Only Love Can Save Us Now

Chapters

Prologue
The Game of Life, Your Move?
A Cross at First Frost
Love’s A Fickle Thing, And It can Come From Anywhere, So Never Look Down Upon Its Eccentric Nature. [part 1]
Love’s A Fickle Thing, And It can Come From Anywhere, So Never Look Down Upon Its Eccentric Nature. [part 2]
Love’s A Fickle Thing, And It can Come From Anywhere, So Never Look Down Upon Its Eccentric Nature. [part 3]
Of Daughters And Unexpected “Assistance”.
Our Path Is Clear So We Shall Not Fear

Prologue

This is the story of a power that has a mysterious past and a even more unusual stallion, this is the story of Red Cross.

Now before we start this telling of the path of Red Cross, or at least the one in this dimension, we need to make sure we all know what he looks like now don’t we. So here he is,

It began like every other day, Red had woken up at 6am, took a quick cold shower to wake himself up, ate some breakfast ,and then left home at 7.30as was his usual routine. The only time his schedule was ever any different was on mail days but even then he was never sent much. As he walked to the Ponyville Clinic he thought about some of the events he had recently heard of, such as Sugar Cube Corners new treat called crepes, the new fix it shop that opened on the edge of town, and all the other small changes in his quiet home town. Just as he reached the front door and walked inside his place of work, still thinking about crêpes, pondering on why they were so good, he maneuvered his way through the chaos towards the front of the clinics desk.

{Damn it.} he thought. {Pinkie must have tried to put candy canes in her party cannon again, oh well better get started' it was just another typical day in Ponyville.} He slowly walked up to his mother Nurse Redheart knowing full well what must have happened and what to do but wanting to check in as usual

[Dam me and my paranoia, it's just what I think it is I really shouldn't find it necessary to ask her to make sure anymore. Man this happens way too often, true but what if it wasn't candy canes? A different candy could've caused different wounds, and there goes my sanity as I start replying to my own thoughts, yet again} I sighed to myself at my own first and third pony monologue.

Quieting my thoughts, I walked up to her and asked. "Alright ,what have we got this morning?" As I picked up my morning coffee and chugged a cup down going for a second. “Man I drink this stuff to much”.

As my mother turned to me and said. "We have one pony with a broken wing, left side, 3 stallions and 2 mares with candy cane shrapnel in their flanks, and a old stallion complaining of sore throat." I couldn’t help but notice the bags under her eyes. She musta pulled another all nighter.

{told you so! Yeah but not that it was a surprise cannon shot so ha! Take that annoying self-monologue...man I’m insane aren’t I? Don’t answer that me...Case proven.}

"And another little filly saying the same thing but nothing to worry about there."she continued oblivious to her son's momentary mental conflict. "though we have an odd request for you." she handed him a letter which

he opened and read over.

It said.

Dear Red Crossed Hearts,

We require your service at the Canterlot palace, Princess Celestia is in need of a check up and Simply refuses all of the doctors we have brought before her on the grounds that they all only cared for their next pay check not the patient. Which translates they don’t have delicate enough hooves to give her a shot and my second Merthyr swears on his gear theories that you are the best for the princesses having the skills we require and the experience as well we hope to see you this afternoon.

Signed, Sergeant Killjoy

Red suddenly went paler than his usual snow white coat, he became a ghostly almost ethereal white as though he had died and come back to haunt his old place of employment even the red seemed to fade from his mane and tail. His mother looked at his eyes, they had shrunk to the size of peas

"Are you feeling alright?" she tentatively asked worried about what was in the letter that could make someone like her son go so pale. He looked at her and squeaked out

"They want me to go treat princesses Celestia." Her eyes went wide at this.

"Well, if it’s a royal request you can't ignore it no matter the circumstances." She suddenly snapped into action and started preparing his saddle bags while he continued gaping at nothing instantly holding a mental debate like usual

{'m so going to mess up I know it and then I’ll get thrown in jail and I know what they do there! I may be tall but I can't fight I'd immediately be singled out and the-QUIET! Now calm down Merthyr swore on his gear theories that proves he believes you can do it just calm down you can't let your friend down, he would only swear by that if he was 100% certain you could do it so just calm down everything will be alright just be confident in your experience and do your best nothing can go wrong if you do.} And that finished his self-argument he realized that his mom had already packed him lunch and all the supplies he’d need, scooted him out the door while he was still in in his self-monologue / argument, he looked back at the door and shouted out.

"Hey what about my coffee?" He look back but of course it was too late to go and get it

"Damn it, oh well let's just get this over with" he sighed. "Man I really need to stop acting like I’m two different people" And with that statement he sulked off trotting towards Canterlot, opening his wings as he hit the edge of town

"Well let's just get this over with and god damn it, I'm talking to myself again!" And with that final shout he flapped his wings and took off towards Canterlot going at a steady pace of about 35 knots a little over 45 mph a speed that other pegasi would have trouble keeping up for extended periods of time but being as large as he was had some advantages and he could keep up this pace unburdened for about 4 to 6 hours

{Being so tall has its benefits sometimes I guess.} He thought as he left Ponyville on a trip that, while he wouldn't realize at the time, would have the largest impact his life than anything before now had ever had. But of course he didn't realize this because he was simply following the inescapable paths that we all follow and that when read correctly could tell not one future but an infinite number of futures but we shall only follow this strand upon the ever spreading and multiplying lyre of life, and this Red has chosen his course so we must simply stop and watch as his future unfolds and secrets are revealed and we realize that some secrets while better left untold, must be told.

The Game of Life, Your Move?

The next morning as Red awoke he gracefully turned around and crawled out of his neat bed. And by that i mean he woke up, struggled with his blankets, and fell face first out of bed creating a loud 'Thud' Followed by angry grumblings.

"Man why did I even think of being a guard? I wouldn't be able to even get up on time!" He asked himself incredulously. "and great I'm now talking to myself and expecting replies. Might as well go to the asylum now and save the guards the trouble of dragging me there." But of course he simply untangled himself, grabbed his glasses, and walked out the door straight into. You guessed it, Charles.

"Why hello there Mr.Cross" He said in a posh, indifferent, monotonous tone "May I inquirer as to your plans for the day?"

"Well I plan to take Celestia up on her offer and go sine up for the medic position in the royal guard." Red replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh well if you plan to do that then I must inform you the recruitment office doesn't open up till 2:30 in the afternoon. It will be six and a half hours till then." Replied Charles. "If you happen to know someone in town, I'd advise possibly meeting up with them and possibly getting a tour of the city."

{You know, I never did meet up with Merthyr and see how things have been. That would be a good way to spend some time and he could help me prepare for the training as well. Guess it's unanimous to Merthyr's it is.}Thought Red in a surprisingly short amount of time.

"That sounds like a great idea Charles. In fact I have a friend within the guard who should be off duty right now. Could you tell me where the Barracks are?" Asked Red

"The barracks are in the South-Eastern turret for the aerial corps, the North-North-Western complex is the base of the magic corps , and finally the North-Western wing is the base of the ground forces" Said Charles. "Though there is also a a barracks in the South-South-Western wing for the medics and quarter-master's assistants. I doubt your friend would be there. Very few ponies join the non-combatant corpses."

"Thank you Charles for the info, I believe he would be in the North-Western wing then. Thanks again for the help." Red said as he started to turn around to head to his new destination.

"Think nothing of it Mr.Cross." Replied Charles as he to started to walk away. "I am simply doing my job." and with that they were out of each others hearing and spoke no more.

Red finally reached the barracks and found Merthyr just as he was leaving. "Hey Merthyr what you doing!" Shouted out Red

"yo Red! What happened yesterday? I didn't see you after the check up I thought maybe you had ditched without saying hello." Said Merthyr in a joking way. "I was thinking maybe you tried to get out of telling me what happened to you since I've been gone. For woe is the tale of Red Cross. Forever running from royal engagement to royal engagement. Being payed thousands of bit's to do not half an hour of work while surrounded by beautiful mares."

"Aye it's a hard life the one I lead but I must do it for the beautiful mares need me! "Replied Red as he walked towards Merthyr. "But! I wouldn't be surrounded by beautiful mares and getting payed thousands of bit's for half an hours work if it weren't for you. So how could I leave you hanging? Even if you made Fluttershy want to kill me every time she sees me."

"Ha! glad to see you kept your sense of humor with you! Never thought I'd see the day when you didn't give me hell for that!" Merthyr joyously replied. "So how goes everything back home? Scootaloo didn't burn your house down yet I hope? I really don't think I could afford that."

"Nah nothing bad just so-" Red said as he was interrupted by his gurgling stomach. "Heh. Think we could go get some grub while I talk? I haven't had anything more than coffee with some crepes and waffles since yesterday morning."

"Sure but you're buying." Merthyr joked. "You still owe me from last time."

"Deal! let's just go do it quickly before I start seeing non-existent food." Red joked right back. "Mmmmm! how are you doing Mr.Blue berry? You sure look good!"

"Ha! Nice going! Now let's go get some chow!" Merthyr cheered. "Free Food! Free Food! Free Food!" As he led Red out of the castle down some side streets eventually coming across a square and ending up at a small building called 'The Trotin-inn'

"I know the owners here there pretty cool ponies." Said Merthyr to Red's inquisitive glance. "I helped them out of a bind not to long ago involving some 'missing' taxes and a currently jailed pony. Now I come here on day's off when Spark is busy."

As they were shown to a table and Merthyr asked for two of his regulars and a outside table which they were promptly shown to. Red remained quite watching his friend laugh and talk with the inn's staff. {Man to think Merthyr who almost never went out is actually the center of attention how did that happen? Guess joining the guard was an even better idea for him.} Thought Red as he and Merthyr reached there table and sat down. {wow! Merthyr still sits like the one mare what was her name? oh yeah Lyra I think. Though he still probably claims she copied him and not the other way around. Something’s never change.}

"So what's happened since I was last home eh? Did you finally find a mare?" Laughed out Merthyr. "Am I gonna be a best man soon?"

"Depends when are you gonna drop the question eh? Mr. Author." Replied Red with a smile as he saw Merthyr blush with indignation. "so how's it been here in Canterlot? Anything happen since we last talked besides your new found fame?"

"Hey I asked first." Merthyr replied. "Besides you're paying which delegates the duty of host to you so you have to cater to your guest so ha! beat that logic."

"That makes no sense" Said Red.

"Eeyup. But I don't have to make sense cause I'm still closer friend to Pinkie Pie so by extension. I don't have to make sense for it to be true."

"...Touché..." Replied Red. "...Touché..."

"So what's happened since I've been gone?" Asked Merthyr.

"Oh just the usual." Said Red. "You know helping AJ over at Sweat Apple Acers and hurting myself in the process. Helping Rainbow Dash with the weather every now and again. Avoiding Fluttershy like the Plague, Cancer, Satin, Angle, and a manticour all packed into one shy yellow mare. Helping Pinkie Pie come up with some new types of crepes. Seeing Rarity about getting more pairs of cloths made. Making sure no one who ends up in the clinic gets out with anything worse than feeling slightly sore. And of course helping Hot Coca watch Scootaloo."

"Wait let me guess! You hurt yourself by head butting a tree didn't ya?" Asked Merthyr

"Nope. when I was flying a gust caught my wings and made me end up with something that should never get hit taking the full impact of crashing into a tree" Replied Red with a pained look. "I can still feel the pain."

"Dam that has got to suck." Merthyr said with an uncontrollable grin flashing across his face. "so anything else worth of note happen lately?" He said as he took a sip of water.

"Yeah! Something else did happen." Red said with an evil grin flashing across his face as he watched his friend go for another sip of water. "Celestia asked me if I'd like to try out for the medic position in the royal guard and I accepted." He said as quickly as he could watching his friend do a sudden spit take...Right into Red's face.

"Really should've planned that out better. And yes before you ask." Red said as he saw Merthyr about to ask a question. "I am completely sure I want to do this and no I'm not sure if I'm even in yet I'm gonna sign up at the recruitment office when it opens today."

"No I was gonna say congrats dude!" Merthyr joyously said as he leaned forward and hugged his friend. "Just think about it. Both of us working side by side in the royal guard defending the princess.Heck maybe you'll find that special somepony along the way."

