Chapters A gentle knock rapped against the door to office of Celestia drew her attention from the mountain of papers surrounding her for a brief moment. "Come in." She called to the unknown individual. Slowly the door opened to reveal a guard pony with a scroll in hand. "Ah, you must be private Snow Glare correct?" Celestia asked, tucking a few loose papers into a folder.
The guard pony slowly marched into the room with rigid movements. "Yes Princess." the identified mare confirmed. "I was sent by command on the western front to provide this notice for you." She explained, bowing deeply while holding out the scroll to the princess.
"Oh, I do hope it's good news. Was hoping to not have to deal with the Allegatorion Republic like this but it seems it fell on deaf ears." Celestia said, unraveling the ribbon holding the scroll closed and scanning over the contents. A smile spread as she read the information. "Good to know he's still as reliable as ever to handle things quickly. Could you be a dear and send the message to the broadcasting team that the war with The Republic is over my little pony?" She said, looking to the still bowed guard pony.
Standing up straight the mare saluted before gaining an uneasy look. "Um, ma'am...permission to speak freely?" She asked, looking at the larger mare. On receiving a nod she continued. "He also wanted me to relay a more personal message to you verbally. Apparently he had fears it may be to dangerous written down..." She began.
Celestia nodded with the same gentle smile she almost always held before her horn lit up for a second. "There. A nice sound proofing to keep any unwanted ears away from our conversation. Continue." She said, waving at Snow Glare.
Readying herself Snow Glare began to explain that some units found information that may connect multiple other countries in the war between Equestria and The Republic. When pushed further she stated that nothing was confirmed and it was only suspicions but he felt it was important enough for her to know. "I don't know why he felt I should have been trusted to deliver this information ma'am. I'm just a private after all. He didn't even tell the generals." She finished, looking down shyly.
Giving a laugh warm like the sun Celestia shook her head. "I see you don't know him well enough then. If he entrusted you with this information he clearly believed you'd fulfill your duties no matter what. You could say he has a nose for sniffing out future greatness. Was there anything else?" She encouraged, leaning on to the desk.
"Um, yes just one more things. He said to tell you something about the last tree has fallen." Snow said, looking to her ruler in confusion.
Celestia's hand slammed into the table scaring the guard pony. "What did you just say." Her voice low while her eyes bore into the mare standing before her.
Taken aback by the sudden shift in attitude Snow Glare bowed once more. "My apologies if I offended you in some way Princess. He didn't give any further instructions on this other then to say the last tree has fallen." She quickly explained, worried she had done something horrible.
Breathing deeply a few times Celestia combed a hand through her hair. "You need not apologize my little pony. It is I who should it's just... thank you for the message and I suggest you forget you ever hear any of this information. Go rest now, I'm sure you've been up for quite some time." She slowly ordered.
Backing slowly towards the door Snow Glare nodded. "As you command ma'am."
As the door closed softly in front of her Celestia turned in her chair to look out the window behind her. "To think he would bring that out at a time like this..." She muttered, scratching slowly at her neck. Deep in thought an idea came to her. "Well he is the best option and things have quieted down over there." She thought, reaching for a quill and paper. Once the message was written she sent it with a wave of magic. "Now to get the others collected." She said to herself, writing another letter and sending it the same way.
"Twi can ya please tell us why ya gathered all of us suddenly?" Applejack asked, scratching her head before setting her signature Stetson back down.
"Yeah, you were practically in a panic when you came to each of us." Rainbow added, hovering over them in lazy circles.
Clearing her throat Twilight looked at all of them before making a scroll appear in her hands. "I know but this message from Celestia has me worried. She's asking us to head up to Canterlot as soon as possible and the last time she asked in such a way was when those magma worms started to breach around Appleloosa." She explained. Holding out the letter for the others to read for themselves each couldn't help the writing felt serious.
"But darling, can she expect us to drop everything at the drop of the hat especially when she doesn't tell us what the problem even is?" Rarity questioned, crossing her legs daintily. "I know we are heroes and the Element Bearers but this is a little much to not tell us." She added.
Fluttershy raised her hand. "Maybe it's something to big that she couldn't put in the letter?" She proposed, ducking back in her hair when the others looked at her.
"Oh oh oh! What if it's a surprise party for all the work we've done?" Pinkie Pie brought up, bouncing around on an inflatable bouncy ball.
Twilight shook her head. "Well whatever it is we need to go now. The next train for Canterlot leaves in ten minutes. Come on girls. We're getting to the bottom of this today!" She commanded, standing up to march towards the door of the castle. "Spike! Hold down the fort for us till we get back ok?" She shouted as the others passed her when she stopped outside of the door.
A purple and green dragon poked his head out from a doorway leading to the kitchen. "Leave it to me Twi!" He shouted with a salute.
The trek to the train station was filled with gentle chatter about what could be so important to summon them suddenly. Luckily for them the train hadn't left early so they were able to get seats for Canterlot. Taking spots around the cabin the girls chatted along the trip though none were prepared when a full royal guard platoon met them at the station. A large figure stepped forward with a salute. "Princess Twilight, we've been sent to guide you to the castle to meet with her majesty Princess Celestia." The stallion explained.
Twilight was flustered at the large amount of soldiers standing before her in full gear. "Um, but we already know how to get there so we don't really need your guy's help." She tried to dismiss but was surprised when the stallion shook his head.
"No can do ma'am. Orders from her majesty are absolute. If you'll kindly set yourself in the middle of the group please we can begin the move to the castle now." He requested, untucking his shield as did the other guards pony.
Twilight looked helplessly at the other girls who could only look equally lost at her before sighing and working her way to the center of the group with the others behind her.
Rainbow Dash leaned over to Fluttershy and loudly whispered "Have you ever seen this many in one place? Like sure during parades or ceremonies but these guys look ready for war or something."
Pegasi guards flew over head in tight formations while unicorn guard could be seen popping in and out of existence in alley ways or tops of buildings. The earth ponies marched with weapons drawn, pushing any who didn't move fast enough out of the way. Everyone's attention was on the proceeding guards and the Elements in the middle.
Rarity whined quietly "I hope this doesn't run my business ventures here now." Flipping her hair before setting on a proud stride. "though I suppose I can turn this into a advertisement for my new dress." She added, switching into business mode with ease.
The others weren't so calm though Rainbow was getting annoyed being told she couldn't fly along and instead had to walk. "Come on, it can't be that much of a risk for me to hover can it?" She complained loudly to the nearest guard pony who didn't react. "Humph, no fun at all..." She grumbled, folding her arms.
The procession eventually arrived to the gates were even more guards were visible moving around. Some though carried insignias none of them had seen. These ones could be seen ordering the normal royal guard around. "Who in tarnation are they?" Applejack questioned, pointing at one of the insignia ponies. The one she was pointing to seemed to have notice the gesture as they began to stop over. "Uh oh." She sheepishly said, dropping the pointing.
"What the hell is this sloppy formation! You were ordered to take at least three platoons to pick them up! Why are there so few of you?" The now known as a female pony shouted to the guards surrounding the Elements. She removed her helmet to reveal a sneer cut apart on her left side by a scar that let sharp, fake teeth bear. "If he finds out about this all of you can kiss your ass' goodbye!" She roared, jabbing at some trembling royal guards.
Pinkie Pie bounced a little closer to the screaming mare. "That's not a very nice thing to say to somepony." She tried to reprimand.
The mare twisted with mouth open to scream more but stopped on registering who she was about to. Sending herself immediately into a stiff salute she focused her attention forward. "My apologizes Lady Pie! I was simply correcting errors that should not be made." The mare stated with a clipped tone.
"Lady Pie?" The others asked aloud at this, confusion written all over them including Pinkie Pie.
The mare eased from her salute, turning to yell in some language none of the girls knew at others bearing the same symbol as her. They began to rush over with quick movements to surround the girls. "We will take over the transportation of the VIPs. You are to take this platoon to the eastern mountain pass and wait for further instructions." The mare ordered to the leader of the guard ponies that had taken Twilight and the others to the castle.
The stallion hung his head before nodding. "At once ma'am. You heard her, move it!" He saluted, the mass of soldiers moving out.
Twilight stepped forward to the mare. "If I may, who are you?" She asked gently.
