely forgotten about it.
"You do remember your speech, don't you brother", Luna said eyeing Fury's perplexed face. "The Ponyville project ...,", she started. "Is...".
"Finished. How could I forget about that", Fury said, remembering his speech in full.
"Yes, how could you forget a speech you've been reciting for the past five nights. You kept me up all night two nights ago, because you didn't think it was long enough", Rainbow said aggravated.
"Not very hard Dash with the last two nights we've had", Twilight said seriously.
"Oh", Rainbow started. "What kind of nights have you had with my BEST FRIEND Fury Flight", Rainbow said through clenched teeth, putting a lot of emphasis on the best friend part.
"Rainbow, you know me better that that, something big come up a couple of nights ago", Fury Flight said, but caught cut off by Dash.
"Oh, I bet something big came up", Dash said.
"Not like that, a former villain was released from banishment and me and Twilight have been trying to figure out more about him, that's all dash", Fury explained. This seemed to calm rainbow down out of her current attitude as she nodded and apologized slowly to twilight.
"Srry fr suspctn u Twi", Rainbow said quickly and softly.
"I can't hear you Dash", Twilight said sarcastically.
"Ok fine, I'm sorry for suspecting that you did something naughty with my boyfriend", Rainbow said quickly.
"It's time children", Luna said. "We do have a speech to give".
"Right, right, alright Dash we'll finish this later", Fury said as he opened the balcony door to the roaring crowd outside. He walked out to the railing and started his speech.
"My fellow Ponies, I am here today to bring you good news. The ponyville project is completed and is ready to move back into. The Construction crews have finished their work. I would like to wish those returning to ponyville a safe trip and good luck", Fury started his speech.
a voice called out from the crowd. "Will the princess be returning with us".
"Though not today, Princess Twilight will be returning to Ponyville along with the elements that choose to return", Fury called out to the audience. The crowd roared in applause as Fury bowed and walked back into the castle. Dash looked at Fury as soon as he walked in. "I think I am going to", Fury started.
"Don't even finish your sentence, you are coming with me", Dash said.
"Rainbow not now, I have a lot of paperwork to do for the appaloosa apple trade", Fury said.
"We were supposed to spend the day together", Dash said, beginning to get aggravated. "And you told me that you did that paperwork last week".
"Dash, I don't want to do this right now", Fury said, but Dash kept up.
"Today was the one day we were supposed to have to ourselves", Dash said again. The rest of the ponies began to walk away.
Fury finally snapped. "Ok Dash, I have to fill out papers that give Brae burn and the orchard hands temporary trading rights to all the places that Sweet Apple Acres sells to. Then I have to go and pay them for the apples, that's five hundred bits in advance Dash, you listening", Fury snarled to dash, who had began to hunker down to the ground with a terrified look. She had never seen this side of him before. Fury then continued, "Then that is one hundred bits for every three hundred bushel. I asked Apple Jack about her export and she said that she sent three hundred bushels a week, and she expected Sweet Apple Acres to start back up in three months. Now add that up Dash, Three months times one hundred a week. That's twelve hundred bits at least Dash", Fury said as his rage exploded. Rainbow was now cowering on the ground and shaking in total fear. Twilight moved to say something but Luna stopped her.
"No Twilight, he needs to let this out. Tia used to have these days when the stress became too much. He will calm down in a second or two", Luna said softly to Twilight. Sure enough Fury looked down at Dash and saw her cowering. His eyes widened and he stopped his rant.
"Please forgive me Dash, what kind of monster have I become", Fury said as he teleported out of the room.
"Fury wait", Dash called out to now thin air. "Don't go".
"Don't be mad Rainbow Dash, He needs some time alone to calm down", Luna said to dash as she started to take off. "Where are you going Rainbow, he could be anywhere in equestria if he is even in Equestria".
"I know where he is Luna, he had a day like this before and I found him there", Dash said as she flew towards the mountain that the city was built on.
