A Light in the Grim Darkness

Three months had passed since Ian’s arrival, and his research was developing

into an excellent preliminary report that he would hopefully soon present to the

High Lords of Terra. Applejack had visited him at the palace every now and again

on the weekends and Rainbow Dash was in Canterlot regularly to visit with Soarin.

He also met with Princess Twilight quite often as she was in the capital quite a bit.

Celestia and Ian walked through the serene peace of the Canterlot gardens; it was

a beautiful spring morning and perfect for a peaceful walk. Canterlot was such a

bustling and busy city that one could easily get lost in the busy routine of politics;

especially in the royal court.

It had been a long two months since Ian had arrived. He had visited the major

population centers of Equestria with the princesses and had also gotten to review

the Royal Guard. However, Ian and Celestia both agreed that the best way to learn

about the culture of a nation was to experience it firsthand amongst normal everyday

down to Equis ponies rather than the stuffy Canterlot elite that he had been living amongst.

The princess had decided to direct him to the town of Ponyville, which was just in sight of

Canterlot. It wouldalso give him an opportunity to learn more about the Elements of Harmony

by spending more time with the bearers of the elements.

“So, you are sure I will not frighten your subjects just by my sheer presence Your Majesty?”

asked Ian.

“The reception of the newspaper articles were very good, I doubt you will scare them Ian

as long as you don’t do anything brash.” replied Celestia.

“That’s plenty easy enough princess.” said Ian, suddenly noticing a white Unicorn standing

near some rose bushes.

“What is it Ian?” asked Celestia noticing a mischievous grin come over Ian’s face.

“Wait just a tick your majesty.” said Ian halting and reaching out with his telepathy towards

the unexpecting Prince Blueblood.

****************************************************************************

Prince Blueblood so enjoyed the garden. He loved to sniff the flowers and take in the

weather was nice and the spring was his favorite time of the year. He looked at his

favorite plants, the roses. They were so beautiful, and beginning to bud. This was also

the only place he found where that terrible voice left him alone. That was when his face

paled as he heard an eerily familiar voice.

“Roooosebuuuuds….” it whispered ominously. The prince paled and let out a high pitched

shriek before fleeing so fast he ran into the door and dazed himself, but quickly got up and

ran back inside. As soon as he was out of sight, Ian turned around with a wicked grin on his

face; and both he and Princess Celestia burst out laughing.

“Let me guess, he was harassing the staff again?” giggled Celestia.

“Nope, just figured I would give him a parting gift.” chuckled Ian.

****************************************************************************

It was just another day in Ponyville town square. Applejack stood behind her apple stand

selling fresh apples and baked goods that had made Sweet Apple Acres famous across

Equestria. Sales were good, and that was a good thing because it kept the farm going. A

shadow passed over the apple stand and she looked up to see a sky chariot with two familiar

faces. One was Princess Celestia, the other was Ian. Many of the townsponies had never

before seen the human up close and some were rather scared of the Inquisitor.

“The horror! The horror! Shouted one mare with a trio of lilies on her flank.

“Oh come now, I can’t be that ugly.” said Ian with a friendly grin that drew a few laughs from

some of the townsponies. He and the princess then hopped off. Ian’s other supplies would be

arriving by train within a few hours. He was wearing his witch hunter hat and long coat over

his Cadian uniform, and on his belt was the ever present trio of the inquisitorial rosette, bolt

pistol, and powered bowie knife, while under his arm was a beautiful but heavy looking

cherry wood box that Applejack knew contained Dread Bane. He and Celestia were soon

greeted by the element bearers and a tan earth pony with the “heraldry” as Ian had dubbed

it in his reports, of a scroll on her flank. The term “cutie mark” in the final copy of a formal

report to the High Lords or Lord Coteaz would make him a laughing stock at best, and most

likely dragged out and beaten at the worst; and so he had changed it for formality’s sake.

“Hey Ian! Good to see ya finally decided to visit us here in Ponyville.” said Applejack with a smile.

“Actually, I will be continuing my work here in Ponyville, as per the advice of Princess

Celestia.” replied Ian.