The mare stood straight up. "Sargent major Dancer at your service Princess." She replied, staring ahead once more like she had done to Pinkie Pie. "We will finish with the guiding of you to the throne room." She explained, turning on her heels to march ahead, the other stranger symbolled ponies marching along with her forcing the girls to follow.
The girls couldn't get any new information out of the strange soldiers no matter how they probed. Soon though they stood in front of the throne room doors with more of the strangers guarding the doors. On their arrival one of the guards raised a gauntleted hand to the door, pounding it three times. After a moment the doors swung open slowly revealing even more guards. "What the hell is going on here?" Rainbow harshly whispered to the others, glancing at all the imposing ponies. each carried different vicious looking weapons.
Celestia stood from her seat in the middle of the floor to approach them. With a silent wave from her the guards surrounding the girls parted to the side without a word. "So good to see you all safely here. I do hope no one was rough with you." Her soothing voice putting the much younger mares to ease.
Twilight stepped forward to embrace her mentor. "Princess! Please, can you tell us what's going on? Why are there so many royal guards here and who are these people with such weird insignias?" She began to question only to be stopped with a finger to her lips.
"Hush child. One thing at a time but before that." Celestia began. Looking to the armored ponies around the room she cleared her throat. "They are safe with me, you may leave now." She ordered. Each pony stood to attention, saluting before making their way out of the room with not even a glance at Celestia or the Bearers. Once the last one left the room and the doors closed Celestia sighed heavily before slumping into a seat near the girls. "Ugh, It's one thing to deal with bickering nobles but they are just on another level every time." She complained, letting her perfect appearance drop for a moment now that only the girls remained.
"Would now be a good time to answer our questions?" Applejack asked, feeling better not having so many people around her.
Nodding her head Celestia breathed in before standing once more. "Sorry about that. As for what's going on listen well." She began to explain. She started to tell the girls that since the war has officially ended with the Republic most guards are being pulled back home, Canterlot being used as a stopping point for the soldiers to rest. "But." She continued. "This doesn't mean there aren't those that would take actions in the time to come after such loses. We don't know if there may be somepony or another that would take extreme measures to continue the war so a very special branch has been called into action both to crush any up-rises but also protect areas deemed necessary." She added, a tired look crossing her face.
Rainbow began to flutter around in excitement. "So you want us to join this special branch and help kick butts while protecting people like we normally do right!" She asked, buzzing around while making mock air attacks.
"Heavens no!" Celestia loudly yelled. "I'll be dead and gone before I even entertain the idea of you girls joining this branch." Her statement caught the girls off guard immensely.
Twilight began thinking over what her mentor said when it clicked. "When you say protect areas deemed necessary you also mean important people. You mean us don't you?" She pointed out, looking to the older princess.
"As always you catch on fast my star pupil. Yes, you girls being the Bearer's of the Elements it can't be ignored there's a chance the enemy might strike at you with the intent to harm or...worse." She further explained. "That's why I'll be assigning someone suited for such high marked missions. He's never failed me once and was the key in turning the recent war in our favor." She finished clapping her hands.
Pouting at losing the chance to join a secret super branch Rainbow mumbled "Can't be anyone really that amazing. I'm sure he's just for show."
THUD!
"What in tarnation was that just now?" Applejack asked when the ground suddenly shook.
THUD!
A second shaking of the ground came and passed. By now the girls were growing concerned while Celestia strolled to her chair to avoid to much shaking. "Oh my, seems he decided to dress up early now." She hummed happily, silently enjoying the panic taking over the young mares.
THUD!
The third almost knocked the girls to their knees. Whatever was causing this was right behind the door. Their hearts pounded in their chests as the doors groaned open. A massive hand wrapped itself around one side. Then another appeared to grab hold of the other. As the door widen an armored helmet scratched and marked came into view devoid of any details other then two eye slots and a horn jutting from the top under a plume. As more was revealed the girls could tell this monster was bigger then even Celestia in stature. The figures body was covered completely in metal, a fur collar behind the figures head lead into a cape draped partially over the left side of it's body. Weapons of all kinds dotted the body with pouches and vials containing who knows what scattered along their chest and hips. Armored legs fined in steel covered hooves. He stomped slowly across the room, dread setting into the girls hearts. Even the fur on the back of Celestia's neck was standing up from the pressure flying off this figure. Soon they stood before the girls, Fluttershy, Rarity having fallen to their knees. Pinkie Pie's hair having deflated. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight barely stood with shaking knees.
They felt this was the end. This was how they died. Away from all loved ones but themselves...and then the figure dropped to one knee, bowing his head to them. The pressure disappeared in an instant leaving them gasping for air. The figured reached to it's helmet, unclasping something before sliding it off to let it rest next to him on the ground. Red splashed on a white mane tumbled around a chiseled stallions face. His eyes were closed and the stallion made no further moves as if turned into a statue.
Celestia couldn't help letting loose a laugh as the girls picked themselves up. "I just knew I should have warned him to not enter like it was a battlefield. Girls, say hello you your new guardian. Leader of the Knights of Equestria. From now on you are in his care." She stated, clapping her hands once more. On hearing her clap the mountain of a stallion stood slowly up his eyes half open. "Why don't you introduce yourself Bastion." She said with a smile.
The stallion made no movements but when he spoke his voice was deep like a chasm. "They are unauthorized to access information regarding a Knight ma'am." He replied, firmly standing tall.
"Unauthorized? What does that mean?" Pinkie Pie asked loudly.
Twilight looked at this stallion in front of her then to her mentor. "But we are the Elements and I'm a princess as well. Why would he say we are unauthorized? Aren't we above just about everypony but you and Luna? She questioned.
Groaning Celestia waved a hand. "Bastion here is a special case. Where yes you'd normally have access to any information especially you Twilight being a princess now. The Knights fall outside of that access." She explained. With a strange vocal sound Celestia repeated herself "Why don't you introduce yourself Bastion."
Bastion gave only the slightest twitch oh his index finger before saluting and stepping to attention. "Iron Bastion, age twenty six, height nine feet ten inches, weight five hundred and twenty five pounds exactly, Extensive medical, militaristic, and magical knowledge along with proficiency in twenty known fighting styles and one unique to myself in creation. Any average weapon placed in my hand is a weapon I've wielded a thousand times before. I have an extreme supply of magic allowing me to cast spells with greater effect. Need I go further ma'am?" He listed with a final question to the alicorn.
"Not at the moment dear. Could you stand off to the side for a moment?" She gently requested. As he placed his helmet back on and shifted to a side section she turned back to the stunned girls. "Forgive him he hasn't had much normal interactions with people so natural conversation is not his strong suit. However he will follow any order given to him until the bitter end no matter the order. That's why he is perfect for you girls. He'll be your personal bodyguard until a later time it is deemed safe for him to rejoined the other knights once more." She explained before getting a sad look. "I hope you don't take offense to the actions I am taking here." She finished with.
Pinkie Pie hopped over to the frowning princess, giving her hug. "Ahh geez! We could never be mad at you Princess. Besides you had our best health in mind." She cheered, a mischievous grin spreading on her face. "But when you say any order you really mean that?" She inquired, leaning closer to the ruler.
Letting a small giggle leave her Celestia gestured to the unmoving Bastion. "Try for yourself. He already knows you are labeled his superiors." She affirmed.
Pinkie Disappeared in a puff of pink smoke only to appear before the unmoving stallion. "I order you to...ughhhhh um oh~! I order you to lift me up!" She shouted in excitement, pointing a finger up at the stallions face who gave small twitches in his finger tips.
The others voiced complaints at ordering Bastion to do something like that while Rainbow was just laughing. The began to worry when they saw him start to stoop down, wrapping his large hands around Pinkie Pie's slightly pudgy waist.
"As you command Lady Pie." Came the deep voice once more as he slowly stood back up and started to raise the pink puff ball above his head all while she giggled in glee. "Is this satisfactory?" He asked monotone.
"WEEEEEE~~!" Pinkie squealed in joy snorting slightly in laughter. "Look, I'm so high up!" She shouted to her friends.
Rarity stepped closer raising a hand. "That's quite enough Sir Bastion. You can put Pinkie down." She requested, happy when he began to lower the pink mare down. When Pinkie Pie started to complain Rarity wagged her finger. "Oh no you don't missy. Bastion here is only to receive important orders from now on got it? He is not a toy to be played with." She lectured, tugging on the other mare's shirt to bring her away from the stallion.
