Burning of the Gospel

Chapters

The Prelude (Revised)
Destined Night
ACT 1: Quick Rundown (Revised)

The Prelude (Revised)

Time: 11:15 PM ~ Date: April 2nd, 2010
Location: Yomiyawa Prefecture, Osaka

The night winds blow past the dense leaves of the cherry blossom trees. The moon shines its glow, high above the horizon, with stars twinkling in their respective places. Many citizens are in their homes, either in bed to wake up for their new days or those night owls that have just woken up ready to seize theirs. The nightlife, of course, still strives at this time of hour. Tonight was supposed to be a calm night, but something was different about this one, chief.

Two men are spotted on a dirt path with one direction leading back into the city and the other, towards a shrine surrounded by small forestry. Nature is seen around them, plain flowing grass, blooming sakura trees, the occasional flowers, and oddly enough, no critters in sight.

The two men stare at each other, both out of breath, as they wait for the other to make their next move, their next step, their swords gripped in their hands. The next clash awaits as the young man wearing his blue midbutton shirt, sleek black pants, and fingerless armored gloves, inches forward, step by step, ready to dash forward at a moment’s notice. While the older man wearing what is white armor, the design akin to that of a knight crusader, squinting his eyes toward the lad in wait.

…

Silence flows through as no words are spoken among them. The knight, who is currently flipping through a book that he holds in his right hand, stopping at a certain page. Words flow from his lips, spoken in an unknown foreign language that is heard. “Rogo te, Deus in caelis, ut ab hoc terreno regno hanc damnationem exuas. Portae Purgatorii!!1” The man shouts, as he moves his right foot forward in a stomp while holding his left open palm, face down, towards the ground. Wind flows around him before dissipating into the night sky.

The young man looks on in confusion, with a raised brow, wondering what the crusader had just conjured from his words. He shakes his head, to disregard the fact, as he springs himself in the ground ready to dash towards the knight.

Already aware of the lad’s next move, he breaks into a smirk of excitement before closing the book in his right hand, “Now then, Nephilim. This will be your final departure from this earth as God will’s it. So, I bid you, farewell!”

The lad releases a small grunt before changing his stance, as he dashes forward, closing in to his adversary before anything was to occur. Then it hits him, and a strange unnatural feeling wells from his gut as he skids to a stop just inches away from the crusader. He feels the winds begin to pick up and the speed of it heightening. Wide-eyed, he backpedals away from the center point between the two of them as the ground begins to shake. “What the hell?! Did he cause an earthquake?!”

Tremors are a telltale sign that a natural disaster-type level of danger is going to commence, as the lad looks forward to the crusader who continues to smile at him menacingly. He sees the knight, plunge his sword into the ground, holding onto it like an anchor. Thus, it happens. The dirt patch in the center begins to crumble downward but not in the means of the earth splitting, downwards in a shape of an unnatural funnel, as nothing but inky blackness is seen within the made hole.

“This! Will be your final resting place, son. Please, lay in it, and bid your mortal soul towards the heavens for God’s judgment.” The man smirks as he puts the book back into its pocket and reaches into his back one, taking out a chain link hook. Which is used to capture criminals when they are bested in a fight and surrender. “But we all know where you are heading, Nephilim. It will be Purgatory!”

The lad feels his feet, slowly skidding towards the center as he quickly plunges his own blade into the ground to hold onto. As luck would have it, his blade holds as his feet are now firmly planted by his weight. He hears a spinning chain as he looks forward to see the same chain link hook, tossed his way. “Shit!” he exclaims.

Cherry blossom leaves flow absurdly with the trap in place, as the chain successfully wraps around the young man’s left leg and with a harsh tug. The lad feels both his legs lift up in the air, as he holds onto the blade for dear life. “Christ! I need to get this chain off, now!” He closes his left eye, taking a deep breath as a glow begins to emit from below its eyelid. His back begins to glow as dull white wings materialize from him and unfurl, flapping them desperately to give himself some solid ground.

The crusader, seeing this final desperation attempt from the lad, looks at his end of the chain and decides his next move, “You think I will let you walk away from this, sinner!” With squinted eyes, he shouts with hostility in his voice, tossing his end of the chain into the void of the ground funnel. The chain is now at the mercy of the spinning black wormhole, pulling whatever is on the other end harsher into its grasp.

The young man shouts in pain, as his leg begins to creak under the pressure of being pulled by a strong gravitational force. He tries kicking the chain off with his right foot but to no avail. “My leg is gonna break and tear off at this rate!” Panic takes his front as beads of sweat form on his forehead. “Where is this spawned blackhole going to take me? Purgatory? Hell? Shit…” He grits his teeth as the searing pain comes in waves from his left leg.

The lad closes his eyes as he tries to think quickly of a way out, but no option is quick enough and he is not willing to lose his leg. “Screw it. I have to hope that this will not lead to my death. This is a gamble I will have to take. Time to let go…” He takes one more deep breath as he lets go with one of his hands as he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a lasso of rope as the crusader did. “Might as well take this bastard with me, freeing this world from his corruption!”

Chink! Chinnik! Crack!

The young man sees his blade become two as he is sent flying towards the center hole. He flies back, faces towards the sky and points himself in the knight's direction, before swinging his lasso and tossing it towards him. Luck is on the lad's side as well, unbeknownst to the knight, when the rope wraps around his right arm, pulling him in as well as the lad who also throws his end into the void.

Unlucky for the knight, who did not expect the lasso, had his grip loose on the sword. “You coward! I will end you and send you straight to hell!!” The crusader fixates his body without a care for his safety, quickly pulling out a dagger and aiming it at the young man’s chest cavity.

“Ah, hell no! You will go down with me, vile schemer!!” In another show of quickness, the lad raises his broken katana to deflect the direct hit as both men plunge into the void, into the sea of darkness.

A loud vacuum-like noise is heard, as the blackhole spins widely before shrinking to a close as it dissipates into the ether. The wind comes to a slow pace as everything comes back into its natural order. The dirt road seems untouched as if nothing has ever occurred in the center. Only the cherry blossoms scattered around in a circle as well as the broken half of the submerged katana and claymore erected from its dirt pedestal tell a different story. The calmness of the night, returning as silence spreads with the winds, tranquility now back in its former glory…

Time: 12:35 AM ~ Date: April 6th
Location: Canterlot, Equestria

Nighttime in the city of Canterlot is calm as it is inviting. Not many of its inhabitants are seen wandering around the once-busy marketplace at night nor are any of the restaurants open at this time. On the more seedy locations, you will see bars, strips, and the occasional drunken youth kicked out of a local nightclub with security standing outside, guarding for any unsuspecting trouble.

The weather was scheduled to be calm winds with slightly low temperatures, but that is not the case for tonight. Black storm clouds begin to form suddenly above Canterlot as it begins to rain. Most citizens snooze through the storm, while few are seen running in to find cover from the sudden rain. Graveyard shift workers in the castle look upon the rain in confusion, with the sun diarchy no less appalled.

While the city functions, the castle which stands on the precipice of the mountain. Houses the royal princess, nobles, workers, the guards, and royal mages. Inside one of the two towers, a snow-white-skinned woman with rainbow-colored flowing hair with ears on the top sides of her head, and a tail, wearing a nightgown with white lingerie underneath as she moves closer to her balcony windows. The rain makes a soft pitter-patter sound as the drops land on the glass plane. She sips on her night brew tea, remembering if there was to be a scheduled storm required for tonight. “I recall no rain to fall on this hour. None of the weather people called for a sudden storm.” She squints her eyes in wonder as if this might be a telltale sign of something amiss in the air.

“Rose would have told me for such a weather but nothing thus far. Is this… what I imagine it to be?” She shakes her head, to discount her thoughts, as her ears pick up the rain easing its fall before coming to a close. She hums in confusion as she moves over to her nightstand to write a letter for her subjects to find out the suddenness of this storm's occurrence.

