The news of Princess Luna being cured of her aliment spread like wildfire in only a matter of hours thanks to the guards and staff that overheard the conversation that took place yesterday with Celestia and Mason. Canterlot had already started to return to its former state and Ponyville was happy to hear the news as well, though the mane six were not considering who was the one to do it.
Other than that it was peaceful, especially for the moon goddess in question. She had awoken an hour pass the time her sister was supposed to raise the sun, fully rejuvenated and back to her former self. For reasons she couldn't understand, she thought the events of what happened yesterday were nothing more than a dream.
Especially the eyes of her savior, the ones she could never forget for there wasn't any other in all of Equestria who could have those eyes. Shaking her head to rid herself of the thought, she quickly lowered the moon and raised the sun for her sister and quickly made to her bathroom to make herself presentable.
After a quick shower and brushing out her mane, she donned her royal regalia and went to go wake her sister so they could start the day. While walking through the halls, the staff waved Luna hello or gave her a quick curtsy and a bow. She hadn't seen them is such high spirits in a while that it was a little off putting to her.
"I wonder what has happened since yesterday, it is all a big blur for some reason. Maybe sister will have some answers for me," she said to herself.
Upon reaching her sister's door, she knocked a few times only to receive silence which wasn't since she was the first one up usually. Opening the door she saw her sister lying on her bed in an undignified way and could only chuckle lightly to herself.
"Sister, it's time to wake up. Come now, your royal duties are not going to do themselves," Luna said as she shook Celestia lightly.
Her eyes fluttered open and she spotted her little sister, a smile appearing on her muzzle.
"Good morning Lulu, how are you feeling today?" she asked; the distinct smell of alcohol on her breath made Luna cringe.
"Sister, have you spent the whole night out drinking while I was out of commission?"
"What, no I was just having some drink with a friend here in here in the castle, we were celebrating," she said.
"Who was it that you were celebrating with?"
"Uh, not so loud," said the other occupant that was currently sharing Celestia's bed.
Luna used her magic to lift the blanket and saw before her a sleeping human that she recognized in an instant, who was also hugging the empty jug of Silver Vine Sake. Backing away from the bed, a mix of emotions swirled inside of her and she was unsure what to do.
When he awoke, his sights were instantly locked on the moon goddess before him and managed a smile.
"Good to see you Luna."
Mason's POV
Although I'm a little hug over, and unsure as to why I'm sleeping in the same bed as Celestia, I was still happy to see that Luna had returned to the same way I remembered her. Judging by the way she was looking at me right now I bet she remembers me, hopefully she won't get mad like the others did.
"I-um…you, how," she stuttered.
I didn't let her finish her sentence, because I was already on the floor bowing as low as I could go.
"I know this is a century late, but please know that I am very sorry for the way I acted toward you Luna. I was disrespectful and I wish I could go back and change it but I can't, but I hope my apology will suffice for the time being," I said.
She just looked at me stupefied, but soon started to come closer and put her wing on my back in a comforting way. A small smile graced her muzzle and a sort of gratitude shined in her eyes.
"You saved my life Sir Brooks, you have already been forgiven," she said.
Luna stepped back and started to inspect me, already taking in the changes that have happened since I left.
"We are curious as to why you are dressed in such clothing and why is that you are carrying such a mundane weapon when you are in possession of the Flames."
I caught her up to speed as best I could and got the same reaction from her like I did from Celestia.
"So you have become an Exorcist, here I thought they no longer existed. I am very proud to hear that Mason," Luna said, making me blush a bit.
We talked a little more until I needed to get up and check over Luna just in case. You see, exorcising a spirit from a vessel doesn't one hundred percent mean that the two are completely separate from each other. There are times when a spirit leaves traces behind and takes control again.
I needed to make sure that there weren't any traces left within her in case of future possibilities. After using a number of spells on her I didn't find anything, atleast for now but I still wrote everything down.
"So what are you planning to do next Mason?" Celestia asked.
"Well, I'll be taking up resident in Ponyville," I said, much to their surprise.
"But why are you staying in Equestria, won't the Knights of the True Cross need you back?" Luna asked.
"Technically it's more of a come and go type of thing, but if they need you back for important matters they'll send out a message. But at the moment I'm not needed so I'm going to be staying here for a while. If you need anything you know where to find me," I said but before I could leave I was stopped.
"You can't leave yet," Celestia said.
"Why not?" I asked.
She used her magic and materialized the request poster that she sent out.
