Chapters Destiny-Mantle of the Cataclysm
Canterlot
Office of Twilight Sparkle
It was raining. Which was certainly not unusual, yet Twilight Sparkle knew it was out of the ordinary for one reason.
This storm came naturally, and was not created by the Pegasus Ponies. Though it had only been barely a week since The Storm King's attack, many things had changed. Tempest Shadow, or Fizzlepop Berrytwist, had been given the position of Twilight's Personal Guard. Grubber had accepted a position as Celestia/Luna's messenger, and he seemed to enjoy the work. Capper and the Pirates had gone their ways, promising to write when they could. The seaponies were busy working to repair their home.
However, the many scars remained from the attack, and even Twilight Sparkle still had nightmares of the Storm King's attack. Celestia and Luna had advised her that these were natural, and Twilight had to learn to cope with what happened.
Right now, she was standing on the balcony under a magically conjured umbrella, watching lightning flash through the sky and hearing the thunder roar.
"Tartarus…" she cursed, laying her head on the balcony edge. "I was such an idiot…"
"No, you weren't."
Twilight looked to see Fizzlepop approach.
"Hey, Fizz." Twilight said, speaking the shorter nickname she had been given by Pinkie Pie. "I guess you heard me?"
"I did." she replied. "You were not the idiot in this situation, Twilight. If anything, I was."
"Fizz, you made a mistake." Twilight said. "And you learned from it."
"Did I?" she replied. "Or did you forget how the Storm King manipulated me and nearly ruined the whole of Equestria?"
Twilight sighed and gave a low moan.
"I haven't." she replied. "I just wish…"
"Twilight, he's dead." Fizzlepop said, placing her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "He's literally in pieces now. And he won't hurt or threaten anypony or anyone again. Including you."
Twilight smiled a bit.
"Thanks, Fizz. Thanks so much."
They were about to head back inside, when the thunder stopped all of a sudden.
"The storm couldn't have passed so soon…" Fizzle said.
"I didn't." Twilight replied, pointing to a cloud above the plaza. It was glowing with a myriad of colored energy. Before either of them could react, the energy slammed into the ground in a blast of color and brilliant light. As their vision cleared, Twilight and Fizzle flinched and gasped.
A perfect circle had been bored in the plaza floor, revealing a spiraling marble staircase.
"Twilight, did you know that was there?" Fizzle asked.
"No...I didn't." Twilight replied. "Let's go check it out."
As they descended to the plaza, Fizzle took the lead as they descended into the dark.
====
As they spiraled down, Twilight could note several strange things. First, the stairs and walls were cut and shaped by tools, not magic. The edges, though cut expertly, were rough. Next, the marble was too clean, not dirty in the slightest. Finally, each step bore a different symbol.
The first was of two diamonds and two triangles, forming a shield. The next was a pyramid made of slanted lines. The final was a pyramid with a V shape cut out of the top.
"What is this place?" Fizzle asked. "I never seen anything like this before…"
"Neither have I…" Twilight added. "I don't think anypony has."
As the steps ceased and revealed a long hallway, Fizzle took the lead, giving Twilight distance in case she needed to run. As they walked through the hall, Twilight could see the symbols etched on the steps were repeated, until they reached a door marked with a different symbol.
This glyph was of a circle, surrounded by a strange, triangle-like shape. As they approached, the center glowed white, then blue as the door moved aside.
And what a sight greeted them. Inside a massive cavern was a large rock, gray and white. Rainbow-colored energy sparked and thrashed all around, and carved into the stone were words, inscribed in fluent Equish.
====
Where there is Darkness, there is Light…
Where there is Day, there is Night…
From the Titans, steadfast on the walls…
From the Hunters, sounding the war calls…
From the Warlocks, enlightened in their halls…
With the Light, it shall be made clear…
And the Darkness will be rent in their fear…
The Scavengers will be humbled in terror
The Plague will horde in fervor…
The Conquerors will break and fall…
The Collective will shatter their spires tall...
