Cognitive Dissonance

COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
PART 3

"He's waking up. Excuse me, are you alright?" It was a soft voice, it reminded Kurt of his sister.

"Good morning, Kaia," he weakly said. He couldn't feel anything. There must have been some kind of painkiller administered throughout his body. Heck, Kurt recalled his one look at the wound. Even though the glance was quick, he sknew painkillers would be necessary.

"Kaia? Who's Kaia?"

"She taught me the most incredible recipes," Kurt blathered. "She is a great older sister."

"Can you see my hoof?"s

Kurt's vision was incredibly blurry. He squinted to try to focus on a leg with a yellow coat.

"She is a great older sister," Kurt repeated almost automatically as he tried to remember the question just asked to him.

"My hoof, do you see it?" the soft voice asked.

Kurt really couldn't see much. "Hoof, hoof, I see something... something yellow," Said yellow something was a yellow blur contrasting against the patterned drop ceiling.

"Okay, that's close enough." A less soft voice said as the yellow blur retracted. The voice continued, "Do you know where you are?"

Kurt giggled unlike himself. The painkiller was starting to wear off, and the wash of feeling through his body started to tickle. Of course, the funny feeling turned into pure pain. Kurt cringed. "Come again?" he asked.

"I said, do you know where you are?"

Kurt's vision started to clear. He found that he was in a sterile-looking room with white walls, obviously a hospital room.

"Oh no," Kurt said to himself.

"You don't know where you are?"

"No, not Canterlot. I can't be back at Canterlot," Kurt replied after shaking his head to regain his senses. "Oh Celestia, please not there again."

He turned his head to the right to see that yellow pony from earlier, along with some other ponies who appeared to be nurses. The yellow one was trying not to look at Kurt, hiding her eyes under that breezy mane of hers.

Kurt shot his glance to his left leg, completely covered in a cast. "What happened?" he asked. "Where am I?"

"You need to rest," one of the nurses said when the patient attempted to get out of the hospital bed with the cast still on.

"But where am I?" Kurt asked as he felt himself barely move his left hoof, confirming that he would still be able to use that leg- as far as he knew, anyway.

The nurses looked at each other, then to the yellow one with the pink mane. "Thanks again for bringing him in," they said. The yellow one left in the blink of an eye. Kurt assumed they needed her for the soft voice, since neither of the apparent real medical experts had that nice, soft voice.

"I like getting answers," Kurt said. "It gets my mind wandering. Wandering minds ignore pain."

"You're in Ponyville," the more experienced-looking nurse replied. "You were found on the edge of the Everfree forest with..."

"Yeah, I had a scrap with a manticore. Did you say Ponyville?"

"Manticore?" The second nurse asked.

Kurt still felt the painkiller affecting his responses. "Heh, you should see the manticore. He's the one who'll need painkillers."

The nurses looked at each other, then left the room. Kurt didn't get a chance to ask anymore questions, aside from "What? Was it something I said?"

Kurt slumped his head back onto the hospital bed pillow, fondly recalling the last good fight he had back at Canterlot. That time, it was three weeks for a magically-mended jaw. Ponyville- Kurt assumed- seemed to be an Earth Pony-centric community. Did they also have unicorn doctors?

The question was answered pretty quickly when a unicorn entered carrying a clipboard with telekinesis.

"You got hurt by a manticore. Somehow, the worst that you'll end up with are some major scars. Average full recovery time for something like this would be in a good several months. However, you seem to have an affinity for recovering more quickly. According to the nurses, that isn't the most unbelievable thing about this... case."

Kurt looked up again, waiting for the doctor to continue.

"They said you said you fought a manticore," the doctor added.

"He attacked first, if that's what you're implying," Kurt said.

"Manticores don't usually attack first unless they're hungry or previously provoked," the doctor said. "Which begs the question, how are you still here?"

Kurt shrugged with his good front leg. "Are manticore attacks common?"

"Admittedly, not really. They, along with many other creatures, are the reason nopony goes into the Everfree Forest."

"Meaning..." Kurt said.

The doctor face-hoofed. Obviously the ex-guard wasn't getting it. "Bedside manner aside, you really should been dead if you were attacked by a manticore. What really happened?"

Oh, Kurt thought, suddenly knowing that his previous talk about the fight with the manticore would've been taken as blatant bragging.

"Okay, civility aside," Kurt replied. "I beat the stuffing out of the manticore."

The doctor gave an amused expression, but Kurt was dead serious. Painkiller or not, he knew what happened in that fight. He made an effort to remember all of his fights - the only times when he was most alive.

Oddly enough, he regretted almost every single fight. Kurt figured it was out of his childhood, being repeatedly given contradictory messages by multiple teacher figures over the years. He wanted to fight, but he didn't want to fight just anything at any time.

Eventually, the doctor's amused expression vanished. At the same time, he dropped the clipboard. "You're serious," the doctor asked.

Kurt nodded. "These wounds weren't tree branches."

The doctor pulled up a chair and sat down. "Who are you, exactly?"

Kurt paused, then asked "Don't tell anyone, alright? I'd rather tell anyone myself."

The doctor nodded, obviously caring more about finding out who this strange fighter of manticores was.

"People call me Kurt. I... I was a guard."

"Why the pause?" the doctor asked.

"I kind of went AWOL. I figured it was okay, since I'm currently on vacation. They sent search parties almost as if I were a criminal."

The doctor cocked a brow. "Sorry, I didn't catch that. Are you a criminal or a guard?"

"I am a guard. I am an upholder of the law. They gave me vacation time, so I left Canterlot to explore. They sent search parties as if I were a criminal."

"Are you?"

Kurt gave the doctor a "What do you think?" stare. "My service record is clean, I guarantee it... Though don't actually look it up, it would lead them here."

The doctor slowly nodded.

"You're going to go tell someone, aren't you?" Kurt asked.

"If it weren't for bedside manner and confidentiality protocol, I would," the doctor replied.

"Thanks," Kurt said with a warm smile. He lay his head back and blacked out once more. The bed was comfy. After living in a cot at the barracks and resting several times in that forest, it's been a long time since Kurt was last in a real bed.

He smelled tulips. Opening one eye, he noticed the hospital window was open to let the air in. Apparently someone was growing tulips close by. Kurt looked around to see if the bed was secure to anything besides a blood transfusion apparatus. It was then that he noticed he was being donated blood in the first place.

Odd, don't they do a background check on ponies? Then again, Kurt never went to the doctor to get his blood checked, as far as he knew. Then again, the doctor had a lot of free samples to double-check with when Kurt first arrived.

He took a look at the label, O+. Kurt didn't know why he cared. Maybe he just wanted to get his mind off of the delicious smell outside.

With his good front leg, Kurt pulled the transfusion thingamajig close, then attempted to push his bed towards the window.

The bed was too tall. His outstretched leg missed the floor by an easy foot. No nurses around either. Just who the heck was growing tulips at this time?

Suddenly, Kurt felt the bed being pushed. He couldn't twist his head to look at whoever was doing this unexpected favour, but she seemed overly optimistic about... Well, that was beyond Kurt.

"Here ya go. Now you can see the tulips!"

"Wait, how did you know I like tulips?" Kurt asked.

"I didn't!" the mysterious cheery voice replied. Before Kurt could manage to turn his head, the apparent source of the voice zipped to the end of the bed to look out the window. It was a pink female pony with the messiest mane in existence.

Kurt wasn't sure what to say in response to that. This random visitor was... random.

"Do I know you?" Kurt finally asked.

"Nope! I know everypony in Ponyville!" She zipped the right side of the hospital bed, extending a hoof. "I'm Pinkie Pie!"

With a confused expression on his face, Kurt shook hooves with the stranger.

"Not to be rude, but why are you here if you don't know me?"

"Everypony needs to make friends, especially when they get lost and hurt in the Everfree Forest and wind up in the middle of nowhere!"

Kurt cocked a brow. How did she know all this? In fact, he even asked, "How do you know all this?"

"Everypony's talking about you."

"What?" Kurt attempted to get up, but the cast seemed to limit his torso flexibility. "Oh no, I can't be found here."

"Don't be silly, everypony knows you're here! Hide and Seek isn't fun if you already know where everypony is!"

Kurt once again paused in confusion. Just what the heck was this pony's problem? If everypony in Ponyville was talking about Kurt, the chances that the Guard would find him are incredibly high, if not guaranteed.

"Look, Pinkie Pie, I need to speak with the doctor."

"He's busy."

"Okay, a nurse."

"Neither of them are in today."

"Somepony who works here?"

Pinkie rounded the back of the bed. On the left side, she appeared, and suddenly was wearing a white coat and surgeon's gear.

"You know what? Nevermind," he gave up on trying to reason with the clinically insane ball of cheers. "Could you get me out of here?"

"Before you finished healing? Are you loco in the coco?"

"I don't even know how long I've been here. I just want a place to relax without being interrupted."

"You're here, doesn't that count?" Pinkie asked.

Kurt flattened his brows, staring at Pinkie Pie. The female pony's disturbing-looking cheerful smile slowly vanished as she said "Ooooohh, I see." Pinkie Pie simply left after that, humming a light tune to herself.

Kurt was now thankful for the peace and quiet. Oh wait, Pinkie never said how long Kurt had been here.

A few minutes later, the doctor entered. "How long have I been here?" Kurt asked.

"About five days," the good doctor replied, looking at his clipboard "You were out for three of them."

"Is it true? Everypony in Ponyville's talking about my arrival?"

"Yeah. It's a small town. Small towns tend to get overrun with gossip very easily."

"I'm not sure if I like small towns. What if they knew what I did?"

"The whole Manticore business? They know you were hurt by one, but that's it."

"Okay, good," Kurt replied. He was already known as a violent addict of the fray by a fair number of citizens of Canterlot- especially the Guard. They could dismiss the manticore attack as some random attack by a hungry predator, but the victim beating down the beast would sound off every proverbial alarm in their collective heads.

"Why is that good? You fought a manticore and survived. Shouldn't you be proud of that?"

Kurt didn't answer. The doctor still continued.

"Why is the Guard after you, anyway?" he asked as he took a seat in the same chair as before.

"It's a complicated story."

"You got a nutshell?"

Kurt thought for a moment. "I beat the manticore's face until it stopped moving."

"And..."

"They're after me because I can do that. More than that, I earned my cutie mark from a similar situation during my colthood."

The doctor nodded. Pieces seemed to fit together in his head.

"It must suck to be born with your talent," the doctor said. "This society, where Princess Celestia is the sole reason we've never gone to a full-scale war for who-knows how long."

"It does," Kurt replied, "I crave the fray. It's what makes me feel alive. It's what I was meant to do."

The doctor nodded with a half-amused hum.

"Aren't you scared?" Kurt asked.

"Nope," the doc replied with a smirk, "You're not the first one, and you certainly won't be the last. I've met two other ponies who came here because they were born to fight."

Kurt looked out the window again, then turned back to the doctor. "What were they in for?"

"They both got in a brawl with a manticore as well."

"And me fighting one surprises you?"

"Well, the two lost, but escaped by falling off a cliff so the manticore couldn't follow. You on the other hand..."