After finishing the letter, she sets her teacup down on its coaster, as she moves over to her comfy king-size bed to sleep. She pulls apart the comforter as she lays herself on the bed, closing her eyes as she lets sleep take hold of her for another night.

~~~~~<

Location: Spring Woods, Equestria

Outside the outskirts of Canterlot, a hurling mass of cloth is seen, plummeting to the surface near a waterfall that flows down towards a calm serene forest. If there were any night strollers in the woods, they would have heard a loud resounding crash occur nearby. On this night, one person luckily or unluckily, hears the loud impact as they unsteadily walk towards the sound. Under the moonlight, a girl with pink flowy hair is seen, slowly walking closer towards a smoking crater in the open space of the forest.

In the light, the girl with bright yellow skin color, pink flowy hair with ears on the top sides of her head, and a tail. She also wears a yellow raincoat, for the surprising rain, with the hood down as she wanders over to scope the severity of the situation, waiting for the smoke to pass into the winds. “What… h-happened? Co-could it be extraterrestrial beings like my brother keeps ranting about?! O-or is it a dangerous creature has come to claim these woods for themselves?!” Her back flexes as wings unfurl and stick out stiffly, ready to fly herself away at a moment’s notice. Finally, the smoke begins to clear, as she peeks into the crater, seeing an odd person lying in this tomb unconscious.

The pink-haired girl, analyzes the person, or rather a male, seeing their blue and black clothes ripped to shreds. She also notes a small knife-like object sticking out from its right shoulder with a chain still latched onto his left leg. “Oh no! He’s hurt… I- I have to help him.” Her soft-spoken voice fills the silence as she slowly steps down into the center of the crater. “Um… he-hello? Are you okay?” She prods as she receives no response in return.

She recalls her medical training when it comes to animals as she moves to bring his left hand towards herself, trying to feel for his pulse. She holds her breath, chewing her inner cheek in worry when no pulse is felt but a faint one was able to be sensed. The pink-haired girl lets out the breath she held and begins to shift the cloth away from his face to see for any paleness, questions plaguing her mind.

“H-how d-did this even happen? He is badly hurt! I need to patch him up or he will...” She bites her lower lip, uncertainty on her face, before shaking herself out of her stupor as she prepares to move, but a glimpse of his face is what gives her pause.

Upon, seeing his features, she feels her face flush a bit as a handsome yet unnaturally beautiful face is seen with her own eyes. “Hoooo….” An embarrassed groan comes from the girl as she begins to slowly shift the lad out of his tomb and back to her campsite.

Time: ??? ~ Date: ???
Location: ???

A resounding chime is heard, as the pair’s meeting has thus begun to weave a tale of fate. Only those who have foreseen the future would know, what happiness and hardships will be brought with the man of the hour, appearing in these peaceful lands of Equestria.

Time: 12:35 AM ~ Date: April 6th
Location: Slums, Las Pegasus, Equestria

“Brothers and sisters, the age of man is at hand. Rise as we commence our daily prayer. For our Lord gives us reverence for the coming days upon his Equus. We shall strive to preach his word and expand our church’s influence on the non-believers who dare to question our faith.” An elderly man, wearing priest garbs is seen speaking to his fellow congregation members on his stage with a podium placed in front of him, and on the podium contains an open book to a specific page.

A priest garb with a hood conceals his appearance but the noticeable dull green horn sits on top of his head and the hints of his face show his skin tone is also dull green in color with wrinkles seen on his cheeks. “We will overcome this travesty. Those heretics out there believe it wise to praise the ‘Uroling’ princess as if she is the ruler of this world, a God even!” His voice resounds throughout the church, as the congregation nods their heads, heeding his words while some shake their head at the thought that was given.

“No… it is none but the almighty that sits above us in his throne! Watching over us in hopes that the blind will heed his very words and the sinners to be given a new slate once they ask for his forgiveness.” The overdramatic motion of his right arm captures his emotion as he emphasizes the words that flow from his lips, a few members kneel in prayer as their priest continues. “For the Lord, The Almighty shall bring forth judgment upon those who seldom take his word as utter fallacies and blasphemy.”

The priest continues with his meeting, with all the members making the same motions with a few spouting ‘yes father’ and ‘amen’ can be heard throughout the crowd. “And we shall do what is right to spread our word of faith, of our Father in Heaven to his people and we wi---” His speech is interrupted as a loud explosive crash is heard in the distance with other nightly occupants screaming out in horror.

Most of the congregation gathered around the head priest in fear, while some stood guard for whatever person to show themselves that had caused the commotion. The people gathered around him start to whisper in prayer, asking for forgiveness for their sins, while some go to the priest, asking for penance for their lack of duty. The elderly man scans around his flock, his mind running amok thinking about what has occurred.

“Stand aside my brethren, let me see the cause of that noise,” he commands as he calmly walks down the steps off his stage and strides towards the chapel doors to take a look.

“No Father, you mustn’t risk yourself for us sinners!” one of the fellow members cries.

The priest turns around and gives them a reassuring smile with a wave of his right hand to ease calm into them. He faces forward and opens the door with his greyish aura magic cautiously, scanning the outside to see if any danger is in sight. He notes the rising smoke coming from the left side of the decrepit town alleyway, taking a deep breath, he starts his trek towards the location.

The priest treks through the Slums, seeing people running past him in fright, some tripping over their own feet, a note of concern written on the man’s features. “Have the end times come? Or was it an accident in a man’s drug lab? There have been lots of those fools around and then some, living in debauchery of sin.”

He sighs deeply and understands that he has tried to spread the word to them but sadly they gave no heed and he was almost threatened to give them bits. Of course, with his swift tongue, he was able to get himself out of worse situations. “Maybe after this life-threatening incident, they will be more keen on listening to God’s message.”

The priest finally reaches the destined alley as he turns the corner, seeing the cause of the smoke spilling out from an odd-shaped crater in the ground. The wind blows smoke towards his direction, covering his face with his right arm, and holding his breath. He coughs a bit of dirt and dust spewing onto him, moving closer to the epicenter, “What in God’s green Equus?” he mentions with confliction in his voice. An amalgamation of emotions of fear, confusion, and curiosity wrapped up in one, come from his very being as he looks in wait for the smoke to clear.

A sight of cloth covering what seems to be a man that the priest has not seen before is revealed. “He looks too clean to be an occupant of the slums. Yet his skin also seems a bit too saturated… is he not from Las Pegasus?” He sees the man lying in the hole, with the same white cloth crusader armor that is tattered with hints of blood on the man.

The priest notes some injuries through his clothes and a rope wrapped around his right arm. He squints his eyes to get a better look and see if the man is still alive, uncertain if the impact might have killed him. “Hmm… he does appear to be breathing still, thank the heavens.”

The priest's analytical gaze spots a certain item and with a brow raised as recognition takes his front, figuring out what is in the knight's possession. “Is that a book he is holding? Must be a reader. Wait… why does that symbol look familiar?!” The priest’s eyes widen a bit as the book contains a symbol of a peculiar tree behind an hourglass woven in the center. He covers his mouth before slowly descending the crater.

“Could this be?! By God! This very symbol was in the vision the Lord has shown me in my dreams! Is this really the same one?!” The priest scratches his grey beard in surprise as a smile forms from the corner of his lips, this being a sign that good times are finally happening.

Inside the crater in front of the fallen crusader, a clever idea came to the priest, one that he believes can help bring about the future of the church’s influence: to be able to spread the word and gain more supporters from the surrounding cities.

“This must be a message from the heavens above! An Angel has descended upon us! The Lord has heard our pleas and at last, our prayers have been answered!” The smiling man mutters under his breath in excitement as he closes in on the man to take him out of the crater and nurse him back to health.

Time: ??? ~ Date: ???
Location: ???

A second chime is heard in an undisclosed location, as a visible hourglass flips upside down, filling the bottom of its empty equal with trinkles of sand. A mysterious figure watches the very fate woven into every individual, change drastically after two new variables have been unknowingly introduced.

“Hmmm…” The figure settles down on their throne, closing their eyes at the idea of how two outliers will change the world’s created fate for its people. Time will be the only factor that will weave the story.

“The prelude of a new dark era is coming – a time that all living creatures will never forget…”

Author's Note

There will be terms used from the Magical Tome that Conroy uses, which will be read in Latin, but I will put the English translation with a footnote. The phrases of Latin to English/English to Latin (I used a rough translation of Latin since with the lingvanex translator)

1I ask you, God in heaven, to rid this damnation from this earthly realm. Gates of Purgatory!

Destined Night

4 months ago
Time: 9:45 PM ~ Date: April 2nd, 2010
Location: Yomiyawa Prefecture, Osaka

Night rolls around, seeing the temple once more. Nero takes a few steps down past the Torri gates. The wind blows past his face, blowing up his long black hair with tips colored white and tied in a ponytail. The wind passes as a cool mist kisses his cheek. "It looks like it'll rain here soon."

“Take care on your way to the part, nephew.” Kiyoshi states, smirking at the lad, “Don’t drink too much when you're there, or I may have to pull you out, heh.” He laughs as he waves his hand towards his descending nephew.

“Of course not, uncle. Even though I am of age, I rather limit myself. Besides, someone needs to be the one to get the drunkards home or to a hotel." Nero chuckles while he shakes his head in amusement. "Have a good night uncle and tell Tourmaline I will see her tomorrow for archery practice.” He waves back as he continues to head down the steps, getting a confirmed ‘I will!’ from Kiyoshi as he hits ground level.

The lad takes a deep breath as he sees the cherry blossom trees, blooming as the season changes. “It is always beautiful, this time of year. No matter how long I have seen this view, I never grow tired of it,” he mutters to no one in particular. He releases an amused breath from his nose, continuing the trek down the destined dirt path.

He feels his phone buzz as he checks to see a message from his boss saying, ‘Nero, where are you, child? It is late and we have started without you but I have saved you a drink, can’t be the only one having all the fun. Hurry up sweetheart, don’t keep us waiting.’

A shiver rolls down his spine, memories coming back to a familiar time from when the boss had him drink till he dropped, it was not a pretty site. “Christ. Hope she can slow down on the alcohol to take care of her health more, the older she gets in the future, the worse off she will be. She landed in the hospital last time, that drunkard.”

Nero pockets his phone in the back pocket as he sees the city coming into view, but.. something feels off about this one, chief, as he steps past the median line between dirt road and paved streets. He stops his trek, trying to get a feel for his surroundings. His odd senses are acting up again, warning him about something bad nearby. Yet, this same sense has him compelled for a fight or flight response.

Then a thought surfaces, “a man will be tracking me down, a templar knight with a book in hand. I don’t know when he will show, best to be on my guard at all times.” He nods to himself as he looks around one more time but a voice catches him off guard.

“Greetings young man. Having a fair night?”

The lad hears the voice resound from his left, looking over to see a man standing underneath a streetlight, who smiles at Nero, waving a hand in his direction. The lad analyzes his person and notices an item on his tool belt. His eyes squint, finding the same man he was warned about, rather quickly. “He is indeed carrying a book on him, looks like a pouch for him to holster it on his belt,” his eyes also note what clothes the man wears and the blade on his back, “another knight of Solomon and he wields what looks like a claymore. This will be rough…”

The knight looks at the youth, confused as his eyes suddenly light up in realization. “Ah. I might have forgotten, that this is not my homeland. How did it go? *Ahem* Eigo wa wakarimashita?" He tries to ask the youth in Japanese if 'he understands English' but his native tongue causes him to butcher the wording. "Was that correct, I think it was.”

Nero lets out a sigh of annoyance before responding, “I do understand English and to answer your previous question. It is a good night, isn’t it? Did you need something? Are you lost and in need of directions?”

“I see! You speak perfect English, most excellent.” He claps his hands together as he rubs them, “But no need for any help. Just one question I would like to confirm. Are you Nero Mist by chance?” The man gives the lad a closed-eyed smile, reaching into his left pocket to take out a coin, and begins to fiddle with the coin in his left hand, fluidly moving through his fingers.

The lad squints in thought, pondering if he should deny the name and hopefully by himself some time. But then he looks at the man and back at the dirt path, thinking about what will happen if he walks past him, towards his uncle’s home.

