Chapter 22:Bird In A Hoof
He wasn't looking forward to this, but there was no choice for Orion in the matter. This next struggle would require complete self control, and patience of steel. He walked through the town, prepping himself for the moment he'd have to endure. After so long, it was actually going to use all of his patience and training to survive this long awaited encounter. With his crystals shrouded and glowing with full power, he was ready for none other than the casual long visit… Of Celestia.
After many cancellations on this sit down visit to Ponyville. She had finally made plenty of time for a day long visit to the fair and humble town of hard working ponies. He wasn't looking forward to it, but this gave him a whole day to observe and truly see what's changed about his sister. Much annoyance, and a lot of difference in opinions were to be expected once they started chatting. He had his punches of punishment ready as he neared Sugar Cube Corner.
Suddenly he bumped right into Typhoon and Fluttershy at the town center. This brought comfort, knowing that a fellow warrior would be supporting and keeping the peace here. Especially alongside the kind and peace loving Fluttershy, while Rainbow Dash appeared to be making trouble.
"Greetings Typhoon, Fluttershy. Bet you two were looking forward to this day I suppose,"Orion made conversation as they slowed down their stroll,"Tia's here, and enjoying who knows what inside. Not sure how to feel about her being here in such a casual state of mind."
"We were looking forward to this, but we didn't make too big of a deal over it… Sort of,"Typhoon gestured to a nervous Fluttershy that continued to make sure she looked her best,"Twilight honestly made this whole thing bigger than it really had to be."
"I'll say… All this big stuff for a complicated and irritable mare who sealed away her family to continue her reign over Equestria,"Orion went on a bit of a rant over what Celestia did and didn't deserve for her past,"It's none sense, and so far it seems that Celestia hasn't changed very much. For all I know her friendly smile and words is a mere cover up…!"
"My goodness…! That's an awful sharp mouthful of words…"Fluttershy admitted his lingering hate and demeanor towards the princess of the sun.
"Speaking of mouthful… Look who else decided to show up to the party."Typhoon pointed to the doors to the gingerbread house, where Rainbow Dash was currently teasing the guards alongside a friend.
Thunder Blitz himself had arrived before their eyes and indulged in the same fun. Poking and mocking the guards to try and get them to flinched, he very much liked Rainbow's style. Swinging their tongues at them and making faces, testing the patience and wills of the royal guard. Finally, he turned and shook his flank at the guards while chuckling out loud. Rainbow laughed with him before they saw the white cheeks of both guards turning red with irritation, but their faces remained composed.
"Allow me…"Orion offered to teach Thunder a lesson about teasing the royal guards that oddly showed much restraint.
The hidden prince speed walked quietly in front of the two peace loving ponies. Tensing and powering up his right leg after Thunder turned to poke them once more. This was the golden moment Orion needed to rear his right leg back to give it a full swing. Rainbow wasn't able to see it in time, nor could Thunder Blitz, before he felt a sharp shock of gut wrenching pain between his legs. His jewels rattled and ached as the victims of a hard kick from behind on Orion's part.
"OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHhhhhhhh…sweet…windy…blessings of Aurora!"Thunder squealed before very slowly face planting to the hooves of the guards.
"Uh…was that really necessary?"Rainbow asked Orion as Typhoon slowly got the speedy Pegasus warrior to stand up slowly.
"Yeah, he's fine. He'll recover from it in no time. He just needs that kick to get himself in line."Orion reassured Rainbow before Thunder slowly waddled into the building.
"They certainly appeared to have enjoyed it."Typhoon noticed the contorts that showed that the guards were resisting the urge to smile at Thunder getting his.
"Halt! Who goes there?"The guards suddenly snapped back in focus and blocked the entrance with their wings the moment they tried to enter.
"No pony. Never mind, we'll go home…"Fluttershy instantly decided to cut her losses, only to be stopped by Typhoon.
"Let us handle this one Flutters…"Typhoon sighed before he and Orion cleared their throats to utter a sudden phrase.
"May our blood serve and protect the land till the day it spills upon Equestria's soil!"The two warriors uttered and the guards relaxed and went blank from hearing the ancient oath.
"Uh…a thousand pardons Equestrian Warriors. Please enter at your own will."The guards immediately dispersed and allowed the warriors safe passage.
"This mare is my descendant… She has all the right to enter as well."Typhoon made that information perfectly clear to the two white Pegasus stallions.
"He's telling the truth guards. She's on the list."Twilight peered through the door to back up her friends.
Both guards nodded and allowed for them all to enter at their leisure. Orion swung the doors open, and allowed the two to enter the party first. He then entered last and got quite a sight, all around the room where a wonderful party took place in such a casual atmosphere. While just beyond the borders of the town, at the edge of the Ever Free forest, danger loomed. As the infamous cloaked pony stood with a companion of the same look, but half the size of the first one.
"You remember what to do, correct? Unless you want complications, blend in and wait for the moment,"The lead pony informed his underling as he pointed to Sugar Cube Corner,"Once the warriors are away from the princess. She and the guards will be simple…!"
"Of course, master. The deed shall be done…!"The minion answered before slowly walking out of the forest and towards the town.
"And remember! Destroy her completely! Let nothing remain of the princess, but ashes and embers…!"His underling saluted and strolled down to the town to blend in with the towns folk.
Back inside, the warriors were the life of the party within Sugar Cube Corner. While Thunder was raiding the punch and sweet snacks alongside Applejack. Orion and Typhoon were given a seat right next to Celestia herself, enjoying some hot tea. Many ponies seemed nervous, and trying to make the best impression that they could give to the princess. All except the warriors, who appeared to behave casual and quiet, excluding the highly talkative Thunder Blitz.
"So you still been kissing the hooves of the Wonder butts lately, Rainbow flash?"Thunder asked while chugging fruit punch after giving her a cup of her own.
"Well…I wouldn't say I'm kissing their hooves. Just doing what I can to join them is all!"Rainbow tried to play it cool, and try not to feel to offended by his strange hostility towards the Wonderbolts.
"I'm telling you. You don't need those guys to be a great flyer. You're a pretty good flyer already,"His compliment seemed sincere, yet it involved more resentment towards the Wonderbolts,"Besides they won't teach you to be an even better flyer. They're teaching you how to shut out your potential talent and become a simple tool for them to use…"
"What are you talking about? That doesn't sound like the Wonderbolts at all…?"Rainbow decided to question such an accusation made against her heroes.