Kurt slowly nodded. He wasn't sure whether or not to be proud of being the only fighter pony that single-hoofedly took on a manticore and won. "Stupid, though. I let my guard down for that last swipe."

"Well, magical mending's going to fix you right up, but the scar tissue's probably going to affect your flexibility. You just need to take it slow."

"How long will I need this cast, anyway?" Kurt asked.

"It'll be off tomorrow, or the day after. Depends on how fit you are."

Kurt nodded, then lay his head down on the pillow again. The doctor left the ex-guard to hope the Guard doesn't find him within the next forty-eight hours.

The removal of the cast was performed the very next day. Kurt sat up on the bed after the removal to take a look at the results.

There were scars alright, and his entire left shoulder and torso felt very stiff. Kurt softly massaged the areas and stretched it all very slightly.

"Well, you should be good to walk. Not sure about another manticore attack," the doctor jokingly said. Everypony laughed, since it was the best medicine. "But seriously, don't overdo it until you actually can."

"Thanks again," Kurt said as he trotted out of the hospital. He was now on the stone brick and neatly-trimmed grass main street of Ponyville. The ex-guard could see everything from this vantage point. Almost every building looked like it was designed with the idea of small-scale merchandise in mind.

The pony walked north at a steady gait, taking in the sights of the small town. He didn't appear to notice the assorted other ponies taking notice of the ex-guard and the massive scars that covered his left side.

Oh, he knew they were watching. Maybe his effort to ignore the attention was to hopefully get the attention of the lay-days, or maybe Twilight Sparkle.

After all, she was here, wasn't she? Last Kurt heard, she was here. Or was the Summer Sun celebration done already and she went home? Wait a minute, that baby dragon hanging around some fancy-looking clothes store. Holy Cheese, it was Spike! Kurt walked up and asked if it was Spike. "Spike?"

The dragon turned, flinched at the look of the scars. "Oh, you're that one pony they found."

"Remember me? Kurt? Donut shop?"

Spike slowly nodded, then sped up the nod. "I remember. You wanted to meet Twilight... How did you get that, anyway?" He asked, referring to the scars.

Kurt wasn't sure what exactly to say, so he replied with, "Don't ask."

The dragon belched that same green fire again, and once again the fire condensed to a single point before erupting as a closed-up piece of parchment.

"Does that happen often?" Kurt asked, "It doesn't seem enjoyable."

"You get used to it after a while," Spike said as he checked the label.

"A missing ponies poster?" Spike asked, more to himself than Kurt.

Kurt's heart skipped a beat. "Who's missing?"

Spike opened the rolled up parchment to reveal a larger mass of rolled-up posters. The baby dragon turned it so both the horse and the dragon could take a look.

It was Kurt's brother Cornelius. He didn't even need to check the name, which sure enough said "Corelius Foalington."

"Oh no, not Cor," Kurt whispered.

"You know him?" Spike asked.

"He's my brother. How could he have gone missing?"

Spike shrugged. "Well, I'd best get these posters up. Want me to drop you off at the Library to meet Twilight?"

"Unfortunately, no. Family comes first." Kurt replied as he galloped off. He felt pain as he stretched the scars a smidgen too far, so he slowed his gait.

Cor more or less lived alone. Nobody would've been watching if he ran away. Even so, why would he run away? Did he find out Kurt went AWOL? How long has he been missing in between reports, initial investigation to the printing and shipping of the missing pony posters?

It was still during the school year, as Kurt remembered and added up from the days he had been out of commission. Maybe the staff and students noticed Cor's sudden absence. Kurt even remembered (according to Cor's constant letters to the barracks) that his younger brother was never late for school.

Kurt sat down on a bench outside the posh-looking mini-palace. Whoever lived there was most likely a fish out of water in this small rural town. It reminded Kurt of Canterlot, probably the best place to think about events that happened at Canterlot, anyway.

Kurt, being an ex-guard, knew the process of the missing ponies system. Assuming the school absences occurred the day Kurt was fighting the manticore, this would be the time when posters reached towns farther from Canterlot.

After Kurt determined a basic timeline for events, he now needed a next step. He needed information; He needed to get home. He needed to get back to Canterlot. After this stunt that directly resulted in his arrival to Ponyville on a stretcher, would the guard even allow him within a mile of the city? Kurt more than doubted it. He would definitely need help to get there again.

As much as he hated it, he would need to hold his position and meet the ponies of Ponyville. He repeatedly told himself that there was no way he could find Cor unless he had a breadcrumb to start with, and therefore needed this relaxed plan. At the same time, he was getting infuriated that the longer he stayed at Ponyville, the greater the chance that his younger brother could've gotten attacked by a manticore... and Cor was certainly not Kurt.

Kurt pressed a hoof onto his forehead, massaging it to retain coherent thought over his crave for violence. It wasn't helped when he accidentally imagined Cor getting mauled by a manticore.

He barely managed to refrain shouting, or breaking the bench. To get his mind off of all these horrible implications, Kurt glanced at his scars. He would need a week or so to regain his flexibility with the scars anyway. Looking for his brother at half of his true combat capability would be a waste of time, and would probably ruin him in a more horrifying variant of permanence.

"Is something wrong?" A posh-sounding voice entered Kurt's ears. The fighter turned to his right to see who asked. It was an incredibly well-groomed unicorn with a wavy, curly mane and tail that spiraled to a point. Kurt never knew hair could be shaped that way. Perhaps this pony liked to experiment with fashion.

"In a way," Kurt replied. Talking to the pony would definitely distract him from the worst-case scenario thoughts. "Posters are going to be put up around the town."

"Posters?"

"Missing pony posters."

"Who's missing?"

"My brother." Kurt replied as he hopped off the bench. The scars didn't seem to frighten the unicorn when she saw them.

"You're that one they found outside Everfree, aren't you?"

Kurt nodded in response.

"How did you survive, exactl-"

"Don't ask." Kurt interrupted- which was met with a "how rude" expression. "Sorry, I get asked that a lot."

The unicorn pouted.

"Anyway, I can't find my brother as I am right now. I need to get to Canterlot and at least find a clue of any kind, and-"

Kurt stopped when he realised the posh unicorn had closed the door a while ago- possibly because she was more offended at the rudeness than the ex-guard imagined. "Oh," he said before sitting down again.

This wasn't a good start. All the friends he's got so far is the doctor (who's always busy with his practice) and Spike. Even then, that dragon always seems to be constantly busy.

He didn't take into account the frightened yellow, beezy pony who found Kurt in the first place. Kurt didn't blame her. Anypony would've had the same reaction to a pale, fatigued horse covered in his own blood.

No doubt she'd be at the hospital, having a full psychiatric work-up, or something...

Overall, Kurt's got no allies that could help him achieve these self-imposed objectives to find his little brother. He would need to fix that.

A gray pegasus flew down wearing a mail bag. The female pegasus approached the door to the unicorn's place and slipped an envelope into the door's mail slot.

Mail... Maybe Kurt could find a way to hide amongst packages going to Canterlot. Wouldn't hurt to make a few friends in the Equestria Post.

"Hi," Kurt said, trying to achieve the effect of a friendly neighbor, despite not actually living in Ponyville. Come to think of it, Kurt didn't have a place to stay for the time being. Where could he sleep for the night-

"Derp!" came the response. Kurt then noticed the pegasus' eyes didn't seem to point the same direction.

"Uh... What?"

"Hi, I'm Derpy!"

Kurt immediately regretted this plan. He started flashing back to that Pinkie Pie pony, except Pinkie seemed to know what was immediately around her. This Derpy pony's eyes weren't straight - completely wall-eyed.

"Is something wrong?" Kurt asked.

"Nope! Just delivering the muffins!"

"Mail?" Kurt corrected.

"That's what I said, muffins."

Kurt didn't plan on correcting her again. Muffins and Mail both started with an M, maybe the mix-up was understandable.

"Anyway, do you ship things to Canterlot? Assuming you send packages all over Equestria, anyway."

"Muffins go everywhere!"

"Is that a yes?"

Derpy cocked her head, maintaining her own goofy smile.

"Okay," Kurt said, "I'll take that as a yes."

"Bring the Muffins to the Post Office. Are the Muffins for the Reinstating of Princess Luna?"

"No- Wait, what?" Kurt asked. It was too late, however. Derpy flew off.

"Derp derp derp derp derp."

Kurt sat down on the grass. what the heck just happened? The ex-guard hasn't been this confused since Pinkie Pie crashed his hospital room.

"You're still out here?" The unicorn's voice again. Kurt turned to her, then stood up.

"Sorry, I was just sitting there, trying to set priorities. I'm not from around here."

"Oh? Where are you from?" The unicorn asked with a half-hearted interest.

"Uh... Canterlot."

The unicorn's eyes lit up in an expression Kurt could only assume was excitement. Despite that, the only change in her speech was that her half-hearted replies ceased to be half-hearted. "You don't look like somepony who would be from Canterlot. Isn't it a unicorn-dominant society?"

"Well, I was born and raised there," Kurt replied.

The unicorn expressed genuine interest this time around. "Who are you?"

"I'm Kurt, I'm a... I'm an ex-guard."

"Why are you here instead of Canterlot?"

Kurt almost automatically replied "It's a long story." Although at this point, if he were still in uniform, he'd be back on shifts. Besides, lying and fabricating the truth wasn't a good way to get people to trust you.

"What about the scars? Or are you going to interrupt me again?"

Kurt looked at the scars. Indeed, they looked fresh. "Yeah... Manticore attack... I- I don't want to talk about it."

The unicorn, obviously trying to forget the mention of the manticore, flashed her horn alight. The envelope Derpy slipped through the door floated up to the unicorn's face and she read it.

"Ooh! An order from Canterlot!" she said, most likely trying to get Kurt's attention with the mention of Canterlot.

Canterlot, an order to Canterlot, meaning packages would be sent. Kurt formed a plan in his head.

"I need to get back there," Kurt said.

"Why's that?"

"I mentioned earlier that my brother's missing. I want to get back there to find any clue to where he could've gone."

"Why can't you just go to Canterlot?"

Argh, damn that Guards Never Lie training. This pony looked sophisticated and intelligent. If Kurt remotely started on about his fugitive status, he held the risk of losing all chance for support to find his brother.

"I'm... kind of a fugitive."

"That figures. Nopony ever really announces himself or herself as an ex-guard," the unicorn replied. "Still, finding a missing family member is one of the noblest causes a pony can do."

"Yeah. Anyway: since I'm a fugitive, the Guard would spot me within a mile of Canterlot. Given the fact that none of them are me, they would overlook evidence left behind at my home regarding my brother's... well, lack of presence. That's why I need to go there and find clues they wouldn't have found... and then I need a way out."

"Well, Derpy works for the Post Office, maybe they can help you with that."

"Yes, thank you miss..."

"Rarity."

"Thank you Rarity." As Kurt turned to leave, he paused to ask, "What was this event about?"

"Let's see," Rarity replied as she checked the full letter. "Oh, a formal reinstating of Princess Luna on the throne. It'll be on the night of the next full moon."

Kurt was silent, He wasn't sure what day it was anymore. "Which is when?"

"At least two weeks."

That was enough time to get friendly with the rest of the town. Kurt nodded his thanks and left. Rarity closed the door behind her, obviously getting to work on the order.

