Secrets of the Everfree forest

by King Beardo

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1: A Horrible Mistake
Chapter 2: A New Body
Chapter 3: Old Secrets and New Friends

Prologue

Secrets of the Everfree Forest
Prologue:

“Uncle, please tell us the story one more time!” Blue Fire said.

“Yeah, you haven’t told us it in a really, really long time!” Coral Doo added in.

“All right, all right; But you may need to grab some snacks and maybe a drink or two?” I chuckled.

The two foals just shake their heads rapidly providing the answer. The sight make always me chuckle.

“Well it all started when I----“

“Uncle you can skip to the good part ya know!” Blue Fire interrupted.

I looked at him and smiled. “But you wouldn’t get the whole story if I didn’t tell you all of it.”

“Ugh, fine…but why is it always soooooo long until the good part?” Blue Prodded for more information.

I chuckled. “You really are like your grandmother aren’t you? Well like I was saying, it started all when I was but a young stallion like your father……”

REAL STORY BEGINS

Deep inside the Everfree forest a chariot was making it's way to an undisclosed location....

“Are you kidding me? This is friggin’ stupid.” Turbo complained “WE guards are called out for an Expedition into the Everfree forest on an egghead’s HUNCH?!”

“Easy Turbo, that’s Night’s mother you’re talking about there, and we volunteered.” Brown Royal said as he gestured towards me.

Turbo snapped his head towards the kirin, "Shut up Royal, I didn't need your input; besides what's a 'half-breed' doing on this mission?" Brown Royal shot up but I quickly pulled him back down from his seat.

"Hey, Turbo shut the buck up, the last thing we need is animosity towards each other! And also, don't talk about the Royal Court Wizard like that, it can get you reprimanded as well as your flank kicked by me." after my little speech I sat back down.

Ignoring me, Turbo went on with his complaining“A spook is still a spook. I mean the Unicorn of Royal Court sending a special ops unit on an expedition is a little overkill, right!? EVEN more so, why?” Turbo Said looking to the other 5 of us for confirmation. As no-pony decided to agree with him, Turbo let out a small ‘hmph’ and crossed his forelegs and reclined in the chariot seat. Why he was so adamant against us being sent into the Everfree never made any sense to me, but I guess he had his reasons.

“We don’t know Turbo, but it’s not OUR job ta know.” Stampede sternly said from across the chariot. “An’ if ya keep up yer complaining I’ll personally make ya stop.” He said as he reached across the chariot and playfully punched Turbo on the shoulder.

“Hey Night, are you alright?” A dark teal colored mare named Julia asked me pulling me out of my daydream.

“Huh? Oh…uh yeah, sorry to be so distant and grumpy guys, heh.” I was forcing a fake smile while I looked at Julia. I knew she wouldn't believe me but I had to try. Julia looked at me with suspicion, and was about to ask me again but I could tell she decided against it.

“Suuuurrrreeee, I believe ya.” I heard a voice come from beside me. It was Terra’s.

“Well, look who’s talkative around the guys today.” I chuckled back to her but she shrunk with an ’eep’ after hearing this. “Heh, still shy.” I said

BOOM! Something hit the left side of the wagon sending Terra and me to the right side of the wagon, while I landed on Julia. “OH, I thought you weren’t into one night stands Mr. Echo.” Julia said in a playful voice with a wry smile.
I leapt off of her and adjusted my armor. “Not now Julia.” I turned my head towards the front of the chariot and yelled “PULL THE CHARIOT OVER, NOW!” I then turned toward the door as the chariot abruptly stopped. When I trotted outside nothing looked out of place. “What the hay.” I muttered to myself.

“Lieutenant, get back in here!” Captain Stampede Commanded.

“One second captain, I’m having one of those feelings!” I shouted back at the chariot. Something was wrong; the vehicle didn’t have any noticeable damage done to the side, but it didn’t feel like we hit a bump. Well unless said bump was able to somehow stick out of a tree that was 10 feet away. It wasn’t a branch; the canopy is too tall up in the air. “Well, Damn. That scared the bejesus outta me. ” I sighed while walking back to the wagon, still scanning the area. The thing I did manage to miss was a pair of fiery red eyes observing me and the chariot.

“What the hell do ya think ya were doin’ lieutenant? Disobeyin’ mah DIRECT orders?” Captain shot at me while he paced back and forth at the door of the chariot. I knew I was in trouble when I saw his face.

“Sorry Capt----“I tried to say but I was thrown back in the chariot instead by a well placed uppercut.
I stood up and braced for the rant, another thing Stampede couldn’t stand is if others put themselves in harm’s way for him; as well as for reasons unneeded.

