It's Always Worth the Price. (2022)
Chapter 5: The Old Relics.
Previous Chapter Next ChapterI rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, slowly peeling myself away from the welcoming embrace of my bed. With morning tired eyes, I fumbled my feet over towards my dresser to retrieve the day's clothes. I opened the top drawer, and reached in. I pulled out a black tank top, dark faded blue jeans, a pair of white socks, and some fruit of the loom boxers. I was about to head towards the bathroom for a shower, when I began to recall my rather strange dream.
Something about the dream seemed very vivid, almost far too close to not wrap around my concentration. Flustering myself with strange questions, I figured that I’d simply set it aside for the time being and continue my day as usual.
I walked into the dark bathroom, and flicked on the lights. I set my outfit onto the countertop, and took a shower to wake myself up. As I stood against the rushing of water; a sudden jolt of pain straining my head caused me to cringe in agony. This pain lingered within the back of my mind, it felt like someone or something was prodding at my brain; prodding the pain and forcing me into a mental state of anguish. The headache caused me to end my shower early; so I laid myself back down on my bed, after I had dried myself off.
They’ve become much more frequent, and it made me worry. If I got sick, who’d take care of Jenns and Nicky? I'm sure without a doubt; Jenns could work, but she’s been through so much that she just earned her rest and freedom given 'Dad' had left. Nicky’s far too young to take on my burden. Their freedom to do as they wish was all I wanted, but I didn’t know what I’d do if something were to happen.
The thumping headache started to die down, so I decided to stand up for the second time. I peeled myself away from the bed and as soon as I stood; the room started spinning. It had me grabbing my head with both hands, and growling in anger. I braced myself down onto the floor; mind warping with thoughts out of control.
The thumping was all I could feel against my temples as the sensation of being light-headed filled my nerves; it just seemed like it may never go away. As my headache continued, it pushed me over the limit and I roared to the roof. The pain was excruciating; seeming to linger inside my head, then suddenly, I heard a loud crash come echoing from down the hall and the pain seemed to just stop instantaneously.
The sudden relief of pain put me at ease; but my mind turned back to the sudden crash. I listened in, and I could hear someone walking. I was feeling worried from the noise. I called out,"Hello? What happened?" A pair of footsteps seemed to be coming towards my room.
I realized I was naked, and quickly bolted into the bathroom to throw on my clothes. Footsteps bouncing through the house, as they neared my room. The silver door handle started to slowly turn as I finished dressing, and grabbing the baseball bat I kept beside the bathroom door. It was for moments like these.
The door slowly creaked open and there in the darkness; stood a tall, dark figure. Through the small crack, the figure simply stared at me. “Before I come in; I would like you to drop the bat. I will not hurt you, I can’t. And you can't hurt me, I don't think you could.” The figure stated.
“Before I even contemplate that; what did you break when you crashed in here? Who even invited you in the house in the first place?” I asked the menacing dark figure with what seemed to be glowing orange eyes. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t think that was cool.
The eyes that gazed at me seemed to take on a more relaxed, happy expression. “Don’t worry John; I didn’t break anything... I'm coming in now; regardless you drop the bat, or not. I could care less.”
“Then you're telling me your point in mentioning to me to 'put the bat down' was pointless..." My tension was faltered from analyzing the sentence. Thinking more caught me off guard. "Wait...I...I didn’t even tell you my name...” My mind was starting to hurt again. I summoned all the strength I could to suppress the pain, and remained focused on the figure before me. "Who...the hell are you?" I questioned.
“There’s hardly any need for introductions.” The door made its way open and there stood the tall, dark hooded figure donned in armor. “You and I are hardly strangers; though you don't know much about me one bit.” He began pulling his hood down, and his eyes stopped shining orange. As he did, it was revealing a familiar face from an old photo. “Hello, my son. It's been a long time." He grinned.
As the sunset eased into the night, the conversations I held with my father, John 'Senior', trailed on about tales of life; love, and passion. It was 10:34 pm, and the silky sheet of night covered the once radiant blue sky filled with the light source of all life. We sat in the living room, and continued to chat.
“So, you haven’t told me exactly why you left; why was that?” I asked the old man.