She found Fury Flight sitting in front of a ruin next to the mountain. He didn't even look to her when he started talking. "This place holds a lot of memories, me and my friends built this from the ground up. This is the original Canterlot Castle. We built it as a memorial to those lost in the war against Kaorn, and also stood as the place where we kept the elements before we planted the tree of harmony", Fury said, not looking away from the ruins. "It collapsed during the war with discord when my friends were tortured and killed in front of me. I haven't rebuilt it because no pony remembers the time of the alicorns, and those who do have been gone for many years", Fury said, finally looking to his side where Rainbow sat. "I don't know what got into me today Dash. I guess the stress finally got to me. Can you ever forgive me Dash".
"I already have Fury. Just warn me next time you explode like that", Rainbow said with a small smile.
"I will my dear", Fury said as a smile returned to his face.
"Whatever happened to us Fury. I mean eight years ago you would of dropped everything to be by my side for a simple reserve training, and now you are too busy with your paperwork that never seems to get done. I mean do I not please you anymore, I know I'm not the young mare I used to be but, have I became boring to you", Dash said out of the blue.
"Is that what you think is happening Dash, you will never be too old or young for me, because I love you. Do you remember how we met Dash", Fury asked Rainbow seriously.
"Yea, we met at a wonderbolt show about ten years ago to the day", Dash answered.
"Yes, it was the spring spectacular event and I attended even though I should of been studying", Fury said started.
"Weren't you just the little rebel", Dash added.
"I should of been studying spells if Twilight failed and Nightmare Moon wasn't stopped. I was also tipped off by the guards that there was a daredevil mare attending who was pretty cute", fury added.
"I wasn't that cute", Rainbow retorted.
"I was in the top row, so I could see the whole crowd and hopefully catch a glimpse of the mare the guards spoke of. To my surprise, you sat down next to me. You easily topped the guards descriptions with your silly hairstyle to look like Swift Wing. Wasn't he the captain of the wonderbolts", Fury said as he looked at rainbow with a look that could only be described as pure love.
"That was the same hairstyle that Spitfire had, but I pulled it off so much better", Dash said with a hoof running through her mane.
"We had a few words of small talk before you let loose on me", Fury said with a giggle.
"What, I did not", Dash retorted, hitting Fury in the shoulder with her hoof.
"You called me an idiot for not knowing Swift Wing's stats. Then I said that only a weirdo would know how many times Swift Wing used the bathroom during events", Fury said with a big smile.
"Then remember how we argued over who was the fastest wonderbolt. We eventually agreed that Swift Wing was the fastest, followed by Quick Feather, and then Feather Wind brought up the rear", Dash laughed as she remembered their first time together.
"After we agreed on that, one thing lead to another until I asked for your address to get to know you better", Fury said. The two ponies looked into each other's eyes for a couple of minutes before lurching at each other. They met in a romantic embrace before sealing it off with a kiss. The kiss began to deepen as they wrestled each other's tongue. "I think that we should move this somewhere else", Fury stated as he broke away from Dash's lips. Dash giggled and agreed, Then Fury took hold of Dash by her hooves and teleported back to their castle home. They shut and locked their bedroom door, and for the next hour and a half, the sounds of their lovemaking echoed around the east wing of the castle.
Rarity had decided to be the party pooper and break the two lovers up. It was one thing for them to share their emotions that way with each other, but to "share", them with the rest of the castle staff and guests was another. She took Apple Jack with her just incase she needed to muscle dash to the ground. They approached the bedroom when the "sharing" had subsided. Rarity raised her hoof to knock when it suddenly flew open.
"Oh, hello, can I help you with something", a messy maned and sweaty Fury Flight answered the door awkwardly.
Rarity was so surprised by the door that it left her speechless. "I uh, well, I, I, uh".
"Spit it out Fluttershy", came Dash's voice from inside the bedroom, a thud was heard as Dash got up from the bed and fell right on her face. "Ohh, I can't feel my legs".
"Don't worry, you will get that feeling back in about twenty minutes or so", Fury said turning to look at the blue Pegasus.