“Sorry dun’ cut it Lieutenant Echo, put yer arse back in that seat. What if a one of’em manticores decided you looked tasty, and Ah lost ya. HMMM? What would Ah tell the ROYAL COURT WIZARD? What that her oldest son died valiantly by fighting a manticore and made ya its lunch? HMMM?” He said almost screaming at me. “Oh no, no, no sirree Ah am not lettin’ that happen again, last time ya almost got me demoted!” He said pointing at me with his hoof.

I sighed, defeated, “I’m sorry captain, I won’t disobey direct orders again.”

“Ya damned right ye won’t.” he said while putting his hoof on my shoulder, “Jus’ next time take me with ya.” He said with a smile.“START’ER BACK UP PRIVATE LETS GET ON OUR WAY.” Captain Yelled up to the front, and the chariot started moving again.

A FEW HOURS OF RIDING LATER

“Captain, were here!” Shouted the chariot pull team in perfect unison.

“Kay girls were here, hurry get to it. Snap snap; Outta the vehicle.”Captain ordered, as we sleepily complied.
I fell asleep sometime during the ride, and was woken up by the Pull Team. As we walked out of the chariot we found ourselves in a clearing approximately 100x50 yards in size and in the middle looked like some kind of structure. Definitely not pony in nature; as a matter of fact it looked……..oh no I had to speak to the captain.

“CAPTAIN!” I shouted as I galloped towards him. He was about 200 feet away talking to Turbo Dash; He turned to me and just looked at me confused. “Captain… I…. think that…… those structures….. are …” I tried to say in between breaths.

“Whoa, hold up there pardner, slow down and catch yer breath.” He said while looking at me confused.

“I think those structures are Centaurian, they fit all the descriptions that I remember.” I said looking at him with worry.

He looked at me wide eyed, and then he pushed me out of the way to get a better look, “By the gods let’s hope not….”

A\N

I've cleaned up this chapter alot, All of the information I deleted will be explained on in the Following chapters.

Chapter 1: A Horrible Mistake

Chapter 1

“By the gods let’s hope not….” Stampede whispered to himself

Halfway Across the Planet

A tall bi-pedial creature was walking through the halls at a brisk pace, as if he was rushed
“Sir, you requested my audience?” The creature asked another, taller one that was clad in a silvery half-plate armor set.

“Yes, Primarch; I need you to take care of Rea’Deagias for awhile. It seems the Equestrian Pact has been broken…” The armored creature was sitting at a table oval in shape and about 12 feet in length.

“But my Prince, what do you mean, ‘I need you to take care a Rea’Deagias for awhile’? You are not thinking of leaving to Equestria are you?” The Primarch questioned with a hint of worry in his voice. “The humans of Rea’Deagias NEED you to guide them; they won’t listen to the Primarchs or Delegates milord! It will be total anarchy once you leave!”

“NO, Primarch I need to talk to the Sun Goddess. Her ponies have put themselves in more peril then they know of, the centaur have CROSSED THE LINE THIS TIME!” the prince roared while slamming his fist on the table. “It’s either I talk to the Sun Goddess, or Equestria will get attacked….AGAIN.” The prince rose from his seat and walked over to the Primarch and put his hand on his shoulder, “I need to let her know; it’s what Father would want me to do right now.”

With a sigh The Primarch knew he couldn't change the young ruler's mind, “Yes, of course milord; I will get the fastest Carriage ready, sir.”

“No, get the best suitable teleportation mage and a black magus ready, we’ll need them.” The Prince was sure to make this travel as quickly as possible. “And Primarch, tell the Delegates and your Council that War could be on the horizon; or even closer.”
With a nod the Primarch sped off to do his jobs, which left the prince alone again. “Mother, I hope Father’s sacrifice isn’t spat upon this day.” He said looking up to a large mural of a great white Alicorn with The Sun resting peacefully behind her.

Everfree Forest Clearing

Stampede trotted back to the group with a look he only gave when it was time to get down to business.

“That look can’t be good…” Terra whispered to me, while pointing towards him. He had pulled the Kirin aside and seemed to be giving him orders, as Royal was nodding every so often.

“It never is.”I then turned to the group and half shouted, “It’s time to get suited up ladies and gentlecolts! Shit’s about to hit the proverbial air movement device!” After hearing this, the team scrambled to get their weapons\armor ready. I looked down silently cursing at myself for getting these young ponies into this…..

Flashback
Royal Court Wizard’s Quarters
Approx. 36 Hours Before

“Come in!” Twilight called to her door. When I entered her face brightened with a smile. “Night, it’s so good to see you!” she said excitedly as she gave me a hug with her forelegs, as she released me she noticed my grim expression. “Honey, is everything okay?”

I looked up to her and said, “I don’t know Mother, I’m having one of those feelings I get when something bad is about to happen… Something seems off about the Everfree forest.” I turned to the window to look at the Everfree forest.

She simply cocked her head to the side and asked, “That’s happening again?” she then joined me at my side by the window, and sighed. “Son, you look just like your father when you’re like this.”

