Issacby EyesChaptersBook 1QuestionsBook 2Nightmare's ReturnNightmare's Return part 2HomecomingCanterlotCanterlot - Day OneReunionBook 1Author's Note The odd grammar and strange writing style is mostly because this was written by Issac himself. Remember, he's 10. Please don't chew me out in the comments. Also, a huge "Thank you!" to Wand3r3r3 and ShadowHunter488 for giving this a proofread, your input, and encouragement. Book 1 Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Sunday the 21st. The two sisters are really nice. They gave me this book to write down my memories for when they find a way to send me back. Oh! My name is Issac by the way, and I just turned 10 years old. So, if you find this can you please return it to me? The Sisters are letting me stay at the castle. It's pretty big so you should find it easy. My room has a pretty view of the forest. I can see the fireflies at night, they're always in pairs. They're really pretty, a neon green colour. I want to go see them up close but they won't let me leave the castle. They say the forest outside is dangerous, the Forever Free forest, or something. Oops! That's all for now, the nice maid lady Rose, the one that's helping me write with a ~~feather~~ quill, is saying it's time for dinner. Bye-bye! Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Moonday the 22nd. I got in trouble today. Luna, the pretty blue sister, caught me trying to get into the forest through the castle gardens. She yells really loud and it hurt my ears. They bled a little and she looked scared. I cried, it really hurt. She rubbed me with her head and took me up to the doctor. Celestia's room is close to mine, I can hear them yelling. It's all my fault. I need to do something. It's all my fault. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Tuesday the 23rd. I found Luna today, she was crying in the gardens. It was weird seeing a grownup cry. I snuck up behind her and gave her a hug. I must have scared her because I made her jump. Then it was my turn to be scared because she started flying. I lost my grip and hit my butt on the ground. It hurt, but I couldn't help but start laughing, she started laughing too. I like seeing her happy. I told her I was sorry about yesterday, she said sorry too. Then we played hide and seek. I won, it was really fun. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Wednesday the 24th. I miss my mom. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Thursday the 25th. Luna had to go to another town nearby so I spent most of the day with Celestia. She has a really hard job, trying to make her people happy. It was a little boring. The ~~people~~ ponies that came to see her watched me most of the time. I don't think they like me. Rose came by around lunchtime, we had apples again. When Rose an I were going to my room a ~~person~~ pony in strange armour knocked me down. It didn't hurt, he called me something. I asked Rose what it meant but she wouldn't tell me. I spent the rest of the day reading. We had stew for dinner, it was good, but Luna missed it. I'll save her a roll, she'll be hungry when she gets back. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Friday the 26th. I heard a loud bang that made me wake up. I could hear Luna yelling all the way from my room. I ran down to the throne room. When I got there Celestia and Luna looked worried. They stopped talking when they saw me. I gave Luna the roll I saved for her. She smiled and rubbed me with her head again. I don't know why she does that, it's really weird. I followed them outside and the soldier ponies were all lined up. Something is wrong. Luna smiled and told me she'll be back in a few days. Celestia looked scared but smiled at me when she noticed I was looking. I'm afraid. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Moonday the 29th. Luna and the soldiers came back today, I thought there were more of them. Luna smiled when she saw Celestia. I ran up to her and hugged her leg. She did the thing with her head again. The sisters went inside and Rose an I played in the garden. I'm happy things are back to normal. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Wednesday the 31st. I've locked myself in my room. I can't stop crying. I miss my mom. Luna tried to make me feel better but words don't help. I want to go home. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Thursday the 32nd. Rose was at my door all night, I guess. I tripped over her when I tried to sneak out to get food. She screamed then wouldn't stop hugging me. It was wierd, even though she smelled like flowers. She took me to the kitchen and we got a snack. Then she took me to Luna... She looked sad and alone in the throne room. Luna told me they were going to try harder to get me home and to be strong and wait. After breakfast Celestia took me to the research ponies. They wanted to do tests on me, or something. I was scared but Celestia stayed with me. They poked me with their horns and wrote some stuff down. I don't know what's going on but Celestia never left my side. When we left I followed her to the kitchen, we ate cake but she told me not to tell anybody. Year 424 of the 5th era. Winter, Friday the 1st. Rose an I wandered the castle looking at paintings and stuff, it was kind of boring. Some of the soldiers still look at me funny. The sisters weren't at lunch today. They missed dinner too. Rose told me not to worry and that they were just busy. I trust Rose but I don't think she believes that herself. It's quiet outside and all I see are the fireflies. Year 424 of the 5th era. Winter, Saturday the 2nd. I was wandering around by myself today. The soldiers in the halls don't speak to me. I'm alone, surrounded by ~~people~~ ponies. I couldn't even find Rose. I just need to be patient, like Celestia said. There's nothing to do but read here in the castle. Year 424 of the 5th era. Winter, Sunday the 3rd. At breakfast today Luna told me she was going to go away for awhile. A bad pony in the north is hurting people and she's going to stop him. She's really brave. I'm going to miss her. My chest hurts and I don't know why. Celestia and I watched her leave with the soldiers. I can tell she's worried. It's getting cold. The fireflies aren't out tonight. They must sleep in the winter, like bears. Year 424 of the 5th era. Winter, Moonday the 4th. Cel- The remaining pages are too badly burned to read. QuestionsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Book 2Most of the pages are too burned to read. Year 469 of the 5th era. Spring, Saturday the 16th. Luna was being strange again today. We went out to visit a grove in the Everfree and had a long conversation about what's been bothering her. She dodged most of my questions and turned them into a survival lesson... She keeps holding whatever is inside. I try to tell her that I could help if I knew what was wrong but I don't think she listens to me sometimes. I get the feeling I need to remind her more often that even though I might look like a Ten-year-old, on the inside I'm an adult now. Year 469 of the 5th era. Spring, Thursday the 28th. Celestia still insists that I continue my studies on 'practical magic' even though we both know I'll never be able to use it. It irks me when she says her little one-liners, such as, "There is a difference 'tween science and wisdom. Ye may never be an able user, but to know how it can be used could be a great boon in your future." As if. The only good studying these days, in my opinion, is sword practice with Luna. Even if she always kicks my flank but I am getting better. When I spar with the guard I tend to win three out of five times. Year 469 of the 5th era. Summer, Moonday the 2nd. The Timberwolves are getting more and more brazen in their attempts to get into the castle town. - So much for the fireflies of my youth... Anyway - Luna, myself, and a small company of guards went out today to reduce their numbers. As we were mopping up an alpha decided to show its face, much to Luna's enjoyment. I swear, sometimes she loses herself in a fight. She seems almost to enjoy, not only destroying the pests but making them suffer. If it was anything else other than a magical construct I would be far more worried than I am. But the shout of a "Hazzah" whilst her hair is full of foliage still makes me laugh. Year 469 of the 5th era. Summer, Wednesday the 18th. The Griffon envoy arrived at the castle today. Fantastic timing by the way! Two foals were reported missing not long before they arrived. They're presumed to be out in the Everfree. Luna is sending out her newly formed 'Shadowbolts' squadron to locate and return them quietly. I, of course, asked Luna to join them in the search and was allowed. Her reasoning... Seemed self-serving, to be honest. That they needed to learn to help support ground troops and for them to rely on intelligence from the ground in areas of low visibility. She's treating this as a training exercise. I think I need to have a chat with Celestia about this one. I understand training is important and we need to keep this quiet but this is ridiculous. Stars above, I hope we find them in time. Year 469 of the 5th era. Autumn, Sunday the 6th. I'm finding less and less time to write these entries. Long story short, we found the foals and they were fine. It seems they were curious about the forest and got lost. Also, my talk with Celestia didn't go as I thought it would. She agreed with Luna and faulted me for tagging along, saying I slowed the search. Even though I was the one that found them hiding in a hollowed-out log... Those 'Shadowbolts' would have flown right over them. Am I the only sane person in this castle? She and I are still not on the best of terms, only talking when we meet for our magic lessons. I hope things start returning to normal now that the envoy is gone. Most Of The Center Pages Are Badly Burned Year 1 ANM, Winter the 2nd. I don't even know if it's winter anymore, with as random as the seasons have been. The second company and I are pushing as fast as we can to get to Luna's castle. Our hope is we make it there before Celestia and the First Army. I just need to talk to her, I know I can make her see reason! Celestia is wrong, she's not completely gone, I refuse to believe that. We should make it in about a week at this rate. The company is behind me in ignoring our orders. I chose them for that reason alone. We all love Luna, this world needs her and I know we can bring her back. Year 1 ANM, Winter the 4th. Cursewind and Night Flame are dead. The remaining pegasus in the scouting party reported that it was the Shadowbolts, or the twisted versions of them anyway. It seems this Civil War, or whatever you would call it, is bringing nothing but death to the ponies and the world. We have no time to grieve, we have to keep pushing forward. Aside from 'hit and run' tactics, we've met no resistance. We have to keep moving. Year 1 ANM, Winter the 5th. After speaking with Lieutenant Blue Whirl of the second platoon and Second Lieutenant Nightblade of the third, we've decided to send the third platoon out ahead to scout and reconnoitre as we continue our advance. This will hopefully make our scouting less dangerous to the individual. This is more of a Griffon tactic, and Third does have the most flyers. It's risky but hopefully, it'll pay off. Year 1 ANM, Winter the 8th. The third platoon found a village today. When they reported in and said it was in bad shape... I never expected this. We finally arrived at twilight, but with the way Luna and Celestia fight for control of the sky, perpetual twilight is becoming normal. The fires that were once homes had long since burned out, and only a handful remain. But, but the worst thing, were the bodies. The stallions, the mares, even the foals... Nopony was spared. We searched for hours trying to find anypony, a single holdout, but it was in vain. Only more bodies... We gathered all we could and made a pyre, it's the least we could do. Year 1 ANM, Winter the 10th. We failed, I failed... Blue Whirl saved me in the end. Luna... No, Nightmare Moon killed her. She took the shot that was meant for me. Dammit! This journal, me, and even my soul is stained in her blood. We should never have even tried this. Celestia, damn her, was right... If she hadn't shown up and used those BUCKING Elements of Harmony, we would all be dead. The entire company... I just, I can't. The Remaining Pages Are Blank I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony. "Spike, could you find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies?" Twilight asked, closing the journal. Spike sighed as stood from his relaxed position on the floor, setting his comic on the table. "One second, Twilight." Spike climbed the adjacent bookshelf and immediately grabbed the correct book. "Here it is," he replied, sliding down the ladder before walking it over. "Thank you, Spike." "Mm-hm," he grunted, grabbing the comic and falling back into his previous position. Nightmare's ReturnIssac groggily rolled out of bed, falling face first on the floor, "Buck my life." He laid on the floor for a moment before slowly pushing himself up to his feet. He slowly made his way through the dark, reaching out for the large stone block he used as an end table, searching for his chipped glass of water. One slight toe injury later he achieved his objective, taking a few sips from the glass being careful not to cut his lips. With the film that coated his mouth gone, he made his way to the crumbling window. Dim moonlight broke through the trees and poured onto the floor. As he looked out into the night he glanced up at the moon, shining a pure white. "Shit," he muttered, turning from the window and rushing over to the chest at the foot of his bed. In the dark, he quickly opened the chest and strapped on his ancient armour, tossing a grey cloak over himself then strapping on his short-sword. "Finally. It took you long enough," he said to himself as he left the bedroom, heading to anteroom of the ruined castle. 