A beacon of hope, a Traveler's beckoning call...
Will bring unto you…Guardians of all….
====
Twilight and Tempest read the words in silence, stunned and completely lost for words.
"...what did I just read?" Twilight asked Fizzle, who merely shook her head.
"I have no clue." Fizzle said. "I mean, whoever carved this must've been demented or something. What does it mean by the Scavengers, Plague, Conquerors, and Collective? What is it talking about?"
"Let's just go." Twilight said. "I think we've seen enough to tell the Princesses."
But as she said that, the door slammed shut with a dull thud. Twilight and Fizzle attempted to combine their magic to force it open, to no success.
"Great, we're locked in." Twilight said. "How long will it be before we suffocate from lack of oxygen?"
"Judging by the size of the cavern, we have a while." Fizzle said. "...Do you feel that?"
"Feel what?" Twilight asked. Fizzle looked towards the stone with the carving, and shuddered.
"I felt like...something had touched me. I got goosebumps all of a sudden." Fizzle said.
"Same." Twilight said, feeling prickling on her spine. "What's going on?"
Then, Twilight saw the stone began to fall apart. As they sprinted over to it, the rock disintegrated, leaving something behind.
It was a small, white object. Twilight then saw it was the exact same shape as the rune on the door. Twilight picked the object up, and to her shock, there was a faint blue glow coming from its eye. Twilight gently touched it with her charged horn, and the glow became stronger and stronger.
Before it glowed brightly, and it began to float into the air. The spines separated, revealing a glowing blue orb, before they reattached. Then, it fell to the ground, and the grinding of stone signalled the door was open. Twilight and Fizzle were about to leave, when they heard a voice.
"Uh...that hurt."
They stopped, spun around, and to their shock, the object was floating once more. And it was speaking fluent Equish. As the two ponies approached, it shook itself into a seemingly alert position.
"Impossible…" the orb murmured. "The Light left me, I shouldn't be active right now…"
Then it turned and saw the two ponies looking at it with fear. Twilight and Fizzle yelped in fright…
And the orb began to laugh. Their shouts ceased as Twilight and Fizzle heard the orb roar with laughter.
"Silly, silly me!" the orb's hearty, masculine voice chuckled. "I should've figured someone would wake me up."
"Who are you?" Twilight asked, Fizzle eyeing the orb with suspicion as she reached out, pushing Twilight back.
"Well, that's quite complicated." the orb said. "I don't have a name, per see, but I call myself Nolan. I'm a Ghost, born of the Traveler's Light. Who are you?"
"I'm Twilight Sparkle. That's Fizzle." Twilight said.
"It's nice to meet you, Twilight and Fizzle." Nolan replied. "I suppose you'll want to learn about where I come from, and the Traveler? But, I think that can wait."
"Why?" Twilight asked. The orb motioned to the door, where equine-shaped shadows could be seen descending the stairs.
"We've got company." Nolan said. Soon, the Elements, Celestia and Luna appeared in front of them, all eyeing the surroundings, Nolan, Twilight, and Fizzle with shock, curiosity, and wonder.
"Twilight?" Celestia asked, walking forward. "What is this place?"
"I'm not sure." Twilight said. "I mean, it's a long story."
"Indeed." Nolan said, appearing. "I'll you'd be so kind to let me, I can explain. As I've told Fizzle and Twilight here, my name is Nolan. I am a Ghost of the Traveler. Prepare to have your mind blown."
====
As the Ghost took the ponies back up the staircase, Twilight asked Nolan what the symbols on the steps were.
"Those are sigils, actually." Nolan said. "Each one symbolizing one class of Guardian."
"Guardian?" Luna asked.
"The Guardians are the protectors of the Traveler, and wielders of the Light." Nolan said. "There are three kinds. This one here…"
Nolan pointed to the shield-like one.
"...represents the Titan. Titans are the steadfast walls of the Traveler. They represent strength and power."
Next, Nolan pointed to the triangle.
