A New Life Begins

Edited with Grammarly after several long days of it slowing down to a crawl.

A new life begins
Chapter 11
Politics, Pirates, and Preservation

"Thank you, Princess Celestia, for allowing me to address the council before questions begin to assault me and allowing me to make a few statements," David said as he looked at the assembled council of noble ponies. With a glare, he said "Ok Now, I know a lot of you have several questions for me, I will now answer several right off the top. First, if it wasn't clear by my talk with Prince Brat...My Armor is under no condition for sale, anyone who tries to steal with from me is in for a rude surprise, and I will protect myself with everything up to and including lethal force. Any pony who can't get that through their thick head, please let me know and I'll break something upside your skull to prove my point."

After the issue with the others when they found out that David had known of Mason's Arrival, that he had a Guyver of his own, with the pair having a telepathic link had caused some consternation between him Celestia and Luna. It forced David to remind her of why he was here to address the issue of the Bone Serpents and developing protection and weapons against more of them if they arise. And David was sure that more would. And asked to have a chance to address the council, beforehand to speak very clearly on the issues at hand.

The Nobles had looked at each other as they could feel the animosity between David and them. It was clear as day that David clearly was annoyed with the idea of anyone attempting to buy his armor or made demands for it. When David was sure they understood his position. "Second, A Herd. I heard how many of you were interested in having your daughters become members of my herd. Get the idea out of your heads right now. I already have a prospective herd and I am not even remotely interested in accepting a mare who wants to become a member of my herd simply to jockey for political position, because if it isn't clear I hate politics." That cot a lot of mares wide-eyed at him and more than a few seemed rather pissed he had preemptively turned them down.

"Three as you will all no doubt learn there is a second human. His name is Mason Williams, and while we are not related by blood I very much consider him my little brother. Like me he has his own set of Guyver Armor and fully versed in how to use it Like me he will not part with it. He is literally the only family I have left everyone else, as far as I know, is dead. Keep that in mind when you deal with him and me respectively."

"Four I am not interested in power, I am not interested in riches, prestige or any other sort of bribery. I am here for one reason only. To address the concerns of the those responsible for the cloning of the Bone Serpents. And before we begin I have a couple questions concerning the Bone Serpent's examination because I have managed to piece to a possible plan for our Mysterious cloner. Before they took over my world and destroyed it. Chronos hid in the shadows as a secret group quietly infiltrating governments. and I need that last piece of the puzzle before I can formulate the last part."

With it, a Blue Earth pony Stallion with a white mane and tail wearing square glasses blinked as he was holding what looked, "Um yes, I have the reports here if you wish to look them over."

"That will not be necessary, I have a suspicion of what the report says. Let me guess biologically it was actually a very young Bone serpent, and shows signs that it has had it's growth artificially accelerated and enhanced to the point that once it woke up it had at most only a few weeks of life left to it due to all the changes and accelerated growth?"

And with the Stallion was shocked and surprised "Y-yes how did you know?" David sighed as he had expected, during the secret war with Chronos in his world, David had before X-Day picked up Sun Tsu's Art of War once he realized he was, in fact, fighting a secret war. Everypony could sense that he had fully expected it. Looking at each other confused as to how he could have known that.

"Ambassador Steelwing, Princess Celestia would I be correct in assuming that conflicts have arisen between the various races and cultures throughout Equestria slowly raising tensions and conflicts?" David Asked as it surprised Steelwing and Celestia. Even Luna was taken aback, Gilda eyed David with some suspicion and then her eyes went wide as she realized what he was asking.

"Beyond what would be considered normal friction and tension between so many diverse races. I can honestly think of nothing that stands out from the reports." The Gryphon Ambassador said surprising David, And then surprised him even more, "In fact from all accounts things have actually been a bit quieter concerning such conflicts."

Celestia looked at The Gryphon Ambassador as she nodded. "I would have to agree, I have representatives from the Neighponese Empire to Yackastan reporting a drop in conflicts as well for the last several years. That surprises you why?"

David was surprised as he was thinking about it and it didn't add up and that threw some of his estimates. "I was expecting a rise in conflicts and tensions. All Warfare is based on deception, Conflicts in certain areas caused by our mysterious cloner. Knowing where the conflicts were and able to cause them to stir up...would allow them to move around with little risk of discovery...Unless he considers Equestria the primary threat..." Then David Looked to Celestia and then Luna with a Critical Eye, and as if a light had gone off in his head. "What I am about to say and claim is Theory,"

"This I believe to be true of our mysterious threat. The Mysterious Cloner has been on Equus, either from another world like me or from the stars arriving secretly. Whoever it is, has to have been around long enough to know of Pony magic and as such doesn't fully understand it, or have the ability to counter it. So they have been looking through your history and discovered in the ancient past to find something anything that could handle it and discovered the Legends of the Bone Serpents and investigating them they either traveled to your ancient homeland to find remains they could utilize in cloning or found remains in Equestria to use. They have been here long enough to gain these samples and only you could find out how hard that would be. Princess Celestia."

