Guardians

I couldn’t sleep at all that night. I kept thinking about the violin, the one the phoenix gave me. It brought up some bad memories, ones I wished I could forget. Those memories were permanently burned into my mind. It was four in the morning; the lights were on in the guest room of Twilight’s home, where I was staying. I was staring at the violin, remembering how I came to love its beautiful sound. Even though it brought sadness every time I looked at it, it gave me peace when I played. It gave me a chance to release the emotions that built up.

After thirty minutes, I stood up, deciding to go for a walk. I don’t know why I went walking, but I felt driven to. I walked down the streets; nopony was out, only me. As I looked around I saw some familiar buildings, including the fortunetellers shop. I still felt weird around it, but paid no attention to it.

I had been walking around for hours; it was close to seven-thirty now, when everypony came out at once. I remembered that I was meeting Twilight’s friends that day, as well as promising to tell her that story. I started to head back, knowing Twilight might flip if she saw I was gone.

When I got back to the library, I heard two voices, one of which was obviously Twilight’s, and the other one was a mystery. “Well, it has been good talking to you Twilight, hope your friend comes back soon.” The mystery voice said. “Me too.” I heard Twilight said.

I decided to walk in, finding Twilight talking to a grayish-blue, blond-maned, cross-eyed Pegasus with bubbles for her cutie mark, “Hey Twilight, who’s this?” I asked.

“The pegasus introduced herself, “Hi I’m Ditzy Doo, but everypony calls me Derpy, I’m the mailmare around here, I just came to deliver this package to Twilight.” Her eyes were crossed during her introduction, “I found her worrying about you when I got here, but now I see you’re ok. Bye now.” She flew off before I could introduce myself, or say anything for that matter, leaving me with a furious purple unicorn.

“Where were you?” She asked annoyed.

“Good morning to you to sunshine.” I said humorlessly.

“Not funny.” She said, still glaring at me.

“Fine, I couldn’t sleep, so I went for a short walk. I’m sorry if I made you worry.” She blushed, slightly embarrassed because I overheard her.

It was silent, Twilight was first to speak. “Alright. So you love the violin? You promised you would tell me.” I nodded in agreement. I spent the next fifteen minutes explaining why I play the violin and why it brings up bad memories. “So, on Earth you had a crush on somepony who was an excellent violinist? And you were abandoned by her, along with all your other friends, but the sound of a violin still calms you?” She summarized my story in less than a fraction of the time, though she was confused.

“Yes. It’s complicated, I guess it just makes me feel better, but it’s not just the violin, I also like the cello.” I answered her.

Then she asked a really unusual question, “Would you mind playing something?”

I didn’t want to recall those memories of learning what caused me to lose her, right then, but I couldn’t say no.

“Maybe later, but don’t we need to go meet your friends?” I asked. She stared at me before starting to panic.

“Oh my gosh, I almost forgot!” she panicked. “We’re late.”

“She is really punctual, isn’t she.” I thought to myself.

We were going to Apple Acre farm to meet her friends, some of them anyway. It was supposedly not too far from there. I was back in my disguise, so as to keep my identity a secret. On the way to the farm, I asked “So Twilight, what are your friends like?”

“Well, my friends are all not like me or each other, though we all share a special bond. I’ll tell you once we get there.” She stated. It sounded a lot like how me and my friends on Earth were, but I wondered about that special bond.

When we finally got to the barn, I noticed eleven ponies there, six of which were pegasi who bore a red hoof cutie mark. One of the six, Red Hooves they were called, came over and spoke to me and Twilight, he had a Scottish accent.

“Well, hello there Miss Sparkle, who be the lad with ya?” the Scottish pegasus said.

“This is my friend Blade. Blade, this is Blue Arrow, captain of the Red Hooves.” Twilight introduced. Blue Arrow was a gruff pegasus, always tried to look tuff. He coat was a dark blue, and his mane was a red with a white strip, his eyes were also red. His cutie mark was, of course, a red hoof.

“Good to meet ya lad, ya must be a good swordspony, judging by yer cutie mark.” Blue Arrow said.

“You could say that.” I teased. “Good to meet you too.”

As soon as I finished, Twilight asked, “What are you and five of your troops doing here? Of course Papyrus lives here, but what about the rest of you?” she asked.

“The princess wants us to protect ya lasses.” Blue Arrow explained. “We don’t’ know from what though.” He said puzzled.

