Chapters The Keystone and the Divine.
(Twilight Sparkles pov)
He did it. He actually did it. I always believed I would’ve been strong enough to stop him, but I wasn’t. Oh! I’m sorry, this must seem confusing, I’m really good at reading stories but not so much at telling them I guess.
Hi, my name is Twilight Sparkle. One of the four princesses of Equestria, the land of ponies. The other princesses are Princess Celestia, my mentor, her sister Princess Luna, and my old foalsitter, Princess Cadence.
“How close are we Twilight?” A soft voice with a southern drawl asks. An orange pony with a stensen hat and a red flannel shirt with a pair of dirty jeans asks; her eyes back to their oscar green after her magic was restored. That’s Applejack, one of my best friends. My other friends walked alongside me, a blue pony wearing a simple white tank-top, black shorts and boots, her colorful locks a pattern of a rainbow with a sleek tail to match, a visible tattoo of a multi-colored lightning bolt coming from a cloud to represent her cutie mark, grumbling that her wings aren’t working as we ran, she is Rainbow Dash.
Walking along my right side is a pink pony, with a large, poofy magenta mane with a matching tail. Pinkie Pie, the usually energetic optimist that never loses her smile couldn’t seem to even bring happiness, though I’m not surprised. Her once bright shirt and jacket are covered with soot, with her skirt and boots being subjected to the same fate. Fluttershy was no different. Her long, silky pink mane and tail were dragging against the dirt of the Everfree with her wings limp against her back, though the shy and kind pony didn’t seem to care as her focus was on walking straight and keeping the draconequus next to her, Discord, the former Spirit of Disharmony, who also seemed in a terrible mood. The feeling is mutual between us all.
Trailing a bit behind me is a white pony with a purple amethyst mane and tail, which were still somehow curled elegantly, her dress and stockings were covered in dust and dirt, to which she muttered complaints about; this is my friend Rarity, a unicorn. Walking beside her, looking up in worry at the white mare, a dragon child with purple scales and green spines running along his head and down his back, ending at his tail. He’s wearing a torn purple jacket with a green shirt underneath it and blue shorts. Practically my baby brother, though don’t tell anypony I said that, especially Spike.
We started running towards the cave containing the Tree of Harmony. “We are close, just around this corner.” I say to Applejack as we near a familiar path, taking the turn we could hear Tirek blast the ground around him, I pray that he doesn’t cause the blights to become more aggressive. Oh! Blights are the cousins to the timberwolves, though they take on a more pony shape to fool and attack trespassers in the deeper parts of the woods. Even worse, he might cause the treants to wake up, the oldest trees in the woods who have gain intelligence. That wouldn’t be good. . . .
Nevertheless, we turn a corner near a dried stump covered in hairy moss, the trees opening to reveal the small chasm in the clearing of the Everfree, a familiar alcove visible from the edge. “Finally!” Rainbow called out with her normal bravado, which put a small smile on my face. I nod with a determined look in my eyes, “Come on gang! We got a magic-sucking bad guy to beat!”
“Then a party to have!” Pinkie called out as she shot down the stairs, a small chuckle can’t help but escape a few of our mouths. We quickly follow our pink friend down the steps toward the strange and beautiful sight of the Tree of Harmony. A large crystalline tree with several leafless branches coming out, though five main branches almost like spokes are the main ones. All the main branches have a symbol at the end of them, of our cutie marks. An orange apple for Applejack, a purple diamond for Rarity, a teal balloon for Pinkie Pie, a pink butterfly for Fluttershy, and a red lightning bolt for Rainbow Dash. And at the center of the tree, a magenta colored star with six points, five of the points aligning with the spoke-like main branches, the last one pointing down, to a dodecahedron box, with six key holes that sat at the base of the tree. Five of the keyholes where already filled with a key similar to my friends cutie marks, only mine was absent. “Well,” The draconequus behind us began to announce, “Here we are.”
“Still awe inspiring as always, darlings…” Rarity comments as we enter, everypony moving to stand in front of their keyhole. I nod as I move over and touched the amulet Discord had given me to the chest, and in a flash of magic it turned into a key and inserted itself into the lock, the magic fading once it does. I was smiling at that when we heard and felt a huge thud; in the distance we could see Tirek rampaging across the forest, using his stolen magic to tear apart the ground.
I gathered my resolve and turned to my friends. “Together.. I think we have to do it together!” As one we moved and placed our hands on our key, pushing it in a bit before turning them to the right, unlocking the box. The top opened up and revealed a bright white light, out of the light a rainbow came out of it and hit the center gem of the tree. After the rainbow faded into the gem, multi-colored trails exited it, each trail color matching the gem it moved towards. When the trails connected with the gems, they flashed and glowed with magic. Just as they finished, pillars of light, matching the gems surrounded each of us according to the element we had held. I felt power, similar to when we channeled the Elements, fill me, I felt a tug and the world blurred around us as we... dissipated? I think that is the best word… Into pure magic somehow as we were pulled into the chest and swirled round as more magic filled us. As we spun out I felt something else come out.
The sound of a… yawn? Is heard. As we all stand in the alcove, the light faded away and standing where the box once was, a tall ponyoid creature stood, a black mane atop his….furless body? He had just pale white skin, with deep blue eyes that immediately sent a small shiver down my spine. He wore black, leathery clothing, a strange box attached to the back of his belt; his body lean, yet there was clearly signs of muscle across his form. But the strangest part of all, was our reactions, or more specifically, Discord’s. His color dropped, literally. He turned pale white and his eyes became pinpricks, and the immediate terror in his body spread like the plague. We all jumped back in slight fright, Fluttershy hiding behind Rainbow Dash who growled while getting into a stance, Applejack doing the same but the worry was clear. Spike hid behind Pinkie’s large tail, the aforementioned mare clearly frightened as well by the mysterious...stallion? The creature just looked around confused before the ground shook again, Tirek’s rampage continuing outside; which the creature didn’t even seem to care about. “Who are you all?” He asked in a strange accent I couldn’t quite pinpoint. The tone of the question is what surprised me the most, it wasn’t stern or dark, it was….gentle; and extremely confused.
“uh..um.. I am Twilight Sparkle.” I said hesitantly.
“Rainbow Dash.” The pegasus more growled than said as she stared at him, prepared to fight if needed.
“I'm Applejack.” she said simply, watching his moves.
“Rarity darling… and what are you wearing?” she was looking him over as she flipped her mane dramatically.
After a few attempts of Fluttershy saying her name but not saying it above a whisper I said it for her. “She's Fluttershy.”
“Hi, I’m Spike.” my little brother said simply.
“D-d-discord.” the lord of chaos stammered out, why was he so afraid?
“HII'MPINKIWHATISYOURNAME,IHAVENEVERSEENANYTHINGLIKEYOU?DOYOULIKEPARTIES?” Pinkie spat out at her rapid pace.
The man looks pleasantly surprised oddly, “Huh, usually I’m getting stabbed when I asked that, but I think this works fine! Hello Twilight, pleasure to meet you too Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and a darling to you Rarity; and this is called armor.” He nods to each pony he named, Applejack and I simply nod back, Rainbow deciding to scowl while Rarity blushes slightly and nods slowly at his answer. The stallion looks to Fluttershy and says softly, “Hi Fluttershy,” He also waves which causes Fluttershy to wave back a tiny bit, “And of course, nice to meet you too Spike and D-d-discord.” He stutters at the end to mimic Discord’s greeting. The ground shakes once more, causing everypony but the stallion in the middle to flinch and look out of the alcove, “And yes Pinkie Pie, I like parties.” He says with a simple nod to the mare, causing all of us to have a little look of shock before the ground shook again. “Excuse me Miss Twilight? Are tremors this common these days?”
I shake my head nervously, still unsure about him and our new forms. All the color on us is strange… anyway back to his question. “um no Mr…?”
“Oh I’m terribly sorry! How rude of me! I am Ozz.” The stallion, now identified as Ozz, says with a slight bow after playfully smacking his forehead.
“Nice to meet you Ozz, the tremors are being caused by Tirek.” I smiled at his behaviour, it helped a bit… though I could swear that I heard Rarity squee…
Though what I don’t suspect is his reaction, which almost made the cave feel… cold. His smile drops and his eyes darken from his scowl that wrinkles his smooth skin, “Tirek?” He asks slowly, as if asking if he heard what I said correctly. I gulp slightly in fear and respond.
