I woke up… finding myself lost and unsure. My eyes fly open, my sights filled with a green glow, as groups of horizontal lines, alternating from bright to dark lime green flood my vision. I can tell, my right side of my head was down on the ground, head planted if you will. At first I wanted to groan in pain, feeling discomfort for my… back? But that wasn’t what I was worried, I was worried on who I am, where I am and what am I…

I first thought hard, what am I? I can think for myself that was a relief but not changing the fact of my predicament. I look over my surroundings, there were a lot of trees… dense but it still gave enough space for light to pass through the many branches up above. My head starts to whirl, my thoughts quickly point me to check on myself. At first I wasn’t surprise, really, I was clearly lost as I move my body. The pain was absent for some odd reason.

I slowly moved my joints, checking what has happened to me. I can remember what my body is, but not what I am called, my body felt warm inside yet at the same time… cold, as if ice was melting around my form, but it constantly was chilled, very strange. As I fix and upright myself, I could see that I was tall… or at least that’s what my mind was telling me.

Before I can think further, my sights soon started to make beeping sounds, point and even identify my surroundings. As much as I don’t want to, it checked every tree in sight, telling me its name and origin and even the place it can be found.

At first I can understand what I was reading, in a language that I was not sure, but it gave off symbols unfamiliar to me. But I read it, “Found in Everfree forest, Equestria…” I try to say out loud but my voice, it was not there. The only thing I can hear was a halted mumble, as if I was gagged yet I can feel my lips moving around, heck I even stuck my tongue out. I look down to see if anything happened but what surprise me further were my hands.

I froze as I move my hands up to my face… they were solid, 5 digits per hand. With my palm facing me, I can see that I have four thin three jointed digits that seem dainty but sturdy per hand. I found also one stubby looking digits, on one hand, which showed strength yet was only two digits and bulkier than the rest. But what caught my attention the most was that my hands… and looking down, my whole body was encased in a golden liquid, as if flowing within my form, making it seem like I was in armor.

With the back of my palm, my armor with such sheen, I can see my reflection. I make out what I look like… I have a large mouth plate that covers the bottom of my face, from chin, to my cheeks, covering my mouth and even my… nose? How did I know that? The plate only ended just under my eyes which shone back with a bright yellow glow. Looking up more, I found I still had brows, though no hairs or anything, just golden liquid flowing and further, I looked at my bald head with two protruding horns… that seem to make me look like a horned monster or at the least something like a bat, I suppose.

I look down to my hand and my reflection, I made faces, even sticking my tongue out, which did not show on my face, but the eyes, brows and even my mouth plate moved as I made faces. Such little detail, it was… odd yet calming to know I can still show emotion, yet have a deceptive streak about my lips being unavailable.

I look down, unsure on what to expect only to find my own body, arms, waist and legs all within this yellow sheen armor that seem to meld perfectly into my form as if a knightly armor was on my body yet my legs differ greatly. From my legs down to my foot, it was near box-like, as if machine or mechanical.

I move my body slowly, seeing the armor shift as if trying to protect any space when I do so all the while whirling a slight sound of air and buzzing like there was life of both flesh and machine. I found my feet were in a locked box. I felt I have toes yet when I do move, my foot did not react but the whole of it does as I raise myself by the heels. I was stumped, unsure on what I am still. I do not know who I am I was basically a stranger in myself as I am now. I look around me once more, seeing my sights start to show a lot of symbols, signs and even a compass… which I don’t really know how I knew that.

As I face one direction, a large N followed my sight to point where it was. It was odd, surreal but my body did not ache or even felt painful anymore. As I face north, my sights start to beep, saying, ‘Find hiding spot’. Again, the symbols were strange to me, yet I can understand. I look further down the path my sight started to beep I saw a large white castle, built on the side of the mountain, as if it was nailed to the side of it. I can see a multitude of colors and even under it an after tail of water… I really have no idea why I knew that…

Still, I was lost, I am alone and one word kept coming back to me, ‘War’. I shook my head, annoyed as I did not know what to do, but being here proved to be near boring, which was from the depths of me, I do not know. I optioned myself to follow in the direction, first taking one step forward, finding my legs to work… regardless that it felt awkwardly misplaced when I was down on the dirt. It felt natural, walking now at the least, my right leg forward, foot on the ground, lifting myself up and swing my weight around to move forward. Bring my other leg to swing ahead of me and foot down on the ground, and swing my weight once more.

I was odd, I knew how to walk, my body acting like I knew very well and that it had a tingle of pain… as if it was not where I was meant to be. But that was the depth of me that I do not know. I took another step and soon I was passing the lone of trees away from Everfree.

___

It took me some time, but I made it out of the forest and into the bright sunlight. I reflex, expecting my eyes to hurt from looking into the bright sun but I found out it did not hurt, for me to look up into it. As I got out, I find myself near a settlement. From afar I can read, regardless that those letters were different from mine, “Welcome to Ponyville”. I wanted to chuckle under my breath about the name, being so… punned but my heart panged a surge of pain and my mind screamed jealousy. I shook my head, unsure of what to make of it. Still, I look to my surroundings and found a cottage nearby, though I raised a brow in wonder, why is it that it looks to be a hollow tree turned house?