“Might be the dark power she wrote about. She said that it’s somewhere in the town. “Twilight explained.

Right then, I grew dizzy. I felt that way before, when I had a vision, but I’ve never passed out before. “Twi…” was all I could say before I was out cold.

This vision was new, showing me the five mares in front of me, as well as Twilight. What else was different was that I could listen to the voices as well as see the ponies. These ponies looked younger though, like I was looking into the past.

Twilight was out front speaking to a tall, dark alicorn mare. “Nightmare Moon. You think you could destroy the elements of harmony? Well, guess again. Applejack represents the element of honesty, Pinkie Pie represents the element of laughter, Rarity represents the element of generosity, Fluttershy represents the element of kindness, Rainbow Dash represents the element of loyalty, and I represent the last element, magic.” Twilight said. The vision then changed, showing Rainbow Dash and a blue pegasus, Rainbow spoke “Ace.” They kissed and everyone gasped, “The seventh element, love.” The vision ended.

When I woke up, Twilight, Blue Arrow, and everypony else was around me.

“What in Celestia’s name happened to ya, lad?” Blue Arrow asked.

I ignored his question, and stared at the six mares in the room.

“You’re the elements of harmony? Applejack being honesty, Pinkie is laughter, Rarity is generosity, Fluttershy being kindness, Rainbow being loyalty as well as love with Ace, and Twilight is magic.” I looked at each one in turn.

“How did you know that?” Twilight asked, “I didn’t mention the elements to you.”

It was time to explain again, this time to all of the elements. “Alright, I obviously can’t keep anything secret, so I will just tell you. I had a vision.”

“A… vision?” Twilight asked curiously, “You didn’t mention visions before now. Why were you hiding that from me?”

“I did it to protect you, these visions I have, they aren’t good for anypony but me to know. It’s why I need to see the princess.” I explained. “I’ll need to reveal my true identity to you all if you’re going to trust me, just promise me not to talk about it to ANYPONY.” I said, too serious for any to take jokingly, except Pinkie, who was bouncing off the walls.

“We, promise.” They all said.

I began to bend light around me, causing gasps from all but Twilight, before I heard somepony scream.

“STOP!” the somepony yelled. I looked up and it was that irritating phoenix again.

“NO, they need to know.” I argued.

“I can tolerate one pony but TWELVE? That’s too many.” The bird said.

I was about to speak, when Fluttershy dashed forward. She was a little yellowp mare, with a pink mane and tail, she had crystal blue eyes, her cutie mark was three butterflies, and as her name suggests, she’s was very shy, except when an animal is involved.

“OH MY, A TALKING PHOENIX!” she said excitedly. “How did you learn to talk?”

“I can talk because I am his guide.” He said pointing a wing to me.

“Guide, HA! When I was in the forest, you didn’t guide me anywhere.” I said laughing.

“I said I was sorry, didn’t I?” he said. “That’s beside the point, I cannot allow you to do this.” It said.

“You can’t stop me.” I said, bending the light around me once more. I revealed my horn and sapphires, getting gasps from everypony in the room, except Twilight, again.

The phoenix flew away, saying “If you’re not going to listen, I will leave you alone. But we will meet again someday.” He disappeared once more, that was the last time I saw him.

“Good, he’s gone, now I will get some peace.” I said, but everypony still had all eyes on me.

“An alicorn. YOU ARE AN ALICORN?” Blue Arrow said, just as surprised as everypony else.

“Don’t worry I had the same reaction.” Twilight said.

Once everyone calmed down Rainbow said “I thought Lunar, Blaze, and the princesses were the only alicorns left.” Rainbow was also a pegasus mare, with a rainbow mane and tail, her cutie mark was a rainbow colored lightning bolt, coming from a storm cloud. Her magenta eyes were just so relaxing.

“Nope, I’m an alicorn too.” I said mockingly.

Twilight spoke next, “That reminds me, where are Lunar, Blaze, and Ace?”

“Lunar and Blaze stayed at the castle last night, upon the princesses’ request.” Papyrus said. Papyrus was one of the red hooves, as well as Applejacks husband, he was red and had a brown mane and tail, he also ad yellow eyes. He had a full grown beard to match. His red hoof cutie mark was a darker shade of red than the rest of his fur. He was much calmer than his captain.

