Equestria Black Swordsman

      The tension in theair was building to the point where you could touch it with your bare hands. The guards and Guts looked at each other, waiting for each to make their first move. Rarity was one step away from a life-saving faint, and Applejack, standing up in a stance, was preparing to fight in case anything happened. Rainbow, for her part, glared angrily at him, ready to attack at any second to save the filly. — W-wait, there's no need to fight! - Sweetie Belle said nervously. — Yes! He saved us from the manticore! - shouted Scootaloo. — And Sweetie Belle from the treewolfs! - Applebloom added.       Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash and the guards stood in shock, looking alternately at Guts and the mares. Out of the crowd came a pony with a strange hat that Guts had never seen before. She stopped and looked intently at the black swordsman. — I'm Applejack, big guy. Is that true? - She asked, squinting her eyes questioningly.       As an element of Integrity, she wanted to see if what the Swordsmen were saying was true, and to test the biped at the same time. Guts took his hand away from the hilt of his sword as he looked at the pony in front of him, which calmed the guards behind her a little. For to be honest, they were scared shitless. They were as tall as princesses, if not taller, black armor with a truly huge sword behind their backs, a strange light smell of blood and the absence of an eye did their job. After all, the guards were more decorative than real warriors, but they can do something. The mare in his arms was the only thing that made Guts a little less scary. — Yes. - Guts replied with a nonchalant voice.       Applejack continued to stare at Gats for a while longer, twitching her ears in turn, then smiled and stepped up on her hind hooves and hugged him around the waist with her front hooves. Though it looked strange from the side, she didn't care, for he had saved her sister, and the rest didn't matter at that moment. Guts was taken aback, but after thinking about it, he smiled weakly and scratched her behind her ear, which looked more like a cat's ear than a horse's. In doing so, he puzzled and calmed the ponies around him some more. — Applejack, dearie, w-what are you doing! - Pale even more, even though she was already white, Rarity said. — It's all right, Rarity, he's telling the truth, or believes he is, and I have a feeling he's not a bad guy. - Still clinging to Guts, the orange pony replied.       Turning her head toward Guts, she looked him carefully in the eyes and said. — Thank you sugar, if it wasn't for you something terrible would have happened to my sister.       Pulling away from him, Guts noticed a bit of moisture on her eyelids, which she tried fiercely to hide. The black swordsman raised a hand, scratching the back of his head, noticing something. — What a strange day, filled with thanks and startled looks. - Cackling slightly, Guts said. — I hope you don't mind another thank you, dearie.       Looking in the direction of the voice, he saw the same white pony, but already with a nervous smile. Guts grinned oddly, and bowed slightly to Rarity. — Absolutely no problem with that, Ms. Rarity. - Still with a smirk, Guts said.       Everyone froze for a second, but there was a quiet giggle from the mares, joined by Applejack and one of the guards, who was quieted by a nudge. — Ah, you also have manners, Mr. Guts. - Putting her hoof to her chest, Rarity was already smiling sincerely. — A very good friend of mine said that ladies should be treated accordingly. - The black swordsman smiled full-fledged.       Suddenly, the rainbow-horned pegasus reminded of herself, and flew right up to Guts, causing him to recoil slightly. — Ha-ha, very funny! Now, why do you smell like blood, huh? - The pony asked accusingly, poking his chest with her hoof.       The whole atmosphere that had been shakily building shattered to fuck. The ponies tensed again, glancing worriedly at the rainbow pegasus and Guts. The guards clutched their spears harder with their hoof-kinesis, and eyed the giant with frowns. Guts's smile disappeared from his face and, looking directly into Rainbow Dash's eyes, said: — Saving Scootaloo and Applebloom from the manticore, I killed it.       Her eyes widened sharply, and shouting out why he had done it, Guts replied in an eerily calm voice: — In that moment, my priority was saving the foals, rather than the well-being of some damn monster. - He was already poking a finger at the pegasus' chest. - I guess a dead manticore is better than the torn and devoured corpses of little mares. - Finished speaking and pointing his finger, Guts looked sternly at Rainbow.       Unable to say anything in response, she tucked her ears back against her head and waved her head in agreement, landing near her friends, who also had their ears pinned back. One of the guards had a breakfast dump from Guts's details. — Alright, if we've closed this topic, why don't we head for the exit of this forest? - Looking around at all the ponies, Guts said.       The ponies, in turn, just waved silently in agreement. The guards, having calmed down a bit, raised their spears up, and at the order of the elder, stood in front of the group. Applejack placed Applebloom on her back, approaching them. Rainbow Dash, along with Scootaloo and her ears still perked up, followed behind her friend, occasionally glancing at the black swordsman like a puppy that had done something naughty. Rarity began to walk over to Guts, smiling weakly at him. — Don't be mad at Rainbow. She's actually very nice, she's just sometimes very cautious with strangers and stubborn. - said the white pony with a snort. - By the way, about the smell, let me help you with that.       After saying that, her horn glowed, enveloping Guts in an aura. — It's done! You don't smell like blood now, dearie. - Rarity finished.       Guts looked down at himself and smelled the armor. It was true! There was no smell of blood. One might say that he even began to smell pleasantly of some flowers. — Thank you, Miss Rarity, for that. And don't worry about Rainbow, I'm not mad at her, just pointing out a mistake. — You're welcome, dearie, and just call me Rarity, after all, you saved my sister and even bandaged her wound. - Waving her hoof in front of her, the pony said. - Speaking of her. How is she? — I'm fine, Rarity, just my leg hurts a little. - Sweetie Belle responded, looking up from under her chest. — Well, as you can see. - Guts said with a slight smile.       Giggling into her hoof, Rarity said that it was already time for them to go to the others. Standing up next to her friends, Rarity turned to Gats with a smile, then turned forward again. In this group, Gats stood at the back, with Sweetie Belle in his arms closing the formation. And he and the ponies walked toward the exit of the forest again, this time with precision.

