Chapters Protector of Harmony: Rewrite
Chapter 1: What Happened?[Unedited]
It was raining on a Sunday night when I was driving on the road to my college apartment. I tried to leave my house before the rain hit, but there was a family get together I didn’t want to miss, even though my first class began early in the morning. I was also moving the my luggage to my apartment, which included my bedding, groceries, self-defense weapons (don’t judge me), clothes, and school supplies. I was finishing his talk with his mom on my iPhone.
“Okay Mom, see you next week.” I said on my iPhone through the speaker, with my eyes constantly on the road. Since my parents live in the same City as my college, I alway come back home at least once a week for a visit. “Okay sweetie, call us when you get there.” Mom said, making sure I got to my apartment safe. “I will, love you.” I said and hung up my iPhone and continued driving down the road, while the radio went back to playing iHeartCountryRadio.
The weather picked up and lightning strikes increased. Suddenly, my chest started to hurt. It happens once in a while, the doctors said it was because I don’t have enough liquids between my left lung and chest cavity. I was only a few blocks away from my apartment, so I waited to drink some water .
The next thing I knew, lightning struck right in front of my car. It was so bright had to close his eyes from the light. When I opened my eyes, I realized I wasn't on the road any more, but was driving on a dirt path. I quickly slammed on the breaks and stop mere inches from a tree.
That’s when when my glasses slid off my face, but not because of the sudden stop. When I looked at my hands on the wheel, they were green and furry, even my entire body felt different. My feet felt completely different, like I had no toes. I quickly put the car in brake and turned the interior lights on and saw through the rear view window.
What I saw shook me to the core; my face was that of a horse. I had moderate green fur with my mane and eyes dark brown. I panicked and got out of the car, only to trip. Like any sane person, I yelled like a man. I didn’t know what to think, first I got hit by lightning, then turned into an human horse hybrid.
After a minute of getting having my panic attack, I looked around and saw nothing but a forest around, not only that, it stopped raining all of a sudden. I tried to stand up, but had trouble adjusting to my new hooves. It took about a minute to adjust and open the car. The radio that was playing country music was now only picking up static.
I picked up my phone to call my parents to let them know what happened. I clicked on the home button, unsurprisingly it didn’t recognize my finger print so I tapped my password. I tried to call my dad first, but it couldn’t connect. When I looked at the top left side of my phone, it said “no services.” I sighed and stowed my phone in his pocket. I found my glasses on the bottom of the driver seat and decided to stash that in my pocket as well.
I stepped out of the car with a flashlight my mom insisted I bring with me. Guess the saying mother is always right is true. I turned my head around to find the road, but couldn’t find it, like it was never there.
That’s when I notice the forest is a little brighter than it should be. I looked up and didn’t expect what I saw. Up in the sky was a full moon, when it should be a crescent, not only that, I could see that there are plenty of stars in the sky, something you can’t see in the city.
“I don’t believe this.” I said to himself. I couldn’t explain how I got here and why that lightning bolt didn’t fry me along with the devises electronics. My hands were brought up to my head as I groaned and sat down on my jeep’s bumper.
“This can’t be happening.” I said to myself. This was by far the…weirdest thing that has ever me.
I took another quick look around one last time until to figure out were to go. When I looked behind me, I spotted what looked like castle above the tree line in the distance being shown by the moon light. With nowhere else to go, I decided to head to the castle.
I went back into my jeep and drove away from the tree. I drove off to the castle slowly to avoid hitting something. It took roughly a minute to drive there. I shut off the radio after getting tired of listening to nothing but static.
As I got closer, I spotted a draw bridge and stopped the car. I got out and headed to the bridge. I looked down the crevasse and couldn’t see the bottom. For some reason, the area kinda reminded me of a show I liked, but it couldn’t’t be.
With no other way, I went back to the car to grab some gear. I figured it was best take my martial art weapons incase I run into trouble. I took my backpack and emptied my textbooks, laptop and folders. I filled it with my tonfas, a flashlight, health kit, and a bottle of water.
Wait, now that I think about it, my chest stopped hurting when I got here. I was panicking so much, I completely forgot about it. Maybe it was because of transformation. Speaking of which, I wonder if anything else was altered beside my physical body.
I took out my prescription glasses to see if my near sightedness changed at all. When I saw through one of the lenses, my vision was a little clearer than with out it. Guess I’m still nearsighted. Even so, with my face the way it is, there was noway I could fit my glasses on my face, and placed it back into my jeep.
Since it wasn’t raining, I left my raincoat in the car and put on my hoodie. I took out my unscrewed bow sticks and put them together. Lastly, I put a collapsable knife in my pocket.
I locked the car and made my way across the wooden bridge. Unfortunately for me, I had a problem with heights and quickly made my way across.
When I made it to the castle, my suspension of where I am was growing. The architecture of the castle looked extremely similar to My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. The castle was in ruins, and it looked as if it had been like that for a long time. I walked up the staircase and opened the door. Once I opened it, my suspicion was confirmed.
In front of me was a long room with doors on each side, and a staircase leading up in the back. What really shocked me were the tapestries in the back. One showed a humanoid white fur pony with wings on her back and a horn on her head with the sun over her. The other shows the same but with a dark purple fur pony and a moon instead of a sun.
Only one thing came to my head, I was in Equestria, or an anthro version of it at least. I can’t believe I was in a world of one of my favorite shows. I remember started watching the show when it came on TV one time and I ended up liking it and watched every episode.
‘I can’t believe this’ I thought. I sat down against a wall to think how this could have happened to me. Maybe I got into a accident on my way back to my apartment and this is just a dream. Thing was, everything just felt so real. If it is real, it may mean I will never be able to go home again.
That’s when it hit me, if I got turned into an anthro pony in Equestria, does that mean I have a cutie mark. I took my hoodie off and lifted my sleeve up. On my arm was a cutie mark. It was a grey shield with two wolves, one is white while the other is black circling each other like yin and yang.
I froze when I was it. It could’t be, it’s the same cutie mark for my original character, Aegis Spirit. I created my oc based on my personality. The shield of my cutie mark means I’m supportive and protective of other people and put their need ahead of myself. The two wolves of white and black represent the two different ways to protect others by either passive means or violent ones.
I got up from my spot and headed back to my car. I can’t remember the last time I was this depressed, sure I may have ended up in a world where it’s paradise compared to Earth, but I had family to get back to, ones I may never see again. Well on the bright side, at least I have a cutie mark.
When I reached my jeep, my first priority to decide what’s next. Even if I am in a anthro version world of My Little Pony, that doesn’t necessarily mean the events played out the same way as it did in the show. For all I know, the Elements of Harmony could have chosen six different ponies than the Mane 6. I also don’t know when I’m at Maybe I could go to Ponyville, at least to get some information about the state of Equestria before I do anything else.
Suddenly, my thoughts stopped when I heard screaming in the distance.
Protector of Harmony: Rewrite
Chapter 2: Hunted[Unedited]
I ran towards whoever needed help, along with my weapons. As the screaming grew closer, I recognized that it was from little girls, not only that, they sounded familiar. I had an idea who was screaming, but I needed to make sure it was them. The woods were dense, I had a hard time getting through. That didn’t stop me however, if I know someone is in need, I’ll be there to do whatever I can to help.
“Somepony help us!” I spotted who the voice belonged to, it was Apple Bloom. It wasn’t just her I saw, Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell were with her as well. Only difference was that they were anthro versions of the ponies I know them as.
Apple Bloom’s fur bright yellow, and red colored main and tail, with a large pink bowtie on head, and had amber eyes. She wore a red t-shirt with a pink skirt.
Scootaloo’s fur was orange, had a messy mane and tail that was purple, and a pair of small wings, and had purple eyes. She had on a black leather jacket with wings on her back, with skinny black jeans.
Sweetie Bell’s fur was white, with a horn on her head and had blue eyes. She wore a short sleeve blue shirt with a white skirt.
I also noticed the cutie marks on their arms. They were all a shield, but Apple Bloom has an apple, Sweetie Bell had a harp note, and Scootaloo has a lighting bold in them. Huh, At least they’re the same in the show, besides them being anthro.
What came after sent a chill down my spine. The things chasing after them were a pair of wooden wolves with glowing green eyes. These were timberwolves. I remember they’re a creature that is completely made up of dead woods.
I needed to ambush those wolves because taking them head on was reckless. I pulled over my hoodie over so they would have a hard time seeing me the dark. With my bow staff ready, I hid behind a bush, waiting for an opening.
The girls passed me and the wolves were almost in his range. When they were, I jumped out of the bush and thrust my staff to the nearest timberwolf and sent it crashing against the other. I didn’t think I was strong enough to send them flying, maybe it was because of the I was a earth pony.The timberwolves ended up landing against a bark of a tree.
I turned around, and the Crusaders stopped and saw me. “Don’t stop, head towards the castle down this path!” I told them, figuring it was the safest place to be. The Crusaders nodded and did as told.
One of the timberwolves got back up got and leaped at me. Unfortunately for them, I adapted to my new body. I swung my staff from the right and knocked the wolf to the side. The other got up and pounced on me. I readied my staff and blocked the wolf, but fell on my back. The wolf was now on top of me, trying bit his head off. The first wolf got back up and made its way to the me. I shifted my leg and pushed the wolf on top me over and onto the other wolf. After getting back up, I readied to finish this fight.
“AHHH!” I heard the Crusaders scream, they must be in trouble. While I was distracted, one of the timberwolves clawed me on the right side of my lower rib cage. The other timberwolf went for the kill. I raised the tip of my staff and plunged it in the wolf's mouth. With that, I raised the timberwolf kabab and threw it against the other timberwolf.
Upon impact, the timberwolves broke into pieces and dissolve into dark green smoke. I quickly made my way to the Crusaders, though I can feel myself bleeding. Even so, I wasn’t one who would use pain as an excuse.
When I got there, the Crusaders were on top of my jeep near the bridge with another timberwolf trying to jump on it. “Hey, you want to harm them, you have to deal with me first!” I yelled, getting the timberwolf’s attention.
The Crusaders looked at me, and saw that I was bleeding through my cloths, unfortunately, the timberwolf also noticed as well. It focused on it’s new prey while the Crusaders chose to remain on the car scared. I had a plan for this timberwolf, something I learned from playing For Honor. I slowly walked over the edge of the cliff, waiting for the timberwolf to attack.
When the timberwolf was a few feet away away, it leaped at me. I raised my staff and braced for it. When the timber wolf jumped up, I lifted it up with the staff, putting my right back leg to support. I pushed the left side of my body up and the timberwolf tumbled off the cliff, plummeting to the bottom.
I felt the stinging pain on my rib increase. I had mentally suppressed it since I first got hit. I limped on the staff for support, placing my left hand on the wound. When I let go, I saw some blood on my hand.
“Mister, are ya alright?” Said a young texan accent. I turned and saw that Apple Bloom and the girls got down from my Jeep and walked over to me with concerned look on there faces. I was relieved they were safe.
“I’ll be fine, just need to get the first AID kit from my car” I said, I pulled out the first AID kit and was about to bandage myself up. That was until we heard something from the forest.
“Grrrr.” All of us heard a growl from the forest. “Wha...what was that?” Sweetie Bell asked, absolutely petrified. I put the first Aid in back into my backpack and readied my staff. The girls got behind me, waiting for what ever came out.
The trees started to shift and we heard steps coming towards us. Whatever was coming, it was big. “Girls get to the other side of the bridge.” I told them, knowing it would be safer on the other side.
“Okay.” said Apple Bloom. The Crusaders did as told, and made their way across the bridge. I stayed at the bridge entrance, he needed to know what I’m up against. What came out was a timberwolf, but this wasn’t like the other I fought. This was almost twice the size of the others, and looked way older than them.
(I do not own the image)
“What is that?” I asked out loud. I don’t remember this thing in the show.
“ALPHA TIMBERWOLF!” Yelled the Crusaders. The alpha made a howl that can be heard through out the Everfree Forest.
“Oh crud.” I mumbled to himself.
The Alpha sprinted sprinted forward. I turned around and headed towards the other side. I knew fighting that thing will be a one way fight. I reached the end of the bridge and turned around to see it stopped. Figures the bridge couldn’t handle the Alpha’s weight, but I was surprised it to realize that. I thought it was just another animal. Obviously I was wrong.
“Ha, what’s wrong sticks, afraid of bridges.” Taunted Scootaloo, seeing that we were safe. The Alpha growled and turned back toward the forest.
“I’m glad we’re safe.” Said Sweetie Bell, feeling relieved. I on the other hand, kept my guard up. That predator gave up way too easily.
“Thank you again for the rescue, um…” Said Apple Bloom, looking up at me. I took my eyes off the woods and looked at the the Crusaders.
Should tell them my human name, or my oc name. If I tell them my human name, they may be start asking questions and think I’m crazy or something. “My name is Aegis, Aegis Spirit.” I told them. I can tell them the truth later, at least until we get out of the forest.
