Equestrian Guard

Chapters

Prologue: Ending Hours Of Harfleur
Chapter I: Discovery
Chapter II: Friends
Chapter III: Future
Chapter IV: From The West
Chapter V: Present
Chapter VI: Royalty At Caval
Short Passage I
Short Passage II

Prologue: Ending Hours Of Harfleur

“Boy! Hurry!” Yelled out the man.

Althalos struggled to crank the crossbow ready as the English continued to make their advancement to break into the town. The yelling was ongoing, the clash of metal connecting to one another, and the barrage of arrows that flew over coming from the English long-bowmen. One after the other he would crank the next crossbow he was given being of some help in the defense. His hands ached, blistered, for his youthful age of seven did not prepare him for this.

“Run back inside and bring us some more arrows!” The man told him.

He nodded and got up, running past the dozens of men that stood by the edge of the wall. He stopped running suddenly seeing a man collapse motionless with an arrow through his eye. He hacked up nothing feeling sick seeing such thing up close. Regaining his composure he continued running inside the castle, past the many people tending to the wounded that was brought in. He grabbed the sacks of arrows that were on the ground around him, placing the strings over his shoulder before turning around to return outside. He stopped again as one was pushed back by a sword, and with quick action pushed the ladder back. How he managed to do such was a miracle that would only happen once as he continued on. Althalos finally returned, placing down the sacks of unused arrows to the floor. It all quickly was taken by various men.

Tiredness overtook him as he sat down, taking in the short rest before being handed a crossbow to be spanned by the cranequin. He didn’t move, still being tired from doing such for so long. He struggled to stand, him needing to be standing to be able to crank. He placed the cranequin onto the crossbow, securing it and proceeded to crank the bow back. He looked up, catching a glimpse of a large guns that fired upon the wall, a large explosion happening to his left making him collapse to the floor.

He opened up his eyes, his vision blurry and his left ear not able to pick up sound. His hands shook not knowing what to do. He saw the crossbow still half-cranked and grabbed it back to him. He ignored the mess to his left looked, readying the trigger and removing the cranequin to give to who needed it. There he was lifted up by someone and taken inside, being placed down and looked at by the man.

“How you feeling?” The man repeated to Althalos. “You alright?”

Althalos nodded a couple times, giving assurance to the man. Noticing the man reaching into his back pocket he pulled out a mid-sized book and placed it into Althalos’ leather bag he carried with him.

“Stay here alright. You did your part now let us handle it.” The man stood back up. “Your father would be proud for you wishing to assist us in holding back the English.”

Althalos watched the man walked away back outside the castle, his thoughts of his father returning to him. He remembered when he saw him off, and remembered when he learned of his death. He looked down to his hands still shaking, his left ear slowly recovering audibility. What was he to do now? He remained seated, listening to the groans of injured men being tended by the women who did their best in lessening the pain inflicted. One woman knelt down with a pan of water and a cloth being soaked in it. He flinched from the touch of the coldness it had, and the pain coming from his chest which he hadn’t noticed until now. His shirt was split diagonally revealing a large cut across with blood running down. His blood. He thought back from the explosion the English gun inflicted, and possibly it had hurt him too. Death did not come for him though.

“You’re very strong not crying about your pain,” the woman spoke, keeping him distracted from all the noise outside. “What is your name?”

Althalos lifted up his bag which had his name, receiving a nod from the lady that helped him with his injury. The two remained silent as his injury was tended on. Having to remove the shirt, a cloth was wrapped around his body. He placed back his shirt on, and watched the woman move on to the next person in need. He looked down again, the pain barley there but clearly it had to hurt. He was no soldier, he knew, so why did he feel nothing?

Another explosion occurred nearby, the smoke from the impact filling inside causing much people to start coughing, including him. He got up, avoiding those that were able to run so he would not be trampled on. He followed behind, avoiding another explosion that was near where he sat. Another miracle given to him in escaping death. Seeing the townspeople running around, he stood and watched seeing those get to where they needed to be and for some, where they wanted to be. He went back inside and up the stairs, wanting to return back to help the men that needed it. He walked past the dead that were hit by the English guns, picking up sacks of arrows that were left here. He carried more than before and brought it up where they were quickly taken.

He then saw the man he helped ducking behind the wall, gripping his arm which had an arrow sticking out from it. Looking by his feet was the crossbow, still ready to be shot. Althalos looked down to his hands which were no longer shaking and looked back up to the crossbow. He ran to the weapon, lifting it up and climbing onto the ledge of the wall to have a better view.

“Boy! What are you doing!” The man yelled out, getting up to get Althalos down.

Althalos fired the bow, unsure if it even hit someone, but in turn he felt himself being pushed back dropping the weapon in the process. The man caught him from falling, seeing him looking at him with a worried look. He just looked at him, then to the sky as he felt tired.

The man kept looking at him, then to the arrow that had struck Althalos’ chest. He knew there was no way to recover from this. “Go on, rest. You deserve it,” he said clearly.

Althalos did so, keeping his eyes locked up not realizing the arrow that was inside him. The sound around him muffled, his vision again blurry, his breathing being less needed. And even though he shouldn’t while there were those that needed his help, he closed his eyes, relaxed, and fell asleep.

Chapter I: Discovery

The whistles of the wind brushed through the tall grass among the trees, its branches moving about and its leaves flapping. One broke off, flying with the trail of the air flowing lower and lower to the ground past the rushing river, its water far from its Canterlot source. The leaf slowly drifted down onto the nose of a young child who slept peacefully. A sleep that had not come to him for such time for it was occupied by other means that he needed, wanted to do.

Althalos slowly came to wakefulness, his nose twitching to the touch of the single leaf. He sneezed hard, the leaf rose back up and continued its flight with the wind. His eyes no longer felt bounded, instead opening to the view of the leaves and branches that covered his view of the bright sun. It did not feel right seeing such sight, knowing that it should have been cloudy. Slowly he sat up rubbing his eyes clearing away any fatigue left and having a better view of his surroundings. Much trees surround him, the tall grass in which he had laid on being his comforter to a well rested sleep. His brown hair felt the touch of the air while his eyes took in how pretty it all looked around. He stood up, his legs shaking for a moment as if he had not used it for months.

Looking down to his chest, he saw that the wrap on him was gone and that his shirt was repaired. Inside though had the scar from the injury he received from the explosion. This thought brought two questions up: Where was he? Why was he here? The area he was in did not look familiar to him, and to make it worse there was no one around as there is no sign of camp. He started walking in a direction he was not certain about, and was hopeful that he didn’t come across any English as it would get him in trouble. The tall grass didn’t cause any trouble for him, it being pushed away like nothing, soft if anything which was not like the kind he would go through near his home. The touch by his hand ran by like silk, a rich commodity he imagined felt like. His ears faintly picked up rushing water, and to him was a good sign as it meant he could possibly figure out where he was.

He reached the edge of the river, looking left then right seeing where the water was flowing. Still he was not able to determine where he was for the river was also not recognizable. He could stay put and wait for whoever put him here, the sun still fairly high. He ignored the idea, waiting around for someone was boring to do if he was able to follow the river. He turned right and followed the flow of the calmly rushing water seeing the few fish swimming by him. The water looked clear, clean, crisp if anything, and he was thirsty. He knelt down and placed a hand into the water bringing it up to his mouth and drinking from it. For once it was refreshing, much better than the water the castle had stored. Then again, the stored water had run out a few days ago. He stood back up and continued walking.

The sun slowly made its way lower and lower as Althalos continued to walk by the river, still not found any signs of life other than nature that surrounded him. It was not the first time he was out alone in the wild, but the only difference was the ability to return home from the known terrain, which it was not. The water that was plentiful did not satisfy his hunger that remained with him for three hours. Three hours, he thought, realizing how much his feet ached from the non-stop walking by the river. He knew he needed to find something to rest in, a house or a horse stall if he had to, knowing it was to be cold. He took off his leather footwear, feeling some relief continuing on with his bare feet on the soft grass.

Again the sun lowered, the trees and beyond becoming darker and slightly not visible. He took a deep breath, knowing he had no choice but to leave the river and move further into the forest. This time the grass was much shorter, up to his ankles than before when it was up to his stomach. Around he listened to the few birds that chirped, the rest most likely having gone to sleep. His hunger grew, his throat having the weird yet familiar sensation when he has gone far too long without food. There were no mushrooms around him, and if there were he couldn’t eat it for he would not know if it could be harmful. Last time someone was reckless enough died of suffocation. He remembered the deep scratch marks on the victim’s throat as the body was taken away.

The feeling of the grass changed suddenly, and with little light left saw that it was even shorter. Looking around he saw that he stumbled on a pathway. He smiled greatly, finally a sign of someone that is close by to where he was. He couldn’t recognize the footsteps as it was too dark but he turned left figuring that was the way to the person’s home. Even if he went in the opposite direction it would still be a sign of life, of help for him to explain where he was.

A drop of water fell on his head, making him look up to nothing but leaves and further up the formation of clouds. Again another drop of water landed on his forehead. He was already tired of water, not wanting to have more for now. He placed on his footwear and sped up his pace as the rain picked up speed. Already the ground started to become mushy from the wetness and sped up even more, now slightly jogging. Now at regular pace he felt his head and shoulders beginning to feel a bit wet, his leather bag bouncing on his waist. It reminded him of the book that the man placed inside it, that being of interest to check out once he was indoors and dry. The rain picked up, the trees not fully able to protect him from the water that rushed down.

With one misstep he tripped, the book falling out onto the wet ground. Other items such as the leather book his father gave to him fell out as well, it containing his writings in practice when his father was still alive teaching him. He got up and quickly placed them both back inside his bag, hoping that it wasn’t too damaged. Then he realized the light coming from a small house. His face lit up, his legs moving quickly to reach the house. He was finally going to know where and why he was here.

The door was unlocked and he allowed himself in, seeing that no one was inside other than the fireplace producing light, and most importantly heat. He closed the door behind him walking slowly and looking around. The cooking pot first off which was by the fireplace, nearby a table with various foods: bread, carrots, apples, and some bowls. To his left he saw a large bed, by it an unlit candle on top of a small cabinet. Closer to his left was a large shelf that held many books and in the corner slightly hard to see was what looked to be armor for a horse. A small horse that is.

His stomach growled and his eyes turned back to the table. He placed his bag to the side and sat down, grabbing the loaf of bread and taking bites of it, his other hand grabbing an apple and eating that as well. Satisfaction came to him, humming to the relief of food filling his stomach. What he didn’t notice as he ate was who had entered the house a few minutes later. He stopped his eating when he heard a clearing of the throat, and when he turned around he saw what he didn’t expect. A small horse.

The small horse had the same feeling of confusion seeing that it was not a pony that had entered his house, but a bipedal creature. It wasn’t a Diamond Dog, nor was it a Minotaur, and those...can’t be paws or claws. He continued to stare, seeing what it could be putting the food down slowly. “No, no, eat,” he told it, trying to make his rough voice sound soft. It didn’t move, instead kept staring at him. He didn’t know what to do, and instead of him having a staring contest with it he just walked forward towards the fireplace. He sat down with his back facing the creature, seeing that there was no threat to come. Even if it did his training from the E.U.P. would still be of great use.

Althalos did not know what to do. He never experienced a talking horse-, pony, with wings too!Thinking it being from the folktales the traveling monks would speak of. And from the look of it, this was his home. He stared at the gray pony, having a better view of his white mane, and from where it stood before having brownish-gold eyes, not close to his blue ones, and a drawing of a blue flame on his rear. He then noticed the scar on its left cheek, not noticing that he had gotten closer to look at it. It turned around fast, making him move back startled. He looked at the bread and grabbed it, holding it in front of him gesturing to eat.

“Thanks,” the pony spoke, taking it by his wing.

Althalos remained seated, wondering what was to happen now. Is he going to eat me? He thought, shaking his head free from such idea.

“So who and what are you?” The pony asked suddenly. “I know well enough you’re not from here, and by Tartarus know you’re nothing that I’ve seen around Equestria.”

Equestria? Althalos further realized that he was no longer home, far from it. He stood up and went to his bag, which made the pony stand ready, and pulled out his book. He untied it and flipped to a blank page he can write on. He looked around to see if there was something he could use to write. He found a bottle of ink by the bookshelf at least.

The pony noticed what it wanted to do and he plucked a feather from his wing. He walked over to it and gave it. He returned to where he sat and waited for what it was writing. When it finished writing he was presented to it. [My name is Althalos.] it read. “Althalos?” He said. He placed a hoof onto his chest. “I’m Winter Ember. I’m surprised you can write in the same language as I can.”

Althalos didn’t understand what he meant, but continued with the next question being presented to Winter. [Where am I?] he wrote and showed him.