I stared at it for some time, unsure of what it meant in this place as unsure as I was about the life of me. Before I can think further, my body felt like shivering mad, my body was acting like it was seen, caught in the act of stealing as I felt eyes staring behind me. I flinch, my body raised in alarm as I wanted to hide, yes, hide, unseen by anything or anyone. I wanted to know what saw me as well, where my body turns around, in quick fashion.

My body tensed up, ready for anything, as if attacking anything I saw. It was a strange thing for me, I was prepared to attack and kill, yet I am the stranger here. I wanted nothing more but to be ready for a fight, but when I looked, I saw nothing in the darkness of the forest that I came from. Everfree was not safe, the depths of my mind told me, yet, it was the best hiding spot a while ago. But I shook my head some as I turn back around once more. I find myself looking up into the white castle at the mountain.

For a better word, I felt attracted to it, as if I wanted to be there and to go there, but first things first. I did not know where I was or why. But I shook my head nonetheless. I look to the town and made my way my body acting on my own interest this time around as I paced myself but without a sound from my form, I found myself still cloaked. At first I wanted to complain on why that happened. Then a thought passed by me, it was best to be invisible and to be away from sight when I am hiding.

From that point I found myself joyous about it. I soon marched, walking slowly and making my way through this town, a town named ‘Ponyville’.

____

Invisible, unseen and in a cloak of deception, I walked through the small quaint little town named Ponyville. It was very kind and welcome. It was basically in the air, floating around each and every resident of this small and very happy town. At first I wanted to smile at the sensation, even through my armor, it felt like my body would just shiver in joy and in glee. But the sight of the forms left nothing for me to say.

They were all short, colorful I can get around but them being ponies… as the town suggested, I thought it was all a pun, or maybe a joke, but then it was imperative it was real. I was standing in the middle of town, invisible to all as I look left, right, even back from where I came, passing the welcoming name of the town to find ponies. They were in all shades of color, their coats differ or match their manes and tails, some were naked, others wearing little articles of clothing, the prominent attributes of their attire matching their work.

The strangest among them all was their sides, or flanks? Really, they had symbols, from everyday items to a mixture of two or more that had a certain meaning to it as I found myself wondering what they mean, but the more that I look, the more it made sense. Though I could not understand them, I could hear them in their work or from where they were working.

I saw a group of ponies, males, in uniforms that depict construction with their hard hats that only cover their tops but not their snouts, as they work on the wood work and the outlining of the house. I found a candy store not far from here with a pony, a female, who had a symbol similar to candies, she was selling sweets. I looked at many more, and when I kept looking, their symbols tend to match or make sense about what they were doing.

Of course, I saw others who had no such mark, many of which continue to look young in my sights. I was astonished, almost happy at the sight. I felt like the depths of my heart wanted to leap in joy and cheer about it, feeling at home, but I shook myself back. How can I be like that when I am standing right now, knowing of my form and looking at them seemed to make me looking like the odd one out, if I let go of my cloak that is.

Still, I could not help but hear how they speak, leaving me less hopeful as I do not understand them, their words and letters in the town, can read… through the sights I had that kept translating for me. Still I can hear them, though sounding like gibberish to me, but I knew they had a more common tongue than I.

(Good morning!)
(Hey! Good morning!)
(Move it just a bit)
(Let’s go and find ourselves something to do)

I could hear them but I could not understand them. The most that I know of was the more miscellaneous sounds that kept sounding off, like a hammer hitting something, their little steps, or gallops, the laughter that seems to be very similar in my ears but lost to me once it enters my thoughts. It was a strange sight, for me at the least, I felt alone, VERY alone.

“Why am I here? In this world filled with ponies?” I thought to myself, trying to sort things out as I gave a sighs, hearing it like it was my muffled tone and not one of them noticing me. I shook my head, I was headed for the castle high in the mountains and I plan to get my own answers when I get there. I move along through this quaint little town, avoiding from colliding with any of the ponies, especially the young little ponies who tend to pop up from time to time as I pass on through. Still, as I do so, my body shivered with regret, my mind still stinging that I left and my heart, though joyous at the sight around me, felt sorrowful for myself, as if I left a part of me there.

But even when I frown to myself, under my guise and under the plate, I tread on, not interested to feel such a thing ever again. I move through the path that seems to be frequently used, as the dirt path was evident on the ground. I move along, looking forward, not wanting to look behind as I stare at the white castle in the horizon. It was there that my mind wondered as I heard whispers inside of me.

“What? Brother, you can’t be serious about this?” A voice called out, as if worried
“You heard right, I want to see the world we were meant to be placed on.” Another, who seemed determine and one too familiar
“But… has Creator heard of this, your proposal?”
“Yes brother, and in the light of me opting for this, I plan to be within that one alicorn as she teaches her.”
“Wait, you want to be beside their monarch, are you mad?!”
“No, just wishful…”

It was at first silent, yet audible for me to hear, this left me thinking deeply about the conversation a bit longer, who was who? And am I one of the two? This kept ringing in my head for a while until I shake it off. When my senses returned did I find myself in front of the gate of the castle… odd, I did not remember moving up and about in the mountain. Still, I looked up and found myself entering through the archway; I looked beside me, seeing two ponies, one on either end of the arch with white coats, blue tails and golden shining armor. They were stoic and very serious from the looks they gave off, even when looking to the horizon.