This thought shakes him out of his process, “That would be me. May I ask, who you are if you know my name so well?” he questions, as his left hand slowly moves to grasp the back pouch he is carrying, unfurling the cloth to reveal a sword underneath.

“Apologies. My name is Conroy Matthews. I have come to complete a mission given to me by my Lord.” The knight remains unfazed, seeing the boy sliding his sword into the left hip holder. The man pulls out the book in question from his right pouch with a calm smile on his front. “My mission is to find and capture the demonic presence that roams these lands. If capture is not viable then… smiting the entity would be their end. “

Nero raises a single brow curiously as he takes a step back with his left foot, slightly bending his knees, unlocking the mechanism that holds the sword to the sheath with his thumb. “Interesting. If it’s a demonic presence you seek, then you will be surprised, Mr. Matthews. There are plenty of demons or Yokais in our region here to find.”

“I have heard of such an issue. But no, the one they reference is most certainly, YOU.” He begins to open the book in one hand as he flips through the pages seamlessly. “I wish I had come in good faith, you seem like a kind aspiring youth. So full of life and yet… I am presented with a problem.” His thumb stops at a certain page as he mutters under his breath, “Deus me fortitudinem det et me benedicat spiritu sancto suo.1” A surge of wind picks up as it surrounds the templar before dispersing into the air.

Nero remains still, a brow raised to the unnatural wind gust blown around the knight but sets the thought aside as he watches for any signs of an opening, waiting for the first strike. “A problem? Does it have something to do with me? Like all the other knights who had issues with me before, right?”

“Why, yes. You see boy, a prophecy was given to us by our Lord in Heaven and we were given a mission. I am sent here to… for a lack of a better term. Deal with the harbinger and detain him or smite him if he were to resist.” He slowly draws out the claymore behind his back with his left hand as he swings it downward to ready his poise.

“You have been deemed too dangerous to remain unchecked, Nero Mist. Your very existence will bring about a great deal of calamity or worse, the end of the world as we know it.” His right hand flips through the pages once more, “I wish to not harm you like this, but this is God’s will. The Lord is my witness, for I am his servant and his blade. So, I ask of you. Please, make this easy on yourself and surrender. I will make sure your cleansing is painless at the monastery.” The knight's tone speaks in a caring demeanor for the lad but even he knows, not to fall for this act.

“No… I don’t think I will do that, Conroy.” Nero unsheathes his blade as he braces himself to launch forward. “If he will not attack, then I will.” Tilting the sword diagonally, one hand above the other, with its gleam that shines off the blade, demonstrating its sharpness to the adversary.

Conroy sighs in sadness, shaking his head in disappointment. “I wish it didn’t have to come to this, son. I am sorry, but this will end in pain.” He begins to chant in a foreign language, “tempestates voco, ut iram pluat, adversarium feri– !” The words are cut short as he gasps, blocking the diagonal slash from Nero, just in time.

Chink! Krrrzzz!

“I don’t think so!” Nero lands from his dash as the swords begin to wrestle for control, the start of the first encounter. The blades grind with a screeching noise heard from the connection, both men hold their ground for a few seconds. This ends with the lad passing the claymore over his left shoulder and using the momentum to slash Conroy’s left side. “Tch! Not deep enough.”

The blade strikes true, as blood seeps and stains his tabard. “Ker! Mrmph!” The templar steps back, stowing the book back into the pouch. “You cur! I will strike you down!” He shouts in anger, dashing forward, swinging his claymore for a downward slash.

Nero, with quick thinking, swiftly dodges to the side. “Hmm… he is quite fast but, not fast enough.” He takes a back step, intercepting a horizontal swing with a guard, bringing both of their faces close to each other.

A few seconds of dominance pass, before both slash away from each other and step back to analyze the situation. Silence emerges, the wind blowing the leaves into the air. Then, Conroy is the first to move in, his speed improving more quickly than before. He brings his right hand to grasp the claymore, adding more strength and speed to his swings. The blade is swung diagonally but is intercepted. Another swing from left vertical yet guarded. Swing, guard, swing, guard, swing, and guard in quick repetition.

Nero intercepts the tenth swing, recognizing the speed and the strength has now increased for his adversary. “Christ. He must have been holding back earlier or… maybe, that book...” His eyes scan the pouch on the right hip and he decides to remove the book from the equation. The lad uses his blade to push the opposing sword to the left side before bringing it down and stomping it into the dirt with his heel as he aims to slash the pouch off.

“Ooh, no you don’t!” Conroy stops the incoming slash by kicking in Nero's direction to push him back, causing the lad to block the kick with the flat side of his blade.

Nero rolls to the left from the force of the kick before raising his katana to guard the oncoming downward swing. The lad, now down to one knee, grips his sword tightly and makes a ditch effort to shift the claymore over to his right shoulder before letting it fall, causing his shoulder to get a slight cut in the process. “Tch! Mft!” He rises from his knee and hops back to gain some distance, taking breaths as he does.

The templar tosses out a few smoke bombs to cloak himself, pulling out the book to finish his chant. “Tempestates voco, ut iram pluat, adversarium feriat. Affer eum aeternum dolorem, nam est Nephilim, antichristus!2” After the words, Conroy stows the book and backsteps to ready himself.

Nero dashes through the smoke, his left eye glows briefly before going dim. He swings horizontally, cutting through the smoke, and is guarded by the templar's blade. He clenches his teeth in frustration, but the loud rumbling from above grabs his attention. He quickly scans up to see dark storm clouds forming, lightning coursing through. “Did he cause a storm? What the hell.”

The storm continues to surge and Conroy brings back his blade to swing again to stop Nero’s movement. They clash with their respective diagonal slashes, the thunder growing louder. A dastardly chuckle leaves the knight, causing the lad to look at him in confusion. Then the knight suddenly relaxes his grip to hop back away as a bolt of lightning strikes down.

Crack! Vrtzz!

“Shit!” Nero shouts suddenly and without looking up, he hops back away just in time. Yet, the bolt traveling downward takes a horizontal shift as it speeds toward the unsuspecting lad. He brings his blade up to block the bolt but it is a futile attempt.

“Kuh! AAARRRGG!” The lad is struck, as raw electricity jolts through his body and begins to run throughout his entire being. He feels his heart quicken in faster beats, and a thoughtless plan emerges. In a breath, he hisses out as the feeling of power begins to well up inside his inner being.

Nero’s left eye begins to shine once more and shift in iris color, his natural hazel eyes turning into a cherry red rippling color. He controls his inner soul and bodily function to send down the volts towards the ground, using himself as the conductor. He prevents his organs from taking any more damage and after a while, he falls onto one knee, tilting his head downward as his arms fall limply, his body still shaking from the shock. He lurches forward slowly, on the brink of losing consciousness.

Conroy looks at the boy, seeing him collapsing from the attack. “Seems like the deed has been done. Even if you had dodged a second time, the lightning will always find his adversary. This makes my job easier and… I wish there were another way. Yet, this is the righteous path I must take.”

The man’s eyes sadden for a moment, closing the distance as he looks at the boy before bringing his blade up to give the final strike. “This is God’s will, that I will always follow. May he have forgiveness upon your soul.” He strikes downward but his eyes widen before turning the blade to guard a sudden upward slash.

Chink!

“Woo! Now that was a-close.” He backs away again, feeling a stinging pain from his chin. “Seems to me that you still have some fight in you. You are not as sturdy as you look, I will agree. You almost struck true at my chest, but only to nick my chin.” Blood trickles down his chin, sweat forming on his brow from barely blocking the slash. He takes a few more steps back to regain poise.

Nero barely stands back onto his feet, breathing heavily. The volts had taken their toll on him, the strike that would kill a human, or at least, some may survive miraculously but be down for the count. It’s different with him as he is not a normal human but something more.

He takes in staggered breaths, slowly as he hones into his power further and heightens it. This causes his left eye to glow brighter in aura as the tips of his hair shine. The lad shakes his head as he flexes his back muscles, making sure that nothing is out of place as he looks over at Conroy with analytical eyes.

“So, you finally show your true form. You are, as they say, a being born from a human and an angel, who has fallen from heaven. A Nephilim.” The man chuckles at the notion, flipping through the tome once more with his thump. He stops a certain page and begins to chant but a gust of wind emerges towards him, knowing who it is. “You are tiresome. Damn fiend!”

Chink! Krrrzzz!

“Yo-you think I-I will let you d-do that a s-second time! I-I will cut off your arm and destroy that accursed magical tome!” He brings his blade to the side and slashes but is guarded. Nero furrows his brows, using all of his added power, and flings the claymore upwards in a parry as he roundhouse kicks into the knight's chest.

The knight is pushed back a few inches by the kick as he stabs the ground to grind to a stop. He coughs harshly with the wind knocked out of him as he tries to take deep yet stuttering breaths. “Koff, kokk! Haaaa... haaaa... you… are… a. Mrph! Cheeky one, aren’t you?” He puts the book back into his respective pouch before bringing out a vial of greenish liquid stirring within. He pops the cork off as he tilts his head back to chug the liquid in one go before tossing the empty bottle into the trees.

Nero looks on in confusion at the vial that was thrown away. “What did he just drink? Some type of medicine?” He disregards the thought as he dashes forward for a jumping downward slash.

In response, Conroy guards head-on as Nero holds the airborne position before landing and passing the knight's blind spot. Yet the templar turns around sharply and drives a center thrust towards the lad’s chest.

Chink!

The templar's eyes widen as Nero manages to guard the thrust, with the tip of the claymore striking the center of the katana's flat side – this being known as an irregular guard. “To be able to pull such a gambit and for his blade to remain intact. Impressive.” This gusty move causes Conroy to smirk.

Nero, in quick movement, passes the blade over him once more after letting go of the guard and dashes past Conroy’s left side. The lad spins around in fluid motion to drive a quick upward diagonal slash towards the unprotected back. The connection was able to hit as the blade slashed through the chainmail armor through the tabard, inflicting a wound stretching from the man’s lower left side to his upper right shoulder blade. “Got him.”

Blood oozes from the wound as the templar turns his body around, swinging the claymore with the inertia to clash the lad’s katana. Nero is sent back skidding back a few steps before coming to a stop. The man steadies himself, the wound causing him discomfort, feeling the blood run. “Mmft! God! …This boy, is surprisingly good. It is no wonder why my other brethren lost to him. Now… Now I see why.” The man staggers back a few steps before coming to a stop, putting distance between the lad and himself.

The lad continues to operate as if he was not wounded earlier from the lightning strike but now that the initial power and adrenaline passes. He feels his body slow down as he controls the shaking of his arms, to not show any signs of weakness to the knight. “Damn. How is he still standing?! Do I… do I have to kill him… shit!” He wards off that notion as he readies himself for the next set of clashes.

Conroy reaches behind him to grab a different vial that carries maroon-colored liquid inside. He downs it in one go, counting the seconds in his mind before the effects take hold. “I am impressed, Nero. You are a good fighter, if not the best that I have met. It no longer surprises me on how my brethren have lost to you many times. If this were a different situation, I would have preferred to have your strength by my side like brothers-in-arms.”

The lad being fed up with seeing the man drinking those vials of 'medicines,' lowers his blade slightly to ask, “What good is that drink going to do for you? I can’t imagine any form of medicine will help with such wounds on your body.” He watches with squinted eyes, stepping forward as he raises his sword again.

“It is no normal medicine, my boy. This vial here was created by Father Michael, to help remedy the wounds of those in the higher-ranking knights, like myself. To be able to continue in battle without fear of losing too much blood or fainting. It is like a blessing from God himself.” The man smiles, feeling the effects go underway. His wounds begin to sizzle before they close themselves up as if time were played in reverse, feeling comfort from the healing process as the wounds close up in real time.

The man flexes his back and gives it a few pops before shifting into position. “Alright. It’s time to continue this battle. Be prepared for a challenging time, I was taught by the best.” Smirking, he twirls the blade in his left hand, demonstrating great handling of his blade. He brings the claymore forward as he changes his stance once more.

“Fine then, give me your best. I will just have to wound you over and over again until you can’t heal anymore. I will subdue you just as quickly as your fellow knights!” Nero shouts in frustration, rushing towards the knight who moves his left leg back for a needed anchor.

This fight would go on for a long time, it seems…