"That's because you've only seen them fly through the air, and speak to the public with speech cards,"Thunder rambled on before pouring a large cup of punch for himself,"They are a completely different group when out of the public eyes and away from the recruits and newbies… Believe me, you don't want to make the mistake I almost made…!"
"Back up a moment…! You were once a Wonderbolt?"Rainbow asked before Thunder decided to end the conversation.
"Never mind… This isn't the place to be chatting about these things."Thunder decided and moved on, leaving Rainbow with droopy ears and a ton of questions.
"Finally, he shut his trap…"Orion sighed before sipping tea while Celestia mimicked the way he drank.
"How's every pony doing? Good? Good."Mister Cake searched around for any pony that needed help or service.
"Anything else we can get for you dearies…? Oh! I mean esteem guests?"Mrs Cake offered for services to comfort and appease the princess and the warriors.
"Everything is fine, Mr and Mrs Cake."Both Celestia and Orion replied and looked to each other before the princess giggled at the jinx.
"Don't suppose you're a believer of jinxes are you?"Celestia asked curiously while Orion simply fixed his collar and cleared his threat.
"Honestly, just about anything could be possible from this point, princess,"Orion did his best to speak as if he was the first comer Crystar as he suddenly noticed something missing,"So… I guess princess Luna chose not to come along to this visit?"
"Well… Yes… She's been nervous to show herself to any pony outside the castle,"Celestia explained a sudden small problem that appeared to loom for Luna,"Nobles and visitors haven't exactly been sensitive or friendly around her. I fear they still see her as Nightmare Moon…"
"That's very upsetting… Orion certainly would not approve of that."Typhoon added in his input before they were given cupcakes for their table.
"No… He would not… Does she have a source of companionship to help her adjust and open up?"Orion asked while blowing off Typhoon's tease about his true identity.
"She does have Shadow Swirl watching over her. They were more than happy to reunite after so long,"Celestia tried to build the positive spirit back up between the warriors,"She's kept Luna safe and able to bare the struggles of adjusting to this new age."
"Safe?"Typhoon took notice of the word that spoke of another purpose Shadow served.
"More threats from our mysterious ashen friend, I presume?"Orion popped the question about the topic of the mysterious death threats and attempts.
"Yes… I could not risk Luna's safety by taking her with me to an open town,"Celestia explained before suddenly clicking to the fact that he called the mystery assailant, ashen,"Ashen? You both speak as if you've caught a glimpse of the assassin."
"Typhoon and his descendant granddaughter, Fluttershy over there. They had a close encounter with your wannabe assassin."Orion gestured to Fluttershy as she conversed with Twilight before them.
"We watched as the assailant turned a cockatrice into a monster of ash and fire... I still worry if she ever recovered."Typhoon admitted his concerns for Fluttershy
"Really? Care to introduce me to her Typh-"Celestia was suddenly cut off by the exclaims of Rarity.
"Don't touch me! Watch the dress! Careful, you're going to spill that on me,"Rarity was currently trying to avoid every pony that carried food or drinks, even delicious sweets,"Oh, oh. It looks delicious, what is that? Does it stain?! Keep it away from me!"
"Ugh…"Typhoon and Orion pinched between their eyes in agony to see Rarity acting prissy again.
"One of Twilight's friends, I'm guessing?"Celestia giggled at the stress the warriors felt towards Rarity at times.
"Whoo hoo! Cup cakes, candies and pie! Oh my! Ooh! Chocolate fountainy goodness,"Pinkie suddenly spooked them by crunching and munching down sweets around them,"Ooh, are you gonna finish that?"
"No… You can have it…"Orion pushed their pieces of cake to Pinkie to have before she was suddenly dragged away.
"A thousand pardons, your majesty!"Mrs Cake called as she dragged Pinkie away.
"That's quite…all right. Thank you."Celestia answered before finishing her cup of tea.
"Empty tea cup, at four o'clock!"
"Uh, I see it, honey bun!"Mr Cake was fast to respond to his wife's call out.
Immediately, the lanky yellow stallion was filling Celestia's tea cup back up. She was grateful for the kindness, before it turned into a constant occurrence after each sip. Every time she took a sip, her tea was filled back up in kind, Typhoon and Orion rolled their eyes at the Cake's obsession for appeasement. Until finally, Celestia surprised them by simply faking her next sip, and causing to over flow her cup with tea. This surprised Orion, for he did not recall Celestia being so playful before.
"Gotcha…!"Celestia giggled and turned the cakes red with embarrassment, but good spirit.
"When did you turn all easy going, and encouraging with ponies?"Orion questioned before they were interrupted by the arrival of Fluttershy and Twilight.
"And what about you, dear? Fluttershy, is it?"Celestia asked curiously of Typhoon's granddaughter.
"Me? Oh yes, your highness."Fluttershy kindly replied to the princess,
"Like myself, she's grown to be quite the free spirit and a care taker to animals,"Typhoon responded proudly for Fluttershy as he sipped his own tea.
"Yes, I love to take care of animals."Fluttershy admitted her love for animals.
"As do I. As princess, I care deeply about all creatures, big and small."Celestia admitted her care for animals herself, which came as a big surprise for Typhoon.
"Color me skeptical… Yet with how she's behaving, I'm ready to actually believe that now…"Typhoon whispered to Orion, who nodded in agreement.
"I know… What happened to my sister…?"Orion wondered before the loud dry coughs of a familiar little friend alarmed them.
"Philomena…? I don't believe it… Celestia brought Philomena with her."Typhoon took notice and stood up to see the golden bird cage.
"Ah, Philomena, my pet. You're awake. Do say hello to our gracious hosts."Celestia insisted as the old and feather molting phoenix raised from slumber.
"Oh… She's nearing the end to her second life time."Typhoon noticed the strange aged change with the Phoenix.
"She is quite a sight isn't she?"Celestia asked while all, but Fluttershy agreed.
"I… I… I've never seen anything like it…!"Fluttershy admitted, though it came from a place of worry for the bird's condition.
Suddenly, all went silent, the moment one of the guards entered the freer. He then whispered important information into the ear of the princess, turning her face worried for a moment. Only to quickly smile and put on a brave face for the ponies, but the warriors weren't fooled by her friendly face.