Well that was easy, Kurt thought to himself. He's met Derpy, one step to getting transportation. He's also got a method and a cover for his return to Canterlot. All he needs now is confirmation on his transportation, and maybe a disguise to prevent any guard from recognizing him. Maybe change the colour of his mane from navy blue to... Maybe a dark brown, or a yellow.

Kurt found the post office pretty easily. All of the buildings here were unusually stylized. It definitely gave the small town a lot of personality. He entered the giant mail box that marked the location of the post office, taking note of the giant pegasus-pulled postal trunks in and out of the top hangar.

Through the large double-door entrance, the ground floor room was large, with a long desk stretching the entire length of the room. There were two large doors. One sat in front of a foldable section of the counter- obviously for larger packages.

"Hello," Kurt said to the unicorn organizing envelopes alphabetically before sending them to the back.

"Hello. I haven't seen you around here before," the female (Kurt noticed there were a lot of females in this town) replied, not appearing to look up. Kurt tilted and lowered his head to look the pony into the eyes. Looked like she was an excellent multi-tasker. "Is there something you needed?" she asked, somehow maintaining a friendly voice.

"Yes, I want to get to Canterlot."

"You have a package?"

"Yeah, the package is me."

"You want us to smuggle you, is that what you're asking?"

Kurt flattened his brow. She was good.

"Yes and no. You see, Rarity's got an order for-"

"The event, I figured that was what that letter to her was for. Why do you come in?"

"Well, she's asked me to go with the costumes so I could later put the costumes into storage at Canterlot after the event. As for why I'm here instead of Canterlot, it's a long story involving a manticore."

Wow, that seemed almost too natural. The unicorn even looked up.

"That made so little sense, I accepted it anyway... So you're the manticore survivor I keep hearing about."

Kurt tried so hard not to punch himself for the surprisingly clever lie. Then again, he could tell Rarity of this new plan once he got back. "Some people call me that."

"What else do they call you?"

"Kurt."

The conversation was a little awkward. The female never looked up from her duties, but she acted as if the only thing she was doing was the conversation itself.

"Anyway, I'll tell Rarity that everything's going to work out."

"How do you know Rarity, anyway? Last I heard you were still recovering."

"They let me out this morning, and I came by her place while stretching my legs. Anyway, see you later."

"Bye," the filly replied, still as always working.

Kurt left, pondering what exactly that conversation really did for him. Once he was out of the door, he felt his good hoof clock himself in the face. Surprisingly, no broken bones.

The fighting horse made his way back to Rarity's place. Half-way there, he heard an awe-struck "Whoa!"

Kurt turned to the source of the voice, finding a lone orange pegasus filly. She appeared to be entranced at the scars on Kurt's left.

"Uh..." Kurt tried to say something, but what was this filly on about?"

"How'd you get that?"

Kurt blinked. "Get what?" He asked, just to make sure the filly was talking about the scars.

"The scars, how did you get them?"

Deep-down, Kurt wanted to sigh. At the same time, he didn't want to come across as a guy who doesn't like children. Still, almost everyone in Ponyville had been asking him how he got the scars. "It's a long story, with a moral," he said.

"What moral is that?" the filly asked.

"Don't ever try the same thing," Kurt replied.

"Sounds good, Sir. My name's Scootaloo!"

Well that was random. Kurt wondered if everypony in Ponyville was crazy. Even Rarity seemed too posh for somepony living in a small town. All of the architecture also seemed to indicate some form of insanity.

"I'm Kurt," he said.

"So where are ya headed?" Scootaloo asked, joining Kurt's side as he continued the walk back to Rarity's place.

"I'm going to Rarity's."

"My friend Sweetie Belle lives there. She and I are trying to find our Cutie Marks."

"Good stuff?" Kurt asked.

"How did you get yours?" She asked.

Kurt wasn't sure what to say. She was a young mind, and a story about breaking both forelegs of the biggest bully at Kurt's old school probably wouldn't bode well sinking into said mind. "That's also a long story with a similar moral."

Scootaloo giggled. "You're funny, mister."

Kurt smiled, deep-down hoping this Scootaloo doesn't ask too deeply into his psyche and recent actions.

"Do those hurt?" she asked.

Kurt wondered when they would arrive at Rarity's. "They do if I over-exert myself."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Well, not about the scars, but I hurt myself playing a sport. The teacher told me to not over-exert myself for a few days, but that time was boring. I never got to do any cool stuff like making sweet jumps with my scooter."

Kurt nodded slowly. He knew this story as well.

"Oh hey, we're here!" Scootaloo announced.

Thank Celestia, Kurt thought as Scootaloo just barged into the door. Kurt waited a moment in case Rarity started to reprimand the filly for charging in. With no resulting noise, Kurt decided to follow suit.

Scootaloo was next to a unicorn filly, wearing what appeared to be an apparatus that held spools of thread. Rarity seemed entranced with moving some fabric through a sewing machine.

The orange pegasus groaned. "Hey mister, could you get us out of this?" She called to Kurt.

"Your help is much appreciated, darling," Rarity said to Scootaloo, not appearing to notice or care about Scootaloo's apparent suffering. The elder pony then spotted Kurt. "Ah, what brings you here again?" She asked.

"I talked with the Post office," Kurt replied "and told them I could bring the costumes into storage after the event, so I've got a way back to Canterlot."

"That's good."

"Canterlot? Can I come with?" the other younger filly asked. "I always wanted to visit!"

"No you can't," Rarity replied in the same way a mother would say "No" to a child. "Kurt here is going on this errand for me so he could get back home in Canterlot."

"You're not from around here?" Scootaloo asked Kurt. The response was a shaking head.

"Anyway, I just wanted to let you know," Kurt said.

Rarity thanked Kurt before he left once more.

Alright, Kurt thought, now I just need to wait until the order is done... How long would that take, anyway? A few days, maybe? With fitting and polish, it would take a few days. Not like I know the exact process of costume-making, anyway. I'm just a guard.

It was now mid-afternoon. He would need to find a place to rest and he doubt the doctor would be willing to let him sleep in the clinic again. The fighting horse wasn't sure if Ponyville even had a hotel.

"Hang on," Kurt checked his person. He left his wallet back at the hospital. Kurt cursed to himself and galloped to the hospital. Once again, he felt the pain of pulling on the scars too much, so he toned down the pace once more.

Entering the hospital, Kurt walked up to the receptionist. One of the nurses he met before. "Hey," Kurt said.

"You left your wallet, Sir," the nurse automatically said.

"Yes, thank you." Kurt said as he accepted the wallet from the receptionist. As he left, he wondered what exactly the hotel would look like, considering the stylized looks of absolutely every building in Ponyville.

Eventually, he found it after about an hour of walking around. He didn't ask for directions due to a combination of pride and his desire to explore. Along the way, Kurt still got lots of looks from assorted citizens out of the scars.

Speaking of which, the scars would need to be covered as well. Considering how Ponyville's citizens are reacting, Kurt wouldn't last two seconds on the streets of Canterlot without being spotted by a guard, whether or not he looked like himself.

The hotel itself was really more of a bed and breakfast. It was a large house shaped like a massive bed with windows. How did the Mayor of this town get the funding for all this theme-design? How did they maintain all of this? This town is crazy...

Kurt entered the double door entrance to get smacked in the face by a wonderful fragrance. Somepony was baking in the kitchen, as if that needed to be stated. Other actions that happened that the fighting horse deemed irrelevant to the smell was the ringing of an entrance bell- which summoned a middle-aged workhorse.

"Howdy," the workhorse greeted.

"Hello," Kurt replied, raising a hoof in a short wave.

"Hey, you're the one who survived a manticore attack."

"I don't get enough of that," Kurt quipped sarcastically.

"Well you ain't from around here, which means you ain't got a place to stay. Stella and I already got a bed ready for you." The workhorse walked up and shook Kurt's hand. "We're the only Bed & Breakfast in Ponyville, after all. Name's Patrick, by the way."

Kurt shook back, only being polite after all. "I'm Kurt."

"You got a strong hoof there, Kurt. Even stronger than mine. How old are you?"

"About 20," Kurt said.

"Twenty? Holy cow, ye gotta be the strongest horse I've ever met."

This simple workhorse could tell that from a hoofshake? Kurt started to wonder if he should hoofshake as often as he had been earlier.

"Anyway, I'm bettin' ye want to be checking out your room. Right this way."

"What about payment?" Kurt asked.

"You, paying extra for surviving a manticore attack?" Patrick scoffed at the idea.

The lobby reached up to the second floor, a massive open hall for what's basically a bed & breakfast.

"At least a discount price then," Kurt reasoned. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to accept a free bed & breakfast. "I'm probably going to be staying more than one day."

"Very well. First night's on us," Patrick replied as the duo trotted up to the second floor. "It don't feel right to charge someone who just finished recovering. Never sure how them doctors do it."

Kurt hummed in acknowledgement. Patrick led the ex-guard to Room 5, on the opposite side of the giant hall that was the lobby. "Stella's gonna have dinner ready in about an hour. You make yerself at home, alright?"

The fighting horse thanked Patrick and entered his room. It wasn't a big room, but a bedroom never needs to be big. Even a small town would have so much to do, this bedroom would only be used as the place he could sleep and organize his thoughts and plans. Kurt tested the bed with a hoof, finding it remarkably soft. He then rolled onto the bed. As he rolled, he pressed on his scars- causing sharp pain. Not a smart idea, to say the least.

Staring at the ceiling, Kurt pondered how exactly he'll be able to pay for five straight days at a bed & breakfast, not counting meals at restaurants, or other supplies he would need to survive the week and his investigation into Canterlot. Kurt checked his wallet, only partially satisfied. Counting the free day here, he figured he had enough to last him for a week- only paying for the nights, anyway.

Despite having few friends outside of the Barracks, Kurt usually pitched in whenever other off-duty guards went to the salt bar. He wondered if he should regret those rather expensive nights. If he didn't, he'd have had enough to last him for over four.

Kurt decided he would find things to do to improve the collective opinion on him, helping out around the town, making it an easier place to live in. Every small town could use some extra muscle, right? The only flaw in this plan was "Maybe there was nothing he could help with. Maybe the fact that the collective opinion is "That Manticore Survivor" and nothing more. Maybe not everypony trusted him for reasons unknown."

Kurt power-napped for an hour, later woken up by the rapid metal clash of a triangle. He didn't remember how he knew it was a triangle. A lot of the knowledge he attained throughout his school years had settled to the back of his mind, only brought forth when something directly influenced a flashback to that old information. It didn't matter anymore. The triangle signified that dinner was served.

Downstairs, said dinner was delicious fresh bread complete with custom toppings. It was at the table where Kurt realised he wasn't the only one staying here. Among the guests were a high classy-looking pegasus couple, a white unicorn mare with a crazy blue mane, and a grizzled-looking light red unicorn wearing a burgundy fedora.

The couple sat down next to each other, trying not to discuss events in Manehattan. Kurt figured this out when the mare mentioned, "Dear, we are on vacation. We should not worry about whatever is going on back home."

The stallion seemed tense, as if he were a businessman. Kurt was reminded of his father- also a tense horse. Too bad his mother was the same, or they would probably be taking a vacation like this couple.

