Warframe-We Dream Againby Mkchief34ChaptersPrologue-The Tablets of RuinChapter 1-TennoChapter 2-A Gambit of a PrincePrologue-The Tablets of RuinEarth's Orbit Tenno Orbiter The Orbiter was silent. The various machines and devices aboard hummed quietly, as to not disturb the inhabitants. Currently, the only on visible was in a state of deep thought or meditation near the ship's navigation console. Then, a small, cracked hologram appeared next to a lone, meditating figure. "Operator, wake up. Something has happened." Ordis said. "Lotus has given us a new mission." The figure slowly came to life, standing up. A Tenno of the Lotus awoke, his Excalibur Warframe silent and ready for whatever crossed his path, friend or foe. "What is it, Ordis?" he asked, in a quiet tone, meaningful but deep. "See for yourself, Operator." Ordis replied. Gheren Prime merely sighed. He had accomplished many impossible feats of bravery against the Infected, Grineer, and Corpus. He had even battled against the Sentients, yet… He knew there was still work to do. He tapped a button on his NAV console, and the voice of Lotus spoke to him. "Tenno, I require your aid. Before you were made asleep, before you were even Tenno, there was once a world that the Orokin allied with in their wars, a colony of sorts for special beings. I ask of you to return there and see what has happened. I am sending you warp coordinates. Be careful, Tenno. The Orokin have not been there in many hundreds of years. I know not what greets you." "I understand, Lotus." Gheren replied respectfully. "I will proceed immediately." "Good luck, Tenno." Gheren ended the connection and smiled beneath his masked Warframe. "Ordis?" "Yes, Operator?" "Punch it." Gheren said. As he sat back down to meditate, the orbiter sped off into Warp at Ordis's command. "So, Operator?" Ordis asked. "What do you think we'll find there?" "I have no idea." Gheren replied, heading to his Foundry to check on his weapon repairs. "But I figure we'll find out once we arrive." ==== Equestria Ponyville, around Six AM. Twilight Sparkle was known to be studious, even by ponies that hadn't met her in their lifetime. However, it wasn't a kept secret that she could be excessively studious or enveloped in her work. Such was true today. Princess Celestia had sent her a case of artifacts from before Equestria even existed. Celestia's own hypothesis was that they were from the original land the Equines came from before Hearth's Warming. They were all tablets, purest white with no cracks or ageing to speak of. Furthermore, they were all inscribed with a strange language that seemingly nopony could translate. The only semi-recognizable part were a few simple words, that seemed plausible to read. Tenno. Orokin. Void. Twilight furrowed her brow at those words. They were certainly not Equestrian, or recognizable by any Equestrian language or dialect. The tablets themselves lay in a safe Twilight had made, she was currently reviewing sketches she had made with charcoal rubbings. The strange thing was, the charcoal seemed to be repelled by the tablets themselves. "Twilight?" cried a voice. "Yes, Spike?" she replied. "What's the matter?" "Breakfast!" he replied. Twilight then heard her stomach rumble. She rolled her eyes, packed her sketches away, and headed to the dining room to join her number-one assistant. ==== One hour later "Twi? You in?" said an athletic, brash voice. Twilight looked up from her eggs to see Rainbow Dash come in at a quicker pace than usual. "Rainbow!" she said. "What's wrong?" "A boatload of minotaurs and Griffons just showed up." she said. "Why is that a problem?" Twilight asked. "They're armed, that's the problem." Rainbow said. "They keep asking everypony one question. "Where are the Tablets of Ruin?"." "Tablets of Ruin?" Twilight asked, unsure. "I'll go speak with them. Maybe they're mistaken. There's nothing here called the Tablets of Ruin." "Um...no need." Spike said. "Why?" both Twilight and Rainbow asked. "They're coming here." he replied. "And they don't look happy." Both ponies gulped as the crowd entered. There were seven griffons and ten Minotaurs, and as they entered, Twilight could see the freshly honed edges of their swords and axes. Twilight pushed Rainbow behind her, and she assumed a wary stance. "What is it you want?" she asked. "Where are the Tablets of Ruin?" the lead Minotaur asked. "We know they are here." "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." Twilight replied. "Now, please leave Ponyville peacefully, if you will." They didn't budge. Twilight started to flare her horn, charging her magic. Then, one of them, a Griffon, caught sight of Twilight's charcoal rubbings. before Twilight could protest, he had picked them up with a gleaming eye. "They're here, alright." he laughed. Twilight then realized what they were referring to. "You mean the tablets I got from Princess Celestia." she murmured. "Why do you want them?" The crowd turned to her with a hungry gaze. Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow started to back up slowly, preparing themselves for a fight. "Give them to us, and we will go." one of the Minotaurs said. "Our destiny must be fulfilled, at any cost." "What destiny?" Twilight asked. "Why do you even need them?" "Enough stalling, Princess." Twilight then saw another Griffon enter, wearing black robes and a monocle. He scoffed as he glared at the Princess. "Bind them." he scowled. "Make them speak. If they will not give us the Tablets, we will take them." Twilight fired a stunning blast at the Griffon, just as the Minotaurs and Griffons fell upon them. ==== Equis Orbit Orbiter "Operator, we have arrived." Ordis said. Gheren stood up and looked at the NAV console. "Strange." he murmured. "There's some kind of beacon coming from this location. It's Orokin in origin." "Most unusual." Ordis replied. "Well, what are we waiting for?" Gheren programmed the course into his NAV console, and the Orbiter dropped down, out of orbit towards the planet below. ==== "Ordis, what's the atmosphere like?" Gheren asked as his Orbiter soared over a tangled, dark forest. "It's terran." Ordis replied. "Oxygen, Nitrogen, and various other gases in trace quantities. Perfect for habitation." "Any hostile presence?" Gheren asked again. "Not yet." Ordis said. "Though the town up ahead seems like a good place to start." "Town?" Gheren asked. Ordis highlighted a small settlement on the edge of the horizon. He zoomed in through the Orbiter's HUD, and he frowned. "Operator, what is it?" Ordis asked. "We've got a problem." Gheren said. "Set us down, now." "...As you wish. But...do tell me what's going on." "Looks like a public execution or something." Gheren said. "Get us close. I'll drop in." "Understood." The Orbiter flew towards the town, hiding in a clearing. Gheren retrieved his weapons before jumping to the earth. "Braton Prime, Rakton Cernos, Aklato Pistols, Sicarus Prime, Dual Skana and Anku. I think I'm set." Gheren said, checking his gear. "Let's go." As he leaped into the trees, he frowned with anticipation. ==== Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow, knocked out and restrained, were dragged before the rounded-up citizens of Ponyville. The black-clad Griffon held up the tablets, and snarled. "The