His anger must have been immeasurable! Just imagine it happening you. Having all your plans foiled by a single Guardian, getting captured and brought in for a long talk with the Queen, which as we all know is never a good thing. Then having your Ketch defiled by enemy hands and colors, which is followed by most of your own House pledging allegiance to the enemy, after which you are held in a cryo pod for months with barely any sustenance, only to have all home for escape being thrown into your face as you, and all of your loyalists including your own Pilot Servitor, are killed in an arena by that same Guardian, all for the Queens pleasure. I don't know how to feel about all this. - Recorded message by an Awoken Corsair doubting her own Queen's methods, shortly before being brought in for questioning and dissapearing completely

How long had it been since he had a good night's sleep? Decades, possibly even centuries at this point. He had taught himself to become a light sleeper so that, should a threat be near, he would know about it... and then exterminate it. He was both surprised and disappointed. Surprised at the fact he felt the way he did, without pain. The injuries were still present, but seemed mostly healed at this point. But he was also disappointed with himself. He had allowed himself this unnescessarily long rest, wich could have ended in blood at any given moment. He had to admit, though, that it was peaceful, and he didn't like any bit of it. Peace and quiet was suspicious, it created an opening for literally anything to go wrong. He sat up, leaning on his lower left arm since the right was still broken, in many places nonetheless. That arm was nothing short of useless for the coming month. His other arms were in a better shape, well, as good as being thrown off a mountain could be. They were scratched, bruised and battered, but they functioned. He allowed himself a slight grin at that, because good arms meant weapons, weapons he could use for smashing bugs, Hive, Cabal, disobedient Dregs, you name it! His limbs were stiff as a board, wich made him want to move, but there wasn't a lot of room to move anyway. A few steps one way and ten short paces the other before he met all four walls of the room. That left the door, a door he noticed was still being guarded by two guards, the same guards, tired and exhausted, but stoic as ever. He had to appreciate the discipline of the equines, and he would thank them someday, but he still didn't know their language nor where he was at. It did seem peaceful enough for a walk, they wouldn't mind, right? Maybe he could pick up his gear along the way, as well as something to eat. Perhaps even search for Blue to ask her calmly yet firmly what the hell the glows surrounding his crumpled body were yesterday. He would start with a nice walk first, he thought. He stretched his arms and threw his legs over the side of the tabl-TABLE? They had put him on a table? Yes, he was still tall compared to his new hosts, but come on... He at least deserved better than a table.

''Whoa, whoa ,whoa there.'' both gaurds seemed to almost shout at him. The green one, Chaser if he remembered correctly, having already put her hand on his torso to let him lay back down.

''Come on, big guy. You need the rest, plus we can't have you walking around yet, because no one actually knows you're here except for the ponies you saw yesterday.'' she added sheepishly.

He didn't care, he wanted to walk. Ponies be damned. Was that what they called themselves? Ponies? Well, he didn't have to call them equines anymore, now he could call them ponies. He attempted to stand, wich was met with more whining from the other guard in the room, Cloud, he believed he was called.

''Come on, buddy. Don't make this hard for us. Please jus' lay down, i don't wanna go wake Princess Luna when she's already had a stressful night, you excluded.''

So Blue's name was Luna? And she was a princess? She was noticably a head taller than the others but he'd never thought... Doesn't matter, he wanted to walk, but was being held in this small room by equally small guards! What were they going to do? On the other side though, they had protected him throughout the night. The least he could do to repay them was to listen, right? But the princess though, he still wanted to meet her. He had questions, and she undoubtedly had questions too. His Kell side won the argument, walk it is, and walk it would be. He rose from the makeshift bed and slightly wobbled as his wounded legs got used to walking again. Once he found his balance he made his way to the door with a slow pace and a slight limp, completely disregarding all attempts by the guards to put him back on that table. Cloud bolted out the door before he could and he soon found Chaser's spear was but inches from his chest. That escalated quicker than he thought. Not long after Cloud returned with a tired, angry Princess in tow. She hid her anger and exhaustion well with a lighthearted smile, but he saw right through it.

''I'm sorry Princess, but he just doesn't listen to a word we say, and if you wish to keep him secret-''

''It's a he? How did you find that out?'' Luna interrupted Cloud with a suspicious tone, hands folded behind her back.

''A wild guess, Princess, but it seems fitting.'' Cloud's answer was the truth, but he still seemed like a nervous wreck under the gaze of his superior.

''Understood Guardsman, now, has it ever occured to you that he might not be able to understand a word you are saying?''

''What makes you think that, Princess?''