'If she's going anywhere, it'll be here' He thought, running through the halls. Coming to a stop at the top of the stairwell, Issac waited, and waited, then waited some more. Until the castle doors eventually creaked open. 'Finally!' He shouted internally, only for six ponies to come running through the doors. 'Followers of the Nightmare?' As the ponies came closer, Issac gave them a quick once over. The pony in front, the leader - he guessed, was a purple unicorn with a magenta stripe through her mane. Another unicorn, white with a purple mane. Two pegasai, one yellow with a pink mane. The other blue... 'Is that a rainbow?' The final two were earthers, a pink monstrosity and your basic orange cowpony. He wrote the earth ponies off as a mere nuisance if this went south, being the easiest by far to incapacitate. Lost in thought he didn't realise how close they had gotten. The six ponies looking up at him from the base of the stairs. "Ah don't think it heard ya, Twilight," the orange one said to the leader. "Are you sure it's even alive?" Asked the blue pegasus, now hovering slightly above the group. "Yep!" The pink one interrupted, "It's breathing." 'Okay, that's spooky. Let's do this. Tossing his cloak over his shoulder, Issac got into a ready stance and quickly drew his sword. The high pitched shrill of metal on metal ripping through the air got the attention of the ponies. Five of the six mares backed up a step as the blue pegasus dropped in front, adopting a defensive pose. Issac grinned under his helmet, 'a fighter. I can respect that.' "Explain thy presence here!" Issac demanded, his shout ringing through his helmet. 'Buck.' "You should know!" The blue pegasus accused, glaring up at Issac. "We're following that whorse, Nightmare Moon!" She shouted, her eyes seemingly on fire. Twilight, in her stunned state, assessed the situation. 'What is that? Is it another trick?' She looked up at the creature, it's head was covered in a hood. Half of it's bipedal body was covered by the grey cloak. 'It's armoured, it's old but in good condition. It doesn't have horns. Odd...' Staring at the breastplate she could swear she's seen the engraving on it before. 'It's old, it's Equestrian... Biped, no horns.' Twilight's eyes went wide. 'Well, that settles that.' Issac thought, standing straight. "Stay out of my way!" Issac shouted down to the ponies through his helmet. He turned, sheathing his sword as he started making his way to the throne room. 'Maybe she'll be there.' "Hey! Ge-" Rainbow began before getting cut off. "Issac!" That got Issac's attention, making him pause for a moment on the second set of stairs. 'Interesting' he thought, looking back over his shoulder. Dropping his hood, he called down to the ponies, "don't interfere." Doubling his pace, he continued up the stairs. "Hey!" The blue pony shouted again, as she started flying up the stairs. "Wait, Rainbow Dash." Twilight shouted, grabbing her in her magic, levitating the grumpy pegasus down to the group. "What for?" Rainbow huffed, crossing her forelegs. "That twerp was a jerk and I want answers." "Twilight, dear. Do you know what that was?" Rarity asked, interrupting. "I think so." Twilight began, a little unsure. "I think that was Issac, a human." "No way," Rainbow scoffed, "humans are a old mares tale, they're not real." "Well, you're not wrong, Rainbow. Apparently he's the only one that's ever existed." Twilight explained, "According to Princess Celestia." "But, aren't those stories really old?" Fluttershy asked, coming out from behind Pinkie. Twilight nodded, "you're correct, Fluttershy. And according to what I've read about him, like the princess, he's ageless." That caused the group to fall silent, so Twilight continued. "He was basically raised by the Princesses, long before Nightmare Moon." "Why d'ya think he's here now?" Applejack asked, walking up beside Twilight. "I'm not entirely sure. I do know he's not too happy with Nightmare." She replied, glancing to Applejack. "Revenge maybe, a long time ago she hurt some of his friends." "That would be a pretty good reason." Rarity broke in, "I'm not sure what I would do if somepony hurt the ones I cared for, the poor dear." Rainbow glanced up the staircase to where Issac once stood. "I understand." Rainbow stated, turning to the group. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for my friends." Twilight's eyes went wide, "we need to go!" Issac continued up the winding staircase, leading up to the throne room. He moved at a sedate pace, making as little noise as possible. 'She has to be here.' He thought to himself, almost to the top. A unnatural light came from the throne room and fell into the staircase, through the doorway. Issac steeled himself, sure of the confrontation soon to come. He walked into the decrepit throne room that once held such a majestic air to it. Rotten, moth eaten, tapestries hung on the wall, long since faded. Torn banners hung from the high ceiling, barely attached to their corroded metal poles. Torn, moldy, carpet lead up to the pair of thrones atop the dais. Between those thrones, there she stood. The one he had failed, the one he had to save, the one he had to kill. Nightmare Moon. And she was staring directly at him. 'Buck...' "Long time no see, Nightmare!" Issac shouted across the room as he made his way over. "Why art thou here, Whelp?" Nightmare asked, her voice full of malice. Issac paused, a fair distance away. "To do what I couldn't, so long ago." He replied gently, pulling his sword from it's sheath, raising the point to the Nightmare. "HAHAHAHAHA! Come then, and we shall grant thee a quick death!" Nightmare's Return part 2"Shit, shit, shit!" Issac shouted as he darted from pillar to pillar finding as much cover as possible in the dilapidated throne room, dodging bolts of pure shadow. "Skitter and hide little mouse! I shall gut thee the same as thy friends from oh, so long ago!" "Buck..." Issac whispered to himself, watching the marble floor melt into a pool of shadow. Rushing out of cover he made his way, attempting to dodge more shadow bolts only to be hit on his left pauldron. The bolt knocking him into the air but luckily spinning him behind cover. "HAHAHA, come whelp, we are standing right here... Face me!" Issac groaned, unclasping the slowly melting pauldron, 'Time for plan B'. Removing his ragged cloak, he readied himself for his final charge. Having gained enough ground to hopefully reach her. Getting into a ready stance he grabbed his cloak in his left hand, tossed it out from behind the pillar then bolted out the other side rushing the few remaining feet to the Nightmare. Nightmare grinned, holding onto Issac in her magic. "Fool, did you honestly believe such a foalish trick would work?" Nightmare lifted Issac before her stretching out his limbs. We have the damnable Elements here, there is nothing you nor anypony can do to stop me now! Issac groaned as his appendages were stretched well past the point of what was natural. "I honestly didn't plan that far ahead, NIghtmare. You piece of shit." "Oh my, such language. Doth thou kiss thy mother with that mouth?" Nightmare taunted over the sound of muffled shouting coming from the staircase. "Buck you! You shall fall, even if it's not by my hand." Nightmare smiled as she levitated the silver shortsword in front of her. "Holding onto relics of the past? How sentimental..." NIghtmare's smile turned into a sinister grin as she slammed Issac's frozen form against a pillar "Well then, why not stick around for your little friend, hmm?" She grinned, taking the shortsword and slowly driving it into his chest plate, just below his collarbone. Issac screamed in agony as he was pinned to the column, the hilt flush against armour. Twilight ran up the spiral stairs, her friends close behind. She could feel the magic in the air, something was happening up ahead, something powerful. Nightmare's muffled shouting and muted explosions vibrated through the staircase. "Come on, girls! We've got to hurry!" "What's the rush, Twilight!? If that twerp wants to get himself killed, let him tire out that old nag Nightmare! It'll make our job easier!" Rainbow shouted from behind the group. "Now, Rainbow, Ah know you don't hold that fella in the brightest light right now but he's still a livin' being." Applejack chastised causing Rainbow to scoff. Cresting the staircase Twilight gasped, engrossed at the sight of Issac hanging on a pillar, pinned up by his own sword, blood leaking down past his feet. "Issac," she whispered to herself, snapping back to reality as her friends joined her atop the stairs. "Ah, now the party truly can begin in earnest." Nightmare cackled, staring at the six new arrivals. "I had assumed my dear Issac would only be foolish enough to con one imbecile into following in his footsteps. But six! My... How have ponies survived being so quick to run into death's maw!?" The mares gulped, glancing between Issac as his blood slowly flowing down the pillar and the Nightmare smiling evilly as she stared them down. 'The elements!' Twilight thought glancing to the floor behind the Nightmare. She pauses, sparing a glance at her new found friends and once to Issac before making her decision. She runs, sprinting with all her might straight for the Nightmare. "...Really. You're kidding, right?" Nightmare grinned as she began to charge at Twilight. 'Just one spark' She thought to herself as she drew closer to Nightmare. "What are you doing you bucking idiot, get out of here!" Issac cried, tugging at the blade in his chest. "She'll kill you!" Twilight and Nightmare bore down upon each other drawing nearer with every step. Nightmare grinned wider as her prey came unto her only for it to disappear in a flash of light. Nightmare's confusion lasted only a moment hearing a gasp from behind. "But... Where is the sixth element?" Nightmare slowly turned, bellowing with laughter, "You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me!?" Nightmare smiled, slamming down her hoof shattering the elements. "When someone who has been alive for a millennia has failed so spectacularly!? Now you'll never see your princess, your friends, or the sun again! The Night Will Last Forever!!!" "Don't worry Twilight, we're here!" Pinkie shouted from across the throne room. "Yeah Twilight, we'll always be here for ya!" Applejack agreed. Twilight gasped, That's it!' "You're wrong Nightmare! Do you think you can destroy the elements just like that because the spirit of the elements are right here!" The shattered remains of the elemental orbs floated and swirled around the five ponies as Nightmare stared in horror. But the sixth, you still don't have the sixth element! "You see when I realised how much my friends cared a spark ignited inside me! Nightmare, you see when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element. The element of... magic!" Twilight shouted as the elemental shards transformed into the elements of harmony. Issac yanked and tugged on the sword in his chest, slowly making progress if the screeching metal was any sign. "Bucking stupid ponies!" Finally pulling the blade free from the pillar, "They never listen." Issac slid down the column, leaving a streak of blood, hitting the ground with a clatter. While she's distracted! He thought to himself picking up his sword before sprinting toward the Nightmare. As Issac ran, there was a bright flash of rainbow light surrounding the six mares and the Nightmare. I love you, Luna! Issac thought as he thrust his sword toward the Nightmare's throat. "Issac stop!" Shouted Celestia. Author's Note nb4 cliché hullabaloo! And thanks Wandy and Edgy-notEdgy but actually NotShadowLotus488. "Special FANGS, get it, because I'm goffik, to my GF eww not in that way! RavenBloodytears666 for hleping me with da story and spelling! You Rok (rok has a 'K' in itIII Juzztin ur tha love mf my derezzing life you rok 2 MCR Roxx 2!!!" If you get the joke, you get a smiley face. HomecomingA Few Moments Later 'Bucking Celestia... When I finally get the resolve to actually go through with it... Buck!' "Worthless!" Issac chided himself as he stomped, clattering down the abandoned halls in ancient plate armour. 