“So what will you be doing here?” asked Rarity.

“I will be studying the life and culture of the average citizens of Equestria. I can only learn so

much from the upper crust ponies in Canterlot. I also wanted to learn more about the Elements,

and the princess suggested the best way to do so was to spend more time around the Element

Bearers. Besides it will get me away from Blueblood.” replied Ian.

“Was he giving you trouble?” asked Twilight rolling her eyes in disgust at the sheer mention of

the prince’s name.

“Nope, he just needs a vacation from the ghost that’s haunting him.” said Ian with a smile that

drew laughter from the element bearers.

“So, where are ya gonna stay?” asked Applejack.

“Well, I will be staying at the inn. The princess was kind enough to give me a small weekly

stipend for my stay, it should take care of food and boarding until I am finished with my work

and return to the Imperium.” answered Ian.

“Aw shucks Ian, why don’t ya come with me over ta the farm and Ah’ll see if we can’t set ya up

in the guest room.” offered Applejack.

“Are you sure about that AJ, I do not wish to intrude.” said Ian.

“It shouldn’t be any trouble at all. We just need ta clear it with mah family is all.” said Applejack.

“Princess, what are your thoughts?” asked Ian.

“I think it’s a good idea, you will get to see how ponies live at home and see our real culture

first hand, and you will be living with one of the element bearers.” said the Princess.

“Alright then, sounds like a plan, lead the way AJ.” said Ian.

Before they could leave, the tan mare spoke up.

“Welcome to Ponyville inquisitor, we are glad to have you.” said the tan earth pony.

“Glad to be here, and you are?” asked Ian.

“Oh, how rude of me, I’m Mayor Mare, it is a pleasure.” said the mayor offering a hoof.

“Likewise Mayor, likewise.” replied Ian taking the hoof and shaking it. If there was one thing

that Ian trusted and disliked less than the likes of the Canterlot nobility it was politicians.

Bureaucrats in particular made him especially angry at times due to their bumbling nature.

He had once had to wait a full month to finalize a death sentence for the head of a daemon

worshipping cult that he had captured because one of the bureaucrats in the Adeptus Terra

building on Formosa had lost the paper work. However, the mayor seemed to be kind enough,

and he kept his opinions to himself.

*****************************************************************************

Ian and Applejack talked with the other element bearers as they walked towards Applejack’s

farm. When they came into view of the farm, Ian was impressed by the sheer size of the main

barn of Sweet Apple Acres. His family’s barn back on Laureus IX had been a very impressive

one but had lacked the beautiful architecture that was seemingly common place here on Equis

Prime.

“A very nice barn AJ, I have never seen such beautiful architecture.” said Ian.

“Why thank ya Ian.” said Applejack with a smile. When they finally reached the farmhouse,

they were greeted by a large red draft stallion with a green apple on his flank and a rickety

looking old pony sitting in a rocking chair. A border collie also sat on the porch growling at

Ian.

“Ian, this is mah brother Big Macintosh, and mah grandmother, Granny Smith. Granny, Mac;

this is Ian Ludones, he’s the human y’all read about in the papers, and this is mah dog

Winona.” she said.

“Nice ta meet ya Mr. Ludones.” said Macintosh offering a hoof to the human.

“Good to meet you as well, and please; just call me Ian.” said Ian shaking the big stallion’s

hoof and looking him in the eye.

“Quite a grip ya got there Ian.” said Big Mac surprised by the strength of the human.

“Father always said that when you shake on something, even when meeting someone,

you do so earnestly and look them in the eye.” said Ian.

“Eeyup!” said Mac with a smile.

Next he met Granny Smith. She was less welcoming, although she put on a good front,

Ian could tell that she was very mistrustful of him. In his short career as an inquisitor, Ian

had learned well to read body language; and this had been no different here on Equis

Prime.

“Welcome ta Ponyville Mr. Ludones.” said the old mare.

“Please marm, there’s no need for formality. Ian will do.”  The old mare nodded but still had

the look of ‘I got my eye on you’ on her face. Winona kept growling, but Ian offered the back

of his hand, which she sniffed before proceeding to give his hand a bath.