''A wild guess, but seems fitting'' Luna added with a chuckle, mocking Cloud's slight southern accent, wich he hid very well. She proceeded to walk right in front of their new guest and, in an almost demanding tone, asked ''Dear newcomer, can you understand us? Can you understand a single word i say?''

She was met with a silent stare as she had to look up to meet his gaze. That's a no, then, wich left her with one solution, a translation spell. These spells weren't always kind to the ears of it's receiver as they did their work, but it was either that, or a grumpy giant walking the halls. Her horn lit up with a blue glow as the giant shuffled uncomfortably. He then suddenly reached for his ears in a pained reaction as he tried desperately to stop whatever dark forces seemed to have corrupted his ears. Not long after came an audible, slightly muffled pop as the giant removed his hands, as he fixed a seething glare at the Princess.

''What. Did. You. Do?'' he asked slowly, slightly surprised at the very raspy tone in his voice.

''I cast what's known as a translation spell, but a more permanent version of it. I do apologize for the nasty side-effects it gave you, but at least we can properly speak with each other now.''

He was surprised, shocked even. He understood them, and they understood him!

''How did you do it? Tell me!''

''How about we first start with introductions? My name is Princess Luna, one of two Princesses that rule the peaceful nation of Equestria.'' Luna looked at him expectantly, waiting for a response. She could see that the giant had an inner conflict. Judging from what she had seen from his character, he was probably deciding on a response, but found it difficult. She had seen it many times before. Finally he straightened his posture, folded his own arms behind his back, with one limply hanging at his side, and gave his answer, his face unreadable as always.

''I am Skolas, Kell of the House of Wolves. I believe we both have many questions, yes?''

''Indeed we do, Skolas. I welcome you, though with caution, into Equestria. Now that introductions are over, i believe we should talk over breakfast. I will explain the situation we find ourselves in. As well as the reason why i wish to keep you here for now.''

She had just said the word 'breakfast' before the guards were already on their way. Presumably to get breakfast, despite no order being given. More discipline, he could appreciate that. Luna made her way inside, grabbed a chair from a different table and sat down with an exhausted sigh. Skolas sat back down on his table-bed and inspected her out of the corners of his left eyes. She was tall, yes, but he was taller. He was a little less than two full heads taller than Luna, not including her horn. His estimate of her height was seven feet and two inches. She also had large wings, wich sat folded on her back. His estimate of the wingspan of those was... big, they were big, and the wingspan probably matched his own height. She wore a regal, sleeveless dark blue dress that fit nicely around her form. She was clearly a sportive type, judging from the muscle on her arms and overall fit frame. That left her equine features. Her legs were digitigrade but built for bipedal walking, they also held hooves at the end, wich were mostly hidden in a silver type of footwear. Her equine head was sleek and soft and it held a long spiraling horn. Her long hair was ripped straight from the night skies of his homeworld and it waved in an ethereal wind that only it could feel. His little inspection went completely unnoticed. The glow from his eyes made his pupils nearly invisible. The only time that an Eliksni's eyes could be clearly seen and read was when they were dead, when the glow had left their incredibly complex eyes.

Luna was also inspecting the being in front of her. She watched through nearly closed eyes, making it seem like she was simply resting in her chair. Skolas was, despite his malnourishment and wounds, still built like a minotaur ate an ursa minor that ate a manticore. His torso was wide and shoulders broad, as were his four arms. Despite the insectoid build, he looked nothing like a changeling, not even their larger captains. His body was covered in natural, grey chitin plates that hid the dark wine-colored skin underneath. His skin was most visible on his neck, where it was fully exposed, only to end in a fully covered face that held four bright, glowing blue eyes. His mouth was even stranger, it seemed always slightly open and emitting a constant gurgling sound that was supposed to be his breathing, and it held one short mandible on the left, since the right was missing and left behind a short stump. His teeth were quite long and seemed sharp enough to tear flesh, if not limb from body. His head was then in turn finished with a short, fuzzy grey and white mohawk. His arms were slightly thinner when compared to his build, but that was solved by the lower pair being there. These long arms held three-clawed hands with long fingers. Moving on to his legs, they were built for hours upon hours of constant moving, climbing, jumping, you name it. These plantigrade powerhouses ended in two-toed feet with yet again, razor sharp claws. Not to even start on the many scars that covered most of his body, both chitin plates and skin, as well as his face were covered in gashes, dents and marks that would've even made the famed Shining Armor cringe.

After a silent fifteen minutes the doors yet again opened as both guards returned with multiple plates of various foods some of wich Skolas had never seen before. The doctor was with them as well.

''Guards, you are dismissed. It's been a long, exhausting few weeks that ended in disaster, and i'm sorry for keeping you here for so long. You may go back home and spend time with your families, all i'm asking in return is that you tell Captain Nightshade to spread the rumor of a patient with a strange, infectious disease that is held in this room. This way i will have more time to sort this out before Skolas here can show himself to the public.''

