Chapter 7: Return to Canterlot
The return to Twilight's library was almost uneventful. The only thing that really happened during the boring walk was Rainbow Dash asking Michael about Nightmare Moon. He had no idea why she was asking these questions. Most of them weren't even really about her doing evil things. They were about why Michael likes her so much. Why did she ask these questions?
Eventually they made it to the familiar giant tree. It was a few hours after the moon rose and there weren't any ponies hanging around outside.
The two didn't have to knock, since the door was still busted open thanks to Michael. Rainbow Dash chuckled when she remembered what happened.
Michael stepped inside first, followed by Rainbow Dash. Scattered all over the floor were books of many topics on humans. Lying in the middle was Twilight, her head lying in an open book. She looked totally exhausted, dark circles outlining the bottom of her eyes.
Rainbow Dash groaned, "I'm not surprised."
"Me neither," Michael muttered, "Where's her bed at?"
"Upstairs," Rainbow Dash replied while looking up. Michael noticed that she was actually looking directly at the bed itself, which was placed beside a window. You could see it from the bottom floor, since there was no ceiling or wall blocking the view.
Michael nodded as he walked over to the sleeping unicorn. She snorted loudly when Michael picked her up, but drifted back into her deep sleep.
"I'll be right back," Michael whispered to Rainbow Dash as he started up the stairs. They were pretty much carved from the interior of the tree, a convenient way to get to the next floor. In fact, almost everything was carved from the interior. The walls, bookshelves, and cabinets were all part of the tree itself.
He saw the small bed right away as he reached the top of the steps. He glanced down at Twilight, who was still sound asleep in his arms, snoring lightly.
He noticed the baby dragon sound asleep as well in a small basket next to the bed. He stepped over it and slowly lowered Twilight into her own bed. Once he thought she was in a comfortable position, he pulled the covers over her and stood back up.
Looking down at her made him think. 'What am I even doing? Spartans don't act like this!'
He shook his head. Should he accept the kind personality the world is giving him? He pushed the thoughts aside.
Michael walked quietly down the stairs, careful not to wake up Twilight and the dragon. He made his way to the bottom and glanced towards Rainbow Dash, who once again had her head in the Daring Do book. Without thinking Michael walked to her and plucked the book from her hooves. It took a few moments for the pegasus to realize what happened before shouting.
"Hey! What was that for?! Did you ask me something again?"
Michael put a finger to his lips, "Shhhh! You'll wake them. And no, I didn't ask you anything. I just knew better than to ask first. Anyway I have two questions."
"Go for it," Rainbow Dash replied.
"One, Twilight really doesn't mind having the door gaping open like that?" Michael asked, "Wouldn't a thief sneak in?"
"A thief?" she replied, puzzled, "There is literally no crime in Ponyville. But the Princess says she's had a few minor incidents with stealing… Anyway, why'd you ask?"
"Because back in my world, crime is a common danger. It happens almost all the time."
"Really? I can't imagine living anywhere with that much crime. So what's your second question?"
Michael smiled sheepishly, "Uhhh… shower?"
Rainbow Dash almost burst into laughter if it weren't for the sleeping unicorn and dragon. "Downstairs…"
Michael shot Rainbow Dash a "Really?" look as he went down the stairs in the back of the room.
Location: Canterlot Royal Palace
Celestia POV
The princess was proceeding to go to sleep as well; it was getting really late. Luna had raised the moon and was now keeping watch over the city for her.
She kept on thinking about what happened that day. The day the human arrived. The day she… attacked him. She felt truly sorry for what she did. But those memories… those terribly harsh memories of her mother. Those terribly harsh memories of her father. The memories of that day were unbearable. She couldn't control herself. That was rare for her. And Michael… he got to her that day. A mere human. The bane of her existence. Yet she no longer sees him as a threat.
He taught her something. It may not have technically been about friendship, but… but it was something. Something that counted.
She got Twilight Sparkle's letter earlier today. She was so worried of Michael's safety. Thankfully, he was safe. But how'd he manage to survive losing so much blood? He seems to carry plenty of secrets with him. She meant to do a mind read when he was in the hospital, but she was too busy. Oh well. She already knew his biggest secret that resides here in Equestria.
When she sent out a search party to find Michael, some patrolled the Everfree forest. Two of her guards wandered near the ruins there. She has no idea why, but they claim to have followed Rainbow Dash, wondering why she was in the Everfree.
She eventually flew to the ruins, where Rainbow Dash stayed hidden. In the clearing was Michael. They were about to report back to the princess that he was ok, but something the human shouted caught their attention.
Celestia didn't believe the guards at first, since the alicorn they claimed to have seen was supposed to have been overpowered and destroyed by the Elements of Harmony. But Celestia could see the truth inside the guards' eyes, and had to accept the truth. Nightmare Moon still exists.
The guards witnessed the dark alicorn tackle Michael, then… hug him. This puzzled Celestia. Since when does a villainous side of her sister ever show affection?
