Chapter 4
Reveal the myth

(???’s pov)

I looked around the large room from my seat on the ambasador table, the ponies and other races giving me a wide berth due to my… stragness. I shifted my long tail so it curled around my seat more comfortably. I gave a thin smile to the ponies near me, only getting uncomfortable responses in return. “So scared..” I huffed annoyed.

“So, what makes it so important that a Neighpon Naga shows up?” A hearty voice says, a slight inflection in his accent that immediately makes me internally sigh. He wasn’t tall, standing at around 5’1; though he had a bulky frame, whether it was muscle or fat I couldn’t tell from the layers of brown and golden robes that hung off his body. For a dwarf, he was surprisingly beardless, and rather young looking too. His face, clearly rough and calloused as most dwarves are, but there was a lightness and fairness to his face, declaring his youth prominently. He had bright brown hair, that was pulled into a soft bun in the back as his oscar eyes stared at me with more intrigue than the usual reactions of disgust or uncertainty I receive. From his youth and lack of concern of my nature, he’s clearly a new ambassador from the dwarves.

I shift slightly in my chair towards the dwarf. Leaning on my arms as I do so, making sure the annoying fabric that was my simple red dress was still making me ‘decent’, by the Holy One I miss my armor. “I was told to come here from the head shrine sir Dwarf.” I incline my head to him, “I am ambassador Akaria of the guardian clan, whom do I have the honor of addressing?” I ask the dwarf formally.

He gives a small grin and pulls out the chair next to me, taking a seat which surprises me, though I don’t show it. “Names Burston Goldheart. The previous ambassador of Iron Mountain Alliance, Sir Cinderblock, sadly fell ill and is in hospital for the foreseeable future. Till he’s recovered, I’m the current ambassador.” He spoke clearly and calmly, dare I say professional, unlike most other dwarves I met, including Sir Cinderblock, who was a less…. kind individual.

“I am surprised you even approached me, most don’t.” I wave towards the other ambassadors and ponies to show my point.

He hums softly as his gaze doesn’t even break from me, “Why wouldn’t I approach you? We’re fellow emissaries are we not?”

I grin, showing my sharp teeth, “I think it has to do with the fact I am a naga.”

“And I’m a beardless dwarf. That’s a sin to some families.” He quips back with his own grin.

I give a faint smile. “Interesting… why are you here, the Iron Mountain Alliance rarely leaves their earthy halls.” He gives a small shrug as his gaze wanes over the rest of the room, the other ambassadors here from most of the world. The griffon ambassador with his deep brown feathers under a green tunic with his head an assortment of white and gray feathers. There was also a buffalo woman who stood nearly 6 feet, with sashes crossed down her body with an orange stallion next to her. A tabaxi sat silently with her eyes closed as she sits, her fur calico with browns and oranges dotting her body. Finally, there were all the pony ambassadors of almost every major city across Equestria, except for that small one close to the base of the mountain. Ponyville I believe it was called. That was the most damaged in Tirek’s attack earlier today so I imagine it makes sense a representative isn’t there.

“I honestly haven’t got a clue,” He admits softly as he scans the occupants of the room, “I imagine it might have to do something with resources from allies to rebuild but then again, these ponies live on magic and with it back, I don’t see why they would need more materials. All I know is that the Head Craftsmen wanted me to go urgently on word of Princess Celestia and Luna so here I am.” He gives another shrug and plants his chin against his propped up arm.

I nod in thought, “Aren’t your people still trying to create a version of the ancient Turasquee bow that Lord Ozz used?” My people worshiped the Holy One Lady Aurora more than her mate Lord Ozz, but we still kept records of their achievements. Though Burton didn’t seem to like the question as he was shushing me through gritted teeth.

“Trying to keep that a surprise please!” His eyes dart back and forth between the rest of the ambassadors.

“They aren’t listening..” I sighed, “We have gotten nowhere with copying Her Mirror shield.” I told him, trying to get more information. He just sighs and crosses his arms, impatiently tapping his left bicep with a finger.

“They are indeed powerful artifacts and we have not gotten any closer to replicating even the simplest natures of his bow. The elders are beginning to worry if it’s even possible to replicate, much less recreate.”

I nod. “Thanks for sharing.” Looking around again and seeing none listening, I nod and look down to him, “Maybe later we can trade for some of the lore of the bow for some more metals.” He just gives a small nod and suddenly sits up straight and places his hands in front of him as the double doors swing open with four Equestrian guards entering the room, two holding the door as the other two stand at attention before we all could see them.