Twilight sighed, turning to her mentor. "Thank you for providing us someone but do we really need him? We've handled the likes of Sombra and Discord. I think we could handle a few trouble makers." She started but was cut off before she could continue by Celestia.
"You are still so naïve Twilight. All of you are. Yes, if this was something similar to those challenges of our past then I'd have only warned in a letter to be on the look out. But this isn't like those situations. This time the enemy has no care for the dramatics, no long winded speech of how they will win and crush your spirits. These people will slit your throat in your sleep, poison your drink, or simply stab you literally in the back if you aren't careful. This is harsh of me to say but the world has many cruel people. So if you still think you don't need Bastion I will change it from a request to an order am I clear." She lectured, a hand crushing the armrest of her throne seat. When the girls flinched away from her reaction she breathed deeply. "I'm sorry it's just...you who have been alive for so little and seen so few things compared to me who has seen entire empires fall or had attempts on my life. I know what ruling requires and this is one of those moments where a good body can be the difference between life and death. You all will be under his care. He has already set plans in place to better protect incase anything should arise." She apologized, explaining her reasons.
Fluttershy turned to Bastion who remained unmoving. "Would you really just give your life to protect people you don't know?" She asked the large stallion.
Bastion's head turned to her and for the first time in meeting she saw a flash of emotion pass over his eyes. A show of kindness. "It's why I joined Lady Shy."
The meeting with Celestia ended quickly after Bastions response. The girls shifted awkwardly out of the throne room while Bastion slowly walked behind them, his stride making it easy to keep up with the girls. "Sooooo, you're twenty six ay? That means most of us are older then you. You ok being around older mares?" Rainbow tried to break the tension surrounding them.
"Excuse me, I am not an older mare. I'm still quite young you know." Rarity took insult to the suggestion, flipping her hair with exaggeration.
Bastion gave only a simple "Yes." In reply, his head swiveling around while a hand rested on a hammers hilt.
Applejack leaned towards Twilight. "Can we really trust this guy? He ain't exactly the friendliest fella it seems." She pointed out to the young princess.
Shaking her head Twilight replied "Celestia wouldn't have set him as our guardian if she herself didn't trust him he'd never be even brought in. I say let's give him a chance. Maybe he'll become a good friend!" Doing her best to keep enthusiasm about the situation.
"Permission to speak you majesty?" Bastion asked, spooking the girls.
"Ah, um, of course. You know you don't have to ask permission to talk with us." She answered, putting on her best smile though it was tinged with awkwardness.
Stopping in his tracks Bastion knelt down on one knee while producing a set of rings. "If I may be so bold as to ask for your hand." He asked dead pan.
"What?!?" The girls shouted.
"Hold it right there mister! You don't just ask a mare you just met for her hand while holding a ring and kneeling!" Rarity interjected, her nostrils practically blowing out steam. The others in equal shocked states.
Twilight taken aback started to stutter out "I-I'm terribly sorry but I can't agree to something like... this after just meeting someone." Her mind whirling. "He want's to do something like this after barely talking? When Celestia said he wasn't used to normal conversation I don't think she meant this bad." She thought to herself.
Bastion cocked his head to the side in a clear show of confusion though they couldn't see his face. "I apologize if there is some mix-up. I am not asking for marriage. I need you all to wear these rings so that I may do my job better." His voice carrying no hint of emotion.
"B-b-but you knelt down and are holding rings. That's what a stallion or mare does when asking for marriage." Fluttershy meekly spoke out, ducking into her hair when his helmet turned to her.
The stallion hung his head. "My deepest apologize for causing discomfort. I will take any punishment you deem appropriate for this failure. I simply wished to provide these rings that help me know if you are near danger and let you communicate with me. As well as applying them in a more comfortable way then if I simply stood." He calmly explained, not moving further.
"Why would we punish you over just a misunderstanding silly?" Pinkie asked, stepping slightly towards the man only to be stopped by Applejack with a shake of her head.
"Section thirty seven paragraph two of the The Warriors Directory dictates that any and all miscommunication, insult, attempt, or general misconduct towards a superior is to be punished by the offended superior. Examples provided are twenty mile run, fifty lashings, forced submersion in negative waters." He listed as if reading the page itself.
The girls were horrified that such pieces existed to be used on the kingdoms guards. "Does this go for any in service? Like the Wonderbolts?" Rainbow asked, having set herself down on the ground again.
Shaking his head Bastion answered "No Lady Dash, the Directory is only associated with the Knights as we are needed to keep to perfection as a simple miscommunication could lead to lose of life." His monotone voice carrying new meaning to them.
Twilight stepped past the others, resting a hand on the large stallions shoulder. She took note of how the armor felt cold. "You need not worry about us carrying out such punishments on simple flubs on our side. Why don't you put those rings on us and we can continue towards the train?" She suggested, casting glances at the girls.
Bastion nodded slowly before gently reaching out for Twilight's hand. Once she placed her hand in his larger one she slipped a black ring etched with runes made with silver and gold onto her ring finger. A glow spread from the ring before dimming back to nothing. "Now if you are in danger you can send a message to me letting me know your location. It is also etched with special runes I have created to provide a one time use teleport directly to my position. After though it will need to be recharged before it can be used again." He robotically explained, turning to Fluttershy who was the next closest.
As he slipped each ring over the girls fingers they couldn't help look over the craftmanship of the item. It fit perfectly on them as if specially crafted. Soon as the last one was placed on Applejack's finger Bastion stood once more to tower over the girls. Silently waiting for them to make the first move.
"Rarity extended her hand before holding against her grey dress. "I can think of a few new ideas to make this work. Who made these for you Sir Bastion?" She asked, looking up to the massive stallion.
"I did Lady Belle." Bastion answered to the surprise of the group. When questioned he answered "Many missions required we fit a certain role. One such role I filled was a jeweler, so I mastered the craft two weeks before deployment." His casual tone caused them to look to Applejack, the living lie detector.
"He ain't lyin'. He really is one." She replied to their looks before looking back down at the ring now on her hand. "So tell us ,how much would this thing normally cost big man." She asked, looking closer at the gold and silver inlay.
His head leaned back for a brief moment before looking back down on them. "Normal market value in Canterlot would put the ring at fifty six thousand and twenty two bits." He slowly said.
Each gave outcries of shock and disbelief at the number he told them, staring down at their hands. They couldn't believe each had just simply been GIVEN such expensive piece of jewelery.
"This thing costs more then my house..." Rainbow mumbled aloud.
"The farms fees over a decade could be paid with this!" Applejack muttered, clutching her hand to her chest. "Is it really ok for us to just keep these?" She asked, looking the Armored man up and down.
Moving slowly through the group Bastion's voice echoed what he had said earlier. "They help me do my job protecting you. Keep them on at all times please. Now if we are ready the teleportation circle is almost ready for use." He moved slowly ahead of them.
Twilight perked up from her minor panic over the ring, trotting along behind the stallion. "Teleportation circle? But those are only used for emergencies and need to be powered by several powerful unicorns. Who will be working on it?" She questioned.
"I will. It's the only way to ensure complete security over the procedure." Bastion answered, pushing open a set of doors that lead to a chamber with an open skyline above that let in large amounts of light. A few of the symbolled ponies moved around a circle with different runes drawn into the ground.
To Twilight this single person just claimed he could do what normally took twenty ponies to do. Even by her levels of magic this kind of feat would be a challenge. "You'll have to forgive me if I have doubts you can truly do something like this. Do you have previous events to reference the amount of magic you have?" She asked, walking ahead of him to look for any reaction.
Bastion stopped short of the circle. "Operation Mountaineer. It was a mission set to remove wendigo threats encroaching on Equestrian borders. Solution that fully halted the monsters was the creation of a natural barrier. I was sent to create said barrier. Final product was the upheaval of earth to create the Winter mountains, a permanent frozen mountain range that slowly melts to both keep wendigos away and provide a sustainable source of water to valleys below." He calmly stated, once more speaking as if reading a page.
Sputtering Twilight gave rebuttal "That is a blatant lie! The appearance of the Winter mountains was documented as violent volcanic reaction under a magic hotspot! Applejack?" She shouted, looking to her friend.