Still, that thought did not linger long as I enter, I glimpse up into the sky to find the sun just nearing the middle point of its ascent, which was odd since I know that was not right, the sun was too far and not really rotating around the world, but another part of me said that was right. Still, I did not want to make a mental debate over onto myself as I walked on. I found myself into an open space, with little houses, that seem to have many floors; the stairways were outside and with it, with a few ponies about.

That same feeling of longing and being in the presence of this one town returned without warning as I froze in place. I observed the ponies when I did so they were relaxed and enjoying their time in the sun as they chat and move about. I observed further to the white castle, and found that there was still more sections within the castle itself, about two more walls, one for the castle itself and another at about the more compact and assortment of buildings that separate from where I stood.

I look on and wondered what this place was. I got my answer against when my sights beeps and a word came off of it, “Canterlot, Equestria.” I shook my head a bit at this as again, I could not help but see at the puns that were in their names, but the more I think about it, the more it seemed to fit as did Ponyville. “Great, in a world ruled by ponies…” I tried to speak out, but again muffled and incoherent, even for me. Once I finished, I started my way, towards the next archway, the wall that surrounded the second section. As I did, I could not help but hear the ponies in their own tongue about their language and such.

Passing the second archway, I can’t help but look up, seeing their flag. On it were two ponies, one white and pinkish, the other dark but blue the two having wings and a horn atop their head. The two ponies were in a round and about, chasing the others tail while between them, the sun and the moon shone, appearing in a balance sort of way. Still, I could only huff, unsure if this world is what the whispers deep in my head was describing. Passing this second arch, I found more ponies this time, but one major difference persists to some, but not all. Many of the ponies wore clothing, stylish and very fancy, the two words that seem to spring into my mind. The males wore suits or something that explains their profession, just as the town before. The females wore dresses… and dresses that are very puffy and fashionable.

Still they seem to chatter and move around in this section of the town, or city as I saw the many shops that are on either side of me. I can’t help but keep looking at the many, at the glass windows they have in displaying their wares, sales and items. I could not help but look at them, myself smirking under my helm as I look on, seeing the items and looking at the reflection, to find myself missing, as I have suspected, I was still invisible.

An urge deep in me dared me to take it off and watch the fireworks. This made me raise a brow at that, why would I do such a thing? I mean, I know I was different from them, but it would seem that I wanted to be like them? Still, I look on, and walk slowly through the shops, avoiding pony after pony, even the ones flying about and the many of them having horns, a prominent characteristic that seem to be the majority of them.

I look at them all, the surrounding buildings were bright white, clean, the ponies, classy, colors of the rainbow and some unique, cloths that compliment and improve their fashion. It was near surreal to see them all. As I stood there, I did not hear a pony shout a sign of warning, for to me, it was blending in the noise of the crowd. Before I know it, I felt something hit behind me, with a lot of clangs from tin cans and my eyes shut in reflex, unsure what had just happen but one thing was for sure; I can feel something oozing down on my shoulders.

I kept my eyes closed for a while, hearing the silence from the crowd and suddenly small hush tones of worry and caution, sure I could not understand them, but hearing a sudden silence and murmurs were obvious reactions. As I open my eyes, I found myself in the middle of a mess, looking back, I found my cloaked form was being outlined by the paint that had spilled from the cart that was smashed against me, but then it seemed to have hit a post, I knew it was I that was the post. As I move, I found the paint coating my armor, and me being cloaked, it would seem like some colorful mess flying.

Before I could just dive into the fountain behind me, I can hear a spark and sizzle emanating from me. I look down and found my cloak disappearing and soon I stood, the center of attention and once they saw me, their faces told me everything, they were terrified, they were scared and they were not happy. The majority, females, started to scream, galloping away, some of the men shouting as if calling something.

(Call the Royal Guards!)

I could not help but just sigh, and look at the fountain, pushing the cart back, seeing the wreckage it was now, to just shatter to pieces. I started to splash the water against the armor. It was cold and it was clean, as it splashed against me, I did not feel wet nor damp but the feeling was still there, wet and cold. It was odd but a familiar odd from what my body can tell me. As I wash the colors off me, I can see it now disappearing and wash down onto my legs. I can hear my body whirl and make mechanical sounds as I did my work, but I was stopped when I saw to the corner of my eyes, the same guard ponies that wore golden armors, many of them in the same white coat and blue tail, others who are unicorns, had a gray coat. As they look at me, their eyes sharp and honed on to me, the ponies with spears pointed it at me, the unicorns had their necks down, pointed right at me as they glow.

I stood there, unsure on what to do and before I could just extend an arm to rise to my defense, a unicorn shot at me, the glow of bright extending from his horn to me. I move swiftly to block with my one arm and before anything, the beam seem to deflect off of me and shoot up, hitting one of the buildings, leaving a scorch mark from where his glow or beam had hit. The many of them were stunned, really frozen, eyes wide as many of them tried again, the unicorns shooting at me, their beams deflecting off the surface of my armor, when I no longer defended.

The guard ponies learn quickly, as I have observed as those flying and holding spears started throw their spears at me. I needed some sort of defense against such; really, my armor is not THAT impervious… is it? I was answered by the spears thrown at me breaking in half, as if the momentum of travel against a very hard wall as too much and snapped at the wooden handle.