The Bone Serpent I fought at Sweet Apple Acres Farm was intentionally grown to be far larger and a faster metabolize so it could consume ponies as fast as possible. It was a guard animal held in a Coma of sorts with minimal activity In the event that the chamber was discovered it would be awakened and unleashed on the countryside this way as it rampaged across the countryside, it would allow it's creators to send their forces to retrieve the remaining vessels. Any ponies sent to backtrack it would vanish either captured for experimentation or killed.

This is because they Don't have the ability to teleport. Otherwise, they would have teleported all of them out of there. So Why not simply place enough explosives inside to not only destroy the place but also ever free castle. Why not simply blow it up when Celestia was inside?

The answer is they wanted you to find it. To bring it back for examination and study, allowing them to accomplish some other goal. Maybe unleash a plague long gone, make small crawling eyes and ears slide out of the machine when it is not being watched, so they can find tiny little corners and dark spots to hide in all over Canterlot watching listening. Learning. Or make it explode while in the city taking a good chunk of the palace out with it.

And before you get your manes and tails in a knot. I am not with them, because several days prior to the Bone serpent showing up, I showed Celestia and Luna my armor. Two I would not have actually fought and killed the Bone Serpent. I would have let it rampage across Ponyville and beyond, just like they expected it to. The only thing they didn't expect was me. The Bone Serpent was to find out another limitation, Unicorn magic, with an elite guard of Solar unicorns I am assuming they would have used their magic to bolster and strength the earth ponies speed strength and help protect the Pegasi flying distraction.

And the reason I know all of this and present it to you as a theory... is because if I wanted to Conquer you it's exactly what I would have done in their place. Humans are by nature alpha predators, we are aggressive, we thrive off of the challenge. And when we encounter a threat to us as a species like something on the order of the Bone Serpent. We eliminate the threat entirely. And chances are that this person or persons are watching us right now... Their next attack will be on Me and Mason to gauge our strength, powers, and abilities while looking for some chink in our armor he can exploit."

Looking at the image of David presenting his theory the figure smiled evilly under their hood as their respect for this human grew. "David Jackson Mason Williams... I grant thee the ranks of Knight. you have a very warlike mind. And it will not take you long to discover what my plan is." And with it picked up a large object in the shape and coloration of David's Guyver form and Mason's Guyver form and then place it on what looked like a Chessboard. With Celestia in the place of the queen and Luna in the place of the king. Placing them next to the Rook in the position of Knight. The most versatile of all pieces. You will be most worthy and powerful allies for Celestia and Luna. And when I test the pair of you I shall not disappoint either of you."

The City of Coin, Ahuizotl had learned of his fate. Execution for all the pain, slavery, death, and destruction he had caused. he was without redemption because the last time they tried rehabilitation... he simply slaughtered those around him and escaped. As a rule, Equestria had no death penalty. They believed in rehabilitation. But the City of Coin was ruled by a council of elders. All races which traded within the City of Coin had a representative on the council. The overwhelming judgment for Ahuizotl was death by hanging. This would end the Pirate King's reign. Above all, he would be healed just enough that he could be forced to walk out with the rest of his crew to be hung.

It was to be a public spectacle Mason had been told by David telepathically of his suspicion that this mysterious foe who recreated the Bone Serpents might try to rescue the Pirate King. While he seriously doubted the main leader would show but believed that he would be sending an envoy to collect the Pirate King. Mason instantly regretted not killing Ahuizotl at once along with all his pirates and his request to be there for his Execution had shocked Daring Do and Vinyl Scratch.

"Absolutely not...your a..." Cadance said stopping herself

"I'm a what?" Mason asked with a smile on his lips.

"I was about to say a Colt," Cadance said needing to remind herself that despite Mason's appearance he wasn't a colt.

"That and I have seen and caused more death than you could know?"

While Mason couldn't feel it while he ate breakfast. Daring and Vinyl could as they felt Cadance grow angry. And They understood why. Even they had to call into question David's moral nature for allowing a colt of 14, or 140 by their age to fight and kill.

"I have to honestly call into question David's integrity if for allowing you to fight." Vinyl said making Mason stop mid-bite.

