Chapter 1: Friendship Is Magic Part 1
Long, long ago. In a great world known only as, the world of Equestria. A place of magic, and creatures only thought to have existed in myths, and legends. Ponies of different breeds had thrived in this land, lived in it, grew in it, and even ruled in it. That brings us to the story of harmony, and the three royal siblings of Equestria.
For once upon a time, a story only spoke of two sisters of day and night. One older sister who raised the sun to begin the day. While the youngest sister raised her moon to begin the night. And the two sisters both brought harmony to Equestria. That much was true
However there was another, and HE of all rulers of Equestria played a greater, and much more vital role. For three thousand years this prince stood along side his sisters as one of seven mighty warriors of Equestria. He was born not as a pony of wings or a horn as his sisters were, but as a human man of immeasurable power and the heart of a pony. His looks however meant little to his family, for he was destined to defend harmony at all cost, the harmony that his two little sisters brought.
He spent his youth and beyond training, and protecting the only family he had left. Though as it said in the story, a dark day had come for the family of three. For the youngest of them had grown jealous of her sister of the day. The brother was heart broken as he watched the two mares he knew his whole life fighting to the point where something terrible would happen. His fear was surely realized when the day never came to their home.
The brother was first to see the eternal night, and rushed to his beloved little sister. He was horrified to see that his baby sister's jealousy had changed her in ways he prayed would never come. He was force to watch as his sister became a wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon. The prince wielded the power necessary, but his heart prevented him from hurting the baby sister he loved. However, the older sister was much more obliged.
For her day would never come again, and the love she drank in from her subjects would be swallowed by shadow. The story spoke of the big sister begging her younger sister to lower the moon for the day. Out of fear of lost, or for the good of Equestria. Only the prince would know before a battle broke out between his sisters. A battle that would change their lives, their home, and their world for a thousand years.
The battle was fierce, and it consumed their kingdom hidden within a forest of natural evil. The prince's heart broke ever more so to see his sisters fighting. Finally his heart would be shattered as his sister of the day was forced to use one of the most powerful weapon of all, The Elements Of Harmony. Belonging to dear friends, and the unicorn stallion of legend that had raised them in their parents absence. The prince could only scream, cry, and shout... Before he watched his youngest sister being sealed away in the moon.
His grief raised to unspeakable levels, and a rage was brewing within him. He knew his baby sister well and deep, and was furious with his sister of the day. He had met his limits with his sister for her arrogance and pride for being a loved bringer of the day. He snapped and broke out in a fury wielding his red magic, and mysterious ability of the red crystals. She was forced to endure a horrific punishment witnessed only by royal guards long dead, he made evry minute of her painful punishment count for the crime committed against their family.
Their own servants turned away in horror, and understanding as the brutality continued. For several minutes the sister was put through the pain that she had brought to her weeping brother. He finally ceased his attack, and left her battered, broken, and humbled. Though his next action would force her to understand the pain their sister of the night would endure for a long time. He chose to go into exile to be alone, so that he and his remaining sister would be forced to understand the pain of loneliness.
It pained him to leave, but without their sister, the family would not survive. This was what he needed to do however, it would at least protect and punish his last sister from his anger. Forgiveness was impossible for him to grasp, and even with his sister crying and begging him to stay. He turned from her in heart break, and calmly left the kingdom forever. Though with the great favor of their world, he had chosen to return when his baby sister returned as well.
He had waited in exile to the furthest reaches of Equestria. From the lands of the griffons, to the cold tundra of Yakyakistan. He waited, and trained himself in the span of a thousand years. After learning that his sister of the night was returning. That was the long awaited moment that he decided to return to his world that has changed much in his absence. Though he knew little of the future Equestria held for him, the return of many enemies and friends he had fought with his family, and the return of friendship he once knew with a close friend.
It was a long walk from his previous location in Dodge Junction. His leg muscles a bit tight from a fifty mile walk from the small town to the next. Appaloosa, a town run by many members of an old family he had once blessed with lands to find and settle, the Apples. His eyes twitched before filling with glimmering red, and pointing at the town in the distance. Seeing it from all angles with his keen eyes imbued by his sacred power.
He stopped for a moment, letting the wind blow and ripple a large brown cloak that hid his face and tone body. His pale face well hidden by a scarf while his black hair dangled slightly in his eyes. He felt the blowing desert sand under his bare feet that were strong and incapable of pain. Though they were tight from the walk. Perhaps before he departs for his next destination, he may have a drink to settle his thoughts of what was coming in the next day and a half.
The thought of his sister returning to Equestria after a thousand years. It almost brought a smile to his face, only to be forced away by the hate of his other sisters actions. He let out a huff, and continued to the town of Appaloosa. His eyes watching it from every angle for over a mile to ensure that it was safe, after all that was his duty. A duty he abandoned when he chose exile over forgiveness for his family.
He listen to the sandy winds sweep over his face and the ripple of his fabric over his hair, the sand scraping the undersides of his toughened feet. He closed his eyes for a moment to rest them as he entered the desert town. All seem quiet and calm, with a town of mere earth ponies hard at work while the children play. Many of them of which, harvesting apples to supply the cities and major towns around the world. It was only at least ten years ago that he learned that civilization was built here, and low and behold, here it was.
"Look out...!"A heavy southern child's voice alerted the hidden man before a ball hit his leg.
He looked down in time to see the white and black ball rolling to his feet. Only to then have two small fillies of earth pony race stopping on sight of the cloaked stranger. Their words were silent, but their curiosity was screaming along with nervousness. The still figure shook his head before he slowly crouched down and let out a slight gruff sigh. He was reaching for the ball that struck him and had the eyes of the children, and curious adults peering upon him.
"Mister...? Can we have our ball back...?"One filly asked politely before the man's large hands gripped the ball.