“Nice to meet you Aegis, and where did you fight like that?” Asked Scootaloo.
I was about to answer, but stopped when my instinct told me something bad was going to happen. Last time this happened and people ignored me, I got stuck in a blizzard. I turned around and noticed the trees were shifting again, only faster than than before.
“Don’t tell me.” I mumbled to myself, fearing of what’s about to happen.
“What’s wrong.” Apple Bloom said, noticing my concern.
“Get to the castle.” said I, still watching the forest.
“Huh.” The Crusaders responded, not knowing what I meant. I turned to the Crusaders,
“Run to the castle NOW!” I yelled and we ran.
Just when I said that, the Alpha came out of the forest, sprinting full on. When it reached the edge, it leaped through air. It jumped about ten feet in the air, and barely reached the other side. The Alpha spotted us running to the castle gates and the it gave chase.
We were halfway to the castle entrance, but I knew the Alpha would get us before we make it. Making a decision, I stopped and readied for the fight of my life. I didn’t care if I was wounded, I just needs to hold the Alpha off long enough for the Crusaders to find safety.
The Alpha leaped at me, but I was ready for it. I dodged to the right, while thrusting the staff into the Alpha’s eye. The Alpha roared and backed up a little when it landed. I got back into a fighting stance, ready for the next attack.
The Crusaders made it to the castle entrance and turned around. They noticed that I stopped to face the Alpha Timberwolf. “Are ya crazy, get over here.” Yelled Apple Bloom.
“I can’t, the moment I try to run, it’ll tear us to bits. Just find someplace it can’t get to you.” I told them, knowing he may not get out of this fight alive.
The Alpha growled and turned towards it’s prey. I instantly noticed the eye I stabbed started putting itself together. That’s when I remembered that timberwolves can but themselves back together unless they’re dealt too much damage. The problem here is that I don’t think I have the force to break one almost two third the size of my car.
“But...” Said Sweetie Bell, who looked like she was about to cry, along with the others.
The Alpha made another attempt to snap at me, but I plunged to the right, barely dodging the attack. I rolled over and looked at the Crusaders, “GO!” I yelled, telling them that it was my final decision.
The Crusaders hesitated at first, but went inside the castle. I refocused my attention on the Alpha. The beast raised it’s left palm, bringing it down on me. I dodge to right, while striking the side of it. Unfortunately, it didn’t do enough damage as I would have liked, only cracked the Alpha's wood.
The Alpha sped to the right and raised it’s right paw to strike me. I raised my spear horizontally to block it, but I was sent flying across court yard. My back landed against a broken off wall. Luckily I still had my backpack on to soften the blow.
I went on my knees from the landing. Unfortunately, I dropped my staff when he hit the boulder, and the Alpha took advantage of it. I looked up and saw the Alpha making a jump at me. I quickly got on my feet and rolled underneath the Alpha. The Alpha’s head met the boulder head on, and was stunned.
I got back up and drew out his tonfas from my backpack. I held them like a hammer. I figured could do more damage hitting the Alpha with a hammer.
The Alpha turned around and attacked me with it’s jaws. I barley dodged to the right, and brought my tonfa down on it’s side. Thanks to the force of it, I managed to break a good chunk of wood off the Alpha, but I knew it would only be a matter of time before it’s put back together.
The Alpha however, was not phased by this, and quickly swung it’s right paw at me. I brought up my tonfas up to block the attack. What I didn’t expect was the Alpha swiftly jump to the left, during the attack.
I tried to dodge it, but the Alpha struck my left arm. I looked at my arm and noticed blood dripping out of it. The Alpha stepped back a little with some of the wood floating towards it. The fight was getting worse, I starting to tire out and the Alpha was getting smarter.
I took this moment to glance towards the castle. “Sorry girls, I won’t be able to delay it much longer.” I Said, knowing I wasn’t go last the night. He next glanced at the night sky, thinking of my family, “Everyone, I’m sorry.” I moaned, wondering the pain my family must be going through without me in their lives.
The Alpha finished repairing itself and snarled at me. He looked over at the beast, ready to fight. I held both my tonfas in my left hand, while reaching for his phone to pick out a song, because I figured, ‘If I’m going to die, might as well as listen to some music.’ “If you think I’ll go down easy, think again.” I told it, while tapping on one of my favorite song for the fight. I was at least going to make the Alpha work for it’s meal.
Music - The Last Fight by Bullet For My Valentine
The Alpha and I charged each other. The Alpha swiped it’s paw at my legs. I jumped over it, and hammered the Alpha in the nose. It attempted to bite me, but I countered it with pounding it in it’s lower jaw. It then attempted to bodyslam me, but I rolled on my back to avoid the attack. I got back up, and charged it again.
The Alpha made another attempt to snap at me. I quickly moved to the left, striking the Alpha’s head, but the Alpha managed to scrape the left side of my stomach. It didn’t stop me, I still had some fight left. I slid beside it, striking the Alphas’s frontal joint leg and breaking it off. I tried continuing the attack, but the Alpha swung it’s tail to my face. I ducked under it at the last second, but the Alpha kicked me in the face with it’s back paw. He was sent to a couple inch in the air, tumbling on the ground, and losing my tonfas landed away from him. I yelled in pain, feeling the gash on my face, and it hurt like hell.
The song ended, and the wolf started repairing itself again. I looked back up, but the blood from my wound covered my left eye. I tried to stand back up, but my muscles wouldn’t listen to me. The Alpha finished repairing itself again, and made it’s way to claim it’s meal. I took out my knife for one last act of defiance.
“AEGIS!” yelled a tomboyish voice. The Alpha and I looked over to the castle entrance, seeing Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.
I was beyond shocked, I just risked myself to make sure they were safe. ‘Why did they come back’ I thought, trying to think of a reason. I also noticed Sweetie Bell wasn’t among them.
All the Alpha saw was more prey. The Alpha looked at me once more, but decided to chase the girls before they could get away again.
“AHH!” Screamed the girls, running back inside.
“NO!” I yelled, hoping against hope I could stop the beast before it reaches the girls. Instinctively, I reached out with my right hand, praying I could stop it from hurting the girls.
What happened next was something I wasn’t expect. A aura of green light formed around my arm and created a dark emerald green gauntlet. It looked like it had a After that, a blast of air bursted out of my palm like a cannon, heading straight towards the Alpha at the entrance. The Alpha noticed it, but couldn’t do anything in time. When the blast hit, the Alpha was sent flying in two large pieces, tumbling across the castle yawn.
The glove glowed and faded into the air. I looked at my hand, seeing that it was back to normal. “What was that.” I said to himself, having no idea what happened. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo came out, and saw what was left of the Alpha Timberwolf.
“Wow.” Said Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. They turned seeing me on the ground, and ran over by his side.
“Are you okay Aegis, and how did you do that?” Asked Apple Bloom.
“Yeah, whatever you did, it was awesome!” Exclaimed Scootaloo.
I looked at the Crusaders without an answer. “I honestly don’t know, I’ve never done that before. Anyway, where’s your friend?” I said, carefully making sure I didn’t mention that I know of them when they haven’t introduced themselves.
“Sweetie Bell? She’s inside waiting for us.” Answered Apple Bloom. I was going to ask them why they came back, even though I probably wouldn’t like the answer. but my instinct started warning my again. I looked at the Alpha Timberwolf’s remain’s, and didn’t like what I saw.
It started putting itself back together again. The girls also notice it and gasped. “We need to get back inside, we have a plan.” Said AppleBloom pointing at the door.
"A plan?” I asked, wondering what it was.
“Yeah, it’s why we came back to get you.” Said Scootaloo.
“Okay lets go.” I said, even though I wasn’t happy they risked their lives for me, but I couldn’t blame them, since I would have done the same.
The Alpha Timberwolf was bringing it’s pieces together slowly, but would just be a matter of time before it attacks again. I was thinking I should try to finish it off, but I was too injured try. So I figure I would see what the Crusaders had in mind.
We went inside the ruined castle and took a passageway, but I was having some difficulty walking. I was covering my eye wound with my left hand, while my other hand covered my stomach.
“How far to Sweetie Bell?” I asked weakly, because of my blood lost.
“We’re almost there.” Said Scootaloo, but I could see she and Apple Bloom were worried, seeing to blood slowly drip from my body.
We turned a corner and saw Sweetie Bell waiting for us down the hall. “There you guy’s are, I was worried about…OH MY GOSH ARE YOU OK!” She asked, looking at my injuries. I could feel the pain I have from my wounds.
“For now, but what’s this plan you all have?” I asked, not sure what could be used to stop that beast.
“There’s a trap door underneath you and the trigger is right next to me. We can trap the Alpha Timberwolf with it. We found it by accident, luckily Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were in front of me when I stepped on it. I also heard it from my sister when she and Fluttershy fell in it one time.” Sweetie Bell explained.
I was impress, I forgot that the old castle had trap doors, but then I recalled that Rarity and Fluttershy got out when Fluttershy pulled a handle through a hole. “If you heard it from your sister, how did she get out. If so, wouldn’t the Timberwolf get out the same way.” I asked, pretending ignorance.
“Don’t worry, my sister told me that there was a hole you put your hand through on one of the walls. It’s about the size of your arm, so I think the Alpha Timberwolf is too big to put it’s paw through.” She responded.
I look down at the trigger panel, this was probably the best plan they have at the moment, even if it’s the only plan we have. “Yup, now all we have to do is lure it towards us.” Said Apple Bloom, trying to think of a way.
I already came up of a way for it to follow us. “I already know of a way. It’s a predator, it’ll follow the trail of blood I left behind.” I said, but noticed the Crusaders frowned. Not because of the beast, but of how much blood I lost.
Just as I said that, a growl came from the end of the hallway. We turned around and saw that the Alpha caught to us sooner than expected. “Girls, slowly back away, I’ll trigger the trap.” I said, making sure the Alpha doesn’t get close to them. The girls nodded and stepped back.
I walked over towards the trigger, setting my right foot next to it and readied my knife, making it think I was going to fight it. The Alpha sprinted towards us at high speed. I had to time it just right, too soon and it’ll stop, too late and I’m dog food. When the Alpha reached the trap floor, I stepped on the trigger. The floor underneath the Alpha, and it fell in.
I was about to release the trigger, but the Alpha’s head quickly came out of the opening, grabbing my jeans and pulling me. I landed on my back, dropping my knife and was dragged in. The trap floor closed behind me and I ended up on the Alpha’s back.
“Aegis!” Yelled the Crusaders.
It became a rodeo in the trap room. The Alpha was trying to get me off it’s back by jumping and slamming me against the ceiling. I held on for dear life, even though I could feel my wounds widening.
Right before my back hit the ceiling again, the trap floor opened up again, and I let go. I crashed on the floor barley conscious. The Alpha didn’t realize the trap floor opened again, and before it try to jump out, the floor closed again.
“We did it. We trapped the Alpha.” Scootaloo exclaimed in triumph.
“Yeah now we just have to...” Sweetie Bell was about to finish when she noticed me lying on the floor.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders ran by my side to to if I was alright. They could tell he was still breathing, but was loosing a lot of blood. “What do we do?” Asked Scootaloo, worried about my injuries. I tried to talk, but I could barely stay awake.
They thought for a moment until Apple Bloom remembered something.“The first AID in his back pack.” She said. The unzipped his backpack and brought out the first AID. I heard what they were saying, but my mind started fading to black.
Third Person
Meanwhile in a dark cave. “Is everything ready ready” Asked a shadowy figure with a demonic voice.
“Yes master, everything is prepared for our attack.” Answered a huge, single eye goat in black armor.
The dark figure grew a sinister smile, “Good, but remember, if you fail I will not hesitate putting you back in the grave I found you in.”
The goat gulped and nodded. “Of course master, the corrupted diamond dogs, corrupted minotaur and I will head out momentarily.” The figure turned it’s red gaze on his diamond dogs.
“Make sure that you do while I go pay a visit to an…old acquaintance.” The ram left to join his minions. He started fading into nothingness, but stopped when he sensed a faint wave of magical power. “Strange, what was that power, it felt familiar. Hm, it doesn’t matter.” The shadow began to fade. “This time, that knight will know true despair for what’s he done all those years ago.”
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Protector of Harmony: Rewrite
Chapter 3: The calm before the Storm[Unedited]
“Uh.” I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. I was in the entrance room of the castle and saw that it was morning. I lifted my head, but noticed my face was mostly covered in bandages, which also covered my left eye. I tried getting up, but I felt a stinging sensation coming from my wounds. I looked at my wounds on me, and they have been patched up in bandages, and someone also removed my golf shirt and hoodie.
“Girls, he’s awake.” A voice said in a cowboy accent.
I looked toward the source of the voice and saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders getting off the ground. “I’m so glad your up Aegis, how are you feeling?” Asked Apple Bloom. I was relieved they were safe.
“Aright I guess. Did you all help me?” I asked, gesturing to my bandaged wounds.
Scootaloo spoke up. “You can think Apple Bloom for that.” She said looking at her friend.