"This one is for the Hunter. Hunters are the lone predators of the Traveler. They represent discipline and agility."
Finally, Nolan pointed to the pyramid.
"Last, but certainly not least, is the Warlock. They are the arcane students of the Traveler. They represent knowledge and intellect."
Nolan nodded approvingly before speaking.
"Ghosts such as myself bond with a Guardian, and we serve as their guide and companion." he said. "I still have to find mine."
"How long have you looked?" Rarity asked. Nolan chuckled and looked at her.
"Centuries." he replied. "I have spent my entire life searching for my Guardian. And when I do find him or her, I will know. Every Ghost does when they find their partner."
As the Ponies took that statement in, they reached the top of the stairs, and into the sunlight. The storm had passed, and pewter clouds swirled in the early morning sky. Twilight could see a crowd had gathered, managed by the Solar Guards. Celestia beckoned them away towards the courtyard.
====
As everypony made themselves comfortable, Nolan looked around with a approving nod.
"Nice place you've got here." he said. "Alright, we'll start from the beginning…"
Author's Note
Yep, a new story!
And next time-The Prologue for the Guardians of Earth.
Destiny-Mantle of the Cataclysm
Earth, Sol System
Vanguard Room
It was said that Commander Zavala, leader of the City's defenses and Titan Vanguard Representative, never slept while anyone watched.
Tonight, that was the case. Zavala was alone in the Vanguard Room, studying recent reports from the Russian Cosmodrome. Ikora Rey had already retired for the night, and Cayde-6…
...Cayde-6 was off doing his own thing. Zavala gave a half-groan of frustration, and a half-chuckle of amusement as he remembered some of Cayde's earlier missions, some from before he was in the Vanguard.
"Hey, fancy seeing you up this late."
"Speak of the devil " Zavala murmured. Cayde-6 entered the room, twirling his Hand Cannon, Ace of Spades.
"What is it, Cayde?" Zavala asked.
"Got an interesting report from my team in the Cosmodrome." Cayde said, looking over his maps. "You know how the Devils have been tearing the place apart?"
"Yes, to what end?" Zavala replied.
"Well, they stopped." Cayde said. "There's barely any crews present. Those that are still there...they've been rather slow. Methodical. Methinks they're looking for something, or they're under attack from something or someone else."
Zavala looked at the Exo Hunter with some curiosity.
"What might that be?" the Titan finally asked.
"Not sure." Cayde replied. "The Devils have usually been tearing into the Hive-occupied areas of the Skywatch as of recent times. It's not like them to just...stop what they're doing and fall back. It's strange, for one thing."
Zavala found himself agreeing with Cayde, which was rare.
"Do we have any Fireteams currently in the Field?" Zavala asked.
"Just one, and I'm pretty sure we both know which one." Cayde said. "Fireteam Horizon's just gotten back from a mission on Venus, I'm sure they wouldn't mind a detour. I'll get them on the line."
Cayde nodded to Zavala, and he left. The Titan Vanguard looked at his work, and decided it could wait...at least until the morning.
====
As three retrofitted Arcadia Jumpships entered Earth's Orbit, the occupant of one gave a sigh.
"Figures." James Mendoza, a Human Hunter, groaned.
"What is it?" Evs, James's Ghost, asked.
"Cayde-6 just tasked us with another mission." the Hunter said. "And we just got back from Venus, pillaging the House of Winter's Ether supplies."
"Don't remind me." said Anubis-3, an Exo Titan. "Those Fallen fought hard."
"Their lives depended on that Ether." said the final Guardian, Rainea Thoren, an Awoken Warlock. "Quite literally."
"Indeed." said her Ghost, Storm. Anubis's Ghost, Dust, affirmed that statement with "And there's still more to be done, Guardian."
"So, what's the mission?" Anubis asked.
"Apparently the Fallen in the Cosmodrome have been looking for something." James said as the Jumpships turned towards Old Russia. "Zavala and Cayde need us to investigate."