'Using the damn Elements, as if that will make everything okay. Like the past thousand plus years can be erased in a matter of moments!' Issac halted, turning to the wall, giving it a few good kicks to ease his frustrations. 'STUPID! BUCKING! PONIES!' He sighed, leaning into the wall, "I need to go back to the Griffin Kingdom... Tartarus, maybe the Minotaur government would finally forgive that bit of piracy..." "Issac!" Twilight shouted, running down the hall. "Maybe not," Issac told himself, placing his head against the wall with a sigh. "What!?" Twilight slid to a stop next to Issac, "why did you run away?" "Listen, Purples," Issac attempted to snap his fingers before pointing at the mare," I can't deal with any of that right now." He replied, gesturing down the hall. "It's Twilight, and why not? That's not Nightmare in there, you know." She replied, turning her head quizzically. "On some level, Dwight, I know that. I'm honestly happy to see her again, don't get me wrong, but... I just can't forget everything she's done so easily." "Again, it's Twilight... And I can't imagine what you're going through right now but that mare in there is not the evil you once faced. She's just a confused mare that needs her family and friends." Issac sighed, placing his head back against the wall. "On an intellectual level, I know you're right... But emotionally, I disagree. Besides, I need to get back to my room and take a look at my wound." "I'm sure Celestia can take a look at it, all you need to do is ask." "She would just love that, I'm sure. No thank you." Issac scoffed, "I would rathe-" "Hi!" Was the only indication someone was there before two pink hooves covered Issac's vision. "Guess whoooo?" Issac sighed, "I don't know, but you're pink. Please stop." "But you're sooo close." Ignoring the pink intruder, he continued, "look, Starbright, you and your buddy can either follow me to my room or leave me alone. I'm not doing anything till I look at this." He finished, pointing at the hole in his armour. "Right, okay." Twilight nodded, "Pinkie-" "Awww, you gave him the answer!" Pinkie whined, removing her arms from around Issac's noggin. Twilight groaned, "Pinkie, go back and tell the others we'll be along shortly. Tell them that Issac needs to grab a few things." "Okie Dokie Lokie!" She chirped, starting her bounce down the hall. "Alright then, shall we?" Twilight asked, looking back to Issac. He sighed as he turned, beginning the walk to his room, "fine, come on." "This... Is your room..?" Twilight asked, eyeing the ratty old room. "Yeah, for the time being anyway. I only just got here a month, or so, ago." "It's certainly... Something." "Well, I'm no stranger to roughing it but living in this squalor isn't exactly ideal," Issac added, pointing to the mouldy, moth-eaten bed. "That being said, it serves its purpose." Issac unlatched the leather straps to his chest plate, pulling the unclasped pieces over his head with a groan. Twilight gasped as she looked over Issac's exposed torso, a long streak of red going down a plain white tunic, "Are you alright?" Issac loosened the first notch on his tunic, looking into his shirt. "Yeah, She didn't hit anything vital. The bleeding has pretty much stopped." He sighed, looking to Twilight, "I'm not too surprised, she did want me alive long enough to watch. I'm just going to wrap it, it should be fine." "Would you like me to help?" Twilight asked, walking over to Issac. "No, I'm fully capable of..." Issac looked over to the mare, her ears flat against her head. "Sorry, no. I can take care of it myself. Thank you." Twilight smiled, "Take your time." Issac sighed as he took off his tunic, "I really am sorry, normally I'm not nearly as much of a pain in the flank." "Not nearly as much?" "Well, I'm just saying. I am, just not as much." Issac chuckled as he started digging through his trunk. "I've just had a lot on my mind. So, I'm sorry, for what it's worth." "Apology accepted, and it's worth quite a bit." Issac scoffed as he pulled out a long sheet of cloth and began wrapping his wound. "I'm still quite a bit cynical and a tad jaded so don't get your hopes up." "Noted." "Listen," Issac paused, "I'm not making any promises. But I will at least go back in there and be civil. Regardless though, I have no more business here. Could you possibly levitate my trunk along with us?" "It would be my pleasure." Twilight smiled, causing Issac to groan. "This sucks." He mumbled, making Twilight chuckle. Twilight and Issac calmly walked back into the throne room, the seven ponies sitting around each other in conversation. "We're back!" Twilight chirped, prancing over to Celestia. Issac following behind, armourless, sword at his hip. Issac glanced up at Luna, her eyes moving away as he did. "Luna, Celestia. How's the Sun business been treating you?" Celestia smiled, looking down to Issac as he approached. "It's been well, as you can imagine. How have you been?" "Eh, wandering has its ups and downs. You find a lot of characters though." He glanced over to Luna, "how do you feel?" "We are, confused. Elated to be released from mine parasite, yet, fearful of the future." Celestia turned to the gathered ponies, "Unfortunately, the hour is late and we need to return to Canterlot." "We understand, Princess." Twilight responded, nodding. "MInd if I tag along as well?" Issac asked, walking over to the pair of princesses. Celestia was taken aback, if only for a moment, "Certainly... Issac. You're more than welcome." Issac grinned as he pulled his trunk over toward Celestia, 'this should be intresting'. "Is that everything?" She asked Issac, watching him drag the trunk over. "Everything I brought to this old castle anyway." He grinned. "Then let's be off." Celestia turned to Twilight, "Twilight, thank you." "It's no problem, Princess." Celestia looked to her sister, then to Issac, "Let's go home." Issac chuckled as he looked toward Twilight, "catch ya' later, Purples." "It's-" With a flash, the trio were gone. "-Twilight..." Author's Note Wand3r3r3 helped again, so did NotShadowLotus488. You two may not fix much but what you do, helps. Thank you. CanterlotWith a pop and flash of light, the trio appeared in the throne room of Canterlot castle. The guards were startled, only for a moment, before jumping into action to defend their princess. "Your Highness!" "Calm yourselves, my little ponies, all is well." Celestia intervened before causing a scene. "My sister an I have returned." Standing slightly behind Celestia, Issac cleared his throat. "And, This is Issac... Seargent Hornet, would you mind escorting Issac to the highest chamber in the North Tower? He is a very old friend of mine and I feel he may be in need of some rest." "Yes, Your Hig-" The mare began before being interrupted by Issac. "Aww, c'mon Sunny! You can't dangle your shiny new castle right in front of my face and not expect me to want to find all your hidey-holes as soon as possible." Issac groaned. Celestia let out a small sigh, "Issac, I don't have the time to deal with your shenanigans right now. Follow Seargent Hornet to your room or I'll have her forcibly drag you there." She finished with a slight glare. "She can try." "What was that?" Celestia asked, leaning into Issac's face. Issac sighed and turned away, "nothing." "That's what I thought." She stated, turning to the Seargent, "you have your orders. I need to get my sister to the medical wing. Come to me if there are any issues." "Yes, Ma'am!" Seargent Hornet replied with a salute. Watching the princesses exit the throne room. "Well, Come on. Sooner started, sooner finished." "Hey," Issac blurted, trying to get the mare's attention. "Can you get one of your magical boys to grab my trunk?" "No." "What!? C'mon, I was stabbed today!" Issac whined. "Then move it slowly, we have a long walk ahead." Hornet finished before heading toward the large doors. Issac sighed, "this sucks," as he began to follow her, pushing his large chest. "I'm missing out on cupcakes for this..." "Four hundred and ninety-five, four hundred and ninety-six, Four hundred and ninety seve-" "Must you count every step!?" Hornet shouted down to the human, her voice full of irritation watching as he pushed the large chest in front of him slowly upward. "Yes! It's a medical condition! And I'd appreciate you not calling attention to it!" Hornet scoffed as she continued up the stairs, "Well, be quiet about it." "Four hundred and ninety-eight." Issac snickered, at Hornet's sigh. "At least I'm not repeating 'Are we there yet?' like a foal." He grinned. "Thank Celestia for that. Regardless, we're here. I don't recall any staff ever going to this part of the castle, not even housekeeping." Hornet jiggled the handle, then pushed on the door. "It's locked." Issac deadpanned, "Really..." "So it would seem." "And of course, Sunny didn't give you a key." "No, she did not..." "That's okay, I have a universal door opener," Issac said, walking up to the door. "Stand aside, please." Hornet moved to the side of the door as Issac walked up to it, inspecting the lock and frame. "Yeah, I've got this." Issac took a few steps back, seemingly returning to his trunk, before turning sharply to run at the door. Seconds before impact he raised his leg and kicked the door inches to the left of the door lock, breaking the door, causing it to slam open. "Problem solved." Hornet stared at Issac, her mouth agape. "You just broke royal property... In front of a guard..." "Well, it is my room, isn't it?" Hornet sighed, "Well, you're here. Delivered as ordered. I'm going back to my watch." "Oh, sweet. Now I can finally look around the castle." Issac smiled at Hornet. "I thank you for your assistance but your services are no longer required. Have a nice day!" "No, just... No." Hornet glared at Issac. "I'm walking down these stairs and finding a guard to keep an eye on you." "Yep, again, this sucks." Issac sighed as he walked to his trunk and pulled it into the room. "Sir! Sir, I'm lucky I found you, would you happen to have a moment to spare?" Hornet asked. "Actually, Seargent, I just finished dropping off the local weather reports. What do you need?" "Well, you see Captian, the thing is... The Princess has a high priority guest, an "old friend" of hers. He's currently in the North Tower." "The North Tower? That's strange. Why not the usual ambassadorial suites?" Spitfire replied, glancing to the tower door behind her. "Her friend is a little unusual, Sir," Hornet replied, snapping a quick salute. "Hmm..." "Shall I tell the Princess that you're watching him? I really need to inform her of the situation." Hornet asked, dropping the salute. "Sure, I'll head up." "Thank you, Sir. I'll ask for somepony to be sent to relieve you as soon as possible." Hornet finished, as she began to sprint down the hallway. "Guess I'm playing guard this trip." Spitfire smiled, opening the door and flying up the North Tower. Issac dug through his trunk, scattering his equipment across the floor. A few small stacks of books, a gold plated pocket watch, mortar and pestle, bags of herbs, a small container of oil. "Where the buck is it..?" He continued, tossing odds and ends behind him. "Aa! Yes!" Issac cheered, pulling out a cloak with a set of long horns attached. "I think it's time for Blackthorn Smallhoof to get acquainted with these highbrow fuddy-duddies." "Hello?" Came a voice from the door. "Hmm, what? No soliciting, come back later." Issac mumbled, shooing the pony behind his back before unfolding the cloak. "Uhh... No, I'm not a solicitor. I'm Spitfire, Capitan of her majesties Wonderbolts. I'll be watching you until the good Seargent can inform the Princess of the situation." "Fantastic. This day just gets better and better." Issac groaned, putting the cloak