Legends Awaken

Even before we made it off if Sweet Apple Acres I was being asked questions again.

"Darling, why are you wearing that dreadful armor and weapon," Rarity inquired.

"Always be prepared, better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. I don't know why but I had to learn that one the hard painful way," I returned with a shrug.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"That whole needing it thing is a old saying from before. Also it was something I should remember from my old service time. It seemed pain just reminded me and drove it home. I can be a slow learner at times."

"Still, what could possibly happen in Ponyville that would require them? It is quite peaceful."

"Old habits die hard. Ones I’d rather keep. Most of the time not dieing is at the top of my list of things to do."

"Wait, why would it be most of the time," Spike asked from on top of Twilight, which seemed to be the question on everyone's mind from a quick glance.

"Was it explained to you what I've done and do," I wanted to know before I went on.

"Well duh! Of course! You're here to help protect Ponyville! Oh, a-and to adjust to the world since you woke up from a really super long nap because of some old nasty meany," Pinkie offered as she some how got up on my shoulders without me noticing.

That caused me to freak. I rolled my left shoulder forward and my right back as I leaned forward and bent at the knees to dislodge her. She slipped from my sudden movement and landed on her hooves.

As she did I stopped my hand before it was too noticeable that it was reaching for my leg. My other was feeling around my shoulders and upper back. I quickly stopped that.

"Please don't do that, remember that whole hooves thing," I asked with a tense gentle voice. Everyone seemed a bit perturbed at me about it.

"Why would you react like that, I was only being friendly," Pinkie asked as I rolled my shoulders.

"Too many bad experiences an ingrained reactions," I explained with a weak shrug. "I'm guessing I'm going to learn to relax and realize not everything and one is out to get me." They gave worried glances at each other as I started walking.

"I also haven't gotten an answer on if you know what I used to do," I reminded them as the caught up with me.

"Well, the Princesses only really said you're some kind of guard pony and didn't tell us more," Rainbow Dash explained as she drifted along side me giving me a suspicious look.

"That would be..., not completely inaccurate. I'm usually called upon to... resolve issues that the royal guard aren't capable of doing." I explained pausing to select my words carefully.

"Ha! You doing something the royal guard can't! That's impossible!"

"Dear, they are the best of the best."

"My brother can do anything if he puts his mind to! What can you do that he and the guard can't?!"

I stopped walking and let them pass. As they did I clenched my fist and they both popped. I don't really know what I was feeling at the moment, anger, disbelief, confusion, or surprise.

I simply didn't know what to feel at their claims. I went to respond but was interrupted.

"However, I can understand them coming to you for an alternate perception on a matter. I can only speculate that you think drastically different then most ponies. It's not like you have so much more training that they don't have," Twilight rattled off as she looked me over.

I was taken back on how accurate her statement was. Everything I was feeling was replaced by impression. Everything stated wasn't far from the truth. Sometimes I forget that I'm not better trained, just more experienced... and human.

I gave a tilt of my head to acknowledge her statement before I took a couple quick steps to catch back up with the group. After several minutes the tops of buildings made themselves seen on the horizon.

As I got sight of them I felt my heart start to race and fear started to enter my mind. I stopped walking and let the group walk ahead of me. They soon stopped and turned around.

"I'm starting to have second thoughts about this girls. What if I cause a panic? And what if something gets damaged or worse what if someone gets hurt? It'll be all my fault. I don't think that's the first impression I want to make in town." I told the girls as I took a step back and ran a hand over my chest.

“What's this? The big scary guard pony is afraid of our town,” Rainbow Dash asked with a grin on her face floating eye level with me.

“No, I'm not afraid, I'm irrationally terrified of it, huge difference,” I retorted turning to look at her which seemed to confuse her. She turned to look at the other girls with a shrug.

“Why's that? There's no reason anything like that would happen,” Pinkie offered which started to put me at ease. “We'll unless that's exactly what happens when everyone sees you and you're kick out of town forever and ever.”

That didn't put me at ease, the opposite actually.

I took another step back and turned to face the group. I felt my heart starting to race and my breathing quicken.

“Not helping!”

The girls started to look concerned and Twilight took a step towards me as she took a deep breath.