Red was stunned. He had expected to be told not to. To be disuaded to join the guard. To be berated for leaving behind Ponyville so quickly. not for his best friend to congratulate him. "But what about Ponyville? Or Scootaloo, the clinic, or how I could possibly get killed? Did those things not pop into your mind?"

"Why of course I did Red! you forget how my brain works." Replied Merthyr as he took a step back releasing Red from his embrace. "I know you and you don't make rash decisions. If you decided to be a guard than that means you've thought about it and decided it's what you want to do. Simple as that. I know you! And you have obviously thought this over and decided that it was worth it and to the Devil with those who try to stop you! That's how you've always been."

"Yet again Merthyr you seem to know me to a 'T'. And I'll be dammed before i forget that a second time." Joked Red. "Well my friend I think it's time I get going. The recruitment office opens soon and I have a long way ahead of me."

"See you later Rec and good luck. The test is unlike anything you'll ever experience trust me on that one. Even I had trouble getting past it." And with those sentements Merthyr put some bits on the table and left of. To who knows where.

*One long boring walk of to the recruitment office later*

"Hey I'm here to sign up for the medic position on the royal guard." Red said as he walked up to the ash grey unicorn recruitment stallion

"Okay names ash hoof and here's some forms." Ash said as he pulled out some forms for Red from his desk. "Just fill those out and we'll get you started out on your training. Now usually we would give you a month or two for you to train but due to current circumstances you'll only have 3weeks to train plus 10 days to get your personal affairs in order. Just sine on the dotted line and you'll be all set."

As Red signed he heard Ash snicker. "Well kid welcome to the smallest and most un-respected division of the Equestrian military in existence. Welcome to the non-combatant division good to have you aboard." And with that testiment Red's new course in life began. He had a goal in mind and he was gonna reach it. For that's what he had said he would do and to the devil with those who tried to stand in his way. His path was as clear as ever, and his sight just as good as it was before. Red Crossed Hearts was gonna take this path till it ended and that was the end of it. He made his move and now life was going to have to make its move only thing is. will Red fall? Or will he rise from the wave and prove his metal. Only time will tell

The three weeks seemed to pass by in a flash with Red waking at 5:30am, heading over to Merthyr's "special" training, and then came back and collapsed in bed at 11:30pm everyday. Only sending a letter home to explain what had happened and how after the testing he would come back to tell them if he had made it and to set up his affairs accordingly.

After the 2nd week with two days till the test was set. Red was carted off in his sleep by two pitch black unicorn stallions who quickly carried him off to the tests.

1st Race to the Rescue

Trail after a ponynapper as best you can no matter the cost

2nd Dealing with Death,

Deal with the death of the victim

3rd Choose your Weapon

Make your choice of weaponry displayed before you fight the monster

4th Rise to the meet the Storm

Rise to the challenge and face danger head on knowing it could destroy you

5th Quell the Storm

Finish the fight take down the menace to your home

That was the testing schedule known only to those who have passed it and of course their creator Celestia. While Red had been to hell and back with Merthyr's training. Merthyr had been worrying over what would happen in the tests. And when Merthyr worries for Red then shit is gonna be hitting the fan. As the stallions brought Red into the testing room Celestia walked in with two unicorns following behind her one was a short grey stallion with a neon green mane. who was followed by a tall bright yellow mare with a dark green mane their names were Test Subject and Sim Ulation, respectively,

"So this is the pony eh?" Said Sim

"Yes" Replied Celestia. "This is Red Crossed Hearts. He is the candidate for the medic position."

"Okay Test, you take lead." Said Sim.

And with that the tests had began but no one not even Celestia herself could guess what would happen next. And as they entered the spell Sim had cast that would allow them to watch from above as Red was forced to complete the challenges only one thing was for sure. Something was gonna happen, and it was gonna be important.

Red awoke to a scream of terror from a mare. As he rushed from his room and came across the scene he was shocked. A great Glass window was smashed with the knocked out body's of guards around it, at least one full large size patrol of 8 and and two classic style patrols of two, 12 full grown royal guards, and a scared mare shaking on the side lines.

“What happened here?!” Red quickly demanded knowing that being gentle would not work on a pony so shocked.

“H-he took her!” She panicked. Pointing a hoof up at a rapidly disappearing pitch black stallion Pegasus carrying what appeared to be another maid. And with that Red was gone immediately shooting up to 95 knots. (over 109mph) Silently thanking Rainbow Dash for helping him achieve such a feet.

As he quickly caught up with the ponynapper he shouted. “Get back here now before I beat you down!” A threat that was as hollow as the stands of armour around the castle but that seamed to have the desired effect. As the stallion stopped mid flight, turned around, and suddenly Red was falling after being hit by some unknown bolt of electricity.

As he spiraled to the ground only one word escaped his lips. “sshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt-’” ”THUD” as he crashed into a tree and luckily survived the impact and landed with nothing worse than a sprained wing, he wouldn’t fly for awhile but he would be fine for now. As the stallion flew away Red immediately began to chase him on hoof screaming as he went. “Come back here you bastard!” After about two and a half hours they finally reached the base of one of the smaller mountains to the north of Canterlot.

“Just hang in there I’ll save you.” He muttered to himself as he began the rough journey up the mountain.

*Meanwhile in reality*

“Never seen a newbie do it quite like that before” Remarked one of the two masked stallions who had brought Red to the test.

“Wonder how he’ll do with the next part.” Remarked the still masked ponies counterpart. And with that they both involuntarily shivered at the memories of their own tests.

*Back in the test*

Red had finally reached the cave at the top of the mountain and as he reached the entrance he heard a scream of pain from inside the cavern. “NO! Celestia dam it no!” He screamed as he rushed into the cave seeing a wisp of a black tail shoot out a exit in the roof of the cavern as he rushed to the injured mares side.

*Back in reality*

“I think I’m gonna be sick.” Said one of the stallions. A sentiment that was shared by every pony as they watched the events unfold.

*Back in the test*

“NO!” Screamed Red as he saw the stab wound that had punctured her right lung and most likely hit her spine as well. “You are not dying on me! not yet and not ever!” He continued to scream as he stood and planted his fore hooves on her chest. “I’ll die first before I ever let that happen!” and with that he started to concentrate and as he did so a sound filled the air , the sound of wind rustling leaves, the sound of a block of wood crackling in a warm fire, and the sound of a unearthly howl, the sound of wind as it rushed from the crest of the highest mountains and between the highest peaks, a sound so ethereal and mysterious that even the hardest of warriors would shiver at its sound, a sound so great of comfort even the most scarred of travelers would relax and find solace and warmth in its simply playing, and yet a sound of great fear, a sound that no earthly creature could ever create yet was made of only well known natural earthly sounds. And with that he stopped and starred at what he did.

*Back in reality!*

“D-did that just happen or have I gone insane?” questioned Celestia as everyponys jaw had hit the floor. “Guess not.”

A Cross at First Frost

*Back in the test.*

"D-damn it!" Red panted. "I always feel like shit when I work on lungs. Every damn time! What makes them so damn difficult! Like sheesh at least the spine's simple but no! Celestia forbid that fixing one fucking lung to be easy!" Red panted. "Dam I'm too tired to be bitching to myself. At least the mare's alright. Now to go get that dumb ass who thought ponynaping a mare from the middle of a fucking castle would be easy." Red, after finally catching his breath, began walking towards the cave only to then trip and land face first on the ground.

"Right time to change priorities." He mumbled to himself while getting up. "First get the mare into the cave and hopefully somewhere safer and out of the sun. then! Go beat the ponynaper senseless till he doesn't know down from up, or night from day."

With that sentiment Red pulled the mare up onto his back and walked into the cave looking for a place to set her down. As he walked through the cave Red came across a room filled with weapons from wall to wall, and from knifes to great swords, every type of weapon filled the room. But one in particular called to him. A great sword of steal and iron

*in reality* “He picked up Razor Hails blade! How is that even physically possible!?" Asked Sim. "That blade is at least negative 50 degrease Celsius to the touch! By all accounts both his for-legs should be experiencing advance hypothermia!"

“Most likely the magic we saw earlier is adjusting his body's tempter, or creating a sorta of magical film between himself and the blade allowing him to manipulate it." Stated Celestia.

*Back in the Test*

Red had finally come across a cot in the corner of the room which he placed the mare on before grabbing his new blade which he had decided to call 'Amanet' till he found out its real name, if it even had one, and attached it to a leather strap meant to hold it to his back which curiously didn't seem to be effected by the blade. He then quickly started to fly up the hole in the ceiling hopping the unknown assailant would still be up there.

As he crested the lip of the whole he finally got a good look at the assailant and was shocked. For the ponynaper was a alicorn of black coat with dark green Zebra stripes criss-crossing its body and a long black mane that seemed to cover him like a cloak of pitch black.

{H-how the hell is he an alicorn} Thought Red as he tried to keep his poker face in check hopping he didn't look surprised or fearful to his opponent. {This can't be real! I have to take down a fucking alicorn! Also how the fuck is he an alicorn for that matter I thought the princesses were the only alicorn in existence! Know what screw it! It's magic or something I don't have to understand shit! All I need to do is teach this bitch that no one fucks with Innocent ponies.} And with that Red's resolve was restored and he was ready for battle. Sure it may have been an alicorn but no one attacks innocents and gets away with it, Simple as that, This pony broke the law now Red was gonna break him.

"For your crimes against Equestria and the throne I will bring you to justice! Alicorn or not no one breaks the law or I'll break you!" And with that Red quickly swung out Amanet twisting in a circle covering himself in a Ice. replica of the armor meant for those in the medic position of the royal guard. "Bring it bitch I ain't got all day,"" Taunted Red to great effect as the alicorns horn glowed and massive thunder clouds moved in, rain began to pour down soaking everything, and finally lightening began to strike quickly followed by thunder. And like that a large bolt struck right between the two and the fight began.

Suddenly a large wave of fire shot towards Red, completely unaffected by the rain, just as it struck him. Red brought forth Amanet and blocked the wave of fire with a strike of his own separating it into two half's shooting off to his sides. "Hey alibra dude! After I beat you senseless and bring you back to Canterlot remind me to thank Merthyr for teaching me basic sword skills!" Red taunted his opponent to great effect as he naturally respond by coming in close holding his own sword that near replicated Red's own except instead of ice it used fire.

"Well lookie lookie. Guess they were having a two for one sale down at the magical weapon shop eh?" Red mocked as he and the assailant locked their hilts. "To bad the poor little fire blade had to get chosen by such a weak fighter. But don't worry I'll beat him up right quick and get you outta here." And with that it was like all mental ability was lost as the alicorn jumped back and began to wildly swing for Red who dodged every strike not once using his sword to block his enemy's wild moves.

"Ahhh look at that the poor little alibra can't even hit stupid little medic me how sad." Red said in a condescending tone trying to further encouraging his opponent to make even more wild moves hopping he could land a shot in his enemies rage. "Why he couldn't even hit me with two blades could he?" And like that the alicorn used his magic to pull out a long sharp wickedly shaped dagger from a seethe hidden under his mane and continued his assault forcing Red to have to block the hits or risk death.

"Well fuck me sideways with a cactus." Panted Red as he quickly paired a slash to barely doge a stab from the knife. "Know what? Fuck this shit!" Exclaimed Red as he quickly shot his head forward dazing the alicorn and himself as he quickly flew to the skies hopping his half assed plan would work.

*Back in reality*

"Uh oh looks like ether Red's gonna fail this test or he's completely and utterly mad! I hope it's the second option." stated one of the still masked guards.

"Neither captain Valiant." Celestia replied. "If anything I'd say he's fearless not insane and that we are about to see the 'storm' quelled in a way that has never been done before."

Everypony simply continued to watch from their spectral vantage point as Red continued to gain altitude.

*Back in the test*

Red pushed his body beyond its limits climbing higher than he had ever done before and then suddenly. He folded his wings back in and twisted in mid air diving down with his sword pointed straight ahead like a spear head as he dove straight for the waiting alicorn. As he fell only one thought crossed Red's mind as clouds seemed to form around him and the air pressure increased till he seamed to almost be past the air itself. And this thought was {Fuck my life. fuck my life, fuck my life, fuck my life, fuck my life, fuck my life, fuck my life, fuck my life, fuck my life, fuck my life,} And so on and so forth as the clouds around him began to thin to a mere taper barely separating him from the air below till finally with a opening of his wings and one strong push he broke through. But there was no explosive boom behind him instead a sudden white cloud expanded behind him seeming to envelope the sky and suddenly. It began to snow and as he fell through the air wings pumping hard as he could Red brought forth a huge wave of pure white behind him as he went.