'Perhaps Michael has befriended her… maybe he convinced her to be good…' she thought.
Impossible. That was the word that popped up in her head. Legend has it that the Nightmare Entity can't commit to such… good. No matter. She will have to be dealt with immediately. But how did she even survive the Elements of Harmony?
Suddenly an incredible idea crept into Celestia's mind. She knew how to deal with the Mare of the Night.
"Nightmare Moon is nothing but trouble," she muttered to herself, "Luna and I will have to deal with her when the time is right. We will make sure she never, ever returns."
Back in Ponyville…
The bathtub was extremely small for Michael, but he was able to manage to fit in it. He found some weird shampoos, that smelled nice of citrus. He managed to wash his suit too, finding a tub and filling it to the brim with water. Though he was cautious of Rainbow Dash wandering down there, since the suit was the only clothing he had.
After wringing his suit to squeeze out all the water and drying it, he slipped it back on. Luckily, Rainbow Dash didn't come down there during that period of time.
Eventually he walked back up the stairs that lead out of the basement, feeling so clean. His hair was still slightly damp, but it felt good.
Right away, he noticed Rainbow Dash half asleep reading Daring Do. He decided to leave her alone this time. He wasn't even tired. He just rested for four days straight in the hospital. So he walked over to the pile of open books on the floor and decided to reorganize them on the shelves to save Twilight the work. Here goes the random kindness again.
He started with a book that read, Equestria's Myths. It was open to a page about the human race a thousand years or so ago. It discussed that the humans were an incredibly smart race, and easily survived without controlling weather and magic. It mentioned the fall of Canterlot, and how Celestia ridded the land of them.
According to legend, she used a spell that only the royal family could use. What the spell did was rid the planet of any species and send them across the galaxy to another life-bearing planet. Thus, she completely banned humans from their world for good.
'That is until I somehow arrived,' Michael thought.
The book didn't mention the death of the princess's parents though. Thank God.
He walked over to a shelf labeled with E and placed the book between two others. But then something caught his attention. One of the books was labeled, Equestria, fine golden letters.
In smaller lettering underneath the big word, was An Encyclopedia on Everything You Need to Know! He did want to study this world.
He lifted the book off its shelf and flipped to the table of contents. Equestrian History, Ponies and Their Roles, Wonderbolts, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Nightmare Moon, Weather Patrol, Moon and Sun.
Michael slumped against a wall and sat down, starting from the beginning of the book. But he skipped Equestrian History since he already knew about it. Well almost.
Ponies and Their Roles. According to the book, Unicorns can be identified by the distinct horn on their heads. They use those horns to cast spells, ranging from the simple levitation spell to the complicated teleportation spell. He read that there are defensive and offensive spells as well, ranging from a simple barrier to painful beams. Much like what Celestia used.
He continued to Pegasi. They are very easily recognized, thanks to the distinct wings on each side of their body. They are extremely lightweight, allowing them to soar high and fast. One of the most important roles they have is the weather patrol. Pegasi are able to manipulate clouds. This is something Michael didn't know. They basically set up a weather schedule. They can plan rain on one day, and clear skies on another.
Then there's the Earth Pony. Though they lack a horn and wings, they are extremely powerful. They are usually way heavier than most ponies due to the amount of muscle packed into their bodies. You usually find them performing hard tasks that require strength. Though they can't fly or use magic, they seem to not mind and live happy lives.
Alicorns. Michael didn't need to read about them. He already knew much of them. The main thing is, they are usually treated like royalty. Some hate that feeling, and want to live like any normal pony. But lucky enough for them, they can both fly and use magic. Just like his dear friend Nightmare Moon.
Michael looked up from the book. Rainbow Dash was slowly flying towards him. Once she landed beside him, she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Uh… Rainbow?" Michael asked.
"Watcha reading?" she asked, ignoring him.
Michael was silent for a moment, wondering what she was doing, but then replied, "Just reading a book on Equestria. I mean, I'm not leaving anytime soon, so I might as well learn about this place."
"That's cool…" she yawned again.
Michael went back to reading. He read over something about the Wonderbolts. He saw a few pictures of them trailing smoke behind them as they flew. It reminded him of the annual air show back on Reach.
About thirty minutes or so later, he heard light snoring next to him. Sure enough, with her head rested on his shoulder, was Rainbow Dash, fast asleep. Michael couldn't help but smile.
He didn't really want to read anymore, so he tossed the book onto the pile that Twilight created. He gently lifted Rainbow Dash's head off his shoulder and laid it on the floor. Then he just stood there motionless.
What is there to do anymore? For once in his life, he was actually bored. No weapons to practice with, no obstacle course to run, nothing.
Suddenly he heard the dragon groan. Michael looked up to see him standing beside his bed, rubbing his eyes.
Michael talked quietly up to him, "What's up?"
He looked back down, remembering the human before replying, "I feel a message about to come up."