“Why is this causing you such distress? The town was told before hoof to except a new visitor that wouldn't be like any they've received in the past. They were asked to leave them be until they felt comfortable,” she explained to me which helped me calm down some.

“You see, nothing to worry yourself over. Princess Celestia has thought to take care of everything,” Rarity added with a smile.

“Actually, it was Princess Luna that asked me to explain it to everypony. She thought you might react like this,” Twilight corrected with a sheepish smile.

I narrowed my eyes as I processed this and thought it over. It seemed like it would work but I was probably paranoid that it would go bad.

“Ok, I think I can deal with this then. If I freak out, I blame all of you in advance,” I told them looking them over. “Especially the pink one,” I added with some humor and a smile pointing at her. The girls seemed to relax with a smile of their own.

“I hear by blame all of you if I freak out,” I told them as I pointed to the area they were in. That seemed to cause their smiles to flatten some, I don't think they were expecting me to actually blame them.

Pinkie was the first to respond and it was with a giggly before she started bouncing in place.

“Okie dokie,” was her simply answer. I gave a roll of my eyes and took a deep breath to try and calm down some more before I starting walking again.

The girls hesitated a second before moving around me.

“Is it going to be business as normal or a ghost town when we get there,” I wanted to know looking over the horizon.

“There aren't any ghost in town silly! Just ponies!” I let out a groan and kept walking.

“You don't think the whole town would stop just because of you, do you,” Rainbow Dash asked my from above me.

“No, but I'm not really sure how things work these days and I though it was a legit question.” She rolled her eyes as she flew ahead. After several more minutes we reached the edge of Ponyville.

I stopped my walking and took several deep breaths as I looked ahead. There was no turning back now.

“You ready to go into town now,” Twilight asked as she stopped and looked up me from my side.

“No, not really but there's no turning back now,” I answered as I gave an uncomfortable shift of my armor. “Where do we start?”

“I recommend town hall and working our way out from there and finishing here so you can either stay or head back to Sweet Apple Acres,” Twilight responded before turning to Spike.

“Do you have the welcoming list Spike?”

“Yep! Got it right here,” he returned pulling it from who knows where.

“Great! Now let's get started!”

After that I spent the next few hours being shown around Ponyville, in more ways then one. I got to see it first hand and introduced to way too many ponies to remember and had to be pulled away a few times. As we walked around the girls slowly left as they had to take of whatever they needed.

I got to see all the major locations in town and the 'important' ponies. Some of which looked either terrified, the most common, intrigued, or I don't know, plotting schemes?

Most of the meetings only added to my feeling of dread and it felt like I was half a thought from losing my mind. I kept it together well enough and only got mildly upset with a few.

I like to think that it went pretty well since my worst case thoughts didn't happen. Sometimes pessimism can be optimistic.

As we walked back to where we entered town I saw Spike was looking tired and dragging the list behind him.

“Hey Twilight, I think I got it from here. Why don't you head home, we're nearby,” I asked with a tip of my chin towards Spike. She turned to look at him and gave a smile.

“An excellent idea, thank you for it. I also want to thank you for keeping it together today. It looked like parts of it were really rough for you.”

“I’d like to say it wasn't but that would be a bold face lie,” I returned as I ran a hand through my hair.

“It'll  get better I promise. Now I'll call it a day and head back to the library. I hope to see you soon and have a good night,” she added before waiving good bye and taking Spike. I gave her a wave and simple before turning to Rarity.

“Any last minutes details that were forgotten?”

“Darling in the short time I've known Twilight she doesn't seem like the type to forget. However, she did only cover the basics of the town and my have left out the finer establishments, far and few as they may be” she explained to me with a warm smile.

I gave a small tilt of my head before speaking which was interrupted.

“Oh no! I'm going to late for my shift at Sugar Cube Corner!” Pinkie gasped out before quickly running in the shop's direction.

“Isn't it a bit late for a shift to start,” I asked.

“Not

at all. She took the closing shift today so she could come with us and I suspect so she could take any leftovers but that's just hearsay,” Rarity replied with a glance around near the end.

Before I could ask my original question I was interrupted again.

