Chapters My name....is Lancer. The Piercing Horn of Princess Celestia's Royal Guard, and former captain. I am in my mid-twenties, I have a good amount of muscle, as well as a horn that could pierce even the toughest of armor. I am writing this journal so that if anypony ever reads this they will know exactly what happened that horrible night. The night Discord attacked...
~2000 years ago~
Canterlot, a beautiful city. However tonight is different...the city has been evacuated. The Royal Guards and the Princesses have managed to take back the city from Discord's mind-controlled ponies. We managed to snap them out of it with few casualties, thankfully. However now is not the time to celebrate. Discord is on his way. In exactly ten minutes he will arrive in full fury, looking to take down our resistance once and for all....and here we are. Me and my troops, as well as the Lunar Guard, standing at the edge of the city, waiting. We are not afraid. We knew what we signed up for when we joined the Royal Guard and we are always ready to protect the world we love.
It is time. We can see him off in the distance, flying towards the city at top speed. I step forward and summon my magic lance over my horn. The others prepare themselves as well for the strike. Discord was tailed by an army of mind-controlled Pegasi. The finally reached the city, and the true battle began. The details are too much....many ponies died.....We were unable to save most of the ponies that were under Discord's control. Eventually, the Princesses themselves found a need to join the battle. They are such wonderful ponies. Always willing to help in time of danger. They fought back Discord, and even managed to save the few remaining Pegasi. They knew Discord well, and knew just as well what kind of strategies he would use against them. What they did not expect was what happened to us.
By this time there were only a handful of guard ponies left, and most of us were injured. I had a broken back-left leg and a few other wounds. I took most of the beating for my team. Myself, my co-commander, seven other troops, some pegasi, and a few of the Lunar Guard were all that was left, all being protected by our Princesses. However, we had noticed something odd. It seemed as if reality itself had begun to warp and twist. At first we had thought we were only feeling the sheer power of the three deities in battle, but we were very wrong. Discord had one last trick up his non-existent sleeves. This time-warping power we were feeling grew higher as Discord finally fired a strange, magical beam toward the Princesses. Not realizing that their faithful guards were still behind them, they flew out of the way.
Seventeen ponies of the old times, now randomly scattered throughout time. I had heard my co-captain had been found, dead, in Changeling territory by a wandering Zebra. There have been writings in history books of the soldiers from that night being found all over Equestria. This is how I came to be herein this new land of Equestria. Its like a dream come true; almost the perfect vision of Equestria all in this one small town of Ponyville.
Chapter 2: Letter to the Princess
Fluttershy has finally finished tending to Lancer's wounds and he is now explaining to these ponies that have taken him in. He explains everything from start to finish. The battle against Discord, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna jumping in to help them, as well as Discord's attack that, to him, seemed to transport him to another part of Equestria. After his explanation they all simply stare at him, Twilight especially. "This all seems...so unlikely, but you couldn't possibly make this all up." Lancer looks at her, slightly annoyed that she doesn't fully believe him. "Why would I make up such a thing as war? Do you not notice the burned landscapes? The ruined city of Canter....lot...?" He notices the sun shining through the window and takes a look outside. He is more than shocked to see nothing but a beautiful landscape, and an seemingly untouched Canterlot in the distance. "What...What is this!?"
Twilight looks outside as well, then at him again. "Lancer..you said you are captain of the Royal Guard?" He rubs his head and looks at her again. "Yes...What of it?" "Well you see...the current captain is my brother, and you are definitely not him." Lancer's eyes widen in shock once again and he raises his voice. "What!?" Twilight nods her head. "Its true...and while I'm at it, you were talking about a war? From what I've read, Equestria hasn't seen war for thousands of years. How could you have just come out of one?"
Now Lancer is getting a bit more annoyed. "I know I did! I was covered in wounds, and I was just with my fellow soldiers...there was so much destruction...and that battle...You must believe me!" The others simply watch as Twilight tries to calm him down. "O-Okay! I want to believe you, I really do...but this is all so strange. You talk about being in a war as if we had one yesterday!" Lancer finally calms down after realizing how strange it is for her to hear all this at once. Twilight sighs and calms herself as well. "Okay. I think we should send a letter to Princess Celestia about you. Maybe she'll know what to do." Lancer leans back into the pillow and closes his eyes. "It would be wonderful to see her face outside of battle for once. Luna as well. ...Luna..." He shakes his head and opens his eyes. "How are we to send a letter if Canterlot is so far away? Unless one of your Pegasus friends are able to fly that far." Twilight smiles and shakes her head. "My assistant Spike is a dragon. He can use his magic fire to send letters to her quickly. Oh, but don't worry. He is only a baby dragon so he is harmless."