"Wait, what?" Michael asked, puzzled.
"Hold on, let me get down there and I'll explain…" the dragon replied before making his way to the stairs in a hurry. He waddled down, almost tripping a few times before finally reaching the bottom. He made his way over to Michael.
"Ok," he said, slowly panting, "Twilight and I have to send messages to the princess somehow, right? Well I'm pretty much the sender and receiver."
"How's that?" Michael asked.
"Well you see-" The dragon suddenly burped loudly, and a scroll flung out his mouth into his hands.
"What the-" Michael stammered.
"That's how," the dragon replied.
The dragon unrolled the scroll and read its contents. He then offered it to Michael.
"The princess says it's for you," he said.
"Weird," Michael muttered, "Why would the princess send a letter this late?"
"I dunno, but you should probably read it."
Michael hesitated at first, but then accepted the scroll from the dragon. He opened it up and skimmed through its contents. It was fairly short.
Dear Michael,
I am ever so relieved that you are well. You had me worried terribly. Anyway, I have an important gift for you. Please come to Canterlot first thing in the morning. I'm sure you'll love it.
From the Princess of the Sun,
Princess Celestia
Michael rolled the letter back up. His curiosity at what this gift was eluded him. What is this gift?
"Thanks, uh…" Michael didn't know what the dragon's name was.
"It's Spike," the dragon said, chuckling.
"Ok, thanks Spike," Michael said, "You can go back to bed now. I don't want to hold you any longer."
"It's no problem-," he yawned, "… It's no problem really. Thanks anyway."
At that, the baby dragon stumbled back up the stairs and into his basket bed.
'What to do…' Michael thought as he paced around the room. Rainbow Dash was still sound asleep on the floor, and Twilight and Spike were sound asleep in their own beds.
Michael walked back over to the wall by Rainbow Dash and slumped down against it again. He lifted her head and placed it back on his shoulder slowly, so she didn't wake up on hard wood floor.
Nightmare Moon had explained how the memory spell works. When used, the affected pony, or person, must concentrate on what they want to remember. If it took place a while back, then they will experience a flashback. The flashback will continue until they are either finished, or interrupted.
Michael leaned his head back and prepared for another flashback. He pushed all his thoughts aside as Nightmare Moon had instructed him. Relaxing his body, the memories once again revealed themselves to him.
Flashback
The two marines, lead by Michael, moved quickly and quietly through the long hallways. Fear was in control of the marines. They shot their eyes every which way and pointed their guns in every direction, cautious of whatever was waiting for them.
Michael too was cautious, but not afraid. He knew what his fate may be and accepted it. Every now and then they'd hear a sound. It would either be a simple knocking sound, or a low rumbling hum. They all knew it was the structure itself emanating the noises. There were certain things that made Michael shudder, and forerunner structures were one of them.
They came to a split in the hallway, leading into two different directions.
"Oh man oh man," Outlaw muttered, "You're going to split us up aren't you?"
Michael turned to the marine, "Really? Of course not. This isn't some stupid horror movie where they all split up when a murderer is chasing them."
Outlaw calmed down, "I guess that was a stupid assumption…"
They continued on in silence.
Eventually they met another door. It was sealed shut. Michael looked at Spence, who walked up to the door controls on the side.
"Let's see…" he muttered, "Maybe if I just press here…"
He did the same thing he did with last door, placing his palm in the middle of the holographic sphere. As soon as he touched it, the sphere did a sort of mini explosion, and dissolved.
"I don't think that was supposed to happen…" Spence muttered.
Michael didn't have time for this. He contacted the Commander.
"Omega two to Commander," he said.
A few moments of static, then, "Go ahead Omega two."
"We've got a door in our way, Commander," Michael said, "Any alternate routes?"
"Give me one sec…" she replied.
Michael stood there a few more minutes, patiently waiting for something helpful.
"Got a grenade, Spartan?" Commander Palmer asked.
"Will a breaching charge do?" he asked.
"It'll do better than a grenade."
Michael unzipped the pouch on his chest and pulled out the breaching charge. "Where do you want it?"
"I'll mark a waypoint."
After a couple seconds, an orange waypoint appeared on Michael's visor. It was directing him toward a wall to the right of the door.
"Why don't I just plant it on the door?" Michael asked while making his way towards the spot.
"Scans show the door has an unusual material made into it." She replied, "I don't want you causing some nuclear blast from a simple charge."
Michael tore a sheet off the back of the charge to expose the sticky substance that secures it to anything. He kneeled down and pressed the charge into the wall.
Spence walked up to him, "How will we detonate it?"
"Simple," Michael replied while standing back up, "We shoot it."
Spence grinned and took a few steps back with Michael out of the blast radius.
When the three were clear of the blast, Michael pulled his DMR off his back. No need to explain. He just raised his rifle and shot a bullet without hesitating right into the center of the charge. Simple as that.
Boom.
Present Time
"Wha-?" Rainbow Dash muttered while yawning, "Michael?"