over his head. Issac stood, straightening out the length of the cloak. "How do I look?" He asked, turning to the door. "Like a short minotaur with crooked horns?" She answered, cocking her head. "Why are you disguising yourself? And what are you, might I ask?" "Because I've lost count of how many times I've answered that same question and I hate repeating myself. And I'm a Human." He replied, trying to straighten his pseudo horns. "The name's Issac. Can we go somewhere?" "What exactly did you have in mind?" Spitfire asked, cocking her head. "Anywhere but here." "Alright, sounds fine to me, you have ten minutes... And fix your horns, you look stupid." "Sweeeet." Issac cheered, grabbing onto his horns. "Which way, right or left?" "Left, very, very left." Author's Note WILL CELESTIA BE ALL KIND OF PISSED? IS LULU HUNKY DORY!? WILL ISSAC EVER GET CUPCAKES? FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON DRAGON BALL Z! Canterlot - Day OneIssac and Spitfire walked through the long halls of Canterlot Castle. Issac occasionally stopped to glance into an open doorway, look at a piece of art, or stare unblinking at a guard. "You wouldn't happen to know where I can get some food? I haven't had a chance to eat today," Issac asked, pulling the hood forward slightly, keeping his face hidden. "I do, we're not that far away at the moment. After we get some food in you, we should get you back to your room. I'm not even technically on duty." "Yeah, you might be right. I don't feel like pissing Celestia off just yet." Issac continued to follow the mare toward the cafeteria. "So... Not to be rude, aren't you a little young to be 'friends' with the Princess?" Spitfire asked, looking over to Issac. "I mean, the Princess tries to make time for all her subjects, that's true. But I haven't known her to give out rooms to just any random pony." "That's something of a long story." "That's fine, I like long stories." "Well, I don't. Let's just keep it at 'we go way back'." He said plainly. "Too far back." Spitfire raised an eyebrow at that, "oookay, you lost me, but I'll take your word for it." They continued down the hallway in silence before she tried to change the subject. "So, where do you come from?" "Around." "Just around?" Spitfire deadpanned, stopping to turn to Issac. "Who are you? No runaround this time. Because I'm about two sec-." "Celestia's adopted son, or maybe nephew. Whatever she wants to call me these days." Issac interrupted. Spitfire stared at Issac, her mouth agape. "Are... Are you a lord?" "Meh," Issac scoffed. "At one time maybe, had a fief and everything. But, not anymore, I wouldn't think." Sighing, Issac turned to look at Spitfire, "Look, can we just get some food?" It took Spitfire a moment to recover before mumbling, "Uhh, sure." The pair continued down the hallway "I don't know what to call you now." Issac chuckled, "You already forgot my name?" Issac and Spitfire walked into the empty cafeteria. "Wow, and I've actually been to a ghost town," Issac said, sprinting past the empty tables. "This place puts some of them to shame, and I've been living in a dilapidated castle." Spitfire sighed, taking off to hover over the tables. "The kitchen is this way." She informed, flying over Issac's head and banking to the right. "Just, grab something quick so we can get you back to your room. I'm sure they found you an actual guard by now." "And you're not an actual guard?" Issac smiled, sprinting up to where Spitfire landed, and opened the door. "Not exactly, no." She replied as Issac walked into the kitchen. "I'm a training officer, for the Wonderbolts." "Ahh, neato," Issac said, grabbing an apple and holding it in his mouth. Issac grabbed another three apples and moved to the larder. Opening the larder he saw a large assortment of flour, nuts, and vegetables. "Shlim bickens," he said to himself grabbing a small bag of pecans he turned to Spitfire. "I'm good when you are." He mumbled, chewing a small amount of apple. "Good, let's get you back." Issac and Spitfire finally climbed up the final step, only to see Sargent Hornet staring their way. "Was there a problem, Captain?" She asked. "No, nothing like that. He was hungry is all." She replied with a grin, "He should be more docile, for the time being anyway." Hornet glanced at Issac, "Is that so?" she waited a moment, "Very well... Princess Celestia would like a word with you, I am to take you to her." "Oh, fantastic. I've been waiting all day for this." Turning toward Spitfire, Issac snapped into an ancient salute, his arms crossing his chest and giving a slight bow. "It was nice meeting you, Captain." "Likewise, don't be a stranger, Sir Issac." Issac groaned at the title, watching the mare walk to the railing and jump down the stairs. "That's a lady with style," Issac mumbled, staring at the empty staircase. "Can we go, please? I've already been standing here for five minutes, her highness will think something's wrong." "Fine, Horny, let's go," Issac mumbled, half-hearted. "Excuse me!? What did you call me!?" Hornet slowly pushed open the doors to the throne room, the groaning and creaking of age making themselves known. The doors slowly opened, showing a long red carpet leading up to a large dias where Celestia was seated. Staring into the room Issac shoved his hands into his cloak and walked slowly behind Hornet, his head down. The walk seemingly lasting forever finally ended with a gentle voice. "Issac?" He hesitated, only for a moment... Before bursting into a grin under his cloak. "What's up, Sugarlumps?" The room was silent as the guards glared at Issac. Meanwhile, Hornet was staring at Issac, mouth agape. "We... We talked about this..." She mumbled as her head dropped. Issac chuckled, walking up to Hornet and placing a hand on her armoured back. "S'all good, Horney." He glanced up at Celestia, "She's not mad, she's disappointed... But not in you, in me." "I think we should talk, Issac." Celestia smiled, looking down at the human. "Everypony... Leave us." "But-" Hornet began, before being cut off by Celestia. "Everypony. Thank you, Sargent, for bringing Issac to me. You're relieved." Celestia interrupted, not looking away from Issac. Issac smiled as he pulled off his horns, nodding, "Celestia." "Hello, Issac." She returned, waiting for the rest of the room to clear. "How have you been?" She asked as the doors to the throne room closed, leaving them alone. Issac shrugged, smiling up at Celestia. "You know, the usual." Celestia calmly walked down to the human. "I'm surprised you haven't gotten caught yet." Issac cackled, "The closest one of your ponies came was that thief on your payroll... Something.., Doo." Celestia giggled, "She was never after you though. She was trying to preserve history. Those artefacts belonged in a museum." Issac returned the laugh, grinning at Celestia. "They did, just not in yours... Who do you think paid me to put them in theirs?" Author's Note Don't forget your adblock, folks! Reunion"It is good to see you after all this time," Celestia said, walking up and nuzzling Issac. Issac wrapped his arms around Celesta and smiled. "I actually saw you about one hundred and fifty years ago. We just both happened to be in Manehattan." Stepping back from her, he glanced out the window. "A lot has changed." "The more things change," Celestia began, before being cut off by Issac. "The more they stay the same. Yes, I know." Issac sighed and turned away from Celestia, "I'm sorry for leaving you when you needed me the most. "He began, walking away from her. Clenching his fists, he continued, "I abandoned you," stopping he looked to the ceiling, "I was so mad at you, furious isn't even enough to describe it..." He looked over his shoulder, back to her. "You took her from me." Celestia slowly walked to Issac, "You and I both know there was no other way to resolve the issue before things got worse." She gently spoke, stopping on his left side. Leaning her head down on Issac's shoulder, she gently whispered. "And you know how bad it was." "I know what you're getting at, we've all done things we're not proud of. You did what you had to... We all do what we have to." Issac smiled, stepping away from Celestia while holding a hand under her chin. "I didn't understand then, but I do now. I'm not angry anymore, I haven't been for a while." "I love you too, Issac." She smiled, backing away from Issac, "Would you care to join me for an afternoon breakfast and catch up a little?" "That would be, nice. Thank you." Celestia and Issac were seated in a small dining room, the patio door was open showing off the castle gardens. He sat to the left of Celestia, facing the exit. "Did you ever find somepony?" Celestia asked, sipping her tea. To Celestia's delight, Issac was too busy cleaning up the apple juice, that was in his mouth, to answer. "Yes, and she's gone... For a while now." Issac sighed as he picked at his pancakes. Pointing the fork at Celestia, he continued. "And, don't start the lecture. We both knew all the problems before we started." Celestia frowned, "I wasn't going to lecture you, I'm sorry." Silence filled the room as Celestia stared at Issac, but the awkward moment passed just as quickly as it came. "Frost Lilly was her name," Issac chuckled, "She was cold to everypony but me... I was the only one to call her Frost too." Issac smiled, looking up at Celestia. "She saved my life more times, and ways than I can count." Celestia smiled, "Sounds like I owe somepony a debt then." "She would disagree, she was doing her job... But why open with that?" He asked, grabbing a muffin. "I would have gotten mad a few hundred years ago." "I was just checking... Also, Luna and I had a bet. I won, thank you. I always knew somepony would steal your heart, despite what you always said." "Shpeaking omf wifch-" Issac swallowed the muffin he had been chewing, "how is she?" "Don't speak with your mouth full. But she's about as good as you can imagine. She only remembers up to the point where it started to get worse. Then when she finally realised something was truly wrong, she lost control." Celestia paused for a moment and sighed, "She knows she stabbed you, by the way." She looked over to Issac whose head slammed against the table. "Buck." He mumbled, turning his head to look at her. "How did she figure that one out?" "Well, you were the first pony she saw when she regained control... Pointing a bloody sword at her... With a hole in your chest." "Ah-" He interrupted, "that might do it." "Indeed." She leaned forward a bit to look at Issac's collar, "by the way, how is your wound?" Issac sat up and pulled the collar of his tunic down, showing the mostly healed and bruised puncture mark. After a moment, he chuckled, "It'll be gone in an hour." looking down and rubbing it. "Itches like crazy though." "You'll live." She smiled warmly at Issac. Issac chuckled, fixing his tunic, "I usually do." Looking down at the wound, he continued. "It's been getting faster as the years go on, what used to take days now only takes a couple of hours. I've completely regrown a finger in just a few months." Celestia hmmed softly, putting a hoof to her chin in thought. "Well, Star always did say you would heal faster over time. I don't think he ever thought you would be able to regrow limbs though." "No, he didn't, I would remember if he had." Issac sighed, "My worry is what's going to happen in another thousand years." "That's a long time coming, we'll figure it out. In fact, I've found one as bright as Star." She reassured, "You've met her actually, Twilight Sparkle." Celestia picked up a fork in her magic and cut off a small piece of the strawberry cake sitting in front of her. "The purple one?" He asked, getting back to his pancakes. "She was annoying enough. I can see it." Placing his fork on his plate, he turned to Celestia, "I want to see Luna. Can that be arranged?" Celesta chewed on her cake for a moment before swallowing, "Mmm, yes. I told her to expect you after breakfast. Keep it brief though. She needs her rest." "Thank you. Shall we get back to our breakfast then?" He asked, motioning to the table. "Let's." Issac hesitated before Luna's door, as Celestia's guards stared at him. Rubbing his hand down his face, he groaned, "Buck it." Issac lightly knocked a few times before speaking, "Princess Luna, it's Issac. May I come in?" He waited for a moment before looking down to one of the guards, he was staring ahead blankly. Issac scoffed internally. After a moment there came a soft, "You may enter." He took a breath, grabbed the knob, and stepped inside. Author's Note If you guys see any errors please let me know. I love you. Have fun, stay safe.