Tablets of Ruin!" he proclaimed. "All will kneel before their secrets!" The ponies murmured anxiously as the Griffon set them in a triangle formation. He took out a pyramid made of white metal, and set it in the center. The tablets began to glow, and three beams of light connected the objects together. As the tablets grew dark, the Griffon took the pyramid, which was now glowing radiantly with prismatic energy. "Now, the thieves who concealed them shall die!" he roared. As the ponies cried out in anguish, swords were put to Spike, Twilight, and Rainbows' throats. "Now!" the Griffon cried. As the swords descended…there was a gust of wind, and three cobalt arrows embedded themselves in the executioners' necks, ending their lives. "Who did that!?" the Griffon roared. "Reveal yourself! NOW!" Then, there were footsteps. All eyes turned to Gheren Prime, who strode forward while preparing another arrow. His white and blue armor gleamed in the sunlight, and his Syanadana flowed with the wind. "If you insist." he said quietly. With that, he drew his Skana and charged in, leaping into the air. Author's Note Yep, a new story. And yes, you will find out why those Griffons and Minotaurs want the tablets and the pyramid. Next time-Gheren Prime rescues Twilight, and things go from manageable to very, very worse when a certain Prince of the Crystal Empire shows up... Chapter 1-TennoAt first, the Griffons and Minotaurs stared at the being. Then, they noticed the bodies of their allies, arrows in their necks. That particular image sent the whole group into a frenzy of rage. They drew their swords and axes, and prepared to kill...whatever it was. Except this was no ordinary alien. This was a Tenno, master of the Warframe, a being who had seen far more formidable foes than them. To Gheren Prime, their belief that they could kill him was nothing, if not completely… ...pitiful. Gheren landed at a slant, two Minotaurs ready to behead him as he landed. He seamlessly drew his dual Skana blades and sliced through their chests, before landing the killing blow to their throats. As the two fell, dead before they hit the ground, Gheren decided to have a little fun with his adversaries. "Is that truly all you have?" he taunted, assuming a combat stance. The scream of rage coming from the combined attackers was not only fulfilling to the Tenno, but exceptionally pleasing to hear. Five or so of the group stayed back to protect their leader. The rest charged straight to their deaths as Gheren's Skana carved through each of them. Throats were opened, limbs slashed, chests cut apart. Even when one did manage to get in close, Gheren simply knocked his legs out and impaled him as he fell. The remainder were not so lucky as to have their lives ended so quickly, as Gheren hacked them apart with ceaseless slashes. Twilight and Rainbow had been roused by the screaming, and now they were getting a front row seat to the Tenno's experience in battle. The remaining five paled and let their legs shake with fright as Gheren approached, his Skana dripping blood. "Yield." Gheren said, his voice of authority clear. "and I will give you mercy. Resist, and face your death." The five remaining attackers immediately fell to their knees. Gheren scoffed as he sheathed his Skana… ...and then drew his Aklato Prime sidearms, one to a hand. Each pistol carried a fifteen-round magazine, and were capable of piercing nearly any type of armor or defensive shield. They were light, quick, and deadly. Just how Gheren liked them. As he approached, he slowly chambered the first rounds in each pistol. Then, he cut the five down with a burst of gunfire. As the ponies whimpered and screamed, Gheren seized the lead Griffon by the collar. "You killed them…" he moaned. "You said…" "I said I would show mercy." Gheren replied. "I did. My mercy is death." And with that, he dropped the Griffon to the ground, who coughed and looked up weakly. "But I leave you to answer for your crimes." Gheren said. "I know not why you have committed your deeds, but I do not care. You will face your judgement, whether it be mine...or theirs." Gheren holstered his Aklato pistols and drew his Skana, advancing on the bound beings. ==== Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow saw the being approach and closed their eyes, expecting it to kill them like he did the others. Except he did not. There were three gusts of wind, and their bonds were cut. Twilight opened her eyes to see the being picking up the pyramid that the lead Griffon had with him. He eyed it for a few moments, then he placed it in what was most likely a pouch on his waist. Then, he started to walk back towards the Everfree, completely oblivious to the stares and whispers pointed at him. Twilight then found her voice. "Wait!" she cried. The being stopped, and turned to her. It then spoke again, but not what Twilight was expecting to hear. "If you came to offer me pleasantries and mere gestures of gratitude, I merely reply with this. I did what had to be done. Nothing more." "You saved my life, though." Twilight protested. "That has to mean something to you!" "It means nothing to me and what I have accomplished." the being replied. "I have faced far more dangerous threats than those I who ended today. I did not come to be held as a savior. I am already a savior to those who know me and my kind." Twilight was speechless. She had been prepared to offer whatever the being wanted for its actions, yet...it just brushed off her gratitude like it didn't even care. "Why?" she said, pleading. "Why are you just acting like...this?" "I act like this because I have knowledge of what you do not." it replied. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have work to do." Before it could walk off, an astounded Rainbow flew in front of him. "You can't talk to Twilight like that!" she cried. "Are you that rude?" "I am not being rude." it replied. "Further, she has not earned my respect, nor my favor. Until that happens, I will speak to whoever I wish, however I want." "You!..." Rainbow cried before she was dragged back by Twilight's magical aura. "I'm sorry." Twilight said, approaching. "I suppose we started off on the wrong hoof. I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Magic. May I ask your name and who you are?" The being was silent for several moments. Then, it spoke. "I am known as Gheren Prime, Tenno of the Lotus, master of the Excalibur Warframe. My pleasantries, Princess. Forgive me, but I have work to do." Gheren said "Princess" with such a tone that made Twilight flinch. He started to walk off again, and Twilight started to follow with a pleading look. "I would suggest you stop." Gheren replied. "I will return when I am ready." "You can't!" Twilight replied. "I have so much to do! I have so much to learn about you and your kind…" "You will learn nothing. Not yet." Gheren spat. "I am no diplomat. I also have no time to discuss my origin with a being who has not proved herself capable of such knowledge." Gheren again started to walk off, silencing Twilight's pleading with a glare. As he was about to reach the forest's edge, she cried out. "I order you to stop! Right this instant!" Gheren turned and eminated an aura of frustration. "You have no power to order me to do anything." he