“Eh, if you two are going to start gossiping like a pair of old mares I'm leaving. Besides I want to get some more training in before night falls. Catch ya later!” Rainbow told us before launching into the sky.

I waited a second before I tried asking my question again to see if Rarity had anything to say. When she didn't I asked.

“If you're not busy wold you mind telling me about them? It can never hurt to know,” I inquired with a smile as I looked at her. She gave a giggly before waving me off.

“Oh, of course. It would be a pleasure,” she returned before leading me on a mini tour.

It went fairly quick, I’d guess an hour or so. When we ended I felt I could get around the town without any problems.  Rarity did have a problem at times of over informing me about a few locations but, meh.

By the time we finished with the last stop I was drained both mentally and physically. Rarity must have picked up on it too.

“Oh dear. You look as though you might fall asleep at any moment. I take it you still haven't got all your strength back, how careless of me I should have noticed earlier. Come now, let's get you off your hooves.”

Before I could reply she started to guide me somewhere. After several minutes we arrived at an outdoor cafe.

“Sit, sit. Now let me get you a menu dear,” she told me still guiding me and doing a great job keeping her hooves off me. I sat down on the ground with my legs crossed under me.

After a minute she came back with a menu floating next to her encased in her magic.

“Here you go dear, help yourself to something,” she told me as she sat across from me. As I looked at the menu I wasn't exactly thrilled. I didn't know what a lot of it was, it was spelt fancy without any detail. I raised an eyebrow before looking over the top of the menu.

“Ok, lets say someone had no idea what most of this menu was, what would you recommend,” I asked pointing to myself and then the menu.

Rarity gave a small laugh.

“My, it has been sometime since you've been out hasn't it.” I gave a weak shrug and smile.

“Would you be against me ordering for you?”

“No, not at all. It'll be a chance to learn something but may I get a tea?”

“Of course! It will be a pleasure,” she gave but before I had a chance to thank her the waitress showed up.

The unicorn pony was carrying a tray with two thin stem glasses and a bottle wrapped in cloth with her magic. A raised an eyebrow in suspicion at what it was, hoping it was.

“Miss Rarity your bottle of '85 Canterlot Au Noir,” she told Rarity as she floated the items to our table as she looked at me with curiosity and some fear. “Are you ready to place your order now?”

“Thank you dear and yes I am,” was her reply before she placed the order using words I didn't know or spell, well except for tea, I got that.

The waitress gave a nod of her head before turning and leaving.

“I recall from our welcome party that you asked for a more, adult beverage was it? I thought this would be an excellent time to share a civilized drink and maybe talk about you and choice of attire,” Rarity explained as she took the bottle and poured out our drinks.

I gave a tilt and nod of my head. “Sure, that sounds great.”

She gave a smile as a glass floated over to me. After I grabbed it I took a sniff of it and was pleased. After that I looked up and saw Rarity had taken her glass and seemed to be waiting for me.

“A toast! To new friends and new beginnings,” she offered.

“To peace, to prosperity, to health,” I offered before clinking the glasses together. She gave a smile and nod before taking a sip, I downed mine in a single gulp.

Rarity seemed upset at my actions and made it known.

“Why in the wide world of Equestria would you do that? Don't you know anything abo...,” she started strongly before trailing off. “I must stop forgetting that you really have no knowledge of today's customs and mannerisms.”

“I really don't. Last time I had wine it was normal to just to drink as much as you could quickly,” I informed her as I placed the empty glass in the table with a shrug. “Guess that's one more thing I'm going to have to learn then.”

“Only if you want to fit in with the cream da la cream of Equestria. Most ponies really don't drink and when they do it really doesn't have any form to it. To me it seems they drink just to get drunk.”

I gave a small scuff before I replied, “I’d drink to that, I've done that more times then I know I should of but some times it's what's needed. Before you think the worse it's a, I would say, human habit just to get drunk for no real rhyme or reason.”

She narrowed her eyes as she thought on what I had told her before taking another sip.

“Well, I can't fault you for your past experiences or habits from your own people, it would be uncultivated of me to simply judge you. Now, would you care for another glass?”

“Yes, please and this time I'll follow your lead,” I offered with a smile holding the glass at an angle. She picked up the bottle with her magic and refilled my glass.