“Ah was wondering if we could open the guest room up ta Ian. He was going to be staying

at the inn, but Ah figured we could offer him some Apple Family hospitality.” said Applejack.

“Well, AJ looks convinced. Big Mac, you have any problem with him stayin’ here?” asked

Granny.

“Nope.” said the big stallion.

“Well Ah guess Ah’ll give ya a chance. AJ, take him up and show him the guest room.” said

Granny, clearly not pleased but not wanting to show a lack of hospitality. Applejack showed

Ian into the house, unfortunately the rather tall human had not figured on the rather low

clearance, especially after such a long time in the palace where the doors and ceilings were

very high.

*WHACK* “Ouch!” griped Ian.

“Watch yer head sugar cube, yer a might taller than any of us.” said Applejack with a

chuckle.

“Yeah, I will have to keep that in mind.” replied Ian rubbing the knot on his forehead and

fixing his glasses.

Applejack took Ian up to his new room. The bed was large and there was plenty of room,

and against the wall at the foot of the bed was a dresser on which Ian set the cherry wood

box and opened it, revealing the huge hammer. Dread Bane’s machine spirit hummed

contently, bringing a smile to Ian’s face.

“Glad you’re happy old friend.” said Ian.

“Uh, Ian; is that hammer alive?” asked Applejack with some confusion.

“In a way yes: all machines have a machine spirit that lives within them. Even my bolt

pistol, knife, and armor.” said Ian. Another metallic hum issued from the hammer.

“Yes, we are talking about you old friend.” said Ian to the hammer, before changing the

subject.

“I must ask why you invited me into your home on such short notice AJ?” said Ian.

“Uh well ya see last time ah had relatives come ta town, their stay at the inn wasn’t too

good. They complained about the rooms being messy and roaches everywhere. That

place has gotten in trouble quite a bit fer health code violations. Ah couldn’t let a friend

stay there knowing that; plus yer a friend.” replied Applejack with a smile.

“I very much thank you for your kindness AJ; I just hope I won’t be a bother to you

and your family. Your grandmother seems less than pleased with my presence at

this point.” said Ian.

“Oh don’t worry ‘bout her, once she gets ta know ya she’ll warm up ta ya.” smiled

Applejack. Ian was sure he heard a “squee” noise when she smiled but dismissed

it as being in his head.

“Well, I certainly hope I won’t be a bother, fish and company start to smell after

three days.” said Ian.

Just as Applejack was about to ask what he meant by the odd saying, Big

Macintosh walked up the stairs with a piece of paper in his teeth.

“Ian’s luggage just arrived at the train station.” said the red draft pony through

gritted teeth.

“Ah, thank you good sir, I will get under way. It will take me a few trips and I

haven’t all day.” said Ian taking the dispatch.

“If ya want ah can hook up the cart and we can get it all in one go.”

offered Big Mac.

“I would be most grateful.” replied Ian.

*****************************************************************************

Thankfully the cart was large enough to hold Ian’s entire collection of luggage and they

got everything to the farmhouse by that afternoon. Ian got everything set up in the room

within a half hour and soon found himself being given a tour of the property. The fields

were in the process of being plowed and the apple trees were in bloom. The property was

well kept; it would have made his parents proud of the Apple family for their devotion to the

upkeep of their property.

“Ian, follow me; there is a great place we can watch the sunset.” said Applejack.

“Okay, lead the way my friend.” replied Ian.

Applejack led Ian to the top of a hill, and they sat down under the shade of a tree.

The hill overlooked all of Ponyville and the surrounding valley; a sight that took Ian’s breath

away, and in the distance, the sun was setting, and Luna’s moon was rising. It was beautiful.

“AJ.”

“Yeah Ian?”

“Thank you for showing me this place.” said Ian. The two sat for a while chatting and

looking at the constellations before Applejack asked him for the time. It was 10 pm.

“We need ta be getting back. We have an early mornin’ tomorrow and Ah need mah sleep.”

said Applejack with a yawn.

“Of course, let’s get going.” replied Ian.