"What kind of stallion allows a colt to fight like that, Why weren't your mares there to protect you?" Cadance said.

Recalling the brief discussion with David on pony culture Mason said sharply his anger getting the best of him for a moment but remembered they didn't have an idea of what had happened "For several reasons. First off, human culture is patriarchy based, stallions are the warriors and protectors. Two I would have gone out and fought Chronos without his permission. David made sure I had the ability to survive and avoid capture. Three you have no idea the monsters we were fighting."

Taken back as Cadance turned looking at Mason as Vinyl and Daring looked at the young stallion, Daring asked. "What kind of monsters were they?"

"The leaders, Zoalords... had a process that could turn normal humans into Zoanoids... humans that could shapeshift into a monster. Zoanoids were the slaves to their creators bred to be unable to resist the telepathic commands of any Zoalord. Here is a sample of what they did to Guyver 1, Sho Fukamachi, Chronos wanted the Guyver desperately they tried several times. Targeting friends and family. Eventually, they captured his father, they Transformed him into a Zoanoid specially designed to Kill a Guyver. Had no idea what was done to him. Sho rescued his father. Sho's father transformed into the special Zoanoid and attacked his son unable to resist the commands and Sho unable to fight or kill his own father was mortally wounded by the Zoanoid. This activated the Guyvers Hyper protection mode. When the host loses control of the Guyver it goes into a hyper protection mode, killing anything it perceives as a threat to the Guyver and its host. The Guyver did what the host could not. It killed Sho's father. The Guyver healed Sho of the fatal wound, and when he came to He was devastated. They did that to Sho.. and I promise they did much worse to David. He showed me through the telepathic link all Guyvers have. Those were the type monsters we were facing."

Looking at the three mares as they could feel Mason's anger at them for being so judgemental, "Don't you dare judge him until you know what he has been through!"

His rage was almost tangible as their hearts ached to be confronted with someone so young with so much anger. Pony females being the protectors of Equestrian Society but also those who mothered the foals, and while Mason might be an adult for a human, he still very much looked like a foal and it brought out the urge to protect him, and that meant he shouldn't be fighting or battling. The fact that Mason was a colt, well looked like one only amplified that sensation, made worse by the fact that for ponies Colts were highly protected. And it made Vinyl and Daring come up to suddenly hug him from each side before he was pulled back onto a couch into a hug. As if he could feel them desiring to protect him.

((Hey David you there...)) Mason asked.

((Yeah What is it?))

((Could you ask what it is about Why it seems Daring, Vinyl And Cadance seem so damn protective of me? They seem to be treating me like a child in need of protection.))

((I'll.... look into it. get back with you. So lean back and enjoy your self you earned it.))

It was at this point a Guard Pounded on the door where All three mares Jumped some. "Princess Cadance, a Dragon attacked the jails and rescued Ahuizotl and his crew!" And with it, the princess jumped up

((I knew it I'll tell Celestia.)) Was David's last comment.

Celestia and Luna stared dumbfounded when David said in the middle of the hallway as they were heading to a private meeting between the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony and The Princesses. "Oh by the way apparently a guard came to Cadance claiming a Dragon attacked the jails and rescued Ahuizotl and his crew."

"How do you know that?" Celestia asked as David simply smiled.

"Mason was in the room when the guard pounded on the door he and I were speaking telepathically. I told you this would happen, didn't know when. Your enemy is moving." David said.

David said as he looked at Celestia and Luna he remembered the very last thing he said to the Council Chamber before departing having little more to say on the issue he was here.

"There is an entity somewhere... he has been watching you and has homed in on the eight greatest threats to his plans. Six are the bearers of the elements of harmony. The remaining two are Celestia and Luna. Luna because she is recovering will be his primary target. I have also become his target simply because I defeated in mere minutes what would have taken who knows how many pony's lives and how long. They have been here long enough to have learned about the bone serpent being effectively your greatest natural predator immune to all magic. And he has either found some museum remains here in Equestria that he brought back to life. Or he's traveled to your ancient homelands, the ones you once lived in before you moved to these lands found the remains of the Bone Serpents fold some DNA and used it to clone those serpents. And to answer the Final Question in your minds. No, I am not working for him, because if I was I assure you I would have allowed the three fillies to be consumed and then attempt to kill Celestia, and the guards when they took the battlefield. But your mysterious enemy will be coming to test me and Mason soon enough. And he will not be subtle about it."

"You have the mind of a skilled general." The Gryphon Ambassador said as he came to join the precision.

"Well, I did study Sun Tzu the Art of War when I got tangled up with Chronos," David said with a smirk.

"You will make Equestria a powerful ally," Gilda said...

