Legends Awaken

by EvilZombieMinion

Rating: mature
Tags: Dark, Alternate Universe, Human, Adventure
Length: 63615

The dark pasts and secrets of Equestria are beginning to arise.

The world of Equestria is a world of joy, dreams, easy times and smiles. This all comes at a price that was paid long ago for by the few, for the many. The world has know peace for a thousand years, but that peace may soon come to an end, unless the peace is paid for again.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-01-29 00:53:28 UTC

A New World

I don't know how long I was out for but when I woke up it looked like the sun was rising. I tried to push myself up since my bed was too small but found myself strapped down.

I tugged at them to see if they would give and stopped after they barely moved. I let out a sigh as I lay my head down before I started to look around where I was.

The room didn't have anyone else in it, so private room. There were large double doors leading into the room with a single small window high on my left opposite the doors. A large single door was in the wall behind my feet, I'll go with bathroom. The walls had the standard pictures found in hospitals, calm fields, boats, lakes and such. What struck me was that the ceiling seemed too low, maybe it was just me.

I then tried to move around to find out if I could look outside to get a idea where I might be. No luck the window was to high but I could tell it was starting to get brighter.

I turned my attention to the bed I was on, which turned out to be what looked like six smaller beds pushed together. When I looked at the seems I could see between the beds I saw the faint golden glow of magic holding them together. With that bit of info I guessed my strips where attached to the ground with magic and more then likely a large bolt.

Now all I had left was to wait for someone to come in to check on me. I could have called out but I wanted to try and get a little more info on the ones that were taken care of me, which I didn't honestly think would happen. While I waited I finally noticed that some of my wounds were not hurting.

I lifted my left arm as high I could and lifted my head to look at it and found that it was indeed in a cast. I'm either on pain meds or it has been numbed with magic, or both. I rotated my right leg and it felt like it was bandaged and not numbed. I then did the same with my left shoulder and found it was stiff. If it was from injury, bandages, or both I didn't know but the pain told me it hadn't been numbed either.

I then went to count the ceiling tiles but that didn't last long as I counted length and width then did the math. One hundred and twenty-five that was how many tiles the math gave me.

After that I let out a sigh preparing to let the boredom wash over me. Before it could get a grip on me I heard clacking on the floor. How many individuals I didn't know but it sounded like a small group.

After maybe a minute voices joined the noise but they were too quite to make out with the distance and the doors closed. Then I made out one of the voices it sounded familiar but was older and had touches of sorrow and pain in it.

I soon realized that the only reason I could make out the voice was that they were yelling at whoever they were conversing with as the moved.

Who yells in, what I think, is a hospital? They're either an idiot or really pissed, that's my take on it at least. As I thought that I noticed the noises and voices were getting closer to the room I was in. I noticed that other then one of them yelling they seemed to holding an actually conversation about something.

It felt like I should know and understand what they were saying but it seemed like the sounds were out of sync with what I thought they meant. In addition the words I did think I understood seemed out of context. All this could just be side effects from my long sleep or years of head and brain injury or unhealthy drinking habits... or some weird combo of them and more.

Soon my pondering came to to stop when it seemed like the voices were on the other side of the double doors. I heard two quick cracks as the rhythm of moving stopped along with the conversation. Next the two voices I heard earlier started talking again.

This time was different now they seemed angry about something and could not come to an agreement on the topic. This carried on for a few minutes before the voice that wasn't yelling earlier gave a clear and crisp command and the argument stopped. Then a heavy pause carried on before there was what I think a meek reply.

Then a golden glow encased the double doors before they opened into the room. Following behind them were two faces I thought I would never see again.

It didn't look like they had aged much. Both still had that youthful appearance but it seemed to cover more then what their cold imposing faces were trying to present. The oldest seemed to be trying to cover up anger, contempt, and worry. The younger I knew was trying to cover up joy with barely a hint of angry but not at me, but for her sister.

As they looked down on me I gave them the face of someone that was bored, wanted to not be here or deal with stupid shit. I knew they were trying to establish that they were the ones in a position of power but then I shifted my look to convey the look do you really think that's going to work?

The eldest let out a quiet and short hm before looking up. That was all it took for the youngest to put on a bright and joyous smile. I again made the attempt to sit up and was stopped. The youngest sister quickly undid the magic and straps keeping me in place as she walked over to the bedside as her sister followed.

By the time they got to the bed side I was sitting up. I inhaled deeply and let it out while I tried to think of something profound and came up with something.

"I-I-I got nothing," was what I said in a dry raspy voice before I started coughing.  The youngest looked for water for me only to discover that the room was dry. So turned and called out to someone outside the room for water, that being the only word I thought I understood.

"What? You think I would wake up and use anything I could get my hands on to aid in escaping," I asked the two. The eldest raised one of her eyebrows to give me her answer.

"We'll you're right. I would have if someone else had come in here," I returned with a shrug of the shoulders.

"Why are the two of you not talking to me any ways? What's up with the silent treatment?" I asked before breaking into another coughing fit. By the time I finished I had a large glass floating in front of me. I took it and polished it off greedily. I held it up by the top as I moved to swing my legs off the bed and place my feet down along with the glass.

I was soon sitting on the edge of the bed, feet dancing from the cold tile, moving my eyes back and forth on the sisters as I sat.

"Either one of you going to explain or attempt to why I'm getting the silent treatment? Or am I going to start guessing what the hell is going on?" I asked with a voice that was still raspy but no longer dry as I rubbed my throat with my good hand.

"Also how long have I been out of it? Things look a lot different from what I remember. Less, I don't know, crappy and outsidey and more insidey and homey. The two of you seem to be doing great. Still got that whole princess thing going for ya?" I asked in series without waiting for an answer as I moved my head and shoulders around. I paused for a moment to let them respond a-a-and they're not, joy. I let out a long loud sigh.

"This shit is getting old real quick like you two. Can one of you actually say something with real words and not just give me looks." I told them as I started to stand up. When I reached my full height I discovered I was still taller then the oldest by a little more then a head guessing. The ceiling was indeed low maybe nine feet. I would have no trouble touching it. Why is that worth thinking about I wondered to myself as I shook my head.

"At this point it looks like I'm going to have to start prying the answers out if the two of you," I told the two sisters as I half raised my arms and moved my fingers about with a half formed grin on my face.

They took a step back at that and the oldest looked at her sister before letting out another low slow hm. The youngest soon began to use her magic although I didn't see where it was cast.

"We needed you to talk some so we could build a translation matrix from ancient to modern equestrian," the youngest informed me with a smile that disappear before she continued.

"It has been a long time since we last spoke friend... We would say that it has been one thousand eight hundred and seventy eight years since you have been awake," she said with a sad and sorrowful voice. I was confused, had it been that long since I had tore that wall down? How had this happened?

"You mean I've been in this room for that long? How has this happened? I shouldn't have been out that long, do you know what caused it," I asked with confusion and anger as I sat back on the bed. As I watched the two they seemed confused too.

"No my friend, you have been in this room for six days now. Those years you spent were on the throne you had built all those centuries ago." The youngest replied to me with a voice of sorrow and hints of hurt. My anger and confusion quickly disappeared.

How could I be when that was what I had intended when I sat down there so long ago. Actually, I had planned on never waking up again so I guess I should be a little angry.

"We'll that does clear up things a lot," I returned as I rubbed my hand over the cloth one piece covering me. I was starting to full open and exposed.

"That explains why everything looks more civilized, why I couldn't understand what you where saying earlier, and that wall I did this on," I told then as I raised my cast with a half smile.

"So I'm guessing I've got a lot of catching up to do on everything that happened while I was..." I paused as I thought of what I was really doing.

"I guess escaping my perception of reality," I finished lamely with sorrow in my words.

"I really didn't stop and think about how it would effect others. You two most of all," I added as leaned over and rested my face in my hands.

"I wasn't even suppose to last as long as I did before I decided to escape. I'm just so tired... tired of everything,"

I told them with a tone of great regret and pain. I just sat there for a minute pulling myself back together before I lifted my head out if my hands.

"I guess that's kinda pointless now," I offered with a small weak smile.

"I'm thinking I'm about to be put back to work for the royal family again. I hope this time around things will be different," I told them as I moved my eyes between the two of them. Then the eldest spoke for the first time today.

"You are right, you will be working for the royal family again. I too hope that it will not be like the last time you were in our service," she told me with some contempt in her voice as she looked down on me.

"If I remember correctly all of us have the blood of the past upon us, some more than other," I returned touching my chest at the end.

"That is true friend, we all have done things we wish we hadn't done," the youngest offered with a tone of great regret and sorrow.

"Yeah," I replied flatly before I inhaled deep.

"So what am I doing for the crown this time? Please let it be something simply to start with. I'm still trying to wake up," I asked as I rubbed my hand over my chest again.

"We believe that it would be best for you to first learn some basics about how the world is now before you report to your first post," the oldest told me as I scratched at my unshaven black facial hair.  "How well you learn and what you remember is up to you but the more you learn the easier it should be to adjust."

"Yeah, that's true but I've never been a big fan of learning at someone else's pace. I would rather learn at my pace but I don't think that's going to be an option this time is it?"

"No, it's not. You will be learning from both Luna and myself for a week starting tomorrow," I was informed as I watched the wings on her back shift slightly. I gave a small snort as I rolled my eyes.

"I hope you weren't actually planning on me learning much over

the next week," I gave her with an amused smile. Which the younger sister returned with a small smile if her own, while the eldest face me a look of disapproval.

"I can not say I am surprised by your reply and I was expecting to hear something along those lines," she replied.

"Can you make an effort though. We would greatly appreciate it. Things have changed greatly since we both have walked these grounds," Luna added to the conversation with a sad and regretful tone leaving me confused.

"What do you mean by 'we?' Is that a royal 'we' or a 'us' we," I asked with confusion as I used air quotes and pointed at myself then at Luna.

"That would be the 'us we,' as you asked," the oldest told me. "Which will not be one of the topics being covered in the week," she added as she gave Luna a look of disapproval and warning.

I was now curious what brought that on. I've rarely seen this type of behavior from the sisters. Luna seemed upset by the statement herself and wanted to respond but didn't. I would let it go for now and try to get an idea about it later.

"Since we aren't going to talk about it, I'll change the topic to a topic we can all agree on, me." I told them I glanced between them and moved my hand over my chest. " So, how many saw me?"

"Fortunately very few. I would say no more then a dozen, including us," the eldest told me as pointed at herself and sister. "Another seven from when you made your return at Everclear Castle, and lastly two nurses who have been checking in on you."

"Ok, doesn't sound to bad. How many saw what's under this cloth hospital gown? You both know I'm insecure when it comes to exposing my past," I asked with a half frown that both sisters mirrored.

"No one. It was us that mended and healed your wounds again as we are the only ones that know how to," the oldest told me. That took a weight off my chest as I ran my hand through my unkept and wild hair with letting out a breath I had been holding.

"So docs, do I get a clean bill of health? Or what passes for one with my history," I asked as I stood back up before them.

"Yes you do but I'm going to have you stay in this room until this evening. The room we have been preparing will not be ready until then. We thought you would be waking up sometime tonight or early tomorrow, but given how you recovery from injury we shouldn't be surprised at this development," Luna told me with a small sad smile.

Now I was stretching my legs by walking around the bed to get a look out if the window with a small limp.

"So how bad was it this time? When I woke up in the castle I felt like I wasn't going to make it out," I inquired as I looked out the small window.

"In comparison to what you have gone through these injuries were light. You were in no danger," the taller sister told me as the two walk over to me.

"Really? I felt like I was going to pass out and not wake up again. What about the blood I felt running down my sides?"

"We believe it was the effects of the magic or the magic itself you used to entomb yourself basically leaking out through your wounds," Luna replied with a shrug.

"Oh. Guess I was being a little over dramatic before I passed out," I offered as a looked at the surroundings outside the window, which had a lot of sculpted lawns and white marble I guessed. "So how was my returned taken by the minion masses?"

"They were mixed. We were excited and joyous that you had returned after such a long absents," was the first answer I got from Luna before her sister could reply.

"I was quite shocked by your sudden appearance, not excepting you to ever return as you told us," was the measured and toneless response for the oldest. I'm guessing I've thrown a wrench in her plans and or made things uncomfortable for her. Hearing this Luna's wing ruffled slightly.

"The other six that were present had several responses to your sudden, violent, and messy appearance. Most were confusion, fear, and worry," I was told by the oldest before a heavy pause. "Which I believe was caused by them not knowing who you are," she added with worry and concern in her voice.

"What do you mean, they didn't know who I am? I'm pretty sure I literally, not figural, craved our bloody names into history," I returned with a raising voice of disbelieve, angry, and confusion. "I know for a fact by the time we called it quits all but the most insane, brave, or just plain stupid would FLEE FROM US! HOW DO YOU FORGET THAT!" I started yelling getting ready to go into an angry slash crazed rant but before I could Luna step in.

"Please calm yourself friend! Why does this have to be a negative turn of events? With you forgotten you will have a chance to make a new image for yourself, not the one chained to the past," Luna pleaded with me with her voice carrying tones of confusion and sorrow.

Before I replied her words clicked in my head. Oh, I was still angry but not nearly as much. I was upset that all I had done both positive and negative was lost to the past... or was it? A small smile creeped across my face. I turned to walk back to the bed to sit.

"You're right, but I'm still upset everything, good and bad, has been lost but gives me a new lease on life. Still something will have to be made up explaining me away that has hints of me in the past, just in case something does come up. I remember there being some really out there cults that may still be around hidden in the shadows," I informed them as I sat on the bed with the two sisters in front of me with the sun coming through the window.

The two of them shared a puzzled looked before turning to me. "That maybe true and does sound like a logical path. We can work on that during the week we are instructing you. For now though I need to be going, I still have my royal duties to preform," the oldest told me before nodding her head to her sister and looking down on me and leaving. As she left I gave her the bird with a smug half smile. Luna gave a small shake if her head trying to hide a small grin of her own.

"Now that boring mcsunny flank is gone we can talk without her disapproval," I told Luna as I turned to face her who was smiling at my comment, "But first I need to take a piss," I flatly stated as I stood up to walk to the bathroom or what I thought was one. After finding out it was indeed a bathroom that posed no obstructions I finished and found there was nothing to dry my hands.

"Da fuck," I said aloud as I looked around before wiping my hands on my one piece. As I walk back into the room I noticed I was rubbing my hand over my chest again. "Quick question, can I get something to eat?"

"As long as it doesn't involve some of your more.... unique taste, it can be arranged." I gave a frown as I fell back onto the bed.

"Well that sucks. Can I get some toast with butter, apples...," I paused as I tried to think of a appropriate meal. "Fuck. What else." Another pause, "coffee, you got that yet? How about...," I paused again. "Fuck it, those first two things I said, oh and the coffee," I informed and asked Luna with frustration in my voice as I flipped over and pushed myself against the wall.

She gave me a caring smile with a small nod before calling out to who ever was still outside the doors.

"You shall have your meal soon friend. Now what shall we talk about," she asked me as she stood near the bed. I drew my legs in to cross them and offered her the bottom half of the bed.

"Well how bout where the hell 'we' are. None of what I saw out there looks familiar and this doesn't look like the castle I woke up in," I asked as I gestured to the small area on the bed that was open. She politely declined and continued.

"We are in the new capital of Equestria, Cantorlot. It is new to us as well. A week is not enough time for the city to be familiar with, we still get lost." Luna admitted to be as she looked at the window.