The crazy-haired unicorn seemed to bob her head almost naturally. Kurt pondered why. Was there a tune in her head? Why was she even here? Why did she even wear sun shades indoors?

The one in the fedora was equally as confusing to see here. The grizzled stallion looked like he belonged in the alleys of Canterlot. Kurt wondered what all of them did. More importantly, he wondered why they didn't double-take at the sight of his scars.

"Hey," Kurt said to the old horse in the fedora- the only one who didn't seem mentally preoccupied.

"Howdy," the old one said, "Name's Floyd."

"I'm Kurt."

"Pleasure to meetcha," Floyd said, extending a hoof across the table- which Kurt automatically shook. "Ye out on the road as well?"

"Well, in a way," Kurt replied.

"In a way?" the head-bobbing mare asked. She seemed to have been aware all along. Kurt wondered if he came across as rude. After all, she looked preoccupied, what with the head-bobbing and the glasses that hid her eyes.

"Well, it's a long story. I'm trying to get back to Canterlot."

"Why not walk there?" Floyd asked.

"Well, these scars make galloping difficult," Kurt replied, "And the Royal Guard wouldn't let me look for my brother there."

"Brother? Ye mean that missing colt, Cornelius?"

"Are the posters up already?" Kurt asked. He remembered that it had been a few hours since Spike got the posters in the first place.

"Well, I saw one on the way back here. Cornelius Foalington. Cute name, cute kid."

"Yeah, well he's my little brother. The Guards wouldn't let me near the city so I could try to find him myself."

Floyd shook his head. "Ain't that tragic, keeping brothers from takin' care of each other."

"Well, yeah," Kurt sheepishly replied.

"So whatcha gonna do now?" Crazy Hair asked.

"For now?" Kurt asked, "Well... live here, I guess. I'll need to scrounge up some bits to pay for extended stays. I'll have a better way into Canterlot within a week, so I'll need to keep myself busy until then."

The crazy-haired one and Floyd glanced at each other, then returned their attention to Kurt. "Well, I've talked with Vinyl here on account of bein' musicians," Floyd referred to the crazy-haired one. "We both got shows tomorrow and the day after. Not sure about the lass, but I know I could use an extra set of hooves.

Kurt nodded. He would need to get his left fore leg nice and limber to reduce risk of further injury in that case. Dinner was served, and the classy couple immediately shut up. Both of them seemed to relish in the amazing aroma of the so-called "peasant food."

During dinner, Kurt talked some more with Floyd and Vinyl, even managing to pull Patrick, Stella, and the classy couple into the conversation as well. Names and professions were passed around.

Floyd was a guitarist, usually performing small shows with audiences that usually grew to the hundreds or to the thousands. It all depended on which town he played in. Bigger cities meant bigger audiences. Floyd also mentioned that the small towns seemed a lot more... real. Kurt wasn't sure what to make of it; he wasn't a musician.

Vinyl was a disk jockey, out on a tour through the Earth Pony-dominant area that Canterlot overlooked. Ponyville, being one of the larger of the small towns, looked to be promising for an excellent show. Kurt wasn't even sure what a disc jockey exactly was, but he smiled and nodded.

Patrick and Stella, obviously, ran the bed & breakfast. They mentioned that before they set up the B&B, they were an accomplished bucking duo at the circus. It helped explain Patrick's remarkable farmer-level fitness even for one who lives near the dead center of the town.

The names of the upper-class duo were Silver and Judy. Silver was the businessman of a company Kurt had never heard about, while Judy was the stay-at-home mother of five kids and an accomplished painter. When asked about the kids, Silver seemed to overreact about the safety of the children- only calmed down when Judy reminded her husband that three of them were old enough to take care of themselves.

Kurt envied each and every one of them. They got special talents that they could do whenever they wanted, wherever they wanted, without being judged universally poorly by society.

"So what do you do, Kurt?" Stella asked.

"Myself? I'm a guard... well, I was a guard."

"They fired you?" Judy asked.

"I was on leave," Kurt pointed out, "Oddly enough, when I decided to check out the Everfree forest, the Royal Guard sent search parties immediately."

"That's unusual for them, unless you're a criminal," Floyd commented.

Kurt nodded, realising he conversed himself into a corner. He couldn't figure out how to word this without lying. After a sigh, he said, "You're an accomplished guitarist, Floyd."

Floyd tilted his head, visually gesturing "Eh, so-so."

"And all of you have these special talents that you enjoy doing."

Even Silver- who had a silver briefcase for a cutie mark- nodded.

"Well, I was born a fighter."

This announcement was met with confused and shocked expressions from everypony except Floyd, Patrick, and Stella.

"I've met several in my lifetime," Floyd replied. "Only three of them were nice young fillies and colts."

Kurt cocked his own head. "Really? What happened to them?"

"The bad eggs would have to be in the proverbial ditch by now, while the good eggs were brought into the Guard. Not sure about after that, though." Floyd took a deep breath, "Really, the uniforms make all the guards look the same."

"We've known two of them," Stella added, "In the circus, there were two who enjoyed fighting each other. All friendly stuff, and the audience seemed to find entertainment from it."

Kurt slowly nodded, complementing his meek smile. Hearing about these other fighting horses made him feel better about his identity.

"I'm gonna consider you the fourth good egg," Floyd said, "If there's a good story about those scars."

Now the new-found comfort vanished, and Kurt deep-down cursed the grizzled guitarist for requesting that story. He still managed to keep his cool. "I survived a manticore attack."

"Which is all fine and dandy," Floyd retorted, "until ye consider the reasons why a manticore would attack in the first place."

Kurt was officially in a corner. There were three reasons why a Manticore would attack: If it was provoked, if it was hungry, or if it was previously provoked by something else and hadn't cooled off.

"Nopony purposefully provokes manticores at this day and age," Floyd said, "At least, I hope nopony does. That leaves the option that it was hungry."

Kurt nodded, knowing full well where this was going. Everyone else listening intently wasn't helping either.

"Now if he managed to get ye once," the guitarist continued, "Especially a hit like that, there would've been no way for ye to escape."

"I fought it," Kurt replied.

"Ye fought it?" Floyd asked. Even though it was what the guitarist implied all along, Floyd still wasn't ready for the straight-up confession.

"Yeah, I fought it, and I beat it."

"Beating a manticore by oneself is an impossibility, you realise that, right?" Floyd asked.

Kurt's mind raced, like most interrogated minds do. He took a deep breath and replied "Yes, it is."

"Ye don't seem to like this conversation," Floyd glowered.

The ex-guard cringed and closed his eyes, not yet ready for the words "Get out of this town, violent scum!" or something similar. Instead, he felt a tough hoof on his back. Floyd had rounded the table to pat the ex-guard's back. "I'm jes' teasin' ye, boy. Didja see the look on his face? His face was more red than his hide!"

Kurt almost wanted to punch Floyd in the teeth for the awful prank, but he didn't seem to be alone on the "That was awful!" bandwagon. At least, that's what he assumed, considering the unamused expressions and lack of laughter.

Instead, the ex-guard looked up at Floyd. The grizzled stallion's face reddened as well, realising just how awkward he made the situation. The guitarist slowly navigated around the table again and took his seat. Silence filled the dining room, only broken by Floyd taking a reluctant bite from his fresh bread.

"You beat a manticore?" Vinyl asked.

"What's a manticore, exactly?" Judy asked like the obvious city-slicker she and Silver were.

"It's a massive beast with a lion's mane and a scorpion's tail," Patrick replied, "I heard Twilight Sparkle and her friends took on one, but they wouldn't have beaten it with the six of them."

"That doesn't make my experience seem pleasant," Kurt commented.

"Hey, you play to your strengths. We can't blame you for that," responded Silver.

Floyd was about to say something, but decided against it when everypony looked at him almost condescendingly... except for Kurt, of course.

"Thinking about it now," Floyd said, "I had been teased in the same way when I was younger than you, Kurt. That's a story for another time, though."

Kurt acknowledged that Floyd wanted a bit of fun, try to make the dinner seem more lively. Even if the ex-guard wanted to punch the guitarist's lights out.

The dinner went by pretty calmly after that. The conversation was mostly dominated by Silver and Judy talking about Manehattan to Vinyl, Kurt, and the Bed & Breakfast couple. The upper-class children were all between Kaia's and Cor's age, aside from the youngest- who was a year younger than Cor. Judy talked about some of her artwork being displayed at the Manehattan Museum, while Silver mentioned all the big companies he got to work with.

Kurt didn't recognize any of the names. Then again, he never really got a chance to talk with his parents regarding their business. He hasn't talked to any of them for... actually, the ex-guard didn't remember.

Even when the others tried to get Floyd on their collective good side, the grizzled one didn't pitch in, stating his reason as "I never enjoyed the shows I did in Manehattan."

Surprisingly, nopony mentioned the scars or the manticore at all, aside from the obvious "When are they going to heal?" Kurt guessed about two or three weeks. Given his fitness, his blood flow was strong and efficient. Natural healing would go by faster.

After dinner, Floyd did ask one more question regarding the Manticore. "How did the manticore come out of the fight?"

Kurt blinked, drawing a complete blank from his memory. "I really don't know," he replied.

Floyd nodded and excused himself from the table. Everypony else followed suit, bringing the empty plates to the kitchen.

"That was some fine eatin', Stella. Thank you." Floyd finally added before retiring to his room. The upper-class couple thanked her and Patrick in a more formal matter before leaving together out of the doors- possibly for one more tour around Ponyville. Kurt and Vinyl trotted side-by-side up the stairs.

"You do realise I'm telling my pals about how you beat a manticore, right?"

"Please don't," Kurt immediately replied, not wanting to talk about it anymore.

"Well if you're not open about who you are, nopony's gonna ever trust you."

Kurt gave Vinyl a look. "That sounds like the cheesiest thing I have ever heard."

"Well, I learned that from a good friend of mine before I got into music," Vinyl said. "Besides, it's not everyday a pony survives a manticore, let alone fight and beat."

Kurt nodded, not exactly listening anymore. Vinyl split off to Room 2, while Kurt continued to the opposite end back into Room 5. Floyd's room, 4, was left open. The old stallion appeared to be looking through three cases- each containing a unique-looking guitar. Kurt decided not to intrude, instead trotting straight to his room.

Once inside, Kurt locked his door. For the next two hours, Kurt stretched his limbs and joints. He wanted to be limber for the work he would do tomorrow.

The rest two hours later was warranted and desired- if not required. Kurt felt like a trillion bits, and was ready to take on the world. Unfortunately, he couldn't actually take on the world; it would make him seem like a bigger jerk than Floyd when he played that joke.

In hind sight, Kurt acknowledged the humour. However, he wasn't sure how everypony else took it. Whatever way anyone sliced the cake, It was still a tragedy without enough time. Was the manticore even alive? Kurt wasn't sure. He tried to get the whole thing out of his mind as he hopped into bed two hours later. Tomorrow, he'd help Floyd get set up for his show.

The morning came quickly, but Kurt was fully rested. The pain from his scars was significantly less than before. The fighting horse attributed that to the stretches he performed last night.

Kurt had woken up early, so he spent the first hour of his day with more stretches. That left him an hour before breakfast was usually served. At least, that's how the schedule worked back at the barracks.

