Among the Living Once Again
Chapter Eight: Speech Craft
Previous ChapterNext ChapterIn the middle of Ponyville, the moon just got ever so brighter.
The main six were astonished by Luna's discovery. So the creature was still here in Ponyville. All six now rushed to the window looking to find Stanley. Luna stepped away, to allow the others to observe. He was like a speck now running through the streets. [It was like trying to find Waldo] Luna quickly got Twilight's attention, and gave her a serious look. Speaking in a normal voice, Luna soon spoke.
"I shall go after this creature, and subdue it post' haste." Luna's tone complacently calm.
"We shall come too, if that's is ok your Highness!" Twilight said, excited to have another chance to subdue this creature who caused so much trouble.
"Very well, and you don't have to keep calling me 'your highness' your a princess now yourself." Luna amused as she trotted for the door. It's been a while since something interesting happened. During a usual shift of ruling at night. It mostly consisted of paper work, or hearing the night council squabble about pointless agenda.
Luna was fairly familiar with the castle. Her and Celestia visited quiet often, sometimes just to take a small break from the stress of ruling. Luna quickly used her magic to open various doors, until she found, the perfect spot. Unfolding her beautiful wings, she stretched them out as far as she could. Her wing span was quite large when compared to an average pegasi. Leaning downwards, she looked up toward the moon. Then boom! She shot off like a rocket, swirls of wind being blown outward as the alicorn wasted no time.
The main six, at this point stuck together as they decided to hoof it downstairs. They all knew the creature wouldn't make it far, not with Luna on its trail. With Rainbow Dash, still a bit groggy from before, she was helped along by her friends. They told her she could sit back while they helped Luna. Rainbow Dash shook her head in disagreement.She wanted to get a little revenge for what Stanley had done. Following the main six were all the guards, with Spike tagging along on Rarity's back.
Only seconds 45 seconds had past since his teleportation in front of Twilight's Castle.
Running away again, is this my signature move? At this point it might was well be....and oh yes, my pursuers are bit more powerful this time. I mean, I only have the elements of harmony and Princess Luna the Co-ruler of Equestria after me. No big deal.....I'm so fucked.
As Stanley kept up his pace, he jumped over carts while simultaneously dodging the various colorful ponies in his way. Nearly everypony was awake at this point. The sudden boom heard from the castle earlier was clear indication that something was aloof. With Stanley running in the middle of town, the ponies were able to lay eyes on him. They looked frightened, with good reason. It wasn't a common occurrence in Ponyville, for a night time chase to take place.
The homes in Ponyville looked simple, sorta like the homes in Peddle Frost's town. Many houses had a more homey feel in comparison. A few odd places included a strange dance club he ran by, along with a few larger shops. Besides that nothing really crazy was in this little settlement.
Too bad I couldn't just walk around places like this anymore. Being a wanted 'pony' sucks!
Stanley now zoomed past a pair of mares talking. A small glimpse was all it took for one mare to jump up and down in delight.
"See Bon Bon, I told you it existed!" Lyra Heartstrings yelled triumphantly. Looking at her roommate.
"Oh hush, it was going to fast to recognize." Bon Bon replied, jested by her friends hopeful remark.
"Your just mad, since I'm going to win this bet!" Lyra said, letting out a giggle as her hoof playfully pushed Bon Bon's shoulder.
The edge of Ponyville was in Stanley's sight. He was almost there, but something compelled him to stop. Stopping short by maybe just three house he turned around. Looking up at the star filled sky, he noticed something strange. A large figure was in front of the moon. Its outline was that of an alicorn. It was flying toward him at a blistering speed.
"Here comes Princess Luna herself aye." Stanley spoke impressed by the sight of what was in the sky. His heart began to beat, as adrenaline was kicking in. Folding his arms, he just stood there waiting for the flying alicorn to come. A crowd of ponies soon gathered around the area looking at him. Lyra and Bon Bon soon scurried over. They could now get a better look at the creature. Lyra's smile only grew, as she started sticking her tongue out at Bon Bon. Stan soon spoke causing the restless ponies to freeze.
