The Exiled Angel

Chapters

Prologue
The Angel's Decent
Apples Apples Apples
Intervention
An Angel comes to town
Of Parties and Surprises
Complications
The Past of the Alicorn ruler Part 1

Prologue

Raguel, his head hung low stood in the centre of a circular room. All around him sat 11 thrones, decorated in gold and silvery patterns, varying in different heights stretching high above the angel in the middle of the room. In each throne sat a figure expect for one, their eyes locked with Raguel far below with a mixture of disgust, sadness and anger.

On the lowest throne sat a thin angelic woman. Raising her head away from Raguel and surveying the rest of the angels, she checked their individual expressions before speaking. "Is it true he has broken the creed of the order?"

"Indeed he has," spoke an angel to her right. His seat was the 4th highest amongst the thrones within the room. "I felt the use of his power the moment he entered the mortal realm, his energy was unmistakable."

The room lay silent for a few moments as the air began to thicken, Raguel's gaze never leaving the floor. A metallic clang came from the highest throne, drawing the attention of the room to the elderly whom sat upon it. "Then his actions must be judged, Jeremiel?"

An angel to his right straightened his posture before answering, "Yes Lord Micheal," withdrawing a scroll from the side of his throne. He inspected the contents thoroughly before closing it again, facing down towards Raguel.

"Raguel, Archangel of Justice, you have been summoned here today for the defilement of the creed for which the order has sworn to adhere to since the day of creation. Do you deny this?"

The Angel simply nodded before ushering "I do not deny anything."

"Have you or have you not directly interfered with a mortal life?"

"I have"

"Have you or have you not been seen by the mortals"

"I have"

"And have you or have you not..." there was a slight pause for effect before continuing, "Taken a life of a mortal, with your own hands?"

Raguel clenched his fists while trying to swallow a lump in his throat. Slowly he raised his head, eyes tightly shut before he was facing the angel seated in the highest throne. "I have."

"Raguel, you have broken 3 of our sacred rules. Prepare to be judged"

Suddenly most of the angels rose to their feet shouting to be heard amongst the others while Jeremiel took his seat.

"You heard what he said, he has broken the rules of the creed in ways no one of his rank should commit"

"Agreed, his heinous act has made it clear he is unfit of the position of his predecessor"

"I say rip his wings off and throw him from the heavens, let the chaotic legion claim his soul from his corpse"

"Neigh, send him to the pits of tartarus, death is too easy for such defiance"

"Agreed, he should suffer for bringing this filth into our sanctum"

The arguments were becoming louder and more incoherent as most of the angels bellowed their views and what should be done with Raguel. Michael sat on his throne overseeing the others below. His left arm rest on the arm of his chair, his chin resting on a clenched first. Hearing the coxing of the angel on his left, one of three that had remained seated during the charade, whispered into Michael’s ear.

"Forgive me your highness, but I believe Raguel should be merely striped of his rank"

Titling his head so Michael was now facing the hushing angel, he raised his hand so it now covered his mouth with a few fingers, "Do tell Uriel, why do you think he still holds purpose"

"He may have broken our rules, but he shows great commitment than the others before him, perhaps we should send him to be trained and let another take his place"

"I think not"

Both Uriel and Michael turned to see the new voice in their short little conversation. Upon seeing the speaker Michael was slightly surprised but didn't show any signs on his face. "Why Raphael, what do you propose?"

"He has broken our creed, we can not simply take away his rank and let him remain in the order,” Raphael began to scratch the top of his head, "to allow him to stay would make a mockery of what we strive for"

Michael began to speak again, "But Raphael, I know of your friendship with Raguel, what Uriel proposes would allow him to stay."

"But I know him, he cares for the mortals too much. He often speaks of wanting to do more to help them, and not remain trapped within the confides of the sanctum"

Uriel now joined in with his hand cupped around his chin, "The only way for Raguel to assist in such a manner is for him to be mortal," he deadpanned.

Raphael paused for a moment. "In a sense, yes"

Catching on to what was being implied, Uriel began to protest. "You know it can't be done. We cannot remove his wings or he'll die. And with them, he'll remain connected to this place, immortal on the plain. It just can not be done."

Raphael began to fiddle with his fingers looking down at his friend, who in turn was once again hanging his head in shame. Michael took note of the angel’s hand movements sensing an idea present in the angels mind. "Please Raphael, do share what is on your mind?"

Uriel, taken by surprise, began to look back and fore between his lord and fellow angel, his breath held as he awaited the response. Raising his head to meet Michael’s eyes, he spoke in a hushed voice so that only Uriel and Michael could hear.

"We exile him"

"Why would you say such a thing"

"Because it would be perfect. Our sanctums powers will carry him till he is out of reach. He will be detached from the order and become mortal. We can send him to an inhabited world where he will not be heard from, and he can continue the work he seeks to accomplish"

Michael sat back in his chair contemplating his decision. Death and torture were not to his liking, especially one of their own, not after what he has sacrificed for the mortals and the order. But he couldn't truly allow him to stay, as he too would be defiling the creed. Exile to a distant world, a world untouched by angels and the legion could also be hazardous.

He looked backed at Uriel, "What do you think?"

The angel closed his eyes and begun rubbing his temple," I am unsure, I simply know that to lose one such as he would be a grave lose, he holds a great power within him.

"In exile, he can always be called upon when needed," Raphael spoke pointing a finger towards Uriel.

Michael leaned over to Uriel placing a hand on top of his, "I trust your judgement old friend."

There was silence between the three angels for a few moments, the arguments below continuing with great ferocity as an angel with black wings and a deep red halo flew about the room yelling something distasteful regarding a mountain, a vulture and chains.

Making his decision, Uriel looked to Michael. Holding his gaze before speaking with finality, "... very well."

Michael, fully leaning back into his chair, raised his hand before speaking. "SILENCE," his voice amplified, filling the circular room.

The angels ceased their bickering turning towards their leader, eager to hear his verdict over the present situation.

"I have heard many proposals as to the situation at hand and have come to my decision. If any wish to speak their 'final' words to the Archangel of justice then do so now," empathizing the word final.

Silence loomed over the room once again as the collective angels looked to and fro from each other and to Raguel seeing if one of them would say their piece. When it was adamant that no one would speak, Micheal lowered his head towards the angel in question.

"And do you Raguel, Archangel of justice wish to speak before you are sentenced?"

Again, silence reared its head, the room awaiting any response. Again it became obvious that he would not speak. Michael turned to the other angels, "You may now leave."

He raised he's sword slightly before letting it fall back to the floor beside his throne. As the clang radiated from the blade as it made contact, all the angels disappeared except for Michael and Raguel.

The room now empty, Michael descended from his throne, stretching his majestic wings as he lowered himself in front of Raguel. With sword in hand he raised the edge of the blade above Raguel's head, spearing the halo through its ring before extracting it away from his person. His halo, once aglow in a golden light, faded, showing simply a thin golden ring in its place. As Michael plucked the ring from his sword, it disappeared in his hand like dust in the wind.

"Kneel Raguel"

Without hesitation, the angel kneeled before his lord awaiting his verdict.

"I have considered my decision greatly as to deal with the situation you have caused. And I have decided..."

Michael raised his sword and rested it on the side of Raguel's neck. The coldness of the weapon sending shivers down the angel's spine. He took the chance to look up to see his lord’s face one more time before the inevitable happened.

"To banish you from this sanctum"

Banishment. That was it, he knew he was going to Tartarus. He was going to be tortured for his crimes, feeling all along that was what he deserved. It was all for the best, only Satan would do what he had done to... him.

Lowering his sword to his side, he spoke again, "you will be sent far from here, beyond the realm of the guardians."

Now this surprised the angel. He looked into the eyes of Michael, furrowing his brows. Finding his words he spoke all he could think of, "w... why?"

Michael merely smiled, "You shall be cut off from the sanctum, unable to use its powers. You shall never lay eyes here again."

He looked to his sword again, changing the position of his hands on the blade so it was now pointing towards the floor. "Hold fast angel of justice, and goodbye"

Ragual attempted to speak further but Micheal's blade struck the ground, enveloping the angel in a pillar of light. The angels wing flung open, acting upon a will that was not their own and shot towards the ceiling. In a blink of an eye, the pillar vanished along with the angel. The old angel looked upwards to the point where Ragual last occupied before closing his eyes.

"May you find peace..."

* * *

Creak*

"Hello dear s... oh my apologies, am I interrupting?"

"No my dear, just catching up on my reading"

"Oh my, is that a report"

"Why yes it is"

"So what have her friends learnt, I so enjoy her reports from her studies"

giggle*

"Ha ha, Is it that bad?"

"It's from Applejack, and quiet a strange one at that."

"Oh do tell, please?"

"Well alright. It was regarding her visit a few days ago, she was trying... to..."

"..."

"S... Sister? Are you feeling alright?"

"..."

"Sister?"

"Did... did you feel something?"

"Well no, what do you mean?"

"I'm not sure, like a chill perhaps?"

"Honestly sister, was that all? Your window is wind open, I'm surprised you hadn't noticed earlier"

"..."

"Your highness"

"Yes Corporal?"

"The Night Court is coming into session."

"Thank you Corporal, I will be down momentarily."

"Yes Ma'am"

"Let me just close this window... there... Well, goodnight."

"Goodnight"

...

Creak*

...

"That feeling... did i imagine it?"

The Angel's Decent

Chapter 1

It was early morning in the land of Equestria. The Sun was baving the land in it's warm embrace, the wind tickling the fields and tree tops, morning dew glittering against it's brilliant rays. Clouds dotted the sky in their minority, lazily drifting over the barren plains at the foot of a Mountain.

Suddenly a light as bright as a star in the dead of night appeared up in the sky. It shined and twinkled for but a moment before a pillar of light touched the ground. Within the area of the pillar, Flowers began to sprout to life on the desolate rock beneath, coming into full bloom in a matter of seconds. Strangely, all the flowers, though of clearly different breeds, all adorned the colour of white. The display lasted for sometime till a ball of light, traveling along the pillar, slowly descend to the ground. As the ball made contact, it began to take shape. Losing its glow, a figure began to appear from with in. When at last the ball of light had faded, the figure was gently deposited to the ground, the pillar of light extracting itself and ascending back to the sky, the figure laying on the blanket of white flowers.

It began to open its eyes, lifting it's self off the ground and onto it's hind legs. Attempting to awaken its body, it began a series of stretches, from its arms, to its legs, making a series of popping noises as it did so. The being was quiet a peculiar sight. Its head adorned a long brown coloured mane that reached down to its upper back, with a bit of braiding coming from what looked to be its ears, meeting at the back of its head before flowing down it's back. Besides it's mane, there was no other source of fur or hair of any other part of its body. It didn't seem to have any kind of snout and was wearing some kind of fabric that shined in the glow of the sun. Fabric covered it's chest, shoulders, waist and upper legs, leaving the arms, head and lower legs exposed. Some kind of golden thread as thick as rope was tied around it's waist and large metal like buttons hung on either side of his chest. From it's back came a pair of large white wings, it's length slightly smaller than the figure. It extended them out flapping them a few times before retracting back in place. Finally it's eyes were a deep ocean blue.

From a point a ways off to where this thing had descended, peering around the corner of a rock formation stood Spike, a small pudgy dragon covered in purple scales and green spines along his back. He watched with great curiosity as a brilliant pillar of light touched the ground, growing flowers and then the arrival of this strange creature that he had never seen, or for that matter ever heard of. It had now folded it's arms and began looking around before speaking.

"________________________," What ever it had said, it was completely lost on the baby dragon, none of it made sense.

"What the hay", he mumbled to himself. The beings wings twitched ever so slightly and it began turning around in the direction he was standing. Quickly Spiked ducked back into cover, hoping he hadn't been seen. He sat there waiting, wondering if the being had turned away or was making it's way towards him. Slowing he peaked around the corner again, only to find the being now seated in the flower bed and it's legs crossed. Worse of all, the thing was looking directly at him. Spike continued to stare, anxiety taken a hold of his small form freezing him to his spot. After some time, the being lifted one of it's arms and appeared to have gestured for him to come forward, before placing it back in it's lap.

Spike remained where he stood, still unable to move, waiting to see if it would get up and give chase, his claws and feet shivering from his fear. Then the being spoke again.

"_______________,__________________________," Again the contents of which was spoken was lost on the dragon, but it was strange, it spoke as one would speak to a frightened child. Calming down, Spike began to walk away from his cover, wondering now that he could be seen if this would stir the creature. Instead it smiled, one that you see from somepony you had just given a gift they were looking forward to. Feeling safer he began to approach the being. He came within 6ft of the entity before stopping. As he did, the being spoke again.

"_________________"

"Erm... Hello," Spike said waving his hand. The creature bore the look of confusion, looking back and forth from his hand and the dragon.

"Heh-low..." It repeated, mimicking the same hand gesture Spike had done before. Perking in up, Spike had a small smile come to his face as it finally spoke some sense.

"Hi, my names Spike," he emphasized pointing his thumb to his chest, "What's yours?"

"Sssike?"

"No, 'Spike', with a P," He put emphasis on the 'per' sound in his name.

"..S-pike."

"Yea you got it, now what’s yours," Spike asked as he pointed his claws back to the being. It seemed to catch on to what the dragon was implying and it smiled.

"______"

"Ka..Ul...Meh? Sorry, can you speak equestrian please?"

The being shook his head before repeating itself.

"I'm sorry, but I don't understand what your saying," Spike said shrugging at the being. The creature then lifted an arm, stroking one of its fleshy claws under his chin in what looked like contemplation.

"__________?" What ever it was it said, it sounded like a question.

"I still don't know what you’re saying," Spike said again while shrugging. They sat in silence, the being now casting his gaze along the floor while still stroking his chin. After a few minutes the creature looked back at spike for a moment or so before placing one of it palms on it head and another out in front of him, closing his eyes. It seemed to be straining itself for a moment, it's breath held. Soon it stopped straining and begun to relax. As it opened its eyes something struck Spike as something different. It's eyes were no longer that deep blue colour that it had before. Instead they were the colour gold would get when in direct sunlight. It stretched out its claw towards Spike, ushering him to come closer. He hesitated for a moment before walking closer, a sense of serenity flowing from the creature. As he got close enough the being place his palm on top of Spike's head. It smiled at him before closing his eyes. Great warmth flowed from the point of contact through out his head, to his claws and feet. The sensation didn't last long before the being withdrew its hand, it's eyes open and back to it's usual colour, its smile still present of it's face.

"What did you... What was that?"

"I'm sorry, I've never heard your language before and I... sampled it from your mind."

"Huh," It spoke, before it was speaking a totally different language, but now it was speaking as clearly as any of the other residence in Equestria.

"And to answer your question, my name is Raguel, nice to meet you Spike."

* * *

"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you," Raguel said as he looked to a distance figure hiding behind some rocks. It seemed to relax at the soften tone the angel used and shuffled away from his hiding place. A dragon? I haven't seen one in so long since they disappeared from midguard, such fascinating creatures. This brought a smile to his face, such a remarkable species dragons were. His happiness seemed to relax the little dragon as it began to walk towards him. Stopping a little ways from where he sat, he scratched his claws on the back side of his arm. The Dragon seemed to be male, and quite young at that, no more than 12 cycles old. When it seemed it wouldn't speak, Raguel decided to take the Initiative.

"What's your name?"

"___,_____," The little dragon spoke quietly while waving his hand. Was that his name? Doing his best, the angel tried to mimick the dragons gesture.

"Kem-pa," He said while waving his hand as well. He stopped waving and was about to bring it to his chest when the little dragon spoke up, looking a lot more comfortable around the angel.

"__,______________," it said bringing a thumb to his chest,"________?"

Perhaps I got it wrong? Maybe i just greeted him, i better make sure. Raguel pick out the word that was spoken while the dragon had pointed to himself.

"Ffffolm"

The dragon seemed a little irritated, saying his name again putting more pronunciation on the word. Re-doubling his efforts the angel tried again.

"Fffolme"

"____________," he seemed a lot happier and was now gesturing towards Raguel. My name , he wants to know my name.

"Raguel"

"Caaat-jewel? __________"

"Raguel," how could anyone get Cat Jewel from Raguel, and what was that he said afterwards? The little dragon shook his head and shrugged, "__________________"

Odd, He's said something similar before... maybe he doesn't understand me...

Raguel brought a hand to his head and began to think of his predicament. He couldn't understand their language, no idea of their customs or rules. He probably wouldn't understand their literature either unless he spent and extensive amount of time on it. If only he could make quick progress. Wait, maybe I can still do it, he thought. Quickly he placed a hand on to his head and began to concentrate. Before this would take no effort what so ever, but now it felt it had to pushed and pulled out of him. Soon the throbbing in his head began to fade when a familiar flow of energy, rushing from his temple, enveloping his face and muscles. It had worked, his power flowed freely through out his body and mind, energizing him with every breath he took. He looked to the dragon,"Please, come here," he said gesturing the little dragon closer. When he came within reach, Raguel placed a hand on his head and was hit with a crash course of Equestria 101.

Greetings, goodbyes, pleasantries, all manner of communication from speaking to writing that the little dragon had ever learnt came rushing up the angels arms and feeling his head with knowledge. Soon the mind ran dry of information and the angel took away his hand.