Or did it? Kurt wasn't even sure what time it really was at the moment. Yesterday was a pretty busy day that he had forgotten to check the time. Outside of Room 5, Kurt checked the clock that hung above a door at the bottom of the stairs. It read 6:02, with the second hand moving at the pace it was meant to move. The fighting horse made an effort to make sure his footsteps didn't make too much noise. He silently moved down the stairs and out of the front door.

The earth was dark, but the sky was bright and empty. Kurt couldn't even see Cloudsdale- probably because it was hidden behind one of the many rooftops of Ponyville. The tallest of the houses was a remarkably large three-story circular building which Kurt assumed was the Town Hall.

He tried a light jog, passing by said Town Hall toward the West End. The scars didn't emit pain, so Kurt picked up speed. Unfortunately, Kurt started feeling the sharp agony that came with scars once he reached half of his maximum gallop speed. Kurt still had a lot of recovering to do.

Kurt instead resorted to the fastest jog he could do, and maintained that pace as he navigated Ponyville for a more official tour. Floyd wouldn't be needing Kurt's help for several hours anyway, and the ex-guard needed to kill time. He needed to do something so he has a reason not to do the thing he wants, loves, and needs to do.

Outside the West exit, Kurt came across a fork. In the northern direction, the Everfree Forest stood. In the other, a massive apple orchard surrounded the path, only bordered by a well-built fence. Being from Canterlot, Kurt had seen many railings. The fence here looked rustic, simple, reliable.

Especially reliable. Kurt never found himself trusting the metal pipes and unknown materials that for all he knew, were only meant to mark the edge off the mountain city and nothing more. It really was a wonder how Canterlot manages to keep itself standing in general. Maybe the mountain is surrounded by bedrock, and the nearest fault line was hundreds of miles away.

At least, that's what he barely remembered from some of his homework on plate tectonics back in school. It all seems so basic on hindsight; the knowledge that by all means should be commonly known. Kurt wasn't sure how schools worked in Manehattan or Ponyville or Cloudsdale. What did the pegasi usually learn about in the Cloudsdale schools? Efficient flying techniques? Did they get lessons on plate tectonics?

Would the average pegasus even know what an earthquake is? Thinking about it, Kurt's old biology classes never really specified anything on pegasus wings, just the basic functions of a pony's internal systems and the unicorn horn.

The majority of the students- nay, the majority of the ponies in Canterlot were unicorns. Perhaps that visually hinted to Kurt that it really wasn't his kind of town.

Is this even an ideal society like Princess Celestia hoped to achieve? There are few conflicts on a large scale, only small one-on-one conflicts that rarely turned violent.

Kurt thought of this to try to distract him from deciding whether or not to take an apple from one of the many trees. Eventually he thought against it. The owner of the orchard could be some overly-specific pony that could spot a missing apple like a green spot on a red carpet. Besides, Stella was going to make breakfast in a few hours.

The ex-guard turned around and resumed his jog back through Ponyville. This time, he moved to the East side. The only structure beyond the proverbial border was a large schoolhouse complete with a bell tower. Beyond that was... The Everfree Forest again?

Wait, no. The trees didn't have vines or fungi growing on them. They looked more like a temperate forest. An odd contrast; the only thing separating the two vastly different masses of trees was this small town, apparently.

Kurt decided to check out this more friendly-looking forest. He had an hour or two to kill before the rest of the town started waking up.

As he trotted, he had the feeling that he was being followed. He turned to his right to see a bouncing pink pony with a messy mane- Hey wait a minute, it was Pinkie Pie! That same one that visited Kurt in the hospital for reasons unknown.

Kurt jumped away a smidgen in surprise. How the heck did she get so close without him realising it?

"Hi!" she cheerfully quipped as she bounced on all fours like... Kurt wasn't really sure how to describe it. Next to Derpy, this one was the strangest pony he had ever met.

"Why are you following me?" Kurt asked.

"You're the only one awake! Being alone's boring, I'm here so you won't be bored!"

Kurt blinked. "I guess that makes sense, but-"

Pinkie Pie interrupted the ex-guard. "We all have a dark side to say the least. Get it? It was a pun, cause it's still dark out! Puns are funny, and they rhyme with Ton. I make tonnes of cake at Sugarcube Corner! You should come by sometime! Everypony does! I don't know a single pony who wouldn't, unless they're crazy- but hey, what do I know?"

Kurt found this to be a very disturbing one-sided conversation. He started to try to ignore Pinkie Pie.

"So what is this place?" Kurt asked.

"This is Whitetail Wood. It's a lot nicer than Everfree. No yucky swamps or humidity that ruins the streamers. Every fall, the ponies run through the woods to knock the leaves down!"

"Sounds like a big effort," Kurt commented. The deciduous trees were massive and numerous. There must have been a lot of ponies that took part in this annual run Pinkie spoke of. Back in Canterlot, the season changes were accomplished using magic. The ex-guard wondered if things were done differently at Ponyville. As his train of thought ran off, Pinkie continued talking about how she commentates on all of the runs through Whitetail Woods in amazingly unnecessary detail.

Would he live here? Kurt would need a more permanent place to stay if he had decided to officially live in Ponyville. That rose another problem by itself: He would need a real house to himself.

What the heck was he saying? He's got his brother to find. The only reason he thought of it was to keep Pinkie Pie's motor mouth off his mind. Later in the day, he would help Floyd set up for a show, then Vinyl tomorrow. That's really not much.

Crazy idea, Kurt thought before turning to Pinkie- who was suddenly talking about her favourite kind of oatmeal. "You know anypony who could use help with anything? Grunt-work?"

"Grunt-work? Wouldn't you prefer to do good work?" Pinkie asked.

"No- Wait, yeah, but I-"

"Everypony could use help in anything. All you need to do is ask."

Kurt nodded. He realised that as well, having already followed the very same advice when asking Floyd and Vinyl for work. He wondered if it was a good idea to continue pressing Pinkie for information. At this point, he wondered if ponies even did run through Whitetail Woods every autumn.

Kurt stopped to stretch his scarred leg. It felt pretty good- albeit tense. He massaged the leg slightly, careful not to cause any real damage.

He had to wonder: Why the heck was Pinkie Pie awake at this hour? Was she experienced in power-naps and meditation as well? It didn't sound likely, given her extremely energetic nature. Possibly insomnia? Pinkie's natural energy didn't suggest insomnia.

Nothing seemed to explain how this energetic pony would be up and bouncing around at six in the morning. By all fundamentals, she should not be here in Whitetail woods, trotting with Kurt- still a complete stranger to her.

"Is there something I can help you with?" Kurt finally asked. He stopped due to being annoyed beyond measure.

Pinkie didn't respond. She had gotten a light-hearted tune in her head- which she performed through light-hearted hums.

Kurt remained rather silent for the entire walk to wherever Pinkie Pie was going. The sky lit up brighter, while everything else started to form actual details out of the vanishing darkness. By the time Pinkie decided to separate from Kurt, the ex-guard found himself back at the entrance.

He blinked once more, wondering just how the heck he had gone in circles. He also wondered just what happened to those two hours.

Two hours? Breakfast should be ready soon. Kurt started galloping at the same comfortable pace back to the Bed and Breakfast.

He politely stopped at the door to wipe his hooves before entering through the double doors. Once again he was punched in the face by a wonderful scent. It smelled like... syrup. It was a fragrance he hadn't smelled since one time when Kaia was home while Kurt was sick.

"Pancakes are almost ready," Stella announced from the kitchen.

Silver and Judy were in the lounge at the top of the stairs- the one area that separated the left and right rooms. Kurt couldn't get a good look at what they were doing.

"Thank you!" Judy replied.

Kurt then noticed Vinyl stumbling out of her room. She appeared to be still fatigued. The fighting horse partially didn't want to know what happened. He walked to the dining table to join Patrick.

Patrick was sitting in the seat Floyd used last night, reading the local newspaper.

"More hype-building around the re-crowning of Princess Luna," Patrick mumbled as he rolled up the paper, "Rest of it is just politics in Baltimare as usual." He then noticed Kurt. "Hey, good morning Kurt," he greeted.

"Morning," Kurt replied as he took his seat at the table.

"You were out this morning, I take it?" Patrick asked.

Kurt simply nodded. "There was this Pinkie Pie character."

"You've met Pinkie Pie, eh?" Patrick asked, "I know what you mean. Despite what you may think, she is the best when it comes to parties."

Kurt didn't want to believe Patrick. Regardless, the subject was changed rather quickly when Vinyl arrived at the table.

"Sweet Celestia!" Patrick exclaimed, "You look like you got hit by a train!"

"I couldn't sleep," Vinyl slurred.

"Was the bed faulty? I could fix that," Patrick replied.

"No, it wasn't the bed. I just couldn't sleep."

"Something on your mind?"

"My ex-coltfriend's been following me since Baltimare. The fact that he's doing that has made me nervous, even with the doors and windows locked."

Patrick nodded. Kurt's mind ran through the memorized book of laws and civil rights, developed by a large portion of Equestria's government, law enforcement, and other intellectuals who determined said rights. Among them was "Stalking with unknown purpose will warrant investigation at the very least."

Actually, that was just one of those things Kurt learned to accept. He had to deal with stalker cases before. Both of them went by rather peacefully. Kurt never got to punch out the punks anyway- though he wanted to.

Kurt suddenly felt nervous himself. Considering he seemed to be stalking Twilight, would his stepping into this case contradict one of the reasons he wanted to get to Ponyville in the first place? To not visually reveal his nervousness, he changed his mental train of thought to the only thing he took priority over: Cornelius.

Okay, the fighting horse felt better. He offered Vinyl if he could also serve as a bouncer for the show. After all, he needed things to do while waiting for Rarity to complete and ship the costume order.

"I never had the need for a bouncer, but alright."

Kurt nodded and assumed he'd need to stick with Vinyl whenever she goes out. Who knows where this ex-boyfriend really is.

"Well, you're safe here. You shouldn't have to worry," Patrick said.

Vinyl seemed more relieved. Breakfast was served soon after, and Floyd, Silver, and Judy joined the table.

The breakfast was pancakes and fruit. Apples, to be more precise. Straight from Sweet Apple Acres, Stella claimed. Kurt dug in, unsure where exactly Sweet Apple Acres was. It could've been that orchard he passed by this morning for all he cared.

He started caring once he tried the apples. All-natural, and delicious; easily the best apples he's tried as of yet. Even those imported to Canterlot seemed to be missing something.

The pancakes were delicious as well, especially with the thick maple syrup. Needless to say, the table got messy pretty easily- except for Silver and Judy.

The upper-class couple seemed to be confused at the messy eating of the pancakes. Obviously they were posh, neat, and tidy. They wouldn't be caught dead with maple syrup on their precious, perfectly trimmed snouts. Eventually, after a go-ahead from Stella, Silver and Judy finally gave in to the urge to eat unlike civil and proper ponies.

Kurt found their initial reactions to the goofy lower-class habits as hilarious. He couldn't laugh on account of having his mouth full of sticky maple syrup and pancake. The breakfast went by with conversation regarding the general positive feel of the whole town. Kurt understood a fair bit of the gossip on account of having a chance to explore the town and meet some ponies.