As he finally reached the ground he let forth one final beat of his wings and then there he was. That unknown stallion who's name Red never learned, who could have beaten you had he kept his emotions in check, the same stallion who's blade seem to shatter I front of Red's own weapon, who's chest put up just as much resistance and finally his heart., his still beating, still pumping and perfectly fine heart, which at the touch of Red's blade, split apart allowing the blade to continue moving till finally exiting his back. Then the snow came, seemingly covering up the now shattered fire blade, that seemed to soak up the un-named assailant’s blood, and that seemed to wish to cover Red as well. To clean up this whole mess and take it into its white embrace. And just like that. It all disappeared as Red awoke in the bed after Sim and Test had canceled the spell.

Red looked around the room filled with the two masked stallions, Sim, Test and Celestia herself standing there all looking at him slightly differently. Celestia and Test held on to their poker faces. Sim looked at him with clear surprise in her eyes and a bit of fear. And the two masked stallions looked at him with both respect and a knowing gleam in there eyes showing they knew how he felt. Because Red, for all intents and purposes, had just killed what he believed was a living, breathing pony without there being any crime done to allow such a thing.

"Will somepony please explain what the hell just happened?" Asked Red breaking the silence.

The masked pony named Valiant spoke first. "Well you Red Cross just took the real life simulated test preformed by Mr. Test and Ms. Sim over here." He said pointing out the two ponies as he said there names. "Which allows us to see exactly how you would react as you would in real life to get a grasp of your ability's in a stressful environment."

"So you and your friend came, dragged me here, and then they used a spell to make me feel as though everything was real to see how good I did while under stress?" Red inquired to witch Valiant nodded to. "Well that is pretty messed up if you ask me."

This time Celestia was the one to reply. "Yes it is an unusually extreme method but for the position I had in mind for you it was deemed necessary."

What position is it anyway you never told us," Asked Valiant. "I heard we were losing like six medics with only four possible replacements each loss was in a different corpse as well, one from the magic, one from the ground, one from the aerial, one from the royal guard, one from the dignitaries for some ambassador from the griffin kingdom, and then one from your own personal guard which has a five year experience minimum."

"Well why isn't it obvious?" Stated Celestia. "He's to join my personal bodyguard. He's proven his skills to be equal to those with experience and his special ability is not something to be taken lightly."

At this almost every pony’s jaws dropped. Even Test barely kept his poker face on. And with that Red's destiny was set in stone for no one could dare dispute Celestias choice. No matter what. So now a new path was set for the cross roads had been decided the second Red Cross brought in the first frost and proved his metal. Now we shall see if it will warp and break under the pressure or will it hold fast like a mast when under a full gale. Well only time will tell what will come after.

Love’s A Fickle Thing, And It can Come From Anywhere, So Never Look Down Upon Its Eccentric Nature. [part 1]

SUB-TITLE: Off Into The Sunset

{Let’s reiterate shall we? After coming back and being told I was too guard the sole ruler of Equestria and raiser of the sun I’d like to say I said an awesome punchline, got some armour, and went to work. Sadly instead first my jaw dropped to the floor defying physics. Secondly I’ve been told I screamed like a girl. And finally I was told I fainted. And was then put on Celestia’s carriage and sent to Ponyville for my required week and a half of R&R to set up my affairs, with my armour and apparently the Ice sword cause It was real which was extremely awesome.}

“Why am I reiterating everything that happened like I’m in a damn book?” I questioned the air forgetting about the ponies pulling the chariot and how I was never told whether or not they can hear their passengers mid-flight.

“I think I’ve finally gone more insane than Merthyr and he’s king nut job of the freaking walnut armada.” I said as we came into view of Ponyville or more specifically Sweet Apple Acres.”Yo! Guard peoples! You listening!”

“Yes mister emperor coconut.” Replied the leading stallion. “We hear you loud and clear.”

“Yeah well just set down over at that apple farm I know the way from there and I know the owners so don’t worry about it.” I replied ignoring the coconut comment as we landed. “Thanks for the lift!” I shouted to them as I jumped off with my stuff.

“Don’t mention it Mr.Nut!” Laughed the lead stallion as they flew off.

Just as I grabbed Zapada and was to attack him. Two apples flew up at breakneck speeds hitting him where no stallion deserves to get hit and smashing on impact and launching him up a little before he fainted from pain.

“That’s what you get for insulting my friends!” Screamed out a extremely pissed looking Applejack. Seemingly ignoring the fact that now the others had to carry the now unconscious stallion back to Canterlot. She also failed to notice that I had drawn a huge sword that was emitting ice particles somehow.

“Applejack!” I shouted as I put Zapada back in its sheath. “”It’s great to see you again! How’s Applebloom and Big Mac been?”

“Why you! You leave her for 3 whole Weeks without saying a single thing to all your friends and only sending back some small little letter about ‘being busy’.” Ranted a extremely pissed Applejack. “And they’ve been fine though Applebloom’s been worried sick about you. She kept thinking you’d left and would never come back or that you had gotten hurt. Even when we told her everything was fine she still felt worried about you no matter what we said.”

“Oh crap.” Was all I said as I remembered how Applebloom always looked up to me like Scootaloo looked up at RD only multiply that by about three, and add in the fact I see her at least once every day or so since I’ve always liked coming to Sweet Apple Acres whenever I didn’t have anything to do which was often, and how I was always the one stuck going to the school whenever the little fillies and colts got hurt. Also I always tried to help her whenever she had any problems. Needless to say we were pretty close and the fact I had forgotten about her for those three Weeks cut me pretty deep. At this point Applejack finally noticed my sword and the wrapped up bundle on my back.

“What in tarnation are you doing with a sword?!” She asked incredulously. “What in sam heck happened to you while you were away?”

“Could we please go see Applebloom first and tell her everything is all right?” I answered. “I’m more worried about how she is right now then explaining about Zapada.”

“Zapada?” Asked Applejack.

“The sword.” I replied. “It’s name is Zapada. It means ‘snow’ in that language Merthyr told us about remember? It was called Romaneien I think.”

“Oh right.” Said Applejack. “I forgot about how he taught you some of that weird talk. well Applebloom is of in her room doing her school work right now if you really want to see her but I expect you to explain why you have a sword as soon as you finish talking with her.”

I quickly trotted over to the house as Applejack went back into the far house to continue whatever work she had left to come see me leaving me alone to go see Applebloom. I quickly trotted up the stairs to Applebloom’s room and took a deep breath as I slowly opened the door to see Applebloom banging her head against the desk repeatedly until she stopped with her head smashed into school books. As I walked over to her I saw that she was doing her least favorite subject ever language arts. For those of you who don’t know Applebloom is actually pretty smart for her age she may be a little filly in elementary school. She wasn’t there because she was at their grade level but because the school system believes in social interaction as a very important part of life and that it should override grades when deciding a foals classes. She was actually in geometry, biology, and in a language arts class equal to the level of difficulty as that of a 8th grader in their third quarter even though the school year had only started a month ago.

“Well I can see where the problem is in this writing.” I mused aloud causing her head to jerk up in response to my words. “It’s missing the most smartest, best, and most D’awwable filly to ever walk across this side of Equestria or any other one. Why I’d say that with-” And like that I had suddenly been tackled to the ground in a hug by what appeared at first sight to be a small little yellow fuzz ball with hooves and red hair.

“Oh no!” I joked aloud. “I’ve been captured by the great monster of Sweet Apple Acres that crushes you with hugs and disables your thoughts with all the D’awww she emits! I’m doomed! Doomed I say!”

“Unless!” I said with as a smirk flashed across my face and stayed there. “I exploit her weakness and tickle her to submission!” I suddenly brought my hooves down and started aiming for her chest causing her to let go of me and start laughing as she tried to push me away from her...which made no sense since she was sitting on my chest.

“Do you give up?” I asked the now hysterical Applebloom.

“Ne-never!” She shouted out in defiance.

“Well then prepare for th-” I was suddenly cut off as I felt myself get tackled by Applejack.

“C’mon and help me sis!” She shouted to Applebloom who immediately came over to help her sister tickle me into submission.

“N-no fair!” I called out between fits of laughter as the sister sister tag team worked together against me. “Y-you ca-can’t team up!”

“Whoever said we teamed up?” Replied Applejack as she suddenly turned and tickled her sister. “It’s still a free for all and I’m gonna win!”

“Eenope.” I said as I took my chance and used my one advantage over then both, my wings, “I think it’s more like I will win!” I said as I started to flap wings just right so they each got a face full of feathers. If anyone wants to know why it’s because little known fact that while extremely tough pegasus feathers are also one of the softest things in Equestria so basically they were crying from the laughter in only a few seconds.

“W-we give!.” Applebloom and Applejack shouted out almost perfectly in sync.

I then stopped and looked at the two earth ponies. Applejack still had a couple of tears on her face and had a small smile while Applebloom looked at me with a smile that would put even Pinkie Pie’s to shame. “So who wants to hear how I met the princess and got an ancient sword?”

“Oh! I do!” shouted out Applebloom as she sat down in front of me.

“I reckon I could take a seat for spell. I could always make you do some of the work if it doesn’t sound good enough I could always put you to work to help with all this work.” Commented Applejack as she sat down next to Applebloom

“Well I was asked to come to Canterlot to treat the princess...*We interrupt this boring long ass re telling of what happened to say screw it we ain’t rewriting that stuff so wesa gonna skip ahead now.*...and then I woke up in the carriage on my way to Ponyville.” I said finishing up my re-telling of everything that had happened these past 3 weeks. “So any questions or what?”

“That..was...AWESOME!” Shouted out Applebloom. “You got to meet the princess, fought a evil pony napping villain, save a mares life, and got a really cool sword and did a sonic rainboom!”

“hehe.” I chuckled out at Applebloom’s antics. “I don’t think I can call it a sonic rainboom anymore Bloom. how about a sonic frost boom?”

“I know you wouldn’t lie to us sugarcube but I think I’ll need a sec to take this all in.” Stated a worn out looking Applejack. “Oh tarnation! I forgot why I was so stressed earlier before you dropped by. I need to head to Appaloosa to meet up with Big Mac and help my cousins with apple bucking season. I only stayed behind to find a pony to watch Applebloom because we can’t bring her along since school started.”

“Well I could always watch her?” I suggested. “I’m back for a week and a half and I don’t need to do much. In fact all I really need to do is grab all my stuff which ain’t much and also say my goodbyes and such.” At this Applebloom suddenly frowned and turned to face me.

“If you move then that means I’ll never see you again and we won’t be friends anymore.” Applebloom said as she suddenly jumped forward and wrapped her hooves around my neck. “Ah don’t want to lose my best friend. Even if it means refusing Celestia she could always get somepony else for a guard.”

“Ahhh don’t worry Bloom I won’t be gone forever I’ll be able to visit every now and again also princess Celestia will be coming here for the occasional visit since the Everfree is so close by. Besides who ever said we would stop being friends? I know that even if I never saw you for the rest of my life I’d never stop being your friend.” I replied to her giving her a hug of my own. “Besides I could always send letters to. Now who wants to go look at my new armour eh! I haven’t even worn it yet.” And like that Applebloom was already over at my bag opening it up and taking out the parts.

“Hey what’s this thing?” Asked Applebloom as she took out a pocket watch from inside the bag. "Ah don’t think this is part of the set.”

“Oh! That’s part of being a guard.” I said. “Every guard has a special item to signify that they are a guard when not wearing armour so that they can still perform their duties if need be. Every guard company has a different one all of Celestias Royal guards have a special pendant. Only the medics have the same item no matter your company and that’s a pocket watch, the only difference in mine to signify my rank is the engraving on the side which is a older version of the one engraved on the other medics watches.”

“So if I wore this people would think I’m a royal guard?” Asked a optimistic Applebloom. “Then ah could come with you to Canterlot and meet the princess!”