“Outskirts of Caval. South from Ponyville. Equestria,” Winter Ember answered. “Now answer my question of what you are. I’m a stallion pegasus.”

Stallion pegasus? Althalos wrote into his book. [A person. I am seven years old.]

Winter thought for a moment. “Still a colt then.” He noticed his, whatever held the book up. “What happened to your, whatever you call it? You get into a fight or something?”

Althalos didn’t write, this time nodding as he remembered his assistance with the men. He started writing again. [My hands are still sore from helping fight back the English.]

“Hands?” Winter said, then he went wide-eyed. “Hands! You’re a human.” He face hoofed himself, not realizing sooner of what was in front of him. He stood up and walked over to the bookshelf and pulled out a book that had folktales. He skimmed through the pages until he found what he was looking for. It detailed what a human was, or what the tale thought. Nevertheless, the description matched what he was seeing. He placed the book back to where it was. “How did you end up here, colt?”

[I don’t know. I woke up ~~lieing~~ lying down outside.] Althalos wrote.

Just like in the folktale. Winter didn’t know what to do with Althalos. In his gut, it told him to not let anypony know of his existence. He wasn’t sure why, why he wanted to keep the colt protected, and why he didn’t want to let anyone know. He then heard sniffling. Seeing the colt, he saw that Althalos was crying. He let out a sigh, not really being the affectionate type to others. Mistral Snow, she’s more affectionate than him. Oh Celestia, how am I gonna explain this to the bat? He thought. Apples being eaten he can deal with, but this.

He walked up to Althalos and held a wing over him. “Don’t worry colt, I won’t kick you out or anything. You can stay here if you want,” he said, feeling Althalos nodding on his chest. He turned to his right hearing the doorknob rattling to be opened. Quickly he brought Althalos to the dark corner by his armor. “Stay here,” he whispered. The door opened, revealing another gray pony walking in wearing a golden scarf that belonged to Winter during his tour with the E.U.P.. “Mistral! I didn’t expect you to come home so soon.”

Mistral shook a bit, stretching out her bat wings. She yawned out before speaking, “I finished what I needed to do early. Weird for me to be tired but I guess all the flying got to me.” She noticed the brown bag but did not bring it up.

“And you’re out in the sun. Your eyes must be dying.” He watched her walk over to the fire, but saw her stop midway and walk towards the table. There lying in plain sight was the apple bitten into.

“Winter...” She began.

“Yeah, yeah, I bit into your apple. My bad.”

“No, this wouldn’t be you,” she looked closer, seeing the small bite-marks. She turned around. “Who’s here?” She asked, her blue eyes locking to his brownish-gold.

Winter sighed, knowing well he wouldn’t be able to hide Althalos for long. “Now don’t freak out,” he turned and nodded to Althalos to come out. He watched him walk out then turned back to his love. “Mistral, this is Althalos, a-”

“Human...” She said softly, walking up to Althalos. She examined him, “Young, very young.”

“How did you know he was a human?” Winter asked.

She placed a hoof softly onto Althalos’ chin, turning his head. “My family back home used to speak stories about the legends of the Lunar Guard. I thought nothing of it, like any other folktale that was told to us.” She pulled her hoof back looking at him. “How did you get here?”

“The colt can’t speak, I believe he’s mute,” said Winter.

“‘Boy’. I believe the correct human term is ‘boy’.” She looked down seeing Althalos’ book. “I see.”

Winter raised an eyebrow. “You seem to be an expert, what more did your family speak of about the tales?”

“That was it. The only reference about a human was in the spoken legends of the Lunar Guard. About a warrior or something who had a boy and a girl that protected Princess Luna. Anything else was lost in time, like if somepony had hidden it from the world,” she move her wing to Althalos who had yawned. “You must be tired, come, you can sleep in our bed.”

“Our bed?” Winter questioned, meeting a glare from the batpony. “Right, our bed. Not like I sleep on the floor already.”

Mistral let Althalos in, moving the blanket over him. “Don’t worry young one, we’ll keep you safe.” She saw him nod, turning to his side after to sleep. She walked back to Winter. “Why did you try to hide him from me?”

“Didn’t know how’d you react seeing a mythical creature actually exist. But I guess I should have told you from the start seeing you’re well informed,” said Winter.

She hummed and nodded, brushing her head by his warmly. “We need to keep him safe.”

“Already decided on doing that.” He nuzzled her purple mane. “We’re far enough from Caval anyway. Even farther from Ponyville. Not on topic but did you hear about King Sombra’s return?”

“Quickly defeated by Princess Twilight and her friends once again, as always.”

“Yeah, guess magic really is all that’s needed.”

“Hush, what you’ve gone through before is enough reason why we need stallions and mares like you.”

Winter breathed out, slightly smiling. “Thanks.”

Chapter II: Friends

The past couple days went on for Althalos, other than there no being meat in the land he woke up in, no problems had come up for him and for the two ponies that took him under their care for the time being. Most of the time they would be home, Mistral Snow sleeping in the day while Winter Ember was outside tending the farm. He would be inside, reading the various books that was on the shelf learning about the world he was in. So far he learned about the main types of ponies, Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasi, which Winter was. There was nothing much about batponies, Mistral explaining last night that it was rare to most ponies to see one, more for one to live with a pegasus here. Even more before he read about the fight between Princess Luna and Princess Celestia a long time ago, the two who rules this land today. He never imagined how one could banish another to the moon, raising his curiosity more about what this world was.

Today he was finally able to be outside, helping Winter of course on the farmland. Winter said it was to help pay off the bed that they got for him so he wouldn’t need to share. Mostly it was so Winter didn’t have to sleep on the floor. This was something he was used in doing when he was back in his world, helping his neighbors while his father was out running errands. He would listen to Winter speak about how farming wasn’t really a pegasus thing to do, then move on to explain about the city of Cloudsdale which he emphasized of it being made of clouds, along with most working on weather-related jobs.

“The rain that came down on us the other night. Wasn’t nature that did it like you wrote, but done by us placing the clouds there. Of course the pegasi that work in it do their best to keep it safe. There’s also a large weather factory in Cloudsdale...” he trailed off, seeing Althalos stop planting the melon seeds to the ground to look at him. “Nothin’ special really.”

Althalos nodded, brushing off the sweat that formed on his forehead returning to placing the seeds down one by one while Winter pulled the plow forward. He didn’t have time to write down what he wanted Winter to know, not like he brought his book anyway which reminded him of the other book that was in his bag. When he had went to check it out, it happened to be a bible, something that was meant for him to keep him protected as it was sacred, precious too. He wasn’t sure if God was here in this world, but it could be a reason why he was here and not back home. Was there a reason for him? A purpose?

“You alright boy?” Winter asked. Althalos realized he stopped walking again when he thought to himself. He shook his head in response, returning to planting the seeds.

“You know, for a young one like yourself, you sure think to yourself a lot. Most colts and fillies would be out and about making most of their youth. Guess that’s a human thing right? To...ponder about everything regardless of your age.” Winter pulled the plow, turning it around to pull in the opposite direction. “Don’t worry about not speaking, actually it just lets me be able to ramble on about anything I speak up. Mistral gets tired of me speaking for so long, especially about me telling my quiet days in the Guard. Always asks for the good stuff, the baddies I fought off or if I’ve killed anypony. Me, I like the simple stuff. Days with my brothers-in-hooves out patrolling, inspections that were conducted like how well maintained our armor is, or just one of us messing around.”

Althalos nodded in response, listening to Winter speak about his duty when he was younger, in his prime. He avoided speaking about any conflicts that were being led up, skipping it entirely. It reminded him of listening to the many knights that told their stories, mostly about combat, one such as Jean II Le Maingre. He planted the last seed from the bag he held, looking inside and making sure none was missed. He held up the bag to show Winter who unstrapped himself from the plow.

“Out already?” Winter walked over and held the bag by his wing. “Well I guess I gotta go into Caval and get some more. Heard its the best time to plant melons right now.” He looked over to Althalos. “Go ahead and relax till I return boy. Walk around the pathway over there if you want, I know well enough nopony will be this far from the town.”

Althalos nodded and walked back inside the house, seeing Mistral still asleep laid out on her back, wings stretched out. He grabbed his leather bag, placing his writing book inside along with pulling a book from the shelf. He walked back out closing the door, seeing Winter already gone on his way. He followed what was said and started walking on the trail into the forest.

Midway through the pathway he decided on removing his footwear, allowing his feet to feel the soft grass beneath him. Around him were the endless sight of trees, birds chirping away the day, two butterflies circling around each other as they flew nearby. Such being much more beautiful than how much looked back at his own home. Seeing a low tree he decided to climb it, pulling himself higher onto each sturdy branch and soon moving to another tree taking him higher. He made sure he kept with the path, moving tree by tree keeping active to his exploration. It was much better than just sitting all day in the house, and for once he felt much more relieved than he was then when he was allowed to stay.

At the turn of the pathway, Althalos noticed to the right a large lake which connected the ends of the river. He climbed down back to the ground and walked over seeing the water move up and down, over sand surprisingly. He moved his toes around, feeling the sand move around looking at how clear the water was. Placing his bag down, he rolled up his trousers and walked into the water feeling the coldness rush up giving him goosebumps for only a moment. He took a breath and started walking along the ends of the lake, the water moving along his motions. A thought came to mind, seeing that there was nothing wrong if he wanted to swim. And so he walked back out and started to remove his clothing dropping it by his bag and ran back going into the water. He held his breath then jumped back up, wiping off the water that ran down his face.

Meanwhile as he moved around in the water, he did not notice of something rustling through the bushes. Running out, a young filly came out from the bushes, breathing hard from running so hard. She calmed herself, her breathing slowing down from its rapid pace. She stared out towards the lake, sitting down onto the sand and closing her eyes taking in the calm water. Only for a moment once she heard more movement than what was natural. She looked to her left, seeing another bush being in the way of what the sound was coming from. She moved through and out from the bush, noticing a bag and some clothing on the ground. She wondered who would leave such things behind, picking up a shirt with her hoof.

Immediately Althalos burst from under the water, startling the filly and making her jump back into the bush. From there she saw that what was not a pony, and it couldn’t be a griffon either. She watched it walk out from the lake and onto the sand. What is that? She continued watching, seeing it jump a bit shedding off some of the water before placing on the clothes. Once it finished, putting the strap of the bag over him, she jumped out. “Hey!” She said.

Her voice made Althalos jump, there seeing a yellow pegasus with pink-dark pink mane. She was small like him, her pink colored eyes looking towards him. Quickly he turned around and ran into the forest. While running he saw that she was close behind, her flapping her wings but not gaining any air. He continued to run on non-stop until he was sure he had lost her, turning around seeing nothing but trees and grass. Without notice he was tackled onto the ground by the pony he thought he lost. There he laid in the tall grass while she stood over him, his eyes locking into hers while both breathed heavily from the run. Her determined look softened, along with his as he pulled out his book and pencil. He remembered for a second Winter showing him it, the pencil being much more useful and fast to use than a quill.

She watched him write in the book, then seeing him turn it around for her to read. [Are you going to eat me?] it read. Her mind clicked, realizing how she was acting. “No! No. I was,” she moved off him, seeing him sit up. “Sorry. I wanted to know who you are. I’ve never seen a pony like you.”

Althalos wrote in the book. [I’m a human. My name is Althalos.]

“Althalos? Human?” She held out a hoof. “Sunshine Petal.”

Althalos took the hoof and shook it, returning his hand back to writing. [How did you know about this place?]

“Oh! Mr. Ember doesn’t mind me coming around here to run around. He’s friends with my dad.” She sat down in front of him. “I’ve never heard about a human before.”

Althalos tipped the eraser end of the pencil to his lip thinking, an idea coming to him. He check his bag and pulled out a book which was the one Winter had looked at when he met. He also remembered to be careful as it was considered to be very rare. He opened the book and flipped through the pages, stopping once he saw the page that had the story. He turned it around and showed it to Sunshine.

There she read, taking in each word that she was able to read and ignore some that were too big. Overall she got an idea when she looked at him. “If you’re from a story, wouldn’t that mean you’re not real?”

Althalos shrugged, placing the book back inside. He returned to his other book and wrote into it. [Winter Ember thought of the same but soon ~~beliivd~~ believed me to be real. Did you see him when you came here?]

“Nope, I explored again not taking the pathway.” She looked around, seeing the leaves from the trees illuminate with the sun. “Do you have friends?” Sunshine asked.

He shook his head, writing into his book. [All gone.]

“Well, same here. I had moved from Cloudsdale a year ago and still haven’t made a friend.” That’s when a smile formed. “You can be my friend! My very first! I know you’re not a pony but it can work out! If there’s one thing we have in common, its us being here far away from home!”

