Disclaimer! …. Once more, I have to put one of these up bleh… Anyways! Yes, Gamer Workshop owns their stuff and Hasbro owns theirs, blah blah blah. You know everyone :D I hope you enjoy the story! Something I wanted to do!
Chapter Three: Request and the Gala
The day before Nyx's first Grand Galloping Gala, Twilight was in a hysteria about something. Hearing her panicking, Zu'hal slowly emerged from the blacksmithing wing. During the time between his arrival and then, he had gotten enough sleep to make him effective once more. However, the panic of his host, was enough to have him pull away from his work.
"Oh no… Oh no… What are we going to do… What are we going to do…?" She continuously said, floating back and forth as Spike tried to calm her down.
"Twilight… Clam down, I'm sure you'll figure out something." The baby dragon said.
"Spike! This isn't something a mere spell could fix, this is something I have to find!" She said, holding her hooves up and against her head.
Strangely enough, Spike didn't hear the large Salamander right behind him. "Um… Might I ask what exactly is going on?" He asked, startling the young dragon, and falling to the ground.
This was truly the first time Spike had seen the giant, and was actually intimidated by him. "T-Twi was told that all royals… Are to have a Royal Guard with them. She doesn't have a certain Captain or anything, so…" Spike tried to explain, before Twilight flew up.
"Nyx and I will look like fools in front of the other Princesses and the Royalty of Equestria!" She exclaimed, seeming like she was ready to pull out her mane.
Zu'hal looked down at Spike with a confused look. "Guessing… She is a perfectionist?" He asked, the baby dragon nodding, still having a scared look on his face. "And lighten up, little one… Just because I have the skin that looks like your kin, doesn't mean it is one." He explained, patting the baby dragon's head. "A Salamander is something completely different. It is a dangerous creature that hunted the lands of my homeworld. It is a sacred rite to hunt one and prove one's strength…. In fact, wearing the skin and skull of one is quite the honor." He explained, Spike still rather intimidated, but relieved. Zu'hal looked back up at the frantic Twilight. "So… You need an Honor Guard, correct?"
"Yes! I have to have one, before tomorrow night! And there is no time to do so!" Twilight said, falling to the ground, and covering her face with her hooves.
"….. Well, I do have experience of being an Honor Guard member." Zu'hal said, making Twilight stop her panicking.
"Um… Wrong answer." Spike whispered, making Zu'hal glance at him for a second, before finding out why it was.
Twilight flew up straight to his face, a mere inch away. "Really!? Zu'hal, can you please, please, please, come with us to the Grand Galloping Gala!" She said, extremely excited at the apparent information.
Zu'hal was wide eyed at the request, backing his head away from Twilight some. "Uh… Sure? If you have a standard, or anything like that, I could also mount it on to my armor." He explained, tilting his head. "Though, I'll also have to dress the armor in formal wear of the Salamanders and the Imperium… Which also means I have to place Purity Seals on to my armor, telling the deeds and battles I have been a part of."
Twilight suddenly hugged his thick neck, making Zu'hal choke a bit. "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" She repeated nuzzling against his rather rough skin.
"Uh… Any… Time…" He was able to say, before Twilight finally let go of his neck. "Just let me get to work, and I still require a standard for you. I'll just mag lock the thunder hammer to my armor, carry the shield and standard in my hands." He explained, Twilight nodding rapidly.
"Oh, Rarity has to get both Nyx and me a dress to match your armor! Again, thank you, Zu'hal!" She shouted, before flying to grab her daughter from her studies.
"….. She wasn't kidding when she said you're actually a nice guy." Spike said, looking up at him.
The comment made Zu'hal smirk a bit. "Yeah… Say, I know it'll be hard for you, but when I finish with the seals and formality additions to my armor, want to help me put it on? It is rather difficult on one's own."
Spike looked up at him, pointing at himself. "You want me… To help you with the armor?" He asked, Zu'hal giving a nod. "O-Of course! Though, I don't know how much help I'll be… If you haven't noticed, I'm a bit small." He held up his hands, showing how it contrasted with Zu'hal's larger body.
"An easy fix… I'll hold the armor in place, all you need do is simply get it attached." Zu'hal explained, the baby dragon nodding in agreement.
So, while the mares were out getting new dresses fitted, Nyx complaining the whole time about having another dress made, Zu'hal and Spike started to work on his armor. The seals, Spike noticed, looked like strange parchment being placed on to the armor itself, hot wax pinning them to the metal. Each one had depicted great deeds performed by Zu'hal…. One was when he slayed a great Salamander as a Scout, one that killed five others before he hunted it. There was another telling how he earned his Terminator Honors, with around two hundred years of combat experience and having helped stopped a full on assault by a group known as the World Eaters, where he was the only surviving member of his squad… Still holding out on the position until reinforcements arrived.
