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			<h1 id="section_0">A New Dawn (Act I,</h1><ul id="page-actions" class="hlist"><li id="ca-edit" class="icon icon-32px icon-edit" title="Edit the lead section of this page."></li><li id="ca-talk" class="hidden icon icon-32px icon-talk"><a href="http://mulpwiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:A_New_Dawn_(Act_I,&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="Discussion about the content page [t]" accesskey="t">Discussion</a></li><li id="ca-watch" class="watch-this-article icon icon-32px"><a href="http://mulpwiki.org/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&amp;returnto=A+New+Dawn+%28Act+I%2C" title="Add this page to your watchlist [w]" accesskey="w"></a></li></ul>		</div>
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<td><b>Writefag</b>
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<td> Hobbes1914
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<td><b>Pastebin creation</b>
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<td>Sunday 14th of August 2016 01:57:30 PM CDT
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<td><b>Last Pastebin update</b>
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<td>Sunday 25th of September 2016 01:39:11 PM CDT
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</div><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="A_New_Dawn_.28Act_I.2C_part_1.29">A New Dawn (Act I, part 1)</span><a href="A_New_Dawn_(Act_I,#/editor/1" title="Edit section: A New Dawn (Act I, part 1)" data-section="1" class="edit-page icon icon-32px icon-edit enabled">Edit</a></h3><div>
<div dir="ltr" class="mw-geshi mw-code mw-content-ltr"><div class="gettext source-gettext">&#160;<br />A New Dawn <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Act I, part <span class="nu0">1</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><br />-----------------------------------------------<br /><br />In accordance with royal decree number something or other, I, anonymous, am to record all of my experiences since having entered this empire of Equestria. Though I've been told that this document is to create a historical record for posterity, I have a sneaking suspicion that it may just be for my dear sovereign's personal amusement, so I'm going to dispense with the formalities. If you're reading this, princess, you owe me one.<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;My very first memories are a blurred mess. My vision was obscured by a great, blinding flash, and I could feel my knees hit a cold stone floor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though my ears were ringing, I could hear some sort of commotion going on. Hooves shuffling about, soft mutterings, and above them all, one concerned voice going on about &quot;standing ground&quot; or somesuch.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I wobbled forward and groped for something to steady myself. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my bearings and fell.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I could now make out a half dozen smallish figures and one larger white one, all staring right at me. Still, consciousness was fading fast, and I mumbled out some slurred apology for imposing before blacking out.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ay, up at at-em!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; Some... hoof was shaking me. I decided it was best to obey the voice, and dragged myself off the ground.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; Looking around, I noticed that I was in some stone stone, circular room. The place felt ancient, and the surrounding wall was emblazoned with murals. A great dome adorned with even more engravings capped the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You can see me, can't you? Come now, chop-chop!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I quickly looked down, and then found the source of the voice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right in front of my was a white pegasus, clad with golden armor and wielding a short spear. He seemed to be some sort of legionary, or? royal guard?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He might of even been imposing, if it weren't for the fact that he was barely higher than my waist height.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pegasus spoke again: &quot;Alright, time to get a move on. Follow me now-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I did as instructed, and the two of us walked through more ancient halls. After a minute we exited the stone structure, and I could see a majestic castle about a mile away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's our destination, I'm sure you'll get all set up with a room and I just know-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony, who I later discovered was in fact royal guard, talked too much. Oh well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still, one thing disturbed me. Even though we were now in broad daylight and clearly in a safe land, the guard seemed? nervous.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we moved along the dusty road, the guard uttered one interesting snippet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;-and you seem like an alright sort, I mean, at first I thought I was a goner, but-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I interrupted. �&quot;Who are you, why are we headed to this castle, and what's going on?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony bowed toward me, still talking all the while &quot;Name's Laurence, sir, and you've been summoned by our royal highness prince-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm not in trouble, or anything, right?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Laurence looked away from me and muttered &quot;it'll all get sorted out I'm absolutely sure that-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As he kept talking, we reached the gates. After ascending a flight of stairs and marching through a couple halls, Laurence brought me to a small, but cozy room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was some pretty furnishings, but most impressive was the room's view. I looked out and could see for miles. Towns and farmlands stretched out into the horizon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your room, sir, please just wait here and I'm sure that you'll have an audience with the royals shortly, and-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I continued staring out the window until I overheard Laurence say &quot;-and thanks again for not killing me, just ring if you need-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh. Laurence was an odd sort.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After about an hour of lounging in my room I heard a knock on the door, and a messenger pony walked in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Our royal highness, princess Celestia, would normally request that you join her in the royal throne room. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and the natural complexities of the current situation, she will converse with you here shortly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I could ask any questions, or even wonder why I was getting an audience with the local royalty, the princess stepped in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess was striking. She seemed to have an effortless elegance as she strode into the room. Everything about her look and demeanor screamed &quot;royalty&quot;.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She had a white coat, and a ever-flowing mane that gave off the colors of the rainbow. Even more, she was a few inches taller than me, the only living thing I had encountered over three feet high.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Despite her commanding presence, her face seemed accustomed to smiling and laughter. Still, right now she had a serious look and a furrowed brow.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sat on a stuffed chair on the other side of the room, and looked inquisitively at me for a few seconds before speaking &quot;Your name?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just call me anon, your majesty.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, do you know why you're here?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Actually, no. I was hoping that you could enlighten me&quot;.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well in that case, be ready to head out tomorrow morning, six o'clock sharp.&quot; with that the princess began to stand and moved as if to exit the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before she could leave I stood. &quot;Wait! That guard acted strange, nobody here looks like me, and now you're shipping me off somewhere? At least let me know what's going on!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sighed, and sat back down. She glanced over at me sadly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, look out this window. What do you see?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, a city, towns, fields-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess interrupted. &quot;I'm not asking for a map. What do you see?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I stared out the window, looking at the small figures running around in the town square. &quot;I see a happy land. The people look content and the place seems peaceful. Even the guard earlier seemed friendly, perhaps a bit too much. You seem to have created a paradise, really.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess smiled weakly. &quot;Thank you, It's not easy. Sadly, this land is naturally? somewhat less peaceful. I'll be quick: The only way that I've been able to protect my subjects and create this place of harmony is through magic.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If I did nothing, evil would gradually begin to seep into this world. There will always be some leaks, but through magic, I am able to stop most of them. Thus, every hundred years, I go down to the old ruins, with several guardsmen.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;My blood began to run cold after hearing about the ruins.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There, I perform an ancient arcane ritual that traps the evil trying to enter our land, and focuses it into one single entity. At the dawn of the century, my power if just great enough to dispel the darkness, and stave off catastrophe and violence for one hundred more years.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I shivered. &quot;That sounds like a wonderful system, but why are you telling me this?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess looked away from me. &quot;Yesterday, I performed the ritual, and it failed. Rather than a physical manifestation of evil, I got you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, that would explain the nervous guard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; I slunk down in my chair and stared at the floor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You, anon, do not seem truly evil, but? some of it flows in you. I can sense it in your heart- fighting, hurting others is a part of your very nature. You don't belong here. Tomorrow morning, I plan on dispelling you, and beginning preparations for the coming storm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, anon, see you tomorrow.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I slept kinda badly that night</span><br />--------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The next morning was kinda feverish. Getting up, getting ready for the day, all of it felt surreal, knowing that I would be? &quot;dispelled&quot;, whatever that meant. I wondered briefly it it was a euphemism in the vein of getting &quot;disappeared&quot;, but the ponies seemed too amiable to that kind of thing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It wasn't long before we set out. Celestia, Laurence, and a few other guards walked in front of and behind me. Though I wasn't chained, the chances of escaping seemed slim to none due to Celestia's magical prowess.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;We entered the ruins, and strode through some familiar halls. As I pondered what dispelling would feel like, we reached the same circular room as before.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yesterday, the center of the room had been old rock floor. However, now there was a depression filled with light glowing blue mix of, well, something. It looked like the dispelling stuff got set up overnight.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess looked over at me. &quot;This is it. Anon, please step into the portal.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was contemplating making a break for it, but before i could run Laurence shouted something</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;CHANGE-lings?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Out of another hall, six forms appeared. They looked like some mix of pony and bug, which was bad enough already, but something seemed? off. Mangled looking spikes jutted out of their bodies, and some black oze leaked from connecting points in the carapace. The eyes were a dark blackish blue color.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The guards and princess seemed surprised, but only for a moment before the&#160;?change-something or others' jumped us.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In the commotion of battle, I started to duck away and head of the exit. I could almost taste freedom.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just as I was about to make a run for it, I heard Laurence cry out for help. I looked back, and saw the pony obviously losing his fight against the bug monstrosity. The bug monsted had torn away his spear, and looked ready to tear off his face if nobody intervened.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I could think too hard about what a stupid idea it was, I ran back toward Laurence, scooped up the dropped spear, and thrust it as hard as i could at the monster.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I expected it to bounce of the bug's chitinous armor, but instead, my blow went right through. Huh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I looked around, and saw that the others were struggling. The princess was clearly a powerful force and had killed one of the bugs, but the royal guards were faring poorly. Why was everyone else having so much trouble? It felt like I was cutting through wet paper.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sprinted toward one monster that was fighting Celestia, and before it could turn, I thrust the spear straight into it. Again, the tough looking thing went down surprisingly easy. I felt some sort of? rush after killing the thing. It felt oddly good. Probably just adrenaline, though, I said to myself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Having lost half their number, the bug things retreated, disappearing down the dusty halls of the ruin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the guards began to tend to the wounded, the princess looked at me quizzically, either unsure why I stayed or surprised that I fought well enough to not get munched by the bugs. Probably both.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Regardless, I saw this was my chance.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your highness Celestia, I'd really rather not be banished from this land. It's a nice place, and I'm willing to serve the kingdom-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia cut me off, mumbling something about &quot;not really belonging&quot; or something. Still, I could see she was uncertain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I've only acted in good faith, and all that I'm asking for is a little trust and a little mercy. Isn't that what friendship's all about?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sighed and looked away. &quot;Fine. You can stay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I smiled, gave my eternal gratitude, and along with the others headed back towards the castle.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;KNOCK KNOCK</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sir, it's past six o'clock! You'll be late for your appointment!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugg. Great start to the day. Still, couldn't miss a royal summons, especially on the first full day in this new land.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm coming!&quot; I rushed to get ready, and five minutes later burst out the door, nearly knocking over a very displeased messenger pony.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sneered, mumbled something about &quot;the youth of today&quot;, and began to trot off through the halls. I followed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a minute, we reached what was presumably the main hall, a massive construction. The huge pillars, the ornate banners; it was beautiful.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At the far end of the hall, near the throne, there was a massive commotion. Many ponies were organizing? something. A few were examining a wall mounted map, while others discussed the present situation in hushed tones.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I began to approach the crowd, the messenger coughed. I looked over, and noticed that Celestia had begun to address the crowd.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her speech was a rousing one, but I didn't get what was going on.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The messenger must of noticed my blank expression, because she began to explain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Evidently, the &quot;changelings&quot; from yesterday were more vicious (and more armored) than usual.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The royal court was in a panic over the situation-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, anon! There you are!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess stopped her speech to beckon for me to walk over. All conversation stopped, and every eye in the room was trained on me.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Everyone, this is Anonymous, the solution to our problem!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;what</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Give a warm welcome to our newly arrived royal changeling hunter!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;oh no</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The entire room erupted into cheers and applause, ponies were smiling and praising the wisdom of their leader.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I could feel my stomach drop about a foot.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess rose and smiled. &quot;And with that, you are all dismissed! Except you, anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I slowly walked up to the throne as most of ponies others headed out to their daily routines. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd live through the week.</span><br />&quot;Erm, your majesty, what exactly is going on?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia smiled. &quot;It seems that everypony interpreted yesterday's little battle as an assassination attempt on yours truly. I can take care of myself, of course, but the nobles wouldn't hear of it?&quot;</span><br />&quot;And exactly why did you chose me?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, you fought quite well yesterday. You seem like some sort of warrior, and seeing as you're not busy right now...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I considered that my other career choice involved being cast into some unholy portal and bit my tongue.</span><br />&quot;And does anyone care that I'm here because of some botched ritual?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, I took the liberty of informing everypony that you are Sir Anon, hailing from a very, very far off land, the details weren't that important.</span><br />&quot;And don't YOU care that I'm here because of some botched ritual?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh silly, you've done nothing but help defend the realm so far.&quot; Her expression darkened: &quot;And if you DID think about running amok, well, that's what moon prison's for.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A blue pony sitting nearby began to shiver at the mention of &quot;moon prison&quot;. It didn't sound lik a nice place.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia beamed. &quot;Now off to your first assignment, go make some friends!&quot;</span><br />&quot;How is that even remotely related to mons-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You can start in the guard barracks if you wish! I'll be waiting for progress reports!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed, and began to walk off. It was going to be one of these days.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The barracks was a quaint little wooden building. About a dozen ponies were milling around inside when I opened the door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As soon as I entered, a couple inquisitive faces turned towards me. One guard piped up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oy, anon, how'd you manage to beat back those changelings the other day?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It seemed like a perfect opportunity for some comradely, so I began to explain.</span><br />&quot;Well, I noticed some weak spots in their armor, then used the spear to skewer?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The room was silent, and all eyes turned toward me</span><br />&quot;Did I say something?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A guard glared at me. &quot;Well, we mostly try for non lethal takedowns, seeing as it's hard to teach the value of friendship to a corpse.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone seemed less than amicable, and I hurried to explain the situation.</span><br />&quot;These creatures, whatever you call them, were monsters. They couldn't reason. They couldn't think. They only wanted to kill.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But in the past?&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's the past. Those things from yesterday were vicious, and you'll have to kill them or risk the lives of every citizen of Equestria.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A different guard chimed in. &quot;Sir, some of us are still a bit? squeamish, when it comes to blood, and you expect that we'll be in life or death battle?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;oh boy</span><br />&quot;Well, you'll need to prepare fast, maybe try helping at the town's butcher shop or something.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Butcher?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, you know, place where animals are prepared for eating?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-you eat animals?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was too late. Before I could respond, the guardsponies had already started eyeing me nervously and slowly backing away. One of them made a break for it and literally flew out of the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed, and got up to leave. So much for making friends.</span></div></div>