“Let’s not talk about him please…” I said looking at the ground. It’s safe to say my father hated me, and I in turn, hated him too; if he’s dead he deserved any horrible death that befell him. It didn’t help that we look almost exactly like save for a horn, and my last name is his last name. DARK ECHO his name still fills me with rage when it is mentioned or muttered in my presence.

“Sorry…” I heard my mother say beside me.

“No, its fine mom; but I would like to be dispatched to the Everfree with a squad of at least 4 more soldiers.” She then replied with something I didn’t want to hear. “Okay, you and the other ‘Descendents of Harmony’ will scout the Everfree.”

“No, not them; if they died it would solely be on your shoulders and besides I don’t want my closest friends in harm’s way.” I said almost emotionless. Last time I nearly died and the captain nearly died trying to save me.

After saying that, my mother and I heard a loud ‘ahem’ from behind us. “You ain’t goin’ nowhere if I can’t go!” Stampede sternly deadpanned from the open door.

Surprised, I tried to dissuade him from his decision, “Captain I can------“

“NOPE; I’M COMMIN’ WITH YA!” he interrupted, and I sighed in defeat.

“That goes for us too!” a dark teal unicorn mare said excitedly from behind Stampede, causing him to jump and say a few choice words under his breath. “I WAS DRAGGED HERE!” A red colored Pegasus cried out. Then everypony started coming through the doorway. I was beaten; in no way could I talk them out of it.

I sighed, “Okay guys you win, I know I can’t talk you guys out of it.” They all smiled at me, erm well except for Turbo, he just looked pissed to be woken up so early in the morning.

Everfree Clearing
Present Time

“YO, EQUESTRIA TO NIGHT ECHO, IT WOULD BE NICE IF OUR FRIEND WASN’T SPACED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF A CELESTIA DAMNED BATTLE!” Turbo yelled at me, pulling me out of my daydream; I do that a bit too much.

“YUP, I’m here! WHAT’D I MISS! I shouted while pushing Turbo away from my face. I then looked around and then—
*WERT* An arrow flew by, only centimeters from my snout.
“HOLY SHIT!” I yelled falling back on my haunches, starting to panic. I quickly regained my composure, and decided to jump into the fray. I saw Captain Stampede nosedive a centaur and quickly cut him open, using a barrel roll to shake all of the blood out of his coat. I then saw that a group of Minotaur is quickly cornering Terra. “Oh HELL no; NOT the healer.” I sprinted over to her position, drew my sword and dived under a Minotaur while cuttting his left leg open, making him fall to the ground with a yelp of agony.

“Thanks Night….” Was all I heard before the adrenaline started taking over, after that I had blacked out. It wasn’t until the battle turned in their favor that I finally snapped out of the trance. I had somehow attacked a group of four 7 ft. tall Minotaur and managed to still be alive, most likely due to the fact that I had a healer right behind me the whole time probably throwing wards all over the place to keep me safe. Terra was out cold, again probably due to the fact that she most likely overexerted herself trying to keep my sorry arse alive. So I placed her on my back and ran to Julia, “Watch Terra, she passed ou------“was all I was able to get out before getting rammed by a Minotaur, and sent flying 10 feet away. “Still feels like getting hit by a freight train…” I dizzily muttered to myself while standing back up.

I looked at the behemoth, and it snorted, personally challenging me to a dual. “Okay big guy, I get your point.” And then it spoke in perfect equestrian, “I’m gonna maim ye fer killin’ mah brothers.” And then he pointed at the pile of bodies I had left from my little adrenaline induced escapade. “Oh, um....whoops?” I said shrugging at the monster. “Whoops, is right lil’ bitch, ya got lucky havin’ that whore behind ye last time.” He growled, and then he started to Sprint at me making the ground seemingly quake underneath; I tried my little diving trick again but only to be swatted away like a fly. I tried a couple more lunges, again only to be knocked back. He was starting to piss me off, I threw dirt up in his face only making him stumble a bit, but I was able to get a hit on him finally as I lunged at him and slashed. I turned around and saw him hunched over, "I did it." I said happily, then I heard the monster chuckle, "That all ye got, lil' runt? It takes more than that to kill a Minotaur." He then stood up, and batted me across the field the the flat side of his double axe. “Damn, what the hell are these guys made of?” I rhetorically muttered to myself, shaking away a possible mild concussion.

I tried to get up, but before I could get on all fours he grabbed me by the throat and held me in the air. I started to feel the effects of oxygen deprivation, my vision blurred, tunneled and while everything seemed to fade to black the beast exploded into a ball of fire, instantly dropping me and screaming in pain. I looked up about to tell Julia thanks, but to my surprise a large Bi-pedial creature in a black robe with red glowing eyes grabbed me with it's arm instead. ‘Wait, arm?’ I thought to myself; no way humans are here helping us, but before I could ask I was set down on the ground again and 3 other Minotaur were set aflame while trying to intercept us, as I watched them fall to a smoldering heap I saw, to my horror the captain get shot out of the sky by a stray Centaurian arrow. I instantly got up and ran to catch him, and I did but he was hit in the throat, I would have to act fast if I’m to keep him alive. “TERRA, GET THE FUCK OVER HERE!”