"I uh, I am um Rarity", Rarity finally managed to say.
"What, you mean we left Rarity speechless, awesome", Dash said, making a failed attempt to stand.
Rarity regained her composure and spoke. "It came to our attention that you two were so loud that me and the others were forced to leave, and if you are quite finished".
"Rarity", Dash cut her off. "We're sorry that we were so loud, but it has been a while and wow".
"I don't want to hear the details Dash", Rarity said plugging her ears. "Aren't you going to that wonderbolt event away".
"Oh shit", Dash yelled, interrupting Rarity again. "Fury we need to get going", she said trying to stand once again, but her legs wouldn't cooperate and she fell back on her face.
"Let me help you", Fury said as he teleported from the door to the Pegasus on the floor. He took his hoof and pressed down hard on the center of Dash's back, sending her wings flapping and her legs straight out in front of her. she tried to stand and this time she succeeded. "Now let's go before we are late".
Twilight paced in the middle of the library floor, she had made her decision. She would accept Thanatos' offer, but she wanted to run it by Fury Flight first. The way she saw it, she was giving up her life to save thousands, maybe tens of thousands. There was only one problem, he and Dash left almost half an hour ago and she wasn't going to interrupt him when he was having a date with Rainbow Dash. After all, they hadn't been around each other that much over the last few months. Dash had been working with the construction crews in Ponyville, keeping the weather nice as they finished the project. Fury flight on the other hoof had been attending meeting after meeting here at the castle getting ponyville ready to restart.
They arrived at the stadium just in time for the show to start. They walked onto the bleachers at row twenty eight, seats five and six. "I can't believe you actually got the same seats we sat at last time", Dash said as they reached the two spots and sat down.
"Truth be told, I have had these seats reserved for months for this show. It looks like a good thing too", Fury said as they looked at the full crowd. The wonderbolts shot out from the ground in the stadium and flew high into the air, doing different loops and tricks as they were introduced by the announcer in the announcer's box mid way on the bleachers.
"First off we have our captain, Fire Feathers. Next off we have the right wing, Quick wing, And last but certainly not least, we have the left wing, Fastback", the announcer said with a very hyped voice.
"Fire Feathers used to be my right wing when you were in the moon. He was always a bit cocky, and I'm glad to see that he got his head out of his rear and started to take responsibility", Dash said looking at the red wonderbolt. "Quick Wing was a reserve when I was captain. He showed a lot of potential", she said as she pointed at the white Pegasus in question. "I've never heard of Fastback though, he must be a newbie", Dash said, shrugging her shoulders.
"For those new in the crowd, Fastback is a transfer from the illustrious Trottingham team", came the announcer's voice.
Hearing that the introductions were over, the wonderbolts began their routine. "They're doing the Summer Sunrise Salutation, that was your sister's favorite routine", Dash said as the wonderbolts performed the daring routine. After that routine was finished, they began a new routine. Rainbow's mouth dropped as she recognized the routine as her own. "That's the routine that I came up with for your return Fury. The Dare Devil Spiral Surprise, The surprise is when you nearly reach the ground on your spiral", Dash said as the wonderbolts began the spiraling dive. "Within a foot or two, you pull up hard and do a triple back flip followed by soaring straight up and making our signature fly over", Dash said as she explained the rest of the routine to Fury, who took in every word.
The wonderbolts usual lightning cloud streak changed to a Rainbow streak instead. "It seems we have a retired captain in the audience tonight, let's give it up for Rainbow Dash", the announcer said over excitedly over the radio. Lights appeared over Dash and the camera focusing on the wonderbolts focused on Dash. She waved and went a little red in the cheeks when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Fury on his knees.
"What is this", Dash said questionably.
"Rainbow Dash, I know it's been a while since we met, and I should of done this a long time ago but, will you make me the happiest stallion in Equestria and be my wife", Fury asked, still on his knees.
"Under one condition", Dash said barely over a whisper.
"Name it and its yours", Fury answered.