"Well, that has to be embarrassing for you. So how do you explain it when you have to ask where

you are going to. I don't think it's easy for you."

"It is not. We attempt to pass it off by asking the guards if they know where we want to go as part of their training. We do not think the guards believe us," Luna told me with lamely.

"Yeah, I don't imaging it would unless they're really new and naive," I responded lamely as I noticed I was running my hand over my chest again. Wondering what's up with that.

"If it makes you feel any better I'm confident by the end of next week no one will be taking about that. They'll be taking about the new thing walking the castle grounds," I offered her finishing with a gesture to the door. I let a groan as realized I was going to be answering a lot of stupid and repetitive questions about myself. I noticed Luna gave a small grin at my expense.

"Har-fucking-har, laugh it up Loon. I shall have my revenge one day," I told her as I rubbed my eyes in frustration. "I'm going to be so glad when they stop. I've never enjoyed dealing with things like this." Before I could continue there was a knock at the door and Luna moved over to answer it.

After a quick thanks the door closed and she walked back with my breakfast. I soon smelled hot black coffee and toast and saw the apples. I was reaching for the coffee before the tray was set down and was rewarded with a light slap of magic on the hand.

"Be patient and have some manners," Luna teased me as she set the tray on the bed in front of me.

"Fuck that, I'm hungry and you should know I really don't have any," I replied as a grabbed the coffee and two slices of toast. As a sucked down the coffee I checked the toast to see if it was already butter, which it was. I soon placed a half empty cup on the tray and tried to stuff both slices in my face and with some effort did. I chewed for a minute before I got dry mouth and picked the coffee back up. I used the coffee to help choke down the toast.

As I drank I held up piece if toast to Luna, which was encased my

magic and floated over to her. For the next couple minutes I stuff my face with the provided meal and Luna waited for me to finish after her small snack.

After leaving nothing on the tray except crumbs and an empty coffee pot I wiped my mouth with the cast.

"That was pretty good, not very filling though," I told Luna before taking a sip of coffee. "You would think I hadn't ate in several centuries," I finished with a small smirk. Luna simply raised an eyebrow.

"So what do we do now?"

"For now we shall depart. We are tired and normally asleep. Before I go is there anything else you want," she asked me as she got off the bed.

"Yeah actually, I’d like some paper and ink with something to write on. That should keep me out of trouble."

"Very well friend, it shall be brought in shortly. Until we see you again we wish you a speedy recovery," she left me with as she took everything with her from my breakfast.

Now I just had to wait for my writing supplies and keeping myself occupied until it was time to move.

Surprises

I'll try to not bore you with the events over the next week, only a handful of things happened. Must of it was not paying much attention to the two sisters as they tried to catch me up so I could try and fit in. Which I don't think would make much of a difference.

As far as I know, and the sisters, I asked, I'm the only one of my kind. That managed to strike a nerve and cause some unpleasant thoughts. So I didn't think my knowledge on some random names and places was going to be as much of a problem as my mere presents.

I was also told that I would be moving to a location to better fulfill my assignment from the crown but nothing specific, oh joy.

Other then not listening and learning I spent my time with pen and paper drawing and writing. I drew plans for things I wanted or wanted to see could be done. I wrote of questions that I wanted to answer on my own and not be feed an answer.

On the topic of food it hadn't gotten any better, still a lot of plants and grains with no meat. It was getting annoying, I’d have to work on that myself.

I had also noticed that I felt weak whenever I was awake and more when moving. I was told it was from being in a magical frozen state for so long and my muscles had also atrophied. It was going to take some time to over come both.

The next day after leaving the medical ward and moving into my temporary room I had I large trunk, a foot locker, delivered to it. I couldn't open it as it was magically sealed and since I didn't know what was in it I wasn't going to bust it open.

I wasn't able to open it until after sunset and after that night's lesson. Luna stopped in and dispelled her seal. As I sat on my chair and Luna on the bed I looked through it.

Luna had a small smile on her face the whole time as if she was waiting for something. On top was a brand new set of my combat armor, one that hadn't seen any horrors.

I picked it up and ran my hand over the cold metal with a sad smile at what it stood for, hoping in vain it would never change. On the right shoulder I noticed the seal of the two sisters engraved into the metal and then lightly painted to avoid drawing to much attention to it. On the left I saw six gems arranged in a hexagon with a gem at each point painted in the same matter as the right.

Beneath the chest piece were the greaves, gauntlets, thigh pieces, a tactical web and a helmet all uniform in color, flat midnight black. I pulled them all out and set them on the floor with the chest piece.

Next where three sets of combat uniforms. Black cargo pants, black combat boots, black long sleeve shirts, black fingertip less gloves, and finally a black wool sweater for colder weather. I wasn't prepared for what was under the sweater.

Under it was a small plushie of Sucky the Sectiod. I was in shock when I saw it and took a minute to gently touch it and pick it up. When I did I felt a sad smile spread on my face that made me feel better. While I ran my thumbs over its large eyes I spoke to Luna

"I can't believe you actually remembered this little guy. It feels like millennium since I first gave you one of these little guy," I told her as I looked up at her with her large happy smile.

"Aye, it has been a great deal of time since you gave us our first Sucky," Luna replied pointing at the plushie I was holding. "He has helped us many a time get through rough times. Now we hope he shall help us again."

"Is that a you us or us us," I asked teasing her as I placed him on my lap. Luna's face showed some annoyance but was still happy at my jab.

"It would be an us us, you cretin," she retorted with a smile as I went back into the foot locker. All that was left were some socks, boxers, a shower kit, shaving kit, and boot polishing kit. I started putting everything back in the locker before starting some small talk with Luna.

The next morning I had a squad of royal guard show up to my room with a large ruck sack and weapons case. They had me sign the paper work for them before they escorted them into the room. I took the ruck sack and put it on top of the foot locker at the foot if the bed and I tossed the case on the bed before dismissing the guard.

I sat on my chair and stared at all three items for the rest of the day in anger, despair and hopelessness knowing what they all stood for.

After that nothing big happened with the sisters or the guard. Although I did have some fun by myself wondering the castle.

On one evening while I was slowing moving through a open hallway over a garden I saw a pink, I think, alicorn looking around nervously trying, and failing, to hide in the shadow of a pillar. I moved to behind a support and surveyed the garden and waited.

After several minutes I saw movement from behind the alicorn. I saw shadows darken and slowly move closer. After I minute a white unicorn moved into the open and looked around. I didn't believe it but it took a minute for it to found the alicorn and move towards it. At this point I had a idea what has happening and moved with the shadows and left them be.

The night after I took a stroll through a statue garden were I tried, and failed, to put names to the stone faces. After giving up on that I thought about trying to make it through a hedge maze but realized I’d get angry and frustrated and probably find a way to burn it down .

Most of my free time was spent in my room trying to regain some of my strength while continuing to write and draw.

On the fifth day I was told I would be transferred to my post on the morning of my seventh day out if the medical ward. It seems Celestia wanted me to spend my last day of recovery to be some where near post.

On the sixth day around noon I opened the foot truck and pulled out a uniform set. I peeled if the cheap and rough bland khaki fabric I was wearing since my release and tossed it against the wall.

I spend a minute staring at the uniform with the past etched into my flesh knowing what the clothing on the bed stood for. I didn't want the past to happen again and knew putting it on I could act to prevent that from happening. That didn't make the extremely weird feelings in the depth of my mind from going away.

I dressed myself starting with the pants then my socks and boots before lacing and blousing them, next was the T-shirt. I stopped and moved to look at myself in a full mirror.

I looked a lot like I was getting ready to spend a normal day at my apartment on the weekend in my old life. I still hadn't tried to tame my hair, head or facial, in anyway to manage it and looked completely unprofessional.

I narrowed my eyes at that and thought. I wasn't really a part of any military, so was it unprofessional? I shook my head before staring at the armor and did so for about half an hour.

It felt like I was completely paralyzed by the sight of it but that couldn't be it. I’d wore sets like it for so long that I’d started to feel more comfortable when wearing it. I then noticed my right hand was rubbing my chest and my left was opening and closing. Just upset about having to work again I told myself.

I then stated to put the armor on bottom to top to keep it easy since I was alone and in no rush. After making sure each piece was on in a manner to avoid excess movement and some comfort I moved on the the next. The hardest piece was the chest plates.

It took some effort to get it above my head with the armor plates still in their slots and a cast on one arm. After I got in on I moved my hands to tighten the straps. Soon after that I realized I didn't feel so nervous or jumpy. I took a deep breath and felt my chest stop against the plates and let it out with a sense of calm.

I didn't put the gauntlets on since I still had a cast on the left and one couldn't put in on. Putting just the right on would annoy my subconscious to its ends. I also left the helmet and tactical webbing off since I wasn't going to be needed them in my room at the royal castle.

I still wasn't ready to open the weapons case so I decided I would later. I spent a few minutes walking around feeling the armor move and where I needed some adjustments, which I made as needed. When I was satisfied I again stopped in front of the mirror and looked at myself.

I looked like one of the troopers from one of my favorite games in my old life. I appeared to be a member of X-Com. I knew however I wasn't, I’d just used them as a template for the armor design. I knew the fabrics and metals I was wearing were no where near as high tech as those from the game.

Here though, I guessed they would be the bleeding edge of the technology Equestria and the royal sisters had to offer me, built with the details and ideas I had given them so long ago.

I soon turned and leaned against the wall before slumping down. I put my elbows up on my knees and put my head on my arms. I suddenly felt drained and weak and it wasn't from putting on my armor, it felt more mental.

I guess the finality of what I was getting myself back into was setting in. I let a long breath I was holding in. I was trying to prepare myself for the horrors I might see again and was failing.

The weight of my thoughts must of caught up with me because the next thing I knew I woke to a pounding in the door, it scared me more then I thought.

I snapped awake and my right hand jumped to where I would keep a side arm on my leg. When I felt it was missing I realized what was going on and stopped. I stood up pushing myself off the wall and went to answer the door.

When I answered it the guard got a look at me and took a step back. I narrowed my eyes in confusion, which I guess he took as anger and took another step back.

"Well, what is it," I asked as I looked down on him. The guard seemed more offset by my tone.

"T-t-the princesses w-wish to ta-talk with you in their din-dining room s-sir," the solar guard finally got out. I looked down on him for

a second before stepping out if my room and closing the door. The guard stared up at me waiting to do something.

I don't think he knew I didn't know where I was needed. I lifted my hand and nodded down at him as I spoke, "you'll have to lead the way. I don't know where to go."

"R-right, fellow me s-sir," he answered before turning around and leading me through the castle. After several minutes we arrived at the dining room.

The guard made the motion to knock but I got to the doors first. I simply threw them open and walked in like I owned the place with a shit eating grin.

The sisters were startled by my actions and just stared at me as I walked over to them. When I got to within a few feet of the table I stopped and stood at parade rest.

"Lord of all creation granting mere mortals his time," I sounded off with a smile still on my face. Luna had a smile on her face while Celestia seemed a bit upset as she waved the guard away.

"It appears that you are still in high spirits Hunter. I hope it stays that way. Please have a sit," she asked me as she brought over a sack of files with her golden magic. As I did Luna spoke up.

"We see that you have donned the armor we had crafted for you. We were worried that it would not fit but it seemed we were wrong."

"It's a little loose but I understand that's because of my little nap. I'll fill it out after I put the lost weight back on," I answered as I tried to get comfortable, "I also saw and felt a few changes in it when I inspected and put it on. Is it a new mark," I asked as I reached for the tea.

"Indeed it is. What you have is the first mark seven Defender H mod armor, next generation prototype. My guard currently wears the mark six and Luna's wears mark five before you ask," Celestia replied as she slid the stack of folders to me.

I raised an eyebrow over the number difference as I drained the tea pot. The stack looked like it was a half dozen folders.

"These folders contain all the information we thought relevant to the mission given to you. We recommend reading them before we leave," Luna told me as I spread them out, which turned out to be seven.

"I'll have plenty of time I got like fourteen hours before that happens," I returned as I grabbed two apples. I saw that the sisters were confused.

"I'm sorry Hunter but you have only two hours left. It's just after sunrise not set," Celestia informed me. Now it was my turn to be confused. Had I really slept that long in this armor against that wall and not realized it? The sisters saw it too.

"Are you well friend, you appear to be upset? Is it due to your loss of time," Luna asked.

"What? Oh, yeah. I guess I am, but I'll get over it. Guess I'll have to go do some quick packing and gear check before I start on these," I told them as I lifted the folders in one hand and my apples in the other.

"I'll see you ladies in about a hour and a half then, until then take it easy," I told them as I stood up before leaving to head back to my room.

"Please wait, I wish to join you," Celestia called out to me and so I did. She excused herself and walked over to me side before we continued on. As we walked away from the door she spoke first.

"I wish to thank you for actually taking up this job. I had thought you would have turned it down given our past experiences."

I paused a second, "you mean that was an option open to me," I asked as I threw my hands up in a purposely over dramatic motion, "now i find out."

For the first time I could remember I actually saw her smile.

"Even if I had known, I don't think I could have turned down the request. I've been during this kind of work for longer then I care to remember and sadly I've gotten pretty fucking good at it, even without comparing to others." I returned sadly with a weak half frown.

"It is sad that statement is true and the royal family is largely responsible for it.  You should have learned that times have changed greatly since you were last with us," she offered me, which I shrugged at, as I thought of a great quote.

"War..., war never changes," I told her flatly as I looked at her. "When, not if, war returns to the lands you, your sister and I know what's going to happen. I will do my best to stop those horrors from returning." Celestia looked down cast at my words knowing the dark truth behind them.

"I know, and we will all try to stop it from returning. Which is one reason I've asked you to take this work from the crown. I believe it will go a long way to do that," I was informed as we continued to walk.

"This is where we must part ways for now, I shall in brief you as we fly to where you will be posted. Also Luna will be joining us to help explain and answer questions that are bound to come up." Celestia told me as we stopped and before walking down another hallway.

I gave a small wave with the folders before continuing my own walk. When I got back to my soon to be former room I tossed the folders on the chair along with the apples.

I then grabbed the weapons case and tossed it on the bed. I snapped open the four latches and stopped myself before I opened it. I rolled my shoulders and gave the top a lift to peer in.

Inside where my main tools of my job. A  collapsed assault rifle, a pistol, combat knife, and long sword in sheath. In the spaces in between where magazines with rounds in them.

I first took out the sword and feed the strap under the front side of my body armor and leaving the sword outside the back of it with the grip above my left shoulder. I didn't bother to check it since I really didn't know much about its craftsmanship, only that the sisters had never failed in getting the best blades they could.

Next was the combat knife which I gave a looked at before tossing it in the case realizing I needed to put the tactical vest on, which was a quick affair. With it on I put the knife grip down over my right pectoral, so I could use either hand to grasp it.

After the blades I took the pistol out for its inspection. I started by breaking it down to its base components to inspect. Everything seemed to be in order but some of the engravings seemed a bit off from my memory which weren't really wrong. It looked as they had been improved slightly. I’d have to ask to verify. After reassembling the weapon I slide a magazine into the grip and let the slide forward. I placed the weapon in the holster on the outside of my right thigh.

I repeated the process with the rifle but took longer to give it a closer inspection as it was my primary tool. After it's reassembly I held it in my right hand as I drew the tactical sling from the case which had been under the weapon. I quickly rigged and adjusted the sling and let it hang from my side.