"All you ponies ready for a show, cause this will end in two possible ways." His voice kinda humorous at this point. It was all he could do to keep himself calm.
I wanna finally try something reasonable. I'm sick of running and hiding, I just want to talk for once. Couldn't go worse then what I've been doing up to this point. Why did I fight the the elements, and not try to talk. I should have reasoned with them, but their screams brought in the guards...I still have a chance to make peace. I hope this works, or else I'm a dead man.
As Stan stood looking up at the sky. That figure now swooped down at him. With a gust of winding nearly knocking him down. He ducked just barely in time,jolting his body back up. Cupping his hands together in a circle he put them toward his helmet. Shouting at the top of his lungs, in the most reasonable voice he could manage. He directed it toward what he presumed was Princess Luna. Luna now already a good distance just barely heard the voice. A massive aura of magic could be see around her. She looked ready to grind him into dust. Luna wasn't playing around, thats for sure.
"Your Highness, Princess Luna of the moon, I wish to speak peacefully! I wouldn't be standing here like a nimrod otherwise!"
Before Stan even blinked, the sound of something landing could be heard. The streets weren't the brightest, only a few lamp posts were spread every few houses. Visibility was poor, but form the sound of it, Luna had just landed in front of him. Looking down the street he saw a large equine's outline.
"Thou' wish to speak? Or is one going to try something?" A very feminine and seductive voice broke the silence. This voice sounded like an old age queen's, but sorta jumped back to a normal sounding voice at the end. The tone seemed a bit confused.
What the fuck? Just like the orange mare. This one can't make up their mind on how to speak......ugh.
"If I had set up a trap. It would have went off already, your Highness." Stanley Spoke trying to show respect in his tone.
"If thou' are lying, grave consequence will follow. " She spoke harshly.
Taking off his helmet now, Stanley held it at his side with one hand. His other hand laid at his side. Taking a deep breath now, he finally could get a better view of everything with his helmet off. His face still obstructed from the darkness.
"Please, I would never your Highness. If I may, could I cast a luminescence spell?" Stanley spoke as he got closer to Princess Luna. He was maybe now around three meters from her.
"Very well, but if it's a trick you'll pay dearly." Her tone even more harsh, as her outline's posture looked to be defensive.
Within the next second, A large star like ball of light left Stanley's free hand. It was bright enough to light up almost a quarter of Ponyville. It wasn't like a day time sun or anything, but it made things much more visible. Stan's jaw almost dropped, noticed the large crowd of ponies watching him.
Luna was the easiest one to spot. She stood pretty much over every other pony. She had a large necklace around her neck with a moon emblem, and a black crown atop her head. She matched the picture in the book almost exactly.
Wow, she really is a beauty. I wouldn't expect nothing less of Alicorn royalty. I love her mane, light blue with stars flickering in it, hell yes. Seeing it in real life makes all the difference. Her eyes are the most interesting thing. Aqua green was pretty rare compared to the many other ponies I saw. Her eye lashes were pretty sensual too. She could probably seduce any stallion she wanted. What makes it even better was the rare color of her fur. I haven't seen this shade of blue...purple, super dark turquoise? Who knows......Her legs were slender, a bit petite might almost. And to finally top it off, it looked like she had a splatter of black containing a white moon. This was on each side of her flank.
As Stan looked Luna up and down like eye candy. Luna finally got a view of the creature she heard so much about. This creature had a very masculine face and jaw line. The fur on the top of its head, was a blond color. Followed by it's green eyes. It was oddly tall, but didn't exactly tower over her. Its build was hidden by armor, but she presumed it had some impressive muscles from carrying such heavy armor. Bi-pedal creatures were pretty rare in Equestria which made this creature all the more interesting. Her eyes traced him up and down, making sure he's not a threat.