Ian and Applejack walked back to the house; on the way back he told her about

his family’s farm back on Laureus IX. Unfortunately, when they got back to the

house, something was off. The lights were all out, but the front door was wide

open. Applejack went to go through the front door, but was instantly stopped

by Ian, who unsnapped his holster and drew his bolt pistol, which made a slight

click as he took the safety off. Ian then reached into a small satchel on his belt

and took out a pair of odd looking goggles.

“AJ, please hold this and stay behind Me.” he said giving Applejack his hat and

removing his glasses, storing them in his satchel. Next he put on the goggles and

then flipped a switch on the side and the lenses turned green. Ian put a finger to

his lips for silence.

He entered the house quietly, sweeping left and right with the massive pistol.

The living room and entry way were clear, and Applejack was right behind him;

that just left the kitchen. As the two approached, they could hear a male and

female voice whispering unintelligibly in the darkness. Ian put his back to the

wall while Applejack got in close to the wall as she could. He gave her a nod

before swinging the corner with the pistol aimed at the two ponies behind

the counter.

“Hold it right there you- wait:” Ian clicked the safety on his pistol back on. “Big Mac what are

you doing with-” Ian’s world suddenly became a burning white light as Applejack flipped on

the light switch, not knowing the consequences for Ian.

“GAAAAHHHHH! MY EYES!” yelled Ian, who due to his temporary blindness did not

see Winona come sprinting out of the other room alarmed by his yell, but he did feel

her bite his leg…

“MY LEG!”

****************************************************************************

Ian sat in the chair rubbing at his eyes, it had been an hour and he was still seeing little black

dots. In the room with him were Applejack, Big Macintosh, and none other than Princess Luna,

who was still blushing bright red. Ian took his glasses back out and put them on,Winona,

who now sat with a rather sad look on her canine face. Applejack felt terrible for blinding Ian,

and even worse that her dog had bitten him as an indirect result. She was however happy that

Applebloom was spending the night with her friends at Fluttershy’s house and that Granny was

a sound enough sleeper that she hadn’t heard Ian yell. It was also good that no one had been

seriously hurt.

“Ian, ahm really sorr-” began Applejack, who was cut off by Ian holding up a hand.

“Don’t be. You didn’t know what would happen.” said Ian.

“So yer not mad?” asked Applejack.

“Oh, don’t think I am not mad. I am quite angry right now, just not at you.” he said glaring at

Big Mac and Princess Luna the latter of who gave him a sheepish looking smile. He could have

sworn he heard a squee noise again.

“Why are ya so mad at us?”asked Big Mac innocently.

“Leaving the front door open ya big lug! We thought somepony was breakin’

into the house, and with how sound you sleep I was pretty worried mahself!”

answered Applejack with a cross look on her face before Ian could start.

“Well Granny’s upstairs reading” said Mac in his defense.

“Mac; you know as well as Ah do that she couldn’t hear a dump truck crashin’ into a

dynamite factory.” stated Applejack with a look that said ‘you should know that’.

“Sorry AJ.” said Big Mac.

“So Princess Luna, how long have you and mah brother been seeing each other?”

asked Applejack.

“We have been dating since a few weeks after the Hearths Warming Eve pageant; we

have been friends since Nightmare Night when we- I visited.” said Luna.

“Mac, Is this true?” asked Applejack.

“Eeyup!” replied Macintosh with a smile.

“And ya didn’t bother tellin’ anypony in yer family?!” Applejack spat with some anger.

“We were both… worried. The press would hound you relentlessly, and I would feel bad if

they were to do so.” replied Luna.

“Well just imagine what’d happen if Applebloom saw y’all kissin’ here in the kitchen! The

whole town would know by the end of the next day!” said the orange farm pony with ire.

A bit of arguing between the ponies broke out until Ian cleared his throat.

“If I may interject here?” asked Ian raising a hand. Everyone looked at him. “Next time

you two are going to neck in the kitchen; For the love of the God-Emperor, close the front

door; maybe even hang a towel on the door knob so we know it’s you and I don’t come

through the door ready to shoot someone.” finished Ian, holding an ice pack to his leg.