“Sorry Bloom but I don’t think that would work on the guards also your sister would kill me for putting you anywhere near any kind of danger.” I replied to her while reaching over and taking the watch from her outstretched hoof and putting it on. “Besides if I did that who would be Scootaloo’s best friend then, also who would be there to make sure Pinkie Pie doesn't destroy the town with that party cannon and warn newcomers about her? I’d need somepony to fill that role while I’m gone."

"I’ll do my best sir!" Replied Applebloom wearing an oversized helmet and trying to salute me but falling over in the process. "Guess ah need more training." I laughed at Blooms antics and suddenly got an idea.

"Applebloom I, Red Crossed Hearts bestow upon you the title of protector of Ponyville in my absence. Do you accept the title!" I asked.

"I accept!" She quickly shouted back at me helmet tipping her head to the side.

"How about first you take off your helmet and then go check the fridge for possible threats to Ponyville while me and your sister chat for a sec."

And with that she was off to the fridge to "dispose’ of all the monsters that happened to look like candy. "So what do think? I know Bloom loves the idea but you get to decide if I watch her or not."

"Ah reckon it’s okay. I’ll think of it as repayment for all the farm work ah missed." She replied. "I’ll be back in a week though to keep an eye on her and say my goodbyes so you can head off to your new job with a proper going away party."

"That sounds like a good idea to me now let’s go make sure the new guardian of Ponyville doesn’t eat all the snacks and candy you have eh?" I said. "Being stuck here without any junk food seems like a bad idea to me." and with that we went to go find Applebloom sleeping in front of the fridge and decided to wait till she woke before Applejack would finally leave. After about 2 hours the new guardian awoke and we said our goodbyes to Applejack as she walked off the farm wagon behind her and sunset in front of her. As she walked off the farm and we waved goodbye and she finally fell out of sight I turned to find two dinner plate sized eyes and a smile that would give her earlier smile a run for its money and that suddenly disappeared leaving a cloud of dust heading towards the farmhouse. For the pony with the most stable mind within miles had just left and would be gone for a week. Leaving a extremely energetic little filly with almost no cares and a full grown stallion with a ice sword and not in the best of health mentally. As she trotted off into the sunset only one thing was shit was gonna hit the fan. Now all we gotta do is watch it fly and probably laugh our asses off as it impacts cause when it does. You will be praising the day that Applejack. Rode off into the sunset.

Sub-Title: Of Jealousy, Fighting, And Hearts

"Bark. Bark." Was the sound I heard at four in the morning as I awoke from Winona’s sudden barks.

"Why do I have to be such a damn light sleeper?" I complained to the air around me. "I can’t get a full nights sleep ever can I? And now it looks as though my sanity is still sleeping, Lucky bastard."

As I continued to grumble and for lack of a better term, bitch. Into the air I tried to stand and realised that Applebloom was currently snuggled up to me under my wing. When I looked I swear the D’aww nearly killed me. She was curled up in a little ball with her nose buried into my side just below my wing but the best part was that it seemed that when she snuggled up with me she was on her back, so it looked like my wing was her bed and that gravity had reversed, she also seemed to think my wing was a toy cause her forehooves were wrapped around its base.

As though she was holding a plushie and if I hadn’t had experience with how much D’aww she could make I don’t know if my heart could’ve kept beating. Even though I didn’t want to I knew I had to wake her up for school so after about five minutes of watching I was finally able to make myself wake her up.

"Wakey, wakey." I said to her sleeping form. "Time to get up for school." As I sat there I saw nothing happen to her besides her tightening her hold on my wing.

{Well what do I do now?} I thought to myself. {Oh! Wait Merthyr told me how to wake up Scootaloo once because she could as he said, "Sleep through a group of trumpeters on Royal Canterlot Voice setting." At least I know where she gets it from. I can’t even imagine who Bloom got this from.} I slowly brought my head down and nuzzled her just under her chin lifting her head slightly in the process. As I nuzzled the underside of her chin I started to hear little noises from above me which soon erupted into full blown laughter, which was sadly infectious for I soon was laying there laughing as though I had gone completely mad as Applebloom laid under my wing doing almost exactly the same thing as me. Only she was fairing much better then me and her laughter was already dying down as she looked up at me and erupted with laughter once again. I was finally able to calm down enough to stop and she soon started to stop as well until finally we both stopped. She let go of my wing which she had somehow kept hold of and crawled out from under it allowing me to stand up and stretch my hooves.

"So what’s the plan for today Bloom?" I asked her.

"Well actually ah have school and today's show and tell." She replied. "And ah was wondering if you’d come in and tell everyone about the princess and your sword and all the crazy stuff that happened to you! will you?" Her eyes suddenly grew to the size of saucers and her lip began to quiver. I knew what was about to happen and quickly replied to her.

"Bloom you know that doesn’t work on me." I said hoping the old lie would hold which luckily it did for she immediately turned off the waterworks. "And of course! I’d love to come and talk to your class about the royal guard and the princess." She screamed in delight and began bouncing in a circle around me.

"But first." I began catching her mid bounce in my fore hooves. "Somepony needs to brush their teeth." At this she smiled and jumped out of my hooves and trotted over to the stairs to go do as I had said as I smiled. Today was already seeming like a good day and I was excited to get started.

"There there!" Shouted Applebloom into my ear from her position on my back as I flew her to the schoolhouse with my armour in a bag I held in my hooves and Zapada in its sheath strapped to my chest. "Over to the left! I think it’s Scootaloo!"

"I see her!" I replied to her as I turned to the the filly who was heading to the farm where we had just come from not seeing me and went into a steep dive causing Applebloom to scream in excitement as I did one of her favorite moves for her whenever I offered to fly her around for fun. Even if AJ still hated the idea I couldn’t care less as I heard her scream in delight. Aj never could understand why her sister enjoyed flight and neither did I but she enjoyed it so why not? Not as though I can’t be trusted to keep her safe and not do anything to dangerous when she came along. Though I did do a Buccaneer blaze once when Rainbow dash egged me on but that was a one time deal and nothing worse then me being in the hospital for a week because I protected Applebloom when I realised I had fucked it up. But she was still fine and that’s all that matters. Even if it hurts me a lot more when she’s here and how my muzzle won't ever be exactly straight since I reset the cartilage slightly to the left. I’d still do it because it made her happy. Snapping back to reality I quickly made a hard left leaning into it drifting right by Scootaloo who had seen me coming and apparently guessed at what I was attempting to do and grabbed my outstretched hoof joining Applebloom as I turned out of my drift and flew toward the school building with the two smiling fillies on my back. and her scooter somehow strapped onto her back almost like the sheath to Zapada.

"So what’s with the bag?" Asked a curious Scootaloo from over my shoulder as we continued our flight to the school not noticing the sword strapped to my chest. "You gonna show us some medical thingys for show and tell?"

"That my dear niece is a secret between me and Bloom but know this. I’m not sure if even RD could say this needs to be 20% cooler." I replied to her and after seeing the look of doubt shoot across her face I quickly added on. "I’m not kidding with ya but if you don’t believe me just wait and see."

"Fine I’ll wait and see but it better be awesome." Replied Scootaloo. "If it’s not I’m telling Dash what you said."

"Oh! Don’t worry it’ll definitely live up to my expectations." I said as I continued to fly towards town and began to see the school houses outline. "Well who’s ready for a very weird day at school?" I asked but before they replied some crazy stallion wearing a cape jumped out of the building screaming bloody murder and was quickly followed by some mares.

"Weird." I mused aloud. "Usually sanity waits for me to show up before it completely goes out the window. Also usually it doesn't literally go through the window. Sure it’s gone through the walls before but the windows a new one." I continued as I spiraled down to the school yard praying Fluttershy would not show up with one of the students. Luckily for me my luck held and she was nowhere to be seen.

"Why hello there Red how have you been? I haven’t talked with you in ages." Said Cherliee as she saw her old friend from school. "I haven’t seen you in weeks everypony says you went to Canterlot for some reason and hadn’t returned yet or even said why you were gone." At this point she had a straight face but Red had slept through enough of Merthyr's rants about psychology to at least be able to notice the obvious signs in her body language that betrayed the fact that she had been worrying over all this.

"True I did have to go but at show and tell everything will be revealed so just wait till then cause this is one long story." I replied hoping she would relax from the news. Luckily she did. "I think you might wanna go inside I think I can see something going on in the classroom through the new hole in the wall." I said pointing to the broken window.

"See you later Red!" Cherliee happily replied as she quickly trotted into the school using the doors instead of the now open window.

"well time for the little fillies to get off my back and tell me when is show and tell cause apparently Bloom never thought to tell me earlier." I said giving the now blushing filly a look that. "So who wants to tell me?"

"It’s during first period." Replied Scootaloo. "And guess what? Dad said he’d be coming with a "special" guest from work! She’s supposed to be some really smart unicorn mare who’s met Celestia herself!" at this she nearly beat Applebloom’s biggest smile with one of her own.

"You meen Twilight Sparkle." I responded without thinking. "She’s the princess pupil. I’ve seen her around the palace Merthyr’s supposed to be in charge of keeping an eye on her and protect her in case of emergencies. Though he’s her only guard since the likeness of that happening is very small and it’s a voluntary position so not many ponies ask for it." At that moment the bell rung and we trotted into the class as we trotted inside I noticed Pip was sitting in a corner looking through the shattered window without somepony or something with him. But before I could ask him why Scootaloo asked first.

"What’s wrong Pip?" She questioned the small colt who from what I had heard. Was actually one of the oldest colts in the class but that he had a birth defect of some sort. "Where’s your show and tell thingy?"

"Well." Pip began."He sorta just jumped through a window and ran off with Octavia and Pinkie Pie chasing him with Pinkie yelling something about 'breaking a pinkie promise!' And Octavia screamed something like 'Sister no!' I'm really not sure what just happened."At this I stared wide eyed. If that guy broke a pinkie promise and it related to Pinkies little sis Octavia then I doubt the possibility of even Celestia herself saving him.

"Well if you want you can double up with me?" Scootaloo replied oblivious to the small betraying slight shuffle of her wings, which while missed by most. Spoke volumes to someone who knew her well like me. "My dad said he was bringing in somepony for my show and tell but I don't think he would mind helping you out”

{Welp he’s boned.} I thought to myself as Pip immediately responded with a yes. {knowing Merthyr that stallion Pinkie was chasing has better chances of survival than Pip most likely does at this moment.} At this moment a sudden ball of light appeared and suddenly dissipated and left two ponies where it was, Merthyr and Twilight Sparkle, as soon as they appeared Scootaloo was over there faster then even Pinkie Pie and was hugging Merthyr who tried his best to stay up as the little filly smashed into him and hugged his neck transferring her momentum to him and sending him onto his side...and right into a stunned looking Twilight who sadly couldn’t move out of the way after using the teleportation spell. What followed was the sounds of screams, apologies, and me laughing my ass off as they all righted themselves and tried to not let anyone see their shared blushes.

“hey you’re Twilight right?” I said to her already knowing her name but deciding to try to break the ice with formalities. “I’m Red Merthyr’s told me quite a bit about you and spike. How was that trip west to meet the dragons?” I asked remembering what Merthyr had told me to explain why I didn’t see her after that first time across the lake.

“Oh it was very informative. Merthyr’s told me you’re a very good doctor. Even been asked to come do princess Celestia's check up in person.” She said. “though I haven’t heard what has happened since I left. Care to fill me in?”

“How about this. Since I’m here to be a show and tell pony and Pip’s asking Merthyr to be his since his last one did that.” I said gesturing to the broken window. “How about we each tell our version of what’s happened to us in the past month. Sound like a fair deal?”

“Fine but I wanna know everything that’s happened.” She replied. ”Deal?”

“I thought I already said that?” I joked. “Looks like there done. Wonder how much longer it’ll take Merthyr to realize Scoots has a crush on Pip? Well when he does you mind helping me keep him from raging?”

“Fine but that depends on what Pip is like. Who says Merthyr may not like him?” She replied. “She may be his little girl but I don’t think he’ll rage.” At that I shut it because we had just entered hearing range of them and lo and behold Pip had already somehow won Merthyr over entirely in about 15 seconds flat. As we joined up with them and begin to go into the school I heard some snickering from two little fillies each three personal body guards, one of each race, and with an attitude that just oozed arrogance. Or to be more specific Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Oh I may be against hitting children but I they are a special exception they caused Fluttershy to hate me, made Scootaloo and Applebloom cry multiple times, destroyed my pride on many an occasion, tried to buy several ponies off as though they were objects, insulted everyone I cared for, always complained when I didn’t use healing magic cause it wasn’t anything serious, and were also the most arrogant hot heads I’ve ever met.