David caught an edge in her voice as he said, "Gilda you never struck me as the type to be evasive...say what you mean."

He could see her smirking, //Oh she's cunning!// He realized she had baited him and he snapped at the bait hook line and sinker., and the pair shared a look between two alpha predators who had mutual respect.

"Despite all things said in council chambers. There are tensions beyond Equestria's borders. Our Kingdom is the one with the most tension with Equestria. We have our conflicts, small mainly because most clan kingdoms have good enough sense not to want to antagonize a noble that for the longest time could channel the power of the sun and wield the power of the moon. With you, on Equestria's side, it would be suicidal to even consider waging war with the ponies. I saw your speed strength and agility."

"And If this mysterious Cloner were to find a way to permanently take out Celestia and Luna. Or significantly depower them without fear of them regaining their full power ever again?" David asked tapping the side of his head as Gilda blinked and then she realized...

"If Celestia and Luna along with the Bearers to the elements of Harmony are killed... No one in their right mind would dare oppose their march across the continent," she said with fright.

"Take out the biggest threat, you become the biggest threat. The reason he hasn't been more overt is he doesn't want to destroy the world... he wants to rule it. You can't rule over an empire of the dead unless you are a necromancer. So I think we can safely rule that out." Celestia clearly held some inscrutable look on her face but she was weighing what David had said. David knew Gilda had been attempting to insinuate that he might help Equestria with Conquest which he shot down but did not confirm. Celestia also suspected that if she were to simply begin unrestrained and unjustified aggression, David might very well stand against her if he considered it unjust aggression.

An enemy with as much cunning as a Changeling, and extremely subtle, yet afraid to confront them openly without more information on their powers through direct observation. And she quickly concluded that if the Bone Serpents thinned out a significant portion of her elite guard... would have left much room for spies and or assassins to slip in. And now that the hidden threat was revealed it would not have had not the Cutie Mark Crusaders been out looking for more humans and stumbled upon the lair of the lumbering beasts.

"You know, It is a good thing that many of my guards were spared the fate of handling the serpent for replacing them is no simple matter." She cast her eye to Shadow-mane her Consort and Guard of the Canterlot City guard as he blinked.

"Indeed Your Highness, only the most elite of the Canterlot City guard qualifies. If you will excuse me, your highness, I would like to make sure that they are ready for your surprise inspection," he said with a smile, and with a nod, Shadow-mane bowed and turned sharply to leave.

"Wouldn't be much of a surprise if they know it's coming." David smiled evilly at Shadow-Mane. Shadow-mane was going to check his soldiers seeing if there were anything out of place with them., see if they might have been agents of this unknown force.

"Not to worry I run a very tight crew and they know that I hold them to the highest standards. And any that I catch slacking off, I put them through the wringer." He said and turned to move off.

David looked at Celestia who smiled and said. "He was captain of the guard for twenty years before he became my consort." She said. "His sense of duty, loyalty, honor, and integrity. Earned him that position... he'd often work himself to exhaustion making sure that everyone under his watch was safe. Not unlike another Stallion, I suspect."

David could relate to that he recalled that, off the Battlefield as the eldest Guyver apart from Sho, he was the one who taught every Guyver after him how to handle their increased testosterone and aggression. David was the De Facto leader of their group, of all the Guyvers Only Sho seemed to cope as he had been fairly timid before his bonding and his natural personality seemed to help cope with the aggression. David shrugged and said almost casually. "I wouldn't know..."

Still, the group continued their walk to the private dining hall. It was where Celestia preferred to have her diplomatic meetings, It was a more relaxed area, and made her seem very down to earth for one of her powers. As the guards came up to the doors and then reaching for the Handles to open the room for the Dining room as it was a fairly large triangular table as Celestia smiled softly "David would you sit beside me " The request had caught David by surprise, though it had not caught the others as off guard David wasn't the one that desired the least bit of praise for what he did, still she honored him.

"As you wish your highness." David was not about to turn down a royal request As he sat down on her left side with Luna at her right. He was sure the Royal Sisters, had a much more informal dining table back but the Triangular design allowed her to more or less see all when she was at the head. Beside Luna sat the Gryphon Ambassador, His Daughter Gilda, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity as they sat at least two feet apart. Beside David sat Twilight, Shining armor, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie Barb and Lyra. Like David, they were all relatively well dressed.

AS Servants began to come in with Dinner David inhaled the scent of meat as He Listened to Celestia asking "And I know your first Jaunt into Ponyville was cut a little short but so far what do you think of My Ponies?" she asked,

"Apart from the three mares who attempted to force themselves upon me at my welcome party, A very nice welcoming community if the mares in Ponyville seemed a bit predatory."