Most of it was regarding the attractions, such as a baking workshop called Sugarcube Corner. Kurt remembered Pinkie Pie talk about such a place. Apparently it had some of the best treats "evar."

The ex-guard hadn't tried a sugary treat since the last time he was at Pony Joe's. Pinkie was right, he figured he should drop by sometime. For now, helping Floyd set up for his show was still a few hours away. To pass the time, Kurt hanged around the house while Silver and Judy left to explore Ponyville some more. Vinyl returned to her room- possibly to get a better rest. That left Kurt to help out around the building.

After an hour of cleaning up, the fighting horse return to his room and continue his never-ending training and stretching. The scars would soon become mere aesthetics, leaving Kurt at maximum combat potential.

The hours passed. The building started filling up with another smell. Stella was at work concocting a delicious meal once more. Before the proverbial triangle was struck, Floyd knocked on the Room 5 door. Kurt met the grizzled guitarist in Room 4, where they both loaded up assorted equipment onto their backs. Floyd carried his guitars, while Kurt- being obviously younger and stronger- carried almost everything else.

They left the Bed & Breakfast in the early afternoon. The show was to be near the front of the Town Hall- where most every show takes place. Outside the hall, a stage was set up- obviously for Floyd and Vinyl's respective performances. Kurt and Floyd worked together to get the stage equipped with speakers, instruments, the whole nine yards for concerts.

Oddly enough, there were no drum sets or extra instruments for background musicians- only a microphone and the sound gear. Kurt wondered what exactly Floyd could do.

He never found it really necessary to ask. His business was really to get something done so he could pay for a night at the Bed & Breakfast- or at least a more positive reputation than "That stallion who survived a manticore." It wasn't to question the guitar skills of an old horse.

The preparation took about five hours. By then, the sun was hanging low on the horizon. Floyd thanked Kurt. After the show, Floyd said he would help pay for a night.

Kurt left Floyd to the last bit of preparation. It would be time for dinner soon, and the fighting horse wanted to get back to the Bed & Breakfast before then.

Dinner came and went. Later at night, everyone left the bed and breakfast to check out the show. Kurt wasn't a good judge of music, but everypony seemed to like it. Floyd was indeed a polished guitarist, strumming the guitar with a pick strapped to his hoof, while his horn emitted a floating ball of energy that slid up and down the neck, appearing to press on different strings to make the different sounds. It was a unique variant of unicorn magic- one that Floyd obviously spent almost his whole life honing.

Regardless, Kurt wasn't a music critic. He also had a greater priority: staying at the back of the crowd, making sure he had a clear view of Vinyl. After all, he was supposed to be a bodyguard, right?

Nothing happened throughout the show. Vinyl's Ex-boyfriend didn't make an appearance- or maybe he did, but didn't try anything. Kurt never figured it out for sure.

Tips were thrown onto the stage. Apparently, Floyd was a crowd favourite. Vinyl decided to leave immediately after the show was over. Kurt stuck to the DJ's side, alert and watching for the reason he was a temporary bodyguard in the first place. On the way, Vinyl talked about how skilled Floyd was despite being a jerk. Kurt didn't want to reply to that; he put the awful joke behind him the night before.

Or maybe Vinyl was saying that to try to spark conversation with the ex-guard. It's a little late for that. Contrary to popular belief, it is impossible to multi-task, especially when the tasks demanded differing mindsets. Alertness didn't mix well with friendliness.

Patrick and Stella met them at the Bed & breakfast. They had left the show earlier so the building would be open for everyone else later at night.

Vinyl returned to her room while Kurt sat at the living room- to the left of the entrance hall. The ex-guard scanned the assorted unique furniture and paintings on the walls, passing the time between then and when he went to sleep.

Fifteen minutes later, Kurt yawned and returned to Room 5. The next day, he would learn that Floyd paid for the next two nights. Patrick knocked on the door to inform Kurt early in the morning. Perhaps it was some form of material apology. Kurt felt he should be annoyed, but he was thankful for the help. Assuming Vinyl even gave a day's pay for a day's work, Kurt would save on at least an extra day. Extra bits for whatever Kurt needed to get before leaving back to Canterlot.

Maybe he could pass by Rarity's tomorrow, maybe get a different look to throw off the Canterlot guards. Kurt would need something to cover the manticore scar, anyway. Maybe dye his mane and tail- or even so far as his hide.

No, Kurt thought, hide-jobs always look fake. He's seen some model ponies pass by the Canterlot Gate while on-duty. They always catch the attention of his comrades, but Kurt somehow could detect the fake hide jobs. Their manes and tails always looked great no matter the colour, however.

Alright, alright. A nice summer suit to conceal the scars, and a mane and tail job. That shouldn't be too expensive, and should be enough to disguise himself against his own comrades... Then again, his eyes were still the same. Spectacles? Kurt figured he could get some cheap shades or something. Ponies always looked different with glasses on.

Once he gets back, he'll have a week to blow before he gets his chance to escape again. Since Cor's missing, there would be nopony left in their spire of a house. Kurt's parents never could fork over the money required for a house sitter, anyway- and Kaia was an excellent big sister. Even after Kurt left, Cornelius talked about how he was faring despite being home alone-

Oh jeez, he was home alone? Kurt shook his head in disbelief as he sat up on his bed. He hadn't noticed that fact this whole time? It's no wonder the younger brother could've gone missing. Even with Kurt's plan to get back into Canterlot, it was just him working with what he had. If a real deal pony-napper got the resources together, a pony-napping in Canterlot would've been easy!

They must have pulled off a similar operation to what Kurt planned to do now in the first place!

Kurt cursed to himself, planting both of his toughened hooves over his temples. He massaged them, trying to recollect his thoughts. His fury was starting to build up- mostly targeted at himself. He knew this was a premature rage, and he had to save it for when he found the ones who took his little brother.

It's starting to strain on his willpower. Kurt Foalington needed a fight. He needed to punch something. There was a worm in his skull, trying to nip at his brain, tell him "You must hit something. You must make something suffer physical pain. You were born for this."

"I was born to protect peace." Kurt repeated to himself, trying to drown out this worm.

Focus, damnit! Focus! Kurt slapped himself. He didn't feel like going outside his room now- but he must. For Cor's sake, he must get work done for Vinyl so he'll have the funding to find Cor.

With a deep breath, Kurt slipped out of his bed. The triangle rang- indicating breakfast- and the fighting horse left the room.

Everyone and Kurt had toast. There was a lot of toast too; enough to feed everyone thrice over. Patrick mumbled something that sounded like "Maybe a bit too much toast, Stell?"

The motherly mare smiled and nodded. Kurt then noticed that Stella was never without a smile. She looked very content with her life with Patrick, and there was no underlying tone only the most experienced with subtlety could notice.

Kurt found that inspirational. She cooked and lived with the circus, found love, and started a requirement of a tourist attraction so she could continue doing the thing she loves. The twin frying pans was a fitting cutie mark, really.

The fighting horse hid his growing jealousy, however. He ate his toast and tried his best to not imply that he was troubled. The last thing Kurt wanted was to make his new-found friends uneasy. After all, he's been living with this worm in his brain ever since the first fight with the bullies.

Become stronger, it said, become faster. Reach the pinnacle of your abilities and go farther than ever imagined.

Reach it, he has. He beat a manticore. Now why was he ashamed about it?

Floyd was staring at Kurt. "Somethin' wrong, Kurt?"

Kurt shook his head, deep-down chastising himself for dropping his feigned friendliness.

"It's nothing. I'll be fine," Kurt replied. "Thanks, by the way."

Floyd shrugged and went back to his toast. "Ain't the first time I've met a pony trying to scrounge for the money needed for a noble quest."

Kurt nodded. Noble quest, noble quest, find little brother. Got to keep that mind on the noble quest. That worm can go shove a broken broom handle through its gut. The fighting horse finished his last slice of toast and diverted his attention to the conversation.

Once again, it was about Manehattan. The brick buildings all built by-hoof by almost every construction pony ever born. Not a single construction pony has ever lived without doing a job in Manehattan- at least, that's what the proverbial "they" said in those "We want you" advertisements for the Equestria Construction Service.

Wait a sec... Wasn't that the company Kurt's dad worked in? The fighting horse couldn't quite remember. He'd need to investigate their spire house in full once he got back to Canterlot, anyway.

The table conversation dissolved to more of the same stuff. Patrick and Stella talking with Silver and Judy about the differing lifestyles between urban Manehattan and rural Ponyville. Vinyl and Floyd talked about the music industry and shows they performed in the past. After mentioning last night's show, everyone started asking Floyd questions regarding his career as a guitarist.

Kurt had to admit: he was impressed at the massive number of things the guy has done for fifty years after he discovered his passion. He played with four bands, another several for collaborative singles, and other music industry jargon Kurt didn't fully understand.

Equestria was a bustling world, always expanding, leaving behind whatever or whoever doesn't meet up with the ever-growing standards, save for few lucky stiffs. Lucky stiffs such as Kurt and the other good-hearted fighting horses around the world. What was he to do?

Cornelius. He had to find Cornelius. Why was he repeating himself, anyway? That worm in his brain?

Kurt thanked Stella for the breakfast, dropped off his utensils, plates, and cup near the sink before leaving the Bed & Breakfast.

Once more, it was a beautiful day. It was, however, windy for once. One look at the sky, and Kurt found out why.

A cyan pegasus mare was blasting across the sky at speeds Kurt couldn't comprehend. The sight was intense, but the thrill wore off rather quickly. He just wanted to find someplace with something he was allowed to punch, maybe a hay bale back at that one farm from yesterday morning.

On the way, Kurt blinked. In the split second before he opened them, the speedy pegasus was on the ground, looking straight at Kurt.

Wait, not at Kurt; she was looking at the scars.

"Manticore attack, huh?" she asked in an almost squeaky voice- the kind of voice nopony would expect to take part in singing. Not that Kurt was a judge for that, anyway.

Kurt nodded. "Well, survived."

"Well I took on a manticore!"

Kurt's eye twitched. Was that really something to be boasting about?

"So how'd you survive?" the pegasus asked.

Kurt mentally conflicted between telling the truth or using the same trite alibi he had been using. The doctor wasn't a fool, and neither was Floyd. This pegasus looked like an athlete who'd know physical limits like the back of her hoof.

"I beat it."

The pegasus paused, apparently not expecting a simple answer. "Come again?"

Kurt shrugged. "Make of it what you will. I honestly don't care anymore." This was like, the seventh time he had been referred to as "That Manticore survivor," and he was getting sick of it.

The cyan one seemed to visually imply that her mind was racing. "You... beat a manticore?" She asked. She looked like a loose cannon too. Kurt wondered if he would realise if that was a good thing or not. "How'd ya do it?" she asked rather calmly, apparently trying not to squeal in... Kurt wasn't sure if she would squeal in terror. Rather, she looked like a crazed fangirl Kurt once had to detain for almost assaulting an upper-class fashionista.

"I just... beat it," Kurt replied, "Then got hit, so I escaped."

"Rainbow Dash!" called a voice that was now all-too-familiar to Kurt. Rainbow Dash twitched, letting her mane seem to lose its life and drop over her face in shock. "Gotta go!" she announced immediately before darting down the street.