</div><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="A_New_Dawn_.28Act_I.2C_Part_2.29">A New Dawn (Act I, Part 2)</span><a href="A_New_Dawn_(Act_I,#/editor/2" title="Edit section: A New Dawn (Act I, Part 2)" data-section="2" class="edit-page icon icon-32px icon-edit enabled">Edit</a></h3><div>
<div dir="ltr" class="mw-geshi mw-code mw-content-ltr"><div class="gettext source-gettext">&#160;<br />A New Dawn <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Act I, part <span class="nu0">1</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><br />-----------------------------------------------<br /><br />In accordance with royal decree number something or other, I, anonymous, am to record all of my experiences since having entered this empire of Equestria. Though I've been told that this document is to create a historical record for posterity, I have a sneaking suspicion that it may just be for my dear sovereign's personal amusement, so I'm going to dispense with the formalities. If you're reading this, princess, you owe me one.<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;My very first memories are a blurred mess. My vision was obscured by a great, blinding flash, and I could feel my knees hit a cold stone floor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though my ears were ringing, I could hear some sort of commotion going on. Hooves shuffling about, soft mutterings, and above them all, one concerned voice going on about &quot;standing ground&quot; or somesuch.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I wobbled forward and groped for something to steady myself. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my bearings and fell.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I could now make out a half dozen smallish figures and one larger white one, all staring right at me. Still, consciousness was fading fast, and I mumbled out some slurred apology for imposing before blacking out.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ay, up at at-em!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; Some... hoof was shaking me. I decided it was best to obey the voice, and dragged myself off the ground.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; Looking around, I noticed that I was in some stone stone, circular room. The place felt ancient, and the surrounding wall was emblazoned with murals. A great dome adorned with even more engravings capped the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You can see me, can't you? Come now, chop-chop!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I quickly looked down, and then found the source of the voice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right in front of my was a white pegasus, clad with golden armor and wielding a short spear. He seemed to be some sort of legionary, or? royal guard?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He might of even been imposing, if it weren't for the fact that he was barely higher than my waist height.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pegasus spoke again: &quot;Alright, time to get a move on. Follow me now-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I did as instructed, and the two of us walked through more ancient halls. After a minute we exited the stone structure, and I could see a majestic castle about a mile away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's our destination, I'm sure you'll get all set up with a room and I just know-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony, who I later discovered was in fact royal guard, talked too much. Oh well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still, one thing disturbed me. Even though we were now in broad daylight and clearly in a safe land, the guard seemed? nervous.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we moved along the dusty road, the guard uttered one interesting snippet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;-and you seem like an alright sort, I mean, at first I thought I was a goner, but-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I interrupted. �&quot;Who are you, why are we headed to this castle, and what's going on?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony bowed toward me, still talking all the while &quot;Name's Laurence, sir, and you've been summoned by our royal highness prince-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm not in trouble, or anything, right?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Laurence looked away from me and muttered &quot;it'll all get sorted out I'm absolutely sure that-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As he kept talking, we reached the gates. After ascending a flight of stairs and marching through a couple halls, Laurence brought me to a small, but cozy room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was some pretty furnishings, but most impressive was the room's view. I looked out and could see for miles. Towns and farmlands stretched out into the horizon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your room, sir, please just wait here and I'm sure that you'll have an audience with the royals shortly, and-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I continued staring out the window until I overheard Laurence say &quot;-and thanks again for not killing me, just ring if you need-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh. Laurence was an odd sort.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After about an hour of lounging in my room I heard a knock on the door, and a messenger pony walked in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Our royal highness, princess Celestia, would normally request that you join her in the royal throne room. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and the natural complexities of the current situation, she will converse with you here shortly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I could ask any questions, or even wonder why I was getting an audience with the local royalty, the princess stepped in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess was striking. She seemed to have an effortless elegance as she strode into the room. Everything about her look and demeanor screamed &quot;royalty&quot;.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She had a white coat, and a ever-flowing mane that gave off the colors of the rainbow. Even more, she was a few inches taller than me, the only living thing I had encountered over three feet high.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Despite her commanding presence, her face seemed accustomed to smiling and laughter. Still, right now she had a serious look and a furrowed brow.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sat on a stuffed chair on the other side of the room, and looked inquisitively at me for a few seconds before speaking &quot;Your name?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just call me anon, your majesty.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, do you know why you're here?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Actually, no. I was hoping that you could enlighten me&quot;.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well in that case, be ready to head out tomorrow morning, six o'clock sharp.&quot; with that the princess began to stand and moved as if to exit the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before she could leave I stood. &quot;Wait! That guard acted strange, nobody here looks like me, and now you're shipping me off somewhere? At least let me know what's going on!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sighed, and sat back down. She glanced over at me sadly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, look out this window. What do you see?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, a city, towns, fields-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess interrupted. &quot;I'm not asking for a map. What do you see?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I stared out the window, looking at the small figures running around in the town square. &quot;I see a happy land. The people look content and the place seems peaceful. Even the guard earlier seemed friendly, perhaps a bit too much. You seem to have created a paradise, really.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess smiled weakly. &quot;Thank you, It's not easy. Sadly, this land is naturally? somewhat less peaceful. I'll be quick: The only way that I've been able to protect my subjects and create this place of harmony is through magic.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If I did nothing, evil would gradually begin to seep into this world. There will always be some leaks, but through magic, I am able to stop most of them. Thus, every hundred years, I go down to the old ruins, with several guardsmen.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;My blood began to run cold after hearing about the ruins.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There, I perform an ancient arcane ritual that traps the evil trying to enter our land, and focuses it into one single entity. At the dawn of the century, my power if just great enough to dispel the darkness, and stave off catastrophe and violence for one hundred more years.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I shivered. &quot;That sounds like a wonderful system, but why are you telling me this?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess looked away from me. &quot;Yesterday, I performed the ritual, and it failed. Rather than a physical manifestation of evil, I got you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, that would explain the nervous guard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; I slunk down in my chair and stared at the floor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You, anon, do not seem truly evil, but? some of it flows in you. I can sense it in your heart- fighting, hurting others is a part of your very nature. You don't belong here. Tomorrow morning, I plan on dispelling you, and beginning preparations for the coming storm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, anon, see you tomorrow.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I slept kinda badly that night</span><br />--------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The next morning was kinda feverish. Getting up, getting ready for the day, all of it felt surreal, knowing that I would be? &quot;dispelled&quot;, whatever that meant. I wondered briefly it it was a euphemism in the vein of getting &quot;disappeared&quot;, but the ponies seemed too amiable to that kind of thing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It wasn't long before we set out. Celestia, Laurence, and a few other guards walked in front of and behind me. Though I wasn't chained, the chances of escaping seemed slim to none due to Celestia's magical prowess.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;We entered the ruins, and strode through some familiar halls. As I pondered what dispelling would feel like, we reached the same circular room as before.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yesterday, the center of the room had been old rock floor. However, now there was a depression filled with light glowing blue mix of, well, something. It looked like the dispelling stuff got set up overnight.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess looked over at me. &quot;This is it. Anon, please step into the portal.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was contemplating making a break for it, but before i could run Laurence shouted something</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;CHANGE-lings?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Out of another hall, six forms appeared. They looked like some mix of pony and bug, which was bad enough already, but something seemed? off. Mangled looking spikes jutted out of their bodies, and some black oze leaked from connecting points in the carapace. The eyes were a dark blackish blue color.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The guards and princess seemed surprised, but only for a moment before the&#160;?change-something or others' jumped us.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In the commotion of battle, I started to duck away and head of the exit. I could almost taste freedom.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just as I was about to make a run for it, I heard Laurence cry out for help. I looked back, and saw the pony obviously losing his fight against the bug monstrosity. The bug monsted had torn away his spear, and looked ready to tear off his face if nobody intervened.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I could think too hard about what a stupid idea it was, I ran back toward Laurence, scooped up the dropped spear, and thrust it as hard as i could at the monster.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I expected it to bounce of the bug's chitinous armor, but instead, my blow went right through. Huh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I looked around, and saw that the others were struggling. The princess was clearly a powerful force and had killed one of the bugs, but the royal guards were faring poorly. Why was everyone else having so much trouble? It felt like I was cutting through wet paper.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sprinted toward one monster that was fighting Celestia, and before it could turn, I thrust the spear straight into it. Again, the tough looking thing went down surprisingly easy. I felt some sort of? rush after killing the thing. It felt oddly good. Probably just adrenaline, though, I said to myself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Having lost half their number, the bug things retreated, disappearing down the dusty halls of the ruin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the guards began to tend to the wounded, the princess looked at me quizzically, either unsure why I stayed or surprised that I fought well enough to not get munched by the bugs. Probably both.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Regardless, I saw this was my chance.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your highness Celestia, I'd really rather not be banished from this land. It's a nice place, and I'm willing to serve the kingdom-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia cut me off, mumbling something about &quot;not really belonging&quot; or something. Still, I could see she was uncertain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I've only acted in good faith, and all that I'm asking for is a little trust and a little mercy. Isn't that what friendship's all about?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sighed and looked away. &quot;Fine. You can stay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I smiled, gave my eternal gratitude, and along with the others headed back towards the castle.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;KNOCK KNOCK</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sir, it's past six o'clock! You'll be late for your appointment!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugg. Great start to the day. Still, couldn't miss a royal summons, especially on the first full day in this new land.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm coming!&quot; I rushed to get ready, and five minutes later burst out the door, nearly knocking over a very displeased messenger pony.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sneered, mumbled something about &quot;the youth of today&quot;, and began to trot off through the halls. I followed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a minute, we reached what was presumably the main hall, a massive construction. The huge pillars, the ornate banners; it was beautiful.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At the far end of the hall, near the throne, there was a massive commotion. Many ponies were organizing? something. A few were examining a wall mounted map, while others discussed the present situation in hushed tones.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I began to approach the crowd, the messenger coughed. I looked over, and noticed that Celestia had begun to address the crowd.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her speech was a rousing one, but I didn't get what was going on.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The messenger must of noticed my blank expression, because she began to explain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Evidently, the &quot;changelings&quot; from yesterday were more vicious (and more armored) than usual.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The royal court was in a panic over the situation-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, anon! There you are!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess stopped her speech to beckon for me to walk over. All conversation stopped, and every eye in the room was trained on me.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Everyone, this is Anonymous, the solution to our problem!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;what</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Give a warm welcome to our newly arrived royal changeling hunter!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;oh no</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The entire room erupted into cheers and applause, ponies were smiling and praising the wisdom of their leader.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I could feel my stomach drop about a foot.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess rose and smiled. &quot;And with that, you are all dismissed! Except you, anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I slowly walked up to the throne as most of ponies others headed out to their daily routines. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd live through the week.</span><br />&quot;Erm, your majesty, what exactly is going on?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia smiled. &quot;It seems that everypony interpreted yesterday's little battle as an assassination attempt on yours truly. I can take care of myself, of course, but the nobles wouldn't hear of it?&quot;</span><br />&quot;And exactly why did you chose me?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, you fought quite well yesterday. You seem like some sort of warrior, and seeing as you're not busy right now...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I considered that my other career choice involved being cast into some unholy portal and bit my tongue.</span><br />&quot;And does anyone care that I'm here because of some botched ritual?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, I took the liberty of informing everypony that you are Sir Anon, hailing from a very, very far off land, the details weren't that important.</span><br />&quot;And don't YOU care that I'm here because of some botched ritual?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh silly, you've done nothing but help defend the realm so far.&quot; Her expression darkened: &quot;And if you DID think about running amok, well, that's what moon prison's for.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A blue pony sitting nearby began to shiver at the mention of &quot;moon prison&quot;. It didn't sound lik a nice place.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia beamed. &quot;Now off to your first assignment, go make some friends!&quot;</span><br />&quot;How is that even remotely related to mons-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You can start in the guard barracks if you wish! I'll be waiting for progress reports!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed, and began to walk off. It was going to be one of these days.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The barracks was a quaint little wooden building. About a dozen ponies were milling around inside when I opened the door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As soon as I entered, a couple inquisitive faces turned towards me. One guard piped up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oy, anon, how'd you manage to beat back those changelings the other day?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It seemed like a perfect opportunity for some comradely, so I began to explain.</span><br />&quot;Well, I noticed some weak spots in their armor, then used the spear to skewer?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The room was silent, and all eyes turned toward me</span><br />&quot;Did I say something?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A guard glared at me. &quot;Well, we mostly try for non lethal takedowns, seeing as it's hard to teach the value of friendship to a corpse.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone seemed less than amicable, and I hurried to explain the situation.</span><br />&quot;These creatures, whatever you call them, were monsters. They couldn't reason. They couldn't think. They only wanted to kill.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But in the past?&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's the past. Those things from yesterday were vicious, and you'll have to kill them or risk the lives of every citizen of Equestria.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A different guard chimed in. &quot;Sir, some of us are still a bit? squeamish, when it comes to blood, and you expect that we'll be in life or death battle?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;oh boy</span><br />&quot;Well, you'll need to prepare fast, maybe try helping at the town's butcher shop or something.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Butcher?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, you know, place where animals are prepared for eating?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-you eat animals?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was too late. Before I could respond, the guardsponies had already started eyeing me nervously and slowly backing away. One of them made a break for it and literally flew out of the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed, and got up to leave. So much for making friends.</span><br />A New Dawn <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Act I, Part <span class="nu0">2</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><br />------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />&quot;I'm here to report, your highness. I made lots of friends, and am ready to do anything else now. Please.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was in Celestia's personal office. It was crammed with maps, books, really anything that might help a head of state. The mare glanced up from her desk and looked at me with disapproval.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, some members of royal guard petitioned me for help. Something about not wanting to get eaten by the royal bug hunter.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, that went worse than I thought. I needed to make a mental note that omnivores were considered scum here.</span><br />&quot;It was just? a misunderstanding.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Really now.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I made a? joke. It didn't go over too well.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess sighed, long and deep. &quot;Well, I guess you can put making friends on the backburner.&quot; We've reports of some beast terrorizing farmers near the town. I'm dispatching you and a few members of the royal guard to resolve the situation.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hoo boy. I couldn't tell whether the monster or the guard would be more likely to kill me after our last encounter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I got up and started to walk out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And anon? you don't actually eat meat, do you?