“Y-yes, he escaped Tartarus and has stolen all of our magic except for what the tree just gave us.” I said, doing my best not to get too emotional. This answer only made the scowl of the man deepen as he looks out of the cave and towards the forest above, silently walking past us all and up the stairs of the chasm, his boots crunching loudly against the dirt floor, even drowning out the sound of the tremors oddly. “Ozz?” AJ, Flutters, and RD call out as we follow him.
He simply ignores our voices as he walks through the forest without care, like he owned the place, which made me start to question who this stallion really is, maybe he did own the forest. He did just came out of a box from the Tree of Harmony….
“How much magic has he taken?” He asks without so much as a glance towards us.
“well.. mine and the other three Princesses.” I said with a wince.
“As well as everypony else's, even Discord here, lord of Chaos and all..” RD called out, still glaring at him slightly.
He finally stopped and looked back at us, more specifically Discord, “How did you get that title?” He asks curiously, though the underlying threatening tone is noticed by us all, Discord included, causing Fluttershy to step in front of him in a protective stance instinctively.
“He’s good now!” she protested, making Ozz raise an eyebrow.
“He was bad once?”
He sighed. “I use chaos magic and in the past I was… carefree of the consequences of my actions.. do you know of the xenophobia of the races in the past?”
“All too well.” He turns back and begins walking again as the tremors intensify.
“My form and magic made me stand out… and if it wasn't for a strange yet beautiful creature I would have been a lot harsher.” He said softly looking at Flutters with a smile.
Ozz just hummed as the booming laugh of Tirek is heard. Ozz reached out to a nearby tree and ripping off a piece of bark without slowing his pace, “We’re getting close.”
“What are you going to do, shouldn't we use the power the Tree gave us?” I ask him, to which he just scoffs.
“And why would magic affect the magic-absorbing demon lord?” He asks back.
“Because it worked in the past?” I argued back, and he…. Laughes? Why is he laughing?!
“Trust me Twilight Sparkle, magic isn’t what stopped Tirek last time.”
“It was, Princess Celestia and Luna used the elements on him to banish him…” I realize something he said earlier, “And he is a centaur not a demon lord.”
Ozz stops and looks back at me, his eyebrow raised before they both rise up like he’s come to some realization, “Oh…. so this isn’t Tirek.”
“It is… he is named after his father.” I explain, I realized something, “You knew his father?” I asked carefully.
“I killed his father. Well, me and my wife.” His eyes widen and he gasps, “Aurora….” He says breathlessly, snapping his head forward towards the source of the tremors, breaking off into a full sprint.
“WHAT!” I call out as I sprint after him. “That was three thousand years ago!”
“THREE THOUSAND YEARS?!?! OH GODS!” He sprints faster, outpacing me with ease in a speed I’ve only seen in the strongest of earth ponies, and he didn’t even seem to be pushing himself!
“What is wrong?” I struggle to keep up, the girls keeping up with the strange magic we got, AJ was carrying Discord while Rarity got Spike.
He stops abruptly and turns, grabbing my shoulders and looking me in the eyes with his wide ones, “I’ve been away from my wife for three thousand years! I’m gonna kill a demon centaur today so I can find my wife! That’s what is wrong and that is what is happening!” He lets go and turns, going straight back into his sprint.
I pale a bit “Wouldn’t she be dead by now?” I said in disbelief, “And do you have to kill him?”
“Is he the son of the first Tirek?” He yells out in questioning, reaching low and grabbing at the forest floor, picking up dirt and twigs between his fingers.
“Yes, he came to steal the magic from us with his brother Scorpan in the past, only for Scorpan to help us instead and letting Starswirl the bearded and the princesses to seal him away.” I explain to him. “And why are you doing that?”
”You’ll see.”
Well that helps no pony at all….
“Tell me Twilight, what happened to the first Tirek?” He asks suddenly, stopping completely without a bead of sweat on him, or any change of breath.
“After somepony named Megan freed the ponies, she used the Rainbow Rod to summon two beings who fought with him, one had impervious defence and the other had an overwhelming offence.” I said after some thought, recalling myths and lore from some of the older books in Princess Celestia’s personal library.
“And pray tell, do you know who these beings were?” It took me a minute but I recalled what he just said, he seemed too knowing, too ready to fight to just be a regular whatever he was….
“You?… but the other was the Ki-rin, a divine beast that has lived a long time and is very powerful, and many want to own it, as it is the only known one.” That made Ozz scowl in anger.
“Anyone who tries to own my wife ,” He emphasizes, “Will cease existing on this earth.”
“You married a stag horse?” RD laughs, I frown at that. Ozz looks like he’s trying to murder her with his glare, which she pales at when she notices.
“You don’t know the woman I love.” He says in a dark tone, “And I’d recommend you don’t speak of her that way if you value your continued existence.” Everypony, myself included, paled with the rainbow mare at that.
“But even though she phrased it like that, the stories never say she can talk, or even that it was a she, so how did you marry her?” I asked nervously.
“You can ask her yourself after I kill Tirek.” He turns once again and begins walking as the sound of Tirek’s maniacal laughter is heard booming through the air.
“... good luck?” I asked as we got closer.
“Luck is pointless.” He said as he stepped through the trees, coming up on the edge of the forest, and a couple thousand feet away, the colossal form of Tirek. The centaur was easily two hundred feet tall, and nearly as wide as a small mountain, his horse half was black with fur, his upper half consisting of red, muscular skin. He had two giant horns coming from his head and a thick grey beard underneath his laughing face, black eyes riddled with joy as he laid destruction upon the land.
“Well… we will stand by just in case.” I said firmly, the girls nodding. Ozz just nods.
“Good, then I won’t have to worry about people in my way.” As he was about to step forward, he stops and looks back at us, “Do you any of you have a piece of his hair or something?”
“I do..” Discord walks up with a strand of his mane “I don’t know why but I felt compelled to take it earlier..”
For some reason, Ozz gets a wicked grin on his face, an almost sadist look in his eyes which causes some of us to flinch as he quickly snatches it from Discord’s hand, “Perfect .” He says in a sinister tone with a small chuckle, “Thank you Discord, you’ve just made my job a lot more easier.” He drops the bark and and pile of dirt, wiping his hands clean on his clothes which causes Rarity to gasp and huff but doesn’t say anything.
“Just tell your wife she won the bet.” Discord sighs.
“Um.. what are you doing?” I asked with a faint bit of worry which causes Ozz to hum slightly in thought.
“On a scale, of one to ten, how much pain has he caused this world and its people?” He asks calmly and clearly, a stark and noticeable contrast to his previous tones and attitude.
“Everyone is still alive but is unable to move… like at all.” Pinkie called out.
“I’d like a number.”
She hums, “Like seven or eight… if it keeps going, ponies are going to starve.” She explains with a sad tone as Ozz frowns.
“Then his punishment has been decided.” He turns back to the centaur, “Twilight, you said that the other being had an overwhelming offense yes?”
“Yes?” I asked as my eyes widen as I back up. The stallion smirks as he twists the strand of hair between his fingers and Tirek roars out in pain. We all look past Ozz to see Tirek holding his left arm, or what was his left arm, now twisted like a screw with bone sticking out in several directions, black blood pouring out of each wound as I gasp in shock and look back at Ozz. Where was his magic? I didn’t sense anything from him, he just moved the piece of hair, what is this? “That wasn’t magic…. What is that?”
“This,’ He starts blankly as he stares at Tirek, “is my power.” He twists the hair again as Tirek buckles in pain, his back hind legs bending out sideways, bone popping out once more as he screams in absolute agony.
“Um.. sir… can you not torture him?” Fluttershy said just barely loud enough to be heard.
“I can’t not.” He replies with no emotion, Tirek trying to heal himself with magic but can’t as he horns begin to bend slowly out of shape, the pain too much to bear to cast any spells.
“Well… can you get him to return the magic he stole?” AJ asks worried about her family.
“It will return. Promise.” The centaur then turns to us, but not of his own will clearly. He crawls forward, his broken back legs forcing him to crawl, reaching us quickly as he notices Ozz and pales in absolute terror.
“That is a look I didn’t think he could make.” Rarity commented.
“Hello boy ,” Ozz taunts, “Remember me?”