Again, many of the guards were shocked but not stunned as they started to charge at me. Pony after pony, started to charge at me, trying to knock me down, their hooves started to send kicks, trying to push me but whenever they do, I still stood, it was near a bit of pain, but not that painful. I can feel their action but it did not send me to too much. They were persistent, I can see that they were serious and attempting everything, they started to poke at me, some even used their horns once more, this time lifting me, I could feel myself being lifted some, but it did no good, I can tell they were straining. Still nothing came about.

Half of them gave up, sad to see such a thing on warriors but the other half kept on. As I stood there, unsure on what to do, I heard a voice, in language that I can understand, one of the two whispers from my mind. “I hope you know what you are doing, brother.” The voice was small, as if foreboding and cautious. I turn to my right, trying my best to see who spoke that. Me? Brother? It can’t be, but it was obvious, the voices in my head were me and some other, that other being here now.

I look to the right and that’s when, I felt sharp pain surge through my whole body, making me spasm and my sights rocky and shaky. The pain came from my neck as I hold there, feeling a spear impaled to a weak spot in my armor, I did not know I had one, after the events of their action, but I can feel it. In one swift motion, I yank the spear out, the pain again waves about in my body, my body in turn shook and move in angles that I did not want it to. My sight was fading fast, my hearing becoming muffled and my body unresponsive. My body shook and my limbs flailing, as I try to keep standing, but it was futile.

I found myself weak, legs giving way as I tumble down, still shaking and in pain. I was not doing so well as I try to keep myself conscious. But as my head lay on the floor, body weak and my sights turning black I could not help but hear the lasts words of ‘my brother’, “Daybreak, Be safe…” And then there was nothing…

____

“Are you sure about this? To be captured by the guard?”
“The only way I can see her without the ponies being too xenophobic when I enter in broad daylight.”
“But brother, this plan of yours is near madness, we are risking changing that universe.”
“I know, but I know for a fact this universe is not the same.”
“Not the multiverse theory.”
“There is one fixed universe while choices changes throughout its branches. Thus, there are other universes from the origin.”
“I know that… I know…. Just, are you sure?”
“Yes, I want to live for a bit… even if I need to forget what I am under this armor, and stuck inside my armor.”
“Don’t worry, Creator allowed me to be there, under disguise, out of armor of course.”
“Thanks…”
“For what?”
“Trying to look after me.”

_____

After that eerie but familiar dream, I awoke, my sights once again buzzing to life, this time, changing and I can see the words, flowing down.
Rebooting
…
Fixing damages
…
Changing all linguistics
…
Match – Equestria
…
Start Up

Then, my senses came back to me, my sights were the first. I can see through my lime green sights, this time, I can tell I was somewhere dark and a bit of stone. I look around, seeing that I was in a cage, the dungeon I suppose. The next was my hearing, I can hear the telltale signs of water dripping from somewhere, another dungeon characteristic that apparently kept going some.

The rest of my sense came back, including the pain in my head. I groan hard which… now just surprised me. “Wait, I can talk? I can talk!? FINALLY!” I shouted out joyously. “Damn freaky monologue…” I added as I felt like going insane if I awoke still mute or gagged… As I sigh in relief, I can finally keep myself sane as I laugh at myself having to speak now.

As I sigh, finally finding myself with speech, I soon heard clopping from an out of sight hallway. I stood up quickly and with it, I stood still, as a statue, thinking, might as well leave a scare. I also thought that it would be best if I was still mute. I came in their place mute and now I’m going to continue the façade until I can speak with their leader… still unsure what an alicorn was though.

Soon the clopping was getting closer. As I stood tall and paused, I waited for the pony to arrive. And sure enough he gasped when he saw me, standing taller than he was and looking down at him menacingly. Sure I may be taller, their heads about as high enough to reach my elbows but then maybe, if they stood on two legs, they were bigger than I.

Still the Guard soon composed himself. “Okay… Now I know you aren’t alive… considering you took a spear to the neck…” He spoke out, observing me like I’m some animal, I wanted to do something to intimidate him but the moment passed when three or four Guard ponies, again with the same color scheme as they all have moved in front of my cell. “You have got to be kidding me, that thing is still running?” Said one of them as they readied their spears once more, and surely, the info about my neck is what they will use when I do something bad. “Let’s just go and let the princess decide on its fate.” A rough looking guard pony said as they open my cell door

With a very loud creak of the screeching metal, it opened for m to exit, and before I could get my second foot out the cell, their spears were bearing down onto me, a few inched higher to reach my neck. I just gave them a neutral gaze as they started to push me out, though I was a wall, I took the message as I marched along side them. Out of the dungeon and up the spiral stairway. It was not that long of a climb as we soon exit to the white décor of Canterlot, though I wondered, where we were exactly, I mean the stairway was high enough to scale three stories.

I glance at the first window we pass by and I see we were within a structure higher than any other building. It took me a moment to think about any building or any structure high enough only for me to realize, we were within the castle, the same castle I intend to go up to. My body felt invigorated and very joyous, mind abuzz and heart pumping fast than I recalled. I was basically excited, on meeting my fate to Celestia, due to my morning incident I suspect.

Sure enough we pass through a hallway where lines of ponies were waiting for something. I really have no clue why but when one of the ponies exits the tall double doors, the guards halted the ponies from entering when we arrive. Still, the ponies, that were not in armor gasp and look up to me, seeing that I was nothing they have ever seen. From what I can tell, I am the only one here, yet my body felt like it knows this place so well that I was having déjà vu in my memory.