"Well, we are the best." Rainea said. "Albeit a little low on ammo, however."
"We'll be fine." Anubis said as his Jumpship took the lead. "What's the parameters?"
"Simple. Find out what the Fallen are up to." James replied. "And bring back any intel that we can find."
====
Canterlot Gardens
"Well, that's that." Nolan said, with some robotic exhaustion in his voice. "Any questions?"
"I would have some…" Twilight said. "But I think that I'm too overwhelmed."
Everypony laughed at that, including Fizzle. They had spent what seemed like hours being told by Nolan of the Sol System, Golden Age, The Collapse, and the Guardians.
"Now that we're all informed and up to speed…" Nolan said. "I have to go."
"Why?" Celestia asked. "We only just found you."
"Because I have to keep searching for my Guardian." Nolan replied. "I will never rest until I have."
"Can't you choose one of us?" Rainbow asked.
"Unfortunately, no." Nolan replied. "I can only choose from the dead. Those who have proved their worth through bravery and sacrifice. Believe me, I see potential in all of you...but not Guardians."
Rainbow looked slightly crestfallen, and she pouted a bit.
"I'm sorry, but that's how it is." Nolan said.
"Forgiven." Celestia said. "Is there any way we could accompany you to the Sol System?"
"I'm not sure of that." Nolan said. "You would need things I'm not sure you have. Either a warp drive and a suitable ship, or some kind of portal that could reach that far out."
"Portal…" Twilight murmured. "Portal! The Mirror Portal! We could try that!"
Celestia smiled brightly as she exclaimed "Of course, Twilight! Brilliant!"
"Um, Mirror Portal?" Nolan asked. "What's that?"
"It's an artifact in my possession." Twilight said. "It takes whoever enters it to a world of humans. Maybe we could use it to reach the Sol System."
Nolan thought for a few moments.
"Alright, take me to it." he said. "I'll see what I can do with it."
====
Without another word, Twilight teleported them to her castle basement, where the Mirror Portal was stored.
"Impressive." Nolan said. "Your kind can teleport?"
"Magic." Twilight said proudly.
"You'll have to teach me that." Nolan replied. "Let's have a look here at this portal of yours."
As the Ghost scanned the Portal, he murmured to himself, occasionally firing beams of energy at it.
"Alright, I think I have it." he said. "If my calculations are correct, we should end up right on the doorstep of the Last City, on Earth."
"Great!" Twilight said. "Let's go, girls!"
"Not yet." Celestia said. "Fizzle, go with them. Keep them safe."
"I understand." she said. "I won't let you down."
Twilight watched as she entered the Portal, followed by Nolan. The other ponies soon followed, and the last thing they saw of Equestria was Grubber and Celestia waving goodbye.
====
As the ponies' vision cleared, they saw one thing was for certain.
They weren't in the Last City. They were in some kind of ruined bridge, with strange, rusted metal shapes all over.
"Great." Nolan said. "My calculations were...sort of correct."
"Where are we?" Fizzle asked.
"The Old Russian steppes, about five hundred miles from the City." Nolan said. "This place isn't safe, it belongs to the Fallen."
"Fallen?" Twilight asked.
"Scavengers from another world. They worship machines." Nolan said. "And despite their appearance, they are skilled fighters with a fair prowess in technology. We need to get moving before they find us."
"Right." Rainbow said. As they followed Nolan's lead into the Wall, they didn't know they had already been found by their adversaries. Two Fallen Stealth Vandals watched them from their position atop some rocks. They barked into their comlink, and began to follow the mysterious strangers.
====
Author's Note
Update!
Next time-The Fallen Devils capture the Elements and Nolan, and prepare to offer them to their Kell. The Guardians arrive, having followed Nolan's distress signal....
Next time-Chapter 1-Wielders of the Light
Destiny-Mantle of the Cataclysm
As the seven ponies headed through The Wall, Nolan's core provided an efficient flashlight for them. They walked through dusty, rusty hallways and paths, no one really sure where they were going.