replied. "The last being who dared control me met his end at my blade's edge." He started to approach, crossing his arms. "Until I know what I must do, I will not consort with a species I have no knowledge of. How do I know that you will not force me into a position that is harmful to me, Princess? How can I trust you?" Twilight stopped speaking as she realized his words. "I am correct, I see." he replied. "I will return when I am ready. Until then, farewell." Twilight watched, astounded, as the being entered the Everfree to an uncertain destination. She could only sigh and turned back to the crowd. "Let's just send a message to Celestia." she sighed. "Until then, let's just keep this quiet and clean all this up, okay?" There was murmured assent from everypony present. As Twilight returned to her Castle with Spike, she rubbed her hoof, exactly where she was bound. ==== Canterlot, Royal Palace Office of Princess Celestia Celestia, Princess of the Sun and ruler of Equestria, stood stalwart as she felt the magic-induced headache pass. "It seems my system worked." she murmured. "I do hope Twilight is alright." Celestia sighed, knowing that what she had done would most likely earn her Twilight's slight ire. Celestia had recently learned that Twilight's Castle came with a unique security system. Whenever Twilight or the Castle itself was in danger, a signal would be sent to Celestia herself in the form of a headache and a vision of the threat appearing in her mind. Celestia herself had seen the Griffons and Minotaurs attack Ponyville, but the vision had also revealed a strange figure as well, colored blue, white, and gray. This figure had all but slaughtered the attackers and was advancing on Twilight, but that was the moment the vision ended. As a result, Celestia had sent an message to Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire, telling him to check on Ponyville and Twilight herself, and he had sent an immediate reply. On my way. Celestia knew that whatever the being was, it was skilled in combat. Skilled enough to take on the attackers by itself and win. It also boasted weaponry of an unknown origin. Now, she could only hope that the Crystal Guards would not meet the same fate as the assailants did. With luck, Celestia thought, all will be well and there will be no more bloodshed. Author's Note Yep, Shining v. Gheren Prime next chapter. Place your bets. Chapter 2-A Gambit of a PrinceCrystal Train Armory Car Shining Armor watched as the best of his Guard assembled their armor and gear. He nodded in approval as their Sublime Crystal plating merged with their bodies. Sublime Crystal itself was many times stronger than steel, so protection would not be a problem. The only problem, Shining mused, was defeating the being from Celestia's vision. He told his stallions and mares to expect the worst, and be prepared for lethal force. "Your Highness?" Shining turned to his lieutenant, Flash Sentry, who nodded. "We're ready, sir." "Good." Shining said. "We all know the plan. Find the being and subdue it. If we have no other option, aim to kill it." "Yessir!" the Guardsponies replied. As the train docked at the station, the Guardsponies descended into the astonished crowd. ==== "Twilight?" came a refined voice. Twilight looked up from the Tablets of Ruin and sighed. "What is it, Rarity?" she replied. "Your brother's here to see you." Rarity said, poking her head in. "And he's got at least ten guardsponies with him." "Let them in." Twilight said, perking up but obviously confused. Soon, he embraced her brother and asked what was going on. "Celestia sent us here." Shining said. "She had a vision of you in danger from a crowd of Griffons and Minotaurs. There was also a strange being that was advancing on you." "Oh!" Twilight said, surprised. "He took care of them. I'm fine." "Define he, Twiley." Shining said. "The being." Twilight replied. "He said his name was Gheren Prime, Tenno of the Lotus, or something like that. He's not dangerous, just a little standoffish." "Really?" Shining asked. "Then why was it in Celestia's vision that this "Tenno" was advancing on you?" "He cut the ropes that had me bound." Twilight said. "Shining, I'm fine. I've seen what he's capable of. You go after him, you'll just get hurt." "We'll see about that." Shining said. "I want to see this Tenno for myself." Before Twilight could protest, her brother and her escorts were gone. She reluctantly followed, knowing that Shining's hardheaded attitude could get him into trouble. ==== Orbiter's landing zone "Operator, unknown beings approaching." Ordis spoke. Gheren looked up from his meditation and eyed the AI. "More of the beings we rescued?" he asked. "Yes, but these ones are armed." Ordis replied. "And their leader doesn't seem pleased with us being here." "I'll take care of it." Gheren said, standing up. "Please don't kill them, Operator." Ordis replied. "There is a chance they are friendly." "True." Gheren said, touching the door panel. "However, there is a chance they are not. I will determine which is correct." ==== Shining and his Guards approached the alien craft, which looked like a teardrop with wings. Shining was prepared to call out a challenge to the being, but he was interrupted by the being itself emerging. "If you came to drag me back to your Princess Twilight…" he scoffed. "You will be sorely disappointed." "I came to make sure you are not a threat to Equestria." Shining said, his guards fanning out. "I should arrest you, right now." "What crime have I committed?" Gheren replied. "I have done nothing except save your Princess's life. So if that constitutes a crime in your eyes, then guilty as charged." Shining frowned. The alien was being elusive, evasive. Something wasn't right. "What's your name?" he asked. "I told your Princess already." it replied while crossing his arms. "I am Gheren Prime, Tenno of the Lotus, Master of the Excalibur Warframe. You?" "Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire." he replied. "Princess Twilight is my sister." "Figures." Gheren shot back. "You share a similar tone of authority. All bark, with no bite." The guards and the prince bristled at that comment. "You will come peacefully, with us." Shining said, drawing a sword and shield. "I think not." Gheren said. "You have no authority over me. If you intend to use force, I will respond in kind." "I will indeed use force if you do not obey!" Shining countered. Gheren simply laughed. "I do not need to obey you." he said. "You cannot control me, you cannot make me do anything I do not will. Now, leave and I will resume my work in peace." Shining made a circle with his hoof, and the Guards surrounded him. Gheren drew his Skana, and tapped into his energy reserve for a blinding flash of light, unique to his Warframe. Raising his blade, he fired the flash of light. ==== The eyes of each pony went completely white. Shining groaned and stepped back, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his vision. He could hear the gasps and screams of his guards, and he growled. Using his magic to clear his vision, he flinched and growled. Every single guard lay on the ground, incapacitated and disarmed. The ponies clearly put up a fight, but they had no chance while their vision was clouded. Gheren