Pinkie Pie approached. "Hey Kurt!" Pinkie said as she pranced past the fighting horse.

"Hey," Kurt replied. Suddenly, something clicked in his mind, and the ex-guard added "Wait, I don't recall telling you my name."

"Everypony knows your name now! You're the nice stallion who helped that guitarist."

Kurt blinked once more. "How does that involve you knowing my name?"

"Patrick and Stella came to visit Sugarcube corner and told us! You should drop by sometime."

"Could you show me the way?"

"It's down the street- you can't miss it. Anyway, I need Rainbow Dash for something! Bye!"

At that, Pinkie continued hopping without a care in the world, coupled with her head-in-the-clouds variant of over-the-top humming. Kurt once more thought if that pony's craziness brushed off of others. Was she the key to the kind-hearted, cheery nature of almost everypony around? Was she also from the circus?

Regardless, Kurt had time to kill before he had to help Vinyl, so he made tracks to find Sugarcube Corner.

Pinkie was right; it was impossible to miss. The large house looked to be made of assorted sweets, with a chocolate-covered gingerbread-looking rooftop. Just how well-funded was this town to have such theme-oriented buildings, anyway? Was it not enough to just have signs? Stylizing an entire building seemed like overkill to Kurt, anyway.

The place was closed, however. It was still too early. Kurt decided to further explore Ponyville until the time came to help Vinyl set up.

The houses that weren't commercial bases looked like houses, with thatch-roofs and window sills, not one gimmick among them, aside from whatever hanged on the front doors, and whatever was growing in the respective gardens of each house.

There was a giant hollowed-out tree amongst a few of them. The cedar sign next to the door had "LIBRARY" carved in.

Kurt hummed, approached, and knocked on the door.

Spike answered the door. "Hey Kurt," he said.

"Hey Spike," Kurt replied, "Got any books on the history of music?"

Spike thought for a moment, then snapped his claws. "Be right back," he said before running back into the library.

Kurt stepped to the side and assumed a professional guard stance- one of the few that seemed to be completely hard-coded into his brain since the long days on-duty. The sun slowly inched its way to the top of the sky, where it would then slowly drop below the horizon for yet another night. It was still a few hours before Lunchtime. Kurt decided he would read this book while waiting for lunch and helping the disc jockey. It gave him something to do, anyway.

The baby dragon eventually returned with such a book, titled Musical History of Music. Kurt frowned at how lame the title was. The dragon seemed to agree, but didn't speak. Spike fit the book securely onto Kurt's back before he closed the door again. Prior to that, Spike flashed a salute to the ex-guard. Kurt smiled automatically, but didn't mean it.

Meeting Twilight Sparkle was currently on the back of his mind, which was why he didn't take the opportunity to ask Spike where the unicorn was. On the way home, Kurt wished he had unicorn powers, so he could use the commonly-known telekinetic powers to read the book as he trotted.

The ex-guard was curious about the history of music in Equestria, given the experience he's been ingesting these past few days. Floyd and Vinyl's conversations at the table, the shows, the technology utilized for the shows, everything was an unknown to Kurt- and all he did was carry stuff to and around the stage.

Back at the Bed & Breakfast, Kurt spent the next three hours reading in his room. He learned of the earliest recorded music by assorted ponies from small towns a good few years ago.

Before he could get started on the invention of Rock & Roll, lunch was announced.

Downstairs, lunch was spent the same way as breakfast- save for different topics in the conversations. Kurt realised that his ultimately loner attitude landed him with little to contribute to... well, any subject- aside from the workings of the Guard. Even though he wasn't part of the Royal Guard anymore, Kurt knew better than to disclose information about them. Sure they were trying to keep him in his proverbial prison, but some of the guards were still brothers from other mothers. In other words, he literally had nothing to talk about. Even when Floyd and Vinyl talked about music some more, they referred to eras Kurt hadn't read up on yet.

The food- as always- was delicious. Assorted flowers and grasses were the main meal of the noon hour. Kurt indulged himself to the tulips, with some sweetgrass on the side. Lunch was consumed rather quickly; apparently everypony had things to do.

After everyone was done, Vinyl beckoned Kurt to her room to pick up equipment for the show. Turntables, computers, all the bells and whistles were all in boxes that Vinyl loaded onto Kurt's back.

The gear was heavy, but not too heavy. There was definitely more stuff than what Floyd had yesterday. Kurt realised a pony not as strong as he would barely manage to carry half of what Vinyl loaded onto his back right now. The disc jockey held the doors open for Kurt on his way outside the Bed & Breakfast.

Once everything else was picket up, Vinyl and Kurt left for the stage together.

"Thanks again for helping, Sir," Vinyl said.

Kurt's eye twitched. "Sir?" He asked.

"You're a Guard."

"Ex-guard,"

"My cousin's a guard at Baltimare," Vinyl added, "One thing his superiors said was that from the moment you get the armour to the day you die, every guard is your brother."

Kurt nodded in agreement; he had a similar message told to him during his early training. He was still an ex-guard. "And that still makes me a Guard?"

"You try to achieve justice," Vinyl replied, "You're looking for Cor."

"Yeah," Kurt said. "I've still got two more days before I'm off-"

Suddenly, that cyan pegasus darted past them at an even greater speed than last time Kurt saw her. Pinkie Pie hopped along at a slow, but constant pace after the cyan blur.

"You don't see that everyday," Vinyl laughed.

Kurt wasn't sure whether or not to laugh at this point. Pinkie's insane, and Rainbow Dash seems to act like a fangirl at times. He felt scared for his life if either of those two were given free reign in this town without repercussions. The ex-guard resorted to a smile.

"Anyway, Tomorrow and the day after, and I'm going back to Canterlot."

"Aren't the Guards looking for you?"

"Considering this Princess Luna pony, I'm thinking the Guard would have better things to do than find little old me," Kurt replied. He managed to feign the confidence behind that statement. In reality, he wasn't sure if he would manage to get into his own house and remain there until his chance out of Canterlot arrives.

Kurt decided he would get Rarity's help in changing his look the next day. For now, Vinyl's show and bouncing.

The preparation went by smoothly. Vinyl hanged around, forcing Kurt to remain at the stage as well. The hours passed as Vinyl got everything running smoothly, and occasionally engaging in conversation. It was rather one-sided. Kurt listened while Vinyl talked about Baltimare and her ex. All the while, Kurt listened, but kept an eye out for said ex.

"You don't talk much, do you?" Vinyl asked.

"I'm inexperienced," Kurt replied, "I only know things everypony already knows.

Vinyl laughed. "What about that manticore? You know how to deal with one."

Kurt twitched. At this point, he realised Vinyl was just teasing him. He should've realised it sooner with Vinyl claiming she'll tell all her friends about the fighting horse.

"Well, yeah... But that's only one thing," Kurt replied.

"Everypony's born with that one thing they're good at, Kurt."

Kurt nodded. "Society doesn't seem to want mine."

"It goes against the peace we've more or less kept around Equestria, but I understand its usefulness. Look at what you're doing now."

Kurt was sitting on the edge of the stage.

"Your cutie mark is a shield, you're protecting the stage." The disc jockey paused to fit a USB cable into the side of the turntables. "You stand to defend anything from anything."

"I dunno, I just wish I had a talent ponies could like- like you and your music. Everypony likes music, nopony likes violence."

"You like violence," Vinyl interrupted.

"And that's just one pony," Kurt added. "Out of Canterlot and here, that's one in millions."

"Only tyrants wish to stop what we can't help," Vinyl said, "There was a time when EDM was considered an evil genre of music- and beforehand, Rock & Roll. Look how they're faring today."

Kurt was silent, now wishing he had brought the book with him. "They're doing good?" he finally asked.

Vinyl didn't answer, but was head-bobbing to a tune on her mind. Apparently the answer was obvious.

In a few more hours, the show had begun. Vinyl started playing and ponies gathered around. Kurt avoided the spotlight, instead standing in the shadows with a clear view of the stage and crowd. He was security at this point, and he had no distractions.

The music was upbeat, and it got the crowd moving. Interestingly enough, it was a different- but still positive general reaction by the crowd. Kurt figured the answer to that question was "Both genres are well-accepted in the eyes of everypony."

Perhaps if Rock & Roll could get accepted, maybe his crave for the fray would be accepted as well.

Moment of truth. A reserved- but angry-looking stallion approached the stage, not taking his eyes off of the DJ.

Kurt was ready to move out to intercept. Turned out his preparation was necessary, as the angry one started clambering onto the stage. Behind her shades, Vinyl seemed uninterested. The crowd's energy seemed to diminish as the party-pooper began approaching Vinyl with ill intent. Even a quick glance would tell anypony that this angry stallion had ill intent.

The ex-guard was on the scene. His hooves slammed onto the secure stage, solidifying his position between Vinyl and her angry ex-boyfriend.

"And who are you?" The angry one asked.

Kurt's inner guard took over to give this one a chance. "The stage is off-limits to unauthorized ponies."

"Get out of my way," the angry one growled, "This doesn't concern you."

Kurt didn't get out of the way. "I'll give you five seconds to get off the stage and let everypony else enjoy the show."

"What if I don't?" the angry one mockingly asked.

Kurt's blood started to boil. His addiction started to overtake the inner professional. "To be perfectly honest, you do not want to know."

"This is between me and Vinyl, punk!" the angry one shouted as he reared onto his hind legs to swing a hoof.

In a blink, there was a resounding crack. Those who didn't miss it saw Kurt tackle the angry one, shoving a hoof into the angry one’s floating ribs. The following shove threw the angry pony off the stage. The force of the punch seemed to break something within the ex-boyfriend's torso. The angry horse dropped and rolled onto the ground.

"One chance, my good stallion," Kurt growled in a tone of voice he hadn't heard since the manticore.

The angry one got onto his hooves and lunged at Kurt.

"Thank you," Kurt said as he threw a hoof into the angry one's face. The tough-as-steel hoof impacted on the angry one's face. "Thank you for choosing the right option."

The ex-boyfriend dropped in a similar manner as the manticore. Eyes rolled up, snout slowly getting covered with blood from the broken nose.

Kurt was about to leap off the stage for a finishing move, but assorted ponies gathered around to pull the knocked-out one away. None of them could miss the scowl the fighting horse wore.

Said scowl wore off as he mentally told himself to cool it. He shook his head to regain his senses. The fight was over; the ex-boyfriend was no longer a direct threat.

It was too short. Kurt wanted more of a fight. He was expecting more of a fight. Still, he better appreciate what violence he could get in a society like Equestria.

The worm in his brain wouldn't hear any of it, though. Kurt distracted himself by turning to Vinyl. The disc jockey was looking out for her ex. Once she was certain the others had taken the problem individual far enough away, she continued the show.

The energy of the crowd- having been killed when the first signs of aggression revealed themselves- started to get revived once more. The show went on, leaving the fight behind them.

Kurt's anxiety was what Ponyville would think of him now- having beaten down another pony to unconsciousness with little to no effort. Would they start showing nervousness, or would they find use in the ex-guard's craft?

Time will tell. For now, the show must go on.