"Really? Well, if I must… I'm sorry every pony. I'm afraid I have to cut the party short,"Celestia announced and disappointment spread through all the ponies,"The mayor has requested an audience with me, royal duty calls. Thank you for a wonderful time. It's been a joy, getting to know each and every one of you!"
Typhoon gave a tiny whistle to Thunder, as he tried to shake off a curious Rainbow Dash. He saw Typhoon and Orion gesture to Celestia, giving expressions that bode of trouble. As the princess marched kindly with her guards following from behind, the warriors did the same. Orion gave a wink to Twilight as they followed the princess and her guards out of the gingerbread house. When they were out and away from the crowd of ponies, Orion quickly caught up and stood in front of her.
"So why are you really high tailing it from a party many ponies worked their flanks off to prepare for your arrival?"He asked as the two Pegasus stood side by side with the guard.
"Another threat perhaps?"Thunder asked.
"Worse… The mayor and several citizens reported a very unfriendly stranger entering the town,"Celestia explained the real report, she could not speak of in front of friendly faces,"They say he nearly attacked a colt, and they even say that… He was trailing embers behind him…"
"Embers…?"Orion questioned, but clicked to the detail that alarmed them of the assassin.
"It could very well be the assailant that me and Fluttershy encountered in the forest."Typhoon pointed out while Celestia was about to send a guard to get her chariot ready.
"Don't bother trying to leave Celestia… You'll get shot down from the sky,"Orion warned against Celestia wanting to leave the town,"Last thing you want is for your subjects to watch you burst into flames from another giant ball of fire…!"
"What would you have me do? I wanted to get back to make sure Luna is safe!"Celestia insisted, making Orion go silent for a moment.
"You said Luna is under Shadow Swirl's watch right? Then Luna is more than safe,"Typhoon questioned and showed faith in their mysterious dark magic friend,"Couple hundred guards and a warrior like Shadow Swirl? Nothing will be able to get to Luna. You on the other hoof, will be vulnerable if you try to leave."
"Then where should we go? I don't want my presence in the public to become a danger to my subjects…!"Celestia seemed to have a thing for blowing Orion's mind after her choice words.
"Well… Seeing as Twilight appears to be heading off to Fluttershy's for a bit. Maybe you can hang at the library,"Thunder suggested and was immediately shot a look by Orion,"Yeah, You can be safe under the watch of…Crystar here. I'll be watching from the skies, and Typhoon is… Already gone."
"Must have had to go home to talk to Fluttershy… She seemed a bit nervous after meeting you,"Orion thought as he then looked around in silence, knowing that the assassin could be watching them,"Very well… Celestia, you and your guards will come with me to the library."
"And I'll be watching the town from the skies."Thunder decided as he took off into the air in a powerful flap of his wings.
"Come… Do not hang behind."Orion insisted before he was forced to be the new host of Celestia's visit and lead her to the library.
As he guided Celestia and her guards to the humble abode that was the Ponyville library. It gave him a chance to think about how Celestia has behaved so far during her visit. She was suddenly so friendly, encouraging, and even playful with her subjects. She even worried for her subjects before she had any concerns for her own safety, this was certainly some pony different. He swallowed for a moment, gathering his barrings before some thoughts came to mind to respect Celestia's adjusted attitude.
Finally, their slow walk through the town ended at the door to the library. He took a deep breath as he gripped the door and turned it, before releasing and slowly swinging the door open. He let the princess and her guards go in first before taking a moment to look to the sky. He begged the heavens above the stars for strength, and was given a friendly wave by Thunder in return. Only for Orion to look away and enter, leaving Thunder to fly away with Rainbow Dash on his tail.
He entered, and closed the door behind him to shut out any potential peering eyes. Only to already see Celestia exploring books through the whole library, her curiosity for knowledge was peeked once more. It was then that Spike was first to run to Orion with confusion and shock.
"Dude! Are you aware that the princess is in our home!? And Twilight is nowhere to be seen!"Spike worried, not knowing what to do in the presence of the princess.
"I got this, just be at the ready to do whatever we must to make her stay here bearable."Orion pointed to the kitchen where they needed to get tea ready for the princess.
"You got it…!"Spike agreed to his new duty and dashed into the kitchen to prepare some tea.
Orion nodded to the baby dragon's service in the presence of the princess. It brought patience and control to his nerves before he went to a chair to sit down and watch Celestia. She was like a filly in a candy store, picking out books that peeked her interest. Some of which brought back the old memories that she shared with many friends, and even her family. She sighed the moment she pulled out a book titled, Discord The God Of Chaos, an old classic.
She decided that the book was perfect for good reads and breaking the ice with a red crystal bearer. Just looking to a window, and witnessing the red crystals outside around he town. It was taking her on a trip down memory lane in all directions, but it also served as a reminder of her failure to Luna. For her actions caused the family to split apart, and it caused her own brother to shed tears. She sat down, and gave a sigh to keep her smile going as she read for a little bit.
"I'm guessing you were hoping to look around for your brother while you were here?"He decided to break the ice for her while staring down the cover of the book she read.
"Yes… But I know he still forsakes me for my past actions… I'll never forget that night,"Celestia admitted while letting her eyes continue to trail along the book,"It was difficult to imagine that my brother was capable of shedding tears… His anger on the other hoof was not so hard to imagine."
"Well can you blame him? He watched his youngest sister get sealed away for what he believed to be forever,"He felt the need to keep that well and clear for the princess to understand,"You uh… You understand though that even when angry… He still loves you right?"
"Of course I do…! He just…has a weird way of showing it sometimes."Celestia lifted her head up to look to the sudden tone the warrior took to the question.
"Indeed… Suppose he could have been… A bit more self controlled,"Orion felt the need to admit a mistake he never wanted to admit when he was so full of hate before,"I suppose… There was only so much I could do to help that prince learn self control as a warrior."
"Yeah… Though even for one who can be irritable, he had his good days,"Celestia admitted her remaining respect for her big brother before she then giggled,"Hehe…! I remember one time, Orion was young and he kept walking around completely without clothes on because he was still a pony inside…! Our parents were so upset and stressed with him!"