"It specifically states that the one who cures Luna is to be rewarded with one million bits, paid up front and in full. I promised I'd pay you double if you succeeded, and I'm not one to go back on my promises."
Using her magic again, two large sacks filled gold bits fell to the floor in front of me and I just looked at it. Yeah I was glad that I was going to be set for the next few years but I was faced with a problem at the moment.
"Girls," I said.
"Yes?" they said.
"Would you mind helping me carry this to the train?"
3 hours later Ponyville
The train finally came to a stop and I grabbed my sacks of gold and started to walk to Town Hall to speak with the mayor. Before going to Canterlot I had already made arrangements to buy and own property here if I came up with the money. I killed two birds with one stone.
After working everything out, I received the deed to my home and left to find it. It wasn't anything special; it was small but cozy and even had a large back yard for me to set up a space where I could practice swordsmanship. It was the first real thing that I really owned since coming to this world. Most of the time I relied on True Cross Academy to provide me but this was going to be a new experience.
It will be just like being on my own, only this time I'll know what to do if something bad happens.
"Okay, first things first, I need to get some essentials and get a better feel for this town, after that I'll report back to True Cross and let them know of my progress."
I spent the next two weeks using a portion of my money buying utilities, furniture, food and clothes. That one was a bit hard to do since the only place I could go to get clothes was at this place called Carousel Boutique where Rarity was the owner.
The moment she saw me was when she started to throw whatever she could get ahold of with her magic and tried to run me out of her business.
"Monsters of your kind are not welcome in this establishment," she shouted.
"Hey, I get that your pissed off at me and quite frankly I don't blame you but I'm still a paying customer and my money is just as good as anyone's. If not I'll take my business elsewhere," I said.
She knew I was right, and if she ran me out it would make her look bad and ponies would probably stop coming here. Rarity raised her nose high in the air and just did the request I asked for, though she did tighten the measuring tape around me when it probably wasn't needed.
I got a few red shirts and black jeans, paid her and went about my day as planned. Soon I set with everything and all there was to do was report back to True Cross. Before doing that I needed to shower since I've been cleaning the place since it was closed for so long.
While the water ran I started to feel relaxed and a little proud of myself. For the past century I've always thought of the Academy as only home here in this world but here I was in my own home doing things myself. If Lotus could see me now she'd probably try to convince me to come back to Neighsia in a heartbeat permanently. Just the thought of her usual antics made me laugh to myself.
Getting out and putting on some clothes, I was ready to make my report, until there was a knock the door. When answering it imagine my surprise when I saw who it was.
"Happy House Warming Mason!" exclaimed both princesses that were standing at my door holding a wrapped gift.
I just stood there confused as hell while they walked past me into my home, without permission I might add.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"We just explained it didn't we; it is a House Warming to celebrate you and your new home," Luna said, her tone making sound like it should be obvious.
Celestia pushed the gift into my hands and motioned for me to open it. I ended up pulling out a clear bottle of with a blue liquid inside. The black label read; Windigo Whisky and the date showed 157 B.D.R, (before Discord's rule).
"It's one of few left, I didn't open it unless it was a special occasion but one never arose. I thought maybe you'd like it instead," she said.
"Thanks, but I can't drink now I need to be heading out right about now," I said while putting the whisky away.
"Where are going, perhaps we can accompany you," Luna said.
"Actually, I'm heading back to Neighsia right now. If you want to join then be my guest."
That through them for a loop, more than likely thinking that we were going there the long way, boy where they in for it when I show them how I intend to get there in only a few seconds. I walked up to the front door and reached into my pocket and pulled out a metal ring with multiple skeleton keys.
I found the one I was looking for and inserted it into the door then turned. When I opened the door, Ponyville was replaced with a snowy mountain top. The door we came out of was actually the door to a supply building; in front of it was the west side of Neighsia branch of the Knights of the True Cross.
"What kind of magic is capable of doing this?" Luna asked, still awestruck that were here.
"These keys are enchanted to go to certain locations that only know to us exorcist. It comes in handy from time to time," I said as we headed into the building.
I was gone for a span of two months since I traveled from here by foot, when the other Exorcists and Ex-wires saw me, hellos were exchanged all round. I felt a familiar claw grip my shoulder.
"Great to have you back Brooks, here I thought your mission was a bust," said my friend Slasher.
Yes were friends, it took me a while to actually get over my fear of him but I did it and we became good friends who like to mess with each other here and there.