No response.

I then turn around and realized that she had passed out trying to keep me alive, “CELESTIA DAMNMIT NO!” I said whirling back around, I quickly set Stampede on my back, “Hold on Captain; don’t die on me now!” I shouted while running a top speed back to the chariot, hoping there would be an aid kit inside somewhere. I set him down outside of the chariot so I could look inside the now ravaged vehicle. After about 20 seconds of searching I found one! “Thank the gods!” I then ran back to Stampede, who was barely breathing and lying in a puddle of his own blood. “Don’t worry Captain, I’ve got a med kit right here.” I started to ‘patch him up’ but it was too late, he had lost too much blood. “DON’T DIE ON ME YOU OLD FOAL; please don’t die…..please…” I started to break down hysterically, and then it happened. He died. In. My. Forelegs. “No…. no…. oh ho ho nononono.” I said through sobs. That's when I snapped.

I stood up, scanned the area, and pinpointed his killer as he made his last mistake. He grinned at me. His fate was sealed; in a fit of rage I drew my sword and as fast as I could gallop I sped towards him while he was frantically shooting arrows at me, missing every time. (Or so I thought.) “YOU. WILL. DIE!” I roared. 30 feet away, 20 feet away, 10 feet away, then I leapt barreling into him with my sword pointed straight ahead of me. After that I blacked out, again.

Canterlot Royal Infirmary
Approx. 10 hours after ‘Incident’
Night Echo’s Room

“I’ve never seen anything like it, the poor soul took 3 arrows to his front but he never stopped running at the Centaur.” A
masculine voice stated.

“Thanks we’ll take care of him from now on.” Another voice said, but this one was feminine.

“Alright, take care.” The same masculine voice from before said

“You too.” The feminine voice replied

At this point in time I realized that I couldn’t see, “Why can’t I see?!” I said starting to panic, and making my apparent nurse jump.

“Oh, you scared me; we can take the blindfold off now.” As she started to take the blindfold off I then asked, “Blindfold? Why did you need to blindfold me?” After saying this I heard her audibly sigh.“Don’t panic but-----“

Too late.

“PANIC, WHY WOULD I PANIC; WHY SHOULD I PANIC?!” I asked frantically.

“Whoa, settle down!" She yelled, and I did, "Um....because, you’re.....uh.....a human….” She muttered nervously.

“WHAT!”

A\N

Fixed alot in this chapter as well as added a bit more of a fight scene between the Minotaur and night.

Chapter 2: A New Body

Secrets of the Everfree Forest

Chapter 2 : A New Body

Canterlot Royal Infirmary

10 hours after ‘incident’

NIght Echo’s Room

WHAT!

As panic had set in I was trying to thrash about to get loose from the table\bed. Yelling out for help, & cursing, I had lost it. It turned from rage to sorrow to anger and then to acceptance. All in a span of about 5 minutes. I settled down, “Okay, why am I human?” I ended up just simply asking the now terrified nurse, I felt guilty after I saw her. “Um.. look I’ve had a kinda bad last two days I’m really....”,when I looked at her she nearly leapt back, she almost ‘squeed’ in joy when the door opened, and a human walked in.

“Is everything okay in here?” The same masculine voice from before had returned.

“Um.... he’s......uh......I need a break, can you watch him please?” she immediately replied back.

“I don't see why not, plus I need to speak with him alone anyways.”

As the nurse darted out of the room, I was inspecting this ‘human’ for he was the first real one I have ever seen, only seeing pictures in old books. He was tall, he didn’t have a coat of fur, just a mane. He wore what looked like a fairly expensive set of armor, almost regal looking. He couldn't have been over 30 years of age by the way his ‘skin’ looked. Out of all of the features that caught my eye was his forelegs, he wasn’t using them to stand or walk, it was weird, almost creepy.

“Sooooo, how are you taking in the new form?” he asked me, breaking the long silence that had filled the room.

“Um... well I freaked out which is what you heard awhile ago, and-------”

“No, not how you reacted to it, but how are you taking it in? Does it feel natural, or is it like one big prosthetic body part?” This question caught me off guard. I then tried to move, but to no avail.

“Well, if I could move I would tell you.” I told him unamused. He chuckled and walked over to the side of the bed and started to undo the restraints one by one starting with my arms. I pulled my arms up to examine them and sighed, ‘well, this isn’t so bad, I mean.....’ I trailed off in my own thoughts. A loud snapping sound pulled me out of my daydream. When I looked at the human his ‘fingers’ were moving in an odd manner and each time they moved, they released a loud snapping noise. I instantly tried to replicate this hoof---- I mean, ‘hand’ gesture, only succeeding in moving my digits around awkwardly while getting frustrated, I quickly dismissed the idea.