"Uh... Of course."He lifted the ball from below and offered the filly the ball with a light and calming voice.
He could see the filly was nervous at first, flashing a shy smile at the mysterious being. Her hoof trembled as she reached for the ball, it only amused him to see the naïve of child braving herself against an obvious aura he gave off. His fingers lifted and rolled the ball into her forearms before she had a firm grasp of it. She and her friend looked down to the ball, and then to the stranger once more, the aura of red felt no less dense. She smiled as he stood up and nodded before spotting what he had hoped for.
"Apple juice! Get your fresh apple juice here! Perfect for the hottest of days the desert can give ya!"He spotted a wheeled stand with a stallion of tan fur and blond hair selling apple juice.
"Finally... Two weeks without a drink across the desert... Finally found myself a drink."He spoke quietly in the presence of children before strolling towards the stand.
"Thanks mister!"Both fillies called out to the man as he closed his eyes and forced a small smile.
Upon his approach to the seller, he was shot with a look of interest from the stallion. Though the stares were nothing new to him, being as his part in the history had long been all but forgotten. Clearly his sisters doing from what he had done in the name of their family, though perhaps, it was out of trauma or maybe desperate respect to ensure his exile remained his own in solitude.
He shook the thought aside with a rough groan as his hand slapped upon the cart, causing it to shake. The stallion wrestled for control of his stand before fixing his white apron and brown stetson hat.
"Well howdy...! Uh...haven't seen a creature like you before, "The stallion offered a conversation to the mysterious man while pouring some apple juice,"Yer not from around here are ya? Not that I'm complaining."
"You could say that... I've merely just...been away from home."He answered the stallion while digging into the brown bag full of money strung at his waist.
"Really? Yer a pretty new guy around here from the looks of it. What are we talking, magic spells, "The stallion decided to lay on a few questions for the man,"Maybe you were taken in by some ponies...?"
"I am a pony, I may not look it, but I'm a pony all the same...!"He pulled out a bit and narrowed his eyes in displeasure.
"Right... Uh...if you say so? "The stallion grew nervous as he chuckled while eyes like rubies stared him down.
The stranger shook his head and dropped a bit on the stand for the seller. He then gladly took up his drink to quench his thirst for the walk to his final destination. He tilted back and sipped some sweet apple nectar made by honest Apple family members. Harvested by strong hooves and cared for with the most traditional of Apple recipes. The juice spoke for itself as he breathed out refreshed excellence while his thirst dissolved from the sweet drink respectably made.
"This is good, the recipe remains unchanged. Very impressive, Apples." He spoke from relief before he down his juice and felt replenished.
With his needs met with sustenance, it was now time for another long walk. As much as it agitated him to be questioned as pony or human, he paid respects with an extra bit. It certainly made the stallion much more happy, and his load somewhat lighter to carry. However the town had only one more thing to show him, and it came in the form of screams and threats. He froze and narrowed his eyes before spotting the trouble on the edge of town from his eye sight's angle above the town.
"Get them hooves up sheriff or yer going on the next train to Tartarus!" Three red masked stallions wielding daggers were seen near the Appaloosan bank.
"This ain't over Clip Sharps...! Yer gonna get yers sooner or later fer yer crimes...!"An old looking earth pony stallion was sitting with his hooves up in a dusty sheriff's outfit.
"The boss said quiet you yellow belly varmint...!"A companion of the crook slapped the old stallion almost hard enough to knock his mustache off.
His eyes narrowed and sparked at the criminals while they were stacking a cart with money from the bank. The three assailants had the sheriff tied up in heavy black ropes. The ring leader loaded the money bags onto the cart while one stallion in black and white clothes and a ski mask carried out the bags. The set up appeared flawless, and impossible to fail with no pony stopping them. The children looked away with the aid of their terrified parents.
The one known as Clip could see that his accomplices finishing his chores in the bank. His other associate had the sheriff detained and any courageous ponies intimidated with the thought of death. He laughed as he got the last two money bags, enough to set a pony up for life. It was just about time to leave now before more bold ponies decided to put up a fight. He whistled to his boys to pack up and be ready to leave after one last word with the sheriff.
"Welp...! Ah much appreciated yer hospitality sheriff. Now Ah best be getting out of town fer awhile,"He chuckled and shook out his black leather open vest,"Don't worry there though. Ah'll come back fer another round of money next year."
He howled with laughter and cheered to the sky as he boarded his cart. His companions patting his strong grey back as he gave his hat off to the sheriff. That's when their cart began to roll right off to leave the town.
"Till next time! See around sucker!"Clip shouted before his karma caught up with him with the sudden explosion of his cart.
The wood blew in all directions, cracking crumbling upon the winds fury. The wheels exploded and dropped all the stallions out of the cart and rolling in the dust their hats flying off their dusty brown manes. The ring leader grunted as he waved his hooves to clear the cloud of dirt, his masked lowered to show his sharpened too and scarred lips from knife slashes. While his fellow thief's coughed and groaned in the dirt. His money bags tumbled from the ruin cart before the dust finally cleared.
He stumbled up with a cough before another blast of wind sliced the black ropes of the sheriff. The were cleanly cut and the sheriff wriggled free with ease before the stallions were on the alert. They looked around the ruins of their cart in shock to see that it was not blown up by a natural freak accident. The wood on the cart was finely sliced as if it was made of butter. Some pony else had attacked and sliced their cart to pieces at speeds that mimicked the wind.
"What in the hay do you reckon did that...?"The black and white stallion questioned with a quick look around.
"It cut clean through the wheels and everything. These here carts are made of hickory hard apple wood...!"The other growled as it stood that he was the one who paid to get the cart.
"Who ever did this... He's a dead pony! We gonna hunt this son of mare down!" Clip sneered as he touched the sliced pieces of wood before the wind stung their faces.