Michael snapped out of thinking and shook his head. It was morning already. Sunlight beamed through the windows, lighting up the library and making it more cheery. Rainbow Dash was rubbing her eyes while looking around.
"Michael…" she asked, "Did I-"
Michael cut her off, "Yes you did."
The pegasus hid a small blush as she quickly stood up.
"I'll just be going now," she sputtered, "Bye, Michael! Tell Twilight I said hi!"
After those last words, Rainbow Dash sped off through the door and into the morning light.
Michael watched her with a puzzled look, wondering what the rush was about. He shrugged his shoulders. Probably nothing.
He looked up at the top floor. Twilight was just beginning to wake up. She stirred a bit in her bed before bolting up.
"Michael!" she shouted.
"What?" he replied.
The unicorn looked at him for a moment, then sighed in relief that she was in bed.
"Just a bad dream, don't worry about it," she muttered tiredly.
Michael nodded and went back to thinking. Not of the memories, but why it was hard to remember. He knew something here was disrupting his memory. He just needed to find out what.
He was interrupted by Spike, who coughed up another scroll. After recovering, he opened it up and read its contents.
Twilight yawned, "…What does it say, Spike?"
"Umm… Its for Michael," the dragon replied.
"Again?" Michael asked.
"Yep."
Spike hopped down the steps and made his way to Michael again. He handed it to Michael, who wondered what it was the princess wanted now.
Before he read, Spike spoke, "Did you even sleep?"
"Didn't need to," Michael replied.
Michael looked back at the scroll and unrolled it.
It read:
Dear, Michael
I have sent two royal guards to meet you at the train station. I know you don't have money so I covered the expenses for you. See you soon.
Yours truly,
Princess Celestia
Michael was grateful for the princess's kindness. He looked up at Twilight, who was standing by her bed with a nice bed-headed mane.
"What did it say?" she asked.
"I have to be at the train station right away," he replied.
"Hmm…" Twilight muttered, "I wonder what for. Anyway, if the princess wants to see you, I suggest leaving right away."
"I guess that's what I'll do then," Michael said.
"Wait…" Twilight stopped him, "Aren't you going to eat something?"
"I don't need to," he replied.
"Really?" she asked, "That's interesting. When you get back, can I learn more about you?"
'She really is eager to learn, isn't she?' Michael thought.
"Sure, why not," he said as he headed out the door.
It was a pleasant day. Warm and sunny, with a cool, gentle breeze.
Once he was out the broken door, he ran into that orange earth pony again. She still wore the Stetson hat on her head. She was pulling a cart of apples in the direction of the market, most likely to sell. The apples on her flank confirmed that she specializes in apples.
She noticed him right away, "Oh hey there, sugarcube. I didn't quite catch yer name last time we met!"
"Oh hey," Michael said, "Call me Michael. By the way, I don't remember your name either."
The earth pony chuckled, "The name's Applejack. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Michael."
"Isn't the market in the same direction as the train station?" Michael asked.
"Sure is!" Applejack replied enthusiastically, "Why do ya need to get to the train station?"
"Celestia wants me to meet her in Canterlot," Michael replied, "And I assume you are heading to the market to sell?"
They proceeded to walking towards the market.
"Yes, I'm headed to the market," Applejack said, "Wait! Did you just say the princess wants to see you?! That sound like an honor! I saw you fight the princess the other day. I was mighty worried for ya."
"Thanks, Applejack," Michael said, smiling, "And the princess says she has a gift for me. I wonder what it is…"
"I heard what ya said to her too," Applejack muttered, "It was very touching. You even made the princess cry!"
Michael winced at the memory, "You're not mad at me for that, are you?"
"Of course not!" Applejack said, "We're not allowed to go against the princess's wishes. But I think she was being pretty pointless that day."
Applejack was obviously oblivious to the human invasion a thousand years ago. Michael didn't mention it to her.
"Yeah," he lied, "I didn't really know why either."
Unfortunately for Michael, the two had eye contact while he said the lie.
Applejack halted in her tracks, "Did ya just lie to me?"
That kind of shocked Michael, "N-no… I-"
"I can tell that you just lied to me," Applejack said bluntly, staring into his eyes.
"How would you know?" Michael asked calmly.
"I'm the Element of Honesty," she replied, "I can tell if a pony was lying any day."
"The Element of Honesty, huh?" Michael said, "Yeah you caught my bluff."
Applejack smirked in triumph, "Care to tell the truth? 'Cause apparently you know why the princess attacked ya."
They continued walking as Michael replied, "I'd rather not. It's an uncomfortable topic for the princess and I. Don't worry, I don't hate you or anything."
Applejack cringed at the word hate. Apparently they don't really like the word.
"It's fine," Applejack said, "I respect touchy topics."
"Thanks," Michael said.
They finally arrived at the market. Ponies were wandering here and there, examining the shops and their merchandise. Immediately noticing Michael, the entire area went quiet and shopped in silence. Michael was getting a bit fed up with all of this.