“And Ace is in Dodge Junction.” Rainbow added.

“Alright.” She said before turning to me “Blade, you’ll meet them later.” Twilight said.

Soon Rarity yelled, “Oh darling, the sapphires that horn and your wings have look absolutely marvelous on you. They match your eyes perfectly. They are nothing like anypony’s ever seen, how are they like that?” Rarity was a white unicorn mare obsessed with fashion. Her mane and tail were a dark purple, she had three diamonds for her cutie mark. Her eyes as

“They just are.” I explained.

“Well, they look fabulous.” She said.

“Thanks?” I said. I didn’t get fashion at all.

“Ya’ll must be a mighty important pony if ya’s an alicorn.” An orange earth pony said.

“Yep, you’re right Applejack.” I said. Applejack had a blond mane and tail, both in ponytails, her cutie mark was three apples, and she wore a brown cowboy hat.

“So what’s your cutie mark mean?” she asked.

“Well, see those symbols on the inside, they represent space and time, while the eight on the outside represent the natural elements.” I explained.

Pinkie Pie couldn’t contain herself any longer, “WE HAVE TO HAVE A WELCOME PARTY!” she yelled. “Give me a few hours to plan.” I had to stop her.

“PINKIE! No party, I have too much to do, everything is riding on my shoulders.” I screamed, so Pinkie could hear me.

“Oki doki loki.” She said, still as bubbly as always.

It was close to noon, so I decided to leave. “I need to go take care of some stuff, bye, everypony.”

“Bye.” they all said in unison.

I first headed to town to buy some saddlebags, which the storeowner was generous enough to sell them to me for half price, some new pony discount, or something. Once I got the saddlebags, I headed for Twilight’s home.

On the way, I bumped into an odd pony. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there.” I apologized.

“No need to be sorry guardian, you have much on your mind, you know what’s coming, but it’s quite hard to find.” The strange pony said.

“How do you know about me? Who are you?” I asked.

“They call me Zecora, a zebra, and potions expert.” Zecora said. “Don’t worry, your secrets, I will not exert.”

“Alright.” I said.

I continued on my way to Twilight’s place, thinking about Zecora, How did she know me, and how did she know about the visions? I kept thinking.

Once I got to Twilight’s library, I went straight to guest bedroom, put my bags down and thought, “Those ponies are a lot like my friends on Earth, I mean my former friends”. I felt the rage build up inside of me, the darkness grow stronger. I needed to calm down, I then remembered what the phoenix said; “it is a way for you to express your feelings through something you love. Use it to make yourself stronger.” It is true the violin calms me, so I decided to play a little.

Meanwhile

Twilight was walking home, going to see what Blade was up to. Along the way she ran into her assistant, Spike, who was carrying a letter, “Spike, is that a letter from the princess?” she asked.

The little dragon said”Yes.”

“Let me see that.” She took the letter, and began to read. Once finished, she yelled, “I need to tell Blade!”

She ran home, sprinting all the way. Breathing hard the yelled, “BLADE! WE NEED TO TALK!” but she stopped when she heard music.

She went to the guest room and saw Blade, playing his violin. He was singing.

(Back to Blade now)

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY8\_F6ll0S8 for music)

I could be mean

I could be angry

You know I could be just like you

I could be fake

I could be stupid

You know I could be just like you

You thought you were standing beside me

You were only in my way

You're wrong if you think that I'll be just like you

You thought you were there to guide me

You were only in my way

You're wrong if you think that I'll be just like you (2X)

I could be cold

I could be ruthless

You know I could be just like you

I could be weak

I could be senseless

You know I could be just like you

You thought you were standing beside me

You were only in my way

You're wrong if you think that I'll be just like you

You thought you were there to guide me

You were only in my way

You're wrong if you think that I'll be just like you (2X)

On my own, cause I can't take liven with you

I'm alone, so I won't turn out like you

Want me to

You thought you were standing beside me

You were only in my way

You're wrong if you think that I'll be just like you

You thought you were there to guide me

You were only in my way

You're wrong if you think that I'll be just like you (2X)

I could be mean

I could be angry

You know I could be just like you

When the song was over she heard me talking, “Thanks a lot guys, why did you have to be so cruel, just because I’m different.” I said sad.

“Blade?” Twilight said sincerely.

He looked up, “Oh hi Twilight, what’s up?” he asked.