"That won't be necessary!" The voice of the one and only stranger stood in the center of the town and called out to the bandits.
Their ears perked up and the voice of challenge and bravery, or stupidity in their minds. Their eyes gazed upon the cloaked figure as the wind rippled his clothing. They looked at each other while Clip did his best to stare down the mysterious wanderer. He cracked his neck and slowly slipped his dagger from his vest. He silently walked forward as he connected with the stranger to feel out who, and what he was.
"And who might you be ya two legged freak...?"He asked while seeing the strangers fist clench and crack bones.
"Me? I was simply passing by, but then I saw something hideous ruin my view of the town," The man spoke low, but very much firm for the stallion to hear,"You will return what you have stolen and turn yourself in. If you value your own life."
Clip firmly kept his eyes on his target before his crew met his sides. They two had drew out their blades that shined in the hot Apploosan sun. They could not figure out or even think much of the stranger after he had caused them trouble. Unfortunately for them, The stranger knew exactly what he was dealing with, with his eyes of red crystal seeing them from every direction. He opened his right hand and glared at them.
"You wrecked a perfectly good cart...! That's gonna cost you a good bit there stranger,"Clip growled low as he twitched his hoof that wielded his weapon at the ready,"Perhaps we might not gut you like an Ever Free slug if you were to pay fer another...?"
"My...what a generous offer... Clip was it? I think I can give you what you seek,"The man chuckled lightly before putting his hand in his bag to pull out a bit,"There's only one catch to that though..."
"Oh really? And what might that be?"Clip pointed his dagger before he saw the glint of red coming from the cloaked one's right hand.
"You have to come and take it from me...!"He answered while looking to a very red crystal that slowly snaked out from the palm of his hand, nice and sharp.
"Heh... Is that right? I reckon we might be able to do that...!"Clip accepted the challenge as did his members as they stepped forward.
His two allies rushed forward as the tiny piece of red mineral unsheathed from the strangers palm. It covered the bit and rang loud the moment the stallions jumped and struck their daggers upon the crystal made weapon, the loud glassy ring jarred their ears. Leaving the stranger to walk forward three mere steps behind them, and before they could land on the sand. cuts erupted from their legs and their necks, they coughed up blood.
One manage to stay standing as the other buckled forward and fell to his face. The brave soul that remained on his hooves, grunted in pain and struggle to look around and to the mysterious being. Only to be rewarded with a pale fist that crushed his muzzle and broke numerous front teeth. His head jerked back, the stranger took him for a joke, keeping his back to him before throwing such a straight forward blow. His disbelief was rested at last, as he fell forward and slammed to the sand out cold.
The stranger was completely unharmed by the struggle, and it appeared as if he never left the spot he stood in. Clip felt his breath going cold and heavy against the desert heat, the power and skill he had bare witnessed was beyond this world in his eyes. It irritated him, and made his legs want to buckle out of fear. Though his stubborn attitude as an earth pony kept him tall as he pointed his blade at the man. Showing his defiance and desire to fight with dignity and bravery as a criminal.
"You...! What are you?! Ya freak, ya critter, ya monster...!"The criminal growled and did his best not to tremble.
"Like I said... I was just passing through. Not my fault you had the misfortune of crossing my path,"The bipedal being snickered, and then sheathed the crystal to show him the coin,"Now... Do you still want this? Clip...?
Such mockery left Clip in a state of boiled over madness, his teeth gritting to the verge of cracking. He released a yell and knife threw his weapon with a twirl that surprised the mysterious traveler, his eyes even widened a bit. Such a professional knife throw proved that there was some skill out in the world, even to this day. The thought made his mind hesitate as the knife struck his arm, only to make him snicker. For the moment that the knife struck him in the arm, the blade itself shattered.
Clip used this distraction to his advantage and rushed the man, striking with a swinging buck to the stomach. His eyes almost bulged, it felt as if he kicked a block of refined metals, and he felt his bones jar with potential fractures. But Clip kept up his assault, and decided to impress his foe twice by struggling and standing on his hind legs for only a brief moment. To throw more punches to the solid body of the stranger, he fell back down with a grunt, his front hooves began to bleed.
He panted, the pain in his legs and hooves settled in, but he roared in madness as he jumped up to grab the warrior's collar. He then reared back and headbutted his skull against his foe's, but only one took damage from it. The forehead felt even more solid, and even sharp, as it gashed Clip's head wide open. He groaned painfully and looked to the one he fought. He gasped, the stranger was just now looking right back to him, he had just gotten out of his train of thought.
"Sorry, but...For what it's worth, your skills for a mortal are impressive. "The man sighed and closed his eyes before grabbing his enemies hooves to hold Clip," Unfortunately it seems you've let your talent go to waste."
With that, no more mercy was to be showed as the man now released Clip. Only to perform a bizarre display of combat, starting with both his hands suddenly slapping together into the ears of clip in an open palm fashion. The stallion gasped and felt his ears explode with streaks of blood, and his hearing turn to nothing but rings. He quivered and fell back, before the stranger reached out and grabbed the face. Forcing clip to slam his head hard against the sand.
His voice quivered with pain, until his own consciousness faded, and his eyes grew dark with no vision. He now laid there still and unconscious, his face covered in stripes of blood as the stranger released him with a deep breath and stood tall. He looked around, and the witnesses were in the hundreds, they were agape with amazement, such a display of violence with such relative ease. And the defeat of an obvious veteran criminal was a sight to see, then suddenly.
"YEEHAW!"
Suddenly the entire town erupted with cheer and smiles that alit an old flame within this historical place. The man breathed easy with relief to see such happiness as Clip and his cronies were tied up by other stallions for transport, while the sheriff oversaw the transport. He then looked over and smiled, tipping his hat to the strange two legged pony, The pony in question nodded in return. This was his que to leave and he did so with a casual whip of his cloak.