"Oh yeah… The king and his servants had to chase him all around the castle at times to put just shorts on him,"He did his best not to chuckle at the memories he had with the king and queen,"Those were the days… I'm surprise you yourself still remember those days."
"I remember how upset he was when he saw you die before him… He promised you the death of Necrid Ghoul…"Celestia admitted ore things she recalled from her past.
"And he certainly delivered for me… And he ensured that you and Luna were safe…"Orion played the role of Crystar to perfection as he sighed to look out the window.
"He did… He always did no matter what happened between us,"Celestia agreed while Spike gave them cups of tea to enjoy while they spoke with heavier words,"I hope for the day he can return… So I can tell him how sorry I am about everything that has happened…"
"Do you…mean that when you say it…?"He asked with a sincere tone as he sipped some tea.
"Of course I do… I owe this to him… And I owe it to Luna…"Celestia admitted with great humility that opened a glimmer of remorse and forced a sudden decision.
"You do… And you may get that chance at the Gala…! Because I shall find him and speak with your brother,"He decided to relent and speak of a chance for Celestia to see him again,"I'm certain after today, I may be able to convince him to come anonymously to the Grand Galloping Gala…!"
"You could do that…?! Really?!"Celestia almost jumped from her seat after hearing such news.
"I can track him down. Talk to him, and tell him about how you've changed so far…"He assured as he saw Celestia press her hooves to her heart.
"Thank you…! Thank you! This means so much Crystar! You have no clue,"Celestia reached and held his disguised hand with deep gratitude,"I won't forget what you're so kind to do…! Luna, me, and Philomena will be so happy to see him!"
"I can imagine so… I keep forgetting that he's Luna's brother to,"He admitted before he suddenly clicked to the name of Celestia's pet and took notice that she wasn't with them,"Wait… Philomena? Did you not bring her with you from the party?"
Celestia was calm and collective to start, as she and Orion looked around. The guards looked a bit nervous and casually looking around as well, but failed to find a thing. Their calmness then turned to worry and great concern, for Celestia was immediately taken by guilt from another mistake.
"Oh my gosh…! Oh no! I must have forgotten her at Sugar Cube Corner!"Celestia exclaimed while taking a quick look around.
"Oh boy… Spike! Stay here with the princess! I gotta go retrieve her pet!"He stressed while calling Spike in to give Celestia a bit more company.
"No problem! Spike the dragon is here to serve!"Spike rushed in with small sandwiches while Orion sighed and got ready to leave.
"I'm so sorry about this trouble! I can't believe I forgot her!"Celestia worried, watching the warrior rush to the door and swing it open.
"Just stay here, and relax. This shouldn't take too long…!"Orion quickly went out the door and slammed it shut while looking around the area.
Spike then looked around the room, letting his new found responsibility sink in. He was now stuck, watching over the princess alongside her royal guards in case of danger. He swallowed, thinking of what to do to entertain Celestia to the best of his abilities. He kindly offered sandwiches for the three of them to enjoy to at least break the ice in a friendly way. Before he himself sat in a chair to enjoy a sandwich of his own, adding business with pleasure.
"I hope you enjoy the sandwiches princess. With all you do, you and the guards must work up a royal appetite…!"Spike offered up some conversation with his mouth full of sandwich.
"Perhaps… Good thing I stopped at a cup cake before this. I'm doing my best to maintain weight."Celestia took small nibbles of her sandwich while her guards chowed down without restraint.
"Really? You look super trim to me…!"Spike admitted, and flattered the blushing princess with his kind words.
"Trust me, there were times in my life where I was quite the large set mare,"Celestia giggled and thought back to the memories of her brother being so pushy about her weight,"Oh my big brother finally had it up to the heavens with my obsessions with cake and he had me running around the castle at dawn so I could lose some weight."
"Really? I didn't know you had a big brother? I thought it was just you and princess Luna."Spike suddenly took interest in Celestia revealing information about a brother.
"Most of my guards and even most of Canterlot don't even know of my brother's existence,"Celestia admitted and cleared her throat before leaning in to tell Spike a secret,"After a… Falling out as you've heard between me and Crystar. I went into a fit of rage and… Did everything I could to wipe out his existence…."
"whoa… Sounds like some serious dysfunction among the family… What was he like?"Spike asked while shoving the rest of his sandwich into his pie hole.
"He's a bit irritable, always trying to act like our father… And he was very different,"Celestia thought for a bit about what she remembered about Orion,"He was born…a much different kind of pony. He walked on two legs and he only had fur on his head. Which was the whole reason for him walking around without clothes on from Crystar and I's conversation."
"Hehe! Funny…! Walking on two legs and acting like…a father…? Wait a minute,"Spike chuckled before a sudden click went off in his head from the details given,"Orion…? O…? Walking on two...legs… Father like behavior…?"
"Spike…? Is something wrong?"Celestia asked as she noticed the baby dragon coming to a startling and mind rattling revelation.
"Yeah… Just… Thought of something crazy for a moment there…and it blew my mind a bit,"Spike thought as he put his hands together just in time to hear the door knock,"Oh gosh…! Uh…I wonder who that could be? Maybe it's our friend with your pet bird…!"
Spike was quick to hop off his chair and run to the door in a sweat. As his mind unraveled a great discovery that both amazed him and terrified him at the same time. He gulped and jumped to reach the door knob to turn it and open the door to the one who knocked hard against the door. He hopped down, and pushed the door open to see no pony at the door. The little dragon decided to look out in every direction, and was suddenly snatched up by his right arm and dragged out.
He felt himself slam hard back first against the trunk of the tree library. He felt himself gain blurry vision and a sharp ringing in his ears as he squinted his eyes to try and see. Though all he was able to make out was an incoming hoof coursing with burning bright red fissure lines. Just in time to suddenly take the full force of the hoof across his jaw. Forcing Spike to go out cold and sit against the tree, groaning with pain as the cloaked assailant stood before him.
"Didn't know these ponies could have giant geckos as pets… How ridiculous,"The cloaked one sighed before looking to the open door and smirking before he tapped on the trunk,"Come on out Celestia… Come and face your absolute destruction…!"
His calls were quiet, but not required to draw the attention of the princess. For the moment she saw the door hanging wide open, and Spike was missing so abruptly. Her concerns were now high, and her guards instinct for detecting danger was in the red. She got up from her seat, and slowly walked to the door way to investigate and look for Spike. With her guards right behind her, she stopped at the edge of the door and peek around for the baby dragon.