The two princesses of Equestria, the glorious sun princess, Princess Celestia, with her ivory white fur and tall, confident stature. Her mane seemed to glitter in the candlelight of the room as she walked with grace, her sister walking next to her. The princess of the night, Princess Luna, walked with a professional manner to her, her mane sparkled like the stars and flowed wildly like her older sisters. The ponies of the room stood and bowed for their princesses as the rest of us simply stood and gave them our respected attention. The princesses gave their own respectful nods to their ponies and to us as they sat down in their own seats, the guards holding the door walk outside it and close it to prevent any interruption as the other two stood on this side of the doors at attention. With a small gesture from Princess Celestia, we all sat back down.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know for most in this room, you want word on what happened to Tirek.” Princess Celestia said, her voice carrying through out the room easily, she nods over to Luna who speaks next.

“Tirek has been slain, no more shall he trouble the races of this planet.” She called out, her words causing many a stir. I know that my people would sleep easier knowing the great devourer was dead. Burton seems to hold the same thoughts as does most of the other ambassadors, thought the questions are clear on all our faces.

“When Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends unlocked a special chest, it not only spread the Harmony magic through the air but also awoken a person long thought gone from this plane.” At Princess Celestia’s words I look at Burton with a questioning look, could it be? The question was clear on his mind as well given the look he also gives me before his attention is entirely on the princess’s once more.

“Once he was free, he made quick work of Tirek.” Luna said with a smile. “He is an old myth… a legend to many of us along with his wife.” I knew with every fiber who they were talking about, I leaned forward eager to meet the Lord, and hope the Lady was here as well.

“Maybe we will get more than scraps of knowledge..” I whisper to Burton. He just had a small grin stitched on his face, his eyes showing disbelief as he can only nod slowly.

“Please rise to greet our Aunt and Uncle, the Lord Ozz, the Warrior, and his Lady Aurora, the Ki-rin.” I immediately ‘stand up’ so I could watch as the Holy one walk in. Everyone else follows.

The first to walk through was the Lord, his steps where measured yet confident in his power. He is wearing the armor he is depicted in from the stories. It was a strange blue and black leather set of armor, though it was very regal looking, despite having signs of use. His dark hair glints in the candle light as his piercing ocean blue eyes sweep the room, judging all of us. He walks into the room and stands next to the Princesses. Walking next to him was the Holy one in her human form, her sun kissed skin, her hair was a raven black with white, gold, and purple highlights glowing in the candle light… I could feel her calming aura from where she stood as her purple eyes glanced around the room. She was even wearing her traditional golden kimono with woven flowers. She moved gracefully, not a care in the world as she stood next to her husband. I immediately bow deeply, as does Burton, the rest of the ambassadors seem surprised by our actions, but proceed to bow deeply or lightly, as is the case with the griffon and tabaxi.

“Please,” A smooth, low voice fills the room, the voice of the Lord himself, even the most calming of his words carried traces of strength behind each syllable, “Stand straight.”

“Indeed, let us see your faces.” A sweeter than honey voice says encouragingly to us. I immediately do so. I could see Burton had already stood as tall as the stock dwarf could from the words of his Lord. The rest of the ambassadors rise as well, my Lady gently pushing her hand down through the air, beckoning us to sit. We do so.

“So this is why…” I mutter in shock.

(Aurora’s pov)

I smiled as I saw the Naga; it seems that my message got through to them, and oh look there was a dwarf! They always loved my husband for his bows. I take a quick glance at the others… nothing to interesting other than the Tabaxi ambassador for Zebrica.

“Thank you for welcoming us here today.” I say, staying calm…. I hate this.

“Indeed, we are very thankful for your time, especially after such a terrible incident with Tirek.” My husband adds quickly with his own calming and professional nature, referring specifically to the ambassadors of Equestria. He was always better at keeping face during these moments than I, but then again, I haven’t done this in three thousand years….I had been using proxies to talk with the shrines and temples of Neighpon.

“We are here for you to ask a few questions of us, after all, our intentions are to live our lives as we slowly return to doing our jobs.” I say as Celly and Lulu take a seat at the head table. This made most of the ambassadors seem confused or concerned, all except the naga, dwarf, and tabaxi. The pony ambassadors look to my nieces for clarification as the griffon just stares at my husband with intrigue. Celly and Lulu nod to them encouraging.