~~~~~<

An hour and a half has passed since the fight has started. Clashes of swords, glints, and sparks resound as they fight back and forth, again and again. Finally, it ends at a standstill. The two men take exhausted breaths, neither of them seem to have mortal wounds. Just a few nicks and surface-level cuts here and there, appearing scuffed up, sweating profusely, and exhausted from the drawn-out fight. Neither takes the first initial step to continue, instead, they give each other time to breathe, out of respect.

“Haaa… haaa… haaa… fuuu!” Nero gasps some air in, his eyes squint in annoyance, looking at the knight. “You… haaa, are one tough bastard. To last… haaa… this long in a fight.” He stands upright, clearing his throat from the dryness. “You are nothing compared to the others. I can say you are stronger and faster than the knights who fought me before.” He says out of respect, clutching his right side with the left hand, pain setting in from the lightning strike that hindered his body. His right arm, which holds the katana, begins to shake as the weight of the sword becomes too much to handle. Yet, he keeps a cool front.

“I am... haaa... thankful for your words… fuuu… well as I have mentioned before, you are fighting the best of the best, my boy. Let me say in turn, that I am impressed by your skills. Nobody has been able to keep the same pace as me. Albeit you are faster and stronger than a normal human, but enough to keep me on my toes! Either way, I think it is time to put an end to this charade, don’t you?” He pulls the tome back out from the pouch, stabbing his claymore into the ground as he flips through the pages with his left hand. He finds the spell that will finally put an end to the Nephilim.

“As if I will let you!” Nero staggers forward only to come to a halt as his legs tremble. “Shit! This pain… mmm, mmfft! Keh! Damn it, it’s getting hard to move this wounded body.” He steels himself once more, as he breathes in and out slowly, trying to fight through the pain. Small winds encircle the man, as his left eye glows once more. “Christ. Using any more of my power will put even more strain on my body. I might pass out if I continue this fight any further.” That lightning strike was definitely not a normal one, if it were, the lad would be able to handle it with no issue. But, thanks to the magical tome the knight holds, it has turned that strike into something more vicious.

….

Silence flows through as no words are spoken among them. The knight, who is currently flipping through a book that he holds in his right hand, stops at a certain page. Words flow from his lips, spoken in an unknown foreign language that is heard, once again. “Rogo te, Deus in caelis, ut ab hoc terreno regno hanc damnationem exuas. Portae Purgatorii!!” The man shouts, as he moves his right foot forward in a stomp while holding his left open palm, face down, towards the ground.

This final act that sends the whims of time winding forward to the present...

Time: 11:35 PM ~ Date: August 7th
Location: Interrogation Block C, Canterlot, Equestria

“Then,” Nero begins, “With his ‘spell’ activated. A dark hole emerged from the ground, pulling me and Conroy into its maw. Which, lead me to believe that it sent us both into Equestria, but in separate locations.” Nero finishes explaining his side of the story, but he leaves out information about him using his powers. He does not want to give Teal more ammunition, to turn the tables on Nero. To say that the lad could use his powers, to morph his features to appear as someone else.

“So, that’s it then? Not trying to paint me a false tale, Nero?” Teal stares daggers into the lad, waiting for signs of the spell activating. "Cause in truth, a knight being sent to attack you because you were some evil pest that disturbed their church, sounds far-fetched. I feel that you are holding some secrets, so I will ask one more time. What is the real reason behind his altercation with you?”

“Believe what you will, captain. But this is my truth and that is all you will get from me.” Nero shakes his head tiredly, a yawn escaping him. “So, this proves my theory. The spell did not activate. If you lie, then an adverse effect will occur, but if you remain silent or give vague truths, it will not. Interesting…”

Teal scratches the top of his head, letting out a tired sigh. He waits a few seconds but gets no more responses from Nero. He leans back in the chair and closes his eyes in thought. “I think it’s time to ask him about his four-month stay in Equestria and what he was doing during that time. The night continues... how troublesome.”

The lad feels his stomach complain in hunger and sleepiness is setting in. “God. I am hungry and exhausted, with this chair not doing me any favors. Keeping me confined with these uncomfortable ground anchors.” He lets out a frustrated groan before leaning on the table with his head resting on his right palm. “Captain, can’t you just ask me, if I was the cause of the insurrection in the city and call it a day? Remember, if a lie is spotted, then pain is all I get in return. So, why not ask?”

The guard gets annoyed for the last time by the lad's attitude and before he can respond, an audible click noise is heard. “Seems that time ran out. Let’s pursue the line of questioning tomorrow morning.” He feels the mental drain that this session has dealt to his mind, deciding that it is best to head home since his family is waiting for him to come home early, but he was so caught up in this mess.

“Alright then, ending session one, interrogation of the suspect, Nero Mist. He will be put in a holding cell until the following morning for another session of questioning,” Teal announces as he rises from his chair and goes to the door, to step out of the room.

“So, what? Is it over? Am I allowed to leave or am I going to be chained here until morning? Because, that would be cruel, even for you, Teal.” Nero says with false dread, as the guard clicks his tongue before opening the door to speak with the guards outside.

