Shines the Sun

Over the next few days, Harmonic and Atmospheric compiled a list of notes to help the seraph recount her origin. What followed was fairly straightforward.

"I was created from my father's personal design," she revealed, "I'm one of the four original angels he created himself. The other three are my brothers: Lucifer, Michael, and Azazel. Lucifer brought me to life by injecting me with his blood."

"I take it original angels are different from souls?" Candance inquired.

"You can think of us as guardians for each quadrant of the universe. We were designed with special abilities to protect the inhabitants of this planet."

"What kind of abilities?"

"Strength, accuracy, stealth, and agility. In terms of physics, it actually makes sense father made me a mare. Feminine designs are sleeker with less resistance."

"Why haven't the others shown themselves yet?"

"Father was blamed for the toils of the ancient world. They made the mistake of assuming his power was omnipotent: that he could erase the evils of existence all on his own. In truth, he could only create one child every two thousand years. I'm just the most recent iteration."

"It sounds as though you think of yourself as a machine."

"Machines are tools, are they not?"

"I think Harmonic sees you as more than just a tool. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I suppose you have a point. We complete each other in a way no system could ever be, no matter how complex."

"Now for the juicy part. Why him?"

"To be honest? I don't know. Fate seems to have brought us together by pure chance. We were having conversations telepathically by the time he was five."

"I'm assuming the conversations became deeper over time."

"That's about the size of it. We'd already known each other so long that it felt natural when we met face-to-face."

"You traveled together from there?"

"Yes. I taught him how to hunt, how to forage for food, and how to collect water. Modern tech made the journey much easier."

"Your skills resemble tribal warriors from the old world. I'm impressed."

"I still practice my swordsmanship to this day."

"I'd like to see it sometime. Shining was adept in the art, but I doubt it's anywhere near your level."

"I respect anyone who can wield a blade honorably."

"I'm sure he'd be happy to hear that."

"Why don't you train with him, hon?" Harmonic interjected.

"You think I should?"

"I get the feeling Cadance would enjoy an old-fashioned duel between two noble warriors."

"I'm inclined to agree. What do you think, Cadance?"

"I think that's an excellent idea," the princess confirmed, "I enjoyed watching him practice occasionally when he was younger. I'm curious what a bit of polish would do for him now."

"Then it's settled. Once we're done with our sessions, I'll teach him what I know."

"I can't wait. I'm really eager to see him again."

"I promise I'll grant your wish, no matter the cost."

The Alicorn sighed. Tears of gratitude trickled across her face.

"Thank you..."