"A Trio of Mares attempted to force themselves upon you?" Celestia Asked...

"Despite my protests of not being interested, one forced a kiss upon me and pushed her tongue into my mouth I convinced her I wasn't interested," David said nonchalantly.

"What //did// you do?" Gilda asked with an almost lecherous grin.

"The only thing I could do... I bit her tongue." he said with a smile as "She's alright, but after the event transpired, she wasn't seen again." He Smiled. "When I say no I mean no."

"I do have a question, Mason wanted me to find out why Cadance Daring and Vinyl seem so protective of them. As if he was a child in need of protection he is 18."

When asked about Mason David explained what had happened to him After X-day. How David initially intended the Armor to before Mason's father but when Mason failed to come home after school and some of Mason's friends claiming that they were going to a warehouse to search out weapons David instantly teleported there finding the fourteen-year-old near-fatally wounded, and him slaughtering the zoanoids to protect Mason before teleporting them back home with David shredding the Sheets to make a makeshift bandage as Mason's father was terrified. And having recalled David's claim of it being able to heal his physical disabilities and injuries and with David confirming it, The father instantly said, "Give it to my son, Save his life..."

David despite some hesitation did as the father asked. Bringing the inactive unit to Mason and Bonding him with the armor. Once the bonding process was complete and Mason was back in control of himself. David explained to Mason what he did at his father's request. Allowing Mason to become Guyver 14. And after sending Mason's family into hiding David took Mason and taught him everything he needed to how to master his armor. And a promise to his father he would do everything he could to look after his son.

"So selfless of the colt's Father. His son came first." Rarity said a tear in her eye.

"How many Guyvers were there?" Twilight Asked as David looked down his eyes caught Shining Armor and the white unicorn looked over at David and nodded. It was a silent thing between soldiers and warriors. An understanding.

"In addition to my unit Guyver 1 and 3. Guyver 2 was allied with Chronos and due to his unit being a damaged before bonding, Guyver 1 was able to exploit that and destroy him and his Guyver, I found a total of 21 inactive units which I hid once I realized what they were. So 23, 22 of which were active at the end of the battle. The Last unit well that's a story for another day.

And that caused David to hear the clattering of cutlery...

"If you had so many why didn't you give one to the poor colt's Father?" Rarity asked sharply only for Shining armor to say.

"He couldn't. He needed every Guyver armor on the battlefield and thinking clearly. If Mason's Father was on the Battlefield, Mason nor his father would be able to think clearly for worry of the other. It is why I wasn't in Ponyville on the night of the Summer Sun Festival. If I had gotten hurt, or worse killed. Twilight would not have been able to focus enough nor draw the elements bearers together worrying about me. I know Twily best she would have never left my side."

It was at this time Celestia's hand was placed on David's right hand... causing him to look at her. "It is the burden of a leader, we must always do what is best for all our subjects. Sometimes we must make painful decisions for the greater good. Never are they made lightly. Tell me how old does Mason look for a human?"

As the Meals were being brought in David Nodded, "It hinders the aging process, despite looking 14 he's 18 pushing 19." And with it came a Twinkle in her eyes as she smiled and explained to David why Daring and Vinyl were all trying to protect him.

"You've got to be kidding me David!" Mason was so surprised when David told him what was up as he had been looking over the destroyed Jailhouse. "They are treating me like a Kid, a Colt because I look 14?!" His shout had caused a number of officials to look at the strange human colt as he was talking to someone who wasn't there. And then he sighed "Well at least it makes sense."

Looking at the people, "Telepathic conversation with my brother, he surprised me!" he snapped and once more resumed a more metal conversation.

((Careful Mason they might throw you in junior high again...))

((I'll get you for that!))

((I'm sure you will Little brother, see you soon.)) And David closed the connection.

Looking over at Cadance, Daring, and Vinyl who had been caught by surprise by his shock surprise and the sudden out of nowhere outburst. And concerned as Mason almost glared at him but honestly didn't know what to make of it. Still, Daring asked, "Mason you alright?"

"Yes please I understand why you are so protective of me, the armor hinders the aging process physically. But you will need to learn to control your protective instincts and accept I am not a Foal..." Mason said as they looked at each other and he could see Cadance bite her lip. when he turned away looking at the destruction.

"Kill quickly, kill cleanly kill painlessly as possible," Mason said as he was angry at himself... he could see the bodies of dead guards being pulled out of the rubble.