***

      The sun began to set slowly as the group of ponies and man emerged from the Everwild Forest. Guts saw an unusual sight: a small town with what he assumed to be the town hall in the center. There was also a cabin nearby. The roof was covered with grass and shrubs, and there was also vegetation in the backyard. On the other side of town is a farm with a house that looks more like a huge barn. Around it is a vast field planted with apple trees, and a little farther away are other assorted crops. — I see you've had a quick look at the local sights, haven't you? - Coming out from under Guts's side, Applejack said. - Right where you just looked is my family's farm, Sweet Apple. What do you think of it? — It's not bad at all. I'd even say it's exciting. - Guts answered, shifting his hands to hold the mare more comfortably.       Sweetie Belle squirmed a little and nuzzled her face into the swordsman's chest, making a sound like a purr. — Thanks for the praise, sugar, I appreciate it. - The orange pony said with a slight nudge to Guts hip, smiling. Guts gave her a small smile in return, and then continued on their way towards the city. As they approached it, Guts noticed a sign that read: — Ponyville... - the black swordsman muttered quietly. — Hmm? Did you say something? - Rarity turned around and looked at Guts questioningly. — No, it's all right, just thinking out loud. — Good then. - said Rarity, turning back, but not for long. - By the way, if you don't mind, we'd like to take you to our friend Twilight Sparkle. She owns the library, and she'll help us figure out exactly what to do with you. - Rarity said with some hope in her eyes, along with Rainbow and Applejack. — I don't mind, I still need to find out where I am. - Guts replied, looking around at the more and more houses that were around. — Wonderful! Let's not be too long, then. - Rarity said, fixing her mane and saying something to the guards.       So the guards went off in the other direction, occasionally glancing at the black swordsman, and the rest of the group went to the so-called Twilight Sparkle.       On the way to the library, Guts noticed that the residents looked at him with a kind of horror, some with interest, but still with the same fear. Perhaps the most unusual resident was a turquoise pony, with a mark on her hip in the shape of one musical instrument familiar to Guts, and a horn on her head like Rarity. The kind they sort of called unicorns. She looked at Guts with genuine interest, and smiled, waving her front hoof at him. Guts was surprised by this friendliness, but he waved back. The unicorn's eyes widened, and she ran towards Guts. He wondered if he should start worrying, but his worries immediately faded away when the turquoise pony, who had come within a meter of the swordsman, began to speak. — Hello! My name is Lyra Hartstrings! Say: you're human, aren't you? Human, right? - Jumping on the spot, Lyra asked. Guts hovered a little, but quickly realized what was going on and calmly replied: — Yes, I am a human. Lyra squealed with delight, starting to circle around Guts, looking at him. — Unbelievable! I knew it! I knew that humans really existed. No one believed me, but here it is, one of them standing right in front of me! Guts gaze settled on Lyra. His face expressed genuine shock. — Wait, wait, wait... what do you mean 'people exist'? — Um... well... humans were described in legends many, many years ago, but what is it? - Lyra asked with a worried look. — No, it's fine, don't worry. - Waving his head, said the black swordsman. — Okay, where are you going, if it's no secret? — We're heading to the library to see Twilight about our big friend. - Applejack said as she approached the man. - Why the question? — I'd really like to go with you, can I? Please! - Lyra looked at them and asked with her puppy dog eyes. — The big guy? — I don't mind.       Lyra shrieked again and snuggled up next to Guts smiling enthusiastically. With the addition to the group, they traveled further towards the library. Walking through the marketplace, they reached the library, which was a large oak tree with windows, a balcony, and doors with a candle carved into it. The doors were a bit small for Guts, he would have to bend down to fit through them. — Well, here we are, stay behind us, sugar. - Turning to Gats, the orange pony said.       The trio went to the door and knocked and began to wait. There was a quiet clatter of hooves and a pony's voice. Opening the door, a lavender unicorn came out of it. — The library is already closed come back tomorrow, oh it's you. Girls, I'm so glad to be hereeeeaaaaAAAAA! - At the last word she started screaming, falling on her back. — Twilight! - came a young voice from the library. — I think I've seen this reaction somewhere before. - Guts said with a smirk, looking at Rarity.       The aforementioned pony flushed, and brought her hoof to her lips, coughing loudly.       — Ahem, Twilight, dearie, are you alright? — Y-yes, I'm fine. - replied Twilight, getting up from the floor. - But, who is that with you? And why does he have Sweetie Belle in his arms? — Meet our new friend, Guts. We met him in the Everwild Forest, and he's the one who saved the Cutie Mark Crusaders. - Pointing to the black swordsman, Rarity said.       Applejack waved her head in agreement, Lyra walked beside the man with a satisfied face, and Rainbow looked at Guts with a strange expression on her face. — Well, since he's your friend, he's mine too. Since he saved the girls, I don't think he's bad. Please, come in! - Twilight said, pointing to the entrance. — Thank you, dearie.       Everyone began to enter the library one by one, and the last one was Guts. When he entered, he saw a lot of books and scrolls, and a small purple dragon with a green crest peeking out from behind a couch. When he noticed the man's gaze, he quickly hid and said in a trembling voice. —T-t-t-twilight, wh-who's that? — Don't be afraid, Spike, he won't hurt you. - She looked at Guts. - right? — I promise. - Guts said, smiling lightly at the lavender pony. — See? He promised, now get out of there.       Her horn blared, and the dragonkin began to slowly fly out from behind the couch. He resisted, but eventually gave up, hiding his muzzle with his paws. As Twilight laid him down on the couch, Guts went over there as well, laying Sweetie Belle down. — Huh? Where are we? Home already? - Looking around, Sweetie Belle said. — No, we're in Twilight's library right now. - Rarity said softly.       The mare waved her head and turned to Guts and smiled broadly. Guts couldn't help but smile back, as did every other pony in the room. — I see you two are getting along very well. - Twilight remarked. - It's nighttime now, so I guess since you don't have a place to sleep, you can stay at my place and we'll see what we can do. — Okay, thank you for your hospitality. - The black swordsman said, removing his sword and sitting down on the floor in the corner.       Scootaloo yawned and looked around the room, blinking owl-like. Noticing this, Applejack said: — I guess we should probably head home now, see you tomorrow, big guy. - Waving her hoof and putting her sister more comfortably on her back, the pony said. — I agree, good night, dearie. - picking up her sister, Rarity said.       Rainbow just turned around and said something to Scootaloo and headed out. Lyra waved her hoof and headed out with them. — Bye girls, and don't forget to bring the others here tomorrow. I think we'll have something to talk about. - Looking at Guts with interest in her eyes, Twilight said. - You can lie down on the couch. And if you need anything, call me.       Guts waved his head, getting up from the corner and laying down on the couch, which was surprisingly just right for him. Twilight called Spike up to the second floor, talking about how they needed to write a letter to some Celestia. Guts stared up at the ceiling and wondered to himself where exactly he'd gotten to, and if this was his world at all. It was all too friendly and innocent, as if the horrors of war and the cruelty of monsters had never happened. As he continued to think about it, he slowly began to fall asleep.