"What did you... what was that?"

Excellent, I understand him perfectly, "I'm sorry, I've never heard your language before so I... sampled it from your mind"

"Huh?" The dragon seemed surprised, perhaps it wasn't used to such a practiced form of magic. Now filled with the knowledge of the language the angel knew it had tried to pronounce his name in his language, before saying he had no idea what the angel was talking about. He thought best to re-introduce himself.

"And to answer your question, my name is Raguel, nice to meet you Spike," Raguel said as he got to his feet, dusting off stray petals and leaves that rested on his robes. As he continued his ritual tidying up he could help but notice Spike looking him over with a perplexed look.

"What is it?"

The little dragon continued to inspect the angel, mostly around his torso and wings, before looking up at him, "So what are you?"

What was he? He was a Guardian of life, protector of mortals and the rebeller of the Chaotic legion. Had he never heard of his kind before. Had this land never heard of angels before, had we never fought for their freedom and safety. Contemplating these thoughts, the angel hadn't realized that he hadn't spoken in some time, Spike now raising his eyebrow at the on going silence.

"Hey, you OK?"

Breaking his concentration the angel looked back down at the little dragon, an embarrassed look on his face, "Oh sorry Spike, I guess I was in a world of my own for a moment."

"All-right... so what are you anyway?"

Would it be alright if he knew? I may have been banished here, but he did teach me the language of the land, Raguel thought. Deciding it was safe, the angel saw no reason to lie about himself.

"My kind go by the name of Angels in your tongue."

"Wow, where do you come from?"

OK, maybe some lying had to be done, who knows how Spike would react if he was told he was some kind of immortal who watched over mortal realms keeping them safe from the hordes of Chaos.

"We come from the sky."

"What like a pegais?"

Smooth raguel, you sample a mind and forget to look into other areas besides how to talk. Regretting what he said he tried to keep up the facade.

"Not quite, we live very high up in the sky, far beyond the reach of other species," Raguel said, hoping the little dragon would buy it. It wasn't too far from the truth, but he couldn't let on he was completely off world. Thankfully Spike did, nodding his head, "Wow, so cool," turning his head to the sky, probably hoping to see another angel in the distance.

While Spike was preoccupied with his sky gazing, Raguel began to think about his situation. Being banished from the order meant he was no longer a true protector, that as far back as he could remember he had been a part of it. But now, cast out by his brothers and sisters, meant he was not bound by the creed, more so than ever if this plane hadn't been touched by his kind or chaos. Perhaps in this world, Raguel could be... normal. Unlike the other angels, he had been a part of the order his whole life. Here he could have a fresh start. He turned back to Spike, whom still was gazing at the sky.

Before the angel could ask about the nearest town, a new sound generated from his gut. The sound was similar to that of a growling wolf, rumbling gently within his torso. Perplex, Raguel rubbed his stomach, unaware Spike's attention had dawned on him.

"You hungry?"

"Is that what that sound justifies?"

"Well yea... unless its sort of a quessy filling, is it?"

The angel looked back to his gut, his hand still rubbing it. Feeling nothing else he chuckled, "I think I'm hungry."

"So what do you eat," happily ask Spike.

Raguel wasn't sure, normally the sanctum's life force fueled the angels with power and energy, though they could ingest food and drink, they never needed to eat anything other than perhaps honey dew when they were recovering from battle.

"What's there to eat?"

"You like Gems?"

"No," the angel deadpanned. He may have never needed to eat but he was quite sure even with the energy of the sanctum flowing through him he'd struggle to eat a gem.

"What about hay and oats?"

"Is there anything else?"

"Well there's cupcakes, bread, brownies, carrots.. erm," Spike could see that the angel wasn't looking rather enticed by any of the things he'd suggested, but he kept trying regardless, "Muffins, apples..."

The last one got Raguel's attention, "Apples?"

"Do you like apples?"

How could he not think of this before, Jophiel had always gone on and on about the creators fruit ever sense they met. This could be the opportunity of a life time to try this fruit first hand, and see what all the fuss was about.

"Sure, are there any near by?"

"Sweet apple acres has some, it's a bit of a walk, but it shouldn't take too long."

"Wonderful, could you take me there?"

"Sure," He cheerfully spoke before turning around and heading in the opposite direction. The angel followed closely behind the little dragon thanking him before taking one last look around. The flower bed had begun to fade from the absence of his presence and the day was still young. As they passed Spike's hiding spot, Raguel couldn't help but notice a small pile of gems ranging from different colours. Realizing he had begun to full behind, he broke into a brief jog up to the little dragon's side before continuing down the path into a forest.

* * *

"What a strange creature this angel is."

"My Lord?"

...

"Fear not Rylarth, I'm a just curious to this little discovery"

"But what of the ambassador?"

"Inform him that something has taken my attention, I will be with him shortly"

"Yes my Lord"

...

"So Kaulme, share with me who you are"

Apples Apples Apples

Chapter 2

In the quiet town of Ponyville, the populace had begun their daily routines. The weather team was clearing the skies, Sugarcube Corner had a line of hungry ponies waiting for its goods and young filles and colts were off to school. Within the tree library, a busy Twilight Sparkle, a lavender unicorn, was hard at work on her latest experiment.

Notes and books littered the wooden floor, complicated diagrams and summaries placed at random on the desk which the unicorn had seated herself at.

"OK, you can do this," Twilight muttered to herself. Her mane was frazzled and a slight twitch in her eye as she turned from her desk and pointed her horn towards the center of the library. Her horn began to glow in its lavender light as she channeled her magic. For a few moments nothing changed, till a swirling portal began to appear by the front door. The outer edges had two streams of light blue and dark blue light, intertwining with each other as they danced amongst themselves, creating an oval shape. Within the light barrier was pure blackness.

"So far so good," Twilight said. She closed her eyes tightly as her concentration grew, sweat forming on her brow as the intensity of the spell grew. On the other side of the library a second portal came into existence of similar shape and size of the first portal, but was noticeably different. Instead of an assortment of blue light, green was present and the black space in the center was absent. Instead what was seen was the library itself, but from the perspective of somewhere in front of the door. Similarly, the blue portal was showing the library as well, but from the other side of the room.

As Twilight strained to open her eyes, the portals began to fluctuate, the shapes wavering till they collapsed on themselves in a soft poof, blowing a few stray pieces of paper away from there location. She stood there looking at the no longer present portals before swinging her head back round to her desk.

"UGH! Why does this keep happening," She exclaimed, looking over her notes and reading materials. She contemplated the lack of stability as well as the large strain needed to maintain the portals that should not be occurring based on her predictions. She had gone over all the necessary reading materials available at the library and still was no closer to her goal.

She needed help.

Twilight had exhausted all the resources at her disposal in her home, but perhaps some books at the Canterlot library may aid in her experiment. With her magic she took hold of a quill and parchment, drafting out a letter while dictating to herself.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

I have been experimenting a new type of spell to help assist with large groups of ponies traveling from one place to another but have run into complications. Would you please inform the Canterlot library if they have any books on teleportation, gate ways and anything else similar.

Your faithful student

Twilight Sparkle"

With the brief letter finished, she rapped up the parchment and began looking about the room.

"Spike? SPIKE!", she called out to her assistant, he didn't answer. Just then there was a knock at the door. Placing the letter on the table Twilight trotted over to the door and opened it.

"Hi Twilight," a pink earth pony cheerfully greeted. Twilight began to break into a small smile from her friends infectious happiness.

"Hello Pinkie, do you need anything?"

"Nopedity nope nope, just here to give you an invitation to tonight's welcome party."

"Is there a new pony in town?"

"Dunno, I haven't seem them yet."

Twilight furried her brow that Pinkie was throwing a party to a new pony and not even seen them. "But if you haven't seen them, how do you know there's a new pony in town."

Pinkie pie started bouncing about as she made her way into the library, "Well I was helping the cakes before Sugarcube corner opened and my throat started to tickle, and that's pinkie sense for a new pony is in town."

"Oh right," said Twilight as she rolled her eyes. "Have you seen Spike? I need to send a letter to the princess right away."

Pinkie pie was just placing an invite on the table next to the letter when her back leg started to shake followed by a soft rumble in her tummy. Pinkie looked herself over before looking back at Twilight with a smile still plastered on her face, "He's heading over to Sweet Apple Arces."

"Let me guess, Pinkie sense?"

"Yepidy yep yep," Pinkie happy said before hopping out of the library and into Ponyville. Quickly Twilight placed on her saddle bags and slipped the letter inside before leaving for the farm.

* * *

The sunlight gently filtered past the leafes and branches of the trees, lighting the trail as the angel and dragon made they way through the forest. The birds sung their songs high above, fluttering from branch to branch, entertaining the timber audience. During the walk to Sweet Apple Acres, Ragual and Spike agreed to ask a question each. This would help the angel gain a better understanding of Spike and the area of the land, but it was mostly so he wasn’t bombarded by the inquisitive little drake. As they trekked through the forest, Spike had asked how the Angel 'sampled' the language just by touching his head.

Raguel explained how the angels had developed an innate ability that allowed them to harness energy throughout their body and others through touch. By opening vents that regulate the flow of energy, untapped potential could be accessed at will, increasing the capacity to learn, re-act and in other circumstances, increase strength and mobility.

Raguel kindly left out that the sanctums flow of energy helped regulate the flows of energy for all angels, allowing them to turn it on and off without a second thought. If this form of technique hadn’t become so instinctual for Raguel, being disconnected from the sanctum, he may have never been able to access his power.

"So is that why your eyes were different?" Spike asked.

"Yes, basically the flow of energy is constantly moving through us. When I open the regulators within, the flow is increased, resulting in my eyes changing colour due to the increased intensity of energy throughout my system." Raguel explained.

Spike stared at the Angel for sometime, a confused look on his face. In the end he simply started shaking his head, "You sound way too much like Twilight."

"Twilight? Is she a friend of yours?" Asked the Angel.

"Yea, she's the most powerful unicorn around and I'm her number one assistant," Spike said proudly puffing out his chest.

"Ha ha, fair enough."

Spike took the chance to talk about all his friends that lived in the town, all the way from Twilight to the fair Rarity. As they progressed, the sun glowed more intensely as the cover of the forest began to fade, a cool breeze brushing them gently across their face. The trail turn from a dirt path to grass and soft moss as they entered a vast meadow at the foot of the forest. The wind gently brushing over the fields, bending the grass with its touch, and in the distance rested a small town. The roofs were thachted and coated in a white paint, the towns flock only the size ants as they commence with their daily routines.

From the left, along the path in front of their path sat a barn surrounded by acres of apple trees. Raguel stopped at the foot on the entrance to the forest, taking in the sight before him. The peace, the serenity, it was all so beautiful. Spike took note of the angels reaction, walking in front of him with a smug look on his face and gestured towards the town.

“Welcome to Ponyville.”

"Wow," Raguel mouthed as he looked upon the town before looking back at the young drake, "You live here?"

"Sure do, I live with Twilight at the library."

The Library eh. This is good, once I've satisfied my new needs I can go learn more about... wait a minute?! Raguel turned to Spike, "You live with Twilight? But your only a hatchling."

"Well Twilight was the one who hatched me," Spike stated like it was common knowledge. Twilight hatched a dragon? I thought dragons were very protective of their young, Raguel contemplated, Better change the subject. He begun to make his way down the path, "So Spike, are there any..."

"Hey, you've ask your question, now's my turn," Spike interrupted.

Breathing a quick sign of relief, "Very well, what do you want to know?" Raguel could see the young drake pondering his next question, but couldn't help but notice that Spike's attention was mostly focused around his wings. He looked away keeping mind of the path ahead but could feel the drake's eye's continued stare. Soon it became too much.

"IS, there something wrong?"

This startled Spike as the sudden volume derailed his train of thought and ever so slightly moving away from the walking Angel. Seeing his mistake, Raguel attempted to rectify for his sudden outburst. "Sorry about that Spike, it's just... Did you want to ask about my wings?

The little dragon gingerly nodded his head. "Well, fire away."

"It's just that, I know this pony who can do the sonic rainboom."

"A pony can break the sound barrier?" Raguel asked. With the power of the sanctum, an angel is able to move faster than the speed of light, but to have a mere mortal, without the need of machinery, breaking the speed of sound. Truly this was an incredible feet.

"Well I was just wondering how fast you can go, you know with your wings?"

His wings. If he was asked that a day ago, Raguel would have just made a smart remark that he couldn't possible comprehend the speed he could go. But in banishment, his wings were practically useless. Perhaps he could glide with them, but other than that, he was practically grounded. His continued existence in this state reminded him that without his true home, all his gifts were no longer available to him. He would need to eat to survive, he couldn't soar through the skies, he may even have to surrender himself to sleep as it was needed by the mortals to regain their energy. These points alone served to sadden Raguel. There was no way around this, Spike had to know.

"I... I can't fly, at least... not anymore." The angel said with a sad expression.

"I... I didn't know," Replied Spike, "Are they broken? Can they be fixed?"

"I wish they could, but it's not like that."

"Is that why your here?"

...

"Raguel?"

Raguel shook his head and tried to smile, it was weak at best, "Yea, it's why I'm here."

Spike turned away for a moment before looking back at Raguel, a glimmer of hope in his eyes, "You could live with us."

Such generosity and kindness. Hard to believe it was coming from a dragon. The sincerity in those words warmed the angels heart, giving him the drive to look towards the sky once more. Most of the clouds were now absent from the beautiful blue sky. The few that were left hung low in the air above them and the farm. A smirk formed on Raguel face.

"Thanks," He said, bringing his arms up and cupping his hands behind his head, "But I prefer sleeping in the clouds."

Now Spike was cocking an eyebrow at him. "I thought you said you couldn't fly?"

The angel flashed a sly expression at the little dragon before looking back at the path, his hands still cupped behind his head. "Oook," Spike said sarcastically, "Well, we're here."

Finally they had arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. As the smell of the fields of apples and dirt filled Raguel senses, he caught sight of two pony's having a discussion next to a barn. One looked quite old. It had a green coat with a white mane and tail done up in a bun. She also had what looked to be some kind of confection on its rear. To the left stood a young orange pony with a blonde mane tied into a ponytail with a red band. It seemed to also be wearing some kind of hat.

Just as Spike and Raguel started walking up towards the barn, the green pony finished speaking, returning inside the barn, while the orange pony walked over to a wagon. The pony began to inspect the baskets within before noticing the dragon and the angel approaching up the path.

To say it was startled would have been an understatement. With it's attention fixated on Raguel it backed into the wagon falling over the harness and onto it's back, whacking it's head on the ground. Seeing the little show Spike jogged lightly over to the fallen pony while Raguel maintain his current walking speed.

"Applejack! Hey you alright?" Spike asked worryingly as he got to her side.

So this is Applejack, owner of Sweet Apple Acres. "Ermh, Ah'm fine Spike," Applejack muttered as she proceeded to rub her hoof at the back of head with her eyes shut. When she opened them, Raguel was standing over her, looking into her eyes. He squatted down to eye level with the farm filly, holding his hand out to her.

"Need a lift?" Applejack hesitated slightly before she placed her hoof in his grasp and was brought out of the wagons proxy, standing beside it.

"Thank ya kindly," Applejack tilted her hat at the angel before turning to Spike, "Say Spike, is emm... It a friend of yours?"

"Yea!" Spike said enthusiastically, "Well... actually I just met him while I was at the barrens and..."

"The Barrens, by yerself? What in tarnation were ya doing out there along?"

"I was collecting gems, there hasn't been any in the library for a while," Spike explained grabbing his tail and shuffling abit, "And Rairty didn't need any for her dresses."

Seeing Spike, Raguel decided to change the subject to help the little dragon out. "The names Raguel, pleased to meet you, Spike's told me alot about you."

Applejack glared back at Spike, "Did he now." She was clearly annoyed at the little drake for blabbing about herself to somepony he'd just met in such a dangerous area.

Great, I think I just made things worse, thought Raguel, Maybe if I stroke that ego Spike told me about. "Don't blame Spike. I was hungry at the time and he told me you grow the finest apples from all over."

The orange mare turned away to look at the angel. A smile on her lips and her cheeks turning slightly red. Bingo.

"Aw shucks, finest apples in Equestria."

Warming up to Raguel, Applejack looked back to her cart before nodding in the angels direction," Was just about ta head to the east fields, why don't ya come with."

"Sure thing"

As Applejack started hitching herself up to the cart, she looked over to Spike, "So sugarcube, were ya able to find any gems?"

"I sure did," Spike said brightening up, "Rarity cast her gem finding spell on my claws and I found Rubies, Emeralds and..."

Spike stood silently for a few moments before vigorously looking around, patting himself all over.

"Something wrong Spike?"

"Arg my gems, I must of left them behind," Spike quickly turned around running back the way he came. Applejack turned around shouting after him, "Be careful now ya hear!"

"Sure thing AJ," he yelled back before turning at the gate and disappearing along the trail.

Applejack and Raguel stared for a moment where they had last seen Spike before he disappeared from view when the angel noticed the mare hadn't hitched herself up to the cart yet. He felt his gut start to bend in on itself in a small, but noticeable bit of pain. His hunger must be getting worse.

"Say Applejack, if you don't mind, I'll take the cart over," He offered, "It's the least I can do."