As the Guards converse for a while about me having my fate, I stood their feeling the gaze of the other ponies about me, I looked at the Guards, really, the process was terrible, but I can hear my armor being tapped about by my hips. I look to my side with eyes wide, “Who would touch something so alien to them like that?!” I thought hard as I look to the side and down. From there, I saw a young pony, somewhat near being an adult, for his height but with such a young pony’s move.

I stayed put, looking down at the pink pony, really, unsure why but it, or rather, she kept tapping at my armor, making a hollow sound. “Whoah!” She exclaimed as she continues some of the ponies whispering caution at her way, “Get away from that thing.” But still the little filly, kept tapping at my armor. “Wow, mister, what are you?“ She asked up to me as I now saw her eyes, blue, sky blue, and with such innocence written all over it.

For some odd reason I took her question for some moments. “What am I? Really?” I thought hard but for the moment I could only answer with a gesture, I was trying to be both mute and lost in translation. So I gave her a shrug of ‘Not sure’ right at her. When she finished tapping the side of me, I was surrounded quickly really they were going to be busy with me.

Still, I follow the Guards through the double doors and with it I looked up to the room, filled with large, wall high windows that stretch and lighting the room with a warm and calm bright yellow as the sun was near the horizon. The room was spacious, with banners, tapestries of vibrant colors and at the far end of the room, across from where we entered stood a throne, behind it a small waterfall, creating a small cascading rainbow that only enhanced the imagery that stood at the throne room.

I can tell it was a she, curves were a dead giveaway, she was white, bright as any shining white, her body was tall, legs thin but very well maintained, her own body exerting authority, love, respect and compassion. Her mane and tail was a dash of sky blue, gentle green, bright cobalt and a kind pink, from top to bottom, in my eyes, that sway as if a breeze passes by infinitely by her. Her pony type was confusing for me at first; she had a horn, one long and very prominent, even with her golden tiara, or crown considering how she looked, atop her head and behind her horn and she had wings, tucked at the moment as she sat on her haunches. Her white body only had two articles of attire, a golden necklace, large at the front yet still thick some when it reaches behind her neck, with a purple diamond shape at the centerpiece of it. The other, to be her four shoes… well, from what I can tell as it reaches over her hooves and all that was not equivalent to her eyes when she looked down at me.

Not really looking down at me, more like looking at me some, her eyes, with a pale but still caring magenta shown great insight and observation, she looked at me in wonder, unsure on what I am or who I am, I looked back, keeping my act up, as both mute and lost in translation, yet, when I looked back at her eyes, I can feel a tinge of… sadness and worry.

I stood a good pace away from the throne as the guards who escorted me, bowed and she spoke, her voice again exalting authority yet caring. “Sergeant, what have you brought here to my presence?” She asked, looking me over once more, her eyes looking at me again and again, as if she were unsure.

“Princess Celestia, we caught this, ‘thing’ being in the square, hiding and invisible to us. That was until some paint cart crashed into him did his cloak fail as paint was on him. Before we knew it, the ponies called for us and we moved in. We kept asking it to get down, but it continued to stand.” The soldier in front of me informed the princess who now I know as Celestia. Unfortunately, I was angered about his explanation stating I did not do as they say, to which I continue to scan the room, acting like the one being alien to them all.

The princess took this to account, which I can tell I was being gazed at my armor was very shining, the sheen showing obscured mirror images for them all. “Have this… thing, explained why it did not do so?” The princess asked, her tone very curious about me, considering I was now the center of attention, I did not mind it. “No ma’am, we gave a warning shot from one of the unicorns and well… his armor deflected the magic…” The sergeant spoke badly about me, like I was the one who did it on purpose, how was I supposed to know that I was impervious of their magic.

The information caused the pony princess to take pause as I still looked around, checking the sights. “What have you done to subdue it then?” She continues, surely having resistance to magic did not cause me to be taken down so easily. “We tried to take him down, spears thrown, only to shatter against his armor, as if he was a wall, the fact true also when some of our soldiers tried to buck him. They say he was like a wall. Even Levitation spells were not working, some of the unicorns told us he was as heavy as a building or he just slipped away.” The Sergeant explained further which only piqued at the princess further, as I can see at the least.

“Then came the time he took a glance, far off somewhere and then our spears hit his neck…” The sergeant spoke lastly as if it was supposed to have killed any living being. The widened eyes of Celestia confirmed that that was something big. “A spear pierced his armor somewhere near his neck?” Her tone changed from one worried and somewhat finding it peculiar.

“We speak nothing but the truth, princess.” The sergeant said no further as she looked my way, my gaze passing by hers as I look the other way, staring at the flowing waterfall. With a nod, the princess addressed me. “And what you to say, are they speaking the truth?” She asked, very unsure, for the moment, about me. The sergeant quickly added. “Princess, we believe he is… not familiar with our language.” That was true at that incident but this was now a different moment, I can understand them. That was then I butted in, “Actually, after that spear to the neck, I fixed myself and now understand you all…” I stated, my voice sounded gruff but calm and collective, this time all the ponies were looking at me, the spotlight was t me once more.