"this one's a strange fella, but where ever he's heading. It must need him even more than we do now... Much oblige stranger."The sheriff thought and concluded a high note to go on if the stranger already chose to leave.
The man lowered his head, his time was done here and his final destination was just a trek to the east. All in all, he had to admit, this made his day much nicer. He dared to even think he could smile to be so close to his home now. Suddenly, more hooves were clopping their way towards him, and he stopped to use his eyes to spot the pursuer. But upon seeing who followed, he just closed his eyes and snickered.
"WAIT,"Came the small calls a familiar child as he turned to the corner of his eye and saw the filly he returned the ball to,"Where are you going?!"
He flashed a half smile that only he could see through the cloak. He chuckled at the filly's youthful curiosity, and continued walking forward and out of the town. But he could not help but to offer an answer since she was willing to follow him out of yown..
"I'm going to a family reunion!"He called back before he began to disappear in the horizon of the sun while waving the little filly off.
With that business all said and done, his next stop was the town of Ponyville. The civilization chosen to be the place where the famous summer sun celebration was to take place. He knew what to expect for the most part, his sister he knew so well, Celestia. With her ego inflated smile as white as her fur, and her mind as bright as her rainbow mane, he almost felt ashamed to call her a sister. She may be a beloved princess of the day to the subjects, but to him she was shameful trash.
Trotting and flying around Equestria as if she was the one and only true ruler. It left a sour taste in his mouth that made him want to spit at her for what she really was. What she had done that day that they had lost the youngest and most beloved member of their family. All of this clouded his mind with hate for his sister's actions, but he could never hate Celestia herself. She was family after all, but how could he forgive her for what she had done all those years ago, after everything they had been through together.
These thoughts festered in his head and made the walk seem faster. It felt like twelve hours were passing within minutes as a true goal grew from his mind. He needed to get his sister back, and bring Equestria back from this time of unrest and hidden evil. Through the deep woods of the Ever Free forest he treed with no fear of the creatures in it. His eyes going red and crystal like to see out the safest path.
With the tiny red crystal he still had in bedded in his hand, he cut and craved out the path. Slicing through trees and bushes as he could see his chosen path glowing red with his eyes. He could feel it coming up soon, and the anticipation was rising within his very being. What to expect outside from both of his sisters appearing and possibly fighting once more he did not know. All he could was what he should have done a thousand years ago.
With one strong swing and a grunt of muscle to cut clean through a black Ever Free tree. The light of his sisters sun glared in his eyes before his hand cleared the view for him. Returning the sharp crystal into his hand, he stepped forward from the forest into an open field. With his eyes still seeing in red, he spotted the town not ten feet from him. Oddly enough, the first building he found was a school house, poor city planning was his opinion to put a school so close to an evil forest.
"Ponyville... Low and behold it... And I'm a day ahead of schedule,"He spoke to himself as he slowly walked to the town to enter it's wonders,"I'm coming Luna. I will free you, and I will fix what was broken..."
He sighed and strolled casually across the school sand box and right into the town. First thing on his list was to find a pony to befriend and have for assistance, and knowledge about society today. Next he would need a place to stay, for he had no intentions of living with his sister. His eyes were on full search for both items, and was not disappointed when he felt a strong source of magic. It was strong, but it was not from his sister, for the magic was of unicorn race.
With his first item found, and bound to be of use in gaining a place to stay. He walked about the town as if he were not out of place, but being a bipedal creature made that nearly impossible. Not to mention he was more than twice the size of any pony he came across. Matching Celestia's height herself for the matter as ponies looked up to see him pass. Eyes watched him from all directions before he was nearing a house of gingerbread.
"What in the name of hay seed is that thing...?!"He exclaimed seeing a full decorated gingerbread house the size of an actual commoners house.
Suddenly he was alerted as a hard bang against legs drove his sights to the left. Spotting a pink pony rolling in the dirt with eyes that were spinning in all directions. His eye brow raised as he offered a hand to down earth pony mare as she shook off the daze before her dark pink mane and tail was nice and poof like.
"Are you ok Miss?"He asked as he patted down the pony who then suddenly began to laugh bubbly and strange like.
"I'm fine! Thanks for the assist, my name is Pinkie Pie! What's yours,"He wen to answer the pony and was interrupted by a dramatic gasp,"Sorry! I forgot, I got plans for a new friend who just arrived! Bye!"
Before he could even speak, the mare was long gone in a flash as she zoomed right into the gingerbread house. The man was left in a shock that even made him close out his red crystal eyes juts to process. That was possibly the strangest pony he had ever met in his entire life. She was so hyper, and crazy, and happy for that matter of fact. His questions for this world only grew from that point on as he looked for his associate.
He rounded yet another corner, and then suddenly felt a thud that was so light, yet so ominous. He looked forward, held his chest for only a mere moment at this strange feeling, before finally looking down. locking his eyes with a pair of purple eyes that glittered like the twilight stars. These eyes belonged to such a peculiar unicorn mare of purple, her dark purple mane was simple yet, cute, the pink streak through her mane and tail completed it.
He gazed at the cutie mark she bared, an interesting mark indeed, on large magical purple star surrounded by five average stars. This screamed familiarity and hints of potential destiny that could match that of his own, there was no denying the sudden feeling of this meeting. The unicorn slowly looked up to meet his eyes at that same moment, she fell silent and her breathing seem to cease, his presence chilled her body. She could not see it, but she felt a great magic from this stranger.
"Uh... When I said try and make some friends. I didn't mean with any pony...!"A purple and green dragon poked his head out from the unicorn's side.