“Yup, ever since ma brother hurt himself in the farm one time, I learned a bit about treating wounds from a Zecora. Anyway, we didn’t properly tell you our names.” Said Apple Bloom.
Even if I never watched the show, I picked on their names during their earlier conversations. “I’m Apple Bloom.” Said the anthro Earth pony.
“I’m Sweetie Bell.” Said the anthro Unicorn.
“And I’m Scootaloo.” Said the anthro pegasus.
“And together, we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” They yelled in union. A smile grew on my face, I was glad they were in a good mood, despite last night. Though my ears hurt from the shout
“Well it’s nice to meet you girls and thank you all, but I have to ask. what were you doing in the forest last night?” I asked in a serious tone. No one should be in the forest by choice.
“We were heading back home from Zecora’s home at dusk after helping her find some herbs, but we ran into timberwolves and were chased deeper into the forest.” Said Apple Bloom.
I could only imagine how worried their family must be feeling, just like mine. “Well, I’m glad I was nearby, but are timberwolfs common where you were in the forest.” he asked.
Apple Bloom spoke up, “Not really, they normally reside deeper in the Everfree Forest. It’s strange they were this far out?”
I got up from the ground, but my the wounds extremely stung. “Huh…let’s go to my car, it’ll be faster getting you girls home.” I offered, know it’s the best way to get through the Everfree Forest.
Scootaloo asked, “That go cart looking thing by the bridge?”
I just nodded in response, “Trust me, it’s the safest way to get through the forest. By the way, where’s my shirt and jacket?” I asked, seeing as they were missing. Surprisingly, I was also well built with a decent six pack. I only slightly had this much muscle in my old body.
Sweetie Bell brought my golf shirt and jacket to me with her magic, though they have seen better days. “Thanks Sweetie Bell.” I said putting on my blood stained shirt and hoodie.
I finished putting on what was left of his shirt and jacket and answered. “Now, how about we get you ponies back to your home.”
“Yeah! Wait, what were you doing in the forest in the first place?” Scootaloo asked. I thought for a moment. What exactly am I’m going to tell them, maybe I’ll only tell them half of the truth, for now at least. He turned towards the entrance.
“That’s a complicated story, how about I tell you on the way back to your home.” I told them. This way, it will give me time to think up a background.
I picked up my backpack, making sure the first aid kit and knife were already in there. Luckily, the Crusaders already put them back in.
We made their way outside, and I could see that the sun was barely up. I looked around to for the weapons I dropped last night. I spotted them laying down on the castle yard.
“Sorry for asking this, but do you all think you can help my get my belongings.” I asked. I normally would have done it myself, but I didn’t want to risk opening the wounds.
“Sure thing Aegis.” Replied Scootaloo with a smile.
The Crusaders spread out to get my weapons. Apple Bloom got my staff, while Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell got my tonfas. “Thanks girls.” I said, grateful for the Crusaders help.
“Of course it’s the least we can do.” Sweetie Bell said as they gave me my weapons. I put my tonfas in my backpack and carried my staff. After that, we headed towards the bridge.
After crossing the bridge, I reached in my pocket for the key, and unlocked the car. The Crusaders were surprise the jeep suddenly beeped.
“Grrr.” Everyone stopped after hearing that, but the sound didn’t come from the forest. I turned around and saw the girls holding their stomach.
“I’m guessing nopony ate breakfast did they.” I said. The girls laughed a little, while blushing.
“Don’t worry, I have some food you girls may like. First though, I have to make some room for you all.” I said, opening the back door of my jeep. I pushed in his backpack to make room for the girls. I began unscrewing my staff so it can fit in my jeep. The girls were surprise my staff can be unscrewed.
When I place it in the jeep, I looked toward the creepy forest, to check if anything was moving. Seeing that there were no movement, I closed the back end of my jeep. I made my way to the left side of my car and opened up the second back door. Leaning in, I reached for my box of pop tarts. I came out of the car with four bags of pop tarts, one for me, and the others for the Crusaders.
I turned to them, handing them over my favorite snake.
“What are those?” Asked Apple Bloom, looking at the wrapped food.
“These are Pop Tarts. They are a breakfast food from where I come from.” I answered.
I opened the packages and handed them to the Crusaders. The girls weren’t sure about the food though, they’ve never seen it before. Scootaloo was the one who took the first bite, and her eyes lit up, along with her smile.
“Oh my gosh, this is so good. It taste like strawberry with sugar.” She said. The other looked at each other and at started eating the Pop Tarts. Like Scootaloo, their faces went up and chowed down. Ismile and began eating mine.
We finished their breakfast and I asked for their wrappers. The forest maybe dangerous, but that didn’t mean I was going to let it get littered.
“Thank you so much Aegis.” Said Apple Bloom.
“Yeah, I can’t believe we don’t have it.” Said Scootaloo.
“Well, I’m glad that you girls like it. Now, we better get going.” I said, walking over to the right side of the car. I opened the front passenger door and gestured the girls to get in. “Do you all think you could fit on the seat? Sorry, I don’t have room in the back.” I told them, not sure if they could.
“I think so.” Answered Sweetie Bell. The Crusader made their way to the car and Apple Bloom was the first to climb in, then Scootaloo. Sweetie bell was next, she sat on top on Apple Bloom’s and Scootaloo’s lap.
“You good?” I asked, making sure the were comfortable.
“Yup.” They replied.
I gentle closed the door. Looking around one more time, I could hear animals in the distant and walked to the driver’s side and opened the door. I got in and started the engine. The Crusaders were curious about the engine sound they were hearing.
“What’s that sound?” Scootaloo asked with surprise.
I turned to them. “That’s the sound of the engine turned on. It’s what power’s the car.” I answered putting the car in reverse. After the car was straight in front of the path, I put it in drive. I started driving in probably most dangerous forest in two worlds.
“So, any questions.” I asked, figuring this will be a long drive.
Applebloom was the first to ask. “What were you doing in the Everfree Forest last night?”I thought how I should answer them.
“I’m not sure, one moment I was driving to my apartment last night and lightning hit my car. Next thing I know, I was in the middle of the forest. Not only that it changed me.” I told them, figuring the fact that I used to be human would be found out sooner than later.
“What do ya mean?” Applebloom asked. I sighed and reached for my phone. I slowed the jeep down and pulled up an image of me and my family. “This is what I look like before I came here.” I said showing them the picture of me, my sister, and parents. The girls were surprise at what they saw.
“Wait, so your saying your an alien?” Scootaloo asked doubtfully. I sighed at her response.
“I know it’s strange, but it’s the truth. Why else haven’t you seen or heard of my technology?” I replied, still keeping my eyes on the road. Hopefully I could convince them of the truth so they don't think I'm crazy.
I wasn’t surprised, even I would have hard time believing someone is an alien if they look like an inhabitant. The Crusaders pondered for a moment until Apple Bloom looked at me and smiled. “I believe ya. A lot of what you say makes sense. Ya also saved us, so there’s no reason not to trust ya.” She said. The others nodded, accepting I was telling the truth.
I could only smile. “Thank you Apple Bloom, that means a lot.” I said while looking down the road until Scootaloo asked me something else. “Hey Aegis, we’ve been wondering, since you were a alien, did you all get cutie marks like ponies.” I glanced slightly at them, but still kept my eyes on the path.
“A cutie mark? Do you mean the symbols on my arms?” I asked, playing ignorant.
“hm hm, it shows a pony's special talent when they discover it.” Answered Sweetie Bell. “No girls, my kind don’t have cutie marks. I only got my cutie mark when I was transformed.” I answered them.
“So what does your cutie mark look like?” Asked Sweetie Bell. I slid of my hoodie and lifted my sleeve, showing them my cutie mark. “That’s so cool, does that mean your special talent is being a guard?” Asked Scootaloo.
I chuckled at her response. “I think so, though I actually designing games for a living.” I told them, neglecting to tell them that I actually designs video games.
“Really? Why aren’t you a guard or something?” Scootaloo asked again.
“I guess it’s because I didn’t want my family to constantly worry about me.” I told them, even though my family is probably more worried about me than they ever had. I wonder what would have happen if I had joined the military against my parents wishes.
“So what’s your family like Aegis?” Asked Applebloom. I thought for a moment about my family.
“Well, my Dad is a lawyer for a metal manufacturing company. He works hard and is always there when I needed him. My Mom is a contract manager for another company. Like my dad, she works to make sure my sister and I have a good life. My little sister, is a sweet hear who is currently studying financing in college, and she also practice ballerina dancer. ‘sigh’ I wonder what they’re doing since I left.” I said frowning, just talking about them makes me miss them more.
Apple Bloom noticed this and frowned. “Don’t worry Aegis, maybe Twilight can help ya get back home. She’s amazing at magic.” She said. Even though I know Twilight is great at magic, I doubt that she can just open up a portal back to my world.
We could see light up ahead of them and were almost out of the forest. When they did, I saw grass plains and hill. At least we were out of the forest. That was when Scootaloo asked one more question. “So what about your friends Aegis?”
I paused at her question, I haven’t spoken to my old friends since high school. I also didn’t any attempt to stay in contact with them for a personal reason.
“I’m not sure, I haven’t spoken to them for years. We went our separate ways after high school.” I told them.
“Why not, don’t you at least write letters to them?” Asked Apple Bloom. I didn’t want to tell why I haven’t contacted my friends and simply mumbled.
“Because I don’t think I deserve friends.”
I know I shouldn’t have said that, but I can’t help but feel that it’s true. I glanced over and the Crusaders had the look of shock on there faces. Apple Bloom narrowed her eyes and spoke up.
“Now that’s a bunch of hogwash. Everypony needs friends. Why would ya say that?” She demanded. I didn’t want to tell them about his problem, that was when I saw something disturbing.
“Is that smoke?” I asked.
Scootaloo appeared annoyed and said. “Don’t try and change the subject.” She said.
The Crusaders followed what he was pointing at and gasp.
Large smoke clouds were coming up from only one location. “Ponyville’s in that direction!” Said Sweetie Bell in shock.
“Hold on.” I told them and hit the petal and they drove off to the town. I didn’t know why there was that amount of smoke in Ponyville, but I had an idea it meant trouble.
We passed by Fluttershy’s cottage and was approaching Sweet Apple Acres. When we reached the gate to the farm. I stopped the jeep and turned to the Crusaders.
“You’ll better get off here, it’s going to be bad if you all are caught in danger.” I told them.
“No way, some of our friends maybe there.” Apple Bloom argued.
I got out of the driver seat and ran to the other side of my jeep. I was not about to bring kids into any danger. “Sorry, but I’m not taking no for an answer.” I told them as I grabbed them and brought them out of the jeep.
They tried to get loose, but one of the benefits of being an earth pony is their superior strength.
“Let go, we can help.” Said Scootaloo still struggling.
“Sorry but I don’t want to know what’ll happen if your families found I put you all in danger.” I told them as I put them down behind the gate and ran back to the jeep. I didn’t want those girls trying to get themselves into trouble, even though according to the show, they go looking for it. I put the car into drive and headed to Ponyville.
Protector of Harmony: Rewrite
Chapter 4: Raid on Ponyville[Unedited]
As I was getting near to Ponyville, I wondered what could possible be going on. Arriving in the town, I didn’t believe what I saw.
The diamond dogs were attacking Ponyville, but something was different about them. Their skins are black and have some sort of black fog coming out of them. Not only that, they each had on a obsidian like crystal around their collars. They were armed with slingshots, spears, and clubs.
I then noticed a blue unicorn mare get hit by a dark sphere and black crystals started forming, covering him completely. I remembers those crystals from the MLP Movie, it doesn’t kill a person, but keeps them cocooned.
I got out of the car with my tonfas and engaged the nearest diamond dog. The mutt I attack carried a spear with a sphere crystal tip, most likely the one that traps people in crystals. The diamond dog pointed his spear at me, ready to turn me to crystal. I on the other hand, deflected the attack with one my of my tonfas, while striking the dog in the face with the other. The shadowy dog flinched shook it’s head and ran towards punch me. I raised my left arm and blocked it, while throwing a strike at the dog’s jaw. Right before my tonfa made contact, a green aura glowed around my arm and into my tonfa. When the dog hit the ground unconscious, a shadowy black orb came out of his chest and vaporized.
“What was that?” I asked myself, looking at my hand which returned to normal.
“AHH.” I turned around and saw a familiar mare with moderate cerise being chased by one of the diamond dogs. I believe that was the anthro version of Cheerilee. Cheerilee tripped and fell to the ground. The Diamond Dog reached out it’s hand to grab her. I sprinted over and struck the dog in his jaw. Like before, that light green aura grew around my tonfa before impact. The dog fell and once again, a black orb came out of his chest and vaporized. I don’t know what this aura is, but it was helping me take down the diamond dogs.
I turned to Cheerilee and extended my hand.
“Are you all right?” I asked with a concerned face. Cheerilee hesitated at first, but grasped my hand after looking at the unconscious dog.
“Yes, thank you.” She told me as I helped her up.