Applejack seemed to notice his tension, "Are you alright, sugarcube?"
"I would say, I'm fine, but you can tell I'm lying," he replied, "What's wrong is the negative attention. That's all."
Applejack looked up at him worriedly, then muttered, "If ya need me, Michael, I'm always around. Anyway, I gotta get going. I need to set up shop and sell some apples."
"You do that," Michael said, "See ya, Applejack."
"Bye, Michael," she said a bit sadly.
'Is she really sad because the other ponies fear me?' he asked himself, 'This world is too nice.'
Applejack made a right and began unloading apples into a stall to sell. Instantly, several customers appeared in a line to buy. Michael sighed and walked away.
Ahead of him was the train station. He noticed right away the two royal guards loitering by the toll box. They wore their recognizable armor with the usual hardened look on their faces. They immediately noticed the human approaching them and stopped looking bored. They stood straight up as if they had done nothing the whole time.
Michael spoke first, "I'm guessing you guys are here to escort me to the princess?"
"Yes, sir," the first one said, "Right this way."
The other guard was finishing off paying the pony in the toll box. Michael noticed the pony gaze around the guard to get a good look at him, but paid no mind to it.
The first guard led Michael to the very first train car. Michael gazed through the window and noticed how luxurious the inside was. It must've been some kind of first class seating. And Celestia paid for it. Why was she treating him so respectfully?
It didn't matter. Fortunately, they were the only ones there. No other ponies but the two guards. Thus, Michael wouldn't receive any unwanted attention.
Michael let out a sigh of relief as he sat down in the seat closest to the door. The seat was covered in leather, yet it was very soft. He slumped down in it, feeling all the sore joints in his body relax.
The guards took two seats directly across from him, seeming to let out tension as well in the comfortable cushions.
The train let out a low rumble as the engine fired up. The conductor poked his head out the window of the head train and shouted, "All aboard!"
Instantly a crowd of ponies hanging out around the train made their way into certain cars to make the trips. One pony broke away from the crowd and made her way to the first class train car Michael was in. Michael prayed she wouldn't go inside the car, since he didn't want much company. But he changed his mind when he recognized who it was. Her pure white coat and clean curly purple mane was all too recognizable.
When she walked in through the door, Michael asked, "Rarity?"
The confused unicorn stared at him for a moment before speaking, "Why hello, darling!"
"What brings you here?" Michael asked.
Rarity made her way to the seat beside Michael and set her saddle bags down, "Well I'm on my way to Canterlot to meet a very special client! She wants me to make her a dress for a performance she'll make!"
"And I'm guessing you just had to have first class?" Michael asked at an attempt to humor.
"Why of course!" Rarity replied, frowning, "Those other train cars are just too plain!"
Michael chuckled.
"So why are you here, Michael?" Rarity asked.
"As you can see by the guards sitting across from us," Michael replied, "The princess wants to see me. She has some special gift she wants to give to me."
"That sounds wonderful!" Rarity exclaimed, "I'm sure it will be very nice, coming from the princess!"
"Yeah… I hope so…"
"What's wrong, darling?" Rarity asked, gazing at Michael with a worried expression.
Michael was about to explain, but decided against it, "Nothing. Just guess I'm tired…"
"Did you not sleep?" Rarity asked jokingly.
"Actually, I didn't."
"Oh my," Rarity gasped, "Why not?"
"I didn't need to," Michael replied. Before Rarity could respond, he said, "Too much to explain why."
Rarity nodded and gazed out the window. Michael did the same. The train platform was crowded with ponies, waiting for the next train to arrive. Almost every one of them stared at the first train car, which Michael was in.
The train suddenly lurched forward and was off, slowly gaining speed. Michael let out a relaxed sigh.
He stared out into the beautiful scenery passing the train. Things were much different here. Instead of constantly being alert, he actually felt more secure, like there weren't any threats here. Somehow he felt more at home here.
Michael shook his head. What was he thinking? He doesn't belong here. He's human. They're horses… er ponies. Two different species, practically no evil, nothing to really fight. That's what made Michael feel alive. Fighting. It's in human blood. It gets your adrenaline pumping and sends a rush throughout your body.
Michael's thoughts were interrupted by Rarity, who was trying to get his attention.
"Michael? Are you alright?"
Michael snapped back to reality, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking."
The facial expression on Rarity's face told Michael she would die to know why he's keeping to himself.
"Alright," Michael sighed, "I just don't feel like I belong in this world."
Rarity gasped, "Michael! How could you say such a thing? Of course you belong! You already made friends with some of us! What's bothering you so much?"
What was really bothering Michael is the whole Nightmare Moon secret. He knows he can't tell Rarity. So what should he say?
"Trust me, Rarity," Michael replied after a moment, "It's nothing much. Just a hard-to-explain kind of thing, that's all."
Rarity looked back out the window, "Ok, darling. But if you need to talk about something, I'm here."