“Oh this is gonna be good.” I said to myself as I walked into the school with plans already forming in my mind. “Oh revenge will be mine. They will regret ever doing all of that crap oh yes they will!” I said to myself seemingly slowly losing my sanity as I walked into the school thinking of all the ways to get my revenge for everything they’ve ever done. Oh sanity why must you leave me whenever I’m about to have a good day? Cause this was looking to be the best day ever.

Love’s A Fickle Thing, And It can Come From Anywhere, So Never Look Down Upon Its Eccentric Nature. [part 2]

Sub-Title: Of Insanity, Dreams, And Book Problems

As we seperated going to to the desks of the filly, or in Merthyr's case colt, I looked down to make sure my bundle still concealed my sword hilt which luckily it did.

“Now to begin our show and tell we will be going in alphabetical order.” Began Cherliee. “So Applebloom you’ll be going first.” As she said that me and Applebloom quickly walked up front exchanging a knowing smirk with Merthyr as we reached the front of the class and turned to face them. Most seemed bored expecting something on the pony biology most likely well time to have some fun.

“Hello today class my name is Red Crossed Hearts and today I’ll be talking with you about the vital organs of the pony.” I said in a monotone voice that was expected from most doctors. Needless to say I got the reaction I was hoping for. Almost all of them dropped to their desks and began to try to sleep. At this I quickly dropped my bag causing it to open showing my armour and my sword which I quickly unstrapped. “And the reason why is because I am the new medic for princess Celestia’s personal guard. The Celestials.” At this point I had half my armour on with Applebloom’s help and Zapada was on my back in its proper position. And suddenly a burst of laughter quickly followed by a second outburst was heard from the front of the class or to be specific Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. I smiled evilly waiting for a chance for revenge to show itself.

“Ha! Like we would believe somepony like you could ever join the Celestials.” Said Diamond Tiara in a arrogant tone that made me want to smash my head against the wall till I couldn’t think anymore and then cut off my ears. “You couldn’t even beat a foal in a fight.”

“Wanna put that to the test” I asked grinning evilly. “I see about 6 ponies around you who’d I’d guess are about equal to one newborn foal. And all of them seem to be pretty lazy as well. Probably didn’t even cost more than my cup of morning coffee I bet. Guess it must be so sad to have such cheap bodyguards.” That was the final straw for them I called them cheap and they were pissed. It also didn't hurt that I had insulted the guards themselves and that none of them believed me when I had said I was guard and thought I was bluffing.

‘Okay before this escalates to a full scale battle could we move this outside and maybe lay a few ground rules?” Interrupted Merthyr who was grinning like a madman at what was happening. At this the bodyguards all look at each other and nodded in agreement as they began to walk to the door and outside. “Hey Red c’mon before I disqualify you for staying behind!” Shouted Merthyr as he jumped through the broken window completely ignoring the open door not 5ft away. I quickly followed him through the window and was followed by Applebloom, Twilight, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Scootaloo though Cherliee quickly stood in front of the broken window making the rest of the class stay inside. Apparently forgetting the door was still open and crowded against the windows trying to get a view.

“Okay since I’m the only pony here who doesn’t want to start beating somepony senseless I’m gonna set up the guidelines. First off no one is allowed any weapons. Armour is allowed but I’m gonna have to take your sword for now Red.” Started Merthyr as me and the six stallions stood facing each other with Merthyr in between us while Twi grabbed Silver, Scootaloo, Applebloom and Diamond Tiara and took them to the bottom of a nearby tree to watch. I handed my sword over to Merthyr as some of the body guards handed him some small knives. “Okay secondly. Anypony who causes harm to any bystanders accidentally or not I will immediately step in and they will be getting attacked by me and I will not be afraid of using lethal force and any weapons on me you got that? Any civi gets hurt and you’ll be facing possible death simple as that. And finally any use of lethal force will be treated in the same fashion as hitting a bystander only Twilight will be using her magic as well. Now those are the guidelines and when I say so you may begin.” With that Merthyr took our blades and went over to where Twilight was sitting, whispered something to her, and she teleported his two two short blades he usually had with him whenever he wasn’t off duty. He quickly strapped them so they ran lengthwise across his sids with the hilts pointing up just above his head. After that he walked to where the broken window was at the school and sat there watching us for a second.

"On my mark." He began as the unicorn guards charged their horns and the pegasi lew directly above them with the earth pony guards in front in the common defensive arrangement when not guarding somepony. "Get set...GO!" And with that I jumped up as hard as possible. I barely dodged a sudden fireball but ended up heading straight into a lightning bolt that clipped my left wing tensing the muscles tightening the wing sending me off course and towards the woods. I immediately started to channel magic into the wing relaxing the muscles just in time to avoid hitting the ground and barely dodging another firebolt. As I turned wondering what Merthyr was doing letting them use these spells I saw that the two earth ponies were currently fighting him along with one of the pegasus. He was up next to a tree for some reason. He currently had both swords out and was somehow fending off both earth ponies while the pegasus got ready for another attack dripping blood from a cut somewhere near his wing base. Each was holding a sword one of the unicorns must have summoned for them. They were using wolf pack tactics on him but he wasn’t trying to move away as though he was holding a position for some unknown reason. But before I could ponder this the other pegasus swooped down on me causing me to have to ignore Merthyr and focus on my surroundings. I immediately forced myself to jump up barely dodging the pegasus but exposing me to a frost spell which I was luckily able to negate using my healing magic. I don't know what was happening but whatever Merthyr was doing had to have some strategic matter. He had served long enough to have known how win a fight while outnumbered. So whatever half assed insane plan he had cooked up had to be pretty good to be risking his neck so much. That or he had snapped and gone into one of his moods and wasn't currently thinking straight. Please be the first option.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Red -> Merthyr~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Get set...GO!" I screamed at the top of my lungs sitting in front of the school house ready to see what happened not really thinking I'd be needed to enter the fray. Then the shit hit the fan and the situation got F.U.B.A.Rd to the moon and back as a pegasus suddenly shot towards me weaponless and screaming at the top of his lungs. So as a pegasus about half a head taller then me packed with muscle mass and having no care for his own well being shot towards me going at around oh 28 maybe 29 knots still have trouble judging that correctly. I did the one thing you’re supposed to do, pulled out my swords looking badass as possible and just as he was about to hit me I fell. That’s right I simply relaxed my legs and fell on my arse while pointing one sword upwards and the other to the side. As he flew past me I felt the satisfying feel of a jerk as my blade scraped across his side his own momentum brought my sword through his flesh, causing some blood to splash across my back, I then stood up after I no longer felt my blade slicing through flesh and saw he had hit the school and that my blade hit right below his wing. He was barely staying conscious so I took a sec to see what was happening and that’s when I snapped. For over at the tree where Twi had taken the fillies, and where the two earth ponies were running towards full tilt holding swords, the two fillies the guards were in charge of had knocked Twi out cold. Least to say somepony was gonna be pissing in a fiery lake guarded by Cerberus by the time I was done. As I galloped across the field that was the battlefield I screamed out something that I still can’ believe worked.

“Look!” I screamed wondering if this would even work, and praying that Red wouldn't hear it if it did.”It’s Fluttershy and she’ pissed!” Luckily for me he fear that this installed in anypony who would ever hear that phrase was stronger than the will of the guards., and my voice didn’t reach Red so that was good to. As the guards looked to where I had pointed was able to reach the tree Twilight and the fillies were at. As I came upon them my jaw nearly dropped for on ground Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were knocked out and in between them was Scootaloo who was checking on Twilight while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked in shock. As I stood there it dawned upon me what happened.

[My daughter just knocked out to fillis who attacked my mare friend and is now trying to help my mare friend wake up like it was common occurrence.] This was extremely weird to say the least and if it weren't for the fact that the two earth ponies and a pegasus were heading my way looking very pissed off I’d probably had stood and hugged my awesome daughter like she had just raise the damn sun. But instead I grabbed Twilight by her saddlebags with my mouth and Scootaloo with my hoof and dragged them to the tree were Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were . Quickly shouting out to climb in the tree for cover as I placed Twilight in a hollow of sorts at the trunks base and faced my attackers While trying to keep relatively calm. Thi was gonna be a bloodbath and I wasn’t gonna get out unscaved but I was gonna make sure that at least some of these guards weren't gonna be walking out of this at all. The first guard to reach me was the pegasus who I had sliced earlier and was quickly followed by his two earth pony companions. I immediately bought up my left sword to deflect the pegasuses sword and took a jab with my right while standing up on my back hooves and bracing my back against the tree covering Twilights little alcove of sorts with my body while trying to keep both blades in play. My sudden unexpected jab made him quickly h back with a flap of his wings temporarily blocking his allies as I quickly brought my blades back into position. Making your own fighting style means you gotta be creative and usually this helps when fighting ponies who’ve ever heard of what you're doing before. Sadly these ponies seem to have heard of my unusual fighting style incorporating the use of two blades at once and were coming back at me with less ignorance and impatience than before.

“Well fuck me sideways with a cactus and smash my brains out with a book.” I said much to the confusion of my attackers and giving me enough time to lash out and separate their formation. Butow I was getting charged at randomly by three stallions with swords and one was in th air and was guarding a knocked out pony so baiy was most likely fucked. Unless of course ed came over and helped me but then I’d have two unicorns and a pegasus to deal with as well so this was all fucked to hell. As I continued to fed off my attacke only one thought raced through my mind.

[FUCK YOU RED!!!]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Merthyr-->Red~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“FUCK MY LIFE!” I screamed as I Once again barely dodged a fireball the size o a damn house. “How much power do these guards have! They’ve gotta be on steroids or something Like damn! What fuck is going on!” I continued to scream as I once again dodged sweep from that damn pegasuses sword again stopping me from using my swords frost ability to attack and instead block his sword. For sell swords they were pretty damn good. As I was about to try yet again to attack the unicorns a sound was heard from the sidelines and as I looked my jaw dropped and my eyes bulged at what I saw.

“Eeyup...We’re fucked.” I said as the guards looked as well and be the way their faces changed at the sight I could tell they couldn’t agree more with my sentiments.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Red-->Merthyr~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As all three of the guards rushed me I did the only thing I could. I screamed like a insane person the most weirdest thing I could think of at the moment and hoped they would be confused. AllI can say is mindfuck achieved as I screamed out. “FLUTTERSHY IS IN LOVE WITH RED AND WANTS TO MARRY HIM AND BEAR HIS CHILDREN!” Needless to say that worked too well as they all immediately stopped and looked to the sidelines and as their faces morphed I knew something had happened nd I had a pretty good idea what.

“...She’s standing over there isn’t she?” I asked refusing to look at what I already knew was true. As they all shook their heads yes I could say only one thing. “When I don’t come back remember that I blame all of you for my imminent death.” And t tat Iwa off running faster than Rainbow Dash at the young fliers competition praying for something to save me which turned out to be Red as he swooped down and carried me away...Right To Fluttershy.

“You Bastard!” screamed at Red ash sloy brought me towards the yellow mare. “I’ll forgive you for telling Twi bout my porn collection if you save me!” I screamed pulling my most desperate of cards in the hes of not being put down luckily for me he immediately leveled out and started to fly me back to town only lowering down for a second to grab Applebloom from atop the tree leaving behind Scootaloo to look after Twilight after she woke up. As we flew away the 6 guards all looked at us and saluted me deciding that letting Fluttershy get me was a revenge that no pony deserved. And I couldn’t agree more with them as we flew off into town. But as we flew away and, to the mind of one yellow pegasus mare, distracted the still conscious ponies. One little filly with coat of white and a mane of white and purple didn't happen to watch as this yellow mare whipped away a tear from her face a look of pain and sorrow on her face as she watched the ponies fly away, or to be more specific one white coated and red manned pegasus, before turning and flying low to the ground back to her small, empty, lonely, cottage on the edge of the Everfree forest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Merthyr-->Red~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You sure you’re go dude?” I aske Merthyr as we landed upon the library balcony. “Fluttershy will kill you and I don't wanna find out that I’m Scootaloo’s new legal guardian tomorrow morning.”