Althalos smiled nodding. [That would be great.]

Sunshine stood up, pulling Althalos up as well. “Come! Let’s go to Caval and meet my mom at one of the stalls. I think she’ll be happy that I have a friend!”

That’s when he hesitated to move. If there was one thing both Winter and Mistral said to him, it was to stay close and not be spotted. Otherwise he may get into some trouble with other ponies because of him being a human. His decisions were conflicted, seeing how Sunshine was with him, he would figure most of the others in Caval would be the same.

Sunshine looked at him concerned. “Is everything okay?” Althalos nodded, pointing to where she was heading. He saw her smile and she took his hand by her wing.

Minutes pass along as the two young ones walked together, Althalos slightly behind Sunshine still unsure of his decision as they approached the outskirts of Caval. There the two stopped, looking down from the hill they stood on. The homes were similar to how it looked back at his home, wood being the main use of the building and hay as the roof, the exception being the stone chimney. In the middle was the many stalls that had much of the ponies buying goods and wares that were being sold. More left had two wooden buildings which had a drawing of a book on the sign and the other having two oval shaped capsules.

Sunshine pulled him along down the hill, still smiling as she still had her wing wrapped around his hand. Once they were close to one home Althalos stopped again which made Sunshine turn to look at him. “What’s wrong?” Althalos shook his head, placing a hand on his chest. Surprisingly Sunshine understood what he meant. “Don’t worry about being nervous. Everypony here are very friendly! Even if you’re not a pony.”

Althalos nodded and allowed her to take him further into the town where he started to gain immediate stares from the few that saw him. He looked around his surroundings seeing all the ponies that turned to look stopping what they were doing to watch him walk. He didn’t think he would have brought so much attention to himself, especially now since he saw a small group starting to form not too far behind him and Sunshine. Reaching the stalls, the crowd of ponies who spoke with one another stopped to watch as he walked by. They both stopped, he seeing a much older earth pony who was pink and had a light blue mane.

“Mom! Mom! Look I made a friend!” Sunshine said, placing her hooves on the stall to stand higher.

Paradise Jewel looked down to see Sunshine barley able to have her head above the stand. “Oh that’s wonder-” She stopped speaking once she saw Althalos just standing there, feeling slightly uncomfortable from all the staring. “Sunshine who is this?” She asked, walking over to her young daughter.

“This is Althalos! I met him in the forest when I was out adventuring. He doesn’t speak but uses his book instead to talk. He’s says he’s a human.” She stood closer to Althalos. “I know he isn’t a pony but I really really want him to be my friend.”

More away from the crowd, Winter exited the medicine store with the doctor not to far behind. “Thanks again for the medicine doc, dang hooves can finally stop hurting for once when tending the farm.”

“You’re certainly welcome Mr. Ember. Remember to not over-stress yourself doing such work as you are a pegasus,” the doctor said.

Winter nodded and started to walk away. “Alright got the melon seeds, some medicine. Maybe next I should get some flowers for Mistral. Wonder if Paradise has any chocolate cosmos for sale, that would make her night much more great.” He turned to the direction of the stalls, noticing there was much more than usually, especially by Paradise’s stall. He knew the earth pony was awesome in having exotic flowers looking great but he didn’t expect everypony to be going crazy around her stall. She probably had something that was not from this land. And that was something he regretted in thinking of as he saw Althalos standing in front of the stall. “Althalos!” He called out, seeing the boy turn around to face him. He quickly walked up to the boy, seeing him having a concerned look. “I thought I told you to stay home.”

“You know him Winter?” Asked Paradise.

Those around him asked similar questions which he wasn’t ready for. He looked down to Althalos again, seeing his hand being wrapped around by Sunshine’s wing. Anger and concern soon turned into calmness and understanding. He couldn’t explain to them the truth for it would just cause more trouble as it is, but instead took charge of the situation. He brought the boy close to him by his wing. “Yes I know him. His name is Althalos. I have adopted him as my own colt a couple days ago as he was left alone fending for his life. Even though he is not a pony, I will treat him no different and I hope you all will treat him the same as I have treated you. I can promise you he will not cause any harm.”

Many around murmured to one another, most nodding to what Winter had said out to them. There were a few skeptical of some unknown thing living near the town, but in most all accepted it. Winter released Althalos and faced Paradise. “Do you have any chocolate cosmos?” He asked, the crowd now dispersing.

“Of course! You’re just in luck that I had brought some with me.” Paradise started getting the flowers ready to be bundled together. “I apologize for not understanding. I would have done something if I knew.”

“No problem. I didn’t know how to bring this up but I guess this works. How’s your husband?”

“Diamond Crown? Oh he’s great, very persistent in growing gardenias lately. Told me not to help so he can prove that pegasi can raise flowers too. I told him he didn’t need to go to such lengths, you being enough proof that pegasi can farm, but he’s as stubborn as those Apple farmers up in Ponyville. No stopping the stallion.” She moved the bundle of chocolate cosmos to Winter, she taking the four bits he placed on the stall.

Winter placed the flowers in the bag. “How do you think he’s doing?”

“Besides him getting less sleep in taking care of those flowers, I think he’s doing well.” She rested her forehooves on the stall. “Probably gonna try to tire him out to get him to sleep more tonight. You think you can have Sunshine sleep over your place tonight?”

He raised an eyebrow, then understood what she meant. “Yeah sure. Would mean more time for her and Althalos to get to know each other more.”

“Yay!” Sunshine cheered out.

Paradise smiled seeing her daughter being so happy, especially now that she had a unique friend to be with in this town. “So Mr. Ember, what made you consider in being a father for this young colt?”

Winter thought for a moment, looking down to Althalos then back to Paradise. “Purpose.”

Chapter III: Future

Winter walked out from the house in the early morning, the sun still barley rising and the moon slowly descending into hiding once more. Along with him he had a chair, placing it by the wall of the house and taking a seat in it. He took a deep breath of the cool air, breathing out after seeing his breath freeze and evaporate. Right now he would be preparing to work around the field for the day, but with the help of Althalos the days he continues to live with them sped up the completion. In fact, he couldn’t think of what needed to be done. The crops ready to be harvested have been completed, in turn the few needed to be planted are also completed. The few wood-post fencing that needed to be replaced due to rot was finished quickly, this proving how useful having somepony with hands can be. He remembered briefly showing Althalos how to make the post, figuring that it would take awhile but instead he getting it quickly.

All of such made him think back to the day when Althalos was in the town of Caval. Even though Mistral wasn’t too happy about his presence being known, she understood that hiding him forever wouldn’t be possible to do. So lately him and Althalos have been going to the town together when needed, all around quickly used to the sight of somepony who isn’t a pony, nor anything known in this world at least. Questions do arise about the legitimacy of the folktales now that Caval has their own local human roaming around, along with the possibility of the news spreading throughout Equestria. However, luckily, no such thing has occurred and has stayed well within Caval. Wonder how long that will last before the paparazzi arrive, Winter thought.

He got back up, taking another deep breath before walking inside the house. He approached Althalos bed, moving him a bit to wake up, which he did. Winter watched him sit up on the bed before rubbing his eyes. He looked at Althalos and the boy knew what was going to be done starting today. Training. Winter had found out about the scar on Althalos chest from a battle he participated in, even when he was not of age. It explained why the boy was hardworking and always kept working on hard, and this was something he liked. Althalos was not going home anytime soon and he wanted him to be more active than just working on the farmland or sitting in here all day doing nothing.

Althalos watched the stallion walk back out from the house, already knowing that he needed to be out as well. He placed his shirt and leather footwear on and quickly exited the house, closing the door behind him. He stood still watching Winter stare out towards the forest before he saw him starting to trot from him towards the pathway. He started running following behind the stallion keeping pace. The cold air burned his lungs as he breathed in, having to speed up when Winter moved into a canter. His breathing fastened while the stallion’s remained calm and even, showing how well maintained he kept himself.

“I should be flying, because I’m a pegasus.” Winter ran straight instead of turning left on the pathway. “But I wouldn’t be strong if I had to be on the ground, so I trained along side Earth ponies back in my Guard days.”

Althalos now needed to keep Winter within his sight as there was no pathway showing where to go. The mid-tall grass only tired him out even more as he had to raise his legs higher while Winter remained unfazed. Already he was growing tired, the stamina not as great but he kept running on fighting against his growing fatigue. Sweat started form on his body, few drops running down from his forehead to the base of his chin, falling off from the quick steps of the pace. Few ran into his eyes, burning slightly, his mind prompting him to wipe off what could be irritating it but only making it worse. His pace started to slow as Winter grew more and more distant from him, and he was sure Winter wasn’t going to stop anytime soon. His body started to feel numb, lightheaded, and his eyes drifting focus other than the white stallion ahead of him. He took in the calm early morning breeze that brushed along the branches of the trees, the sky which the trees hidden from him giving hints of a growing purple-orange sunrise.

Althalos soon tripped and fell onto the grass, breathing hard and not moving while Winter kept his pace and quickened the distance between him. He didn’t want to allow himself to lose sight of Winter, forcing his body from the quickly comfortable position he was in back onto his two legs with the assistance of the tree by him. He gagged a bit but returned to the jog he needed to be, barley keeping sight of the white ahead of him. There he noticed Winter turning left, which meant the continuous running would take a turn. He reached the corner, noticing a large stick stabbed into the ground most likely to show the end of the trail and to turn. He kept his pace moving forward, the straight running continuing as normal but shorter as another turn with a stick was made. This is how he figures out how long the trail should be, he thought.

He turned and continued on straight once more, soon seeing that the new trail lead him to the lake he had swam in days ago. The place where he met Sunshine as well and the freedom to roam growing. There he watched Winter run into the lake and start swimming, not stopping his pace even with the change of how to move. With a second wind coming to him, Althalos ran head-on into the cool water, feeling his clothes dragging along as he swam forward. Breathing was difficult and irregular as he fought to keep his head up from going under. Fatigue overtook him and he collapsed inside the water. He held his breath as he regained his composure and swam forward under, listening to the water rush past him and his sight of view slightly obscure as the light hadn’t shown upon the lake yet. His lungs burned as he remained underwater before he pushed his arms upward and back to the surface. He took a quick breath and continued to swim, his direction changed but still towards where Winter was. Already Winter had gotten out and continued running on the trail known, Althalos soon running out of the water and falling down again.

He breathed out heavily and pushed himself back up to his feet slowly, the water dripping off him as he forced himself to keep running. From then on this was the trail he knew from before, the ground flattened most likely from Winter’s marches or exercise. His clothes were heavy from the water that continued to drip off the edges of his clothing, his leather footwear rubbing against his wet skin. And what looked to be a running that could go on forever, he finally made it back home where Winter stood waiting for him. Althalos again collapsed, falling onto his knees allowing his fatigue to finally take him. However that would be the most rest he would get for this training.

“Up boy. Up. We’re not finished yet.” Winter said, showing no hint of tiredness. “What you just finished was two miles. We will be running that new trail every morning until you can keep pace along side me then I will increase it.”

Althalos stood up, removing his shirt as it weighed him down. He would need to figure out how to do the run and accommodate for the swimming, but for now he followed Winter down past the farmland and towards the shed. It was one that he wasn’t allowed to enter, a reason not given to him and a reason he was not curious of knowing. Now it grew onto him as Winter unlocked the door and opened it revealing what was inside. Spears, swords, and axes were all lined up in rows, along with shields lined up on the other side of the shed. He remained outside while Winter looked around, looking back at him, then returning to what was around him. There he saw him toss out a leather helmet, a soften-tipped spear, and shield onto the ground.

“It’s not real leather if that’s what you’re wondering. Has the same qualities and texture, but doesn’t require killing anypony.” He placed on his own leather helmet, and had the same spear with him. “Griffons, especially ones deep in their lands do such a thing. But with cows, not ponies.”

Althalos placed the helmet on, strapping it tight enough around his head. It had fit him surprisingly, but was rather heavy. Soon he grabbed the large handle of the shield and lifted it up, this being much more heavy, the spear being the same. Already his arms were struggling.

“Now,” Winter tapped Althalos with his spear, making him adjust to how he wanted the boy to position in. There he had him having the bottom of the spear on the ground and the tip pointing up, Althalos standing straight, and his shield well near his body. “I believe that is how a human would stand at attention. Every morning after our run you are to run here and retrieve what you hold right now and stand just like this. Once I see you entering inside, that’s when I count down from ten. If I finish counting and you’re not ready, I will make you carry a large heavy pack and make you march the pathway.”

Winter again tapped Althalos, this time having him point his spear straight from him and his shield right by it. “This is one basic defensive position you will be learning and using. It is much more useful when side by side others, but…,” he tapped Althalos, adjusting him a bit in a more aggressive stance, “Like this, it is still useful as you’re able to move in a one-by-one situation. You’re able to move much more freely than previously. Now.” Winter backed up, having his spear pointed up. “Attack me.”