“Sergeant Bower, Private Glow. Escort the suspect to his holding cell and be sure to have the night guard take watch once you leave your post. In addition, get a meal for him. And just as a reminder, do not engage with his notions nor will you harm him. Understood?” He gives quick orders as he receives salutes from both guards with a sharp ‘Yes, Sir’ before they move in to move the lad into his prison cell.

~~~~~~<

After the ending announcement for the first interrogation was said, Celestia moved to stand, casting a wave of magic in the surrounding area to alleviate the sore stiff muscles of the people around her. They look at her in ‘thanks,’ to which she gives them a warm smile as the door opens and Teal walks into the room.

The guard gives out a low sigh, before clearing his throat as he closes his eyes and bows to the princess in respect. “If I may, your highness. This session has proven to be rather… difficult. I can’t say that I trust the young man’s words but if the spell should have activated at any point, then he did in fact lie...”

He stands upright to look at the window and sees the guards removing the ground anchors as they begin to escort the lad out. “But, what if it was not enough to prove his innocence to the citizens? What if he has dealt with pain, his whole life? Maybe his body has built a slight resistance to spell?” He voices his concerns.

The princess closes her eyes, crossing her arms under her bust in thought. A nervous tic sprouts as she begins to gnaw on the inside of her cheek. “I do not blame him for these doubts. I also imagine that, with Nero being an outworlder, some sort of resistance to sicknesses or our magic could be a possibility. Yet, I still do not fathom that idea.”

Celestia opens her eyes as she looks over to the now-empty room of the interrogation. “I can assure you that the spell is operating, just as practiced. The spell not activating frequently could only mean that he speaks nothing but the truth.” She states, “Luna has used that spell for over a millennium on many species we have engaged with, from *Aarakocra to *Dragonkin. They went through all the same if not worse adverse effects as the ‘suspect’ had experienced.”

She looks back on the spell activation, to see if anything was amiss, but finds none. The only thing she could imagine that might have been different was Aurora's intimate placement of the spell, even though, a single touch on the shoulder was all that was needed. A feeling that she could not understand, at the time, welded up inside her but she dismissed it. She looks back to Teal, who waits patiently for the princess to continue.

“Do not worry, captain Featherhoof. You are doing a most excellent job in questioning the ‘suspect’ and being able to steel yourself when he was trying to make you falter.” Celestia gives him a warm motherly smile, lifting her hand to guide him outside the room. “For now, you are to get some food and rest. You deserve the break and do not worry about your family. I made it prudent to inform them of the extra time you were to remain. Go now, captain, they are waiting.” She mentions in a calm voice, her smile never leaving her face.

He bows once more before giving a salute, “Of course, your Highness. Thank you for your kind words. I will be here in the morning to continue with the interrogation. I bid you goodnight.” He says with a professional tone, turning about-face, as he leaves the room. The door shuts, leaving Celestia and a few of the people inside the room, who are packing up to go home for the night.

...

Alone with her thoughts, she moves to the window, placing a hand as she gives out a low sigh in sadness. Before she can mellow any further, her attention is drawn to her younger sister's return, as she walks into the room.

“Dearest sister, is it now finished? Will he finally be freed from this ridiculous notion, we call an interrogation?” Luna’s tone carries slight annoyance in it as she looks to the crystal ball in question, which holds the recording of the rest of the session, which she was absent to view.

Celestia's eyes widen from the tone her younger sister speaks but then she realizes the reason. "Is it the Nobels again, sister? Do they still come to you in hopes of strongarming you so that you will conform to their opinions?" She lets out a whimsical sigh as she walks closer to her. "Remember to put on a façade and disregard their words, but do not make it evident." She smiles at the thought of her sister using the royal canterlot voice if Luna were to be pushed to her limit.

"It matters not, 'tis a problem that can be solved quickly. If we were to strip them of their titles... but you speak in truth. Yet..." Her words heighten in emotion but settle down, reviewing the interrogation, the cruelty of the insurrection, and Aurora's spell cast.

She dissuades the thoughts, before voicing her opinion. “We both know he is no man of destruction and no man of vial cruelty. Yet, we test his loyalty of friendship through these dastardly means.” She crosses her arms under her bust as shame starts to take her front, “will he even forgive us?”

Celestia frowns at the thought of that notion. If Nero would be able to forgive them for the accusation, the imprisonment, and the spell that was casted onto him. Yet, they do not know the truth, but the man of the year himself will be the only one to tell. “It is almost over, just two more days. Nero will be proven innocent through the provided evidence and the people can only do but accept his just trial.”

She perks up at the idea as she cups Lunas’ cheek with her right hand, caressing her face and giving her sister a loving smile. “Everything will be fine, Lulu. Two more days and he will finally be back by our side. Once this is over, the people will no longer be able to hold him accountable, for the actions of Las Pegasus. We both know he is not the man behind the siege, but we must remain neutral.”

The younger sister cups the hand that caresses her cheek, a small smile etching on her lips. “You are right, dearest sister. 'Twill end with his innocence and all will understand who the real threat is to our very country…” She looks down, slight anger starts to set on her front.

Both remain quiet for a time. Thoughts plague them as the man, who was finally named, Conroy Matthews. Another outworlder who has started the insurrection, bringing power to a church through false ideologies. False ideologies have caused their citizens suffering and some who have sadly died. This was a historical event, much like the three tribes when they had their issues with each other’s ideologies of who was the best subhuman kind but it did not end in bloodshed, unlike the current predicament.

After some time, Luna looks toward Celestia, her expression shifting to annoyance. “In truth, we must have word with our runic mage Aurora. The method she chose to bastardize our spell in such an inappropriate way. 'Tis an insult to our very way of spellcraft.” She adopts a scowl, recalling what transpired during the spell cast.

The older sister gives a soft giggle to her sister's disposition, “I do believe it is time for me to retire for the night, Lulu. However, do keep your anger at bay when speaking with your runic mage. No need to scare off the vampling that learned your runic spellcraft in two years, which took centuries for others to even decrypt your runes.”

She strides toward the door, touching the handle with her aura as she turns to look at Luna one more time with a smirk on her lips, “Besides, you are a princess. Keep your expressions in check or others may misunderstand your... true intentions~” She opens the door and leaves, giggling as she does.

Luna tilts her head in confusion at her sister's wording. She ponders for a few seconds until a small blush of embarrassment spots on her cheeks. She speed walks out of the room but does not get to see a glimpse of her sister in the hallway. She rolls her eyes as she releases a huff of amusement. “Ha! 'Tis a jest you throw at me, dearest sister. Wait til' the following morn’ and see what we will prepare for your folly.” She smirks at the ideas that pop up, one after another, shaking her head in the amusement of her older sister's playful nature.

She walks back inside and she spots the recording crystal, reaching to view the clip of the session. She holds the crystal to play the recording but remembers that her night court is still ongoing. “Hmm… maybe we can view it in the throne room. Yes, this will help stave the boredom of waiting for any commoners to arrive. It is this late in the night, after all.”

Time: 12:15 AM ~ Date: August 8th
Location: Cell room, Canterlot, Equestria

Nero finally arrives at his cell, his tired eyes soften when he sees the room, which turns out to be his old room. The sisters were considerate enough to have his cell room be that of his old room, when he stayed in the castle for the month and some days.

One of the guard's magic opens the door with their maroon color aura. They usher the suspect inside the room as the lad spots a faint blue shimmer of magic, coating the windows and room door, a security measure to make sure no escape was to be made.

Nero hums in thought, “I assume… if I were to force my way past the magic coating, every guard will be alerted or maybe it's an electric fence type deal. Smart play, but rather inconvenient.”

“Turn around," one of the guards starts, "let’s see if we can get those bindings off of you. Sweets over there has your food ready for you to eat.” Nero looks over to the guard on the left, who moves to leave a tray of food for him on the writing desk beside the bed.

The male guard continues, “a little reminder, no sudden moves or we will be forced to keep those chains on you and bind you to the bed, capiche?” He warns Nero, using the key given to him to remove the chains but leaving the shackles on his wrists.

Nero gives a good stretch of his back and shoulders, bones popping as he does. “I appreciate it. Thank you for removing the chains. Any chance the shackles can come off too?” He says hopefully.

“Sorry, but that is not going to happen, I’m afraid. Those shackles are there to make sure that, if you have any form of magic, will seal and render you inept. “ The guard gives the lad a deadpan expression, showing the severity of the situation. “Can’t be having you escape this room with any type of power you may be hiding. One that can help you disable or not trigger the magic field sensors.” After he finishes his statement, he straightens his poster, turns about-face, and takes his leave with Sweets on his tail.

They both stand outside his room as the spell reactivates, creating an odd wobbly blue film to appear in the space of the doorframe. Once it is finished, the two guards continue their walk down the halls, leaving the door open and a confused Nero.

“They plan to leave me here with no guards to watch the door. They are rather reckless, bold, or both… hmm,” he mutters under his breath as he moves to close the door but a sudden noise from above the entrance catches his attention.

Sounds of wings flap as two unexpected guards land on either side of Nero. “Na!? What the!?” He is startled by the sudden appearance since he had not sensed these two earlier when entering the room.

He looks closely at the two guards who eye him back. He sees that their armor color is dark blue, the complete polar opposite of the golden armor-colored guards. They also have paler complexion on their faces, their pupils shaped like a feline, and the noticeable lunar princess cutiemark encrusted on their center breastplate.

…

No words are exchanged between the night guards and Nero, as they both give the lad acknowledging nods before walking out and closing the door behind them. The situation was odd for the lad, but he shrugs it off.

He then moves over to the desk which sits on the right side of his bed.“Well… that explains the guards. Were they up there this whole time? Che, forget it. Time to get some food in me.” He scans the room, getting closer to the desk. A smile etches on his lips, seeing everything as how he remembered it. He walks past the desk, towards the window, as he looks out, seeing the night sky shining beautifully even at this very moment.

His eyes squint in worriment, thinking about the situation with the interrogation and Conroy... “Conroy… why is he also here? Better yet, what caused him to start a religious insurrection, I wonder?” He bites his inner lip, moving back to the desk to see the tray of food given to him.

The contents of the tray, contain vegetable pasta, mixed grains, and fruit with bread as the full main course. A drink of a pineapple juice box on the side and a note was given to him. He picks up the note and sees that it was written surprisingly by Princess Celestia, herself. It reads,

Dear, Nero Mist

I write to you in hopes that the treatment of the interrogation was not too strenuous for you. I wish nothing more than to free you from this predicament, but my citizens ask for fair trial and judgment. I want to apologize for not being by your side through this, yet I ask of you. Please, find it in your heart to forgive my people, for they do not understand you as a person, like the few that have spoken with you. Know that me and my sister will do everything in our power to make sure that you are treated with the utmost care and I do wish to speak with you the following morning. Until then. May you have a restful night. See you soon.

Yours truly,

Celestia

P.S. My student wishes for your return so that you can continue the conversation about Earth’s technological advancements and Fluttershy mentions that the animals miss you dearly. Also, Pinkie Pie has the dessert you requested for a while. She called it 'mochi' I believe. They all miss you and wish you luck, in pulling through this endeavor.

A warm smile sports on Nero's lips, releasing an amused breath from his nostrils as he begins to eat the food. He hums in delight and ideas of what to do in the morning, for his daily workout, surface. “Maybe using my powers inside will be fine since there is no audience to view me.” He nods to this idea as he continues to eat the meal.

…

After finishing the contents, Nero’s biological functions remind him that nature calls. He swiftly steps over to the open restroom, finding the toilet near the sink as he flaps up the seat to fish out his manhood and let out the waterfall.

A few seconds later, he gives a few quick tugs and puts the snake back into his pants. He moves over to the sink to wash his hands and gets to brush his teeth. Once that’s done, he leaves the restroom with an empty bladder and fresh minty breath.

The lad moves next to the left side of his bed as he sits with his left knee relined up to rest his arms on it. “Damn… I had almost forgotten about the soft texture of this bed, heh. The castle sure has its perks.” He hums in delight to the texture as his thoughts roam, a game plan needing to be made.

Nero lets out one last sigh, shifting onto the bed as he lies down on the sheets, forgoing the cover. “Hopefully tomorrow this charade of an interrogation will end and then Conroy’s adversary will pay him a visit, to end his madness.” He turns to lie on his left side to feel more comfortable. He looks to the desk where the note is left as his eyelids grow heavy. A familiar tune starts to play in his mind and his eyes close, letting sleep overtake him.

Author's Note

*More phrases of Latin to English/English to Latin (rough translation of Latin since I used lingvanex translator)

1May God give me strength and bless me with his holy spirit.

2I call upon the storms, to rain down his wrath, to strike my adversary. Bring him everlasting pain for he is a Nephilim, the antichrist!

**Types of species explained for their humanized counterparts.

Aarakocra - a bipedal griffin or anthropomorphic one, who live in the heart of Griffinstone.
Dragonkin - A being advanced in their age of power thus they undergo a transformation by coming close to human but still retaining their dragon traits.

ACT 1: Quick Rundown (Revised)

Time: 3:37 PM ~ Date: August 7th
Location: Interrogation Room Block C, Canterlot, Equestria

Two individuals are seen inside the room at opposite ends of a center metal table. The young man on one side, where the dull brown wall is behind his back, is currently chained down with ground anchors to deny any attempt of escape. Further analysis of the room, reveals a mirror to his left side which appears to be a simple mirror but in reality, it’s one way. If seen from the room side, only reveals a reflection but on the other end, several people are seated as they watch and document what is occurring in the questioning. Two people fiddle with a crystal ball in front of them, another documenting the minutes of the session, and two others stand guard on the sides of the entrance/exit. Lastly, two women who wear regal dresses with crowns adorning their heads, sit on the main center table as they watch what is unfolding.

The lad looks around the room in wonder as he finally looks toward the man, who carries a serious expression, setting down files on the table to the right. The same man walks over to set up an arm cuff on the lad before moving to his right to start up a machine that resembles an EKG machine. One that prints out data on the individual’s heartbeat and breathing patterns.

Fed up with the silence, the young man speaks. “Explain this to me one more time… for what reason am I being detained?” his tone comes off with curiosity as he looks at the guard in wonder.

The guard, having finished all that needed to be set up, takes a seat in front of the lad before answering his question. “Hmm,” he begins with a serious tone, “it has come to our attention that there is a commotion going on in Las Pegasus currently. We have received a report from Fort Strong, but it was cut off before any more info was to be received.” The man crinkles his brow, releasing a low sigh before continuing. “Scouts have indicated that a siege had broken out and… you are in the center of it.” He points at the lad before relaxing his posture, raising his arm, and flicking his hand as a sign for those in the other room.

The guard in front of the lad, whose armor is painted gold and encrusted with a purple star engraved in the center of his breastplate, has wings that are sprouted from his back. The man looks to be in his late-fourties, with his eyes having a bright green color to them, his skin color being navy blue while his hair and tail being cyan with a streak of violet on the tips.

A click sound is resounded in the room as the lad, leans back on his chair with arms crossed. “Look… uhm, I had forgotten to ask. What is your name? I did not quite catch it earlier when I was escorted in here.” He releases a sigh and readies himself for what will be the longest week of his life.

“My name is Teal Featherhoof, Captain of the Royal Guard.” Teal’s front hardens before slowly inching forward as he points to the lad once more. “I also know who YOU are, Nero Mist.”

Nero rolls his eyes in disbelief, “Right, well. Captain Featherhoof. I- that sounds like a mouthful. Can I call you captain instead?” Without giving Teal a chance to answer, Nero continues, “Anyways, I’m going to need more info to go on with what you have told me. For one, what am I being accused of here, exactly?” His eyes shift over to take a quick glance at the machine to his right and the door behind Teal, impatience slowly setting in.

Teal, catching his glance, proceeds to get up from his seat. “I don’t suggest attempting an escape, Nero. That will be adding more crimes to the one you have not been made aware of, it seems.” He releases an angered huff, reminding himself to speak to the other guards about their lack of expressing the suspect of their crime. “As to what you have been accused of, Nero Mist. In this very moment, you are the sole prime suspect for the conspiracy and insurrection against the citizens and guardsmen of Las Pegasus. One in which you are identified as the ringleader of a church known as the Church of Unity.”

Nero takes a deep breath, rapping the table with his fingers as he squints at Teal to analyze his features. “Is he serious? I am accused of leading an attack in a city. Unprovoked and sudden? How bizarre.” He snorts in the hilarity of the accusation, “Really now. Me? Causing an insurrection in a city, to which I barely visited to once, with an organized group from a church?” He gives a quick chuckle at the thought of it.

“You think this is funny!?” Teal pounds the table with his right palm, “The city is in chaos! People have been terrorized, taken hostage, their homes lost, while some have been injured, and few have been killed from this insurrection! One that you are a cause of!” He stands up and moves over to the machine to check the data but frowns since there appears to be no sign of Nero panicking. “A calm suspect, let’s see if showing him the images will cause some panic.”

The lad releases a quick sigh of disconcert as he sits upright, “Let me tell you something about myself, Teal. I am a God-fearing man in my own right. But I am no church fanatic for one. Why would I, a man who barely paid Las Pegasus a visit ONE TIME. Be accused of starting some ‘insurrection’ when those types of ideals take weeks, or months depending. Think about that for a second.” He leaves it hang as he reclines back into his seat.

The captain gives out a huff before reaching the table on his left with his right wing to bring forth a folder, as he slams it on the surface. An album of photos spills out, giving Nero a chance to see what is pointing towards his guilt. “Care to explain this then? These photos were taken by some of our very best air forces several feet above Las Pegasus. It was hard to get these back as some of our scouts… were captured," Teal looks down melancholy, until his eyes shoot back up to the lad, rage filling them. “So, tell me… was this not YOU in it!” He points to one of the photos angrily from the collage for the lad to see.

Nero scans the photos, seeing what took place in frozen time of the catastrophe, buildings on fire, people running with fear in their eyes, guards captured, and some dead. But one picture is all it took to give Nero an idea of what is truly happening. A photo amidst the collection shows the city mid chaos with two people in it, who are wearing recognizable white robes and armor underneath, speaking amongst each other.

One of the two is a man Nero recognizes and what this means for the rest of the world. “No… how can this be?! How is he…” The man he looks at, the one who holds a parchment in hand, the one templar he has run into before, his previous adversary.

SLAM!

The captain slams the table to grab the lads' attention, “Is this not you, then?! This man has been identified as the ringleader and to top it off. He is stated to having no wings, no horn, and those who have fought him but barely left alive, say that his strength is not that of an Earthling in our world. He is you!” Another accusatory point is thrown towards Nero who holds his hands up in defense, as much as he can move them.

“Look captain, I don’t know what else to say but...” He puts his hands down on the table before pointing to the man in the photo, “I hate to tell you this, since you are doing such a fine job as an interrogator yet, don’t you see that his features differentiate from mine? Another point, have you not patted my body, checked my belongings, both on my person and in my rooms? I bet you didn’t even find no robes of such and no parchment that he is holding on me. So how can you explain these glaring contradictions?”

Teal, who has been regularly checking the EKG monitor and saw Nero’s heart rate pick up when he saw the photo but calmed down after giving his rebuttal. “You probably have some type of method to dispose of the items in question before the guards arrived. Maybe a type of magic to change your features. But can you deny that this is you, Nero? You are the only one of your kind that we have identified, outworlder.” He states in anger after presenting his own objection.

Nero shakes his head in disbelief, an amused breath released before continuing, “Heh, really now. This is how you want to play it. Alright, fine. Please recall where I was escorted from. I was in Ponyville at the time inside the home, bunking it with Twilight and we were in the library lounge talking with Fluttershy about the differences between this world and my own. Then a knock on the door and,” he gives a reveal hand gesture, “Here I am with no items on my person and no time to hide them. Hell, no time to even come and go from Las Pegasus to Ponyville while the insurrection is going on… so how is that possible, hmm?” annoyance starts to fill his body as his left brow twitches slightly.

“Again, you may have unknown magic to help you discard items and bringing yourself to Ponyville during and after the event to divert the attention away from yourself! I will repeat, you are the only outworlder we have identified, Nero Mist!”

SLAM!

Now, it's Nero’s turn to slam the table in frustration, “Okay. How about this then, asshole. Look at his skin tone,” the lad points to the man’s face in the photo. “He is more lighter than I am and also, check his hair color. I don’t have blonde hair either. Look at his eyes, his is more open than my squinted eyes. Oh! And another thing, look at his hands, to which you can CLEARLY see. No such scars on mine, here,” the lad shows his own hands, “so you can take a DAMN LOOK!” Nero’s irritation starts to climb before the guard can refute.

Teal sees the heart rate spike up alongside Nero’s irritation, one of which causes him to look at the photos and back to the man of the hour. Back and forth his eyes scan, analyze, not understanding what this could all mean. “Then… is he not lying? Is this man some other outworlder we have not identified yet?” He looks at the machine once more but shakes his head in denial, another thought comes to mind. “No, these machines are usually meant for worldlings of Equestria. Since he is not from this world, the machine is useless. Then there’s the Crystal of Identity which would have worked correctly, if he were from here…”

“Come on, captain. What do you expect of me? An outworlder who has no magic, which can be affected by said magic in this world, to be able to change my own features with a flick of my wrist?” To demonstrate his stance, Nero flicks his wrist, but nothing comes from it. His irritation mellows out as he gives the guard a deadpan sate before closing his eyes and reclining, taking deep breaths to cool down.

Teal looks at the lad with a static expression before relenting, “You are right. We do know that you are susceptible to magic in our world.” An idea comes to mind as his lips turn up for a smirk. “Although, you in fact could be lying about not being able to use magic, that is… magic from this world. So if that is the case, I will have to solidify this fact alone, even if you lie all you want, it will only lead you to a world of pain.” His smirk never leaving, as he stands and slowly moves over to the door.

“The hell is that supposed to mean? Are you going to bring in some guards to beat the ‘truth’ out of me, is that it?” The lad throws a question, which is ignored as Teal opens the door to leave the room with a guard taking his place to watch over the suspect.