"Well thats mighty kind of ya, do er, you need help strapping in?"

"It's OK, I can just pull it along with my hands."

"Alrighty then lets go, daylights a-wasteing."

Grabbing both handles in front of the cart, Raguel broke into a slight jog to catch up to the farm filly as they made their way through the orchards.

* * *

Raguel and Applejack had been out in the east fields for the better part of an hour filling the baskets with apples. When the last one was full, Applejack picked up an apple in her mouth tossing it to the angel.

"Go on now, you've earned it."

The apple was a sight to see. The fruit was large to say the least, it's red skin shining against the glare of the sun. He raised it to his mouth and took a bite, it's juices squirting out as the angel sunk his teeth into it. The taste was tangy but sweet. Easy to chew and very moist. Though the sensation was new, it didn't quite live up to Raguel expectations. Perhaps Jophiel exaggerated a little too much. Though it didn't live up to his expectations, he thought the apple farmer deserved the benefit of a doubt.

"I never tasted anything like it."

"Yea, nothing quite like it is there."

Honey dew springs to mind, "It's lovely, thank you."

As Raguel went to take another bite, the distant sound of clopping filled the air.

"Applejack?"

"Over here sugarcube."

The clopping grew louder till it came to a halt on the other side of a tree where Raguel was resting. "Hey Applejack have you seen Spike? I need to send a..."

Raguel stepped round the corner, coming face to face with a lavender unicorn. She seemed to stand in bemusement at the oddity before her. Is this gonna be like this the whole time I'm here. Sure I'm new, but really? Applejack decided it would be best to introduce Spike's new friend on his behalf.

"Twilight, meet Raguel."

Raguel raised a hand, giving Twilight a short wave, "Hello."

"H-Hi," Twilight replied waving her own hoof. Regaining some of her composure, she seemed to take in the various details of the angel. His hair, cloths, height and lastly his wings. Raguel had quite enough inspections for the time being.

"Your looking for Spike?"

"Uh, yes," stuttered Twilight, "Have you seen him, I need to send a letter."

Why do you need a dragon to send a letter? isn't there some kind of postal service in Equestria? There has to be, how else do I know the word 'Postal service' if I'm speaking Equestrian. Well if she needs Spike, "Spikes down by the barrens picking up some gems, thats where he met me. If you want. I can go there and give him the letter for you."

The lavender unicorn relented, "Sorry... Regal?"

"Raguel."

"Raguel, but I would feel much better if I take it to him, It's very important."

"I can see you find it quite urgent that the letter is sent immediately, but I know exactly where he'll be, "Raguel rebuttaled looking over the unicorns form compared to Applejack, "Not to mention I'm alot faster than you. I'll get the letter to Spike and bring him back straight away." It was very clear that even without tapping into his flow of energy, he was just as fast as the pony's here, maybe even faster. Twilight looked to argue the point further but Applejack stepped in.

"It's alright sugarcube, Raguel came here with Spike, Ah'm sure he'll be fine."

Twilight looked back and forth from the farm filly to the angel, still unsure whether to trust Raguel. Feeling the need to give Twilight a finally push, Raguel kneeled in front of the unicorn, "I swear Spike will get the letter swiftly, you have my word as an angel."

"An angel?" A quizzical expression on her face, "What's that?"

"Hm, I'll tell you when I return."

The prospect of learning something new about the creature seemed to tip the scales in Raguel's favour. Without a moments notice, Twilight opened her bag with her magic and floated over the letter to the angel who took it in his hands.

"I shalt be long." With that Raguel leaped up from his seating position and ran down the path out of the farm and towards the forest.

* * *

"So what do we have here?"

"Hey give though back!"

"If the dragons here, then that whiny mule must be near by."

"I don't see her, let's just grab the gems and go."

"Wait, look at his claws."

"Their glowing?"

"The mule must have cast a spell on him, It's lightening up near the gems."

"Egh, let me go!"

"He'll be much easier than her."

"Fine bring him back, he'll be less annoying anyway."

"No! Somepony, anypony, HELP!"

Intervention

Chapter 3

Branches and leafs of trees flew past as Raguel made his way through the forest. It felt great to feel the air whip through his hair and feathers again. Seeing as he now had some time to himself, he thought to reflect what he had learnt so far before meeting up with Spike again. His first thoughts were of the land so far.

Magic was noticeably present, stronger than that of Midguard, but nowhere near that of the quantity of the sorcerer’s realm. There also seemed to be more than one sentient life form, the ponies and dragons. There were Unicorns, Pegasus and Earth ponies. Spike had mentioned some form of monarch as well.

His thoughts drifted to the entities he had met so far.

Applejack was rather friendly and a hard worker. Twilight seemed rather reluctant with the little time he saw her. Spike spoke of how Twilight was very powerful for a Unicorn, with the smarts to back it up. Finally thinking of Spike, he thought how different the little dragon was to the rest of his kind. Though only a hatchling he hasn't shown any of the evil tendencies like most dragons. He wasn't greedy or territorial, he had even offered him a place to stay only having just met him. Very un-dragon like, but in a good way.

Raguel began to smile to himself. A rare sight indeed to have such a kind soul within a dragon, a race that disappeared long from the sanctums sight. However something had been nagging at the back of his head, a mere whisper at first but had now grown to a noticeable shout. The forest was silent.

The angel’s smile started to fade as he looked around the passing trees along his path. The forest that he had past not too long ago, a forest full of life and vibrancy now layed dormant. 'That’s odd...' He thought. The noise, the song of the woods was gone, like something scared them off. Perhaps now he was nearing the edge to the barrens was the reason why they had gone or the sudden rush of his presence had startled them. He was close now, there wasn't any need to worry.

"Egh! Let me go!"

Raguel slowed his run. 'What was that? It sounded... familiar.'

Cautiously the angel approached toward the edge of the forest, trying to remain as quite as possible so more of the conversation could be heard.

"He'll be much easier than her."

This voice was totally new, but sounded deep with alot of gruff in the way it spoke. Raguel could see the light outside the forest. Inching his way closer to the edge and the source of this... bizarre conversation.

"Fine bring him back, he'll be less annoying anyway."

This voice was also new. It was a bit higher pitched than the last, but spoke with as much gruff as before. Now at the edge the angel crouched behind a nearby bush. In the distance three figures stood with their backs to him. The one on the far left was short and had a light tan coat. The middle one's was grey while the far right one was slightly darker. They all seemed to hunch, using their longer forelegs to prop themselves up with their stubby hind legs. Their tails were short, wads of fur sticking out everywhere at the tip of the tail. Finally they all wore jackets stuffed with a verity of gems, but while the ones on the sides wore a grey jacket, the one in the middle had a red one instead.

Curious, the angel noticed the largest of the lot was holding something just out of view at arms length. 'Could these be another sentient life forms or...'

"No! Somepony, anypony, HELP!"

That voice, it was coming from were these creatures were standing. They started walking away, the big one finally showing what he had been holding. Being held upside down by the tail was Spike flailing his arms about desperately trying to break free.

Raguel's body moved on it's own as he saw the terrified little dragon, angry that these creature were forcefully taking him away. He vaulted over the bush, flaring his wings out as he entered the open.

"Hey!" He shouted, gaining the attention of Spike and his captors, "Drop him, now!"

The creatures didn't seem to share the same reactions that Raguel received from the dragon or ponies from around here; rather they shared the look of pure annoyance.

"Raguel run, tell everypony the diamond dogs ha--" Spike shouted back before being shaken about muddling his words. 'Dogs eh? This place is full of surprises' the middle one looked the angel from top to bottom before breaking out into a laugh.

"And what are you supposed to be?"

"I am Raguel," He stated as if residing an oath, "I am the angel of Justice, defender of the defenseless. Relinquish the dragon now or face my judgment."

The seriousness in Raguel face was intense, his statue large and his wings fully open. Spike was in awe by the grand display, mouthing 'wow' in silence. The effect was clearly not the same for the dogs.

"Ha ha, Justice? Heh heh judgment?" It was in hysterics, the others joining in. How could he by himself do that to them when it was three against one? Regaining their composure, the middle one looked to the others, snatching Spike's tail from the larger of the two.

"Spot, Fido, get rid of him."

They both nodded, Spot putting down a small pile of jewels he was carrying next to the one in the red jacket before joining Fido as they walked slowly to Raguel. They looked strong, but strength wasn't everything. Raguel smirked to himself, folding his arms.

"Suit yourself."

Spot broke into a sprint towards the angel. Raguel placed a hand on top of the little dog’s head as he vaulted over spinning his body round as he extended his leg. It connected with Fido's face knocking him off balance. Turning round quickly Raguel grabbed Spots short tail hoisting him into the air, twirling him around as he let out a small yelp of pain. With great force the angel flung him straight at the dog holding Spike, striking the mutt in the gut from the airborne pooch.

Fido regaining his balance opened his arms, catching Raguel in a bear hug from behind. Quickly the angel reached up to Fido's face, puling on it as he threw the mutt over his head towards the other dogs. Spike was sitting there in complete bemusement after being freed from the dogs grasp, watching as Raguel dealt with his captors. Raguel knew if Spike didn't move he might be captured again, he had to get him to move.

"Run Spike, get out of here," He called out to the little dragon. Snapping out of his stupor, he nodded getting to his feet and running into the woods with no sign of injury before disappearing from sight.

Looking back at the pile of mutts, Raguel let out a hearty laugh while folding up his arms again, a touch of smugness on his face, 'Man that felt good.'

Fido was the first to scramble free from the pile while trying to pull the supposed leader to his feet looking rather apologetic.

"Sorry Rover", he spoke softly as Rover swatted Fido's paw away in agitation.

"Enough!" He shrieked, dusting himself off as he looked back in Raguel direction. Growling slightly, Rover got onto all fours arching his back before stretching out his head to the sky with a mighty howl. The howl was loud, bouncing off the surrounding mountains and forest all around the barrened landscape. The echo faded as Rover mimicked Raquel’s pose in folding his arms, an evil grin spreading across his face.

The ground started to rumble. It was soft at first but slowly grew in magnitude. The ground beneath the angel softened and before he could react a large brown diamond dog burst from beneath him, holding Raguel tight in his arms restricting the angels arms to his sides. The mutt was as large as Fido, but was adorned in amour with spikes on the shoulder pads. But the rumbling didn't stop.

One by one armored diamond dogs burst from the earth, each one similar to the one holding Raguel in place. There were five, then ten, more and more popping from the ground surrounding the angel. Twenty, twenty five, they just kept coming. Soon the rumbling subsided as thirty armoured diamond dogs stood all facing Raguel, Rover laughing off in the distance closing the gap.

Fighting two was simply enough, five would be tricky and ten would be difficult, but thirty? A very real sense of danger loomed over Raguel's mind. He was heavily outnumbered, worse, he was trapped and at the mercy of Rover and his gang of thugs. He knew if he didn't do something quick, things could get ugly, and the dogs were ugly enough already. He had no choice, he closed his eyes and started to concentrate.

"You," Rover started to speak,” You think you beat us!" His voice slowly growing into a shriek, "Try and take our jewels!"

His heckling slowly faded, the noises of the world dissipating as Raguel’s concentration grew. The energy within grew in intensity, flowing through every fiber of his being. His mind grew sharper, his muscles thicker, and his resolve stronger. As his valves opened he became aware of another beings flow. Rover must have come close enough that Raguel was feeling the dogs flow with his own.

"I said last words," Rover whispered only an inch from the angels face. Raguel looked straight at Rover, slowly opening his eyes, once again in their golden colour.

"This won't end well."

In a blink of an eye, Raguel hoisted his captor onto his back and jumped into the air, landing with the dog on the ground releasing him.

"Get him!" Rover shrieked as he faded back into the crowd of armored mongrels.

Getting up quickly, Raguel back flips landing on top of an armored dog behind him, cupping his hands over its eyes. Seeing the angel, one of the dogs throws a punch only for Raguel to jump and have the blow strike the mutt playing piggy back. Descending back into the mob, Raguel crouches, executing a spinning kick knocking four other dogs surrounding him.

A dog from the front charges, claws primed and ready, but Raguel somersaults over, grabbing the dog’s head with both hands. With his built momentum he flings diamond dog into one of its comrades, as he exists the flip before lunging at another dog. The armored mutt attempts to grab the angel, but he is too quick. Sliding between its stubby hind legs then forcing it onto it's stomach. Using his enhanced strength, Raguel rips the back plating of amour like tin foil and wraps it around the legs of the downed dog incapacitating it. Looking up he could see the rest of the dogs, their faces betraying them as they watched the feat. 'Time for the end game'. Feeling his muscles tense up, he rocketed off towards the mass gathering, a smirk on his face.

Ploughing through the group, Raguel moved intricately from opponent to opponent as he delivered blow after blow. Cries of pain filled the air as Raguel made his way to Rover, bends of sweat trickling down his muzzle. Leaping into the air Raguel readied a kick squarely aimed at the diamond dog gang leader.

Rover was able to dodge the kick, the angel sticking the ground kicking up a cloud of dirt where he landed. Turning round, Raguel flared his wings open. With a mighty flap, a gust of wind blew the remaining armored dogs off their feet, all except Rover who along stood.

Breathing a calming breath, Raguel folded his wings back and let his arms drop to his sides, his eyes looking intently at the lone leader. Rover breathing was erratic and quick, his eyes wide as looked from his goons back to the angel noting any lack of tiredness. Anger growing within him, he pointed a claw at Raguel while shaking the other in the air.

"YOU!" Rover bellowed, "You will pay for this!" The angel simply folded his arms, the smirk growing into a smile, he had won and there was nothing any of them could...

"Raguel! Behind you!"

'Spike? Here? Did he get,' "Ugh!"

Fido had managed to sneak up behind the angel and lock him in a hold, lifting Raguel off his feet. His arms couldn't move, his wings couldn't open and his legs flayed about as he was taken by surprise. Taking the opportunity Rover leapt towards the stricken angel reading his claws.

"You will pay!" He shrieked. With a swipe of his claws, he strikes the angel in the chest.

"Leave him alone!" Spike shouted as he ran behind Fido. Before Rover could get another attack in, the little dragon propped himself up on his tail, drilling away on Fido's tail. With a yelp, Fido releases the angel who promptly delivers an elbow to his snout. Now free, Raguel grabs Rover by the collar hoisting him into the air with one hand, his other clenched into a fist ready for the next blow.

"W-wait, please," Rover pleaded with both paws trying to hold himself up on the appendage holding his collar. Raguel stood there, motionless as the wind gently flapped through his robes. He stared intently, looking deep within Rovers eyes as the dogs continued to shift. It was clear as day that Rover was terrified of the angel and so he should be. With the leaders pleas heard, Raguel drops the leader unceremoniously to the ground.

"Leave," was all Raguel stated in a calm manner. Rover scurried away. With their leader defeated the rest of the diamond dogs retreated down their holes, pulling any other comrade that couldn't move with them. Rover, Fido and Spot crammed down the same hole before erecting a large mound of dirt filling the entrance, trying to put as much distance with the angel as possible.

* * *

Spike got off his back shaking his head. After his little attack on Fido, he flew through the air a few feet when Raguel struck the large dog. Looking around there were no dogs in sight, just mounds of dirt where the dogs had appeared from the ground. At the mound directly in front, he gasped in amazement at the sight before him.

On the pile of dirt, Raguel stood on top, his wings slightly opened, the wind gently blowing through his hair. His eye's back to their blue shade as he took in the battlefield before looking at the little dragon. The sun was behind the angel, casting beams of light around his figure, piercing through the bristles of his feathers, while white doves flew from behind and into the forest.

Seeing the area was clear of danger, Raguel started walking towards Spike, his mouth was still agape as the angel squatted in front of him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You alright?" Raguel asked, but Spike remained slack jawed. The silence was long till Raguel chuckled light heartedly.

"That was very brave what you did Spike, thank you."

The complement seemed to snap him out of his stupor as he quickly raised his arms beaming.

"That. Was. Amazing!" he exclaimed.

"No worries," The angel started looking around, "We better get going."

Raguel got up and walked towards the forest, picking up a pile of gems in his arms on the way before looking back, "Come on Spike."

Nodding his head Spike followed, catching up to the angel as they made their way to the forest. As they passed the threshold of the woods, a small rolled up parchment lay next to a passing bush, unnoticed as the two continued back to Ponyville.

* * *

"Worthless welp..."

...

"He holds a great power within him, he could be useful"

"Lord Diagon?"

... "My apologies ambassador, my mind is elsewhere, you were saying?"

"You know why I'm here, has everything been arranged?"

"Yes, my kin will be of no trouble."

"Jolly good, then our meeting for today is concluded. I will deliver my report swiftly."

...

SLAM*

"Our time draws near, soon no one will stop us."

An Angel comes to town

Chapter 4

Pain, an unpleasant and emotional experience associated with damage or potential damage to a living being. A mechanism used to inform an organism to pull away from the source, ensuring the foreign entity no longer can cause harm to them.

The creator used this, as well as several other aspects when creating the planes of reality in the empty vacuum that he found after many a time searching. When the order was made and the sanctum built, it was deemed that many of the aspects of life, pain, discomfort and various other physical and emotional reactions should have a lessen effect on angels. This change was made when Satan, the second created angel, betrayed the order out of anger and hatred, inviting the legions of chaos into the mortal realms.