Michael nodded. Rarity seemed understanding. But he still cannot tell her about Nightmare Moon. He just hoped that Rainbow Dash isn't saying anything to anyone… or anypony. Michael smiled a bit at the word. Everypony.
Canterlot Royal Palace
"Sister, what happened to the human?"
Celestia and Luna were sitting upon their thrones, conversing about random things going on about Equestria when Luna brought up the question. Celestia sighed.
"Luna," she began, "I'm sorry for not telling you the truth in the first place. But I promise you, he's different from the ones in the past. I can sense fight in him, but it's a fight for the right things. He doesn't attack unless he or a friend is threatened. He's very noble, brave, and willing to listen before jumping to conclusions. I'm glad I let him live. It was very cruel of me to attack without questioning first."
"I'm not glad," Luna replied bluntly.
Celestia sighed once again, "Please give him a chance, Luna. Perhaps when he is here, the two of you can have a chat before he leaves. Maybe you can see the war he has gone through. Come to think of it… I haven't read his mind yet."
"Sister, he was seen conversing with Nightmare Moon!" Luna exclaimed, "She shouldn't even exist right now! The Elements of Harmony should have killed her!"
"Perhaps he doesn't know the evil of Nightmare Moon," Celestia said, "Anyway, he's coming in a few hours. I have a gift for him."
Luna glared at her, "You made a gift for him?!"
"Why of course," Celestia replied, "I did almost kill him and make him jump out a window and bleed all the way to Ponyville. So yes, I think it was a good way of apologizing for the incident."
Luna bowed her head in both shame and anger. She felt bad for hating the human, but felt angry for feeling bad.
"This human better be worth the pain your causing me," Luna muttered.
2 Hours Later
Celestia was standing on the Canterlot Train Station's platform. She was informed the train would be arriving soon, and Michael was on board with her guards. She was sure Michael would love the gift she had crafted for him. It was the least she could do. Luna wasn't with her this time, angered that a human was coming to Canterlot.
Celestia grimaced, "Please don't do anything silly, Luna."
On the train…
The train was nearing Canterlot now. The ride had been peaceful, with Michael and Rarity complimenting the magnificent scenery from the side of the mountain.
But now they were nearing the platform, and Michael saw the beautiful white alicorn standing there, awaiting his arrival. Did he just think she was beautiful? He shook his head.
"Oh my," Rarity gasped, "The princess herself is here! You must be very special to her."
Michael smiled nervously while nodding in agreement. Both him and the princess barely know about each other. She probably doesn't really trust him, but feels bad about attacking him in the first place. The only time they really talked was before she would kill him, and in the throne room, which resulted in two heartbroken alicorns. So why is she being so kind? Maybe she wants to also have a chat about his life. She hasn't really known yet, unless she read his mind while he slept. But then she'd probably act hostile because she'd see Nightmare Moon…
The train screeched to a stop right by the platform. The doors opened and Rarity was the first to stand up.
"It was nice seeing you, Michael," Rarity said, "But I must go. I'm a bit late on schedule. I'll see you soon though, I'm sure!"
She gave Michael a quick hug before rushing out the door. But before she left, she bowed down to the princess.
When Rarity was on her way, Michael stepped out onto the platform, slightly smiling.
Celestia chuckled, "I see you have made friends with some of Ponyville's occupants."
"I have," Michael replied before smiling awkwardly, "Do I bow or something?"
Celestia frowned, "You must or you'll be thrown in the dungeon."
Michael and the princess laughed at the joke. "So what now?"
"We go back to my palace," Celestia replied before adding, "You had me worried sick."
The two walked on in silence down the streets of Canterlot. Celestia would address a few of her subjects while they looked at Michael in astonishment. Not fear, but curiosity. Michael still hated the attention.
"You sure we couldn't take a chariot or something?" Michael asked the princess.
"What?" she asked, "You don't like the attention?"
Michael bowed his head, "I don't."
This only added to Celestia's amusement. She grinned.
"I'm assuming that giving me a gift was not the only reason to summon me here," Michael said after a moment.
"You assume correct," she replied, "There are two other reasons. One, I'd like to know more about you, since you dove out a window before we could even talk."
Michael laughed, "That wasn't all that bad."
Celestia's expression became more serious, "And two, I want you to get more acquainted with my sister, Luna."
Michael's heart fell at those words. "Oh no. Nope. No can do, princess. You saw what happened last time. It just won't work."
"I understand how you feel," Celestia replied, "But you must try. She doesn't see you as a friend, but as a great threat against our kind. You must convince her. I don't want her to try anything she might regret."
Michael sighed. He knew she was right.
"Can you do that for me?" Celestia asked.
Michael bowed his head, "Sure, princess…"
Eventually a building came into view. The two were on a path that led to the building, with a bridge overlooking a stream. By the path were many open fields. Ponies wandered here and there going on about their business. Children, or in this case fillies and colts, were playing in the fields. But when they saw Michael, they stopped in their tracks and stared in awe. The princess is with some kind of creature?