walked forward, sheathing his Skana. "Seems I was correct." he said. "You rely too much on seeing where your enemies are." Shining roared ferociously and charged. His blade came within an inch of Gheren's neck before he sidestepped, drawing his Skana once again. The sound of Crystal against Orokin Steel resonated through the clearing. Both sides were so enveloped in fighting their opponent, they didn't notice Twilight Sparkle approach in a panic. ==== Twilight knew her brother was a master with a blade. She knew that Gheren was also one, if not better. That was thrown down the drain as she watched the duel in front of her. Gheren's blades were blurred, and Shining had a hard time keeping up with his opponent's speed. Likewise, Gheren knew that a blade like that could easily settle the fight if it got close to him. So both sides went all out, Gheren tapping into all of his learned swordsmanship to counter his opponent's expert moves. In the end, however, little can best a Tenno in combat. Gheren swept Shining's legs out and kicked him against a tree. Shining was left dazed from the impact, and Gheren prepared to finish his opponent. Only Twilight's scream stopped him. Gheren sheathed his Skana and looked at a horror-struck Twilight. "Don't hurt him…" she cried. "As you wish." Gheren said. "The others are uninjured. He will most likely require medical attention." Gheren started to walk off as Twilight helped Shining to his feet, and he looked rather furious at his being defeated. "I'm still standing!" Shining cried. "Get back here and fight!" Gheren stopped and turned around. "Your bravery, or perhaps stupidity, is quite admirable." Gheren said. "I defeated you and such I will spare you further humiliation." "I am not!..." Shining started to yell, but Twilight magically zipped his mouth shut. "ENOUGH!" she cried, unintentionally using the Royal Canterlot Voice for the first time. "Shining, stop. You're just going to get yourself killed!" Shining sat down with a scoff. "And Gheren Prime…" Twilight said. "I am completely sorry for my brother's actions. He's a bit protective of me and more than hardheaded." "That may be so…" Gheren replied. "But that does not abstain him from all blame. He attacked me, claiming I was a criminal. I merely defended myself against him." "Also true…" Twilight said. "Let's just put this whole thing behind us and move on, okay?" Twilight tried to put on an apologetic face. Gheren was silent, weighing his options. "Fine." he scoffed. "If this ever happens again, I will not hesitate to use force. Am I understood?" "Yes." Twilight said, sighing. "Can we possibly clear the air somewhere else? This doesn't seem like a good place for...I guess talking?" "Fair." Gheren said. "However, I request it in private. No more attacks, no more interruptions. I still have work to do." "I promise." Twilight said. "Shining, I'll unseal your mouth if you behave." Shining nodded, and with a glare at Gheren, he rallied his Guards and followed Twilight and Gheren to her Castle. ==== As they sat down, Shining placed himself next to Twilight, and Gheren sat across from her. The Guards took the entrance hall to rest and nurse their pride. "So, Gheren?" Twilight asked. "Speak." "You said you were a Tenno. What is that, exactly?" she asked. Gheren sighed. "Tenno are the elite, unparalleled warriors of the Orokin Empire, masters of the Warframe armor." he said. "No race has ever matched us in combat. Tenno have ended galaxy-spanning wars against our kind on our own, and we continue to do so." "So, you're an...Orokin?" Twilight asked. "Yes, to a point." Gheren said. "Our Empire lasted for thousands of years, standing triumphant against all threats. Until they came." "Who?" Twilight asked. "The Sentients." Gheren spat. "That race of conquerors brought our empire down from within. The Tenno were sealed away in sleep, to awake when the time was ready. I was awoken under...unfortunate circumstance that I do not wish to speak of." "Why?" Twilight asked. "It is none of your concern.Though it is the reason I hold highest disdain for those who attempt to order or control me." Gheren said. "However, I believe there is something you should know. I am more than Orokin. I am human in origin." Twilight sputtered, and Shining flinched. "Humans are myth." Twilight said flatly. "False." Gheren said. "We Orokin are their descendants, their inheritors. The Warframe, the Tenno, all come from the age of humanity. Unfortunately, there are few left due to the collapse of the Empire." Twilight and Shining were silent for several moments. Then, there were loud hoofsteps, a crash, and a scream of joy. Followed by a pink mirage bouncing around Gheren. "WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!" Pinkie Pie screamed in glee. Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack came in and collapsed from exhaustion. Before Pinkie Pie could launch into her welcoming routine, Gheren had drawn his Aklato Pistols and fired three shots into the ceiling. "Who are they, Twilight?" he growled. "You promised this would be private." "I did." Twilight said. "Pinkie Pie likes to welcome everypony new in her own way. Usually with a party and a song-and-dance routine." "I see." Gheren said angrily, starting to leave. "Where are you going?" Shining asked. "Back to my ship." he growled. "I need quiet and privacy." "YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITHOUT ME!" Pinkie squealed, blocking his movement with an outstretched leg. "Why is that?" he growled. "Because you haven't had a party yet!" she replied. Gheren simply pushed past her and resumed walking. "Hey, what's the big idea?" She said, clearly confused. "Don't you like parties?" His next words froze her in place. "No." he said. "I have not enjoyed such excessive celebration for hundreds of years. Nor do I need to experience one as of now." But everypony likes parties!" Pinkie protested. "Everypony loves mine!" "I am no pony." Gheren said. "I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I am not here for sheer merriment. I was in the middle of a council with your Prince and Princess, until you interrupted it so rudely." Gheren continued to walk, past an astounded Pinkie. "If I wanted a "party" upon my arrival, I would've indicated it." he said. "However, I did not do so. I ask you to leave me alone." "Come on!" Pinkie said, pleading. "Please? I can throw you a party you won't forget!" Gheren stopped and looked at Pinkie. "Enough." he said, so coldly that Pinkie froze, skidding to a halt. "I am through with being pleasant with you, little one. I am returning to my ship to council with the Lotus. I wish to be alone, and left in peace and quiet. If you attempt to further advance your cause of merriment, I will respond more forcefully. I do not want a party. I do not need a party. I do not wish for a party. Am. I. Understood?" Pinkie froze and nodded. The Tenno didn't respond as he headed off towards his ship. Pinkie blinked and shook her head, then she assumed a pose of deep thought atop a pedestal marked with "The Pinker", that she pulled out of her mane. "Hmm." she murmured. "I wonder what I did wrong when I asked him. I must ponder this further!" Everypony else groaned and sat down. Author's Note Yep, Gheren does not like parties. Next time-The Lotus's instructions to Gheren.