&quot;</span><br />&quot;No, of course not!&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, there it is.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I stood with a dozen guards at the crest of a hill. Down below, a bug like those from earlier was milling around.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Huh, looks different that usual. More spikes, red eyes, the whole lot.&quot; A few guards nervously peered at the beast, making sure not to attract its attention.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The guard captain looked over at me. &quot;Well sport, it's time to head on down.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wait, you're not going to help?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't plan on it. We were hoping to learn by watching, if you get my drift.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I guess there was still some bad feelings between me and the guards.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Now go down, for glory! We trust in you utterly!&quot; I headed down the hill and could faintly hear the captain whisper &quot;five bits on the bug&quot;.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I clambered down the hill, the monstrosity looked up</span><br />&quot;Some help here would be nice!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I could look back to the guards, the fiend began to charge It was faster than I would have expected. I sidestepped, but still got a scrape from some spike.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The bug circled around again, and began another charge. I could now clearly see the guards placing bets on the fight.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Obviously, they weren't going to help, and I couldn't dodge forever. As the monster began its approach, I jabbed at it with my spear.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It may have been hurt, but the bug didn't stop. The monster bowled me over, and jumped onto my chest. Just as it's mandibles were about to close around my throat, I jammed my spear into and through its eye.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The thing rolled over, inky gunk oozing out of the wound. The guards started to trot towards me, and I could hear some complaining about lost bets.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Killing the beast was satisfying, but there was something more. It was exhilarating. As the fiend let out its last gasps, I felt truly alive. I shivered a bit thinking about it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, you actually did the thing in. Made it look easy, too, fifteen seconds flat.&quot;</span><br />&quot;No thanks to you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The guard captain shrugged. �&quot;We wouldn't have helped much, anyway. Following you was more of a formality, protocol and all that.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I grumbled, and made a mental note to give the captain a poor performance review.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Alright, time to pack it up, I'll got paperwork to finish. Let's move!&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we headed back towards the castle, spirits were high. Guards talked about how we'd be heroes, ponies would throw a parade, the whole works.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instead, we were greeted by a ghost town. Doors were barred, windows shuttered.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Obviously, something was wrong. The captain bellowed &quot;Double time!&quot; and all the guards flew off towards the castle, leaving me to run alone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I headed towards the stone structure, I noticed smoke rising from the courtyard. Probably not a good sign. I broke into a sprint.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Upon arrival, a few aides ushered me into the courtyard.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The once green grass was scorched. About half a dozen changeling husks were littered across the place, and a multitude of ponies were scurrying about.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah, anon, I'm glad you've returned!&quot; Celestia stood in the center of the field, a bit bruised yet unshaken. She still had that ever present aura of confidence.</span><br />&quot;What happened here?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It, well, seems that you were sent after a diversion. While the guard was out, a few Changelings infiltrated the castle and tried to attack me during my midday stroll.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I glanced over at the charred forms of the former assailants.</span><br />&quot;Well, it looks like you took care of them.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, yes.&quot; Celestia muttered. &quot;Unfortunately, the nobility believes me to be in grave danger, and has taken measures to increase royal security. You have another job now.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait, what</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mare unfurled a scroll and began to read:</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Due to current circumstances, this Eighth Pony's Council of Equestria has seen it fitting that the captain of the hunt, one anonymous, is to be assigned to the personal guard of our just leader.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, that was certainly? something.</span><br />&quot;So, I'm being promoted to bodyguard? You're sure? I've only been here for three days!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You may have failed to make friends in the guard, but the nobles certainly love you. A mysterious stranger, a giant amongst ponies, strides in just as a new threat emerges! He slays what the guard could not and valiantly stands against the forces of the hive.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, it was better than being called a dirty meat eater.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Half the nobility think you're some hero of legend, sprung straight out of an old fable to come aid us. We both know that's not exactly true, but if it helps morale...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I gulped. Bodyguard sounded like a great assignment, but everything rested on the will of some stuffy aristocrats who were looking for a hero. Maintaining a good image might be something of a problem.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mostly you'll just need to stand around and look imposing as you follow me around. Now, off you go, your new assignment begins tomorrow!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, it certainly could be worse. The princess seemed nice enough, and she was certainly popular if the nobles tasked their great &quot;hero&quot; with protecting her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess could certainly take care of herself in a fight. Who knows, maybe the job would just be sitting near the throne all day. At the very least, it wouldn't involve any more bugs, right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I would be proven wrong of course, but it was a nice thought at the time.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, here it was, first day as the royal bodyguard. I glanced over at my bedside clock. 5:00 AM</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Probably time to get up. Sunrise, (and my shift) would be in about forty minutes, and being late on the first day was probably a bad idea.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I jumped up and got ready for the day, remembering to strap on my royal guard armor. How to ponies made and delivered a fitting suit in less than a day, I would never know.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It certainly wasn't too shabby for a uniform, I thought to myself as I headed out into the near empty castle halls. All the ponies were still asleep, save a few guards stiffly guarding their posts.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It wasn't too long until I reached the princess's quarters. Even from down the hall, It wasn't hard to make out the room's magnificent golden doors and the giant sun emblem above them.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The place seemed dead, save for one lonely sentry guarding the royal quarters. He looked familiar, almost like-</span><br />&quot;Is that you, Laurence? What are you doing here?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony remained still as a rod. &quot;Yes, sir. Ready to change shifts, sir.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You were? a lot more talkative earlier.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Those were technically off hours, sir. I apologize for any inconvenience, sir.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I shook my head. If even Laurence was stiff and uptight in guard duty, I couldn't imagine how harsh the princess would be.</span><br />&quot;You're free to leave, pal. It's my shift now.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Affirmative, sir!&quot; The pony began to trot away towards the barracks, armor clanking together all the while.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I leaned back on the royal entryway and began to think about how much this job would probably suck, when the door that I had been (unwisely) leaning on suddenly flew open.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was flung over and landed flat on my back. As I lay there, my cheeks growing red, I could hear somebody giggling.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was still sprawled out, wallowing in embarrassment, when that gleaming white face peered into my field of vision.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Time to rise and shine, silly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I scrambled up and tried to think of any way to regain composure.</span><br />&quot;I apologize, sir! Won't happen again, sir!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia gave a hearty laugh. &quot;Please, anonymous, I'm not a sir! And the royal guard is stern enough for all of Equestria without your help!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I began to lower my head and give another apology when she suddenly cut me off.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't be so dour, the day's just begun! Is guarding me really that much of a pain?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed</span><br />&quot;Your highness, maybe we can move on to your first order of business before I embarrass myself again.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mare broke out into a knowing grin. &quot;Fair enough anon, let's go. Onwards!&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The first order of the day was some sort of grand opening. Evidently, Celestia's favorite bakery was opening a new location in Canterlot, and she was to head the ribbon cutting ceremony.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we headed to the market, various townsponies looked over at their leader with pride. Surprisingly, none of them gawked. All I could figure was that royal appearances in public were something common.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I could make out a large crowd in front of the market, all centered around the a sparkling new bakery.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse strode up through the crowd to the bakery's entrance. Townsponies cleared a path for her out of reverence, and I followed through her wake.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess waltzed up to the bakery, used her magic to open the front door, and walked in. The door slammed shut before I could catch up, and I reached out to open it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Locked</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I ran around back to find some back entrance. Luckily, one was open, and I dashed into the store.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I barged into the lobby, and found myself face to face with a very undignified looking mare, her muzzle coated in icing and crumbs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There you are anon! Care to join me?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It had taken one minute for the princess to dig into the pastries. She had made serious progress on what looked to be at least three different cakes.</span><br />&quot;Princess, don't you have to go out for the grand opening?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, but we have a couple minutes.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You can't go out looking like that!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess smirked, causing a crumb to fall from her muzzle. &quot;And why not?&quot;</span><br />&quot;It's improper! You're royalty, you're supposed to be dignified!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, if it means so much to you, then go cut the ribbon yourself. I'll be back here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed, and walked out the front doors to face a now quite large crowd.</span><br />&quot;Due to unfortunate circumstances, the princess will not be appearing today, sorry about that.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Silence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I fumbled with the scissors, and reached out to cut the ribbon. The crowd was still completely quiet.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;snip</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the ribbon fell, a lone voice cried out: &quot;I didn't come for this guy! We've been gypped!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The now quite hostile crowd began to lumber toward me. Somepony threw a doughnut at my head, missing by inches.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Things were looking grim. Even with a natural height advantage, I doubted that I could get away from the mob. Maybe I could-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The door behind me busted open. &quot;Surprise!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia, goddess of the sun, burst out from the bakery with icing and crumbs smeared across her mane.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mob, which had formerly been out for my blood, was immediately pacified at the sight of their ruler. Everypony broke out into cheers and excited chattering.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia waved towards the crowd for a while, and then the two of us headed back to the castle through the jubilant throng.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we finally reached the castle gates, Celestia gave me �a smug grin.</span><br />&quot;Thanks for bailing me out there. Sorry for, erm, being a snob.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse grinned. &quot;That was the best laugh I've had in awhile.&quot;</span><br />&quot;So, you actually enjoyed that debacle?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I wouldn't have had it any other way.&quot;</span><br /><br />&quot;Morning, Laurence.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Morning, sir. Ready to change shift?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Of course; you're dismissed. See you around.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'll take my leave. Good day, Sir.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the guard pony walked off, I took position the the side of the two golden doors, and began to think.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It had been about? two weeks since I had been drafted as &quot;Her majesty's royal bodyguard.&quot; Outside of day one's angry mob, the job had been mostly quiet.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Really, there wasn't that much to do besides tag along for the day's events. There was really nobody to guard against. At least I served as a good conversation partner.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Each day the princess would have a mix of different activities, but for me it became a routine: wake up, stand nearby the monarch all day, sleep, repeat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And worry about monstrous bugs. Can't forget that.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I waited for a few minutes at the entryway to Celestia's quarters, but she still didn't come out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Odd, Sunhorse may not have been prim, but she was always on time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I gingerly pushed the door open, and peeked inside.</span><br />&quot;Hello? Everything all right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;No response. Celestia had at least a couple personal rooms behind those doors. Yelling wouldn't do much good past a stone wall, it was time investigate. I briefly wondered if alicorns could have a heart attack before stepping inside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh. It was the princess's personal office. Wondered where that was. I had even been here before, just a day after arrival; though at that point I had been more preoccupied with survival than learning the castle floor plan.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just then there was a low, almost pained voice. &quot;Anon?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I swiveled around, to see the mare slumped over, head laid low against her desk. I ran over as fast as I could.</span><br />&quot;Celestia, what's wrong! Are you hurt?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon? just five more minutes.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Really? All that over sleeping in?</span><br />&quot;I was worried you died and you're just taking a nap? Did you even raise the sun yet?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Alarmed, sunhorse jumped up, sending papers flying everywhere. In a matter of moments she was at the window and beginning the sunrise. I still didn't understand all of the&#160;?glowy horn stuff', but it seemed to work pretty well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;We both stared out the brilliant display. A red-orange sun slowly ascended over the far hills, basking the land in light and warmth.</span><br />&quot;Somewhat late and a bit rushed, but great coloration. I'd give this one an eight out of ten.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ha ha, very funny.&quot; Celestia slowly walked towards her desk, magically picking up scattered papers along the way.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still? there was one thing that I couldn't make sense of.</span><br />&quot;Princess, any reason why you were sleeping out here?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, just working on? things.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sat back down and began writing on a sheet. I looked over at the now foot high mound of papers beside her.</span><br />&quot;So, may I ask what was important enough to make you work until you dropped?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess didn't even look up from her paper. &quot;Just some papers for a meeting today, that's all.&quot; Her voice sounded uncharacteristically? nervous.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Something was up. I gently picked up a couple papers from the stack and skimmed through the first one quickly.</span><br />&quot;So, your meeting has to do with military buildup and strategic theory?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse swiveled around faster than I had previously thought possible. &quot;Anonymous! Don't look at that!&quot;</span><br />&quot;So, the meeting is about invasion plans?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, absolutely not! I'm not some bloodthirsty-&quot;</span><br />&quot;But then what's all this for?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sighed. &quot;It's preparations for a defense of the realm. Changelings have been assembling at Equestria's borders, and we can't sit back while they prepare an attack.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the princess talked, I began looking at the other documents.</span><br />&quot;But, these other pages have to do with ruins, ancient symbols-wait, this one?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The paper was completely filled with arcane scrawls. I couldn't understand what the runes meant, but the whole page seemed eerily familiar.</span><br />&quot;This? these symbols are the some ones I saw at the ruins. The first day I arrived.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fine. You deserve the truth.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That? didn't sound very good. Celestia had a hint of uncertainty in her voice. She turned, and stared right at me with sunken, tired eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;As you know, the ritual that was supposed to ensure peace for the next hundred years? did not work. It failed. I failed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;As a result, there is to be a two day meeting between me and the three other princesses of Equestria. There, we will decide how to respond to everything that has resulted from the, well, situation.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was something ominous about the the princess's low tone and downcast expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The primary area of interest will be dealing with the reformed changeling hive, but there are some other hotly debated topics that we need to confront. One in particular, really.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;My blood ran cold. Suddenly it made sense.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Very few ponies know about the&#160;?unfortunate' method of your arrival, but I did have to inform the other princesses.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I've done nothing but serve you and Equestria, surely they can see that.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Let me be blunt. You arrived through a ritual meant to summon the darkness of this world, for the purpose of sealing it away. It looks really bad.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The words stung, but she was right.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, I can tell that you are not some fiend. Your heart is not evil, but it is? slightly flawed. Unlike the purehearted ponies, your heart is not predispositioned towards peace and kindness. Unlike the forces of darkness, you do not gravitate towards hate and malice. Simply put, you are the only creature that does not naturally&#160;?swing' towards one side or the other.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You are completely free to make your own path, whether it is for good or ill. In the other's eyes, you could just as easily chose to become anon, savior of Equestria? or anon, butcher of the innocent. They don't simply hate you. They fear you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well then. It probably was too much to expect complete trust after about two weeks of bodyguard duty.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still, the idea that I had risked my life for the crown and I still might get banished stung.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I'd miss this place. I'd miss the ponies. Probably, I'd also really miss being alive.</span><br />&quot;So, that's it then? I'm just out of luck?