“What did you used to do?” The ambassador from Las Pegasus asks, looking at Ozz.

He smiles warmly as his eyes look past the ambassadors and the memories begin to flood his mind, “We were guardians. We protected this world, from the demons of old. We were summoned to Equestria to help defeat the demon hordes, and we did so. Under the watch of Queen Faust, I forged an army capable of defeating any demon horde sent their way. My wife started the teachings of different magic, the holy kind, and became a martyr and practical goddess to many corners of the world. It was our duty to protect these lands, and still is.” He finishes with a powerful nod. The naga and dwarf smile with my husband, while the rest of the ambassadors look astonished, all but the non pony ambassadors.

“Would you just protect Equestria?” The large griffin demanded. “Would only Equestria grow in power?” He quickly retracted back at the stare of my husband.

“Of course not. We simply will reside in Equestria. It is my duty given to me by Faust herself to protect this world and I will do so.” He states clearly, making the griffon take a deep breath, flaring his nostrils slightly before sitting back.

“It would be very counterproductive if we did so.” I comment loud enough for them all to hear.

The Guardian Naga spoke next. “Will you return to us?” She pleaded.

I blinked, not expecting such a thing from a guardian naga.. “I can’t stay there as I did in the past, but yes I will return there often.” I smile at my love. “I have other commitments.” The naga could only nod as she shifted back down into her seat, the other ambassadors raising their hands for a question which my husband chuckled at. I sigh and point to a random pony.

The ambassador from Manehattan stood, “What are you both? I’ve never seen anything like you two before in my life. Not to be rude or anything! I’m just… curious.” He quickly sat back down.

I laugh and poke my mate, edging him to answer first. He just looks at me deadpanned, which makes me giggle as he looks back to the ambassador. “I’m different but I’m no threat. That is all you need to know at this moment.” I roll my eyes behind my hair at his usual response to such questions.

“He is a human, and so is this form I am in.” I said before morphing into my Ki-rin form, which almost filled the whole room, “Though you may know me better as this though.” Everyone, including the tabaxi, had a mix of astonishment and shock sketched on their face. Even the naga and dwarf stared in amazement at my sudden change in form. My still sweet and calm voice filled the room as even my nieces smiled widely at my grace. My husband smiles softly at my form, looking across my celestial form before meeting my eyes, his stare saying what I always knew. I love you. “Though for comfort…” I shift back to human. “I will be staying like this.”

“D-Does h-he have another f-form too?” One of the ponies asked with a shaky voice. My husband laughed out a small hearty laugh and shakes his head.

“Nope! I’m all you get.”

I laugh. “This form,” I gesture to my human one, “was given to me by Faust so that I could spend more time with my love in comfort.” …. Not the exact truth but close enough.

The buffalo decided to speak up next, “You are powerful indeed! No wonder Tirek didn’t stand a chance!” She then lets out a hearty laugh which a few other ponies joined, though the dwarf, griffon, naga, and tabaxi all stared at my husband and I to see our responses.

“I sadly didn’t get here in time, my husband was the one to deal with him.” I sigh. The ambassadors, besides the tabaxi, dwarf, and naga, all stared wide eyed at my husband who just nods with a blank stare in return.

The griffon decided to speak up, “Him?! He defeated Tirek all by himself? You must be joking, he’s far too lithe to be able to defeat a beast such as Tirek.” He gestures with a claw to my husband’s lean form.

The Naga glared at him but before she could speak, I laughed. “Oh? Do you wish to test him young grif?” I smiled. “Your race was always eager to prove yourselves against a foe.” Though my husband isn’t showing it physically, I could just sense the smirk he would have.

The griffon glares softly and stands to his full height, that of around 6’4, “Tienan Ironclaw does not back down from any challenge!” My husband unfolded his arms and just stood still as he stared the griffon in the eyes. The dwarf had a massive grin on his face, as did the naga, though my nieces were less enthusiastic about the idea.

“Now now,” Celestia started, “Let’s not fight now. Ozz has been through quite the day and would not like to fight anyone at the moment.” Luna nodded in agreement.

“What about a simple test of strength?” I asked with a grin. My nieces simply looked at me with raised eyebrows which asked for further elaboration.

I hummed and pointed to the main table. “Lift the table.” The table was massive, meant to sit over fifty people at once.