Lancer rubs his head again from all of this new knowledge. "Tame dragons, no war, train things...this is all so confusing." Twilight giggles and turns to the rest of her friends. "I'll have to take Lancer to the library. Would any of you be willing to help me carry him?" Lancer shakes his head and waves her off. "No need Miss..Sparkle? When you have been in enough battles, you learn to walk on three legs when one is incapacitated." Fluttershy quickly steps forward to stop him. "B-But if you put too much pressure on it it will only get worse.." Lancer ignores her warning and steps off the bed and onto his three good legs while putting no pressure on his broken one at all. "Simple. I may limp a bit, but my leg will heal over time. there is no need to worry Miss Fluttershy."
"O-Okay...Sorry..." He shakes his head. "No need to apologize. Shall we go?" Twilight nods to him and looks back at the others. "Are you all coming along?" Rainbow shakes her head. "Sorry Twi. Got some weather stuff to do. We have some rain scheduled for later tonight so we gotta get that ready. See ya later you guys!" She flies out the window and Pinkie starts hopping around excitedly. "Ohhhh and I gotta hurry up and plan a welcoming party! Its gonna be so much fun! Do you like cake? What's your favorite kind? Ooooh what about cupakes?" "Pinkie!" Twilight interrupts her and Pinkie just keeps her usual grin. "Oops! I need to hurry. Bye!" And just like that she is gone. Meanwhile, Rarity has been looking over Lancer. "Hmm...I sure I could make a rather impressive suit for you to wear when you meet the Princesses. How does that sound darling?" Lancer scratches his head. "You..make clothing? ...I suppose it would be good to look nice for the Princesses...I lost my armor in the battle anyways. However...I have no money." Rarity quickly shakes her head. "No no, consider it a gift for a new friend! I must be off. Lot's of work to be done. Goodbye!" She trots downstairs and leaves the farm like the others.
"As much as Ah'd love to know what this is all about, ah got a lotta work to do. Just let us know what happens with the princesses ya hear?" Twilight nods. "Well we can't leave you out of this. You WERE the one who found him after all." She turns back to Lancer and smiles. "Well, just you and me I guess!" "U-Um..." The two realize that Fluttershy hadn't left yet. They hadn't noticed since she had been so quiet. "Oh! Sorry Fluttershy! You want to come along with us?" She hides her face partly behind her mane. "N-No...I mean..yes! I-If that's okay....just to be sure his wounds are okay..." Lancer smiles and nods. "Thank you Miss Fluttershy." Twilight grins and leads the way downstairs. "Well, let's go! The sooner we send that letter, the sooner we can figure things out!" Lancer carefully follows, with Fluttershy behind him. "...How exactly is she connected to Princess Celestia?"
Fluttershy is about to answer when Twilight overhears. "I happen to be Princess Celestia's personal student!" She smiles proudly and continues on. "She took me as her student when she saw me lose control of my magic during my exam to get into the School for Gifted Unicorns in Canterlot. She told me I had so much power, and she wanted to help me control it. So she..." She continues into her lecture mode the entire trip to the library. Explaining how she ended up as the Celestia's student, as well as why she is in Ponyville instead of Canterlot. Right on time, they reach the library just as Twilight reaches the end of her lecture. "...and now here I am in Ponyville studying the magic of friendship!"
Lancer closes his eyes and sighs. "Good to know friendship is still prevalent. There is nothing more important." Twilight grins again and nods. "Exactly! Oh, we're here! Please come in! I'll get Spike." She enters the library and goes upstairs to get Spike. Lancer and Fluttershy follow her inside and Lancer looks around. "...Does...she live here?" Fluttershy nods and looks around as well. "Y-Yes she does. This is the public library, and Twilight is the librarian. Oh but it makes sense. She just loves reading and studying!" Lancer looks at a few of the books on the table. "A serious student then. Interesting." He looks toward the stairs when he hears Twilight and another smaller figure coming down. The small one, a purple and green dragon, yawns and looks up at Lancer. "..So this is the pony?" Lancer kneels down to eye level. "So...you must be Spike the Dragon. It is a pleasure to meet you." He holds out his hoof and Spike shakes it. "Huh. You too! So Twilight. You wanted me to send a letter about something?" Twilight nods and uses her magic to levitate a quill and paper. "Yes Spike, just as soon as I finish writing it. Lancer, you should help too since its about you." He nods and stands behind her as she writes, occasionally adding his own input.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Earlier today, my friend Applejack found a strange pony outside the farm and he was mortally wounded and with a broken leg. After asking him questions about how he got there, and getting even stranger answers, we decided it would be best to talk to you. If possible, we would like to come to Canterlot sometime soon so you can meet this new pony for yourself. He says he knows you, and we are hoping that you will have answers for him and us. Please reply ASAP.
Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle
After going over it a second time, they feel satisfied with the letter and hand it to Spike. "Okay we're done! You can send it now Spike." Spike opens the window and holds up the letter. He then breaths out a magical green flame that engulfs the letter and carries its ashes away toward the mountains. Lancer watches it fly and stares out at the city in the distance, mumbling to himself. "...Last I remember, this whole area was just an empty clearing..." Twilight looks up from a book she had picked up. "Hm? What was that?" Lancer sighs and shakes his head. "Nothing important. Just thinking out loud." He continues to gaze out the window, completely lost in thought.
Chapter 3: Exploring Ponyville Part 1
"Its here!" Twilight calls to Lancer, who is reading downstairs. After a ten minute wait, they finally received Celestia's response. Lancer puts away the book he was reading and trots upstairs. "What does it say..?" Twilight picks up the scroll with her magic and opens it. "I'll read it out to you..."
Dear Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student
I am sorry to say that you caught us at a busy time. We have been very busy with our royal duties in the castle. Normally I would say this is not a task for myself to handle...however, you say he claims to know Luna and myself and this sounds interesting. We should have a less busy day on Saturday, so if you and this pony wishes they may come to Canterlot then and I will hear what this pony has to say. I look forward to seeing you again Twilight.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
"I figured she might be busy. Oh well. Guess we have no choice but to wait. Is that okay, Lancer?" He sighs and nods his head. "I suppose if I have no choice...As much as I want answers, there is only so much they can do at one time." Twilight smiles and takes him back downstairs. "Well as long as you're here, I might as well show you around town. I think you'll like it here!" She steps outside with Lancer close behind, and he looks around. "...No fire. No destruction. No suffering. I like it already." Twilight continues to lead him through the town. "So..Here we are at Town Square. Over there is Town Hall. That's where Mayor Mare is usually at. Over here there are some shops for food and other things. Nothing too out of the ordinary." Lancer follows her and her pointing as he looks around the Square. "Oh! Here is Sugarcube Corner. The best bakery in town, and also where my friend Pinkie Pie works and lives! Would you like to go in?" Lancer nods, not expecting anything to happen. "It has been a while since I have been in a bakery.."
Upon entering, they are greeted with...or rather scared by...cheering, lots of ponies, and Pinkie Pie. "SURPRISE!!! Welcome to Ponyville Lancy! Were you surprised? Huh huh??" Lancer's eye twitches at the nickname. "Its Lancer...and yes." Pinkie Pie's grin widens, if possible, and she hugs him. "Yay! Oh, welcome to Sugarcube Corner too! You should try the cake. I made it myself!" She quickly runs off, then comes back not a second later with a slice of cake. "Here!" Lancer stares at her for a moment, wondering just how she has so much energy. He gives up and finally takes a bite of the cake. "...Its..amazing. You made it yourself?" Pinkie Pie starts hopping around as usual. "Yep! I love love LOVE baking! Almost as much as parties!"
"Heh...I will be honest, I am not that big a fan of parties. When I am not fighting I prefer peace and quiet usually...but thank you Pinkie Pie. Nice to know you ponies are all so welcoming." Twilight bites into a floating slice of cake. "She is really good at throwing parties and making ponies smile. Its her special talent after all!" Lancer glances at Pinkie's cutie mark. "Fitting. You clearly are good at what you do. Keep up the good work." "Okie dokie lokie!" She wanders off to get more cake, leaving Lancer and Twilight alone again. "So, you think you can handle her? Honestly..." Twilight looks around a bit for Pinkie. "...She's a little crazy. I've tried everything scientifically possible to figure her out and all the results say SHE isn't even scientifically possible!"
"...I feel you may be thinking about it too much. Her silly personality and antics is part of why you enjoy her company, isn't it?" Twilight stops to think for a second. "...That is true. I guess if she were normal she just wouldn't be Pinkie Pie. We usually just write it off as Pinkie being Pinkie, but I just can't help but wonder how she does all these things. She's built a flying machine! She can practically predict the future just using twitchy body parts...and I swear there is a black hole in her tail or something." Lancer nearly chokes on a piece of cake at that. "What...?" Twilight sighs and rubs her head. "...Let's just stop talking about it. Its making my head hurt." Lancer chuckles a bit and nods. "That would be best."
