Chapters --The void between worlds--
The void is an empty place, a realm that is meant to keep realities apart from each other. At this point in time, it was anything but empty.
Aidan flies through the void, following a trail of energies from his quarry. He fears that the world they escape to would not be prepared for their dark powers. The Nine Masters of Shadows, ancient arcanist who fused their powers with elementals of darkness. What the Nine planned was still a mystery to him, but it could not bode well.
The trail leads him to a tear in the void, which increases his concern. 'The void is not something easy to breach, taking either immense spiritual or magical power. The Masters of Shadows should not have been able to make such a breach, until they've had time to recover' Aidan thinks to himself.
He did not have much more time to think as a large blueish purple mass of energy attempted to enter the void from the breach, before it was forcefully pulled back. The trail he follows leads directly into it, which leaves Aidan with little choice. He steels himself and flies through the breach before it could be closed.
--The Dreamworld: Ponyville--
The other side of the breach was quite a strange sight for Aidan. It looks like the entire village is engaged in battle with the large mass of energy, and they seemed intent on preventing it from escaping through any of the breach in reality in could create.
The second thing he was noticed that he entered a dreamworld. If there is one thing Aidan would know for certain in any world, it would be dreams. Here he has true power. In his reality or another it did not matter, he was the Demiurge of Nightmares, champion of Erebus-the Shadow of Dreams one of the greater powers of his world.
From the moment he entered the dream world, Aidan gained partial dominion over it. True control seems split between the mass of energy, a feminine figure in a night blue dress patterned with the evening sky, and Aidan himself.
The feminine figure is busy concentrating on keeping the combined dreams of the entire village together, while the other denizens of the dream seem to be busy keeping the energy mass contained. The energy mass looks like it is gaining the upper hand, taking a form that visually resembles a much larger and more sinister form of the figure in the blue dress.
The energy being begins to approach one of the breaches, ready to leave the dreamworld. Six other females approach and one begins to speak to the lady in the blue dress. What is said, Aidan can not make out. Whatever it was, it has an effect on the energy being. The being of energy shrinks in form and power, before merging with lady in blue.
Aidan tokes the opportunity the distraction of everyone focusing on the defeat of the energy being. He reaches out, using his power over dreams to seal the breaches in reality. Just as he finishes sealing the last one, the dream ends and Aidan is forcefully expelled.
--Ponyville, Castle of Friendship: Twilight's bedroom--
Twilight awakens with a gasp before exclaiming happily. "Luna did it!"
In the other beds, positioned in a circle around Twilight's room. The other girls begin to wake up at the sudden noise. Rainbow Dash lets out an audible yawn as she stretches an arm up, getting the kinks out of her muscles.
"She sure did" Applejack replies. "Only I'm not exactly sure, what she did."
"Luna created the Tantabus to punish herself. The worse she felt, the more power it had. But once she finally forgave herself for what nightmare moon did-." Twilight explained.
"-POOF!" Spike added in from over in his bed.
Suddenly there is a gasp of surprise from Fluttershy, as she is looking to the floor at the center of the room from her bed. She is pointing at two figures lying on the ground. One of the figures is quite obviously an exhausted princess Luna, and looking to be sleeping peacefully. The other is one they have never seen before.
Lying on the ground a few feet away from Princess Luna is an unknown male with black hair and dressed in strange garments. He is clad in an expertly made longcoat, underneath the coat is what most would call a wizardly robe. The robe itself seems to have a fire and sun motif in design, while the coat is reinforced with subtle small chains made of a light grey and nearly white metal. On his belt is a sheathed curved sword, with sky blue sheath with several silver owl feathers dangling from the cord used to hold it to his belt.
"Who the hay is that!?" exclaims Rainbow Dash. Only to be distracted by a screech from Rarity who is now covering herself fully with her blanket. This reminds Rainbow that she herself is currently only wearing a very old sports top and shorts.
"Uh Twilight, think you can put some sort of shield over him so we can change without him waking up and seeing us?" Apple Jack adds in what some of the girls are now starting to think.
Before Twilight could even answer or start her spell, the male sits up. He extends a hand, and waves it around in front of him before speaking, "Well, this is unexpected."
This causes each and every girl to let out an "Eep" and pull blankets up to their neck in reaction.
The noise causes him to shift his head slightly, he seems to be focusing on hearing rather than seeing. He slowly rises to his feet while speaking. "Blind and surrounded, how nostalgic."
"WHAT!?" scream all the girls in unison. The sound causing Princess Luna to awaken.
"Why are you all shouting!?" she exclaims, sitting up as she looks around trying to ascertain the situation. It only takes her a moment to notice the male figure standing near where she is sitting on the floor. She quickly rises to her feet and faces the figure. "Who are you and what are you doing here? " She shouts in the royal canterlot voice
Author's Note
Yes, some of the lines are identical as to the ones used in the episode 'Do princesses dream of magic sheep' It is very small section, so I hope it will be forgiven. The episode was just the ideal point to start my story off of, and the lines did not need to be changed until they spotted Aidan.
--Ponyville, Castle of Friendship: Twilight's bedroom--
"Who are you and what are you doing here? " a regal sound female voice shouts at high volume.
The sound causes Aidan to recoil slightly, and causes a ringing in his ears. He tries to clear it out with a finger in the ear while saying, "Ow, and right next to me too!" With the finger not seeming to help he pulls it back out. "Before you deafen me some more, I'll answer the first question. My name is Aidan." he says, taking a slight bow after saying his name. "As for the second question, I do not know where here is. I am only here, as this was the point where the veil between the waking and dreaming world was weakest."
"You don't think it's the Tantabus!?" a different voice speaks up. This one sounding more scholarly, if still feminine to Aidan's ears.
"Nay, he does not have any hint of my magic upon him." the regal voice replies.
"Well, whoever he is, he's telling the truth." another new voice, this one sounding more rustic and with a slight twang to it.
Aidan holds up a hand before speaking up. "Before we get to far away in conversation, may I have your names. So that I can match a name to voice. It seems that in my arrival, I have once again lost use of my eyes."
"What do you mean once again!?" a boisterous sounding female voice nearly shouts out.
"Maybe he was born blind, and went through most of his life without use of it. Then one day he gained immense magical power and was able to restore his own sight by altering his body to be more spiritual in nature!" An energetic voice answers, leaving Aidan just speechless.
"Oh Pinkie darling, that is just silly. There is no way any of that is true." a posh sounding voice says.
"No, she's pretty much spot on," Aidan adds in, before anyone else could move the conversation forward. "And it's a long story that is probably best to share another time. The important thing is that I am temporarily without sight, until I regain some of my powers." Extending a hand out, palm up. "If someone would be so kind as to guide me to a seat, or someplace more suited for discussion. It would be greatly appreciated."
"Very well. Twilight would we be able to use the map room for the discussion?" the regal voice asks.
"Yes, that would probably be the best place. Spike, can you move a couple of spare chairs there?" the scholarly voice now identified as Twilight says.
"Sure can Twilight!" a new voice, masculine and young says. Most likely the person called spike that was referenced.
Aidan hears a figure leaving the room before he then feels a hand take his to guide him out.
--Ponyville, Twilight's Castle: The Cutie Map room--
All present have been seated, Aidan included.
"To begin with, we shall do as you have requested and introduce ourselves." The regal voice says. "We are Princess Luna, co-ruler of Equestria, princess of the night."
"I am princess Twilight Sparkle, princess of friendship." The scholarly voice previously identified as Twilight says.
"Rainbow Dash" the boisterous voice says.
"Pinkamena Diane Pie! But you can just call me Pinkie Pie, or Pinkie. Do you like parties? Should i throw you a party to welcome you to Ponyville, or maybe a welcome to Equestria party!?" The energetic voice identified as Pinkie spouts out in rapid succession.
"Woah there Pinkie, calm down," the voice with the twang speaks up. "You'll have to forgive Pinkie, she just gets easily excited. I'm Applejack by the way."
"I'm Fluttershy" another quiet voice adds in.
"Rarity, the premier designer pony of Ponyville." the posh voice says.
'Wait, did she just say pony?' Aidan thinks to himself. Making note of the word choice and to ask about it later.
"And I'm Spike. Twilight's number one assistant." the young masculine voice previously identified as Spike says.
After the final introduction Aidan ask a question of vital importance. "Before I begin my tale as to why I am here, can you tell me what this land's view on magic is?"
Twilight answers before anyone else has a chance to. "Magic is an integral part of life here in Equestria, every unicorn makes use of it in their everyday life. Where are you from that this is even something that needs to be asked about?"
"Unicorns are common here!?" Aidan says before shaking his head. "No, no distraction. The land I come from, magic is a rare gift. The most widespread religion in our past used to paint all things magic as being a thing of evil, only used by devils and their worshipers."
"How barbaric" Rarity quips in.
"Now before I continue, without the fear of being persecuted for my magic. I ask permission to bring out my companion." Aidan asks hopefully. "He is my guardian, and in my current state, my eyes."
Luna answers before Twilight can. "Please do. Though I'm am certain we did not see anyone else with you in our previous location " If Aidan could see at this moment, he would have noticed nearly all the girls blushing. What with having arrived in the middle of a bedroom, where all the girls were in the sleepwear.
"You will see in but a moment." Aidan says as he extends a hand skyward. "Come forth, Cale!"
With a small flash of light, an large owl appears above him. The feathers shimmering silver in the light of the map room. It quickly circles the room before coming to land on Aidan's shoulder. The owl stares at each girl in turn, pausing it's gaze on Spike and tilting it's head upside down.
"I got something on my face!?" Spike says.
"No, just not something remotely close to something I've seen before. Purple scales around the hairline, what looks like frills going down the back of it, and claws." Aidan replies, gaining a gasp of shock from everyone.
"You can see him now?" Twilight asks excited. This causes the owl to turn it's attention to her.
"Yes, one of my oldest spells. And one that I spent great effort to make permanent, allows me to share Cale's senses."
Twilight quickly begins jotting down notes. "This is just amazing, we've never even thought of such magic!"
"It is indeed quite an intriguing spell, perhaps you could teach Twilight about it later on. It would greatly aid some of our subjects who are born or have become disabled." Luna adds in.
"I would be happy to, if our magic is even compatible." Aidan answers with a smile. "Now, on to my tale and my mission here." he pauses a moment, to give any the chance to interrupt. No one does and seems to be listening intently. "I am following the trail of some powerful dark mages from my land. Their trail led me into the void between realities, and it took much of my power to chase after them into the void. I can feel that my tie to the elemental paths of my magic is nearly severed, I have but what I call universal spells at the moment. And those effects that I have either enchanted into an item, or somehow made permanent."
"I can't imagine what I would do if I lost connection to even a part of my magic, it's who I am." Twilight chimes in. "You have my sympathies."
Aidan gives her a short nod before replying. "Thank you." He then clears his throat and continues. "The chase through the void was either long, or short. It is hard to say, as time moves differently there. Eventually I came across a breach in the fabric between the void, and that of your dreamworld, and their path led straight through it."
Luna looks mortified. "You mean that my actions have led to these dark mages entering our realm!?"
Aidan shakes his head. "No, the breach was opened by the blue energy creature that eventually merged with you. Directly in front of my path. They had already crossed over before then. How, I am yet uncertain of."
Luna is slightly less worried. "Then it was not my actions that brought them here?"
"No, but that breach permitted me to cross over in my weakened state. Without it, I would not have been able to follow them as quickly." Aidan reassures her, smiling as he answers her.
"Now when you say void between realities, what exactly do you mean?" Twilight asks, looking up from her notes.
"I mean that literally, it is the non-existence between realities. Alternate realms with different rules, histories and races." Aidan answers, which causes Twilight to be momentarily speechless.