Shaking her head Applejack shrugged. "He hasn't said a single lie Twi. I have to believe he really did it." The element of Honesty replied, rubbing her arm.
Twilight's brain was having a minor malfunction at the information. Over fifty documents had been created with the express approval of the highest scholars and professors in the kingdom over the topic of the mountain's appearance and yet here stands a pony claiming they were the ones who made it on top of passing the honesty test by the most trustable person around. "Buh Wah How When Ugh!" She shouted, almost tearing her hair out.
"Calm down Twi. Yeah it may be a shock but we can just ask more about him and things he's done later. Besides, think of this as a source of new information." Pinkie Pie tried to sooth her frazzled friend.
On the idea of getting new information especially now confirmed true information that counters heavy documents Twilight snapped up straight. "Iron Bastion, I order you to tell me more things that you have done when we get back home!" She practically yelled, pointing a finger at the knight.
Bastion snapped to attention. "If it is within authorization all information and documentation will be provided ma'am." His voice gaining a monotone layer.
Fluttershy couldn't help think something was wrong at his reply but she couldn't place a finger on it. "Why does it bother me what he said?" She thought to herself when a voice in the back of her head spoke up. "It's not what he said, it's how." Her eyes closed for a moment as she nodded to herself. Things slowly starting to make sense. She was brought back to the present when Rainbow called out to her.
"Come on Shy! The circles ready!" She yelled, waving to her friend. Standing next to her was a giddy Twilight smiling like a filly during Hearth's Warming.
Hurrying next to the group she took notice of the other knights moving closer to them. "Um, are they coming with us?" She asked, looking to the stallion.
"They will be stationed around Ponyville to provide extended protection for you all as I can't be in so many places at once. As a side note I will be on rotation near each one of you to better spread out attention." Bastion stated, his palms beginning to glow. Taking his left hand to his left eye Bastion extended his right hand outwards, circling it around. Wind picked up around the group as the runes on the circle illuminated one by one. Dragging his hand to create different symbols in the air Bastion's horn glowed brightly. As if jamming his hand into position He set it in the middle of the circle he drew twisting it like a lock. Soon everypony's vision filled with a multitude of colors before receding away to reveal them standing just outside of Ponyville.
"Talk about express delivery!" Rainbow Dash said in awe, fluttering into the air. Two of the knights that followed immediately unfurled their wings to take off, hovering in circles around her. "Awe come on! Am I not allowed to stretch my wings now?" She complained, looking down to the towering stallion.
Shaking his head Bastion's voice droned out "Negative Lady Dash. It is simply because we have not had time to determine the safety of the area. Until a thorough scan has been completed each one of you will carry an escort excluding me." He stayed in the same spot he had arrived in while the girls fanned out slightly, the rest of the knights silently following along. "I apologize if this raises issues for the time being. It is all for your safety." He added, bowing deeply.
Pinkie Pie hopped around the two knights that followed her while humming to herself. "Wowie Zowie, I'll have to make a lot of welcome to Ponyville parties to cover all these new friends!" She loudly said. Getting close into the armored face of one of the knights she asked "What's your name?"
The knight snapped to attention and spoke in a female voice "Knight Sparker ma'am! I was specially selected to serve as one of your shadows." The knight saluted before resting once more.
"What? Were each chosen to be our best match and keep up with us?" Rainbow called out, looking over the two hovering round her.
The two stopped in place before answering at the same time. "Knights Yin and Yang. We are the fastest in the branch so we were chosen to keep an eye on you while avoiding slowing you down as much as possible." The two's armor being direct color differences of each other but also incredibly bulky.
Rainbow gave a snort. "Oh so you think you are fast huh? Care to put those words to the test?" She challenged, leaning at the two from her spot above.
The two looked to Bastion as if waiting on something. "Undo restriction locks one through five. Don't go over sound barrier." He commanded, not even looking at them.
As Rainbow started to question what he meant by that the two knight's armor seemed to fizzle away, loosing considerable mass and scale. Soon black and white fur respectively could be seen poking out from under the gear. "We are ready to prove ourselves Lady Dash." They spoke in unison.
With a scoff Rainbow turned towards a cloud range off in the distance. "First one there is the fastest then. Ready? Three. Two. One. Go!" She said, darting off with a streak of color behind her. When the two knights didn't move the girls looked at them in confusion before hearing a few of the knights around them chuckle, showing a small amount of emotion as the two flying knights nodded to each other three times before practically disappearing with speed after Rainbow Dash.
"The rest of you will follow your VIP's back home then secure their areas. Once handled send your reports to me. I will be covering the outer rim of the designated area. Any questions?" Bastion suddenly barked out orders, startling the remaining girls at his tone shift.
"NO SIR!" The knights shouted in unison before focusing their gazes on their targets.
Rarity stepped towards the large knight. "Pardon me dear but where will all of you be staying?" She asked. "I hope not just in the wild or something similar." She added.
Looking to her Bastion shook his head, his barren voice back. "A place of operation has already been supplied for us. My rotation between each of you will provide reprieve for your selected knights." He answered.
"Now hold on one sec. Does that mean you won't get any breaks at all? What about time to eat or sleep?" Applejack question, putting her hands on her hips. "Ya can't expect us to let you to do all this work just on your lonesome." She called out.
Nodding his head Bastion replied "Thank you for your concerns ma'am but we have all been trained to operate on minimal rest or necessities. You need not worry about a simple knight like me." His demeanor unchanged. "If you'll excuse me commanders I will begin my scan before convening with Lady Shy for first rotation." He added, bowing deeply before marching towards the Everfree forest.
The girls all looked to each other as a sonic Rainboom went off in the distance, distracting them from the slowly disappearing stallion. "Looks like Dashy had to break out the big guns to win." Pinkie said with a giggle, moving to head back to her home.
The others gave their own thoughts before separating, followed silently by their escorts. Rainbow Dash herself was left gasping on a cloud with the Yin and Yang leaning over her panting form with calm actions as if they had put in no effort winning against her even when she used the sonic boom. "So tell us. Do we satisfy your requirement Lady Dash?" They asked, the smallest hint of mirth in their voices.
Bastion trudged through the forest, brushing branches out of his way as he made headway into the dense foliage. After a time he entered into a small clearing, the trees above waving in a gentle breeze with small beams of light breaking through. A small outcrop of rocks poked out from the earth with water gently pressing out of it and down into a pool. Walking closer Bastion knelt down to gaze into the water, taking in his masked appearance. Small whispers of thoughts played across the top of his mind as he gently set a finger into the water, watching his reflection ripple with the waves. A hand rose slowly to the strap holding his helmet in place but stopped short when a growl came from behind him. The hand fell as the whispers in his mind floated away leaving his mind empty again. Turning towards the growl while rising slowly Bastion spotted a group of timber wolves stepping out of the woods towards him. Grunting quietly his fists clenched, rising into a guarded position. "Guard the kingdom." He mumbled, his eyes blank as if reading a line from his mind. The wolves gave small howls before charging the unmoving figure.
Closer, closer, then...
Fluttershy hummed softly to herself as she made her way around the cottage, feeding the animals inside while the knight selected for her stood silently in a corner of each room she entered. Following only just enough to still see the shy mare. Fluttershy after a time meekly looked to the knight. "Um, w-would you like some tea Tacet?" She gently asked.
The knight shook their head slowly before returning to a still position.
Fluttershy gulped before taking a sip of her cup. "I...hope being my guard isn't a bother for you. I know I'm not the most exciting of a mare compared to the others so you might not get to do much. I hope we can become good friends though." She said after bolstering her courage, looking to the knight with large eyes.
Tacet seemed about to make a reply for the first time when a knock rapped against the door. A dark dagger immediately appeared in their hands startling Fluttershy. Another rap came to the door though this time it had small breaks between each some strikes. The dagger vanished and Tacet moved to open the door.
"Wait, are you sure you should do that? What if it's a bad pony?" Fluttershy questioned as Tacet's hand grabbed the door nob.
Silently the knight opened the door after looking at their care. Behind the door stood Bastion, green liquid splashed over his armored form and any red fur peaking from the armor. Bastion stooped through the door into the cottage while Fluttershy rushed over.
"Oh my goodness! Are you ok?" She asked, looking over his body. She quickly took note of the green liquid was actually a strange sap more like a tree. "What did you do to get covered like this?" She asked, taking a step back.