"Are you sure that we're heading in the right direction?" Fizzle asked. "I think that's the fifth time we passed that metal thing."
She pointed to a large metal object with a long tube.
"That's an Old Russian Tank." Nolan said. "And I think you're right. I can't pinpoint our exact location, as we're too deep inside the Wall."
"Great!" Rainbow yelled. "We're lost!"
Her voice echoed through the empty paths, bouncing around.
"Keep your voice down!" Nolan snapped. "The Fallen tend to attack whatever makes the most noise. We don't want company!"
"Um…" Fluttershy whimpered. "I get the feeling we're being watched…"
Then, there was a shriek and a gust of air.
"What was that?" Twilight asked.
"And where's Rarity?" Applejack cried. True to her word, Rarity had vanished. Then, Applejack was pulled into the dark by an unseen foe.
"AJ!" Rainbow cried. She attempted to fly off after her friend, but she was snatched up as well. Soon, Fluttershy and Pinkie were gone, leaving only Twilight, Nolan, and Fizzle.
"Hide me." Nolan said. "The Fallen will tear me apart for information."
Twilight concealed the Ghost under her wing. Then, Fizzle was gone. The last thing Twilight saw before she was knocked out was the face of a Fallen Stealth Vandal.
====
"Twi? you alright?"
Twilight came to her senses, revealing her friends standing over her.
"What happened?" she asked.
"See for yourself." Fizzle said, pointing to a dome of blue energy that surrounded them…and the massive Fallen Crew currently guarding them.
"Why would they do this?" Twilight asked.
"Not sure." Nolan said, coming out. "The Fallen tend to kill whatever crosses their path. Why they'd take you alive is curious."
"Can't we break the barrier down?" Twilight asked, poking it.
"Rainbow tried." Applejack moaned. "She got shocked to high heaven."
Twilight turned to see Rainbow clutching her hoof, which had a medium-sized burn on it.
"So, we're trapped?" Twilight moaned.
"For now, yes." Nolan said. "However, the Fallen won't eat you. They live off a substance called Ether, made from their machines called Servitors."
"Why would you say that?" Fizzle asked.
"Because I heard Fluttershy murmur it five times already." Nolan said. "Look, we're in deep trouble, but I think I have a solution."
"What?" everypony asked.
"I can emit a beacon that will be picked up by any nearby Guardians or their ships." Nolan said. "If there are Guardians nearby, I can signal them."
"Go ahead." Twilight said. Nolan pulsed blue a few times, and he sighed.
"Beacon out." The Ghost said. "Let's hope we get help soon."
====
Meanwhile, the three Guardians of Fireteam Horizon were landing their ships in the Steppes, when Dusty spoke up.
"Anubis, there's a distress signal coming from near here." he said. "It's from a Ghost. Garbled, but I can clean it up."
"Play it." Anubis-3 said. Dusty nodded, and emitted a cone of light.
"To any Guardians in the area…this is Nolan. I am a Ghost of the Traveler. My companions and I have been captured by a rather large Fallen crew. I'm uploading our coordinates now. We'd like a rescue, if you'd be so kind."
"Hmm…" Evs said. "I know that Ghost."
"You do?" James asked.
"Yes. I met him while searching for you." Evs replied. "We greeted each other and went our separate ways. If he hasn't found a Guardian yet, he's in danger."
"Then let's go." Rainea said. "We don't have time to waste."
The three Guardians mounted their Sparrows, and their Ghosts marked the origin of the signal. They sped off, trailing dust in their wake.
====
As the Guardians drove towards a massive crater in the earth, they dismounted their Sparrows and approached the precipice.
"Nolan, can you hear me?" Evs asked.
"Evs? Is that you?" came Nolan's reply.
"Where are you?" said James's Ghost.
"We're inside some kind of Energy shield." Nolan said. "I've got seven companions of sorts with me. It's a long story, but can you see me?"