Book 1Author's Note The odd grammar and strange writing style is mostly because this was written by Issac himself. Remember, he's 10. Please don't chew me out in the comments. Also, a huge "Thank you!" to Wand3r3r3 and ShadowHunter488 for giving this a proofread, your input, and encouragement. Book 1 Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Sunday the 21st. The two sisters are really nice. They gave me this book to write down my memories for when they find a way to send me back. Oh! My name is Issac by the way, and I just turned 10 years old. So, if you find this can you please return it to me? The Sisters are letting me stay at the castle. It's pretty big so you should find it easy. My room has a pretty view of the forest. I can see the fireflies at night, they're always in pairs. They're really pretty, a neon green colour. I want to go see them up close but they won't let me leave the castle. They say the forest outside is dangerous, the Forever Free forest, or something. Oops! That's all for now, the nice maid lady Rose, the one that's helping me write with a ~~feather~~ quill, is saying it's time for dinner. Bye-bye! Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Moonday the 22nd. I got in trouble today. Luna, the pretty blue sister, caught me trying to get into the forest through the castle gardens. She yells really loud and it hurt my ears. They bled a little and she looked scared. I cried, it really hurt. She rubbed me with her head and took me up to the doctor. Celestia's room is close to mine, I can hear them yelling. It's all my fault. I need to do something. It's all my fault. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Tuesday the 23rd. I found Luna today, she was crying in the gardens. It was weird seeing a grownup cry. I snuck up behind her and gave her a hug. I must have scared her because I made her jump. Then it was my turn to be scared because she started flying. I lost my grip and hit my butt on the ground. It hurt, but I couldn't help but start laughing, she started laughing too. I like seeing her happy. I told her I was sorry about yesterday, she said sorry too. Then we played hide and seek. I won, it was really fun. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Wednesday the 24th. I miss my mom. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Thursday the 25th. Luna had to go to another town nearby so I spent most of the day with Celestia. She has a really hard job, trying to make her people happy. It was a little boring. The ~~people~~ ponies that came to see her watched me most of the time. I don't think they like me. Rose came by around lunchtime, we had apples again. When Rose an I were going to my room a ~~person~~ pony in strange armour knocked me down. It didn't hurt, he called me something. I asked Rose what it meant but she wouldn't tell me. I spent the rest of the day reading. We had stew for dinner, it was good, but Luna missed it. I'll save her a roll, she'll be hungry when she gets back. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Friday the 26th. I heard a loud bang that made me wake up. I could hear Luna yelling all the way from my room. I ran down to the throne room. When I got there Celestia and Luna looked worried. They stopped talking when they saw me. I gave Luna the roll I saved for her. She smiled and rubbed me with her head again. I don't know why she does that, it's really weird. I followed them outside and the soldier ponies were all lined up. Something is wrong. Luna smiled and told me she'll be back in a few days. Celestia looked scared but smiled at me when she noticed I was looking. I'm afraid. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Moonday the 29th. Luna and the soldiers came back today, I thought there were more of them. Luna smiled when she saw Celestia. I ran up to her and hugged her leg. She did the thing with her head again. The sisters went inside and Rose an I played in the garden. I'm happy things are back to normal. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Wednesday the 31st. I've locked myself in my room. I can't stop crying. I miss my mom. Luna tried to make me feel better but words don't help. I want to go home. Year 424 of the 5th era. Autumn, Thursday the 32nd. Rose was at my door all night, I guess. I tripped over her when I tried to sneak out to get food. She screamed then wouldn't stop hugging me. It was wierd, even though she smelled like flowers. She took me to the kitchen and we got a snack. Then she took me to Luna... She looked sad and alone in the throne room. Luna told me they were going to try harder to get me home and to be strong and wait. After breakfast Celestia took me to the research ponies. They wanted to do tests on me, or something. I was scared but Celestia stayed with me. They poked me with their horns and wrote some stuff down. I don't know what's going on but Celestia never left my side. When we left I followed her to the kitchen, we ate cake but she told me not to tell anybody. Year 424 of the 5th era. Winter, Friday the 1st. Rose an I wandered the castle looking at paintings and stuff, it was kind of boring. Some of the soldiers still look at me funny. The sisters weren't at lunch today. They missed dinner too. Rose told me not to worry and that they were just busy. I trust Rose but I don't think she believes that herself. It's quiet outside and all I see are the fireflies. Year 424 of the 5th era. Winter, Saturday the 2nd. I was wandering around by myself today. The soldiers in the halls don't speak to me. I'm alone, surrounded by ~~people~~ ponies. I couldn't even find Rose. I just need to be patient, like Celestia said. There's nothing to do but read here in the castle. Year 424 of the 5th era. Winter, Sunday the 3rd. At breakfast today Luna told me she was going to go away for awhile. A bad pony in the north is hurting people and she's going to stop him. She's really brave. I'm going to miss her. My chest hurts and I don't know why. Celestia and I watched her leave with the soldiers. I can tell she's worried. It's getting cold. The fireflies aren't out tonight. They must sleep in the winter, like bears. Year 424 of the 5th era. Winter, Moonday the 4th. Cel- The remaining pages are too badly burned to read.
Book 2Most of the pages are too burned to read. Year 469 of the 5th era. Spring, Saturday the 16th. Luna was being strange again today. We went out to visit a grove in the Everfree and had a long conversation about what's been bothering her. She dodged most of my questions and turned them into a survival lesson... She keeps holding whatever is inside. I try to tell her that I could help if I knew what was wrong but I don't think she listens to me sometimes. I get the feeling I need to remind her more often that even though I might look like a Ten-year-old, on the inside I'm an adult now. Year 469 of the 5th era. Spring, Thursday the 28th. Celestia still insists that I continue my studies on 'practical magic' even though we both know I'll never be able to use it. It irks me when she says her little one-liners, such as, "There is a difference 'tween science and wisdom. Ye may never be an able user, but to know how it can be used could be a great boon in your future." As if. The only good studying these days, in my opinion, is sword practice with Luna. Even if she always kicks my flank but I am getting better. When I spar with the guard I tend to win three out of five times. Year 469 of the 5th era. Summer, Moonday the 2nd. The Timberwolves are getting more and more brazen in their attempts to get into the castle town. - So much for the fireflies of my youth... Anyway - Luna, myself, and a small company of guards went out today to reduce their numbers. As we were mopping up an alpha decided to show its face, much to Luna's enjoyment. I swear, sometimes she loses herself in a fight. She seems almost to enjoy, not only destroying the pests but making them suffer. If it was anything else other than a magical construct I would be far more worried than I am. But the shout of a "Hazzah" whilst her hair is full of foliage still makes me laugh. Year 469 of the 5th era. Summer, Wednesday the 18th. The Griffon envoy arrived at the castle today. Fantastic timing by the way! Two foals were reported missing not long before they arrived. They're presumed to be out in the Everfree. Luna is sending out her newly formed 'Shadowbolts' squadron to locate and return them quietly. I, of course, asked Luna to join them in the search and was allowed. Her reasoning... Seemed self-serving, to be honest. That they needed to learn to help support ground troops and for them to rely on intelligence from the ground in areas of low visibility. She's treating this as a training exercise. I think I need to have a chat with Celestia about this one. I understand training is important and we need to keep this quiet but this is ridiculous. Stars above, I hope we find them in time. Year 469 of the 5th era. Autumn, Sunday the 6th. I'm finding less and less time to write these entries. Long story short, we found the foals and they were fine. It seems they were curious about the forest and got lost. Also, my talk with Celestia didn't go as I thought it would. She agreed with Luna and faulted me for tagging along, saying I slowed the search. Even though I was the one that found them hiding in a hollowed-out log... Those 'Shadowbolts' would have flown right over them. Am I the only sane person in this castle? She and I are still not on the best of terms, only talking when we meet for our magic lessons. I hope things start returning to normal now that the envoy is gone. Most Of The Center Pages Are Badly Burned Year 1 ANM, Winter the 2nd. I don't even know if it's winter anymore, with as random as the seasons have been. The second company and I are pushing as fast as we can to get to Luna's castle. Our hope is we make it there before Celestia and the First Army. I just need to talk to her, I know I can make her see reason! Celestia is wrong, she's not completely gone, I refuse to believe that. We should make it in about a week at this rate. The company is behind me in ignoring our orders. I chose them for that reason alone. We all love Luna, this world needs her and I know we can bring her back. Year 1 ANM, Winter the 4th. Cursewind and Night Flame are dead. The remaining pegasus in the scouting party reported that it was the Shadowbolts, or the twisted versions of them anyway. It seems this Civil War, or whatever you would call it, is bringing nothing but death to the ponies and the world. We have no time to grieve, we have to keep pushing forward. Aside from 'hit and run' tactics, we've met no resistance. We have to keep moving. Year 1 ANM, Winter the 5th. After speaking with Lieutenant Blue Whirl of the second platoon and Second Lieutenant Nightblade of the third, we've decided to send the third platoon out ahead to scout and reconnoitre as we continue our advance. This will hopefully make our scouting less dangerous to the individual. This is more of a Griffon tactic, and Third does have the most flyers. It's risky but hopefully, it'll pay off. Year 1 ANM, Winter the 8th. The third platoon found a village today. When they reported in and said it was in bad shape... I never expected this. We finally arrived at twilight, but with the way Luna and Celestia fight for control of the sky, perpetual twilight is becoming normal. The fires that were once homes had long since burned out, and only a handful remain. But, but the worst thing, were the bodies. The stallions, the mares, even the foals... Nopony was spared. We searched for hours trying to find anypony, a single holdout, but it was in vain. Only more bodies... We gathered all we could and made a pyre, it's the least we could do. Year 1 ANM, Winter the 10th. We failed, I failed... Blue Whirl saved me in the end. Luna... No, Nightmare Moon killed her. She took the shot that was meant for me. Dammit! This journal, me, and even my soul is stained in her blood. We should never have even tried this. Celestia, damn her, was right... If she hadn't shown up and used those BUCKING Elements of Harmony, we would all be dead. The entire company... I just, I can't. The Remaining Pages Are Blank I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony. "Spike, could you find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies?" Twilight asked, closing the journal. Spike sighed as stood from his relaxed position on the floor, setting his comic on the table. "One second, Twilight." Spike climbed the adjacent bookshelf and immediately grabbed the correct book. "Here it is," he replied, sliding down the ladder before walking it over. "Thank you, Spike." "Mm-hm," he grunted, grabbing the comic and falling back into his previous position.