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mare walked over and put her wing around me. &quot;Anon, It's not over yet. I believe in you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh. I guess I'd really miss the princess too. She wasn't exactly prim and proper, but nobody else had been so kind to me during my stay.</span><br />&quot;Thanks, your highness.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gave me a small smile. &quot;You can just call me Celly.&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Man, they were taking a long time in there.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The four princesses meeting had started almost four hours ago. Nobody else was allowed in on the talks, so I was just stood around outside the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Other than the occasional raised voice from behind the closed doors, it was almost completely silent. I wondered if they'd moved on to my &quot;situation&quot; yet.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Regardless, there was nothing to do but wait. I frantically flipped through some of Celestia's books on magic and Equestrian history looking for anything that could potentially help out my case.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After what felt like an eternity, the doors flew open, and the four royals began to walk out, Celestia in front.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Following behind, there was the royal sister, Luna, and two other ponies I couldn't recognize, one pink and the other purple.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse began to walk over along with her sister. The other two didn't even look over before trotting off down the castle halls.</span><br />&quot;So, any news yet, you highnesses?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna spoke up first. &quot;We need a more thorough investigation of your&#160;?condition' �before coming to a decision. Due to certain other parties&quot; -this was accompanied by a dirty look at Celestia- &quot;we've decided that you deserve a thorough analysis.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, it was better than a death sentence, maybe it could buy some time and-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Do not smile too much, we still decide tomorrow.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, so much for time.</span><br />&quot;How in the world do you expect to learn about me over one day? Surely it would take at least a couple of weeks.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna glowered at me, obviously running out of patience. Celly gave me a pleading smile before leaving to rejoin the others.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It is simple. We, erm, I, shall examine your dreams. I will discover your innermost secrets, I shall know even more about your person than you do. Now follow me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess trotted down the castle halls, practically dragging me along. Soon enough she ushered me into a small room, empty save for a few potions and one old, uncomfortable looking bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I got the feeling that no matter what I did, this probably wouldn't end very well.</span><br />&quot;I'm really not feeling tired, maybe we could do this some other time.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna grabbed a pinkish vial and levitated it over toward me. &quot;Then drink this.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, it was worth a shot.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was no other option, so I took the vial and tentatively drank the contents. The stuff tasted sweet, and warm, and, and?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I stumbled around, fell onto the floor, and was out like a light.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After waking, the first thing I saw was a blue face glowering at me. I couldn't remember the dream, but Luna's scornful gaze told me it probably wasn't good.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're a threat. A menace.&quot;</span><br />&quot;At least tell me what I did wrong.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Vile beast-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Save your speech, and just tell me what you found.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna sputtered a bit, clearly unhappy by �being interrupted. She ruffled her wings and began to speak, this time in a slower, measured tone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You, anonymous, do not belong in this world.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I figured that out out already.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Silence!&quot; The princess stamped her hoof against the floor, hard. The sound echoed through the castle's empty halls before dying out in some far off corridor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Shall I continue?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Certainly, your highness.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna sighed before beginning once again. &quot;All living things in this world have life, power, even magic. Beings come from nothing, exist, and then disappear back into nothing, taking their essence with them.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was hard to tell if Luna was just raving or actually had some point to make.</span><br />&quot;And, your point is?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Anonymous, you are not a part of this world but a void, a hole, a leech. Rather than allowing the fallen's essence to return to the ether, you draw it in, feed on it. Killing makes you strong.</span><br />&quot;Or you're just crazy after knocking back a few too many elixirs.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fool! When ending the changelings, did you not feel it? The pleasure to kill?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It didn't matter is Luna was right, wrong, or just crazy. I wasn't going to throw my life away because some&#160;?dreams' said it's �be a good idea..</span><br />&quot;I don't know and I don't care. Whatever the circumstance, I've faithfully served the crown.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dark times loom ahead of us and your natural appetite for more, for power, makes you a liability. You would be the first to succumb to corruption and turn against Equestria.&quot;</span><br />&quot;But I'm innocent!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Innocent? The council does not very much care.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna turned and walked to exit the room. There had to be something I could do to stop her, anything?</span><br />&quot;I would not be the first to fall, Luna. You would.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was just making things up on the spot, but it seemed to work. Luna slowly turned and gave me a quizzical expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, she seemed to like grandiose old timey speech, so try that?</span><br />&quot;Knave! You act the cherub, yet within your bosom lies unfathomable malice! Woe to you, o hypocrite!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna stared at me, open mouthed. She hadn't left or tried to kill me, so the plan was working so far.</span><br />&quot;You may play the judge, but are naught but a villain!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Speak quickly knave, before I close thy mouth forever!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wow. Stuff escalated quickly when&#160;?ye olde dialect' was involved.</span><br />&quot;Thy claim that I threaten this peaceful realm, yet your existence creates a far greater peril.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I present a final chance to back your unsupported claims, insolent blackheart. Pray tell, for what reason am I a greater danger than thyself?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was now or never.</span><br />&quot;Does not the word&#160;?sororicide' hold special meaning to you? Does it conjure up certain memories?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna was completely silent. I could see the color draining from her face.</span><br />&quot;Your silence does you no favors, princess of the night.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I? I-</span><br />&quot;Or perhaps the term regicide means something more?<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Twas naught but an attempt.&quot;</span><br />&quot;My apologies, I believed thou attempted not once, but twice.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna again just stood there, frozen. Despite the courtly demeanor, she seemed somewhat? fragile. I would have felt awful for doing this if it hadn't been life or death.</span><br />&quot;Posterior to thine first insurrection, thou was banished to the moon. For one thousand years, a millennium, you could have repented. Twas all for naught.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yet I-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Thou felt not remorse, but anger. For one thousand years, thou ruminated on naught but revenge. Thine heart is far greater a threat than mine.<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I was forgiven!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But in your soul lies the spirit of the nightmare. Little would be required for it to awake; you shall fall far before I.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna was practically crying now. I was about to cry with frustration for having to use this cursed dead language.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;By this point, she even dropped the pretense of&#160;?noble' speech. &quot;I can change, I'll be loyal to the crown!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Heh. What was it she had said earlier?</span><br />&quot;Dark times loom ahead of us and your natural appetite for more, for power, makes you a liability. You would be the first to succumb to corruption and turn against Equestria.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But I've done nothing wrong! I'm innocent!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Innocent? The council does not very much care.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna sat down with a thud and started to sob; it was sad really. Still? it was worrying that the narrative I just made up had driven her to this. There might have been a bit more truth in the story than than I had originally thought.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I walked over and put a hand on the broken, sobbing pony. She didn't even seem like the same mare that had been yelling at me some minutes ago.</span><br />&quot;So, princess, neither of us want to get bumped off, right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;No response</span><br />&quot;Well, if I have to get&#160;?removed' then I'm taking you with me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still nothing but a couple sobs. The whole thing felt kinda? wrong. Still, it meant living, and that was better than the only alternative.</span><br />&quot;Look. I've got nothing against you. I like this place, I like the ponies. I think you're probably an alright sort, and I don't wanna hurt you. &quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Absolutely nothing save some tears and muffled sobs. Guess I really had hit too close to home. Still, no point in letting up now.</span><br />&quot;But if I lose that&#160;?termination' vote tomorrow, I'll have a quick chat with the council on my way out. �Seems you've been hiding some personal secrets that they wouldn't appreciate. And you know how they don't want any threats lying around.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Please?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Look, I'll make it simple. I lose the vote, I talk, and you die. Make sure I win that vote.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony nodded once. I didn't have any concrete evidence that she had done wrong, but she didn't know that. Really, whether my claims were even true or not didn't matter, she thought they were.</span><br />&quot;Alright then. See you tomorrow, and good luck with the others.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I quickly walked out the room and tried to put as much distance between me and the mare as possible. It was blackmail, plain and simple. Was it nice? No. Was it right? Probably not. Still, it kept me alive.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though? it was also, well, empowering. It felt good. Having power, even through a backroom sort of way, was tantalizing. Could Luna have at least been part right about me?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nah.</span><br /><br />&quot;Princess Celestia, I'm reporting for duty.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looked up from her desk and gave me a kind, gentle smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, you're back! And you look happy about something, did the examination go well?&quot;</span><br />&quot;It went great! The whole thing was quite?<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Beautiful.&quot;</div></div>
</div><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="A_New_Dawn_.28Act_I.2C_part_3.29">A New Dawn (Act I, part 3)</span><a href="A_New_Dawn_(Act_I,#/editor/3" title="Edit section: A New Dawn (Act I, part 3)" data-section="3" class="edit-page icon icon-32px icon-edit enabled">Edit</a></h3><div>
<div dir="ltr" class="mw-geshi mw-code mw-content-ltr"><div class="gettext source-gettext">&#160;<br />A New Dawn <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Act I, part <span class="nu0">1</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><br />-----------------------------------------------<br /><br />In accordance with royal decree number something or other, I, anonymous, am to record all of my experiences since having entered this empire of Equestria. Though I've been told that this document is to create a historical record for posterity, I have a sneaking suspicion that it may just be for my dear sovereign's personal amusement, so I'm going to dispense with the formalities. If you're reading this, princess, you owe me one.<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;My very first memories are a blurred mess. My vision was obscured by a great, blinding flash, and I could feel my knees hit a cold stone floor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though my ears were ringing, I could hear some sort of commotion going on. Hooves shuffling about, soft mutterings, and above them all, one concerned voice going on about &quot;standing ground&quot; or somesuch.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I wobbled forward and groped for something to steady myself. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my bearings and fell.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I could now make out a half dozen smallish figures and one larger white one, all staring right at me. Still, consciousness was fading fast, and I mumbled out some slurred apology for imposing before blacking out.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ay, up at at-em!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; Some... hoof was shaking me. I decided it was best to obey the voice, and dragged myself off the ground.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; Looking around, I noticed that I was in some stone stone, circular room. The place felt ancient, and the surrounding wall was emblazoned with murals. A great dome adorned with even more engravings capped the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You can see me, can't you? Come now, chop-chop!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I quickly looked down, and then found the source of the voice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right in front of my was a white pegasus, clad with golden armor and wielding a short spear. He seemed to be some sort of legionary, or? royal guard?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He might of even been imposing, if it weren't for the fact that he was barely higher than my waist height.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pegasus spoke again: &quot;Alright, time to get a move on. Follow me now-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I did as instructed, and the two of us walked through more ancient halls. After a minute we exited the stone structure, and I could see a majestic castle about a mile away.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's our destination, I'm sure you'll get all set up with a room and I just know-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony, who I later discovered was in fact royal guard, talked too much. Oh well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still, one thing disturbed me. Even though we were now in broad daylight and clearly in a safe land, the guard seemed? nervous.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we moved along the dusty road, the guard uttered one interesting snippet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;-and you seem like an alright sort, I mean, at first I thought I was a goner, but-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I interrupted. �&quot;Who are you, why are we headed to this castle, and what's going on?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony bowed toward me, still talking all the while &quot;Name's Laurence, sir, and you've been summoned by our royal highness prince-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm not in trouble, or anything, right?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Laurence looked away from me and muttered &quot;it'll all get sorted out I'm absolutely sure that-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As he kept talking, we reached the gates. After ascending a flight of stairs and marching through a couple halls, Laurence brought me to a small, but cozy room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was some pretty furnishings, but most impressive was the room's view. I looked out and could see for miles. Towns and farmlands stretched out into the horizon.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your room, sir, please just wait here and I'm sure that you'll have an audience with the royals shortly, and-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I continued staring out the window until I overheard Laurence say &quot;-and thanks again for not killing me, just ring if you need-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh. Laurence was an odd sort.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After about an hour of lounging in my room I heard a knock on the door, and a messenger pony walked in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Our royal highness, princess Celestia, would normally request that you join her in the royal throne room. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and the natural complexities of the current situation, she will converse with you here shortly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I could ask any questions, or even wonder why I was getting an audience with the local royalty, the princess stepped in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess was striking. She seemed to have an effortless elegance as she strode into the room. Everything about her look and demeanor screamed &quot;royalty&quot;.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She had a white coat, and a ever-flowing mane that gave off the colors of the rainbow. Even more, she was a few inches taller than me, the only living thing I had encountered over three feet high.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Despite her commanding presence, her face seemed accustomed to smiling and laughter. Still, right now she had a serious look and a furrowed brow.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sat on a stuffed chair on the other side of the room, and looked inquisitively at me for a few seconds before speaking &quot;Your name?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Just call me anon, your majesty.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, do you know why you're here?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Actually, no. I was hoping that you could enlighten me&quot;.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well in that case, be ready to head out tomorrow morning, six o'clock sharp.&quot; with that the princess began to stand and moved as if to exit the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before she could leave I stood. &quot;Wait! That guard acted strange, nobody here looks like me, and now you're shipping me off somewhere? At least let me know what's going on!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sighed, and sat back down. She glanced over at me sadly.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, look out this window. What do you see?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, a city, towns, fields-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess interrupted. &quot;I'm not asking for a map. What do you see?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I stared out the window, looking at the small figures running around in the town square. &quot;I see a happy land. The people look content and the place seems peaceful. Even the guard earlier seemed friendly, perhaps a bit too much. You seem to have created a paradise, really.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess smiled weakly. &quot;Thank you, It's not easy. Sadly, this land is naturally? somewhat less peaceful. I'll be quick: The only way that I've been able to protect my subjects and create this place of harmony is through magic.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If I did nothing, evil would gradually begin to seep into this world. There will always be some leaks, but through magic, I am able to stop most of them. Thus, every hundred years, I go down to the old ruins, with several guardsmen.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;My blood began to run cold after hearing about the ruins.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There, I perform an ancient arcane ritual that traps the evil trying to enter our land, and focuses it into one single entity. At the dawn of the century, my power if just great enough to dispel the darkness, and stave off catastrophe and violence for one hundred more years.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I shivered. &quot;That sounds like a wonderful system, but why are you telling me this?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess looked away from me. &quot;Yesterday, I performed the ritual, and it failed. Rather than a physical manifestation of evil, I got you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, that would explain the nervous guard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt; I slunk down in my chair and stared at the floor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You, anon, do not seem truly evil, but? some of it flows in you. I can sense it in your heart- fighting, hurting others is a part of your very nature. You don't belong here. Tomorrow morning, I plan on dispelling you, and beginning preparations for the coming storm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, anon, see you tomorrow.