The rest of the ponies in the area took a good look at Stan and began whispering things. Like how he used magic and other things regarding his appearance. Just a few seconds had past, before Luna spoke again.
"To cast such a spell, you must be pretty adept in the arts of magic. So onto the main point. What are you exactly? And why did you attack Stroudmare and ambush the Elements!?" Luna spoke, her voice was filled with interest. As she made up her mind to hear this creature out. Stanley's plan to go about this peacefully looked like a success.
"Do you want me to answer now, or wait for the Elements of Harmony? I'm sure they will be here any minute." Stan replied, as he hunched over to put down his helmet. Holding it the whole time was going to start annoying him. At this point he forgot to say your highness when answer her. The alicorn didn't seem angry by the drop of the prefix, thankfully.
"Very well, but don't you even think of teleporting away, or doing something equally stupid." Luna said, hesitantly agreeing with the creature. Giving a tentative stare, making Stanley squirm a bit.
Folding his arms together, Stanley stood there looking up at the night sky again trying to stay calm. The view was just as mesmerizing as the alicorn before of him.
With a few minutes passing, The main six appeared, galloping toward them.
The location of where Luna and Stanley, was made abundantly clear by the huge growing star floating above.
Stanley turned his head toward the main six who were huffing and puffing out of breath. Applejack was the only one who seemed, not out of breath. As soon as the main six got there, he noticed the guards had followed along with the little dragon. Spike hopped off Rarities back and stared at Stan in a confused manner. For a second they looked him over again, as now he had no helmet on. They were taking a gander at his face mostly. Luna told the guards, not to approach until she saw reason for such action.
"Good, you guys are finally here. Now I can answer your questions Princess Luna. But Before I do, I would like to apologize for all the damage I have caused. It wasn't exactly suppose to happen like this. I wouldn't blame any of you Elements of Harmony for being angry at me." Stan spoke, as he pointed to the six of them. His tone sounded empathetic.
Twilight was sorta shocked at what she saw. Was this a different creature entirely? It was now calm and collected. It didn't hide it's face, and now it wished to speak? Her friends nearly came to the identical train of thought when looking at Stanley.
"I am a human being, one who come from an entirely different dimension. I was summoned here long ago by ancient alicorns. Since I haven't seen a single soul from my past. I assume I've been gone for a long time" Stan began. As he spoke the first part of his long story. Rubbing his chin now, he tried to come up with the best way to explain things.
Twilight looked amazed by the words she just heard. Her eyes lit up with interest. Her friends were also in awe, but partly skeptical too. Luna looked somewhat perplex by the information spit out by Stanley.
"A human? And you were summoned by Alicorns? Go on...." Luna's tone seemed very skeptical, but she let him continue.
"I was told by the Alicorns it was a one way summoning. So for me or them, finding a way back to my world was out of the question. I came to live with the fact, and adapted best I could. I had recently just woke up in a stasis crystal very far from here. Inside it, I've been frozen in time, but for how long. I don't even know. All I do know is things have changed." His tone was firm, and loud as if he was giving a speech.
"Now I know this sounds nuts, but really, think. Would a being like be running around otherwise? I don't even know why I was put in that crystal in the first place. I was told it would help save the world one day....but thats clearly not the case. I think I might have been their test subject for an experiment. I did say 'I'd do anything for the realm.' " Stan said trying to make an idiot sounding voice when he spoke the last line.
Taking a few large breath Stan looked around him. Every pony seemed to be thinking, as they listened to his story.
"There is a lot more to my past, but I couldn't even begin to get into right now. So I'll just talk more about the present, and how I ended up sneaking into Twilight's Castle, and how the Stoudmare incident happened. When waking up from that crystal I had no idea on what to do. So I did what any other reasonable pony would do. I got dressed, put my armor on, and left. Soon after I teleported into a strange land with help of a return crystal."