I took a deep breath and looked down at the ammo filled magazines with ambivalence. I grabbed two for the pistol and put them on my left hip. Next I took two rifle magazines and put them in the slots on the left of my left thigh. The last two rifle magazines went into the holder next to the pistol magazines.

Finally, I ensured that both weapons had no magazines in, slides back, and chambers empty before grabbing the last mags for them. First I let the slide go forward on the pistol before putting the magazine in and restoring the pistol. I then repeated the process with the rifle.

After closing the case I walked back to the mirror and show a horror show waiting to happen. I no longer looked like a man, I looked like monster born from madness, which was closer to the truth. I was frightened how comfortable I was with that thought.

Some of the slots on the tact vest were empty but didn't need to have mags since I wasn't heading into actually combat, plus I didn't have any more. I then saw the rack sack in the mirror.

I walked over to it and placed it on the bed on top of the weapons case. Inside was a field medical kit, food and water for three days, a line of rope, rope sinks, face mask and foul weather goggles. I took a glance at the foot locker and figured I could cram it all it side the rack sack.

After some time and effort I succeeded in my goal of getting everything in the rack sack except the face mask, goggles and helmet, although it looked like it could burst at any second. I latched the first two to the outside of the rack sack. Now I didn't have to carry anything with me.

With the packing done I tossed it on my back and adjusted the shoulder and waist straps to get it comfortable and be able to reach all my weapons and ammo.

I turned back to the chair and picked up an apple in my left hand and quickly ate it before I started on the other. As I chewed my first bite I reached for the stack of folders to read while I ate.

However before I could I heard a loud gasp from behind me. As I turned I placed my right hand on my rifle and held the apple in the other. What I saw I knew shouldn't have amused me as much as it did.

I saw four Pegasus royal guards, half solar and lunar, trying not to bolt from me with looks of fear in their eyes. The funny thought about dropping the apple and raising the rifle to scare them... No, that would terrify them and would not help me in any way.

"How may I help you gentleme..., gentlecolts," I asked as levelly as possible to avoid freaking them out any more. After several seconds a fifth guard walk up. He stumbled briefly before catching himself when he caught my appearance.

"They are here to escort you to your transport. I am here to look at what the princesses have been hiding and talking about," he informed my with a small hint of smugness.

"If that is true what makes you think you should be doing this? They must have a reason, Mr.," I inquired with a narrowing of my eyes.

"It's Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor and you will address me as so creature," he returned with anger and venom.

"I can already tell I'm not going to like you. I've got an idea

why you got a problem with me. It's that you think you and or your guard should be doing what I'm about to. But let me tell you the princesses must have a reason for selecting me. You have a problem take it up with them, I just listen to what the voices tell me," I informed him with increasing anger and hostility I as walked over to the group and towered of them all.

Did I forget to mention that at an even six foot tall I average twice the height of the average pony? Shining is close to I guess four and a half. I've used that fact to help end some situations before they got worse.

It seemed to work this time as well as he gave a snort and turn to leave with the guard several steps behind. I took a couple more bites of the apple and stuffed my checks before tossing the apple and going back in to grab my helmet.

I soon fell in behind the four guards and walked in silence, well near. All my gear and armor were bouncing and making noise. I noticed the big offender was my rifle bouncing of my chest. I put the helmet on and used the now free hand to grasp the rifle.

I was now carrying it at the ready position with the barrel pointing down and to the left.

After a minute we ran into a group of ponies that did freak out. Some turned and ran while others froze as I moved with the guards. One unicorn that I saw us stopped just as his head popped around a turn and froze at the sight of me. It looked like it gave a silence scream of horror as he back pedal and disappeared. This happened a couple more times before we reached our destination.

In looked like a chariot pool. I saw several in stalls, some in the open being worked on, and some being, I think, readied for use. I then saw a group walking over.

It was four more guards, again half and half, with the sun and moon princesses.  The guards seemed spooked like the others while the two sister didn't really seem to notice.

"It would seem we have found the source of all the ruckus dear sister," Luna stated as she walked over.

"In my defense I didn't think everyone would freak out. All I've done was walk from my room to here with these guards," I stated in my defense as I moved my left hand and arm around.

"I understand and I should have told you not to don all of that before coming here. I thought you would have enough sense to carry everything, not wear it," Celestia said as she moved over to a rather large and covered chariot.

I moved over to her and gave it a look over after giving a shrug.

"Why such a large transport?"

"It was planned to be carrying the three of us and your trunk and case. Now it's just the three of us," Celestia informed me. I gave a shrug and turn to face the guard.

"What about all of them," I asked with a gesture towards the guards.

"They will not all be joining us. No need to make the upcoming situation any worse."

"That's true I guess," I gave her with a small roll of my eyes.

"We'll let us board so that we can begin our journey," Luna interjected as she climbed into the chariot. I was soon behind her.

As I climbed in I smacked my helmet into the overhead and had it slip off.

"God damn it," I said to no one in particular as a hopped down and picked it up before jumping back in, this time ducking. I moved to sit across from Luna but had to take the ruck sack off first.

I tossed it next to me and sat as Celestia moved to sit down next to her sister. After she settled in a guard come around.

"Everything will be ready in a minute princesses," a gruff voice from a lunar guard informed us. It looked like he was going to say something else but was interrupted.

"Your majesty I must ask you to reconsider one last time before you leave with, him," Shining asked cutting off the night guard that looked upset but kept quite.

"I will not, Captain. We have discussed this and will not be changing our minds," Celestia told him firm and oddly warm voice. While she did I gave Shining a single finger salute that left him confused but I think the lunar guard got the idea from the smirk he wore.

After that Shining left with the guard a second behind him. As I tried to get comfortable the chariot gave a sudden jerk and started moving.

"So how long is this little trip of our going to take," I asked as I put my helmet back on.

"An hour," Celestia informed me. "I think we should go over the cover story one more time to make sure everypony is on the same page."

I gave a half hearted shrug and Luna gave a simple nod. Celestia rolled her eyes.

"You haven't been awake a full week and already you are becoming a bad influence again," she flatly stated and started talking before I could reply.

"We have decided that you where around before the two of us decided to unite all the rival factions. Also that you helped bring on that decision through means that WILL be left vague," she calmly recited except the one emphasis.

"Yes, also that we knew each other and were and still close friends," Luna added. "In addition, you where a key player in the banishment of one of the greatest threats to move through Equestria."

At that I shifted uncomfortably and looked out the back of the chariot. There was also a awkward moment of silence before she went on.

"The reason that you disappeared was that in your final battle with it you were grievously wounded and had to be placed in a magical coma to heal," she added before she shifted uncomfortably.

"Later, Luna was influenced by it and fell into darkness. Under a dark influence she attempted to find where you had banished it, to join. To do this she needed to wake you," Celestia added to the story before she finally shifted uncomfortably.

"However before she could I was able to banish her. What I didn't know was this was part of the dark ones plan. After Luna's return still under the dark influence, which had grown in banishment, she had the power and magics needed to awake you and retrieve the information," she added as she shifted her wings at the end.

"Finally, before we could take revenge we were defeated by outside elements. After your awakening you felt we where in great peril and rushed to aid us. This is when you made your appearance know to us," Luna finished using her wing to point at herself and sister.

I gave a nod before I put my elbows on my knees and my chin on interwoven fingers.

"Not a truth, not a lie," I sighed out. At that both sisters gave an uncomfortable shift of the wings and body before the chariot feel into silence.

The silence continued for the reminder of the trip until we noticed the chariot began to descend.

"We are nearing our meeting place. Which also happens to be where you will be staying," Celestia informed me as I rolled my shoulders.

"We are not excepting any problems, as we have given the group a warning you will be arriving," Luna added shortly before the chariot landed.

It was a little rougher then I excepted and had to throw my left hand against the ceiling to steady myself, causing some pain. After we finally stopped it took a moment before two guards came around to the back.

"Everything looks secure your majesty. Only those that are suppose to be here are," the gruff voice of the lunar guard informed us. With that Celestia took a deep breath and let it out slowly before disembarking. A couple seconds later Luna did the same leaving me alone.

I was told earlier to wait for the guard to tell me to leave the chariot. After several minutes of hearing muted voices and Luna's royal voice with nothing being clear enough to hear, except Luna, I was still waiting. It seemed Luna hadn't and wouldn't be saying much other then some greetings.

The lunar guard was soon nodding his head for me to get out of the chariot. I leaned over and walked to the exit hunched over. When I got there I hopped out and stood to my full height as a brought my rifle to the ready position.

As I looked around I was confused when I didn't see anyone. The guard gave a half smirk before tilting his head towards the front of the chariot.

I gave him a small nod as I walked by him headed to where the group was. When I finished walking to the side of the chariot I saw the two sisters standing in front if a small group.

As I neared I heard whispers that grew louder as I neared. When I got close the sisters stepped aside.

Everyone was shocked and surprised at what they saw.

The two sisters at the groups reaction and the group at finally getting at good look at me.

One of them had a look of confusion and some kind of wanting in her eyes. Another seemed to be measuring me up as to challenge. The third was bouncing up and down in near uncontrolled joy. Next, was a pair of eyes that showed fear but where being meticulous in their measure of me. After that I caught a quick glance of caring and soft eyes barely covering terror before hiding themselves. Finally I saw eyes of determination that wouldn't hide from me.

I was shocked at the actions but not nearly as nearly as much as who they were on.

I was completely shocked to be looking at the lights and faces of those that awoke me.

The New Town

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.

First Day Working

I woke up to pounding both outside an inside my head.

“This is not how I wanted to start my day,” I mumbled to myself.

“Wake up! It's almost time to get the day started!”

I responded with a loud and long moan slash groan as I got off the cot and went to answer the door. As I moved to it I noticed the lamp had burned out and there was no light coming through the window.

Opening the door I looked down at Applejack through blurred vision and mumbled out a morning greeting.

“Haha, it looks like you aren't a morning pony! Ya got 'bout an hour before we start working. Ya got any questions before I leave?”

I mumbled and gestured out something along the lines of water and taking a leak. Applejack seemed a bit confused then caught what I was trying to get out.

“There's a water barrel outside and for the second I really don't have an answer for ya other then the outhouse 'cause of your size,” she told and admitted to me with a shrug.

I mumbled out a thanks and shuffled past her to find water. After a minute I found the barrel and a large cup. I guzzled down three cups of water before putting it back.

I turned to look around with no light in the sky to find the outhouse to take a leak. I soon saw it and walked over.

By the time I walked to the outhouse I was able to form a thought and it was how badly I had to piss. After I opened the door I realized I wouldn't be able to fit in standing.

I had to sit to use it but had no other problems. After I finished I walked back to my room.

I still hadn't woken up and just flopped into the arm chair and stared past the flowers waiting for the sun. After several minutes of nothing I leaned forward and fell to the floor before pulling out the foot locker.

I pulled out the greaves and left the rest alone except the chest pieces, I'd fallen asleep still wearing them. After putting them on I double check that all the weapons were secured with the exception of the combat knife, I had that on me still. When I confirmed they all were in the locker I closed it and pushed it back.

I stood up with a groan before leaning back with my hands on my lower back. I was rewarded with several pops and a sense of relief. Next I quickly snapped my neck in both directions and got the same results. I let out a small sigh before turning and walking out and locking the door.

I walked outside the barn and looked around to found someone with no results. I shrugged before I proceeded to jog laps around the barn to wake up.

After two dozen or so I dropped to the ready position of a push up. After a deep berth I pushed out about forty before jumping up.

I was feeling awake now and starting to feel hungry. Unfortunately the only food I had was for my rack sack and I didn't want to raid it. I’d just have to wait until later.

I guessed I still had thirty minutes or so until I had to start working. I stood still for a minute trying to think of what to do.

I then realized I hadn't seen the moon set and sun raise since I had awaken, so I decided to get up high at watch it.

I turned around and looked at there barn and sized it up. I could use the stairs inside or take the harder route. Since it was still early and I'm generally lazy I took the stairs.

After making to the upper level and hunching over as I walked over to the window I was able to get up on the roof.

As I stood on the roof I slowly looked over the sky and realized it looked different then I remembered. It didn't look like there were any major changes just a lot of small ones that added up and it unsettled me.

I gave a shrug to try and get rid of it before turning and sitting down towards east.

As I sat leaning forward with my elbows on my knees I let the calm of the morning take over my senses.

I soon felt calmer looking out at the horizon then I had in Canterlot. I then lifted my head to look out at the moon before it was out shined by its celestial counterpart.

I gave it a smile as I watched it fall below the horizon before the sun started to rise.

As the light started to come over the country side I was able to get a look at the farm and nearby area. It looked peaceful and without worry.

The orchard looked huge and probably was, the patches of corn and wheat were gently swaying in the breeze. Everything was good.

That was ruined when a rooster decided to start making noise. I let out a sigh before turning my attention away from it and to the raising sun.

I gave it a half smile as it started its day and lit up the sky.

“What are ya doin' up there? Ya trying to hurt ya self?”

I looked down and say Applejack looking up at me with confusion and concern.

I stood up before replying.

“No, I'm just watching the moon and sun change the guard,” I answered as I walked to the edge of the roof.

“That's good and all but don't you think it's bit dangerous up there?”

I answered by hopping off the edge of the roof and landing in front of her with a thud and rattle.

“No, no not really,” I gave with a shrug after standing. She raised an eyebrow at my actions and words.

“Ookay, well lets get you some food before we head out. Also I'll introduce ya to the rest of the family,” I was told as we started to walk to the farm house.

After we got there she seemed to realize that I wasn't going to fit inside easily.

“Ah, do ya mind eating outside? I don't think ya can fit inside comfy,” she asked as she rubbed the back of her head.

“No not really,” I gave with a shrug.

“Ookay, then can ya walk around to the window? I'll go an open it up for ya.” I gave a small nod and slowly walked around.

By the time I got there I saw an open window and smelled breakfast. After I got to the window I took a knee to see inside.

That's when saw the rest of Applejack's family, which she quickly introduced.

“This is Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Applebloom. We're the local Apples and we got family all through out Equestria,” she told be pointing at each member which I didn't think was needed with pride in her voice.

Granny seemed suspicious of me and disapproving as she gave me an evil look. Big Mac gave me a look over and didn't have much of a reaction from what I could tell and Applebloom liked like she was going to explode out if her chair.

It didn't look like it was from fear but sheer excitement and curiosity. She has shaking in her seat with a huge grin on her face.

“Morning everyone, how are you doing, good I take it,” I asked with a nod of my head.

“I'll be keeping an eye on ya, ya youngster. I don't trust ya yet,” Granny told me before talking a drink. Well I think I know where Applejack got her honesty from.

“Ayep,” was all I got from Big Mac before he starting eating again.

Applebloom let out a squee before bounding out of her chair to under the window but before she could start bombarding me with questions Applejack jump in.

“I'm sure Mister Hunter we'll answer ya questions Applebloom but right now ya need to get ready for school. I'll talk with him to see if he'll be available after ya get back from school,” she interrupted putting a hoof on her younger sister's shoulder. “Remember no talking to any pony 'bout him either.”

“Ah! I was hopin' ta talk with him but I'll go get ready,” Applebloom complained before heading out of the dining room.

“So what can I get ya for breakfast?”

“I'll take coffee, black or with honey, if you got it and some of those pancakes please,” I asked looking at what was on the table.

“Not a problem, I'll get it for ya,” she answered before turning around. After a minute she came back with a stack of pancakes and two cups of coffee.