"Like your one to talk, you don't even go on missions you bum. All you do is sit around in the courtyard all day sleeping," I said while he put me in a head lock, but then looked up to see the princesses there with me.
"Wait, why are the princesses here in the academy? Brooks, you know the rules about this sort of thing. If the higher ups in Vatican HQ find out that you brought them here they'll put you on trial regardless if you are an element wielder," Slasher said.
I broke free from his hold and pulled him aside for a moment to talk in private.
"Look I know the risks but I know what I'm doing, okay? Everything is still going to go as planned; they just dropped in out of nowhere so for the time being I'm going to go take them to see Lotus and talk things over," I said.
Slasher looked back at the princesses who stared back confused.
"You had better know what you're doing Brooks," he said before walking away.
"What was that about?" Celestia asked.
"Nothing, let's just go," I said.
I brought them here for a reason, it concerned a matter that went back long before the Discordian Era. The princesses obviously didn't know anything about it, but I did, it was one of the reasons why I set up shop in Equestria. I lead them through the academy until I found the room I was looking for.
After knocking, I here a familiar voice that told me to come in and upon entering I saw my teacher and dearest friend Lady Lotus.
"Good to see that you're alright Mason and I see that you brought some friends with as well," she said.
"LOTUS!" shouted the sisters as they rushed past me.
"It's wonderful to see you both again after so long, though I wasn't expecting you so unexpectedly. I have much to discuss with you both, Mason why don't gives some privacy for a moment and I'll call for you. You should go see Ci-Ci, she really misses you," Lotus said.
I nodded and left the room, then hurried to mine. The moment I went through the door was when I was tackled to the floor saw a pair of catlike eyes staring back at me then heard a deep purr.
"Master, your finally back home."
"Hey Ci, good to see you too," I said to the demon girl who buried her face into my chest.
Ci-Ci wasn't like any of the others here in True Cross; in fact she was my familiar, a demon or spirit that a mortal makes a contract with, both benefiting from the other when the contract is made. Ci was a Cat Sidhe, well not currently anyway. Right now she resembled a human girl with light brown hair, green slit eyes, cat ears that were atop her head and a split tail.
She has been my familiar for the past ten years. I found her while on a job at Neighpan; she was causing a problem at the ports. Stealing goods meant for trade and attacking ponies that tried to stop her. The group that I lead had managed to retrain her and was ready to kill Ci-Ci, until she started to plead her innocence.
I was the only one who took pity on her because we were a lot alike. She was just trying to survive and didn't mean to hurt anyone. That was when we struck a deal; if she agreed to be my familiar I would be able to protect her and give her a home. A deal she was more than happy to take, saying that she would always be indebted to me and we just grew close to each other from then on.
Ci let go and I wasn't expecting to see the outfit that she was wearing to be what it was.
"Ci, why the hell are you wearing that French maid getup?" I said, quickly looking away.
"Oh this, Lady Lotus gave it to me for whenever I'm cleaning or helping her out with something. Do like it?"
She was a great help around the academy, but there are times when she's oblivious to when Lotus is using her to mess with me sometimes. Usually it consists of making her dress in costumes that really get to me, like the maid outfit for instance. There were also a few other times when she told her to sleep naked in the same bed as me.
"That isn't something you should be wearing in front of me, it's sort of…leaves a lot to the imagination," I said, trying to hide my nosebleed.
"So you think it looks bad?"
I turned back to see her ears drop and a depressed look on her face. Quickly acting, I stood up and tried my best to cheer her up; knowing that if she starts crying it will take forever to get her to stop.
"No, none of that now, I didn't say you look bad in it Ci, you look really cute in it; I just don't want the others looking at you the wrong way is all. Please don't cry," I said while stroking her hair.
"*sniff* so you like it then?" she said with tears in her eyes.
I nodded and she started to purr in my chest again. Score one for Mason.
"By the way, I've got some news. I found a place in Ponyville that's really nice, I already got everything set and got enough money to live off of for a little while," I said.
For a moment I thought Ci would be happy about that but she tightened her hold around my stomach and wrapped her tails around one of my legs. Then she looked up with a face riddled with fear and eyes flooding with tears.
"Please don't leave again master, I don't want to be all alone without you again."
"Hey, take easy. I'm not going to leave you Ci; you're going to live there with me. I have an extra bedroom that you can have and we'll be together all the time, okay?"
"Really, that sounds wonderful, when can I see it?" she asked.