“Don’t worry Red I specifically requested this place as a temporary house for good reason.” Merthyr replied. “I came here so much that I’ve made few changes during the visits. Being paranoid is pretty helpful, especially when your mom’s the mayor of Ponyville and loves you to death. I've built in secret tunnels reaching from here to Sweet Apple Acres and beyond. The damn things took forever to dig but they're worth it." At this I was too shocked to speak. Sure Merthyr is paranoid but damn! I didn't think he was that paranoid. He laughed at my shocked expression just before Applebloom yelled at me from my back that we should be heading home now. As I jumped into the air only one thought came to my head.

[Merthyr you're as crazy as Pinkie Pie but only you somehow keep under wraps and I don't know if that's better or worse.] And I bet if he was there he'd be agreeing with me completely. Cause he was fucking insane and basked in every moment of it.

Love’s A Fickle Thing, And It can Come From Anywhere, So Never Look Down Upon Its Eccentric Nature. [part 3]

As I walked up the stairs to the second floor of the farm house with Applebloom upon my back as it rained outside I thought over what had happened today. Got a surprise visit from Merthyr were I finally met Twilight, got into a fight with six extremely tough bodyguards, nearly gave Merthyr to an enraged Fluttershy but finally got him to forgive me for letting Twilight learn about his porn, found out Merthyr is way more paranoid and insane than I thought, and now I'm at Sweet Apple Acres taking Applebloom up to her bed after my failed attempt at cooking a home meal. This was quite a good day too bad for me it was going to get a little extension since the universal powers just loved to mess with me. Though I was unaware of this as I slowly put Applebloom into her bed and tucked her in before leaving the room and heading for my own bed. Looking forward to a good nights sleep and a more calm tomorrow. As I entered the guest room and shut the door I laid my armour and Zapada on to my dresser along with my vest and pocket watch onto the bedside table. As I drifted off to sleep only one thought danced through my mind.

[I wonder if Merthyr would lend me his swords and show me how to use them if I ever Asked?] And with that I drifted off to sleep with thoughts of sword fights and pirates for some reason. Man my mind is weird.

"Bunnies are cute!" I screamed as I awoke only to wonder why I was dreaming of pirate bunnies till I heard a sound from outside not caused by the storm. A sound that while faint was obviously not caused by a storm at all. As I quickly jumped from my bed pulling on my glasses, cloths, watch, armour, and Zapada before leaving my room to check up on Applebloom. As I trotted down the hallway I saw that Applebloom’s door was ajar and after I rushed over and looked inside I saw no sign of the little filly at al. At this I began to panic slightly my already frayed nerves bringing thoughts better left unmentioned to the front of my mind. I immediately rushed outside and into the storm flying just below the trees as fast as possible in the direction I thought I heard the sound come from. As I flew through the trees only one thought flashed across my panicking mind.

[Please be safe, Please be safe. Please be safe.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Red-->Applebloom~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Thunder, freezing, monster, lost, darkness, fire, rain, Scoots.] These were the thoughts that rushed through my mind as I stood with Scootaloo as we huddled together under a tree somewhere in the apple orchards. I had come outside when the rain had started after hearing Scootaloo from below. We had planned to go get Sweetie Belle and try to get our storm watching cutie marks. We had gotten lost in the orchards as we went on our way and then the thunder had started and the rain started coming down in buckets then, as we thought nothing could get worse, we saw something moving in the distance heading our way. Even though it was only visible occasionally it still plagued our minds constantly and we had decided to try to hide in a hollow at a tree's base.As the figure countinued to come closer Scootaloo nudged me and pointed up the tree with her hoof and began to climb into its higher branches. I quickly followed hopping the thing wouldn’t find us. As the creature came into focus me and Scootaloo were already in the topmost branches and what I saw nearly made me lose my grip as a flash a light prevented me from getting a second look at the thing as it jumped to us at speeds that even Rainbow could never hope to ever reach only one thought went through my mind.

[Is that a pocket watch?]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Applebloom-->Red~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I blindly flew through the orchard with the same thought repeating over and over in my mind. Which was almost deadly as while I rushed I barely noticed a small speck of purple off in the distance that immediately disappeared again but I had seen it and there was only one thing that color that would be anywhere near Sweet Apple Acres, Scootaloo. As I redoubled my efforts heading there at just over 50 knots, the fastest speed I’ve ever gone in real life, against a massive head wind that nearly ended me a couple of times. As I finally reached the spot where I saw the glimmer of purple I saw Scootaloo and Applebloom in a tree but then something terrible happened. The smell of ozone began to fill the air, my coat and mane began to float up slightly, and it hit me, lightning strikes after those signs. And it always aims for the highest conductor, usually a lightning rod atop a house or some daring animal, but in this case that conductor was the two little fillies in front of me. As this hit me I immediately launched forward stretching every muscle, every tendon, all my strength, skill, and magic into simyone goal. To go as fast as possible, to literally race lightning and kick its ass, and I wn’

t oing to lose just at the last moment as I flashed forward my pocket watch flew from my pocket flashing in the light as I reached the fills and popped open with the lightning streaking towards its inner flap just as I came close enough sending thousands of volts to me and sending me careening into the tree in front of me as I slipped into darkness as only one thought passed through my mind.

[They’re safe, they're safe, they’re...safe...]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Red-->Scootaloo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no!” I yelled to myself as Red and Applebloom fell from the tree,both unconscious and the only difference being that Red had a slight full body charing. As I watched them fall through the tree only one thought entered my mind.

[...Fuck my life.] As I quickly hopped down the branches trying to remember what Merthyr had taught me about first aid. Sadly nothing was close to what happened he might teach me about bloo, gits, bone shatterings, and all that but nothing yet about trauma or electricity so I was on my own there. [Well can’t do fist id so what else? First off I need to see if they’re dead or not, no point risking the living for the remains even if it does feel weird to say that I gotta follow rules. Secondly if no ponies dead asses if they are close to death and if they are safe to move or not. Thirdly I need to check to see if there’s any form of predators or anything that could attack us, can’t help if you’re dead yourself. Finally I need to get them somewhere where there’s somepony who can help.] Going over the basic outline of what to do that my dad had drilled into my mind I quickly followed all the steps and was relieved to learn that they were okay for the most part and seemed stable more or less, no predators were nearby and they didn't seem to be at risk of moving. Now all I had to do was move them...now which way do I go? As I thought this over I continued to look over Red and Applebloom for any injury I might of missed earlier and find the best way to drag them cause while having a direction is good, being unable to move towards that direction makes it worthless. And then it hit me.

[Which way did Red come from?] And with that I had my direction. [Now how do I drag them there?] As the thought hit me I face hoofed at the fact that I had already messed up and found my direction before how to carry them. All had with me was my scooter and the crusader cape Sweetie Belle had made for me. As I tried to think of what to do I remembered something, there’s a small wagon over at the farm that was meant for Applebloom whenever she wanted to help with the apple bucking. If I were to go get it I could strap it onto my scooter and get them out of here faster but then I’d have to leave them as well. Meh, Dad always said take calculated risks and that applies here. So I immediately grabbed my scooter and rushed towards where Red had come from, praying nothing bad would happen, all the while wondering only one thing.

[Why does not freak me out as much as it should?]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Transition/Time Skip~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I finally returned to Red and Applebloom, the small cart in tow, I was surprised to see that Red had seemingly unconsciously opened his wing so that it covered Applebloom. The fact that he did that out of reflex though proved he at least had some mental capacity at least so that was heartening news. I quickly dragged them up into the cart, wondering how Red weighed so damn much, I realized that Red was still wearing his armour though the full body charing had made it hard to see it was still recognizable.

[At least now I know why he’s so damn heavy.] I thought to myself as I dragged Red’s body up into the cart, Applebloom still wrapped under his wing somehow, and quickly set to work towing him and Applebloom away. As I zoomed through the woods barely dodging trees and ruts in the ground, hopping my sense of direction wouldn’t fail me since I could barely see five feet away and so, by extension, had no way to tell in the monotone orchard where I was or going, with rain shooting into my eyes as I went at speeds that I barely believe I could have ever reached if I wasn’t so worried about the safety of my friends and pumping with so much adrenaline. Hell I was flapping my wingsso hard that ifI hadn’t been gripping my scooter so hard I’d have probably flown for once, training or not, I don’t think being earthbound would have been possible if I wasn’t holding my scooter in a death grip as I raced to wherever Red had come from. Praying that he had come straight to us and not taken some damn criss cross search pattern.I was basically banking on his inexperience which would cause him to hopefully be rash and just head straight out instead of searching correctly. Which, to my everlasting thanks, was a bet not wasted as I emerged from the orchard into the clearing around the farmhouse, the road into town clearly noticeable off to my right. I immediately shot off the path deciding the only place to go to would be the hospital.By now I was shivering and could barely feel my wings or hooves, my speed dreching me in freezing rain and forming a sort of bubble or the cart keeping Red and Applebloom dry for the mot part. I knew the feelings of the early stages of hypothermia from experience but I shove the pain into a corner of my mind for lter and shut the voice in my head screaming in my head to stop and get under cover. If I’ve learned anything about character from my dad it’s that you always view the lives of others above your own, even if he didn’t like how I had ended up believing in the same things as he did he knew how I was and let it slide. Besides, as the phrase goes, “The bridge of history is held above the sea of chaos, death, insanity, and all the refuse of the mind. Only by the thin pillars of self sacrifice, and the spidery arcs of tolerance forged in the single fire of loss fueled by the few rare martyrs of the past.”. And being a martyr is something that dad could never object to even to his own daughter.

[url= www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-4wUfZD6oc ]Play this if you dare risk it.[/url]

As I continued on my way ignoring the numbness that was slowly reaching towards my chest until I could no longer feel my wings, forelegs, and hind legs as I refused to stop as I began to made of fire but still I kept going. I went faster and faster refusing to stop as my body felt as though covered in boiling tar and pitch while being hammered upon constantly by small balls of lava causing such strong delusions of heat that the earlier below zero feeling seemed like a far off paradise from the tormenting hell fire that consumed me as all thought soon left my mind all except one thing remained among the thousand of voices screaming out in pure agony as hell fire consumed them turning them to ashes but they then simply continued to scream out in horrendous mind shattering voices of pain and misery. Only one though refuse to go and leave me in peace, a thought that kept me awake and forced me to experience this hell on earth.

[Must save them.] And with that I was suddenly blinded, as my ears were assaulted by sounds I could not define, as shapes moved that I could not make out, as a wall came into view and hit me with force I could no longer feel, as a thought that had drove me so farr and through so much could not be heard, and as a new thought replaced it before finally allowing me to seep into my agony and let it all end and lose all my grip upon the world.