"We can." James said, as he zoomed it through his Sniper Scope. "...What are they?"
"They're Ponies from the world of Equis." Nolan said. "And they're friendly. Just get us out of here!"
"Right." Anubis said. "James, draw their fire. Rain and I will run through the center."
"Roger that." James said, inserting a magazine into his Sniper Rifle. "Let's smoke 'em."
Rainea and Anubis took up positions behind cover, out of the Fallen's line of sight. James positioned his crosshair on the leader of the Crew, a large, bulky Captain.
====
"Good news." Nolan whispered to the ponies. "Some Guardians found us. They're moving to engage the Fallen, and get us out of here."
"Who are they?" Twilight asked.
"One of the Guardians is bonded with a Ghost that I am friends with." Nolan said. "The other two, I don't know. One is a Titan, the other a Warlock, last a Hunter. A fair warning...keep your heads down. This could get messy."
Suddenly, Twilight saw a flash of light, and the large Fallen that was directing the others fell to the ground, its head blown clean off. Twilight and the ponies sickened slightly at the image.
Then a loud voice cried out.
"Hey, Scavengers!"
All eyes turned to a bipedal figure wearing a long cloak, bearing a long tubular object.
"Come and get me!" he taunted. The Fallen roared as one and opened fire, sending bolts of blue energy towards the being. It took off quickly, sprinting into cover and firing more shots at the Fallen.
"Rain, Anubis, move in!" he cried over his radio.
====
Suddenly, everyone's vision was blinded by a blast of blue light. Twilight saw a bulky, armored figure wearing a waist-sash slam his fists into the ground, decimating the Fallen with a Fist of Havoc. Then, he leaped up towards another group, and slammed again. Another blast of energy turned the Fallen into nothingness. Then, another group charged the plated figure.
Only another being jumped down, spun in the air, and became covered in dark energy.Then, it hurled an orb of void light at the encroaching Fallen. The orb exploded, willing the Fallen away into dust.
"We clear?" the plated one asked the one in robes. Nolan then saw three scattered Fallen muster their strength and leap at them. Before the Ghost could alert them, three searing bolts of flame ended their lives.
"Clear." the cloaked one said, spinning a flaming object before it extinguished.
"Just in time, Guardians!" Nolan said. "Evs, it's been too long."
"Indeed." said Evs, coming out and revealing himself. Unlike Nolan's pure white Shell, Evs was painted blue, bearing a snake sigil. "And my Guardian here is James Mendoza."
James nodded.
"The other Guardians are Anubis-3 and Rainea Thoren." Evs finished.
"Good to meet you." Nolan said. "Can you get us out of here? The shield generator is right here."
There was a blast of gunfire, and the generator exploded. The shield faded away, setting the Ponies free. Before anyone could speak, another Ghost, this one being yellow with an Eagle Sigil, appeared.
"Um, we've got trouble." it said in a female voice. "We've kicked a really big hornet's nest. Fallen reinforcements incoming, with Walker support."
"Roger that." Anubis said. "Horizon, defensive positions!"
The Guardians took cover as the sound of Fallen war cries drew closer. The final Ghost then appeared. This one was red with a Lion sigil.
"I've radioed Commander Zavala for immediate air support." he said. "And Hawks for extraction."
"Thanks, Dusty." Anubis said. "Eyes forward!"
As the Titan spoke, a Fallen Skiff bearing a metallic spider appeared above them. Three Fallen crews appeared as the Walker deployed.
"Take out the support crew!" Anubis said, hefting his Machine Gun up. "I'll handle that Walker!"
"Roger that!" James said, holstering his Sniper Rifle and bringing out a Rocket Launcher. Rainea did likewise, bearing her Grenade Launcher as the Dregs began to attack, supported by Vandals and a few Captains. The Guardians opened fire, and explosions peppered all around them. Nolan urged the Ponies to take cover, hiding them behind a piece of sheet metal.
"Can't we help?" Rainbow cried as a blast from the Walker Cannon shook the earth.