Althalos nodded, taking a deep breath, and making a thrust forward. Immediately Winter knocked away the spear past him and hit him straight in the chest, making him drop both his spear and shield to grasp his bare chest. He fell on one knee while he coughed.

“Pick up your spear and shield! Now!” Winter yelled out, seeing the boy nodding and quickly following what he said. “You never drop your spear and shield like that. Ever! Not only will it get you killed, but it will also get others killed if you happened to be fighting with others.” He took a breath before continuing. “Now with what you did before, you left an opening when you made a thrust forward. You can move your shield, but not so much so you do not allow a counter-attack to be made, just like how I did to you. Now, again.”

Althalos readied himself and made a thrust forward, but saw Winter dodge and swipe his legs with his spear, making him collapse. This time he didn’t release his spear and shield, but felt his legs pulsing in pain while Winter pointed down towards his chest with the spear before pulling back. He stood back up, doing his best to ignore the pain.

“You need to keep your legs steady and balanced. If not, someone will swipe just like that. And don’t worry. Once you’re ready, I’ll explain to you how to protect your legs from a swipe but this time from a blade,” said Winter. “Now, again.”

Althalos remained lying on the grass on a hill, not too far from his home or Caval. It was one of the places that was free of trees, the hills of grass brushing along the almost noon breeze. Lying beside him was his bag with the writing book and bible, and a sword that Winter had given him to carry around. It was so he would grow used to the weight of it hanging on his body and for him to train on his own with. Thinking of his body, everything was sore, his arms and lower legs having bruises from the training he had gone through, and such thing would continue every single day. He wasn’t too thrilled about it, but he was also excited to being trained like this. It reminded him of seeing the swordsman back in his home practicing with one another on how to fight. If this was what it took to be like them, then he would do his best in being strong.

He moved his arm under the bag and pulled out the bible, opening it and reading it in silence, blocking the sun’s rays from his eyes. What was interesting was that Winter nor Mistral was able to read the book, saying it looked like nothing but scribbles with artwork. It brought to question if things not written from him was to look indescribable to others. It was confusing. “Althalos!” A distant voice spoke out, bringing him from his reading. Placing the book back into the bag he sat up, seeing Sunshine Petal running towards him in a hurry. He smiled when he saw her trip, grumble a bit, and continue running towards him. He waved at her as she approached him.

“What are you doing here all by yourself?” Sunshine asked, sitting by him

Althalos raised a finger, pulling out his writing book and pencil so he can write a response. [Wanted to relax under the sun. How did you find me?]

“Well, I went to your house and asked Mr. Ember if it was okay for you to hang out with me. He told me you weren’t home but here instead. So I ran here!”

Althalos again smiled, not being able to laugh. [What do you want to do?]

Sunshine didn’t respond, instead she laid down onto the grass, taking a deep breath closing her eyes. He did the same, placing the book down and laying down beside her. The two listened closely to what was around them, the brushing of the grass, the gentle shaking of the branches from the trees not too far from them, and the chirping of the birds that brought life. He turned to his side, not realizing Sunshine had done the same and both their noses bumped into each other. Both moved away a bit, looking apologetic but nothing was said or written, the two already knowing as they both looked at each other. That was when she noticed that his blue eyes shined more than regularly. Actually, it was a first since she last saw him having eyes that had some sort of life in them. “I really like your eyes. It looks different than everypony else.”

Althalos raised an eyebrow. Didn’t think it was any special, he thought, seeing her quickly turn around once she said that. He tried to look over to her but she moved her face more into the grass. He sat back up and wrote into his book, poking her to look over. [Are you okay?]

“Yeah!” She sat back up. “I, uh, was thinking of just wanting to walk is all.”

[Just walking?] He wrote down.

“Yup, just walking.” She stood up, having a hoof out after helping Althalos up to his feet. “Or maybe instead of walking, how about I race you!” She noticed him tilting his head, soon realizing that he still didn’t know much of his surroundings other than Caval. “Oh yeah. How about I take you to my secret spot?”

Althalos nodded to her suggestion, seeing her smile before turning around to start in a gallop towards the direction of her choice. A sigh came from him, his body wishing to return to the ground. However he didn’t agree wanting to spend time with Sunshine and he started running, catching up to her and keeping with her pace as they ran from the hills into the forest. They both ran together for a few minutes before stopping in front of a large tree which was circled by the smaller trees. He watched Sunshine run up the slanted tree and up the branch, climbing up what looked to be a tree-house being covered by the leaves. He walked up the tree and climbed in, seeing the inside looking more clean than the outside. It had a couple books, some toys, and a large soft-looking blanket.

“Welcome to my secret spot!” Sunshine said, watching Althalos enter and sit down at the other side of the tree-house. “I found this awhile back when I moved to Caval. It was dirty but I cleaned it up so there’s no more spiders. I think this is a million years old!”

A million? Althalos took out his writing book, noticing Sunshine moving to sit beside him. [So is this where you spend your day?]

“Yup!” She replied. “I got a question.” She waited for a response, seeing him nod. “What was your home like? Your real home.”

Althalos was hesitant, but started writing. Sunshine reading it at the same time after each word is written down. [My home is like here. Trees, the river, and the grass. My home has a large wall that goes around too so the bad people have a hard time coming in.] He paused, thinking of more to write. [And it has a castle.]

“Did you live in the castle?” She asked.

Althalos shook his head. [I lived in a house like the one I live in right now.]

“Aww, that would have been so awesome. You would have been like Celestia and Luna in Canterlot. They live in a big castle.”

Althalos didn’t write for a moment, thinking back to his true home. A home he would no longer be able to be at. [I miss my home.] He felt her patting his back with her wing.

“It’ll be okay. As long as you have Mr. Ember with you, you will be alright,” said Sunshine.

Althalos nodded, pointing to the books that were next to the blanket. She noticed and walked over, grabbing one with a hoof and placing it down by him. She also brought the blanket, wrapping it around her. He didn’t think it was cold, but didn’t mind, picking up the book. Daring Do?

Althalos opened the door to the house having come back from walking Sunshine to her house. He was greeted by her mother who was happy to see him, but her father was rather suspicious of him for some reason. He didn’t think he had anything bad with him.

Inside, he closed the door seeing Winter sitting by the fireplace with Mistral cuddling right beside him. The two turned around seeing him and he waved to them as he placed his bag down by the bookshelf, taking out his writing book.

“Althalos, welcome home,” said Mistral. “Anything interesting?

He sat down near them and wrote in his book. [Spent time with Sunshine today.]

“Oh that’s good! Already getting close with your friend,” Mistral said, looking up to Winter.

“It’s a good thing she was able to find you,” said Winter. He then stood up and approached the boy. “Althalos, Mistral and I were discussing about...something while you were gone. And we were wondering what you thought about us.”

Althalos was confused why he was asking. He wrote into his book. [I don’t think you two are bad. I’m glad to be able to stay here even though I am not a pony. And you treat me like family.] He noticed Mistral smiling while Winter sighed, as if he wasn’t used to speaking about a topic like this.

Winter cleared his throat. “That’s the thing. Mistral, and myself, yes, me, were considering to make it official.”

[What do you mean?] Althalos asked.

“What are you, stupid?” Winter felt a jab to his side by Mistral. “Sorry, what I meant was that Mistral would be your new mother, and I to be your new father. Both of us are fully aware that you’ll be staying here in Equestria and, well...” He turned to Mistral, “Oh Celestia do I have to say it, it’s making me cringe.”

“I’ll anonymously send the embarrassing Nightmare Night photo of you to all of Caval if you don’t,” Mistral threatened.

“Why do you have to use that-” He met a glare, seeing that she was serious. “Alright! Alright!” He turned to Althalos, who was rather enjoying the scene. “Yeah, yeah, mock the Guard. Now where was I. Oh yeah. What I was saying was that we’re fully aware that you’ll be staying here and we would, ugh, love, for you to be our colt. Our boy.”

Winter expected Althalos to write in the book, but instead met a tight hug from the human. He didn’t move, then feeling Mistral join in the hug, she being the most happy as she wanted to do take Althalos in as her own. Althalos, even though he missed his home, his life, he soon began to let go of wanting to return, instead wishing to remain here with the two ponies in the new world.

“So who’s name is he going to take, yours or mine,” asked Winter.

“Both,” replied Mistral. “Welcome to the family, my Snow Ember.”

[Act I – End]

Chapter IV: From The West

The motion of the northern Luna Ocean swayed with ease with the breeze forming, blowing west far from Equestrian lands. The sun, high in its peak, shined down towards the ocean waters and the motioning sloop-of-war that sailed along, the large Equestrian flag waving at the quarterdeck. The Equestrian-Royal-ShipPuddinghead, with her old eighteen guns on the gun deck and her whitish-yellowish sails being pushed by the wind, it was one of ten ships that still remained of what was left of the Equestrian navy. With such long peacetime in Equestria, the need dwindled, majority of ships decommissioned, and the interest died in favor for the E.U.P land forces. But even there it’s smaller compared to how it was before, and funds continue to be cut.

Lucky Aubrey, captain of the Puddinghead, watched out towards the waters as the sloop sailed, the trickle of the ocean hitting the face of the white-colored stallion and the wind brushing against his light-blue heavy coat. With his service of fifteen years, ten of which were on Puddinghead, and his noble actions in a few skirmishes, he reached the rank of Commodore.

He disliked how little attention the navy has received, knowing well enough without such Equestria could be attacked from the sea. An example being a pirate raid occurring by a small town on one of the islands by the Luna Bay. Another being the Griffon-Arabian War where he helped keep a corrupted Saddle Arabia from touching the peaceful Equestria, pushing the Arabian navy back to its territory. No pony even knew about the war, only his ship and crew and 100 E.U.P. soldiers. Technically, they never participated; were never there. Just like before keeping the word ‘war’ from reaching any thoughts in the ponies. A sigh came out from him as he continued to drift around in his thoughts, his ears picking up the singing his crew sung out while they worked.

And we’ll roll the old chariot along,

We’ll roll the old chariot along,

And we’ll all hang on behind!

“Commodore,” his second-in-command, Spring Showers, spoke gaining his attention.

“What is it?” Lucky asked, turning around looking at her and walking over to the other side of the quarterdeck. He was given the spyglass and took it by his hoof. Looking inside, he noticed in the distance three first-rate ship-of-the-lines along with four galleons, its black triangle sails being the most visible.

“What do you think? More pirates?” Spring questioned.

Lucky continued looking, barley distinguishing a minotaur standing alongside something else. “The pirates we know aren’t as organized and large as that. Whatever it is, it’s nothing we’ve seen before.” He noticed the ships starting to turn towards their direction. He gave back the spyglass to her, “Ready the crew.”

“Sir?”

“Prepare the guns on the left deck, and ready others on the top with the hoof-cannons.” With his orders spoken, he watched the pegasus yell out the orders to the crew. All changed their relaxed state to a more determined one, most repeating the orders of what needed to be done. Some trotted down below to ready the guns, others grabbing the hoof-cannons and bringing it up to the top deck, along with the essentials it needed. All at the same time, the seven ships sailed closer to thePuddinghead, six soon slowing their sailing leaving only one galleon to face off. Spring returned to his side.

“Spring.” He said, his second-in-command knowing what he wanted. He took the spyglass and looked again towards the ship the minotaur stood, it being on the ship that remained behind. Beside it he was still unable to tell, but it wore armor and had wings, holding a shield and a spear. He gave back the spyglass. “Seven ships, three ship-of-the-lines, four galleons. Most are a mixture of ponies, diamond dogs, and zebras. I believe a minotaur and an unknown figure with wings that stands along the minotaur are the leaders.”

Spring was confused by the description she was taking in. “What does that mean, sir?”

Lucky looked towards her. “I need you to relay that message to Princess Celestia and Luna. They are definitely sailing towards Equestria for a possible invasion.”

“Wait! I cannot just, abandon you and the crew!” Spring expressed, looking heartbroken.

“You forget why each ship has at least one pegasus in the crew. To relay and give messages when emergencies happen.” He put a hoof on her shoulder. “I know, trust me, but you’re the only one that can get to the princesses in time to figure something out.”

Spring nodded, backing up to give her commodore a final salute. “Commodore Aubrey.”

Lucky saluted back, seeing her tear up. “Captain Showers.” He placed his hoof down, watching her fly up into the air and darting towards Equestria. He turned back towards the approaching ship, smirking pushing down onto his hat making sure it doesn’t fly off. “Steady! Don’t fire until I give the order!”All the ponies readied themselves, few feeling intimidated once they noticed the ships that they had to face off. Lucky watched the approaching ship begin to turn, and that was when he gave the order. One by one in the deck below each cannon shot out, splintering and entering the galleon across from the Puddinghead. On the top, those with the hoof-cannons started firing off towards who they were able to see, smoke rising from the side of the ship of the used powder as the cannons were being reloaded.