It was not for the fact Raguel never felt pain before, but now he was feeling, what he assumed the rest of the mortals dealt with their whole lives. He wasn’t able to ward off the diamond dogs attacks unscaved as Rover landed a blow. His claws, though they didn’t go very deep, still managed to leave three claw marks on the angel’s upper left torso.

The wound stretched and contracted as Raguel walked through the forest, becoming rather uncomfortable from the constant pain. Heaping the pile of jewels into one arm, he used his free hand, placing it under his robes to releave the wound with some pressure. Spike, oblivious to the angel’s predicament, described the fight from his point of view.

“And then you were like, Woosh! And they all fell down and you ripped that ones armour off like it was nothing.”

“Yea huh.”

“And Rover was all like ‘You’ll pay,’ and you got trapped and I saved you.”

“You sure did,” Raguel said as he took his hand out from his robes, cringing at the sight.

“And Rover was like ‘Please, no more…’ Raguel your hand!”

Looking away from his hand he could see Spike was facing his way, wide eyed and concern written all over his face. There was blood on his hand from the small injury, wiping some of it off on a mossy patch of a passing tree.

“It’s alright Spike, Just a scratch,” he lied

“No it isn’t, I can see it behind your cloths,” Spike pointed out causing the angel to take another look. The cut was mostly obscured, but the tops of the first two cuts could just be seen.

“It’s fine really, I’ve had worse,” he continued to insist, but the young drake wasn’t having it.

“You got that from the fight didn’t you. We should get it cleaned, Rarity said they never washed, it could get infected.”

‘Great, just what I need, another thing to worry about… stupid bacteria.’ Spike had a point, it needed to be cleaned properly.

“Fine then, I’ll do something about it when I get you back to the library,” Raguel said looking back at the trail, the exit of the woods drawing near, but Spike persisted.

“We could go see Fluttershy, she lives nearby.”

There was just no winning with this dragon. Even when Spike showed to be very different from most of his kind, he still exhibited some of their common traits, stubbornness. They exited the wood over looking Ponyville in the distance and the farm off to the left.

“She just lives over there,” Spike said pointing off to the right. The woods seemed to fade off to an open field, a separate forest just on the other side. Along it’s borders stood a lone cottage no more than a five minute walk from where they stood. The wound was starting to itch, ‘Maybe it would be better if it got checked sooner rather than later.’

In silence Raguel started walking to the distant cottage, Spike slightly infront. They remained like this till they were at the home, small animals frolicking about the grassy planes surrounding it. The little dragon turned around, gesturing the angel to stop.

“Wait here, I’ll see if she’s in,” before walking up to the door. Raguel looked about the various animals observing him. It had been a long day and it wasn’t even half way through judging by the position of the sun in the sky. He placed the pile of gems down on the ground before sitting down himself, a group of rabbits and birds approaching him cautiously.

Spike knocked on the door, a meek voice sounded from the other side.

“Fluttershy? Your in, It’s me Spike,” He asked the wooden door. It opened slightly, a yellow mare with a pink mane poking her head through. As their eyes met she opened the door fully.

“Oh, hello Spike, what brings you here?” She asked with a small smile.

“Hi Fluttershy, I was hoping you could do my friend a favour,” the drake asked looking back at the angel. The mare looked up for a moment before dashing back inside, an audioable ‘eep’ and the slamming of the door.

“Please Fluttershy,” Spike pleaded, “He’s not a bad pony, er I mean angel.”

The door opened again as she are popped her head out, a quizzical, but unsure look on her face.

“An angel?” she murmured, looking back at the seated angel.

All around Raguel were rabbits, squirrels, badgers and mice running all over him and birds had perched themselves on his head and shoulders singing their song. They looked… happy and so did the angel. They had only ever acted this freely around her before, it was quite the sight to take in.

Fluttershy slowly came out of her door and into the open, lifting her head out of her mane. Raguel was too busy with the little critters to notice, playing with a little baby blue bird in his hands. She was about to approach further when the angel flinched at a rabbit that hung from the upper portion of his robes pulling them down slightly from where they sat. Something glinted on his chest, she squinted her eyes to try and make it out. It kind of looked like…

She gasped running back into her cottage, her door slamming shut again behind her. An annoyed Spike rolled his eyes as he went to the door… again.

“Your being si—oof!” he was interrupted as the door flew open, Fluttershy racing toward the angel.

Hearing the sound of a small child between a rock and a hard place, Raguel looked up seeing the pegasus for the first time as she ran towards him, a little box held in her mouth. She opened it and grabbed a rag. She only stopped a few inches from his torso, rag raised and all before dropping her head behind her shield taking a few steps back.

“Can um… can I take a look? If you… don’t mind.” She asked quietly, a blush forming on her cheeks. Noticing the box she had been carrying was a first aid kit, the angel nodded. He folded his legs and reached up to the large buttons, releasing their locks and exposing his skin to the sun’s warm embrace.

His muscles were toned but not large as they curved in and out along his frame. The wings stretched out popping their joints before resting on his back. The claw mark itself covered the left side of his chest, curving round under his arm in a diagonal manner. The wound hadn’t closed, but the dried flecks of blood had stopped any further bleeding.

Carefully the yellow mare raised her head again, gently placing the rag on the cut with her hoof. On contact the angel hissed through gritted teeth, the stinging sensation catching him off guard.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” Fluttershy quickly apologised. Raguel was just as quick to apologise as well.

“No no, I’m sorry, just not used to this.”

Slowly she placed the rag back on, wiping over the claw marks in gently strokes. Soon the wound was cleaned and dressed. The itching had stopped and the pain had gone to a dull throb. After checking the bandages stayed in place, he buttoned up his robes, watching the timid Pegasus put away her supplies in the small first aid kit.

“Thank you, that was very kind of you,” The angel said as he patted a hand on the bandaged chest, “My names Raguel, what’s yours?”

He already knew of course, it was Spike’s idea to come here in the first place, but he figured it polite to have a proper introduction. She didn’t seem as shy as she had been before, but continued to speak in her very soft voice.

“Fl… I’m Fluttershy.”

Getting off from his seating position he starts to dust himself off. He looks at the cluster of animals as they made there around the pegasus in a similar manner they had just done to him a moment ago.

“They like you a lot, are they yours?”

“Oh no, I just take care of them,” she said as a few birds started twitting in her ear, “giggle* They like you too.”

“Heh, I like them too. Well, guess we better be off, I promised to get Spike back as soon as.”

“Ok.”

Bending over to reclaim the pile of gems he shouts out.

“Come on Spike, we’re going,” walking off down the path toward the town. Staggering from the door and making his way in a zig-zag fashion followed Spike.

“Er, yea… sure.”

As they walked away, the little blue bird twitted something again to the pegasus, electing a nod from the mare.

“Yes, he seems… nice.”

* * *

Spike took his place in front of Raguel as they walked about the town, pointing out all the shops and sights like Sugarcube Corner, Town Hall and such.

The walk was informative but the residents were something else. All of different colourations, shapes and sizes, each with a different mark on their flanks. As they passed, conversations stopped, activities ceased as they watched him walk by. Some tried to hide if he looked in their direction, others continued to stare, their eyes boring into his very person. Meeting some of the ponies one by was ok, it gave the angel time to introduce himself properly and get to know the individual better, but the masses were another story. Being looked at by this amount of souls shouldn’t have bothered him as much as it did, all he wanted was to exit the town and go back to the outskirts as soon as possible.

It wasn’t long till they arrived at a large tree adorned with a door and various windows. A wooden sign stood next to it with a picture of an open book. ‘Must be the library,’ he thought following Spike as he entered.

“Twilight?”

“There you are Spike, how’d gem hunting go?”

The voice came from the lavender unicorn hunched over her desk. Raguel placed the gems in Spike’s waiting arms.

“It was great, Raguel helped a lot,” he spoke as he waddled over to another room. Hearing the angel’s name, Twilight turned away from her desk smiling at Raguel.

“Thanks for bringing him back.”

“No problem, it’s the least I could do.” The angel’s gaze drifted to the bookshelfs to the floor of the library. Astruned all over were opened books and bits of parchments covering parts of the floor, the table in the centre and the desk she had just been sitting at a moment ago.

“Did you give Spike the letter,” she asked breaking Raguel’s train of thought. ‘The letter? Oh… right.’ Embarrassed the angel scratched the back of his head looking at the floor.

“Sorry Twilight, I must of dropped it.”

Twilight sighed, “It’s alright, I made a spare,” turning back to her notes.

“Was it important?” he inquired.

The unicorn raised a hoof and patted the collection of parchment on her desk, “It was for research, and I’ve hit a dead-end, so I was requesting more material for my work.”

Curious Raguel bent down to look at a few of the notes at the centre table. On one page it had a diagram of a single oval shape with lines curving into the centre of the shape and out again. There were mathematic and picture symbols followed by a few foot notes. On another page there was another diagram, this time with two oval shapes connected by two lines. Inside one shape was an image of what looked like a pony’s front while the other had a view of its rear. This too had equations and symbols decorating the page around the drawing. Unfortunately these were totally lost on the angel. Spike was bright for his age, but he didn’t have the same capacity that the unicorn was displaying. He did however have a disturbing amount of words to describe beauty… and purple.

Looking back up, Raguel decides to inquire about this research.

“So what are you doing exactly?”

Twilight turned round with an eyebrow raised.

“If you don’t mind that is,” he quickly added.

“I’m trying to create a new spell,” she stated rolling her eyes.

“And what would the spell do?”

“Sigh* I’m trying to create a new form of teleportation spell that allows anypony to go from one place to another from a portal of magic.”

“You mean you’ve found a way to harness portal magic?”

“Well we’ve already used it to a certain degree, I’m just trying to expand upon it. I found a way to create door ways for ponies to pass through, but I can’t keep it stable and it’s uses a lot of magic to maintain.”

‘Portal magic, now I see what the diagrams were implying, maybe I can help.’ He brought a hand to his chin and asked, “Show me.”

Reluctantly the unicorn tore herself away from her desk. She lowered her horn and it started to glow in a lavender light, a slight humming sound emitting from it. Seconds past and an oval shape appeared next to Raguel, the outer edges coloured in blue light. Grunting under the strain Twilight’s horn grew brighter as a second portal formed on the other side of the angel, this one with a green border. Inside both shapes appeared Raguel, looking into one portal and away from the other, but something was off. They flickered and wavered from their normal state before they collapsed on themselves, blowing away a few stray bits of parchment from the proxy of the spell.

Looking back at Twilight he could see how much she had exerted herself. She was sweating and breathing heavily, stomping a hoof down at her own frustration.

“You huff* see…” she panted.

“Yes I see, and you doing it wrong,” Raguel deadpanned. Twilight lifted her head, a confuse but insulted look on her face.

“Let me explain.”

‘You are not fully completing the cycle of arcane exchange between each portal. Each portal needs to be done separately with a self sustained magical field before being linked. The portals collapse due to the tethering effect being too weak. The cost of magic should be substantially less, but by focusing on both portal simultaneously, you cause a flux of your own magical ability, negating any chance of completing the spell.’

“Your doing it too quickly, you need to do each portal on their own. When you’ve done that, then you can link them together. By doing them together you only make it harder for yourself.”

Twilight took in the explanation for a few moments before rubbing it off.

“No offence Raguel, but I think I know what I’m doing.”

‘Ugh, confound this vocabulary,’ “Please Twilight listen to me, believe me when I say your so close, just follow my directions.”

She just continued to stare.

“Alright look, it won’t hurt to try, if it doesn’t work you’ll never hear me question your methods again, deal?”

Another sigh escaped her muzzle as she readied her statue once more.

“Fine,” she said unenthusiastically.

“Ok, do what you did before with the first portal.”

Again Twilight’s horn glowed as magic was funnelled through it. In a matter of seconds the blue portal appeared.

“Now, spiral the flow of your magic around the surface, you’ll see when to stop.”

The unicorn raised an eyebrow before trying the suggestion. The intertwining lights around the portal started to speed up, circling quicker and quicker until they stopped, joining together creating a solid shape. Twilight’s horn ceased its glow as she inspected the portal.

“Good… good, now do the exact same thing again.”

She looked back at the angel, then the portal.

“Erm, ok,” sounding unsure.

She turned around, her horn lightening up again as the second portal formed. It’s outer edges taking on the colour green, but as the spiralling magic fuelled into it, it changed to a turquoise colour as he outer edges solidified. Both portals stood with blackness filling their centres. The glow from the unicorn’s horn faded for the second time as she marvelled at the two self sustained portals, there was just one last thing left to do.

“Now connect them, grab one end and drag it to the other.”

Nodding her head and smiling, Twilight reached into the arcane vortex of the first portal with her magic, stretching the thread of energy to the other portal. As they touched, the borders flashed, losing their blue glow entirely. The portals were now linked and complete.

The air in the room was electrified as the unicorn marvelled at the creation of her work. All thoughs late nights spent researching the arcane and teleportation scrolls had rewarded her with an amazing new spell. Portal magic had reached a new height in Equestria. With this new spell, teleportation was no longer reserved to the more powerful unicorns, even her friend Rarity would be able to cast this spell and so long as the pony casting it had been in the place before, they could travel from Canterlot to the scorched lands, home of the dragons. She could hardly contain her joy as she hopped through each portal with an excessive amount of yeses.

It was nice seeing her happy, she had obviously worked hard to get where she was Raguel thought. Even without his help, she would have gotten to the conclusion sooner or later. Truly she was every bit as brilliant and gifted as Spike had told him about.

“This is amazing, how did you know,” she piped up enthusiastically.

‘Several hundred years of arcane study,’ “A few angels use the same technique to get around.”

“giggle* Well thank you Raguel,” Twilight raised a hoof to her mouth, “Oh almost forgot, your new in Ponyville correct?”

“Yes I am,” the angel said. Twilight trotted over to the table by the door.

“Pinkie’s hosting a welcome party for you, “ she explained as she levitated the envelope marked ‘Welcome’ over to Raguel. “It’ll be at Sugarcube corner at seven.”

“Sugarcube corner? You mean the ginger bread house in town?”

“That’s the one.”

‘A welcome party? Why would they do such a thing for me if everypony I met avoided me when I walked through town?’ He hadn’t been here for a day and so far he met a dragon, a farmer, a magician, beaten up some dogs and now this ‘Pinkie’ was doing a welcome party for him. ‘Maybe I’m just over thinking this.’

“Sure, I’ll be there.”

“Great. And thanks again with the spell. If you need anything you can always ask me,” she offered.

“Actually,” Raguel said as he eyed up the shelves, “Can I borrow a book?”

Happy to be of help with the literacy arts she nodded her head, “sure what do you need?”

“A Dictionary.”

The comment was short, to the point and a little odd to the unicorn. Hesitantly she retrieved the book. It was thick with every know word in the equestrian language, heavy too. The angel took the book from her magic grasp and headed for the door. They bid each other farewell and he left.

Spike remerged back into the main lobby of the library having put his gems away.

“Hey Twilight, you’ll never guess what happened today…”

* * *

The trip out of Ponyville had been short as Raguel had made his way back near the forest he passed through to a small lake. The lake feed into a river that ran through Sweet Apple Arces, with a clear view of the farm and the cottage that belonged to Fluttershy on the other side.

Judging by the position of the sun, it was just past midday. The clouds that were in the sky were gone now except for two. One was hanging over Ponyville while the other rested above the lake. After gazing at the cloud for sometime, Raguel crouched and jumped into the air, clearly thirty feet as he landed on the small cloud with a poof.

“Yes, this will do nicely,” he muttered to himself.

He got to his knees and rested a palm on its surface closing his eyes as he concentrated on his flow. The energy moved down his arm and into the cloud. Slowly the cloud grew, taking on a new shape as the angel funnelled his power into it. The centre rose higher into the air, growing wider as it expanding beneath his feet. The cloud soon reached it peek in size, and just as slowly started to shrink in various areas, forming distinctive shapes as it slowly became a structure.

A door appeared along the vertical wall that touched the base of the cloud, windows forming as the cloud hollowed out allowing the sun to illuminate the inside. Pillars rose infront of the structure joining an over hanging bit of cloud. As the structure nearly finished, a small hole opened at the top, a golden liquid flowing down the front side of the building, splitting in half as it fell to the base of the cloud in two pools, before over flowing off the edges and dissipating before reaching the lakes surface.

The work was long but was worth it. In the hours it had taken to build this structure, Raguel was rewarded with his home. Customizing what he had seen in many mortal homes there was a meeting room with two couches and a fireplace, a kitchen with various counters and a sink tapped into the vapours of the cloud. A bathroom with a heavily condensed bit of cloud turning it into a mirror and a study lined with shelves, draws and a desk. Finally a bedroom, there was a door that led to a landing outside crested between the two waterfalls and a large double bed.

Looking away from his work and back to the sun, it had started to dip below the horizon, the sky changing to a warm orange glow. Stepping inside his home briefly, he threw his dictionary on a near by couch before jumping off the cloud and heading back to the village. He had a party to attend.

* * *

"Did you see that thing?"

"Its was following that little dragon."

"I'll tell ya, things have gotten mighty strange since that unicorn arrived in these parts."

"Do you think it was just passing through."

"Ah don't think so. Pinkie pie said something about a party tanight."