Eyes shining with questions she opens her mouth to begin asking a torrent of them, but is interrupted by Luna. "I fear you may have troubled yourself to answer many questions for Twilight." The other girls giggle knowingly at this, before Luna continues "I fear I must leave and consult with my sister before anything more is decided. If you do not mind, I will leave you under Twilight's care."
"I do not mind, as long as it is ok for me to ask her questions about your land and customs. If my quarries are here, it would be best if I could learn how to act here. Last thing I need is to make enemies with a nation in another realm." Aidan answers
"You may." Luna answers before standing up and taking her leave.
Pinkie looks towards Twilight, then Aidan, then Twilight, and back at Aidan. "Party!? "
"Ummm.... Sure!?" Aidan replies. No sooner the words leave his mouth, than a cloud appears where Pinkie used to be.
"That's just Pinkie, you either get used to it or go mad trying to understand it." Apple Jack says while giving a look to Twilight, who merely nods in agreement. "We better go help Pinkie set things up, you and Twilight may as well go take care of her Q&A while Pinkie sets up the party."
With that said, the gathered group disassembles and Aidan is left with Twilight, Spike and a lot of questions, notes and parchments.
3- Interview with Twilight
Author's Note
Sorry for the large amount of expository information. Just needed to be done, and everyone knows Twilight would just keep asking for more information. I can at least gloss over some of the pony information.
3- Interview with Twilight
--Ponyville, Twilight's Castle: Cutie Map Room--
As Twilight readies her notes and writing materials, Aidan prepares himself mentally.
"Alright, let's start with the most obvious question. What are your people called?" Twilight asks, bringing quill up to parchment.
"My people are called the Zinner, and are nomadic in nature. But I believe the answer you really want is our race, which is human. Humans are an extremely diverse people, with many different cultures and alteration on appearance based on the environment their ancestors grew up in." Aidan shifts in his chair, getting more comfortable before continuing. "It is rendered more complicated by the fact that some humans are also born with the souls of ancient magical races." He quickly adds, "Which I will explain later." Getting a disappointed look from Twilight, but she continues taking notes. "The humans born with these ancient souls are called Nephilim by those aware of the occurrence and trained in the occult."
"Fascinating!" Twilight interjects excitedly.
"Now Nephilim used to be the closest encounter with the ancient races one could get, but over the past few decades in my world, that has changed. Only way to explain this is with a very short history lesson." he clears his throat before continuing. "My world used to be split into three separate ones. What was believed to be all of Gaia, the realm of mankind, and the other two realm referred to by those who caused it as Hell. Hell, was in actually two realms, Khalis and Lunaris. Khalis was the realm of elves and other fairy races. Lunaris was the realm of the Duk'zarist."
"Why was your world split!? Who would do such a thing? How would they do such a thing!?" Twilight asks, completely enraptured by all the new information she was gaining.
"The why was fear of magic from a secret organization of humans, and to separate it from our world. Which is also answers the who. As for the how, that is hard to know, as it was quite far in the past. Those that caused it also tried to erase all knowledge of it, and mostly succeeded." Aidan answers, with some pride. Being one of the handful of people in his world to even know this much, outside of the Imperium of Man, or the Technocracy.
"Wait, if they separated magic from the world, how did you learn to cast spells!?" Twilight nearly screams out the question.
"Let me continue, and you'll get your answer." he replies quickly. "Now, where was I?" He scratches his chin for a mere moment. "Ah yes. The world was divided in three. Now the barrier was affected, like so many things, by time. Within the last few hundred year or so, the barriers began to weaken and magic slowly started to return. And the Imperium of Man, Which is the secret organization that caused the split by the way, created a religion in order to suppress magic and keep control on all of humanity."
"Created a religion? Is that the church you mentioned earlier when you asked how we felt about magic?" Twilight asks, once more interrupting.
"Yes, the one and the same. Now this was my world before, my world now is different. During my adventures with friends and working for a guild, we had learned much. Eventually we managed to gain proof of the existence of the Imperium, the creation of the false religion and spread the knowledge to all." He continues, before once more being interrupted by Twilight.
"And then fully returned magic to your world and peace restored!" Twilight exclaims hopefully.
"The opposite actually." Aidan quickly interjects, causing Twilight to look crestfallen. "Belief is not an easy thing to change, and those in power do not always willingly give up power. The reveal of truth has caused the world to be divided and on the precipice of war. The major factions that emerged are the remnants of the church combined with the Imperium of man. The technocracy, which is the equivalent version of the Imperium for Khalis. The illuminati, which is the one for Lunaris." he gives Twilight time to write this all down. "The former Holy empire of Abel and some of their territories that remained aligned, which my adventuring group formally aligned with. And finally multiple independent factions that merely wished for freedom, or to try and gain more power for themselves."
"But, but, but... Friendship, peace. Why would people fight? It only causes pain and hardships!" Twilight tries to grasp this terrible knowledge, but it is hard for one that has lived in a world of peace.
"Power, knowledge. There are unfortunately many reasons, most not worth the price. The reason I fight is to protect, and help. Heck, I even formed my own island nation to teach and protect the mages that used to hide in my world. Of course we are aligned with those that seek peace and freedom for everyone." Aidan tries to explain and console Twilight.
"Wait, you're a prince!?" Twilight suddenly exclaims. "But why did you leave your people and even travel to another world, if it's on the verge of war!?"
"I prefer the title Archmage." Aidan answers mid chuckle. "And it's a small island, though it has been recognized as it's own nation by many of the... for lack of a better word, good aligned nations. As for why I left, it's simple. It is in good hands in my absence, and I am one of the few that could potentially hunt down the dark mages that escaped my world. I just couldn't let them be and potentially endanger an unprepared world"
"I guess that makes sense." Twilight replies before asking yet another question. "What's your island nation called?"
"I named it the Academia Esoterica, or Academy of specialize knowledge. Mainly cause teach mostly magic. We also try to push forward knowledge that magic is neither evil, nor good, and it all depends on use." Before he adds, "I'm not really good at naming things. I think some nations call us the Isle of magi"
Twilight can't help but smile at the idea of an entire island dedicated to learning and teaching magic. She then exclaims "I still have so many questions! Even more than when we started."
"Yes, but so far I've been the only one to answer questions." Aidan interjects, then quickly adds in. "Now, tell me about your people, race and world."
"You're right! My people are ponies, and they are generally separated into three races. The earth ponies, who are in tune with the land. They are generally physically hardy and great at working the land. Next is the pegasi, they are the ones with the wings. They work with the weather and clouds. Third are the unicorns, they're the ones with a horn on their forehead. The are the ones who use magic, and even the weakest of unicorns can at least move objects with their magic. Last are my species, the Alicorn. They combine the aspects of the three others, and through great deed one of the others could potentially become an Alicorn. Though it is very rare." Twilight explains with queue cards and diagrams. "Our kingdom is called Equestria, and we are a matriarchal society due to the gender disparity compared to the other races on Esquis."
Twilight's explanation is suddenly interrupted by loud snoring. When Aidan and her look to the source, they notice that Spike has fallen asleep. This gets Twilight to think they've done enough for now, and says "Maybe we should continue this another time, we have been going a while and Pinkie likely has the party ready."
Twilight moves over to Spike and gently nudges him. "Five more minutes..." is the only response from the young man.
"Oh, one last piece of information." Twilight says as she continues trying to wake Spike. "His kind is called dragon-kin, the have scales, claws, tails and wings. Though not all have wings, and they can also breathe fire."
"Alright! I'm up, I'm up!" Spike exclaims groggily as he slowly gets up and stretches. "Are we done now?"
"Yes, can you please send this scroll to Princess Celestia?" she asks him as she hands him a rolled up and sealed scroll.
Spike takes the scroll and breathes fire on it, which leaves nothing but smoke which floats off into the air. "Done." he says and starts walking to the door. "I'm going to see if Pinkie Pie is ready."
4- Welcome party & strange sights
Author's Note
Shorter chapter this time. I'll hopefully get more consistent with length as time goes on.
4- Welcome party & strange sights
--Ponyville: Town Square--
Aidan arrives in Ponyville square, led by Twilight. The place is decorated with balloons, banners and streamers. Tables are set around the area with finger foods, sweets and punch bowls.
The balloons seem to get Aidan's attention the most and he has Cale examine one closer, eventually causing it to pop with his talon. The loud noise makes him jump and the owl nearly falls off his shoulder. "The heck are these?" he asks.
Before Twilight can even start to answer, Pinkie descends from above. Hanging upside down from a banner that shouldn't be able to hold her weight. "They're balloons silly!" After answering she just lets herself drop, stopping momentarily before hitting the ground and then flipping right side up.
"Not like any balloons I have seen. The ones in my world are made with treated fabric, and mostly used for airships. Or paper and used for festivals in the eastern lands." Aidan explains his confusion with the balloons, holding the tattered remains of the popped balloon and examining it. "But that can wait for another time, I'll just keep sharp things away from them."
Pinkie grabs Aidan's hand and leads him around the party, introducing him to various 'important' ponies. Mayor Mare, Mr.&Mrs. Cake, Granny Smith, Gummy, Big Mac, Vinyl Scratch, and many others. Pinkie pretty much introduces him to every single pony there.
"Did you shut down the whole town just for a welcome party?" Aidan asks the excitable party pony.
"Of course, it's not everyday I get to throw a welcome party for someone from another world, a different kingdom and leader of a nation, ALL AT THE SAME TIME!" she exclaims with way too much enthusiasm and even yelling the last part.
"I'll take your word for it, just not used to this many people in one place. Without being in process of getting ready to go on mission." he shakes his head. "I'll either get used to it and learn to appreciate it, or I won't. Only time will tell."
He mingles with the guests, enjoying the atmosphere, even as he continue planning how he will track down the Nine.
A hour or so later, as the party is starting to disperse so that the ponies can go back to their normal day. Until a winged carriage pulled by pegasi in golden half plate, lands at the edge of the town. This of course draws the attention of the townsfolk who all congregate to find out what is happening. Aidan follows Twilight as she heads towards it at a jog.
"I'm guessing that's someone important." he says, not expecting a response.
It does not take long for them to arrive at the winged carriage. Among the large gathered crowd Aidan spots the only person that could have come from such an ornamental means of travel. She is a tall elegant woman, that moves with natural grace, and clad in a regal looking with gown. Her hair flowing in an ethereal breeze and resembling some form of aurora.
Lost in the sight, Aidan does not immediately notice most ponies present are bowing. Once he does notice, he gives a short bow. Hoping that it shows her enough respect, while also showing that he is not one of her subjects.
Twilight leads her towards him and exclaims with a wave of her hands. "Princess Celestia, I'd like to introduce you to Aidan. Archmage of the Isle of magi, from the world of Gaia."
Celestia performs a slight curtsy, which Aidan responds with a light bow once again. "Greetings Archmage Aidan, I Princess Celestia formally welcome you to Equestria." The formal introduction done, she gets right to the matter. "I would like to request your presence at our castle, we have a few things we need to discuss."
"You could use my castle." Twilight offers.
"I'm afraid that the matters we need to discuss will be of greater importance. Princess Cadence and Shinning Armour are already en route from the Crystal Empire." Princess Celestia answers Twilight. "Of course, we would like you and the other Elements to join us as well."
"I accept your invitation Princess." Aidan finally gets the chance to reply. Quickly followed by an affirmative from Twilight's friends. It also seems like Pinkie is already packed, as she has a large hiking bag on her back.
"We shall leave at once." Celestia walks back to her carriage and climbs aboard, followed by Twilight and the rest of the girls. Last to climb in is Aidan, who sits nearest the door and furthest from the two princesses. Next to him is Pinkie, and across from him is Rainbow Dash.