"You never embarrass me like this again", Dash said, smiling and cheeks fully flushed.
"Its a deal", Fury said with a mile wide smile. The two ponies sat back down as the show continued. They watched the rest of the show in peace knowing that their lives were going to be greater than ever.
They returned to the castle when the moon was high in the sky. Rainbow walked into their room when she turned around to look at her Fiancé. "Are you coming to bed, or are you going to the library".
"I think I am going to go to the library and think for a while", Fury said as he turned to the library.
"Don't be out there all night Fury", Dash said as she closed the door softly.
Fury Flight walked down the hallway towards the great library. When he opened the door to walk in, he was greeted by a pacing Twilight. "Hello Twilight, I suppose that you are waiting on some pony", Fury said as Twilight looked up surprised.
"Oh your back, I was waiting for you to return. I made my decision on the Thanatos matter", Twilight said as she walked across the room to the middle of the library.
"What have you decided Twilight", Fury asked as he reached the middle of the library himself.
"I have decided to take Thanatos' offer. I will give my life to save the lives of the others and save the future", Twilight said to Fury.
"I think you are making a mistake, but I have been in your hooves before and I know the stress. How about you go and get some sleep and we talk in the morning", Fury said to Twilight.
"Alright, see you in the morning and don't be up all night", Twilight said as she walked out of the library towards her bedroom.
"Why is everyone worried about me staying up all night", Fury said to himself as he walked to one of the shelves. He had to know why Thanatos wouldn't take his life instead. He had lived a long life, but Twilight's life had just begun. He looked over to the center of the library and called upon his magic to summon the god. "Thanatos, heed my call and grant me your presence", he said in an elevated voice.
"You have more questions for me I suppose", the voice of Thanatos said from the corner of the library.
"Answer my question Thanatos. Why won't you let me give you my best accomplishments to save this world", Fury said angrily. he wasn't going to let up on him so easily this time.
"Oh I think you should know by now Fury Flight", Thanatos said as the gears in Fury's head worked out the problem.
Why was Twilight the only one who could give her memories unless...., unless she was the only one...., no.
"It seems you understand now", Thanatos said, now smiling confidently.
"You want Twilight because she is the only one who is powerful enough to stop you, and if she agrees to this and dies willingly, there won't be any pony left to stop you", Fury said as he figured out the problem.
"Very good Fury Flight, I am impressed by your mind. I am afraid however that you will never leave this room to tell another soul", Thanatos said as his horn began to light up.
"I won't leave this world without a fight", Fury said as he prepared his own magic. He was bluffing, it would take every shred of magic he possessed to even stand a chance against Thanatos. Maybe a stunning spell would give him enough time to get out of the library. He called upon his magic, but Thanatos was so much faster on the draw. A magical white roped looped out of his horn and wound around Fury's neck. Fury went from offense to defense, and tried to cast his shield magic, but Thanatos broke through his shield easily and continued his assault. Fury could only think of one more spell. He knew his sister would awaken immediately if the sun were to raise in the middle of the night and come to his aid. He began the spell, but Thanatos produced a magic bubble around them both. Fury could only kick and punch, but Thanatos only made his magic rope wind completely around Fury's body, leaving him helpless to watch Thanatos squeeze out the rest of the life in him.
"Die without heroics", Thanatos whispered into Fury's ear. Fury let out a final gasp before he took his final breath. His body went limp, and Thanatos kept up his deadly magical embrace before letting his body hit the floor. Thanatos then used his magic to set Fury's body on a chair in the library. "And so it begins, one down, two to go", Thanatos said as he disappeared into the shadows.
Twilight's meeting of Thanatos, the god of death
Luna awakened at dawn like she always did, and she walked out to the balcony attached to her bedroom and lowered the moon to make way for the day. She watched and waited for the sun to come up with the aid of her brother's magic, and waited..., and waited. After a half an hour Luna began to look for her brother, something wasn't right, she just knew it. It wasn't like her brother to be late. She walked to his bedroom door and pounded on the door. There was only a muffled growl from Rainbow Dash as she rolled over, and as Luna opened the door, she only saw Dash sleeping on the bed. Luna closed the door quietly and moved on with her search. Luna then checked all of her brother's hiding spots, and running out of options, she checked the last spot she could think of that he would be, and there he was sleeping in the library.