“I figured someone of your size might need more then one cup of coffee,” she told me after the passed the tray to me.

“You’d be right about that and thanks,” I told her setting the tray on the small ledge under the window. After that everyone sat and ate in silence.

After about five minutes I had finished with my breakfast and pushed be tray a little back inside holding on to one of the cups of coffee.

“Thank you for the breakfast. It ok if I go sit on the porch with my coffee,” I asked as I held up the cup in question.

“Sure can. I'll be out soon so we can start our day,” Applejack told me.

“Thanks, see ya then,” I returned before standing up to leave. After walking a couple paces I heard Granny Smith.

“Well at least it seems he was some manners.”

After I got to the porch I sat down on the worn wood and looked out over the Apple farm. I sipped my coffee as I pondered what was happening with me and tried to figure out why everything had turned out like this.

Again the things I had done and seen in the past should have precluded this reality or something like it from coming to pass.

Before I could get to deep into thought I ran out of coffee and more importantly the door opened up behind me. I turned and saw Applejack step through.

“So are ya ready?”

“Yep.”

“Good, y’all be helping me with the Macintosh harvest. Think ya can help with that,” she asked standing next to me.

“Yeah, shouldn't be a problem, only one I got is what to do with this,” I told her as a held up he empty cup in my left hand.

“I can take care of that,” she told me taking the cup from me in her hoof, which still confused and kinda freaked me out.

“Alright then lets head out to the orchard,” she told me walking past me. I slowly stood up and walked beside her.

“So what are you going to have me doing today?”

“Well, I figured that you could move the baskets off the ground onto the cart while I buck,” she informed me. “I thought that would be easy for ya with how ya are built.”

“Yeah, it will. You'll just have to tell me when to stop loading the cart because I have no idea how much to put in it. Which brings me to the question, where is the cart or carts in question?”

“I left one out in the orchard last night and Big Mac is gettin' the others ready before he comes out.”

“Alright, sounds like there's

a plan.” After that we walked in silence until we reached the cart.

“First help me put he baskets 'round the trees,” I was instructed and started to do so. I seemed to have an easier time separating the baskets and placing them. I gave a small chuckle as I thought to myself.

'Ah, the benefits of hands and opposable thumbs.'

I finished before Applejack and waited for her by the cart standing next to it.

When she got back she seemed a bit surprised.

“How you finish so quickly? Not even Big Mac gets done that fast.”

I gave a shrug before I uncrossed my arms and held them out low.

“Just one of my many special hidden talents I guess,” I replied with a grin and she gave a roll of her eyes.

“Come on now get ready to start moving these baskets.”

And so began my work day in the orchard hauling baskets full of apples off the ground and moving them into the cart. When ever one got full Big Mac would take it away after bringing an empty cart out to us.

It wasn't tiring work just boring and repetitive. I spent several hours working with the two before we stopped for lunch.

I was told I had thirty minutes before we got back to work. I decided to take a nap under one of the apples trees instead of getting something to eat. I felt more tired then hungry since this was the first time since waking up I’d actually done anything really physical.

I woke up startled and confused with my eyes darting around. I took a couple deep breaths to calm down before one of the Apples found me.

After my nap I was told to help Big Mac store the apples we had collected while Applejack kept bucking. I soon found this to be more boring and dull. I’d take the apples from the baskets and put them in barrels and close them. I’d then roll them to a growing stack. By the time dinner was approaching I was ready to start screaming in boredom and frustration.

I think Applejack saw that when she returned from her field work. She had a small grin on her face as she looked at me.

“It would seem that the farm life doesn't agree with ya,” she said as she waved a hoof at me and I let out a groan.

“That would be a true statement. I'm not use to the repetitive work for such long periods. It's going to take awhile to get use to working like this,” I told her as a ran my fingers through my hair and starched my head.

She gave a simply nod of her head before replying.

“This life not for everypony but you did good today. We got further then we thought. Those thingies you got are real useful like,” she said pointing at my hands.

“Anywho, I gotta go help Granny finish with dinner and 'fore I forget, it alright if Applebloom comes to ya room after supper,” she asked with some displeasure in her tone.

“Yeah, it's cool and it'll keep it easy and clean so you don't have yo worry about anything. I'll be there when she gets done,” I told her with a nod before waving and walking towards the barn.

On the way there I gathered from lunch and just now three meals a day wasn't part of the deal with the Apple family.

I started thinking about ways to get food on my own. I had the bits I got from Luna but knew that wouldn't last. I could try my luck with the nearby forest. If I guessed correctly the forest wouldn't  pose to much danger to me. I could also search the area around the farm to try and get food.

By the time I got to my room I had gotten out the key and went to open the door I saw a small metal canister with a note.

'Thought ya might need this some time soon, Granny Smith.'

I gave a small uh as I picked it up and opened the door. I toss the note in the trash before taking the lamp of the hook.

I filled the lantern before adjusting the wick and lighting it again with a match I found in the desk the night before. After adjusting the flame I hung the lantern back up.

After letting out a long deep breath I got the bottle of cider back out. I took a quick swig of it before flopping in the armchair. In sat there for several minutes relaxing taking small sips from the bottle.

I took a deep breath before setting the bottle on the desk and standing. I moved over to the window and opened it out before sitting at the desk.

After pulling out the writing supplies I had gotten from Twilight I gave a yawn as I stretched backwards. I soon started to make a list of items and such that I thought would make my room a bit more comfortable.

At the top of the list was glasses so I could stop drinking from the bottle. Most I didn't think would be a problem finding since I suspected they would be common items in any house.

After a few minutes I but the list away and drew a book of maps off the shelf to my side and the maps given to me by Luna.

I opened the book and flipped through it to find a map of Ponyville and the surrounding area to start my comparison. After finding the desired map I took another sip of cider.

Next I started comparing the maps I was given to the atlas trying to find a partial match.

I think I spent nearly an hour pondering on it and only made progress on two with any real confidence. The problem was the maps I was given looked new, which they were, but seemed to be replicas of maps from older ones or done from memory. I had no real points of reference to work with. Before I started swearing like a sailor there was a rapping at my chamber door.

I took another sip of cider before standing up.

“Who's rapping at my chamber door,” I asked opening the door. When I looked down I saw Applebloom.

Her eyes and face held wonder, curiosity, an amazement.

“Applebloom, correct?” She nodded her head eagerly.

“I sure am!”

“Come in and have a sit,” I told her with a gesture to the chair near the door. I left the door open as I sat back down at the desk.

“So I've gathered myself and from your sister that you wanted to have a talk with me, is that right?”

“It sure is! I've got like a bajillion questions,” she told me with surplus energy.

“Let's start then, I’d offer a drink but I don't have anything for you,” I answered as I got comfortable. “Unfortunately, I don't think either of us have the time for a bajillion questions,” I quipped with a smile. It got a small giggle from her before so opened the flood gates.

I spent the next hour, I think, answering a lot of questions that were covered when I first meet the girls, along with a couple odd ones about what I thought about current events and ponies that I knew nothing about. As we talked I finished about three figures of the cider which caused Applebloom to raise an eyebrow a few times but she left it alone.

After she finished I stood and guided her out before closing the door behind me. As we walked out of the barn I asked her to keep quite about me until I felt more comfortable.

After a few steps past the barn I heard something fall to the ground from behind us. At first I didn't think anything of it and Applebloom didn't seem to notice. However my ever present paranoia started to scream at me.

I did more then a glance out of the corner of my this time then when I heard it. I wasn't pleased with the results.

“Applebloom get behind me right now,” I barked out harshly and with authority. I didn't see her reaction but I heard her gasp before she got between my legs, I could feel her shaking, I could feel my body shake.

I was staring at three sets of glowing green eyes in the dark and with the moonlight available I saw they weren't going to be friendly.

The forms I could see looked canine in nature or maybe feline, at a distance I couldn't clearly tell. I could tell they were slowly staking towards me and Applebloom menacingly.

“Applebloom, listen, when I tell you to run you get inside the house as quickly as you can and tell everyone to stay there 'till I get them. I don't think this is going to be good,” I instructed with a flat tone as I moved my eyes between those coming towards us. I was starting to feel the effects of my body's altered chemical state.

I stood to my full height and shifted my legs to better balance my weight. My fists balled as a started to take slow deep breaths. My hearing was becoming muffled and my sight becoming clearer as strength and confidence began to flow through me.

I started to hear a muffled voice, it could have been Applebloom, one in my head or both, at this point I couldn't tell. The eyes were much closer now.

I heard a snarl from one of the creatures in front of me and I reacted.

“RUN!” I yelled as I pulled my knife from my vest.

One of the sets lunged and jumped at me. I was surprised at the height it reached and snapped my left arm up to defend myself. I was rewarded with a set of teeth latching onto me. With the alcohol and my own blood chemistry there wasn't much pain, for the moment.

Before the beast released its jaws I swung my blade and plunged it down into its neck. I was rewarded and gratified when I heard and felt a loud crack and the beast going limp. I felt the teeth slide out of my arm as it fell in a heap to the ground.

I turned my focus to the other two in front of me. They were still near each other but starting to drift apart in opposite directions trying to surround me. I took a couple step to the side to keep them both in front of me.

As I did I flexed my left hand to make sure it was still usable, it felt usable but I didn't know for how long.

As I attempted to plan out my next move I was interrupted when it was made for me. I felt a large weight smash into me between my shoulders knocking me to the ground.

I landed on my hands and knees and before I could get a full idea what was happening I started jerked to the side to avoid the next attack, I was only partial successful but it was enough.

Instead of having a set of jaws close around my neck they closed around my right shoulder. Most of the teeth were stopped by the armor but some sunk into me as they hit closer to my neck.

I let out a scream of pain before I swung

as hard as I could with my left hand as the beast started to pull away. A landed a solid blow to its body and got a yelp as it let go.

As it tried to back away I swiped at it with my right hand but misjudged an instead ended up having my hand and knife go over its head.

I quickly stood back up and moved away from the creature as it joined the other two. This one was larger then them too, I would guess at he moment it seemed to be about he size of Big Mac while the others seemed about the size of Applejack.

They soon started to growl at me and snapping their teeth as they circled me. I reacted by standing there only moving my eyes and head to keep track of them. After several seconds the two smaller ones made a move.

One came at me from either side, I could only take one on at a time so I would have to choice fast.

For the one on my left I shifted my weight to my right leg as I brought my left up and chambered a kick. When it got close enough I landed a hard hit to its chest and felt a couple snaps before it landed further away. At that moment is when I was reminded of the second to my right.

For the third time I felt jaws close around me. This time the greaves I was wearing stopped the majority of teeth, again some found their way past the armor plates. I let out another scream as I fell to my right knee before I swung my knife down in between my attacker shoulders.

This time it wasn't me that yelled out in pain from an attack. The creature went partial limp from me. I let a grim snarl cross my face before I was knocked back to the ground from my left.

It seemed the first beast had recovered quicker then I thought and now I fighting bare handed as I’d lost the grip on my knife. As my right shoulder hit the ground I quickly rolled on to my back to be able to use both hand and arms.

I now had the creature standing over me getting ready to bite down on me. I swiftly wrapped my hands around its face and neck to push its maw away from me.

It was then I realized the animal had a rough hide that felt like wood but before I could follow that thought I was reminded what was going on. I felt a claw catch me on the right side of my head above my eye. Again I yelled out in pain before I twisted my body to the left dragging the beast to the ground.

I felt claws catching on the fabric and plates I was wearing on the ground and as I stood up with my hands wrapped around the canine's throat. After getting back on my feet I took a glacé and saw my forth attacker hadn't moved.

I soon felt claws find rake down the front of my right thigh but no serious pain. I felt the leg buckle slightly but I remained upright. I then took a deep breath before I shifted my left hand down and grabbed hold of a lower leg. After I had it in my grip I leveled out the beast horizontally before lifting it with strain above my head.

I then threw it with all the strength I could muster at the ground in front of me. The canine would be still form the trauma for several seconds, seconds I would use wisely, and violently.

I brought my right leg up as far as I could with the pain and had my knee several inches above my waist. I let out a angry primal howl as I brought the heel of my boot on the beast's neck. I felt something crack and the beast jerked as a result. I repeated this several times until it wasn't moving any more then kicked it violently in torso.

After that small display I looked back at the last creature and was reminded how big it was.

“Fuck, I really don't want to fight you. So how 'bout you just tuck tail and get the fuck out of here,” I asked as I stepped to the side to retrieve my knife from the whimpering beast.

The large one looked at the scene in front of him, her, it? Before turning and bolting away towards the forest in the distance.

I stood there for several minutes waiting to see if it was a feint as I felt the booze and my blood chemistry started to wear off and all my little ouches started to be not so little. I let out a long deep breath before replacing the knife in its sheath.

After that I looked down in the wounded, whimpering, and crawling critter nearby for a second. I gave a apathetic shrug before I crushed its neck under my boot heels like its partner. I gave it a couple nudges with my foot to make sure it was dead and it wasn't faking.

I limped over to the steps in front of the farm house's door and sat down on them like I had earlier in the day.

“Well, this was an absolute shit first day back on the job,” I groaned out as I touched the still bleeding would on the side of my head.

Patch Job

I let out another groan as I felt around the other wounds I had flinching and gasping as I found the more tender ones. Soon the door behind me burst open and my head whipped around as I shot to my feet. I felt my injuries flare with new pain.

I saw the Apple family barrel out with mixed looks of amazement, fear and concern on their faces as I groaned and sat back down.

“I don't remember saying it was safe to come back outside,” I stated flatly and annoyed.

“That has to be one of the bravest or stupidest,” Applejack started before I interrupted.

“They're interchangeable,” I interjected with a playful tone that resulted in her giving me a look of confusion.

“That I've ever seem! What were you thinkin'!”

“That it would be really horrible if Applebloom became critter food,” I asked with uncertainty as I narrowed my eyes and looked to the side and up with them. “I really don't know, I'm more of a reactor then thinker in those types of situations.” I added as I poked around the bite on by shoulder slash neck and found teeth.

Before the Apples could reply I think they finally saw all the blood I was leaking from my various holes.

“Sweet Celestia! You're hurt pretty bad! We got ta help him sis,” Applebloom cried out as she pointed and waved a hoof at me.

“You are completely correct young one, and you can start helping by going to my room and getting the bottle like the one on my desk and bringing it me from under my bed,” I told her as I held a palm to my head to stem the blood flow. Before anyone could object she bolted towards the barn to get the bottle.

Applejack shook her head for some reason before turning to Big Mac.

“Ay, want ya to go to town and get Twilight and Rarity, am going to get Fluttershy over here to help. Granny, can ya watch him and make sure he stays awake?”

“Ya darn tootin' I will,” the elder Apple answered. All Big Mac gave was a nod of his head and a, “Aeyep.”

The two dashed off to get help as Granny took a set nearby in her rocker and looked me over. It was silent for a minute before she spoke.

“Brave, it was brave what ya done. Ya took on four Timber Wolves to save my youngest grandchild. I recken some of the guard would have hesitated to do that, but you? You gave no thought of yourself, you just dive into battle. And look what happen to ya, you've been blooded and my family is none the worse,” she told me sincerely with a smile on her face. “Thank you.”

I looked at her for several seconds before I gave an apathetic an insincere shrug before turning back to look at the barn.

“Like I said, I've been conditioned to react not think,” I returned with the same tone. I soon pulled my palm away from my head and saw it was still bleeding.

“Fuck it,” I said to no one as I rested my arms on my knees. As I did I saw Applebloom coming back from the barn with my bottle in her mouth.