“Can you get to safety.” I asked.
“Of course, but what are you going to do?” She she asked.
I removed the bandage covering my face, showing a claw like scab wound around my face. “I’m going to have a word to those mutts.”
On the other side of Ponyville, at the train station. The Ram was speaking to a shadowy minotaur “Iron Will made sure all the ponies on the train are rounded up Lord Arimaspi, along with some of the other pony nearby .”
Said Iron Will in a wicked smiling. “Good, my master will be pleased we have the element bearers and slaves.” Said Arimaspi.
“Creek.” Arimaspi heard a creek under the floor board. He was about to investigate it, but one of the Diamonds Dog came running to the two.
“Boss, we have trouble. Some pony it beating up our guys with some green power around his arms .” Arimaspi stopped when the Diamond Dog said that.
“A green power? Hm..I don’t have time for this.” The goat mumbled. He turned to Iron Will and had an idea.
“Iron Will, take care of this while I take the prisoners back.” The minotaur nodded.
"Iron Will and some dogs will handle this creature. ” He said and signaled some of the Diamond Dogs to follow.
When Iron Will and, Arimaspi was deep in thought with what the diamond dog told him. “If that green power is what I think it is, I’ll need to report this to master.” Said Arimaspi, walking away from Ponyville with the Diamond Dogs and prisoners. Little did he know, they missed a pony.
“Nineteen.” I said, keeping track of the diamond dogs I’ve been taking down diamond dogs in the middle of Ponyville. I’ve been fighting them hard for a short while and I was surprised I wasn’t tired yet. Probably a earth pony thing. Another thing that made this easier was that their fighting skills were sloppy. I easily countered they’re attacks and moved around the plaza to keep myself from being surrounded.
“There he is .” Said a Diamond dog. I turned to the source of the sound to see four diamond dogs and a shadowy minotaur in a white business suit. I recognized him as Iron Will, though it looked like he’s seen better days. The minotaur was at least a three heads taller than me and also has more muscle covered in a black fog.
I noticed two diamond dogs were carrying clubs, and one of them has a petrification spear, and the other had a slingshot.. “So your the the one who’s been causing trouble for my client. Well, Iron Will doesn’t like trouble .” Iron Will Said in an ominous voice.
“If you don’t like trouble, then you shouldn’t come looking for it.” I retorted, reaching for my phone and got a song ready. I’ve noticed from my fight from the Alpha Timberwolf that I fight better with music playing.
“Grr, get him !” Ordered Iron Will. The diamond dogs charged and me prepared for a fight.
Music- In this legacy by Monte Are I
The first diamond dog tried to smash my head with it’s club, but the I ducked and round house kick the diamond dog’s rib caged. In my early fight, When I side kicked a diamond dog, the green aura covered my leg as well.
The same thing happened when my leg connected. The dog held it’s side and I struck him in the chest with my tonfa. The strike sent the dog on his back and I refocused my attention on the others. The second diamond dog leaped at me with the spear, but I lowered myself under him while he was in the air and upper cut the dog in his stomach.
The diamond tumbled and became unconscious from the impact. The third diamond dog swung his club at a vertical angle over my head. I side stepped to the left and spun my tonfa to hit the diamond dog in the head.
The fourth one however aimed the sling shot at me and fired. The orb headed straight towards me fast, I didn’t have time dodge and I raised my right tonfa to block it. When it hit, obsidian crystals started to form around my arm and tonfa; it was spreading. I was worried that this was the end, feeling my arm go num. Iron Will and the diamond dog smiled at their victory.
Suddenly, the green aura leaking out of the crystal around my arm, causing it to crack. After a few seconds, the crystal shattered, and my arm and tonfa returned to normal. I moved my arm around to see that it was completely fine, at this point nothing surprises me, well maybe except Pinkie Pie or Discord.
I looked at the diamond dog and Iron Will mouth opened in shock. I took this chance to rush the diamond dog. The dog snapped out of it and shot another orb at me. I saw it coming and threw one of my tonfa’s at it to intercept, it got covered in stone.
I managed got close enough the thrust my arms to and struck the dog’s jaw. The diamond dog fell on his back unconscious.
I turned around when I heard the sound of rumbling. It was Iron Will charging at me. I plunged to the left to dodge Iron Will’s horns. I got back up to see Iron Will swinging his arm to the side. I raised my arms up at the last second and braced for it, but was sent flying across the street. I dropped my last tonfa and ended up landing on a table at a restaurant.
I set myself up and looked around, feeling the impact on my back. I noticed a stallion in a suit hiding under one of the tables. I assumed he was the waiter. I also noticed the red table tops and had an idea.
“Mind if I borrow this?” I asked, holding onto the red table top.
The waiter shook his head no.
I grabbed the top and made my way to a nearby building. Iron Will got on all fours, ready to charge again. I stopped at a wall and unfold the red table top in front of him.
I prepared myself like bull fighter against Iron Will. The corrupted minotaur charged at me at full speed. I waited to the last second, then threw the table top in Iron Will’s face and plunged to the right.
Blinded, Iron Will kept charging and broke through the brick wall, followed by multiple sounds of glass breaking. “Ouch, that got to hurt.” I said, as I looking at the hole.
Iron Will got out holding on to his injured head. I took this chance and closed the distance. Like before on the last diamond dog, I performed a hanuman, bringing both my green aura fist under Iron Will’s jaws. Some black orbs started to come off, there was black fog coming out of the minotaur. I followed up with a right flying knee strike on the minotaur’s jaw, then bringing down my elbow on Iron Will’s head. Iron Will stumble a bit and fell on his back from the hit. After a moment, a large black orb to come out of Iron Will’s chest.
The song ended and I kneeled over to check Iron Will’s pulse, thankfully it was still there. I turned around and saw no other diamond dogs around. “I guess they retreated.” I said to himself.
My eyes caught something on the ground, one of those petrification sphere. I picked it up and wonder what were those shadows in the diamond dogs and Iron Will body. Not only that, why do I have an ability to purge them from the bodies of the diamond dogs.
Instead of answers, I found only more questions. While looking at my arms, I felt pain all over my arms. I pulled up my sleeves to see multiple bruises on them. I put the petrification sphere in my pocket and pulled my sleeves back down, feeling the wound.
That's when I noticed something else. My hands were also shaking, not out of fear, but out of anger I felt from those diamond dogs attack the civilians. I held my hands together, thankful that I didn’t go out of control in my fight with the diamond dogs and Iron Will.
I took a glance at the hole Iron Will made, and saw that it was a window shop. “Uh...Oops.” I said to myself and turned around, hoping I don’t have to pay for that.
I picked up my tonfas during the fight and the one that was stoned returned to normal when I touched it. I decided to look for the any of the Ponyville residents to make sure they’re alright.
As I was walking around Ponyville, I took note of the structure of the buildings, they were identical in the show, being made out of wood and brick. I later, I stumbled across what looked like Sugarcube Corner, the bakery Pinkie Pie works at. The door suddenly opened up to show a familiar orange pegasus. “Aegis, your alright!” Scootaloo yelled.
I was surprise to see her here. I know I dropped the Crusaders of at Sweet Apple Acres. "Scootaloo, what are you doing here? I asked.
“After you left us at Sweet Apple Acres, we ran straight here to see what happened. When we got here, We ran into Cheerilee and had us take shelter with her and some other ponies in the shop.” She explained.
“Well, are you all alright?” I asked. Scootaloo frowned when I asked. “Most of us, but... Apple Bloom’s brother.” She trailed off.
I didn’t like this one bit. I made my way through the door to see what troubled Scootaloo. What I saw stunned me, it was Big Macintosh turned to stone. Next to the statue was Apple Bloom and what looked like Big Mac’s girlfriend Sugar Belle weeping over him. Sugar Belle’s mane is moderate magenta, with a pare cerise coat. I looked around and saw several other petrified ponies, each with others morning for them.
“While you were fighting the diamond dogs and getting their attention, Bulk Biceps has been carrying stoned ponies he could find here. Sugar Belle said Big Mac threw himself to protected her, but got turned to stone.” Scootaloo explained.
I felt terrible, I wished there was some way I could help. The green aura started to glow around my hands again. That’s when I remembered the green aura returned my arm to normal when it started to turn to stone. I decided to try something and walked over to the stoned Big Mac. I placed my hand on Big Mac’s shoulder, hope it could free him. Sugar Belle and Apple Bloom looked up with tears in their eyes. Everyone looked over to see my hand glowing.
After a short moment, the green aura started to spread around the stone’s body. After a few seconds, the stone started crumbling, revealing Big Mac perfectly intact. His fur was red with orange mane, and green eyes. he was about a head taller than me wearing blue jeans and a striped button down shirt. The stallion stumbled and I held him up. “Are you alright?” I asked.
Big Mac shook his head and looked at me with a tired look. “Yup.” He simply replied, regaining his balance.
Apple Bloom and Sugar Belle got up and tackled Big Mac to the ground with tears of joy. “Oh Big Mac, I thought I lost you!” Said Sugar Belle crying. Big Mac smiled and returned the hug
I smiled and turned towards the rest of the stone ponies. “My name’s Aegis Spirit, if you’ll let me, I can help free those ponies.” I said pointing at the stone ponies. I looked around to see that the ponies were still nervous around me, probably because they’ve never seen me or my ability before.
That was until Cheerilee step up. “It’s okay everypony, Aegis Spirit saved me from one of those diamond dogs.” She assured everyone.
“That’s right, he even risked his life to save us from a timberwolf attack last night.” Sweetie Bell added. The ponies relaxed and I walked over to the nearest petrified pony.
After returning the petrified ponies to normal, some I recognized as Dr. Hooves and Mayor Mare, I started to feel somewhat weak, like my muscles wouldn't listen. I wondered if it was because I was using my ability some much. I sat on one of the bakery chairs, while the ponies were checking on their freed friends.
“Um, excuse me.” I heard a female voice. I turned his head and it was one of the ponies I freed. Her coat is pale, light grayish magenta, moderate purple eyes, has moderate violet with light purple highlights in her mane. She was wearing a purple dress.
“Thank you for turning us back to normal, but why did you help us?” She asked.
I smiled and looked at her in eyes and simply. “Of course, it’s the right thing to do. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing while those around me are hurting.” The other ponies listened in and were happy with my answer.
I took a look around and figured this couldn’t be all the ponies that were attacked. I got up and looked towards a huge stallion who I assumed was Bulk Bicep. He had a light gray coat, vivid red eyes, and a light amber mane, wearing a sport shirt and shorts. Who also looks like he took too many steroids.
“Bulk Biceps, I assume?” I asked.
“Yeah.” Bulk Biceps answered with an energetic response.
“I’m about to head back out to see if any other ponies got turned to stone. Was there any areas of the town you didn’t get to?” I asked.
Bulk Biceps thought for a moment and answered, “Yeah, the only area I didn’t check was the train station, it was the first place they attacked. I’ll show you where it is.” Bulk Bicep said. I nodded and we headed to the door.
That was until Big Mac spoke up. “I’m coming with y’all.” He said. I turned around to see Big Mac walking over. “Ma sister and her friends were at the train station this morning. Apple Bloom, I want you and your friends go to the farm and check on Granny Smith.” He said looking at Apple Bloom.
“But, we want to help too.” She said, gesturing to her friends behind her. If they were like anything in the show, they would probably come even if Big Mac said no. Then an idea came to my mind about Sweet Apple Acres. I knelt down to the Crusaders height. “Crusaders, I have a mission for you.” I said to them.
“Really?” They said in unison.
“Yeah, we don’t know if the diamond dogs only attacked Ponyville, so I need you three to recon Sweet Apple Acres to check the situation. Because you three are small, you would have an easier time sneaking there. Do you except the mission.” I said to them.
“Arn’t you just trying to keep us from danger?” Asked Sweetie Bell suspiciously.
“Maybe, but did any of you actually check on Granny Smith, before you came here?” I asked them, hoping they would go.
They were about to argue but gasped in realization. “We need check on Granny!” Yelled Apple Bloom. “Lets get my scooter and wagon, we’ll get there faster.” Scootaloo said as the ran out of the shop.
I turned around to see Big Mac and Bulk Bicep smiling. “Good job partner.” Said Big Mac. I nodded and gestured Bulk Bicep to lead the way.
Big Mac, Bulk Biceps, and I made our way to the train station. Bulk Biceps took the lead guiding us to the train station. As we were walking, I couldn’t help but wonder where the other diamond dogs were. I didn’t like it, the fact that we didn’t run into a single diamond dogs after my fight with Iron Will left a bad feeling.
We entered the plaza and both stallions saw the unconscious diamond dogs in the street. “Wow Aegis, ya must be strong for ya to fight this many diamond dogs by ya self.” Big Mac said in amazement.
I just shrugged. “Not really, I just took on one at a time, that fight the minotaur hurt though.” I said rubbing I arms.