Luna walked into the library to the chair where Fury sat and lightly tapped him on the shoulder. "Come on brother, you've overslept, time to get up and raise the sun", Luna said as she tapped him again. He obviously didn't hear or feel her. "Brother, get thy lazy rump off that chair and raise the sun", Luna yelled as she shook Fury vigorously. He didn't even stir. She then placed her ear to his muzzle and her heart sank as she didn't hear breath coming from his body. Teary eyed she used her magic to lift her brothers body and looked horrified at the marks on his throat, Fury had been strangled. Her mind went into overdrive as she tried to narrow down suspects, but only two came to mind, Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle.
Luna ran out of the library and down the hallway to Dash's bedroom. She used her magic to thrust open the door. Rainbow Dash was sleepily talking with Fluttershy and nearly jumped off the bed when the door burst open.
"I told you Fluttershy, I won't know if I'm preg..., Ahhh, Luna, what are you doing", Dash screamed as Luna burst through the door.
"Rainbow Dash, we know what thou did to our brother last night", Luna said with the royal Canterlot voice. Dash's face went extremely crimson.
"You mean you were spying on us yesterday", Dash said very embarrassed.
"Not that, thou unkempt whore", Luna said at the top of her lungs.
"What did you call me you ancient bitch", Dash said, getting off the bed and facing the alicorn.
"You killed our brother last night whore", Luna said straight to Rainbow's face.
Rainbow's rage turned to horror at Luna's statement. "Fury's de..., dea..., dead", Rainbow said as the walls closed in around her and she fell to the floor.
Luna realized what she had just done and started apologizing profusely to Fluttershy, who was hiding under the bed. Rainbow woke up a few minutes later to see Luna holding an outstretched hoof to her.
"Why do want help me now, I thought you hated me", Dash said as she pushed Luna's hoof away and stood up on her own.
"Please Rainbow Dash, accept my apology for earlier, but there is still a dead alicorn and I still need answers", Luna said.
"First off, why would I kill Fury, I love him, and he just proposed to me last night. Then there is How would I kill him. Have you looked at your brother recently, he is powerful at magic, and he is a stallion and can overpower me physically as well", Dash said.
"Clearly I made a mistake and I ask for your forgiveness for accusing you of such a crime", Luna asked.
"Yes, Clearly you fucked up, but I can forgive you", Dash said.
"Very well, I will take my leave and allow you your morning back", Luan said as she walked out of the room. she cringed as the door slammed shut behind her. She then walked down the hallway to the library to begin looking for Twilight, but quickly ended the search when she saw Twilight standing over Fury's body.
"Who would do this, Luna quick, some pony killed Fury Flight", Twilight screamed.
"Well I guess that takes you off my list then Twilight", Luna said walking over to Twilight in the center of the library.
"What list", Twilight asked puzzled.
"The list of possible murderers of my brother", Luna replied.
"You mean you already know", Twilight said, with tears filling her eyes.
"Yes Twilight, I know", Luna said, wiping a tear from her cheek with a hoof. "I found him this morning, setting in that chair, some pony had strangled him", Luna said, pointing out the marks on Fury's neck.
"No, I talked to him last night when he got home, we went over my decision about Thanatos", Twilight started, but was cut off.
"Did I hear my name called", Thanatos said as he emerged from the darkest corner of the library.
"Thanatos, how long have you been here", Twilight said.
"All night Ms. Sparkle", Thanatos replied.
"Great, then you know who killed Fury Flight", Twilight said overjoyed.
"Oh yes Princess, I did", Thanatos said like he just accepted a challenge.
"What, how could you do such a thing", Twilight said in horror.