A simultanious 'Understood, Princess' and they were both gone again, the plates they carried placed neatly on a nightstand they set down between Luna and Skolas with the doctor simply standing next to the hungry looking giant.

''I heard that our guest here was awake. And i wanted to examine both his arm and his overall health.'' was the explanation that the doctor gave them. So he went to work. Writing down several notes as he went. He finished his examination by putting the still broken arm in a cast, wich looked extremely silly on a being such as Skolas, and left soon after. By now Skolas had only interest in the food that was laid out in front of him, and though it was mostly vegetarian, he would enjoy every second of every bite. There were so many fruits and vegetables and baked goods, it almost made him smile ear to ear knowing that he'd have an actual meal for once instead of bad ether and sometimes Hive remains. He was so focused on the different smells and foods that he didn't even realise that Luna was talking to him this entire time.

''-re you even listening, Skolas? Is something wrong?''

''No, excuse me, i was merely appreciating the many delicacies that were prepared.''

''I see... You must be starving then, go ahead and grab yourself a plate. We can exchange questions after you've had something to eat.''

She didn't have to say that twice. Skolas' three arms collected as much food as they could gather onto a plate, as well as the entire jug of water, from which Luna was able to fill her glass once before it too was taken away. Skolas had rarely ever eaten this good in his entire life. So many tastes, so many colors! Luna seemed to brighten up just at seeing the big scary Skolas reduced to a mumbling mess as he shoved fruit after cupcake into his face at astonishing speeds.

''I take it you're enjoying what our chefs have prepared for you?'' Luna's voice interrupted his vigorous munching. She only had an apple in hand, since there wasn't anything else left to choose from.

''You would not believe the things i have had to eat when supplies ran low. This is a meal worthy of the afterlife compared to that.'' Despite the fact that Skolas acted a lot more laid back than his usual self, he did still listen to the dissaproving voice in the back of his head. He was being too nice, too accepting of things as they were, but what could he do about it anymore? The very athmosphere felt comfortable to be in. Plus, he had failed in becoming Kell of Kells so he could carry his people to the Light. Why would he have to be cautious when he had already failed? Might as well make his final years something enjoyable, instead of miserable. And these people, these ponies provided just that.

''I am all ears now, princess.'' he said as he finished the last of his water. He set the jug back down as he crossed his upper arms and leaned back on his good lower arm. All ears.

''Before you started daydreaming about food, i was talking about current events, and why i wanted you to stay here until the matter is solved. I will start again from the beginning, in which i explained that we suffered an invasion at the hands of changelings. They were the grotesque bugs you have already encountered.''

''How do you know this?'' Skolas' tone filled with suspicion. He had not yet forgotten the mind intruder.

''Through a series of interrogations, one of which stood out in particular, namely a sighting of a big scary beast in our castle gardens just before it scared the bug away with a ferocious roar that echoed through the castle. I was surprised that it didn't get more attention because even i heard it, and i was already in a safe bunker.''

''Why did you not fight?'' The question made Luna visibly flinch as he probably entered a touchy subject.

''That's... for another time to discuss.'' She evaded the question, which brought more weird glances from the already confused Skolas. She continued. ''We were caught by surprise and all of Tartarus broke loose in Canterlot. My sister and i cast a shield against the invaders, but it was proven useless. Changelings, just like their name implies, are shapeshifters, and they can take on the identity of anypony, even to the smallest detail. But they do not know what the pony is like, how they behave and such. If we weren't able to detect the traitors in our gaurds' ranks for weeks, that means that they had been planning the invasion months beforehand, and learning the identities that they would be taking. The ponies they replaced were taken deep into the old tunnels and caverns beneath Canterlot and placed in slimy pods. It was only after the invasion ceased that we found them. You experienced yourself the force that drove out our invaders, which brings a question. If that magical burst blasted away all threats from our city, why were you hit by it as well?''

It was a good question, not like he had an answer anyway. This world was built on magic, which he understood nothing of. Hive magic was something he had experience with, well, mostly at the receiving end of Necromantic Soulfire, Hive Shredders and Hive Boomers, but it was experience nonetheless. Who knew Hive Thrall claws were electric?

''I'm guessing you're as much at a loss of words as i am. Doesn't matter now, let's continue. After the love-burst cleared the city, we went to look for any that were either left behind or wanted to get back in. It just so happened that guards Cloud and Chaser found you at the foot of the mountain. They informed Captain Shining Armor, who then informed me of your body. You were presumed dead at first, until i got a closer look and found that you still lived, in spite of your injuries.''