After enjoying the party and chatting with ponies for a couple hours, they finally leave the bakery and continue on their way. "I must say Twilight..this town has quite a few interesting ponies. That blond pony...Derpy Hooves? She is a bit odd. Nice, but odd. I have never seen a pony with eyes quite like hers." Twilight smiles sheepishly and scratches her head. "Well..its not exactly a normal thing. Its some kind of rare condition, but I'm not sure what exactly. She sometimes has trouble flying because of it, so she's also a bit clumsy." "Ah...and that other pony that was with her...what was his name again? The brown pony with the hourglass for a cutie mark." Twilight thinks for a bit, and even stops walking. "...Honestly? I'm not sure what his name is. He never tells anypony. He only ever calls himself The Doctor. I guess it isn't that important. He and Derpy get along well enough though." The two look up at the sky to see the sun is beginning to set. "Well, I think we should get some sleep. There is still plenty left to show you and you should be well rested! I had Spike prepare the spare bed while we were gone so you can sleep there, okay?"
Lancer nods and follows her back to the library. "I wonder if she'll recognize me....." Twilight looks back at him when she hears him muttering to himself. "Hm? Something wrong?" He stares at her for a second, lost in thought. He then shakes his head and trots up the stairs. "No..nothing. I will be in bed. Goodnight." Twilight watches him and waits for the light to go out. "...She?"
Chapter 4: Savior of Ponyville
We find Lancer trotting around Ponyville by himself today. This time he is off to see the farm and get to know the Apple Family. Along the way, he notices something odd. Two or three ponies he had seen the day before are now nowhere to be seen. He finds it odd at first, but decides they probably just went out of town for a while and continues on his way. Finally, he reaches the farm and smiles when the sweet smell of apples fills the air. "Howdy there Lancer!" He jumps at the orange pony's sudden voice. "Ehehe..sorry if ah scared ya." He shakes his head and smiles again. "Its perfectly alright Applejack. I...wanted to apologize for my sudden appearance in your orchard yesterday." Applejack quickly shakes her head. "No need sugarcube! Ya can't help where ya pass out. Especially in the condition y'all were in..."
"Right..." He looks around at the trees and the sky for a moment. Something felt off. "...Applejack. Have you noticed anything odd since yesterday..?" He tilts her head in confusion. "Odd? How do ya mean?" Lancer puts a hoof on the side of a tree for a moment. "I'm...not sure. The air feels strange. Like some kind of strange magic is flowing through it...Ah, I am sorry. It is probably nothing to worry about. So, how long have you and your family been here?" Applejack hesitates, thinking about what Lancer said. She had noticed a few strange things earlier, but hat dismissed them as Lancer did. "...Oh! We've been 'round since Ponyville was first founded! Mah Granny Smith and her family were the first ponies here way back when she was just a lil filly."
Lancer takes a moment to think. 'I don't remember anything like that...this whole land was just an empty field....hm..' "...Y'all okay now?" Lancer looks at her and nods. "Yes..everything is fine. Your orchard is beautiful." Applejack smiles proudly at the compliment. "Well thank ya kindly! We grow some of the best apples around!" Lancer looks up at some of the apples. "...Looks like there's still a bit of time before they are ready for harvesting." Applejack chuckles at this and knocks on a tree. "Yeah, but its nice ta get a break. Applebuckin' is hard work! Ah..learned that the hard way...hehe...!!!" Suddenly, a loud roar and screaming echoes from the town. "What the hay??" Lancer looks back toward the town. "That..sounds like...!" He quickly gallops off toward town. "Now hold on a darn second..! ..." She groans and gallops off after him.
Lancer makes it back to town to see something horrifying. A very large, very vicious, very angry, and very monstrous dragon is terrorizing the town. Buildings have been destroyed, but thankfully nopony has been hurt yet. "Lancer!!!" He looks back to see Applejack has caught up. "Oh no..." The other five run toward them as well, with Twilight in the lead. "We have to get out of here! We were warned about that dragon last week..It attacked Fillydelphia before! Apparently all of its jewels were stolen and it REALLY didn't like that." They look back at the dragon, who is now flying towards them. Pinkie is the first to panic of course. "EVERYPONY RUN!!!" "Everypony get behind me..." They all look at Lancer like he's insane. "WHAT!?" "NO TIME! GET BACK!!!" His horn glows a bright silver and it forms a long lance made of pure magical energy.. Right then, the dragon swings his claws down on them and it makes contact with his magic lance and Lancer successfully blocks the attack.