After a moment of awkward silence filled the room everyone in the room burst out laughing

at the comedy of the situation, even Ian. With that the conversation ended and everyone

went to bed, and Luna, with a kiss to her coltfriend, went back to the palace, while

Applejack and Ian walked up the stairs.

Applejack found herself admiring the young inquisitor. He had gone through the door ready

to protect her family and property from harm at the risk of his own life; and she had to admit

to herself: she did find him attractive. He was kind despite the cruelty of the universe around

him; he felt guilt over the lives of the innocent that were lost; and despite the great tragedy in

his past, he continued to soldier on, and she admired that about him. She found herself

blushing quite a bit as she got into her room, and remembered Rarity’s teasing at the palace

a few months prior.

“Gee thanks a lot Rarity!” she thought to herself as she saw her cheeks turning a bright

red in the mirror. Applejack suddenly shook her head; what in the name of Celestia was she

thinking! He wasn't even a pony and he had had told her right out his first night the

consequences such a relationship would bring; and besides that, she had a good coltfriend

that she loved. She looked at the picture of her and Caramel on her vanity and smiled.

Tomorrow, maybe she would introduce him to Ian.

*****************************************************************************

The next day Applejack awoke early to find Ian in the kitchen with a mug of coffee and

surprisingly dressed in blue jeans and a button down shirt with a light jacket.

“I figured I would help you out this morning, Mac has a head start, so we best get

moving.” said Ian.

With Ian’s help, the morning chores were done in half the time that it normally took and

soon Ian and Applejack were sitting on the porch. Ian had changed back into his uniform

and greatcoat complete with hat, rosette, knife and pistol.

“Hey Ian, you up ta goin’ in ta town with me today? I wanna introduce ya to Mah

coltfriend.” said Applejack.

“Why not? I need to go into town as it is and meet Princess Twilight in the library.

She has some books for me about the elements and their history, maybe we can

swing by the library and then you can introduce me to him. By the way, why does the

princess live here rather than in the palace with Princess Celestia and Luna?”

asked Ian.

“Well, Twi prefers us regular ponies to them fancy Canterlot ponies. She goes

there fer court duty sometimes, but that’s about it.” replied Applejack.

“Ah, that explains it. I cannot blame her myself.” replied Ian.

The walk to town was about 20 minutes and went by fast as Applejack told Ian

about how she had met Caramel and how they had started dating right after Twilight’s

first Winter Wrap Up, a holiday which she had to explain to Ian. The visit to the library

had been quick as Twilight was up to her ears in paperwork for the weekend. Ian and

Applejack then made their way to Caramel’s house and noticed the front door ajar.

Applejack looked at Ian, who shrugged and then pushed the door open, which slightly

groaned; but not loud enough to distract Caramel from what he was doing. There, to

Applejack’s shock was another mare, her lips locked with those of her now ex-coltfriend.

Caramel broke the kiss just in time to see Applejack’s eyes fill with tears as the normally

tough as nails mare’s heart broke, before she turned and galloped off, leaving Ian behind

giving Caramel an absolutely disgusted stare.

“What are you, and what are you looking at?” asked Caramel in a put out tone.

“What I am is a friend of the mare whose heart you have just shattered, and as for what

I am looking at; not much apparently; just another fool who didn’t know or care how good

he had It.” said Ian before turning on his heel and walking off.

*****************************************************************************

Applejack sat under the tree on top of the hill where she had shown Ian the sunset the day

before. She felt awful for abandoning the inquisitor, but the shock and grief had just been

too much. She had been seeing Caramel for a little over a year; she thought that he had

been the best coltfriend a mare could have ever asked for. She had been proven wrong today.

The tears rolled down the side of her face as her grief overtook her. What had she done?

What had that other mare had that she didn't? She asked herself these questions and more as

she sat alone. Applejack sat like this for about a half hour before she noticed Ian’s shadow

looming over her.She turned around to see Ian knelt down to her level with a sympathetic look

on his face, and he pulled the orange farm pony into a hug. Applejack kept crying, but it felt

better that she had someone who was there for her.

“Let it out AJ. Everything will be alright.” said Ian.

“Why? Why did he do that!? What did she have that I don’t?”