“Ah, how rude of me, I’ve forgotten to introduce myself! I am Prince Kylios of Rea’Deagias.” He said with a smile, “And you are Lieutenant Night Echo, I presume; the new Captain of the ‘Descendants of Harmony’?” and that's when it hit me, I had not seen my squad mates since the battle, but of course I knew what had come of Stampede, “Don’t worry, your squadmates are fine Night Echo, but we are sincerely sorry for your loss of Captain Apple Stampede, we tried to help but the parents would not let us near his body.” He stated with a slight frown.

‘I couldn’t save him....’, I silently thought to myself, I had failed again and now Captain died for my insolence. Then something caught my attention, ‘did he just read my mind?’I looked at him in disbelief, “How did you know what I was thinking?” I’ve heard of the Alicorn Princesses ability to use telepathy to read minds, but I honestly never believed a human could do it.

The prince picked up on his questions and changed topics, “Erm...about the question you asked earlier, how did you become a human? Simple, to keep you alive, I had to give you a human form since your pony body was seconds away from death, I mean you were hit with three arrows in the chest.”

The sudden change in topics confused me, but I let it go. I looked at my current form and wondered, “Wait, how long will I be in this human body?” I was getting antsy about my team but I ‘trusted’ this human, hell I’m human now so why not, “I don’t want to be out of the game for too long, and I need to apologize to Applejack....” Dammit, one of the many things I wasn’t good at was sending condolences to parents and other loved ones.

“I was worried that you’d ask about that. I don’t know, it can be temporary or permanent, but the fact is that I have no control over the amount of time you will be in that form. It did manage to save your life though, and usually that’s uncommon.”

“Oh, well I guess I owe you one then, heh.” I said trying to clear out the grim mood that permeated throughout the room. All of a sudden the door swung open.

One particular lavender colored mare ran in, “NIGHT YOU’RE AWA-wha?” I looked over and saw my mother looking at me with piqued curiosity, “Honey, i- is it you?”, she said unsure if she should leave or stay.

“Yeah, it’s me.” GREAT, now the only true family member I’ve ever had felt awkward around me, “I know, I’m hideous.” Kylios looked at me indignantly as if I insulted him directly.

Mother picked up on his expression, “Oh no hun, still as handsome as ever!” I reached over and gave her a hug, “Mom, it’s really good to see you.” I managed to say through choked back tears. “I need to know though, how is Ms. Applejack?” Mother sighed at the question,”She’s doing okay, but she requested to see you as soon as possible.” I facepalmed at this, Applejack was like a second mother to me. During my youth when mother had to work late Applejack would take care of me with the help of Applebloom, (who was 16 at the time) Stampede was always there but he was too old to play with me, but he too loved me like family as every other Apple did. So it's safe to say that sending condolences to Applejack was like telling your own mother that your older brother died in battle...

Mother and I sat there for hours talking, just having a good conversation; we spoke about Stampede, watching Rainbow Dash become the Captain of the Wonderbolts, about how Mother missed her little #1 assistant Spike, I kept choking up at times while I reminisced about my childhood, back when I had it good as a young colt. Spike played a huge part in my childhood, if Applejack couldn't watch me it was Spike; in a way Spike was the father I never had even though my real one was always around to taunt me or be cruel, as a matter of fact if I remember correctly Spike kicked his ass once for making me cry, he would always made sure my birthday parties were just how I wanted them, always bought me what I wanted for my birthdays even if I didn't tell him what I wanted, he somehow always knew. It broke my heart the day he vanished when I was a colt..... Mother did a good job as a single mother of two (with Applejack's and Spike's help of course); my brother and me, she taught us well and wouldn’t of had any other mare to be our mother...

A Few Hours Later

Prince Kylios spoke up again for the first time in hours, “OH, I almost forgot, please meet my friend and your new Vice-Captain!” The prince did a bow and walked out of the doorway, and to my surprise a two-legged behemoth trudged through the door clad in full plate armor that even covered it's....tail?

“Wow....” , was all i could force out in awe of this monster. It looked at mother and took a step back in surprise, “Twilight, is that really you, or am I seeing things again Kylios? the Beast bellowed, as mother took a step back in fear.

“No, it’s really her, and I’d like to know who this is Kylios.” I answered, dizzily standing up between mother and the behemoth.

The prince chuckled, “Night Echo, I’d like you to meet Arkus.”

Chapter 3: Old Secrets and New Friends

Secrets of the Everfree forest
Chapter 3
Approx. 15 hours after ‘incident’

Arkus…… that name, it seems familiar somehow, I decided to query mother for any information, “Mother, do you know him?” The only time I’ve ever heard that name was when a Brown Royal spoke of his father, usually with disdain.