Prologue-The Tablets of RuinEarth's Orbit Tenno Orbiter The Orbiter was silent. The various machines and devices aboard hummed quietly, as to not disturb the inhabitants. Currently, the only on visible was in a state of deep thought or meditation near the ship's navigation console. Then, a small, cracked hologram appeared next to a lone, meditating figure. "Operator, wake up. Something has happened." Ordis said. "Lotus has given us a new mission." The figure slowly came to life, standing up. A Tenno of the Lotus awoke, his Excalibur Warframe silent and ready for whatever crossed his path, friend or foe. "What is it, Ordis?" he asked, in a quiet tone, meaningful but deep. "See for yourself, Operator." Ordis replied. Gheren Prime merely sighed. He had accomplished many impossible feats of bravery against the Infected, Grineer, and Corpus. He had even battled against the Sentients, yet… He knew there was still work to do. He tapped a button on his NAV console, and the voice of Lotus spoke to him. "Tenno, I require your aid. Before you were made asleep, before you were even Tenno, there was once a world that the Orokin allied with in their wars, a colony of sorts for special beings. I ask of you to return there and see what has happened. I am sending you warp coordinates. Be careful, Tenno. The Orokin have not been there in many hundreds of years. I know not what greets you." "I understand, Lotus." Gheren replied respectfully. "I will proceed immediately." "Good luck, Tenno." Gheren ended the connection and smiled beneath his masked Warframe. "Ordis?" "Yes, Operator?" "Punch it." Gheren said. As he sat back down to meditate, the orbiter sped off into Warp at Ordis's command. "So, Operator?" Ordis asked. "What do you think we'll find there?" "I have no idea." Gheren replied, heading to his Foundry to check on his weapon repairs. "But I figure we'll find out once we arrive." ==== Equestria Ponyville, around Six AM. Twilight Sparkle was known to be studious, even by ponies that hadn't met her in their lifetime. However, it wasn't a kept secret that she could be excessively studious or enveloped in her work. Such was true today. Princess Celestia had sent her a case of artifacts from before Equestria even existed. Celestia's own hypothesis was that they were from the original land the Equines came from before Hearth's Warming. They were all tablets, purest white with no cracks or ageing to speak of. Furthermore, they were all inscribed with a strange language that seemingly nopony could translate. The only semi-recognizable part were a few simple words, that seemed plausible to read. Tenno. Orokin. Void. Twilight furrowed her brow at those words. They were certainly not Equestrian, or recognizable by any Equestrian language or dialect. The tablets themselves lay in a safe Twilight had made, she was currently reviewing sketches she had made with charcoal rubbings. The strange thing was, the charcoal seemed to be repelled by the tablets themselves. "Twilight?" cried a voice. "Yes, Spike?" she replied. "What's the matter?" "Breakfast!" he replied. Twilight then heard her stomach rumble. She rolled her eyes, packed her sketches away, and headed to the dining room to join her number-one assistant. ==== One hour later "Twi? You in?" said an athletic, brash voice. Twilight looked up from her eggs to see Rainbow Dash come in at a quicker pace than usual. "Rainbow!" she said. "What's wrong?" "A boatload of minotaurs and Griffons just showed up." she said. "Why is that a problem?" Twilight asked. "They're armed, that's the problem." Rainbow said. "They keep asking everypony one question. "Where are the Tablets of Ruin?"." "Tablets of Ruin?" Twilight asked, unsure. "I'll go speak with them. Maybe they're mistaken. There's nothing here called the Tablets of Ruin." "Um...no need." Spike said. "Why?" both Twilight and Rainbow asked. "They're coming here." he replied. "And they don't look happy." Both ponies gulped as the crowd entered. There were seven griffons and ten Minotaurs, and as they entered, Twilight could see the freshly honed edges of their swords and axes. Twilight pushed Rainbow behind her, and she assumed a wary stance. "What is it you want?" she asked. "Where are the Tablets of Ruin?" the lead Minotaur asked. "We know they are here." "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." Twilight replied. "Now, please leave Ponyville peacefully, if you will." They didn't budge. Twilight started to flare her horn, charging her magic. Then, one of them, a Griffon, caught sight of Twilight's charcoal rubbings. before Twilight could protest, he had picked them up with a gleaming eye. "They're here, alright." he laughed. Twilight then realized what they were referring to. "You mean the tablets I got from Princess Celestia." she murmured. "Why do you want them?" The crowd turned to her with a hungry gaze. Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow started to back up slowly, preparing themselves for a fight. "Give them to us, and we will go." one of the Minotaurs said. "Our destiny must be fulfilled, at any cost." "What destiny?" Twilight asked. "Why do you even need them?" "Enough stalling, Princess." Twilight then saw another Griffon enter, wearing black robes and a monocle. He scoffed as he glared at the Princess. "Bind them." he scowled. "Make them speak. If they will not give us the Tablets, we will take them." Twilight fired a stunning blast at the Griffon, just as the Minotaurs and Griffons fell upon them. ==== Equis Orbit Orbiter "Operator, we have arrived." Ordis said. Gheren stood up and looked at the NAV console. "Strange." he murmured. "There's some kind of beacon coming from this location. It's Orokin in origin." "Most unusual." Ordis replied. "Well, what are we waiting for?" Gheren programmed the course into his NAV console, and the Orbiter dropped down, out of orbit towards the planet below. ==== "Ordis, what's the atmosphere like?" Gheren asked as his Orbiter soared over a tangled, dark forest. "It's terran." Ordis replied. "Oxygen, Nitrogen, and various other gases in trace quantities. Perfect for habitation." "Any hostile presence?" Gheren asked again. "Not yet." Ordis said. "Though the town up ahead seems like a good place to start." "Town?" Gheren asked. Ordis highlighted a small settlement on the edge of the horizon. He zoomed in through the Orbiter's HUD, and he frowned. "Operator, what is it?" Ordis asked. "We've got a problem." Gheren said. "Set us down, now." "...As you wish. But...do tell me what's going on." "Looks like a public execution or something." Gheren said. "Get us close. I'll drop in." "Understood." The Orbiter flew towards the town, hiding in a clearing. Gheren retrieved his weapons before jumping to the earth. "Braton Prime, Rakton Cernos, Aklato Pistols, Sicarus Prime, Dual Skana and Anku. I think I'm set." Gheren said, checking his gear. "Let's go." As he leaped into the trees, he frowned with anticipation. ==== Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow, knocked out and restrained, were dragged before the rounded-up citizens of Ponyville. The black-clad Griffon held up the tablets, and snarled. "The Tablets of Ruin!" he proclaimed. "All will kneel before