As the carriage takes off, Cale looks out the window from his position on Aidan's shoulder.
"I think I know what this is about." Aidan says, getting the other's attention. Pinkie looking out the window, by leaning over him, and Rainbow doing similar.
Rainbow and Pinkie exclaim in unison. "Is that a black moon!"
5- The Black Moon, and shadows of the past.
The rest of the trip is used for vocal speculation among the girls. Aidan ignores most of it, lost in thought instead. The girls eventually stop trying to drag him into the discussion. When they do arrive, he is too distracted to take in the sights, merely following the others as they lead the way to a conference room.
--Canterlot Castle: Conference Room--
The group enters the room and begin to find seats for the discussion. Celestia takes a seat next to her sister, who was already present and seems to have fallen asleep while waiting. Luna has her head resting on her arms, on top of whatever book she was reading. There are many other books and scrolls spread around her seat.
Twilight takes the open seat next to Celestia. The other girls seem to take seat at random, though leaving two empty seats on the other side of Luna. Aidan assumes they are meant for the other princess that was mentioned before the journey here, and that Shining Armour.
Aidan decides to take the seat on the opposite side from Celestia. As he takes his seat, Cale jumps off his shoulder and lands on the back of the chair. Having the proper chance to do so, and Aidan being too distracted to give orders, Cale examines all present in turn.
Applejack is an earth pony with long blond hair and a tanned complexion, that is likely gained from working in the sun. She seems to wear comfortable yet rugged clothing.
Rarity is a unicorn with long and well maintained indigo hair. Her clothing seems to be designed to attract attention, at least to Cale's owl mind.
Fluttershy is a pegasus with long light pink hair. Her clothing is simple and light, but also designed to put up with yard work. This one looks like the motherly type to the owl.
Pinkie Pie is another earth pony. Her hair is dark pink and very curly and poofy. The clothing is very colorful to say the least. Cale thinks that she just picks things that are comfy and look fun. Cale designates this one, as stay out of reach from.
Twilight is what was called an Alicorn, Cale thinks. He wasn't really paying attention at that point.
Finally the one that has Cale's attention the most. Rainbow Dash, a pegasus with shoulder length rainbow colored hair. Outfit designed for ease of movement and durability. Cale has come to the conclusion that at some point he will have to race this one, or use some of the hair for a nest. He hasn't fully decided yet.
Before the owl has a chance to examine Luna in more detail, the door opens and two new ponies enter the room. One of them is an Alicorn with triple colored hair, golden blond, dark pink and purple. Cale labels this one as Shining Armour, cause he thinks it's funny and Aidan isn't paying attention to tell him otherwise. This would make the unicorn male that walks in with her, Princess Cadence that was mentioned before. The unicorn is wearing military style outfit and has short blue hair with a single streak that is a much lighter shade.
The new alicorn takes the seat next to Luna, and the unicorn sits next to her. At this point Celestia begins waking up Luna for the meeting. It does not look to be an easy task to wake the princess of the night around mid-day. Celestia whispers something to Luna, as the gentle prodding does not seem to work. Cale can barely make out what is said but it sounds like "Lulu, Discord has turned your moon into cheese."
"WHAT!?" Luna yells in the royal canterlot voice, which causes all those present to cover their ears. She then looks to Celestia. "That was a mean prank sister!"
"It was the only way to wake you up for the meeting." Celestia says in a calming voice. This causes Luna to look around the room and then blush in embarrassment. "Now, let us begin. Some of you are already aware of the fact that a new moon can be seen in the daytime sky. What you do not know, is that the moon is not a physical presence, and it can only be seen by certain ponies."
"Let me guess, only those that have been through life or death situations." Aidan finally speaks up.
"Yes, I'm taking you have seen this moon before!?" Luna asks.
Aidan nods and starts to explain. "In my world that moon is the symbol of Tsukiyomi, a goddess of death from the eastern lands. She was a corrupted being that sought the destruction of all life. Why it has appeared here, I do not know. She was defeated in battle by my friends and I, and then sealed in an ageless vessel to prevent her from resurrecting."
"I see. That sheds some light on the mystery." Celestia replies. She thinks for a moment before asking "Is is possible that the dark mages you hunt have destroyed the vessel and released her here?"
"That is not possible, as I know for a fact the vessel is still intact." Aidan answers.
"How can you be so certain?" Shining Armour asks, going straight to the point as the military pony he is.
"When we defeated her, we had limited resources at our disposal. The only thing present that I knew would not be destroyed by time and could defend itself was me." Aidan takes a hand and pulls his robe's collar to the side. It exposes the symbol of a black full-moon on his right shoulder. "And before you ask, no my kind are not ageless. I may have been power hungry during my adventuring days and made a pact with a true dragon. It cost my ability to smell, but granted me a small portion of it's power and it's lifespan. After all, sudden power usually comes with a price." Having finished showing the mark, and saying what needed to be said, he adjusts his robe's collar and returns his hand to the table.
"That is a lot of information to take in." Celestia says with a thoughtful look. "We will need to look more into this moon, and you. As such, we would like you to stay in the castle for now." She looks to Twilight and her friends. "Can you and the Elements stay for a few days, while we look into this. I would like to have the power of the element of harmony at the ready, just in case."
"I think that shouldn't be a problem." Twilight answers, getting a nod of approval from her friends. "We can stay in my old tower."
Celestia turns her attention to Aidan. "We will arrange guest quarters befitting a visiting dignitary for Aidan. Perhaps take the opportunity to see the sights of Canterlot." She then looks to the elements. "If you would also be so kind as to guide him around."
"No problem princess." Applejack answers before the others.
"Wait, not being escorted to the dungeons!?" Aidan asks, a little confused.
"Why would we?" Luna ask, now showing confusion as well. "You have shown yourself to be thoughtful and forthcoming. We have yet to see a hint of malice from you."
"I guess I'm just used to people being a lot more paranoid." Aidan says, now a little embarrassed for assuming he'd be locked up. "The sights it is then." he gets up from his chair and motions for Cale to climb onto his shoulder again.
--Canterlot Castle: Guest room--
Aidan flops into the extravagant bed that was provided to him, exhausted from sightseeing. Making mental note to not let Pinkie Pie pick the desert ever again, that was way too much ice cream. Still, he can't help but smile. It has been a long time since he's had this much fun, as exhausting as it was.
Meanwhile, Cale flies up to the chandelier. He perches on it, while examining the room and making notes of all entrances and exits. He eventually chooses a spot and moves to nest on top of a wardrobe. It gives him good view of both the window and the door, the perfect spot to guard from. As Cale got to his work of guarding for the night, Aidan was already falling asleep.
--Dreamrealm--
Luna walks the realm of dreams, protecting the dreams of her subject. A task only she can do, and one she takes seriously. This evening she begins her search for another purpose. Luna looks for dreams that do not belong to ponies, namely those of the new guest and those he hunts for. Suddenly she is surprised by someone else speaking.
"Well, this is quite the organized dreamscape. Completely different from the ones back home." Aidan walks up to her and waves. "Although in my world, it's mostly split between the various lords of nightmares."
"You surprised me!" Luna says with a slight squeak in her voice. "How are you here? We are the only pony with the magic to dreamwalk."
"It's a rare gift in my world. Though I don't exactly have it either." Aidan's explanation just seems to confuse Luna, so he decides to clarify. "Other than those worshiped as gods, there are other powers that serve the two beings that created my reality. Where gods and goddesses are powers well above normal mortals, those servants are above gods. One of them is named Erebus, the shadow of dreams. Through my adventures, I gained his attention and he granted gifts. Even if he is more interested in the fear aspects of dreams, nothing prevents me from using it in other ways."
"That is quite the tale, and it seems you have had quite the interesting life." Luna can't help but smile, part of her happy to have company during her normally solitary vigil. "Perhaps you can help. We were looking for the dreams of the dark mages you are searching for."
Aidan shakes his head and says, "They gave up their mortality centuries ago, and as such they no longer sleep. It would be better to stop nightmares, as they can draw power from fear. If we do locate an area with an increased number of nightmares, that will give us a starting point to search from."
"We shall double our vigil. You can count on us." Luna states proudly.
"If you do need any help with particularly difficult nightmares, do not hesitate to ask." Aidan says as he looks through various dreams. "But for the moment, I have some pony that I need to pay back for too much ice cream." That said, he steps into the dream of a certain pink party pony. As he leaves, Luna can't help but smile, dream guarding may have gotten a little more interesting.
--Pinkie's dream--
Pinkie is bouncing around Ponyville, greeting everyone she meets and making them laugh and having an overall great day. Without any warning it begins to rain, and the ground is getting covered in ice cream.
What is a Pinkie to do in such a situation!? Why open her mouth and look up to the sky, which causes the rain to instantly stop. "Now that's just mean. You can't have it rain ice cream and make it stop before I can taste it." She looks around the sky and shakes a fist at it. "Discord, I know you can hear me!"
"Who's Discord?" Aidan says as he appears next to her, causing Pinkie to jump.
"But how can you surprise me!? I'm Pinkie Pie, I do the surprising!" she points at Aidan, visibly confused. "I have Pinkie sense!"
"Oh, I'll need to ask about that later. But to answer your first question, this is a dream and I have taken over the script." He floats around her, sitting on a cloud. "And the ice cream rain was payback for that bowl the size of me, that you made me eat half of."
"I told you that you didn't have to eat more than you wanted!" Pinkie defends herself with the truth.
"A likely story. Putting sweets in front of someone who has been on military style rations for the past year. Who'd have self control in that situation!? No one, that's who!" That's when Aidan breaks, and can't keep up the angry glare. "I really should thank you for it. Even if I regret everything about it right now."
"For a while there I thought you were really mad at me." She looks around, then up to the sky. "So you gonna make it up!?"
Aidan just nods and the ice cream rain resumes. "Yeah, you deserve it."
Pinkie dances in the rain, happily eating up the ice cream.
"I also figured that if there was someone that would not freak out if I showed up in their dream, it would be you." Aidan continues to float along, following Pinkie.
"That's true. Oooh!, can you change it to cupcakes?" She asks with the biggest smile. Aidan doesn't even answer, the rain merely switches to cupcakes.
"It's a dream, and now that you've been made aware. You can pretty much change it how you want. Just don't let the power go to your head." He says, only now realizing his mistake.
"Too late!" Is all that is heard as Pinkie dives into the side of a Canterlot castle sized cake.
Aidan just shakes his head at the sight. At least a dream won't cause sugar sickness he thinks to himself.
The only response heard from the hole in the cake is "Okie Dokie Lokie!"
7- Shadows over Canterlot
--Canterlot Castle--
The moon shines brightly over a quiet Canterlot, and the only ponies awake are the lunar guards. As the guards move along their patrol routes, something else moves in the dark. A dozen dark shapes move along the shadows, blending completely in the dark. They crept silently, and stealthily through the courtyard and towards the castle proper.
As the dark shapes begin to climb the walls, they seem to have underestimated the night vision of the lunar guards. "Halt! Who goes there?" One of the lunar guards says to them.
"No witnesses," says one of the shapes to the others. They move rapidly move to surround the pair of guards that spotted them. The guards moving to defend themselves and stabbing at the shapes with their spears, and hitting nothing but darkness.
The shadowy thing just chuckles and says "Silly mortals. Metal can not fight the darkness." It then extends an arm that takes the form of a blade. It slashes through the guard's neck, letting the head fall to the floor. It's brethren finishing off the second guard with ease, but not before the guard could sound the alarm.
The alarm sounded the guards began to move in numbers. The reserves woken, and marching to the aid of their comrades.
"This does not stop our mission. The archmage dies this night, before he can recover." The lead shadow says to the others. It points it's bladed arm towards a window. "Two of you should be enough, we shall appease our blood lust on the native mortals."