"Spike? Spike, where are you? I hope he didn't run off,"Celestia worried before she turned to the right and saw the baby dragon unconscious with a purple right eye,"Spike! What happened to you? Who has done this to you?!"
"Your majesty, we fear that hostile eyes are upon us. You could be ambushed any moment."One of her guards warned of a potential ambush coming to the three of them.
"Please… Get Spike up and move him inside. We need to get him a doctor…!"Celestia exclaimed as the guards were marching over to the baby dragon to get him up to their shoulders.
Only for them to freeze the moment they heard the snap of a branch sound. The first guard looked to the corner of his eye in the direction of the noise to assess. While his comrade took notice of the creaking and clunking of hard hooves walking upon the tree limbs. They were quick to respond with their swords unsheathing from their holsters just in the nick of time. Just in time for the cloaked assassin to burst from the tree with a hoof full of blazing flames surging like blood through his limb.
The guards were lightning fast to respond with their swords thrusting into the attacker. The first blade plunged into the foe's gut while the other pierce clean through his shoulder. The strange pony stopped cold in his tracks and landed before his head held low to his wounds. While the princess slowly turned to see the attacker with a glare of pure outrage. Her guards were in full focus form as they kept their weapons deep into the enemy's body.
"So you must be the one who's been sending threats to me and my sister,"Celestia assumed while the pony looked up to meet her eyes,"I must say… I was expecting more from one who sends such vile and vicious threats of death upon my family…!"
"There's a price to pay for trying to attack the princess of day and assaulting a baby dragon…!"One guard announced, as part of the way they were preparing to do away with the attacker.
"For your crimes against the royal family, and against an innocent baby dragon. You will be executed with dignity,"The other guard announced as he got right up in the foe's face,"Do you have any final words before we carry out our final judgment upon you…!?"
This caused a moment of silence to occur between the princess, her guards, and the assassin. The mysterious pony looked back down to the swords that pierced his body. The guards twisted and drove their blades deeper in hopes of keeping their foe still. Only to get the surprise of their life once the pony had then suddenly started to laugh. Lifting his head back up and cackling with a deep, but raspy voice as he suddenly lifted up and stood on his back legs.
"Could you golden armored fools remove those blades from my body…? I'm not one for being tickled,"He suddenly mocked and bared a show of strength as he lifted one blade from his shoulder and slowly pulled another from his belly,"If it's so difficult…! I'm more than happy to aid…!"
Suddenly the guards felt the sudden and immeasurable strength of the assailant. As he yanked the sword in his shoulder out in a small cloud of ash before the one in his belly came out as well. Celestia backed away as he held the swords to the side and chuckled at the guards. Before he then pushed the swords back to the point that he was able to reach their heads. Finally with a show of great force, the pony slammed the two guards heads together to let them drop to his hooves.
"Thank you for your time gentle colts, I will return to finish you both off later,"The assailant chuckled and looked to the nervous princess before looking to his cloak,"Surprise to see swords ineffective to one such as myself? Well since you appear to be curious. Allow me to show you what you truly face…!"
The stallion offered Celestia a look at his true face and form. Slowly he undid the straps to his cloak and undid the button to his cape to let it fall to the ground. He sighed, before finally undoing a button, and letting the cloak fall to the ground, and reveal an unbelievable sight. He certainly was a pony, but he was a pony of not flesh and blood, he was a earth pony stallion made of ash. Cracks of forge like fires circulated throughout his whole body, while his entire body was nothing but ash and burning cinder.
Smoke escaped from the next sigh he gave before he let a grin grow on his ashen face. His eyes shot open, mimicking the look of burning red chunks of coal that burned bright. Celestia was a loss for words as she saw the wounds he bared immediately regenerate with growing ash.
"Impressive isn't it? I'm a new breed of pony, constructed by the ashes and blood of the old."The ashen pony explained as flames gently raised through the glowing red cracks around his body,"I never get sick, and all injuries and wounds are healed within seconds…!"
"You… Are an abomination…! A construct from death and fire!"Celestia lit up her horn and prepared for the worse.
"The abominations here… Are these soft and weak ponies you guided towards a world of meaningless harmony and nothingness,"The pony spat at her words and suddenly took a highly offense stance as fire raised from many parts of his body,"Me and my brethren have been birthed to fix that…! And it all starts with the destruction of the source of all this weakness… You!"
Celestia barely reacted in time before he jumped to the air with a reared back hoof. She floated in the air and avoided the punch that cracked the ground in all directions. While a large ring of fire exploded around him and stretched all around, burning the ground up to ten feet. The princess landed, looking to her frighten subjects that were panicking and running all around the town. She looked back just in time to duck from a hard hook that launched her crown off her head.
She was unable to move quick enough to avoid a back hoof across the jaw. Though she returned the favor by shooting a hole through him with some gold magic. He stumbled back and slammed against the tree trunk, only to shake his head and stand tall again. Letting the hole in his stomach quickly close up with ashes and fire, he chuckled before running at her again. She ducked and back stepped to avoid a high round house and a upper cut that trailed fire behind the mighty blows.
The pony of cinders flipped to avoid another shot of gold magic. And brought a kick down that cut a burning wound against her cheek, leaving her to stagger for a moment. This allowed the ash pony to double kick her in the chest and knock her across the ground. Slamming into the side of furniture store back first, forcing a slight scream. She fell to her flank, but got to her hooves to duck from a jab that went right through the store wall, leaving the assassin open.
She was quick to swing her back legs up and kick him square in the forehead with both hooves. Forcing the stallions head to completely stretch backwards to the point that he could see his flank. Celestia then conjured a golden force of magic that launched the stallion away. He crashed into a bush, giving Celestia some time to collect herself and shake off some pain. She then once again saw the impossible, as the pony made of ashes sat on his flank to grip his head.
He grunted, before he sharply forced his head back on straight. He cracked his neck a little bit to make sure his head was properly back in the right position before standing. He chuckled as he witnessed the fear in the princess, as she panted with early weariness.
"You can't kill me dear princess…! While wounds cripple and weaken you. They simply disappear for me,"The ashen pony reminded her of his difficult abilities,"In other words… Your fate is sealed here…! You an attack me all you want, but I'll just keep coming back!"