The galleon soon fired back towards him and his crew, some being injured or killed by the returning cannon fire. Lucky collapsed onto the deck but stood back up, quickly giving orders to reload and to fire-at-will. He knew he was outgunned, and outclassed from seeing how much more devastating the galleon cannon-fire was towards the Puddinghead. Again the ship’s cannons fired towards the galleon, and it would be the last time as the ship soon began to be raided. Hoof combat ensued, the crew fighting back the enemies as they came on. Lucky pulled out a hoof-dagger, fighting back a diamond dog and kicking it back from the quarterdeck. Soon he heard a loud thump from behind and he saw the winged armor creature looking at him. With a closer look, he noticed the armor was a dark gray color, its helmet looking similar to the E.U.P.’s but covering what could be its face, the hair on the top being dark blue, matching its wings. It wore a dark gray cloak which was more folded in due to its wings now standing out. It pulled out a large sword, not like ones he’s seen.

Lucky dodged one swing from the dark creature, blocking another with his dagger. Its lower part by the knees seemed exposed but reaching it was improbable to reach to exploit. He didn’t see the fist coming to his right, the strike dazing him as the dagger was stuck out from his hoof, meeting a slash down onto his body. He yelled out, backing up from it and soon meeting the end of the quarterdeck. He saw much of his crew injured, dead, or captured, turning back to stare at the creature. “What are you waiting for, finish it,” Lucky said to it, seeing it tighten its grip on his sword. What followed was darkness as he was stuck unconscious.

Music played on from the musicians who remained in the corner of the large hall that held much of Canterlot’s aristocrats that spoke with one another. It was a much smaller, more private type of Gala that only the few top elite would come attend here in the royal castle in Canterlot. Much socializing occurred, few discussing business partnerships and opportunities, others speaking out jokes and making a group that listened laugh loudly while drinking the finest Crystal Empire’s winter wine. Within such groups was Princess Luna, who wore a dress that complemented her coat and mane. Though she did not enjoy participating in such events, this mostly being left with her sister who is currently missing, she came out showing that she was still relevant within everypony and not just a shut-in princess.

“...and of course it takes time to have the rails nice and perfect so there is no situations where our trains have accidents. It would be disastrous if one was to occur!” The stallion spoke, him being one of the main contributors in keeping the trains up and well maintained.

“That is perfectly understandable. I do not wish for anypony to be hurt in such due to negligence. If such is preventable then we must take advantage of such, correct?” said Luna.

“Correct! So I believe we will continue to receive support from Canterlot in order to assure that all ponies are comfortable and safe?”

“As always. You do not always need to convince me or my sister when it comes to our rail system.”

“Yes, yes, but having a personal assurance is much better to have. Besides, I would miss this wine if I didn’t come speak!” He took a sip before asking a question. “Speaking about your sister, where has Princess Celestia gone? I believe I saw her earlier when she gave her speech.”

“I am not sure, she-” she was interrupted by a royal guard approaching her and whispering to her ear. “Something has come up, if you’ll excuse me.” She said, receiving a nod before she walked out from the large hall. Sister, where are you? She thought, the news she received not being good.

Much away from the castle, deep within the gardens, Celestia lied on the grass, she wearing her dress still and looking down at the small pond thinking to herself. She needed to return back to the party, knowing Luna would grow tiresome fast, but she couldn’t knowing this was the day she would mourn. Not to far across from her stood in the center of the pond a tombstone with flowers around. Behind the tombstone was a statue of a warrior who stood straight looking down to where Celestia laid, a sword placed under the hands. On the tombstone it read: Alexander Beaumont, Swordsman of Celestia.

“If only we had more time together...” she spoke, poking the pond with her hoof. It had been years since her swordsman was killed defending her from harm, their short-time of blooming romance after conflict was something she wished to relive once more. Her light from the dark shadow she lived in for decades, now damped out but not fully returning her to her past self. Her feared self of facing creatures such as her swordsman. A lesson learned the hard way, showing history repeats itself in some way. A memory she disliked to have, listening to the evil laughter that followed after the fall.

She stood up shaking her head, ridding the memory for now and looking up towards the statue. Again she lowered her head. “I will see you again...” she said softly, turning away and leaving the garden through her pathway. Now in the open part of the garden, she continued walking calming her posture and looking relaxed as she approached the doors to the castle. Opening it, immediately she was cut off by a royal guard who looked tired from running around. “You seem to be rather active, guard.”

The mare removed her helmet, bowing before looking up to Celestia. “You are needed in the throne-room. Luna has urgent news that cannot be delayed, princess.”

Celestia nodded and walked with the guard by her side down the hallway. It was only a few minutes more before she entered the throne-room, seeing Luna with two other guards and one mare that was from the navy branch. “What has happened?” She asked.

“Repeat what you had told me, Spring Showers,” Luna told the mare.

Spring nodded, still tired from her hurried flight. “‘Seven ships, three ship-of-the-lines, four galleons. Most are a mixture of ponies, diamond dogs, and zebras...a minotaur and an unknown figure with wings are the leaders.’ That is what my commodore told me to tell you, princesses. They are approaching Equestria and...and I know our ship is only going to delay them for two days since one of their ships is damaged.”

Celestia remained silent, same with Luna who looked at her. “Go on and rest young one, my sister and I will discuss what will be done.” Both Spring and the guards bowed and walked out from the throne-room, leaving her and her sister on their own to discuss about the news that was spoken of. This time there was no council, it being disbanded after Luna’s long banishment, along with much that surrounded it being void. “Some story,” said Celestia, walking over to the table on the other side of the throne-room. She magically levitated a cup up and poured water into it from the glass jug.

“What is to be done? Magical creatures are one thing, an invasion is another,” said Luna. “We had not seen an invasion of Equestria ever since we became the co-rulers much, much long ago.”

Celestia nodded to what her sister was saying. Seems her memories have still not returned, she thought, somewhat glad such part of the past is not remembered. “A troubled time we worked hard not to return to.” Luna watched her walk towards the stained-glass window, looking at the artwork in silence. “We both worked hard in keeping everypony safe.”

“Suppose magic is not able to push back this invasion, how much of the royal guard do we have ready to defend our land?” Asked Luna.

“About three-thousand, seven-hundred and fifty are at the western border. But even then nopony has ever seen combat,” replied Celestia.

“What about the elite guard? They must have seen some fighting?”

“The elite guard has been disbanded ever since...you know…”

Luna nodded, knowing she meant her return but as Nightmare Moon. “My apologies.” She looked at Celestia turning around, having a small smile letting her know she was already forgiven. “Now back from a last resort, shall we inform Twilight and her friends about this?”

“Twilight along with her friends are not in Equestria at the moment. She had sent me a letter a few days ago explaining about needing to solve an issue that was marked on the map, far past the Griffons,” said Celestia. “I would suggest intervening ourselves but...” She thought about the ‘unknown figure with wings’. If it was only the minotaur then maybe, but with something unknown she did not want to risk it.

“In the end, we need to call in every available pony,” said Luna.

“No, we can’t reinstate the draft. It would cause more panic than there should be if it was enacted.”

“What do you propose then? Smiling and waving to encourage ponies to join the guard?”

Celestia smirked. “Good idea. Along with such, advertise to the ponies in joining by using posters and in newspapers.”

Both stood near each other, allowing silence to take over the throne-room for a moment before Luna spoke up. “We’re going to lose a lot of ponies...”

Celestia nodded, remembering the past of such losses. Even the war against Sombra long ago. And with new technology coming forth, she grew afraid of the outcome. “We will think of a strategy to assure that the losses are minimal if possible. For now though, we must return to the party.” She started walking towards the doors of the throne-room.

“Oh Tartarus,” Luna groaned, following close behind.

Chapter V: Present

Slowly the sun rose from the horizon of the vast snow-covered trees that surrounded Caval. It was early, only a few ponies exiting from their homes to begin their day of work. Not much has changed in the small town, a few newly built homes and shops, overall much of the same. The snow came in much more the past few days as autumn slowly drifted away into winter, the frost from beneath being crunched by the walking of hooves. As always, the town was well stocked for the farmland that many had would be dormant until spring started making its way.

Past the snowy town into the forest, the pathways barley visible cut off into two, moving further ahead to the one going north revealed a wooden home which mostly was surrounded by a white blanket of snow but on the far left were growing and blooming primrose flowers. The chimney from the home was already producing smoke as the fireplace inside kept the fire in its place. Sitting by it was the honey-colored pegasus, Diamond Crown, looking as dull as he usually looks while drinking cider. On the top of the bricks of the fireplace had frames of pictures, one of him and his wife, another of very young Sunshine, and on the far right was him and Winter looking much younger in their royal guard armor, the background being a sandy hill. The picture was one he stared at the most his mind being lost as the memories poured in, the clashing of metal entering his ears.

“Diamond!” Called out Paradise, bringing him back from his trance. She came out from the kitchen. “Diamond did you hear me?” She asked.

He took a deep breath, placing the cider down. “No my jewel. Sorry.” He stood up and walked over to the mare. “Did you need something?”

Paradise smirked at him, placing a hoof on his chest. “Somepony is outside waiting for their father to give them flying lessons.”

Diamond raised an eyebrow and walked inside the kitchen and looking out the window. There he saw their young lavender-blue colt out in the snow wearing a vest rolling around in the frost, the snow getting into his navy-blue mane. Soon his ears picked up the opening of the front door. “Hold it!” He yelled out, hearing a quick yelp as the door quickly closed. He walked back towards the main room with Paradise following seeing an older Sunshine attempting to sneak out from the house. She was wearing her saddle bag, lower on her left hoof the braided leather bracelet. She also wore her golden scarf she earned from completing the first six months of the guard reserve right after she graduated from school. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked her.

“Duh, I was,” she thought about her next words, watching her father stare at her. “I was...going to...where was I going? Ha! I forgot! I’ll let you know later when I come back from wherever I’m going.” She attempted to open the door but was kept closed by Diamond’s wing. She sighed, “Fine, I’m going over to Mr. Ember’s house.”

Diamond groaned. “You’re going to see that, thing-”

“He’s not a thing!” Sunshine yelled out, quickly putting a hoof to her mouth. “Sorry.”

“I don’t see a problem in her going, reminds me of my failed attempts in sneaking out to see you,” Paradise smiled.

“Don’t you have training to keep up on? You’ll have to go back to complete the reserve in another two months,” asked Diamond.

Sunshine was scratching the floor with her hoof. “Yes...I know. But I really want to see him. It’s been six months,” she said softly.

Diamond looked at her then sighed, releasing the pressure from the door. There he saw Sunshine’s face turn from being dejected to joyful. He met a tight hug coming from his daughter. “Alright, alright, I get it. Just behave!” He told her, seeing her quickly exit the house. He followed her out, seeing her fly away. “And if he does anything to you, stab him!”

“Diamond!” Paradise said, poking him.

“What? I’m serious.”

“‘Stab him?’ Really?” She turned around and returned to the kitchen.

“Tch, mares,” he closed the door and followed not to far behind.

In the skies, Sunshine flew feeling the rush of the cold air hitting her face. She turned to her right seeing the sun rise much higher, the light now shining brighter than before. She spun around a bit, her pink-dark-pink mane flowing along, it being grown a bit longer than when she was younger. Could have been longer but it had to be cut to meet the standards. Soon she closed her wings and started her dive down towards the home of Winter Ember, soon opening them to slow her decent once she got close enough. Landing on the ground, she looked over to the gray stallion standing idle towards the snow-covered farmland. He rubbed his chin as he stood there, not noticing her until she started walking over to him. “Good morning Mr. Ember,” she said, standing by him.

“Mornin’” he replied, his breath freezing when exhaling. He looked, and felt, much older than he did back then. Still if he really wanted to he could still pull off looking thirty then his age of fifty. “Heard you came back from the reserves two weeks ago. How was that?”

“Oh you know, exercise and yelling. I’m heading back in two months to complete the training.” She looked to where he stared, seeing at the end a single cabbage growing with no care in the world.

“Not sure how that happened,” Winter started, “To be honest I don’t even remember planting cabbage.”

A chuckle came from him and Sunshine smiled, remembering the past years him being less uptight and a bit more expressive. “You should save that and grow more. Would probably be useful to have in the future.” She heard him hum while nodding. “How’s Mistral?”