“I don’t know son…” She shrugged at me; she then turned towards Arkus and asked, “Do I know you?”

The behemoth heaved his immense shoulders and shrugged, “You could say that, I mean if that truly is Night you both should know me, quite well I should add.” After speaking he turned his covered face towards me. “Anyways, it’s a pleasure to ‘meet’ you Captain Night Echo, if you have any questions please ask.”

I stood there watching him warily for a moment before continuing, “Okay, question one: What the hell do you mean by Mother and I should know you ‘quite’ well?” Arkus’ large body shifted as I asked this.

Even though I couldn’t see his face I knew he was eyeing me with grief, the question must have depressed him a bit. After a minute of silence he finally spoke with a sigh and a grim tone, “Well, there are some questions I can’t answer just yet, that answer will have to come with time.” He looked to the ground.

His avoidance of the question agitated me. Why was he so damn protective of his identity, he’d sooner or later have to speak to Brown Royal anyways? Who does he think he is saying he ‘knows’ us and we should ‘know ‘ him.

“Bullshit, you can tell us right now,” I looked at Kylios, “OR Kylios, if he doesn’t tell me I will revoke his placement in my squad.” I hissed. This statement made Arkus snap, as his entire body tensed under his armor before quickly walking over to me.

Arkus then attempted to put me in my place, “Your squad?” he growled, “What about Stampede, he GAVE HIS BLOODY LIFE FOR YOUR MISSION, tell me you forgot about him already, I DARE you. You don’t deserve his spot Night Echo. Not acting like that you don’t, I’m willing to bet you haven’t even thought of asking how he died, have you.” His face was inches from mine; I could see his narrow glowing purple eyes through the dark in his helmet. I could feel the heat off of his breath; if he wanted to he could turn me into a six foot tall bon fire, right then and there.

He shocked me with his sudden animosity nevertheless I instantly responded in like manner, “ARE YOU BUCKING KIDDING ME, HE DIED IN MY FORELEGS ARKUS! He took an arrow to the throat….” I started to tear up, again.

“Yes, he did get shot, but he died attempting to try and save you! The trajectory that the arrow was flying at would have ended up in your chest, and then you go and nearly die anyways, I expected better from you Night.” As he finished he walked back to Kylios’ side. “Don’t forget your superior’s sacrifice so soon.”

I stood there silent for what seemed like an eternity with a blank look on my face, ‘What…. He sacrificed himself for me?’ I fell on my knees in shock, not only did he die in a mission I had set in motion because of a feeling in my gut but he also died because of my failure on the battlefield, because I had forgotten my training in the heat of a battle. I huddled up against the wall with my head resting on my knees.
All I could think was of how foolish I had just been, I practically just spat upon my best friend’s death calling his former squad my own without even earning it, as a matter of fact it was my fault my friend was dead. He deserved better, not to die on some folly I had started. My insolence caused all this. I failed him, again.

Twilight sat there shocked at Arkus’ sudden outburst, Arkus reminded her of somepony but she couldn’t quite remember who it was, he was serious but also he had a sarcastic side to him. Not to mention that he somehow knew her. Twilight snapped out of her daydream then turned her attention towards her now broken son, “Hey now, it’ll be alright.” She wrapped her foreleg around Night’s shoulders.

Kylios stood there with an emotionless expression almost statuesque, “You think you were a bit harsh on him?” he asked Arkus without even looking at him.

“No, I should’ve been worse on him but he nearly died.” He remarked impassivle while leaving through the door, before exiting Arkus turned around to Kylios, “I’ll be out at the training grounds if you need me.” With one last glance at me, Arkus left.

Kylios waved him off then sighed, “Well, that was different. It normally takes a helluva lot more to piss ol’ Arkus off.” Kylios then caught himself and silently cursed for being so oblivious to what he said around me.

Kylios walked over to me and stuck his hand out offering to help me up, “He won’t be like that forever, just let him hit a training dummy for awhile and He’ll be back to normal in no time!”

Mother let go of me, albeit reluctantly, as I took his hand in my own only for him to start investigating it. “Good, that’s all the answer I needed!” Kylios suddenly adopted a new warmer, friendlier look. His sudden change in expression puzzled me.

“What do you mean?” I asked in confusion.

Kylios looked at me and frowned a bit, “Well, the hand is the most difficult part of the human anatomy to accustom to, especially if you have never had any humanoid limbs. You simply took my hand without confusion which means your mind and body is agreeing just fine, which is good considering the aftereffects of mind/body confusion are not typically ideal.” He then turned to Twilight and began, “Tell me this though Miss Sparkle, do you or Night’s father have any human ancestors? I need to know about them all if so, even very distant relatives!”