“What? But how can you speak?” The ponies started to ask of me. “Is the guard who hit my neck here? I want to thank him, for without me being damaged, I would not have been able to adjust myself and change my linguistics to match yours… I think…” I spoke out, this time it was the princess who composed herself. “Well it would seem, he was lost in translation…” She said, her eyes still a bit wide, again in that wondering look.

“Yes, I never really understood what you guards were saying at the fountain, though I admit I was invisible at the time, I was not there to cause trouble, I never really can read your…. Words nor understand what you spoke to me, so I just stood there, unsure and like a buffoon as many would say.” I spoke back this time the guards now composing themselves as I have deliberately insulted me, a good tactic to make them think more.

“Tell me… what were you doing in my kingdom?” Celestia spoke up, this time, now in her more regal and more calm nature, as her posture, eyes and her own tone returned to normality. “I am sorry, but, I do not know.” I spoke solemnly as I try not to sound off or anything. Again, they all looked at me, like some weird occurrence for them to think deeply upon.

“No idea? Where have you come from then?” The princess added as she looked at me sternly now, me being unknown may have caused her to be cautious of me. “I am unsure. I have no memory prior to my arrival to this place… the farthest my memory can take me is when I awoke in Everfree this morning.” I said with all honesty as I can feel a chilling gaze emanating from said princess. Well sure enough the silence was broken as the only female in the room just sighs. “What are its charges?” She asked the sergeant. “Well, we have no REAL accusation or some penalty as it just stood there…” The many guards were in some similar embarrassed tone as I did nothing wrong.

From there the princess looks at me. “Then why treat him as such a prisoner?” She wondered, surely she would have known about the ruckus, considering it is her kingdom. “We were unsure on how to treat it.” They replied and I was again not really impressed but it was understandable, I am the only odd thing between the ponies here.

“If I may suggest, can I keep the cell…” I quickly stated which surprised all of them and the princess. “Why ever so?” She quickly looked at me. “Well you all say I have magical resistance, and I have no recollection or idea why I am here… or in this place.” I continue, looking at the princess with the best I can do so. The princess looks to ponder deeply into this, something willing to stay in the dungeon cell, uncanny or just crazy. “Unless, you would have me be something else? I mean, I am a stranger and an alien to you all at this point.” I interjected, making my idea seem to stir thoughts to the white pony princess.

The guards were silent, really, my suggestions seem to stun them so and Celestia soon spoke, with confidence. “Before I do decide, can I ask questions concerning you?” She started which I nod without a doubt in my mind, though there were some things that linger in it.

And it was then she asked me about me, and I answer the best I am. I am unknown, even to myself. I wore armor, for reasons I do not know of and now I have also stated I feel male…. Sure enough, we finished that small but very rocky conversation with the princess, the guards keeping an eye on me. The next question she had for me caused me to think hard. “Can I see how you do disappear?” She asked, the guard were quick to try and dissuade their monarch but I just nod. I took a spear from off a soldier and soon, I thought hard, very hard, to just disappear and be unseen. When I kept focusing, I still held the spear, the sharp end pointed at the floor.

The many guards gasp and surround my spot where the spear was but the princess looked intrigued at me. Before the problem escalates, I dropped the spear and reappeared before them. “Was there magic involved?” She asked me. Through a few hard looks from the guards, I look up and shook my head, “No, I am unsure but I believe it is not magic, yet if you perceive it as magic, then maybe it is…” I answer to the best I can do so.

The tension was still there, and for some unfathomable reason the princess smiled, yes smiled at me. “Then, can I interest you to be my own personal guard?” She spoke, as if joyous, a trail of hopeful even. I was wide eyed; the guards around me were also in such a state. The many of them argued with her of me being untrustworthy at the moment. But she quickly quell them with her answer, “True that he may be unknown to us, but through my questions he has answered them, though nervous and shy, truthful as he can do, his tone did not raise in offense and his own body can be seen as lost and more uncertain that swells up within this… knight’s mind.”

Her answer, and her response to me being a knight was enlightening, I felt my pride swell up inside of me for I was called a knight, which was true considering my attire but weird as it is. I can only smile and nod to her, proud to be called such. The guards were not fully trustful of me, but they really can’t just deny their monarch. They silenced and moved away from me, acknowledging me. “Will you… my knight, be my personal guard?” She spoke to me, her tone reaching the hopeful tone.

Seeing her, being a very regal and respected princess, yet her tone was hopeful, how can you say no? I nod politely, “I shall accept the position, yet, I need to know more of this world, history, myths, and such… can I ask permission to read through your library?” I asked politely. She smiled warmly at me and with her instructions I was guided to the library by some of the reluctant guards.

Once there, I took my time, going through first the history books. I indulged myself, looking at the books, from their histories, to the children’s story books, to novels and finally, to the current affairs. I took my time, reading through it all, every book, every single word and for some reason, the world around me was not connected with me. With a book or too, I continue to read, all the information crammed but not jumbled or in a mess.

I enjoyed my time, reading what was current, and now I knew I was exactly about 890 years of Princess Celestia’s reign as Equestrai’s monarch, alone… through all my time in the library, I have really surprised the unicorn female with me, who, for some odd reason was looking at me weirdly at first, my glances her way caused her to just avoid me. Still, I focused on my studies, learning through the information, I even read through their research, about magic, thesis on the many topics that the common pony would talk about. I also saw that journals and references. I enjoyed my time, the times that I took my time in reading all and everything, and this is what I have come up with… with what the library have to offer to me.