“That... was beautiful. You’re a good musician.” She complimented.

“Thanks, that means a lot; it’s just, you and your friends remind me of me and my friends on Earth. Although, your friendship, it has lasted much longer than mine on Earth did. Your friends didn’t leave you alone.”  I stated, sad.

“But you’re not alone anymore.” She said, calming me little. Reflecting on the past always made me feel alone.

Twilight then changed the subject, due to my odd silence, “Anyways, I came to talk. The princess sent me a letter, saying there was a dark force growing stronger in Ponyville. But she also stated a good force was growing stronger too. She asked me and my friends to keep an eye out, so I came here to tell you.” She explained.

“Thanks a lot Twilight, I can do that. But I wonder what these powers are.” I stated. She blushed a little bit as I said her name.

“Oh it’s nothing.” She said awkwardly. I could tell something was up with her.

“Well, I’m heading to Canterlot to see the princess tomorrow.” I said, wanting to get rid of the awkwardness. Just then, there was a knocking at the door.

“Who is it?” She asked.

“Twilight, its Lunar. I need to speak with you.” The pony said.

Twilight obviously knew Lunar, so she looked at me, speaking so quietly only I could hear her. “You need to tell Lunar who you are.” She said.

“Alright, I’ll trust you.” I responded.

“Ok, come in.” she called to Lunar.

When he walked in, he said “Twilight, I sense a strong presence in here. Is anypony with you?” he asked. That’s when he saw me. “Who’s this?” he pointed at me with his hoof.

“That’s Blade, he has something you should know about.” Twilight said.

“He is quite powerful, for a pegasus. Strange, I can’t see into his mind. Where did you find him?” Lunar said puzzled.

The light around Blade grew bright, then dimmed, revealing his true form to Lunar.

“He is an alicorn. I should have known, with him being so powerful. But why is his horn sapphire and his wings containing two more?” Everypony thought the sapphires were strange.

I decided to speak up, “To answer your question about where I met Twilight. I met her my first day in town, but I’m not from Equestria, I came from Earth. And Blade is my fake name, I only use it in town, but Twilight and the other elements of harmony, as well as Blue Arrow’s troops know me as Steel Stream. I am the guardian of time and space.” I continued about how I got there, the princess not knowing about me, the visions, and everything else. I didn’t explain what the visions were about, the phoenix, and Zecora. He seemed to understand all I told him.

“So you play a vital role in both worlds. I understand why you want to stay hidden.” He said. “As for the princess, she can sense your power, but she doesn’t who you are.” Lunar explained to me. “But I don’t understand what these visions are. Why are you keeping those hidden?”

“It’s too much for anypony but me to know. All I can do is become stronger and learn all of my abilities.” I said.

“Then Blazing Dawn and I will help you train. The two of us are quite gifted in combat.” Lunar said. “And, allow us to fight alongside you, the three of us will be near unstoppable.” Lunar said.

“Thanks.” I told him. “If I’m going to save Equestria, then I need to be ready for anything.”

“Agreed, now come with me.” He said.

I followed him to a house made of clouds; the clouds were spilling rainbows to the grounds below. Lunar made his way inside, motioning me to follow.

“Blaze.” he called. “I want you to meet Blade.”

I was wondering whose house this was. I asked him, “Lunar is this your house?”

He chuckled, “No, this is Rainbow Dash’s house, I live here to protect Blaze, her son.”

“Ok, I was just wondering” I said.

Just then a dark blue alicorn, with a blond mane and tail, came into the room. “Who’s this?” He asked.

“I’m Blade, and I’m guessing your Blazing Dawn.” I introduced. He seemed confused.

“Lunar, who’s this?” He said confused.

Lunar explained the whole thing to him, who I was, my role as guardian, and that I didn’t know how to use all my powers.

“You don’t understand how your powers work, really?” he asked, obviously trying to hide a chuckle. He didn’t know about Earth, and that I was only new to magic.

“I only understand a few of them, but I do know that I need you and Lunar to help me fulfill my destiny.” I explained.

“Alright, let’s start.” Blaze said.

“No questions?” I asked.

“Not really, you need to learn about all of your powers so you can protect Equestria. What’s not to understand?” he said.

After a night of training, showing Lunar and Blaze the little control I had, I went to get my things. I was about to go and meet the princesses, I had to be ready.