Two of the shadows resume climbing the wall, as the others all form blades of their own and prepare for battle.
The guards charge into battle, as soon as they arrive. Bravely fighting, even as their weapons seem to do nothing. The shadows not even bothering to defend, until one takes a blast from a unicorn's horn. The magical beam cuts straight through the shadow's essence, tearing away entire chunks of it's form.
"Get the horned ones!" yells the lead shadow. Gaining the attention of another unicorn guard, who sends a beam at the lead shadow. The shadow blade moves swiftly and blocks the magical blast, deflecting it harmlessly into the ground.
The non-unicorn guards move to protect the unicorns, as only their attacks seem to be effective. "Guard the unicorns, their magic seems to be the only thing effective." One lunar guard captain yells. "We must hold the line, we will not let these creatures win this night. For we are the LUNAR GUARDS!"
Their moral restored, the guards move in unison. While their spears and blades could not harm the shadow, it could still block or deflect the blows of their swords. Unicorns begin to focus fire, even if the shadows could block one or two, the third or forth should get through.
"Withdraw.... we must inform the masters, the natives have magics." the lead shadow yells before melting into nothingness. The remaining shadows quickly follow, leaving the guards with their dead.
"Captain, two of those things were climbing up the walls and into the guest wing." A guard reports.
--Canterlot Castle: Guest room--
The two shadows climb in and one moves quietly towards the bed where Aidan sleeps, while the other keeps watch at the window. The first shadow moves closer and closer to the bed and Aidan's unmoving form. It begins forming a blade on it's right arm, raising it to strike.
"Who!" is heard in the room, causing both shadows to freeze and look around.
Cale stares at them from his perch on the wardrobe, wings outstretched. He takes flight, swiftly covering the distance to the bladed one, claws extended.
The shadow has no time to react as Cale's claws tear clean through it's arm, causing it to fall and begin to dissolve into nothingness. The shadow recoils, pulling it's stump back and tries to retreat. It tries to bring it's other arm up to defend, but moves too slowly. Cale continues it's assault, clawing at the creature with swiftness. Each claw swipe finding it's mark, tearing at the shadow's existence until nothing remains.
The last shadow, decides retreat is the best course of action. It simply melts away while saying "You have bought yourself time, nothing more."
The room is left quiet, and Cale returns to his perch. He barely lands and resumes his vigil before the guards burst through the window. "You won't get away with this vile villains!" the guard captain yells, landing in the room. The rest of the team following and looking for signs of the intruders.
The door burst open with great force, echoing in the room. Shining Armour rushes in, blade drawn and ready for combat.
"Where are the attackers? Is everypony ok?" Shining asks, after noticing the guards and a lack of enemies.
"Is it morning already!?" a half asleep Aidan asks, as he slowly sits up. He stretches and lets out a yawn before looking around the room. "What's going on?"
Author's Note
(See comments for pony guards captain name request)
Zeon is the name used in 'Anima: Beyond Fantasy' for a mage's mana pool.
Accumulation: How much zeon can be gathered from their pool in one combat round. If it is not enough to match the cost of a spell, it would require extra rounds to cast.
Innate spell: Is a spell with a zeon cost in a specific range, based on accumulation, that can be cast using nothing but environmental magic. High magic areas can increase the cost range. Normally a mage can only have one Innate spell going at a time, with a specific metamagic sphere it increases to two.
Metamagic sphere: Specialized magical training that modifies a caster's magic in various ways.
Zeon pool: Their internal reservoir of energy, used for casting spells.
Zeon regeneration: How much is restored to their pool on a daily basis. (Aidan's zeon regen happens at sunrise)
8- Recovery and Training
--Canterlot Castle: War Room--
"I still can't believe you slept through all that!" Rainbow dash can't stop bringing up the topic. "I know I like to sleep, but you bring it to a whole new level. You could probably even sleep through a hurricane!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm a deep sleeper. I'm well aware of it, now can we move past that?" Aidan desperately tries to change the subject.
The two are currently in the Canterlot Castle war room. After the earlier events, the two princesses have called an emergency meeting. Currently they are waiting on the other guard captains. Celestia and Luna both sit at the head of the table, reading the reports from the guards with Shining Armour's help. The other elements are sitting around Aidan, listening to him and Rainbow Dash go on about the whole sleeping through a battle thing.
Just as it seems Rainbow is about to continue on the subject, the door opens. Decorated earth pony, pegasus and unicorn guards enter the room and take the remaining open seats. "Good, we are all present. We may begin." Celestia speaks up, ending all other conversations.
"As all are aware, we have recently been attacked by forces never seen by ponykind. Our current information on these enemies is lacking. Luckily we do have someone here who knows of these creatures and their weaknesses." She gestures towards Aidan.
Aidan stands up and begins to inform those present. "The creatures that attacked are called Nyx, and they are darkness elementals. As they are made up of darkness made physical, most physical attacks will be as useful as fighting a fire with swords. To even have a chance at fighting them, one needs to use magic, enchanted items, or to channel's one's aura into their weapons."
"What do you mean by channeling aura?" the earth pony guard asks.
Aidan scratches the bridge of his nose. He knew this question was coming, but is still uncertain on how to answer."I am a poor teacher for this subject. As was explained to me, by the one who trained me in it's very basic use. Aura, or ki, is the power of one's soul. With training, one can learn to use it and even extend it past your body and through a weapon. This permits one to use even a stick to fight spirits or elemental creatures. You could even cut a spell in two with enough skill. Hopefully that makes sense."
"How about we move on, and you can try to explain it later." Luna interjects, to try and move the meeting forward.
"Good idea," Aidan agrees. "Continuing on, the Nyx are normally mindless servants and have limited range from their masters. The exception to this is if they are given a name by the one they serve. With the name comes personality and thought, as well as the ability to act independently and further from their master."
"It would seem the first priority will be having unicorns enchanting weapons for the guards." Shining Armour speaks up. "As it stands now the guards are not equipped to fight off another attack. The losses suffered from this attack are too great, and if they come in greater numbers."
"I agree with Shining Armour" the lunar guard captain adds in. "If not for the unicorn guards in the reserves, I'm afraid we would not have been able to drive them back."
"It is agreed. We will make the arrangements after sunrise." Celestia states, looking to her sister who nods in agreement. "I would also like to ask Aidan to train with our guard captains here. To teach them how best to fight these creatures."
"I'll see what I can do, but I'm not exactly the greatest with a sword. It would actually better to have them fight Cale." He motions to the owl on his shoulder. "He's the physical combatant between the two of us."
"You must be joking!" The unicorn guard speaks up, showing utter disdain for the idea of fighting an owl. "That thing would not last three seconds against even a recruit."
"You'll just have to see for yourself then." Aidan starts to take his seat once more, but is interrupted by Celestia.
"I think you have given us more than enough information at this time Aidan. If you wish, you may go rest before sunrise." She then turns her attention to the elements of harmony. "You all may want to go rest as well. Perhaps, it would be a good idea to have Aidan share Spike's room in the tower for the rest of the evening."
"Sure, this way I won't be the only guy there." Spike says excitedly.
"If Spike and Aidan are ok with it, I don't mind." Twilight nods while getting up from her seat. "We should go now if we want to get enough sleep before sunrise." She leads the way towards her tower.
--Canterlot Castle: Guard Training yard--
Aidan stands in the training yard, having woken up with the sunrise. He takes the opportunity of the temporary quiet to work on his magical energies. With the new day, he was able to recover and restore some of his internal zeon reserves. With his magical energies restored, it also now permitted him to manipulate the ambient magic of the area. With the amount of magic in this world, he can cast more powerful spells as innate spell than normal.
Extending his index and middle finger, he begins to draw a symbol in the air while drawing on the ambient magical energies. A line of light is left behind, forming an arcane sigil. Upon the completion of the symbol, it fades and he begins to fly. Content with the effect, he begins to work on restoring his connection to his essence spell path. Taking a meditative position in the air, he begins focusing internally. Aidan manages to restore 12% of his path of essence before he is interrupted by the sound of ponies approaching.
"Is he floating? Without wings!?" Rainbow Dash asks, while she enters the training ground. She is accompanied by the rest of the elements of harmony, the two princesses, Cadence, Shining Armour and a handful of guards.
"I think he's using some sort of magic to fly." Twilight states as she pulls some parchment and quills out of her bag. "This is quite fascinating. I wonder if it's easier to cast than that spell I used to give Rarity wings. From when we visited Cloudsdale to cheer on Rainbow Dash."
"Don't remind me darling. I still sometimes have nightmares about falling out of the sky." Rarity says, while shuddering a little at the memory.
"Well I can't tell you how easy it would be for you to cast, but I only used the ambient energies to cast this spell." Aidan lands on the ground after speaking. "Is it time for the training session already?"
"Yes, if you don't mind. We can only stay awake so long after sunrise." Princess Luna says, as she takes a seat at the edge of the training ground. Her sister sits down next to her, placing a cup of tea down on a nearby table
Aidan nods an affirmative to Luna's request. "We are ready to start. Your guards just need to hit me to count as a win." He says while moving towards the center of the training grounds and sits down. "And they are more than welcome to use magic."
"You're joking right!?" a random unicorn guard states. "This is going to be too easy." The guard charges magic in her horn, attempting to telekinetically grip Aidan, to immobilize him. She then begins to strain in concentration. "I don't know how, but I can't get a grip on him. He's resisting the spell."
"Then try blasting him." A pegasus guard says as she charges at Aidan, wooden sword in hand. She gets within three feet of him, and within the blink of an eye is lying on her back in the grass. "What just happened? Where's my sword?"
Flying above Aidan, with the missing sword in claw, is Cale sounding out a simple "Who!"
"Did anybody else see that!?" Rainbow shouts out in sheers excitement. "That was AWESOME!"
Pinkie is dancing about with some pompoms. "He was all woosh, and kapow! Then she went flying and he took her sword!"
Twilight is just staring at the owl holding the sword, then looks to Pinkie and Rainbow Dash. "Are you two saying that you can see that!? All I saw was a silver blur." Pinkie and Rainbow both nod yes to the question.
"We now know for certain who defeated the shadows that got past the guards last night." Celestia says in between sips of her tea.
The guards start taking the training seriously, even the captains taking out wooden weapons. The unicorn captain takes charge and starts giving orders. "We attack in unison. Move as a squad and watch each other's flanks. He can't be everywhere at once." The guard force charges, together. Unicorns attacking with stunning spells, or using protective shields on their allies. Pegasus take to the sky and circle, waiting to exploit any opening. Earth pony take the direct route, and charge as one.
Cale moves with the ease of a master fighter. He darts about the ground, blocking blades and spells with silver wing. Countering with clenched claws against every blocked weapon. As the dust clears from the initial assault, the earth ponies are all defeated. There remains a third of the pegasus forces in the air, now keeping their distance. Only the unicorns have not suffered any losses.
"This is the sort of forces you can potentially face." Aidan says from his seated position. "Although Cale is individually stronger than the shadows that attacked. You must treat all encounters with the forces of my world, as if they had this potential. Underestimating them can lead to defeat." He stands up and Cale moves to perch on a training dummy. "Now, care to try spell combat?"
"I think we have been humiliated enough for one day." The unicorn captain says, quite humbled by the disparity in power. "And we would be grateful if your owl companion could help train us."
Cale takes wing and flies over to perch on Aidan's shoulder once more. "Good, let us begin."
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10- Magical and Medical Investigations (Part 2)
"Blindingly beautiful." Two simple words, that have brought an ageless solar princess to a deep crimson blush. Celestia is quite thankful that all the other ponies left with Twilight.