Nightmare's ReturnIssac groggily rolled out of bed, falling face first on the floor, "Buck my life." He laid on the floor for a moment before slowly pushing himself up to his feet. He slowly made his way through the dark, reaching out for the large stone block he used as an end table, searching for his chipped glass of water. One slight toe injury later he achieved his objective, taking a few sips from the glass being careful not to cut his lips. With the film that coated his mouth gone, he made his way to the crumbling window. Dim moonlight broke through the trees and poured onto the floor. As he looked out into the night he glanced up at the moon, shining a pure white. "Shit," he muttered, turning from the window and rushing over to the chest at the foot of his bed. In the dark, he quickly opened the chest and strapped on his ancient armour, tossing a grey cloak over himself then strapping on his short-sword. "Finally. It took you long enough," he said to himself as he left the bedroom, heading to anteroom of the ruined castle. 'If she's going anywhere, it'll be here' He thought, running through the halls. Coming to a stop at the top of the stairwell, Issac waited, and waited, then waited some more. Until the castle doors eventually creaked open. 'Finally!' He shouted internally, only for six ponies to come running through the doors. 'Followers of the Nightmare?' As the ponies came closer, Issac gave them a quick once over. The pony in front, the leader - he guessed, was a purple unicorn with a magenta stripe through her mane. Another unicorn, white with a purple mane. Two pegasai, one yellow with a pink mane. The other blue... 'Is that a rainbow?' The final two were earthers, a pink monstrosity and your basic orange cowpony. He wrote the earth ponies off as a mere nuisance if this went south, being the easiest by far to incapacitate. Lost in thought he didn't realise how close they had gotten. The six ponies looking up at him from the base of the stairs. "Ah don't think it heard ya, Twilight," the orange one said to the leader. "Are you sure it's even alive?" Asked the blue pegasus, now hovering slightly above the group. "Yep!" The pink one interrupted, "It's breathing." 'Okay, that's spooky. Let's do this. Tossing his cloak over his shoulder, Issac got into a ready stance and quickly drew his sword. The high pitched shrill of metal on metal ripping through the air got the attention of the ponies. Five of the six mares backed up a step as the blue pegasus dropped in front, adopting a defensive pose. Issac grinned under his helmet, 'a fighter. I can respect that.' "Explain thy presence here!" Issac demanded, his shout ringing through his helmet. 'Buck.' "You should know!" The blue pegasus accused, glaring up at Issac. "We're following that whorse, Nightmare Moon!" She shouted, her eyes seemingly on fire. Twilight, in her stunned state, assessed the situation. 'What is that? Is it another trick?' She looked up at the creature, it's head was covered in a hood. Half of it's bipedal body was covered by the grey cloak. 'It's armoured, it's old but in good condition. It doesn't have horns. Odd...' Staring at the breastplate she could swear she's seen the engraving on it before. 'It's old, it's Equestrian... Biped, no horns.' Twilight's eyes went wide. 'Well, that settles that.' Issac thought, standing straight. "Stay out of my way!" Issac shouted down to the ponies through his helmet. He turned, sheathing his sword as he started making his way to the throne room. 'Maybe she'll be there.' "Hey! Ge-" Rainbow began before getting cut off. "Issac!" That got Issac's attention, making him pause for a moment on the second set of stairs. 'Interesting' he thought, looking back over his shoulder. Dropping his hood, he called down to the ponies, "don't interfere." Doubling his pace, he continued up the stairs. "Hey!" The blue pony shouted again, as she started flying up the stairs. "Wait, Rainbow Dash." Twilight shouted, grabbing her in her magic, levitating the grumpy pegasus down to the group. "What for?" Rainbow huffed, crossing her forelegs. "That twerp was a jerk and I want answers." "Twilight, dear. Do you know what that was?" Rarity asked, interrupting. "I think so." Twilight began, a little unsure. "I think that was Issac, a human." "No way," Rainbow scoffed, "humans are a old mares tale, they're not real." "Well, you're not wrong, Rainbow. Apparently he's the only one that's ever existed." Twilight explained, "According to Princess Celestia." "But, aren't those stories really old?" Fluttershy asked, coming out from behind Pinkie. Twilight nodded, "you're correct, Fluttershy. And according to what I've read about him, like the princess, he's ageless." That caused the group to fall silent, so Twilight continued. "He was basically raised by the Princesses, long before Nightmare Moon." "Why d'ya think he's here now?" Applejack asked, walking up beside Twilight. "I'm not entirely sure. I do know he's not too happy with Nightmare." She replied, glancing to Applejack. "Revenge maybe, a long time ago she hurt some of his friends." "That would be a pretty good reason." Rarity broke in, "I'm not sure what I would do if somepony hurt the ones I cared for, the poor dear." Rainbow glanced up the staircase to where Issac once stood. "I understand." Rainbow stated, turning to the group. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for my friends." Twilight's eyes went wide, "we need to go!" Issac continued up the winding staircase, leading up to the throne room. He moved at a sedate pace, making as little noise as possible. 'She has to be here.' He thought to himself, almost to the top. A unnatural light came from the throne room and fell into the staircase, through the doorway. Issac steeled himself, sure of the confrontation soon to come. He walked into the decrepit throne room that once held such a majestic air to it. Rotten, moth eaten, tapestries hung on the wall, long since faded. Torn banners hung from the high ceiling, barely attached to their corroded metal poles. Torn, moldy, carpet lead up to the pair of thrones atop the dais. Between those thrones, there she stood. The one he had failed, the one he had to save, the one he had to kill. Nightmare Moon. And she was staring directly at him. 'Buck...' "Long time no see, Nightmare!" Issac shouted across the room as he made his way over. "Why art thou here, Whelp?" Nightmare asked, her voice full of malice. Issac paused, a fair distance away. "To do what I couldn't, so long ago." He replied gently, pulling his sword from it's sheath, raising the point to the Nightmare. "HAHAHAHAHA! Come then, and we shall grant thee a quick death!"
Nightmare's Return part 2"Shit, shit, shit!" Issac shouted as he darted from pillar to pillar finding as much cover as possible in the dilapidated throne room, dodging bolts of pure shadow. "Skitter and hide little mouse! I shall gut thee the same as thy friends from oh, so long ago!" "Buck..." Issac whispered to himself, watching the marble floor melt into a pool of shadow. Rushing out of cover he made his way, attempting to dodge more shadow bolts only to be hit on his left pauldron. The bolt knocking him into the air but luckily spinning him behind cover. "HAHAHA, come whelp, we are standing right here... Face me!" Issac groaned, unclasping the slowly melting pauldron, 'Time for plan B'. Removing his ragged cloak, he readied himself for his final charge. Having gained enough ground to hopefully reach her. Getting into a ready stance he grabbed his cloak in his left hand, tossed it out from behind the pillar then bolted out the other side rushing the few remaining feet to the Nightmare. Nightmare grinned, holding onto Issac in her magic. "Fool, did you honestly believe such a foalish trick would work?" Nightmare lifted Issac before her stretching out his limbs. We have the damnable Elements here, there is nothing you nor anypony can do to stop me now! Issac groaned as his appendages were stretched well past the point of what was natural. "I honestly didn't plan that far ahead, NIghtmare. You piece of shit." "Oh my, such language. Doth thou kiss thy mother with that mouth?" Nightmare taunted over the sound of muffled shouting coming from the staircase. "Buck you! You shall fall, even if it's not by my hand." Nightmare smiled as she levitated the silver shortsword in front of her. "Holding onto relics of the past? How sentimental..." NIghtmare's smile turned into a sinister grin as she slammed Issac's frozen form against a pillar "Well then, why not stick around for your little friend, hmm?" She grinned, taking the shortsword and slowly driving it into his chest plate, just below his collarbone. Issac screamed in agony as he was pinned to the column, the hilt flush against armour. Twilight ran up the spiral stairs, her friends close behind. She could feel the magic in the air, something was happening up ahead, something powerful. Nightmare's muffled shouting and muted explosions vibrated through the staircase. "Come on, girls! We've got to hurry!" "What's the rush, Twilight!? If that twerp wants to get himself killed, let him tire out that old nag Nightmare! It'll make our job easier!" Rainbow shouted from behind the group. "Now, Rainbow, Ah know you don't hold that fella in the brightest light right now but he's still a livin' being." Applejack chastised causing Rainbow to scoff. Cresting the staircase Twilight gasped, engrossed at the sight of Issac hanging on a pillar, pinned up by his own sword, blood leaking down past his feet. "Issac," she whispered to herself, snapping back to reality as her friends joined her atop the stairs. "Ah, now the party truly can begin in earnest." Nightmare cackled, staring at the six new arrivals. "I had assumed my dear Issac would only be foolish enough to con one imbecile into following in his footsteps. But six! My... How have ponies survived being so quick to run into death's maw!?" The mares gulped, glancing between Issac as his blood slowly flowing down the pillar and the Nightmare smiling evilly as she stared them down. 'The elements!' Twilight thought glancing to the floor behind the Nightmare. She pauses, sparing a glance at her new found friends and once to Issac before making her decision. She runs, sprinting with all her might straight for the Nightmare. "...Really. You're kidding, right?" Nightmare grinned as she began to charge at Twilight. 'Just one spark' She thought to herself as she drew closer to Nightmare. "What are you doing you bucking idiot, get out of here!" Issac cried, tugging at the blade in his chest. "She'll kill you!" Twilight and Nightmare bore down upon each other drawing nearer with every step. Nightmare grinned wider as her prey came unto her only for it to disappear in a flash of light. Nightmare's confusion lasted only a moment hearing a gasp from behind. "But... Where is the sixth element?" Nightmare slowly turned, bellowing with laughter, "You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me!?" Nightmare smiled, slamming down her hoof shattering the elements. "When someone who has been alive for a millennia has failed so spectacularly!? Now you'll never see your princess, your friends, or the sun again! The Night Will Last Forever!!!" "Don't worry Twilight, we're here!" Pinkie shouted from across the throne room. "Yeah Twilight, we'll always be here for ya!" Applejack agreed. Twilight gasped, That's it!' "You're wrong Nightmare! Do you think you can destroy the elements just like that because the spirit of the elements are right here!" The shattered remains of the elemental orbs floated and swirled around the five ponies as Nightmare stared in horror. But the sixth, you still don't have the sixth element! "You see when I realised how much my friends cared a spark ignited inside me! Nightmare, you see when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element. The element of... magic!" Twilight shouted as the elemental shards transformed into the elements of harmony. Issac yanked and tugged on the sword in his chest, slowly making progress if the screeching metal was any sign. "Bucking stupid ponies!" Finally pulling the blade free from the pillar, "They never listen." Issac slid down the column, leaving a streak of blood, hitting the ground with a clatter. While she's distracted! He thought to himself picking up his sword before sprinting toward the Nightmare. As Issac ran, there was a bright flash of rainbow light surrounding the six mares and the Nightmare. I love you, Luna! Issac thought as he thrust his sword toward the Nightmare's throat. "Issac stop!" Shouted Celestia. Author's Note nb4 cliché hullabaloo! And thanks Wandy and Edgy-notEdgy but actually NotShadowLotus488. "Special FANGS, get it, because I'm goffik, to my GF eww not in that way! RavenBloodytears666 for hleping me with da story and spelling! You Rok (rok has a 'K' in itIII Juzztin ur tha love mf my derezzing life you rok 2 MCR Roxx 2!!!" If you get the joke, you get a smiley face.