“Impossible….” His usually deep and billowing voice is shaky and dry from the fear and screaming, “You were dead….” Ozz just clicks his tongue and shrugs.
“I think I’d know personally. Release their magic, and I’ll let you live. Don’t, I’ll just force you to before killing you brutally, I’m sure you know what I did to daddy Tirek.” He has such an innocent smile plastered on his face, it’s…. disturbing.
“He seems to be enjoying this..” I whisper to RD.
“Yeah..” was her only response.
“I… I will not kneel!” He used all of his strength to try and hit Ozz, my heart sinking as I watch his fist fly forward only to stop inches from Ozz, who seemed unnerved by the action.
“Then death it is.” The hand curls back as his claws open and pierce into his stomach, blood immediately bursting from his mouth as he stares at his own hand impaled into his stomach.
Tirek tries to speak but is interrupted as the hand is ripped from his stomach and a burst of magical energy escapes the wound, flying into the sky and separating into thousands of thin magical strands, multiple flying down, hitting me and Discord along the process, a sudden surge of energy filling my body as my magic is restored and Tirek shrinks, showing his disheveled and small form. His body frail and beard white and long, cheeks hollow but the wounds remain and he stares in fear at Ozz.
I felt a call as for a moment the magic from the tree resonated and we helped spread the magic back, for a moment we were spread through Equestria, seeing everyone safe. “Ozz, the magic is back!” I tell him in relief after coming back to my body.
“I could tell, there was a big beam in the sky.” He says with a finger pointing up to the sky.
“I know that!” I said with exasperation.
“She means that everypony is already back up and moving!” Pinkie cheered.
Ozz’s lips pull up in a soft smile as he looks back at Tirek with a frown returning, unceremoniously twisting the hair harshly, causing Tirek’s head to twist sideways with a sickening crack as his spine is snapped and his body immediately falls to the floor, lifeless.
“Thank you for the hair Discord.”
“Well, your welcome?” He said hesitantly as we saw a rainbow leave the cave, the box from earlier the source as it heads towards Ponyville. “We should go see what that is…”
Ozz just shrugs and puts his hand out towards the direction of where the rainbow went, “Lead the way.”
I nod. “Is it okay to teleport with you?”
He puts his hand up as he seems to realize something, “Actually, if it’s alright with you all, I’d like to see my wife again.”
“How are you going to find her?” I asked, eager to know more. Ozz smiles and puts his hand out.
“Please don’t bombard her, I imagine she’s been very lonely.” He sighs and looks out towards the horizon, whispering softly, “Ni fen ra.”
I felt the build up of magic as, out of nowhere, a stag like creature came running over and tackling Ozz, who eagerly accepted the tackle, hugging and the nuzzling the creature. The Ki-rin’s mane was a deep black, like space but with streaks of gold running through it, her scales where a soft golden color, the light bouncing off of her makes it seem like she was glowing, she has a serpentine like build but still had hair on it and around her hooves, accenting her sleek body. Lastly, to
Ozz doesn’t respond as he holds the ki-rin, tears flowing down his cheeks as he holds her head and rubs her, pressing his forehead against hers and softly murmuring something I can’t quite hear. There’s a chorus of “Awww…’ behind me, myself included, as we all watch this beautiful reunion. “So cute…” I mutter.
(Ozz pov)
“I know, I know,” I whisper gently to the ki-rin, not caring about the tears flowing down my eyes, “I’m sorry I took so long.” My heart was so overjoyed, she was back; my wife, my love. My Aurora.
‘It has been so long…. Three thousand years wandering the world.’ Her telepathic voice stated in his mind, sounding sweet as honey, though very very emotional at the moment.
I rub her neck and snout, “I’m here, I’m back, I won’t leave you again my love, I promise.” I let out a shaky breath as I smile deeply, her presence exactly what I needed.
‘No more challenging demon king's?’ She more states than asks. I just nod against her scales.
“Right now, all I care about is you. I love you.” I knew how much she yearned to hear me say that again.
She nuzzles me. ‘And I you, my beloved.’ her ‘voice’ full of warmth.
“Um… are you talking to yourself?” The blue one asks as she moves closer, causing me to glare at her softly, mentally telling her to back off. To which she thankfully understands and backs off, though I don’t care about her reaction or apology as I focus on my wife again.
“Aurora, I’m still so sorry for leaving you for so long….”
‘You didn’t know it would take so long… and you needed to heal.’ she says fiercely, not wanting me to take any blame. I understand and just nod, not wanting to argue, only wanting her.
“Can I see my girl?” I ask softly.
She hesitated, ‘It has been a long time…. I refused to take up my human form until you came back…’ I stop her with a small pat on the side of her snout.
“It’s fine, take all the time you need, I’ll always love you anyway.”
She nods and gets off of me reluctantly and sits down, ‘As you wish.’ She said quoting an old movie from home, making me chuckle. She closes her eyes and focuses.
“Gods I miss Princess Bride…..” I say in a whisper, the others not able to hear so they don’t question me.
“Um.. Mr. Ozz… are you talking with her?” The yellow pegasus named Fluttershy asks, she seemed nice. I nod but don’t say anything more. She fidgets, “I can normally understand animals but I couldn’t understand her at all.. Not to be rude to her!” she quickly back tracked.
I just smile softly at the shy girl, reminding me so much of an old friend from home, “That’s because she is far from normal. She can choose who understands her, and right now, it’s just me.” I explain simply, not elaborating further.
“That is really neat!” Her eyes sparkled, I could see the purple Alicorn writing down notes.
There was the sound of a heavy impact as the blue one from earlier goes flying past me with the pink one in her grasp. ‘Not in my face!’ My wife growled, making me scowl as I step in front of her and place my hand on her snout.
“What. Did. You. Do.” I demand coldly, causing both mares to flinch.
“I just wanted to throw her a party!” The pink one said, her mane deflated somehow? I brush it off and leave it for later, my irritation getting in the way of my confusion.
“Leave her alone.” I demand simply as I turn back to Aurora, “Are you okay?” I ask softly, any anger immediately leaving when I talk with her.
‘I was just startled… most don’t get that close.’ She sighs before smiling softly. ‘Kiss my horn?’
I smile softly, leaning forward before gently pecking her smooth horn. She shivers once before grinning. ‘I knew that was what I did..’ Her form wavered and changed, becoming human. She appeared to be around 22 years old and was physically very fit. She is shorter than me at 5”9’ tall. Her skin was sun kissed yet smooth as silk, her hair is still a raven black but now with white, gold, and purple highlights. Her lovely breasts are a D cup with an ass to match, giving her an hourglass figure. She is wearing a simple golden kimono with flowers designed into it. Just like how she was before I went to sleep. Ignoring the gasps from everyone else, I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her in, pressing my lips longingly against hers. She returned the kiss with equal vigor. “So long..” she said after the kiss, her voice having a slight accent that wasn’t there before.
I smile and hold her close, feeling her warmth as I smell her fresh scent, sighing happily, “I love you so much.”
She smiles and simply shows me her wedding ring, one that we made out of titanium. “Never took it off my love.” I smile and kiss her hand, bringing it up to cup my cheek as I cup hers, my own ring brushing against her perfect skin.
“We have a lot of vows to renew.” I say with a small chuckle as I press my forehead against hers, closing my eyes softly to just enjoy her touch.
Author's Note
Thank you for reading this story!
I, Aurora, wish you well and please comment and ask questions!
Ozz, my co-author, wishes that you enjoyed the story!
The Keystone and the Divine.
Chapter 2
(Aurora’s pov)
I sighed happily as I leaned against Ozz, my life mate. We had moved back to Ponyville to see Twilight’s new castle… not that I said anything about it. Unlike Ozz, I remember the key points and events of Friendship is Magic. So I had watched with amusement as they looked around the castle, running from room to room. Celestia and Luna kept glancing at me and my love as Spike passed out drinks; after all it, has been a long time from the last time we all saw each other. “So… questions?” I spoke out loud, making sure to speak Common (English/Equis) instead of the other six or so languages that I have used lately.
“Indeed, we have a few to ask; and knowing Twilight, she has many more.” Celestia said. She was a good foot taller than most ponies, the average height for them being around five foot two inches, she was only a half a foot taller than me though, placing her at 6’ 4. Her fur was a pure snow white, while her mane and tail were the normal multi-hued color that I remembered and love. She was also wearing a floor length white dress with gold and purple accents, it hugged her figure in such away as to enhance her looks, but not call attention to it immediately.