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I slept kinda badly that night</span><br />--------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The next morning was kinda feverish. Getting up, getting ready for the day, all of it felt surreal, knowing that I would be? &quot;dispelled&quot;, whatever that meant. I wondered briefly it it was a euphemism in the vein of getting &quot;disappeared&quot;, but the ponies seemed too amiable to that kind of thing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It wasn't long before we set out. Celestia, Laurence, and a few other guards walked in front of and behind me. Though I wasn't chained, the chances of escaping seemed slim to none due to Celestia's magical prowess.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;We entered the ruins, and strode through some familiar halls. As I pondered what dispelling would feel like, we reached the same circular room as before.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yesterday, the center of the room had been old rock floor. However, now there was a depression filled with light glowing blue mix of, well, something. It looked like the dispelling stuff got set up overnight.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess looked over at me. &quot;This is it. Anon, please step into the portal.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was contemplating making a break for it, but before i could run Laurence shouted something</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;CHANGE-lings?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Out of another hall, six forms appeared. They looked like some mix of pony and bug, which was bad enough already, but something seemed? off. Mangled looking spikes jutted out of their bodies, and some black oze leaked from connecting points in the carapace. The eyes were a dark blackish blue color.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The guards and princess seemed surprised, but only for a moment before the&#160;?change-something or others' jumped us.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In the commotion of battle, I started to duck away and head of the exit. I could almost taste freedom.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just as I was about to make a run for it, I heard Laurence cry out for help. I looked back, and saw the pony obviously losing his fight against the bug monstrosity. The bug monsted had torn away his spear, and looked ready to tear off his face if nobody intervened.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I could think too hard about what a stupid idea it was, I ran back toward Laurence, scooped up the dropped spear, and thrust it as hard as i could at the monster.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I expected it to bounce of the bug's chitinous armor, but instead, my blow went right through. Huh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I looked around, and saw that the others were struggling. The princess was clearly a powerful force and had killed one of the bugs, but the royal guards were faring poorly. Why was everyone else having so much trouble? It felt like I was cutting through wet paper.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sprinted toward one monster that was fighting Celestia, and before it could turn, I thrust the spear straight into it. Again, the tough looking thing went down surprisingly easy. I felt some sort of? rush after killing the thing. It felt oddly good. Probably just adrenaline, though, I said to myself.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Having lost half their number, the bug things retreated, disappearing down the dusty halls of the ruin.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the guards began to tend to the wounded, the princess looked at me quizzically, either unsure why I stayed or surprised that I fought well enough to not get munched by the bugs. Probably both.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Regardless, I saw this was my chance.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your highness Celestia, I'd really rather not be banished from this land. It's a nice place, and I'm willing to serve the kingdom-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia cut me off, mumbling something about &quot;not really belonging&quot; or something. Still, I could see she was uncertain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I've only acted in good faith, and all that I'm asking for is a little trust and a little mercy. Isn't that what friendship's all about?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sighed and looked away. &quot;Fine. You can stay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I smiled, gave my eternal gratitude, and along with the others headed back towards the castle.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;KNOCK KNOCK</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sir, it's past six o'clock! You'll be late for your appointment!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugg. Great start to the day. Still, couldn't miss a royal summons, especially on the first full day in this new land.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm coming!&quot; I rushed to get ready, and five minutes later burst out the door, nearly knocking over a very displeased messenger pony.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She sneered, mumbled something about &quot;the youth of today&quot;, and began to trot off through the halls. I followed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a minute, we reached what was presumably the main hall, a massive construction. The huge pillars, the ornate banners; it was beautiful.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At the far end of the hall, near the throne, there was a massive commotion. Many ponies were organizing? something. A few were examining a wall mounted map, while others discussed the present situation in hushed tones.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I began to approach the crowd, the messenger coughed. I looked over, and noticed that Celestia had begun to address the crowd.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her speech was a rousing one, but I didn't get what was going on.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The messenger must of noticed my blank expression, because she began to explain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Evidently, the &quot;changelings&quot; from yesterday were more vicious (and more armored) than usual.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The royal court was in a panic over the situation-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, anon! There you are!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess stopped her speech to beckon for me to walk over. All conversation stopped, and every eye in the room was trained on me.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Everyone, this is Anonymous, the solution to our problem!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;what</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Give a warm welcome to our newly arrived royal changeling hunter!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;oh no</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The entire room erupted into cheers and applause, ponies were smiling and praising the wisdom of their leader.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I could feel my stomach drop about a foot.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess rose and smiled. &quot;And with that, you are all dismissed! Except you, anon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I slowly walked up to the throne as most of ponies others headed out to their daily routines. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd live through the week.</span><br />&quot;Erm, your majesty, what exactly is going on?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia smiled. &quot;It seems that everypony interpreted yesterday's little battle as an assassination attempt on yours truly. I can take care of myself, of course, but the nobles wouldn't hear of it?&quot;</span><br />&quot;And exactly why did you chose me?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, you fought quite well yesterday. You seem like some sort of warrior, and seeing as you're not busy right now...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I considered that my other career choice involved being cast into some unholy portal and bit my tongue.</span><br />&quot;And does anyone care that I'm here because of some botched ritual?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, I took the liberty of informing everypony that you are Sir Anon, hailing from a very, very far off land, the details weren't that important.</span><br />&quot;And don't YOU care that I'm here because of some botched ritual?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh silly, you've done nothing but help defend the realm so far.&quot; Her expression darkened: &quot;And if you DID think about running amok, well, that's what moon prison's for.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A blue pony sitting nearby began to shiver at the mention of &quot;moon prison&quot;. It didn't sound lik a nice place.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia beamed. &quot;Now off to your first assignment, go make some friends!&quot;</span><br />&quot;How is that even remotely related to mons-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You can start in the guard barracks if you wish! I'll be waiting for progress reports!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed, and began to walk off. It was going to be one of these days.</span><br />-------<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The barracks was a quaint little wooden building. About a dozen ponies were milling around inside when I opened the door.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As soon as I entered, a couple inquisitive faces turned towards me. One guard piped up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oy, anon, how'd you manage to beat back those changelings the other day?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It seemed like a perfect opportunity for some comradely, so I began to explain.</span><br />&quot;Well, I noticed some weak spots in their armor, then used the spear to skewer?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The room was silent, and all eyes turned toward me</span><br />&quot;Did I say something?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A guard glared at me. &quot;Well, we mostly try for non lethal takedowns, seeing as it's hard to teach the value of friendship to a corpse.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone seemed less than amicable, and I hurried to explain the situation.</span><br />&quot;These creatures, whatever you call them, were monsters. They couldn't reason. They couldn't think. They only wanted to kill.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But in the past?&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's the past. Those things from yesterday were vicious, and you'll have to kill them or risk the lives of every citizen of Equestria.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A different guard chimed in. &quot;Sir, some of us are still a bit? squeamish, when it comes to blood, and you expect that we'll be in life or death battle?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;oh boy</span><br />&quot;Well, you'll need to prepare fast, maybe try helping at the town's butcher shop or something.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Butcher?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, you know, place where animals are prepared for eating?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-you eat animals?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was too late. Before I could respond, the guardsponies had already started eyeing me nervously and slowly backing away. One of them made a break for it and literally flew out of the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed, and got up to leave. So much for making friends.</span><br />A New Dawn <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Act I, Part <span class="nu0">2</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><br />------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />&quot;I'm here to report, your highness. I made lots of friends, and am ready to do anything else now. Please.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was in Celestia's personal office. It was crammed with maps, books, really anything that might help a head of state. The mare glanced up from her desk and looked at me with disapproval.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, some members of royal guard petitioned me for help. Something about not wanting to get eaten by the royal bug hunter.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, that went worse than I thought. I needed to make a mental note that omnivores were considered scum here.</span><br />&quot;It was just? a misunderstanding.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Really now.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I made a? joke. It didn't go over too well.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess sighed, long and deep. &quot;Well, I guess you can put making friends on the backburner.&quot; We've reports of some beast terrorizing farmers near the town. I'm dispatching you and a few members of the royal guard to resolve the situation.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hoo boy. I couldn't tell whether the monster or the guard would be more likely to kill me after our last encounter.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I got up and started to walk out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And anon? you don't actually eat meat, do you?&quot;</span><br />&quot;No, of course not!&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, there it is.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I stood with a dozen guards at the crest of a hill. Down below, a bug like those from earlier was milling around.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Huh, looks different that usual. More spikes, red eyes, the whole lot.&quot; A few guards nervously peered at the beast, making sure not to attract its attention.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The guard captain looked over at me. &quot;Well sport, it's time to head on down.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wait, you're not going to help?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't plan on it. We were hoping to learn by watching, if you get my drift.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I guess there was still some bad feelings between me and the guards.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Now go down, for glory! We trust in you utterly!&quot; I headed down the hill and could faintly hear the captain whisper &quot;five bits on the bug&quot;.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I clambered down the hill, the monstrosity looked up</span><br />&quot;Some help here would be nice!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I could look back to the guards, the fiend began to charge It was faster than I would have expected. I sidestepped, but still got a scrape from some spike.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The bug circled around again, and began another charge. I could now clearly see the guards placing bets on the fight.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Obviously, they weren't going to help, and I couldn't dodge forever. As the monster began its approach, I jabbed at it with my spear.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It may have been hurt, but the bug didn't stop. The monster bowled me over, and jumped onto my chest. Just as it's mandibles were about to close around my throat, I jammed my spear into and through its eye.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The thing rolled over, inky gunk oozing out of the wound. The guards started to trot towards me, and I could hear some complaining about lost bets.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Killing the beast was satisfying, but there was something more. It was exhilarating. As the fiend let out its last gasps, I felt truly alive. I shivered a bit thinking about it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, you actually did the thing in. Made it look easy, too, fifteen seconds flat.&quot;</span><br />&quot;No thanks to you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The guard captain shrugged. �&quot;We wouldn't have helped much, anyway. Following you was more of a formality, protocol and all that.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I grumbled, and made a mental note to give the captain a poor performance review.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Alright, time to pack it up, I'll got paperwork to finish. Let's move!&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we headed back towards the castle, spirits were high. Guards talked about how we'd be heroes, ponies would throw a parade, the whole works.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instead, we were greeted by a ghost town. Doors were barred, windows shuttered.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Obviously, something was wrong. The captain bellowed &quot;Double time!&quot; and all the guards flew off towards the castle, leaving me to run alone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I headed towards the stone structure, I noticed smoke rising from the courtyard. Probably not a good sign. I broke into a sprint.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Upon arrival, a few aides ushered me into the courtyard.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The once green grass was scorched. About half a dozen changeling husks were littered across the place, and a multitude of ponies were scurrying about.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah, anon, I'm glad you've returned!&quot; Celestia stood in the center of the field, a bit bruised yet unshaken. She still had that ever present aura of confidence.</span><br />&quot;What happened here?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It, well, seems that you were sent after a diversion. While the guard was out, a few Changelings infiltrated the castle and tried to attack me during my midday stroll.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I glanced over at the charred forms of the former assailants.</span><br />&quot;Well, it looks like you took care of them.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, yes.&quot; Celestia muttered. &quot;Unfortunately, the nobility believes me to be in grave danger, and has taken measures to increase royal security. You have another job now.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait, what</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mare unfurled a scroll and began to read:</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Due to current circumstances, this Eighth Pony's Council of Equestria has seen it fitting that the captain of the hunt, one anonymous, is to be assigned to the personal guard of our just leader.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, that was certainly? something.</span><br />&quot;So, I'm being promoted to bodyguard? You're sure? I've only been here for three days!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You may have failed to make friends in the guard, but the nobles certainly love you. A mysterious stranger, a giant amongst ponies, strides in just as a new threat emerges! He slays what the guard could not and valiantly stands against the forces of the hive.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, it was better than being called a dirty meat eater.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Half the nobility think you're some hero of legend, sprung straight out of an old fable to come aid us. We both know that's not exactly true, but if it helps morale...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I gulped. Bodyguard sounded like a great assignment, but everything rested on the will of some stuffy aristocrats who were looking for a hero. Maintaining a good image might be something of a problem.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mostly you'll just need to stand around and look imposing as you follow me around. Now, off you go, your new assignment begins tomorrow!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, it certainly could be worse. The princess seemed nice enough, and she was certainly popular if the nobles tasked their great &quot;hero&quot; with protecting her.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess could certainly take care of herself in a fight. Who knows, maybe the job would just be sitting near the throne all day. At the very least, it wouldn't involve any more bugs, right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I would be proven wrong of course, but it was a nice thought at the time.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, here it was, first day as the royal bodyguard. I glanced over at my bedside clock. 5:00 AM</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Probably time to get up. Sunrise, (and my shift) would be in about forty minutes, and being late on the first day was probably a bad idea.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I jumped up and got ready for the day, remembering to strap on my royal guard armor. How to ponies made and delivered a fitting suit in less than a day, I would never know.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It certainly wasn't too shabby for a uniform, I thought to myself as I headed out into the near empty castle halls. All the ponies were still asleep, save a few guards stiffly guarding their posts.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It wasn't too long until I reached the princess's quarters. Even from down the hall, It wasn't hard to make out the room's magnificent golden doors and the giant sun emblem above them.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The place seemed dead, save for one lonely sentry guarding the royal quarters. He looked familiar, almost like-</span><br />&quot;Is that you, Laurence? What are you doing here?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony remained still as a rod. &quot;Yes, sir. Ready to change shifts, sir.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You were? a lot more talkative earlier.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Those were technically off hours, sir. I apologize for any inconvenience, sir.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I shook my head. If even Laurence was stiff and uptight in guard duty, I couldn't imagine how harsh the princess would be.</span><br />&quot;You're free to leave, pal. It's my shift now.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Affirmative, sir!&quot; The pony began to trot away towards the barracks, armor clanking together all the while.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I leaned back on the royal entryway and began to think about how much this job would probably suck, when the door that I had been (unwisely) leaning on suddenly flew open.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was flung over and landed flat on my back. As I lay there, my cheeks growing red, I could hear somebody giggling.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was still sprawled out, wallowing in embarrassment, when that gleaming white face peered into my field of vision.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Time to rise and shine, silly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I scrambled up and tried to think of any way to regain composure.</span><br />&quot;I apologize, sir! Won't happen again, sir!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia gave a hearty laugh. &quot;Please, anonymous, I'm not a sir! And the royal guard is stern enough for all of Equestria without your help!