~~~~~<

The captain is seen walking down the hall, in search of the idea that sprung to him. In the distance, any person nearby could hear Nero’s taunt. “Cause if you do! All that it will prove is that you are one of those corrupt in their own position of power!”

The guards that stand outside the room grip their spears from hearing the suspects’ disrespectful nature towards their captain but relent. They don’t want to cause any more trouble with this one, chief. As for the room next to the interrogation one, in front of the one-way mirror, stands both regal women. They carry an air of authority to those around them, as they see Nero sit back down, giving an exhausted sigh before waiting patiently for Teal to return.

One of the women with starry night color hair and dark blue skin, appears exhausted, having just woken up rather early because of the news given to her that Nero was to be interrogated. The lad she considers a dear friend. The same woman releases a breath she had been holding, her eyes looking at her equal in concern, “Are you certain we should be doing this to him, dear sister? This… this does not feel right, to treat him so… so…” She stops her words before biting her inner lip in frustration, “Is there no other way?”

The sister who has rainbow-colored hair, speaks in a most regal tone, “I would wish for it to be different Luna, but even with the alibies his friends will present, or our own perception of the man. This is the only way to try to prove his innocence legally with no bias. For our people to hear the truth from his lips, something that you were not able to know about either, sister. Of whom he truly is…” She unknowingly gnaws on her inner cheek, feeling regret rolling down her entire being.

“The truth?” Luna starts, “What truth is there to even know? Truly, you have spent the majority of the time with him here, in the castle, under house arrest. Then when granted temporary citizenship, you sent him to Ponyville, alongside your dear student. To be accepted as a full-fledged citizen of Equestria as he conversed with the locals. Not only that, but he has also saved US in our time of need. All his actions, the alibies, the statements, and yet is that not enough to prove him just, Celestia?” Luna’s worried rant comes to a heated close, as her sister looks towards the guards and back to her younger sibling with warmth in her eyes.

Celestia, who eyes her sister warmly, brings a hand to cup Luna’s cheek, “Indeed, all that is truth you speak of sister. Yet, because of how close we are to Nero, we will come across as tyrants who will deny our people the legal system if we state that he is innocent and should not be questioned.”

She brings her hand down as she looks at the lad who has started amusing himself by making a popping noise from sucking in his lips and releasing to make the sound. She smirks a little at his antics, “But I trust in him to prove his innocence, if he is what WE believe him to be, then there is no need for worry.” She holds her closed hand up to her chest as she closes her eyes, “Indeed, he is our friend, our savior, and the man that reunited us. I will believe in him until the very end.”