Twilight is the first to snap out of her shock. "...Girls, you HAVE to get out of here!" Rainbow Dash looks at the dragon and growls. "No way! I'm staying here to help...!!!" The dragon breaths a large blast of fire at them and they close their eyes, except Lancer. When the fire clears away, Lancer is still there in the front with a large magic barrier around him and the others. That's when they decide to run for it. Twilight stops to call out to Lancer. "Lancer! Be careful!" Lancer remains silent and dodges another swipe of the dragon's claws. He looks back to make sure Twilight and the others are gone before turning back to the dragon and charging at it. "You will not harm any of these wonderful ponies..!" He swings at the dragon's claw again, leaving a cut on the hand. He then drops his magic lance and fires a magical string at it and it wraps around one of it's hind legs. The dragon roars and takes off into the sky and pulls Lancer up using the string.
"Oh no you don't..!" Using the magical string, Lancer swings himself up and onto the dragon's back. He then uses more magic to bind its wings together and the dragon begins to fall. "I should have thought that one through..." He closes his eyes to brace for the painful landing, but it never comes. Instead, they land on something bouncy. A large, purple, magical cushion had appeared where they were to land and it broke their fall. It was still rough, but they survived. Afterwards, Lancer quickly jumps off the dragon's back and uses his magic to bind his front and hind legs together so it can't move. "...Twilight. I told you to run." He looks back when he hears Twilight approaching him. She smirks and looks at the dragon. "Thank you for breaking out fall Twilight. You're very welcome Lancer!" Lancer looks at the struggling dragon as well and laughs. "Well..okay. Thank you. I suppose that fall would have taken a nasty toll had you not come back." He trots over to the dragon. "Now...you."
After a long few hours, they finally managed to calm down the dragon. They even convinced it to just go find a new home with new jewels like it should have a long time ago. After that, they begin fixing Ponyville. Lancer is helping Twilight lift supplies to the ponies working on buildings. "Well, not too much destruction at least. Right Lancer?" He nods and levitates a bucket of nails to somepony. "Right. Hopefully the dragon has learned his lesson." Twilight levitates some wood to another pony. "...We're going to Canterlot tomorrow. Are you ready?" Lancer hesitates to answer. He thinks about his relationship with the Princesses in the past and begins to worry. "...I'm worried they won't recognize me. I knew them quite well, but I don't know how much time has passed since then...." Twilight puts a hoof on his back to comfort him. "If they new you well, I'm sure they will remember you. Hard to forget a nice pony like you."
"Nice?? You mean AWESOME!" Rainbow lands behind them. "Who would have thought a unicorn could take down a ticked off dragon like that??" Twilight face-hoofs. "Rainbow you should be helping the others." She shrugs. "They let me take a break." Lancer sighs and shakes his head. "I only did what any trained guard would do. Nothing special." After working most of the day and finally finishing, all the ponies head back to their homes. Lancer and Twilight enter the library once again and head upstairs. "Well, goodnight Lancer. Get plenty of sleep for tomorrow. We have a lot to do." He nods and gets into his bed, as does Twilight. She turns off the lights and they slowly fall asleep.
Chapter 5: Rewritten Memories
Morning in Canterlot. There aren't many ponies around seeing as how its so early in the morning. Twilight and Lancer hop off the train from Ponyville and head off toward the castle with a couple royal guards escorting them. "Well at least the soldiers are still in shape..." Says Lancer as he follows alongside Twilight. He looks around the town as they walk and admires the new look to it. "So much has changed...Yet I was here only a couple days ago. So much bigger..." Twilight smiles a bit at this then sighs. "Lancer...I have a pretty good idea of where you might have come from, but my mind is telling me it is impossible." Lancer looks at her in curiosity. "...You were in a war, which there has been none of for thousands of years. I know you said something about Ponyville just being an empty field one time and it hasn't been for a long time. Not to mention the state we found you in....what if.....what if you're a time traveler?"
"..." Lancer hadn't thought of that. But how could it be? "Impossible...there aren't even such spells in the Canterlot Library." Twilight quickly retorts. "Oh yes there is..! I've used it! But..it only works to send somepony back or forward for only short distances! I want to say its impossible but...ugh..." Lancer puts a hoof on her back to calm her down. "Twilight. You must relax. You do not need to exert yourself for my sake." She takes a deep breath to calm herself down. "Sorry...This is all so frustrating though. The fact that you say there isn't any time travel spell is even more proof that you could be from the past, before there even was a spell!" They continue thinking on this in silence until they finally reach the castle. The guards at the door stop them at first, but let them go once they recognize Twilight. Twilight thanks them and leads Lancer inside. "One of the many perks to being Princess Celestia's student. They always let me in."