She gave me the bottle breathing a bit hard but with a smile.

“Thanks, it's going to be a big help soon enough,” I told Applebloom as a cracked the seal on the bottle, well tried. The first try resulted in my hand slipping from the still fresh blood.  On the second try I got the seal broken and let the cap fall to the ground.

I quickly inverted the bottle to get its insides inside my insides, I thought it was clever.  After several gulps I pulled the bottle away and gave a shiver as a thrilled groan escaped my lips.

Both Apples seemed disturbed at my actions but didn't say anything, well about that.

“That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen! You stopped them Timber Wolves, lickety split!”

“With them given my a couple licks through,” I replied before taken a sip and started to feel the burning in my stomach. I traded hands with the bottle to my left before resting my elbows on my knees.

“Yeah, but it was like, BLAM! POW! KICK! SWOOSH! I don't think that a Royal Guard could've done that by themselves!”

“Yeah, that's probable true,” another sip, “and I shouldn't have done so either,” I added. Applebloom was confused and before she could ask about it I answered.

“I didn't have my full kit of armor and weapons but most importantly I had no idea what kind of enemy I was against. Knowing your enemy is just as important, or more so, as your equipment. I had no knowledge of their abilities, strengths, or weaknesses. I just reacted and got lucky,” I explained to her before taking a long sip of cider.

Applebloom replayed the events for me with her own twist and sound effects for me while Granny sat silently rocking in her chair. By the time she was done with her retelling of the event I had drink a little over a quarter of the bottle added with had I had earlier an I was getting drunk.

That was the idea, to numb the pain but it also caused my blood to thin and as a result I leaked out more blood then I would if I hadn't started the second bottle. It was also about the time that Applejack returned with Fluttershy.

As the two approached the farm house they walked past where the dead, I hoped, Timber Wolves lied. A couldn't hear Fluttershy whimper but knew she was as her wings tightened against her body while her ears and tail flatten, I could hear Applejack reexplain what had happened though.

When the two got to where I was sitting I was taking another gulp of cider. After finishing I gave a harsh cough and winched since it aggravated my shoulder and neck.

“Applebloom go inside an' get a lantern, we're gonna need more light,” Applejack told her sister with a hoof before she went to go get one. Also as she did this I took another swig of cider.

After the bottle came down I turned to look Fluttershy dead in her eyes.

“My ouchies hurt,” I dead panned with a small smirk and chuckle. Her eyes darted to Applejack who kinda gave a shrug. I rolled the bottle around before taking a sip.

Applebloom soon returned with a lit lantern that bathed the area it eerie shadows. When she sat on her hunches next to me and held up he lantern everyone got a good look at me, they were gasps of shock and horror.

I was covered in dirt and dust that was mixed into wet or drying blood. The right side of my head and neck had blood flowing down them. My hands were covered in either dry or wet blood. My appearance was probably the most horrifying thing any of them had seen.

Applebloom that gave out yelp when see took everything in and looked green.

“I'm goin' to get some bandages,” she blurted out as she set down the lantern and running inside.

Fluttershy was whimpering and looked like she was going to flee out of terror.

I took a long draw from the bottle when I realized this would probably give them nightmares for a long time, and to numb the pain.

Suddenly Fluttershy took a deep breath hand closed her eyes. When she opened them again I could see resolve and steel in them and I gave a small uhm.

“Alright, let's see what we have to deal with now. This is going to hurt but it will help make your pain go away,” she told me with a strong and gently voice. She went to take my left arm in her hooves and I pulled it away without thinking about it.

My eyes turned to her and looked her over looking for hostile intent. I know there would be none but by subconscious didn't believe it. I shook my head before speaking.

“Patient has punctures and lacerations to my left forearm, right shoulder, right calve, abrasions on the left hand, lacerations to the right side of face and right thigh, and blunt force trauma to the back. Patient may also have cracks or fractures in the bones of the above areas. Patient is awake, responsive, and reacting to stimulus. Patient is intoxicated and may become aggressive and or belligerent,” I rattled off to her as my free hand ran over the areas as I talk about them to avoid confusion.

“Recommend applying direct pressure bandages to punctures and lacerations to stem bleeding, if required use pressure points to further reduce blood flow. After bleeding is under control investigate for foreign bodies and proceed to removal before sterilizing affected areas. Next, close with either stitches or staples as needed. If available magic is to be used to assist or complete required actions,” I added before drinking from the bottle again.

The gathered group seemed to be taken back by my detached and aloft attitude of what just happened.

“My word sonny, how ya know all that? You a doc,” Granny Smith asked with a raised eyebrow. I shook my head before I answered.

“No, I've had training in first aid and emergency response, but most of it comes from first hand experience with the patient. I've had to work on him a lot in the past.” Again the response seemed to confuse and bewilder those present, a shrug of the shoulders was given before a long deep exhale.

“Administering general anesthesia and disinfectant,” was blurted out before a hard swig of the cider. After several seconds of silence I heard Granny give a chuckle which I returned with a devilish grin.

“Yes, well, uhm, that's good. But I still need to look at you to make sure nothing was missed. Uhm, if that's ok with you, that is,” Fluttershy mentioned speaking up. I tilted my head to the side before shrugging again.

“Have at it.”

I was surprised at how gentle she was in her examination, even more when you take into account she has hooves. Although she did seem a bit taken back at all the blood but she remained professional.

“I agree with your um, findings. It doesn't seem you missed anything,” she offered as she wiped off the blood from her hooves on a bandage Applebloom had brought while she was looking over the injuries.

“Um, it would have been easier if you weren't wearing your armor,” she added meekly tapping her hooves together. My eyebrows went up in surprise when I realized the over sight.

“You're right, let's do what we can,” I answered as I used my right hand to undo the clips and straps on the required greave letting in rattle after hitting

the wood.

“I think we should wa...,” I started to say when I saw Big Mac returning with Twilight and Rarity. “Wait until they get here,” I told her pointing with a nod of my head.

The two of them handled the situation better then Fluttershy did as they walked by the scene of the fight. Twilight seemed taken back by it but intrigued, while Rarity looked repulsed by it all.

“So how has your evenings been,” I asked with a smile and small wave as they got to the porch. When they got a look at me their reactions didn't surprise me.

Twilight looked worries and amazed while she looked me over and Rarity looked ill and frightened at my appearance.

“Mine's been absolutely dreadful! I haven't had dinner yet, I've torn my second favorite uniform and I'm almost out of booze! And to make it worse I was attack by some horribly beasts and got hurt,” I said loudly with a playful glee and a small dark chuckle. Everyone was looking confused and worried.

“I'm drunk leave me alone,” I added before taking a quick drink from the bottle.

“Darling, how much have you had to drink,” Rarity asked with concern eyeing my bottle.

“Well, what's missing in here plus three fingers from another bottle,” I informed her holding the fingers next to the half empty bottle, both her and Twilight gasped.

“Incredible,” I heard Twilight say before she started to unpack her bags with Rarity quickly following. After a minute they had a range of bandages and first aid supplies laid out.

“Soo, what are we dealing with exactly,” Twilight ask with Fluttershy bringing them up to speed. As she did I continued to take sips of the cider.

“Alright then,” Twilight began before exhaling sharply, “let us start with the one on the side of our head.” I felt the tingle of magic on me and barely saw the glow of her magic.

“Alright, I'm not finding anything with my magic or by, eh looking. I think we can close it up.”

Rarity stepped up with a needle and thread in her magic but hesitated before she did anything.

“I'm, I'm not I should do this. I mean I'm not a doctor or a nurse. Shouldn't we go the the clinic? They care take care of this icky stuff.”

All her points here true to a point.

“Don't worry about it Rarity, you'll do fine. It's no different then sewing with cloth. It maybe gross but you're not actually touching anything and the clinic wouldn't have any idea on how to treat me. The only ones that really do aren't around. Besides there's no one I would trust more with a needle and thread then you from what I hear about your talent,” I reassured her with a drunken smile and some slurring.

She took a breath and narrowed her eyes as she sat down next to me before putting her glasses on.

“Alright then, let me patch this right up.” She moved slow and smoothly as she put individual stitches into place. I don't know if it was skill on her part, the alcohol, or both but I only felt the tingle of magic and some slight pulling on the thread.

It took her close to half an hour to finish. By the time she was finished my head was starting bobbing up and done from all the drinking.

As that was happening Twilight was asking questions about the human body and how my injuries were or could influence it. I don't think I gave her any real answers causing her frustration to grow as she was pulling a couple teeth left behind out of my shoulder area, leg and forearm.

With my head wound taken care of the two of them switched places so Rarity could work on my arm and Twilight could look at my head, but I suddenly had a different idea.

“I've gotta piss,” I flatly informed everyone as I stood up abruptly and taking a sip of the bottle. I took the bottle with me as I walked over to the outhouse. As I walked away I heard mummers from the ponies on the porch. While I walked I poked and touched the work that Rarity had done, it felt impressive.

After finishing in the outhouse I started to stumbled back to the porch, however I made a detour to the water barrel. After several cups of water and only falling to my knees, one hand and a bottle once on the way to porch I sat back down.

“Alright where were we again? Things are kinda hazy at this point,” the ponies gave worried looks to each other before they spoke.

“Ah, we, er, wondering had happened to ya cast,” Applejack started with pointing at the missing item.

“Oh, I cut it off last night before sleeping but after drinks. Didn't think I needed it any more since I was starting work today. Plus, it was itching,” I slurred out before starching at my forearm.

“Didn't ya need it to make sure your, ah, bones healed right,” Applebloom asked not knowing the right word to use.

“Yeah, more then likely but I think at this point that's kinda moot since I'm now leaking red liquids,” I returned waving the arm.

“Which brings up our next point, can we finish with your other injuries before it gets to late,” Twilight asked, “I still need to write a letter to the Princess.”

“Sure, but under one condition, you can't roll up my sleeves or pants and I'm not taking off my shirt,” I told them in a tone that offered no room for disagreement.

“That will make this much more difficult but I suspect you have your reasons. So let me start with your arm dear,” Rarity replied as she moved to work.

I went to drink form my bottle but found it glowing lavender and being pulled away from me.

“I think my bottle is trying to escape, you know anything about that Twilight?”

“Yes I do, I think you've had enough. You maybe different for us ponies but I think you've had enough, maybe more then enough, from observing your actions,” she informed me tugging on the cider bottle.

“Why is my bottle trying to escape? You know anything about this Twilight,” I asked and she seemed concern.

“It would be nice to know how drinking affects you right now,” she said while rubbing a hoof on her temple.

“Get over here, I'm not done with you yet. I'm still feeling things,” I told the bottle leaning my body over trying to get to it. All I got was a case of falling over.

I let out a groan as I hit the wood and another as I pushed myself back up.

“Again I think you've had enough, I'm confident you're drunk enough,” she told me again as I failed to find the bottle.

“I think my bottle escaped, you seen it anyone,” I asked rubbing my good hand through my blood matted hair.

“Ah, this might be a dumb question but don't we have ta worry 'bout all the blood he's lost,” Applejack interrupted waving a hoof over me with growing concern.

I saw Rarity and Twilight's eyes jump in surprise as they realized the importance of the question.

“Sweet Celestia, you're right!”

“My heavens this is absolutely dreadful!”

“My bottle did escape.”

“Stop worrying about your booze! You could be bleeding to death,” Twilight snapped sounding like she was starting to panic.

“But it's gone! Besides if I remember right I can lose like nearly like I think a third of the five liters of the red stuff I have before I need to start replacing it, which is why I need my bottle. It'll help replace lost fluids... Or help lose fluids? Both? Meh, things are starting to get blurry. Where that bottle go,” I asked and told them rubbing my eyes with one hand trying to focus.

I didn't see their responses but i did hear a couple gasps. I heard words but the sounded like they were speaking under water.

“Anyone seen that bottle I was drinking? It escaped.” I heard, I think, Twilight groan in frustration.

“Why are you so focused on the cider bottle!”

“Because it's missing.”

“AH! I hope this is caused by your drinking and not your personality.”

“I don't think the bottle was really worried about my personality,” I retorted with a grin and pause as I was answered with a few groans and chuckles.

“OH! I just remembered! I was suppose to ask to help get this armor off. With the armor off it should be easier to work on the patient, ah me.” After several seconds they were able to pull off the armor but it was a little more difficult with the wounds I had.

After that it took I guess forty five minutes for the two before everything was patched up as well as I would let the between my restrictions and drinking.

At the end I think the two unicorns were exhausted more from dealing with me then the actually work they had to do.

As for me I was on the edge of passing out from the booze, which I was and had been asking about the entire time.

The Apples slowly and quietly started to move into the house started with Granny and Applebloom, soon followed by Big Mac, leaving only Applejack out on the porch.

"Yea! We're finished! Thank you girls, you've helped make this whole thing suck less then it could have been," I told them running my fingers tips over the stitches they had done.

“Sorry, about the mess Applejack. I'll clean it up in the morning, right now I'm getting ready for the sleep.”

“Ah, thanks but I can take care of it. Shouldn't be a big deal,” she countered.

“I was being polite but meh at this point. I want to tear those critters about to learn 'bout them and maybe found something worth a few bits,” I told her swiping my arm towards the corpses.

The four were stunned at my callous tone and attitude towards the dead but before they could voice it I continued.

“Maybe I'll find how to fight them better in the future and I might get lucky and found some part that I can sell or trade 'cause it's magically or something. Besides they're dead, they're not going to complain, where that bottle go?”

As I looked for it I saw, or thought, Twilight seeing logic in the response, Applejack being confused and lost, and poor Fluttershy shocked and afraid but none spoke up. Well, that I heard, or remember, at this point I was having a hard time staying awake.

The drinking, lost blood, and adrenaline crush were getting stronger then my will to stay awake. The girls were talking to someone but I couldn't tell who.

I grunted standing up pulling the greave in one hand and the chest piece in the other off the ground.

“I'm about to pass out. I'm going to my room. I'll find that bottle in the morning. Before I go looking for the big one that got away. Wake me up when Boring Flank does her job. I'm going to go pass out and bleed in silence,” I talked over them as I limped to my room in the barn with my armor.

After walking through the open door I closed it with a foot before dropping the armor and turning to lock it. After that the voices on the other side got quiet and I turned again to lie on the ground in the middle of the room.

It took what felt like only seconds before I started to slip into the void of nothingness and greeted it warmly.

My last thought was how bad the morning was going to suck, but that was a problem for future Hunter.

Walk to the Past

Future Hunter was hating past Hunter, that guy's a dick.

I woke up stiff, sore, with a headache and yelling at the light coming in through the window, I would have done a sailor proud.

I turned my head to face the other way but it did nothing to lessen the light. The pounding I was hearing was just making me angry.

Once again it was inside and outside my head and I needed to stop it.

“Stop being so loud light! You're not helping!” All that did was make the pain worse and I think made me hear laughter.

After several minutes I was still trying to force my eyes to preform the impossible and stop the light.

Soon I let a groan of hate and discontent loose as I pushed myself up to my hands and knees. Lifting my head I faced the window and and gave the raising sun a stare that matched my groan.

My next action was to give it a single finger salute, “I truly hate and despise mornings and you sun,” I said out loud with a harsh dry voice pushing and pulling myself to my feet.

I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes grumbling with one hand as I felt around the desk for the bottle of cider.

With bottle in left hand I took the keys from the door before opening and walking through, that didn't work out as planned.