"I should have simply killed them all." the venom in his voice as some of the council were here as he watched a still living pirate he looked relatively unhurt and could travel well. A Minotaur by the looks some 8 feet tall and perhaps on par with some 6 or 7 hundred pounds in full chains with what looked like a sturdy harness that could take some decent weight with what looked like a handle on the front of his harness and he smiled. Maybe it was time to try one of David's intimidation tactics.

"The Minotaur I have need of him." Mason said as he began to pull away from the three mares as Mason's anger spiked as he marched over to the Minotaur who snerked at him "I'm about to give you a chance at your freedom, and in exchange, you are gonna deliver a message to the former pirate king,"

"Oh, are you gonna cry to your mommy so she has me released." Mason gave a Death glare when the guards tried to push him away and it was enough to break their focus allowing Mason to slowly take hold of the handle as he stood right next to the Minotaur. And then he lifted with one arm as hard as fast as he could and refusing to grunt in the slightest

With one smooth motion, Mason had lifted him nearly two feet off the ground with one hand. With his muscle fiber and tendons as strong as strands of spider silk Mason lifted the Minotaur with no hesitation or tremble he dare not to cultivate any weakness. Bending his arm at the elbow he slowly tilted the Minotaur forward...as the Male had lost his jovial snerk and stared into the eyes of the human colt with fear.

The entire area including some of the former prisoners who were watching was shocked at the strength of this almost scrawny built colt hand... Looking into the Minotaur's eyes Mason asked point Blank. "Do I have your undivided attention COW?! Or do I need to ask one of the guards to free you, give you a weapon and then beat you senseless with my bare fists?"

"Yes! You have my attention!"

"Yes, Sir!" Mason corrected him.

"Yes sir!" he stammered out as he cast a look around seeing even the City guards were standing back.

"Good You are to take a message to Ahuizotl. Now repeat exactly what I say five times. The colt Mason Williams has a message for you. The Next time Mason Or David see you... you and your crew are dead. And we are very used to having our friends and loved ones targeted to get at us we will be ready for it. Repeat it cow! Five times!" As Mason held the Minotaur up as the message was repeated five times. It made sure the message was ingrained.

"As for you cow... If I so much as get the whiff of your stench, A rumored sighting in the Great Trade Sea... I'll find you. And I promise you will be more Cow than Steer when I am done. Do I make myself clear? And if you fail to deliver my message, I assure you being a cow will be the least of your troubles if you fail to follow my orders."

"Yes, Sir."

And with every ounce of strength, he could muster Mason pushed him back as hard as he could which made him scream as he flew back nearly seven feet before landing on the ground on his back as he looked up in fear at the human. The Rest of the pirates were not laughing or joking but talking in frightened tones clearly glad that wasn't them. Because if he could do that to a nearly seven hundred pound minotaur one handed with barely any effort or strain humans had to be powerhouses... and in pirate culture, strength was paramount for survival... And weakness, like he was feeling in his right arm, was burning was a sign you are easy prey and he refused to show it to the pirates.

Looking over to how Cadance had said was the council members as Mason had the wind blowing through his robes almost making him feel like some sort of ninja warrior almost. Slowly he approached hands open as he watched the council guard reach for their blade hilts. And with it He said, "I only wish to make a request Lord Dragon." he said to the Dragon in golden robes,

Looking upon at the young colt and said, "Very well what is it?"

"I would like to request for that cow I just tossed to be released so he may deliver my message. After that, if Ahuizotl does not kill him for delivering such a message I seriously doubt you will ever have to worry about the cow again."

The Dragon looked over the Minotaur as he stroked his chin spikes, "I don't know this one enjoyed coming after dragons for their hordes... many of us were hurt...I was honestly looking forward to having his head mounted over my fireplace."

And with it, the dragon bared his teeth and growled at the Minotaur who instantly got to his knees and begged for his pathetic life.

A Hippogryph Female council member came up, "If you want my opinion he would look better roasting over a fire for dinner." The talk from them wasn't lost on Mason as he caught a slight wink from the female.

"I suppose would be less on taxpayers to pay for the clean up of their carcasses...:" The Dragon snapped, "Alright you filthy vermin...Looks like you are getting one chance at saving your worthless hides. I don't feel inclined to have a ship drop you off anywhere close, so the lot of you will be given a longboat and two days worth of supplies for the nearest land is four days away by long boat. If you lot are still within sight of this isle before sundown I'll order our ships to fire on your miserable lot flag of freedom or not. Sgt Blood Heart. Get these pieces of filth out of my sight and marched down to the docks."

And with it, the Pirates had their ankles shackles unlocked and then force marched out and around a corner and after a while the Dragon said, "They are out of earshot you can drop the act colt." He said with some concern.