It is exactly, 1890 years since Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna have over thrown the previous monarch, Discord, who is said to be a god of chaos or at the moment, disharmony. With the help of the Elements of Harmony, they have imprisoned him in stone and now reside in the castle gardens. I glanced to confirm that of course. Through this, the sisters have ruled together, harmoniously, Celestia, the elder of the two, raised the sun for the morning, while Luna, the younger of the two, raised the moon to mark the night.

There was harmony for both sisters and for their subjects. Though that was the case, other conflicts still linger in their kingdom. Still, they quell all the problems that linger and their rule nearly reaching the 1000th year. Yet, at about the year before and after that feat, something bad had happened. Princess Luna had been envious, if not, enraged at her night being used for rest and not enjoyed by their subjects have finally come out and rebelled by influences that may or may not be evil.

The thought lingered in my mind. She has ruled this world, or kingdom, for nearly a thousand years, but this was her 890th year to rule alone… I return to the studies about the average pony’s life span and found the years to exponentially not match. Still, I continue to notice that Celestia used the Elements of Harmony, once again, to banish her sister to the moon. Now I found myself looking up into the moon. Really, the moon was very far from this world, but it does show a very… ominous image of a unicorn, looking down at you.

I just sigh, now understanding the little, if not lingering hopeful tone of the princess in asking me to be her personal guard. It was very strange, she asked a complete stranger for such a thing, but the offer was too good to let go. Still, maybe being alive even after having a spear through my neck was some sign to her. Returning to the history, I found a myth, or foal’s tale that Princess Luna, or Nightmare Moon as she wants to be called, shall return on the thousand longest day to be aided by the stars to bring eternal night.

I finish my review of the history, myths, legends and any other book I found interest to read in the library. So Celestia was beyond a thousand years and has enough power to be considered the nation’s greatest weapon. But I shook that thought away. When I finished, I look out, to see the sun just rising to mark the morning. The library door opens to the librarian who is unsurprised of my presence here.

“How long have I been here?” I asked the female politely, as she seems to be surprised but also bored at seeing me. “You have been here for about a week now…” She answered me half bored and angered at me. I found myself staring oddly at her, but for the life of me, I just shrug it as I exit out the door. “I thank you for being patient with me.” I told her as I left. Leaving from there, I move quickly to the throne room, where I found Princess Celestia having tee.

“AH! I thought you would never leave the library.” She joked at me. I heard her small sarcasm about it as I look at the guards, still sending daggers at me. “There was a lot to read Princess.” I spoke with enough respect and bowed at her as I stood to the side, choosing a wall to stand on. And that’s when I started my day as her personal guard…

_____

Exactly 103 years later, I have known why Celestia wanted me as her own personal guard. Not to really guard her exactly but to accompany her through the time. Really, 103 years was long and very winding even. But as the time went by, so did the ponies that were in the castle. Celestia was immortal but not impervious to harm, that I was certain. She had lived nearly 2000 years, with only 7 more to go to reach that feat. I stood besides her, marching along with any of the guards that escort her through her activities and the one celebration she is needed, the Summer Sun Celebration. For seeing all 103 through the years, I found myself ageless.

Yes, I did not sleep that much, my body not demanding I do, and my own mind still sharp, memories of the past still linger but the memories I had as being Celestia’s timeless companion was the most prominent thing between the two of us… and her pet Phoenix, Philomena. I have spoken with Princess Celestia for the longest time, along with Philomena, who was nearly immortal as her, who had about rebirth from her ashes 15 times I was present.

I speak with Celestia with all respect and I had spoken with her about her sister, the conversations being cut to a close immediately as I try but I knew she still had some thoughts about her sister, as I catch her moon gazing at times. I have been good friends with her, and have been made a bit of a legend myself, which was only spurred when I scare guards or castle hands… in the middle of the night.

I was ’The Golden Armor’, ‘Ghost of the Castle’ and my favorite, ‘Daybreak’. I chose a name after 2 years in service, Daybreak being my favorite since I accidentally used that name in their records and it stuck to me. So now, whenever I converse with any pony in the castle, guard, castle hands or the princess herself, I am called Daybreak. I found myself joyous about it and I have kept the princess company for this long.

My body, mind, heart and soul have not changed, even my armor still shone brightly, regardless of the dirt I go through, walking around Canterlot and towards venues the princess was to be present but when I am offered a ride by flight, I felt so happy inside my heart was racing in excitement. Sure I enjoyed it, but the idea of falling… was something more. I actually did one freefall that first ride with the princess in her chariot. I was enjoying it; until my body reacted on its own that I dropped myself off.

But it was then that I found my joy, feeling the air pass through you, as if nothing can stop you, the clouds passing by showing you how fast you were going and the coming ground, the limit of your descent and when you will strike. My body reacted that time as if prepared to land, and I landed, not shockingly, not in pain or in any matter but more naturally on my legs and in a stance of attack.

Though that scared the princess, that did not really caused me any other reaction but assuring her I am fine. Still, I’m no longer allowed any flights unless I told them I won’t drop off. Anyway, I am in good and friendly terms with the princess that she has allowed me to call her by her name when not in official business.