"Uh...hi... My name is Twilight sparkle. I come from Canterlot on a dire errand for the princess,"The unicorn spoke proud and of the man's very own sister herself,"And... What might your name be...?"
"My name... Call me Mister O, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He greeted and took up her hoof for a vigorous hoof to hand shake that nearly crushed her hoof.
"Hi...! It's...very nice to meet you...!"Twilight was lifted and her whole body was shaking before he let her go to drop on her flank.
"So you're on an errand for the princess are you?"He stood tall and asked as she struggled to shake off her quaking body from the handshake.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am...! Whoa,"She finally found her balance and shook her head out before sighing and smiling,"I'm here to overlook preparations for the Summer Sun celebration...! And to prepare for the return of Nightmare Moon!"
"Nightmare Moon, you say? You're aware of her return as well?"He asked calmly, but his mind was stricken with curiosity while Twilight paused at the idea that he was the first pony or creature to believe her about Nightmare Moon.
"Y-yes... How did you know that? The princess told me it was an old pony tale."Twilight replied with new found interest for this stranger.
"Oh It is far from a Tale, I've seen this event unfold with my own eyes, along with many others."He enticed Twilight with his personal knowledge that would rival the oldest of sages, his voice and his manner of speaking made him seem believable,"If you are so curious, I'd be willing to share my knowledge. In exchange for company through town?"
"I...don't know what to say...! You have yourself a deal Mr O! Some company would do us some good!"Twilight agreed and a spark twinkled in her eyes.
"Of course. In any case then, where shall we depart to first?"His head tilted at the spark, but he kept his gaze and voice straight in the here and now.
"To Sweet Apple Acres. There's a pony by the name of Applejack that's in charge of the food."Twilight trotted to the side of man now simply known as O.
"Uh... Twilight? Are you sure we can trust this guy? I mean he's well... Shady."The little dragon asked from behind the mare as she lowered her head a bit.
"Spike, I've met good shady and i've seen bad shady, and this guy...he...doesn't feel like either."Twilight reassured as they all strolled to Sweet Apple Acres,"But something in my gut is telling me to trust him."
Their walk to the famous Sweet Apple Acres was barely a journey to the man. Though it had given him a chance to converse with Twilight, and learn a very interesting fact. The idea of her being here to stop Nightmare Moon was one thing. It was a whole other story to learn that this pony was the student of princess Celestia herself. He was lost for words, but he didn't know if he should be troubled, or impressed by her title.
"I see... It must feel like an honor to be a student to one of the royal siblings."He commented with new found knowledge of Twilight's connection to Celestia.
"Well... I suppose it is in a way, but I never thought too much of it. It just meant important things to know, and a lot of reading,"Twilight chuckled at his comment while they were ending their walk on the dirt road to the farm,"So where exactly are you from? I don't think I've ever seen a creature like you before."
"Best way to put it would be...I am a pony, but I am a pony who's suffered from...birth defects, if that's one way to call it,"He denied her the interest in his species,"And... You could say I've been around the world. Not sure if there is a place for to call home quite yet."
"Birth defect...? No offense my guy, but last time i heard, birth defects don't make you into something TOTALLY different."Spike poked his head out and commented.
"Spike. don't make fun of him, its a deformity from birth! He can't help it."Twilight snapped at the dragon before the cloaked being could voice his opinion.
"It's quite alright, such a reaction tends to be normal among the average pony. Now about these Apples?"The man wished for the conversation to end without tension, regardless of the mildly rude comment.
"Yeehaw!"Came the howls of an orange earth pony mare as she passed them on her way to a tree.
"There she is... The cutie mark is a dead give away to an Apple."He pointed out and once again intrigued Twilight with his odd knowledge of Equestria.
"That's actually true... You sure you don't do my kind of reading?"Twilight chuckled quite impressed with this new accomplice of hers.
"You could say my intuition comes more from personal experience,"He decided to play the confident one while watching the mare buck apples off a tree with precision,"Most impressive... Shall I speak with her, and save you the trouble?"
"Uh...no... That's very kind of you, but It's my duty as Celestia's student to accomplish my mission at any cost,"Twilight denied sweetly and walked nervously away in confusion by the kindness a friend would give her,"Just sit tight, and I'll be back before you know it...! This shouldn't take too long."
He shrugged, and reluctantly agreed to her idea before walking off. He looked around while fixing his hood after it nearly slid off to reveal his thick black hair. He finally found a nice and tranquil apple tree to rest on after a a day and a half of walking from Dodge Junction all the way to Ponyville. He put his back to the firm trunk of the tree and slowly sat down. He let his arms drop to the soft and crunchy grass as he looked to the day time sky.
The wind blowing under him and fluttering his hair to cool his head. The grass tickling his hands and feet that were rough to the touch from thousands of years of ruling Equestria as a warrior. He closed his eyes and finally relaxed his body, letting his head lay against the tree. With one last soothing breath of relief, he finally went to sleep. But only for a good half an hour before he was awoken by shouting.
His eyes shot open to a crowd of obvious Apple family members cheering together. He looked around and held his chest from the slight spook before he saw Twilight getting out of the crowd. He stood up and raised an eye brow seeing her looking as if she was going to be sick while her belly bulged as if she was pregnant. He shook his head and held it in shock before she was before him.
"What the hay happened to you?"He asked with concern while a hoof grazed his leg before Twilight passed him.
"Wow...! Yer a pretty big guy aren't you?"Came the very tiny voice of a filly of creamy vanilla color and a mane and tail as red as an apple.
"And you are possibly one of the smallest Apples i've seen yet."He knelt down and complimented the small filly with a hidden smile as he saw that she was a late bloomer for a cutie mark,"But...I can see a big heart within that small body. Don't ever lose that heart, child."