They soon arrive at the throne room and Twilight enters first. Celestia is sitting in her throne, while the one next to her is empty. "Princess?" Celestia looks up at the voice and smiles. "Twilight, my faithful student. Its lovely to see you again. I am sorry I couldn't see you earlier. Things have been so busy this week." Twilight bows her head and smiles. "Its okay. Your duties are important. Now..about what I mentioned in the letter..." Celestia nods. "Please, bring him in. I'm curious to know who this pony is." As she says that, Lancer enters the throne room. She finally lays eyes on him and gasps. "Wh-What..." Lancer steps forward and bows low. "It is an honor to see you again, Princess." Celestia's eyes widen in shock. She turns to the other guards in the room. "You are dismissed for now. We would like privacy." The guards nod and leave the room as Celestia stands up and approaches Lancer. "It has been so long..."
Lancer looks up at her. "So...you remember me." Celestia looks him over a little. "This is not possible. Lancer...the Piercing Horn. You should be dead." Lancer raises his head. "...I am happy to say I am not. That attack didn't kill me. Merely sent me somewhere else." Celestia quickly shakes her head and places a hoof on his head. "No...you died that day. Killed as Discord was frozen....wait. No. This memory...its changing." Twilight tilts her head. "Princess..? What's going on?" The princess turns away and closes her eyes. "Very well..I will explain." Twilight and Lancer both sit down to listen. "You see...Lancer used to be the captain of my royal guard...but that was a couple thousand years ago." Lancer remains silent and Twilight gasps at the news. "I..I was right! He is from the past! But...so long ago..." Celestia nods and continues. "You see...official history books on that time period say that during the final battle against a being known as Discord, a brave pony stepped in and helped subdue him while my sister and I turned him into stone. In the process...the pony died. But my memory of this day...its beginning to blur. The pony who subdued Discord was in fact Lancer."
Lancer is a bit shocked at this. "I...I was meant to die that day...for the sake of Equestria..." Celestia nods. "Yes...however...you disappeared instead because of an incorrect attack used by Discord. Because of this, the past is changing. I can already see it. We managed to fend off Discord, and I defeated him a week later on my own. This is not right." Now Twilight is starting to panic. "Wait you mean everything I've read about history is changing??? I'll have to learn everything again! ...Wait. Is there a way to fix it? Is there some kind of secret time travel spell we can use to send Lancer back?" Celestia shakes her head. "Unfortunately there is not...but Twilight. You must think of what you are saying." Twilight looks confused and thinks for a moment. "I don't understand what you...oh...if we did send him back...he would die...But..the present hasn't changed much at all..! Couldn't he stay and everything be alright?" Lancer shakes his head this time. "Things may not have changed drastically so far...but nopony can say what other things are connected to my sacrifice. It is likely for the best that I go back as soon as I can."
Twilight frowns. "You're such a nice pony. Its sad to think that you're meant to die..." Celestia sits down on her throne again. "I promise Lancer, I will do everything in my power to find a way to send you back. In the meantime, you are more than welcome to stay here in the castle. Or if Twilight is okay with it, you can also stay with her." Twilight nods. "I have no problem with it. Nice having the extra company." Lancer thinks this over for a moment. "...I think I will stay with Twilight. Ponyville is a nice place with so many wonderful ponies." Celestia nods and smiles. "Very well. It is nice to see you again, Lancer. However...there is one other pony who would very much like to see you again. I believe you know who I mean. She is in her room right now." "...Right." Lancer then turns to Twilight with a small smile on his face. "Would you please show me the way to Princess Luna's room?"
"...So why do you want to see Princess Luna?" Twilight and Lancer are walking through the castle, on their way to Princess Luna's room. They've been mostly silent, until Twilight's curiosity got the better of her. "Well Twilight...its kind of a long story. She and I were actually quite good friends...very close..." Twilight looks at him. "Oh, so she did have a friend back then? That's good! She had such a hard time making friends when she first visited Ponyville." Lancer closes his eyes and shakes his head. "Well...I was working toward something more...I would always see her in my dreams, not knowing if it was her or just a dream about her. I suppose you could say..I really like her. We chatted with each other often, she showed me the garden on my first day in the guard...and I always stayed up late to watch the stars with her."