"Not in the slightest." Nolan replied. "The Guardians have this handled. Just keep your head down, and don't get hit."
====
Anubis emptied a magazine of his Machine Gun into a horde of Dregs, cutting them down until he heard a fateful "click!"
"Cover me, reloading!" he yelled. He hefted a fresh magazine into his weapon as Rainea and James suppressed the Fallen.
"That Walker's still up!" Rainea said, tossing a Scatter Grenade. "We're not going anywhere until it's down!"
"I'll take care of it!" James yelled. Summoning the Golden Gun, he fired three blasts of Solar Light into the Walker's cockpit. The blasts penetrated its armor, killing the pilot and disabling the Walker itself.
"Focus fire!" he then cried. Anubis opened up, firing a salvo that killed the leading Fallen attackers. As the remainder fled, Anubis fired a few more shots after them.
"Clear!" he cried. "Where's our Jumpships?"
"Right here." Dusty said, just as their Arcadia Jumpships appeared overheard, along with a pair of City Hawks.
"Load up." James said to the ponies. "It'll be a long trip until we reach the City."
"Then what?" Twilight asked.
"Then, we see the Vanguard." Anubis said. "And they decide if you can stay...or not."
Twilight flinched as the Titan boarded his Jumpship, followed by the others. As Nolan guided the Ponies onto the Hawks, the Guardians set their course for the Last City.
Author's Note
Update!
Next time-During the flight to the City, Rainbow receives a vision, courtesy of a Hive God.
Destiny-Mantle of the Cataclysm
As the Ponies watched the City Hawks and their escorts soar towards the Last City, Rainbow Dash in particular seemed rather...disheartened. She was not talking, and the burn on her hoof was still flaring with pain.
Then, Rainbow's vision went dark.
====
Her eyes opened to find herself in a vast expanse of black. There was a vile aura in the air, and Rainbow didn't like it one bit.
"Where am I?" she said, waving a fog bank away with her hoof.
"You are in my embrace, Rainbow Dash…"
Rainbow froze at that. The voice that spoke was cold, chilling, and reminded her of a Grim Reaper. It also had a tone of power, of authority.
"Who are you?" Rainbow demanded. "What do you mean, in your embrace?"
There was no reply for a few moments.
"...You are not yet worthy to know my name…" the voice said. "...But I will tell you this...I know your anger, your pain, your inability to protect your friends from harm…you are weak..."
"What in Tartarus do you know, bucko?" Rainbow retorted. "I'm not weak! I'm strong as can be!"
"No...you are not. Not yet." the voice replied. "Our time together is ending, but if you wish to achieve power beyond your pitiful strength, only will it so and I will come. Farewell, Rainbow Dash…"
====
Rainbow's eyes tore open as she went bolt upright. She looked outside of the Hawk's window to see it was dark out, and her friends were asleep.
"Rainbow?"
She turned to see Nolan looking at her.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine." she said, quickly thinking "Partially" as well.
"Well, okay." Nolan said. "By the time we arrive at the City, it should be morning. You should get some sleep."
Rainbow nodded, closed her eyes, and entered a dreamless slumber.
====
As the ponies awoke, Nolan arose with a chipper attitude.
"Rise and shine." he said brightly. "We're approaching the Last City. You should see it any moment now."
As the ponies exchanged "good morning!" and looked out the window, they could only gasp. In their eyes was the Last City, its walls containing its majestic glory. A large white orb, larger than the city itself, hung over like a silent protector. Along the wall were several towers, but the largest one was near a pine forest.
It was a sight that took the ponies' breath away.
"Welcome to the Last City." Nolan said proudly. "And as you might have guessed, the white sphere is the Traveler."
"It looks damaged." Twilight said, eyeing the battle scars and various cracks along its surface.
"It is." Nolan said. "Countless battles with the Darkness left the Traveler asleep. It will wake, but for now, it rests. It's last action was to form countless numbers of Ghosts, to find Guardians and bring them here."