That is until an "Oh! My!" is heard from the corner of the room. Rarity is fanning herself with a silk fan and blushing heavily as well. "What a stallion!"
"Rarity, I thought you left with Twilight!" Celestia says, looking a little bewildered.
"I was about to, but then I had a sudden inspiration and had to put it to paper." she shows a drawing of a fashionable suit for stallions based off of Aidan's long coat and given it a new moon motif. "Now I'm also glad I did. For I have a new dress to design, I shall call it 'Blushing Sunrise!'" She begins to draw frantically.
"I'm glad that you have such creative insight, but if you could keep the source of the inspiration a secret." Celestia looks into the direction of Aidan before continuing. "It would be appreciated."
"You have my word princess Celestia." Rarity states in between strokes of her pencil on paper.
"I take it the princess doesn't get complimented often. If what I gather from the clues in Rarity's words are true." Aidan says with a smile. "We'll have to change that." He slowly makes his way towards the door, feeling ahead with his feet. Before the others can ask what he's doing. "As for today, seeing as I'm no longer needed here, I'm going sight seeing. For you never get a more honest look at the citizen of a city then from a wandering blind man."
"We shall accompany you." he hears Celestia say, and can almost hear Rarity nodding in agreement. The second part would likely be more hearing her pencil stop writing.
"I would prefer not. Ever since I have arrived, I seemed to have lucked into company of important peop.... ponies. I would rather see how the average pony would treat me on my own."
Before Celestia can respond, Aidan has already drawn a sigil in the air and vanishes with a slight popping noise. She quickly tries to trace his teleportation, and comes up with nothing. His magic works differently then theirs, and the trail can not be found.
--Canterlot: ???--
Aidan performs a series of rapid teleportations, not taking the chance of being found early on. He aims for areas that seem to have less magical auras that would indicate ponies nearby. A couple of teleportations did involve him appearing inside of buildings, where he did not linger long. At his current stop he believes himself to be outside, if the wind is any indication.
--Canterlot Hospital: Research wing--
Cale watches as the ponies go about their work. The ones he doesn't know, with the white unarmored long coats of white, move about various machines with the samples taken from Aidan. Twilight is busy monitoring all the activity and taking notes on everything.
"Run everything three times if you have to. We need to make sure these results are right." the unicorn doctor that is in charge barks to the others. "I really hope we're wrong," she says with a hint of fear in her voice. "Cause if not, we have a doorway to the lands of death above our head, with some unknown being as the key."
'Well, this is getting interesting' Cale thinks to himself. 'We'll see how all these peaceful ponies act to this news. It may make my bodyguard job interesting again. I was getting so bored in Gaia.'
--Canterlot: ???--
Fleur runs along various back alleys and side paths. She is panting and exhausted, completely lost. Her bodyguards seem to have betrayed her, sold her out to some Saddle Arabian diplomat. She barely escaped from the room they kept her in. Her pursuers are starting to gain on her, so she takes another turn, hoping to find someone that can help her.
"Come, my little flower. We both know that you will not be getting far. Even the royal guards search for you on my behalf."
She can hear that horrible voice from somewhere nearby. The diplomat was close, and if he was telling the truth, she would rather die than go back. She falls to the cold stone pathway or the alley, breaking down into tears. She finds some discarded bottle of cider and takes it in hand. Fleur steels her resolve and breaks it on the stone pavers. Bringing it slowly to her neck.
"It's not my place to say, but are you sure that's what you want to do?" a strange voice asks Fleur. She looks up to see a strange stallion, who is clearly not a pony. He is lacking a tail and the ears are more like those of a monkey than that of a pony.
"You need to get away from here," she says, worried that the diplomat and his men would remove any witness.
"Oh it is far too late for that my little flower." The Saddle Arabian diplomat says as he rounds the corner. Two of his guards standing next to him. The diplomat's face covered in various jewelry ornamentation, glinting in the light of the afternoon sun. "Now, if you come quietly my little flower. We can make sure your accommodations are more comfortable this time."
The guards begin to move closer towards the stranger. "Stop!" Fleur yells. "If you leave him be, I will go with you."
"But my little flower, it would not do to have someone associated with us to put diplomatic relations between our countries at risk." the diplomat says, waving his guards forward.
"Well, it seems I have found myself in the underbelly of equestrian society." the stranger says, taking a slow step forward. His foot feeling the ground in front of him before stepping forward. "No matter where you go, there will always be those who see life as something to own."
"Ah, good. The royal guards are here." The diplomat waves at a group of royal unicorn guards that have come from the other end of the alleyway. Both paths now blocked. "Now please fetch my property and remove this riff-raft, and you shall be richly rewarded."
The royal guards hesitate. "Is that the creature from the training ground?" one says to the others.
"I think it is, but his bird is not here. Now we can get some payback, and get payed." another speaks up. "We can just say that those shadow things got him, or changelings."
'The royal guards know this strange stallion!?' Fleur thinks to herself. 'It's not like it matters, for he is outnumbered'
The stranger does not change posture as the royal guards approach him, in fact he looks quite relaxed. "It seems I am still under estimated." He says as a guard brings a sword down on him. There is a slight flash of light as it hits a small energy barrier. Where a unicorn's shield protects evenly everywhere, this is a precision application of magical energy. Shielding only where it is needed.
The diplomat's eyes widen. "Well, it seems that the riff-raft is a hidden little treasure. Take him alive, he shall fight for me in the arenas." His two guards join the royal guards in attacking the stranger.
Each swing of blade is met by the energy barrier, and does not seem to weaken in the slightest. Royal guards begin launching spells, only to have similar effect on the field.
Fleur watches as the strange stallion begins to draw sigils of light in the air. "My turn" he says, launching two magical blasts. While they do not seem to have the same power as the blasts from the royal guards, it is extremely precise. The blast hits two royal guards in the horns before they can even put up a shield.
"I thought he was blind without his bird. I didn't sign up for this, it's not worth the money" a royal guard says, turning tail and running away. He does not get very far, as a contingent of other royal guards arrive. That which really ends the fight, is the fact that they are escorting princess Celestia.
Author's Note
And a slight cliffhanger.
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11- Magical and Medical Investigations (Part 3)
--Canterlot: Alleyway--
The royal guard contingent quickly arrests the corrupt unicorn guards, the diplomat and his bodyguards. "You can not do this to me. I have diplomatic immunity." The saddle arabian diplomat yells out as he is cuffed and chained. "My country will hear about this, and your precious trade agreement will be nullified."
"You have kidnapped one of my citizens, treated her as an object for your lust. Attempted to murder a visiting foreign dignitary. Bribed royal guards to do your bidding, and this is only the tip of the iceberg. I am certain that after a complete inquiry as to your actions during your appointment here, will uncover more wrongdoing." Celestia yells at the diplomat, using the royal canterlot voice. "And if Saddle Arabia stands by your actions in this event, we do not wish to trade with them."
Aidan stands on the sideline, watching the aura's move about. One of the faint auras that looks to be a pegasus pony, seem to be in the process of comforting the rescued unicorn mare. Once Celestia is done yelling at the diplomat and her guards start dragging the captives away. "I take it you used our link to track me down."
"Yes, it was not easy. Your magic has a different flow to the energy and blends into the background." She smiles at Aidan, proud of her cleverness. "Pushing a bit of my magic through the link gave me something to follow."
Aidan is just left speechless. He takes a look at himself, noticing a glowing golden thread wrapped around in his own aura. It's very faint but visible, if he wasn't looking for it he'd have missed it. Following the thread brings his gaze to Celestia's horn, where the thread of magic wraps around it. "Well, that's impressive. And certainly doesn't bring other thoughts to mind."
Celestia quickly switches her sight to see what Aidan sees, bringing an immediate blush to her cheeks. "Yes, well. I was in a hurry to find you. We need to return to the hospital."
"Ah, of course. You should probably lead the way. I may have went overboard with the teleports and gotten lost." Aidan moves to stand near her. Borrowing her eyesight, so as to not have to feel the path to her. "Whenever you are ready Celestia."
Gasps are heard from ponies present. Celestia just smiles and politely says. "No more princess?"
"You have seen the world as I do. I see no reason not to treat you as I would one of my friends." He gives her a slight bow as he says this.
"I must say, it is a little refreshing, but will require discussions at a later time. For now, let us be off." Celestia charges her horn and teleports herself and Aidan back to the research wing of the Royal Canterlot Hospital.
--Canterlot Hospital: Research Wing--
Appearing in a flash of golden light, Aidan finds himself once more in the room where he was examined in. Celestia approaches the lead doctor. "You may now share your findings."
"Yes Princess." the doctor bows to her before continuing. "From the magical, and astral readings we have taken. Archmage Aidan is indeed tied to the black moon. It is also merely an astral representation of the doorway to the lands of death." She shuffles through her papers, showing them to Celestia. "We've ran the tests multiple times, all with the same result. Now, if that wasn't bad enough, it has also tapped into the harmonic energies of the elements of harmony."
"This is where I come in." Twilight interjects. "Having had more experience with the elements of harmony than the doctors here. We have determined that where the elements represent the aspects of harmony, they only represent those of life. Aidan, has become tied to the harmony of the afterlife."
"I'm not liking that word tied." Aidan interrupts.
"Ah, yes... that leads me to my next point." Twilight quickly recovers. "If you were to leave before we find a way to resolve this, it would likely upset the balance and possibly unleash all sorts of spirits and ghosts. We also don't know what effect it would have on you as well Aidan."
The lead doctor quickly adds in, "We also ran the figures that Princess Twilight gave us, three times. We are fairly certain she is correct."
Princess Celestia takes in all the provided information, mulling it over in thoughts before speaking. "It would seem that we may need to make more permanent arrangements for Aidan's stay in Equestria. Not only his hunt for dark mages, that have caused death of many lunar guards. But he is now magically bound to our lands as well, and it is unknown if he would be able to leave safely."
"He could stay at the Castle of friendship. My friends and I can help him get used to living in Equestria." Twilight volunteers.
"I would normally agree with you Twilight, but his foes are dangerous and have already struck at him in the heart of Canterlot. It would be best if he was to stay here, where it is more secure." Celestia quickly counters, her own thoughts a little clouded. Why does she want him to stay close to her now? Yes, he is different than most stallions she deals with, but she has only known him a few days now. It is her duty as princess and co-ruler of Equestria to protect the people here, and this is the best course of action. She finally settles on these thoughts, pushing feelings and emotions aside for now.
"I think it would be best if I did both." Aidan says, getting both mares to stare at him. He quickly continues. "No matter where I stay, they will possibly send forces after me. And until the royal guards improve and gain magical weaponry, it would be best if I stay somewhere that will leave me as the only possible casualty. Provide me land at the edge of Ponyville. I will stay there during the evenings, and visit the castle during the day to train the guards with Cale."
"I can not fault your logic on this." Celestia agrees. She then quickly adds in, "But after the guards are equipped and trained. You will be relocated to Canterlot, where it would be safer for you."
"Very well." Aidan agrees. "Now, I think we have a certain group of ponies to track down. And then we go pick a spot for my temporary home."
13- Light of the Black Moon
--???: After Midnight--
A young bull wakes up, it takes his mind a while to register what is happening. A horn is sounding, there is screaming and fighting outside. He quickly gets up and puts on the nearest clothes he finds, getting them over his newly growing antlers is not the easiest thing, causing tearing of his shirt. His parents would understand he thought to himself.
Getting to the window and looking outside, the color fades from his face. The dead are attacking his village. All he sees are walking corpses. Massive wounds still visible on their body, and black steel plates surgically grafted into their flesh. He pinches his body, wanting to wake up from the nightmare. When that doesn't work, he prays to the sky lights.... and spots a black moon that was not there before.