"He was going to interfere with my plan, and I couldn't let that happen", Thanatos said. "He was right about one thing however, you did have the power to stop me, but no more. The planets are aligned and my power is absolute", Thanatos said as he laughed an evil laugh. "Now there isn't a power that can stop me. Now which of you would like to die first. No comment, well then both it is", Thanatos said as the magical white rope erupted from his horn and race towards the two princesses. Something caught his eye out the window and forced him to stop his spell to look. The sun, was rising. He looked to the floor where Fury's body laid, and nothing but sparkles of crystals remained. "Impossible, I killed you", Thanatos roared at the sun.
"But you didn't kill me", a voice thundered across the sky that the princesses knew well.
"Sister", Luna whispered as Celestia rose with the sun to bring forth the day.
"Your tyranny ends here Thanatos", Celestia roared as she flew into the window, shattering it. Stained glass shards fell down around the ponies in the Library. Celestia lightly touched down in the center of the room, beside Luna. "And now that the sun is up, the rest can began", Celestia said.
"The rest", Thanatos questioned.
A blue sphere appeared in the room and began to emanate a light brighter than the sun. From the sphere came six alicorns, each of them different in their own way. Twilight recognized two of them.
"The first six. Galaxo the great, Kronos, the time pony, Princess Paramour, Pike the sturdy, Celest the aqueous, and Zephira the heavenly", Luna whispered.
"You have broken the ancient laws and we are here to uphold our oath and bring peace to this universe", Galaxo said.
"You will uphold nothing, my power is absolute", Thanatos yelled as he fired a spell from his horn. Galaxo tried to shield himself, but Thanatos' power was too strong, and the spell broke through his shield and hit him full force. The spell's effects became apparent as Galaxo began to age rapidly. "Ten thousand years changes all but true gods", Thanatos laughed. Galaxo was smiling and began to laugh, which made Thanatos fume with anger. "Why are you smiling, I just destroyed your power", Thanatos said.
"No Thanatos, I was counting on this. You just sealed your fate, you see the spell I needed was very difficult, and it took me ten thousand years to learn", Galaxo said as his horn began to glow a bright blue. Six orbs appeared before him, and as he worked his magic the orbs began took the form of six ponies. The ponies gained both horns and wings as skin and fur grew on the bodies. "The power to bring back the dead, a power that we destroyed thousands of years ago, and now I give you the original elements of harmony", Galaxo said as he backed down from Thanatos.
"You have harmed this world for the last time Thanatos", a renewed Fury Flight said. "This time you will never escape or be released", Fury said as the six alicorns used their magic to produce six stones. The stones were different from the elemental jewels, which were bright and full of luster. These stones were dull and lifeless and devoid of luster, and seemed to be taking the light out of the room. "The elements of your destruction, the stones of death", Fury said as the original six used their magic to activate the stones.
The stones began to vibrate as they started to tear Thanatos' soul into six pieces and lock him in another dimension. "NOOOOOOOOOOO", Thanatos screamed as his immortal soul was pulled apart. "I will return", Thanatos yelled as the last of his body and soul disappeared into the stones. Fury Flight looked to the center of the room where his life had ended the night before.
"There is no going back now. We must take the stones away from here and hide them where no one will find them", Fury said to his friends. They took a hoof and placed upon their horns and disappeared. They took the six stones across equestria, one to the great volcano in the dragon kingdoms, another to the bottom of the deepest sea. The next took their stone deep in the ground, below even the miner ponies depth. The next took their stone to Canterlot castle, hiding it in the catacombs of Royalty that had been buried long ago. The next stone was hidden in cloudsdale, deep in the weather factory, where no pony would ever look. Fury took the last stone to where no one but the guardian could ever find it, the eternal cave. He walked through the maze and into the great cave, where he led his friends to the great eye at the back wall. "It will only open to those empowered by or once empowered by the Guardian magic", Fury said as he looked into the eye. The eye opened and the vault behind it opened revealing its contents, the two most dangerous and feared spells in all of history and a faded and worn out photo. The photo showed two Pegasus at a stadium. They both had foam hooves that said GO SWIFT WING. The one on the right was a rainbow maned Pegasus with a mile wide smile, while the other was Fury Flight, who held the same smile. They were happy and by the looks of it, beginning to fall in love. "Our first photo, it was taken at the wonderbolt stadium in cloudsdale", he said eyeing the photo.