[They’re safe.] And then I was gone and into the oblivion called nothing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scootaloo-->Nurse Red Heart~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Bloody hell.] Red Heart thought to herself as she collapsed onto the couch on the far wall in the small on call room situated on a hallway connecting the front desk with the E.R., as she slipped into a slightly british tilt as she always did whenever she felt her job was getting the better of her to try to calm herself with how unfitting it sounded with her voice, but for once, its signature clash of wording and voice had no effect on her sullen mood. Not three hours ago Scootaloo had crashed into the front office suffering extreme hypothermia with a cart filled with her son Red and Applebloom who were both suffering from high voltage shock resulting in extreme muscle cramps which made some parts of them stiff as a board and was putting a overly large amount of stress on the muscles causing some to tear, let alone how this would later on affect their nerves and if they could ever be able to regain perfect muscle coordination with how many nerves were damaged, was something Red Heart did not want to think about. Of course they would at least live, Scootaloo on the other hoof didn’t look like she had the chances of anypony she’d seen that wasn’t already on their deathbeds, hell, some of those ponies probably had better chances of jumping up and perfectly start singing opera than the little filly had of ever lasting through the night, and that’s what was causing her sullen mood. While Red was her son and Applebloom was lie a niece almost she knew that they would at least live so to her they were fine for the most part, when you work at a hospital long enough anything can seem better than death, and even the death doesn’t seem to affect you much after awhile. All jobs had unexpected perks. A hospital taught you was t find the silver linings in deaths and try to move on not worse for the wear, that is until somepony you care about is the one dying in your hooves. Then it becomes a different ball game altogether. Being as of how Merthyr was never able to live with Scootaloo he usually had her stay with some relatives but he was as close to Red as a twin and considered Red and all his relatives to be his own blood so some were surprised when they learned I was one of the “relatives” who kept an eye on Scootaloo while he tried to raise money for a house. So it doesn’t need to be said me and Scootaloo were close, she was like my own daughter of sorts and seeing her like that tore my heart out and to the devil went the remains of it as it was shredded and lit aflame. And the worse part was that I couldn’t do anything for her, I couldn’t give her a blood transfusion since she wasn’t suffering blood loss, it was summer so there was few medicines for hypothermia about since the shipments weren't scheduled for another two months, and of course having Red use his healing magic was completely out of the question. So as I laid there, my muzzle buried deep in the couch cushions, legs flayed all around me, and unshed tears of frustration, pain, sorrow, and fear just barely held back by clenched eyelids I did the only thing I could to try and help stop the torment of my mind. I drifted off into a shallow dreamless sleeps with hopes of a better tomorrow, a tomorrow in which a little orange coated filly with a purple mane and tail would be hopefully alive to see.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~12 hours later~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nurse Red Heart-->Red Cross~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“TOFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I screamed aloud as I awoke om nightmare involving, Pinkie Pie, what appears to be a rape dungeon, Celestia, Killjoy, a party cannon, pie, and rainbow colored tofu. Oh and also a green pegasi that kept flying around the air drinking coffee while constantly repeating the word “Nyan.” through the whole damn thing. That was some scary ass shit. But just as I was about to try to figure out what the fuck just happened my body suddenly folded in upon itself as my muscles stopped listening to my commands and crushed my body into positions that only Blossomforth had ever reached without some form of muscle relaxer, least to say, it felt like I tore myself a new anus and then all those reactions brought up pains that I didn’t remember ever causing and further contorted my body increasingly making my body feel like it was in the center of the fucking sun. Luckily for me a nurse had been on standby in my room and immediately injected my body with some nerve dampeners and muscle relaxers. I knew it wasn’t painkillers cause while my body went numb my head remained clear and sharp from the sudden pain that had jolted it awake. As I layed flat trying not to cause another movement owing whatever that caused the pain would only get worse whether I could feel the pn or not. As soon as I inched my body to a comfortable position I turned to the nurse who immediately cut off me of as I opened my mouth.

“Hello Red long time no see eh?” The male nurse said as I finally got a good look at him and remembered his name, it was Steady Blue He was one of the best ponies at calming down patients and had a lot of strength in case force was needed to subdue any patients. “Well here’s the short of the tale for ya. you were hit by lightning and crashed directly into a tree, Applebloom told u you were trying to protect them but when you got close enough A bit of the lightning arced to her but she’s fine for the most part. She’s in better condition by you at least. After that we can only guess at what happened and it seems like after you two fainted Scootaloo went and got a wagon from the Apple family farm and lugged you two back here as though the gates of Tartarus and opened and the devil nd she had spit in his face just beforehand. When she arrived she was barely alive and the fact that she was conscious is unbelievable. She’s currently in the E.R. been there for just over 15 hours, she was experiencing extremely advanced hypothermia when she first came in. Whether she lives or not is uncertain but the truth is you’ll be more likely to go to Canterlot and get a one night stand with Fleur De Lis than see that filly survive the next 12 hours, little girls held in there though we’ve had some close calls but she’s sticking to the pale for now so we can’t be certain.” And like that I was speechless, not by the injuries though but the fact that Scootaloo had done all that. I meen with the injuries we’ve suffered I’ll be able to get us up in a couple hours when my wings start working again that is. It was the fact that Scootaloo had done that that left me speechless and or good reason. Even I would’ve fainted from hypothermia on the way here under those conditions and we’d all be dead yet one little filly had done all that and was still alive and would soon be up to top conditions after my wings were usable again. Before I could get over my shock and say anything Steady cut me off yet again.

“Merthyr showed up around eleven hours ago when we were finally able to spare somepony to go tell him. He’s been running back and forth between yours and Scootaloo’s rooms till that other pony with him stuck him in Scootaloos room and told him she’d watch you.” At this I was surprised that Merthyr had actually valued me as highly as he did his daughter to the point where he couldn’t decide where to stay. Though he probably hadn’t heard anything when the hospital staff told him of our conditions and assumed me and Scootaloo were both at the same risk level. “She just left for a second to make Merthyr eat something, Damn guy wouldn’t stop sitting there holding Scootaloo’s hoof. Didn’t shed a damn tear, he’s one good actor or a pretty tough father. Anyway Applebloom is currently asleep along with Scootaloo and your mom, poor dear was nearly bawling her eyes out so Cold stone put her into a longer sleep to help her calm down hopefully. Also I was asked by Red Heart to give you this if you woke up before her.” He continued as he opened a manila folder and planted it in front of me.

“I already know what’s in that folder since I was the one who was in charge of the procedure but only Red Heart and Fluttershy know what’s in there as well. So know this, Merthyr has no clue about what I’m giving you right now when you’re done reading it just through it in the hazmat bin. It’ only a copy and so it doesn’t need to be saved.” And with that he left me alone with the folder which I had yet to look at, I contemplated just throwing it into the hazmat bin, it was actually a shoot that led straight to the incinerator meant for heating the wing of the hospital it was located at. But quickly hushed the thought. This somehow related to Merthyr and even if I didn’t want to read it if for his sake than for nothing else. This was a decision I was to soon look at with disdain, joy, hatred, but most of all a calm sense of something that had to happen, so as my eyes looked down and analyzed what the papr in front of me said and my jaw dropped right at the first line, I knew why this was a secret so well kept for at the top of the page it said.

NAME: Scootaloo.G.Pyrho

Genetic-Mother: Fluttershy.T.Lilthuiam

Genetic-Father:Red.Crossed.Hearts

Named-Father: Merthyr.L.Pyrho

“Holy shit...” Was all I could say before I fainted from what I saw. I was a father to my best friends daughter who is the daughter of the pony who has hated me all my life. And I don’t know how any of this could have happened.

Of Daughters And Unexpected “Assistance”.

“RRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD-” That’s what assaulted my ears as I awoke to find a rainbow maned, cyan blue pegasus hugging me like like I was a wonder bolt while my body guards weren't around. For those who have been living under a rock for the past 25 years and so couldn’t guess who this unusual, fan girlish pony was, it was Rainbow Dash. And of course behind her was the pink menace herself who was the ultimate cause for probably 80% of my pay check from when I was at the hospital, Pinkie Pie. Remember kids, break a pinkie promise and I’ll be seeing you pretty damn soon with a gelding and a inability to talk or move for a week. Though her smile seemed to be gone and her mane un puffy, that was a pretty bad sign probably caused by my poor condition. As I looked back down at Rainbow Dash, who had a light blush from her emotional outbreak which she obviously thought of as “not cool”. I couldn’t help but smile, she was probably one of my most common patients and my best friend next to Merthyr. And never have I seen her lose her nonchalant appearance break. This is the fourth time in three years and all of them were related to Scootaloo, they were like sisters almost if you ever caught them when they were just hanging out. I swear they’ve made me D’awww more times then my pride would ever allow me to say.

“Ahhhh.” I said aloud trying to stay as still as possible, lest my muscles decide to make me wither in agony again since those nerve dampeners had already worn off. “No better way to wake up when every muscle in your entire body is screaming in agony a every movement than to be tackled by a mare who can breach the sound barrier and is for some reason more hyper than the pink, puffy haired, party cannon packing mare sitting behind her who seems to decide that injured old me doesn’t deserve any hugs?” That was all I needed to say to get Rainbow Dash’s blush to increase tenfold and to get the somber part mare to brighten up and hug tackle me but somehow do it as to not make me feel my completely wreaked muscles scream out in pain. But as the Pink fuzz ball let of me and stepped away the door slightly creaked open and in walked somepony who I’d never expect to see so soon. It was my sisters, Trixie and Gilda. As they trotted through the door and got a glimpse at my bandaged wings from when I had used them automatically as I had careened into the tree as shields, and the still remaining singed hairs in my mane and coat. I silently cursed my luck at being unable to clean up. Gilda was okay but Trixie was a freaking nightmare, if she’s still how she was before her and Gilda had set out to travel together then this was about to get annoying.

“RED!” Yelled out Trixie as she rushed over to look me over her eyes watering slightly as she immediately bear hugged me while trying not to touch my wings, damn that hurt like a mother fucker. “ What happened! We came here to do a party for Pinkie and learn you’re in the hospital. What happened?!” She continued her over protective nature kicking in as she quickly wiped at her eyes getting rid of a few tears.

“I’m fine trust me I’ve been through worse but if you’d mind letting go please? My muscles are just a bit sore from just a minor electrocution so moving them is a little annoying right now.” said into my sisters mane as Gilda watched. Damn I hate having such an overprotective sister sometimes. But just as Trixie was letting go of me and letting my agonized muscles relax Gilda had to say something that resulted in my back cracking and my resolve nearly dying as I held back a scream of pain from my sisters hug.

“Meh. It all depends on how big that lightning bolt that hit you was and how fast you crashed into that tree I guess.” And with that I immediately got knocked out from my sisters hug of death.

[Damn it why do I keep getting knocked out lately Can’t I get something to go right or fallow my plan? Just once like come on! This just ain’t fare here.] And with those thoughts I once again fell into unconsciousness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2 Hours Later~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“There that should wake him up for you.” Said a voice to my left as my mind resurfaced into reality and I saw that the voice had come from some nurse whose name I couldn’t seem to recall. As I quickly took in my surroundings I saw that only Trixie, Gilda, and Twilight were in my room besides the nurse who left the room fallowed by Twilight who was probably, if Merthyr had ever been correct in describing her to me, was trying to get her to tell her all about medical spells being as of how I had my sisters with me and was medically sound. As my view turned to my right I was quickly assaulted by a rush of brown feathers as Gilda after seeing the door closed let her emotions show and quickly gave my immobile form a quick, light, wing hug which was both firm but also didn’t move my body at all, she still won’t tell me how she does that so well.

“Don’t do something so stupid again squirt. I don’t wanna be carrying your coffin any time soon.” She said after letting the hug go and siting back down next to a slightly stunned looking Trixie. Guess Gilda still kept her emotions on a tight leash even at times like this. “Besides if you die I’d be the youngest and I don’t want Trix to be even more protective than she is now, Luna knows she nearly kills me with all that daily.” Yep looks like she’s still the same as she always was. She’ll laugh at strong displays of emotion and then go charge a army of 100 dragons with you if you were crazy enough to try it. Or at least a mob of 89 drunk diamond dogs with swords and knives, don’t ask cause I ain’t telling. After that short outburst I realized that the manila folder that Steady had given me was tucked under my pillow. As I noticed this and thanked the heavens for my luck knowing how Trixie would react to me having a daughter I don’t remember having. Dear Luna help the soul of whoever she blames. As I tried to shift m body to block it Gilda noticed it with a gleam in her eyes but before she acted I was able to say something that shut even her ever joking mouth.

“So Trixie.” I began a smirk on my face as Gilda starred at me knowing what I was about to do, when you’re twins you’re usually pretty damn good at reading each other. “How’s your mare friend been? Have you two found somepony for Gilda yet?” At these words Trixie immediately gasped.

“Oh Celestia damn it we were suppose to be back at the caravan over to hour ago!” Said a shocked looking Trixie. “I’ll head back there and help with everything and lt her know every thing's fine you can stay if you want Gilda.” At this Gilda nodded and Trixie shot out the door fast as Pinkie Pie.

“Kay with her gone now I need your help sis.” I said as soon as the door shut closed, I immediately scooted slightly over ignoring my muscles and gestured to th folder which she quickly snatched up and read. “Everything on there is from a trust worthy pony ad only him, Fluttershy, me since yesterday and now you know about.Listen I was wondering if you’d go get Fluttershy, she’ll be tough to convince so I’d advise getting on the way over there RD. I want to have a conversation with her before I tell Merthyr. I don’t wanna drop this on him but he deserves to know. But first I need to get all the facts and figure out what I’m going to do.” At this all Gilda looked shocked, she wasn't expecting this at all. But she quickly checked her emotions and tucked the folder in her bag before heading off for the rainbow manned pegasus and then Fluttershy. After the or closed I sighed in relief, this was gonna be more difficult than the final test to become a guard. As I tried to relax and wait for Gilda’s return only one thought went through mt mind.