"Then I will keep fighting until I find out how to stop you for good!"Celestia's promise was met with laughter as the burning ash pony charged again.
"Then I hope you can last quite a while, princess!"The pony warned before he jumped and swung a flying drop kick Celestia's way.
"Oh dear…"Celestia sighed as she prepared for the fight of her life.
Meanwhile Orion was busy shuffling and searching the Sugar Cube Corners. The Cakes had slaved to clean up the party they had for the princess, now it was in shambles again. As the hidden prince looked high and low, only to find the empty gold bird cage. Philomena was nowhere in sight, not in her cage, and not flocking or hopping around the building. He was getting frustrated, he feared the worse for the phoenix since she was nearing the end of her second life.
"Ugh…! Are you sure you don't have a clue where Philomena ran off to?!"Orion asked the Cakes as he finally stopped his rampage through the building.
"We swear, we haven't got a clue about where she went. We couldn't imagine an old bird could go very far…!"Mr Cake pleaded with the man in hopes of preventing further chaos to their building.
Orion growled with stress all the way through the room to leave. Leaving slightly shook up Cakes with a mess to clean up, but he was too upset to care at the moment. He burst out of the front door and groaned at the sky before a bit of remorse for his rampage settled in a bit.
"So some pony up and took Philomena, and I just got myself a long term ban from Sugar Cube Corner,"He groaned and kicked the dirt before looking around town,"I swear when I find who stole Philomena, I'm gonna shove my hoof so far up their-"
Suddenly, his rant was interrupted as he saw the bird herself run underneath his legs. He looked to the old bird as she squawked and ran towards the Ponyville fountain. Just in time for Fluttershy and Twilight ran right through Orion, spinning him like a lazy mary cabinet. He was dizzy for a moment, but managed to regain his composure in time to see Typhoon running after them. Only for Orion to extend his arm out and close line Typhoon to the ground to get answers.
"What's going on?! Why is Philomena out of her cage, and why is she wondering around?!"Orion demanded answers while Typhoon scrambled to his hooves and brushed himself off.
"Philomena decided that she was going to milk her second death for plenty of attention,"Typhoon began to explain while pointing to the phoenix that scaled the fountain statue,"So she managed to fool Fluttershy, and get taken back to the cottage for…"treatment"… I had to explain it to every pony, but by that time Philomena took off when she knew she was in trouble…!"
"Rrrrrrrrggghhh that bird…! I can't believe she actually did this! I got a worried princess at a library because of this?!"Orion yelled before sprinting towards the fountain.
"So much for a simple friendly visit…"Typhoon mused and ran to catch up with his furious comrade.
It was a mere second before Orion spooked every pony with his sudden arrival. The wind smacked against their faces as he looked up to the statue where Philomena sat. He glared, noticing all but one of her feathers remained attached to her body, as she gave it one last bit of milking.
"Philomena, get down from there. You'll hurt yourself…!"Fluttershy begged as the bird gave a cough and a wheeze that finally set off Orion.
"PHILOMENA! You have a worried princess waiting at the library wondering where you are,"His roars froze the phoenix and forced her to stand tall and at attention,"You know exactly who the hay this is! Now if you're done milking your second death and tricking good nature ponies! Get down here right now and come along!"
His calls immediately blasted through Philomena and reinstated obedience. She held her head low and gently hopped from the statue, floating all the way down with a flutter of her wings. She then stood before the feet of her owners big and respect demanding brother. A pony that she had always learned, never to upset or disappoint, and her guilt gave the reason why. She coughed a bit and slowly looked up to the tall human pony in hopes of using big eyes to butter him up.
"This was a very mean thing to do. You tricked a pony with a deep compassion for animals to take you home for tlc before death,"Philomena nodded and began to look down before she suddenly saw a horrifying sight,"Celestia was absolutely worried about you! And she felt so horrible that she had forgotten about you!"
"Ok, I think she understands her mistake. I don't think you need to keep going off on her…"Fluttershy insisted while Philomena suddenly began to constantly tug on his pants and pointing behind.
"I was just about to conclude my lecture to her…! But I gotta make sure she understand the mistake she made…!"Orion tried to make his side clear while ignoring the phoenix's squawks and tugs on his pants.
"You actually watched over the princess while we were all gone? Why?"Twilight curiously asked before a final loud squawk was all the bird could muster before racing pass Orion.
"Philomena! See? That's why I gotta yell. Because then they don't get the picture and They-"Orion started before the scream of Celestia alarmed them all and chilled their spines.
"THE PRINCESS!"All the mares exclaimed as they too could see what Philomena saw.
Orion swiftly turned, and gasped to see the princess badly hurt and fighting for her life. She crashed through a tree, baring red and black burn marks on her legs and face. Slowly she stood back up in time to lock hooves with the most horrifying foe they had ever seen. The fiery pony of ash locked his arms in and slammed her against a building. Burning her forearms and pressing her tight against the wall, fighting their fears of this abominable pony of ash, they all raced to help.
"Well…! So far it seems you haven't lasted too long princess! It was to be expected,"The pony lifted a flaming left back hoof and slammed it into Celestia's belly, drawing blood and forcing a scream,"You're a leader who is weak and brittle. Turning these ponies around you into worthless piles of meat that could not survive in a real world!"
"Whatever…real world you…speak of…! It is a world of evil and fantasy made by a mad pony,"Celestia growled and groaned as she felt his hoof dig deep and burn into her wound,"You…! And whoever you serve are fools to even think of replacing our world of harmony and happiness!"
"Coming from the mare that existed and ruled in the old world,"He questioned and suddenly sparked a bit of painful thought of the old Equestria into Celestia,"I've said too much…! Now I'll simply just squeeze your head till your eyes burst from your pretty face!"
The moment he finished his words, his hooves were then locked on her head. He began to put the squeeze on the sun princess's head, using his unpony like strength to crush her head. He chuckled, listening to the groans and struggles of Celestia, as she tried to resist. Her eyes began to open wide and become blood shot from the immeasurable pressure around her head. She felt her vision about to fade, it felt like the end for her, but one certain bird objected to her death.