"Was it a barren, grey wasteland filled with next to nothing?" Luna added, having a hunch on what he was talking about.
"Bingo." Stan replied.
Twilight finally spoke too interested to wait. "Did you get a sample of that crystal you were in?"
"No, I didn't think of taking a piece with me at the time." Stan replied. Twilight looked a bit sad, but kept her head up high.
"Anyways. I had to hike through that unforgiving land for nearly two weeks. I was ambushed by these strange bug like pony creatures on several occasions. They were vicious, going on about how they wanted to suck me dry, after taking me to this hive. I shiver in my boots just thinking about it." Stan contorting his face a bit to show disgust at even the idea how getting caught.
"Those....... are the changelings for you." Luna spoke, rolling her eyes.
"After my long trek, I made it to a small town, and took up residence for a bit before heading to Stroudmare. While at Stroudmare my first day went smooth. It wasn't until nighttime when, I was confronted at spear point. I was accused of being a changeling spy. It was at this point, my fight or flight response triggered, and well you all know the rest." Stan said letting out a tiny laugh.
"So after running from there, I hid out in the woods by Canterlot. I lived off the land, and gathered information on myself. when I saw a 500,000 bit bounty placed on my capture. I was shocked....Me a wanted criminal. I should have turned myself in, there and then. But I didn't. Now with nothing much left for me. I realized, everyone I once knew here was gone, My old world was gone. And at that moment, I felt, maybe I should be gone too." Stan finished looking down at the ground with disappointment on his face. Remembering he hit his lowest point that day.
"Sorry if this story is getting long. I'm almost about done. Now where was I, oh yes. With a plan I decided I would go and seek out Princess Twilight herself. If any pony would give me a chance to speak it'd be her. I needed for her to be alone, but after sneaking in......it went downhill" Stan finished looking at the elements giving a smile of guilt.
"I only knew so much about this era from a few books I picked up. I read a small portion of the current history which contained who ruled what and certain key individuals. It also had pictures to go with the names. That is how I knew about you Princess Luna, and the Elements. I also know you have a sister named Celestia who is the co-ruler of Equestria Empire. You both apparently can raise the sun and the moon as stated in the book. And pretty much my story up to this point. Believe me or not, I swear my life on what I just told you."
Stanley was siting in a crisscross position now. His story took around 10 minutes to tell. Mostly all the ponies were still conversing on what they just heard. The elements along with Luna, came to Stanley. Much closer then before. Their expresses seemed calm. Stan was just under their eye level when sitting down at he looked up at them.
"Why didn't you say all this before?!" Twilight said, putting a pouting face on.
"Because I wasn't thinking straight til' just after our fight. I make mistakes more often then I care to admit" Stan's voice was filled with honesty, specifically when regarding that last part.
"If you still want to take me into custody, so be it. I won't resist. It would only be fair."
"That won't be necessary, but you must come to Canterlot to explain this to my sister immediately." Luna said to Stanley, as she used her magic to pick up his helmet. Tracing it over with her eyes as she set it back down.
"The elements are in possession of your sword by the way." Luna spoke again, looking down as her eyes met Stanley's.
"Yeah, I sorta just gave up trying to get that back after I teleported out of there." Stan smiling now, almost ready to laugh at how stupid he acted.
Jesus Christ, Stanley you should have just done this from the start! Look.... things are already clearing up. Conflict, is pretty pointless if words can be used to reason. At least I can finally calm down and relax..it's been too long. Charisma really is useful after all.
Taking in a large breath of relief he soon got back up to his feet to face the Elements before him.
"Sorry if we got off to the wrong hoof, I didn't mean to spoil your girls night." Stan uttered with guilt.
Before Stan could get an answer a pair of hooves grasp his side in what appeared to be a hug.
"We forgive him right girls?" Spoke Pinkie Pie. Her voice was soft, cute even,but definitely higher pitched then most ponies.