But today I was to guard her in visiting her School, ‘Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns’. I had to chuckle about it as she argued back at me. “It was their idea, I’m not that proud.” She said with a hurt look but her smile betrays her idea of being innocent. “Oh fine… just don’t expect too much… I told her as I was sure nothing will happen.” Oh, how wrong was I when an explosion occurred somewhere in a distance.

Though there was one very prominent rumble, felt throughout Canterlot, no one, or pony, still learning the terms, expected some occurrence up in one of the classrooms, the one used for entrance exams started to have magical energies surge and thunder out of its window. There was also a large lizard that had popped a hole into the roof of the tower structure, the bright purple and green spikes throwing me off as to what it was. But one look at Celestia and I can tell she know something I did not.

We made there in a flash, Celestia used her teleportation spell and once we were inside, there was one large lizard, the same one who popped open the roof, four unicorns being levitated under a pink or very pale magenta aura of magic, two potted plants at the far end of where we stood and one filly, who’s eyes were white, endless and empty, her body floating just a meter or so up surrounded in her own magic as I can tell who seemed in pain and trying to contain herself.

I saw the crackles of magic shot towards Celestia, I blocked it with just a hand and with it, the magic deflected away from the Princess who gave me a silent nod. She approached the filly and with one hoof, she calmed the filly as if the pony had ceased her own power willingly. Before anything, the four unicorn teachers dropped down from the aura of magic dispersing, the two potted plants return to two ponies, the parents may be, and the giant lizard returned to being a small but lovable… dragon.

As I look at everyone, seeing that no harm has been done, I look over to the Princess and the now lavender filly, with a unique mane and tail of a dark blue, and with two streaks, one a violet and the other a near pink. The filly looked up at Celestia with worry as the Princes started,

“Twilight Sparkle…”
The filly quickly responded, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to-” With such a cute and innocent tone, I could just smile at her.

“You have a very special Gift. I don’t think I’VE ever come across a unicorn with your raw abilities.”
The princess’s straight to the point attitude left the filly from wondering why she spoke so highly of her and forgetting about the occurrence.

“But you need to tame these abilities through focus study” This time, Celestia was REALLY trying to inform the filly quickly, once again she was in her zone as I have recalled happened when she was in her throne…. Odd to see it off-throne, which lead to the filly from gasping still unsure when she can respond, listening to Celestia continue.

“Twilight Sparkle, I’d like to make you my own personal protégé here at the school”
This time, the filly really reacted loudly, stunned even as the revelation of Celestia happy to have Twilight as her own protégé may have some time to sink in the filly’s mind. “Well?” Celestia added

Twilight looks back at her parents who were obviously thrilled and with it the filly jumped up high and about, cheering, “YES!!!”
But then Celestia butts in, “One other thing Twilight.” She quickly made the filly nearly worried.

“MORE?!” She somewhat gasped as she fell down on the floor. Rambunctious would have fit the explanation for fillies and colts that kept doing their activities with near unlimited energies.

Without a word, Celestia points to the filly’s flank where there is symbol of a six pointed pink star with five other smaller white stars surround it. She has earned her Cutie Mark, or was that gained. Still, with her shouting about her Cutie Mark, it was obvious there was something special about her, knowing Celestia, it was very rare to see her doing something like this, I mean, I was a stranger and a once in a lifetime opportunity was given to me, and that was 103 years ago…

Sure enough, the filly hopped around and about surrounding Celestia and with that I moved closer to her whispering her to. “Sounds nearly like the same offer you gave me…” I whispered, looking at the lavender filly hop and skip around, the parents smiling at the filly. Celestia continues to smile and replies to me, “Hers is different…” I can tell there was more to this than she lets on, but I shrugged it off as her being herself, really, 100 years is long enough to know a pony and her antics.

Still I can only smile down to the filly as she kept going around and hopping about. “Now Twilight, since you will be my protégé, you will need to live here…” She said, and glance back at the baby dragon that was now starting to sleep. “You will also need to take care of the dragon you hatched.” She added this time Twilight was quick to recover from her high, and move to look at the baby dragon.

Some younger ponies would find the time to know what to do with a dragon but this was different, the pony quickly hugged and smiled happily at the little dragon, “Spike!” She smiled and quickly checked it over if it was well. This image was burned into my mind, yes, the cuteness radiating from the two was so much I had to look away for a second. But it was ruined when Celestia walked towards the said filly.

“And you will have a guardian, please meet Daybreak.” Celestia announced to her and pointed at me, which caused me to walk towards the two. I gave Celestia the ‘You have got to be kidding me’ stare, which was expertly avoided by the very experienced princess. “Now then, care to escort her to the room near the library? I’m sure her focus will be there.” She announced without a skip or doubt I her tone.

As I look down at the filly and her parents moving to hug her I could not help but remember the lingering voices of my past. “So where will I stay?” The filly snapped me out of my trance as I look at her, the dragon and her parents. I can only sigh under my armor and with it, I responded. “Something tells me, you and I will be stuck together.” Another sigh escapes me as I waited for her and her family to fix up some arrangements.

Celestia… if I found out you dragged me into some mess, I will throw a water balloon at you in the middle of the night…

Author's Note

This is the prologue and it was hard to really describe my character but there is one good surprise in the middle of this story and an answer as to why such strings of sorrow tend to be pulled while he's in Equestria.

Please read and comment. Do note, I know I make a hell lot of mistakes but I'm dyslexic so I really have no idea about the mistakes unless you users tell me about it.