My husband took a step back, as did everyone else, though he gave a gesture with his hand, “After you.”

Tienan scoffs and grips the table firmly with both claws, spreading his giant feathery wings out, he gives a singly strong flap, sending a small burst of wind throughout the room as his muscles bulged and he lifted one side of the table into the air by a few feet, his wings flapping softly to maintain the balance before he set it down with a smug grin, “Your turn.”

I hum. “Impressive for one so young.” My husband nodded and gave a small clap with a smile, a few other ambassadors joining in before he rolled his shoulders back and cracked his neck.

“Alright,” His lip curled up into a smirk, “My turn.” He stepped forward as the griffon stepped back and crossed his arms, gripping the table firmly with one hand, “Ironclaw was it?”

Tienan raised a brow but nodded. “Well Ironclaw, here’s a little forewarning for you,” He suddenly flexed his arm and lifted his side of the table into the air, his arm extending outward above his head as the table was nearly standing vertical. Everyone’s eyes widened, the ponies in shock, the tabaxi in surprise, the griffon in disbelief, and the naga and dwarf in astonishment. “Don’t underestimate a man who built armies with his fingers.” He gently and easily set the table down and place his hands behind his back.

I smile. “And this is after my love’s long sleep.” I hinted that this wasn’t his full strength. The other ambassadors seemed even more shocked.

“H-H-H-How?!?!” Tienan shouted after stumbling over his words a bit, “That isn’t possible!”

The dwarf grinned. “You challenged a deity of war, crafts, and tactics to a test of strength, ambassador.”

That only made everyone stare in absolute shock at my husband. For the first time, the tabaxi finally spoke up, her voice was soft and wispy, “You’re a deity?”

“So is his wife.” The Naga said. “She is the Holy one, deity of healing, beauty and defense.”

One of the pony ambassadors, from Vanhoover, spoke up, “S-So you two are gods? How come I’ve never heard of you?”

I sigh and go to talk. “Because you ponies are a bit xenophobic.” The naga said before I could.

I blink. “That and we are deities from Faust’s day.” I say simply

My nieces give a unapproving stare towards the naga before Celestia sighs, “It is true that they are deities, and the reason not many have heard of their status in Equestria is mainly due to the fact that our mother, Faust, chose them to be deities to deal with a major threat to this world, and afterwards, not many ponies saw the need to worship deities, especially one of war. There are a few ponies though that still follow my aunt’s godship.” My husband takes the news rather well and just gives a small nod.

“That makes sense.”

I grumble. “I am glad when Mi amore became the goddess of love.. I got less of the.. Personal prayers.” I whisper to my love. He frowns softly and puts an arm around my shoulder, hugging me with a small kiss to my forehead which makes me smile. I look to the rest. “Even though we are deities, we don’t make our presence known a lot. We follow our purpose more than we desire servants.”

The griffon raises an eyebrow, “Never heard of a deity like that….”

I snort. “We were asked by Faust, the Mother of gods to do this, so we did.”

The tabaxi spoke up once more, “So now that you’ve returned, what do you want to do?”

I smile and lean against my love. “For now I want to spend time with my love, after that I will reclaim a few of my objects from around the world as I show him what he has missed.” Ozz smiles and leans his head against mine with a small and happy hum.

The tabaxi nods, “I am Evie Silverfang. I’m sure the zebra and tabaxi will happily accompany you if you chose to visit.” She gives a small bow of her head.

I grin. “You personally?” I can’t help teasing her, she is like a cute cat. She tilts her head curiously before shrugging.

“If you’d like residence in my home while in Zebrica, I’d be honored to let you.” The dwarf and naga give a soft smile and speak in tandem, “As would I.” They both look at each other in surprise before laughing softly.

“Thank you all.” I said with a soft nod before looking at my love. “What about you my husband?”

“My plans? Well I want to make sure everything is fine in Equestria from Tirek first of all, among making sure anything like that won’t happen again from other threats, but that will require me to practically retrain the entire guard.” That gets a few discrete laughs that I could hear due to my nature.

“Well, want to meet them?” Luna asks with a predatory smile, an act my husband returned tenfold.

“Oh I’m going to break them.” The two guards in the back gulped and I grinned.

Author's Note

And here is some more interesting things...

I'm going to have some fun...

Ozz.. no...

Ozz yes!

well... next time come see Ozz have fun with the guards..