My eyes were still seeing mostly bright white blobs and I found myself walking into one. This wasn't as odd as it should have been.

“I see you finally got tired of waiting on me, how freaked out are the girls,” the words were dry and harsh as I blinked and shielded my eyes trying to get them to adjust closing the door with my left hand.

“Yes I have, it's been an hour since, and I quote, 'boring flank does her job,' must you be so course? As for the girls they are concerned and a little freighted,” was the warm motherly tone of Celestia.

A groan slipped from my throat as I opened the barn doors and found a sky full of sun.

“I hate your flank so much right now mare,” I informed Celestia with a tone of loathing as I held the cider bottle up to help shield my eyes. It didn't do anything to lessen the pain in my head.

“So you have told me on many occasions Hunter and I presume will many more,” she returned with a grin and playful tone.

“Oh, good, more things to look forward to hating. You here by yourself or is Luna nearby,” I asked her as we arrived at the water barrel. As I took the cup and starting drinking she answered.

“I'm here alone, well with guards, Luna knows what happened last night but she is not overly concerned. The three of us all know this could have been much worse and you were fortunate to walk away with relative light injuries. The elements however are a different story,” her tone growing with worry and concern as she spoke.

“Applejack, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash are handling it the best, seeing it as necessary protecting Applejack's sister for their own reasons. Rarity and Pinkie are taken back by what you did and think you could have scared them away but seem to understand why you acted like you did, Rarity more of the two. Finally, Fluttershy is the worst. She hasn't really dealt with death and violence like we have and thinks that a peaceful and non violent method stood have been employed. What truly scared her was your cold and detached approach to the wolves' death and your declaration to found the forth. I don't believe she understands how you see and deal with death and violence,” Celestia explained with a somber tone as I had several cups of water and processed what I was being told.

After she finished we both paused for a second before taken a deep breath and letting it out.

“Must you hunt it down? Can you not find another way to deal with this? It would help her view of you,” she asked as I rolled my shoulders with pain coming from my injuries. Pausing to think about my answer I remained silent.

I really didn't have to go hunt down the large wolf but doing so would make me feel better. Having Fluttershy not terrified of me would go a long way and my own gratification would only last a short time and more then likely harm my standings with the others. On the other hand I'm a huge fan of vengeance, however it wouldn't be so fulfilling against a woodland critter.

Starting with a dramatic groan and a tossing my hands in the air I answered.

“Fine, I won't go looking for the damn thing, but I'm keeping the corpses. Knowledge is power after all,” I ended with a mischievous grin.

“Thank you, as for the dead I've already sent them to Canterlot,” she replied holding a hoof up to stop me from talking to explain further.

“To be honest you don't have, the facilities or means to find your answers. On the other hoof, I do and I will forward you a complete and unedited copy of the findings, and the majority of any bits that come from this,” she laid out hoping to placate me.

I narrowed my eyes and thought about it and saw the truth in her words. I gave a nod.

“Yeah, that'll work.”

“Excellent, now that the matter at hoof is finished I believe you have several ponies waiting to talk with you,” was the warm caring voice with a wave of a hoof at the Apple home.

Following the hoof I saw several faces looking out at Celestia and me. Letting out a sigh I waved to call the girls over.

As they made their way over I saw Celestia had been right about how they were responding to what had happened last night.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Twilight were in front of the group with Pinkie and Rarity in center with Fluttershy bringing up the rear with her wings and ears flattened. Spike was behind the group carrying a box. Rainbow was the first to start talking.

“That, was, awesome! You fought down three Timber Wolves and walked away! I would have loved to see you fight them! I bet you could have taken the forth, if it hadn't tuck tail and ran,” she told me as she flew around me looking me over excitedly.

“Well, that makes one of us. I’d rather of fought zero then three and the forth looked like it was Big Mac's size, so noo thank you,” was my reply as I waved my hand around at her like she was a fly.

“Yeah, but what you did was still pretty cool! And you did it for a filly you had just meet!”

“One can looked at it from that angle I guess,” was my confused reply as I rubbed the back of my neck.

“Ah never gotta chance ta thank you right and proper last night. I don't think the family could have takin' another lose, thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Applejack started to tell me as she took her hat off and held it against her chest. “Maybe ya ain't so bad,” she ended putting her hat back on.

Now I could have gone full apathetic ass and not cared but I had to think long term. I'd acted more out of self preservation but her family and her didn't need to know that.

“Thanks Applejack, it means a lot to hear that. I'm not used to hearing thanks all that often,” was my reply with a smile showing warmth lacking in my eyes.

“Darling, are you drinking already this morning? My word, you've just woken up and you must be feeling dreadful from last night,” Rarity asked pointing at the bottle with concern in her voice and face.

I tilted my head in confusion as a tilted the bottle and gave it a look.

“Oh, I haven't been drinking, just have it to pour what's left in the other one in here. Don't want to waste anything since I think I lost the cap to the bottle from last night. Also, I am hurting from the bottle, and this one isn't helping,” came her answers as I jerked my head and the bottle towards Celestia.

The girls seemed a bit shocked I was somehow blaming their ruler of the day for my state.

“Hopefully after a couple weeks, maybe months my tolerance for alcohol will be back where it needs be, for medical reasons of course,”  I could hear Celestia's eyes roll as I gave a warm smile and small chuckle.

“Yes, medical reasons,” Rarity response came lacking any sort of belief and full of skepticism with a raised eyebrow.

“Wait, what? You drink alcohol for medical reasons? Why? What are they,” Twilight start asking prepping to go into full inquisition mode seemingly not picking up the tone Rarity had used. I quickly gave a look of empathy to Spike.

“Yeaah, I drink for medical reasons, and they're general under the category of bad,” was the reason I gave her with a painful shrug and out turning of my hands and forearms.

That got a frustrated moan out of her as her ears flattened.

Pinkie bound to the front of the group for her turn.

“Are you sure you're OK? I mean those mean Timber Wolves did sink their teeth into you, like you were a desert,” was her concerned voice and face.

“Yeah, I'm good to go, I've had worse but I'll probably be moving a little slower for the next couple days.”

“Okay dokie, but get better soon quickly!”

Before one of the other girls could talk with me I took a few steps forward to stand in front of Fluttershy with a serious face and I cleared my throat before talking to her.

“I don't want to put this off or act like what happened never did. I did what I did to ensure Applebloom's and my own survival. Overall I acted with restraint and took their lives quickly and with as little pain as possible,” I started with before pausing.

“I'm not a pony, I don't think and react like one. I'm not sorry for what happened and more then likely events like his well happen again. I'll try to restrain myself but I make no promises,” I added before I lowered myself to a knee to continue closer to her level.

“I have and more then likely will lose myself to the rush and sick thrill of battle, it's part of me now. I can promise to keep the darkness that has grown in me locked deep inside so you'll never see it,” I added talking more to Fluttershy at first but at the end I looked over all the girls.

“I think that's enough of downer thoughts for now, but do you understand why I did those things last night,” I asked standing back up. I got a small weak yes and nod from her as she kicked

with a hoof at the dirt after a minute.

“It was your second day on the job and your already causing problems for my little ponies,” Celestia spoke up with a mild tone and shake of her head walking to my side.

“First off it wasn't my second day,” I started with by holding up two fingers, “it was my first,” I dropped the index finger I was holding up as I turned my head to look at her, evil grin on my face.

She gave a flat unamused look at me before putting devilish grin on.

“Well, since you're in such high sprites and feeling well, you will not be needing a little magically healing,” I was told with a little smugness in her voice thinking she had won.

“That's cool, it'll give Twilight and Rarity a chance to practice their healing magic on me,” I retorted with a easy smooth tone and single shoulder shrug pointing at the two unicorns.

Celestia returned with a flat state before turning to Twilight.

“My student, take care of Hunter and please do your best to keep him out of trouble along with you and your friends. Sadly, I most return to Canterlot and continue my royal duties. Until I see you again I look forward to your next letter on friendship,” Celestia explained to Twilight with that warm motherly tone she always seems to have before her and the elements said their goodbyes.

“Now that the Princess is gone we can get some food in ya before we start the day,” Applejack spoke up pointing at the box Spike had brought, who had been quite the entire time again.

At this time Spike uncovered what was under the box, breakfast. I saw pancakes with syrup and butter, fresh apples, oranges, coffee,  toast with butter, and oatmeal. To me it was a normal sized breakfast but I'm guessing to the girls it was a feast, I don't know, to reward me for last night.

“Awesome! Spike, would you kindly hand me that,” I asked with a small smirk on my face looking forward to a real sized meal.

“Eh, yeah! Not a problem, here you go,” Spike replied lifted the tray up for me.

“Thanks little dude, now let's all head over to the porch to sit and chat while I stuff my face,” I told the group as I walked to said porch.

After sitting down on the steps and putting the tray on my lap I started with the coffee. That was when I discovered the coffee and the meal had gone cold. A small frown appeared on my face as I put the cup back down.

“What's wrong you don't like the coffee? I thought I got everything right! I used almost no sugar when I helped Applejack,” Pinkie asked as she looked over the meal with some disappointment.

“Oh, it's just cold, the sugar is fine. Don't worry about anything, it's my fault for sleeping in,” was my reply to restore her happiness.

“I knew I nailed!”

I was soon devouring the meal in front of me stopping to ask questions now and then.

“So you girls got any plans for today?”

They all responded with varies ways of no and explaining they took the day off to be with me.

“Then all of you would be able to help me take care of something, if possible that is,” I asked a minute later after finishing an orange.

More replies of varies way to say yes.

Another minute passed as I finished my pancakes.

“Is where I ah, woke up nearby?” Twilight was the one to answer.

“Yes it is, it's in the ruins of the the Castle of Nightmare Moon inside the Everfree Forest,” she told me with some concern in her voice.

“How far is it from here, within walking distance? Or further out,” I asked before washing down the oatmeal with some coffee.

I saw Twilight look at the other girls worried, about what I couldn't. Say.

“I would say close to two hours, but that was with several interruptions,” she told me rubbing the back of her head.

After the toast was gone with the apple I spoke up again.

“Would you girls kindly take me there? I want to see what's left,” I asked placing the tray next to me on the porch and wiping my month with the back of my hand as the girls whispered among themselves.

“Darling why would you want to go back to that dreadful place,” Rarity asked.

“Before I finally had to rest to recovery from my last battle I was able to seal and store items that were of professional and personal value that I’d like to try and recover,” was the half lie, half truth I told to Rarity and the others.

“I'm not expected much survived the passage of time, all I think I'm going to get is peace of mind. I'll never know unless I check it out.” My answer seemed to appease everyone, for the moment at least.

“Uhm, well, I can understand that, I would want something to help ease me into a new world. It must me awful not to have anything to remind you of your past,” Rarity told me with a toss of her mane.

“Yeah! You wants to be sad and glum! You've got to smile,” Pinkie added with gusto and bounce.

“Shucks, it the least I could do for ya after last night,” Applejack added in as Spike quietly took the empty tray into the house.

“When would you want to leave,” Twilight asked.

“Maybe he next half hour or so. I need to get a couple things done before we leave. Nothing major,” I responded looking around the porch for my missing cider bottle.

“Alright, you going to need a hoof with anything before we head out,” Rainbow asked floating nearby waving a hoof.

“No, no..., actually, yeah. I'll need help putting my armor on before we head out. That can wait until we're about to leave. Meet up back in, what fourtyish ? That enough for everyone to get ready,” I asked as I stood up and beat some of the dirt and dust off of me.

The girls gave nods and yeses before heading out to do what they needed to get ready. As for me I looked around for a minute looking for my cider bottle but soon gave up before heading back to my room.

I set the cider bottle I did have on the desk as I pulled out the chair.  Soon my head was resting in my hands as I rubbed my temples trying to get my headache to go away. After a minute it was apparent that it wasn't helping and I’d forgot to ask Rarity or Twilight to help it with magic.

I let out a long drawn out breath as I leaned back and stared at he ceiling for a minute trying to think of something to pass the time.

After sitting up I turned to look at my small book collection. Pulling off a book that I thought might have some info on the forest I sat it on the desk and flipped through the pages looking for anything on the forest.

All my search turned up was that it was home to a variety of creatures and mystery. Not much seemed to be known about the forest since most ponies avoided it. The only information I could find that was a little useful was that located inside of it were the castles of the Two Sisters being the first and Nightmare Moon being the second.

I guessed that I would be heading to one of these to places with the girls on my little trip. A groan of frustration emerged as I rubbed my eyes.

I didn't like walking into this situation with near complete ignorance on what I could be faces. I’d have to relay on what I could get from the girls.

After that realization I got up and pulled out the foot locker with all my weapon and armor kits along with grabbing my rack sack.

It ended up having everything opened up before being shaking violently upside to make sure nothing was left inside afterward. After verifying it was empty I put a day's worth of food and water in and closed it back up.

I took my time putting the armor on saving the chest piece for last waiting for a magical assist. The weapons kit was up next with only the sword and rifle being left off laying on the cot.

I tested moving with the armor I had on to see how it interacted with my injuries. The pain wasn't to much of a problem but it would be wise not to push myself to hard to avoid aggravating them.

Felling comfortable I left the armor, weapons and rack sack and made my way back to the barn's roof.

After sitting I looked into the sky searching for the Moon, knowing I wouldn't see it during the day like the one I remember from before.

After that I looked over the horizon and felt calmer. Looking out to the direction of the Everfree Frost I narrowed my eyes trying to see anything but failed to do so.

My mind soon went blank and a thousand yard stare appeared as I simply waited for time to run out.

The next thing I could recall was a voice that was hushed and muffled and a out of focus blue hoof waving in my face.

With a hard blink and shake of my head everything came back into focus.

“Equestria to Hunter! Can you hear me,” Rainbow was almost yelling at me with her voice getting clearer as she spoke.

“Yeah, yeah I'm good, what's going on,” I asked with some confusion.

“I've been trying to get your attention for almost five minutes! You were really out of it. You sure you're ok,” Rainbow explained to me with a spectacle look and tone.

“Yeah, just lost in my thoughts.”

“Most of been some pretty deep thoughts to get so lost.”

“No not really, really just nothing,” I replied standing up.

“Well hurry up, we're going to leave late of you don't start moving.”

“Alright alright I'll get the last of my stuff,” I told her with a wave of my hand as I walked to the edge of the roof.

Like before I landed with a thud and rattle but unlike before my leg told me I was a dumb ass. I hopped a few times before walking back into my room.

After walking out and locking the door I saw the girls waiting by the porch with Spike. Walking over I had the rack sack over a shoulder, armor in one hand and weapons in the other.

“About ready, just need some help again with the chest armor again ladies,” I told the group dropping the weapons to the ground with a clank and rattle.

Soon the armor was encased in magic and lifted up to drop down over raised arms. After it settled I tightened it up the best I could with the injuries.

“Can you really put that thing on without any help,” Rainbow Dash asked not believing I was able to do so as I tightened

up.

“Yeah, but since I got back I've broken a wrist, had a cast, and nearly been a chew toy. All which limit my range of motion and strength. If I ever get a chance to heal up I can take care of it,” I answered as I picked up the weapons and put them on, with a little difficulty from the sword.

Taking a deep breath and quickly letting it out I declared myself ready to start the trip to the Castle of Nightmare Moon.

Walking to the middle of the group I slowed my pace to stay in place.

After several minutes of walking in silence I broke it by asking what had happened the last time they headed into the forest. Before that happened Twilight gave some enlightening background information.