their secrets!" The ponies murmured anxiously as the Griffon set them in a triangle formation. He took out a pyramid made of white metal, and set it in the center. The tablets began to glow, and three beams of light connected the objects together. As the tablets grew dark, the Griffon took the pyramid, which was now glowing radiantly with prismatic energy. "Now, the thieves who concealed them shall die!" he roared. As the ponies cried out in anguish, swords were put to Spike, Twilight, and Rainbows' throats. "Now!" the Griffon cried. As the swords descended…there was a gust of wind, and three cobalt arrows embedded themselves in the executioners' necks, ending their lives. "Who did that!?" the Griffon roared. "Reveal yourself! NOW!" Then, there were footsteps. All eyes turned to Gheren Prime, who strode forward while preparing another arrow. His white and blue armor gleamed in the sunlight, and his Syanadana flowed with the wind. "If you insist." he said quietly. With that, he drew his Skana and charged in, leaping into the air. Author's Note Yep, a new story. And yes, you will find out why those Griffons and Minotaurs want the tablets and the pyramid. Next time-Gheren Prime rescues Twilight, and things go from manageable to very, very worse when a certain Prince of the Crystal Empire shows up...
Chapter 1-TennoAt first, the Griffons and Minotaurs stared at the being. Then, they noticed the bodies of their allies, arrows in their necks. That particular image sent the whole group into a frenzy of rage. They drew their swords and axes, and prepared to kill...whatever it was. Except this was no ordinary alien. This was a Tenno, master of the Warframe, a being who had seen far more formidable foes than them. To Gheren Prime, their belief that they could kill him was nothing, if not completely… ...pitiful. Gheren landed at a slant, two Minotaurs ready to behead him as he landed. He seamlessly drew his dual Skana blades and sliced through their chests, before landing the killing blow to their throats. As the two fell, dead before they hit the ground, Gheren decided to have a little fun with his adversaries. "Is that truly all you have?" he taunted, assuming a combat stance. The scream of rage coming from the combined attackers was not only fulfilling to the Tenno, but exceptionally pleasing to hear. Five or so of the group stayed back to protect their leader. The rest charged straight to their deaths as Gheren's Skana carved through each of them. Throats were opened, limbs slashed, chests cut apart. Even when one did manage to get in close, Gheren simply knocked his legs out and impaled him as he fell. The remainder were not so lucky as to have their lives ended so quickly, as Gheren hacked them apart with ceaseless slashes. Twilight and Rainbow had been roused by the screaming, and now they were getting a front row seat to the Tenno's experience in battle. The remaining five paled and let their legs shake with fright as Gheren approached, his Skana dripping blood. "Yield." Gheren said, his voice of authority clear. "and I will give you mercy. Resist, and face your death." The five remaining attackers immediately fell to their knees. Gheren scoffed as he sheathed his Skana… ...and then drew his Aklato Prime sidearms, one to a hand. Each pistol carried a fifteen-round magazine, and were capable of piercing nearly any type of armor or defensive shield. They were light, quick, and deadly. Just how Gheren liked them. As he approached, he slowly chambered the first rounds in each pistol. Then, he cut the five down with a burst of gunfire. As the ponies whimpered and screamed, Gheren seized the lead Griffon by the collar. "You killed them…" he moaned. "You said…" "I said I would show mercy." Gheren replied. "I did. My mercy is death." And with that, he dropped the Griffon to the ground, who coughed and looked up weakly. "But I leave you to answer for your crimes." Gheren said. "I know not why you have committed your deeds, but I do not care. You will face your judgement, whether it be mine...or theirs." Gheren holstered his Aklato pistols and drew his Skana, advancing on the bound beings. ==== Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow saw the being approach and closed their eyes, expecting it to kill them like he did the others. Except he did not. There were three gusts of wind, and their bonds were cut. Twilight opened her eyes to see the being picking up the pyramid that the lead Griffon had with him. He eyed it for a few moments, then he placed it in what was most likely a pouch on his waist. Then, he started to walk back towards the Everfree, completely oblivious to the stares and whispers pointed at him. Twilight then found her voice. "Wait!" she cried. The being stopped, and turned to her. It then spoke again, but not what Twilight was expecting to hear. "If you came to offer me pleasantries and mere gestures of gratitude, I merely reply with this. I did what had to be done. Nothing more." "You saved my life, though." Twilight protested. "That has to mean something to you!" "It means nothing to me and what I have accomplished." the being replied. "I have faced far more dangerous threats than those I who ended today. I did not come to be held as a savior. I am already a savior to those who know me and my kind." Twilight was speechless. She had been prepared to offer whatever the being wanted for its actions, yet...it just brushed off her gratitude like it didn't even care. "Why?" she said, pleading. "Why are you just acting like...this?" "I act like this because I have knowledge of what you do not." it replied. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have work to do." Before it could walk off, an astounded Rainbow flew in front of him. "You can't talk to Twilight like that!" she cried. "Are you that rude?" "I am not being rude." it replied. "Further, she has not earned my respect, nor my favor. Until that happens, I will speak to whoever I wish, however I want." "You!..." Rainbow cried before she was dragged back by Twilight's magical aura. "I'm sorry." Twilight said, approaching. "I suppose we started off on the wrong hoof. I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Magic. May I ask your name and who you are?" The being was silent for several moments. Then, it spoke. "I am known as Gheren Prime, Tenno of the Lotus, master of the Excalibur Warframe. My pleasantries, Princess. Forgive me, but I have work to do." Gheren said "Princess" with such a tone that made Twilight flinch. He started to walk off again, and Twilight started to follow with a pleading look. "I would suggest you stop." Gheren replied. "I will return when I am ready." "You can't!" Twilight replied. "I have so much to do! I have so much to learn about you and your kind…" "You will learn nothing. Not yet." Gheren spat. "I am no diplomat. I also have no time to discuss my origin with a being who has not proved herself capable of such knowledge." Gheren again started to walk off, silencing Twilight's pleading with a glare. As he was about to reach the forest's edge, she cried out. "I order you to stop! Right this instant!" Gheren turned and eminated an aura of frustration. "You have no power to order me to do anything." he replied. "The last being who dared control me met his