[...I have a daughter...I have a little orange coated, purple manned flank kicking, scooter riding, life saving, and cute as Applebloom daughter...I actually have a daughter. ] And with that for the first time in just about 24hours. I fell asleep upon my own want and as I did so my mind was filled with thoughts of my daughter, and for once I had deep restful sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 Hour Later~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I awoke to the sound of a scuffle and just I opened my eyes the door shot open and in flew a begrudged Fluttershy followed by a annoyed Gilda who blocked the door as Rainbow Dash sat outside. Apparently she knew something serious was going on or else she’d have smashed down that door and screamed at somepony about what was going on.

“Fluttershy please calm down! Gilda what did you do?!” I immediately shouted out trying to get hold of the situation.

“Well she was coming at first but then when we reached here and she saw your room she freaked out so we had to use force.” Gilda nonchalantly stated. “And before you respond, yes I thought it was necessary. It’s not everyday you learn your bother has a daughter he doesn't know about or even remember sticking it to her mom ether.” At this statement I blushed slightly and Fluttershy just had a shocked look on her face. Probably since she didn’t think anypony would figure it out, but not without cause. She’d somehow tricked everypony into thinking Merthyr was the father. She even triked him into raising her as his own which, while actually being one of the highlights of his life, is pretty fucked up.

“While that may be true.” I began

“Yeah! Yeah! I know.” Gilda interrupted. “I still shouldn’t use force but still I think this is more pressing than proper behavior. So spill it, how’d you end up giving birth to my bros daughter?”

“well I just-” Began Fluttershy before Gilda interrupted again.

“Talk louder damn it!” Screeched Gilda. “The least you can do is own up to what you did so start talking!” At this Fluttershy raised her voice to a hear-able level if a bit shaky.

“W-well h-h-he was dr-drinking a lot b-back then..and..well h-he strayed near th-the Everfree o-once s-so I let h-him stay th-the night and-” At this point Gilda immediately interrupted Fluttershy’s broken speech once again.

“So you raped my drunk brother!” She immediately accused the cowering yellow mare.

“So what? do you rape everything? Are some stupid-” At this I immediately cut Gilda off.

“GILDA!” I shouted trying to bring order to the events happening in front of me. “Calm down! Like damn! Just cal the fuck down and let her finish at least!” After a second of staring at me mouth agape Gilda closed her beak and sat back down in front of the door anger seeping from her every pore but still just barely kept in check.

“W-well w-what happened ne-next was th-that well I-I’d always had a-a-a crush on yo-you s-so wh-when you st-started t-to l-lean towards me w-we sorta k-kissed a-and fr-from th-there, y-you ca-can imagine wh-what happened ne-next. And th-that mo-morning wh-when Mer-Merthyr c-came by I t-told him th-that I ha-had let y-you sleep o-on t-the co-couch s h-he brought y-you back in-into town and th-that was it.” At this point I wasn’t sure what to say and neither was Gilda. I had gotten drunk apparently and fucked my best friends Ex-marefriend.

“Holy shit.” was all Gilda could say as she to thought of this. “Well this is gonna be awkward as hell now ain’t it.” As was about to reply a high pitched scream of pain was heard.

“Applebloom!” I shouted as I recognised the voice instantly trying to stand upon my wobbly leg my muscles screaming ad agony and forcing m back down. “GILDA! Get over here and fly me there now!” I commanded at my sister who quickly swooped at me, plucked me from my bed with her talons and shot out the door and down the hall way to were the scream was heard.

[Please be safe.] Was the only thing that shot through my mind as we shot at high speed barely turning corners in the hospital. [Just please be safe.]

Our Path Is Clear So We Shall Not Fear

After two hours straight of flying, At a pace most would think of as a sprint, Red finally reached Canterlot, more specifically the front gates of the royal castle, As he landed on the steps of the palace he thought. {well this is so gonna end up in disaster, only question is when's it gonna hit, before or after I'm treating the princesses} Shaking of that last thought. He quickly trotted over to where sergeant Kill Joy was waiting for him

"It is great to finally see you Red Cross, the princess is waiting for you in her chambers." said Kill Joy as he jumped up and led Red inside. Completely oblivious to the slight reluctant look in Red's eye's. As he belatedly followed the Sergeant in front of him.

As they walked through the halls to go meet the princess they were stopped by...know what how about we show you a pic instead? yeah that so makes my job easier so here we go

and that is the pony we meet named Merthyr. who if you paid attention was mentioned in the prologue as the one who. And i quote. '...and my second Merthyr swears on his religious beliefs that you are the...' Remember? well than let's see who this pony is shall we? Now back to the story

"Red! old friend how's it been!" Yelled out the blue earth pony walking towards them "How's your mom been?"

"Ha, We've been doing good dude, It's nice seeing you again Gear." Chuckled Red using his old friends nickname "So how's it been between you and Spark." Using his friends pet name for his marefriend. {man he looks taller, and he still wears cloths? Man I'd have thought he'd stop doing that by now.}

"Yeah we've been good. Though I don't think you can call me gear anymore. I made a book and called it 'Gear Theory's. The thoughts of a philosopher.' The books sold so many copy's it's not even funny anymore .Though I wrote it under the pen name Gear so I haven't been swamped by fans yet." He chuckled out. "It made so much money i can finally start a savings fund for the house. And start it of pretty darn good. Hell if i can keep up with work I might be finally able to put a down payment on a house in a year or two and finally start providing for scoots like a true dad!"

I was shocked to say the least. Merthyr had taken on Scootaloo when she was a just born foal, being the closes blood relation since his sister died in childbirth and her husband committed suicide soon after her death, And he had raised her as his own. Though of course guards don't make that much, In fact his book accelerated his schedule by at least three to four years, and since birth Scootaloo had been staying with her step uncle in Ponyville while Merthyr saved up enough money for a house. And while they were still very close the thought that Merthyr could finally have Scootaloo live with him. Just made Red smile. he couldn't help it. finally his friends dream would come true. And obviously he would most likely talk to Twilight about going public afterwards since he could finaly feel confident in himself. well to say the least Red knew that life was looking pretty good from his friends perspective.

"Dude...I have one thing to say to that." He said in a calm tone knowing how his friend would react.

"All I have to say is...CONGRATULATIONS!!!" Seeing a flash of relief and happiness spreading across his friends face he smirked knowing that Merthyr was probably ecstatic that his best friend was so happy for him.

{And he probably knows where my train of thought brought me. He always did seem to know almost exactly what i was thinking}

"Thanks dude. It's great to see you again. I can't believe so much happened in only 3 months. My schedule shot ahead four years, Me and Twi have never been better, And to top it of my best friend is with me again! Hey you want to go get something to eat? I found the best place ever not to far away and guess what? they have coffee!"

"urhmm" Interjected Kill Joy who till this moment had been standing silently off to the side

"Merthyr Mr.Red Cross has yet to see the princess yet. Your plans will have to wait for now while he attends to the princess."

"Oh! Sorry sir! I had believed he had already seen to the princess and that you were simply showing him out so he wouldn't get lost. Please excuse me." Replied Merthyr

"I'll talk to you later Red. I want to know everything that's happened to you and scootaloo. I'll be at the barracks if you need me." And with that he snapped of a quick salute to Kill Joy and left.

"Follow me then." Said Kill Joy as he walked off with a silent Red Cross behind him.

If he had the curiosity to look back him he would see that a steady look of pure, unwavering, determination to do the task at hand had replaced the look of fear and reluctance in Red's eyes.

*45 minutes later*

After the regular checkup it came time for the shots. Though she was a goddess she dreaded the pain of shots. {You and me both, these things scare the crap outta me!} But Red was more delicate and quick than any other doctor or nurse she had ever met. She never felt a thing! As she turned to him and spoke for the first time though out the checkup he could see a slight glimmer of surprise and passably. Was that a bit of curiosity in her eyes? It’s almost as though she’s looking me over? {Nah that's impossible, it must be the light. That's got to be it...Right? yeah… It's just the light. You're just being paranoid again. Calm down}

"How did you do that without causing any pain?" She questioned, either indifferent to or unaware of his temporary mental argument.

Red looked back smiling a little "It’s just natural talent Miss. Well that and practice. You'd be surprised how many pony's get nervous around needles." He chuckled a bit

"In fact I don't think I've met more than three pony's who seemed indifferent to them. And trust me when I say I most certainly am not one of those three."

Celestia chuckled at this. "Well at least we have something besides our ridiculous height that makes us similar"

They both chuckled at this and as Red turned to leave Celestia suddenly said something that shocked him to his core.

“You know if you want a job among the royal guards recently opened up. It was the medic position and very few doctors are willing to join the guard. But the job pays well if you're interested?" She asked

Red was shocked to say the least. "I'll… I’ll think about it Princesses. Thank you for the offer but I'll need some time to mull it over." He said in an apathetic tone trying to keep his cool.

"Oh! Do not worry. I expected you to want to think it over. I would never accept a response right away," Celestia tried to console him, "Please stay the night and sleep it over. Charles here will show you to a guest room." As she said this, a unicorn stallion of average height and build walked in. He was wearing a tux and holding himself in a dignified pose that while a bit snobbish did not seem to make him appear to think of you as a lesser pony.

"You called Madame?" He inquired

"Yes Charles. Please show Red Cross to a guest room he is to stay here for the night." Said Celestia

"Yes Madame," replied Charles ",come along now, Off we go." Charles said to Red before turning around and walking away. This left Red with no choice but to follow after the butler.

*one long and fairly monotonous tour of the castle later*

"And here is your room Mr. Cross" said Charles showing Red into an extremly large and overly extravagant room.

"If you require help I'm in the third room down on the left now goodnight."

{Well this is...Unexpected to say the least. Me, a royal guard… it sounds nice, I guess. But then, what will happen in Ponyville? I have so much there, how could I leave that? Fixing up Rainbow Dash every other week or so, Pinkie Pie's insane party's, and Rarity even made my cloths as originals. There were no other copy’s outside what she's made for me. Though there are some good points. No more Fluttershy glaring at me every time we see each other, I mean like come on! It was over a year ago and it wasn't even my fault! But there's also Applejack, and she's been like a sister to me for years. Then of course there's Mom! I mean could I really leave her and all my friends for this? But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! How could I ever face my friends and family if I didn't take it?...You know what, I'm going to take a walk, maybe it'll help me decide.}

And with that he walked off. After a while he ended up in the royal gardens. The night air provided a nice calming effect on his nerves.

As he sat on the edge of a pond contemplating all that had happened. And all that could happen. He realized with a start he wasn't alone as he looked up he saw Celestia talking with some purple unicorn across the water.

"Is that who I think it is?" he said as he peered across the water and the unicorn came into focus.

"It is! That's got to be Twilight! She can't be anyone else she fits Merthyr's description to well." suddenly Red had an epiphany. Red remembered the one thing he had left out of his contemplating. His best friend was a guard as well, Who has been as close as a brother almost, The one who moved away years ago and only visited ocasionally. If he were to take up the position he could finally hang out with his friend like the good old days. And with that thought, the scales were tipped and Red Cross had his decision.

He was going to become a guard. And as he walked back to his room he said something that only four pony’s would ever realize the true meaning of. Me the writer. You the reader. Red himself. And of course a princess who did not see him across the pond and decided to ask him what was wrong. Only to hear him say something that would of course, stop her in her tracks.

"Well" Red said to himself. "Let's give this a shot then! what's the worse could happen."

And with that he sped up leaving the princesses who of course was not there as we all know. And who we all know was not wearing a bigger smile than even Pinkie Pie could do.

Red Cross made a decision that would forever change not only his life, but most likely the lives of every Equestrian to ever live from here on and out. Or maybe his decision won’t effect so many pony’s.

Who knows?

Oh yeah I do, but that’s for me to know and you to figure out. Now let’s see how it effects him eh? So read on good sir or Madame. And hear a tale like no other. For no tale is the same as another. But where as other tales may be similar to one another. No tale is quite like this tale.

The tale of Red Cross. Who would not fear the future because. His path was now clear so he shall not fear.