Applejack asked through her tears.

“Well for a start, her taste is all in her mouth.” said Ian.

“Wait, what?” asked Applejack.

“In other words, she has poor taste in stallions. If he cheated on you, he will cheat on

her. You should be glad to be rid of him AJ: one day a good, honorable stallion will come

along, and you will know if and when he is the right one. The best thing you can do is forget

about Caramel. He’s a fool for even thinking of cheating on you like that; get out there and

live your life; somepony will come along when you least expect it.” said Ian.

“Thanks Ian.” said Applejack.

“Not a problem.” replied Ian.

*****************************************************************************

Dread Bane hummed menacingly at the three little fillies that were gathered around it.

“Whaddya thank it is?” asked Applebloom.

“Well, it’s obviously a hammer.” said Scootaloo.

“Yeah, but it seems like it makes noises when we get close to It.” said Sweetie Bell.

“Well, big sis said one of the older barns needs to be torn down, maybe we can use this ta do

it! We might even get our cutie marks!” said Applebloom excitedly.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS DEMOLITION EXPERTS!” The three fillies revelry didn’t last very

long when they heard someone’s throat being cleared. Standing in the doorway was Applejack

and Ian; neither of them looking too pleased.

“About using my priceless family heirloom and weapon as a sledgehammer to tear down a

barn; the answer is no.” said Ian calmly.

“S-sis… Who is that?” asked Applebloom pointing a hoof at Ian nervously.

“This is mah friend Ian. He’s the human y’all leaned about in high school and in the

newspapers: and what did ah tell ya about not snoopin’ around!?”

said Applejack strictly.

“Uh, that it’s bad manners.” said Applebloom.

“Eeyup, now you can apologize ta Ian and accept whatever punishment he’s gonna give ya.

So long as it’s within reason” said Applejack looking to Ian. She almost felt sorry for the fillies

when Ian smiled mischievously. She could almost see cogs and wheels spinning in his head.

Ian already had a punishment in mind.

“We’re sorry.” said the three fillies with an adorable look that would melt anyone’s heart; well,

except maybe Ian and some of his colleagues.

“Well, when I opened the hammer’s box up without permission, my father tanned my hide

with his belt, but that was my dad and I was his son. You three on the other hand are not my

children. I do however have a task for you; and it may even help you earn your cutie marks.”

said Ian deviously.

“Really!?” asked Scootaloo and Applebloom enthusiastically hopping up and down.

“Oh yes.” said Ian rubbing his hands together.

“We’re not going to like it are we?” asked Sweetie bell with a worried look on her face.

“No, no you are not.” said Ian looking at his power armor standing behind them.

*****************************************************************************

“This stinks.” stated Scootaloo with a look of boredom on her face.

“Awww, and here I thought you three would love my idea for Cutie Mark Crusaders

armor polishers; and I really did mean it when I said I don’t want to see one fleck of

dust on that armor or you will do it over again.” said Ian raising an eyebrow as he finished

polishing Dread Bane. He had recited the litanies of cleaning for his armor before the three

little fillies had started; better not to offend the machine spirit within the armor further.

“Yes Inquisitor.” they replied in unison.

“Very good, now keep working. The Emperor rewards those who work diligently with

release once their toil is over.” said Ian with the best shit eating grin he could muster.

***************************************************************************

Later that night.

The Books that Ian had borrowed from Twilight had very descriptive information about the

elements, but to Ian, this was just not enough: He needed more of an explanation as to what

the elements could do. He read how they had freed Princess Luna and how they had trapped

daemons in stone, but the question on Ian’s mind that was really nagging him was could it heal

someone. If the elements turned out to be a bust, then the Emperor would remain imprisoned in

the Golden Throne, and he would be banished here and look like an absolute buffoon at best or

be shot at the worst. He was pulled from his thoughts by a knock on the door.

“Come in.” said Ian, who was sitting on the bed with his leg removed and with no shirt as he

had just gotten out of the shower. When Applejack stepped in, her jaw dropped at the sight of

Ian’s upper body. Applejack had not been expecting to see Ian in such a state. It was not the

fact that he had no shirt; that did not bother her one bit; it was that Ian’s body was a mass of

muscle and scar tissue.