The elements pretty much nodded in agreement, besides the one with the Rainbow mane who just turned her head in disgust. Noticing this, Stanley decided to patch things right away, with this sky blue pegasus. Unlike before when he let things go, He wanted to act fast. Gently returning the hug to Pinkie Pie, she soon let go, bouncing back to her friends. She looked like the bubbly one of this group.
"So Rainbow Dash, I know your still angry about the full nelson I gave you."
"Full what?" Rainbow Dash said stepping forward. Her large purple eyes peered through Stanley like he wasn't even there.
"A full nelson, the move I used to hold you. It was an effective move used to disable a fighter from moving. And before this continues. I'm sorry." Stan said. He knew this wouldn't be enough for this pegasus as she seemed like a bit of a hot head.
"Hmpf...whatever" Dash replied ready to turn around to leave.
"Listen, I'll give you a free shot at me, to call us even. I'm not wanting to take a hoof to my face, but I'll offer a body shot." Releasing the shield on his back, he grabbed it only to place it on the stone street. Moving his hands now, he undid the straps to his chest plate. Dropping it to the ground his bare chest could be seen. His shirt was long gone at this point. The armor was on his bearskin. At least he had his pants intact.
At least I still got my pants. I should probably try to get another outfit soon, before these pants fall into disrepair also.
His abdomen contained a six pack, along with two finely molded pecks on his chest. The elements ended up blushing not expecting what was before them. Most Stallions weren't too muscular, but could be if they pumped enough iron or trained like Stanley did.
Luna oddly took interest, as she heard the chest plate drop to the ground. Sneaking over for a peek, she was impressed with what she saw. Under her breath she uttered. "Not bad"
Without warning, a hoof to the gut was soon delivered to Stanley's midsection. It was a lot more powerful without his chest plate to protect him. The wind was knocked out of his lungs at this point. Grabbing his stomach in pain he began to huff for air.
"Dash! you hit him too hard!" Spoke Twilight, scolding her friend.
"What!? he offered!" Dash said defensively, crossing hooves as she fluttered up into the air with her wings.
"I....did...offer" Stan barely spoke as he tried to gasp for more air. The pain was much worse then he thought, she packed a wallop.
Note to self. Don't fight with Rainbow, without proper protection.
Ten minutes later.
With his armor back on Stanley was walking toward Twilight's castle now, with the elements and Luna leading the way. The large audience quickly scattered after his speech, as Luna and the elements had the situation under control. With a snap of his fingers he put out the light he generated, before proceeding to the castle.
"So Twilight, can I ask a favor." Stan said, looking over to alicorn right next to him.
"Sure." Twilight replied with a neutral tone.
"I was wondering if you could trace how old that sword is, or possible me. I just wanna know how long it's been." Stan's voice sounded a desperate. This was something that's been tearing him up since being re-awoken.
"You didn't even need to ask, I was going to run such a test, to verify your story." She said, giving him a menacing look.
I think she doubts my story. It did sound ridiculous after all. Ah, looks like were at the entrance now.
Before entering the castle Twilight's friends said goodbye as they departed to go their own ways. They didn't care enough to ask Stanley anymore questions as they all looked exhausted besides Pinkie. Even the little dragon was yawning as he sleepily snuggled up against Rarity's back, before jumping down. Inside the castle now, Luna and Twilight lead Stanley to the throne room. The throne room looked like your average fairy-tail rendition. With a large comfy throne, some fancy rugs, with various crystals placed on pillars. The crystals glowed a damp purple color, only to start shinning brightly as Twilight used her magic to amplify them.
"It will be just a few hours til' dawn now. I hope thee wasn't missed on thy throne too badly." Luna said referring to herself, looking toward Twilight with a giggle.
"So Luna. What will happen now? I assume your taking Stanley." Twilight said.