“She’s alright. Sleeping right now for the time being.” It had been awhile since Sunshine had met Mistral, knowing ponies in Equestria are still rather afraid of them and are a rarity to see them out from their main home. But she had accepted her as any other pony she meets. “Recently she’s been visiting this zebra east in the Everfree. Apparently helped create this potion and gave it to Althalos three months ago.”

“Really? How did that go?” Sunshine asked.

“Damned idiot drank the entire bottle at one go instead of a cup. Mistral failed to explain that sooner and next thing we know he’s collapsing onto the floor unconscious.” He sighed, remembering how much Mistral caressed the human feeling awful.

“What did he drink?”

“Supposedly it was a potion meant to soothe and heal the vocal cords. Basically give him a voice which I doubted would work.”

“Doubted?” Sunshine started to feel excitement rise from within her.

“Yeah. Doubted. Forgot how miracles work here in Equestria.” Winter scratched his head. “A week after he collapsed he woke up to a crying Mistral. His first words, though with a lot of pauses, was: ‘Mistral, why are you crying?’ I’ve never seen her eyes shine like that except for the time we got together. And when the kid realized that what he said wasn’t in his mind, he practically crushed us with his hug.”

“That’s such great news Mr. Ember.”

“But,” he interrupted, “The potion’s effects are supposedly temporary. So we don’t know when his voice will disappear, Tartarus, we don’t know if it’ll just make his throat even worse. So what I would do is go look for him before his voice disappears.”

Sunshine looked confused. “Look for-? What?”

Winter rolled his eyes. “I know you came to see him and not this old stallion. Go on, he went out on his exercise awhile ago and he should be by the lake pretty soon.”

Sunshine nodded and thanked him, turning and trotting towards the pathway she knew he would run in. Periodically she would call out his name, wondering if he was close by. By the time she reached the lake, she stood there on the sand looking around for him. She stood on the same spot the two met many years ago. She sighed, about to turn around but heard the water moving.

Popping up with a large splash of water, Althalos Ember took a deep breath and started swimming towards the shore, pushing back his long brown hair. Slowly he reached shallow water and started running out from it but soon stopped seeing Sunshine standing still with a smile. He smiled back to her, wishing to hug her if anything but he didn’t want her to get wet.

Sunshine looked at the rugged and athletic man that stood in front of her, wearing nothing but leather briefs and his scar on his chest being visible. Not actual leather of course. “Umm, hi.” Hi? Really? “I heard somepony got a voice.”

Althalos raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Yeah,” he said, his voice sounding like it had an accent. It matched with how he was looking with his long hair and trimmed beard, but still having that youthful spirit that he had since he was young. “Umm, I...” He didn’t know what to say, being happy to see her. It had been six months since but felt like she’s been gone for years.

The two stood awkwardly by each other, not knowing what else to do, what else to say now Althalos had his voice. Both looked to the ground in opposite directions then to each other’s bracelet, both being worn down since they didn’t remove it other than to sleep. Soon their eyes locked, her pink with his blue, they both looking away a second after blushing.

“How are you?” Althalos asked.

“I’m good. You?” She replied.

“Good.” Again silence returned between them for another minute. “Do you...want to come over?” He asked.

“Heh, that’s what I’m here for,” said Sunshine.

The two walked off the sand and onto the pathway back to the house, both calming down from seeing each other after the six month break. Their friendship remained strong, even more so that they started to form an attraction for one another despite their racial difference. It reminded Sunshine of school far from Caval. Though she kept Althalos a secret, she couldn’t help but mention a hint about a certain ‘pony’ to her few friends when they talked about stallions. Another time being the dance which she went with her friends, then later returning home and seeing him waiting for her and next thing she knew they were dancing.

“How-” Althalos coughed a bit, “Sorry, how was the reserves?”

She returned back from her memories. “Mostly was yelling and exercise. I would say ninety percent was yelling.”

“Sounds like my father, always yelling at me to be faster,” he replied.

Sunshine noticed his expression changing once he realized he was supposed to be running. “Don’t worry I got, well, I think I got your father’s permission to steal you away from your training.”

A sigh of relief came from him. “Thanks.” He noticed that the pathway was ending as they neared the house. He looked at the gray stallion who was now looking closely at the single cabbage that grew. “I wonder how that happened.”

“He said the same thing.”

The two entered the house, Althalos closing the door and was behind Sunshine walking upstairs to his room looking down to not look at her flank. In the room, he grabbed a large cloth and dried off any water that remained from him and started to put on his clothes that was custom-made for a human like him. Sunshine watched as she sat on his bed, pulling off her saddlebag and laying it out. “So I managed to find this book you wanted so much of.”

Althalos sat on the other side, watching her pull out the book. It was another Daring Do novel. “Awesome. This must have been hard to find hearing that it sold out so fast.”

Sunshine groaned, remembering the scene. “Don’t get me started with that. I practically had to pry it away from those fanatics when they saw me taking the last copy.” She listened to him laugh, which was music to her ears. He sounds so great.

“Well, thank you for getting it for me. I would have gone myself if, you know,” he sighed.

“Althalos, there’s nothing wrong being a human,” said Sunshine.

“Ha! Funny. You know most ponies still don’t like me cause I’m a human. They think I’m a minotaur or something that is going to eat them. Your father being one of them.”

“I know, I’m sorry that he isn’t understanding. But look, you have ponies that like you for you. You have your father, your mother, my mother, and of course, me!”

Althalos couldn’t help but chuckle. “Thanks Sunshine. Not sure what I’d be without you.”

“A helpless human with no friends.”

“Hey, hey.”

“What? It’s true!” Sunshine laughed. Soon she felt him poking her and she laughed even more. “N-no! Sto-stop!”

“Pft, who’s looking helpless now!?” Althalos laughed out. The poking ensued before with a last-minute effort he was pushed onto his back, her sitting on top of him staring down at him.

She breathed heavily calming down from her laughter. “You and your damn hands,” she breathed out, her hair in a bit of a mess.

The two remained as they were, staring at one another as they both calmed down, only thing racing was what beat inside their chest. Her eyes reminded him of the soft-pink dahlias he would get her even though her parents could probably grow them, it being her favorite as well. His eyes reminded her of the ocean that calmly rushed up the beach, the blue looking soft as ever.

“Hey.”

The two didn’t know what else to say, instead they both turned their attention to the door that opened, Mistral walking in then pausing seeing the two in their position. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

Sunshine got off him and stood on the floor, Althalos standing on the floor as well. “No Mistral, sorry.”

“Yeah, she’s sorry,” said Althalos.

“Hey!”

Mistral smirked to his response. “Althalos, can you walk over to Caval and pick up some medicine for your father. I’m not sure why but he’s really fixated on that cabbage I planted.”

“Oh you put it there. Why don’t you tell him that so he can return to Equestria,” said Althalos.

“Why would I do that? It would ruin the fun,” she smiled. “Please?”

“Yes mother, I’ll make my way there,” he replied, walking over to find his boots and coat.

“Don’t forget to take your mare with you,” Mistral said, walking out.

“Yes- Hey!” He groaned, hearing his mother laugh. “So, you ready to go? It’s a bit of a walk you know.”

“Just because I’m a pegasus doesn’t mean I don’t like walking everywhere. Besides, I wouldn’t want to beat you there,” she said exiting the room.

He followed, closing the door behind him. “Funny, last time I remember I was the one beating you there.”

They both were soon outside. “Oh-ho-ho, is that a challenge I hear, minotaur.”

“Hmm, I think so, horse.” She gasped, looking like she wanted to cry. “Hey, no, sorry I-” Suddenly she bolted up into the sky laughing as she flew away towards Caval.

“Catch me if you can!”

“Tartarus I hate it when she does that,” he said, looking back down seeing Winter looking at him.

“You better beat that mare or I’m making you run laps!” Winter threatened from across the snow-covered farmland.

“Yes father!” He replied, quickly getting into a sprint down the pathway towards Caval.

Althalos panted hard as he made it just a bit before Sunshine did by the outskirts of Caval, already live with activity. He smirked towards her as she landed, being as tired as he was her wings falling limp. “Guess I beat you again,” he said.

“Psh, I only let you get ahead so I wouldn’t have to feel bad,” she replied. “So medicine right?”

“Yeah, pain medicine. Father has bad pain in his joints and also his hooves.” Althalos explained.

The two walked with each other into the town. Sunshine started speaking after. “My father takes sleeping medicine to help keep his body relaxed. He sleepwalks apparently but I’ve never seen him going up and down the house.”

“Probably means the medicine is working as it should.”

“True.”

They both enter the medicine store, seeing the doctor reading the latest news from the paper. Sunshine wondered off to the magazine side of the store while Althalos walked up to the counter. “Sup doc.”

The doctor raised an eyebrow seeing Althalos in front of him. “Could have sworn I heard you speak.”

“You forget already the last time I got here?”

The doctor facehoofed. “Right, the potion. You know, you shouldn’t resort to such dangerous lengths to have your voice. You could have possibly harmed yourself more or worse, gotten yourself killed.”

“I know doc, you told me before.”

“And I will continue to remind you to trust what is tested and deemed safe by Equestrian standards than some voodoo witch doctor.” He placed the newspaper down. “Now, what can I help you with today?”

“Just picking up my father’s medicine. Right now he’s too fixated on this cabbage that suddenly grew in our land my mother planted, though he doesn’t know that yet.”

“If a random cabbage suddenly appeared on my land through all this snow, I would be fixated as well. You know how much food we can get if we replant it? But enough of me speaking, let me go get his prescription.” The doctor got up and walked down one of the aisle.

Turning to his right he saw Sunshine reading through one magazine while she waited for him. He returned his attention to the doctor who brought the medicine in a paper bag, taking it from his mouth. “Thanks doc,” said Althalos.

“No problem, now go on and live your life,” the doctor replied.

Althalos walked out from the store, Sunshine following behind once she put back the magazine she read. “What-“ Again he started coughing before he calmed himself.

Sunshine looked concerned, placing a hoof on his hand. “You alright?”

He nodded. “Yeah, I’m good. I think it’s one of the side-effects of the potion. It’s been coming and going.”

“I see. I hope it doesn’t do too much harm to you,” she said.

“Don’t worry Sunshine, I’ll be okay. What were you reading earlier?”

“Oh it was some teen magazine. You know, the gossip and what’s trending at the moment.”

“You read it often?”

“No.” She met a gaze from him, and she sighed. “Yes. It’s entertaining!”

“I ain’t judging, was only wondering,” he said noticing the growing crowd around the large board. “Wonder what’s happening there.”

The two made their way towards the board, the few that saw Althalos stepping to the side to let him pass. In front of them was a large poster of the E.U.P., the design looking well made and eye-catching as it advertised for many to join to keep Equestria safe from any harm. “Know anything about this?” He asked Sunshine.

She shook her head. “I figured we had enough royal guards in Equestria.” Looking on the bottom right corner was a small text saying: News to follow. “Take a look at that.”

Althalos looked closely, seeing the small text. “That is hard to see next to this design. Wonder what that could be.”

“No clue,” Sunshine replied.

Althalos hummed, staring at the poster of the lines of guards standing at attention with both the princesses standing behind them pointing towards whatever it could be. Then an idea came to him as he continued to stare at the poster. All this training he had gone through since he was a child made him how he is, from the faint memory of the battle he was in to where he is now. His father wouldn’t have made him do such thing unless he was planning on sending him to join the E.U.P., just like how he did back when he was young. He was eighteen, eligible age to enlist, and much ready to take anything that he would be thrown at. The armor that was on the stallions and mares was what he imagined he would wear, it being custom made for his human physique of course.

“So, what should we do now?” Asked Sunshine.

Althalos cleared his throat. “Well I got to drop off this medicine first. Then we could do something after.”

“Alright, let’s get to it then. We could probably think of something along the way,” she said, leading the way.

The sun made its reach to the other side of the sky, signaling that the day was coming to an end. From the hours spent in the snow, both Althalos and Sunshine filled it with playful moments and regular discussions. Both were walking on the snowy pathway towards her house as the sun continued to set. Now standing by the door, the two stood still.

“So you sure you’re okay?” Sunshine asked.

“Yeah, the rock didn’t really do much to me,” replied Althalos, remembering the impact he received from the snow-covered rock that was thrown at him.

“Alright,” she smiled. “I had a good day, a bit different than before now that you can speak.”

“I’m not sure how long it will last, but I hope it will for a long time. Writing down everything is hard.”

Sunshine nodded. “See you later?”

“See you later, Sunshine.” Althalos said, beginning to turn away but was held by her wing on his hand. He turned around and looked at her. “What is it?” He asked softly, being pulled closer. There was uncertainty on the look on her face, a desire for a specific action she wanted.

She looked up to him. “Althalos…I-”

Suddenly the door quickly opened, revealing Diamond about to walk out but stopping seeing both Althalos and his daughter close. “Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on here?”