"Wow, Zu'hal…. You did all of these deeds?" Spike asked, examining each purity seal, and their tales.
"Yes, and before you ask, only the great deeds were placed. I have around two hundred years of service, plus around ten years as a full fledge scout. So, you can imagine the things I've done." Zu'hal answered, working on another purity seal.
"What is that one about?" Spike asked, jumping to try and see what he was writing. "Some grand deed to earn as the final seal?"
"Actually, no… This purity seal is for a deed I swear to do at this…. 'Grand Galloping Gala' Twilight and Nyx are attending." He moved his chair to where he can show the young dragon. "Purity Seals aren't just for great deeds, but also for deeds I intend to do."
Spike eyed the long strip of parchment, and began to read it. "So long as I stand as their Honor Guard, no harm shall befall Princess Twilight, or her daughter Princess Nyx. I swear in Vulkan's name, and on the Golden Throne. If a threat arises, they shall meet both my hammer and shield, before they reach the two Princesses. Willingly, I shall give my life, in order for them to escape." Spike went wide eyed at the purity seal. "Are all um... 'Salamanders' willing to give up their lives for others, with such ease?" He asked, looking up at the giant.
"Yes… It is part of the Promethean Code. Our Gene-Father was also the same way. Vulkan believed in self-sacrifice for the greater good of things, which included throwing himself in front of us to prevent any death of his sons." Zu'hal explained, before walking over and sealing the purity seal over the eagle aquila.
"Wow… Mind telling me about this Vulkan? I mean, he sounds like my kind of warrior!" He chuckled, making Zu'hal chuckle a bit.
"Well… First off, out of all the Primarchs, the eighteen found, Vulkan was the tallest of them all. Despite his own strength, though, he was also the most gentle. Understanding the most humane way of doing things, even to his enemies." Zu'hal started to explain, the baby dragon becoming wide eyed with each feet the mythical Primarch had done in the past.
When he ended the stories, Spike was awe struck by the now legendary, in his eyes, Primarch. He looked upon Zu'hal, and imagined how this Vulkan would have actually looked, since all Salamanders carried his genes within them. But, despite his thoughts, it was time for Zu'hal to put his armor on… And piece by piece, Spike helped the giant put on his armor, making even more so. Until it was only his helmet left, which went on last and the eyes lit up as it activated. "So… How does it look?" He asked, holding the shield up and revealing the purity seals around his armor.
"You look awesome, Zu'hal!" Spike said, ignoring the Salamander scales and head mounted around the armor. The scales that went over his shoulder pad, actually made it seem like Zu'hal had a slight cape going around him, which made the look of intimidation even better. "What is it like… Wearing that armor?" He asked.
"Somewhat restricting. However, you'll find no better armor on the battlefield. I have a three sixty field of vision; my armor also can take a much greater beating. While I do move slightly slower than other Space Marines, I can act as moveable cover for them." He chuckled a bit, "Basically? I'm a Space Marine Tank."
Spike nodded, understanding what he meant by that comment. When they heard Twilight calling for them, he quickly hopped off the bench. "Oh! Twilight and Nyx are back! I bet Rarity made a banner for you to carry."
"Then let us not keep them waiting." Zu'hal said, starting to move forward in his armor, Spike in toe.
Like they thought, Twilight had brought a banner with their new dresses. It was on a royal standard pike, with her cutie mark at its center, while the main part of it was the same lavender as Twilight's coat. However, there were two streamer banners flanking it, with the top portion of it being dark green and the bottom being black, the Salamanders insignia on the center of it. Twilight asked for them to wait where they were, so the two mares could put on their dresses, then make their way to the train station.
Zu'hal and Spike nodded, waiting at the castle's doors, the banner in Zu'hal's large hand. What they didn't expect, was it would take the two of them another two hours before they came back down. This gave Spike more time to ask about the Salamanders Chapter and the creatures they were named after. His eyes grew even wider, the moment he found out that these Salamanders had no wings, like him! Yet were still able to defeat strong opponents.
After Twilight and Nyx finally came back, they were wearing dark green dresses with black outlines around them. Their manes were up, and neatly brushed, almost like they were truly ready for the Grand Galloping Gala right here in Twilight's own castle. "Shall we boys?" She asked, the two of them nodding, allowing Twilight and Nyx to lead them out the castle doors.