“Thank you Rarity.” This time when the glass touched my lips I took a small sip and actually got to taste the wine.

It was a well made drink. It had a smooth taste while being a little dry for me and with just a tingle of the alcohol as an aftertaste. Definitely a red wine I could drink regularly.

“A fine choice in wine and I imaging one that will go well with the order you placed for us.”

“Why it seems you do have some refined taste and indeed the bottle will go nicely with our food and even your tea,” she happily replied as I swirled the wine in my glass.

“I'm not a completely uncultured barbarian, just close to it. Some times it has its advantages.” She gave a small laugh.

“My you have an odd sense of humor and it seems an odd mix of culture and mannerisms.”

“I just meet you and the other girls, given enough time around me y'all will get to know and see the real me,” I offered with a tilt of he glass before taken another sip. She seemed a bit confused but let it slide, for now at least.

“I do believe we've gotten a little off topic. I still would like to talk to you a little more about you choice of attire if you still are up to it,” she asked before taken a sip.

“I got no problem with that. What do you have in mind?”

“First off, why such a bland and dreadful choice of color?”

I looked down at my gear in a bit of confusion and to give myself a second to think about my answer.

“Well, to begin I've noticed the color helps instill a sense of fear into others, you remember how everyone reacted when you first saw me,” I asked before pausing to take a sip and let her think.

“Yes, it was most dreadful and frightening, I can understand that better now but can you expand?”

“Long time ago I was trained that the first step to stop something from happening is presents. If I look big, bad, scary, and someone not to, excuse the language, fuck with, you can stop some problems before they start.” She didn't seem to catch the full meaning of my word choice but understood I guess.

“Oh! It just like the Royal Guard! It's just that you use negative association instead of positive,” she explained before setting her glass down. I took a sip before answering.

“That's actually a good way of looking at it. I guess most ponies know that he Guard are the best and to be trifled with as most wouldn't know that about me.” Rarity gave a nod of her head before moving on.

“Now why is it so plain in design? It was absolutely no flair to it.”

“Well it's because it's a combat uniform. It's all about functionality for that use, to protect, conceal, and support,” I supplied with a weak half shrug as I took another sip.

“Uhm, it seems like a very practical reason you would want all that in such a horrible and dreadful situation. I take it the color also assist with that,” she asked before taken her glass back into her magic.

“Indeed, most of the fighting my kind d...,” was it do or does? “Does happen in low or no light situations, so the color helps that too.”

“So I take that you have more types of uniforms for different occasions,” she ask before sipping.

“Yeah, I can but before there was never a reason to have any. I was on the move a lot with no need for any,” I let her know and before I could continue she interrupted.

“Then I must simply design you a fabulous dress uniform you can use! Ooh, the possibilities are almost endless!” She let out with a beaming smile of her face. I held up a hand to slow her down.

“Slow down a bit now Rarity. I don't have a problem with that but there would be some restrictions on the design. After all it will be a military like dress uniform. We will have to work it out.” She didn't seem to crushed by that. Instead I think she took it as a challenge to be conquered and relished in it.

Before we could continue the waitress had returned with Rarity's order. I tilted my head down to let her know and she seemed a bit confused.

“Behind you.”

She turned and saw what I was trying to tell her. As she talked with the waitress I finished my glass and set it back on the table. After a minute everything was on the table and our server departed.

I saw everything looked over fancy for food and drink but didn't mention it.

“I got you a nice pomegranate tea with sugar and honey on the side, a crisp vegetable salad, and spiced tomato soup. Nothing to fancy for a first meal,” she informed me with a smile and sense of culture.

“Looks amazing and thank you again.”

“Think nothing of it darling! I'm glad to help you learn and adjust to your new, we'll I guess for you, world,” she said warmly with a smile. I returned her smile and gave a

small nod of my head.

She started to ask a question but hesitated.

“I don't mean to offend dear, but why all the head tilting and shoulder movement?” Now I was confused, then realized what was happening.

“Ah, it's no offense. It's unconscious habits I've picked up from my home to point out something or understanding or lack of depending on the context. Plus, feel free to ask question. You can't possible know much about me,” I informed her which seemed to put her at ease. She gave a nod of understanding before sitting down her glass again.