Looking to the selected knight Bastion nodded his head to the door. "Head back to operations. You'll take over once I move onto next VIP." He ordered. As the knight left Bastion shifted himself slightly. "I removed a prior reported threat to this area." He answered.
Tacet slowly walked across the bridge outside of the cottage before collapsing to her knees, holding her hands under her cheeks. "SHE'S SO CUTE!!!!!" The knight silently squealed thinking back to how Fluttershy looked at her. Clasping a hand into a fist one would think smoke puffed out of her nose. "I will protect the goddess of cuteness with my life!" She whispered, kicking her hooves slightly like a young foal before standing again to skip happily back to base. Her mind full of different ways to get her care in cute situations.
Shaking her head Fluttershy tugged at his arm. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up." She gently ordered, her mind running through things that could have this kind of mess making capabilities. "Wait...sap? The timber wolf pack!" She thought to herself, whipping her head to stare at the stallion following behind her. "You didn't kill them did you?" She questioned softly, looking to him with wide eyes.
She saw a small glint of something in Bastion's eyes on the question. "Only the alpha to convince the others to leave." He answered, his tone empty of emotion.
Fluttershy looked ready to him something before sighing. "I understand..." She whispered. To her surprise she felt a twitch from the stallion's hand. "Looks like he doesn't know everything about us." She thought to herself as she opened the door to her bathroom. "I've taken care of so many animals that I've had points where the best help I can provide is an easy passing. So I understand animal nature better then most. I would prefer above all else no blood shed but I also know more so then the others that sometimes it's unavoidable to get blood on your hands." She explained, turning to now look directly at the giant knight. "Now let's get that armor off so you can bathe." She said, reaching to work on a visible strap only to have his hand yank away quickly.
"No!" He suddenly loudly said surprising her. He quickly stiffened before an emptiness came off of him like a dead zone of life. "My apologize ma'am. I mean I am more then capable of removing my armor myself. If you please I would prefer to handle things alone." He apologized.
Startled by his sudden outburst Shy nodded her head, moving around him while closing the door behind herself. "What was that about?" She thought to herself. "Maybe I should ask him to tell me." She thought before smacking her face slightly. "What are you thinking? You saw how he reacted when Pinkie ordered him to lift her. He clearly doesn't like getting ordered to do things he doesn't like doing." She said to herself, moving down the stairs to prepare dinner.
Bastion stood in the bathroom silently for a moment before reaching behind himself, undoing a clasp holding his cape on his form. Slowly but meticulously his armor was removed being dropped into a portal he made appear. Soon he stood in a rough cloth tunic with patched up pants. Looking into the mirror he took note of the twitching in his right eye. "Still afraid." He muttered, covering the eye as he breathed slowly. Once he felt centered again he started the shower, slipping out of his clothes and under the water before it even heated back up.
Little time passed as Fluttershy finished prepping a simple salad dinner for two. Placing down the second plate she heard heavy foot steps slowly make their way down her stairs. Peeking her head around the corner she took in the still slightly damp form of her guardian. "Oh my." She mumbled, a hand raised to her mouth as she took in the shirt clinging to bulging muscles. If she had to guess he was double if not more larger then Big Mac. Snapping back out of her mind she gently said "Um, dinner is ready."
Bastion gave only a slow nod, making his way into the kitchen. As he approached the table Fluttershy couldn't help notice a glow flash over the food before disappearing. Before she could even ask He turned to her with that neutral stare. "My apologize. I just had to make sure no foul piece had made their way into the meal." He stated, pulling a chair out and bowing slightly for her to sit.
Sitting slowly Shy ducked her head slightly. "H-how serious could it be if something was in our food?" She questioned, knowing already he didn't mean she would mess with the food.
Taking his own position across from her, he taped his shoulders before touching just under his horn with his eyes closed as if giving a prayer. "It could range from just a slight bad taste to pains worse then death ma'am." He calmly answered making her gulp. When he took a bite of the salad she relaxed back down. "It is delicious Lady Shy." He complemented although it carried a almost hollow tone with it.
The two ate in silence for the rest of the meal until Flutteshy gently laid her utensils on her empty plate a concern filling her mind. "Excuse me Bastion, could I ask you a question?" She asked softly, looking at the stallion between her hair.
Slowly putting down his own utensils Iron straightened himself up. "You may ask anything and I will answer if it is within my power." He said, staring at her.
Gulping at suddenly being under his gaze she tapped her fingers together. "If it's not to much of a trouble for you..." She began. "Do you like being ordered to do things?" She finally asked after a moment. When he made no move or sound Fluttershy began to feel a panic build inside her. "Oh no did I just ask that?! I probably insulted him or something. I should have kept my big mouth shut." She thought to herself, feeling sweat build under her fur.
"As a knight of Equestria it is not a matter of liking or disliking a command. It is simply following the chain of command." He slowly said, once more as if reciting something someone else wrote or said.
Feeling a flash of courage through her Fluttershy leaned forward onto the table slightly while frowning. "I don't mean as a knight I mean as you the pony who has to follow the orders." She spouted, clasping a hand over her mouth after the words came out. Fear clear in her eyes when she saw the knight bow his head down. "I'm sorry you don't have to...." She began before a low voice caught her ears.
"As a knight of Equestria it is not a matter of liking or disliking a command. It is simply following the chain of command." He repeated once more but this time Shy knew for a fact she heard a sadness connected with what he said. He suddenly stood and bowed towards the mare. "My apologize ma'am, I need to check the surrounding area for threats so you can rest. I'll begin right away." He quickly said, moving out the door before she could give a response.
Looking down at the table she couldn't help sigh, reaching to gather the dishes. "I need to get the girls help in cracking this mystery." She muttered, looking out the window at the large silhouette of the stallion patrolling the property. After cleaning up she slowly walked up the stairs to her room. Slipping out of her clothes she took note of her large height in the mirror. Even compared to him though she was small, her mind slipping to him in his damp shirt though now she was standing next to him touching it. Shaking her head quickly she blushed. "No, down girl." She ordered, slipping into a night gown and into her bed. As sleep over took her she couldn't help wonder how warm he was.
Author's Note
A gold star for the first one to recognize the knights name.
Applejack woke up slowly to the rooster's crowing. Stretching in her bed she smelt something in the air. A mix of cinnamon apples and raspberries. Standing quickly she rushed for the door to her room finding Big Mac stepping out of his room in only sweatpants, rubbing at his eyes. The siblings shared a nod of understanding between each other. This wasn't a normal smell in the morning. Moving down the stairs the smell grew in strength along with now the sounds of some strange language singing an unknown song with clapping accompanying it.
When the two rounded into the kitchen their eyes fell on a scene that was new to them. A earth pony larger than Big Mac was singing in a deep voice in some language while Granny Smith and Applebloom clapped along happily. Food covered the table, each plate different from the last with tall glasses of a red liquid. Applebloom and Granny Smith noticed the two stunned siblings. Raising their arms they both shouted out "OPA!" Shocking the two.
The singing pony stopped at the exclamation, turning quickly. "Ahhh!" She shouted loudly in a thick accent. "Dobroye utro, good morning. Come and sit ya. Food is all prepared and ready to give you strength for day!" She loudly commanded with a massive grin, gesturing wildly towards the table.
Slowly walking in the two took seats at the table, eyeing the mare in suspicion only to have both of their hands wacked by Granny Smith with her cane. "Ow! What the heck Granny?" Applejack complained, now glaring at her grandma.
Wagging her cane at the two the old mare started to lecture them. "Don't you start making them faces at a gentlemare like this one. Specially since you were the one that brought her here and all." She pointed out to AJ.
Applebloom was happily digging into a massive pile of pancakes with apple slices on top and raspberries in them. After swallowing she giggled. " 'Sides her food is great! How do you know how to cook so well Miss Nesti?" She asked before stuffing another large piece into her mouth.
Giving a warm laugh the muscular mare moved around the table, her fuzzy fur shifting over many visible scars while she moved over to the young mare. patting her head as she filled her glass up more she explained. "Babushka back home teach me many things. How to hunt, how to skin animals, how to preserve and use all the land provide us. She is a proud woman who would not let her bloodline weaken as long as she lived. Like your own babushka." She gave a respectful nod towards Granny who smiled in kind.