"Yes, I shall take him. He will need to rehearse the story to my Sister. After her judgement on the matter, we'll send you a follow up letter." Luna spoke, answering Twilight's question.
Stanley just kept his mouth shut, as he waited. It didn't matter to him where he went at this point, as long it's not back to the woods. In the next moment a guard came, holding the same black gem that summoned Luna early. Placing it on the ground. Stanley was Instructed to hold onto to Luna.Doing just that he slowly placed his hand on to her back.The fur was soft, but oddly smooth as he pressed lightly against it. She seemed not bothered at all by his touch.
Since I've been here, I noticed touching and getting close was a more common thing or at least in this era. Plus I need an answer this silly question. Whats up with the disproportionate mare to stallion ratio. I mean the stallions weren't rare to see, but certainly not too common. I feel over the years here, the mares have become the dominant ones, but that is just a wild guess. I'll have to find out more when exploring around the capital of Canterlot. If my memory serves me right The alicorns of old also seemed to have this issue, but they never talked about, or at least to me.
Using her magic on the black gem, Twilight said goodbye, as a bright light blasted into Stanley's eyes blinding him. Jerking his free hand forward, he covered the eye slits on his helmet. As he opened them again, there he was in a whole new place. This was the Canterlot throne room in all it's glory.
"I hope you aren't too tired, cause you won't be getting too much sleep, as my sister will summon you, the first second dawn hits." Luna said, with a slight snicker.
"You mustn't worry your highness, I shall survive" Stanley said, giving her a face, that he was just grateful for being here.
"Now, if you follow me, I'll show you a spare room that you can stay in." Luna said, as she already started walking toward the side door in the throne room. Stanley, booked it toward her to catch up. She seemed in a rush, for what ever reason.
What struck him as odd, were how the guards didn't even flinch when seeing some stranger next to Luna. They just sat there looking forward, holding their spears with indifferent faces. They all looked the same, dressed in a set of armor. With uniform black fur covering their bodies. Getting a better look at them now, as when he was a fugitive he only got glimpses. The throne room was massive. As to be expected. It contained highly decorated elements, with resemblance to one of those ancient Orthodox churches which were found in Russia. Its decor was more aligned with this worlds culture and flare although. With being immortal, it was probably a no brainier that Celestia would want something nice to look at while she sat upon the throne.
As Luna, lead him through each hallway and door, he got more and more lost. This place was down right confusing.
Sheesh...I hope I can even find my way back to the throne room. I'll manage. I never believe'd i'd see the day where I would have my audience with Celestia. I must have won the idiot savant lottery with the stunt I pulled tonight.
"And here we are." Luna replied, as she looked over to Stan. Her magic now opening the door so he could look in.
"Thank you, your highness." Stan replied, with a genuine smile on his face.
"A maid shall come for you, after you've been summoned." Luna said, as she turned away from him, walking briskly back the way she came. Stanley stepped inside, taking off various pieces of armor, as he flicked on the light switch.
She isn't a big talker, I see. Well her along with probably everyone else don't trust me. Not like I could blame them. I wouldn't be surprised if a set of guards are at my door right now. Or even two pegasi hovering by the window toward the wall. No matter, lets get some sleep. Its been too long since I felt a beds warmth.
Setting his his head down on top of the pillow, Stanley quickly drifted off to sleep. He was ready to meet any demands that Celestia wanted of him. Or the any verdict of she'd sentence him to.
Author's Note
I rewrote this story almost twice at this point. The first version was a pretty brutal fight with Luna beating the utter shit out of Stanley. He was then thrown into the Canterlot prison. It got a little too dark for my taste. I felt like shit when writing it. This rewritten version is Stanley taking a more reasonable approach.
I felt after all he's been through he'd try something like this. For that reason this chapter may seem more boring then most. I shall make sure to spice up the next one.
As always, I hope you enjoyed. Til next time.
[Spacing has Been fixed Edit Date -> 11/13/2018]
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