"Cool place," Michael said.
"Thank you," the princess replied, "I always loved it here. It's a good place to release stress. Especially from Luna."
Michael looked at her. He was just now noticing that they were about the same height, but she would be much taller than any other regular human. "What do you mean?"
Celestia looked back at him, "Don't take it the wrong way. I love Luna with all my heart. I couldn't imagine life without her. But sometimes she just doesn't understand things. It was easy for you to convince me, but convincing her is a different matter."
"I see," Michael said, "When do you want me to do this?"
"After I give you your gift and after our chat."
They were crossing the bridge overlooking the stream. The sunlight reflected off the water perfectly. It gave Michael the perception of heaven itself. Yet he still longed for his true home.
Michael spoke quietly, "Princess, do you know how I got here?"
The question took Celestia back, but she replied, "Honestly, I have no idea. Why do you ask?"
"It's just that, the only thing I remember was walking in the forest by Ponyville on a rainy night," Michael replied.
"Strange," Celestia asked. Then a question popped up in her mind, "How did you even survive that night?"
The princess could tell that Michael was good at keeping a straight face. But she saw a hint of struggle in his eyes when he replied, "I found a small wedge in some rocks. I slept there, undisturbed until I found Ponyville the next morning."
Celestia knew the real answer. How he really survived. It disappointed her that Michael wasn't being truly honest with her. Apparently, that disappointment showed on her face since Michael asked, "What's wrong?"
Celestia forced a faint smile, "I'm fine, Michael."
The two made it to the palace doors. Two guards stood on either side at attention. When Celestia drew near, they bowed. Celestia smiled in return as the two guards stepped aside. But when they noticed a total strange creature walking along side their princess, they immediately kept an eye on him. They didn't trust him.
Celestia used magic to open the doors. She stepped through first, followed by Michael. The two walked down a narrow hallway silently. Michael gazed around him, slightly amazed at how big the place was.
"This place is pretty big," Michael muttered.
"Where are you going?" Celestia asked.
Michael looked around him and noticed he walked passed the hallway Celestia was in. The place took too much of his attention.
He stopped and turned around, "Oh. Sorry."
Celestia hid a laugh with a hoof.
They came to another set of doors. Celestia's horn began to glow as she opened the doors. Michael realized it was a throne room. But it didn't exactly look official. There were two thrones. One was white and outlined in yellow, with a bright and vibrant sun was perched on top. Michael assumed it was meant for Celestia.
The other throne was mainly black, but outlined with a dark blue. A bright white full moon was on top, instead of a sun. This throne was obviously for Luna.
"This doesn't seem exactly…" Michael began.
"Real?" Celestia finished for him, "It certainly isn't the official throne room." She turned to her guards, who Michael hadn't noticed were standing in every corner of the room. "Guards, please leave me and the human alone. I'll call you back in when the time is right."
The guards reacted with shock, "B-But princess!"
"Don't worry" Celestia smiled at Michael, "I'm sure the human won't attack me. Even if he were to do such a thing, I could easily dispatch him."
Michael groaned.
The guards reluctantly obeyed and filed out of the room. Celestia turned back to Michael. "Now stand back. I don't want you to be affected by any magic."
Michael nodded and stepped back. Celestia took a defensive stance towards her throne. She shut her eyes and concentrated. The horn on Celestia's head began to glow golden as she launched a white beam at the sun on the throne. The sun absorbed the light, and suddenly launched a blast of air as it began to spin rapidly. Michael stood there in awe. Who knew magic existed? Though he had seen it already, the wonders of it all still amaze him.
The spinning sun slowed to a halt as Celestia's magic stopped. It let out one last golden glow before the entire throne began to rumble. Michael jumped back as the floor in front of him began to open up, splitting the throne into two halves. What was left was a deep dark stairwell in the place of where the throne once was. Michael didn't have his helmet's night vision capabilities, so he was reluctant. "Do we have to go down there? It's way too dark."
"There is no need to worry," Celestia said calmly. She closed her eyes once more and her horn once again glowed. This time it was soft, meant for illuminating dark places. Michael shrugged, "Cool."
"After you," Celestia said as she gestured for him to go down first.
Michael cautiously took a step down.
"Go on. It's alright."
Since it didn't seem all that dangerous, he obeyed. As he moved down the stairs, he noticed Celestia behind him, illuminating the dark stairwell. It smelled of wet stone, with the occasional sound of water dripping in various places. Suddenly, the throne moved back into place, covering the entrance to the stairwell. Celestia had closed it.
They walked on in a few minutes of silence before Celestia said, "Why don't we start that chat now? It's quite a long way down."
Michael nodded, "So what do you want to know?"
"Let's start off with where you were from."
"Ok," Michael took a breath, "I was born on Earth, well at least that's what I was told. You see, I was kidnapped at the age of four."