Big Mac gave a snort before nodding silently towards the strange mare. He cut a small piece of a pie near his plate, taking a tiny bite. He chewed slowly before his eyes widened and he started to wolf down the food, grabbing some samples from other plates.
Applejack sighed before looking back at the mare. "I'm sorry. I guess I still ain't used to the whole bodyguard thing yet so it's a bit weird having somepony like you around." she apologized, reaching slowly for an apple.
Waving her hands dismissively the mare shook her head. "Nyet, is no insult to me. Many are put off by my appearance so I am used to looks of suspicion. But all is well as long as The Great Wall needs me!" She said, a proud thump to her chest with a hand.
Cocking an eyebrow Applejack stopped just before putting her first bite into her mouth. "Who's the Great Wall?" She questioned, finally putting the food in her mouth and finding out why everyone was scarfing it down. Joining the others in eating quickly.
"Why that would be Bastion of course! But my tribe calls him Great Wall for what he did for us. He is why I joined the knights after all. He is the greatest stallion or my name isn't Nesti the brown grizzly!" She boasted.
"How'd you meet him?" Applebloom asked, childlike intrigue filling her voice.
Giving a chuckle the mare filled a plate and sat down, the chair groaning under her size. "Let me tell you a tale, little cub. Of how a knight became a symbol of hope!" She began, the other inhabitants of the house leaning in.
Rarity moved around in a frenzy. "Oh no no no no nooooo. Why did I accept that order? I don't have enough hands to fill out that many outfits and I can't think of fitting designs." She frantically said aloud, rushing around her design room. Bundles of different fabrics and small sketches floated around in her magic. "What am I to do!" She complained, the objects falling to the ground.
Silently the knight selected for her walked through the mess picking up pieces as they went with magic, their neat white fur and blonde mane shining in pristine condition. Neatly stacking the papers on a table while the bundles were refolded and slotted once more the knight cleared their throat. "Might I be of assistance Milady?" The clipped male voice spoke with a professionalism of a butler who had been serving for over fifty years yet still carried youth.
Rarity whirled to the stallion before gasping. "I'm terribly sorry dear for displaying such un-lady like behaviors. I promise this isn't an everyday thing." She apologized, working to fix her frazzled hair.
Giving a soft chuckle the knight took a design on the table, floating a pencil into their grasp. "Do not fret Milady. I know your file well and know of your higher stance in etiquettes compared to the other heroes." He said, drawing on the paper quickly before stepping back. "Would something like this suffice to be made for this order you have?" He questioned, bowing neatly while gesturing towards the paper.
Moving towards the table the fashionista looked over the design. Her eyes narrowed as possible designs sprung to life in her mind just looking at the image. Turning a calculating eye onto the stallion next to her she couldn't help ask "Forgive me Alabaster but where did you gain such skills to make a design like this? I wouldn't think a knight would be so skilled at this." She questioned the now named stallion.
Alabaster turned slightly away before striking a modeling pose. Peeking through his hand he had raised to his face she smiled. "A knight must be able to fill any job when undercover and my specialty was foreign designer and model from Prance. It's a hobby of mine to keep up to date with the latest fashions and styles. Looks can get one as far as violence can in certain missions." He answered, striking a few more poses before resting back into a standing servant position.
"tu parles Prançais?" Rarity spoke smoothly, a challenging look to the knight.
Giving a smile and nod Alabaster replied "oui, c'est ma première langue. Equestrian is my second actually." He slipped into an accent familiar to Prance.
Rarity clapped her hands excitedly as she tugged him closer. "Good to know they didn't send me a brute." She happily said, pulling papers out of the stack and setting up pencils. "Why don't you tell me more about yourself while we work on these. How about how you came to become a knight?" She ordered lightly, a relieved smile growing on her own face.
A reminiscent sigh escaped the knight. "Oh that would mean I'd have to go all the way back to when I met my muse Sir Bastion." He began, drawing as he spoke to the now heavily interested mare.
Pinkie Pie giggled as she danced around the room with the knight stationed with her, the two mixing batter for a new batch of cupcakes they had been making. Giggling and snorting with batter splashed across her apron she smiled at the knight. "Geez Jester, it's nice meeting someone who can keep up with me. All the others would be gasping for breath if they did something like this with me but you are still going strong. How'd you get like this?" She asked.
The colorful knight stopped for a moment to put the tray into the oven before turning to her VIP. "Well simple really. When you work with Mister Bastion you have to be in tippy top shape or else you'll wake up to a bunch of pranks in your way." She answered, giggling with the mare.
Pinkie leaned in close on that reply. "Wait a minute! You mean that big ol' serious pony actually pulls pranks too?" She questioned, pulling out a police hat and a lamp that she angled towards Jester.
Pushing the light out of the way Jester nodded. "He's not as serious as you think. He just has different ways to show he cares or acts. He values the job above all else but when he's off he's as cuddly as a stuffed teddy bear!" She explained. gently taking the police hat off Pinkie and placing it on the counter. "For example this one time me and a few others were having our vacation days at the same time. Unfortunately the place we were in got attacked by some nasty ponies who wanted to harm others with dangerous magic. We went to go help but turns out the Commander was already there and he gave us the order to not help as we were on vacation." She began to list, a soft smile on her face. "We of course argued but he shot us down claiming we didn't get to take breaks that often and should just enjoy ourselves. He then went around and handled everything by himself, catching all the bad guys and helping anyone in trouble as if he was a full team sent. By the time we finished our vacation it was as if no attack had ever happened thanks to him." She finished, spreading her hands with a huge smile.
"WOW! That is pretty nice. I guess I just am not used to someone being so serious. Sure I've met people that don't smile much but he seemed like he'd never smiled before. How'd you even meet?" Pinkie asked, checking on the cupcakes in the oven.
Resting against the counter Jester looked out the window into the bakery. "That would be the first time I ever saw him smile..." She said, resting on the palm of her hands. "When I saw it I knew it was the kind of smile I wanted to help protect and continue to shine..." She began to tell.
Yin and Yang hovered over Rainbow's snoring form whispering loudly to each other. "I've never seen a pony sleep in that position before." Yin whispered, looking down at the twisted up pony.
"I know right? It can't be good for the wings. Maybe that's why she lost yesterday?" Yang replied, cupping a hand next to his mouth.
"Should we wake her up? Her schedule listed work for today." Yin asked, pulling out a calendar from a small pack on her hip. "Yep, cloud clearing for today. Was supposed to clock in two hours ago." She confirmed.
Yang looked down at their charge and shrugged. "I don't know. The big guy never said we could but then again he never said we couldn't." He replied.
The two continued to argue slightly above the mare who slowly started to wake up from the talking. "Wah huh? Whoa!?!" Rainbow cried out, jerking into the air before falling back down when her sheets tangled further around her. "Oof, good thing the floors clouds." She grumbled, muffled in said clouds
“Good morning Lady Dash. Is the floor comfortable?” Yin greeted, looking down at her target. “By the way you are late for cloud clearing duties today. Would you like assistance?” She added.
Jolting on to her hooves Rainbow loudly shouted “Oh tartarus!” before rushing to get clothes ready.
Yang stepped forwards with a bundle of clothes already in his hands. “Here you are Ma’am. We selected some beforehand since you were sleeping so soundly.” He calmly said.
Rainbow ripped the clothes from his hands, struggling to put them on as she moved for the door. “Thanks, i’ll be back later.” She said loudly the door slamming behind her.
The two looked to each other before taking off after her. Flying quickly they sorted themselves on either side of Rainbow to her slight annoyance. “Terribly sorry ma’am but we need to stay close to you or else the commander will be angry.” Yang apologized, swinging his wings in gentle beats.
“Oh sure, wouldn’t want Mister Mysteries to be angry now would we?” Dash sarcastically replied, curving slowly towards some clouds in the sky.
For the first time the two guards actually frowned at what their target said. “It would be best not to speak rudely of Sir Bastion. He has done a great service for us and this nation.” Yin said with a tinge of annoyance.
Popping the cloud Rainbow floated in place looking at the two, noticing their dampened states. “And what exactly has he done for you two that would make him so great huh? So far he just seems like a boring suit of metal.” She challenged, folding her arms.
The twins' arms twitched towards each other as if reaching to grab hands before the two bolted around slamming every cloud around them away in the blink of an eye. When the two reappeared in front of RainbowDash who’s jaws hung open. They floated like sharks around her eyeing her up and down. In unison they started to answer “He helped us find out what we were really worth...”