"You still love her, right.", one of them said.
"Yes, with all my heart, but fate has spoken and my life is forfeit", Fury said to the other six.
"Then we all agree on this, you will take our life force and live a full life, the life you always dreamed of Fury. Two thousand years is too long to be gone from the world", the five others said in unison.
"No, please don't do this friends, we can finally be together", Fury started.
"Fury no, it's not that we don't want to see you, but you have a life here and you must have peace. You have lived a life full of war, and now you have the chance to live in peace with the family you always wanted", the five said. They then took a hoof to their horns and their bodies began to fade and a light began to move from their bodies into Fury's body. Fury began to shine as their magic left their own bodies and entered his own. Slowly his horn started to shrink away until it left him completely, leaving him without magic for the rest of his days.
In Canterlot, the Three Princesses sat in the throne room, preparing to talk to the six alicorns when they returned, were surprised to see a single Pegasus walk into the room. "Fury Flight, where are the others", Twilight asked when he walked into the room.
"The others have went back into the beyond, but they left a gift here for a special somepony", Fury said as he bowed to the Princesses.
"What gift Fury", Luna asked.
"Me, they gave me life", Fury said sadly. "At the cost of their own lives, they gave me the life I always wanted".
"They would be proud if you didn't squander your gift brother", Celestia said. "It is why I am releasing you from the royal service. Go brother, live the life you have dreamed of for years".
"Thank you sister, thank you. I will live my life in peace", Fury said as he walked out of the throne room. He ran to the bedroom and opened the door. Rainbow Dash jumped at the door opening again, and she looked to see Fury Flight standing in the doorway.
"Fury, your alive", Dash screamed, running to the end of the bed before jumping onto Fury, knocking him to the floor. The two shared a passionate kiss before rising off the floor. "Never leave me again", Dash said as she broke away from Fury's grasp.
"Never again, I promise. I will never leave you again", Fury said as he looked over to the window. "It's a big world out there Dash, and I would love to see it with you before we find a place to settle down", Fury said to Dash as they walked out of the bedroom to start a new adventure together.
Author's Note
This is the last story that Fury Flight will be in for a while, as even though I have enjoyed writing with this character, Fury has run his course in this story. I might bring him back in a couple of my stories, but this is the end of Fury Flight the Guardian.
Twilight's meeting of Thanatos, the god of death
The old stallion walked down the path past Sweet apple acres towards the old hill. He had walked down that path every day for a year now. There were a lot of Ponies who said the old stallion was crazy for walking the same path every day, and those who knew him took sympathy for the old stallion. He had lost his lovely wife to a battle that even he couldn't win, time and fate. She had died of a heart attack a year before on one of their grand foals birthdays, and it had left them all destroyed.
He remembered that day like it was yesterday. It was their grand foal's birthday and they were having a lot of un until Dash stopped and looked down at her chest.
"Well, that doesn't feel right", Dash said calmly before she collapsed. Fury was by her side in an instant.
"Are you ok dear", Fury asked sincerely.
"I think I just had a heart attack", Dash said as she grasped her chest again. Fury scooped her up in his hooves and took off for the hospital like a bat out of Tartarus. He was traveling faster than he could ever remember, as he heard the sound barrier booming behind them. Dash looked at him through eyes that had lost the light of life as death slowly creeped up on her. She finally spoke when they reached the hospital. "Fury dear, I think it's time", Dash started.
"No, No, no you can't leave me now Dash", Fury said, but rainbow placed her hoof to his lips.