end at my blade's edge." He started to approach, crossing his arms. "Until I know what I must do, I will not consort with a species I have no knowledge of. How do I know that you will not force me into a position that is harmful to me, Princess? How can I trust you?" Twilight stopped speaking as she realized his words. "I am correct, I see." he replied. "I will return when I am ready. Until then, farewell." Twilight watched, astounded, as the being entered the Everfree to an uncertain destination. She could only sigh and turned back to the crowd. "Let's just send a message to Celestia." she sighed. "Until then, let's just keep this quiet and clean all this up, okay?" There was murmured assent from everypony present. As Twilight returned to her Castle with Spike, she rubbed her hoof, exactly where she was bound. ==== Canterlot, Royal Palace Office of Princess Celestia Celestia, Princess of the Sun and ruler of Equestria, stood stalwart as she felt the magic-induced headache pass. "It seems my system worked." she murmured. "I do hope Twilight is alright." Celestia sighed, knowing that what she had done would most likely earn her Twilight's slight ire. Celestia had recently learned that Twilight's Castle came with a unique security system. Whenever Twilight or the Castle itself was in danger, a signal would be sent to Celestia herself in the form of a headache and a vision of the threat appearing in her mind. Celestia herself had seen the Griffons and Minotaurs attack Ponyville, but the vision had also revealed a strange figure as well, colored blue, white, and gray. This figure had all but slaughtered the attackers and was advancing on Twilight, but that was the moment the vision ended. As a result, Celestia had sent an message to Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire, telling him to check on Ponyville and Twilight herself, and he had sent an immediate reply. On my way. Celestia knew that whatever the being was, it was skilled in combat. Skilled enough to take on the attackers by itself and win. It also boasted weaponry of an unknown origin. Now, she could only hope that the Crystal Guards would not meet the same fate as the assailants did. With luck, Celestia thought, all will be well and there will be no more bloodshed. Author's Note Yep, Shining v. Gheren Prime next chapter. Place your bets.
Chapter 2-A Gambit of a PrinceCrystal Train Armory Car Shining Armor watched as the best of his Guard assembled their armor and gear. He nodded in approval as their Sublime Crystal plating merged with their bodies. Sublime Crystal itself was many times stronger than steel, so protection would not be a problem. The only problem, Shining mused, was defeating the being from Celestia's vision. He told his stallions and mares to expect the worst, and be prepared for lethal force. "Your Highness?" Shining turned to his lieutenant, Flash Sentry, who nodded. "We're ready, sir." "Good." Shining said. "We all know the plan. Find the being and subdue it. If we have no other option, aim to kill it." "Yessir!" the Guardsponies replied. As the train docked at the station, the Guardsponies descended into the astonished crowd. ==== "Twilight?" came a refined voice. Twilight looked up from the Tablets of Ruin and sighed. "What is it, Rarity?" she replied. "Your brother's here to see you." Rarity said, poking her head in. "And he's got at least ten guardsponies with him." "Let them in." Twilight said, perking up but obviously confused. Soon, he embraced her brother and asked what was going on. "Celestia sent us here." Shining said. "She had a vision of you in danger from a crowd of Griffons and Minotaurs. There was also a strange being that was advancing on you." "Oh!" Twilight said, surprised. "He took care of them. I'm fine." "Define he, Twiley." Shining said. "The being." Twilight replied. "He said his name was Gheren Prime, Tenno of the Lotus, or something like that. He's not dangerous, just a little standoffish." "Really?" Shining asked. "Then why was it in Celestia's vision that this "Tenno" was advancing on you?" "He cut the ropes that had me bound." Twilight said. "Shining, I'm fine. I've seen what he's capable of. You go after him, you'll just get hurt." "We'll see about that." Shining said. "I want to see this Tenno for myself." Before Twilight could protest, her brother and her escorts were gone. She reluctantly followed, knowing that Shining's hardheaded attitude could get him into trouble. ==== Orbiter's landing zone "Operator, unknown beings approaching." Ordis spoke. Gheren looked up from his meditation and eyed the AI. "More of the beings we rescued?" he asked. "Yes, but these ones are armed." Ordis replied. "And their leader doesn't seem pleased with us being here." "I'll take care of it." Gheren said, standing up. "Please don't kill them, Operator." Ordis replied. "There is a chance they are friendly." "True." Gheren said, touching the door panel. "However, there is a chance they are not. I will determine which is correct." ==== Shining and his Guards approached the alien craft, which looked like a teardrop with wings. Shining was prepared to call out a challenge to the being, but he was interrupted by the being itself emerging. "If you came to drag me back to your Princess Twilight…" he scoffed. "You will be sorely disappointed." "I came to make sure you are not a threat to Equestria." Shining said, his guards fanning out. "I should arrest you, right now." "What crime have I committed?" Gheren replied. "I have done nothing except save your Princess's life. So if that constitutes a crime in your eyes, then guilty as charged." Shining frowned. The alien was being elusive, evasive. Something wasn't right. "What's your name?" he asked. "I told your Princess already." it replied while crossing his arms. "I am Gheren Prime, Tenno of the Lotus, Master of the Excalibur Warframe. You?" "Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire." he replied. "Princess Twilight is my sister." "Figures." Gheren shot back. "You share a similar tone of authority. All bark, with no bite." The guards and the prince bristled at that comment. "You will come peacefully, with us." Shining said, drawing a sword and shield. "I think not." Gheren said. "You have no authority over me. If you intend to use force, I will respond in kind." "I will indeed use force if you do not obey!" Shining countered. Gheren simply laughed. "I do not need to obey you." he said. "You cannot control me, you cannot make me do anything I do not will. Now, leave and I will resume my work in peace." Shining made a circle with his hoof, and the Guards surrounded him. Gheren drew his Skana, and tapped into his energy reserve for a blinding flash of light, unique to his Warframe. Raising his blade, he fired the flash of light. ==== The eyes of each pony went completely white. Shining groaned and stepped back, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his vision. He could hear the gasps and screams of his guards, and he growled. Using his magic to clear his vision, he flinched and growled. Every single guard lay on the ground, incapacitated and disarmed. The ponies clearly put up a fight, but they had no chance while their vision was clouded. Gheren walked forward, sheathing his Skana. "Seems I was