Sunshine didn’t know how to respond, instead Althalos taking the initiative. He pulled back his hand from her wing and pointed towards it, acting as if he had hurt it and signaling that he wanted her to check it.

She soon understood what he was doing. “Uh, he wanted me to check his hand because it was hurting. But it looked okay to me.”

Diamond hummed, then nodded. “Well, he should get it checked out if he can. I was about to go look for you but here you are. Dinner is ready so come inside.”

Sunshine nodded, leaving Althalos but was quickly pulled towards him receiving a tight hug, squeaking by the sudden closeness. She was then placed back down, her cheeks blushing by being in his arms and wishing she was held by them longer. He gave her a quick salute before turning around and running off back home, leaving her smiling and her father yelling at him for laying hooves on her.

It didn’t really matter much to him as he continued to run towards his home, the crunching of the snow being loud beneath his feet. Brushing past the snowy trees, a shortcut he would consider it as he broke off from the pathway, he took in the surroundings of another winter in this world. Jumping over a bush he made it to his home, seeing the cabbage still where it was this morning before entering inside, the warmth hitting him as Winter kept the fire going, the large pot of soup boiling and letting off a savory smell.

“Did you win?” He asked.

“Yes father. I wouldn’t lose with all the training I’ve gotten from you,” said Althalos, sitting down on the chair by the table. He then felt Mistral’s bat-wings wrapping around him.

“Maybe it was the excitement from earlier in the day that didn’t make you lose,” said Mistral.

“Mother, please,” he groaned.

Winter brought a plate of bread to the table before returning to the pot. “You bucked Sunshine? Diamond is going to go berserk once he finds out.”

“No I didn’t buck her. Come on it’s not like that.” Althalos took a piece of the loaf of bread.

Mistral laughed and pulled away, sitting at the table next to him. “Winter and I both know you two have the biggest crush for each other ever since both of you were little. You don’t have to hide it from us.”

“I mean, I don’t know...” Althalos trailed off for a moment before continuing. “She’s a pony, and I’m a human. Wouldn’t it be better if she found a stallion to be with?”

Winter brought the two of them a bowl of soup, him bringing one himself before joining them at the table. “You hearing yourself right now. Cause what I’m hearing is damned excuses not to be honest to yourself. Just look at Mistral and I, we’re different but we still work out better than anypony out there.”

“Yeah but you two are ponies at the end. I’m a completely different race here. The only one if anything…” He remembered how little there was other than folktales about what a human was.

“Boy,” Winter said, getting Althalos’ attention. “Do you like her or not?”

“I do. I’ve always had been.”

“There you go.” Winter took a sip of the soup. “You’re eighteen, a grown stallion-err-man. You better take this opportunity before regret not acting on it.”

Althalos nodded, taking a few sips of his soup before bringing up what he wanted to talk about. “I’ve been meaning to ask...” Both Mistral and Winter looked over to him. “With all this training and exercise that I’ve gone through, there has to have been a purpose for it.”

“It was meant to keep you healthy and disciplined so when the time comes you’ll be self-sufficient. Also remember Mistral’s teaching which makes you not too far behind what a regular pony would learn in school,” Winter said.

“Well, what if it pointed towards something much more active.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I walked into Caval, Sunshine and I saw a poster about the E.U.P. which looked well made and was calling for many to join. I figured with all that I’ve gone through and done I would-”

“No,” Winter interrupted.

“No?”

“No. You cannot join. There’s no need for you to join,” said Winter.

Althalos didn’t know what to say, confused to what his purpose was now. “So am I just supposed to live my entire life here?”

“I didn’t mean it like that. Althalos, most here though some don’t like it accept you as part of Caval. But if you were to leave here, you would be at risk of getting hurt because nopony knows who and what you are.”

“Ponies out of Caval are going to find out someday father.”

“That’s true but there’s no need for you to be part of the guard. All of Equestria hasn’t been in a conflict for a long, long time. The guard today are mostly for ceremonial purposes.”

“How did you get your scar then?”

“Accident.” Winter stood up from the table and made his way towards the door. “I’m going to walk for a bit.”

Althalos and Mistral were soon left alone. “What do you think?” He asked.

Mistral sighed. “He’s only looking for your well being.”

He nodded and stood from the table. “But in the end I’m left with no purpose other than being a lost human.” He turned around and made his way upstairs to go to his room.

Chapter VI: Royalty At Caval

Light from the slowly rising sun peeked upon the barley waking city of Canterlot. The moon eventually was out of sight, Luna who stood on the balcony ceasing her magic before entering her own bedchamber. She looked over to the other side of the castle, not seeing her sister who usually stood on her balcony raising the sun. She wondered where she could have been, thinking her sister was still in bed.

Celestia was not however, instead lying by the pond in front of the statue in her secret garden while her horn slightly shined from her use of her magic. She was not in her royal attire as she laid on the grass, her eyes drifting around the ripples of the water as she slowly moved her hoof about on the top of the pond. It has been almost two weeks since the report was made and the daily reports from the west still showing no signs of the enemies that were sailing to Equestria. The crew from the Puddinghead were still missing, and any indication of them was not seen when a few pegasi flew over to the last known location.

The folder beside her was magically levitated in front of her, it opening and showing the expenses of the E.U.P. budget. Already with the increase showed that it had went beyond it’s funds that were already set for the year. The amount of zeroes on the paper made her cringe. The total amount of newly recruited guards increased the total amount of E.U.P. guards from three-thousand to five and rising, along with the fitting of armor and other necessities added to the over-budgeted army. On top of the guard increase, cannons and the developed ‘hoof-cannon’ from the last conflict were also being constructed. ‘Still, would this be enough?’, Celestia thought. Possibly, especially since the development of the hoof-cannon was now showing many new inventions. The prototypes was shown to be much more powerful, accurate, deadly…

‘Time does move forward,’ she thought, placing the folder down for a later plan to accommodate the budget. Her thoughts changed to Twilight, knowing by now her and her friends would have returned by now. The latest letter she had sent for her was replied back, but it was by Starlight Glimmer explaining that Twilight had sent herself a letter stating that “her stay is extending as she is still needed”.

Celestia placed her hoof close to her away from the pond, sighing that possibly the threat is not a great as it seemed. All this preparation possibly going to waste on behalf of the ponies in Equestria for a threat that has not shown itself for two weeks. “No, it’s better to be prepared,” she said, now rising on her hooves looking over to the statue. “I will see you again...as always,” a small smile formed, it disappearing as she walked away through the pathway. Now in the open garden she continued her motion towards the castle, noticing Luna exiting the doors, she smiling to her as she walked towards her.

“Sister, I had been looking for you. Hiding as always here by the flowers,” said Luna.

“It is pretty to see, don’t you think?” Celestia asked.

“It is, but we may be late on arriving in the few western towns throughout Equestria that was scheduled today.”

“We? You will be attending with me?” Again Celestia asked. “I recall a certain pony saying that they were not going, saying it was too-”

“Yes! Yes, I get it. I changed my mind. I will be going with you.”

“Well, I am grateful.” Celestia smiled as she walked past the doors into the castle with Luna to her side. “Do you know where our first stop will be?”

Luna magically popped out the list of towns that are to be visited. “Let’s see...Vanhoover is first, followed by Tall Tale, Seaddle, San Pranciscolt, Las Pegasus...”

“Most are major cities, we should arrive in smaller villages to not overshadow them.” Celestia used her magic to bring out a map, more detailed than most. A name soon caught her interest, a certain pony coming to mind. “Let’s go here.”

Luna looked over, looking at where her sister pointed. “‘Caval’? What is at Caval?”

“It’s a small village within White Tail Woods. There’s a retired royal guard that lives here which I remembered mentioning about this place.” She said, making the map vanish.

“We can possibly have him assist in our recruitment,” Luna replied, Celestia’s knowledge of this stallion going in one ear and out the other.

“Possibly,” said Celestia. She and Luna soon entered the large hall, now empty, she making her way to the table with the jar of newly fresh water. She used her magic to pour a cup for herself.

Luna was at the other side of the large hall, staring out from the window, taking in the sight of Canterlot. “I had gone through the many documents of the Guard. Much has changed, both in organization and tactics. Well, everything in most cases has changed.”

“The way we had structured had become outdated, and with assistance of a few commanders which have long passed, a newly structured E.U.P. was formed.”

“And the council?”

“Disbanded due to corruption and conspiracy to endanger Equestria.”

Luna nodded. “Even when the years have gone by since my return, I have still not grown used to such changes.”

“As I’ve said before Lulu, do not over-stress yourself. Time will go on and by then you’ll be fully accustomed to today’s life.” And possibly, the truth about details she has forgotten of.

The sun was halfway risen from the horizon as Althalos was on his knees praying to the cross he built. He prayed as always, wishing for those he cherished to be well and for his forgotten home in the other world to be well without him. He took a deep breath as he rose to his feet, stretching a bit before continuing on the trail.

His pace quickened as he ran, the frost from under his bare feet crunching with each quick step. Stacked stone rocks after another, it being a marker for each mile that was ran he went past, the cold air brushing off the hot body of his, sweat falling off from him. He started to speed up, wanting to be faster than yesterday, and even more the day before. Reaching the last marker, he turned left, now crossing the short and shallow river that divided the forest. Frostbite wasn’t an issue for him, he somehow having a resistance to it. He still believes though, if exposed long enough he can start to develop it.

It had been two weeks since his talk with his father, Winter, about joining the Guard. Lately he didn’t know what to do after his exercise, mostly spending time in his room reading, other times walking around the farmland checking on the fencing or clearing the snow off the pathway that he runs on. Overall he didn’t know what his future would be. Being a humble farmer sounds simple and easygoing, but what about the training and struggle he went through? There’s no sense in such bland future.

Althalos dove into the lake, the cold water surrounding his body as he swam. Goosebumps formed on his skin as he remained underwater until he needed to come up for air. Reaching the shore of the lake he saw Sunshine standing there, a smile forming as she saw him. It had been a week since she saw her, she heading to Cloudsdale a week earlier to visit some relatives. Without thinking he took her into his arms and held her close, making her squeak from the suddenness.

“H-hey! You’re wet!” She laughed.

Althalos placed her down, chuckling a bit in embarrassment. “Sorry. How was your trip?”

“Meh, family reunions can always be boring sometimes. My two uncles fought each other about something that happened twenty years ago,” she said.

“Some action at least,” he replied.

Sunshine noticed something was off. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, of course.” Althalos noticed her giving him a look, and he sighed. “Alright, I’ve been a bit conflicted about my future.”

The two started walking together, the sun now about the horizon. Sunshine hummed as Althalos spoke. “Farm life isn’t so bad. Look how successful your father is.”

“That’s his hobby though. Any extra food he has he donates them,” said Althalos.

Already the two reached the house, the two entering and making their way to his room. She hopped on his bed while he grabbed a few clothes and walked out to the bathroom. He returned moments later, still shirtless. “Painting isn’t my thing. I can’t even draw a perfect circle now,” he continued.

“Well, I don’t know. I’m just throwing out ideas,” she responded, watching him stand by the window. She looked at his defined back as he stared out. Getting up, she walked over to him, getting on the tips of her hind-legs and wrapping her forelegs over his shoulders.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

She felt his heart begin to beat faster. “I have to return early to finish my training. They called all in reserves and we’ll be now serving in active duty.”

He turned around, her now returning to her regular height. He sat down, leaning back matching her height. “That means you’ll be gone for four years.”

“Six actually. Medics serve longer tours of duty.” She looked down. “That means I won’t see you for six years. Maybe when I get leave but...” She moved closer to him, placing her hoof with the bracelet on top of his hand with his own matching one.

“What is it that you want?” He asked, knowing well enough but wanting to be sure.

Sunshine answered nothing, instead gasping as she saw the royal carriage flying past the house. Althalos looked behind him, seeing the carriage. “Is that...”

“The princesses of Equestria,” answered Sunshine. “What are they doing here?”

Althalos stood up, watching the carriage lower itself where Caval would be. “Whatever it may be, they’re in Caval now.”

“Let’s go see them!” She said.

“Funny. You know I can’t be seen by them. Both my mother and father explicitly explained that it would be my death,” he replied. He soon noticed her changing her look on her face to a more, sad looking expression. “No, no.” He started. “No! You can’t give me that look, it’s not going to work.” She moved closer to him, looking more intense. Soon he groaned, not able to resist those soft-pink eyes. “Alright, fine.” He said, meeting a tight hug. “But we can’t be seen. I mean it. I really don’t want to risk anything.”

With a quick peck on the cheek, she moved away from him. “Deal,” she said, acting like she did not do anything.