Twilight yawned, stretching her arms above her head. A small squeak left her as she let the pressure leave her body. A cup of hot coffee placed itself in front of her making her turn to the culprit, finding the first knight they had met with her horn glowing. “I don’t remember asking for coffee from you?” She questioned.
Dancer gave a stiff nod before bowing. “My apologies ma’am. I figured you’d want one after we stayed up all night testing your theories involving such heavy usage of magic.” The knight said, stepping back towards a black board.
Giving a small giggle Twilight waved dismissively. “I’m kidding of course. Thank you very much for getting this for me.” She replied, taking a sip after blowing on the top light. “Ahhhh, sweet sweet coffee. Nothing better in the world.” She praised quietly. After taking a small breather the mare turned to look at the knight who was making adjustments on the board. “So tell, it’s clear you have a higher education then most ponies would. Who taught you when you were younger?” Twilight inquired, leaning back in her chair.
Dancer hummed softly as the chalk scratched across the board in her magic. Slowly she stepped back, looking over the work before putting down the chalk. “I had an average childhood growing up. Just about middle of the road in terms of grades. Not the best, not the worst but just enough to pass through things.” She started to answer. Moving to a small window she moved the blinds to let light shine into the cramped room. “I was originally going to join a traveling dance group to fit my talent but then I ended up getting injured pretty bad before a big show. The group ditched me but well…” She continued, turning to Twilight with a proud look. “In missing the show I met my teacher and companion.” She stated.
Twilight’s interest was only growing further. Leaning in she asked again “But who was the teacher? Was it someone from the academy?” She questioned. Her coffee being forgotten on the table.
Dancer gave a small chuckle. “You’ve already met them. Come on now. Think of someone who’s done some amazing magical feats?” Dancer encouraged, folding her arms with a content smile.
Think over who she’s met with magical skills that could provide this knowledge Twilight started to mutter to herself. “Celestia? No, I would have known about you if that were the case. What about Luna? No no, she wouldn’t fit the teacher type really…” Her mind raked for an answer until a figure popped into her head. Looking up she stared at the female knight in front of her. “Bastion?” She asked aloud.
Giving a small clap at the answer Dancer nodded. “Yep, the stallions full of hidden knowledge that could make even the princess’ blush. Though that probably comes from the fact he’s been all over the world and in every country before.” She confirmed. “Bastion is a great man who brought me out of a dark moment by helping distract me with knowledge and magic. In fact the first words he ever said to me were....”
Bastion bowed to Fluttershy after prepping his equipment to switch with the next knight. Tacet moved to stand next to Shy silently as usual. As the mountain of a stallion disappeared over the bridge and into the distance the two shifted into the house where a mix of animals slowly appeared from their various homes scattered around the room. Sitting down with a sign Flutershy picked up Angel, stroking his ears. “Oh dear, I hope he’s ok…” She worried quietly, her head drooping like a sad puppy.
Tacet took notice, kneeling before Fluttershy not able to hear what she had said.. In an almost hush whisper the knight spoke “what worries you Lady Shy? Did Bastion not satisfy your need of protection?” She looked with a calm expression like one that Bastion wore but inside she was a pot about to boil over depending on what the mare in front of her said. “If he hurt this goddess then I will have words for the Commander.” She thought internally.
Fluttershy shook her head before pouting. “No, he made me safe. It's just...I worry about him. When he came back I tried to help him take off his armor but he suddenly shouted at me. I didn’t even know he could raise his voice that loud. But looking back on it he looked like he was beating himself up over doing such a thing…” She softly spoke, looking at the kneeling mare with small tears in her eyes.
The pot cooled quickly in her chest as Tacet pulled a handkerchief from her pocket. Dabbing at the corners of Shy’s eyes she soothed in that hushed voice no louder than a whisper. “You need not worry about him. He just always strives for perfection even if it costs himself comfort or kindness. In fact he’s helped many gain their own lives or voices.” She pulled away with a smile, tucking the cloth away for future needs both for Fluttershy and herself.
“But I want to be someone he can open up to. It isn’t right for someone to be forced to keep everything bottled up for others sake.” Fluttershy complained, slapping a hand down on her knee. Hanging her head once more. “I just want to help reach out to him and tell him it’s ok but I barely know the stallion. I can’t think of how to talk to him as a friend. I especially don’t want to boss you guy’s all around either.” She muttered.
Tacet shifted from her spot slowly to sit next to the sad mare. Clasping her hands around Fluttershy’s shoulders she pulled her into a sideways hug. “You need not worry about how we feel but.” She began, raising a finger to stop Shy from complaining at the comment. “If you’d like. I can tell you how he helped me get my voice back and help others like me.” She offered.
Fluttershy looked up at the mare with large round eyes. Nodding quickly she silently shifted to face the knight more fully.
Her heart squeezed at being in Fluttershy’s full attention. Clearing her throat she began to say “It was a cold and freezing night in Manehatten…”
Author's Note
Backstories, backstories, backstories!
Nesti sprinted through the underbrush, snow falling heavily around her. Her coat already thoroughly soaked, chills setting through bones. flaming arrows flew through the air near her form as she rushed through the night. Tears rolled down her eyes as she pushed on. A bolt of flame finally found its mark in her shoulder, knocking her to the cold ground. A cry leaving her chest.
"I got one of them!" A twisted voice shouted with sick laughter. Sounds of shifting snow came crashing behind Nesti. Soon a hand gripped her arm to yank her from the snow. A metal covered stallion laughed, licking his lips as he looked over Nesti's body. "Oh, you'll earn me a pretty penny now won't you. Course I'll sample ya first." The stallion spoke. The other ones gave their own approval, voicing their want at a turn on her.
As the stallion reached for her already tattered clothes Nesti closed her eyes ready for what was about to come. Instead though the sounds of an axe splitting something cracked through the air and Nesti dropped to the freezing ground once more. Opening her eyes she gave a small scream at the now severed head of the stallion at her feet. The other men whirled around shouting for whoever threw the axe that now sat buried in a tree near Nesti to come out.
A red glow appeared off to her left as a hulking figure appeared from the tree line, it's eyes glowing with flames. The stallions raised their weapons in defiance to the new monster showing up. "Stop right theurghh!" One of the stallions began to shout before his head severed in half, blood spurting from the wound.
The other stallions gave outcries as the hulking monster tore through the deep snow like it wasn't there. It swept past them, taking one of the enemy with it. The cry of the stallion could be heard before a sickening crack silenced it. The rest of them tried to fight back launching magic and arrows at any noise they could but it did nothing as the hulking beast took them out one by one till the last one stood a little from Nesti. The stallion's eyes darted around trying to find the red glow in the dark forest before dropping his weapon, running away with a scream.
Nesti watched as his form disappeared into the darkness before a thud broke the air. The body then got tossed through the air to land near her making her yelp. She clamped a hand over her mouth as heavy footsteps stomped slowly in her direction. Once more the red glow appeared as the hulking monster stood in front of her. She watched in silent horror as it reached a hand out slowly towards her, expecting death to find her as well. To her shock it grasped the arrow shaft lodged into her shoulder, pulling it out quickly yet she felt no pain. Looking back she could see the wound closing quickly.
The form picked her up gently, cradling her in one arm as it began to walk slowly in a direction. "W-who are you?" She asked, looking closer to the body only to find a metal helmet covering the person's form.
"Bastion. I was sent to pick you up." A deep voice responded, a small puss of fogged breath came from the helmet showing life.
"Was it my father?" Nesti asked, taking note of the figure's accent. She could tell it wasn't a native speaking her people's tongue.
The helmet dipped in a nod before straightening out once more. They stopped for a moment as Bastion pulled a crossbow from his hip, pointing it slightly ahead of them. With a pull the bolt launched into the darkness, followed by the sounds of hitting something and someone gurgling a death noise. Bastion then continued forward, single handed loading the crossbow again.
As they moved through the snow Nesti peeked over to look at the body that lay in the snow, it's form topped backwards with the blot sticking slightly out of the eye socket. "Why are you here?" She asked, growing a little more comfortable with the person who saved her.