The next morning, Kurt felt a lot better. However short, the quick beating helped set his mind straight again. Once again, it was early in the morning, so he left the Bed & Breakfast on a jog.

The scars felt far better. The ex-guard was able to gallop for real this time. He ran to Whitetail Wood on a bout of exercise- exercise he sorely needed. Running from and to the Bed & Breakfast took two hours. By then, the town was waking up.

It was a good day as always. Kurt wondered if it ever rained in Ponyville. Maybe the pegasi were behind schedule. The trees did have quite a few loose branches. Perhaps they're waiting until the town gets together to clean up. Kurt returned to his temporary home, ready for breakfast.

Vinyl had paid for the next two days- according to Patrick. The middle-aged workhorse was setting the table as he told Kurt. The ex-guard nodded, and offered to help set the table. After washing his hooves and setting the table with Patrick, Kurt sat down at his usual spot. Soon, everypony else arrived for breakfast. More sweetgrass and bread. Everypony made their own custom sandwiches this time.

Conversations were once again about subjects Kurt had little knowledge or ultimate care in- except for the troublesome ex-boyfriend. According to Floyd, Vinyl's problem contact was in the hospital. Word on the street was that the doctor was actually laughing. Kurt knew full-well why, and he suspect Floyd and the others already pieced it all together.

"I saw that happen on the stage too. Ye've got some incredible speed there, kid," Floyd commented. "That guy never knew what hit 'im."

Kurt shrugged in an attempt to be modest. He didn't want the spotlight over him since last night. His body language was enough to give the others the hint to change the subject. Breakfast went by quickly, and Kurt had a game plan for the day.

He spent an hour after breakfast reading the history book, then left for Rarity's place. Kurt knocked on the door, and was greeted by a younger filly. She was the other filly who was "abducted" for work alongside that Scootaloo character.

"Hello, is Rarity in?"

"Yes she is, but she's still busy on that order."

Kurt acknowledge the information with a nod. "Well I just wanted to get my mane and tail dyed."

"I'll tell my sister then," she said before turning and galloping on her short filly legs. Kurt entered the boutique- which generally looked the same. Minor differences included more mannequins, more mannequins covered in exotic outfits, and a dress cart holding expensive-looking costumes.

In the room beyond the entrance hall, Kurt could see the young filly try to get Rarity's attention. The fashionista was apparently in the zone. Fortunately, Kurt had all the time in the world,

A good fifteen minutes later, Rarity finally finished another dress and directed her attention to the immediate customer. "Oh, hello Kurt," she said.

"Hello," Kurt greeted in response. "I just wanted to get my mane and tail dyed before I return to Canterlot. Is that too much to ask?"

"Not at all," she said before beckoning the ex-guard to another room filled with giant dome-shaped hair-dryers and other hair care equipment. Her younger sister followed, apparently curious to learn the trade of the big sister.

Kurt wondered how Cornelius was doing. At this time, Cor would be a bit older than the younger filly at Rarity’s side.

"Over here," Rarity said, indicating a chair. Kurt sat down, letting his tail poke through the opening in the back of the chair. The chair itself was designed specifically for mane and tail-related things, but was also quite comfortable.

The dye job was rather quick. Kurt asked for a colour that matched his coat, maybe the same red. Rarity didn't seem to acknowledge that the ex-guard had even said anything, commenting on how ragged the mane and tail were. She even asked how Kurt slept at night with such an unruly mane.

Kurt blinked, unsure of how to respond to that. He finally shrugged, assuming that his saying he never noticed might offend the upper-class-acting pony.

Rarity went the whole nine yards on Kurt's mane. She cut it evenly in a way only a proper stallion would have it... At least, that's what she said she'd cut it, anyway.

The ex-guard felt rather uncomfortable as his tail and mane got lighter bit by bit. However, he managed to calm himself down by remembering that Rarity had a studio like this- and was no-doubt a professional.

"Now that's a more stunning look, monsieur," Rarity commented after the snipping finally stopped.

The fighting horse flinched, obviously not used to hearing French. Before he could say anything, Rarity pulled the chair to a double-sink. Two bowls for the mane and tail respectively. Kurt closed his eyes as hot water splashed over his head and flank.

"Now then, let's see what suits you to a tee," Rarity quipped aloud to nopony in particular.

Kurt regretted his decision to come here. Was this pony insane? She seemed once more in the zone. The fighting horse looked up to see the younger filly, who looked as nervous as Kurt felt.

"Sis, I don't think he knows what's going on anymore," the younger sister said.

"Nonsense!" Rarity exclaimed in an almost completely bonkers fashion, "I will have this stallion dazzle all of Canterlot once he returns!"

"Actually, I don't want to draw attention to my-" Kurt started, but was interrupted by a nice-smelling hoof pushing his head down into the sink again.

Time seemed to blink past for Kurt as he closed his eyes to avoid getting water in them. Eventually, the involuntary movement finally stopped, and the ex-guard finally opened them again. The involuntary movement was replaced by a nice warm towel on his neck.

"Now then," Rarity continued, pulling Kurt to one of the giant domes with her own unicorn magic. Kurt closed his eyes again, legitimately afraid of what was to come. The dome came down over his head and blasted its heat down his mane and back, Another smaller dome covered the tail.

Kurt opened an eye to see Rarity look almost completely insane. The younger sister contrasted well against the displayed madness with borderline fear. The ex-guard almost wished the younger filly wasn't even there to begin with.

Eventually, the heat stopped. Kurt almost stumbled, but was saved from falling by the younger filly. Rarity grabbed a large mirror with her telekinesis and pulled it to Kurt.

Sweet Jumping Hydras! Kurt thought to himself. He was about to shout it aloud, but then experienced an even more horrifying epiphany: He looked really good!

"Whoa," Kurt commented, checking out his now-shortened tail and now-even mane. Both of them were dyed the same colour as his own hide- no longer the navy blue of before.

It was also the first time he actually got a good look of his own scars in the mirror. Aside from his blue eyes, Kurt could not recognize himself anymore.

That was good, in fact. If he couldn't identify himself, what chance did the Guards?

Actually, that wasn't a perfect question to ask, Kurt realised. The guards always had a good look of Kurt, and probably would still recognize him regardless.

Then again, it has been more than a week since any guard last saw the fighting horse. Rather than think too much about it, Kurt paid Rarity in full for the hair job.

"By the way, do you have anything that could cover this?" Kurt asked at the front counter, indicating his scars.

"And throw off the ravishing look I made for you?" Rarity asked, "You'll be the center of attention at Canterlot."

"That's... kind of what I wanted to avoid," Kurt replied.

Rarity pouted, causing Kurt to expect a "How rude" treatment like before. However, she seemed to understand. The fashion unicorn left to the sewing room and returned with a gold-coloured suit that covered part of the torso and the forelegs.

"That looks real expensive," Kurt commented as he was checking his wallet further.

"Think nothing of it," Rarity said, folding the suit and draping it onto the ex-guard's back. "You're looking for your brother."

"But the suit-"

"It was a returned order. It had already been paid for," Rarity said- her voice suddenly a bit shaky.

Kurt blinked several times, processing all the oddities about the whole situation. "But-"

Rarity gave Kurt a look he could not really describe. Kurt looked between Rarity and the younger filly, and started to get an idea of why Rarity was being so generous.

"Thank you," Kurt said, "So long."

Upon that, he left the boutique with suit draped onto his back.

At least, he almost left, except a random citizen burst into the door, announcing a party at Sugar Cube Corner. This seemed like a good time as any to visit the place. Just as soon as he dropped off the suit back at the Bed & Breakfast, anyway.

The ex-guard jogged to Patrick and Stella's place to toss his newly-acquired suit onto the Room 5 bed next to the music history book. Then he lightly galloped toward Sugarcube Corner.

Along the way, a tormented-looking griffon stormed up the street. An odd sight, Kurt thought. He hadn't seen a griffon before. This one looked angry, and it was looking at Kurt. "What are you looking at?" the griffon barked.

Kurt didn't seem to want to answer the question. After all, he was looking at the griffon, wondering what made her so angry. "Is something wrong?" Kurt asked.

"You think just because my best friend turned lame on me means you get to stare?"

That was... the dumbest piece of logic Kurt had ever heard. The griffon inhaled, then let out a guttural roar directed at the ex-guard.

"Just trying to help here," Kurt attempted to reason. Deep-down, he was hoping to Celestia that the griffon would throw the first punch.

Come on, Kurt thought as the griffon's face turned red.

Finally, the griffon rose a claw and swung it.

YES! Kurt's mind screamed. He blocked the claw with a foreleg and landed his other fore hoof into the griffon's beaked face.

The griffon stumbled back, now officially over the edge of reason. Kurt was rather grateful; this fight will last longer than the ex-boyfriend. Perhaps this would hold him for a week at least. She shook her head to regain her senses, then lunged at the ex-guard again.

The claws looked rather nasty- though not as bad as the manticore. Not exactly desiring more scars, Kurt concentrated on not getting hit. He waited for an opening from the rampantly-attacking she-beast.

Eventually, there was one. Kurt got in close and started pounding on the griffon's ribs with his hooves. Just as quick as he struck, he opened the distance again. The griffon staggered as she attempted to breathe comfortably again.

Kurt took advantage of the staggering by jumping in and whaling on the griffon's face. She never knew what hit her, to say the least. The ex-guard stepped back a few paces to get a glimpse of his handiwork. The griffon was out cold, and Kurt didn't care what he broke.

He felt good now... very good.

Before walking on to join the party, Kurt hoisted the unconscious she-beast over his back and carried her to the clinic.

"I don't say this often, but nice work," the doctor said.

"Thanks?" Kurt asked.

"I was just kidding," the doctor interrupted, "While I like having things to do, I'd prefer not feeling guilty over having to clean up somepony else's mess."

Kurt nodded, encountering a flashback to Sergeant Baton. The fighting horse replied "To be fair, she did strike first."

"Was she provoked?" the doctor asked, "Griffons don't usually attack unprovoked."

"Well, she was provoked- but not by me."

The doctor hummed and nodded. "You're leaving soon, though. Finding Cornelius Foalington?"

Kurt nodded. Tomorrow was the day, and he still needed to visit Sugarcube Corner and return the music history book. Only two things left, and he had all the hours he needed.

"Well, in case we don't meet again, good luck with that." With that, the doctor trotted into one room to look after the newly-acquired patient.

Kurt smiled after the doctor. He was a nice pony- helping others no matter the species. A real constructive individual to contrast against the ex-guard's destructive nature.

However, by the time he got back to Sugarcube corner, everypony was leaving. Kurt refrained cursing to himself- not wanting to risk anypony hear said cursing. At that point, he realised that he had missed lunch... and dinner too.

He entered Sugarcube corner to see that some ponies still had some party left in them. It was a rather different party compared to the last one Kurt had been to. Ponies were dancing, the treats were all real treats, no one wanted to break Kurt's jaw, or try to murder him, the purple filly was there- wait, what?

The purple filly, Twilight Sparkle, was there. This was his chance!

Kurt approached the buffet table- still covered in sweets, despite the crumbs, empty, and half-full cups left everywhere. This was his chance. What would he say to one of the main influences that caused his act of going AWOL?

“Erm, hello...”