"Oh... Well...thank you...! Ah will,"She said sweetly with her dirty gold eyes sparkling while he got up to leave,"Bye...! Hope Ah see you again!"
He chuckled and shook his head before waving her off and leaving the farm. He left quite intrigued by the more up beat generation of Apples hard at work. They were honest and hard working just like the Apples of the olden days. The only difference was that these Apples were less gruff, and less defensive when it came to new people. Once again this generation of ponies continued to amaze him as he left the acres.
He didn't need to run too much before he caught up with a slow Twilight. Still rocking a big belly that looked stuff to the brim with food, definitely apples from the smell of it. She appeared to have a bit of a stomach ache, but it didn't appear to be of a serious issue.
"Ugh... I ate too much pie...!"Twilight groaned in pain from over eating.
"Indeed. It'll take many sit ups to work off so much food from the Apples. They tend to have...big appetites."He chuckled as Twilight's ears drooped to try and block out the laughter.
"At least some pony got to enjoy a nice nap while I was forced to eat all of the Apple family's food...!"Twilight groaned to herself before The man finally ended his fun.
"Touche my new friend. So what is next on this little agenda of yours?"He questioned while they entered the town once more.
"Well... There's suppose to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds."Spike was on top of the next stop while he looked to the sky in search of their next pony.
Both Orion and Twilight looked to the sky themselves, and the man was appalled and the average standard was clearl not met. There was barely any blue sky to be had with all the clouds around. He failed to be amused or impressed by laziness, and an undeserved title for lack of skill. He was about to protest and voice his outrage with this Pegasus's inaction, but Twilight gladly beat him to it.
"Well she's not doing a very good job, is she?"Twilight said something of great agreement before the unexpected happened.
Orion stepped to the side from a whip lash of wind before a flash rainbow missed him. Though it did slam straight into Twilight and roll her straight into a mud piled. He rushed over and spotted the cyan blue Pegasus with the frizzy mane and tail. If she wasn't obvious enough, her cutie mark of a storm cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt gave her away as Rainbow Dash. He his stare was that of displeasure and annoyance while the Pegasus looked down to spot Twilight looking annoyed in the mud. She responded by laughing as if this was all in good fun to her, but it didn't feel fun to either Twilight or Orion.
"Hehehe...! Uh... Excuse me,"The Pegasus giggled after getting up on her hooves to look at the angered Twilight,"Here. Let me help you."
The Pegasus flew off for a moment, giving Twilight and Orion a chance to look at each other. He himself was surprised by such reckless behavior by a Pegasus no less. He scoffed with a smirk, as he saw Rainbow Dash pull over a storm cloud full of rain, and hover it over Twilight. She then stood a top the cloud and began patting it down with all four hooves to force rain water over Twilight like a shower. It certainly washed out the mud, but left Twilight soaking what with a ruined mane.
"Ha ha ha...! Oops. I guess I over did it a little,"She giggled again from on top of her cloud before a new idea was made,"Um...uh... How about this...! My very own patented...!"
She bolted down with her wind blowing at the man's cloak as she flew around Twilight. His eyes being treated to a spiral of rainbow colors that dried the unicorn with ease. His eyes sparked with the rainbow color before the Pegasus flew off, and the rainbow twister ceased. Leaving a poof hair that resembled the pink earth pony from before. Fighting the temptation to chuckle, he looked to the Pegasus in disgust with her recklessness, it was obnoxious yet...reminiscent of another.
"Rainblow dry!"She announced as she too looked at the blown up mane and tail Twilight rocked.
She snickered a bit before finally rolling over laughing at the new hair dew. Spike himself fell over laughing as Orion helped Twilight out of the dried up mud puddle. He stepped to the side and stared down the Pegasus for her mockery.
"Let me guess. You must be Rainbow Dash...!"Twilight presumed to the giggling cyan blue mare.
"Isn't it obvious...? The rainbow cutie mark, and hair is a dead give away,"Orion added to her comment before finally going in with a mockery of his own,"Judging by how she has time to laugh at others for her own bumbling self. She's clearly not good at what she does..."
"Whoa whoa whoa there big guy...! You're talking to the gal that's practicing for the greatest honor there is,"Rainbow Dash ceased the laughter from the taunt he fired and went into defense,"I'm practicing to become one of the Wonder Bolts. The greatest flyers that has ever soared through Equestria's skies...!"
"Haha! The Wonder Bolts?! A Pegasus like you? Do not even get me started,"He finally started laughing calmly and condescendingly that almost made Twilight jump and giggle a bit herself,"You say all this, and yet...you could not even clear out a sky of simple clouds. How on Equestria's good soil do you hope of being a Wonder Bolt?"
"Exactly! Pfft please. They would never accept a Pegasus who can't keep the sky clear for one measly day...!"Twilight agreed with Orion, being a unicorn who also knew much of the Wonder Bolts.
"Hey...! I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!"This made Twilight giggle in doubt as it did her friend.
"Prove it."Twilight challenged the Pegasus's ability.
This jolted the spirit in Rainbow Dash and forced her off her cloud. She then took off at speeds that made Twilight and Spike's jaws drop. But Orion merely lit up his red crystal eyes and was following her movements with ease. The flight patterns were new and unorthodox, quite the creative pattern so it could be a good asset. Though it appeared she was attacking the clouds reckless and with moves that could easily harm her fellow Pegasus.
She was fast at the very least, and was clearing out the clouds at impressive speeds. However her moves would disrupt the patterns and flight patterns of other Wonder Bolts. The Wonderbolts carried a checkered past, however, they had been trying to build an integrity that involved respect, leadership, teamwork and respect for the sky. Their code was to respect and follow the crew, or lead them to victory with discipline, and control. All of which this rainbow Pegasus lacked as she finished clearing the sky.