Twilight smiles. "Oh wow. I never would have guessed. A Royal Guard captain falling in love with a princess...What did Princess Celestia think about it?" Lancer chuckles at this and shakes his head. "I have no idea. She knows we were friends, but I have no idea what she thinks about. She must know though...why else would she suggest I visit her?" Twilight rolls her eyes. "She probably knows everything. But if she isn't saying anything about it, she must not have anything against it...right?" They stop at the door and Lancer hesitates. "...What if she doesn't remember me..? It has been a couple thousand years and I'm not sure if her memory is as good as Celestia's..."
Twilight remains silent for a moment. "...I'll go in first." She knocks on the door. "Come in!" Twilight opens the door and steps inside. "Twilight Sparkle! Tis a pleasure to see thee again." Twilight smiles and nods. "You too Princess! I'm actually not here to stay. I have a friend who would really like to see you..." Luna tilts her head. "A friend? We will be happy to meet this new friend!" "...I wouldn't say I'm 'new' exactly..." Lancer says as he enters behind Twilight. "Hm..? Not a new friend? Hath we met thee before?" Lancer takes a seat in front of her. "You could say that...I do hope you remember me, Luna." Luna stands and circles him, inspecting him from all sides. "...? What..What is thy name?"
"My name is Lancer." Luna's eyes widen and she gasps in disbelief. "Mother of us...It cannot be. Tis impossible! The pony known as Lancer is long since gone! Perished thousands of years ago!" Lancer and Twilight stay silent, Twilight looking a little nervous, hoping she doesn't get angry or something. "...He must be...thou can't be..." She finally comes back around to the front and locks eyes with him. "But it is...Lancer..." Lancer nods and Luna hugs him and tears up a little. "So many years. We hath missed thee." Lancer chuckles and hugs her back. "Two thousand years and you still talk in the old way. What is this nonsense I have heard about you not having many friends?"
This time Luna is the one to become nervous. Oh, Twilight is still there. "...I think I'll give you two some time to catch up. I'll be in the garden." She leaves and closes the door as Luna and Lancer break their hug. "We...I hath much to tell you." Lancer nods in agreement. "As do I...but you first." Luna sighs and begins. She tells him what happened a thousand years ago, when her jealousy over her sister took over and turned her into the terrible Nightmare Moon. She explains how she was banished to the moon, and was able to return a thousand years later. She then told him how Twilight and her friends discovered their connection with the Elements of Harmony and saved her from herself. "...I have been through so much...The ponies of this day did not know of how I truly was, and were scared of me. Twilight Sparkle helped teach me how to act more normal so I could make friends. The ponies did warm up to me, though they are still a bit nervous around me. Must be my supremacy."
Lancer smiles and puts a hoof on her back for comfort. "They haven't fully warmed up to you yet. They will in time. ...As for me..." Now Lancer explains what happened all those years ago, about how the stray attack from Discord sent him through time and how he ended up with Twilight in Ponyville. He also explains what Celestia told him, about how history is slowly changing on them. "I cannot believe I didn't think to come to Canterlot immediately. Now, once Celestia finds a way to send me back...I will need to make the difficult decision. Should I go back, I will have to accept my fate of death." This time Luna is the one comforting him. "I am sure that you will make the right decision when the time comes." Lancer gives her a smile and they hug again. "Now, come! Let us go for a walk in the garden." She leads him out of her room and they make their way outside to the garden.
...Where am I...?
It was a nice Spring day in Ponyville. The animals were happy, the bird were chirping, the ponies are doing their usual daily thing like shopping or chatting with friends. Everything was ordinary...until now. Near the end of town, just outside a large apple farm, we find something strange. A unicorn is lying on the ground, beaten, bloody, and broken. His coat is a dark shade of gray, almost black. His mane and tail are a matching silver color and both are very messy, as if he were in a battle. His cutie mark is a pair of crossed lances over a shield. He certainly doesn't look like be belongs there. After a few minutes he is found by somepony. An orange earth pony mare with a blond mane and tail as well as a cowpony hat. "What the hay..?? Hey, you alright there mister? ...Ah sure hope he ain't dead..better bring him in." The mare tries to pull him onto her back, but is unable to. "Gosh darn it....He's heavy! Maybe ah should call Twilight...Uh..you say here.." She gallops off into town, leaving the wounded stallion alone again.
While she is gone, the stallion finally awakens. "Huh..? Ow ow ow!" He tries to stand but his broken leg gives out under him and he falls back down. "My..my leg..." When he hears the sound of hoof-steps coming, He quickly jumps up to his feet, but ends up falling back onto the ground in pain. "Must..get somewhere safe..!" He tries to pull himself away, but cries out when one of his wounds opens up more. "Crap...I can't...I can't do it..." Suddenly he hears a scream and gasps from behind him. "..." His vision starts fading from the loss of blood as he starts hearing different voices in his head.