Her vision quickly returned, and she felt herself be released by the death grip. She felt to her belly and gripped he wound while looking up to see her savior was none other than Philomena. She manage to fit a full beak bite down on the ashen pony's left forearm. Thoroughly annoying him and itching his arm, he wanted her off and did his best to fling her off. Flailing his arm around till he finally threw the phoenix to the ground, and forcing the final feather of the phoenix to fall.
"Philomena…!"Celestia reached for her pet as the bird winked and accepted it's death in a blaze of fire.
"Ugly and annoying little bird brain! All up in smoke,"The pony of ash grumbled as he watched the bird suddenly burn and reduce to ashes,"Guess not every pile of ash is special… Any who… Lets get back to the task at hoo-"
His rambling and satisfaction to watch the bird go up in flames costed him dearly. Upon turning back to the princess he suddenly got the long white horn of the princess right up through his mouth and through the top of his head. He grunted, feeling the piercing force of the horn through his ash head.
"Lets see you heal from this!"Celestia spat as she lit her horn up nice and bright.
She released a sudden burst of golden magic that lit his head up like a light bulb. Before his whole head exploded into a thick cloud of ash, smoke, and Alicorn magic. His body flopped back and landed softly away from the princess before she fell to her stomach again. She could barely see his seemingly motionless body lay ten foot in front of her. She tried to stand, and was then suddenly assisted by Orion himself as the mares surrounded her.
"You ok? You looked like you were in a fight for your life…!"Orion admitted as he helped lift her up just enough to sit the princess on her flank.
"You could say that… I just never expected our assassin to be this abomination…!"She groaned and looked to the ashen body of the attacker.
"This is what tried to kill you and nearly killed Rainbow Dash at the flying competition?"Twilight asked while being bold enough to inch closer to the body.
"Boy howdy… This fellow looks like he was born in a volcano or something…"Applejack admitted while Rarity held her muzzle after picking up on his smell.
"Ugh… Smells like he was born in one too… He stinks like sulfur…!"Rarity assessed his stench.
"He's made of some sort of ash and burning embers… And he was able to heal his wounds….!"Celestia groaned before her injured guards were able to rush back to her side.
"Princess Celestia…! We apologize for our absence and weakness! Are you hurt?!"The guards asked while Orion lifted an eye brow to their concern.
"Of course she's hurt, she's gotta a hoof shaped burning wound that's bleeding moderately…!"Orion pointed out before slowly noticing Fluttershy walking to the body with a familiarizing face.
"His body… He looks… Just like… The cockatrice…! He's the one,"Fluttershy suddenly recognized his look and began to have flash backs of her and the cockatrice attack,"He's the one who turned the cockatrice into an ash monster that pappy killed!"
"Really? This is him?! Well… I guess it makes sense. He's made of ash just like the cockatrice was…"Twilight decided that Fluttershy's assumption was on point before Fluttershy was suddenly pushing them back.
"Run…! He's not dead!"Fluttershy warned before they were all taken by the spectacle that occurred behind Flutters.
They all watched as the clouds of smoke and ash suddenly streamed back towards the body. They spiraled and snaked all around the area where the head would be. The ashes began to ball up as they curved and reattached to the headless body. The wind picked up as the body began to twitch and recollect itself for the head that suddenly reformed and lit up the cracks around it's body. His eyes once again snapped open and glowed red like hot coals once more, as he slowly sat back up.
"Ow… I actually felt that one… But as I said before… I'll keep coming back,"He spat before slowly standing up in time to see Twilight and her friends prepare for a fight,"Well now… It's the princess's pupil and her little friends…! Such a wonderful collection of puppets we have here."
"What are you…?"Twilight questioned as he cracked his neck a bit more and sighed.
"The perfect new pony… Forged from the essence of the old…!"The ashen pony prepared to charge at them, only to feel his limbs suddenly slice clean off like butter.
He face planted to the dirt, as Typhoon and Thunder stood with the mares. Typhoon wielded his scythe, while Thunder sported two kriss daggers surging with electricity. Orion was quick to join the massive group that prepared to fight this mysterious foe of ash that was quick to reattach his legs. The pony chuckled, even when he knew that he was out numbered and out of his league in this situation. Orion was first to bare his sword and aim the tip of it at the pony.
"You're out numbered now…! And you got nowhere to go…!"Orion announced the obvious for the pony as he stood there juggling his options.
"He's just like the cockatrice, right Flutters,"Typhoon looked to his nodding granddaughter and was stricken with confidence,"Then he has the same weakness…! Lets see if he heals from a strong poke through his chest piece! Aim for his heart!"
Suddenly, the options slimmed nearly to nothing for the pony. He weighed only two more options in his mind, and it didn't take him too long to make his decision. He then suddenly raised a hoof, and crushed it into his chest, forcing fire to erupt around his body and glow like a furnace.
"Then if I can't simply do away with these harmony bringers. I'll simply wipe everything out,"He announced and twisted his hoof like a key that went to his chest,"I'll just detonate myself! And I'll blow all of you and half this town to the roaring fires of Tartarus! I will complete my mission!"
"You think he's bluffing?"Twilight and her friends slowly began to back away the ashen pony began to glow brighter and brighter.
"No…! He isn't bluffing…!"Thunder read the body language of the assassin as flaming arcs trailed around the pony.
"Cry and weep! Fear your inevitable destruction by fire and ash! Scream if you wish,"The pony's voice became maniac and crazed as he neared the peak of his power,"Watch as your bones crumble to dust, AND YOUR FLESH MELTS FROM YOUR CHARRED SKIN! PREPARE TO WITNESS THE POWER…OF A CINDER PONY! AND JOIN THIS WORLD…! IN A GREAT WAKE OF FIR-"
Suddenly the pony froze, and his fire immediately went out like a fragile flame. Just in time for a glow of orange of red to crack and crumble away at the center of his chest. He groaned and growled as black blood left his mouth the moment his chest exploded in a mess of cinder. Allowing a majestic phoenix of pure red and orange glowing color to burst free. It squawked loud and proud before turning to the vicious pony that began to tremble with furrowed eyes.
His growls turned to screams as his crumbling coal like eyes trailed to the gaping hole in his chest. Before fire flared from his mouth along with old blood that oozed from his mouth and eyes. It was only when his eyes had shattered like glass that all fire ceased around and within his body. He went limp, as his ashen body crumbled apart and fell like sand to ground. Finally his body completely fell to pieces like a sand castle against the waves, and he was reduced to nothing more than a pile of ash.