When they passed through Ponyville, the whole town was awe struck at their Princess and her daughter, being escorted by the heavily armored giant that mistook them for enemies some days before hand. However, they couldn't help but feel pride seeing their Princesses guarded by something so powerful, they also noticed Spike puffing out his chest and walking alongside the Honor Guard. Some ponies even tried to get close enough, to read the papers streaming down from Zu'hal's armor, but weren't able to get the chance to do so.
At the train station, Twilight's friends were waiting for her, all in their own dresses and outfits, waiting for the train arrived.
"Oh my gosh! Twilight, you look incredible!" Pinkie Pie chanted, bouncing up and down.
"No kidding, Twilight! You and Rarity did well this time!" Rainbow Dash said, before eyeing the dress colors even further. "Um… Though I do wonder, why green and black? I thought your color was purple?'
Twilight giggled, before motioning to Zu'hal. "Because he's going to be my Honor Guard this year. Since we can't really change the color of his armor, I decided both Nyx and I will wear dresses matching it." She explained, making the group nod.
"I must say, it was quite the difficulty making those two dresses on such short notice, but I feel that it is my greatest work yet!" Rarity boasted, smirking at her handiwork, her own dress was a combination of a rather flashy purple and white, complimenting herself.
While they were talking, Zu'hal watched as Nyx was talking with three other fillies, who were also dressed for the occasion. Due to his enhanced hearing, he could hear how they were commenting the young alicorn and smiled. When Nyx mentioned how she was also learning how to "smith" from their Honor Guard, Zu'hal could hear the pride in her words.
This continued on, until the train slowly rolled in and stopped at the station, the conductor walking out and shouting. "All aboard, for Canterlot!" The group nodded, as they started to board the train. But when Zu'hal was preparing to board, the conductor stopped him. "U-Um… Sir? You're a bit big to enter the train, don't you think?" He said, feeling intimidated by the emotionless helmet.
"Oh, he is alright, Conductor. Zu'hal is my Honor Guard for the Gala." Twilight said, looking back at the conductor.
"I can tell, Princess, but he might not be able to fit inside… That is my problem." The conductor said.
"An easy fix, actually." Zu'hal said, before rolling up Twilight's banner, handing it to the ones inside, and climbing on top of the train. Just like he thought, it was able to support his weight, and he latched down on to the front of said cart. "There…. I'll be able to fit like this, correct?" He asked the conductor.
"I-I guess… The overheads were designed to handle larger trains than this, and you don't come close to a supply train's height up there." The conductor said, before rushing inside, not trying to show he didn't want to upset the large guardian.
The train ride took some time, but the group arrived at Canterlot in no time what so ever. A full Royal Guard unit ready to escort them, but all backed away the moment Zu'hal jumped from the top of their train, eyeing each one. When Twilight walked out, he instantly went into his Honor Guard station and saluted the Princess and her daughter, taking the banner and unrolling the banner to show everyone there. He followed behind the Princesses, the others right behind the mighty guardian.
A wide grin slowly appeared on Twilight's face, when she could hear the citizens of Canterlot talking about her Honor Guard and how he was the most impressive thus far. There was one comment that nearly made her jump for joy, a mare saying to her husband. "If anyone attacks the Gala, they will be in for a big surprise with that behemoth standing watch over Princess Twilight and Princess Nyx."
Her husband nodded, his eyes wide at the weapon that was at the warrior's side. "Judging by what he has, I really think they'll have a bad day the moment that hammer collides with them… I don't even think a rampaging herd of Buffalo would be able to push him out of the way… Let alone withstand a hit from him."
There were even comments about the papers on his armor, some wondering what they were, and those able to read them blurted out to the others that Zu'hal was some sort of champion of hundreds of battles. "It seems Princess Twilight was able to bring an army of one to the Gala… Impressive, if one must say."
Nyx could hear them too, but she wasn't so excited. She was starting to become intimidated by all the looks. Twilight noticed, and quickly stopped to figure out what was wrong… But to her surprise, Zu'hal made a suggestion she didn't expect.
He placed his shield against his armor, it instantly locking into place before lifting Nyx into his left hand. She instantly got a large smile, as the warrior marched behind Twilight, Nyx waving at everyone from the protect grasp of the Honor Guard.
This action made everyone gasp at how gentle the warrior could actually be.