Twilight tried her best to answer, “Well, not on my side Prince. Dark Echo might have had some, but he never really talked about his family anyways. None of his relatives I had met had anything even vaguely human about them either. ”

The Prince slightly frowned again, “Miss Twilight, human DNA isn’t very different from Equine DNA as both races are of sentience, a mix breed doesn’t necessarily have to have traits from both sides.” The Prince turned back to me, “I guess that means we’ll be researching your family records then Night, there might be more to your blood than we know. Well unless you know of any relatives.” I shook my head, and then a certain question occurred to me.

“Wait, Prince Kylios if Human and Pony DNA are similar, why does the Centaur have a half human and Pony body?” I felt dumb for asking but it was nagging at me and had to be let out. Ponies knew very little about the Centaur, mostly just anatomy and tactics for the military’s use. It’s odd how such a distinct mix breed race so genetically close to ponies were as alien to us as the Animal-heads were. I’ve heard that there was a reason for our lack of knowledge but nopony knows of that either.

The Prince’s expression quickly changed from happy to serious in a blink of an eye, “Miss Sparkle, would you kindly leave Mr. Echo and I alone for a while, oh and please check up on the other Elements please? I will have someone retrieve you when we are done.” Twilight audibly sighed and reluctantly complied. After she left Kylios waited a moment and then did a sound seal on the hospital door with a snap of his fingers, he then turned back to me. “Night, there are some things that the Humans of Rea’Deagias regret doing and hate talking about, the topic of Centaurian Genesis is no exception.” He then closed his eyes, after about 30 seconds nodded to an unseen presence, opened his eyes and turned his gaze back upon me. “I will tell you but as it is a well guarded royal secret no information about the forming of the centaur leaves this room, do you understand me?”

I nodded although suspicious, “I understand, but if it’s so confidential why tell me. I can take a no for an answer. Anyways I might-----.” I was interrupted by Kylios before I could finish.

“I don’t care if you don’t want to know. It carries relevance to your mission and maybe even your ancestry. I was going to tell you but later on, but it seems you should know now.” His dead serious tone was intimidating to say the least. He turned to the wall facing the window with his hands behind his back and continued. “Back about 150 years ago….”

Canterlot Royal Infirmary
Waiting Lobby
16 Hours after ‘incident’
Twilight Sparkle

Twilight trotted down the halls thinking about her friends. It had been hours since she’d last seen the other Elements of Harmony. Upon entering the waiting lobby she was greeted by several of her friends and their sons\daughters, except one. Applejack was sitting in the corner of the waiting lobby with Storm Fury, Fluttershy, Terra, Knight-General Macintosh, and Macintosh’s Personal Guard.

Applejack had calmed down since the last time Twilight had seen her hours ago. Because of Night Echo’s condition Twilight had told Applejack and Wing Commander Storm Fury about their son, Fury simply nodded and sat down with a grim look where as Applejack broke down hysterically. Since Fury knew how to deal with losses he easily calmed AJ down.

“Hey AJ, are you feeling any better?” Twilight asked nervously from afar.

Applejack forced a smile for her friend, “Yeah a lil’ bit, thanks fer askin’ sugarcube.”

Twilight saw through the forced smile, what she really saw was pain. “Look, Applejack if you want to, we can visit Night in a little while when him and the prince are done talking. Then you can ask him what you’ve wanted to. You want to do that?”

“Naw sugarcube, he needs his rest and I don’t wanna interfere.” Applejack protested and Twilight nodded sullenly.

Rainbow Dash had walked over during Twilight’s conversation with Applejack, “Hey girls sorry I’m late, Spitfire wouldn’t let me go early.” Rainbow turned her attention to Applejack and moved to her side putting a wing around her protectively, “Hey AJ, I’m truly sorry for what happened to Stampede. If it helps you can know that you’re not alone in this situation, I lost Blaze so I can understand.”

If anything, Rainbow had learned manners from joining the Wonderbolts; before she was impatient and emotionless save for sarcasm, but now she’s and understanding, loving, and non-pushy pony.

Applejack then spoke back to RD, “Thank ya kindly RD it does help to know y’all can understand.”

Rainbow Dash smiled, “Why wouldn’t we understand and care, it’s what best friends do! Love you guys, my son wants to talk about something so I’ll see ya later.” With a wave of her hoof RD trotted back to her excessively needy son.

Applejack then turned to Twilight, “Come ta think of it, why aren’t you spending time with Night still Twi?”

Twilight looked back at AJ, “Well the Prince started talking about something confidential and I was asked to leave. The Prince said that when they were done he’d have somepony retrieve me.”

Applejack looked confused, “Too confidential even for the Royal Court Wizard? Why does Night get to know but you don’t? Sounds like bad apples if you ask me.”

After this the worrywart in Twilight started to show. ‘Why would The Prince tell my son but not me? That is weird.’ As she started to pace and silently think to herself Applejack and the others resumed the conversation they were having before.

Royal Canterlot Infirmary
Night Echo’s Room
During the previous scene….