“My, you sure do seem to enjoy your wine, another glass?”

“If you don't mind, yes please,” I answered as I put a little honey in my tea. “I'm not being impolite with my drinking am I?”

“A little yes, but I understand somewhat. One doesn't normally drink as quickly as this, however this isn't a high society function, it's just friends dear,” she informed with a weak smile I think trying not to offend.

“Uhm, I'll have to work on slowly down, but in my defense look how tiny this glass is! It's like a glass for ponies!” I told her picking up the glass and overemphasizing my movements and voice as I pointed at the glass with a stupid grin on my face.

Rarity gave a laugh and waved at my antics.

“You are quiet the animated one aren't you.”

“Yeah, I can be,” I answered while I nodded.

After that we ate and talked about pony fashion, well Rarity did, and who was who in the fashion world and about her own ideas concerning fashion.

By the time we finished there was no food left and Rarity had another glass of wine before I finished the bottle. The food and tea was delicious but failed to fill me. My only real complaint about the event was how small the serving sizes were but I guess for a pony they would be enough. Again I was like twice the height and probably three times the weight of one.

Soon after we said our good byes before heading our separate ways shortly after sunset.

As I headed back to Sweet Apple Acres I realized I had no way of lighting my path once the twilight had passed. I picked up my pace and started to jog back to at least get it in sight.

By the time I saw the lights from the farm the last remnants of light had faded. As such I only stumbled twice before I got back to the barn.

I fumbled around looking for the handle before I opened up the doors and After walking in and closing the doors I realized I couldn't see anything except vague outlines in blackness.

I let out a defeated sigh and stood there for a bit before going back outside and staring at the farm house.

I started to walk over to the farm house but stopped when I heard something clanking from my side.

I fought the urge to move into the shadows and hide, I instead tensely turned to the sound and saw a pony.

“Kinda late to be gettin' back don't ya think without a light,” I heard Applejack tell me with amusement in her voice.

“Yeah, I didn't think I would be in town for so long. After the tour with everyone I headed out on a smaller one with Rarity,” I responded with a shrug and small turn of my hands. “I also stopped for a small snack.”

“Good, ta hear you're adjusting. I reckon you were on your way to get a light for the evening?”

“You would be correct.”

“I got one for ya. I'd set it aside earlier when I check the barn for ya knowing you might want'a stay up,” she told me as she walked over to my side.

“Thanks and you're right I still have to unpack and what not you know.”

“I guess that's true, come on now.”

After headed back to the barn she opened up the doors with no problem at led me in. After walking in she guided me to the far back left corner.

It looked like two walls had been recently put up to make a room for me. I hadn't noticed it earlier because the hay bales were in the way and I failed to pay attention to my surroundings.

When we got to the side I didn't see I saw there was a door the looked like it had been made for someone of my height.

“The princesses had this put together for ya while you were laid up. It ain't much put it should work for ya,” she let me know as she took her hat off and pulled a key from it.

“This is for ya lock to keep everything safe and my little sis' out. I don't want her messin' with any of that stuff ya brought with ya,” she told me flatly as she pass the key to me.

“I completely agree with you and if I found any extra small ponies in here I'll talk to you to figure out who it is. And thanks. Not just for the key,” I let her know.

“For putting me in the room here, letting me live here, and probably letting me mess up your entire life in general I guess,” I thanked her with a small weak smile, “and I'm sorry for that. Never thought all this would happen.”

She gave me a stern look before speaking.

“Honestly, I never wanted you here after hearing 'bout ya from the princesses. Ya sound like nothing but trouble ta me but when the crown ask you for some'en you don't say no. I didn't bring it up earlier 'cause I didn't want to ruin anything,” she told me bluntly as she put her hat back on and looked up at me.

“I can't blame for that, I do tend to bring trouble with me where ever am. So in the regard you are right and I'll do my best to stop my presents from interfering with your life any more than I have too.”

She narrowed her eyes at me before nodding her head.

“That's good to hear and know. I also know this ain't entirely your fault but it's good to know you'll be doing what you can to stop problems.” It was my turn to nod my head.