Both sisters look forward, as the sounds of metal boot steps come closer, the door opening to reveal the captain and another newcomer to appear inside the interrogation room.

~~~~~~<

A few minutes have passed and the arrival of a new person, which causes Nero to stop mid-pop and eye them curiously. The person next to Teal appears shorter in stature, wearing black robes with the hood concealing their face. The lad tries to get a good look but no visage, aside from the feminine jawline that he can spot. “Who did Teal just bring in? Is he serious about getting the truth out of me that he brought someone for that? A Torturer? Nah, this is an interrogation, I don’t think he would go that far.”

“Is this the one?” a soft feminine voice sounds out as the robed individual calmly approaches the suspect. Arriving at his seat, she pulls up her hood slightly to see the lad as she gets closer, analyzing his features.

“That he is. As you know, he is the suspect in the current case of the insurrection. So best to get more hands-on with getting the truth out of him. Now, Aurora, how’s that runic magick training of yours working? Think you can conjure one of Princess Luna’s spells on him?” Teal mentions with a small smirk adorning his lips.

Aurora, moves even closer to the lad, seeing his hazel-colored iris. Slowly inching closer to his face, which causes Nero to lean back with a questioning look. “Yes. The spell will work just fine on him, captain. Might have to apply it differently, seeing that he is an outworlder that I was told about in a report.” She reaches out with her right hand to cup his cheek, caressing his face as a tiny tint of blush lights on his cheeks.

“Whoa, now. Getting a little close there, Aurora. How’s about we take the time to get to know each other first and the-” he is cut off, as he feels a sudden force, grasping his head. He notes a bluish hue surrounding his vision, which holds his head in place. “Christ. I hate magic in this world! How can it affect me so easily?! This is like that one time when Twilight-”

“Please.” She begins, “remain still, this will only take but a moment. No longer than that, and besides… you might enjoy it. Knowing the kind of man you are.” Her tone dips more lower, almost sensually, as she whispers a slew of words that he was not able to grasp.

Not liking the prospect of what she is about to do, he tries to squirm off her grasp, to break her spellbound hold but to no avail. After being in this world for four months, he is stumped to realize that magic still has a hold on him, hating this current situation. He starts to wonder if maybe he brings out his most inner self, would he be able to disrupt the magic flow of this world. “That could work…”

She brings her head down towards his eye level, slowly inching herself closer as Nero finally gets a full grasp of her features, noting his impression. “She is undeniably beautiful under that hood. Her purple eyes are mesmerizing to look at… I wonder why she keeps it on, in the first place. Shy, maybe?” Her eyes drop half-lidded, which signals her next move as she leans her lips towards the lad, giving him a surprising kiss.

“Mffmph!” Nero muffles out a shocked tone, his eyes widen, as he feels the kiss deepening while his head is still held by the magic.

The woman further deepens the connection, sighing contently. She did not plan to give the suspect a kiss, since all that is required for the spell to activate was a simple touch on the shoulders. But something about the stories she heard from her close friend – how Nero is and what kind of gentleman he portrays himself as. She couldn’t help but grow curious and now that she has him in her grasp, she is loving what she discovers. Her hands unconsciously rub his chest up and down a few times, feeling out his muscles underneath his clothes, a blush forming on her cheeks.

The lad, slowly adjusting to the sudden kiss, feels a wet appendage touching his lips as he opens his mouth slightly for her tongue to invade. It explores inside, running it over his own tongue and over his teeth, which reaches his canines, giving her a shiver of delight. After a few steaming seconds pass, she reluctantly pulls back and a small trail of saliva is all that remains between their connection.

She clears her throat as she pulls down her hood, licking her lips in the process. “There, the spell is now set. He should be more truthful in his words with the onset pain being a reminder if he so chooses otherwise. A reminder for not being… honest~” Her eyes flutter as she gives Nero a quick wink before taking her leave towards the door. She grabs the handle as she takes one last look at him on the way out, giving him a charming smile before opening the door and stepping out of the room.

Nero smacks his lips a bit, surprised yet pleased with the passing situation. “Heh, guess that was not part of the protocol.” He smirks a bit before craning his neck, getting used to the freedom of movement. “Might not have expected a rather, ambitious kiss, in this type of situation but wow. She was really into it too, I wonder if I met her before…” He tilts his head down in thought as the guard clears his throat in annoyance.

Teal glares at him before speaking, “Either way Nero, it’s done. And no, that was not the intended way to use her highnesses spell, but it will do.” He straightens his seating position, as a grin forms on his lips, “Here’s the thing, young man. The spell placed on you will have an effect that if one is to lie… an adverse effect of its choosing will occur and trust me when I say, it is not for the faint of heart.”

The lad rolls his eyes as he shrugs, giving a beckoning wave for Teal to continue. “So, tell me, Nero. Prior to your four-month stay here in Equestria, where did you really come from and what were you doing during that timeframe?”

“Really… again with the same ol’ questions?” Nero stares at the unbelievable scenario in front of him, giving a heavy sigh. “Okay, once more then. I came from my original planet called Earth, where humans are also the only intelligent species, that overpopulated the world by billions. Course, none of us over there contain any magical abilities like your kind, nor did we have ridiculous bright pastel color schemes – no offense.” He holds up his right hand to emphasize his calm stance, to which Teal dissuades him with a waive of his hand.

“As to what I was doing the night before my sudden arrival. I was taking a stroll down the dirt path from my home, when a freak magic accident occurred and POOF, here I arrived and woke up in a hospital.” Nero shakes his head in disbelief, tapping his foot to see what is supposed to happen, testing the theory.

Then, as sudden as it came, an incredible burning sensation is felt throughout his throat causing him to clench himself in pain. “Kehk! Koff, Koff!” He coughs uncontrollably with his left hand clenching the edge of the table, to stave off the pain a little. However, just as the sudden pain came, it left in the same instant.

The guard taps the table to grab the lad’s attention, “I see you understand the results of the spell placed on you, Nero. You lie, some adverse effects, as I mentioned, will start to occur randomly in your body. I highly recommend telling the truth next time, unless pain is what you are after~.” The guard raises a brow, as he gives a short snort of amusement to the young man’s discomfort. Slowly rapping his fingers on the table, pondering what the lads’ next lie and punishment will be. “Truth or lie. All this boils down to is how much pain he can take.”

Nero clears his now parched throat, as the dull pain sets in regardless that the searing one is gone. “Bastard… he knows how to push me, doesn’t he? Haaaaa… he is a good interrogator, I will give him that much.” A creek of the neck with a roll of his shoulders, Nero fixates his posture and stares at the guard. “No way out of this then, might as well roll with the flow, no need to keep anything a secret that is asked of me. For my own innocence, if nothing else.”

“Alright, okay,” Nero starts. “You want the truth on what happened during the day before I was dropped off here? I will speak nothing but facts, just because I rather be a killjoy when it comes to your little amusement.” He smirks at Teals direction before clearing his throat once more, waiting for the question to be repeated.

Teal’s frustration continues to grow but he keeps his cool since the royal princesses are watching. He must not give them a bad impression of how the royal guard captain acts during interrogations. “Good, then I will repeat my question once more. What were you doing the day of April 2nd, before your sudden arrival to our planet of Equus?”

Nero takes a deep breath, his lips taking a nostalgic grin. Memories resurfaced in his mind on the day before he was pulled into this new world. He parts his lips as he weaves the tale of what he was doing the day before being brought to Equestria, all those four months ago.

4 months ago
Time: 5:40 AM ~ Date: April 2nd, 2010
Location: Yomiyawa prefecture, Osaka

“Ha! Hnh! Hmph! Hnh!” Grunts can be heard in the backyard of a Shinto temple, which is situated around small forestry, with a flowing river separating the woods from the temple. A young man, who is seen next to a medium-sized pond, is wearing a blue striped kimono* top with black hakama* pants, swinging his blade in practice. “It’s still not enough, that last fight was cutting it too close.” He slightly bends his knees, sheathing his katana, taking a deep breath, before commencing the act of Iaido. A technique in which one uses to develop their signature simultaneous draw and cut motion.

“Fuuuu…” After releasing a calm exhale, he takes a sharp inhale as he pulls out his blade for a diagonal cut, then shifting to a vertical swing, then swiftly, swapping the blade between his hands to end it with a horizontal swing down, all in the matter of 8 seconds. “Tsk. Not quick enough.” Re-sheathing his blade once more, he closes his eyes and takes slow melodical breaths, hearing the calm ambiance of nature.

These are the mornings the lad so readily enjoyed, but with a training regimen that is different from before. Usually, his starting workout is a jog for a couple of miles from around the city and back, then afterwards it ends with strength training. Sadly, life was not going to remain still, obstacles will always test those who get too comfortable and complacent. “Those crusaders have been getting annoying. The Church of Solomon have it out for me, just because I carry a ‘special lineage’ in my blood… in my very soul.” He releases an amused breath as he recalls about the groups mission.

The Church of Solomon are currently on a mission to capture or kill a certain demonic presence that resides in Osaka, Japan. The young man being a target for such knights, that surprised him one day when he was out shopping. It was a tough battle; one he did not expect to end up getting wounded badly, compared to the fighting he is used to. It demonstrated on how necessary it was to sharpen his skills, unless he wishes for more struggles in the future conflicts to come.

Over the time he spent lending a hand to those who needed it. News and rumors started to spread of all the great deeds that the lad had done these past few years. Saving lives, performing miraculous healings, dealing with forces that cannot be seen by the naked eye, and charitable feats that most citizens came to the conclusion in which he is a divine presence sent by God himself. Governments have kept a keen eye on him, but thanks to his uncle’s influence, they back off for a time, so long as Nero himself did not reveal his extraordinary power for misuse.

Yet, one day, the leader of the Church of Solomon caught wind of this and sent out scouts to observe the young man, to find out what he truly is. After enough reports had come in and an oracle was given to them by their ‘God,’ they deemed him a being of pure evil to be erased. He was considered a Nephilim, a being of the antichrist, and must be taken out of the equation so that he may not spread false blasphemy or be the cause of Armageddon. Of course, missions came back as a failure since the knights were bested by Nero time and time and again. Some were hospitalized, subdued by him, while many others were locked up for their crimes of assault and attempted murder in the public eye. But that still does not stop them from sending more knights, no matter the cost.

“Hey kid, ready to move on with your training?” a gravelly voice calls out to the lad, opening his eyes to see who has called out to him.

Nero smiles warmly, seeing who he knew would show. A middle-aged man stands in front of the backdoor, who is nearing his mid-50s and standing about 5’10 in height. You can see hints of muscle build on the man through his white kariginu* outfit without the usual hat on, seeing his combed back black hair which is graying slightly. A noticeable scar runs past his right eye as he walks toward the lad, massaging his long goatee.

The middle-aged man gives the lad a delighted grin, seeing how much he has grown. “Always the enthusiast, when it comes to his training. I am glad I taught him well.” He crosses his arms to his chest, waiting for his answer.

“Sure thing uncle, just give me time to wash my face and we can begin,” Nero says, quickly moving over to the nearby well to draw water from. Eyes closed, he grabs a wooden ladle to pour water on his face, feeling the cool liquid land, humming in satisfaction. The water drips from his face, as thoughts come back to him, a warning given to him by his uncle.

…

“Nero, you must tread carefully. There has been word from the other priests that mention of a knight who has come to pick up the slack of his fellow brethren. A templar knight who carries a book with him in tow, the aura they feel from the man is distorted and vile.”

“Please, nephew. Take care not to cross that man’s path, but in the event that you do. Go at him with everything you got and do not hold back. I doubt he will…”

…

Nero hums in thought, as he wipes his face with a towel that was draped around his neck by his uncle. He looks to his uncle's back as the man walks over to the front of the temple, with the lad following suit. The sounds of birds chirping, the wind blowing the occasional leaves in the air, his smile never leaving at the sight of true tranquility around him. After he turns a corner, through gravel steps, he stops onto evened-out stone tile flooring.

He faces the middle of the walkway, in front of him is the gorgeous temple that his uncle’s ancestors have taken care of for many generations. In the very front of the temple, stands a massive Torri* gate with two placed statues of guardian dogs or Inu* on either side. A symbol of protection, to keep all negativity and evil out.

To the left is a small shrine that contains a fortune box to draw from, hoping to get blessed luck or sadly getting dreadfully bad luck, and to the right are a few wooden stands that hold 3 wooden bars in between, used for people to tie up their bad luck fortune in hopes to wash it away and in hopes of getting a better one in the following year.

In front of the temple, placed before the middle of the steps, is a donation box where people give a couple of coins, ringing of the bell, and followed by three claps of their hands before making a wish for their potential future or quick prayer.

Nero hears his uncle clearing his throat, turning around to face the middle-aged man, now donned in the black keikogi* uniform. The very same man who has raised Nero since he was just 9 years old and has taught him all the means to be a proper adult, keeping focus, learning different defensive and offensive techniques, and how to thrive in this harsh yet beautiful world they live in.

“Now then, remember why you must fight. Do not forget what I have taught you, nephew. Now as a formality; no cheap shots, no use of your inner power, no healing either, and certainly… no display of cowardice.” The middle-aged man smirks at the lad as he assumes his fighting stance. He puts his right leg forward with his left back, bending his knees slightly. Extending his right arm forward, open palm, and his left arm to the side of his gut with a closed fist. He gives Nero a weighty stare as his brows furrow.

Nero grins as he prepares himself as well, “Heh, but of course, Kiyoshi. Throughout all those years you have taught me, I am not one to make such a blunder.” He mimics his uncle's stance with his legs but instead of the same arm position. He out-stretches his left arm with a clawed hand while his right arm is bent up towards his right cheek with a slightly closed fist. He gives his uncle a nod, to show he is prepared.

Wind gently blows in the air, a single leaf is seen flowing back and forth, falling downwards towards the ground. Slowly, the wind carries it up and down, and both men await the signal to start their spar. Once the leaf rests on the ground slightly, it is abruptly blown out by the two men dashing at one another.

His uncle starts the attack first, driving his left fist quickly toward the lad’s right elbow to temporarily disable him. To which the lad, blinking quickly, catches the offending fist in his left claw, bringing his right to throw a quick jab at Kiyoshi’s inner chest. In quick succession, his plan is thwarted as Kiyoshi slides past the lad's grasp, who feels his left hand grasping no hand from the blow. Nero’s eyes widen as his teacher, grips his right arm, from wrist to elbow, pulling him inwards and driving his right leg in between Nero’s legs. This causes him to trip over and Kiyoshi takes full advantage to turn his body around and attempt to throw Nero over his back, in one clean motion.

The lad grits his teeth, and with quick thinking, he avoids a potential bruise as he catches his fall towards the ground. Using his legs to land slightly haphazardly, his knees begin to shake from the unexpected crash. He twists to his right, as he sends a straight kick towards Kiyoshi’s mid-region, only for his lower leg to be caught in the offending arm. Nero sees his uncle giving him the finger wag before he brings his elbow towards’ his nephews knee. The lad recognizing this, brings his entire weight down onto his right foot, causing his teacher to lose grip on the leg. Which he takes this chance to take a step back, giving himself some room to breathe.

Kiyoshi smirks at the display of quick actions, as he massages his goatee, “My, my. I recalled a memory from when you were a young sapling. These methods of attacks would end our spar fairly quickly, to which I had to nurse you back to health. I am proud of how far you have come. Hoho!” He laughs at the memory flowing in his mind, looking at his student, proud of the man he has become.

Nero huffs a quickened breath, wiping sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. “Well, what can I say? I am taught by the best. You and my other teachers have shown me so much that no matter how much I give back, it is never enough. It will always be a pleasure to learn throughout all the lessons given, even my own failures. I am glad that I can still impress you to this point, uncle.” He bows his head forward, before preparing for the continuation of the spar.

“I am growing older, nephew. Yet you still have not bested me in a spar as of late. Will this be the day that I hoped for you to grant this old man’s wish of being bested? I would love to see how far your growth has come.” The man smiles before resuming his previous stance, reading himself for Nero’s oncoming onslaught of traded blows. “Now ready yourself, you need to show me how much you have prepared for. Come!”

An excited smile forms on Nero’s lips, as he regains his stance as well. Instead, changing it up with one hand, held to his side open palm while his right hand shifts into a claw. He then dashes forward as he drives his left palm low to start the fight with a faint of an attack…

Time: 7:35 PM ~ Date: August 7th
Location: Canterlot, Equestria

“Wait, let me get this straight,” Teal tilts his head to the side, “you were having a simple training regimen with your uncle, in the morning before your unintended arrival, as per usual. IS THAT all you did before you showed up here?” He squints his eyes, motioning for the boy to continue with his chin.

“Of course not, that was just the morning. I will tell you the rest of my day, like a schedule, if you prefer?” Nero questions him back, noting the spell not activating.

“Please. Enlighten me, what did you do the DAY before your arrival. I mean, the whole day, Nero. That aside, tell me about your uncle, who is he?” Teal says, in a serious tone.

“Getting a little personal there, huh captain,” Nero smirks, before crossing his arms and looking towards the ceiling. “Still, no harm in it. His name is Kiyoshi as stated, Kiyoshi Nakai. He is a man with no wife and one child, my cousin. He works at his temple as a head priest, to help spread peace and teachings to the people.” He taps his left bicep with his right hand before looking towards the guard with squinted eyes. “Is that all?”

The guard cocks his neck to one surprising tidbit, “No wife? Is he divorced or a single father?”

Nero feels his muscles tense at the question, “Is that necessary to know? I told you who he is, but do you need all of his life story too?” he asks defensively, preparing for the spell to activate.

“I need to know everything, Nero, so that your innocence can be proven, AND just to be certain your uncle is not the one who came here to Equestria with yo-”

“NO.” The lad cuts him off, looking at him with anger in his eyes. “Do not go there, Teal. He is not the one who came with me. I repeat. He is not the one who was brought with me here to Equestria.” His odd reprimanding tone, disguising his anger, sets the guard to note for another potential weakness to exploit if needed.

…

Teal waits for the spell to take but no activation is shown within Nero’s body. “Okay, relax Nero. We will move on. Tell me how the rest of your day went. No skimping the details.”

The lad rolls his eyes as he lets out an amused breath at this farce they call an interrogation. “Right… so after the spar that morning, I spent most of my time helping my cousin with her college homework. Then I set off to work at a family dinner, whose owners know my uncle. I am a chef there, making food for the locals, such food that changes every trimester of the year, depending on the owner’s request. First tri, we have typical home cuisine or in my case, Japanese cuisine, next we have Western foods, then Spanish foods, and so on. After my time was up, I went back to the temple to help assist my uncle in his work, making sure the shrine was clean and safe from negativity. Working to help keep the peace is tough work, you can imagine.”

He laughs as he clears his throat but notes the dryness starting to bother him. “Hey captain, before continuing on, can you be so kind as to bring me some water? I am parched and in need of sustenance. I guarantee that more will be said from me after… since you so thoroughly enjoy my voice so much, my friend!~” He smirks at seeing the guard crunch his eyebrows in annoyance to the lad's attitude.

“Fine. Let it be remembered that I was and can be kind to you, Nero. IF you cooperate and comply with my questions.” He blows out a whistle, and a couple of seconds later, the door opens for another guard to walk in. The guard treks to the table with items in their magical grasp. Magic spewing from their horn in a yellowish hue, helping to lift a jug of water over to the right-side table away from Nero. Then the guard places one of the plastic-filled cups on the table in front of the captain and one in front lad, brimming with water. Once the duty is complete, Teal waves his hand to motion the guard to take his leave, to which they salute and walk about face, out of the room.

Nero grasps the cup and holds it up to his lips, gulping down the contents as the cooling liquid not only wets his mouth and throat but also soothes the aching pain from earlier. “Hmm.. that feels better. Interestingly enough, the spell did not activate a few times there when it came to skipping a question or not answering. Is this something of a loophole?” Teal does the same as he drinks some of his water and places it back to wait for Nero to finish. “Guess I will test the theory once more.”

Nero licks his lips before smacking them as he gives a satisfied sigh before continuing, “That’s more like it. Thank you so much for the hospitality, captain. Wish food is another option but I don’t feel like pushing my luck.”

“Right. Now that you had your fill. Mind getting back to the question.” Teal raps his fingers on the table, patiently waiting.

“Course, so as I mentioned. After helping my uncle with his job throughout the late afternoon, my cousin had arrived home from visiting a friend and just in time for dinner to be served. I was on cooking duty and made the family a meal for the evening. After dinner was enjoyed, I spent time chatting with my cousin about how her day went, which went great according to her. Then I bid farewell to the family as I left the home a bit earlier than usual since I had a work party to attend. My boss was footing the bill, and I couldn’t say no to free food. So I left down the same dirt path… that path… the one that had sealed my fate, on that very night.” He closes his eyes as he remembers it all, the night of consequence of that templar's actions.

“The dirt path?” Teal looks at him in confusion, “Did something occur on that dirt path, that caused you to appear here? Remember to mention it in detail, Nero.” He leans in to get engrossed in what is about to be said. His purpose is to spot any lies, and important slip-ups that may occur.