"Oh my. Why aren't you saddened by this?"
"Because it changed my life," Michael answered, "I've really never even known my mom or dad. Thinking about them doesn't even really trigger any feelings."
"How did it change your life?"
"The people who kidnapped me weren't criminals or anything. They were part of the United Nations Space Command, or UNSC for short. The UNSC was facing a revolution. The revolution went on for about thirty or forty years."
"A revolution?" Celestia asked, shocked, "You mean wars? Violence?"
"Sadly, yes." Michael muttered, "And the UNSC was having troubles with them. The rebels were very powerful at the time. The UNSC even considered just letting them have their independency, but the colonies they were fighting over were too valuable to just simply let go."
Celestia was still walking, but she looked speechless. Surely the violence wasn't killing. She hasn't had a war in Equestria since the Canterlot invasion of the Changelings. And the war that… killed her parents.
She shook her head to rid it of the harsh memories, "Did you have to… kill?"
Nightmare Moon told Michael that a war of death hasn't happened since the Human Invasion. So Michael expected Celestia to act this way.
"Yes…" He said, bowing his head.
Celestia didn't speak, so Michael did. "Since the UNSC couldn't stop the rebels, they started a project on super-soldiers. They began by kidnapping children at young ages, and I was one of them."
"You are one of those super-soldiers, aren't you?" Celestia asked slowly.
Michael ignored the question, "They put us through harsh training, at age four. By the time I was a preteen, they concluded I was ready for enhancements."
"What kind of enhancements?" Celestia asked.
"Augmentations. Increase in speed, height, endurance, strength, reaction time, and detection. Therefore making me alert at all times, listening for small sounds that could give away an enemies presence, and dispatch them."
"That explains the height…" Celestia muttered.
"When I turned fourteen, they made me fight a squad of the best marines in close combat." He bowed his head again, "It hurt to have to fight others, but I wanted to get out of there as fast as I could, and that was by proving that I'm useful."
"You killed them, didn't you?" Celestia asked, scared of what he might do if presented with the right situation.
"Thankfully, no." Celestia let out a sigh of relief. Michael continued, "I disabled every single one of them through broken legs and arms. It impressed the UNSC that I could control my attacks. If I wanted to kill, I'd kill. But I don't hurt others who don't deserve it."
"They didn't break you?" Celestia asked. Man was she full of questions.
"That's what their aim was. To break you at a young age and teach you to kill. They thought they got to me. But somewhere in my mind, I kept self-restraint. If you were trying to harm me, I'd jump to defense. I wouldn't attack you unless there was a valid reason. I'd try to talk to you, to ask you why you would be harming me. And if you were trying to kill me, the most I would do would be to disable you. I wouldn't kill you."
"Is that why you didn't fight back when I attacked you a few days ago?"
"Yes." Michael replied.
Michael noticed that they had reached the bottom of the staircase and were now at a solid wall. The wall had a golden seal on it, with a single hole placed in the center. Celestia stepped closer to it.
"We can continue our discussion later, Michael. Though there are many questions I am dying to ask you, they will have to wait. Especially about that revolution." She looked at him in the eyes. "I'm dearly sorry to hear about your pass, and even more sorry to ask you to tell it. Forgive me."
Michael was taken back, "It's fine, princess. It doesn't bother me much anymore."
"Please," Celestia said quietly, "Call me Celestia."
Michael smiled.
Celestia's horn began to glow again as she stuck it through the hole in the wall. The entire seal went from a dull gold to a bright, lively glow, illuminating the dark hallway they were in. Four gems on the seal that were once all grey, were now all alive with multiple colors. Purple, Yellow, Red, and Green. They each exploded with their own natural color and transformed the seal into a shining rainbow. Celestia, satisfied with her work, withdrew her horn and stepped back. The seal spun on its side, and split the entire wall in two. Both sides withdrew and revealed another hidden room.
"You're full of secrets, aren't you?" Michael asked.
"But of course," Celestia replied, "A princess like me must have her secrets."
Michael pondered his next question before asking, "Why are you showing me all this? One day you're trying to kill me, the next you're entrusting me with two hidden door ways."
"Trust me, I know that you won't speak of this."
Michael glared at her a moment, wondering what she truly meant by that.
"I guess I'll go in first."
Michael stepped into the room. Unlike the rest of the place, it was actually lit up. Flames burned on torches in each corner of the room. The walls and floor were made of a weird kind of stone. It had lines and symbols carved into it, giving it some sort of ancient feel. Michael surveyed the room, not finding much out of place.
"So what were you trying to show me? I don't see-" He stopped talking at what lay before him. It was right there, in the center of the room. He felt a rush of joy briefly enter his body, and then it turned into a feeling of grief.
Celestia looked at him with a worried look, "What's wrong?"
Michael said nothing. What he saw couldn't be real, for it was only in his dreams. But here it was, real as ever. He couldn't believe it. What lay before him was the suit of armor from his dreams.