--Ponyville: Aidan's cottage--
Rainbow is awoken by the sound of screaming. She quickly sits up and looks around. Fluttershy is awake and hiding against her, obviously woken in fright by the sound. Across the room Rainbow spots Aidan, grasping at his chest and with a blue-purple light coming off the moon symbol on his collar bone.
"Aidan! What's going on? Do you need help?" Rainbow exclaims, some worry showing on her face.
Unable to answer and in too much pain, Aidan instead begins drawing sigils in the air. The light that is normally left by his fingers are dimmer and tinged with blackness. As the last line is formed, a doorway opens in the air and Aidan jumps through, followed by Cale.
"Fluttershy, go get Twilight and the others. I'm going after him!" Not even waiting for an affirmative from her friend, she dives right through the gateway.
--???--
Rainbow Dash finds herself someplace she's never been before. The ground is half frozen and covered in snow. She is surrounded by battle. Some pony-like people with large antlers, but is unlike deer or caribou as the antlers are more broad and look more like an open hand. These antlered ponies are fighting against more of themselves, but badly wounded and looking like the walking dead.
Spotting Aidan, Rainbow flies to join him. He looks less in pain and more angry now, launching blast of magics at the moving corpses. Cale is flying about and deflecting blows meant to kill any living pony, countering when opportunity presents itself. But the walking corpses keep coming, they march forward with relentless purpose and unknown numbers.
Not being one to turn away from helping friends, Rainbow dives in to help. She flies in and starts punching and kicking at a walking corpse chasing a young colt with a torn shirt. Her blows halt it, but does not seem to do much more than gain it's attention. "That's it ugly, pick on someone closer to your size." she yells at the creature.
It turns to her and brings a clawed hand to attack her. She tries to pull back out of the way, but has trouble turning her momentum. The claw is inches away from her, she brings up an arm to at least minimize the damage. She closes her eyes and braces for the pain.
The pain never comes. She opens her eyes, and notices her arms covered in metal vambraces and hands wearing gauntlets. Her mane and tail are longer like when she channels the element of harmony. Yet this feels different to her, she has a feeling of serenity deep down, as well as a burning rage for these walking dead. Her cutie mark glows and is visible through her pants on her hips, and it is surrounded by Aidan's moon mark.
Her mind races, but rather than try and make sense of things, Rainbow has some undead to fight. She lashes out with new gauntlet, this time causing damage to the beast and ripping off it's jaw. Pulling back her fist and jabbing with the left, she ends it by knocking the head off. "This is so AWESOME! Also, ewww."
Her target defeated, and the young colt safe, Rainbow flies off to continue helping in the battle however she can. She does not see the young colt with awe in his eyes watch her fly away and back into the fray.
-Point of Focus: Aidan-
Aidan casts spells against the undead, taking them down as quickly as he can. Aiming spells with precision, taking out the head when possible and removing limbs when he can't take them out completely. His shield has been widened to protect as many as he can. The energy field forming momentarily to deflect blows away from these antlered beings, before fading and appearing elsewhere. Cale has been directed to defend as priority, thinning undead numbers as secondary. He had no worry there. What did worry him is that Rainbow Dash followed him through the gate, and he was too busy to call to her. Mind focused on his shield and attack spells, battling hundreds of foes at once leaves little time to focus on one pony.
The one thought he was able to spare towards her was to that which brought him here. ~Tsukiyomi, goddess of the black moon that resides in me. If you have led my friend to death, I shall find a way to purge you from existence.~
--Ponyville--
Fluttershy runs at top speed away from Aidan's stone cottage. She moves with determination and fear, aiming straight for Twilight's castle. She bursts through the door and yells out in un-Fluttershy volume. "Twilight! Spike! Help!"
Within moments, there is a flash of purple light and Twilight appears next to her. She is still in her nightgown and says "Fluttershy!? What's wrong?"
"Aidan, screaming pain. Door in air... Rainbow Dash, help. COME!" She says, panicking and out of breath.
Twilight has trouble making sense of it, but can tell that it's urgent. "Lead the way!" She says, starting to follow Fluttershy out.
Spike enters the entry hall at that point, still half asleep. "What's going on?"
Twilight yells to him. "Something's wrong. Get the girls and come find us. I'll put a light in the air when we get to where Fluttershy needs us." Not even waiting to see if the young dragon-kin understood her, and racing off after Fluttershy.
???
Rainbow flits around the battlefield, helping turn the tides at various points in the unknown village, with her flight and speed. Making good use of her new gauntlets to take down quite a few undead. Unfortunately, despite how many are taken down, they keep coming in a near endless swarm. As she punches yet another shambling corpse, the sound of multiple howling beasts are heard in the distance.
It doesn't take long for Rainbow to come face to face with the source. A massive horned beast makes it's way towards her. It looks like an overly large hound made of stitched muscles and bones. The beast's legs and backs are covered in metal plates, adding to it's already intimidating presence.
Not being one to back down from a challenge, Rainbow charges to meet the beast head on. She lashes out with armored fist, causing the beast to barely miss goring her with it's horns. The clash of gauntlet on horn sending sparks into the air, causing Dash to be momentarily distracted. The beast recovered from the clash much quicker than anticipated, bringing up a claw and raking it along Rainbow's back and tearing through her right wing.
Rainbow screams in pain as blood and feathers cover the ground around her. The momentum of her initial charge thankfully bringing her past the beast, but making her skid along the ground for some distance. Rainbow tries to get up, tears of pain nearly blinding her vision, but only manages to crawl forwards a few inches before falling down. She can hear the beast charging at her once more. Flipping onto her back, she puts her arms up and braces for impact, closing her eyes tight.
Hearing a pop, and then a loud thunk, Rainbow opens one eye tentatively. She spots the beast with it's face pressed against a purple coloured energy shield. Twilight standing protectively above her body, horn glowing brightly as she strains to keep the shield up. "Rainbow, please be alive" Twilight says, pretty much pleading with reality and hoping for the best.
"I've been better." is all Rainbow manages to say, pain showing in her voice before passing out.
Point of Focus: Aidan
On the other side of the battlefield, Aidan is busy with his own opponents. While the basic undead have learned to keep their distance from him, several of the horned undead hounds now circle around Aidan. His basic magic blasts lacking the punch to do more than singe the armored plating on the beasts.
His hands frantically guiding the energy of his shield, deflecting attacks left and right. Everytime he thinks he finds an opening to at least take out one of the shambling corpses, one of the beasts moves to block the blast. "We can't have that now Archmage Aidan." One of the beast says, only to have a second continue speaking with the same voice. "How you knew of our movements this far north, I'll likely never know. But we can't have you interrupt our harvest."
"One of the Nine I take it. So who do I have the privilege of speaking with?" Raising a hand to his right, Aidan guides the shield to deflect another beast's attack. "After all, you know my name."
"And give you a name to use in banishment ritual, I think not." The voice says, coming from yet a different beast. "Why must you oppose us? You should join us instead. It must not be quite pleasant watching those you care for grow old and die. Even your new friends in this world will eventually leave you." The beast that spoke suddenly charged, only to be deflected aside by Aidan's shield. "A one time offer, leave this place. And your friends may leave with you." A new beast speaks, and points off in the distance.
Aidan spots Twilight in a shield bubble, holding off one of the horned undead hounds. The shield starting to crack under the assault. The member of the Nine did not calculate for Aidan's response, thinking him merely a soft hearted mage who got lucky in his climb to power. The rage burning in Aidan's eye caused the beasts to all step back momentarily.
The beasts speed up their assault, as Aidan starts drawing sigils in the air. His hand moving at frantic pace, only stopping momentarily to guide his shield before resuming. As a sigil is completed it takes off and floats off to different points in the sky.
"What are you doing!? This is not Gaia, invocations are fruitless. You're only going to cause your friend's death." The member of the Nine says, with slight fear in his voice.
"We'll never know unless we try." is the last thing Aidan says as he begins chanting the ritual. "Ancient flames of destruction and creation, bringer of death and life. I beseech you to grant me your power, let my spark grow into a purifying inferno and burn my enemies to ash. Come forth, Kagusutchi! " With the last word spoken, Aidan points a hand to the heavens. A single spark of magic touching a central sigil, causing beams of light to connect them in a shape of a pheonix. The spark ignites into a flame, that makes it look like the whole sky is burning.
"This is not possible!" The member of the Nine shriek from the beasts.
From the inferno a whirlwind of flame forms and from it's center emerges an enormous pheonix, easily 300 feet from wingtip to wingtip. It lets out a loud screech before diving through the battlefield, leaving fire in it's wake. The flames render the shambling corpses and village into ash, while leaving the living untouched. The horned undead hounds only fair slightly better, half their bodies are instantly turned to ash and the remains are left as nothing but burning flesh.
The enormous pheonix turns around and hovers in front of Aidan. "This world is not ours, but it has garnered our interest. The pact from Gaia is null here, and I only answered due to our past dealing."
"I thank you great fire lord, Kagusutchi." Aidan says as he bows to the Aeon before him.
"Next time you summon me will require the ritual formation of a new pact. Until next we meet" Kagusutchi does not give Aidan time to respond, it enters the flaming whirlwind and has it close behind him. The burning sky goes out and the land is once more cloaked in the darkness of night. As the breach is sealed, it takes the payment for the summoning from Aidan, with interest.
With the added cost of breaching through two realities and linking them metaphysically, it quickly empties Aidan's zeon reserve and starts to drain his life force. The last thing Aidan sees before passing out is Twilight running towards him.
15- Hospitals, Doctors & Nurses
???
The sound of beeping is the first thing Aidan notices as consciousness starts returning to him. The second thing he notices is that he hurts all over. Trying to get a look around the room informs him that Cale is elsewhere. From what he saw through the owl's eyes was that Cale attempting to court some red colored bird, and she was giving him the metaphorical cold shoulder. Metaphorical, cause she was using fire to get him to keep some distance. Aidan doubts that Cale would have left his side if he was still in a dangerous location. So he decides to not interrupt his oldest friend's attempt at romance, and leaves him be.
With some effort Aidan manages to sit up, finding himself in a surprisingly comfortable bed. Turning his senses inward, he starts taking stock of his magical state. He finds his zeon pool has been completely refilled, which tells him he was out for a few days at least. His magical pathways seem to have also made some recovery, and some setbacks. Connection to his path of Essence has reached 90%, and the Creation path has reached 50%. Unfortunately the pathways to Fire, Earth, Water and Air have become even more damaged than before. He frowns as the effort to regain connection to them will take even more time.
Choosing to focus on the positive instead, and really wanting the physical pain to stop, Aidan starts to draw an extremely complex sigil in the air before him. Taking his time, and making certain it is correct. Once complete he touches his palm to the completed sigil.
Of course, this is would be the point a Nurse walks into the room escorting Princess Celestia and Fleur De Lis.
Point of Focus: Celestia
"As far as has been reported to me Fleur, there has been no change on his condition." Celestia was saying to Fleur while entering the room. They both stop upon noticing Aidan sitting up in bed, a smile starting to form on Celestia's face. The smile is short lived and quickly replaced with fear, as the heart monitor starts beeping solidly and showing a single flat line on it's screen.
The nurse rushes forward and is soon joined by others medical professionals. Doctors push past Celestia and Fleur, to attempt and help their patient. "Status!?" Dr. Heart Line demands of the nurses.
"I entered the room with patient in sitting position, no visible issues as the heart monitor flat lined." she answers him as she pushes Aidan back down into the bed. She places a hand on his neck. "I'm not finding a pulse, and he doesn't seem to be breathing."