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I began to lower my head and give another apology when she suddenly cut me off.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't be so dour, the day's just begun! Is guarding me really that much of a pain?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed</span><br />&quot;Your highness, maybe we can move on to your first order of business before I embarrass myself again.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mare broke out into a knowing grin. &quot;Fair enough anon, let's go. Onwards!&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The first order of the day was some sort of grand opening. Evidently, Celestia's favorite bakery was opening a new location in Canterlot, and she was to head the ribbon cutting ceremony.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we headed to the market, various townsponies looked over at their leader with pride. Surprisingly, none of them gawked. All I could figure was that royal appearances in public were something common.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I could make out a large crowd in front of the market, all centered around the a sparkling new bakery.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse strode up through the crowd to the bakery's entrance. Townsponies cleared a path for her out of reverence, and I followed through her wake.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess waltzed up to the bakery, used her magic to open the front door, and walked in. The door slammed shut before I could catch up, and I reached out to open it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Locked</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I ran around back to find some back entrance. Luckily, one was open, and I dashed into the store.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I barged into the lobby, and found myself face to face with a very undignified looking mare, her muzzle coated in icing and crumbs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There you are anon! Care to join me?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It had taken one minute for the princess to dig into the pastries. She had made serious progress on what looked to be at least three different cakes.</span><br />&quot;Princess, don't you have to go out for the grand opening?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, but we have a couple minutes.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You can't go out looking like that!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess smirked, causing a crumb to fall from her muzzle. &quot;And why not?&quot;</span><br />&quot;It's improper! You're royalty, you're supposed to be dignified!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, if it means so much to you, then go cut the ribbon yourself. I'll be back here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I sighed, and walked out the front doors to face a now quite large crowd.</span><br />&quot;Due to unfortunate circumstances, the princess will not be appearing today, sorry about that.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Silence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I fumbled with the scissors, and reached out to cut the ribbon. The crowd was still completely quiet.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;snip</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the ribbon fell, a lone voice cried out: &quot;I didn't come for this guy! We've been gypped!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The now quite hostile crowd began to lumber toward me. Somepony threw a doughnut at my head, missing by inches.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Things were looking grim. Even with a natural height advantage, I doubted that I could get away from the mob. Maybe I could-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The door behind me busted open. &quot;Surprise!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia, goddess of the sun, burst out from the bakery with icing and crumbs smeared across her mane.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mob, which had formerly been out for my blood, was immediately pacified at the sight of their ruler. Everypony broke out into cheers and excited chattering.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia waved towards the crowd for a while, and then the two of us headed back to the castle through the jubilant throng.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we finally reached the castle gates, Celestia gave me �a smug grin.</span><br />&quot;Thanks for bailing me out there. Sorry for, erm, being a snob.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse grinned. &quot;That was the best laugh I've had in awhile.&quot;</span><br />&quot;So, you actually enjoyed that debacle?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I wouldn't have had it any other way.&quot;</span><br /><br />&quot;Morning, Laurence.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Morning, sir. Ready to change shift?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Of course; you're dismissed. See you around.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'll take my leave. Good day, Sir.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the guard pony walked off, I took position the the side of the two golden doors, and began to think.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It had been about? two weeks since I had been drafted as &quot;Her majesty's royal bodyguard.&quot; Outside of day one's angry mob, the job had been mostly quiet.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Really, there wasn't that much to do besides tag along for the day's events. There was really nobody to guard against. At least I served as a good conversation partner.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Each day the princess would have a mix of different activities, but for me it became a routine: wake up, stand nearby the monarch all day, sleep, repeat.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And worry about monstrous bugs. Can't forget that.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I waited for a few minutes at the entryway to Celestia's quarters, but she still didn't come out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Odd, Sunhorse may not have been prim, but she was always on time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I gingerly pushed the door open, and peeked inside.</span><br />&quot;Hello? Everything all right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;No response. Celestia had at least a couple personal rooms behind those doors. Yelling wouldn't do much good past a stone wall, it was time investigate. I briefly wondered if alicorns could have a heart attack before stepping inside.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh. It was the princess's personal office. Wondered where that was. I had even been here before, just a day after arrival; though at that point I had been more preoccupied with survival than learning the castle floor plan.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just then there was a low, almost pained voice. &quot;Anon?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I swiveled around, to see the mare slumped over, head laid low against her desk. I ran over as fast as I could.</span><br />&quot;Celestia, what's wrong! Are you hurt?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon? just five more minutes.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Really? All that over sleeping in?</span><br />&quot;I was worried you died and you're just taking a nap? Did you even raise the sun yet?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Alarmed, sunhorse jumped up, sending papers flying everywhere. In a matter of moments she was at the window and beginning the sunrise. I still didn't understand all of the&#160;?glowy horn stuff', but it seemed to work pretty well.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;We both stared out the brilliant display. A red-orange sun slowly ascended over the far hills, basking the land in light and warmth.</span><br />&quot;Somewhat late and a bit rushed, but great coloration. I'd give this one an eight out of ten.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ha ha, very funny.&quot; Celestia slowly walked towards her desk, magically picking up scattered papers along the way.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still? there was one thing that I couldn't make sense of.</span><br />&quot;Princess, any reason why you were sleeping out here?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, just working on? things.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sat back down and began writing on a sheet. I looked over at the now foot high mound of papers beside her.</span><br />&quot;So, may I ask what was important enough to make you work until you dropped?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess didn't even look up from her paper. &quot;Just some papers for a meeting today, that's all.&quot; Her voice sounded uncharacteristically? nervous.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Something was up. I gently picked up a couple papers from the stack and skimmed through the first one quickly.</span><br />&quot;So, your meeting has to do with military buildup and strategic theory?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse swiveled around faster than I had previously thought possible. &quot;Anonymous! Don't look at that!&quot;</span><br />&quot;So, the meeting is about invasion plans?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, absolutely not! I'm not some bloodthirsty-&quot;</span><br />&quot;But then what's all this for?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia sighed. &quot;It's preparations for a defense of the realm. Changelings have been assembling at Equestria's borders, and we can't sit back while they prepare an attack.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As the princess talked, I began looking at the other documents.</span><br />&quot;But, these other pages have to do with ruins, ancient symbols-wait, this one?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The paper was completely filled with arcane scrawls. I couldn't understand what the runes meant, but the whole page seemed eerily familiar.</span><br />&quot;This? these symbols are the some ones I saw at the ruins. The first day I arrived.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fine. You deserve the truth.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That? didn't sound very good. Celestia had a hint of uncertainty in her voice. She turned, and stared right at me with sunken, tired eyes.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;As you know, the ritual that was supposed to ensure peace for the next hundred years? did not work. It failed. I failed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;As a result, there is to be a two day meeting between me and the three other princesses of Equestria. There, we will decide how to respond to everything that has resulted from the, well, situation.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was something ominous about the the princess's low tone and downcast expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The primary area of interest will be dealing with the reformed changeling hive, but there are some other hotly debated topics that we need to confront. One in particular, really.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;My blood ran cold. Suddenly it made sense.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Very few ponies know about the&#160;?unfortunate' method of your arrival, but I did have to inform the other princesses.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I've done nothing but serve you and Equestria, surely they can see that.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Let me be blunt. You arrived through a ritual meant to summon the darkness of this world, for the purpose of sealing it away. It looks really bad.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The words stung, but she was right.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, I can tell that you are not some fiend. Your heart is not evil, but it is? slightly flawed. Unlike the purehearted ponies, your heart is not predispositioned towards peace and kindness. Unlike the forces of darkness, you do not gravitate towards hate and malice. Simply put, you are the only creature that does not naturally&#160;?swing' towards one side or the other.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You are completely free to make your own path, whether it is for good or ill. In the other's eyes, you could just as easily chose to become anon, savior of Equestria? or anon, butcher of the innocent. They don't simply hate you. They fear you.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well then. It probably was too much to expect complete trust after about two weeks of bodyguard duty.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still, the idea that I had risked my life for the crown and I still might get banished stung.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I'd miss this place. I'd miss the ponies. Probably, I'd also really miss being alive.</span><br />&quot;So, that's it then? I'm just out of luck?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mare walked over and put her wing around me. &quot;Anon, It's not over yet. I believe in you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh. I guess I'd really miss the princess too. She wasn't exactly prim and proper, but nobody else had been so kind to me during my stay.</span><br />&quot;Thanks, your highness.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gave me a small smile. &quot;You can just call me Celly.&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Man, they were taking a long time in there.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The four princesses meeting had started almost four hours ago. Nobody else was allowed in on the talks, so I was just stood around outside the room.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Other than the occasional raised voice from behind the closed doors, it was almost completely silent. I wondered if they'd moved on to my &quot;situation&quot; yet.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Regardless, there was nothing to do but wait. I frantically flipped through some of Celestia's books on magic and Equestrian history looking for anything that could potentially help out my case.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After what felt like an eternity, the doors flew open, and the four royals began to walk out, Celestia in front.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Following behind, there was the royal sister, Luna, and two other ponies I couldn't recognize, one pink and the other purple.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse began to walk over along with her sister. The other two didn't even look over before trotting off down the castle halls.</span><br />&quot;So, any news yet, you highnesses?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna spoke up first. &quot;We need a more thorough investigation of your&#160;?condition' �before coming to a decision. Due to certain other parties&quot; -this was accompanied by a dirty look at Celestia- &quot;we've decided that you deserve a thorough analysis.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, it was better than a death sentence, maybe it could buy some time and-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Do not smile too much, we still decide tomorrow.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, so much for time.</span><br />&quot;How in the world do you expect to learn about me over one day? Surely it would take at least a couple of weeks.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna glowered at me, obviously running out of patience. Celly gave me a pleading smile before leaving to rejoin the others.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It is simple. We, erm, I, shall examine your dreams. I will discover your innermost secrets, I shall know even more about your person than you do. Now follow me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess trotted down the castle halls, practically dragging me along. Soon enough she ushered me into a small room, empty save for a few potions and one old, uncomfortable looking bed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I got the feeling that no matter what I did, this probably wouldn't end very well.</span><br />&quot;I'm really not feeling tired, maybe we could do this some other time.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna grabbed a pinkish vial and levitated it over toward me. &quot;Then drink this.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Well, it was worth a shot.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was no other option, so I took the vial and tentatively drank the contents. The stuff tasted sweet, and warm, and, and?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I stumbled around, fell onto the floor, and was out like a light.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After waking, the first thing I saw was a blue face glowering at me. I couldn't remember the dream, but Luna's scornful gaze told me it probably wasn't good.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're a threat. A menace.&quot;</span><br />&quot;At least tell me what I did wrong.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Vile beast-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Save your speech, and just tell me what you found.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna sputtered a bit, clearly unhappy by �being interrupted. She ruffled her wings and began to speak, this time in a slower, measured tone.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You, anonymous, do not belong in this world.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I figured that out out already.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Silence!&quot; The princess stamped her hoof against the floor, hard. The sound echoed through the castle's empty halls before dying out in some far off corridor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Shall I continue?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Certainly, your highness.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna sighed before beginning once again. &quot;All living things in this world have life, power, even magic. Beings come from nothing, exist, and then disappear back into nothing, taking their essence with them.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was hard to tell if Luna was just raving or actually had some point to make.</span><br />&quot;And, your point is?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Anonymous, you are not a part of this world but a void, a hole, a leech. Rather than allowing the fallen's essence to return to the ether, you draw it in, feed on it. Killing makes you strong.</span><br />&quot;Or you're just crazy after knocking back a few too many elixirs.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fool! When ending the changelings, did you not feel it? The pleasure to kill?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It didn't matter is Luna was right, wrong, or just crazy. I wasn't going to throw my life away because some&#160;?dreams' said it's �be a good idea..</span><br />&quot;I don't know and I don't care. Whatever the circumstance, I've faithfully served the crown.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dark times loom ahead of us and your natural appetite for more, for power, makes you a liability. You would be the first to succumb to corruption and turn against Equestria.&quot;</span><br />&quot;But I'm innocent!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Innocent? The council does not very much care.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna turned and walked to exit the room. There had to be something I could do to stop her, anything?</span><br />&quot;I would not be the first to fall, Luna. You would.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was just making things up on the spot, but it seemed to work. Luna slowly turned and gave me a quizzical expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, she seemed to like grandiose old timey speech, so try that?</span><br />&quot;Knave! You act the cherub, yet within your bosom lies unfathomable malice! Woe to you, o hypocrite!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna stared at me, open mouthed. She hadn't left or tried to kill me, so the plan was working so far.</span><br />&quot;You may play the judge, but are naught but a villain!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Speak quickly knave, before I close thy mouth forever!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wow. Stuff escalated quickly when&#160;?ye olde dialect' was involved.</span><br />&quot;Thy claim that I threaten this peaceful realm, yet your existence creates a far greater peril.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I present a final chance to back your unsupported claims, insolent blackheart. Pray tell, for what reason am I a greater danger than thyself?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was now or never.</span><br />&quot;Does not the word&#160;?sororicide' hold special meaning to you? Does it conjure up certain memories?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna was completely silent. I could see the color draining from her face.</span><br />&quot;Your silence does you no favors, princess of the night.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I? I-</span><br />&quot;Or perhaps the term regicide means something more?<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Twas naught but an attempt.&quot;</span><br />&quot;My apologies, I believed thou attempted not once, but twice.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna again just stood there, frozen. Despite the courtly demeanor, she seemed somewhat? fragile. I would have felt awful for doing this if it hadn't been life or death.</span><br />&quot;Posterior to thine first insurrection, thou was banished to the moon. For one thousand years, a millennium, you could have repented. Twas all for naught.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yet I-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Thou felt not remorse, but anger. For one thousand years, thou ruminated on naught but revenge. Thine heart is far greater a threat than mine.<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I was forgiven!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But in your soul lies the spirit of the nightmare. Little would be required for it to awake; you shall fall far before I.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna was practically crying now. I was about to cry with frustration for having to use this cursed dead language.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;By this point, she even dropped the pretense of&#160;?noble' speech. &quot;I can change, I'll be loyal to the crown!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Heh. What was it she had said earlier?</span><br />&quot;Dark times loom ahead of us and your natural appetite for more, for power, makes you a liability. You would be the first to succumb to corruption and turn against Equestria.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But I've done nothing wrong! I'm innocent!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Innocent? The council does not very much care.