HomecomingA Few Moments Later 'Bucking Celestia... When I finally get the resolve to actually go through with it... Buck!' "Worthless!" Issac chided himself as he stomped, clattering down the abandoned halls in ancient plate armour. 'Using the damn Elements, as if that will make everything okay. Like the past thousand plus years can be erased in a matter of moments!' Issac halted, turning to the wall, giving it a few good kicks to ease his frustrations. 'STUPID! BUCKING! PONIES!' He sighed, leaning into the wall, "I need to go back to the Griffin Kingdom... Tartarus, maybe the Minotaur government would finally forgive that bit of piracy..." "Issac!" Twilight shouted, running down the hall. "Maybe not," Issac told himself, placing his head against the wall with a sigh. "What!?" Twilight slid to a stop next to Issac, "why did you run away?" "Listen, Purples," Issac attempted to snap his fingers before pointing at the mare," I can't deal with any of that right now." He replied, gesturing down the hall. "It's Twilight, and why not? That's not Nightmare in there, you know." She replied, turning her head quizzically. "On some level, Dwight, I know that. I'm honestly happy to see her again, don't get me wrong, but... I just can't forget everything she's done so easily." "Again, it's Twilight... And I can't imagine what you're going through right now but that mare in there is not the evil you once faced. She's just a confused mare that needs her family and friends." Issac sighed, placing his head back against the wall. "On an intellectual level, I know you're right... But emotionally, I disagree. Besides, I need to get back to my room and take a look at my wound." "I'm sure Celestia can take a look at it, all you need to do is ask." "She would just love that, I'm sure. No thank you." Issac scoffed, "I would rathe-" "Hi!" Was the only indication someone was there before two pink hooves covered Issac's vision. "Guess whoooo?" Issac sighed, "I don't know, but you're pink. Please stop." "But you're sooo close." Ignoring the pink intruder, he continued, "look, Starbright, you and your buddy can either follow me to my room or leave me alone. I'm not doing anything till I look at this." He finished, pointing at the hole in his armour. "Right, okay." Twilight nodded, "Pinkie-" "Awww, you gave him the answer!" Pinkie whined, removing her arms from around Issac's noggin. Twilight groaned, "Pinkie, go back and tell the others we'll be along shortly. Tell them that Issac needs to grab a few things." "Okie Dokie Lokie!" She chirped, starting her bounce down the hall. "Alright then, shall we?" Twilight asked, looking back to Issac. He sighed as he turned, beginning the walk to his room, "fine, come on." "This... Is your room..?" Twilight asked, eyeing the ratty old room. "Yeah, for the time being anyway. I only just got here a month, or so, ago." "It's certainly... Something." "Well, I'm no stranger to roughing it but living in this squalor isn't exactly ideal," Issac added, pointing to the mouldy, moth-eaten bed. "That being said, it serves its purpose." Issac unlatched the leather straps to his chest plate, pulling the unclasped pieces over his head with a groan. Twilight gasped as she looked over Issac's exposed torso, a long streak of red going down a plain white tunic, "Are you alright?" Issac loosened the first notch on his tunic, looking into his shirt. "Yeah, She didn't hit anything vital. The bleeding has pretty much stopped." He sighed, looking to Twilight, "I'm not too surprised, she did want me alive long enough to watch. I'm just going to wrap it, it should be fine." "Would you like me to help?" Twilight asked, walking over to Issac. "No, I'm fully capable of..." Issac looked over to the mare, her ears flat against her head. "Sorry, no. I can take care of it myself. Thank you." Twilight smiled, "Take your time." Issac sighed as he took off his tunic, "I really am sorry, normally I'm not nearly as much of a pain in the flank." "Not nearly as much?" "Well, I'm just saying. I am, just not as much." Issac chuckled as he started digging through his trunk. "I've just had a lot on my mind. So, I'm sorry, for what it's worth." "Apology accepted, and it's worth quite a bit." Issac scoffed as he pulled out a long sheet of cloth and began wrapping his wound. "I'm still quite a bit cynical and a tad jaded so don't get your hopes up." "Noted." "Listen," Issac paused, "I'm not making any promises. But I will at least go back in there and be civil. Regardless though, I have no more business here. Could you possibly levitate my trunk along with us?" "It would be my pleasure." Twilight smiled, causing Issac to groan. "This sucks." He mumbled, making Twilight chuckle. Twilight and Issac calmly walked back into the throne room, the seven ponies sitting around each other in conversation. "We're back!" Twilight chirped, prancing over to Celestia. Issac following behind, armourless, sword at his hip. Issac glanced up at Luna, her eyes moving away as he did. "Luna, Celestia. How's the Sun business been treating you?" Celestia smiled, looking down to Issac as he approached. "It's been well, as you can imagine. How have you been?" "Eh, wandering has its ups and downs. You find a lot of characters though." He glanced over to Luna, "how do you feel?" "We are, confused. Elated to be released from mine parasite, yet, fearful of the future." Celestia turned to the gathered ponies, "Unfortunately, the hour is late and we need to return to Canterlot." "We understand, Princess." Twilight responded, nodding. "MInd if I tag along as well?" Issac asked, walking over to the pair of princesses. Celestia was taken aback, if only for a moment, "Certainly... Issac. You're more than welcome." Issac grinned as he pulled his trunk over toward Celestia, 'this should be intresting'. "Is that everything?" She asked Issac, watching him drag the trunk over. "Everything I brought to this old castle anyway." He grinned. "Then let's be off." Celestia turned to Twilight, "Twilight, thank you." "It's no problem, Princess." Celestia looked to her sister, then to Issac, "Let's go home." Issac chuckled as he looked toward Twilight, "catch ya' later, Purples." "It's-" With a flash, the trio were gone. "-Twilight..." Author's Note Wand3r3r3 helped again, so did NotShadowLotus488. You two may not fix much but what you do, helps. Thank you.
CanterlotWith a pop and flash of light, the trio appeared in the throne room of Canterlot castle. The guards were startled, only for a moment, before jumping into action to defend their princess. "Your Highness!" "Calm yourselves, my little ponies, all is well." Celestia intervened before causing a scene. "My sister an I have returned." Standing slightly behind Celestia, Issac cleared his throat. "And, This is Issac... Seargent Hornet, would you mind escorting Issac to the highest chamber in the North Tower? He is a very old friend of mine and I feel he may be in need of some rest." "Yes, Your Hig-" The mare began before being interrupted by Issac. "Aww, c'mon Sunny! You can't dangle your shiny new castle right in front of my face and not expect me to want to find all your hidey-holes as soon as possible." Issac groaned. Celestia let out a small sigh, "Issac, I don't have the time to deal with your shenanigans right now. Follow Seargent Hornet to your room or I'll have her forcibly drag you there." She finished with a slight glare. "She can try." "What was that?" Celestia asked, leaning into Issac's face. Issac sighed and turned away, "nothing." "That's what I thought." She stated, turning to the Seargent, "you have your orders. I need to get my sister to the medical wing. Come to me if there are any issues." "Yes, Ma'am!" Seargent Hornet replied with a salute. Watching the princesses exit the throne room. "Well, Come on. Sooner started, sooner finished." "Hey," Issac blurted, trying to get the mare's attention. "Can you get one of your magical boys to grab my trunk?" "No." "What!? C'mon, I was stabbed today!" Issac whined. "Then move it slowly, we have a long walk ahead." Hornet finished before heading toward the large doors. Issac sighed, "this sucks," as he began to follow her, pushing his large chest. "I'm missing out on cupcakes for this..." "Four hundred and ninety-five, four hundred and ninety-six, Four hundred and ninety seve-" "Must you count every step!?" Hornet shouted down to the human, her voice full of irritation watching as he pushed the large chest in front of him slowly upward. "Yes! It's a medical condition! And I'd appreciate you not calling attention to it!" Hornet scoffed as she continued up the stairs, "Well, be quiet about it." "Four hundred and ninety-eight." Issac snickered, at Hornet's sigh. "At least I'm not repeating 'Are we there yet?' like a foal." He grinned. "Thank Celestia for that. Regardless, we're here. I don't recall any staff ever going to this part of the castle, not even housekeeping." Hornet jiggled the handle, then pushed on the door. "It's locked." Issac deadpanned, "Really..." "So it would seem." "And of course, Sunny didn't give you a key." "No, she did not..." "That's okay, I have a universal door opener," Issac said, walking up to the door. "Stand aside, please." Hornet moved to the side of the door as Issac walked up to it, inspecting the lock and frame. "Yeah, I've got this." Issac took a few steps back, seemingly returning to his trunk, before turning sharply to run at the door. Seconds before impact he raised his leg and kicked the door inches to the left of the door lock, breaking the door, causing it to slam open. "Problem solved." Hornet stared at Issac, her mouth agape. "You just broke royal property... In front of a guard..." "Well, it is my room, isn't it?" Hornet sighed, "Well, you're here. Delivered as ordered. I'm going back to my watch." "Oh, sweet. Now I can finally look around the castle." Issac smiled at Hornet. "I thank you for your assistance but your services are no longer required. Have a nice day!" "No, just... No." Hornet glared at Issac. "I'm walking down these stairs and finding a guard to keep an eye on you." "Yep, again, this sucks." Issac sighed as he walked to his trunk and pulled it into the room. "Sir! Sir, I'm lucky I found you, would you happen to have a moment to spare?" Hornet asked. "Actually, Seargent, I just finished dropping off the local weather reports. What do you need?" "Well, you see Captian, the thing is... The Princess has a high priority guest, an "old friend" of hers. He's currently in the North Tower." "The North Tower? That's strange. Why not the usual ambassadorial suites?" Spitfire replied, glancing to the tower door behind her. "Her friend is a little unusual, Sir," Hornet replied, snapping a quick salute. "Hmm..." "Shall I tell the Princess that you're watching him? I really need to inform her of the situation." Hornet asked, dropping the salute. "Sure, I'll head up." "Thank you, Sir. I'll ask for somepony to be sent to relieve you as soon as possible." Hornet finished, as she began to sprint down the hallway. "Guess I'm playing guard this trip." Spitfire smiled, opening the door and flying up the North Tower. Issac dug through his trunk, scattering his equipment across the floor. A few small stacks of books, a gold plated pocket watch, mortar and pestle, bags of herbs, a small container of oil. "Where the buck is it..?" He continued, tossing odds and ends behind him. "Aa! Yes!" Issac cheered, pulling out a cloak with a set of long horns attached. "I think it's time for Blackthorn Smallhoof to get acquainted with these highbrow fuddy-duddies." "Hello?" Came a voice from the door. "Hmm, what? No soliciting, come back later." Issac mumbled, shooing the pony behind his back before unfolding the cloak. "Uhh... No, I'm not a solicitor. I'm Spitfire, Capitan of her majesties Wonderbolts. I'll be watching you until the good Seargent can inform the Princess of the situation." "Fantastic. This day just gets better and better." Issac groaned, putting the cloak over his head. Issac stood, straightening out the length of the cloak. "How do I look?" He asked, turning to the door. "Like a short minotaur with crooked horns?" She answered, cocking her head. "Why are you disguising yourself? And what are you, might I ask?" "Because I've lost count of how many times I've answered that same question and I hate repeating myself. And I'm a Human." He replied, trying to straighten his pseudo horns. "The name's Issac. Can we go somewhere?" "What exactly did you have in mind?" Spitfire asked, cocking her head. "Anywhere but here." "Alright, sounds fine to me, you have ten minutes... And fix your horns, you look stupid." "Sweeeet." Issac cheered, grabbing onto his horns. "Which way, right or left?" "Left, very, very left." Author's Note WILL CELESTIA BE ALL KIND OF PISSED? IS LULU HUNKY DORY!? WILL ISSAC EVER GET CUPCAKES? FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON DRAGON BALL Z!