Bulk Biceps turned towards me and looked like he wanted to ask me something, until we spotted a pony coming towards us. Who came running was a mare with a green mint coat coat, pale, gold eyes, with a light grayish mane with white highlights, and a horn on her head. She was wearing a green shirt and blue pants. I believed she was Lyra. She got on her knees gasping for air. “Ponies...taken...goat...” She said between breaths in panic.
Knowing how to call someone down when they're panicking, I slowly walked up to her and kneeled down, putting my right hand on her shoulder. “Miss, I’d like you to take a breath, count to five, and exhale. Can you do that?” I ask, in an attempt to calm her down.
She took a breath and held it for five seconds before exhaling. “Feeling better?” I asked.
“Yes, but the ponies at the train station, including my best friend, were all ponynapped by the diamond dogs and a huge goat.” She said as she broke in tears. We gasped at the news, I realized that was the reason why we haven’t encountered any more diamond dogs, it because they got what they came for. It hurt seeing someone they care about get taken, so I did something about it, even if I end up regretting it later.
“Can you tell me your name miss?” I asked playing ignorant again.
“L...Lyra” She responded with tears still coming out.
“Lyra, I’m going make you a promise. I’m going to rescue your friends, and everypony the diamond dogs took.” I said. Lyra’s tears slowed down when I made that promise.
“Re...Really?” She asked.
“Of course. Bulk Biceps, can you take Lyra to the bakery? Also, have somepony send word to the Rulers about this.” I said, helping Lyra up. I said rulers because I wasn't sure if Princess Celestia and Luna were still in charge of Equestria.
“Yeah!” Bulk Bicep exclaimed as he and Lyra walked back towards Sugarcube Corner, leaving me and Big Mac to themselves.
Big Mac turned to me and spoke up, “Aegis, I’m coming with ya, and nothing ya say is gonna stop me from saving ma sister.” He said with a stern look.
I simple nodded and said. “Of course Big Mac, I have a little sister too, so I understand. Beside, I don’t know the way to the diamond dog’s den.” I said to him. Then we noticed one of the unconscious diamond dogs starting to move. His fur was brown and was wearing a brown jacket with shorts.
Both of us walked over to him and prepared to attack. The diamond dog slowly opened his eyes and looked at Big Mac and I. “Oh my jaw. Oh, it wasn’t a dream.” The dog said looking us.
I knelt down on the ground. “Okay diamond dog, your going to tell us who you are, why you and your pack attacked this town, and where your took the captive ponies.” I said with a furious look, while Big Mac was cracking his knuckles. A couple sweat slid down the diamond dogs face and gulped.
“M...My name is Rover, and we couldn’t stop ourselves.” He answered. Couldn’t stop themselves, did it had something to do with the black orb that came out of their chests when I knocked some of them out.
“Rover, tell me everything that happened.” I demanded.
“We were talking business with minotaur about trading diamonds. Suddenly, a giant one eye goat came crashing through and held out a scary orb. Next thing we know, black balls came out of it and went in our chests. I know what I was doing, but I couldn’t stop it. It was like something was controlling our instincts and body. We didn’t want to make ponies slaves, especially what happened with the pony Rarity.”
I wasn’t completely sure with the one eye goat part, but I did believe the part with Rarity complaining. If there's I’ve learned, never underestimate a lady’s complaint. “Ok Rover, if you want to make up for what happened, help us rescue the ponies, and I’ll try to help the diamond dogs.” I said offering his hand.
The Rover hesitated for a moment, but nodded and took my hand. I helped the diamond dog up. Big Mac didn’t completely trust Rover, but he wanted to rescue his sister, and we may need Rover’s help. “Come on. I know a way we can get there quicker.” I said gesturing them to follow.
Protector of Harmony: Rewrite
Chapter 5: Underground Rescue[Unedited]
My Jeep stopped at the edge of diamond dog territory. I had to leave some of my stuff in Ponyville to make room for my companions. Hopefully no one will steal them. We got out and made out way to an empty field. I brought along my tonfas incase we end up get into a fight and placed them in my backpack.
“So Rover, how do we get underground?” Asked Big Mac, still reserved of having Rover with us.
“Like this.” Rover responded, as he started digging a hole. ‘Of course’ I sarcastically thought.
Both of us followed Rover down the hole until we reached the end. Rover made an opening in the wall and slowly poked his head through. “Okay, looks clear.” he told us.
We walked out into a dimly lighted hallway with numerous lamps the only source of light. The place kinda looked like inside a ant hill. “Rover, please tell me you know where the ponies are being kept.” I asked, hoping we don’t get lost.
“Hm hm, I may have been possessed, but I remember where we made the cages.” Rover Answered. Big Mac and I exchanged looks with the last part of that answer.
“What do you mean by cages?” I asked. Rover turned his head while walking and answered.
“Big goat guy had us make cages to transport the capture ponies. He even brought with him strange black rocks that each one of us wear a shard of it.” This didn’t make since to me, if the ponies were petrified, what’s the point of making cages instead of wagons to transport them. I will have to find out along the way. Unless they were going to free them to put them to work.
We made out way through multiple hallways for about ten minutes before coming across the dungeons. Through one of the doors, we spotted the petrified ponies being guarded by several diamond dogs, armed with clubs and stone tip spears.
I had an idea, and whispered it to the team. I picked up a rock and threw it to the other side of the hallway. The diamond dogs heard this, and four went to investigate. We hid in the shadow and waited for the patrol to pass. Big Mac and Rover stayed at the entrance while I slowly matched the patrol’s with a tonfa in my left hand. If I have one talent, it’s to be able to hide my own presence.
I attacked the nearest diamond dog with a hand chop with my right hand while holding him up with my left hand. The other guard heard this and started turned. I pushed the unconscious guard against the nearest one. I followed it up with a side kick to the guard’s back, sending both of them against the wall. The other diamond dog tried to attack, but I intercepted him with a punch in the face. The next diamond dog swung his club at my face. I ducked and followed up with a upper palm strike to the guard’s jaw. The pinned down guard got the other off and makes an attempt to strike me. I blocked it with my, and struck the diamond dog with a hook punch. Unfortunately, I felt the bruise on my arm to act up. With that, all the guards were unconscious, and the black orbs flowed out of them, returning them to normal.
The rest of the guards came to check on the commotion. When they saw me, they immediately prepare to attack. Luckily, the guards didn’t bother to watch their back.
Big Mac and Rover tackled the guards behind the first one. The guard turned to see his down comrades, while I closed the distance. I ran up and elbowed the standing diamond dog in the head. The guard fell unconscious, and I low round house kick the diamond dog Rover is holding down in the face.
The other one however, somehow manage to push Big Mac off. I quickly drew my tonfa and knock out the diamond dog with a hit in the head. The black orbs flowed out of each of them one by one.
I turned around to see Big Mac on the ground and offered a hand “You ok Big Mac?” I asked.
Big Mac grabbed my hand and got up. “Yup, but I feel a lot weaker down here for some reason.” He said.
I noticed one of the guards have a key in his belt so I took them off him. We walked into the dungeon, and they quickly became depressed at the scene. The petrified ponies were locked up in three separate cages. I counted at least twenty petrified ponies. I turned towards Big Mac and Rover and was about to say something, but notice the stallion was staring at the middle cage. I followed what Big Mac was looking at, and it was who I believe was Applejack turned to stone.
I looked around and noticed the other bearers of harmony. “Rover, can you start getting the unconscious guards in the hall in here, incase a patrol comes by?” Rover nodded and mades his way out.
I took out the key and unlocked the cage door. I went over and decided to free Applejack first. After a moment, the green aura cracked around Applejack’s stone body and shattered. The mare lost her balance and I caught her. Applejack had orange fur with a blonde mane and tail tied at the end to make the hair look like a loop, also having green green eyes. She wore a t-shirt with jeans and a cowboy hat.
“You okay?” I asked, holding her up. Big Mac walks over and helps his sister.
Applejack looks up and saw me with a concerned face. “I think so, but who are you and where are we.” She asks.
“My name is Aegis Spirit. We’re in diamond dog territory and the three of us are here to rescue you all.” I answered.
Applejack raised an eye brow with the last part of what I said. “Three?” She said.
I looked over my shoulder and saw Rover dragging one of the guards from the hallway. “One of the diamond dogs, Rover, got freed by whatever was controlling him and led us down here to find you all.” I explained.
“Controlling? That would explain why they had that dark stuff on them.” Said Applejack. I let Big Mac help his sister up as I worked on free the rest of the ponies.
After freeing the sixth pony, the next one I recognized as Twilight Sparkle. Big Mac was helping Rover bring the guards in while Applejack was keeping the other ponies calm.
Freeing her, Twilight fell, and I caught her. Twilight had violet color eyes, a dark sapphire blue, with purple and raspberry streaks, a light grayish mulberry coat, an horn on her head and wings on her back. She had on a short, purple skirt and a blue button up top. Twilight slowly opens her eyes and saw me. “Who are you, where are we?” She asked weakly.
“My name is Aegis, you and the others were captured by the diamond dogs and brought to there den.”
Twilight looked around and saw the numerous ponies still petrified. “Oh my gosh, I have to help.” She said as she tried to use her magic. He horn started glowing, but the aura was quickly absorbed by the black rocks on the diamond dogs collars. “What?! These are the same crystals as Chrysalis’s old throne.” Said Twilight in surprise.
“Rover said that whoever controlled them brought the material, and ordered them to wear shards of it on their collars” I Explained.
Twilight looks around and saw Big Mac helping Rover drag the unconscious guards in. Twilight looked down on at the ground and depresses. I noticed this, and knew what she was think. “I know what It’s like to feel helpless, but there is always something you can help out with.” I told her.
“What?” She asked in a depresses tone.
“You can calm the ponies once I free them, considering some of them almost screamed earlier.” I said, not wanting to cover anymore pony’s mouths. Twilight looked at me with a smile growing then nodded, and I proceeded freeing the rest of the ponies.
I managed to free most of the ponies in the cages, including the rest of the Bearers of Harmony, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash. Good thing Twilight was keeping them calm, especially Pinkie Pie, or we would have to deal with more diamond dogs.
Rarity’s fur was white and her curled mane, her tail were dark purple and eyes were blue. She had on a white dress and a pearl neckless.
Pinkie Pie’s fur was light pink and her afro mane was pink matching her eyes. She wears a white shirt with light blue streak and a short white skirt.
Fluttershy’s fur was yellow, her eyes were aquamarine, and her wavy mane and tail were pink. She wears a green turtle neck with blue jeans.
Rainbow Dash’s fur was light blue and her mane and tail were rainbow colored, true to her name. Her eyes were very dark pink. She wears tight fitting black shorts and a white tee shirt.
I just freed Twilight’s assistance dragon Spike. He was whirring a blue shirt with brown shorts. I also recognized some of the other ponies that were petrified, such as Octavia, Bon Bon, and Rose. Big Mac and Rover have just finished moving the last unconscious guard in the room. I was about free the last pony before being tackled to the ground. I looked up, and it was Rainbow Dash pinning me down.
“Okay guy, who are and why’d you bring us here?!” Rainbow Dash demanded, whom looked like she was about to pummel me, or at least try.
I was a little angry that I was accused of such thing, but understood why and did my best to stay calm. “Rainbow Dash, get off him. He’s trying to help!” Said Twilight, as she and Applejack ran over. They pulled Rainbow Dash off me.
Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight with an angry expression. “How do we know he isn’t with the ones who kidnapped us? He just happened to have that power to free us. Yeah right.” Rainbow Dash accused.
I got myself up during their argument, feeling a little angry Rainbow Dash was being that stubborn. “Because Rainbow Dash, Big Mac is here with him, and he has done nothing but freed us, including you.” Twilight countered.
Rainbow Dash looked around at all the ponies, then turned to me. “Fine, but why are you helping us. What’s in it for you?” Rainbow demanded.
I dusted myself off and looked at her. “Two reasons. One, I made a promise to a pony name Lyra to save her friend, and a gentleman always keeps his promise. Two, I believe it’s the right thing to do. If you got a problem with that, you can keep an eye on me, but please let me help this last pony.” I told her, pointing at the still petrified mare. Rainbow was taken back by my response.
One of the ponies turned when they heard me mentioned Lyra. I recognized her as Bon Bon. Bon Bon’s fur is light greenish grey, her mane is cobalt blue with light fuchsia stripes. She wears a white shirt with orange pants.
“Lyra sent you?! Is She ok?!” She asked.
I nodded to her. "Yeah she's back in ponyville safe." I told her. Bon Bon sighed in relief.
Rainbow Dash turned around to see most of the ponies looking at her and grumbled “Fine, but one wrong move and your toast buster.” Threatened Rainbow Dash.
I nodded and touched the last petrified pony. When the stone crumbled off her, I recognized she was Starlight Glimmer. Her fur was light blue with a purple mane and blue eyes and a horn on her head. She wears on light green shirt with gray pants, a black jacket, and a sparkle blue snow hat on her head.
Twilight quickly went over to help her stand. “Are you ok Starlight?” Asked Twilight.