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna sat down with a thud and started to sob; it was sad really. Still? it was worrying that the narrative I just made up had driven her to this. There might have been a bit more truth in the story than than I had originally thought.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I walked over and put a hand on the broken, sobbing pony. She didn't even seem like the same mare that had been yelling at me some minutes ago.</span><br />&quot;So, princess, neither of us want to get bumped off, right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;No response</span><br />&quot;Well, if I have to get&#160;?removed' then I'm taking you with me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still nothing but a couple sobs. The whole thing felt kinda? wrong. Still, it meant living, and that was better than the only alternative.</span><br />&quot;Look. I've got nothing against you. I like this place, I like the ponies. I think you're probably an alright sort, and I don't wanna hurt you. &quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Absolutely nothing save some tears and muffled sobs. Guess I really had hit too close to home. Still, no point in letting up now.</span><br />&quot;But if I lose that&#160;?termination' vote tomorrow, I'll have a quick chat with the council on my way out. �Seems you've been hiding some personal secrets that they wouldn't appreciate. And you know how they don't want any threats lying around.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Please?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Look, I'll make it simple. I lose the vote, I talk, and you die. Make sure I win that vote.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony nodded once. I didn't have any concrete evidence that she had done wrong, but she didn't know that. Really, whether my claims were even true or not didn't matter, she thought they were.</span><br />&quot;Alright then. See you tomorrow, and good luck with the others.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I quickly walked out the room and tried to put as much distance between me and the mare as possible. It was blackmail, plain and simple. Was it nice? No. Was it right? Probably not. Still, it kept me alive.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Though? it was also, well, empowering. It felt good. Having power, even through a backroom sort of way, was tantalizing. Could Luna have at least been part right about me?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nah.</span><br /><br />&quot;Princess Celestia, I'm reporting for duty.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looked up from her desk and gave me a kind, gentle smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, you're back! And you look happy about something, did the examination go well?&quot;</span><br />&quot;It went great! The whole thing was quite?<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Beautiful.&quot;<br />A New Dawn <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Act I, part <span class="nu0">3</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><br />---------------------------------------<br /><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia beamed. &quot;Well, I'm glad to hear everything went well! I knew it would turn out alright in the end!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A slight gleam shone from her horn, giving a bit extra light to the room. Guess she actually was happy.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It hurt a bit, knowing that the whole thing had been a sham. Sunhorse would have been a lot less proud had she seen the whole ordeal.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But it was life or death.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I did what I had to do.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Or, at least that's what I kept saying.</span><br />&quot;Yeah? I'm glad it's over. Almost twelve, I'll be changing shifts soon.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Alright then anon, see you tomorrow! I'm sure the vote will go fine!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I hurriedly stepped out the door. It felt bad lying to Celly, better to wait out my shift and go get some rest. Things never seemed as bad after a good night's sleep.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Far down the hall, I could hear the clanking of armor. Guess that was my replacement.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A familiar face popped into my vision. Same as every day.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Evening, pal!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Hello, Laurence. I'll be heading off.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, stay awhile! Can't you pass a few minutes with your old friend?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well? it couldn't hurt. He looped a bit pale anyway, could probably use the company.</span><br />&quot;Sure. Any special reason?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Well, to celebrate good fortune, of course! I hear the majesties talks ended quite nicely indeed!&quot;</span><br />&quot;They aren't finished you know. There's still tomorrow.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, but the important stuff is all finished. We both know that.&quot; The words come off nonchalant, but something was wrong</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Laurence looked sly. Knowing. &quot;We were surprised at how... active you were in the debate process.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I don't like where this is going,&#160;?old friend'.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Certain individuals wanted to express their interes-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I pivoted right and thrust my spear into&#160;?Laurence' in one motion. It made a horrible shrieking noise as black goop flowed from the wound.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The thing that was now quite clearly not Laurence thrashed around a bit, but remained stuck on the spear. Its clean white coat gradually grew more sallow, before fading into a sooty black. Even worse was the face, devolving into a fanged mess.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why did it have to be changelings? This was the heart of Equestria, and they had spies in the royal guard?</span><br />&quot;Intruder in the royal wing! Hello, anypony?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I ran over to the hall's alarm bell and began to ring it furiously. Only a matter of time before guards would show up.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still, I was concerned by the bug's speech. It had known about the blackmail, and seemed to approve. And clearly it wouldn't have talked unless expecting me to be an open audience?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anonymous, what's all this noise?&quot; A very tired Celestia popped out from the royal chambers, yawned, and blinked a few times.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Your highness, Laurence-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't try blaming it on Laurence, he's been out for over a week. Now what's that behind you?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I glanced back to the speared changeling.</span><br />&quot;There's a bit we may need to talk about.&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Only a short while later, and the hall was swarming with guards. Hopefully real ones this time.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A couple helmeted figures began to cart off the dead bug, while others blocked curious onlookers from entering the scene. Most of the ponies just ran around trying to seem busy, while Celestia stood above them all, replying to inquiries from a guard captain.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I'd always known that Equestria's changeling problem had been getting worse, but a bug infiltrating the castle guard?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I felt a bit panicked over the fact that the&#160;?Laurence' I worked with had been an importer for nearly a week. And to think that it had gotten so close to Celesta. She certainly could have beaten it in a fight, but still?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Evidently satisfied with the scene, the guard captain began bellowing at his troops. &quot;Alright everypony, pack it up! We're done here, grab the bug and move!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Immediately, the guards began to disperse. One of them tripped over his own hoof, and I noticed the princess stifling a laugh.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Soon enough, only sunhorse and I were left standing around. The place was silent, save for the echos of clanking armor off in the distance. Celly turned around as if to return to her quarters.</span><br />&quot;Wait please. Your highness?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, anon?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Aren't you worried about the changeling? That it got this close to you without any notice?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It turned out fine in the end. Besides, I've fought off far worse than a few bugs in my time.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It might be true, but still? It just felt wrong to leave her unprotected after an attack like this. I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway, thinking about all the potential changelings roaming the halls.</span><br />&quot;Regardless, I'm going to keep watch tonight, just to be safe.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You've been awake all day!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Desperate times and desperate measures. Besides, I'm a light sleeper.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This really isn't nescess-&quot;</span><br />&quot;I insist! It'd be my pleasure.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia paused, evidently thinking about something. After a moment she turned around, her head cocked to the side and her face in a quizzical expression.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, it's a very kind offer, but I don't understand. Why are you doing this?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I wasn't entirely sure myself. In my gut there was a feeling that I wanted to see the princess safe, though there was something more to it than that?</span><br />&quot;I just want to make sure you're safe, that's all.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse gave a mischievous smile. &quot;Ahh, so it's job security? Hoping for a&#160;?good performance' raise next quarter?&quot;</span><br />&quot;No! I, um-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm just kidding, silly.&quot; Celestia giggled, and the hall suddenly felt happy and warm. &quot;Well, I accept your chivalrous offer, brave knight.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Ha ha.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're free to patrol in my office if the hall gets too boring. �If you just happen to start feeling tired, well, the brown poofy chair is quite comfy. Goodnight!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a flourish, the princess turned around and headed off to her quarters. I was left in the hall, alone with my thoughts.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, tomorrow's vote would go fine, I'd be safe. That was good, but seeing Celly again, I had to wonder. Was blackmailing Luna really the right thing to do? It might have saved my life, but still?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Regardless, there was much bigger problems. Changelings mobilizing on the border, a spies in the castle? today was the first day that Equestria hadn't felt like a happy, peaceful place. And things would probably get worse before they got better.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After an hour or so, I really was starting to feel tired. Maybe I'd take Celestia up on that chair suggestion.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I slowly opened the golden door, and gingerly stepped into Celestia's office. I slowly stepped over towards the chair, hoping I didn't make too much noise.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I plopped down, and looked out the room's massive window. Even at night the land looked beautiful, if a bit dark. Streetlights lit just enough for me to make out that cute little town below and it's bakery, it's-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Out of my peripheral vision I could just make out some sort of movement right at the edge of the glass pane. I got up and looked out a window, but nothing was there.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Two bugs in one night was unrealistic. Probably just a consequence of too little sleep, eyes playing tricks. I sat back down.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You know, that chair really was comfy. Maybe I could get a bit of sleep...</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The first thing I felt after waking up was the sensation of getting hit by a truck. Before I could even open my eyes, something propelled off me, knocking the wind out of my chest and knocking my chair over onto the ground.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I jumped up, adrenaline coursing through my veins, but wasn't fast enough. The sun had just risen, and in the early dawn light, I was only able to make out a flash of movement to my right.</span><br />&quot;Please don't let it be more bugs.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whatever the thing was, it was large and surprisingly fast. More importantly, it seemed to have dashed off deeper into Celestia's quarters.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I followed. That the intruder hadn't killed me seemed like a good sign, but still, something was off about the whole affair.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In their haste, whatever the thing was had made quite a mess; the trail of fallen knick-knacks and overturned chairs wasn't too hard to follow.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a couple rooms, the trail finally ended in a dead end that seemed to be Celestia's bedroom. At least she wasn't in danger, the bed was neatly made and the pony was nowhere to be seen.</span><br />&quot;End of the line, bucko. Give yourself up and nobody needs to get hurt.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The room seemed clear. Nothing in the closet, nothing behind the dresser?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And that's when I heard a low, gurgling sound from behind the bed.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That noise. Even after going face to face with a changeling, the sound still gave me goosebumps. I thought my stomach rumbles were loud, but this sounded like it came from some sort of behemoth.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Clearly, I was dealing with a monster that was larger than me, and quite hungry. Not a good combination. I gulped, and tried not to think too hard about what could be lying in wait on the other side of the bed.</span><br />&quot;Last chance to give yourself up!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was no reply, except for another, louder gurgle. Spear drawn, I moved over and I prepared for the worst.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But nothing jumped out. No glowing compound eyes, no mandibles ripping towards my throat. Instead, as I peeked over, I found a four foot high mound of... blankets and pillows?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was going to die. The thing was toying with me now.</span><br />&quot;I'm warning you!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I gingerly prodded at the mound with my spear. It quivered.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, I was toast. The monster was hiding in a pillow fort. Whatever this was had a sick sense of humor.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now or never. I readied my spear with my right arm, and yanked away part of the pile with my left. At the first tug, half of the construction collapsed, revealing my adversary.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If I even lived through this, I was so fired</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rather than some unholy monstrosity, I was face to face with Sunbutt. As I stared, frozen in shock, she looked away and tried to hide her face in the rubble of pillows.</span><br />&quot;Princess? What are you even doing down there?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I couldn't believe it. Celly was hiding from me?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm so sorry, anon, I didn't mean any offence, it was a momentary slip.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, at least it wasn't some horror from the abyss. Still, sad Celestia was even more confusing. I tried thinking how I could comfort her and find out what was going on.</span><br />&quot;So, um, there's no emergency? No intruder?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celly let out a meek &quot;no&quot; in reply.</span><br />&quot;Well then, what happened?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Simply a lapse in judgement, I-&quot;</span><br />&quot;No, really. I have no idea what's going on. Let's start from the top.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was a sigh, and Celestia stood. The remains of her fort slid off onto the floor. &quot;Fine then. I shall bear responsibility for my actions, as a good leader should.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Earlier this morning, as I was leaving for the day, I noticed you sleeping in that chair. You just looked so cute sitting there, so... I snuggled you for a while. You awoke, and in a panic, I fled.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Are? are you being serious?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I understand if you want a reassignment. Again, I apologize for my actions.&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's it? Really?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunbutt turned away from me as she continued to speak. &quot;I understand that I have both demeaned and dishonored you. There is no excuse to accost you in such a way. Again, I understand if you want to be reassigned.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You realize that it's not a big deal, right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celly swiveled around, her expression one of shock. &quot;But I've impinged your honor! Almost no act could be more demeaning! If word got out your social standing would never be the same!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She was actually serious. First the whole thing with meat, and now this. I doubted that I'd ever understand Equestrian society, but oh well.</span><br />&quot;No, I really don't care. In fact, where I'm from, snuggles are, uh, seen as a sign of respect and friendship.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Truly? Does that mean you'll stay on?&quot; Celly's face began to break out into a tentative smile.</span><br />&quot;Of course. In fact, sometime I need to show you another of my traditional customs, belly rubs.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So? you don't mind being snuggled once in awhile? It just gets so lonely after awhile...&quot;</span><br />&quot;Sure, but maybe warn me next time. And didn't you have some conference to attend today?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The meeting! I'vegottogosorryseeyoulater!&quot; In the blink of an eye, the princess had quite literally flown out of the room. Guess she had gotten late in all the commotion.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All in all, things were looking up.&#160;?Snuggling' as some sort of social taboo was weird, but I didn't mind. It's be comfy, anyway. It was a good morning. Now to just wait for the meeting to wrap up...</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A few hours later, and the council doors opened. The four ponies went off in separate directions, Celly heading toward me.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah, anon! The decision was unanimous, you're to stay on!&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's great! But, by the grin on your face, I'm guessing there's something else.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, just a quick diplomatic stop in these trying times. Pack your bags, we're heading to Saddle Arabia!&quot;</span><br /><br />&quot;So? this is it. Saddle Arabia.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The trip had been uneventful, just a few days by boat. The crew talked some about our destination, but nothing prepared me for actually seeing the place. Spiraling minarets, massive, arched entryways- and the feeling of a couple grains of sand blowing off the dunes and against my face.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes. We're here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celly grinned and stared up at the blazing sun. I still didn't know how she wasn't blind by now, perks of her position, i guess.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The whole royal entourage began to trot off into the city, and I followed. The local population gave me a few odd looks, though they seemed friendly enough. Still, I couldn't help but worry about how many bugs could be lurking in the shadows and back alleys of this place.</span><br />&quot;So, your highness, exactly how long do we plan on staying here?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, don't worry. It's just a formality, we'll be sailing away by tonight.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Short trip. Any special reason for it?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse looked back at me and winked. &quot;You'll find out soon enough.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was a mercifully short trip to get into the royal palace, and behind some thick guarded walls.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Despite the climate, there was still lush gardens all through the compound. Must've cost a fortune. Standing right in front of the inner palace doors was a hooded figure.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There's our contact! A lesser prince of the local royalty? I believe you already know him?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pony strode towards us, and I got a clearer look at his face underneath the head covering.</span><br />&quot;Wait, are you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Laurence, younger son of the house of Sadd. Or, you may know my proper title: Lawrence of Arabia.&quot;</span><br /><br />&quot;You? you're kidding, right? I worked with you back at the palace, remember? You expect us to buy that you're royalty?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Laurence sighed, and in my peripheral vision I could see Celly stifling a laugh. &quot;As a matter of fact, yes. I was acting as military adviser to your equestrian royal troops.&quot;</span><br />&quot;And you got stuck with the night shift of guard duty?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Laurence bristled. &quot;It wasn't guard duty, it was acting as personal cohort to the Equestrian royal sovereign! An extraordinary honor!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before he could go on, Celestia interjected. &quot;And I appreciate all that you did to help. However, that's not why we're here right now. I believe there's a paper to sign?