"By Celestia mane what is she thinking throwing a party for that thing."

"Well I got an invite."

"Me too."

"Yall think we should go?"

Of Parties and Surprises

Chapter 5

“Aw shucks, Ah thought we had it that time.”

“I never knew this could be so much fun.”

“Guess we can cross circus cutie marks off the list.”

Three young fillies dusted themselves off from their latest attempt. One pulling out a list from her saddlebag, sweetie belle took out a quill crossing off a clown face, Scootaloo peering over the white unicorn’s shoulder eyeing up the next item on the list.

“Do you think we can try the next one?” Scoots asked putting aside a pie pan and a couple of bowling ball pins.

“Ah don’t think so, it’s getting awfully late,” replied Applebloom as she wiped the contents of a banana and whip cream pie from her face. The three fillies looked to the sky. The celestial sun was just touching the horizon, colouring the once blue sky in an orange shade, “We better go before we’re late.”

Sweetie belle placed her checklist back in her saddlebag before swinging it upon her back, “I guess, but I don’t think Rarity’s looking forward to it.”

The orange pegasus turn her gaze from the sky with a raised eyebrow and a quizzical expression on her face. “What are you two talking about? Late for what?”

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other before addressing their fellow crusader, “The welcome party silly for the new pony in town,” spoke Applebloom.

“There’s a party?!” Scootaloo exclaimed a little too loudly than she intended, her expression quickly shifting into a huge grin.

“Rairty said that the pony isn’t a pony though,” The unicorn filly chipped in, “She doesn’t know what it is, but she saw it walking through town.”

“It walked on its hind legs and had a huge pair of white wings. It had a long mane but it didn’t have a tail, she also said it didn’t have any fur.”

“Ya make him sound weird,” Applebloom added, “Applejack said he was might friendly, he even helped her with some applebucking.”

“Did you see him?”

“Well… no, I just going by what AJ said.”

Through their bickering, the young crusaders hadn’t noticed the absence of one of their members. Scootaloo had left the conversation some time ago, placing her helmet on and hopping on her scooter before interrupting her friends.

“Who cares if the party is for a pony or not, come on lets go.”

* * *

‘What am I doing here’, thought Raguel as he walked about Ponyville. Every so often the sound of a door or a window slamming shut filled the air as he ventured through the town. Not one soul was seen throughout the journey and his newly acquainted nerves were starting to get the better of him.

Should he turn back and not bother? Has walking into town been a hasty move? He was new to this land after all, pony culture was foreign to him and their nature odd. The few he had spoken with made it adamantly clear they had never seen an angel before, but when they got to know him, they were down right nice.

The mass populace however hasn’t gotten to know him. Their reactions are what held the frontlines in an on going battle in the angles mind. They turned away from him like some kind of infection that might spread if they got too close. He didn’t smell, he checked, he wasn’t hideous either, so he couldn’t even lie to himself to lessen the hurtful feeling of being outright rejected. He was alien.

A few times on his way to Sugarcube Corner he wanted to turn back and go to his cloud home, maybe even read the borrowed dictionary and endower himself with new knowledge. Knowledge he could use to make a better impression on the towns folk if given the chance. But time and again a whisper encouraged him onwards, ‘what better way to get to know the populace than at a friendly gathering,’ ‘Spike will be there, and Twilight too,’ ‘I was invited after all.’

He came into Town Square, the gingerbread house now in sight at the far end of the street. Raguel’s eyes drifted to the clock tower. The long hand was past the top section between the top number and the one next to it on the left. The little was just resting on a symbol to the right of the bottom number. ‘just past seven,’ and the angel began walking to the bakery once more.

He was now just a hop, skip and jump from the shop when a pony emerged from the back. She wasn’t there long though as it caught sight of the approaching angel and darted into the shop.

Raguel stood dumbfounded to the spot at the sight. She ran at just the sight of him, and into the bakery as well where the supposed party was to be held. Didn’t she know it was his destination after all? The cogs powering the mentally machine moved into overdrive as he began to realize his current situation.

Then it finally hit him. How could he have been so stupid to have not seen this till now. The constant avoidance, the worried looks, staying away from him leaving him in isolation.

He was banished for a reason. The fact that he came upon a realm with life on it was just pure luck… or so he thought. He was being punished for breaking the creed, actions that no immortal should have done. They knew, they all knew of his love for the mortals, to be their protector, to shelter them, to be… one of them. His mere presence was frightening them rather than being given the chance to help.

The more he thought about it, the clearer the situation had become. This realm, he wasn’t sent here by accident, this was done on purpose. To be sent to tarturus wouldn’t have serficed. He knew he had to be punished and the pain of the forsaken place would only hurt him physically. Being here was a new level of torture. He was sent here to be rejected, his love for the mortals was to be used against him. They would shun him and hurt in ways physical pain could never accomplish.

It was too much, he was never meant to start anew, he was to be isolated. Even the thought of going back to his cloud home to read sickened him. What use did that book have now anyway? The knowledge would go unused, forgotten.

“Howdy partner.”

The voice broke Raguel’s train of thought as he searched for the source.

“Ha ha, over here sugarcube.”

Looking over his shoulder he spotted the stenson wearing cowpony trotting up to him. To see a friendly face was a true blessing of the creator. A new voice entered the fray and a battle of thought erupted.

‘Applejacks here, I have nothing to worry about.’

‘Why, we’re not meant to interfere, look at how they run from us.’

‘But she’s here… and what about Spike and Twilight’.

‘What about them, are they here? NO! They are just like everyone else.’

‘They wouldn’t have talked to me if they wanted to avoid me.’

‘Are you that dense?! They probably thought you were going to attack them, it wouldn’t have even been difficult to sn--‘

“So are ya just going to stand there or are ya going to the party?” Asked Applejack, once again derailing the angels internal argument.

“Erm, I’m not sure,” he said rubbing the back of his neck.

“Not sure huh. Well shoot how can ya not be sure if you’re standing here next ta Sugarcube corner? Come on now, “ She said as she placed her head on his back and pushed him toward the bakery.

At the door he stood, not wanting to disturb the piece of wood between him and uncertainty. With a roll in her eyes and a smile on her face, Applejack pushes the door open. It was dark, there was a bit of light outside, but it may as well have been the dead of night for what Raguel could make out. He was about to turn tail and run when the lights flicked on and confetti blasted him in the face.

“Surprise!”

Raguel squinted as his eyes adjusted to the new lighting in the room as everything came into focus. A bright pink pony with a very wide smile was bouncing on the spot right in front of him. Off to the left he could see Twilight next to Spike giving him a small wave. To the right he saw two new ponies, one was a white unicorn with a purple mane and the other was a sky blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane. Further back he could make out three smaller fillies surrounding a table packed to overflowing with treats. Finally his eyes focused on the hanging banner stretched across the room.

“What is this?” asked the angel as he tried to take in the very long worded banner. The pink pony giggled while bouncing up to him.

“It’s a party silly. My Pinkie Sense told me there was a new pony in town and I had to throw a welcome party, but Twilight told me you weren’t a pony and I was like ‘oooo is he a griffin, oh oh a donkey? I know a donkey, he’s called cranky doddle donkey, he came to Ponyville all sad so I threw him a welcome party, not like your party though cause Twilight said you even helped create a new spell so this was gonna be a welcome and congratulations on a new spell party but then Spike told us how you saved him from those meanie mean diamond dogs and I wanted to do a hero party but I needed to do a welcome party first so this is your ‘Thanks for saving Spike and helping Twilight out welcome party.’

The angel looked at the pink pony, trying in vain to digest the wall of text, ‘How is that even possible, she didn’t even breath.’ Figuring that just staring at her wouldn’t get him far he opened his mouth.

“Hey how’d y—offm!” was all he could get out as a hoof thrusted itself into his gob.

“Here try a cupcake, it’ll turn that frown upside down.”

Raguel was about to give the pink mare the old what-for when the greatest taste sensation hit his taste buds. It was as fluffly as a cloud and as sweet as honey dew. The sensation was so great that his own mouth betrayed him and a content moan of bliss left his lips. Seeing her work was done, the pony bounced over a table next to a record player.

“Now lets get this party started,” and with that, music filled the air as she danced over to the fillies in the corner.

Still mulling over what could possible be the greatest tasting thing to ever exist, Raguel didn’t notice Twilight and Spike make their way over to him.

“Hey Raguel, does Pinkie know how to throw a party or what,” Spoke Spike as he shoved his own confection into his mouth. Swallowing his own treat the angel nodded his head a few times in agreement.

“So Raguel, why don’t you tell us about yourself,” Added Twilight.

“Where to start,” Raguel said rubbing his chin, thinking over his answers carefully. “What do you want to know?”

There was some kind of spark that went off in the unicorns eyes as her face contorted into a smile.

* * *

The party had been in full swing for sometime now. Everyone was enjoying themselves with dancing and games at one point or another. Fluttershy, Applejack, Spike and Twilight all asked the angel various questions regarding his home, what angels do and what he liked. Raguel described the sanctum to what Fluttershy said sounded like a Pegasus city, ‘Cloudsdale.’ His home, as he put it, was very high up in the sky and would only appear to be a collection of clouds if anypony ever got near it, but to the normal viewing eye, it simply look as blue as the sky.

Describing the angels themselves proved to be a lot easier as a lot of what was spoken was true. They observed and collected knowledge, but he left out their guardianship as to not frighten the mortal beings from the horrors that were just beneath the surface of their realm.

When Pinkie declared a game of pin the tail on the pony, they all left to play except for one. Twilight looked over to the partygoers before looking back to Raguel.

“Can I ask you something?” as she tilted her head to the side.

“Sure thing Twilight”

“When Spike told me about the… ‘Incident,’ he said you changed and that your eyes glowed?” She paused as she thought of the next part of her question, “The way he said it, it sounded like you used a powerful spell. What did you do exactly?”

“Its not a spell per say, more of a different kind of technique.”

Twilight tilted her head to the side more, silently asking Raguel to elaborate further, a notion the angel didn’t mind at all.

“It’s called the flow, it allows us to tap into the very life force that courses through our veins. When it’s used, we can do things that are not normally possible to accomplish by other means. We can accelerate brain function, increase muscle mass in a second, we can even use it to learn from other forms of life.”

“Is that what you did to Spike when he met you?”

The angel flinched at that remark and began to worry at the tone the unicorn used when she said that. Was she mad for what he did? He hesitated with his answer.

“Yyyyyess… When I first met him, I didn’t know equestrian, so I used the flow to learn the language from him.”

Anger, disbelief, shock, all these negative emotions he expected the unicorn to give off for what could only be described as an invasive power being used on such a small drake, but they never came. What Raguel didn’t expect however was another smile that came to her lips.

“Fascinating, you were able to learn the language by simply touching Spike,” Twilight spoke excitedly clapping her hooves together, “Is that why your eyes change colour? Can I use this flow?”

“Anyone can use the flow, it’s not restricted to the angels... but...” when the explanation became clear it wasn’t over yet, the smile visible dropped from Twilight’s face. Raguel concentrated on the flow while keeping his eyes open, showing the colour change from blue to gold.

“Imagine if you will an hourglass. When it’s turned over and the sand flows from the top to the bottom. The sand represents your own life-force and as time goes on, the sand fills the bottom of the hourglass till none is left at the top. It’s the course of your life in a manner of speaking. When you use the flow, the opening that the sand pours through is made wider,” He concentrated harder as the force of the flow was increased making his iris glow brighter, “More sand and energy are then passed through at a greater rate than normal, which is how we are able to do these things like I said before.” Now Raguel cut off the flow, letting less energy pass through than it normally would. His eyes had faded from their golden glow and became grey. “If the flow is abused too much or if its used in a great amount, the life force within in you will dwindle to a point where you can not recover.” After his explanation, he allowed his flow to return to normal as the deep blue returned to his eyes.

“It may seem helpful, but if you are not careful, the price can be too high to pay.”

The party was starting to whine down as ponies were leaving one by one. The First to leave was the rainbow mare as she waved goodbye to her friends, flying out of the door without a second glance. Soon afterwards the white unicorn left with a young filly by her side who waved in Raguel’s direction. Fluttershy was next afterwards giving him a quite goodbye followed by Applejack and another small filly. All the while though the angel had been eyeing up the table of delectable treats off in the corner, not wanting to take anymore incase anypony else wanted them. As the partygoers dwindled, the prospect at having another treat was very enticing, maybe even having two.

“Raguel, can I ask you something else?”

Looking away from the table of delights, Twilight had graced him with her presence again. She seemed nervous about something as she pawed at the ground with her hoof, looking at the groves in the floor. He gave her his best reassuring smile as he knelt down to her level rasing her head up to meet his eyes.

“You know you can ask me anything,” He said giving her his most confident smile. Twilight just seemed to be just as nervous as she bit her lower lip before replying.

“Well, just after you helped me with the new spell I wrote a letter to the princess,” Raguel’s smile was still there unrelenting to this new information and so she continued, “She wanted to document the new spell, but she has requested to see you.”

A princess wanted to meet him? Would this be wise considering the impact he has simply being near the other ponies in a small town. Would she be accepting like Spike and the others or would meeting this higher authority indiate as much fear of him as it did with the populace. Raguel gazed into the lavender mares eyes, uncertain as to how the princess would behave on his arrival. Through his thought a spark of an idea formed. He could find out more of the princess if he really wanted to, all it would take was a simple touch…

No! He shouldn’t be thinking that way. He may have done it to Spike because he didn’t have much of a choice, but to do it again was just not done, and yet, it seemed needed. He couldn’t just prod around without being detected though. The angel recalled the earlier conversation he had with the unicorn, and set his plan into action.

“Not to change the subject, but before you wanted to know how to use your flow?”

At such a U-turn on the subject matter of the conversation, Twilight lost her nervousness and eyed him in a confused state.

“But you said it was dangerous—“

“If used improperly,” Raguel cut in. He picked up the mares foreleg and cupped it in both his hands.

“If you’ll let me, I can show you the flow itself, I’ll be here so nothing can go wrong, just trust me.”

Twilight thought hard for a moment before nodding her head in consent.

“Just relax and breathe,” he said closing his eyes. Slowing he felt his flow with every beat of his heart. It was smooth and constant, gently moving from his veins as his body and mind became one. Then he felt it. A gently trickle like rain could be felt every so often in his hands, pulsating out of sync with his own flow. Carefully, he adjusted his flow to match that of the mares as Twilight inhaled every breath.

“Now Twilight, focus on the movements of you chest to your arms, then feel it move back and to your mind.”

He felt the Unicorn nod her head as she breathed in a deep breath. He could feel her mind exploring her body, trailing from her heart along the foreleg he held. As it reached to the tip, the angel felt himself mentally pulled gently along her arms and back into her chest. As she took another deep breath, the small tug brought him up the spine and plotted his conscience into her mind. Now that he was here, he extended his own flow into Twilight’s, overflowing her system with excess energy.

“Twilight, look across the room to your friend, look hard and tell me what you see.”

Her conscience mind stopped monitoring her body as her gazed landed on Pinkie picking up some plates. When he felt he wouldn’t be noticed, Raguel looked into Twilight’s thoughts revolving around the princess. He saw a tall regal looking mare with both wings and a horn, with a crown on top of her head. He could see the gentalness in her eyes as memories of twilight’s past experiences with her unfolded.

“I don’t know what I’m looking for Raguel,” Twilight asked still looking at her friend.”

Thinking quickly, the angel increased the flow around her eyes and ears, making them sharper and more receptive.

“Look closer,” he mumbled and he gazed at a memory from her foalhood. The princess was on a platform over looking a crowd of her subjects before flying slowing into the air. As she did, so too did the sun. Suddenly another memory came into view, showing her teaching Twilight from a dusty book, her eyes showing nothing but love and care.

“I… I can see so much, I can ever hear her heart beat, see every hair on her coat,” Twilight spoke in awe, “...is that frosting on her fl—“

“Erm, ok,” Spluttered the angel as her thought bombarded the angel psyche at just what the unicorn was looking at, feeling an increased amount of heat in his cheeks. He hurriedly dethatched himself from the mares mind in the hopes she hadn’t noticed.

“Now focus back on the flowing sensation around your head, and let it go.”

Just as he said his instruction, he felt himself ride the energy back down her spine, along her foreleg and back into his palm. The demonstration was over, the information was collected. He opened his eyes catching a fleeting glimpse of twilight’s eyes returning to normal.

“How do you feel,” He asked looking her over. She remained silent for a while before smiling again.

“It felt great, like I could see beyond what I see… if that makes any sense.”

The angel breathed a sign of relief, she hadn’t felt his presence in her mind.

“Don’t worry, I know how you feel,” Raguel said as he released her hoof, “And to answer your question, I’d be more than honoured to meet with the Princess, what is her name by chance?”

“Her name is Celestia. If you come by the library in the morning, say nine o’clock, we can go together.”

“Ok Twilight, Nine it is.”

With that the mare bid the angel farewell and left. With only him and the bouncy pink mare left, he turned his attention back to the table where bliss awaited him. His hopes where shattered however as the table was completely picked clean of all delectable morsels. With a small tear of regret and a short thanks and goodbye, Raguel left Sugarcube Corner and started the walk back to his cloud home.