“Let’s do it one at a time, I just woke up maybe half an hour ago and I would prefer not to be overwhelmed with questions please?” Ozz spoke out as he held my hand.
I smiled as I pulled him over to a couch in one of the side rooms we were using so there was enough seats. “You used to like that Ozz.” The Night themed princess Luna said as she sat next to her sister, a pair of headphones around her neck, mismatched with her matching royal attire. She was wearing a similar outfit to Celestia, only in a blue, indigo, and silver palette. She was just a few inches taller than me at 6’ 1”. “But as you said you were being a sleepy head.”
“You call it being sleepy, I call it healing.” He quips without a second thought, shrugging softly as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I missed this, his quirkiness and charm, sure it’s silly sometimes, but it’s who he is.
I laughed and pulled out a small flat crystal, this was a prototype phone that I had some… friends work on. “Well you did take a long one anyway.” I scrolled through the ‘apps’ on my phone to find my photos.
“You both haven’t been seen in Equestria in a long time… what happened to you aunt and uncle?” Celestia said softly. My husband just sighed and looked down at me, his eyes asking the obvious question, ‘Do you want to tell them or should I?’
“You are the one that picked that fight without me.” I told him. I clutched my crystal harder at the memories. He nods softly and holds me closer, gently kissing my head. I sigh and kiss his cheek.
“I know, and I’m sorry,” He looks back to the awaiting princesses, “Tell me, do you know who the Lord of Tartarus is?” His question causes the sisters’ eyes to widen slightly as they look at each other briefly before looking back at us.
“You speak of the old King Asmodeus before he was locked in a cell.” Luna said with slight fear in her tone. I wince at her words, remembering my rage. Ozz tightens his grip on me, telling me that he’s here, causing me to lean into him more.
“He was the reason I had to go into hiding and rest all this time. He injured me greatly.” I glance towards his chest, covered by his clothing but I can only imagine what his wound looked like now. My mind flashes to that day, when he was hurt, and the unbridled rage I felt for Asmodeus followed by the terror that Ozz was going to…. I couldn’t finish that thought. I demanded my mind not to.
“He struck a life threatening blow to Ozz…. and in my rage I made the unbreakable cell.” I said before focusing on my phone, tapping away to look through happier times. Ozz simply nods and lays his head atop mine.
“She managed to get me to the tree, and put me to sleep until my wound was healed.”
“I am just glad I know so much healing magic.” I said with a sigh.
“Still want you to teach us those spells.” Tia said quickly and quietly. Ozz smiles softly, that smile he always gave that would melt your heart and make you focus entirely on him; I love that smile.
“And I need to make sure you two have kept up with your training. I may have been asleep for three thousand years but maybe that’s enough of a handicap for you two to kick my ass. Maybe.” His smile shifts to a grin and I giggle softly.
“They haven’t been.” I told him, much to their shock, and the exclamations I heard coming from the other room, though I doubt Ozz heard them. Sadly, besides his immortality, he is all too human.
“Aunt Rora why?” Tia said with a pout, how cute.
“Because you turned politician and let the peace make you lazy, and your ass is bigger than mine now.” I said plainly, much to Lulu’s and Ozz’s amusement, given the moon princess’ smirk and Ozz’s snort.
“That’s a feat.” Ozz says with a chuckle and a grin.
I raised an eyebrow at my love “Are you implying something?” I had pointed the ‘camera’ part of the phone at him.
“I’m implying you have a lovely rear.” He says with a slight noble inflection to his voice, grinning all the while. I can see the sisters blush at that, though Celestia shyer than Luna about their blush.
I giggle, “So, hitting on our nieces now?” Ozz puts his hands up defensively.
“You’re the one that mentioned her having a large butt, I simply commented on the matter. I will now not say anything more or less.” He crosses his arms and turns his head in playful defiance.
I take a picture before commenting, “You’re cute like that.” I giggle as he just shakes his head and smiles, breaking his playfulness as he turns and kisses my nose.
“And you’re cute no matter what you’re like.”
I roll my eyes while smiling. “This is fun and all but aunt.. What happened to you?” Luna asked worriedly. “We only heard myths and tales of you after our return...”
“I… explored, staying in my divine form.” I said softly, my hand grasping my love’s, squeezing tightly. He returns the squeeze and kisses my cheek softly, nuzzling his head against mine to comfort me, and it was working. I lean into him as I speak. “I moved among the other races, learning and teaching those I found worthy.” I look at my phone “I also inspired a country mostly on accident…”
“The creation of Neighpon right?” Tia asks trying to clarify.
“Yes.” I said simply.
“You created a country?” Ozz asks in surprise as he stares with wide eyes at me.
I blushed. “Yes.. as well as inspiring them to create a few things a tad early” I handed my love another crystal ‘phone’ “Remember how our phones broke?”
"There are phones now?!” He takes the crystal phone and looks at it, analyzing every inch of it, “Gods I have a lot to catch-up on....”
“Phone?” Tia asks as she looks at the crystal, I had made sure to put in all the data that was left in our original phones.
“And not really? There are only five made right now…” I said with a grin. “They are all made by a... friend of mine.”
Ozz doesn’t question further as he pulls me in for a kiss, “You’re the best, you know that?”
I shiver as I kiss back, having miss this. “I may have been told that… I have been active at one point in another over the course of each races history… incredibly it is a unifying fact for each. Though the dragons don’t really like me after the Tiamat fiasco.”
“Tiamat fiasco?” Ozz asks with a hint of concern in his voice.
“Tiamat tried to take over more land, and I had to stop her… the dragons didn’t just sit back and watch me duel her to the death… I am just glad my shields are so strong.” I shiver slightly as I recall the twelve hour long fight with the Dragon Queen and her minions; her greed had grown too strong and wasn’t going to be satisfied with ruling the dragons.
“Your portrayal in that myth isn’t a nice one….” Luna comments with a grunt, “They make it out that you were a coward and slew her through trickery, because she should have been able to melt your shields.” Luna winces, “Especially the one you shoved down her throat.”
Ozz hugs me firmly, protectively like he always does when I’m scared or worried about something, it’s one of the many reasons I love him. “Who cares if your portrayal is bad? They’re dragons; they never liked anyone besides themselves. And if they ever think they can get revenge on you, I’d love to see the look on their faces when they hear I’ve returned.”
I smile as him as I hug him. “True, but what I meant to say before getting distracted, is that every race has a myth about me.”
“And I have collected every single one I could find.” Tia told me, fire in her eyes and voice. “But why did you leave?”
“Yes… you are family to us, and you only left a note…” Luna added.
I sigh. “The hunters… I will not harm an innocent.” I said firmly. “So I moved away from them.” I smile. “Got to see a lot of the land that way…” That got Ozz to scowl darkly, the presence he made when he was mad making the sisters across from us flinch and look away slightly, even though it’s not directed towards them. “Love, don’t scare the kids, it isn’t their fault.” I whispered as I kiss his cheek.
My husband closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, calming his nerves as his face smoothens, “If I was around, they would’ve been slaughtered.” He states softly, the sisters not quite hearing the statement, though I’m slightly relieved they didn’t. “Sorry girls, uncle just got a little….upset.”
“You know how nobles can get.” Tia explained. “In the past it was a decree that she wasn’t to be hunted..” She sighs “But they found ways around it.”
Luna snorts, “Nobles.” Celestia gave a glaring glance at her sister that quickly faded as she looked back to us.
I shrug, “It could have been worse, the only ones that came where rangers, barbarians, fighters, and a few bards.” That only made Ozz hug me tighter.
“If they try while I’m around, I will have no mercy.” He states clearly and factually, causing Celestia to stare a bit shocked at her uncle. Luna only nodded softly, though thankfully, Tia didn’t see it.
“Ozz.” I said firmly giving him a look, showing him my dislike of that thought.
“Sorry, but I will not accept anyone hunting my wife.” Ozz says with a frown, it’s clear he doesn’t want to argue, but I don’t like this.
I sigh, “Then I will stay human.” I was grumpy about that, I like being in my ki-rin form, I could move so much faster and the feeling was wonderful. Though my love knows this and hugs me again, pressing his head against my hair and sighing.