"That's what I'm talking about! Right in the nick of time Philomena,"Orion cheered as the ponies stared in awe to the majestic and sparkling phoenix that flew to his arm and perched upon it,"That was perfect timing on your part… You got my forgiveness you clever bird you."
"She's beautiful…!"Fluttershy complimented while the phoenix suddenly turned sad and flew from Orion's arm.
"Oh Philomena… Thank goodness you're safe…!"Celestia tried to sit up enough so Philomena could perch on her arm.
"Princess… Your wound…! It hasn't stopped bleeding…!"Twilight worried as a pool of blood grew around Celestia.
"It's ok… My faithful student… Everything is going to be ok,"Celestia insisted as she turned to her sad and teary eyed phoenix,"It's ok Philomena… I know you didn't mean for all of this to happen… We just never saw all of this coming…"
Philomena let her tears loose as she nuzzled against Celestia's cheek in guilt. Only for her tears to reveal a gift that they possessed the moment they fell upon her master's wound. The cold touch of the phoenix tears let steam raise from Celestia's injury, before the injury itself was shrinking and fading away. All her burn marks were also fading away, pulsing new found strength into the princess. With a hearty deep breath Celestia felt the strength to stand again, the moment her mortal wound had fully disappeared.
Every pony, excluding the warriors gasped in awe at this miraculous ability. They watched as the princess released her breath and smiled, standing tall and proud with her pet once more. Philomena's tears finally dried up, and she was happy once again to see the princess safe and sound once more.
"Thank you… All of you…! Because of today I was able to learn who me and my sister's assassin was,"Celestia showed her deep gratitude to every pony that aided her in this struggle,"Especially you Fluttershy… You revealed the weakness and ensured the assassin's destruction…! Your knowledge has saved our lives."
"So… You're not going to banish me? Or throw me in a dungeon? Or banish me and throw me in a dungeon in the place that you banish me to?"Fluttershy asked with worry after remembering her actions.
"What the buckety buck?"That was all Thunder could utter after hearing such crazy fears.
"Of course not, my little pony. Where on earth would you get such an idea?"Celestia asked with slight concern for the Pegasus's fear.
"I guess I have some imagination…"Fluttershy admitted with some blush.
"Fluttershy really did do everything she could to try and take care of Philomena for you."Twilight admitted all the things Fluttershy tried to make the phoenix healthy again.
"And I appreciate that your heart was in the right place, child."Celestia admitted her respect for a Pegasus that held a compassion for animals that rivaled her pappy's.
"But I think if I had just explained her earlier to her. She would have understood."Typhoon decided to admit a little bit of guilt on his part as well.
"Awe… Pappy. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Next time, I'll ask before taking matters into my own hooves."Fluttershy admitted the valuable lesson she learned this day, while hugging her pappy.
"Should I write a letter about that lesson, princess?"Twilight asked, after realizing that this was a legit friendship lesson.
"No, that's quite alright. I think I can remember. Besides… There's been plenty of good news today regardless of this attempted assassination,"Celestia admitted as she slowly looked to Orion off the corner of her eye,"I'm looking forward to the Gala more than ever now my friend."
"I'm sure you are… Just keep on impressing me with this new personality you have."Orion said before noticing Rainbow Dash whispering something into Philomena's ears and sending her to the guards.
Before they knew it, Philomena stood upon the royal guard's shoulders. Waving her wings over their noses, triggering a ticklish spot they both shared together. Her tickling wings managed to start getting the chuckling and laughing, breaking their firm disciplined faces. Their hearty chuckles began to get the rest of the group laughing together. Letting their survival and victory become clear as the ponies of Ponyville slowly made their return to the town.
Orion was the only one to remain calm and without laughter for this victory. Allowing him to take notice of the painful groans that came from a slightly dizzy Spike. As he slowly arrived to the group, rubbing his head and sporting a classic dark purple eye.
"Wow… Some pony really did a number on you Spike…! You ok?"Orion asked as he knelt down and rubbed his sore head to support the baby dragon.
"Yeah… I'm just glad you guys got rid of that ash made jerk,"Spike admitted before hawking a green fire spit wad into the dead ashes that leaked with black blood,"Good riddance… I need to talk to you…!"
"Um… Ok… Did he cause some sort of short term damage to your head or did he leave some sort of mark,"Orion asked while Spike dragged him by the end of his long coat away from the group,"Whatever it was, it must have improved your strength quite a bit…!"
"Look, I'm not going to tell any pony, but I need you to know this,"Spike took a serious tone after they stopped a good fifteen feet away from the others,"I know who you are, O…! Or should I say, prince Orion…!"
The hidden prince froze for a moment and felt his heart freeze for a moment. Spike had him greatly surprised that he caught on to his true identity, and was now in on the secret. Twilight was one thing, but Spike seemed to be a different situation all together.
"Twilight knows as well… So…?"Orion wanted to know what Spike's intentions appeared to be.
"I don't know why you're doing all this secret stuff…! But all this hiding in plain sight from your own sister is messed up,"Spike spoke his mind about Orion's tricks against his sister,"I hope one day your gonna come out of your camouflage tricks and make up with your sister…!"
"It'll be a while yet… But I do plan on making my proper return in the future,"Orion crossed his arms and let his crystal eyes sparkle once more,"Till then, will some gem dinners help keep your trap shut?"
"Wow… You really know how to speak my language!"Spike admitted and showed off a clever smirk.
"Think of it as a show of respect since you took a strong hard hoof for the princess,"Orion replied while slowly looking to the forest in the distance and narrowed his vision,"Though…that ash pony was the first of many…! And these beasts to this moment are watching and waiting for their moment to strike…!"
Spike slowly looked to the trees of the Ever Free to try and see the enemy. Only to see the hooded heads of ponies watching them from the tops of the trees. The baby dragon gulped, while Orion simply sighed and kept a firm stare going till the ponies finally disappeared into the forest.
Yup, say hello to a new enemy. The Cinder Ponies! A new race of ponies that will stop at nothing to burn the entire world to ash. Now I need votes. Are you guys liking some of these new versions of the episodes I'm making so far. Or do you all want the chapters to be more like the actual episodes? Let me know, and stay pony every one.