“Uh…I think so, but where are we?” Starlight asked. “We’re in the diamond dogs caves. Big Mac, Aegis, and Rover came to rescue us.” Said Twilight. Starlight looked at me with a thankful look.
I went over to the entrance in the room to see if their were any guards. When I reached the entrance, I stopped when I saw shadows moving in the far hallway. “Everypony hide, a patrol is coming.” I told them closing the door.
Everyone did as told and hugged the wall. I could hear the patrol’s footsteps getting closer. “Um...who left their clubs here?” Asked one of the guards.
I turned towards Big Mac and Rover with a ‘really’ look. Big Mac hit his head while Rover grew a sheepish smile. I heard the patrol getting closer to the dungeon room. I looked around at the lanterns and had an idea. “Have everypony douse the light’s when I say so. We’ll take them by surprise.” I whispered to Twilight. She nodded and signaled to the others who is next to each lantern, ready to slam them into the .
I brought out my tonfas and walked to the center of the room. The diamond dogs noticed me and charged through the door. I saw four guards rushing me. When all of them entered the dungeon, the diamond dogs were too focused on me to see the other ponies.
“Now!” I yelled. All the ponies slammed their lanterns to the ground and the room went dark, with the entrance only source of light. We used the surprise to our advantage.
Applejack, Pinkie pie, Rainbow Dash, Big Mac tackled two of the guards behind them, while I spun my tonfas to knock out the closest one. I followed it up with a hook punch with the tonfa on the second guard.
I was about to defeat the next one, but the the guards managed to throw them off. I quickly took down one of them, but the other one made a break for it. ‘Oh no.’ I thought.
Big Mac got in the guard’s way, but was rammed aside. I looked at everyone else. “Check him; I’m going after that guard.” I told them and chased the guard out of the entrance. I chased the guard to the end of the hallway, but lost him at the intersection.
I turned around so I wouldn’t get lost. When I made it back to the dungeon, I saw Big Mac was up.
“You okay?” I asked Big Mac.
“Yup.” He simply responded.
"This doesn’t make since, they should have been able to hold those diamond dogs down. Does it have something those black rocks?” Said Twilight. I was wondering that too, but I know that we don’t have much time.
“We need to leave. That last guard escaped and is probably on his way with reinforcements.” I warned them.
“Ha, guess your not so to tough.” Remarked Rainbow Dash. I just shot an unamused look at her.
“I never claimed that, but we need to leave now. Rover, do you know how many diamonds dogs are here and the way back to the entrance?” I asked looking at Rover.
“Uh hm, fifty of us live here, but some of us never returned here from Ponyville.” He said. I thought back to how many diamond dogs I fought in Ponyville
“Ok, I took down twenty three back in Ponyville, plus the ones here. So there should be thirty two left.” I said
Rover gestured everyone and I to follow. I turned to see all the ponies and Spike were unsure to follow. “Look, I know you all are wary about Rover, but without him, Big Mac and I would have never made it this far.” I told them.
They all looked at Big Mac and he simply said “Yup.” Pinkie Pie then spoke up for us. “Well I think we should go with them, they did come all this way for us.” She said with a smile. The others agreed and they followed Rover.
All of us made their way through the hallways with haste for the past ten minutes. Rover and Big Mac are leading the way while I was guarding the middle. Rainbow Dash was nearby to keep an eye on me.
Twilight quickly walked beside me. “Um Aegis, mind if I ask you some questions?” She asked.
“Sure.” I replied, still keeping my guard up in case of an ambush, armed with my tonfas.
“What was that magic you used to free us?” She asked.
“I’m not sure, when Ponyville was under attack, I took my tonfas and fought as many diamond dogs as I could. The next I know, the green aura appeared and went inside them whenever I strike. I assumed it’s was removed those black orbs and returned them to normal. The same with the petrification, only it shatters the stone around an object or pers…um pony.” I answered, almost saying person instead of pony.
Twilight eyes narrowed her eyes a bit when I corrected myself. “Ok, what were you doing in Ponyville. I don’t believe I’ve seen you before.” Ask Twilight.
“I was heading through the Everfree Forest, when I ran into three young girls calling themselves The Cutie Mark Crusaders being chased by timberwolves.
When I brought up the three fillies and timberwolves; Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked up to me with worried looks. “You don’t mean to Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom!?” Said Rarity almost yelling.
“Yeah, I assume you three must be their sisters. Don’t worry, they’re safe in Ponyville.” I assured them. Rarity and Applejack sighed, but Rainbow Dash had a hard time believing me.
“Hmph, as if you can take on a timberwolf.” She said smugly. “Four actually, last one gave me this, among others.” I said, pointing at the claw like scab over my face. Rainbow Dash’s mouth dropped when she realized I wasn’t lying.
“But, how are you able to use magic while the rest of us can’t here? You should be as weak as the rest of us.” Asked Twilight.
I thought for a moment before giving her an answer. “I’m not sure, I think it has something to do with the strange green aura in me.” I told her. Twilight was about ask something else, but a diamond dog interrupted her.
“There they are! ” All of us turned to the voice in the hallway behind them. I saw five guards running after us.
Most of the ponies started to run to the nearest tunnel. “Wait, not that way, it’s a dead end!” Yelled Rover chasing them. Big Mac went with him, leaving the bearers of Harmony, Spike, Starlight, and I to contend with the Diamond Dogs.
“I got this!” pronounced Rainbow Dash, charging forward.
“That hot head.” I muttered, going after her. Rainbow Dash tried to fly, but was brought down quickly because of the crystals the guards were warring across their necks. She feel on one knees and closest guard went in to attack. The diamond dog brought down it’s club over Rainbow Dash, but I managed to intercept it with my tonfas.
I then kicked the guard back against the other diamond dogs. I looked over my shoulder and saw Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy helped Rainbow Dash up. “Are you alright Rainbow Dash?” Asked Fluttershy.
“Yeah, but why are my wings weak?” Rainbow Dash replied.
“It’s the crystals around their collars. I know you want help your friends, but charging of blindly will only get you, and those around you hurt.” I scolded Rainbow Dash, holding my right tonfa like a hammer. Fluttershy helped Rainbow Dash up and they got back to the others.
One of the dogs pushed the others aside and tried strike me with a swing of his club. I quickly caught it with my right tonfa, swing it aside, following up with a swing strike on the guards head.
The next one rushed at me. I struck him with thrust of my tonfa to the guards chest.
The third jumped at me and slammed his club down. I dashed forward to the guard’s right side, hitting my tonfa in his stomach.
The last two simultaneous charged at me. The right one swung his club vertically while the left sung horizontally. I quickly switched my left tonfa in a hammer position, and deflected the left club to the right, colliding with the other. I then struck the left guard with the bottom hilt of my left tonfa, at the same time slamming my right tonfa in the other one. Both of the guards were knocked out from the blow and fell on their backs.
I turned around to check on the Bearers, Spike, and Starlight. “You all alright?” I asked them. They were all surprised at how well I knocked them out.
“Dude, that was awesome. Where’d you learn to fight like that?” Asked Spike in amazement.
“Years of martial arts. Though it has been a while since I actually fought.” I admitted.
“Well I say ya still got it.” Said Applejack. “Pff, I could have that in ten second.” Rainbow Dash said grudgingly.
I turned to Rainbow Dash. “You could with training and if you...” I stopped when I instantly saw a single diamond dog with a spear creeping behind Fluttershy.
“BEHIND YOU!” I yelled. They turned around and Fluttershy screamed when the diamond rushed at her with his spear.
I ran right past them. Right before the spear hit Fluttershy, I pushed her out of the way, but I was directly in the path of the spear. I turned my body clockwise, but was still sliced in the stomach.
I returned the favor by slamming my tonfa in the diamond dog’s chest. The diamond dog fell on his back from the impact and and black orb faded from his chest. I looked down at my new wound and dropped my tonfas.
“Aegis!” Everyone said. They else came to my side as I slid down the wall, even Rainbow Dash looked concerned.
I didn’t think my first two days in Equestria would be getting hurt. “Oh my gosh Aegis!” Yelled Twilight, looking at my new wound.
I lifted my head up at Fluttershy. “Are you ok?” I asked Fluttershy. “Um...yes, but we have to take care of that wound.” She responded in worry.
A moment later, Big Mac, Rover, and the rest came back from the wrong cave. They instantly saw me slouched against the wall. “Aegis, are ya alright?” Asked Big Mac.
I didn’t answer; instead, I simply looked at Rover. “Rover, get them out of here.” I told the diamond dog.
“But what about you?” Asked Rover.
“Go, it’s just down that way right? I’ll close this wound and catch up.” I told him.
“What, you don’t expect us to just leave you here.” Countered Rarity. Her friends agreed with her, including Rainbow Dash.
“Listen, the rest of the possessed diamond dogs probably are on their way here now. I’ll just end up slowing you down. I also lost a lot of blood last night, so if I move without sealing the wound, I’ll just end up bleeding to death.” I told them. I could tell they didn’t like it, but they knew I was right.
Twilight spoke up. “Rover, you and Big Mac go ahead and lead everypony out here, my friends and I will stay here and help Aegis.”
I should have known Twilight would make that suggestion, even if she didn’t even know me. Big Mac and Rover nodded and led the group out.
I sighed, knowing nothing I say will change their minds. I looked up at them and took out my knife. “Alright, can one of you bring that lantern down here.” I asked, pointing at a lantern on the wall across me.
Applejack nodded and picked up the lantern, while I took out my first AID kit out of my backpack. She set it next to me and I set the blade over the flame.
“Um...what are you doing.” Asked Fluttershy. “I’m heating the metal so I can singe the wound.” I answered her.
Everyone gasped at my suggestion. “Are you crazy?!” Yelled Rainbow Dash.
“Maybe. Look, if I just put bandages and stitches on it, it’ll take too much time, and we don’t know how long until more diamond dogs show up.” I explained to them.
I could tell they didn’t like it, but they understood why I needed to do it. I tried lifting my shirt up, but the pain prevented me. Pinkie Pie noticed and helped lifted my shirt up to reveal not only my recent wound, but also the bandages from last night. I grabbed my shirt with my mouth and readied the heated blade. “You might want to look away.” I told them.
They looked away, especially Fluttershy and Rarity, as I pressed his hot blade against the wound.
“AHHHHH!” I yelled from the burning pain. I took the blade off after about five seconds. The pain hurled so much I nearly passed out. I looked down and the wound was closed, but was severely burned.
I reached for the bandages in the kit, but Fluttershy got it for me. “Please let me help.” She asked. I nodded as I lifted my shirt a bit higher. The girls and Spike noticed other bandages on my chest.
When Fluttershy finished with the bandages, I tried to stand up but winced at the pain. Rainbow Dash and Applejack each got on a side and helped me up. “Thanks.” I told them.
“No problem Aegis, it’s the least we could do after ya freed us. Now lets get moving.” Said Applejack. We began heading out with Applejack and Rainbow Dash helping me walk.
We all made out way to where everyone else went for at least for the past two minute. I was walking by myself after getting use to the pain. Twilight was taking the lead followed by the rest. We were following the hoof and paw prints left by the others.
Rainbow Dash made her way to my side with a worried look. “Hey, how you doing?” She sincerely asked.
I looked down where my wound is. “I’m holding up.” I’m responded. Rainbow Dash sighed before talking again. “Listen, I’m sorry I’ve been a jerk to you. You’ve done nothing to deserve that.” She told me. I was glad Rainbow Dash apologized.
“Don’t worry about it Rainbow Dash, I know your were just concerned about your friends. In fact, I really admire ponies like you.” I replied, but realizes what I just said.
“Um...I mean respect, um...yeah.” I quickly corrected, blushing. Everyone else who’s listening chuckled a bit, while Rainbow Dash just blushed, but quickly regained her composer. “Hehe, well, I am awesome that way.” She bragged.
We just rolled their eyes, but Rarity then looked confused. “Um...how do you know Rainbow Dash’s name. I don’t believe we introduced ourselves.” She asks.
They all looked at me thinking the same thing. I thought up a quick excuse and looks at Twilight. “She said Rainbow Dash’s name when she tackled me.” I told them. Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly a bit when I added that last part. Pinkie then spoke up.
“Oh we haven’t told you our names yet, I’m Pinkamena Diana Pie, but everypony calls me Pinkie Pie.” She said with a smile.
“I’m Rarity, pleasure to meet you, though I have some concerns about your clothes.” She said looking at my torn up clothes.
I looked down at my torn up clothes and back at Rarity. “Don’t blame me, the timberwolfs have a strange taste in fashion.” I told her, chuckling a bit. They all laughed a little before Applejack spoke up.
“Well I’m Applejack, nice to meet ya.” She said.
“I’m Starlight Glimmer, thanks again for the rescue.” Said Starlight.
“I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle, but you can just call me Twilight.” Said Twilight.
“I’m Spike, Twilights number one assistant.” Said the dragon.
“Um... I’m Fluttershy.” She whispered, but I heard her fine.