***

      Princess Celestia sat in her chambers in the city of Canterlot, specifically in the large castle on the mountain. A large white alicorn with wings, a long horn, a mane of blue, pink and lettuce colors as if lifted by a nonexistent wind, and a mark on her hip in the shape of a sun. She paged through the papers, scrutinizing them carefully. The doors to the chambers opened and another alicorn emerged, but it was black with the same shimmering mane the color of the night sky and a moon-shaped mark on its side. — Good night, sister. - said Celestia. — Good night, how are you? - Luna asked as she approached her. — Oh, all these aristocrats and their letters are tiresome. - Celestia looked up and complained. - And why are the monsters attacking the cities all of a sudden? It's never happened before. — I don't know, maybe... - But before she could finish, a scroll appeared in green fire in front of Celestia's face.       Celestia caught the scroll with her magic and unfolded it, smiling. After all, the scroll was from her apprentice Twilight Sparkle. As she read the text, her smile began to fade, and when she finished, it disappeared altogether, replaced by surprise and worry.  — What is it, sister? - Luna asked. — I think you should read it yourself. - Celestia said, handing the letter to her. Luna took the scroll and began to read it carefully:

Dear Princess Celestia!

Today I met a new unusual friend named Guts. When I saw him, I was very scared. Two meters tall, black armor with a cloak and a huge sword. My friends convinced me that he was actually good, because a villain wouldn’t save foals, right? He also acted friendly and showed no signs of aggression, although sometimes his face showed indifference and thoughtfulness, as if he did not know where he was. I am writing this letter to you just so you know.

Sincerely, your student Twilight Sparkle.

    — Guts... - repeated Luna. - Doesn't that word in Old Equestrian mean.....   — Entrails. Yes, sister, I know. - Celestia said with a worried look. — We have to go to Ponyville tomorrow.