Canterlot - Day OneIssac and Spitfire walked through the long halls of Canterlot Castle. Issac occasionally stopped to glance into an open doorway, look at a piece of art, or stare unblinking at a guard. "You wouldn't happen to know where I can get some food? I haven't had a chance to eat today," Issac asked, pulling the hood forward slightly, keeping his face hidden. "I do, we're not that far away at the moment. After we get some food in you, we should get you back to your room. I'm not even technically on duty." "Yeah, you might be right. I don't feel like pissing Celestia off just yet." Issac continued to follow the mare toward the cafeteria. "So... Not to be rude, aren't you a little young to be 'friends' with the Princess?" Spitfire asked, looking over to Issac. "I mean, the Princess tries to make time for all her subjects, that's true. But I haven't known her to give out rooms to just any random pony." "That's something of a long story." "That's fine, I like long stories." "Well, I don't. Let's just keep it at 'we go way back'." He said plainly. "Too far back." Spitfire raised an eyebrow at that, "oookay, you lost me, but I'll take your word for it." They continued down the hallway in silence before she tried to change the subject. "So, where do you come from?" "Around." "Just around?" Spitfire deadpanned, stopping to turn to Issac. "Who are you? No runaround this time. Because I'm about two sec-." "Celestia's adopted son, or maybe nephew. Whatever she wants to call me these days." Issac interrupted. Spitfire stared at Issac, her mouth agape. "Are... Are you a lord?" "Meh," Issac scoffed. "At one time maybe, had a fief and everything. But, not anymore, I wouldn't think." Sighing, Issac turned to look at Spitfire, "Look, can we just get some food?" It took Spitfire a moment to recover before mumbling, "Uhh, sure." The pair continued down the hallway "I don't know what to call you now." Issac chuckled, "You already forgot my name?" Issac and Spitfire walked into the empty cafeteria. "Wow, and I've actually been to a ghost town," Issac said, sprinting past the empty tables. "This place puts some of them to shame, and I've been living in a dilapidated castle." Spitfire sighed, taking off to hover over the tables. "The kitchen is this way." She informed, flying over Issac's head and banking to the right. "Just, grab something quick so we can get you back to your room. I'm sure they found you an actual guard by now." "And you're not an actual guard?" Issac smiled, sprinting up to where Spitfire landed, and opened the door. "Not exactly, no." She replied as Issac walked into the kitchen. "I'm a training officer, for the Wonderbolts." "Ahh, neato," Issac said, grabbing an apple and holding it in his mouth. Issac grabbed another three apples and moved to the larder. Opening the larder he saw a large assortment of flour, nuts, and vegetables. "Shlim bickens," he said to himself grabbing a small bag of pecans he turned to Spitfire. "I'm good when you are." He mumbled, chewing a small amount of apple. "Good, let's get you back." Issac and Spitfire finally climbed up the final step, only to see Sargent Hornet staring their way. "Was there a problem, Captain?" She asked. "No, nothing like that. He was hungry is all." She replied with a grin, "He should be more docile, for the time being anyway." Hornet glanced at Issac, "Is that so?" she waited a moment, "Very well... Princess Celestia would like a word with you, I am to take you to her." "Oh, fantastic. I've been waiting all day for this." Turning toward Spitfire, Issac snapped into an ancient salute, his arms crossing his chest and giving a slight bow. "It was nice meeting you, Captain." "Likewise, don't be a stranger, Sir Issac." Issac groaned at the title, watching the mare walk to the railing and jump down the stairs. "That's a lady with style," Issac mumbled, staring at the empty staircase. "Can we go, please? I've already been standing here for five minutes, her highness will think something's wrong." "Fine, Horny, let's go," Issac mumbled, half-hearted. "Excuse me!? What did you call me!?" Hornet slowly pushed open the doors to the throne room, the groaning and creaking of age making themselves known. The doors slowly opened, showing a long red carpet leading up to a large dias where Celestia was seated. Staring into the room Issac shoved his hands into his cloak and walked slowly behind Hornet, his head down. The walk seemingly lasting forever finally ended with a gentle voice. "Issac?" He hesitated, only for a moment... Before bursting into a grin under his cloak. "What's up, Sugarlumps?" The room was silent as the guards glared at Issac. Meanwhile, Hornet was staring at Issac, mouth agape. "We... We talked about this..." She mumbled as her head dropped. Issac chuckled, walking up to Hornet and placing a hand on her armoured back. "S'all good, Horney." He glanced up at Celestia, "She's not mad, she's disappointed... But not in you, in me." "I think we should talk, Issac." Celestia smiled, looking down at the human. "Everypony... Leave us." "But-" Hornet began, before being cut off by Celestia. "Everypony. Thank you, Sargent, for bringing Issac to me. You're relieved." Celestia interrupted, not looking away from Issac. Issac smiled as he pulled off his horns, nodding, "Celestia." "Hello, Issac." She returned, waiting for the rest of the room to clear. "How have you been?" She asked as the doors to the throne room closed, leaving them alone. Issac shrugged, smiling up at Celestia. "You know, the usual." Celestia calmly walked down to the human. "I'm surprised you haven't gotten caught yet." Issac cackled, "The closest one of your ponies came was that thief on your payroll... Something.., Doo." Celestia giggled, "She was never after you though. She was trying to preserve history. Those artefacts belonged in a museum." Issac returned the laugh, grinning at Celestia. "They did, just not in yours... Who do you think paid me to put them in theirs?" Author's Note Don't forget your adblock, folks!
Reunion"It is good to see you after all this time," Celestia said, walking up and nuzzling Issac. Issac wrapped his arms around Celesta and smiled. "I actually saw you about one hundred and fifty years ago. We just both happened to be in Manehattan." Stepping back from her, he glanced out the window. "A lot has changed." "The more things change," Celestia began, before being cut off by Issac. "The more they stay the same. Yes, I know." Issac sighed and turned away from Celestia, "I'm sorry for leaving you when you needed me the most. "He began, walking away from her. Clenching his fists, he continued, "I abandoned you," stopping he looked to the ceiling, "I was so mad at you, furious isn't even enough to describe it..." He looked over his shoulder, back to her. "You took her from me." Celestia slowly walked to Issac, "You and I both know there was no other way to resolve the issue before things got worse." She gently spoke, stopping on his left side. Leaning her head down on Issac's shoulder, she gently whispered. "And you know how bad it was." "I know what you're getting at, we've all done things we're not proud of. You did what you had to... We all do what we have to." Issac smiled, stepping away from Celestia while holding a hand under her chin. "I didn't understand then, but I do now. I'm not angry anymore, I haven't been for a while." "I love you too, Issac." She smiled, backing away from Issac, "Would you care to join me for an afternoon breakfast and catch up a little?" "That would be, nice. Thank you." Celestia and Issac were seated in a small dining room, the patio door was open showing off the castle gardens. He sat to the left of Celestia, facing the exit. "Did you ever find somepony?" Celestia asked, sipping her tea. To Celestia's delight, Issac was too busy cleaning up the apple juice, that was in his mouth, to answer. "Yes, and she's gone... For a while now." Issac sighed as he picked at his pancakes. Pointing the fork at Celestia, he continued. "And, don't start the lecture. We both knew all the problems before we started." Celestia frowned, "I wasn't going to lecture you, I'm sorry." Silence filled the room as Celestia stared at Issac, but the awkward moment passed just as quickly as it came. "Frost Lilly was her name," Issac chuckled, "She was cold to everypony but me... I was the only one to call her Frost too." Issac smiled, looking up at Celestia. "She saved my life more times, and ways than I can count." Celestia smiled, "Sounds like I owe somepony a debt then." "She would disagree, she was doing her job... But why open with that?" He asked, grabbing a muffin. "I would have gotten mad a few hundred years ago." "I was just checking... Also, Luna and I had a bet. I won, thank you. I always knew somepony would steal your heart, despite what you always said." "Shpeaking omf wifch-" Issac swallowed the muffin he had been chewing, "how is she?" "Don't speak with your mouth full. But she's about as good as you can imagine. She only remembers up to the point where it started to get worse. Then when she finally realised something was truly wrong, she lost control." Celestia paused for a moment and sighed, "She knows she stabbed you, by the way." She looked over to Issac whose head slammed against the table. "Buck." He mumbled, turning his head to look at her. "How did she figure that one out?" "Well, you were the first pony she saw when she regained control... Pointing a bloody sword at her... With a hole in your chest." "Ah-" He interrupted, "that might do it." "Indeed." She leaned forward a bit to look at Issac's collar, "by the way, how is your wound?" Issac sat up and pulled the collar of his tunic down, showing the mostly healed and bruised puncture mark. After a moment, he chuckled, "It'll be gone in an hour." looking down and rubbing it. "Itches like crazy though." "You'll live." She smiled warmly at Issac. Issac chuckled, fixing his tunic, "I usually do." Looking down at the wound, he continued. "It's been getting faster as the years go on, what used to take days now only takes a couple of hours. I've completely regrown a finger in just a few months." Celestia hmmed softly, putting a hoof to her chin in thought. "Well, Star always did say you would heal faster over time. I don't think he ever thought you would be able to regrow limbs though." "No, he didn't, I would remember if he had." Issac sighed, "My worry is what's going to happen in another thousand years." "That's a long time coming, we'll figure it out. In fact, I've found one as bright as Star." She reassured, "You've met her actually, Twilight Sparkle." Celestia picked up a fork in her magic and cut off a small piece of the strawberry cake sitting in front of her. "The purple one?" He asked, getting back to his pancakes. "She was annoying enough. I can see it." Placing his fork on his plate, he turned to Celestia, "I want to see Luna. Can that be arranged?" Celesta chewed on her cake for a moment before swallowing, "Mmm, yes. I told her to expect you after breakfast. Keep it brief though. She needs her rest." "Thank you. Shall we get back to our breakfast then?" He asked, motioning to the table. "Let's." Issac hesitated before Luna's door, as Celestia's guards stared at him. Rubbing his hand down his face, he groaned, "Buck it." Issac lightly knocked a few times before speaking, "Princess Luna, it's Issac. May I come in?" He waited for a moment before looking down to one of the guards, he was staring ahead blankly. Issac scoffed internally. After a moment there came a soft, "You may enter." He took a breath, grabbed the knob, and stepped inside. Author's Note If you guys see any errors please let me know. I love you. Have fun, stay safe.