I received a crash course in the history of Nightmare Moon and what she had done a thousand years ago. It was a turn of events I had a hard time believing. Both that it had happened and the way it had happened.

By the time Twilight had finished with had happened a millennia ago we had reached the edge of the Everfree Forest.

“Lets stop for a minute I need to do a few things,” I interrupted as Twilight prepared to cover more recent events.

The group stopped and faced me to see what I was doing, which was arming up.

I took the pistol out and put a magazine in before quickly racking it back and letting go before securing it. Next was the rifle which I held in my right hand up against the shoulder, level with the ground. Grabbing a full mag I slapped it against the chest plate before slamming it into he rifle. Using my left palm I slapped the bolt release giving me a satisfying metal on metal clank.

I felt the smile on my face as I looked up and saw the girls and Spike look at me with confusion, worry and fear. My eyes narrowed before I spoke.

“What's wrong?”

“What was all that,” Spike managed to ask first.

“Being prepared. After last night I'm not taking any chances, I'm not a fan of being a chew toy. All goes well I won't have to use'em,” was my answer, which I saw didn't seem to do the job as I lower the rifle.

“What I believe Spike was asking was, what do you just do and what were they and their purpose,” Twilight asked with a hoof wave.

I pondered on how I should answer for a second.

“I made my weapons combat ready by loading them with a ranged projectile,” I answered as vaguely as I could not wanting to give away anything that might cause Twilight to want to experiment.

“The purpose was to provide a ranged means of defense and before anyone ask I'm not going to expand on my answers. They could be used for ill purposes,” I added handing up my non firing hand I added causing a bit more confusion.

“I do believe you ladies were leading me to the Castle of Nightmare Moon while Twilight brought me up to speed on recent events,” I added cutting any further discussion of the topic short.

Soon enough we were walking again with Twilight explaining what had happened in the hours leading up to my awakening.

I didn't have too much trouble added her time line of events up with mine, although hers was more detailed.

I'm not sure how it happened but by the time we had reached the castle she had covered all the events with the others added to the story from their point of view.

After catching sight of the castle I was taken back by its shape. I had excepted to see a castle build like Canterlot or maybe an old Disney movie. While the castle still had those qualities I saw, darker? More human elements?

It looked like someone had started to build a normal equine castle then in mid construction started added more militaristic features. While the gentle craves and arches of equine construction were still at the core, I easily saw the hard straight lines at the edges for practical military use.

After looking closer the whole area looked as if it had been gradually. The center was warm, friendly and full of unused space, but ever so slowly as it moved out it took the cold, harsh and spartan built look. The change was slow and gradually and not quick and precise.

To me it appeared to reflect the gradually change in the mindset of the commissioner, one I felt too much in common with.

I'm still not really sure how to describe what I saw emotional. Pride was present, remorse and sadness were there too and so was fear and confusion.

I tried to get the feelings off my mind with questions.

“Hey, Twilight. You know why the construction style changed? Also why does it looks like the outer layers' damage is different in nature then the inner core,” I inquired pointing again with my non firing hand at the castle.

“Well no pony really knows why it slowly changed, there are only guesses and theories. The only ponies that might know for certain are the Princesses. The damage to the outer layers was caused by the siege and assault on the castle by Princess Celestia and her forces, the inner castle was simply caused by time and neglect,” was her scholarly tone and reply.

The answers raised new questions in my mind and an eyebrow on my face. I’d have to ask about that later after some research.

“Interesting,” was the simply return.

“Now that we're here can we head inside, this place is kind of creepy,” Rainbow Dash asked flying a little ahead of the group.

“I don't see why not but I except to stop every once and awhile to look at something. Remember this is the first time I've seen any of this,” I replied starting to walk again.

As we walked I changed my posture from relaxed to carrying myself and rifle at the ready for any surprises.

As we walked by the outer wall I saw the damaged appeared to be caused by magic and physical hits to it, overall it looked surprisingly well other then the main gate being ripped from the hinges.

“I got to say the ponies that built this built it to last,” Applejack said looking over the walls.

“I've got to agree it looks like this place could have taken a lot more damage then it did and still keep going,” I added moving my upper body and rifle as one.

“Yes, but it's still a horrible reminder of darker and bitter times among ponies. More so for the Princesses, it would be best if it was all forgotten I say,” Rarity chimed in. As she did I got a fleeting feel of being watched.

“Those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it,” I responded  as I turned my eyes to look at the holes and rubble near the peaks of the castle's center.

With a squint of my eyes I thought I saw shadows moving but they disappeared with the ravens.

I stopped and brought the rifle to bear to look closer at where the ravens had fled.

Although I had only iron sights the act helped my focus closer on the area. Looking into the spire I only saw rubble and solid static shadow but I still had the feeling I had missed something.

“Anyone else got the feeling we're being watch,” I asked lowering the rifle.

“I'm always watching things!” Pinkie blurted out with a grin.

“It just the drab atmosphere dear, no pony has any reason to be here,” Rarity told me attempting to sooth my paranoia.

“That's true,” I offered weakly starting to walk again. After a few minutes we reached an inner court yard where I decided to drop my rack sack with a soft thud.

“How 'bout a fifteen minute break? I'm getting a little tired and thirsty,” I asked digging the water container out of the sack before sitting down and leaning against a low wall with a little difficulty.

The girls agreed and either sat or lied down and took out water or drinks of their own.

“How much longer until we reach the room where I popped out of?”

“Five minutes, give or take.”

“Really? If that's the case I'm going to scout around and check it out,” I let the girls know as I stood up.

“Do you have too? It's scary here,” was the quite request from Fluttershy. I stopped and look at her and quickly looked over the group.

None of them seemed completely comfortable being here, so I decided to stay.

“No not really, guess I'm just a little excited to see what we find,” came my reply scratching at my wounded shoulder.

“Hey, Twilight I don't remember you explaining how the elements ended up here. I do remember you saying they were at the Castle of the Two Sisters,” I inquired pointed in a random direction for both.

“Well, I guess it was Nightmare Moon who took them and brought them here in an attempt to revive you for the information she wanted,” she cautiously explain looking over the castle.

“I believe she thought she could use the elements herself to awake you and be gone before anypony could stop her.”

“Could she do that? Use the elements I mean?”

“It may have been possible. Princess Luna was able to wield some of the elements by herself, just like Princess Celestia, but all? I don't think so. Her plan may have been to use any elements she could to partial wake you then finish the process through other means,” Twilight explained and theorized was she stood up and walked to stand next to me.

“Yeah, but could she have, even use just a few of the elements? I mean it was Princess Luna that used the elements, not Nightmare Moon,” Applejack asked a good point which I had no information on.

“Again I can only guess but I would think so, in the end it was Princess Luna trying to use them even if she was under a dark influence,” Twilight offered to the group.

“Well, that could have been bad for my health. Good thing you girls were able to stop her in time,” I finished the conversation with as I hoped on top of a low wall to sit.

“Hunter what are you looking for exactly in these ruins if I my ask,” Rarity inquired as I took a sip of water.

“Well for the most part just some personal items. Maybe some trinkets, a piece or two of jewelry, some clothes would be great, any surviving writings, and some small paintings. Professional, I want to make sure none of my tools of my trade were taken, see if any of my odd armor survived, some text, and more important some items I arrived here

with,” I rattled off bouncing my feet off the wall I was on.

“Darling, I don't think any of those would have lasted this long without any care. I do hope you don't have your hopes to high,” Rarity explained to me with a worried look.

“Yeah, I know. I do think one or two of them might have, I put them through some rough times and activities and they were still going strong before I was put under. It would be nice to have a reminder or two of the good times from before to make things just a little bit easier for me,” I added hopping off the wall and walking back into the group and putting my water away.

“Why do you need reminders of the good times? What's wrong with the memories, they not good enough,” Pinkie asked with some confusion.

“Eh, sometimes yes, sometimes no. I'm fuzzy on memories at times for different lengths. Seeing or smelling something can be a great help remembering, plus I'm sure up starting to run out of space up here,” I explained ending with tapping my head.

After that I lied down and just watched the clouds pass by and asked Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy what they were like. They tried to explain but failed with no way to reference for me.

Soon after we called the break and packed up before headed into the castle's interior.

The majority of the halls were bare of any thing save rubble, wither from time or looters I couldn't say. However, as we approached what I assumed was the main chamber I noticed changes walking to the closed rusting and decaying iron doors.

The first was an dark tingle running in defined patterns just under my skin that felt distantly recognizable, while on the surface I felt the temperature drop. Then there was a dark mirthless chuckle I couldn't tell the source of or thought I heard. I was still able to shrug them off mentally but I was still uncomfortable.

The walls had tatters of banners of events past that seemed unpleasant and of battle and glory, I kept a snort to myself. There were discarded sets of armor and weapons lining the ground, oddly no bones of their owners. The walls themselves were damaged from both might and magic, I brought the rifle back to my shoulder.

The biggest change was in the girls and Spike. The girls had handled together behind me close to my legs with ears and tails low with wings tight against their barrels looking around nervously and fearfully. Spike was tightly hugging Twilight as he rode on her back. All looked like they would jump and flee at any second.

“There's nothing to worry about ladies, I'm the biggest, meanest, and nastiest thing to ever walk these halls,” I told them boastfully to calm them, but to me I thought it to be true. It work a little but not enough for my liking.

“Ha, I doubt that. Nightmare Moon took on Princess Celestia and fought her to a stand still,” Rainbow countered with a small ruffle of her wings.

“That's right Nightmare Moon was finally defeated with the Elements of Harmony in the past and recently. I don think you could take on either and win,” Twilight added looking me over. “I don't think you would be able to defeat any alicorn...,” she started to add but was interrupted.

There was a loud crack followed by a crash and crumbling of stone accompanied by a flash of sickly and malcontent reddish purple light from the throne room we were heading to. The girls jumped with a yelp and bolted to hide as a group behind a statue missing its head but with wings against a wall.

I sprinted to the wall next to the ruined remains of the iron doors to the chamber. I slammed into the wall and slide down to a crouching position and took the rifle off safe, with my injuries coming alive.

I signaled to the girls to stay in place while I investigated using my left hand to do so. Looking back I don't think they wonder stood any of it.

I took a deep breath before slowly spinning into the entrance still crouched and raising the rifle to fire if needed. I slowly pushed the iron door to the left causing a heavy creaking and groaning noise to use it as cover.

With rifle and body moving as one I searched the room with heart pounding. After the initial search turned up nothing I stood up and slowly entered the room to search in greater detail.

I saw something drawn on the floor with a pile of rubble in the center of it in the room in front of me and center to the throne but disregarded it for the moment.

Half a dozen columns lie before the drawing which could mean six hiding spots. Before I moved deeper in I searched again for more spots to be careful of and only saw the raised area of the throne and the space behind it.

I slowly moved to the right keeping the columns if front of me to reduce the chance of surprise and try to found what made the noise. I crept closer to them and with each step I felt my heart beat harder and harder.

When I got within a few feet of the first column I surged to the left side to try and take anyone by surprise.

Empty, I quickly scanned the others before moving to the column to the left and repeated the process.

I repeated this process with he other four columns and found nothing hiding. All that was left was the throne and what could be behind.

Taking slow measured steps I approached the throne before taking a slicing movement to look behind. Almost empty.

There was another pile of rubble in front of a hole in the wall leading into a long dark hallway.

I let out a long deep sigh of relief when I saw the lack of tracks in the dust around the rubble leading into the hallway. I took a deep gasp in surprise and some fear when I turned and saw what was engraved into the back of the throne.

There are two ways to defeat darkness

Through the light, to burn it away

Through the darkness, to engulf in a greater

The light will bring hope

The darkness will bring despair

The light can bring false hope

The darkness can bring enlightenment

Beware the light which can dwindle and die

Beware the darkness which can consume and grow

Both will bring power, both will bring weakness

The brightest light can create the deepest darkness

The deepest darkness can create the brightest light

How will you defeat the darkness within

I knew these words. I knew them form when I had penned them to the sisters before I exiled myself into sleep. I broke out it a cold sweet.

I think I just got a better handle on what had happened to Luna.

I stumbled out to the front of the throne and sat down upon it. I let the rifle slip from my hands as a rested my face in them.

I was drained mentally and physically from the events of the last day an a half. First from the Timber Wolves and then the thought I might have been the cause of Luna's madness.

I looked up with my arms resting on my knees as I looked at what was on the floor in front of me. As I looked closer I saw it was drawn with red ink.

There was a square with circles drawn at each point aligned so one corner pointed a the throne with something in them. Inside the square was a circle written in something I couldn't read with more writing lines every forty five degrees I guessed reaching into the center.

What was in the center I couldn't tell since it was covered in rubble which after looking up I saw had come from the roof.

Letting out a long sigh a stood up and readied the rifle to my shoulder as I walked down the steps.

“Room's clear,” I shouted back to the hallway with my left hand to my month.

Several seconds later the group cautiously entered the room looking for threats and me. They slowly made their way to me as I crouched next to one of the corner circles.

I had picked up a maroon feather from near a pile of black dust to examine it. It didn't look like any bird feather I had seen before but was familiar. With a look of confusion on my face I lowered it and turned to look at the pile closet to the throne.

A few feathers of different colors were drifting scattered about around the multicolored and black and white pile of ash. All that did was feed my confusion. I then turned to look at the pile across from me.

This one was a pile of only of multicolored dust, again only confusion was what I received.

With a groan of frustration I turned to look at the pile opposite of the throne pile and saw a pile of white dust. Just behind the pile were the girls and Spike.

They all seemed a bit more relaxed and a little confused at what was in front of them and what had happened.

I was confused only a second more before I realized what was around me, the girls had brought me the answer.

I felt disbelieve, horror and revulsion at what I realized.

There wasn't red ink or piles of dust or bird feathers around me, there were parts of ponies.

It's Not Grave Robbing

I must have zoned out from my realization for a minute because the next thing I knew I felt something poking me in the face. I fell back on my ass as I waved my left hand in a defensive motion. I blinked several times with wild darting eyes, my firing hand tightened and trigger finger moved.

Pinkie, it was only Pinkie, I slowly realized. Everyone seemed confused and worried about me and my actions.

"You ok there Hunter,” Spike asked waving a claw in front of my face.

“Yeah, yeah, I'm good... Just, just an adrenaline crash... That's, that’s all,” I sputtered out wiping the cold sweat from my brow with the back of my left hand. It was a half truth half lie. Pushing myself to my feet a let out a long deep sigh looking over the girls. Again they didn't seem to realize what was literally inches from their hooves. I wanted to keep it that way but didn't really know how too. Luckily Twilight spoke up.

“What's an adrenaline crash?”

“Yeah, I've never heard about it before,” Rainbow Dash added hopping up to hover near my shoulders.

“At its basic level it's the side effect on my body adjusting to such a large amount of it in my blood. It can cause exhaustion, the shakes, vomiting, excess energy, sweating, and headaches to name a few,” the girls seemed ok until they processed the information.

“Why in Equestria would your body do that to itself,” Rarity asked confused putting a hoof to her mouth. I gave a shrug before answering.

“The benefits generally out weigh the side effects.”

“Yeah but what are the benefits, I mean I don't see what could be worth it,” Applejack wanted to know.

“Oh, they're worth it. Increased strength, speed, endurance, reaction time, aggression, stamina, blocking pain and numbing it, confidence, and focus, all increase or are heightened. I've personally experienced these affects. That can make the difference between live and death,” I explained with maybe too much enthusiasm and a creepy smile.