When the group arrived to the Canterlot Castle, Celestia and Luna were awaiting the youngest Princess, and got a surprise to what she brought with her as an Honor Guard. Zu'hal lowered his arm down, so Nyx could jump off and hug her two aunts tightly, while he redrew his shield and continued to hold his position as an Honor Guard.
"Twilight… Who is this… Warrior you've brought with you?" Celestia asked, after hugging her niece. She just eyed the warrior, noticing the repaired parts of his armor and the fact it was purposely repaired for the occasion.
"Oh, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I would like you to meet my Honor Guard… Brother Zu'hal, Terminator of the Salamanders Chapter." Twilight said, walking over to the giant, who used the banner to give a simple salute the best he could. "He…. Was sent to our world by accident, and after a tussle, realized we weren't what he was fighting before. To make up for it, he actually repaired the damage to Ponyville, before staying with Nyx and me at our Castle… When I needed an Honor Guard, he offered his services."
Zu'hal nodded, stepping forward. "She is correct… I have experience being an Honor Guard within my Chapter. Such formalities are familiar to me." He said, the two Princesses nodding, before looking to the Scribe, who quickly wrote down the needed information.
"Alright… They'll announce you both, when you enter, properly." Celestia said, looking towards Zu'hal. "And thank you, Brother Zu'hal, for being the bigger person, and help repair Ponyville." She knew he was human, despite being so large, and had to go with the proper customs.
"To be honest, Princess Celestia, I was honor bound to help. I caused the damage, so I alone was the one to repair it. I also helped fill Princess Twilight's armory with new armor for when she finally has a Royal Guard of her own." Zu'hal said, respectfully.
Celestia nodded again, hearing his words. "The kindness and humility you have shown, does your… Uh… 'Chapter' good, Brother Zu'hal. Now, please, enjoy the Gala." She said, with a smile, the group moving in as the Scribe rushed a head of them.
When they entered, the Royal Announcer stood tall and shouted out their titles and presence. "Now entering! Princess Twilight. Her daughter, Princess Nyx. Escorted by their Honor Guard, Brother Zu'hal, Terminator of the Salamanders Chapter!" Everyone's eyes suddenly looked to see the Princesses, with a towering guardian right behind them, bearing Twilight's banner. There was awe struck at their presence, especially due to their guardian once more.
When Twilight and Nyx made it to the bottom of the stairs, a familiar pink alicorn, with an armored white unicorn walked up to them. "Twily! Nyxi! It is so good to see the two of you again!" The unicorn said, hugging Twilight, before hugging Nyx.
"Uncle Shining! It is good to see you!" Nyx giggled being picked up by her uncle, with magic.
The pink alicorn smiled, as she hugged Twilight. "I haven't seen you in ages, Twilight! How have you been?" She asked, smiling at the younger Princess.
"I've been fine, Cadence, and it is good to see you again too!" She said, hugging her former foalsitter tightly before letting go. "How is the Crystal Empire?"
"Still the same, no trouble what so ever." Cadence said, smiling, before looking up at their Honor Guard. "So… Who is your protector?" She asked, the warrior giving a nod.
"Brother Zu'hal, Terminator of the Salamanders. Princess Twilight needed a protector for herself and for Princess Nyx. Since I am staying at their castle, until I am able to find out how to return to my brothers, I decided to offer my assistance. Being a Terminator, isn't just the fact I am an Elite Warrior, it also means I must be an Honor Guard for some situations." He held the banner off to the side, looking down at the alicorn addressing him. "So, naturally, I got my armor ready for the occasion."
Cadence nodded, as Shining gently put Nyx down. It was Cadence's turn to hug their niece, while he addressed the warrior. "What are these parchments on your armor?" He simply asked.
"Purity Seals, sir. Each telling my past deeds, except for the one I have placed on my armor's aquila. That one explains my intentions while attending the Gala." Zu'hal explained trying to remain formal within the Gala.
Shining Armor leaned in, to read some of the seals, and became wide eyed. "Whoa… Some of these are great feats." He said, before noticing one. "These World Eaters don't sound like very… Kind ponies, at all."
"Trust me, when I say this, you don't want to fight them. Their blood lust is a feared thing. They won't stop charging until you either brought them down, or they bring you down." Zu'hal said, giving a nod.
"H-How many did you defeat? For that purity seal, exactly." Shining Armor asked, feeling like he was the latter between the two warriors.
"A total of twenty by bolter fire, then another thirty with my war hammer." Zu'hal said, Twilight noticing that the memory wasn't a fond one of the guardian, since his head was lowered a little more than before.