Twilight and the Ponies nodded. Then, Dusty came over the comms.
"Guests, Nolan, we're approaching the Tower. Prep to disembark."
"Roger that." Nolan said. As the doors opened, Twilight saw countless Hunters, Titans, and Warlocks going about their business in a plaza. Some were interfacing with a series of pillars, others were speaking with a figure near a board of some kind, many others exchanging goods with a robed man.
Anubis, Rainea, and James disembarked from their Jumpships and stood in front of the ponies.
"Come on down. The Vanguard's waiting for us." James said. The ponies leaped to the plaza below, and the Guardians escorted them to a stairwell leading into the Tower. The ponies could see a figure, painted red and white with a horned head, was taking inventory at a kiosk. A larger human with ornate armor and a horned helmet was speaking to several Guardians. As the ponies advanced, a hoarse voice stopped them.
"You bring great danger here, ponies of Equestria."
They turned to see that inside an alcove was a setup like a witch's lair. A grim-looking figure approached, clad in leather robes. A green orb with a small crystal inside was in her hands.
"Who are you?" Fizzle asked.
"I am Eris Morn, the Last." she replied. "And you bring danger to us all."
"How?" Twilight asked.
"One of you has heard the voice of a god." Eris replied. "Do not trust it."
"How do you even know who we are?" Rainbow said, cutting in. Eris glared at her, and lowered her head.
"It was told to me by the Shattered One." she said. "Go. Every moment you remain here brings ever more peril to us."
Eris waved her hand, and the ponies shuddered. James and the other Guardians walked them through the hallway, the robot on the left eyeing them with distrust.
"What's with her?" Twilight asked. "She said we bring danger."
"It is unusual, but here's the thing." James said. "She and her Fireteam went into the Lunar Hellmouth, in an attempt to kill a Hive God, Crota. Six of them went in, she came out alone. Ever since, she's our number-one expert on the Hive, but she's really...unsettling."
"Amen to that, Mendoza."
They turned to see an Exo approach, clad in a brown cloak and armor. He had a blue-and white face, and yellow eyes.
"Hey, Horizon, Ghost." he said. "Come on in, all of you."
As the were led into the Vanguard Room, Twilight saw two other figures. One was an Awoken clad in heavy armor. The other was a human woman, with dark skin. Her robes were worn, but tidy.
"You may approach the table." the Awoken said. "Who are you?"
"I'm Twilight Sparkle , Princess of Magic." she said. "Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity. Last but not least is Fizzlepop."
"Hmm. I am Commander Zavala, Titan Vanguard and leader of the City's Defenses." the Awoken replied.
"I am Ikora Rey, Warlock Vanguard." the human said.
"I'm Cayde-6." the Exo added. "Hunter Vanguard. What brought you here?"
"Long story." Nolan said, coming into view. "They revived me and I led them here."
"Thank you, Ghost." Ikora said. "If you don't mind, stay a little longer. I would like to speak with you in private."
"Certainly, Ikora." Nolan said as he and Ikora headed to a separate room. Zavala stood and walked forward.
"I happened to overhear what Eris said to you." he said. "I presume you have not heard of the Hive?"
"Only what Nolan's told us." Twilight said. "I haven't heard any voices from a god, and my friends haven't either."
Everypony nodded, Rainbow with less assurance.
"Good." Zavala said. "Horizon, take them to some quarters near yours. I will go cofer with the Speaker. Until otherwise, they're your responsibility. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Commander." Anubis said. "Let's go."
As they headed out, Zavala looked over at Cayde with a raised eyebrow.
"What?" the Hunter asked.
"I'm merely surprised you didn't cut in." Zavala said. "Back to work, I suppose. Where are we at with the Devils in the Cosmodrome?"
As the two Vanguards exchanged information, Eris eyed Rainbow Dash with a piercing stare.
====
Author's Note
Sorry this took so long. Been really busy.
Next time-The ponies travel through the City, and Eris confronts Rainbow.