That last part got another strange glance her way, as if she just revealed something she shouldn't have.

''Were you inside my head?'' Skolas questioned with a low, gutteral growl.

''I-i was, but i found it void of anything. Wait! Not like that, i mean-'' she struggled to find the right words as all four of Skolas' eyes drilled craters into her soul, his serrated teeth fully exposed now in a threatening scowl.

''Never. Do it. Again. Yes? I don't take kindly to invaders either, especially invaders of the mind.'' he ended with venom in every inch of his voice.
''And i know what you are trying to say. You say you saw nothing, and that was the purpose. If i started dreaming i would be more vulnerable to psychic attacks. If i let memories resurface they would distract me. So i must keep it clear up here, yes?''

''Ofcourse, Skolas, it just had to be done. I had to make sure if you still lived or not, and after i confirmed that you very much still drew breath i brought you in here. The doctor and i did everything we could to help you, wich you woke up in the middle of, but with limited knowledge on your anatomy we could only do so much, which is also why we couldn't fix your lower arm. We managed to fix the other arms since they only had smaller fractures and less damage overall. Seems like that drop did a number on your right side, though. From that we now end up here, to this conversation. I hope this shed some light on the situation and didn't confuse you too much.''

Skolas let everything sink in for a moment before he stood up again.

''I believe we should talk further another time. There are many things i do not understand, and i hope you, or anyone else qualified, could teach me of this world. For now, i wish to receive my armor, there are many things that need repairing.'' Skolas was excited to start working again, it was every eliksni's favorite hobby anyways, tinkering with machines and equipment. That was how he had come to the idea to turn their powerful welders into cheaper replacements for Scorch Cannons, though he hadn't lived long enough to see it become a reality. Luna's response to his request surprised him yet again.

''It's not actually ready yet. The earliest we can bring it to you would be the day after tomorrow. Our many smiths and craftsponies are working day and night to have it back in working order. Though the last pieces and most destroyed parts are going to be left for you to fix. We don't accidentally wish to insult you or your culture by messing with your armor too much.''

Luna stood up now as well, levitated the chair back to its original spot, and held the now empty plates and baskets in her magic as she made her way to the door.

''I hope that you do understand why i wish to keep your existence a secret for now, Skolas. Your menacing appearance will only be met with dissaproval from every pony in Canterlot. The invasion is still fresh in their minds and they will be living with extreme caution for many years to come. I do not wish to scare my people with your sudden appearance. Not even the blacksmiths know you exist yet. They think they're working on a gift for a minotaur general with a strange fashion sense. Well, it was an enjoyable talk, Skolas. I certainly hope that all of this doesn't overwhelm you too much.''

Her hand reached for the doorhandle

''For now i'd suggest you rest up and get to know doctor Steady Hooves a bit better. You'll be seeing him often with that arm of yours, and he wants to learn your anatomy as well. He can be a nervous wreck but he'll grow on you. Until next time, Skolas. I'm eager to learn more about your people, your House, your culture.'' as she finished that sentence the door closed behind her and Skolas found himself alone again. He quite enjoyed the blue princess' presence. It was a nice change when compared to the boring, angry or outright disrespectful Barons and their endless bragging and gloating. Well, he better take her advice to heart because broken limbs were always a bitch to deal with, especially when you have a doctor from a different species entirely. Skolas laid back down on his makeshift bed and closed his eyes.

This was a most interesting world indeed.

Author's Note

Third chapter in, boys. I'm going to try and get the basic lore out of the way in these first few chapters and explain some deeper lore further down the line. The small paragraphs at the start of each chapter are not official destiny lore bits, but rather my interpretation of what happened, since there's been given barely any kind of info on how all that went down. I hope it doesn't disturb the reading experience too much, but it's a good way to get some quick Skolas in there without having to get specific circumstances for Skolas to explain it himself. If you're a bit lost on Skolas as a being, here are some tips. His name is pronounced Skohlaas, as you can hear it clearly when going in for a Skolas' Revenge run. His actual features are again my own interpretation, since we never see him without armor on, but it's still just a buffer Eliksni character design with some slight changes to give him some uniqueness. Just search the words 'eliksni model' on google and combine that with the description i gave here. Anyways, i've been having fun with writing this story and i see it as a fun challenge to try and make something good out of this, and i hope some of you are with me for the ride.

One final note. This is an AU story. Which means i'll have changed some bits of lore or backstory to better fit in with the story as a whole. Some of it being just my interpretation of what happened or me just filling in the blanks of things i either didn't know myself, or were never explained in official lore. Again, i hompe this doesn't mess with the reading experience too much and always let me know if i make spelling or writing mistakes.