“I’m sorry, I just hate how they treat you. You can be whatever you’d like, I just want you to be happy.” His voice was genuine and truthful, warming my heart slightly, knowing all he cares about is me. Gods I love him.
“I know.. But they may be idiots and I may dislike them, but I can’t go against my instincts...” I hug him.
“Well, if it helps we could always say you caught her.” Tia points out. Ozz shakes his head while never moving away from me.
“It won’t.” He states simply, not offensively, just gently enough to show his own dislike of that idea.
“But you did!” I teased him, kissing him and running a hand down his thigh, causing him to twitch at the touch and smirk at me, winking softly. Celestia and Luna blush deeply at the teasing in front of them, Luna coughing softly to grab our attention again.
“Hey, it has been a really long time alright?” I said with a small blush. Ozz just chuckles and nips at my ear to tease me further. I shiver at that, “It is a good idea, and it will get you into Canterlot and into the palace so you can get our stuff. You know, your clothes, tools, and notes?”
Ozz smiles and nods, “That would be nice to have back.” He reaches down and takes my hand that was still resting on his thigh, interlocking my fingers with, his which I gladly accept.
I grin and call out, “Get in here girls!” I had a feeling that they would be there, and with that the doors fall open, six bodies fall in a tangled mess. “Well hello.”
Ozz laughs his usual hardy laugh, one I missed oh so much. “Gods, the way they just plopped out!” He continues his belly laugh and even covers his mouth to try and stop himself.
Me, Tia, and Luna all laugh gently, hiding it behind a hand. “Well, that is one way to come in.”
The next minute or two was spent with the girls apologizing and freaking out. My husband and I just waiting patiently for them to stop.
Though that doesn’t last long when Ozz puts his hand up, “Alright stop, the amount of care I had left is gone now and you’re forgiven. Now what do you want?”
Twilight immediately perks up. “I want to know everything!”
This causes most of them to sigh. “Fluttershy and I were here to see if your alright.” Applejack said.
“I wanted to see the myth for myself.” RD proclaims.
“I wanted to ask Aurora about her dress..” Rarity says.
“Kimono.” Ozz and I correct at the same time, causing us to look at each other and chuckle.
“What is the difference?” She asked with a head tilt.
“Mainly cultural and how it is worn, kimonos are a traditional clothing for great events or for special occasions, while a dress can be casual.” I explain, the fashionista nodding softly and seemingly in thought.
Ozz looks to the rest of the girls, “You get one question for now, and afterwards, we will decide whether you get more. I am rather tired after that entire ordeal and simply want to spend time with my wife, not answer questions for three hours.” He explains carefully and blankly, most of the girls nodding, except for Twilight, who pouts. “Fine….”
“Pouting booklaphiles don't get a question!” I say loudly, making her immediately drop her pout as Ozz chuckles softly. “Not even a denile, wow.” Making him snort and me grin.
“My question is just how strong are ya?” Applejack asks.
“In what ways?” Ozz asks for clarification.
“You were out running us even with our boost.” She says, “Does that speed mean that your physically powerful as well?”
Ozz hums slightly in understanding before nodding, “I’m strong, sure; but I’m honestly just fast. I’m a very dexterous man. Though I’m a little weak in body after sleeping for three thousand years, but pins and needles.” He gives a dismissive hand wave, causing Rainbow Dash to look surprised, looking at Applejack for clarification. The orange farm mare silently nodding in confirmation.
“How fast?” Rainbow demanded of my love, causing me to giggle. Ozz takes a minute to think, humming in thought.
“Last I remember, I could easily jog a mile in less than two minutes? At my fastest, I could run nearly three miles in two minutes. Though that’s definitely slower now considering my wound and physical deparity from sleeping for a few millena.” He explains slowly with a shrug of unsureness at the end.
“I want to race you after this!” She said with narrowed eyes, her friends all either sighed or rolled their eyes as I giggle again, leaning against my love more. Ozz just shrugging which she accepts as a yes. Fluttershy nervously raising a hand which I barely manage to spot.
“Yes Fluttershy?” I ask softly, not wanting to spook the shy mare but it’s inevitable. The pink maned pegasus makes a small high-pitched noise and shrinks down, muttering something extremely quietly, making it hard for me to even pick up. “I’m sorry, what was that?” I ask again softly.
“Um… uh… can we see your wound?” She said louder, just enough for me and my love to hear. “You said it made you sleep for so long..”
Ozz glances at me from the question, mentally asking me if it’s okay to show not only them, but me. I nod, honestly needing to see it to know if I needed to use more healing magic on him. He nods in return, scooting away from me slightly to access his chest piece more, unstrapping the leather chestpiece and pulling it off, revealing the tattered cloth of a black shirt underneath, which he rips off, much to the disappointment of Rarity, probably thinking she could have renewed the ruined cloth, but I didn’t care as I stared in silence at his scar. Covering most of his chest area, a large groove of rough skin covers his pale skin, the light brownish color easily contrasting against his normal skin tone. I instinctively reach out and gently touch the scar, the skin coarse and bumpy like soot, my heart aches. The rest of the girls just stare, some in shock, Celestia and Luna have small tears in their eyes. My husband takes my hand, holding it gently as he kisses my forehead softly, “It’s okay. I’m fine.” He whispers soothingly to me.
“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” I told him gently, already calling up my magic. “And I know that scar is going to bother you.” I brush my hand against the scar again, watching it shrink some more in a gentle white glow. “Better?” It was still there sadly, but it was smaller.
My love smiles warmly, leaning forward and kissing me softly on the lips, “Much.” He puts the armor back up and straps it back before pulling me closer again, an act I gladly allow as I nuzzle against his neck.
“How… what… what was that!” Twilight said with wide eyes, her desire to learn overwhelming her incredibility at what she just saw. I laughed and looked my love in the eyes. “Shall I?” He grins and gestures with his hand to go on.
“I am a Ki-rin.. A Divine Beast,” I explain, “Because of my nature, and who created my race, we are tied to life in a.. unique way, our magic is what is called, ‘holy’. Able to smite foes or heal our allies both physically and mentally.” I point to my love’s wound, “What I just did was a spell called ‘Lesser Restoration’, it is able to remove curses, most scars, and diseases.” Twilight writes every single word I speak, Ozz chuckling at the princess and her antics.
“The new princess is a fun addition Tia and Lulu, not gonna lie.” He says with a grin as the two sisters blush from the nickname they haven’t heard in a long time.
“Indeed, she is a bit accident prone.” I mutter.
“She isn’t that bad.” Tia defended her former student.
Ozz just shrugs, “I have no opinions at the moment. Though I have to ask, how long has she been a princess? She doesn’t seem to carry herself like one.” He comments while staring curiously at Twilight, who is still writing in her book.
“She has only ascended in the past year.” Luna said, watching Twilight as she wrote down theories behind what I was.
“Any other princesses I should know about? What about princes?”
“Well, there is one more, Princess Mia amore Cadenza, and sadly you are the only ‘prince’ uncle.” Tia explained.
“He’s a prince!?” Rarity yelled out. Ozz snorts softly at her exclamation.
“Only because my wife is a princess.” At this point, everypony except Celestia and Luna stared shocked at us, I just shrug and nod.
“And I only am because Faust didn’t want a servant, so she took me in as a sister.” I poked my love in his side, I didn’t like being called a princess, especially because of the Disney movies I had grown up with. Ozz knows this however and just smiles and kisses my cheek softly.
“That’s also how we’re their aunt and uncle. Faust made us her siblings.” Ozz continued, pointing slightly at the alicorn sisters, who wave sheepishly.
“But Faust left a long time ago… how old are you both, and when is your birthday?” Pinkie said, in her hands was a small book, obviously planning our birthday party. Ozz thinks for a second.
“I’ve been asleep for at least three thousand years right?” He asks me, knowing I’d be the one to know the answer.
“Almost to the day actually. That was the reason I was so close.” I explained, “I visit every… fifty years or so.” Ozz smiles softly and kisses me again; I happily return it, missing his touch so much, taking every moment I can to take as much as I can.
“So about 4 and half thousand years old then for the both of us.” He states to the girls, all of them staring wide eyes and open jaws, Celestia and Luna even looking surprised, having never actually knowing our full age.