“AJ, you look as if you have seen a ghost, are you alright?” asked Ian.

“W-Who did that to ya!? asked Applejack pointing at his scarred body.

“Well, my memory is not that good, and I really didn’t stop to ask any of them their names;

I was too busy trying not to get killed by them.” said Ian.

“So ya got all of these-”

“In various battles Applejack: some I remember better than others. This one was from a chain

sword wielded by a chaos space marine,” he said pointing to a terrible looking scar on his left

pectoral muscle: “this one was from a cultist who got a lucky stab at me with a bayonet,” he

said pointing to a scar over his ribs: “and this one was from a bolter round fired from a chaos

champion’s pistol; The Emperor had his hand on me with that one; bolter rounds normally

explode once they hit their target: that one malfunctioned and one of my friends on my retinue

dug it out of me.” finished Ian pointing to an ugly looking scar on his shoulder.

Applejack looked at the menacing suit of armor in the corner and then back to Ian.

“How did any of that get through yer armor?” she asked.

“I have only owned that armor for about a year now. Before that I wore what is called carapace

armor; it is effective, but not nearly effective as power armor like what I wear now.” said Ian.

“It must’ve hurt really bad.” she said still staring at the scars.

“Most of them did; but the Emperor judges our worthiness by our scars; not by our medals,

titles or diplomas.” replied Ian.

“Yer awfully optimistic fer someone who’s lost his leg and been cut up.” said Applejack

raising a blonde eyebrow.

“I will take that as a compliment; humanity could use a bit more optimism. Now I know you

didn’t come here just to talk about my scarred up hide and my optimism.” said Ian.

“Well; ya see ah just wanted ta say thanks again fer helpin’ me through that earlier Ian. Yer a

good friend.” said Applejack.

“Thanks AJ. You are a good friend yourself.” replied Ian warmly.

“So, uh, what’re ya gonna do once the research ya need is all written and ready ta go?”

asked Applejack.

“I will probably return to the Imperium and present my findings to lord Coteaz and the High

Lords of Terra.” said Ian.

“Will ya ever come back here?” asked Applejack with a sad look on her face.

“I certainly hope so.” replied Ian.

“I’d miss ya. Yer a good worker and good po- man.” said Applejack correcting herself.

Ian suddenly opened the drawer to his nightstand and pulled out a golden necklace with a

two headed eagle as the amulet.

“Here, I want you to have this.” said Ian.

“What is it?” asked Applejack.

“This is an Aquilla necklace that was made on Holy Terra. It has also been blessed by

Ecclesiarch Decius XXIII; the head of the Ecclesiarchy, which is our church.” he said

handing her the necklace. Applejack looked at the necklace in her hooves and as she

turned it over, found some writing on it, which she read aloud.

“Ah shall fear no evil, fer the wings of Aquilla will shield me; The Emperor protects.”

“Whenever you read that prayer, know that no matter where my travels take me AJ; you

will be in my prayers.” said Ian.

“Thank ya Ian.” said Applejack with a smile.

*****************************************************************************

Canterlot Archeological Dig Site: Canterlot Mountain.

Professor Hoof Pick was happy with the progress the team was making in the old

gem mines; although it was a forgotten part of history for many ponies, it was still a part

of Equestria’s history and should be preserved. It was nearing closing time for the day

at the dig site, and Hoof Pick sat down with one of his assistants against a rock wall.

“How is the digging going?” asked Hoof Pick.

“Very well professor. We have discovered a lot of early Equestrian mining equipment,

including-” the assistant was cut off by a deep rumbling in the earth and the rock wall

behind them beginning to crack.

“RUN!” shouted Hoof Pick. The two ponies got out of the way just in the nick of time

as the wall of rock collapsed causing a huge cloud of dust to rise; when the dust settled,

the rock wall was gone; replaced by a massive steel door, over which was the sign of a

double headed eagle. The professor had seen this insignia in the news paper; it was

worn by the human visitor.

“We need to tell the princess! Now!” said the professor.