“Back about 150 years ago Humans and Ponies lived together in a glorious Alliance. Together we had the power to move even the staunchest gryphon leaders away from war when no one else could. But with power comes corruption and arrogance…” The prince shifted in his armor and continued, “With corruption and arrogance comes black magic; etcetera, etcetera. As humans and ponies were both proud of their appearances and the fact that half Pony/Human children normally looked like only one of their parents, we got a grand idea of tweaking some of the DNA on both sides of the children with black magic…” The Prince again shifted, “Thus the birth of the Centaur, the half Pony/Human horrors you fought yesterday. At the first we were proud of our new ‘creation’ but their quirks started making themselves apparent to both sides: excessively violent, hateful, and cruel…” The Prince stopped for a moment, which gave me the chance to ask a question.

“But I thought that Humans and Ponies loved peace, what made the Centaur so twisted?”

“I was getting to that part Night, let me finish. As I was saying, they hated everything that wasn’t Centaur. We tried for years to figure out what was wrong with them, funny thing it had never occurred to us that it might have been the black magic we pumped into them while in the womb… After about 20 years they finally snapped: mass homicide in Rea’Deagias, summoning rituals for Nightmare Moon in Equestria, massive terrorism threats to Gryphia. Shit just hit the fan practically overnight and we had to stop them. Some delegates proposed a mass purge, others proposed mass exile, and the Pony diplomats proposed banishment to another dimension. It actually ended up being a mix of all three. The very few Centaur that didn’t show hatred were exiled, the thousands that did show hate but never acted on it were banished to a different dimension, and the rest of the Centaur that took part in any of the crimes against the alliance were executed…” The Prince looked down from the window to the Everfree and sighed; “Now apparently the exiles have grown exponentially and want revenge for their exile.” Kylios turned to face me, “They’re also looking for something in the Everfree but we do not know. I will speak to the Sun Goddess of that matter. Tell me Night, are Minotaur common in Equestria?”

I thought for a moment then answered, “Well no but there was a lot of Minotaur at the Centaur base. Why does that matter anyways, I just thought they were mercs.” What would those brainless towers of pure muscle need with peace loving ponies? Minotaur hate the environment of Equestria, they think it’s too fairytale like. Minotaur have been seen in Equestria before, but they are usually mercenaries or exiles.

Kylios facepalmed, “It means that either the Minotaur has allied with the Centaur, or they’re enslaved by them. Yet another crime against nature… bah forget it your probably right Night, I worry too much.” With a snap of his fingers Kylios summoned the black robed figure from before, “Syn would you kindly retrieve Miss Sparkle?”

“Of course, right away my Prince.” It said in a sinister gravelly voice as it blinked his red glowing orbs and disappeared. Not even a second later he returned with the lavender mare obviously shaken from the teleportation.

“Thank you Syn.” Kylios waved off the magus.

“I live to serve, milord.” And with a ‘poof’ he was gone again.

Kylios glanced at her puzzled, “I thought you have had teleportation experience Miss Sparkle?”

Mother shot Kylios an irked look, “Not when I’m taken by surprise! Ahem, excuse me it’s just that he really startled me.” She caught herself for nearly snapping at royalty.

“No no, its fine; I’ll make sure that Syn next time gives you a chance to brace for it. He has a bad habit of doing that.” Kylios then glanced out the window at the now falling moon, “The Sun goddess will awaken shortly and I need to speak with her, so if you two will excuse me I will be in the Royal Antechamber.” And with one final snap of his fingers he was gone in a bright light.

A few moments of silence passed by awkwardly and I decided to break it, “You know mother, what happened to my nurse from before?”

“I don’t know hun, but you defiantly scared her.” She chuckled. “She’s most likely home by now though.”

“Well I hope she doesn’t get in trouble for leaving me and going home. I felt really guilty for scaring her, heh.” I got up from my bed and decided to experiment with my new body. I decided to first pick up a pencil and try to write or draw. To my surprise my ‘hand’writing was better than my ‘hoof’writing , I simply shrugged it off and decided to do a self portrait of my now deceased pony body. After about 15 minutes it was done, it didn’t look expertly drawn but it looked better than anything I could do with my hooves before. Why was my Human body much more skilled in such menial tasks?

“Mother, I think I wanna try combat with this body already.” I stated with an excited but calm tone.

“Tomorrow, you need your rest dear----“

“No mother, please I need to get this body ready for battle, I’m having one of my feelings again…” The last time one of my ‘feelings’ only proved to get my friends hurt.

“Mr. Echo, listen to your mother. She knows what she speaks of, trust me.” A familiar voice bellowed from the door.

I turned to see Arkus leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded, “Oh hey Arkus about earlier I’m sorry… I was a fool to so quickly claim the D.O.H. as mine.”

“Yes and accept my apologies as well, it’s not exactly Draconian custom to berate a superior for anything.” He then held out a giant armored claw, “Friends?”

I nodded, shook his claw and smiled, “Yes, friends.”