And with it, Mason grabbed his burning arm as the Hippogryph came down with concern as the Dragon stepped back as the three mares rushed up to him. "How in the hell does David do that so easily?" Even with his healing abilities, he felt his arm threatening to drop the Minotaur.

The Dragon smiled as he turned to see Princess Cadance, "Ah Princess Cadance... Council Member Lord Stormwind at your service, perhaps we should continue this conversation someplace more pleasant and private." And with it still nursing his arm as the burning pain was fading thanks to his accelerated healing but still, it wasn't as fast as a Guyver could heal him it might be a good ten minutes before he felt the strength to move his arm.

Of course, the best part of the meal had been the meat provided by the Gryphon Ambassador with some fine Equestrian wine he was unable to pronounce the name for the life of him but while it did not intoxicate him he felt good having some actual meat after a week. And of course the entire lot was rather relaxed as well, it had surprised David when Celestia said she felt it was better to negotiate on a full stomach and good wine to provide just a hint of extra relaxation.

The Ambassador said that after the display with Prince Blueblood was in a far better mood than when he first came. The last time five years ago the brat had been insufferable and wasn't going to enjoy dealing with Blue Blood again. The little show had been well worth it, but they did not linger on the Prince's misfortune out of Respect for the fact that Celestia still was shamed at his behavior. Though Celestia admitted enjoyed secretly the display and how David took absolute charge of the meeting instantly derailing any attempts at buying, arranging a herd, and reminded them of their place, for if he was so dedicated to their protection as to not to care about anything else. When asked about it David said, "I have nothing to gain by being a threat, but everything to gain by dedicating myself to the protection and helping."

David once more took subtle charge of the conversation asking about the Various cultures such as the Gryphons and their king in general Stoneheart. "Apart from the nomadic tribes that travel all around. There are 18 clans of Gryphons with various terrains from the mountain Broadwings to the Snow Hunters of the tundras, with each clan suited best to their ancestral Terran Each a kingdom unto their own. Within each clan are various tribes. With various allegiances and rivalries both in and outside the Clan. Each clan typically has a number of elders which govern and advise the leaders. When the current king dies or becomes unfit to rule due to age, or mental instability caused by age or injury. A Moot is held in our capitol Mosscrow."

"Moot means meeting correct?" David asked. Mosscrow did not escape the similarity to Moscow

With a nod, Steel Wing smiled and said: "Yes, from these clans we choose our next King or Queen, Our rulers are rarely the hatchlings of previous kings." Typically the meeting lasted a year before a new ruler was selected with all Clans vying and prancing for the position. Currently, the Plains Stalkers held the throne. Stoneheart in name, not in deed. He was considered a very firm but fair ruler. Though Celestia did voice a touch too firm for her comfort. Luna, on the other hand, thought he was doing just fine.

"I think I understand fully what Shadow-mane said when the two Princesses of Equestria balanced each other," David said as Luna smiled ever so softly.

Celestia looked at her sister with love and compassion a hand resting on hers "And I have missed her terribly..."

The sight of seeing the two back healing their wounds made David smile as it brought warm feelings to his heart but also forced him to reflexively push some thoughts out of his own head. With dinner and desert concluded Celestia finally stood up as did Luna and at that point only did David. and then everyone else did as he did as well. He knew a little of the protocol of nobility having reviewed it within the library given that Celestia had visited him herself with her sister Luna.

As the moved to retire to a large reading room it seemed as David instantly took note of a large map on the wall and began to approach it. Looking over the Map of Equis

He could see the areas in various colors denoting counties, cities, capitols. Including many of them an equine, or bird based play on words he was familiar with. But up close it was not all that familiar but when he was from a distance he could see a vague similarity to South America. But it looked like part of it was on the Equator in the wrong place for South America. And the Orientation was not up and down but it appeared that the map was oriented to where the geological north pole axis would be. He homed in on the great Trade Sea and noticed the large island as the Ambassador came up with Celestia as he touches.

"The ruins were found twenty miles or so north of the City of Coin here. Uncovered by an Earth Tremor." The Ambassador said. When he noticed David focusing on it.

"I'm eager to see it." David smiled as he turned.

"Once we get our trade negotiations out of the way I was planning to take that we could all take a journey there," Celestia said and she asked in a soft voice.

"Does Mason know what happened to your world?"

"No, and under no circumstances must anyone tell him. That is my responsibility, my duty and I must be there in person to tell him."

"Where do you think our mysterious enemy is?" Gilda asked.

"In plain sight? Under our noses? The only thing I can be partially sure of is he would be in Equestria," David replied and chose not to think about it as he looked down at Neighpones empire and saw the Kaiju Seas, paid it no mind.