It was dark out in the quaint town of Ponyville. The sky a blanket of darkness covered by a thick cloud layer blotting out any other light source from beyond. Lanterns lighted the streets dimly as the townsfolk slept away in their homes.

Raguel started to mull over the details of the princess he had learnt from Twilight’s past memories. She seemed to be a kind and understanding with her interactions with the lavender mare as well as wise. Then the strangest sensation came over him. He felt something whisk past him and shortly afterwards a soft and slightly wet object landed on his foot.

Looking down at the offending object he could make out a light blue colour and… paper? When he bet down to get a better look he felt a bolt of sadness as he recognized it as a cake from the party, brutally discarded and smeared over his foot. Nothing that sweet should ever have to endure such hardships, they need to be cherished and tenderly loved. Looking up he saw the culprit turn a corner and did the most logical thing possible, he gave chase.

What ever it was, it was quick. It weaved gracefully from the lampposts and turning corners very tightly in a blur of motion. The night was working in its favour as Raguel could barely make out whom he was chasing. The only thing he was able to keep track of was a faint sound like a humming bird coming from the assailant.

As they entered the next street, Raguel leapt into the air, landing twenty pony lengths ahead of the fleeing culprit, readying his hands to snag whatever it was. At the last moment, the figure turned hard to the right into an alley, knocking over bins in an effort to block the angel’s path.

‘No matter the costs, I shall bring justice, for myself, for the ponies,’ he vaulted over the bins in his way emerging from the darkened alleyway hot on the assailants tail once more, “For the cupcake!”

The chase went on for a while, with twists and turns as they weaved through the houses, alleys, and roads. Eventually all things come to an end as they enter another alleyway, this one leading to a dead end. There was a clatter of metal followed by brisk hoof steps as the figure hid behind a waste bin, trying its dandiest to remain unseen. It was futile as Raguel had watched the act, making his approach, defiled cupcake still in hand ready to give the culprit a piece of his mind. The alley was still very dark and Raguel couldn’t quiet make out the hiding creature. Wanting to make eye contact, he allowed the flow to move around his eyes making them more sensitive to the light, but was not prepared for what he saw next.

On the floor was a scooter and a red wagon filled with treats that the angel guessed was from the party. Next to the contraption was a small box, a musty blanket and a dirty white pillow lying on the floor. On top was a very frightened looking pegasus filly, eyes draw to the light giving off in the angels eyes and her chest moving in flow with her quickened breaths. All notions of the cupcake left the angels mind as he looked upon the poor filly, a filly that he had chased all over town just because a cake had landed on his foot. The cake was beautiful and flavourful but he shouldn’t have chased her the way he did.

Come to think of it, he had seen this pony before. He searched his mind for a few moments when it came to him, she was at the party. He looked to the wagon of treats and back to the box she had huddled herself into. Was she homeless? But she looks so young. Something has to be done, forget the cake he thought as he sat down on the cold floor, hoping it would make him less intimidating… well as less intimidating considering he had chased her all over town anyway.

“What’s your name,” he asked softly, but the small pegasus just stayed plastered to the back of her sanctuary, her eyes jutting about all over the angel.

“I’m… I’m sorry I chased you, “Raguel continued rubbing the back of his head as the pain of guilt slipped across his body turning his stomach ice cold, “Are you alright?”

Still the filly didn’t answer, her breathing was starting to slow as her body was recovering from the chase. The angel thought about leaving, but pushed that thought aside, he couldn’t leave the poor creature unless he was sure she would be fine, so he kept talking, hoping she would eventually answer one of his questions.

“I saw you at the party right? Were the other fillies your friends?”

A snap of wind blew through the small alleyway, sending chills across his body as well as the small Pegasus. He couldn’t bear the site of it, he had to ask.

“Are you living out here? Don’t you have a home or family?”

She shook her head, it was only slight but it was enough.

“Are you… homeless?”

She nodded just as slightly as had done before. Homeless, no one should be without people to love and care for them. No one especially as young as the pony before him should be sleeping out in the elements. Did any other pony know she was here? He knew then what had to be done, he had to let somepony know what was going on, maybe Applejack could help, he did see her leave with one of the fillies the pegasus was playing with at the party.

“Stay here, “He said getting up, “I’m gonna get Applejack.”

“No!”

The plea echoed off the walls of the nearby buildings. The orange Pegasus had left the safety of her box and was blocking the path out.

“Please… don’t tell,” She meekly added afterwards.

Raguel was baffled by the out burst, more so when he proposed to get help, why did she not want anypony to know? He squatted down to her level in the hopes to change her mind, but all that came out was a simple, “Why?”

“I jus don’t want anypony to know,” She looked about uncomfortable at the question. Was it a big deal or something, something she was ashamed or afraid off? What should he do? He couldn’t leave her out here knowingly, to have met her and talk about it, it seemed wrong to act like it never happened. However she made it clear she didn’t want others to know her circumstances, he didn’t want to force something on her that she didn’t want to do, especially after he had chased her for something he now knew was trivial. After a brief mental struggle, he gave her a choice for her to decide.

“What’s your name?”

She swallowed hard before quietly muttering, “Scootaloo.”

“Look Scootaloo, I know you don’t want others to know, but I can’t leave you out here. I can go ask Applejack to offer a place to stay or I could take you to a social care home, anything has to be better than living on the streets.”

Scootaloo was still not sure about the choice, so he kept talking.

“You could get sick or worse and no one would know.”

…

“I don’t want to force you to do anything you don’t want to do, but please understand I can’t leave you here.”

…

Waiting for some kind on answer, a droplet of rain fell onto the angel’s neck and slid down his back giving him a small shiver. The cloudy skies were about to open up and the young filly still hadn’t made up her mind, if they stayed out too long, she might catch something.

“Sigh* looks like rain,” exhaled Raguel, looking to the skies. A moment of silence descended the alley when an idea came to him.

“Well, if you don’t want anypony to know, and since it’s gonna rain, I might as well offer you a place to stay,” he bent down and picked up the cardboard box in his arm putting the wagon fully of treats inside, “It’s the least I can do till you figure out what you want to do.”

He turned and started walking with only the sound of his sandals tapping against the cobblestone floor and little plops as a few raindrops found their way to the ground. Just as he rounded the corner, the sounds of little hooved feet trailed behind and the squeaky wheel of it’s owners transportation. As he came out into the street, he waited for the small filly to join him by his side, opening his wing to cover her from the on coming rain.

* * *

Through the rain they made there way out of town to the lake. The angel was completely soaked and cold, but the little Pegasus was left dry. Looking down on the filly, he saw her gazing at the house.

“Here she is, home sweet home,” He said a little smugly, letting his wing reside back where it belonged. He waited patently for soft wing beats, fluttering up into the air. He waited, but they never came. Looking back down, Scootaloo was clutching her scooter tightly with a strange look on her face. It kinda looked like… Of course, he mentally smacked the palm of his hand on his head. She must not be able to fly… while holding that scooter. With new insight he took the initiative.

Meanwhile a certain little filly was looking at the impressive cloud structure that she was sure wasn’t there a day ago. It rested in the centre of the lake, and quite high up to boot. She felt the umbrella that was the angel’s wing move away from her and the rain pelting at her coat. She looked to the odd being whom had chased her, and then offered his home for her to stay after basically blackmailing her. He just stood there with water dripping down from his mane with his eyes shut with a very stupid smile on his face. Was he expecting her to fly up or, “Whoa!”

The air escaped her lungs as she was whisked into the air and plopped onto the puffy surface of the cloud. The orange filly tried to get her bearings when she was knocked off her hooves again when something landed next to her causing the cloud to spring like that of a trampoline.

“Heh, sorry about that,” apologised Raguel as he entered his homestead, “Let me show you were you can rest.”

It felt pretty late judging how dark it was outside, so the angel led the filly up the winding staircase to the bedroom. There was only one bed, but he thought he’d never use it considering angels never slept. He put the box down and placed the pillow onto the cloud bed letting it bounce a little before resting on its surface. With the task of showing his guest her sleeping arrangements for the night, he ushered a quick, ‘goodnight,’ before heading out the room.

He sat down on his couch feeling relived to give his feet a rest as the fireplace sprung to life of it’s own accord. The day had been a wild one at that as he gazed back into his memories of the events so far. Upon coming here, he had met a dragon, befriended him and a few ponies around town. He had fought diamond dogs in an attempt to save the young drake and helped bring forward portal magic to the land. Not to mention the party, such sweet tasting foods had never graced his taste buds before and he was very thankful for being invited… even if he only ever had one. Finally his thoughts went back to Scootaloo. He didn’t know what he was going to do with her, he could only hope that she would eventually come around and decide for herself what she wanted to do about her circumstances.

He glanced towards the fire when he laid eyes on a book. It looked rather new, or at least well kept, decorated in varying symbols that his mind repeated as ,’the dictionary.’ Tomorrow he would meet the princess of Equestria upon her request. Shrugging internally he picked up the book and opened it, if he was meeting royalty, he may as well be as well versed in the language as possible.

Quietly he sat on his coach, warmed by the fire from the chill the weather had brought, the sound of rain gently landing in the lake filled the home with it’s simply melody as Raguel read into the night.

* * *

“Sister, you seem… different somehow.”

“Do I? How can you tell?”

“Well forgive my phrasing, but you look like your glowing… Has something happened?”

“giggle* Well if you must know, Twilight sent me a letter recently.”

“Ha ah, another friendship report.”

“Not quite dear sister. She has informed me of a breakthrough with one of her new spells and wants to have it documented tommorow.”

“Huzzah, this is most wonderful news.”

“Oh, there’s more.”

…

“Twilight will arrive with a new friend whom I’m very exsited to meet.”

“Then I’ll have a feast waiting for them when they arrive, goodnight dear sister.”

“Yes, goodnight.”

…

Clanck*

“Sigh* I can hardly wait for morning to come, to see you again… Raguel.”

Complications

Chapter 6

Morning had come to the town of Ponyville as the sun left the horizon and out into the vast blue expanse of the sky. The rain had stopped and the clouds were being cleared for the day ahead. All the while Raguel sat in his cloud couch, eyes scanning the contents of a book, turning its pages every so often. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a young Scootaloo descend the staircase with scooter in hoof, glancing at him every so often till she rested at the bottom.

“Sleep well,” Raguel offered still scanning the contents of the book. She hesitated her response for a while.

“Thank you,” was all that was quietly spoken, and it was all the angel needed to hear. “Um, I just need to get to school… Could you,” she continued to mutter as Raguel had put his book down, showing more interest in his houseguest.

“Yes?” He ask not sure where she was going with this.

“Could you… help me get down?”

‘Get down? Oh right she can’t fly with that scooter of hers,’ he summarized, ‘Must be fun to use if she prefers it to flying.’ Getting off the couch he lead the way out to the edge of the cloud home, taking in the view of the town off in the distance. He could make out the specs of colour of the towns residence go about their daily routines, appearing and disappearing amongst the buildings. At town hall he could just make out the time from the clock tower. It read about eight thirty.

Noting he had to meet Twilight at the library at nine, he lowered himself letting his wings open slightly.

“Hop on,” was all he instructed. As he felt a little figure clamber up and rapped her hooves around his neck, he flexed his wings wider and jumped. The resistance in his wings increased as he parachuted to the edge of the lake, absorbing the shock of the landing with his knees. Scootaloo unwrapped her hooves quickly hoping onto her scooter as she raced to town, but not without saying her thanks with a smile before leaving.

It was a pleasant surprise to know as the angel chuckled to himself. She was at least attending school, which seemed to make her future brighter at least. There wasn’t much to time to dwell on much as he remembered his agenda for the day. He didn’t feel like going through the town while it looked so busy, so he opted to go along the outskirts instead.

Or he would have till a thought came into his head, smiling mischievously. No one said he had to walk, and no one said he had to go straight there, just that he had to be there at nine. He eagerly flapped his wings to loosen them up and shook his legs. Feeling limbered up he broke out into a jog.

It started out slow at first, taking in his time at a moderate pace, but gradually he picked up his speed. The jog turned into a run and eventually a sprint. Faster and faster he ran, slowly inching himself closer to the ground and his wings unfolding. They may no longer be able to sustain continued flight, but they held other uses to. For one, they helped keep him balanced as he rocketed across the ground kicking up a cloud of dust that followed closely behind him.

The air, the wind, the freedom he felt as he continued his exponentiation speed, the feeling in his feathers tingling with delight at the sheer velocity he was attaining for the first time since he had arrived here and to top it all off, he wasn’t even remotely hindered by any strain one would expect at such speeds.

He had been running in this direction for a few minutes before he turned around and headed back towards the library, feeling satisfied and confident for the meeting ahead. During his moment of ethiopia, he wasn’t able to notice a Pegasus watching him from one of the clouds as he made his run. It shook its head looking back over the town before flying off to a collection of clouds over at Sweet Apple Acres.

Raguel came to a stop just outside the library. He had passed a few houses getting here, he thanked the creator that no pony was around to see him. Flapping his wings a little so they rested comfortably on his back, he approached the door and knocked on it gently. He heard a muffled voice and the door was promptly opened to reveal a short purple drake.

Spike beamed as he saw the angel, “Hey Raguel.”

“Hey Spike,” He reciprocated, “Is Twilight up?”

“She going through her checklist,” The drake spoke motioning Raguel to come in. On the other side of the room, Twilight was looking over a saddlebag with a parchment and quill suspended in midair encased in a lavender glow, giving short quick strokes across the surface each time she looked at it.

“Research materials… check, practical data… check,” she mumbled to herself not even realizing she had a guest. Figuring he’d wait for her to finish, he sat next to the small table at the centre of the room.

“So Spike, any plans for today,” Raguel asked trying to pass the time.

“Not much,” shrugged Spike, “Twilight wants me to watch the library while she’s out.” He had a bored look on his face, which shifted back into a smile.

“You wanna hang out?”

“Heh, sorry Spike, I’m going with Twilight today, she asked me if I could meet with the princess last night,” he could see the drake deflate, “But when I get back we could do something.”

This perked Spike up some as he pumped his fist in the air with an audio able ‘yes.’

“Spike, has Raguel turned up yet?” the unicorn asked not even turning around.

Comically the angel raised his hand, “Present.”

Turning around in surprise, Twilight looked at him, “Oh sorry, are you ready to go?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he spoke dusting himself off as he got to his feet. The lavender mare gave a nod as she brought a rather full saddlebag to her back. Lowering her head, the aura of her magic’s surrounded her horn as a black hole appeared next to her with spiralling blue edges. With seconds passing till the black space blinked letting in a low draft. Her work done she glanced back at Raguel and Spike.

“Your in charge Spike, I won’t be long. Raguel, if you can wait here for a bit, I’ll call for you when I’ve spoken to the princess.”

She turned back to the portal and walked through it. The library grew quiet as Spike set off to complete his duties for the day. Not knowing how long he would have to wait, he went to the bookshelves to see what was on offer for later indulgence.

He had made his way from basic literacy studies to forms of magic when he heard the unicorn’s voice usher him to the portal.

“Wish me luck,” Raguel asked as he ventured forth to the unknown.

* * *

The sun was bright as it radiated its warmth over the city of Canterlot. Not a single cloud obscured its view and the towers of the palace shined like the finest gems one had ever seen. Below in the sculpture gardens stood two tall figures. The smaller of the two was dark blue with a lighter shade of blue in her mane. The taller was white and her mane comprised of multiple colours flowing of its own accord despite the breeze around them.

Before them a black hole appeared in midair with a spiral of green edges surround in it.

“Most impressive,” the smaller of the two spoke in awe. Just as these words were spoken the blackness blinked away as an image of a room took its place and a lavender mare stood on the other side. She looked off to one side of the room speaking to others that could not be seen but were obviously present.

“Your in charge Spike, I won’t be gone long. Raguel, if you can wait here for a bit, I’ll call for you when I’ve introduced you to the princess,”

Princess Celestia smiled as her faithful student emerged from the conjure portal, filled with nothing else but love and pride as she continued to grow. Twilight looked up to her with the biggest smile possible trotting up to her mentor.

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight gleamed giving the Alicorn a short bow. Before addressing her sister, “Princess Luna,” giving the Alicorn of the night another bow.

“Hello my faithful student, it is good to see you again,” Celestia spoke with serenity and her usual smile, marvelling at the portal behind the unicorn. Ponyville was not close and the fact that she had travelled to Canterlot in such a short time was very impressive for anypony besides herself and her sister. Luna shared the same enthusiasm as well when she spoke.

“Most spectacular Ms. Sparkle, we have not seen anything like this in our life time.”

Twilight blushed under the praise, it was so adorable to watch as she fiddled about. Gathering herself she addressed Celestia and Luna once her blush had subsided.

“Thank you, but I can’t take full credit for this, I had a some help from a new friend,” Twilight turned back to the portal, “You can come through now.”

Celestia tensed up trying to control her enthusiasm as the moment had arrived. She had sensed its arrival the day before and her suspicions were confirmed when her student had mentioned the beings name, a name she had not heard for over a thousand years.

But it was not meant to be. As the being emerged from the portal she became confused. This wasn’t whom she was expecting, he was much younger and shorter. In her state of mind, her instinctual reaction closed her heart on these feelings as she took on the vasard her subjects had come to know when meeting her during the day court.