~~~~~<

In the peanut gallery, the two royal sisters have now decreased to one. The night drew near, Luna excused herself early to get supper before starting her royal duties for the night court. Now all that leaves is Celestia to watch, turning away once to accept the food brought to her earlier, as she sat on the small round table to enjoy it. She continued to survey the interrogation, paying little mind to her meal as she slowly picked at it.

She was surprised earlier by Nero, who continues to keep a calm yet optimistic outlook on the situation. With only a handful of times when he slipped and was annoyed by certain aspects of the interrogation, the time Aurora had bastardized the way Luna’s spell was meant to be used, and when questioned if his uncle was divorced or if he was the one who came here with the young man. She looks down to her now half-eaten cold pasta, biting her lower lip, feeling sadness as she looks at Nero who has his eyes closed.

Her body had stopped giving her signs of hunger, knowing that she needed to remain healthy, eating is a priority, but skipping a day wouldn’t affect her too badly. Closing her own eyes, many thoughts roam inside her perplexed mind. “I do not believe, he is the one who orchestrated the insurrection against Equestrian kind. This can be backed by his time spent in the castle with close friends, guards, and workers alike. Then the time he spent in Ponyville when he was sent with my student like Luna mentioned…”

Her guilt toils, replaced by disappointment and dissatisfaction. “Yet, my citizens throw false claims. That he was just disguising his true nature, making fake friendships, telling lies to every person he met, and so many… lies.” She shakes her head, letting out a huff of annoyance at those accusations. “I may have made my own mistakes to which I own up to. But, after a millennium of experience, I would know if a person carries a blackened heart.”

Her train of thought is interrupted when a maid, escorted by a guard, speaks to the royal. “Princess Celestia. The evening tea is ready, your highness. Would you like to have it now?” The maid asks diligently.

“Yes. Thank you, Limeglow.” Celestia accepts the tea within her golden magical grasp as the maid bows before moving to set the rest of the essentials on the table. Then, the maid notes the royal's yellow-golden magic encasing the leftover pasta and handing it over to her, forgoing the notion of eating for now.

The maid holds her hand to her lower stomach, “Call me or any of the available workers, if you need anything else, your highness. Have a restful night.” She mentions to the royal before leaving.

“Of course, Limeglow. I will call for you if I need anything. Thank you for your hard work.” Celestia says warmly, giving Limeglow a motherly smile as the maid bows once more, before taking the rolling cart out of the room and away to continue the rest of her duties.

The royal smells the waft of her calming tea, feeling her mind relax a little. “Nevertheless, it is utter nonsense.” She takes a sip of the tea, letting out a satisfied hum, before seeing Nero's lips part as he begins to weave his tale. “Yet, with this interrogation as evidence, it will be able to prove his innocence just… Time will only tell if my citizens are willing to listen.”

Author's Note

Another set of asterisk words. I will set a hyperlink to show the clothes that the characters sport in the conversation of the past that Nero explains. Enjoy.

Images of clothes mentioned and tagged.

*Kimono top with Hakama pants
*Kariginu without the hat
*Torri gate
*Keikogi uniform