With Mason inside the Council member's home, Mason had mostly recovered but Cadance Daring and Vinyl were still concerned despite his assurance he would be fine as the Dragon smiled as he said, "I wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to deal with several problems at once young Mason Williams."

"Oh Yes." He said, "There is a number of hidden pirate bases to the west of here many of them are magically hidden. I am going to use the Pirates I released to find their locations and once I am sure the Messanger is away...after a few days I will send the Guard to bring a hammer down on them."

"Let me know if you need some help breaking their defenses I was rather disappointed in the Pirate King's resistance."

Of course, the three mares were natural shocked as it Drew mason's attention as he turned and said. "Look I'm not a colt get it through your heads!"

The Hippogryph council hen churred and asked. "Are all human stallions so aggressive..."

"Depends on the person," Mason said. "My armor gives me an aggressive streak, I have to deal with it one way or another. Normally it's through training and fighting."

Mason could see on one of the fine villa's walls what appeared to be captured imagines of ruins. Overall it was as an incredible place as he would expect, lots of art, gold, jewels. and of course sculptures. About what he would expect with a dragon's home. The Dragon took note of what Mason said and then thought about a good way to handle the colt's aggression safely. He might be an adult mentally but he got the impression of a young male dragon who was just started to develop his strengths and abilities and always eager to push them to the limits. And knew exactly how to deal with such. Not that Cadance would approve, but was sure Mason would thoroughly enjoy it.

"These are the pictures taken of the ruins, Thanks to the Solar guard provided by Princess Celestia. We have been able to avoid looters or scavengers. With Teams active around the Clock, we are cataloging everything visually." The Hippogryph hen said. "Oh Forgive me, I am Hippogryph Council Hen Sea Diver. This is my mate Dragon Council Drake Lord Stormwind." Mason bowed but he was still nervous about being here with a member of the ruling council.

"I am wondering exactly how a human such as your self, had ended up in Daring Do's Hotel room. Much less naked."

"I am sure you are but I like my secrets," he told Stormwind. Looking over the area Mason could see the various artworks and murals. The Remains of humans who apparently had been in various states of preservation. Some were skeletal, a large number of them were mummified resting in serene repose. Even what looked like an altar in the middle of the Crypt which held 8 sides with markings on each side. At the Top of it, there were what looked like eight different forms of scripts.

Right now rumors were that he had a set of the same magical armor as the human in Equestria. One human with a suit, and one normal human yes that could be believed, But Two humans with similar magical armors? No Stormwind and Sea Diver did not believe it was a coincidence. "Many of the writings are PE. Pre Equestria, before the Ponies, journeyed to these lands well over a hundred thousand years ago with Princesses Celestia and Luna. Daring said.

As he looked over the eight writing he saw similar designs at the top with the Control metal inside an inactive Guyver unit. And what looked like words that showed it in other places, Of the eight languages one Mason recognized as he was listening to Daring.

"I believe these eight languages all tell the same thing because That symbol appears around the entire base and the markings and words. and I am hoping that when the language Expert arrives we can translate it."

"Here lies the Guyver, valiant warrior who stood against the false god Archanfel and the Demons Twelve. One of a legion who fought against demons in fair form and their army of hidden monsters. May he rest until our world needs his power. For when nightmares banished return, and sisters reunited. A serpent long dead shall rise in paradise to reveal his dark master's presence. When the fourth born rises to strike down the serpent that no pony can slay, shall this temple rise and be known and thus a brother of spirit be awakened. May their spirits reignite and carry with them the strength of souls long gone. Let these dark heroes stand forth with Harmony and may they strike down an evil unknown to the world. For they shall never surrender, and death may never claim them. For it has rejected them."

Mason spoke openly translating it for them. "David was also known as Guyver Four. The fourth person to activate a suit of Guyver armor."

Turning to look at Daring Do as she just stared at Mason. In fact, everyone was looking at him. "I recognize the language..."

"Bone Serpents are supposed to be extinct... he killed it when it would have taken a legion to even halt its progress."

"When a host of a Guyver is killed... The armor simply summons to resurrect them. The orb holds the DNA, memories, and serves as a receptacle for our consciousness or soul. It then rebuilds the body from scratch. It doesn't remake clothes. If the Guyver falls in battle the Guyver rises of its own volition assuming it's own control. Protects the host but can not tell friend from foe. Attacking anything it perceives as a threat with intent to kill. And then it regenerates and restores the host. Death has no meaning to me or David."

"I think we need the Princesses and your... brother here quickly." Cadance Declared.