“And I’m Rainbow Dash the best Flyer in Equestria.” She said, feeling the need to tell me that.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” I told them. The brony side of me is very happy to have met them, despite the situation.
We entered a cavern that I recognized. “I remember this place, the exit is that way.” I told them, pointing at a tunnel.
We made their way to it, but stopped when we saw a couple pebbles fell in front of Twilight.
We look up, only to see possessed diamond dogs fall on top of us. I managed to dodge backing up, while front kicking the dog’s jaw, despite my growing pain.
Unfortunately, the others weren’t so lucky. I was about to attack the diamond dogs holding the ponies and dragon down, but heard rumbling behind me. When I turned around, a huge human like ram back handed me.
I was sent flying against the wall. A pair of diamond dogs got on each side of me and held me down.
(I do not own the image)
“So your the pony skin master was concerned, hmph I’m not impress.” The goat said, smirking.
I looked up to see that the goat had on steel armor and had only one eye like a cyclops. He was about one and a half the size as Iron Will, if not bigger. What really caught my attention was what he was warring around his neck.
I recognized it as an Alicorn Amulet, except this one has an orange gem instead of a red one.
“Who do you think you are, goat.” Demanded Rainbow Dash, still being restrained by a diamond dog. The goat turned to the ponies being held by his henchmen with a sinister smile.
“I am Arimaspi, the one that stone the Idol of Boreas from the griffons.” He said. Pinkie, Rainbow, Twilight, and I went wide eye.
“Arimaspi, but your supposed to be...” Twilight said before being interrupted by the goat.
“Dead, haha well thanks to my master’s power, I was resurrected to do his bidding.” He gloated.
We were surprise that Arimaspi was back, but I was more worried about who resurrected him. None of the villains I could think of in MLP have that kind of power.
“What exactly is his bidding?” I asked, trying to get information out of him.
“Why, to spread corruption over the world, like he attempted more than two thousand years ago.” Arimaspi explained, thinking he already won.
None of us didn’t like the sound of that. “Anyway, I was ordered by master to wait until he returns, but since that earth pony managed to free you all and the extra slaves. I’m sure he’ll understand why I have to start the ritual myself.” Said Arimaspi.
We quickly looked at one another in worry. “Uh...what ritual.” Asked Applejack nervously.
Arimaspi grew a devilish grin as he brought out a glass orb. “Do you all know what this is?” Asked Arimaspi.
We all just looked at Twilight and Starlight. “Hey don’t look at us. We have no idea what that thing is.” Said Starlight.
“This orb contains demonsites. Entities that work their way into living beings and bring out their darkest emotions. Master said one of these accidentally got loose roughly a thousand years ago and managed to turn the alicorn of the moon into a being of darkness.” Explained Arimaspi.
We gasped at what the overlarge goat told us. I knew that Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon out of jealousy for her older sister, but nothing in the series even hinted that it was because of that thing.
That’s when I realized what the goat had in mind. “I used these to take control of the diamond dogs and minotaur in order to capture you all with only enough for you eight. Hahaha oh I wonder how the ponies of Equestria will react when they see their heroes turned into beings of darkness.” The mad goat said.
All of us tried to struggle out of the diamonds dogs hold, but failed.
“As for you.” Said Arimaspi looking at me. “I’m sure my master has something in mind for you.” He said with a sinister.
We all tried to get up again, but the diamond dogs held us downs. With the dark crystals around their necks, Twilight, Rarity, and Starlight couldn’t use magic, Pinkie and Applejack couldn’t use their strength, and Rainbow and Fluttershy couldn’t use their wings. I wasn’t affected by the stones, but I had two corrupted diamond dogs holding my arms down. The only thing I could think of that could work was Spike breathing fire. “Spike, your fire!” I yelled. Spike nodded and took a deep breath. When he breathed out, nothing but embers came out.
Arimaspi and the diamond dogs laughed at Spike’s attempt. “Sorry little dragon, master amplified the stones to absorb all sources of magic, even a dragon’s fire.” Arimaspi explained and laughed.
He held out the orb in front of the ponies and eight corruption parasites came out of the glass orb and slowly made their way to the ponies and Spike. They all closed their eyes, and braced for what’s about to happen.
I watched as the spheres move closer to the ponies. I wasn’t about to stand by to watch, and decided to make a insane choice.
I pulled my right arm near my head with the diamond dog holding it. I opened my mouth and bit the diamond dog’s arm. Surprisingly, the green aura flowed from my teeth to the guard’s arm.
The guard yelped from the pain and let go. I pulled the left guard close, and punched him in the jaw.
With both guards off, I made a bee line the the black spheres. Arimaspi noticed me running, but didn’t move because of the ritual.
One of the diamond dogs made a lunge at me and managed to grab onto my backpack. I took it off and ran straight to the demonsites. Arimaspi had no idea what the I was up to. Right before the demonsites reached the ponies and Spike, I ran right through all of the abominations in a straight line.
I fell on the floor in agonizing pain as everyone looked in shock. “Is he crazy!” yelled Arimaspi in shock.
A pitch black aura started to cover my body slowly. I looked at everyone one last time, before the black aura covered my face. When I opens my eyes, everything was crimson. I noticed my scars started to grow dark red. My skin turned dark brown, the tips of my finger became claw like, and my teeth became longer and sharper. Then something started to form around my body. Bone like armor appeared over my entire body.
I slowly stood up trembling from burning anger and pain, letting out a growl. I turned around to see everyone in the room with scared faces and let’s out a demonic roar. “Rrrrraaaaa!”
(Looks something like this, I do not own the image)
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Protector of Harmony: Rewrite
Chapter 6: Rage Unchained and Acceptance Reborn[Unedited]
Everyone, including Arimaspi was completely shocked at what I’ve become. I was breathing heavily and shaking every few seconds from the rage. I’ve been angry before, but it feels like I just want to attack and destroy everything around me, both friend and foe. My will is the only thing preventing me from going completely berserk.
“Wh...what did he do.” Asked Applejack.
“He sacrificed himself for us.” Said Rainbow Dash said staring at me.
Fluttershy turned to Twilight with a concerned look. “Twilight, is he ok?” She asked Twilight.
It took Twilight a moment to respond, staring at me “I...I’m not sure, I’ve never seen anything like that before.” She answered. I looked at them and they all had a look of fear.
Arimaspi grew a wicked smile. “Hahahaha, I didn’t think he was that stupid. I never imagine somepony would corrupt himself willingly, especially with more than one demonsite. Well, I’m sure master will be interested in him when he returns. As for you all.” Said Arimaspi, looking at his hostages.
“Since he absorbed all the remaining demonsites, master will have to figure out what to do with you.” Explained Arimaspi. They all tried to break the guards hold one more time, but to no avail.
“Take them away.” Arimaspi ordered. I wasn’t about to let my friends be taken and focused all my anger on one person. Someone that needs to be hurt. With my strength increased, I leaped at Arimaspi and clawed him across the chest. Everyone stopped the moment I landed.
Arimaspi checked his chest and sees that it was bleeding, then looked at me. I was on both of my feet and hands, like a savage beast.
“I...I don’t understand, your supposed to be under my command, uh, why isn’t this thing working.” Arimaspi said, holding onto the Alicorn Amulet. The goat looks around to see all the possessed diamond dogs.
“What are you just standing there for? Get him!” He ordered. All the possessed diamond dog charged at me, including the ones that were holding the ponies and Spike.
I turned toward the diamond dogs, and gave a demonic glare at them. They all stopped in absolute fear, and Arimaspi dropped his mouth open in disbelief. The ponies, no longer being held down, just watched in fear at what I’ve done.
I turned my sight on Arimaspi, who had an enraged look on his face. “You want something done right, you do it yourself.” He muttered to himself, as he prepared himself to charge.
I reached down to the side of my pocket on instinct and suddenly music started playing. I didn’t know why I did it, it was almost like my instinct has taken complete control over me.
Music-Monster by Skillet
Everyone didn’t know where the music was coming from, but Arimaspi just ignored it and charged.
I charged as well. When we were close to each other, Arimaspi Swiped his arm from his right, while I made a leap at his face with my claw pointing out.
The goat saw how close I was to his face and quickly smacked me out of the way, but not before I clawed Arimaspi’s left shoulder. Arimaspi hit the wall while I slid across the ground.
We turned to face each other and I charged again. Arimaspi noticed two large rock beside him and lifted one of them. I made another jump at the goat, only for Arimaspi to throw one of the rocks at my left fore leg. A large crack could be heard across the room from my leg breaking as I flipped over in mid air. The second rock was directed at my chest, but I instinctively brought my right arm in front and blocked it.
Unfortunately, it ended up exactly like my leg. I was pushed back from the impacted and tumbled on the ground. My leg and arm where broken from the rock. The pain was terrible, but my only thought was attacking Arimaspi
“AEGIS SPIRIT!” yelled everyone.
“Hahaha, even with eight corruption parasites in you, you stand no chance.” Arimaspi gloated. The ponies tried to rush over to over, but the possessed diamond dogs, got in their way. “Out of the way mutts!” Rainbow Dash demanded. The diamond dogs walked forward and surrounded the girls and Spike.
I noticed this and got even angrier, letting out a roar.
“Rrrrraaaaa !” Everyone turned their attention to me. I could feel my broken arm and leg put itself back together. After that, I could feel something forming again on my back and arms. Six bone tubes came out of my back, with three on each side. My arms grew tubes out of them as well.
“He wasn’t fully transformed!” Said Arimaspi in surprise. Everyone was shocked to my new appearance.
"Rrrrraaaa !" I lets out another roar, this time, massive amounts of air came out of all the tubes, blowing away all the dust behind him.
Arimaspi snapped out of his shock and prepared to charge again. Suddenly, huge amounts of air came out of my tubes and I was propelled at Arimaspi’s head like a living rocket.
Before the goat could react, I grabbed his horns and thrusted my knee in Arimaspi’s muzzle. Arimaspi lost his balance from the hit and leaned back. I fired my tubes again, slamming Arimaspi’s head into the ground full force.
Arimaspi was pinned to the ground as I started pummeling him multiple times with the increased force from the air coming out of my tubes in my arms.
“Rrrrraaaaa! ” I let out a roar before driving both my arms at the goat’s face, slightly burying him into the ground.
The song ended when Arimaspi was knocked unconscious from final blow. I slowly got up from him and turned my gaze on the ponies and Spike. They all huddle together, preparing for what I’ll do.
“Um...Aegis Spirit.” Said Fluttershy, behind everyone else in fear.
I walked over to the ponies with prepared to harm them, but stopped halfway. I used all my will power to hold myself back. I hold my head with fell down onto my knees. I slowly lifted my head up and looked at Everyone else.
L...Leave .” I said in a crooked voice. Everyone’s eyes opened wide when I talked, they probably assumed I couldn’t talk because of what I became.
“Huh?” Asked Twilight in disbelief.
“Leave…please…I can’t hold it back much longer.” I said, glancing over at the possessed diamond dogs, who moved away from the exit.
“What about you, we can’t possibly leave you like this.” Starlight Said.
I looked down at the ground. “Please, don’t risk yourselves for a monster like me.” I told them. I looked up at them, but this time, my eyes were crying. I was begging them to leave before I lose control. If I harmed an innocent person, I would never forgive myself, not again.
“Don’t say that!” Said a young cowgirl’s voice.
We all turned to the source of the voice, and everyone else gasped. It was Apple Bloom, along with Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo. Big Mac and Rover came up behind them.
Rarity looked at the Crusaders sternly. “What in Celestia’s name are you three here!?” She asked in disbelief.
“Well, after we made sure Granny Smith was ok, we came here to help.” Apple Bloom explained.
Applejack sighed looking down. Rover walked up behind them. “We heard roaring from the surface and the little ponies came running.” Said rover.
Applejack looked towards Big Mac. “They got by before you could stop them?” She said to Big Mac.
“Yup.” He was his only response.
The Crusaders, Big Mac and Rover looked towards me in worry, while I was still on my knees.
Scootaloo spoke up. “But what happened to Aegis.” She asked. Before Twilight could speak, Pinkie interrupted.
“That big mean goat tried to turn us like that, but Aegis got in the way, and beat him up.” She said.
Twilight followed her up. “Yes, but Aegis is still somewhat in control, and we have to help him.” She said.
I could feel myself losing control of again, like my anger was trying to break out. “No, you all need to leave. Please, I don’t want to hurt anyone out of rage. My anger does nothing but harm those around me. ” I told them crying.
Sweetie Bell turned to me. “No, you helped us when we needed it most, now it’s our turn.” She said in conviction.
“That’s right, you saved us from the alpha timberwolf last night, even when you were hurt.” Said Scootaloo. Everyone looked at the Crusaders in shock. I left out the part that the last timberwolf was an alpha.
“We heard you save Miss. Cheerilee when that diamond dog went after her.” Said Sweetie Bell.
“And you turned all the ponies back to normal, including ma big brother and big sister.” Said Apple Bloom, looking at Applejack and Big Mac.