Shining read the purity seal, and noticed why it wasn't a happy memory of his. "Oh… I'm sorry about your squad." Shining said, looking up at the guardian. "If I read further, I wouldn't have asked."
Zu'hal shook his head. "They all fell valiantly, protecting the retreating citizens of the city we were protecting. Had we not held our ground, well… You can figure out the rest."
Shining nodded at the statement. "I see, they fell doing their duties, then." He quickly smiled up at the warrior. "It is an honor to meet you, Brother Zu'hal. I am Shining Armor, Princess Cadence's husband, and older brother of Princes Twilight. How long were you in the service of the Salamanders?" He asked, wanting to change the subject.
"The honor is mine, Prince Shining Armor… Also, ten years as a scout-initiate, a hundred and fifty as a battle brother… The last fifty years as a Terminator." He answered, putting a shock on everyone's faces at his age.
"You're two hundred and ten years old?" Cadence asked, her eyes wide.
"Yes, and do not worry for your safety. While I am here, no danger will go unnoticed. Those two hundred and fifty years of service have rendered my senses to their peak of combat efficiency." Zu'hal said proudly, making Twilight feel even more prideful at the guardian she brought.
"Heh… I could use your experience up in the Crystal Empire, helping prepare the warriors of our Kingdom." Shining said, chuckling a bit.
"Back off, B.B.B.F.F! Zu'hal is mine." Twilight said, jokingly, as the group began to laugh.
When Nyx tapped Zu'hal's shoulder, he looked down and noticed the Princess was motioning for him to for him to come down closer. The Terminator slowly leaned down, and lowered his helmet down for her to whisper in to. "Um… Zu'hal…. Do you mind if I get on your shoulder? I want to see what is going around the Gala." She asked.
The request made Zu'hal smile behind his helmet and nod. "Hop on up, Nyx. I don't mind at all." He said, lowering his shield arm to allow her to climb on up.
The young filly cheered, making the others wonder what she asked, before smiling as Nyx quickly climbed up Zu'hal's arm. To reach his shoulder, she had to use her wings to reach it, but soon found a good spot to lay down, between the shoulder and breastplate. "Alright, hold on." The princess nodded, as the guardian stood back up, and allow her to see the entire Gala from on top of his shoulder.
This actually made her giggle, and her eyes shine with excitement. "It seems… You've found quite the protector, Twilight." Cadence whispered to her sister in-law, smiling at the sight.
"Indeed…. I hope he can stay longer, Nyx seems to have latched on to him rather fast, after he saved her." Twilight said, making the two look at her. "Oh… I forgot to mention how we met, huh? Funny story, really…" Twilight grinned before going into how they met Zu'hal, and how he threw away the fight and saved Nyx from a falling building. She even told them how he was showing her how to work a forge, and metalwork, in the castle armory.
All the while, Zu'hal was allowing Nyx to direct him around the Gala, after he placed Twilight's banner where the others were standing. Some of the other attendees chuckled some, seeing the filly Princess ordering the large guardian around, even going so far as to hand her a cupcake from the snack table.
Even when the dancing started, and Nyx didn't have a colt to dance with her, starting to look upset… Zu'hal suddenly walked up, and became her partner. Despite their obvious height distance, the Terminator lowered his hands down and allowed Nyx to put her hooves into his hands… She began to dance a bit, while he went with the movements. Twilight saw this, and actually smiled at how much fun her daughter was having.
"Twilight…" A voice said, making the Princess turn to see her sister-in law walking up to her. "Despite their difference, it seems like Nyx really enjoys Zu'hal's company."
Twilight gave a nod, "Yeah…" She said, watching the two of them dance. "Makes me wish she had a dad, to be perfectly honest."
Cadence frowned some, nuzzling the younger mare. "What did happen to her father? I mean, where is he? You never did tell us." She asked.
"I-I don't know. One day he was there, then next he was gone." Twilight admitted, lowering her head. "It was soon after Nyx was born, leaving me alone with her."
Cadence saw the hurt look in Twilight's eyes, and instantly hugged her. Though, the exchange didn't go unnoticed, Zu'hal was watching them. While he couldn't hear the entire conversation, and most of his attention was on young Nyx, he did catch the word 'Father' and noticed how it made Twilight become sad.
When the Gala was coming to an end, Zu'hal had Nyx sleeping in his arm, behind the storm shield, while he had grabbed the banner with the other hand. They said their thanks to Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, before departing back to Ponyville… Twilight couldn't help feel herself, and Nyx, safe around the behemoth. Spike, who seemed so timid at first, was walking proudly beside him.