"It's ok to be scared Fury, But it is my time. Remember what you said to me all those years ago when you defeated your nightmare self. You told me that every pony must travel down the path of death someday, it was just a matter of when and how. It's ok dear, I'm ready to leave, but I will wait for you on the shore of the great beyond. Just promise me this", Dash said.
"For you dear, I would promise you the moon and stars", Fury said as he stroked a hoof across Dash's face.
"Don't do anything stupid to get yourself killed", Dash said as she made a faint smile, before she closed her eyes and took her last breath. Her body relaxed before going limp as her soul departed into the next life. Fury took her head and held it next to his own. The rest of his family began to show up and gathered around the two ponies.
"We should get her inside", one of them said.
"No, she is already gone", Fury said, not moving from his wife's side. The funeral was held a few days later, and it was a huge turnout for the last mortal bearer of the elements of harmony. Fury and his family were in the front row, and next to them were Scootaloo and her friends. Next to them was Purple Swiss and her father, Cheese sandwich. He was the last of the mane six's spouses living besides Fury, but he was getting weaker every day.
The Ceremony drug on for Fury, as he was still full of guilt. If he could of only flown faster, maybe she would still be alive. Twilight wasn't at the viewing, but she was at the burial. She stood at the edge of Sweet apple acres, where the hilltop was located behind, likely balling her eyes out. Fury didn't hold back, as he let tear after tear fall to the ground. He had to leave when they began to lower her casket into the ground as it was too much for him to handle. He flew slowly over to Twilight. Her eyes were red and puffy and she still had a sniffle.
"So she is really gone", Twilight said through sobs.
"Yes Twi..., Twilight, she's gone", Fury said through tears.
"I now know what it means to truly be an alicorn. It is a curse disguised as a blessing. You get to live forever, but you must watch all those you care about die", Twilight said, convulsing from the sadness that ailed her.
"I want you to remember something Twilight. It helped me a lot when my friends were killed. Do not grieve for them, Though their story is over, a thousand more are ready to be told", Fury said.
"What's that got to do with anything", Twilight raged.
"It means don't let their death get you down, and though their life is over, focus on the good that came from their lives. For example, Though Dash is gone, she left a legacy for speed and determination behind for our children and their children. She also left a safe equestria", Fury finished.
"Thank you Fury, that really helped", Twilight said as her voice faded and Fury was brought out of the memory back to the present.
He looked at the head stone in front of him that read-
Rainbow Dash
Mother, Sister, caring Friend
And Element of Loyalty
"Never give up "
Fury smiled at the stone before speaking. "Oh Dash, little Scoots got her cutie mark yesterday, she was so excited, she will be the next weather pony in the family, after her Grand mare. I miss you, I miss the adventures we had, the songs we sang, the unh", Fury said as he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He heard a pony landing in the grass behind him.
"Fury are you", Twilight managed to get out before Fury fell.
"Oh Dash, I'm coming", Fury said as he collapsed to the ground.
Twilight began to panic as he fell. "No, no, no, no, no you can't die", Twilight said as she used her magic to shock Fury's heart.
His eyes slowly opened as he turned to face Twilight from the ground. "Do not grieve for me Twilight", Fury started, but Twilight vut him off.
"Fury Flight, you can't die. I still get lost in my studies and, and", Fury placed a hoof over Twilight's mouth.
"Do not fear, you are better than you give yourself credit for. I will never truly leave you either Twilight, just as I will leave my children and their children. There is an old saying, that a pony is never truly dead until they are completely forgotten. Remember that Twilight", Fury said as he laid his head back down on the ground. "Do...., not...., grieve", Fury said as he let out his final breath and let his soul depart from this world to join those who had left before him.
Twilight lowered her head and let out a few tears as a freak rain began, as if the world itself was crying over the loss of the last of the great alicorns. After a few days his funeral was held, it was small, the way he would of wanted it. They buried him next to dash on the hill behind Sweet apple acres.
Fury Flight
The hero that equestria
Never knew, Father, Brother
and Friend Do not grieve for me, for though
my story has ended, a thousand
more are about to be told "