correct." he said. "You rely too much on seeing where your enemies are." Shining roared ferociously and charged. His blade came within an inch of Gheren's neck before he sidestepped, drawing his Skana once again. The sound of Crystal against Orokin Steel resonated through the clearing. Both sides were so enveloped in fighting their opponent, they didn't notice Twilight Sparkle approach in a panic. ==== Twilight knew her brother was a master with a blade. She knew that Gheren was also one, if not better. That was thrown down the drain as she watched the duel in front of her. Gheren's blades were blurred, and Shining had a hard time keeping up with his opponent's speed. Likewise, Gheren knew that a blade like that could easily settle the fight if it got close to him. So both sides went all out, Gheren tapping into all of his learned swordsmanship to counter his opponent's expert moves. In the end, however, little can best a Tenno in combat. Gheren swept Shining's legs out and kicked him against a tree. Shining was left dazed from the impact, and Gheren prepared to finish his opponent. Only Twilight's scream stopped him. Gheren sheathed his Skana and looked at a horror-struck Twilight. "Don't hurt him…" she cried. "As you wish." Gheren said. "The others are uninjured. He will most likely require medical attention." Gheren started to walk off as Twilight helped Shining to his feet, and he looked rather furious at his being defeated. "I'm still standing!" Shining cried. "Get back here and fight!" Gheren stopped and turned around. "Your bravery, or perhaps stupidity, is quite admirable." Gheren said. "I defeated you and such I will spare you further humiliation." "I am not!..." Shining started to yell, but Twilight magically zipped his mouth shut. "ENOUGH!" she cried, unintentionally using the Royal Canterlot Voice for the first time. "Shining, stop. You're just going to get yourself killed!" Shining sat down with a scoff. "And Gheren Prime…" Twilight said. "I am completely sorry for my brother's actions. He's a bit protective of me and more than hardheaded." "That may be so…" Gheren replied. "But that does not abstain him from all blame. He attacked me, claiming I was a criminal. I merely defended myself against him." "Also true…" Twilight said. "Let's just put this whole thing behind us and move on, okay?" Twilight tried to put on an apologetic face. Gheren was silent, weighing his options. "Fine." he scoffed. "If this ever happens again, I will not hesitate to use force. Am I understood?" "Yes." Twilight said, sighing. "Can we possibly clear the air somewhere else? This doesn't seem like a good place for...I guess talking?" "Fair." Gheren said. "However, I request it in private. No more attacks, no more interruptions. I still have work to do." "I promise." Twilight said. "Shining, I'll unseal your mouth if you behave." Shining nodded, and with a glare at Gheren, he rallied his Guards and followed Twilight and Gheren to her Castle. ==== As they sat down, Shining placed himself next to Twilight, and Gheren sat across from her. The Guards took the entrance hall to rest and nurse their pride. "So, Gheren?" Twilight asked. "Speak." "You said you were a Tenno. What is that, exactly?" she asked. Gheren sighed. "Tenno are the elite, unparalleled warriors of the Orokin Empire, masters of the Warframe armor." he said. "No race has ever matched us in combat. Tenno have ended galaxy-spanning wars against our kind on our own, and we continue to do so." "So, you're an...Orokin?" Twilight asked. "Yes, to a point." Gheren said. "Our Empire lasted for thousands of years, standing triumphant against all threats. Until they came." "Who?" Twilight asked. "The Sentients." Gheren spat. "That race of conquerors brought our empire down from within. The Tenno were sealed away in sleep, to awake when the time was ready. I was awoken under...unfortunate circumstance that I do not wish to speak of." "Why?" Twilight asked. "It is none of your concern.Though it is the reason I hold highest disdain for those who attempt to order or control me." Gheren said. "However, I believe there is something you should know. I am more than Orokin. I am human in origin." Twilight sputtered, and Shining flinched. "Humans are myth." Twilight said flatly. "False." Gheren said. "We Orokin are their descendants, their inheritors. The Warframe, the Tenno, all come from the age of humanity. Unfortunately, there are few left due to the collapse of the Empire." Twilight and Shining were silent for several moments. Then, there were loud hoofsteps, a crash, and a scream of joy. Followed by a pink mirage bouncing around Gheren. "WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!" Pinkie Pie screamed in glee. Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack came in and collapsed from exhaustion. Before Pinkie Pie could launch into her welcoming routine, Gheren had drawn his Aklato Pistols and fired three shots into the ceiling. "Who are they, Twilight?" he growled. "You promised this would be private." "I did." Twilight said. "Pinkie Pie likes to welcome everypony new in her own way. Usually with a party and a song-and-dance routine." "I see." Gheren said angrily, starting to leave. "Where are you going?" Shining asked. "Back to my ship." he growled. "I need quiet and privacy." "YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITHOUT ME!" Pinkie squealed, blocking his movement with an outstretched leg. "Why is that?" he growled. "Because you haven't had a party yet!" she replied. Gheren simply pushed past her and resumed walking. "Hey, what's the big idea?" She said, clearly confused. "Don't you like parties?" His next words froze her in place. "No." he said. "I have not enjoyed such excessive celebration for hundreds of years. Nor do I need to experience one as of now." But everypony likes parties!" Pinkie protested. "Everypony loves mine!" "I am no pony." Gheren said. "I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I am not here for sheer merriment. I was in the middle of a council with your Prince and Princess, until you interrupted it so rudely." Gheren continued to walk, past an astounded Pinkie. "If I wanted a "party" upon my arrival, I would've indicated it." he said. "However, I did not do so. I ask you to leave me alone." "Come on!" Pinkie said, pleading. "Please? I can throw you a party you won't forget!" Gheren stopped and looked at Pinkie. "Enough." he said, so coldly that Pinkie froze, skidding to a halt. "I am through with being pleasant with you, little one. I am returning to my ship to council with the Lotus. I wish to be alone, and left in peace and quiet. If you attempt to further advance your cause of merriment, I will respond more forcefully. I do not want a party. I do not need a party. I do not wish for a party. Am. I. Understood?" Pinkie froze and nodded. The Tenno didn't respond as he headed off towards his ship. Pinkie blinked and shook her head, then she assumed a pose of deep thought atop a pedestal marked with "The Pinker", that she pulled out of her mane. "Hmm." she murmured. "I wonder what I did wrong when I asked him. I must ponder this further!" Everypony else groaned and sat down. Author's Note Yep, Gheren does not like parties. Next time-The Lotus's instructions to Gheren.