"Right after we talk with Lotus, then we can go."
Lotus's POV
When Mason had left I looked to my old friend who just sat there patiently in silence, unsure of what to say. I didn't blame the though, we haven't seen each other since before Luna was placed in banishment. When it happened we just lost touch with each other and didn't make the attempt to try.
So we were both at fault, but I didn't want to dwell on that now. I knew what the big topic here, the one that concerned my apprentice.
I know the story behind the Primordial Flame, how the one to wield them was destined rule Equestria as King and lead them to a new era of peace. More than likely, after finding out that Mason is alive after all this time, they will make the attempt to make him King, something I was sure of that he didn't want.
"He's become strong you know," I said, breaking the awkward silence.
"What?" Celestia asked.
"Mason, when he started out as an Ex-wire he had a hard time but soon became a great Exorcist and learned to master his powers as well."
"I've seen them first hoof, it was hard to believe that it was really the same human we found a century ago displaying such skill and power," she said.
"He will make a great protector of his subjects when he becomes King," Luna said.
I could only let out a sigh when I heard that, seeing that they haven't changed much from what Mason told me when we first met. They were so hell bent in doing so that I don't really blame him for leaving like he did.
"Something wrong Lotus?" Celestia asked.
"Listen, I'm sorry to tell you this but Mason has no intention of ever becoming King of Equestria," I said bluntly.
"You don't know that," Luna protested.
"I do, because he told me so himself. Have either of you two ever stop to think that maybe you are forcing this responsibility on him instead of maybe asking his opinion on the matter?"
They opened their mouths to say something but nothing came and they both looked as if they've just come to grips with the fact that they never gave him the choice or even asked him if he wanted to try taking on this duty.
Yes I know that the two previous kings wielded the flames when in power but it seemed so unfair to force this onto someone who didn't want it.
"Let me ask you something. Do you think that the flames chose their master because they want them to be King or do they choose them because they know who is capable of using them for the right reasons?" I said.
The looks on their faces confirmed that the answer was no.
"Where are you going with this Lotus?" Celestia asked.
I called one of my assistants to go and fetch Mason so that he can join us for this discussion. They hurried off and my apprentice came in with his familiar, who was still wearing the maid outfit I gave her and did my best to suppress a laughing fit.
His face looked irritated but it was hard to take him seriously when he was blushing like mad.
"Quite the pleasant surprise to come home to huh? I thought you might like it," I said.
"I'm going to get back at you someday Lotus, just you wait," he muttered. "What are we talking about now?"
"Fill them on the plan" I said simply.
Mason took a seat next to me with Ci and started to explain his other motives for coming back to Equestria.
"As you may know, the Knights of the True Cross have spread out onto almost every nation on Terra. All but Equestria due to past conflict between your father Cosmos and Lotus's father Oceanus. The conflict resulted in Cosmos forcefully disbanding them and prohibiting the Exorcist from returning to Equestria," he said.
"I never heard of such a thing happening before," Luna said.
"It happened when we were just fillies, remember when I came over with my father one day and they ended up having that big argument? It was then that he cast out the Exorcists that were there, telling to never return," I explained.
"I wasn't told any of the details of what happened and quite frankly it's none of my business. To be blunt about it, I want to reestablish the Equestria branch, bring back Exorcists so that we can watch over Equestria again like back then only this time I'll be leading it," he said.
A deafening silence filled the room, something that was to be expected. This was a plan that has been sitting on the back burner for a while when Mason found out about it, but he was determined to make it happen.
When he told me of his dream to use his powers to help others, I knew that he was going to be a great Exorcist. One who will be the light that shines in the darkness.
"Where in Equestria do you plan on establishing this branch exactly?" Luna asked.
"Well, with your permission we were hoping that would be able to set up shop in Ponyville. We'll be able to pay for everything and present the appropriate permits to for the construction," I said.
"Plus, once it's done Equestria and the Exorcists would be able to co-exist with each other like before and we would be able to protect you all from any dark forces that might rise," Mason added.
Neither of them had spoken a word for a moment and I began to fear that they might not agree to the plan. It wasn't hard to see that they were conflicted about the idea of having Exorcists back in their nation since their father had banished us. It wasn't an easy thing to change past laws or decrees, it takes time and usually needed to be discussed with an assembly of ponies in the government.
But we've waited two thousand years to take back what was wrongfully revoked from us. The order has been around before the first King, battling darkness before the Primordial Flame revealed itself. Plus Cosmos had no right to banished us from the lands that we protected before he assumed the element and the throne.