Bastion stayed silent making her wonder if she was pushing her luck until the gust of wind distracted her as light surrounded them. In the blink of an eye they appeared in the middle of a battle camp, fires and ponies moving all around. Bastion set her down as she noticed her father rushing towards her. As she was grasped by her father Bastion moved past. "My job is to make you all see the next morning." He replied
"Nesti dear! I'm so glad to see you still alive. When those damned Vestir separated us I thought I lost you." Her father cried out, clutching her into her dirty tunic. He planted kisses across her head as Nesti watched Bastion slowly walk away from them towards the deadmans land between her fathers camp and the enemy camp across the way on top of a hill. "Come dear, let's get you some warm clothes and a hot meal." Her father lightly pulled on her hand only to find her not budging. "Nesti?" He asked, turning to look at his daughter.
But Nesti had set her eyes to watch the mysterious figure walk into the field as her people rushed back to the camp. She watched as he removed a massive battle axe from his back, the blade sinking into the ground at his side as the enemy troops started to charge across the field after the fleeing soldiers. Nesti felt her father ease his tugging as they stood to watch the single figure face the wall of flesh crashing towards him.
Magic and arrows landed around him. Some even looked like they would land right on target but became knocked to the side at the last second. Dirt flew as Bastion stood loose with his arms hanging at his side. The enemy approached, howling their battle cries as they almost arrived on top of him. Only when they were a few yards away did he reach for the axe again. In a flash he swung the weapon, slicing a wave across the line of enemies. The fires around his form shifted the shadows on his body like a curling demon as his breathing was visible. Only when he let the axe fall once more blade first into the ground did the troops stumble, their bodies falling in half.
"Thank the guardians Celestia agreed to have him come to our aid." Nesti's father muttered as the enemy panicked, scrambling back to get away from the monster in the field. "If she didn't honor that ancient deal with our ancestors I don't believe we would live for much longer." He said, turning with one more tug on Nesti's arm.
This time she followed without a word, stealing glances at the slowly shrinking form of Bastion. When she woke the next morning to cheering she found Bastion still out in the field right where she had last spotted him. A wall of bodies stacked in front of him across the field.
"From there my tribe was able to get the enemy to surrender and our safety was secured. When I had the chance I rushed to that stallion and begged him to let me join him." Nesti finished, smiling while massaging a spot on her shoulder.
"Whoa..." Applebloom mumbled, a small bit of food falling out of her mouth.
The others just stared at the large mare in silence. The meal was already eaten and gone.
Waking back to the present Nesti shook her head. "Ah, apologies. I took too much time." She said, looking around at the stunned ponies around her.
Applejack leaned back in her chair as her thoughts collected themselves. She now had a better understanding of the type of stallion Bastion was. "Maybe I oughta have a chat with the fella." She thought to herself.
Alabaster took a cigarette as he scanned over the ballroom. His target moved somewhere in the sea of shifting fabrics, races, and shallow smiles. He scowled, flicking the half used cig to the ground, stomping out the embers as he made his way down the spiral stairs to the ground floor. Shifting a perfect smile as he adjusted his posture to fit the ideal image of a gentlecolt. Soon he stood in the crowd, snaking his way with no contact to any other person's body. "Where are you my little angel?" He thought, scanning over the bodies. His eyes landed on the mother of his target, noting a massive stallion that stood near the mare chatting happily with her. "Who is this brute?" He thought with a sneer, winding through the crowd closer.
"My you are just the charmer aren't you?" The mother teased, gently touching the arm of the massive stallion. "You wouldn't happen to be single would you?" She flirted, pressing closer to the figure.
Alabaster mentally vomited at the crude approach this mare had but knew he needed her to find his target. As he got closer almost within arm reach the figure responded in a voice that froze him slightly. "I'm taken by my work milady. But I would be open to chat if I met your daughter. I hear she's gaining a lot of attention from suitors." The massive stallion replied.
"Oh, of course. In fact I can see her over there." The mother replied, pointing through the crowd at a stunning mare laughing near the middle of the floor.
Alabaster began to move through the crowd quickly now that he knew where his target was. "Finally, now I can get this over with." He growled quietly. His target got closer and closer until he could almost touch her. Reaching a hand forward a large one shot out grasping his own making his gaze dart towards his right. The mysterious stallion stood there with a neutral expression, staring directly into his eyes. Yanking his hand away Alabaster, raised his fists in a discreet guarded stance. "It's quite rude to suddenly grab somepony without their consent, darling." He spoke in a clipped tone.
The stallion shifted closer to him with a small upturn of his lips. "One could say the same at reaching for an unprepared mare." His deep voice filled Alabaster's head.
Alabaster was about to give a retort when music suddenly struck up from the band. The floor cleared except for a few couples who started to dance. He quickly spotted his target among the dancers but his gaze once more landed on the massive stallion as they grabbed his hands. "What do you think you are doing?" He demanded, trying to wrench away.
"Dancing of course or are you not knowledgeable about the art?" The stallion challenged.
Furious Alabaster slammed a foot forward, forcing the stallion to take a step back. The beat of a drum filled the air as Alabaster took another step then another, driving this crude brute back as he took charge of the dance. His eyes flickered to his target, also dancing just off to his side. His target was stolen from him when suddenly the stallion took control from him with ease.
"Don't you know it's rude not to look at your partner?" The stallion teased, forcing the white partner to try and keep up. Soon the two stood in front of the band where without any warning the large stallion shouted to the band members "Strike up something fast! This is a party after all!"
The band whipped into an intense beat, the larger stallion dragging the man into a dance that forced him to use every stepping technique to keep up. "Who in the nine hells are you?" Alabaster questioned, getting angered by this brute's actions while also taking note of his annoyingly skilled movements.
Chuckling deeply the stallion replied "Bastion, Iron Bastion and the man who needs to see that girl have a fun night mister stalker." His smile and words stunning Alabaster briefly.
"Funny you say that. I was hired for the same reason." Alabaster said after controlling his twitching eye at this stallion's comment. "Though why my contractor didn't tell me they had a second one hired is beyond me." He complained.
Bastion chuckled as the two danced, directing Alabaster backwards till with a twirl Alabaster found himself joining hands with his target while Bastion took the stallion she had been dancing with away. A mysterious wink and knowing smile flickered on the larger stallions lips that made the young stallion bristle in annoyance that he was being played around. "Hello sir, I apologize if I don't keep up as well as your other partner did." His target apologize in advance.
Looking her over he could see bags under her eyes and a weak grip. "Nonsense angel, just follow my lead and you'll practically be flying." He soothed, putting on his most dashing smile he could muster. The two flowed across the floor until a little later the young mare needed to step away. Taking it as a cue Alabaster guided her outside towards the gardens. "The night is lovely isn't it?" He struck up a conversation.
The girl smiled as she looked up before coughing into her hand. When she pulled it away a small amount of blood was visible. A handkerchief was produced by Alabaster for her to clean herself. "My apologies...I haven't been my best for a long time. This is the most I've done in a day before." She apologized once more.
"Think nothing of it dear. You must have had a strange life before this night." He brushed off. The two talked in the cool air until the young mare's mother appeared once more looking for her daughter. Alabaster bid her farewell as the two walked away leaving him alone in the garden. Or as much as anyone else would know. "Just come out already." He ordered, turning his head towards Bastion's appearing form.
"Not bad, little one. You know how to handle the ladies." Bastion teased, chuckling as he stood near the white stallion.
Turning fully towards the massive stallion Alabaster frowned. "Just who are you exactly really?" He questioned.
Shrugging his shoulders Bastion walked past the inquiring figure further into the garden. "You'll just have to follow me and unravel that mystery yourself." He said over his shoulder as he slowly faded into the shadows.
"I can't explain why but that stallion drew me. So I followed him and even after so many years I have only learned a handful of nuggets about this man with a mountain left unknown." Alabaster finished up, sewing the last of the fabric together to finish the last dress.
"He seemed much like a moving statue when I met him. I didn't expect him to have such a playful side." Rarity replied before pausing. "What about that mare? What was the job really about that one?" She asked, leaning against the drawing table.
Wiping away small wrinkles on the dress the stallion hummed to himself. "What indeed was that job? What I can tell you without breaking my code is that she was someone who was meant to be happy when she left that party." He answered, patting the dress lightly as a soft look entered his eyes. "Since who knew how much longer she had to be happy." He spoke softly, almost too quiet for Rarity to hear.