"Someone get the crash cart!" Dr. Heart line yells. As one of the medical team starts to go for a panel, the whole room suddenly stops and stares at Aidan's body. His form begins to rapidly dissolve in a light green magical light, leaving nothing but the various monitoring sensors to fall into a now empty bed.
"Aidan!" Celestia yells on the verge of tears. The shock making her accept her confusing feelings. Yes she's only known him a short time, but that's not been enough for her. Celestia wanted more time with him, to know where the feelings could lead. She has been alone for thousand of years, afraid to get close to another for fear of them growing old and dying. He was different, not only kind, caring and protective of others. He was also ageless and they could have spent time together. She is quickly hugged by Fleur, who does not attempt to hold back her tears.
"I never got to thank you for saving me." is all she says while breaking down into sobs.
"What's all the commotion?" a voice says from besides the two mares. Celestia turning to face him, rage in her eyes for the callous nature of the remark. The rage quickly replaced by happiness and confusion as Aidan smiles at her. She also notes the fact that his eyes are open for once and they are a piercing violet blue mix.
Point of Focus: Aidan
Aidan looks about the room, and the fact that all eyes are on him. This of course makes him realize that his new spiritual body does not have any clothes. He does not have any chance to correct that misfortune before he is knocked down, tackled by Celestia.
"I thought I lost you!" she says, in between sobs. Fleur not caring for social standings if Celestia herself did not, joins her on the floor hugging her savior.
"Um... not that I don't mind the attention, but what is going on?. Why is there so many people in this room, and where is here as well?"
"You're in Canterlot hospital, and have been here for over a week." the Doctor says, magically lifting Celestia and Fleur off of Aidan. "Now Princess, we need to look over our patient. He was quite injured and I have no idea what just happened to him."
Celestia responds by regaining her regal composure. "Very well doctor Heart Line, you may put me down now."
Fleur nods in agreement. "Yes, we will stay out of the way."
The doctor puts both mares down and attempts to grab Aidan in her telekinetic field, failing miserably as Aidan resists it.
"I'll be the judge of that mister" Dr. Heart Line says in a tone that says she won't take no for an answer. "Now get on that bed."
Aidan just shrugs and does as told. The doctor takes a stethoscope and checks for a heartbeat and finds none. She moves the it around listening for anything and pretty much getting the same things she'd hear from a pillow. She exclaims in shock "There's not heartbeat, no breathing. Nothing!"
"Of course not, I've abandoned the physical and become a spiritual being. So your medical care is sorta useless on me now." Aidan gets back up, ignoring the protesting doctor. "Now, can someone tell me what's been going on since I passed out. Oh, and tell me where I can get my clothes."
Author's Note
This one is quite likely to get a slight re-write at some point.
Canterlot: Hospital
With their patient not in any danger, the medical ponies begin to leave and return to their tasks. Dr. Heart Line does say "I'll have his discharge papers readied, I can give you maybe half an hour before the room needs to be re-assigned Princess."
"That will be more than enough Dr. Heart Line. And thank you for taking such good care of our guest." Celestia dismisses the doctor. She then turns her attention to Aidan. "Now to answer your second question. Your outfit was damaged during the magical backlash of whatever magic you used in the lands to the far north. Rarity and Twilight are attempting to repair it. The enchantments on it is making it quite a difficult task for them, but they assure me that they can do it."
Fleur walks up to him and presents him a bag. "I did not get the chance to thank you for saving me before. And once I learned of what happened, I insisted to help in what way I could." As Aidan opens the bag, he finds quite a few different outfits, that seem like something nobility would wear. "My agent helped me call in favors from every famous designer we could. It is the least we could do."
"I thank you miss, but you did not need to do anything. I do not act for rewards, but for my own piece of mind." He picks out the most simple outfit of the lot. "Although for once, the rewards will come in surprisingly helpful." Using magic, he makes a privacy curtain with the blankets and changes into a plain black suit, with a crimson shirt. He of course forgoes the tie, and leaves the jacket unbuttoned.
"I simply could not just do nothing to thank you. You saved me from a live worse than death." Fleur states adamantly.
Aidan drops the sheet, now that he's dress. "Then the perfect reward would have been to simply keep living."
The two mares blush slightly at the reveal, as well as the response Aidan had given. It was something like out of one of their romance novels. They do quickly recover and noting the time, Fleur quickly excuses herself. "I wish I could stay longer, but I must head out to a photo shoot." Turning to Celestia she quickly adds. "I do hope you can keep me informed of this fine stallion's health in the future."
"Of course, for one of my dear friends, I can do that. Please give my best to Fancy Pants." Celestia responds, getting a quick glare before Fleur leaves to make her appointment.
Celestia moves over to the bed and takes a seat. She motions for Aidan to sit beside her. Only when he sits does she continue with answering his questions. "As for the first question. Twilight arrived only just before you lit up the sky. It was visible even as far as Canterlot." She says, with a tone that implies being impressed. "She managed to save Rainbow Dash from some sort of undead creature. Unfortunately her wounds were quite severe and she will never fly again."
Aidan quickly stands up and doesn't let Celestia continue. "Take me to her." His tone quite demanding. "She was only there cause of me, and I will not be stand by when there is something I can do."
"If you think you can do something for her, then we shall go see her at once." Celestia stands up and begins leading the way. "But be aware, the damage to her wing was quite extensive. It had to be amputated."
"Of course, they had to make it more difficult. Any chance we could get the wing back?" He asks with slight hope. When Celestia shakes her head negative, it confirms what he feared.
Trying to take his mind off the topic for at least a moment, as they continue making their way to the ICU and Rainbow's room. "The people that you saved, are called the Moose. They have requested refuge with their savior and have set up a camp around your stone cottage. They are a nomadic people and believe you were sent to them by the sky lights to save them from the dead that eat tribes. Speaking of, Twilight was quite impressed with that magical doorway you created. While it did close on her after going through, she did manage to force it back open by forcing her magical energy into it."
It was Aidan's turn to be impressed. "I was wondering about that, as it does have a limit to how much it will let travel through in a day. Increasing it's power would bring up that limit."
"I'm afraid she will have many questions about it. I do as well, it could revolutionize how my ponies travel." Celestia stops in front of a nurse station in the ICU of the hospital and asks a nurse. "May we visit Rainbow Dash?"
The nurse quickly looks over some charts. "Um... it looks like her room is at capacity for visitors. But as it's you Princess, I think we can make an exception." The nurse gets up from her chair and begins leading Aidan and Celestia to Rainbow's room. Upon arrival, she knock before opening the door. "Miss Dash, you have some more visitors."
"I don't want more people telling me how much a shame I won't be able to fly anymore. Tell them to go away." Rainbow's voice is heard from the room.
"Don't be like that Dashie, they care about you and just want to see how you're doing." is the quick response from Pinkie Pie. "And who knows, maybe they brought cupcakes. Or maybe it's A.K. Yearling!"
Celestia enters the room first. "Not quite, my little ponies. But I'm quite certain you'll want to see this guest." She then moves past the doorway, allowing Aidan to step inside.
Rainbow is in bed, covered in bandages and has some tubes and wires going into various places of her body. Sitting around her bed are the other elements of harmony. The girls all cheer up a little, seeing Aidan out of bed.
"Aidan!" they all exclaim in near unison.
"Glad to see you're up. At least you look to be in better shape than me." Rainbow lifts her one remaining wing up a little, only to wince in pain."
"I have so many questions about that spell you cast, and the giant pheonix." Twilight starts, but is quickly silenced by Applejack.
"I think that can wait Twilight." Is all she says before removing her hand from Twilight's mouth.
Aidan clears his throat to get the full attention and to hopefully stop anyone else from interrupting. "How would you like to fly again?" The room goes quiet as they all just stare at him.
"What do you mean? The wing's gone, and I've seen you fly with your magic. It's not quite the same, and not nearly as fast as me. I mean as I was. You know what I mean." Is Rainbow's response. The rest of the girls just wait to see how this plays out, not wanting to ruin any hope there might be.
"You have to remember, my magic's different. One of my lower end spells in the creation path, while not ideal, can increase a body's natural healing. With enough power pushed into the spell, it can permit the regrowth of limbs. But it will be quite painful, and at best take two to three days." Aidan holds up a hand, so as to stop Rainbow from just asking him to hit her with the spell. "Now, as I said it's a lower end spell and will be incredibly painful. We can also wait until I recover access to my higher end creation spells. It will allow the restoration of lost limbs instantly and without pain."
"But how long will that take?" an impatient Rainbow Dash asks. "Spitfire let slip that there was a Wonderbolt show in a few weeks, and wished I would have been able to be the reservist for it."
Aidan thinks things over. "You're going to go the painful route aren't you? Cause best I can estimate, gaining access to that spell would take a week. And that's if nothing comes up to slow that down."
Rainbow Dash just nods. "Yup, I'm a tough mare. I can take it. Now hit me with the magics."
"Maybe we should talk to a doctor first. Maybe they can provide pain medication to make things easier, and they'll probably want to monitor the spell." Twilight interjects, as Aidan had already started drawing a sigil in the air.
"Twilight is correct. This is not something that should be rushed. Perhaps you should think on it some more Rainbow, there will be other shows you can participate in." Celestia adds in to Twilight's concerns. "I suggest you sleep on it. If you are still determined, we can arrange to make things easier and have proper monitoring."
"Alright, I guess." Rainbow gives in to logic and concern from her friends.
"Now, we will see you tomorrow. I have some more things to discuss with Aidan." Celestia turns to exit.
"Oh! You mean like how he can see and actually has his eyes open, and they are quite a lovely shade of bluish purple!?" Pinkie manages to states before either Aidan or Celestia can leave.
"Now why didn't we notice that?" Applejack adds in.
"You're right, and they are just the most gorgeous shade." Rarity comments.
Fluttershy takes a longer look before she also comments. "I agree with you Rarity. They are lovely"
"I have questions!" comes the expected words from Twilight.
"Um... gotta go." Is the last words they hear from Aidan before his suit is suddenly empty and falls to the floor. Which leaves Twilight with a twitching eye, as the number of questions increased.
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9- Magical and Medical investigations (Part 1)
--Canterlot Hospital: Research wing--
Aidan sits on a medical examination bed, being poked and prodded by various devices and spells. All this, in an effort to understand the appearance of the black moon in the sky. Twilight and Celestia are currently talking with some of the researchers, unless interrupted by Rainbow Dash. She seems quite set on trying to duplicate the moves Cale taught the guards earlier in the day, and knocking over the medical skeleton display in the corner of the room.
"Come on Rainbow, we'll see if we can find you a punching bag in town or something" Applejack says, as she tries to drag her out of the room.
"But what if we miss something mind-blowingly awesome!?" She yells out, reaching for anything to hold on to. Unfortunately, that something turns out to be Pinkie Pie.
"But the more you make noise the longer they take and the longer they take the longer before the awesome stuff can happen!" Is all that is heard as Pinkie helps Applejack drag Rainbow outside the room.
"I'll just go make sure they don't get into trouble, if that's ok with you Princess Celestia." Fluttershy quietly asks the day princess. As soon as Celestia give a nod of approval, she heads out to follow the others.
Aidan fidgets in his seat. "I'm hoping Pinkie's right and things can move along faster now."
"One would think that you could put up with some simple magical & medical procedures. After all, you did spend most of the morning translating instructions from your owl to the guards" Rarity states from her little separate section of the room. She has her sketchbook open and is busy drawing out various new outfits, having been inspired by silver feathers glinting in the sunlight.
"Things would go much faster if you'd let us take a blood sample" one of the various doctors in the room states.
"No way, no how. Not letting some part of me out of my sight, where the Nine could potentially get it. Blood and body parts have a magic of their own, and can bypass some of my magical defenses." Aidan states quite adamantly. "Only way you're getting any bodily fluids is if I get to put it under magical guard."