“Yeah, you even took a hit protecting Fluttershy, that makes you anything but a monster.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Indeed, you put our need before your own dear.” Said Rarity
“We don’t know why you think your a monster Aegis, but we can help you.” Said Starlight.
“Right, a real monster would never care for others like that you Aegis. Anypony can be angry Aegis, it’s a part of who we are. Just because you feel anger doesn’t mean your a bad pony.” Said Twilight.
Apple Bloom then spoke up one more time. “That’s right Aegis. Your not a monster Aegis, your a hero.”
All I could do was freeze when they said those things about me. I slowly formed a sincere smile on his face, feeling the rage subside. They were right, even when I made mistakes by letting my anger out, it was just a part of me, not what I am. I’ve been keeping everyone away from me to protect them, but the only one that still ended up hurt was myself. By believing I was nothing more than just a beast that needed to be locked away, I ignored some of the best parts of me.
“Hahaha, don’t be ridicules.” Said a voice behind me. We looked at the voice and it was Arimaspi with his face severely bruised.
“You think you can turn him back with such…pathetic words. Please, the demonsite gets it’s power from the host’s darkest emotions. Emotions creatures try to keep inside, but can never get rid of. With eight of them inside him, he is nothing more than a loose beast!” He yelled.
I’ll admit he’s partially right about me, but he wrong about one thing. I slowly stood up and faced Arimaspi. “You’re right Arimaspi, my anger will always be in me. ” I said, everyone looked at me. “But your mistaken about one thing Arimaspi .” I added.
“Oh and what’s that?” The goat asked curiously.
“That there’s something else in me. Something I neglected to keep my rage in check. Something far stronger than my rage .” I said.
At that moment, the bones surrounding my body started to crack, and the green aura seeped out. The demonsites started to come out of my body. Everyone looked at me in shock.
“My will t o help and protect others, no matter what!” I yelled. The green aura bursts around my body. The crystals absorb the aura, but they quickly start to overload and shattered to pieces.
A bright light surrounded me and temporally blinded everyone else. When the light faded away, everyone looked at me in shock.
I was no longer covered by darkness, but in a knight like armor instead. The armor was green that completely covered me, while my clothed hoody was grey. My helmet was of medieval knight design with two dark brown glowing visors. On the chest of my armor was my cutie mark. My gauntlet had extra armor that looked like wolves head. My right one was white, while my left was black.
(Looks something like this, I do not own the image.)
I turned around and looked at everyone. “Everypony, Thank you all for believing in me.” He said to them. Everyone was in awe by my sudden change, all except the diamond dogs, and Arimaspi.
Arimaspi looked liked he’s just seen a ghost, but then put on an enraged expression.
“Where did get that armor!?” He said grudgingly. The large humanoid goat then charged at the me. I turned toward him and raised my left palm up on instinct.
“WHERE DID YOU GET THAT ARMOR!” He yelled in rage. Suddenly, the mouth of my wolf gauntlet opened up, and a strong wind blast came out of it.
Arimaspi was stopped in his tracks from the wind, barely standing his ground. I raises his right hand with the wolf gauntlet mouth closed and air started get absorbed into my gauntlet. The air stopped getting absorbed in my left arm.
Arimaspi looked up and I thrusted my right hand in the air. A wind blast three times stronger than the first, sending Arimaspi crashing through the wall. Everyone just looked with their mouths opened as I overpower the mad goat with my ability.
The diamond dogs snapped out of their shock and charged at me. My right hand started to grow green. I charged my gauntlets, and sent out another blast. The green aura flowed with the wind. At least one third of the diamond dogs were blown away. The others tried to get me into a pincer attack. I blasted my arms to the ground and flew upward above them. I charged both my gauntlets and unleashed an air blast at the remaining diamond dogs. They were all sent backward from the impact. The demonsites in each of the diamond dogs flowed out of their chests and vanished.
The diamond dogs reverted back to normal and Rover ran over to two of them. Unlike before, all the diamond dogs regained consciousness after a few seconds.
“Fido! Spot!” Yelled Rover dog pilling on them. Everyone else came up to me.
“Aegis, that was awesome!” Exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
“Dear, where in Equestria did you get that armor, the design it’s…it's...fabulous.” Rarity said in excitement.
"Yeah, you look like a super hero." Said Pinkie Pie.
“Not only that, how did you use magic?” Twilight asked questionably.
I looked down through my visor at his armor. “I don’t know, but for some reason, it feels familiar to me, almost like second nature to me.” I explained.
Suddenly, we heard rocks crumbling from the hole Arimaspi was in. We turn their attention to the hole to see Arimaspi getting up. The goat looks at us in anger.
“I didn’t think I’ll have to use the power my master gave me.” He said holding onto the Alicorn Amulet. “Through the corrupt sin that lurks in all beings hearts, grant me the power of Greed!” Arimaspi chanted.
The Alicorn Amulet grew dark orange and an aura surrounded Arimaspi. When it faded, Arimaspi’s armor and fur turned dark orange, a dark orange aura flows out of his eye. “Haha, lets see how your Soul Armor handles against the power of Greed, PONY!” Arimaspi yelled.
We were shocked by Arimaspi’s new appearance. The diamond dogs got ready with ferociousness in their eyes.
“Alright boys, let show this goat what happens when you try to tame the diamond dogs.” Said Rover to the rest of the diamond dogs. All of the diamond dogs rushed to attack Arimaspi, while I charged my gauntlet.
The mad goat only grew a sinister smile. He raised his right hand up and chunks of the ground suddenly lifted themselves up under the diamond dogs. They were pushed up form the ground and became trapped in the ceiling.
Arimaspi looked at me and the others, and chunks of debris of rubble were thrown at us. We attempted to dodge the rocks. I was able to deflect most of the rock with my air blast, and was able to dodge them, but everyone else was caught and pinned against the wall, the rocks covered most of their bodies. Twilight tried to use her magic, but pieces of rocks completely covered her horn, my guess surpassing her magic. The same with Rarity, and Starlight Glimmer, while Rainbow Dashes wings were covered in rubble.
“Let them go, Arimaspi!” I yelled as I charged my gauntlets. Arimaspi simply scoffed at me and swung his left arm.
Rocks came of wall and headed straight towards me. I both thrusted both my arms forward and blasted myself out of the way.
When I landed and glanced to the rocks that were thrown, and noticed metal minerals in the rocks as granite fell off. That’s when I realized what Arimaspi’s ability was.
“It’s not the rocks your manipulating, it’s the metal inside them. You can control magnetism.” I said. “Clever figuring it out, but it won’t stop me from crushing you.” Said Arimaspi with a mad grin.
I sent a blast of air at Arimaspi, but the goat lifted his arm and a floating metal wall covered in dirt rose from the ground. The wall blocked the blast, but I noticed Arimaspi got pushed back. He was using magnetism for both offense and defense purposes. I looked at my gauntlets and wondered how much compresses air it can hold.
I glanced over at everyone else trapped. Luckily, their arms are still free. “Everypony, cover your ears, I have an idea.” I told them. They all covered their ears as told.
I started absorbing the air surrounding me and compress it in my right arm.
Arimaspi took notice of this, and multiple pieces of metal headed towards me. I dodged to left, but Arimaspi caused the ground to lift under me. I jumped off it right before I made contact to the ceiling.
Arimaspi magnetized the metal pieces to move after me while I was in the air. I used the air in my left gauntlet to blast myself out of the way, while still absorbing air in my right one. I managed to dodge the metals and blasted myself towards Arimaspi.
“Let’s see how you magnetism handles the wind...” I said descending down. Arimaspi clapped his hands together, and multiple metal shards came out from the walls in the cavern. I used the last of the air in my left gauntlet to blast downward and landed in front of Arimaspi. The goat quick brought the magnetized metals shards in front of him, creating a floating shield between him and me. “Going MACH 1!” I yelled.
With that, I punched the shield upward, sending out a concentrated hurricane in front of Arimaspi. A large booming sound could be heard across the tunnels with the sound barrier breaking. The shield was pushed against Arimaspi and he was sent flying against the wall. While this was happening, massive amounts of the green aura in me flowed out of my arm and made it’s way into Arimaspi’s amulet, causing the crystal in the middle to crack.
______________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile on the surface, the freed ponies were waiting for the everyone to return. They notice a platoon the Royal guards coming. Unlike the other guards, the one leading them was a pegasus with a light orange coat wearing grey armor. When they arrived, said guard came up to them.
“I’m Commander Flash Magnus. Is this everypony that was captured?” Asked Flash Magnus.
Bon Bon walked up to the Commander. “Almost, but Princess Twilight and her friends are still down there.” She told him. Flash Magnus turned around to his troops. “A third of you stay here, the rest will...huh?” Flash Magnus stopped talking the when he felt the ground shaking under his hooves.
Suddenly the ground erupted near them. They saw rubble being blown away from the ground and heard screaming from Arimaspi being blasted off toward the sky and disappeared.
“Um sir, what that a large goat blasting off?” Asked one of the guards.
______________________________________________________________________________
Back underground, I stood in front of the tunnel I blasted through. The magnetic metals holding everyone lost their charge and fell down releasing them.
I turned around and my armor dissipate into the air. “Are you all alright?” I asked them.
“I think so, beside the humming in our ears, we’re fine.” Said Twilight. The diamond dogs had it worse with they’re enhanced hearing. Despite this, they were no longer in danger
I grew a smile on his face, but felt extremely weak after unleashing that large blast on Arimaspi. “Sorry about that, it was the onl....” I didn’t finished as my consciousness started to fade and fell down.
I felt someone catch me before I hit the ground. “Oh my gosh, is he alright?” Fluttershy.
“He’s just asleep, but we need to get him out of here.” Twilight said. “Then let hurry.” I heard Rainbow said..
“Princess Twilight, are you down there?” Someone yelled from the surface. “Yes, we’re coming out.” Twilight yelled back. After that, I completely lost consciousness.
Hours later, on a mountain on the Badlands. Arimaspi climbed out of a crater bleeding. He started grinning in anger at what the armored pony did to him.
“That cursed pony, the next time I see him, I’ll...” Arimaspi didn’t finish as a dark shadow interrupted him.
“Arimaspi. ” Said a demonic voice.
Arimaspi’s anger turned to horror as he slowly turns around. “Ma...Master!” Yelled Arimaspi. The shadow began closing in the the terrified goat.
“Tell me, where are the ponies you were supposed to corrupt ?” The shadow asked in anger.
“Wa...wait, please master, I can explain!” The Shadow reached inside of Arimaspi’s chest. He started pulling out what looks like a astral version of Arimaspi, his soul.
“Please, I am very interested in your excuse .” Said the Shadow he slowly pulls.
“It was the pony, a pony immune to the demonsites!” Arimaspi pleaded.
The shadow stopped pulling out Arimaspi’s soul, but still held onto it. “Go on .” The shadow said squinting it’s crimson eyes.
“I was about to corrupt the ponies, but the other one took in all the remaining demonsites.” Arimaspi began explaining.
“The pony absorbed all the demonsites by choice ?” Asked the shadow in surprise.
“Yes, but he resisted the amulets influence.” Answered Arimaspi.
“What was the pony’s form from his sin ?” Asked the shadow.
“The form of his sin is like that of a raging beast with bone armor.” Said Arimaspi.
The shadow sighs, knowing why it didn’t work. “Then it wouldn’t have work on him, the amulet you have can only control those whose heart are corrupted by the sin of greed. It’s why I sent you to the diamond dogs. What happened next? ” Said the shadow.
“After beating me to a pulp, the ponies somehow managed talk their friend out his anger, and he destroyed the demonsites in him. Not only that, he used Soul Armor.” Arimaspi explained further.
The moment he said however, the area darkened in shadows, as the crimson in the shadow’s eyes grew redder. “WHAT?! Impossible, the power of creating Soul Armor was lost long ago. How could a mere pony possess such a thing ?” The shadow yelled in rage.
Arimaspi panicked, seeing his master enraged. “I don’t know master, I tried to use the power of the Alicorn Amulet you gave me, but I was overwhelmed, and the amulet was damaged.” Arimaspi said holding out the broken amulet.
The shadow looked at the amulet in question. “The power of a soul armor couldn’t damage the Alicorn Amulet. Unless... ” The shadow stopped talking and looked at Arimaspi.
“Very well Arimaspi, you can keep you life, for now .” The shadow said, releasing Arimaspi’s soul.
“Thank you master, but what do we do now?” Arimaspi asked in gratefulness, but mostly fear. The shadow looked toward the distance of the mountains.
“Find Ahuizotl, tell him to prepare the harvester. I know of another way into this world. Oh, and don’t forget about the curse I placed in you and him .” The shadow explained.
Arimaspi nodded and began walking way until the shadow stopped him. “One more thing Arimaspi, what is the name of the pony ?” Asked the shadow.
“I heard the ponies call him Aegis Spirit.” Answered Arimaspi walking off. “Hm, Aegis Spirit .” Muttered the shadow as he fades away.