"Hmm...Thunder may have some mild competition..."He thought of another she manage to show similarities to.
"What I say? Ten...seconds...FLAT! I'd never leave Ponyville hanging,"Rainbow Dash vowed and began to laugh as Twilight and Spike stared in awe at her skill,"Hahehehe! You should see the look on your face! You're a laugh Twilight Sparkle. We should hang out some more!"
"11 and a half seconds by the way."Orion broke the silence with his much more crystal clear reading that made Rainbow pause.
"What? You...wanna run that by me again?"Rainbow flew from Twilight to Orion's face to challenge his knowledge.
"Don't get me wrong, you have potential, but... You don't have the discipline or respect to be a Wonderbolt,"He criticized her and sent anger as well as humility burning in her gut,"A wing pony follows the orders and disciplined directions of a leader. And a Lead pony guides his or her team with control and no trace of recklessness."
"And how would you know how the Wonder Bolt's work? You're not even a pony!"Rainbow taunted and defended herself before the man sighed and walked away.
"Because I was allies with the greatest flyer of them all."He said this only to himself before meeting with Twilight.
"That was quite the... Performance. How did you know and follow every move she made?"Twilight questioned his sharp analysis of Rainbow Dash.
"Let's just say I have a good eye for these sort of things,"He asked before he felt a yawn coming on as he stretched,"Any who...I find myself getting a little tired. Would you possibly have a place for me to stay and rest?"
"Oh! Oh yeah sure. The princess spoke of a library where I could stay and start some studying, you can go there...!"She smiled, and agreed to letting the man depart to her small home.
"Oh thank you...! A hard nap is really required for the Summer Sun Celebration,"He kindly bowed to Twilight and began to depart for the library he could see was built into a tree,"I will see you at the library then. Don't get too caught up in all these crazy ponies."
She waved him off and departed to check on the decorations for the celebration. He yawned and held onto a small smile at the first friend he had ever made in over a thousand years. Yet he could tell that the unicorn had little interest in making friends, so he kindly respected that. The walk was easy compared to his solid twelve hour stroll from Appaloosa to Ponyville. A small walk wouldn't be too much to ask at least.
"She's a curious one. Where did Celestia find this little unicorn?"He thought to himself for his first idea about Twilight.
Suddenly he once again felt himself being watched by many, even when there was only a few. He ignored them and continued on till he spotted the library, indeed being a very old and sacred tree. He approached, and reached for the door knob before he saw confetti in the window. Curiosity peaked with a twitch of his nose, he slowly turned the knob and entered. His eye sight was then flashed with a wave of colors.
The library looked very little like a library, and more like a party in the midst of being set up. He looked around to ponies of all kinds setting up streamers and balloons around the spiral of books. Tables being set up with candy, chips, and fruit punch were in rows. He closed the door behind him and looked around the room, and spotted her. The pink bubbly earth pony from before helping a white unicorn mare with electric blue hair setting up music.
"What is going on here?!"He exclaimed in confusion as streamers fell on his shoulders.
"Ooh! Hiya! It's good to see you again, don't mind us. We're just setting up the welcome to Ponyville party,"Pinkie reminded him and revealed that Twilight was the new pony in town clearly,"We're going to make this one of the biggest parties on the block!"
"Um... Ok. Just do me a favor and keep it down a bit. I'm going upstairs to get some much deserved sleep...!"He was firm, but a yawn escaped his lips before he chose to start walking up the stairs.
"Okie dokie loklie!"The bubbly Pinkie Pie saluted and resumed her set up of the party.
He cleared his throat to regain composure as he slowly made it up the stairs and was presented with a tiny basket bed for Spike, and two beds at normal pony size. A bit small for him, but it was better than nothing at this point. He looked around to see if he was alone, and disrobed his cloak. He unwrapped the strap around his waist and let it drop before his black hair unraveled from his hood, and his pail freckled cheek face was revealed. He shook his head to let his hair out as it tickled the base of his neck.
He walked over while his red crystal like eyes went completely black and brown in color. He sat in his chosen bed and let out a sigh as he looked in a small mirror. He then redirected his eyes to stare at the sky, waiting for the very prison his sister would soon be free from to come. He could see the sun start to turn to a hint of orange as he stuffed his feet under the bed sheet. Though he could not stop looking at the sky.
He wanted her to come back so bad, and he was ready to wrestle to get her out of the shadows. No doubt there would be trouble between his sisters quite possibly. Though it was not what truly caught his mind at the moment, for Twilight was what then caught his mind. Her determination to stop Nightmare Moon was no doubt a valiant idea, but it would mean harm could come to his baby sister. If that were to happen, he may have no choice but to stop Twilight.
"I'm coming for you... Luna..."He made a heart felt promise and slowly shut his eyes to wisp away to a quiet slumber.
His sleep was sound, and even with the slight echo of Twilight yelling about the ponies. He was able to sleep with ease, for in his dreams he could see a beautiful young Alicorn mare of the night returning. Her mane resembled the night that she brought just as her midnight blue coat did the same. Her cutie mark of the moon resembled the yang piece that Orion himself bared on his back. Her sweet and innocent smile warmed his heart, but was then taken away by the sun.
"I had no choice brother... I'm sorry. Please don't make me fight you...!"Came the pleading voice of a familiar mare he was now disgusted with.
"Luna seemed easy enough for you to fight, how bad could I be, right!?"His voice boomed and quiet rage before a punch echoed with bone crushing force
"STOP! Don't do this...or...I-I'll stop you too...!"She would defend, but the pain inflicted said otherwise.
"I'm waiting for it! But until then...!"He twitched as he recalled swinging more times than he ever had to on a singular foe,"I'll make you feel EVERYTHING! ALL THE PAIN YOU'VE JUST BROUGHT UPON US AND THE WORLD!"