* * *

Coming through the portal, Raguel experienced a tingly sensation as he passed through the fresh hold and to the other side. ‘Must be the magical essence,’ he summarised, angels were rather acute to magic in a very odd way. When a spell was cast on them, they were able to depict it to something similar to smell, individuals having their own unique... scent. For Twilight it was like the taste one would expect trying to eat something after your mouth was washed out in soap. Tasting someone else’s magical essence was never a pleasant feeling for the angel, but little could be done now. He looked to twilight and the two beings behind her. Slowly he approached till he got to a respectful di0stance and knelt down on one knee placing a hand on chest. He wanted to show them his respect but never had been told how to act in front of the royalty of this land. He took note of Celestia as he had studied her briefly from Twilight’s memories.

“Greetings your highness,” he said trying to be as formal as possible.

“This is Raguel,” Twilight chirped looking back at the princesses, “He was the one who helped me complete the spell.”

“Interesting,” Celestia said plainly looking like she hadn’t heard a single word as she focused on the angel in front of her intently. Luna was looking at him in wonder, first she had been shown a new spell and now a new creature. She could see why her sister was so excited to meet him, he was just so different, so… unique. The way he walked, talked and looks was eye drawing. She was drawn to one aspect in particular of the angel, his eyes. Thoughs blue pools pulled her in to gaze on his very soul, calming every fibre of her being. The only time she had ever felt this way was when she was with her sister. She just had to know more about him.

“The pleasure is ours, please rise,” Luna asked, Raguel rising to his feet, his legs parted slightly and his arms behind his back as he stood at ease. “If thou would accompany us, we would like to learn more about thy over a banquet.”

“It would be an honour your highness,” Raguel said.

“Please, call us Luna, a friend of Twilight Sparkle is a friend of ours,” Luna asked.

“As you wish, Princess Luna,” The angel added. Although he was asked to speak to her by name, he still wished to maintain some formality, if only to not upset the monarch that knowingly held his fate in their hooves. Luna didn’t seem to mind as she and Celestia headed through the garden, followed closing by Twilight and Raguel.

The garden was breath taking for the angel, the flowers were in bloom and the air smelled fresh. He cast his wandering gaze to the plants, the trees and finally on the statues that decorated the garden. All where unique, with one looking like it was dancing, another with two ponies’, what looked like shaking hooves and another sitting down holding some kind of instrument. Twilight had noticed Raguel taking an interest in the sculptures and figured it may be a conversation starter.

“There’s a history behind them you know,” She looked in the direction he was gazing taking note he was observing at the sculpture of two ponies. “That one is to commemorate the union of the three tribes when they founded Equestria.”

Taking an interest in new knowledge, he looked to the next sculpture that was sitting and holding some kind of sceptre, “And that one?”

“That’s Princess Platinum, She was unicorn and one of the founding ponies of Equestria. She built her palace here and founded the city of Canterlot.”

They continued their talk as they passed each statue while they made their way to the palace, the princesses leading the way leaving the two to converse. They neared the palace when a tingling sensation crept up Raguel’s spine. He shivered a little when he laid his eyes on one particular sculpture. The figure seemed comprised of many things. Its body was long with different sets of wings, arms and legs. It had two different horns on its head and seemed to be crying out in terror. Twilight was still explaining the history of the previous statue when Raguel interrupted her.

“Twilight, what’s the story behind this one?”

Looking along the path she could see he was looking intently towards the Draconequus.

“That’s Discord. He was the sprit of disharmony. Long ago he ruled over Equestria in a reign of eternal chaos. Princess Celestia and Luna saw how unhappy the ponies were and pledge to free them. They found the elements of harmony and used them to seal him away.”

As they grew closer to the Discord, the shivering sensations grew. Whatever this creature was it was sitting the angels teeth on edge.

“How long ago has he been like this,” He inquired.

“Well the records don’t specify how long ago exactly, but based on a few references from a few history books, at least a thousand years.”

“A thousand years ago? But I thought you said Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sealed him away.”

“They did,” Twilight said as a matter of factly. Raguel grew confused.

“But the Princesses are… well the only thing that could live that long is a dragon.”

“Well that’s because they’re Alicorns, they’re immortal.”

The word hit the angel hard. Since the angels were charged to defend the realm from the grasp of the legion, there had always been conflict with any other immortal that dwelled with the mortals. It was always danderous, the sight of one with eternal life was always seen as some kind of god, to be worshiped and praised. This would lead to conflict with other nations, followed by so many deaths, but there was always a greater threat.

Raguel gazed carefully at the two Alicorns in front of him. With an immortal they would eventually become dangerous. Loss, sorrow, anger, greed or even resentment could lead the individual down a dark path and always end with the same conclusion, the Legion. They would become corrupted and allow the foal infestation into the realm, given false promises to quell the immortals desire.

They entered the palace, walking through its long corridors as they made their way. Guards and other forms of staff were busying themselves, but taking the time to bow to the princesses. Raguel didn’t fail to notice the looks he was receiving from them though. They weren’t as bad as Ponyville, but he still felt their watchful eyes cover as much of him as possible before he disappeared from view.

This was to be expected regardless even if he was with royalty. By tomorrow the knowledge of his presence was going to spread like wild fire, that a strange new being has appeared. Would it cause mass panic or not was no longer up to him anymore. It didn’t sit well regardless, having to ensure his kind weren’t ever seen, it was a radical change of circumstances. Not to mention that statue, he just couldn’t get it out of his mind. There were few things that had ever made Raguel experience any kind of reaction. Was there more to it than meets the eye? Would he be indulged so many answers to the questions he wished to ask?

The long walk was a benefit at least, it gave him time to think. The dinning hall must be situated deep within the palace, or at least far off from the garden. They passed many junctions and doors, some of which were barren of any other ponies to speak off. As they rounded a corner, they passed by a set of two large double doors with a guard standing at attention on either side. It was something else that caught his attention though altogether. On the other side he felt something. It made his feathers stiffen and a feeling of… warmth washed over his form.

The feelings were fleeting as they passed it and continued towards their destination, but Raguel looked back quizzically. First his senses go off at a peculiar statue, Immortals are ruling a land and now he picked up on something else. He had to know what it was that set him off and there was only one way to find out for sure.

Perhaps not the brightest idea he ever had, seeing as if it went wrong he may never be forgiven. Asking about them may not bode well, trying to read their minds without any of then knowing would be next to impossible, which left only one other thing to do.

He waited till they got some distance from the doors, mapping out a mental map as he instigated his well-oiled plan.

“Erm, forgive me your highness,” He spoke as Celestia turned round, “Could I possibly request to… take care some… angel business?”

Luna turned around as well looking him over with a questionable look on her face.

“Angel business? What type of business dost thou wish to commit?”

Raguel turned beat red as he tried to word his response better, “I need to use your facilities.”

Luna’s expression held firm, “Could this not wait until after the banquet?”

“Pardon me Princess Luna, but it can’t wait… I need to use the… restroom…”

If the angel face got any hotter it would have burst into flames, but at least Luna, and to a certain extent Celestia who seemed to be sharing his embarrassment, seemed to understand what he required.

“Oh, of course, just one moment,” Luna turned to a guard who was passing by, “You, please escort our guest to the nearest restroom and bring him to our personal dinning room.”

With a bow and a salute the guard took point back the way they came with the angel hot on his tail as they rounded the corner, Twilight and the princess went the rest of the way to the hall in silence. When they reached the dinning room, Celestia beckoned them inside before addressing them.

“I need to attend to a small matter, but I will return shortly,” and with that the sun princess ventured off, leaving a rather confused sister and student as they sat down.

“I wonder what the princess needed to do,” inquired the lavender unicorn.

“Hmm, we wonder as well.”

* * *

Well oiled, maybe not. That excuse seemed so much more appropriate in his head till he said it. At least it gave him what he needed, he was taken away from the trio of mares and now he could begin his reconasance. The rest room was down the last corridor they had passed. As the guard took up his position next to the door, Raguel used the flow to cast the stallion into a semi sleep like state. The guard’s body looked as if he was still alert, but his mind was off in what could only be imagined as a bliss full daydream.

Calculating general use of the room and an approximant amount of time to join the others at the dinning hall, he wagered he had roughly fifthteen minutes before they may noticed his prolonged absence. The plan was simple:

1) Excuse himself from present company… check
2) Locate room with the strange presence
3) Discover what said presence is
4) If time allows it, locate odd statue
5) Analyze statue in closer proxy
6) Return to restroom and waken guard
7) Join the others for the little talk

Raguel moved about the corridors, hiding in the shadows when guards walked by on patrol. It was easy enough seeing as their hoove steps gave them away long before he could be seen. Only 30 seconds in and already he had arrived at his first destination. The guards were still present, but were lazing about, bored out of their minds. ‘This should be easy enough.’

Checking around so no one else would spot him, he readied himself for his attack. Leaping out of the shadows he place a hand on each of the guards heads. As they fell into their daydreams, Raguel checked their memories to see if he had been spotted. Thankfully he couldn’t find himself in either of their memories. Opening the double doors slightly he peered inside, noting no one else was present and entered the room, closing the doors behind him.

The room was long and tall, stretching up high above him. Stain glassed windows decorated the walls, each unique with multiple pictures on display. Sun shafts entered from the left windows, painting the floors in an assortment of colours. Along the walls were multiple erected pillars with hanging flowers on each.

He could feel it again, growing stronger with each step he took further into the room. He knew this feeling, something he had not felt in a long time.

“Is… it you?” he muttered to the empty room as his legs and hands started to shake, his eyes tearing up as he walked onwards. He fell to his knees and loose tears fell across his cheeks. This must be some kind of dream, he thought it lost for all time, and now he was near it again. Just feeling this again cleared Raguels thoughts entirely, except for a single name, ‘Nova.’

“I thought you would come here.”

These words echoed in Raguel’s ears as his blood ran cold. Someone else was in this room, they had seen him, he was caught. He quickly rubbed his eyes before he slowly rose to his feet.

“Why are you here.”

His gut was doing flips, twisting and churning itself up and his mind going into a stark panic. How could he have been caught, he was so careful not to be seen.

“Answer me angel.”

Wait a minute, how did it know he would come here? He had only just passed this door no more than five minutes ago, he came to Canterlot within 20 minutes and he wasn’t even in this realm till yesterday. Raguel thought very intently as he turned to face the one who had caught him.

Standing with her back to the door stood the white regal Alicorn, Princess Celestia. She was expressionless, her stature large and her voice commanding. Wasn’t she supposed to be waiting for him to join them for something to eat, and how did she know where to find him?

The more he thought about it, the picture seemed to be becoming clearer. A sound similar to the cracking of egg shells resonated inside the angel’s mind, his face turning into a hardened scowl. He came to the solid conclusion, and it all revolved around the being that stood before him.

“I will not ask again angel,” Celestia spoke as she had done before.

“Silence immortal,” Raguel growled back. The sudden change of mood caught the Alicorn off guard.

“What did you do…”

The air thickened around the room to the point it was suffocating as Celestia tried to think of an answer.

“What did you do!” Raguel shouted, his eyes lighting up as bright as the sun itself. His wings had outstretched to their full glory, the cracking noises getting louder within his mind. He was becoming enraged, this much was certain to Celestia, but as she witnessed from angel’s stance, the time for talk had ended long ago.

“WhAT diD yOu Do To HeR!!!” He bellowed as he lunged towards the princess.

* * *

Luna and Twilight had been sitting around the table discussing the concepts revolving around the construction of portal the mare had used to travel to Canterlot that day. The inner workings had been mapped out on various diagrams with detailed explanations with regards to matter as well as temperal physics when bridging the gap between two separate locations.

Twilight busied herself with explanation after explanation, hardly having touched any of the food while Luna nodded in all the right places, sipping on her morning tea. Her mind was elsewhere and not because Twilight was bombarding her with walls upon walls of extensive and detailed knowledge.

Since seeing Raguel, he had all but consumed her thoughts. She had only met him for a short while but she could feel something when she looked into his eyes. Thoughs deep blue eyes, looking on with a smile on his face and the breeze gently blowing through his mane. Was it odd to feel so serene in something you had just met, she thought, slipping from the bonds of reality and delving deeper into her imagination.

She had found herself in a dense forest. Most of the light was blocked out by the pertruding branches and leaves from the trees that surrounded her as she made her way about them. It was oddly quite, but still calm no less. She continued her walk, taking various turns like she knew where she was going. Amongst the foliage a small secluded area appeared, a little brighter than the rest of the woods, and then she saw him.

He stood out utmost the trees in a forest, light shafts encasing his form as he gazed upon a wilted tree. Where the forest was full of life and green, the tree was dark and stricken of leaves. He seemed sad as he looked upon the life that had passed, stroking the bark with his fingers. The angel caught sight of her and smiled. She walked up beside him looking over the tree with interest till she felt something touch her hoof. Raguel had taken it with his hands and ever so gently, raised it off the ground.

She watched him as his smile deepened and her heart quickened, as he slowly grew closer. His eyes, it was always his eyes, beckoning her on, telling her there was nothing to fear, that nothing would ever happen to the peacefulness of the moment. Their faces drew near and luna’s eyes became half lidded by the deepen stare of the angel.

“Luna,” he spoke very softly.

“Yes?” she replied almost breathlessly.

“Are you listening?”

“Wha?”

The midnight blue mare came back to reality, Twilight occupying the same distance as Raguel had with an annoyed expression plastered on her face. Realizing she had zoned out, the lunar princess was quick to apologize.

“Oh, our apologies Ms. Sparkle, we was thinking of your new friend.”

Though it was the truth, Luna didn’t want to delve too deeply into her… extraordinarily vivid daydream. It seemed to be enough for the Unicorn as she let out a huff of air.

“I wonder what’s taking him so long…”

* * *

Celestia took to air narrowly avoiding the incoming angel. Channelling her magics, she fired off a spell in his direction. Darting to the left Raguel leapt into the air to bring the princess down to his level, but was griped in the Alicorns telekinesis. She swung him up high before flinging him downwards to the unforgiving ground. At the last moment, she grabbed him again and threw him along the floor, sliding across the surface.

Recovering quickly the angel zig zagged his way towards her once more, avoiding any spell she threw at him. Just as he got within range she blinked out of existence, appearing behind him. she blasted him with a shockwave spell knocking him up against the wall.

This wasn’t working, he needed to be more tactful. Getting back up he dove behind the pillars near the walls along the room. He ran from one to another, Celestia blasting away with her spells. Suddenly he was nowhere to be seen as he disappeared behind one of the pillars. Frantically she looked up and about but he was nowhere to be seen. Believing he must have travelled across the room to the other pillars she turned around, Raguel emerging behind her as he used his whole body to shove her against a wall.

Raising a fist to strike a blow, Celestia quickly took hold of his leg with another telekinesis attack and flicking him in the air, delivering a swift buck sending him rocketing to the other side of the room. In the nick of time the angel was able to take the brute of the attack with his arms, somersaulting backwards to one of the pillars on the otherside. Thinking on his toes if grabbed the hanging flowers and threw them in her face. Blinded by the blossoms, she wasn’t able to keep track till it was too late. Raguel had leapt high into the air and had come crashing down on top of her pinning her to the floor.

He clasped one hand around her horn and another around her throat. He could feel the magic building around the horn in the palm of his hand but he quickly work on her body with his flow. He flooded her system with his own energy, locating the restrictors of her own flow and forcibly closing them. The energy building in her horn faded almost instantly and her eyes started to dim. She flayed her limbs wilding as more presence was put around her neck. She gasped in vain to fill her lungs as his flow began slowing her vitals, as he witnessed her life slipping in his hands. A stray limb knocked his hand away briefly, letting her take a deep breath.

“Sur--,” she tried to speak but Raguel had grabbed her throat with both hands, blocking any futile pleas for help and depriving her of any more oxygen. Her eyes had faded to a greyish colour, as her flailing grew weaker. Everything was slowing down, it would be only moments now till it was over. With as much strength she could muster, Celestia hit both Raguel’s hands, loosening them enough to speak one word.

“Suryan.”

‘What…’ Raguel’s grip weakened as he took in the name, shock rocketing threw his body. Using this moment to her advantage, Celestia bucked him off before ploughing him against the adjuring wall with her magic. Strength returning to her, she pinned him against the wall with her magic, gasping for air. The angel seemed to have come to and was now thrashing about in place trying to get free.

“How do you know that name!” he shouted in anger as he continued his struggle. Celestia was panting heavily as she steadied herself on her shaky hooves.

“Tell me! How do you know that name!” Raguel repeated showing no sign of letting up.

“I *huff* know more *huff*…” Shaking her head she tried again, “I know more than just his name *pant* he was my friend.”

Slowly she walked to the pinned angel, still fighting to free himself from her hold till she towered over him.

“Suryan was a dear friend to me, *huff*, it was he who helped me in my time of need and it was he, *huff*, that showed me the way. Know this Raguel that I am like you… I am an angel.”

Raguel eyed her for a few seconds before his eyes turned into pinpricks and with renewed gusto trying in vain to break free from her magical hold.

“LIAR!!”

“I suppose there is only one way to know for sure,” Celsetia said calmly as she made her way to the middle of the room. The angel slowed his struggle as he watched, the Alicorn folding her legs beneath herself as she rested on the floor. “I offer my consent to Raguel, Archangel of Justice.”