That’s where he stopped her from moving away by grabbing her foreleg and pulling her close, their faces only inches away. “I think I deserve more than just that. You know, since you’ll be gone-” he was interrupted by her, their closeness connecting as she hummed. He pulled her closer, tighter, continuing on feeling her wings open out.

She pulled away, moving farther away this time and collapsing on the floor, panting. “That was too intense,” she breathed out.

“Best first then.” He grabbed a shirt, jacket, boots, and cloak and put them on. “Come on, you’ll miss the princesses if you keep sitting there.” He walked out from his room.

Sunshine quickly got up shakily for a moment and followed close behind, putting on her scarf. “So...we a...you know...”

Althalos raised an eyebrow. “What?”

The crunching of the snow below them sounded in their ears before she continued. “Later. Let’s just see the princesses then come back here so you don’t get in trouble.”

The carriage landed softly on the ground, a crowd already forming. Inside, both Celestia and Luna looked out seeing the ponies. Coming to Caval first was a good choice, having been told a few minutes earlier by a messenger that the enemy that they were waiting for just arrived and are storming the beach as of this moment.

“I really think we should return to the castle to coordinate a defense,” said Luna.

“Calm yourself sister, we will make out appearance here then after return to the castle,” said Celestia. She knew the western borders were well fortified, right now the area was southwest by Las Pegasus. It will hold, she believes it will. They bother exited the carriage, all the ponies gasping and bowing to them. From there, Celestia started to speak about the royal guard.

In the meantime, Althalos and Sunshine were hiding in a bush watching both Celestia and Luna stand, Celestia speaking out to all of the ponies there. It was the very first time Althalos saw the two princesses in real life, not understanding why they would threaten him if he shows himself to them. They both looked nice, reasonable, attractive if he has to be honest. He listened to Celestia speak, explaining about a danger which she had hoped did not come and wishing for those willing to join to help defend Equestria. Her speech was enough reason as to why Sunshine had to go. Soon in front of him a spider slowly went down on its web, Sunshine noticing and beginning to panic.

Celestia finished speaking, her speech being honest as news would eventually reach all of Equestria. From behind the crowd, something caught her attention, she making her way towards a shaking bush.

“Sister?” Called out Luna following behind. Both princesses stood in front of the bush, hearing whispers before hearing a scream. A pink pegasus would push out a creature, the pony laying on it. Celestia gasped seeing what it was, her heart beginning to race by the sight of a human. Luna, on the other hoof, would grow confused, her head starting to hurt as if she had seen a creature like this before.

Althalos sighed, motioning off Sunshine and standing in front of the two princesses, he being taller than Celestia. He then knelt on one knee. “Princess Celestia. Princess Luna. I apologize for interrupting your speech and ask that any punishment you have be directly for me: Althalos Ember, son of Winter Ember.”

Celestia took a deep breath, calming herself. Human! A human! She thought, seeing the well trained man with her own very eyes. It had to have been destiny to find a human here, especially in a time like this. It was a chance of redemption. “Rise, Althalos Ember. There will be no punishment done to you.” She watched him stand, over-towering her. “I remember your father. He was a fine guard that served for me in my time of need. And seeing how well fed, how well defined you look, I ask of you, personally, to join my sister and I in defending Equestria. Your home.”

He didn’t know how to respond, a princess, his ruler, who was doing the opposite of what he was told long before, asking for his help. A purpose for his training, but something he cannot decide on his own. “I would…be honored, but I wish to have my father’s permission instead of deciding on my own.”

Luna soon spoke up. “Let us meet your father then, Althalos.”

He nodded, showing them the way. Sunshine walked by him, mouthing the word sorry. He shook his head, assuring that he was not angry. He was more concerned than anything, not expecting the outcome of what was to happen. Everything was moving fast. He continued to lead them past the path division and in the distance his home was visible past the trees.

A knock on the door awoke a sleeping Winter from his sleep. Moving away from Mistral’s warmth, he walked over to the door and opened it. At first he saw Althalos, confused as to why he would be knocking the door. Soon as his vision cleared he saw Sunshine, his eyes widening when he saw Celestia, and his heart quickening its pace seeing Luna, remembering her return as Nightmare Moon.

“It has been awhile Winter,” spoke Celestia. “May my sister and I come in?”

Winter took a deep breath, nodding. “Make yourselves at home.”

All four entered, Althalos being pulled to the side by his father. “What in Tartarus did I say?” He whispered.

“Is there a problem Mr. Ember?” Asked Luna, joining her sister at the table. She noticed the glare he gave her, she feeling slightly uncomfortable.

“No problem,” he released Althalos, the two now sitting at the table.

“It’s my fault Mr. Ember,” Sunshine started, sitting by Althalos. “I know you didn’t want him to be seen.”

“Oh?” Celestia spoke up. “But how come?”

A sigh escaped from Winter’s mouth. “Well, I did not know how Equestria would handle a creature, a human, no one has seen. So, besides roaming around Caval, I decided to keep him hidden.”

“For his safety of course,” replied Luna.

“Yes.”

Silence overtook the four ponies and human in the room, Celestia breaking the silence moments later. “You have a lovely home Winter,” she said.

“Thanks. With the help of Althalos, we managed to make this small home larger than before,” Winter replied.

Soon Mistral walked out. “Winter?” She called out, soon noticing that both the princesses were in the house. She gasped, bowing quickly. “Your highness! I did not expect a visit from you two,” said Mistral.

“Mistral.,” Winter said, “Come sit with us.”

She stood back up, taking a seat next to him. “If I may say, it is an honor to meet you Princess Luna.”

“Thank you, Mistral.”

“Mistral Snow.”

Luna smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Mistral Snow.”

Celestia cleared her throat, preparing to speak. “Winter Ember, Mistral Snow, first and foremost forgive me for the unexpected visit. Continuing on, I would like to discuss about you Althalos.”

“Princess Celestia, he is of no harm to anypony if that is what you believe right now,” Sunshine spoke up.

This made her laugh a bit. “No, no, it is nothing like that. It is more of what he can do for Equestria.”

Winter did not like where this was leading. “What do you mean?”

“Winter, show respect to the princess,” Mistral told him.

“It is okay Mistral,” said Celestia. “Are you aware about the latest push for recruitment for the E.U.P.?”

“Yes. I did not understand why since Twilight Sparkle and her friends manage to stop any threat from escalating, rendering the latest generation of Guards as only ceremonial for Equestria,” replied Winter.

She nodded to his response. “As of now, there is an oncoming threat that has reached the west of Equestria. Twilight and her friends have been on an expedition outside of our borders with no sign of return. However, the size of the threat is far greater than we imagined, the use of out magic would not be enough to fight off such army. Our recruitment campaign was started because of this reason.”

“What does this, all of what you said and committed have to do with Althalos? You plan on recruiting him?”

“My sister and I see much of an advantage if he were to join the Guards. I have a well feeling that he will be much useful,” said Luna. Again she felt a pain in her head, the familiar feeling of the being near a human making her feel protected if he was by her side.

“No.”

Both princesses did not expect such response. “No?” They both said.

“No. I cannot allow my son to participate in your conflict.”

“Winter...” Mistral started.

“Mistral please-”

“You know well enough that this was destined to happen. Our son we both raised, our son that you trained, protecting everypony from harm that may come to Equestria. You know well enough what he was doing before he had appeared in our world.”

Winter rubbed his head. “He’ll be at risk of meeting his end.”

“It will not happen,” answered Mistral.

“How do you know?”

“He was trained by the best.”

“Father,” Althalos spoke up, “If you really wish for me not to go and fight, then I will remain-”

“No,” he interrupted, “Mistral is right. You were raised to be a Guard.” He looked over to the princesses. “How will all this work?”

Celestia smiled. “He will be sent to basic training and be familiar with all that is within the E.U.P.. I believe you’ve already trained him enough in it, but it is more of formality to go through training with those he will be together with.”

Winter nodded, seeing the princesses now getting up preparing to leave the house having succeeded in recruiting Althalos. “He will be ready for what will come.”

“I know,” Celestia replied, making her way out of the house with Luna.

Again silence remained in the house with the three ponies and human as the door closed. Mistral breaking the silence. “What made you change your mind?”

Winter breathed out, looking down to the table. “Everypony knows that Althalos is meant to be a soldier. A defender for Equestria. Just like the folktales you spoke of. I did not wish for him to join due to my experience...” He paused before continuing, memories of his past coming to him. “My contubernium were one of the chosen few who would sail out with Celestia towards the Saddle Arabian controlled territory of of the Griffon territories. Myself and Diamond Crown, along with the others were eager, proud, and honored to be the ones chosen to help drive out the evil that sat on the throne chair of the Arabians.

“Already by the time we arrived, the Griffons had driven out the Arabians from their territories and we now were the ones invading their lands in order to assure no tyrant would threaten anypony, any-creature. Landing on the beaches of the sandy land, we were met by heavy resistance. The organization we had been trained with was thrown out the window as we all fought and pushed back the enemy. As the weeks went by, and the losses of the hundred Guard dropped to thirty-five, we had reached the capital of Saddle Arabia.

“Along with the large Griffon army, we marched forward, not realizing the Arabians would use everything they had, even the then prototype hoof-cannon. In one quick loud crack,” Winter slammed his hoof onto the table, startling the three there, “A whole line had dropped dead. I turned to Diamond, who stood still motionless with our contubernium’s blood splattered on his face. The eight of us that survived, only us two remained from it. By the time we broke through the walls, the capital fell and the war had ended. We ten who survived were then considered the elite guard, as we were the only stallions that had seen such combat in decades of peace. We were told not to discuss about this, knowing well enough the public would not enjoy hearing such. I do not know the details of how the deaths were explained to the families.

“We elite guard would not last however, once Nightmare Moon returned, the only ones who survived her onslaught were myself and Diamond.” He pointed to his left cheek. “A deadly magic bolt was shot to Celestia but I had jumped in front taking the hit. From then on after, I retired.”

Mistral knew he had been involved with such conflict, she asking him for such details, but she knew now that all of such that was said was a lie, and this was what he had actually gone through. For Sunshine, it explained why her father was always sitting in silence, he taking the mental stress harder than Winter, or at least he showing it more. Althalos took everything to heart, his determination in protecting everypony being even more greater. Winter got up and walked into his room, only to come back holding a helmet which was recently repaired and enlarged. “This helmet was mine back in my prime. I, well, had it adjusted and repaired for you to wear when I was ready to let you join the Guard.”

Althalos took it, looking at the helmet then to Winter. “Thank you, father.”

“Once this is all over, you better come back home. You understand boy.”

A smirk formed on Althalos’ mouth. “Yes, sir.”

Short Passage I

Act I: To Raise A Boy
Peace. Balance. Harmony.

The three words that comes from the mouths of ponies living in the large and strong nation of Equestria. With over a thousand years and more, any major conflicts which involves everypony is non-existent, more or less old, ancient, and forgotten history. And with such depth in history comes the folktales, one only very few are familiar with. One creature who stood high on two, and had the features of a warrior, the detailed information lost through time. But as always it remains, a folktale. It is what Celestia hoped to believe, but knew the truth.

Her continued rule of Equestria lead her through the troubling times it faced, especially with the decisions with meeting such creature. None had ever appeared since Luna’s return, and she believed for them to be truly extinct. A hope she both wished and denied for. Her actions wishing for redemption of the past to be able to move on to the future.

Such time would have to wait, for the three words that continue to be spoken out, will soon be threatened once again and fall into silence. This time requiring more than just magic to return the three words.

Short Passage II

Act II: Forward With Valor

Upon the acceptance of the human, now known as Althalos Snow Ember, he would continue living with both Winter and Mistral helping around the house and the farmland. With Winter he would work hard on the land, and with Mistral he would begin to learn much more about the world of Equestria. And upon his new family, he would spend time with Sunshine, their friendship growing ever so strong, not breaking even after silent disagreements.

Althalos’ time would move forward, and with time comes growth. He grew taller with age, and with his everyday training with his father, he grew faster, stronger, and more agile than most ponies. His brown hair grew long, it flowing along when he ran or if the wind blew in his direction. With his growth in turn saw his home grow larger, now having two floors, the bottom where his parents would be and the top being his own place, the upgrade done by his own hands and with Winter.

Deep inside him though, even if he decided he moved on, he wished to return back home, faintly remembering how it was. His only connection to his old world being what he had brought with him when he was in his youth. The footwear that had not fit him any longer was destroyed, but was rebuilt into a braided bracelet he wears, another being given to his friend Sunshine. The bible was all that remained with him still in-tact, the rest such as his old clothing, leather bag, and his first writing book being put into a chest and buried, a stone marking its place by the pathway he would run on, occasionally praying by it before leaving it.

A remembrance to his old life. A push into his new life that was about to take a turn.