He tilted his head back and roared at the heavens as his world collapse around him. His face felt as if it was turning red, and his hands were glowing red with powerful magic wielded by Alicorns and unicorns. He felt his powers shooting red static in all directions and burning away his dream before his eyes flashed for a moment. The voice of a mare called to him, and before he knew it. He was suddenly awakened by Twilight Sparkle herself.
He looked around the room and saw that he cleverly covered his face with the bed sheets. It was lucky as well, for Twilight was face to face with him looking fairly terrified. His hands were buzzing and glowing with red magic that drew his attention. He growled as he focused for a moment and brought down his magic to lower the threat he bared to Twilight. On the other hoof, he certainly proved that he was potentially a pony of unicorn or even Alicorn nature.
"Hey...!"She responded with a fearful smile as she backed away.
""Hey... Mind not telling any pony about this?"O asked before sitting up and taking a deep breath to calm himself.
"Sure... I'll...even start thinking of you as a pony if you want. Right Spike...?!"Twilight questioned to her tired baby dragon as he yawned and nodded with a weary smile.
"Thanks... Care to tell me what's going on?"He asked while peeking out the window and making sure his face was covered.
"The Summer Sun Celebration is about to begin. You slept for quite awhile... It's not too late though,"Twilight said while taking in respect that he did not wish for his face to be seen,"I just hope Nightmare Moon really is just a pony tale..."
"Oh... It's far from an old pony tale Twilight...! You'll see soon enough,"He quickly fastened his cloak around himself before walking to Twilight's side,"Come. We mustn't be late...!"
Twilight felt a pit in her stomach for his words, especially since he has yet to tell her wrong. She walked by his side as they quickly walked down the stairs. She could see his fists clench and his pace begin to get faster. Spike struggled to catch up while O nearly burst out the door in a almost felt like she needed to break into a run to catch up. His eyes flared up and he spotted the heavily decorated building where the celebration would take place.
"Hey guy...! I know you're probably still mad at me and what not...! But could you please slow down?!"Spike called to a deaf man who quickly went through the doors of the building.
"Well if he's worried about the mare in the moon...!"Twilight ran after him after getting Spike on her back and entering the building as well.
"Find a spot and just wait...!"He called to Twilight before disappearing into the crowd in a flash of red magic.
"Wait for what?"Twilight asked before the drum roll suddenly rumbled and Pinkie Pie suddenly found Twilight once more.
While Twilight was getting her ear chewed off by the bubbly and happy Pinkie. O moved through the crowd and listened to the birds begin the dramatic music. He looked up to a pink haired Pegasus mare of vanilla color and pink butter flies for a cutie mark. She herself was controlling the birds to finish the chorus. Before a mid age looking mare in a mayor uniform appeared on the main stage below the balcony.
"Fillies and gentlecolts! As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!"The old mare announced before the room roared with cheer.
O narrowed his eyes before shifting them to the window, and seeing the stars align with the moon. That was the sign he was waiting for as the mare announced again.
"In just a few moments...! Our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year,"The mare announced once more and was about to introduce his sister,"And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you, the ruler of our land. The very pony that gives us the sun and moon every single day!"
"What...? Celestia never always gave you all the sun and moon every single day!"The man was outraged by this sudden fabrication.
"The good, the wise. The bringer of harmony to all of Equestria,"She began the introduction as his outrage reached a boiling point,"PRINCESS CELESTIA!"
His eyes watched as a unicorn mare of white and deep purple hair pulled the ropes to open the curtain. However as the spotlight fell on the balcony, there was no Celestia to be found. His eyes widened as the ponies began to get worried while the mayor tried to keep the peace. Sending the unicorn mare to go in and check on the princess. Only to return with news that sent conflict stirring in his heart.
"She's GONE...!"She exclaimed in a fashionable and dramatic voice.
"No..."He could feel that his sister of the sun was nowhere to be found.
The ponies began to panic before they all saw what appeared to be blue smoke growing on the balcony. At the same time, he and Twilight could only breath out"oh no" Before a wicked Alicorn mare appeared. Her fur completely black like the pits of Tatarus, and armor made of light blue. She appeared before all the ponies before their eyes fell on her. This brought a vile giggle to her lips.
"Oh... My beloved subjects...! It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun loving faces...!"She hissed at the crowd for their love of the day.
"What did you do to our princess?!"Rainbow Dash dared to challenge the Alicorn before she was stopped by Applejack herself.
"Whoa now there nelly...!"She struggled to hold Rainbow back as the mare chuckled at her.
"Why...? Am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"The nightmarish mare questioned with deep aggression
O felt a fire in his belly as he stepped out from the crowd along side Twilight. They watched as the mare intimidated and sneered at the ponies that did not recognize her. But Orion and Twilight knew of her all too well, one even more so than the other.
"We know exactly who you are?!"O called out that directed the attention of the mare to his most familiar voice.
"You're the mare in the moon! Nightmare Moon!"Twilight said partially the answer.
"Well well well... Some pony who remembers me. But you also know why I'm here...!"Nightmare presumed before Orion stood forward for Twilight.
"We know exactly what you're here for. But I personally can't let you bring eternal night to Equestria, Luna!"He spoke the mares true name and spooked her deeply with that knowledge.
"WHAT?! No pony ever uses that name! How you know this is beyond me! But..."She hesitated for a moment and saw the red glint in his eyes that revealed much about him,"It doesn't matter...! Remember this day, for it shall be your last...! For Soon the night will last... FOREVER!"
She flew into the air and howled with evil laughter as the battle from a thousand years ago began a new. His eyes flashed from the lightning she emitted before he would be faced with the past. And would be force to fight for his family once more.
Stay pony everyone, hopefully someone will have noticed the changes i chose to make to this chapter.