This is where my human comes into play. He wields the Element of Peace, the power that protects Equestria but he uses it as an Exorcist. He would be a great example of how the two of us can work together, that is if they only say yes to the plan.
"It won't be an easy task to do, a sudden change with the old laws can stir up conflict for the higher up and there would be a matter of where to place the a Equestria branch," Celestia started.
"But?" Mason and I added.
"We suppose that it is worth making the attempt to reestablish the Exorcists back into Equestria," Luna finished.
Mason, Ci and I couldn't contain ourselves as we shouted with excitement. This was truly the greatest news that I've heard in a while.
"On the condition," she added, stopping our excitement. "If we do manage to get the approval of the higher ups we ask that we may monitor the Equestria branch as to be assured that the work done there is to insure our nation's safety, as is your job."
"I guess that's a reasonable condition to agree to, alright then you have a deal. I look forward to working with you both," he said.
'Oh, Mason. You certainly have grown into a fine young stallion from that colt I saved so long ago.'
Mason's POV
Even though there was a fifty-fifty shot of us actually getting to establish the Equestria branch but it was better than nothing. If they do manage to get the okay then True Cross can get back to work from where it left off.
Believe it or not, from what I've heard, some crazy and unexplained shit happens there that traditional means can't solve. That's where we come in and put things right since most magic doesn't really work on dark spirits and demons.
When our meeting was over, Ci and I went back to my room to gather some things such as some scrolls with some powerful invocations, remedies and ingredients and my firearms. I had only had two though that I use for emergencies since I prefer to use Light Bane.
A revolver of a civil war design that was black with a silver dragon head on the tip of the barrel and my repeating rifle that was engraved with branch designs. These guns however don't use bullets; they actually fire shots of concentrated magic that I fuel into it.
While packing, there was a knock at my door and in came Lotus who upon closing the door got all giddy and excited. I didn't real blame her, frankly so was I. This was big after all.
"Was I the only one nervous back there?" she asked.
"Nope, I was having a mini panic attack on the inside. Can't believe we might have a shot of actually doing this," I said.
"But are you sure you're ready to lead a branch of True Cross on your own? This isn't the same as leading a team on a job, you do realize that don't you?" she asked.
Honestly, I wasn't sure myself but I wasn't going to find out if I didn't try. If spending a century here has taught me anything is that you learn by doing not by sitting around and thinking about it.
But I could tell Lotus was worried that I might not be able to handle this on my own. Just watching Lotus do it made me winded, but at the end of the day she still managed to keep things afloat because she everyone here as her own family.
"I've got this, you don't need to worry about me Lotus," I said proudly.
Next thing I know the silver mane Alicorn pulled me into her barrel with her wings, locking me in place and her muzzle on my shoulder.
"Just remember Mason, if you need me, for anything at all just let me know and I'll be there before you know it. You may be a senior Exorcist but you are still part of this family, we help each other when we need it," she said.
That was sudden of her to say. Lotus tended to act, well…protective of me at times, even when I was in recovery when she found me half dead. It caught me off guard sometimes but it was nice in some ways having someone look out for me in a world where I was the only one of my kind and everyone tried to either kill or eat me.
Lotus let go and went over to my wardrobe and started to pull out various outfits that I don't recall being there before I left a few months ago.
"Plus I want to come over and see Ci try on these outfits," she said, while holding in front of my familiar and making my nose burst with blood.
"WHY THE HELL DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THAT HINDDEN IN MY ROOM?"
"I thought she might be able to spice things up for you two," she said oh so casually.
"You make it sound like we're in a failing relationship."
When I said that Ci started to blush heavily and fidget a bit. That in its entirety was new for me to see.
"Would that be such a bad thing? Besides you never go out and find someone to have a relationship with anyway," Lotus stated.
"My job is important and demanding, plus my private life is none of your concern you pervert. Besides, I'll her some new clothes when we get to the house," I said, wiping my nose of the blood.
"Boo, you no fun at all Mason."
After gathering up the remaining items we might need, the three of us went back to the supply building where the princesses were already waiting for us.
"All set?" Celestia asked.
"Yeah, let's head back."
Opening the door that still had the connection to Ponyville; we stepped through with a new ambition going through my mind. To lead this branch of True Cross the best I can and protect Equestria, not as a King but as an Exorcist.
Please Review if not that's cool too.