"He...He's awake!" Yelled the mare that found him earlier. She has an obvious southern accent.
"O-Oh my goodness..he's..bleeding..!" A soft but panicky voice this time.
"Oh dear..I hope he is alright." A proper sounding voice...possibly a pony from Canterlot?
"Whoa...what happened to him???" Sounds boyish, but could still be a mare.
"Wooow that looks painful. What should we do Twilight??" She sounds...excitable.
"Everypony just stay calm..!" Sounds a bit more calm and organized, though still panicking. Suddenly the stallion feels his body leave the ground and float in the air, courtesy or the previous voice's magic. "Let's get him inside. Applejack, do you have a spare room in your house?"
"N-No ah don't..but ah suppose he can use my bed for now." Twilight nods and leads the way into the farm carrying the stallion with her magic. "Fluttershy, you're the best with this kind of thing. Can you see what you can do about his wounds?"
"O-Okay I'll try my best..." The soft voice, Fluttershy, says as she flies off to get medical supplies. They continue into the house and into Applejack's bedroom where they lay the stallion on the bed. Fluttershy returns soon after and begins working on his wounds while the other ponies go downstairs to talk while she works.
"Wha...Where am I..?"
Fluttershy squeals and jumps away at the sound. "H-He's awake...! Girls..!" The other ponies quickly run upstairs and into the room to find that he is trying to sit up and look around. The calm voice, known as Twilight Sparkle, is the first to step forward. "Are..Are you okay sir..?" The stallion is breathing heavily and still can't see very well, but he tries to sit up anyways. "I...am fine..OW!!!" Fluttershy quickly but gently pushes him back down and continues treating his wounds. "Y-You have to stay still or it will only hurt more.." He groans in pain, then sighs when the pain starts to let up a bit. "...Thank you...where am I..? How did I get here..?"
This time Applejack steps up next to Twilight. "You're on our farm, Sweet Apple Acres! As fer how ya got here....well ah just found ya on the ground a while ago, just outside the farm." The stallion silently thinks for another couple of minutes while Fluttershy works on him, then asks a more important question. "....What about..the Princesses? Are they still okay..?" Twilight tilts her head in confusion at this. "Huh..? What do you mean?" "Please...are they?" "Well yes of course they are.....if you don't mind me asking so quickly, who are you?"
He sighs in relief from the news, then looks up at the mares. Now that he is able to see better he gets a good look at them. The purple unicorn is the one addressing him, Twilight. There is also the orange earth pony with the accent, and the yellow Pegasus tending to his wounds. There is also a cyan blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail, a white unicorn with a purple mane and tail, as well as pink earth pony with a darker pink mane and tail. From seeing them, he is half surprised to know they are all mares, considering the sound of the cyan Pegasus' voice. "....My name is Lancer. I am the Piercing Horn of Celestia's Royal Guard, and captain."
"Cool name! I'm Rainbow Dash! Greatest flier in Equestria!" The blue Pegasus speaks, still in her boyish voice, while hovering in the air. The pink pony starts jumping up and down excitedly. "I'm Pinkie Pie! Nice to meet you! This is so exciting! A mysterious pony shows up in Ponyville..Oh oh oh oh oh! I need to throw you a party!" Applejack rolls her eyes at Pinkie and starts talking before she decides to continue. "Ah'm Applejack. Nice to meet ya!" The white unicorn steps forward next and smiles. "I am Rarity. Its a pleasure to meet you Mister Lancer." He nods and turns his head to Twilight. "And I'm Twilight Sparkle. Its nice to meet you Lancer!" "You as well." He looks down at the Pegasus currently bandaging his leg. "What is your name..?"
"U-Um...I-I'm..Fluttershy...."
"Fluttershy....a fitting name. It is a pleasure to meet you all. If I may ask..where would Canterlot be from here?" He manages to sit up a little since the pain has gone down a bit, while Twilight speaks. "Are you from there? It's just past the forest and up the mountain. It only takes half a day to get there by train." Lancer looks confused at this. "What is a..train..?"
"A train is...wait how do you not know what a train is?" Twilight asks with just as much confusion. Lancer stares at her for a moment. "...I don't believe there is any such thing called a train..." Twilight trots up to him and looks him over for a moment. "...What exactly were you doing before we found you..?"
At this, Lancer's face changes to one of sadness as he looks down into his lap. "Its...a long story..."