I giggle. “We stayed with Faust for about.. Six hundred years before she had to move on, she left these two-” I poke both of the sisters, “under our care as we watched this world.”
“You could call us the protectors of the world.” He says with a shrug.
The girls look at each other, each having asked their question. “Um.. if it is alright can I ask one more?” Twilight asked us.
“I wouldn’t mind.” I said as I looked at my love, who simply nods and allows her to ask her question.
“You said she didn’t want a servant in you… why is that?” I wince as I recall how we got here, to this world.
“That is a long story…. A long and personal one.” I sighed. Ozz holds me closer, kissing my head to calm me (it always works) and looks to Twilight, “And a story we’d like to not tell at the moment.”
“Please?” She pleaded. I sighed and reached into my Kimono, getting a look from Ozz as I pull out a picture book, which under normal circumstances shouldn’t have fit there. Ozz doesn’t question it, he’s learned not to, though the other girls (except Pinkie Pie) looked a little confused but awaited further explanation. I flipped open the cover and show the first picture, showing my husband and I, before he was even my husband, standing next to a alicorn that was taller than tia and with a mane and tail like fire.
“We were lost souls…. and my nature immediately bound me to her; after all, I was made to serve gods..” I sighed before putting it back, tears in my eyes. “And for now that is all that I will say.” Even Tia and Luna had tears after seeing a picture of their mother. Ozz has a sad frown on his face and the sadness showed in his eyes, holding me close as he look to Celestia and Luna in sad pain.
The sisters hug us, and we hug them in return. “We need to bring you home to Canterlot with us, we remade your rooms in a hope you would return one day.” I smile and nod, looking to Ozz who looks confused.
“The fucks ‘Canterlot’?”
Author's Note
And here is chapter 2!
The necessary question and answer segment! and as always questions are welcomed!
"Want you all to know we have big plans for the future!"
Shush Ozz!
The Keystone and the Divine.
Chapter 3
Myths on the move
(Ozz pov)
We were on a train headed towards this new city called ‘Canterlot’, well…. new to me. Apparently they switched the capital to the mountains after the Everfree became corrupt. I should probably do something about that. But for now, Tia and Lulu were in front of us, we had left Twilight and the other kids back at the town called Ponyville of all things. Gods the names in this place, what’s next, ‘Las Pegasus’ or something? Anyway, at least they have trains; that’s nice. Brings back memories of home. Aurora was showing me how to use the crystal phone, it was pretty simple. Almost like a scrying glass but on a tiny flat crystal and acted like a phone? Magic is confusing.
“So honey, I’ve been meaning to ask,” I start while sitting on a train bed, my wife beside me, “What’s with the accent? Like, where did you get it?”
She sighs, “A mix of Neighpon, Minaturan, Kobolds, Lizardfolk, and Tabaxi.” She smiles. “Yes those last three are a thing now.” She must’ve seen the surprise in my eyes.
I chuckle softly and kiss her cheek, “I like it, makes you sound cute.”
She gains a small amount of blush on her face. “Haven't heard that since Dissy said it.” I frown slightly at that, sighing softly.
“I should be the only one who can say that about you. I am the only one who can say that about you. You know how I hate when others look at you that way.” I say with annoyance in my tone, not at her, just in general. A little bit at this Discord but mainly just overall at men and women who spoke and looked at Aurora in that way. And it’s even worse when I know I could’ve been there to stop it.
“Hey, don’t be mad at them that Faust made me look this good for you.” She teased me with a kiss which I return lovingly. She then laid her head in my lap and tossed her feet along the rest of the bench. A smile curls on my lips as I place a hand atop her head and run my fingers through her soft hair.
“I’m mad at them if they think they can have a piece. You’re all mine my love, and I won’t have it any other way. I love you.”
“And I you my love, you’re my mate and I may not look at no other.” She said with a smile full of love. I rub her cheek with my off hand, feeling her smooth skin and longing to never be separated from her again.
“You’re so beautiful my sky.” Her pet name was sky because she’s an aurora, while her pet name for me , “And you’re my handsome rouge, you stole my heart then hid away.” I just playfully scoff and grin.
“But will I ever give it back?”
“By Faust I hope not.” She said before flicking my nose, “I would have to chase after you for the rest of time.” I chuckle softly and boop her nose, making her nose scrunch cutely which makes me chuckle more.
“We still have a lot of wedding vows to renew.”
She grinned happily. “I am sure our nieces won’t mind if we have some alone time together.” She purrs at the end. Three thousand years without any special attention would do that to a girl, not that I’m complaining.
“Do you still have that tuning fork for our vacation home?”
“Of course I do, I actually made a ‘key’ ring a while ago with all of them.” She once again reached into her kimono, this time though she reached through her breasts to pull out a very large ring with many tuning forks on it, each labeled in celestial, a language only four people knew, and all four of them were in this room. I just grin at my wife.
“Then I know what we’re doing after today.” I tease with intention clear in my eyes as I stare at the beauty of a creature that is my wife. She just leans up to kiss me, letting her joy show before hiding the ring again.
“Having fun back there?” Luna’s voice reached us. I just look up at the moon princess, not even embarrassed, they’ve seen us do worse, though that was by accident.
“We’d probably have more if you two weren’t here but yes, we are enjoying ourselves.” I state matter-of-factly which gets a giggle out of my wife which makes me smile.
Luna smiles, “Well we’re almost home now…” She sighs, “Uncle, I need to tell you about something that happened a thousand years ago that you need to know.” She sounded serious, so I changed face, a frown holding my lips down as my face steel.
“Go on then.” I wait and listen carefully for what she might say. My wife looked at her with pity and hugged me.
“It is… the tale of Nightmare Moon…” She shudders at the name before telling of the tale of her listening to the voices of the shadow plane during a low point of her life, one that lead her to trying to overthrow her sister, and what happened after. “On my return, Twilight and her friends used the Elements of Harmony to restore me to my normal self, cleansing the Shadow’s taint.” She flinches at seeing my blank eyes and natural frown.
“I’m sorry uncle….” She says as she looks down, “I am sor-” She’s cut off by me as I’m instantly in front of her, hugging her tightly as my eyes water.
“You have nothing to be sorry about! Gods above Lulu, nothing!” My voice cracks slightly from the heavy emotions I’m feeling, pity, sympathy, but most of all, failure and sadness. “I should be apologizing, I wasn’t there to help you, to be there, I was your shoulder to lean on and I left you, I’m so sorry my moon.” And there goes the waterworks, for both of us.
Aurora smiles softly as she hugs us both, after being dislodged from her place on my lap. “It’s okay… I should have stayed in equestria myself…” She sighs “But I didn’t.” Tia also joined the hug.
“I’m sorry my moon, I should’ve been there for you, I’m sorry.” I close my eyes and press my forehead against hers.
“It’s not your fault Uncle… you were sleeping off your wound.” Tia says firmly.
“We know why it was needed.” Lulu says through her tears. I still feel terrible, but I gently rub Luna’s tears away and kiss her forehead.
“I love you so much my moon.”
“And we love you uncle.” My nieces say together. My wife just hummed as she hugged us tighter. I eventually pulled back, though I stood kneeled in front of my nieces.
“At least you don’t speak old school anymore, gods that was annoying to deal with back then.” I say with a playful eyeroll and grin, “Art thou prepared for the banquet at dusk?” I mimic an over exaggerated thespian voice, making my nieces and wife giggle.
Luna pouts. “It wasn’t that bad.”
“Yes it was~!” My wife sang at her, making me chuckle and nod in agreement.
Tia nods “I started using your way of talking.. So much easier.” My niece just pouted and looked away with a blush, crossing her arms in mock frustration.
My wife giggles. “Onwards?” Right when she says that the train stops. That was faster than I thought….magic I guess.
“Lead the way, oh glorious princesses.” I stand and give a mock bow while gesturing to the door of our cabin.
Tia laughs at my wife’s face before saying. “This way.” Tia walks out.
“Be careful, I know alteration spells.” My wife warned as she followed Tia out. Luna giggles and follows my wife as I follow her, quickly getting next to my wife as Luna joins her sister.
“So what’s this Canterlot like?”
All three of the girls sigh. “Noble central.” My wife says simple.
“The nobles all gather here… rarely leaving.” Tia said with a small frown.