Senior turned to me, and smiled. “Well son; I left to protect you, and our family. I made a deal with a powerful leader, and was brought to a strange place." His demeanor seemed to fall; as he lent forward from the couch. He clenched his hands mournfully as he spoke,"The deal entailed that if I protected their lands and it's people; that the leaders would do the same for my family.” A singular tear slid down Seniors cheek. “In doing so, I could never meet with my family again, and only be able to see from afar. I never wanted to leave, but as long as I knew you all were safe...” His voice seemed to trail off. "I even have a new addition to my family; a little Nicky."
“I know you care; sure, we did have a rough start at first, but I've made everything alright. Nicky and Jenns are safe, and that’s all that matters.” I stood up, and walked over to him and placed a comforting hand on his pauldron covered shoulder. “You tried, and that’s all I could ever ask for.” Senior looked into my eyes, and a small smile crept across his face. I had to ask the simple question,"What were you protecting us from? A new world; what does that mean?" He stood from his seat, and I embraced the old man with a heartwarming hug. He accepted it with open arms; trickling light tears onto my shoulder.
“Thanks son. I 'Was' a bad man...and a deal I found turned me around.” He released the hug after a good minute, and faced me. “Now, for the matter of replacement.”
“Replacement?” I raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "What do you mean 'Replacement'? I had a weird dream, and suddenly you're out here.”
“Lady Luna and Shadow Kin have told me that you are willing to replace me...” He held a confused look. “Do you not recall any details about your dream? Usually they pop in to check on you...but...”
“Wait; so it wasn’t just a dream? They check on me? That wasn't the first time?" I furled my eyebrows thinking about it. "Yes, of course I remember the dream but... that’s all I thought it was; simply a dream. I have a lot of fights in dreams; but I don't fight unless in defense. Literally anything can happen in your dreams...” I trailed off, lost in thought. "...You're telling me that..."
“Enough overthinking right now, just listen for a second. Yes, I am the Guardian. I’ve long since seen the field of battle; and have become but an old relic within Equestria. Evil has seemed to have died down with my efforts, and faded away from the lands; but that's not forever. So; the Rulers of Equestria and I, believe this is the best time to find my replacement. And, here you are. In your prime, and willing to learn.” A worried look replaced his once smile ridden face. “Unless you think it would be too much to handle; I would not ask this if it were too great of a task.”
I sat back down onto the living room couch, and smiled up at him. “Don’t worry; a strange realm, or world... place... whatever it is; I think I can take it. So about the people; what are they like?”
“Well, they aren’t exactly... people. They are... how do I say it... 'Equine' in form; but still have traits that resemble humans, to a degree. Yeah, that's probably the best way to explain it.”
“Equine? Horses? Really? They need a protector? From what; a stampede?" I asked with a light chuckle.
“They are just like people; basically humans with hooves, and no. They are ponies, not horses.” Senior placed a hand against his head in frustration.
“Well, ok then. This shouldn't be too hard seeing as they’re ponies, I acce-” I let out a loud laugh, and couldn’t seem to contain myself. “I’m sorry. It’s just...really? Ponies?” My mind shot me point blank in the face, as I remembered my brother and mother. “Wait...Dad..." I sighed to the thought to lose an easy vacation. "I don’t think I can go, even if it’s an easy job.” I looked to a picture frame with Nicky and Jenns,“I don’t want to leave my family behind; because they need me. I couldn’t just abandon them like that.”
“Abandon? I wouldn’t ask you to take my place, and not return the favor. I wouldn’t just leave. Honestly; I don’t think I ever could.” Senior stated. "I gave my 'everything' for a family I couldn't even see, in this ever-changing world. I'll be here for our family."
I took a sigh in relief,“Thank you. I’ll gladly be your replacement, if you keep your promise. I will come back to visit. Family knows to 'check-up'." I smirked towards him. "So, how do I get to... Equestria, was it? And how long is it going to take?” I asked with a hint of curiosity.
“You will be sending yourself, and it should only take a moment to get there. As for your training... it depends on how willing you are. Tomorrow; I am going to be training you in the ways of magic, but only a little bit. Just enough to get you where you’re going. If you want further training in spell use, you’re going to have to see Twilight. She'll point you in the right direction. There are some other things that I 'should' show you, but Rainbow Dash will have a hell of a laugh showing you instead. Some things aren't going to make sense at first; but trust me, it’ll be an interesting adventure and a half.”
A somber smile filled Senior's face,"I did a lot of searching, and attempts to come back to visit; but that's not so simple. 'Power' is how the portal works. You may be angry I've been gone; but I did try...a lot."