She bowed her head and her horn ceased its glow. The unseen force of her magic no longer held him in place as he raised his hand, testing to see if he’d be pull back before getting to his feet, Celestia remained as she was. He proceeded towards her, his flow still in full motion, Celestia remaining on the floor haven’t not moved so much as an inch.

He contemplated that this may be a trap of some kind, and he wasn’t about to spring it. A voice was telling him to blast her flow regulators and leave her to fade away on the spot, but there was another voice that held as much presence as the other. It wanted to know how she knew his name, why she was holding ‘her’ here. Eventually he decided to explore.

He reached out a hand and placed it gently on her forehead. He felt no resistance as channelled his conscience down his arm straight into her mind. It was vast and expansive, organised like a library in its own right. It was all here for him to see, her knowledge, experiences… memories.

“To learn what you seek, we must travel far into my past,” Celestia’s voice echoed into Raguels thoughts. Recent memoires appeared before him, moving slowly at first, but started flicking through with greater speed like a roll of film. Twilight, she was in many of these memories. One moment she was a fully-grown mare and the next she was just a filly, and just like that she was gone. Years, decades, centuries whirled past as the angel delved deeper into her conscience. The land shifted and changed as old became new and new disappeared like it had never existed. Faces she had known whipped past as the clock rewound to times past as memories engulfed the angels vision. Some were more prominent than others and for sometime, the moon seemed to occupy most of her mind, staring, always gazing up at it for the longest time.

“It all started one thousand one hundred and forty three years ago…”

* * *

"You wished to speak with me?"

"Yes, I have a job for you."

"Anything my lord."

"Our time draws closer and yet the elements still pose a possible threat, they must be dealt with... Gather a handful of the loyal."

"Yes my lord... May I ask what for?"

"You will be helping some old friends from times past in a far off place."

"... Then what is our destination."

...

"Tartarus."

The Past of the Alicorn ruler Part 1

Chapter 7

The great expanse of the cosmos hung in the sky above, its lanterns of life shining down from the blanket of eternal night upon the clouded surface below. Yet as dark as the sky seemed, soft light radiated from the structures of the sanctum.

I gazed at clouds as they pasted, flying through the air, pumping my wings as I flew by. A nearby cloud passed before me, giving off a faint reflection of myself as I continued on my way. As serene as it was beautiful, I simply did not have the time to take in the sanctums sights, flying with haste to my destination.

"Alert, Legion breach detected. Angels of Love are to report to the launch platform immediately," a raspy voice filled with static repeated again as I pushed myself harder to gain more speed.

The hangar appeared over a hill, standing tall and wide with the doors fully open, showing the gathered mass of angels within. Aligning my wings, I flew downward into the hangar, before coming to a landing a few paces from the rest of my unit.

The angels themselves were clad in golden armour, covering their heads, chests, upper legs and lower arms, along with boots reaching up to their knee caps. The armour was decorated with various lines and etchings over the wrist guards, helmet and chest, with the most prominate feature being two hearts side by side with a Amethyst jewel at the centre.

The others had made note of my arrival, stepping aside as a very short angel with a violet flamed halo made his way over to me. His name was Arthur, the Archangel of Love. For an angel he was very small, like a child. Despite being so small and all the jokes made about him, he still had a heart of gold.

"WHY ARE YOU 13 MINUTES LATE!!"

Well most of the time.

"Sorry sir, won't happen again," I spoke trying not to laugh to the best of my abilities.

"WELL, HURRY UP, cough* we're behind as it is."

Nodding my head, I raised my left hand and pressed it onto the button clasp on my right shoulder, it erupted in a light I still could never get used to, even after all these years as my own armour was bestowed on to me.

"NOW, since some lay abouts took their sweet cake filled time getting over here," Arthuer prattled on as I got into formation, "lets going over the briefing 'again'."

"Approximatly 2 and a half hours ago, a disturbance was detected in realm 232. Raguel went to investigate and reported back a legion gateway and a large at that. The rest of the Justice chapter was sent in along with the Angels of Harmony to quell the incident and close the gate. However they have been unable to detain the situation and Raguel has requested addition support. Unfortunately for reasons unknown we have been delayed before departing to said conflict," Aruther's voice took on an edge at the last section of his sentence.

"As such, said party can look forward to appropriate punishment upon return. NOW LETS MOVE OUT!"

* * *

The world around seems to fade away into blackness as new memories comes to life in its place.

* * *

The roar of the conflict could heard far below as I followed Arthur to a cloud mass where another two angels stood. The smaller of the two I didn’t recognise, but judging from the armour he worn, he was an angel of Justice. The other I knew all too well. Standing tall with brown hair and eyes of autumn stood the Archangel of Justice himself, Suryan.

Each type of angel had their own types of armour, varying only through the path they have chosen. For the angels of love, our armour was light and flexible, giving us more manoeuvrability at the cost of less defence.

The angels of justice were there to protect and up hold, their armour representing them as such. The shoulders were so large that they came up to the mid section of their heads and stretched down just above their elbows. The leguards and boots interlinked with rounded edges to maintain footing on any terrain. They were also the only unit to have scaled wing guards. A bracket was attached to each wing from the tip to the joint on their backs and at a moments notice, a curtain of scales would drop around their wings and encase them in their own shield of armour. Doing this limited their flight capabilities but provided the users with a shield and tactical weapon.

But Suryan was different.

Before he became one with the order, he was a smith on his home world. His people had signed a treaty with another race long ago known as ‘Gnomes’ and together built something grand. The Gnomes researched and developed new ways to incorporate machine life into defences while his people, the Dwarfs, made these visions come to life, and Suryans armour spoke volumes as a result.

Every portion was altered and outfitted with cogs and machanary that amplified his strength to levels close to an angel using soul, without so much as breaking a sweat.

He spotted us and sent the angel on his way back to the battlefield. As we touched down and gave our solutes, the archangel of justice addressed us of our mission.

“Alright, the situation has us in a deadlock wit the legion near the gateway. They are unable to break through but we can’t push em’ back. The Harmony sealers have been injured and have been evacted to safety,” Raguel spoke in his usual dwarfan accent.

“We need the angels o love to aid the combatants in the battle and its sealers to close up the gate when they’ve been pushed back. Arthur, take a squad and join up with Nova, I’ll take the sealers and join the rear.”

“Of course Raguel, may Michael’s light guide your efforts,” Arthur replied with a bow.

“And may the sanctums strength protect you and your followers,” Suryan replied back, bowing as well as Arthur and the other angels leapt off the cloud surface and descended to the battle below.

“Ye know,” Suryan spoke as he turned to me, “I was kind of expecting ya about tem minutes ago,” a smirk appearing on his face.

I could only giggle like I had been twitterpated like some young adult, trying to keep a straight face.

“I guess you’ll be on guard duty for a while,” He said looking over a scaled replica of the ongoing battle below.

“For a few months at least, but it wasn’t my fault,” I shot back trying to defend myself.

“Its what you always say lass, sign* ye just like him in so many ways,” the giant angel took note that the gate was causing seismic activity of the land around it.

I was a little confused be what he meant.

“What do you mean? Who’s like me?”

“He likes to watch the mortals any chance he gets, always the same wit him. After practice, after lessons you name it. He’ll just sit over looking the edge and just… watches them, getting all excited at any ol trivial thing.”

I never could quite place it, but he seemed… proud. Even now the sight I saw still fills me with wonder. Suryan shrugged off the feeling and looked at me and the sealers who had remained behind. Placing his helmet on his head, he gave us the go ahead and we flew into battle.

* * *

The battle had gone on for hours, but we were pushing them back. We were still out numbered 50 to 1, but that mattered little. What did matter was what happened next.

Through all the fighting and conflict, no one seemed to take notice of a lone serpent like legion fleeing the battlegrounds to the sky. I looked around but no one else broke formation to pursue the target. Seeing little choice, I flew after it.

We broke free of the realm, flying off into the space between. Every chance I got when I closed the gap, it would evade me, weaving between asteroids and get ahead of me again, all the while laughing at my expense. I can’t remember how far we went, but I know it was too far for myself. My armour sent off warnings I was leaving the sanctums influence and my wings were slowly becoming unresponsive.

In a last ditch effort to halt its progress, I gave one final burst of speed.

It looked as if I would catch it there and then, but at the last moment, it turned and struck me in the chest laughing its head off. My vision was clouding and my strength dwindled as I plummeted to my death.

Before darkness embraced me I saw a light strike the darkened figure I assume was the legion. It fell from the heavens at a faster rate than I to the realm below.

The last I recall the same white figure was making its way to me as the sleep took hold.

* * *

When I came to, I found myself in the middle of a forest. There was life all around me from birds to small animals making chatter just beyond my vision. It was sunny too, shafts of light coming through what ever break in the trees there were.

My head was swimming as I tried to get to my feet.

“Don’t get up, your flow is low and you need your rest.”

The voice caught me by surprise. I look up to see Nova, Archangel of Harmony by my side with her hand on my shoulder. Her long red hair flowed over her blue eyes as she lowered some water in a flat cup to me. I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was till the liquid touched my lips and drank greedily from it.

After I finished I brought up the question that was most on my mind.

“That… that thing, has it been vanquished?”

Taking the empty plate away, Nova looked towards the sky before speaking back.

“No, he is still out there, but he is weakened,” she said in a neutral expression, “He won’t be able to leave this plane, but he is still capable to carry out any legion intent once he is strong enough.”

“What are we waiting for we have to find hi~ hgh!” I tried to get up but a sharp pain in my chest knocked me back down.

“Easy now. You have to recover before you can do anything this else.”

“But we can’t do nothing with it on the loose!” I shot back.

“I understand young one,” Nova gestured to the surrounding area, “But the target fled the area when it landed without use of legion power, to track it would be too difficult until then.”

“What do you expect me to do, just sit back and do nothing.”

“I know this seems difficult, but please try to stay calm and get some rest,” Nova unfurled her wings taking her leave through the clearing, “I’ll scout the area and shall return with food and shelter shortly.”

With that she was gone.

I was infuriated. How could she be so calm, a run away Legion punk had escaped, doing who knows what to anything in this plane that comes across it and they were lolligaging about just waiting for it to hurt someone, or WORSE.

There wasn’t much I could do about it at the time so I reigned myself to wait till I was feeling better. No matter what Nova said, I would find that thing and end its joy ride on this plane.

* * *

It had been three days since we’ve been here. I was feeling much better, my flow had returned to normal and I was moving again. It was midday judging the position of the sun and Nova was out mediating. I could see no better chance than to begin my search of the area.

The forest was easy enough to navigate despite the thickened foliage. Seeing the denizens of the woods as I hooped from branch to branch, to get a better view of my surroundings, I needed to find the tallest tree or some kind of incline.

My search was quick as I found a hill. Before I could reach the top, I heard a sound. It was soft and whimpering, sniffling every so often.

My curiosity got the better of me and I started to seek out the source of the noise. It did not take me long to stumble upon what I sought.

It was a small clearing, a little brighter than the rest of the forest. A trail leading in and out of it was present on the other side and at the centre stood a dwindling tree.

The crying was coming from beside it, my heart stopping when my gaze fell upon her.

She was so small, hugging the tree tightly in her little hooves and tears falling from her eyes as she wept silently onto its bark. It was a pony of a night blue coat and a lighter blue mane, a foal by the looks of it. She didn’t seem hurt, but her quiet sobs pierced my heart in ways I had never imagined possible.

She seemed so sad that I wished to comfort her, but I held back. The Order forbade personal contact with any mortals.

So I watched.

I watched as she opened up herself in that clearing, forgetting my mission in an instance. I watched her for hours, unmoving till her sobs died down and eventually stopped. The sun was going down and it was then that the little filly decided to leave the clearing, but not before giving the tree one last hug.

* * *

For the past week I had checked the clearing, telling Nova I was simply scouting the area. Every day I would stop by at the same place, and everyday the same filly would be there. She didn’t cry every time, but tended to the dying tree as best she could.

She would water it, care for it and even placed tree sap from other trees at any nick in its bark. Whenever a leaf fell she panicked and the one time a branch broke she had cried some more.

It was odd to see one care so much for the nature around them, if only I knew why she cared so much for this tree. Something inside me pulled me from the hiding place as I slowly made my way onto the clearing.

When I caught her eye I saw nothing but fear. She screamed and tried to flee, but the poor dear got tangled in her own hooves and hit the ground and I rushed over to help. Before I could get near her she said something.

“________________”

I had no idea what she was saying, so I tried to clam her down.

“Sshhhh, It’s alright, I’m not going to hurt you,” I said softly.

“________,___________________!”

“Don’t be afraid, please, I only want to help.”

“…_______”

She seemed to be calming down a little, perking her ears up in my direction with a curious glint in her eyes.

“What are you doing out here little one?”

“______._________,___________?”

She got back to her hooves and was tilting her head at me, trying to figure what I was exactly. She circled me looking me over and gave me a little push with her hoove. As gentle as the nudge was, it knocked me off my balance and I tried to steady myself on the tree.

“_________!_________________!”

She was yelling at me now, trying to swat my hand away from it as a large amount of tree sap and bark broke away with it.

“________!_________?________ *hic* ________”

Oh no, she looked upset. If only I understood what she was saying, maybe I could help.

When she started crying again, I placed my hand on head and reached inside with my flow. Letters, words, syllables were filling my mind as I learnt her language as quickly as I could.

“___________nd now we will lose thy tree and hic* and…”

“Hush now little one, why art thou crying so,” the words rolling off my tongue with the new found language.

She looked at me in surprise with her puffy eyes. She stared for a little while before her eyes watered up again.

“Thy tree hic* twas our fathers and he *hic trusted that we *hic would look after it, but we hic* couldn’t help it hic* it slips away as we speak.”

I looked at the tree in which she spoke. It scarcely had a leaf left that wasn’t decayed and brittle. Most branches laid bare or broken and the bark was much paler than the rest of it’s foliage brethren.

I rested my palm on the dwindling plant, feeling what little life was left within. For all I could tell, the tree was not sick nor was it hurt, it was simply fading away as it’s time had come, the life within having run its course. It was no wonder that what ever this small filly did, the plants life continued to decline as the sands of time had taken their toll.

Looking back at her, she had laid on the ground with her forelegs covering her face, tears overflowing from her eyes and down to the grass. I could only think how much she cared for her father if he was the one who entrusted her with looking after this tree. I couldn’t help but wonder though. If this father had told her to care for the tree, why had he not shown up in the past week, the filly had been out here for most of the day, certainly he would have come to see her at least once, or at least take notice his daughters feelings seeing how much she cried over it.

I hoped if the burden was lessened, it may help improve the little ones mood. All it would take was a little boost to bring around the tree, nothing too fancy.

Steadying myself, I place my hand onto the bark once more and closed my eyes. My flow moved through my arm and poured into the dried banks of the plant. I could feel the revitalization of its strength immediately as it grew stronger with each drop of my life’s energy. I could hear the bark strengthen, leaves growing rapidly and a sudden absence of light.

When all was done I looked upon my work. The tree was once again restored. It looked healthy with its vibrant green leaves and darkened bark. The tree also seemed to bear fruit, apples from the looks of it. They didn’t seem like ordinary apples though, looking as if they were made out of pure gold, possible from my touch, I could never be sure. It was only then I noticed that the crying had stopped.

I turned my gaze back to the filly only to see her wide eyed and slacked jaw, marvelling at the apple tree before her. Without warning she ran up to me and hugged me.

“Th—Thank you”

It was so warm and sincere, it made my heart swell with joy. Just as abruptly she tore away from me looking a little embarrassed.

“Um please forgive us, we have yet to introduce our selves,” She did a little bow, “We are known as Lu-lu.”

“And we are known as Tia,” I replied in return with a smile.

* * *

Raguel watched as the memory faded away, left in the blackened void as he digested what he had seen. Beside him stood Celestia with a neutral expression, the same one she used when meeting the angel for the first time. She had shown him her last day at the sanctum, the meeting with Suryan before the battle and how she came to this realm, leaving at just the moment she had met a small filly that looked remarkably just like the other Alicorn he had met today.

He remembered that day too. The day when he wasn’t known by the name of Raguel, the day he first went to battle.

The day Nova disappeared.

Regaining himself he looked to Celestia.

“You still haven’t shown me what became of Nova, why she’s locked away and how you’ve become…” he said gesturing her figure with his hand, “This.”

“All in due time Raguel, All will be revealed soon.”

The void came to life once more as memories past by at a much slower rate. These memories featured mostly of Lu-lu, from playing, to tending the tree and even at night as the little filly slept in Tia’s lap. Nova appeared more and more as well, sharing in the laughter as days flew by.

“We anticipated that the legionite would attack at some point, but we didn’t know when or where. While we waited, we grew… close with Lu-lu. After she told us one day that ponies in white said her farther was ‘sleeping’, she had devoted her time to care for the one thing she thought would make him proud when he awoke,” She paused letting the notion explain itself, “We didn’t have the heart to tell her otherwise.”

“We looked after her as the days turned to weeks, then months, till that faithful day, almost 5 months after we had met, did things change forever, for her, for us and this entire land.”

The memory’s slowed as that faithful day long ago stirred to life.

* * *

Author's Note

Got a blog about this sort of stuff. Read that if you want.