“Stupid nobles..” Luna grumbled. Wow, guess they aren’t like the nobles of yester millena.
“Guess nobles are bad then….but the city looks beautiful,” I comment as we walk through the fine birch and marble housing, the cobblestone roads, and luxurious towers. It was truly a beautiful sight, “And it doesn’t look like Tirek did a whole lot of damage either.”
“Discord helped with that.” Tia says simply.
“They are like the nobles back home.. Only more whiny and less politically able.” My wife whispered into my ear as a pair of ladies wearing gaudy dresses walk past, looking down at me and huffing at my wife’s foreign look. I just stare blankly as I wrap an arm around her waist and hold her close. “See?” She sighs.
“This way Aunt and Uncle.” Tia says, before heading towards the castle, her guards giving us glares that were meant to be intimidating. I found it amusing, accidentally chuckling which they didn’t seem to like. They huffed and walked in a ring around my nieces, both me and my wife sighed at the lack of ‘discipline’ as we saw it.
“Not well trained are they?” I whisper to my wife in Elvish.
“One thousand years of peace my love.” She replied in the same language, getting looks from both the guards and passerbys. I ignored them, as did my wife.
“Still. When we were around, a battalion of fifty could hold their own against a demon horde of one hundred. From what I see, they don’t even look like they’ve seen battle in their entire lives.” I continue in the ancient language, the guards just scowling at their inability to understand us and seem to be agitated that I glanced at them as I was speaking. Not that I cared.
“They haven’t.” Was my wife’s simple answer, “Unless you count an invasion that was over in like.. three hours?” I quirk a brow.
“Did they drive back the invaders or….?” I let the question linger, hoping the former was true but doubting it heavily.
“Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her husband to be blasted the changelings with a love shield and flung them out of this city on their wedding day.” She said with an even voice.
“Sounds….like Equestria to be honest. Is spontaneous singing still a thing?”
“The Heartstrings?” She wanted to clarify.
“No, remember when we would just be doing something, and out of nowhere , the ponies would just start singing?”
“Oh, the non-magical ones… and yes.” She sighs in nostalgia. “I wish I could sing with sis some more….” She says with a somber longing, making me hug her closer and kiss the top of her head, ignoring the stares.
“As do I Aurora. As do I.” She rests her head against my shoulder with a small smile, closing her eyes.
“Uncle, pay attention!” Luna calls out in slightly hesitant Elvish, making me smile.
“Make me!” I call back, but in Dwarvish.
“There is a pole!” Her dwarvish was worse, but still understandable. In front of our path was an arcane light pole, and I was walking straight at it. Not that it mattered, didn’t look that tall. I just grab my wife and held her tight as I take a small jog and jump into the air, clearing the ten foot pole easily, much to the shock of everyone else, before landing gracefully and setting my wife down.
“You were saying?”
“Show off!” Luna says in the common tongue, Tia just laughs, and my wife doesn’t even open her eyes. I just chuckle and continue walking, though the guards block our path and point their spears at us. They aren’t even holding the things right…..
“What was that?! That was completely unnatural! You think we’ll let a freak like you walk around and do that?!” I honestly contemplated breaking his spear and stabbing him with the blunt end of it, but thankfully (for him), their princesses got to him first.
“Stand down, they are important guests that we know from long before you were born guardsmen.” Luna called out.
“And Ozz here is very strong, he is like the earth pony equivalent of his species.” Tia explained.
“Like I need any of my strength to kick his ass. He can’t even hold his weapon properly.” That made the guard fume.
Luna and Tia nod discreetly, “They aren’t as experienced as you remember.” Was all Tia said, my wife did her odd humming laugh, the one that stayed in the back of her throat and vibrated her body. I loved that laugh. The guard looked furious, his white fur stained red with fury but kept it down as he stepped aside along with the other guard to let us through. At least he can hold his emotions. Barely.
“Little pony mad~?” My wife teased. I hide it, but inside I’m fucking dying. Gods I love this woman. The guard growls as his face gets redder. “I bet you can’t even hit me with my eyes closed.” She continued, “And my love here won’t help.”
“I wouldn’t. It’d be funny to watch.”
“Arrgh!” The guard yelled as he turned and tried to stab my wife before Tia or luna could say anything the spear bounced of an invisible wall.
“Oh? What happened~?” My wife’s eyes were still closed. I chuckle and stare with a murderer's intent in my eyes, smile still on my face. The guard looks like he just went to the bathroom in his pants.
“I think a worthless speck tried to do something he heavily regrets.” My voice is chippy, but my eyes are trying to disintegrate his very being. Something I could actually do right now. He’s lucky I’m in too much of a good mood to slaughter him.
“Ozz, please calm down, there will be another way to deal with this.” Luna said with a small smile.
“Oh I know. That’s why his insides aren’t spread against the floor.”
Tia sighs as ponies’ faces went green, “Please don’t.”
My wife whispers, “Just duel them all later.” That’s not a bad idea actually.
“Let’s just hope this teaches you a lesson boy.” I say simply with a threatening undertone as I continue to walk like nothing ever happened.
“Please uncle? I know they are poor guards but they are still seen as royal guards.” Tia said in Celestial.
“No they’re not.” I respond in the same language.
“I said seen, not actually are.” She says sharply, “I have a few promising ones, but the way the guards train won’t let them grow beyond decent, an example is Shining Armor; if we were back when you two trained the guard, he would be training under Aunt Aurora.” That catches my attention.
“Shining Armor? Sounds like a knight.”
“He was the captain of the Royal Guard.” She explained. “Now he is the prince of the Crystal Empire.” I smile at the mention of the Empire.
“How is the Empire? Still the beautiful crystal city I remember it to be?”
Luna answers for Tia. “No.. it is recovering after Sombra overthrow it with a demonic army, he ruled for a short time, and just before he lost he plane shifted the entire city.. It came back last year.”
“How long?” I ask with dread. Just don’t tell me it was for very long.
“Little over a thousand years.” Tia admitted painfully.
I sigh, “How bad is it?”
“Only the main city remains.. besides that, it is recovering.” Tia says, the guards shift again and she blinks, “Oh sorry, I got caught up in old times.” She says switching back to Common. My wife and I laugh.
“At least you’re still practiced.” I respond with a grin, speaking in Common as well.
“True.” Luna adds in Common as well, “I still prefer that celestial tongue over common, much simpler and unchanging.”
“Indeed it is.” My wife comments as she hums softly, not even looking at where she is going still.
“So what’s the plan for us? We were symbols of hope and protection back then, but it’s been so long. What now?”
“Well, we were hoping you would take up your old task of training the guards, Mother knows they need it, and as for your wife, we need to talk with her about what she has been up to in her travels… many of the old ‘gods’ have been silenced over the years.” Luna explains.
“Silenced?” I ask with concern.
My wife hums and in Celestial speaks, “They were going to invade Equestria, and refused to step down.”
“And you stopped them?” I respond softly with the same angelic language.
She nods, “A few I trapped and a few I… disposed of.” I nod in return, kissing her head to show my approval.
“So how are we gonna tell the rest of Equestria? I doubt they’ll just accept, “These two are my aunt and uncle and are practically gods who protected Equestria five thousand years ago!”” I mock a regal voice, “Doesn’t seem like something everyone would buy.”
Luna smiles, “There is meeting to be held here soon, we are planning to announce it then, allowing them to ask questions.”
I groan, my wife giggles, and I put my hand in my face, “Questions from these asshats?” I point with my thumb to a passing noble couple who huff and point their chins farther into the air. Didn’t know ponies could be that flexible to be honest….
“No, from the ambassadors… I think you called it a panel?” Luna said with a small laugh, confusing the guards. I let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank your mother.”
My wife snorts, “She loved those after we told her about them, much easier on her.”
“Sadly the newer nobles like to have audiences, not panels...” Tia sighs. I shrug and sigh with her.
“Let’s hope we can fix them too.”
“Oh, we will.” my wife says simply. we were almost there; the large marble white castle ahead, it’s many purple topped towers glistened in the light. It was pretty.
“It’s pretty.” I comment aloud, making the girls giggle softly.
“It was a labor of love.” Tia admits.
I just grin and look forward as we continue to walk. Eventually, we approached a large wall that blocked off the castle from the city, a closed iron gate sealed off an entrance with roughly twenty or so guards in the way. They all looked the same…..why?! I demand answers! But that comes later. The guards saluted as their princesses approached, but instantly got on guard and stared intently at my wife and I, not drawing weapons, just prepared. I can admire that if it wasn’t targeted towards my wife.