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes, yes, the formalities. The our forces are already embarked, and ready to head out.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I had a million questions to ask, but realized that now probably wasn't the time. A paper was unfurled, a pen flicked out, and dozens of solemn faces watched on as the Princess signed whatever it was.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There, it's done. We'll meet you at the designated position.&quot; Laurence began to walk off, and shouted &quot;good luck!&quot; back towards us.</span><br />&quot;So, what just happened?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The hive wasn't going to wait forever.&quot; Celly ruffled her feathers and continued: &quot;As much as I may dislike it, the changelings have begun massing on the Equestrian border, and the Arabian forces are bound by treaty to aid us. We're preparing for war.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was caught off guard. An all out war? I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, but still.</span><br />&quot;So, what will you be doing? More diplomatic trips?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia visibly balked at my question. &quot;I can't send others to risk life and hoof while I travel and dine! In one week's time, I'll be leading whatever forces we have from the front.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I couldn't tell whether to admire Celly's brave and fair spirit, or to curse the fact that I'd soon be face to mandible with a horde of bugs. Either way, it was going to get violent. I couldn't tell if the menace would be soon heading to a close, or if it had just begun.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The ship ride back to Equestria was just as uneventful as the last one. However, there was a lot less laughter and a lot more solemn faces. Guess the reality of war was starting to set in.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;When we reached home port, there was no greeting, and no time for one. From the quiet panic all around, I could only guess that news of the bugs had spread. Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What seemed like the whole town rushed out and furiously began unloading the Saddle Arabian ships. Celestia and Lawrence had a quick chat, and the royal guard began moving out.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Evidently the Arabian troops would meet us at camp as soon as they had disembarked. I could only hope that it would be fast.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everything became a bit of a blur. Celestia and the royal entourage began moving off towards wherever base camp was, and as always, I followed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a few hours march, we reached a mass of hastily set up tents. Our party was greeted by a jubilant throng of ponies. This was camp, I guessed.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still, it was worrying that only a handful of the ponies I saw were&#160;?proper' royal guards.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Most of them seemed like hastily mobilized town watch, adventurers, or just very patriotic sorts. Lots of will, but hardly any training. A few still looked like colts and fillies.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;More ponies gathered round, and Celestia gave a speech. Something about bravery and friendship. I didn't pay much attention, I was more concerned with scanning the horizon for any sign of bugs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a lot of cheering, Celestia began to make her way through the crowd. Eventually, we reached a large tent, the royal quarters, and headed inside along with some advisors.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sunhorse talked to them for a while about all sorts of military matters, and one by one, they left.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Finally, it was just the two of us, sitting in silence. For a few minutes, we simply stewed in our own thoughts.</span><br />&quot;So? how about that weather?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I inwardly cursed at how stupid that sounded. The weather? Really? Still, what else could I say,&#160;?Hope you don't get killed tomorrow'?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celly flashed a wry grin.</span><br />&quot;Sorry, just don't like the thought of all those bugs tomorrow. I hate those things.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Really now? You won't even have to deal with them!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wait, what did you just say?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're my bodyguard, not a soldier. You'll be staying back when battle starts in the morning.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm? not going with you tomorrow?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I can fly, and you can't. �It simply wouldn't work.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For the briefest moment, I felt a twinge of relief. �No having to face off some compound eyed horror, no worries of getting reduced to a paste by unforgiving mandibles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But then, I felt? something else. I couldn't just leave Celly and let her run out there. Sure, she could hold her own in a fight, but in the thick of battle she'd become a prime target.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sure, it would be dangerous out there, but protecting the princess wasn't just a job anymore. It was something I wanted to? no, it was something I needed to do.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia noticed me thinking. &quot;Don't feel bad. Unless you grow wings overnight, I really don't see how you could stick with me in the skies.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I? I've got it. Cavalry.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'll sit on your back and protect you, I'll be a knight. Whenever royal ponies went off to war, they would have someone to ride on back and protect them. Use magic to make sure I don't fall off. That would work, right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I mean, I couldn't remember any specifics about knights, or much of anything from my past, just that knights were noble protectors and they rode ponies. Or something. The details might be wrong, but the the idea was close enough.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The princess looked a bit surprised. &quot;Hmm. That, well? would work.&quot;</span><br />&quot;So, I'll be ready to come along tomorrow.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;We sat silent for a while. I could tell that Celly was thinking about something; she opened her mouth as if to speak, but then decided not to. Finally, she broke the silence.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Anon, I appreciate your offer, but I have to know. Why do you want to come along tomorrow? It would clearly be safer back at camp?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I wasn't even entirely sure myself, it just, well, felt right. It was complicated, but being with Sunhorse just made me feel good. I couldn't stand to think of her getting ripped apart on some battlefield.</span><br />&quot;I just don't want to see you get hurt.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, so it's job security, hoping for a raise as royal bodyguard?&quot;</span><br />&quot;No, I, um-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Celestia gave me a sly smile. &quot;I'm just kidding, you don't need to get so worried over it.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Whatever you say, your majesty. Goodnight!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;I headed to the door, but before I could leave, Celly blurted out &quot;Anon, please wait?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yes?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I just wanted to thank you for caring. It get lonely being a princess sometimes.&quot;</span><br />&quot;It's my pleasure.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And anon? I was wondering. Earlier you mentioned an old practice from your lands, that was somehow related to, well, snuggles. I have half an hour before needing to meet with the guard, would that be enough for you to show me what these&#160;?tummy rubs' are?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Sure Celly. Anytime.&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was a new dawn. In all of the haste to prepare for battle, Celestia had forgotten to raise the sun until late in the morning. Eleven o'clock, and the sun was had just begun to peek out from behind the curve of the earth.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There was tension in the air. Guards and conscripts alike glanced apprehensively at the eastern horizon. The hills over there were by now infested with bugs, and in a short time we'd be over there too.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone, from private to princess, seemed unnaturally quiet today.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Royal guards and the Arabian troops began forming up. Lines of spears, Arabian scimitars, and masterfully crafted armor glistened in the sun. I could only hope it would be enough.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was time. I carefully up onto Celly's back, lance in hand. She gave me a reassuring look, and the two of us began moving over towards the other fliers.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Striding over, Celestia was the picture of confidence and poise. It worked wonders for morale, I guess, as the pegasi seemed to grow an inch taller merely from knowing she'd be along.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;From the sound of clanking metal in the distance, I could tell that the guard had begun to move. The Pegasi, and Celestia, shot up, and began flying to the planned battleground.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Flying was a rush, but, well, it was a long way down. I quietly reminded sunhorse to hold on tight with her magic.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I spotted black carapaces in the far distance, I couldn't help but think: by the end of today, I'd either be bathed in glory or my own blood. Hopefully the former.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Contact!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I looked down, and could see that off in the distance, battle had begun. Our group started flying over.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As we got closer, I could start to make out the scene. Thousands of ponies were locked in battle with the changeling horde. Every once in awhile, I could catch a glimpse of forms clashing, the spinning of blades-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We're going in!&quot;, the Princess shouted. It was a bit strange hearing her so stern, but it was life and death here.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pegasi and Sunhorse began making an approach at the changeling lines, while I crossed myself and prepared for the approach.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pegasi charged downward at the horde in waves, spearing changelings and then flying back off. Celly swooped down and started firing some sort of magic while I thrust my lance at a changeling. With as much speed as we had, the thing got completely skewered.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before I had time to shake the bug off, I heard one of the pegasi call out something about&#160;?fliers'. That's when the buzzing started.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dozens and dozens of the bugs suddenly left the line of battle and flew up at us. Evidently Celly was a high priority target.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everything became a frenzied blur, with blows coming from all sides. I tried jabbing at passers by, but there were just too many. At this rate, we wouldn't make it.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I remember that Celly's horn started to glow. There was a loud bang, a flash of light, and some magical force threw everything in a twenty foot radius away from the princess. Unfortunately, that included me.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was thrown into the air, and as I crashed back towards the earth, I noticed that I was now far behind enemy lines. For a split second I noticed a very surprised looking sunbutt staring at me; and then I tangled in the mass of falling bugs.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dying in battle was one thing, but getting pancaked because Sunhorse momentarily forgot about me? No. It couldn't end like this.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I hit the ground, or should I say, I hit a pile of fallen changelings. The broke the fall some, but not enough. Out of my hazy vision, I could just make out a pitch black form striding towards me. &gt;Then I felt a blow on my head, and was out like a light.</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I've been waiting for you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was too stunned to respond.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everything was dark. There was a terrible stanch. The ground felt cold and wet. I was in? a cave?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No way this was heaven. I was alive, but? that voice.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It sounded like death. Every breath was loud, heavy, struggling. It sounded like the thing's lungs had filled with water. Each syllable came out was like a death rattle.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was a bit unsettling, to say the least.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;She's using you. Deep inside, you know.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What happened? There was a battle, I fell and... who are you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The thing ignored me. &quot;The princess sees you as a tool. A useful tool, too be sure, a prized one. But all tools wear with age and then are discarded.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Who are you?<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Simply know: the sun treats you well now, but you are naught but an asset. In time, you will be devoured, and the sun shall cast aside your bones. Such is the way of things.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;While the thing was speaking, my eyes had gradually adjusted to the low-level light. I wish they hadn't. I was right about being in a cave. I saw changelings standing near the walls, staring at me. But worst of all was the thing.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It seemed like it was a pony once, but, well, it wasn't now. In front of me was a grey mass of flesh, twice the size of even the largest ponies I had seen. Sores lay all over it's body, and puss was flowing out of some. Some twisted thing that must have previously been a leg flopped around as the thing talked.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Most distressing, there was no head. Off of the neck, there was nothing but a tangled mess of flesh and a hole where the voice came out. I was terrifying to even think about how this abomination came to exist.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was going to play it to play it calm and safe. Best not to think about what the thing would do if I displeased it.</span><br />&quot;Please give me an answer. Who are you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mass shuddered, and I could see muscles spasm across it's body. &quot;I need no name. I am simply the hive queen, not that it concerns you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You-you're Chrysalis? I thought-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I once was.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What happened?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;With recent events, your coming, the disturbance, I found an? opportunity. With magic, toil, and blood, I made a pact. I gained strength, cunning, and power over the hive, but there were some? drawbacks. But we have more important matters to discuss.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It is vital that you see that the sun is manipulating you. You-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Let me guess, you're hoping to trick me, send me out the door, and have me kill Celestia. And why would I even believe a single word you say?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Simple. I am going to let you kill me.&quot;</span><br /><br />&quot;What?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The thing that used to be Chrystal gave a low, dripping laugh. &quot;You remember your discussion with princess of the moon, do you not?&quot;</span><br />&quot;How did you-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Irrelevant. You thought her a liar, but her analysis was correct. You do not belong in this world. When you kill, the being does not return to dust. You devour it's essence, gaining its life and power.</span><br />&quot;That's sick. You're lying.&quot;<br />The thing flapped around it's mangled leg, as if to emphasise a point. Surely you have felt it? The rush of the kill, the thrill of dripping blood? IF you truly forget, I can arrange a reminder?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A Changeling stepped forward and handed me a dagger before kneeling down and stretching out its neck.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Go ahead. Or did this stir your memory?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I thought back to the first time I killed a changeling. As the light faded from its eyes, I felt a surge of? adrenaline? Or was it something else?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As if it could read my mind, the thing laughed. &quot;So, you know the hunger too? These base creatures are ever unsatisfying. Those with magic are far better. So, do you still need the reminder?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I? I think I'll pass&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The changeling got up, and trotted away as if nothing had happened. I felt uneasy.</span><br />&quot;Even if you're right, that doesn't explain anything. You're just going to let me kill you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A new sore popped on the thing's side, and a yellow pus oozed out. &quot;A battle still rages outside. I still might win it, but I will lose the war. The hive cannot defeat two nations. And if I cannot have power, then I will settle for revenge.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I want the princess to the sun to suffer and die. In exchange for my life, my power, you will help me.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Are you-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I have might, cunning, eons of life left for you to take. Use this, and kill the sun. She may be ever-living, but not invincible. You are close to her already, and sinking in the knife would not be hard.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I was stunned. I couldn't even respond.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You would live forever. You would have power beyond that of a mortal being of flesh and blood.&quot;</span><br />&quot;But-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Better one day as a lion than one hundred years hundred as a lamb.&quot;</span><br />&quot;She's been nothing but good to me, I can't-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Simpleton, she merely knows how to bind others to her will.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You haven't met her. It's not an act, it's real.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The thing sighed, if you could call it that. &quot;No creature lives for a thousand years without cunning. I know this from experience.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I barely stifled a laugh. In return, the beast began to chuckle. &quot;I donned a disguise, and found one in need of companionship. I gave him naught but kindness. Over time, he believed us to be the best of friends, willing to give up life for each other.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Tell me, how do you believe the first changeling was formed?&quot; I felt a chill run down my spine. &quot;A week later, I cast his pleading form into the Vat. A time consuming, but quite satisfying method.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Surely, the more powerful ruler would be more adept at manipulation than I?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I still don't believe you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It matters not. Kill me, and with my wisdom, you shall learn. If you cannot learn, then my hunger shall spur you on.&quot;</span><br />&quot;So you're just going to try and turn me into some sort of puppet?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Whatever it takes to extinguish the sun.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You won't win, fiend.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ohh, a feisty one! I merely wish that I could live to see when your spirit breaks.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Good luck. I don't care what happens, I won't give in.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;One day, there will be a bloody princess, eyes wide in shock, and laughter will ring in the royal halls. Oh, I see it now! Your hands will be stained with royal blood, and you will laugh.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I couldn't take it. In a mix of anger and fear, I rushed at the beast and sunk my knife into its body.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The thing began to cackle hysterically as thick green blood poured out of the wound. I yanked the knife back out and then rammed it into the beast's throat again and again until the laughter stopped.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Slowly, the thing's neck drooped toward the ground and it gave out one last rattling gasp. Instantly, the changelings panicked, and began to flee. Still in a haze, I followed their tracks out of the cave.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As I reached the outside, I looked over in the distance and could see ponies rejoicing. Evidently, the changelings in the battle had panicked and run at the death of their swarm leader too.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And then it hit me.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I felt wonderful. Not just happy, but strong, smart, like it was the best day of my life. I felt like I could keep living for a million years. Heck, maybe I could if the hive queen was right about all this.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And as I headed over to meet the ponies, I realized something else. The was no evil voice in the back of my head. No dark force trying to control my body. No buggy scythes growing out of my back.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I- I must have won! The hive queen had gambled and lost! I felt fine, surely I'd be fine.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;I had fought hard, and I earned a happy ending. Everything would be fine.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everything would be fine.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Happy endings.</span><br />--------------------------------------<br />&quot;If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.&quot;<br />INTERMISSION</div></div>




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