"Which we have stated would interfere with the tests that need to be done." the doctor says, hands on her hips and staring straight at Aidan. "Having to deal with some strange magical beast while testing would increase the odds of a mistake."
Celestia walks over to Aidan and says in her most diplomatic tone, "What if Twilight supervises the tests, and destroys the samples afterwards. Would this be acceptable to you?"
Aidan thinks this over. "This is acceptable, if can add the addition of Cale guarding her."
Celestia looks to the group of doctors, as they seem to think things over. "This is an acceptable compromise princess," the lead doctor says. "Now, we can take the blood sample. Then we will have you provide a urine and semen sample." She says as one of the doctors walk up with syringe for taking the blood sample.
Blood sample is taken and Aidan is provided two specimen cups and shown to a bathroom. Lacking his seeing eye owl, cause Cale did not want to see that, there is sounds of him bumping into things like the sink or toilet.
"You ok in there?" the lead doctor asks.
"Just fine. Think I found where everything is." is the response from the bathroom. After some time he exits with the two specimen cups and hands them over for testing. "Who designs a washing basin on the wall, with nothing attached to the floor for blind people to tap a foot against?"
"Yeah, we are in the research wing. Most of those styles are only common in the rest of the hospital, where such ponies need them." the lead doctor explains. Taking the cups, she and Twilight head off with Cale to perform the tests. The other medical researchers follow along, leaving a blind Aidan in the room with Celestia.
"Now that we are alone," Princess Celestia says as she moves closer. "You are not fully blind, are you? Even without Cale around."
"Whatever do you mean?" Aidan says, turning to face the sound.
"I have noticed that you sometimes turn to face others, even when your seeing owl is looking elsewhere. It is not consistent, but enough to know that there is something else going on."
"Well the answer to that is not a straight forward one. For I am one hundred percent physically blind." Aidan extends a hand with index and middle finger extended. "It would be easiest to show you, and while I have not recovered enough of my essence path to cast this spell. I should be able to force through." He draws in the air, leaving lines of light behind his fingers. With the sigil complete, he guides the spell and casts it upon Celestia. "This is the very spell that lets Cale be my physical eyes. It is a two way street and can share my senses with another." He looks off into the distance, towards an inner wall of the hospital. "Ready to see the world through my eyes princess?"
She nods and states. "I am."
"Now close your eyes, focus your mind inwards and then think upon me."
Celestia finds herself looking at pure blackness. "I see nothing."
"That is what I see of the physical world. As for the next part, you know of the nephilim as I explained to Twilight correct?" He asks her, getting a near immediate answer.
"Yes, they are humans of your world born with the souls of the ancient supernatural races. You did not go into more detail at the time, and her notes are very clear on that."
"I am a nephilim, and the race that my soul belongs to is known as a the Devah. A race gifted with great power of summoning, and one of the rarest. They nearly rendered themselves extinct using the power of ancient great beasts. As one of the Devah nephilim, I have spiritually inherited one of their physical trait. A third eye, and this is how I see the world with it."
Aidan opens his spiritual third eye and Celestia now sees a vast world covered with a flowing white mist. The mist flows along various currents that she can not understand. Along the path of sight granted to her, she sees forms off in the distance. One of them is a purplish aura in the shape of a winged pony, and a horn. "Is that Twilight!?"
"Yes, that would be her magical essence. While I can not see the physical, I can see the magical. And that includes beings infused with other forms of supernatural energies. You alicorns are the most visible to me, so far. Followed by unicorns, then pegasi and earth ponies." Aidan explains, focusing his gaze on other forms. Celestia is barely able to make out the forms of pegasi and earth ponies from the mist of ambient magic. The unicorns do stand out, though it varies from pony to pony. One form that stands out quite clearly is that of Aidan's owl, Cale. The owl looks nearly like he does in the physical world, perhaps an indication of it's magical nature.
"And what do I look like to your second sight?" Celestia can't help but inquire. Her borrowed gaze begins to pan to the right, slowly a golden light can be seen. Moment later she can see herself, a tall and elegant pony with white alabaster skin. Her wings are larger than they are in the physical world, as is her horn, and she is surrounded by a brilliant golden aura.
"Blindingly beautiful," is Aidan's answer. His sight unable to see the red now tinting her cheeks.
Author's Note
Next chapter will continue directly from here, cause think this is perfect point to pause for dramatic tension.
(And no did not forget about Rarity. Just wait till next chapter)
--Canterlot to Ponyville express--
After having spent the last two hours tracking down the Elements of Harmony through Canterlot, Aidan finally finds himself sitting on a train. He is completely taken in by the impressiveness of it. "How does this work? They don't have anything like it back in my world!"
"Well, you're in for a treat!" Twilight says, while taking out a book. The rest of the girls and spike groan, as princess Celestia just chuckles.
"Now Twilight, it may be best to only give the short version." Celestia addresses her former student with a motherly tone. "Others may not find the topic as fascinating as you do."
"I have a solution for that." Aidan says as he starts drawing a sigil in the air. This one is more complex than others he has done before. The air starts to flow around him as he continues to draw. Soon the lights on the train flickers and he gives off a slight glow. It takes him nine seconds to complete the sigil. Once complete it vanishes in a flash and the area returns to normal. For the next few seconds he focuses his attention on the book and then speaks. "Well, that's interesting. They also use steam, like the airships from my world."
"What did you just do!?" the girls all ask in near unison.
"I used magic to absorb the information in the book. Cast it at the extreme potential range, so could absorb about six thousand words a second. Memory will determine how much of it stays put." This of course causes Aidan to suddenly have a certain purple haired alicorn clinging to him.
"Teach me!" is all that Twilight can manage to say, as her brain is thinking of the immense possibilities for learning.
"I think it's safer for everyone if I don't" Aidan replies, while getting an affirmative nod from nearly everyone else present. Even other passengers on the train give a nod of agreement. A golden glow then pulls Twilight off of him and places her back in her seat, where she pouts due to not being able to learn. "Thank you Celestia."
"You are quite welcome Aidan." She smiles at him, then regains her composure. "I would suggest that you run spells that have to do with learning past me before using them in Twilight's presence."
Rainbow Dash whispers to Applejack. "Do you think we missed something? Or am I the only one who thinks it's weird that he's not calling her princess anymore?"
Pinkie pops up in between the two, knocking Applejack's hat off in the process. "Or maybe they're just friends now!"
Applejack picks her hat off the ground and puts it back on. "I'll agree with the first part Rainbow, but I'm also with Pinkie for the second question. Why wouldn't friends just use names without titles? Heck Princess Celestia even told us we could, even if I do still think it's a little too weird for me to do so."
Rainbow goes to answer something, but pauses with mouth partially open. It takes her a few seconds to recover and to give a reply. "Ok, you got me there. But it better not mean we missed something else awesome."
During this exchange, Rarity just busies herself with making chit chat with Fluttershy.
With his curiosity about the train sated, Aidan finds his seat. "I'm going to meditate now, as I need to do some more repairs to my magical paths before we get to Ponyville."
--Ponyville: Outskirts--
The group is gathered at an empty plot of land on the north eastern outskirts of Ponyville. Celestia originally wanted to have Aidan set up his house closer to the train station, but relented when others pointed out it would still be too close and too loud.
"So, how exactly are you going to make a house? Cause you just asked for an empty plot of land." Twilight asks, quite curious as to what magic she'll get to see now.
"First, I'm going to make a wall of dirt. Then another, followed by a third and a forth." Aidan says with a half smile. His teasing causing Twilight's eye to twitch slightly.
"You're joking right?" is all Rainbow Dash can say in response.
"A little bit." Aidan says as he starts casting his spells, leaving sigils of light in the air with his fingers. Using a basic move object spell to collect dirt and level off the terrain. As he piles up the dirt, a second spell transforms it into an equivalent mass of stone or clay. "Technically it is dirt, just magically reconfigured."
"So, why dirt into stone? Can't you just use some trees or something?" Applejack asks "Cause we could easily provide you with some apple wood."
Aidan continues working his magic as he shakes his head. "The spells I'm using right now don't work with living or once living materials. It is basically limited to minerals." Having collected what he deems as enough stone, he dusts off his hands. "Now for the fun part."
Aidan takes a small pebble out from his pocket and placed it in the center of the terrain he leveled. Once in position he steps back and begins casting a new spell, the sigil is of only basic complexity and quickly completed. The magical energies begin trying to repair the stone pebble to it's previous form, and start to take viable matter from the nearby area. The gathered stone is soon broken into tiny pieces and begin to merge with the pebble. When all is said and done, there is now a small, one room and round, stone cottage without roof or door.
Aidan walks up to where the original pebbles now finds itself and breaks it off. "Before you ask, original roof was made of wood and thatch. And these spells don't do wood. Thinking of getting large canvas for now."
"What was the point of the pebble? And why did you break it off after it was done?" Twilight asks, quite curious.
"I used a repair spell, and this little pebble was from a building exactly like this one." He holds the pebble up for her to examine. "I keep it for emergency situations, where I may need a shelter."
Celestia examines the stone hut, admiring it's simple and yet functional form. "If you can make more clay, I think I can solve your roof problem." Aidan doesn't even hesitate, gathering more dirt with his move object spell and then transforming it into clay. She takes the provided clay with her magic, forming it into tiles and firing it with her magic. Twilight immediately catches onto what her mentor is doing and joins in. The two alicorns begin placing the tiles in spiral pattern. The interlocking spiral pattern providing all the support the clay tiles need.
"And I think I need a new cottage seed. This time it will come with a roof." Aidan has Cale examine the completed roof, which the owl tests by jumping on it a few times. With it holding up to casual bird hops, Cale gives a hoot of approval. "Thank you both for this."
"It was our pleasure." Twilight answers for both alicorn princesses. "Now you just need a door."
"Rarity and Applejack left to solve that problem while the roof was being made." Rainbow Dash lands next to Aidan, having apparently just returned. "And I also went to get you something for the new place." She hands him a sleeping bag. "It should help you until you get a bed."
Aidan accepts the gift, quite grateful. "Thank you very much. It will come in quite handy." He takes the sleeping bag and enters the small cottage. "Why don't you all come inside. It's not much, but it's home."
Fluttershy is the first to take him up on the offer, finding it familiar and cozy. Somewhat like a smaller version of her cottage. Rainbow Dash follows, not far behind Fluttershy, followed by Twilight and then Celestia. "It's quite cozy, if a little cold at the moment." The shy mare states, as she examines the room.
"Oh, I can solve that." Aidan says, as he finishes placing the sleeping bag close to the fireplace. He quickly draws one of his sigils in the air, conjuring a flame without fuel in the fireplace. "Should heat this place up nicely."
"Thank you." Fluttershy says as she gets entranced by the fire. Moving closer to warm up a little.
"So, I'm thinking of getting a small table and chairs at some point." Aidan says as he sits down on the stone floor, leaving the sleeping bag for others. "I would also like some ideas for how to decorate."
The group spends the next couple of hours helping Aidan decide what he needs to get, and the best place to get them. Applejack and Rarity arrive at some point during that time. Applejack with an old wooden door, to make use of for the night. Rarity has brought some cushions to lie down on, and some curtains for his windows.
Celestia was the first to leave, as the evening grew late. Till at some point only Aidan, Rainbow and Fluttershy were all that remained. They were too lost in stories that Aidan was sharing of his past adventures and of the exotic animals he has seen. By the time they realized how late it had gotten, it was too late to go home.
Aidan let them have the cushions and sleeping bag. Rainbow and Fluttershy sleeping near the fireplace, while he ended up sitting against a wall and using his long coat as a blanket. As they nodded off, Cale took perch on the fireplace's mantle and stood vigil.