“But all that don't mean I'm not going to be hospitable. There are some, I guess home warming, gifts for ya inside from us girls and the princesses,” she told me pointing here hoof towards he door.

“I'll let ya be, ya have a good night now and get some sleep. We Apples start our days earlier on the farm,” she spoke to be before turning and leaving for the night.

“Got ya.”

After she left and closed he barn doors I leaned over and picked up the lamp she had left and use the key to open the door out wards.

The room looked like it was a eight foot cube in dimensions. On the right was a cot for me to sleep on with a foot locker under it and on the cot was all my worldly belongings I brought with me. At the far wall near the cot's head was a shelf box divided into two across and three down sections that were all bare and in the center of the wall was a high window. At the foot of it was a small end table to the immediate right of the door. On the left side near the door was an armchair to the immediate left and a desk with a couple drawers that had several wrapped items on the work surface. As I walked to he center of the room I saw a trash can in the corner between the desk and shields. Above the desk, cot and shelves were cabinets for additional storage. In the center of the room hanging from the ceiling was a hook to hang then lamp from.

I hung the lamp up and turn it all the way up with a quarter turn back for maximum lighting before sitting at the desk.

I shifted through the gifts before picking one up. It read from Pinkie.

After I opened it I found out it was a small book of jokes with a note written on the inside letting me know to use it and to try and think of my own, I gave a smile and set it aside.

The next was a package from Rarity. After unwrapping the fancy cloth I found two sets of sky blue and what felt like high count cotton linens and a pillow. This note let me know to come to her for any clothing or fashion need I might have and use her gift to rest easy.

The next gift had some weight to it and was from Twilight and I had an idea of what it was. Inside were several books on Equestrian history and inside a small case writing material sized for my use. I flipped through one of the books and saw to my amazement I could read it. I looked at the note she left and she reminded me to talk to her about anything I could thing of and to come by the library for more books.

Up next was another package that had a some weight to it. After opening a small crate I gave out a long whistle. Inside were three sets of my sized liquor. Two bottles of hard cider, two bottles of rum, and the third set let me stunned before letting out a hearty laugh. I took out a bottle of hard cinder and took the top off before taken a hard swig from the bottle. Applejack's note let me know not to be dumb with the drinks and enjoy them and it was a last minute gift she had gotten after the party.

I set the bottle down and picked up an oddly wrapped gift from Fluttershy. The note only had her name on it and a request to take good care of her gift. After I opened it I found a rectangle pot with several brightly colored kinds of flowers in it. I smiled as I stood up and place it on the window still.

Next was a package from mcboring sunny flank herself. On top of it was a note asking me to stay out of trouble and not be a bad influence of her ponies. Before I opened it I took another swig of the cider.

Inside was a folder full of diplomatic papers, travel forms, and identification as a Royal Agent of the throne. Under the folder were  several small aged paintings that I knew she had done from before my self imposed exile. I gave a smile and left them there until I could get frames for them.

Up next was Rainbow Dash, whose note reminded me that she was the best and fastest flier in all Equestria and would keep an eye on me. Her gift was a signed picture of the Wonderbolts. I was a bit surprised she had gifted me it honestly.

Lastly, was a package from Luna. On top of several aged journals that had her royal seal on them and there were three cloth bags. The first contained a mix of mostly silver bits and a few gold ones. In the second were several map of areas I had no idea where they were. The last had four vials inside, I knew the importance of three of them but not the fourth.

She left no note with her package which left me

confused but I let it be.

After that I put everything where I thought it would belong and kept drinking the hard cider. By he time I had everything put away I had drank about four fingers of the cider.

Letting out a long hard sigh I took my knife out and held it in my good hand.

'I should have done this earlier,' I thought to myself before I put the tip off the blade under the cast. I spent half an hour slowly cutting the thing from my arm as I sat on my cot.

After it was off I checked to make sure I hadn't cut myself and found I hadn't. I toss the now useless item in the trash before capping the cider bottle.

I gave my wrist, fingers, and forearm several twists and bends to make sure everything was still working before I caught what was on my skin.

I saw the results of my failures, my arrogance, and my fears. I resolved not to let those things happen again before I angrily pulled down my sleeve and flopped down on the cot.

I would start all that tomorrow.