Luna sighs, “Stand aside. They’re friends.” They reluctantly do so. I just stare at them as the gate opens and we walk by, though my attention immediately takes itself away from the guards as we pass them and the gate close behind us.
“Like the view?” Tia asks as she points towards the gardens, which was away from the mountain. It was a truly beautiful sight. I just nod and smile in response to her question.
“Let's get inside…” Luna turns to the guards, “Let everyone know about our guests, facts only.” They nod and leave, though one remains to watch over the princesses, making them both sigh.
“Protocol your highnesses, Until you reach your destination.” He says a bit formally. Like he was capable of protecting the princesses; I swear, a chihuahua would be a better guard than him. I mentally sigh and continue to walk with my nieces and wife.
“Love you.”
“Love you to my love.” Was her response, “Sir guard, thank you, but please depart.” She pulled out an item and showed it to him, making his eyes go wide.
“Is that..?” He stammers.
“It is.” Her voice even.
The guard nods and bows, “As you will then.” He leaves. I didn’t even get to see what it was before she put it away.
“What was that?” I ask as I stare at the guard as he disappears behind a door.
“My badge of office… the one given to me by sis.” She said softly... I click my tongue and nod slowly. I forgot she had that. Though before I could question further, I’m tackled by my nieces who wanted to hug me apparently.
“Hi girls.” I say with a chuckle as I return the big hug.
“I missed you too,” I smile to my wife, who smiles back, “We both did.”
“I just… couldn’t stay in Equestria with the memories everywhere…. and then I was too busy and had pissed off the dragons.” My wife says, making me sigh as I reach a hand out to caress her cheek, mouthing to her, ‘It’s okay.’
“We know, and I can relate.” Tia says, looking towards the old castle, “I am more surprised you managed to hide Uncle were you did.”
My wife shrugs. “Place you least expect.” That makes me chuckle.
“Like where you hid the plans for the wedding rings? And how you forgot about them and it took us literally a week and a half to find it again?”
My wife grins sheepishly. “To be fair, they were moved.” I look over to the sisters with a raised eyebrow, my stare asking for clarification.
Tia sighs, “We were playing in the room and knocked over the pile of papers, and put them back out of order.”
“And misplaced our rings….” I glance over to my wife to see her reaction. She just sighs with a nod. I just shrug as I finally stand up from the cold marble floor, my nieces following along. “It’s fine, we got them anyway. Just hope you two don’t lose stuff all the time nowadays.” I tease with a grin.
Luna grins while Tia looks away with a blush. “My sister has a secretary for a reason.” That makes me laugh. Though it’s interrupted by the door where we entered opening, and stepping through, followed by several guards in white armor, a white stallion, with combed back golden hair, and a regal blue suit, he smiles at the sight of my nieces but takes a step back in apparent horror at me. Either a really princely noble, or an actual prince. Either way, I don’t him already.
“AUNTIES, LOOK OUT! THERE’S A MONSTER!” He shouts in terror as the guards rush forward with spears at the ready. I instantly notice that these guards actually knew how to properly hold their weapons, though they didn’t know a clue about formation. A step up for sure, but still awful.
There was a Clunk noise as all of the guards run into a shield that appeared in between us and them. “My my… what an eager bunch.” My wife sighed out. I just chuckle as the guards pound at the shield. I was amused, my nieces were not.
“What is the meaning of this nephew?” Tia calls out. So he is a prince. Good to know. Though “nephew” surprises me a bit.
“They are not monsters!” Luna says angrily. The nephew seems taken aback.
“But look at him! It’s clear he’s not normal and he could be ready to strike at any moment!” He yells in response, his eyes staring at my nieces as if they were crazy. What gets me isn’t the fact he’s racist, it’s the fact he’s pompous and racist.
“And yet the guards trusted us and them to leave us alone.” Luna said coldly, her dislike obvious. Tia sighed at the coldness of her sister but steels herself and nods in agreement. The stallion seemed flabbergasted by that, sputtering slightly before taking a breath and standing tall.
“My apologies my dear aunties. Guards! Stand down, it appears I’ve made an error.” The guards stop immediately and stow their spears, standing behind the prince in a line at attention. They can follow orders too. This lot is getting more and more promising. Though the one they follow isn’t the most optimal choice for a leader.
“So the little princeling has a small group of elite guards.” My wife states with a small shrug, unworried. The shield drops as the prince steps forward, the guard staying where they were. He then surprises me by bowing.
“I’m terribly sorry, truly. I was worried about the safety of my aunts and didn’t even think about my actions. For that, I’m truly sorry.” He didn’t seem to be dishonest, but then again, he was hard to read. “I am Prince Blueblood. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He straightens up from his bow. For a guy who was acting really out there not ten seconds ago, he didn't seem all that bad. But then again, neither were satyrs.
“Hello Princeling, I am Aurora.” She says calmly, much to our nieces relief. If that was the way we were going, I didn’t see the need to ruin it.
“Hello to you as well Prince Blueblood, I am Ozz.” I say in my formal voice which just sounded like me, but formal. My wife hums softly, amused at my voice. Though the prince seems approving of it.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Ozz, though I’m sorry once more.” He bows again slightly as I just wave a dismissive hand.
“Think nothing of it.” That made him smile as he looked to my wife, walking forward and taking a small bow again.
“And it is a most pleasure to meet you milady Aurora.”
“It is… interesting to meet you as well Blueblood.” Was her response, nodding her head only slightly. Blueblood stands back tall and smiles at my wife, making her force one of her own. I quickly replace my frown with one as well as he turns to look at me.
“May I ask who you are exactly? I’ve never seen somepony like you….” I just glance to my nieces since they would be better off to explain. I’m terrible at them anyway.
“These are Aurora and Ozz, friends of ours that served our mother.” Tia says. “And they just returned home after a long rest.” Blueblood seemed surprised at that.
“But that would make them thousands of years old….” He says in disbelief as I just nod along with my wife.
“You may know of me as the Ki-rin.” she shifts one of her hands into a hoof and back. That made his eyes go wider than plates.
“Amazing….” He whispers breathlessly, “You’re the magnificent Ki-rin? I must get to know you, both of you! The things I could learn and the fun we can have! Oh it shall be glorious!” Well that took a turn….
“Umm…” My wife blinks. Guess she didn’t expect it too.
“Are you sure nephew?” Tia asks, Luna looks a bit nervous now, as well as confused.
He nods with extra reassurance, “Of course! Only if they’re fine with it anyway.” He looks to Aurora and I, the question pointed at us. I just look to my wife and shrug.
“Lead the way then princling.” My wife tells him, making him beam as he takes a step past my nieces before they stop him.
“I’m sorry nephew, I must inform you that your outing will have to be postponed for now. We have to go to a meeting with the ambassadors and Ozz and Aurora will be joining us.” Luna says calmly but firmly, making the prince sigh in defeat.
“Oh fine. Terribly sorry my friends, but you heard my aunt. I’ll be sure to come find you after the meeting though.” He says with a friendly smile which I return with a nod.
“If we’re not too busy.” I comment, he just nods rapidly in agreement.
“Of course! Whenever you’ll be ready! I’ll be ready when you are.” With that, along with a whistle to make the guards follow, he makes his way down the hall before turning a corner and disappearing.
“Thank you Luna..” My wife shivers, “His eyes didn’t meet mine.. And he smells… off.” I just scowl and approve her, pulling her close to comfort her, a gesture she gladly accepts.
“You’re welcome aunt and uncle.” Luna says, “Though we do need to hurry a bit. What I said was actually a bit true.” I just chuckle at that as I let go of the hug on my wife and take her hand.
“Let’s go then.”
Author's Note
Here is the third chapter!
I hoped you enjoy the story!
Guard ponies suck
... any way what are your thoughts on Blueblood?
The Keystone and the Divine.
Chapter 4
(???’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..
The Keystone and the Divine.
Due to reasons beyond my control I have lost my co-Author, the human ranger was their OC, so if anyone is interested in replacing him please send me a message and we will talk things over.
When I get a new co-author I will be doing a rewrite of the chapters to update and approve, and to have the changes make more sense.
