Black Gates: Fallen

The medical team had carried the unconscious creature back to Ponyville, and he was now under the care of all of the best doctors in town. Twilight and her friends had explained all they could about the situation, and Celestia just listened, unsure of why such a creature would just appear, only to protect somepony he didn’t know and possibly never would have the chance to.

His strange armor, the magic he used, and just how… unpony-like he was were all strange, and it was unheard of for something like this to happen.

But, Celestia could pinpoint just what he was, a human. The only humans she knew of were through the Mirror Portal… where Sunset Shimmer was now. That name caused her to shiver and nearly want to cry. But, this human was too different from them. He had to have come from some other more ancient place.

“We’ll need to watch him. I’ll have guards comb the ruins for any more of those beasts…” She looked to Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. “All of you have should head home.” She then looked to Twilight, “And you should come with me. There’s things we need to talk about.”

“Like what?” Twilight asked curiously.

“What he is. And possibly what he might be here for… though we can’t determine that until he heals back up.” Celestia said, her horn lit up and the entire remaining group (besides the guard) were teleported back to Ponyville. “Twilight, come.” She ordered, separating the violet unicorn from the group.

“What’s wrong Celesti-”

“That creature, is a human. And humans CAN’T use magic. Something’s wrong here, horribly wrong.” Celestia began. “I felt some sort of surge of magic… It was a struggle after the surge to not let the sun dim. And right after that happened, you girls find him, and as you said, he burned the beast to ashes in moments.”

“A moment. Princess… like, he was just controlling fire… like you can.”

“Twilight. I want you to watch him, study him… make sure he isn’t here to harm others. I… I’ll find a way to block whatever magics he has…”

“I know a way to do that!” Twilight said quickly. “I can uuh… use a spell to mimic the effects of a horn dampener. I used it on an amulet… and had uh… Spike test it out. It blocked his ability to breathe fire. It… also messed with my ability to use magic when I put it on. I can make it work on his clothes, or armor… or anything real-”

“He won’t be allowed to wear armor or carry weapons. He appears to be a soldier of some kind. So, giving him anything dangerous would make him a threat.” Celestia retorted.

“Right… um, maybe Rarity can make him some clothes? We ca-”

“Twilight. This isn’t something you can just… befriend… not yet. For all we know, if it-he came through with that shadow beast… he could be an umbrite in disguise. Or gods forbid it, Chrysalis in disguise…”

“But… something so elaborate? Why go through with nearly dying… and wouldn’t th-”

“None of us understand changeling magic Twilight… she revealed herself after hiding for who knows how long. Only because she thought she won.” Celestia shook her head.

“Princess… If I may, I think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill… at least in the regard of him being a threat that we’ve dealt with before.” Twilight stated.

Celestia sighed. “I just… this doesn’t feel right Twilight. And, right after you girls helped defeat Sombra… who knows what’s out there that could be after all of you. And… it doesn’t sit right that the Crystal Empire just… reappeared. Nor that the umbrites just returned… only sending out a few beasts after you.”

“I understand. Look… Maybe we can…” Twilight grimaced at the thought. “Fake befriending him… make him feel open, and if he reveals what he’s here for, and it’s not bad… well, we can make it into a true friendship and help him settle… and if he’s here for something bad… well you’ll know instantly. And… there’s nothing we can do to stop you from making sure he doesn’t harm anypony.”

“Thank you, Twilight… and I trust you and the girls to make a valid judgement on him… don’t let them in on what you’re doing. Especially not Rainbow Dash or Applejack… Just, watch him, and try to learn about him and wherever he’s from. Be safe, please.” Celestia pleaded.

“I’ll stay safe, like I said, I’ll make sure to mute his magic.”

“If you need any help, send me a letter immediately, and I’ll have guards sent out.” Celestia nodded. “Now… why don’t you go rest and relax? You and all the girls deserve some time not doing anything after what nearly happened… I’ll have some of the guards sent to each of their homes to make sure they remain safe.”

“Thank you, Princess.” Twilight smiled slightly as the solar princess a walked away to speak to the captain of the town guard.

Twilight let out a long sigh, fake befriending somepony? Why would she even suggest that? She walked slowly to the hospital, she still wanted to check on the new… human. Make sure he wasn’t being treated horribly. He did protect three of her friends even when he was dying.

When she entered the hospital she was immediately turned away by the guard. “Princess Celestia gave us the order to tell you and your friends if and when he wakes up. For now, he’s undergoing surgery.” The guard stated. “You are to return home, and if you don’t we’re going to be forced to escort you home.”

“Alright… I’ll head home.” Twilight said, rolling her eyes as she turned and left the hospital. Her best bet would be to gather everypony to talk to them about this… but, if she was going to be watching him, then Spike should know first. But… what would she tell him? He didn’t need to know all of the truth, did he?

No he’d be safer just knowing this sta… Man? Man. Knowing this man saved her and her friends lives before succumbing to his injuries. Maybe, if Spike looks up to him and they grow close… it’ll lessen the chance that this human will want to do harm.

Twilight could only hope...