“Those aren't very nice, why would anypony what to experience any of those feelings,” Pinkie asked with some sadness in her face and on her face and eyes.

“I'm not a pony. We needed that edge to survive in our beginnings, my home isn't the nicest, safest place Pinkie,” I briefly explained to her with a voice of longing and sadness.

They picked up on my tone and dropped the subject, not really knowing how to act. Before anything else happened Spike spoke up.

“Ah, aren't we like getting sidetrack by everything? I mean didn't we come here for a reason,” he asked waving an arm around.

“Yes, that's right. Can we hurry? I don't like it here. Um, that's if it's ok with you Mr. Hunter,” Fluttershy jumped in looking around uncomfortably shifted her wings.

“Sure, we need to go behind the throne but you may have known that. Y'all have been here and found me,” I replied pointed with a nod of my head and left arm pointing.

“I don't have anything for light though, I stumbled out of there by memory last time, so would you please provide some Rarity and Twilight,” I asked starting to walk towards the hole I had made.

“Simple enough.”

“Of course dear.”

The two magic users piped up leading the group to me and destination.

“Thank you ladies,” I added wiping the last of he sweat from my brow.

“First, I'm going to ask you to stand to the side before you throw some light down there when I ask so I can see if there are any surprises,” was my request stopping them with a held out hand. I took a deep breath before continuing.

“Second, if we run into anything and I tell you to run, don't argue, don't ask questions, don't think, just run, and don't stop until you see the Sisters and tell them,” I told them with steel and conviction in my voice.

“I have no idea what, if anything, has had a chance to make this place its home or wake up since I began my sleep and awakening,” came a tone softer and with worry obfuscating the truth of what I truly feared.

“Please, just trust me. I'll explain after we get back to Ponyville,” another half lie half truth.

The girls and Spike didn't say anything but did nod their heads kind of grimly and stood to the side and waited.

I took a kneeling position and brought the rifle back to bear. I took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

“Now.”

Suddenly two spheres of light appeared in the hallway bathing it in shades of tinted white.

My eyes quickly darted around looking for anything that might pose a danger. After several seconds I decided it looked clear.

“Looks good to go,” I put out as I stood back up and lowered the rifle across my chest.

“I'm point, Rar you're up next, pegasus center and up watching, Twi you're center, earths you're at the flanks, Spike you're rear guard, diamond formation,” I barked out to the group before heading into the hall.

After several seconds of no response or moving I stopped and turn to start yelling but stopped when I saw who I was with.

Everyone was looking at me like I had grown a horn and wings and was crazy.

I stopped and started to give an weak awkward laugh as I put on a weak smile.

“Sorry, I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. Real bad habit of mine when in this type of situation, I apologize, I shouldn't have said that,” I started with to explain but didn't really feel it. Before I could expand Rainbow Dash spoke up.

“What was all that? It sounded kinda cool, like something the Royal Guard would say,” she was soon hovering near my head again with interest.

I was confused this time on how well they all, well most save Fluttershy, had handled it. I was soon being asked questions to explain what I had barked out and the reasons for them. I was startled for a second but I soon saw I could use this to stop them from asking about the throne room and maybe even forget.

As I taught we walked down the hallway to and then down the stairs to make it to the level I had woken up on. This time seemed to take longer to make it down the stairs then when in came up. I didn't dwell on it and just push the thought away.

Soon we reached the doors to the chamber I had sat in for nearly two millennium I was told. They were still open put just enough for my unadorned form to fit though. I took this as a good sign nothing else was inside and didn't concern myself with search after entering. I let the rifle hang as I pulled the doors open and pushed them to the sides.

Inside was a realm of blackness that the simply lighting from Rarity and Twilight couldn't disburse.

“That's really dark. How you manage to make it out of there with out any light,” Applejack asked trying to see into the room.

“Memory. I spent a lot of time down here either helping build or reasons,” I offered walking into the room allowing the darkness to flow around me.

After several seconds I had moved completely into it as I moved to a column. As I reached it I slowly felt looking for a craved rune. After finding it I pushed up the sleeve on my left arm and pressed the bandage to the rune and applied pressure to the point it hurt. After a second there was a flash of greenish red light that then retreated back into the rune.

“Let there be light,” I bellowed as a weak light flickered from above. As I walked back to the group the lights got steadier and brighter.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the Lost Tomb of Man!” I shouted out with enthusiasm and showmanship as I held my arms out wide.

The room was built much like the throne room above. Six pillars started near the entrance moving deeper into the room, that had rotted banners hanging from them. Past them were five rows of stone benches split like the columns that allow those present to sit. At the outside end of the benches were pedestals that had one or two item set upon the. Between both was a ravaged and worn carpet that looked to be a rich maroon with bronze edging at one time. On the carpet were several items that had be casually discarded in a line to the throne.

The throne sat on a raised platform to allow one to look down on the assembled. The throne itself was made of craved stones, untarnished metals an a handful of precious stones. Its overall build and shape was simply but the fine detail put into it was exquisite.

Above and behind were parts of three banners, with one to each side of the throne and a third higher and center. All showed signs of the passage of time and neglect. One had several torn pieces of faded yellow below it. A second of neglected blue was twisted to reverse the presented side. The third of lifeless red had everything sown into it tore out violently leaving only the tired red.

Lining the two outside walls were more banners and pedestals and a single double door in the center of each.

The girls and Spike stared in awe an amazement at what lie in front of them. All were whispering among themselves and pointing around around the room. I raised an eyebrow lowering my arms.

“What's up? You know you can enter right?”

“It's a grave, it's disrespectful to enter, don't you know that,” Applejack told me putting her hat over her chest.

“Aah, no it isn't. I'm standing right here and I'm not dead, or at least I don't think I am. But that's a debate I don't want to have. Besides that's never really stopped us,” was my brief explanation turning to walk back into the room.

Soon there was a multitude of hooves clacking on stone as I heard some of them rush into the room as they started to talk excitedly.

I heard Twilight ranting about how this was a treasure drove of information from the Lost Times. Rainbow seemed to be talking about the various suits of armor and along with Rarity the faded sky scape painted on the ceiling. Applejack was again talking about how well everything seemed to be constructed and seemed as strong now as when it was built.

I had stopped at the first item on the worn carpet and picked up a faded black cloak. As I stood with it the material began to flow like sand into a pile of scraps and dust. I gave a tch with my teeth before

letting it fall back to the floor before moving on.

Next was a mass of metal and wood. I picked up the sword and examined it for possible value. The blade was pitted and rusted with no edge, the wooden hilt crumbled under my grip.

With a half frown I tossed it over my shoulder where it clattered against the stone floor. I let out a long sigh deciding to not even look at the rest of the item along the carpet.

I moved to where Twilight had Spike taken notes on a vase resting on a pedestal near the back row on benches. She seemed engrossed by the simply item's artwork.

“Look at this Spike! I can barely believe it, a depiction of the Battle of The Fallen Cloud! A predecessor to the pegesus' cities! There has never been a full account or images! Until now! This can change history,” she was gushing as she moved around the vase. I scared her as I spoke up beside her.

“Yeah, that was at the end of the first 'Pegasus Rebellion' against the old throne.”

“AH! Oh, Hunter you scared me, where in Equestria did you get this vase?” I gave a shrug since I couldn't clearly remember where or when I had got the vase or even if it was a original or copy.

“Yes,” was all I told her completely confusing her.

“That didn't answer my question, just that you got it on Equestria,” she snapped back.

“Okay, I'll go with that,” I shrugged back walking away to Rarity and Rainbow Dash admiring the sky scape resulting in a frustrated groan.

“I'm going to go with you're trying to figure out the arrangement of the Moon and stars,” I asked slashed stated standing between them.

“Yes we are, we've never seen the night sky appear like this. Even before Princess Luna had her incident the sky never was setup like what is above us. It's certainly perplexing,” Rarity told me using her fine eye for detail looking for a clue.

“Yeah! How could they change so much in such a short time with out anypony realizing it,” Rainbow asked with admiration and confusion.

“Well, it's really simply. That's the night sky from my home,” I informed the two with another sad longing tone and smile.

“No way! Really? This is the night sky from another world?”

“It sure is Rainbow Dash, it's even where our greatest achievements have happened,” I answered with pride in my voice and a victorious smile.

“This is simply stunning dear, would you be offended if I were to use your sky,” Rarity looking over the sky scape again.

“No, not at all. I'll check to see if the charts survived when I start looking around.” As I walked away I added over my shoulder.

“By the way it was never mine, it was all of ours,” with a somber tone as I moved to stand in front of the throne. I stared at it for several minutes with unfocused eyes before realizing something was tugging on my pants.

“Wha, eh, ah,” I blurted out blinking to help focus my eyes. When I looked down and behind me I found the source.

Fluttershy was gently tugging to get my attention.

“Sorry, spaced out again. What is it Flutershy,” I asked turning to face her.

“It feels really bad and scary here. It feels unnatural like it doesn't belong here. I, I really don't like it can you please hurry,” she told me with fear and pleading in her voice.

“I'll stop spacing out and stick to the plan from now on. I'll move as fast as I can from now, that good,” I asked with a weak smile. She gave a weak nod before walking away with her ears flat to one of the nearby benches.

I walked behind the throne and walked to the door that was behind it and let out a sigh as I placed my right hand on a metal plate next to the door.

A warm tingle ran through my hand and forearm as a loud clank came from the door. I then pushed open the door and entered into my private study.

When the magical lights steadied I saw the room was better preserved then the throne room behind me. There was dust and spiderwebs covering almost everything but it still brought a smile to my face.

I walked to the desk near the back wall and sat down facing the door. When I did the chair gave a creak of protest and sent dust flying up to slowly so drift about.

First thing I wanted to do was pen a letter. I grab a sheet of paper from a small stack on the desk and checked the inkwell. The ink moved like sludge and near useless but it would get the job done.

I wrote out a quick letter to Celestia explaining where I was and what I had stumbled on and needed it cleaned up now. Before I rolled it up I added the girls and Spike didn't know what was going on, at least for the moment. I rolled it up and when I tried to seal it I realized I had nothing, no wax or cloth.

I shrugged my shoulders and stood up and walked back into the throne room to find Spike. I saw him drinking from  a juice box on one of the benches.

As I walked over to him I reached under my sleeve with my right head and pressed down hard on my wounds to draw blood. With my now wet thumb I pressed down near the edge of the paper with it to make a crude seal.

“Hey, I need express delivery to Celestia,” I said aloud to get everyone's attention holding up the scroll to avoid suspicion.

Spike hopped to the floor and walked up to me.

“How did you know I could send scrolls to the Princess,” he asked as I passed him the scroll in question with an eyebrow raised.

“I didn't, I thought that Twilight might be able to since she's a unicorn and has all the fancy magic,” at the mention of her name her ears perked up and turned to face us.

“While I do have the ability to send the Princess items, I need a precise location or I'll just sent it to a random location. While on the other hoof, Spike's dragon breath works without needs the location.”

I gave a blank look before blinking.

“So, you're saying he can send it.” Spike gave a roll of his eyes and drew a deep breath before engulfing the paper in flame.

“Let me know if I get a reply short dude and don't read it. I'm going back to my study, anyone coming,” I asked as I pointed over my shoulder with a thumb.

Rarity and Twilight spoke up wanting to join.

“If you break anything I'll turn your flanks red, just to let you know,” they were informed as I passed though the door frame.

As I walked I shrugged off the rack sack and tossed in against the front of the desk.  Walking to behind the desk I shifted the rifle to hang across my back to get it out of the way. When I got to the area behind the desk I stopped in front of the metal and stone counter and gave a half smile as picked up the item resting in the middle. I quietly picked it up and walked over to where I tossed the rack sack and put it inside.

When my hand left the bag it had my water it it. After I took a drink form it before putting it on the desk and walked over to a scroll shelve to the walk right of the entrance.

I started to pull scrolls out looking for the star charts Rarity wanted. After pulling and tossing two dozen scrolls out and tossing the unwanted scrolls to the ground I found wait I wanted.

“Rarity, found what you wanted. You can look at it on the counted near he door and there's a stool for ya to stand on under it,” I let her know as I tossed it at her. She caught it with her magic and gave a look of dismay as she saw the scrolls on the ground that Twilight matched, each for their own reasons.

“How can you be so careless with these scrolls,” Twilight asked as she gathered up the scrolls with her magic.

“Because they're mine and I can do what ever I want with'em,” I returned as she replaced the scrolls on the shelves and I walked to the opposite side of the room where book shelves were located. I started to pull books out far enough to read the titles on them to either push me back or pull them and toss them over to where the rack sack was. This caused Twilight to groan in frustration.

After I had pulled about eighteen books and tossed them I stopped and turn to pack them. I saw Rarity had pulled out the stool and was looking over the scroll I had given her while Twilight had several scrolls floating near her.

“Hunter, why can't I read any of the labels on these scrolls? They're not in any dialect I've seen,” see asked looking at the scrolls.

“That's because they're written in my native language, that to my knowledge never existed here,” I told her as I placed the books in the ruck sack. Before she could reply Spike ran into he room.

“Hunter, hey Hunter! I just got a reply from the Princess,” he yelled out as he ran up to me.

“Thanks little dude,” I told him as I took the scroll from him, after which I stood up to avoid anyone else seeing the scroll.

Hunter,

Thank you for the timely information and intervention with what you have found. Hopefully, by the time you are reading this I will have arrived with members of my personal guard to investigate and remove what you found. It is imperative that you do not let anypony with you find us, the effects could be catastrophic. I believe it will take no more then an hour to complete what needs to be done. I well not be sending any additional scrolls to help avoid any questions.

Celestia

After I finished reading the scroll I crumbled it up and stuffed it in one of my cargo pockets for later disposal. This got a gasp out of Twilight and Rarity.

“How could you do that to a letter from the Princess,” Twilight practically screamed at me. I narrowed my eyes in confusion before replying.

“Ah, with my fingers and hand,” was the confused reply.

“Yes, I understand the physical aspect of it but not the chose to do to.”

“What's the big deal? It's just a piece of paper with some ink on it.”

“Darling, it's a letter from the Princess! For nearly everypony it's a once in a lifetime experience to treasure,” Rarity told me turning from the scroll.

“She's right, you should respect the fact the Princess managed to send you a letter, besides you might need or want to read the letter later,” Twilight added. I was starting to get the feeling I wasn't going to win this conversation and decided to agree with them.

“Alright, alright, in the future I'll better treat any scrolls I get from her royal sunniness,” I offered with sarcasm in the end. It seemed to satisfy them for the moment.

After that I moved to finish putting the books in the rack sack. With them away I returned to sitting at the desk. I started going through the the drawers seeing if there was anything I wanted to take. I found two small cloth wrapped metal boxes with faded tags but could not remember what they were. Placing them on to of the desk I kept up my search.

I pulled out a bottom drawer and saw the lock box was still in one piece. Only problem was I didn't have the key for it on me or remember where it was at the moment. I was starting to realize that it seemed like I had a lot of gaps in my memory for events that to me were just weeks ago. I took it as another side effect of my slumber. While I tried to figure out what to do with the lock box Twilight spoke up.

"Hunter, are all of the books and scrolls in here written in this language of yours," she asked as a ring of books floating around her head.

"Why would you do that? It's really narrows down the audience for them."

"Yes they are. It was done exactly for that reason. A lot of this text I didn't want available to anyone but me and a select few."

"Do you think you could possible teach me?"

"Meh, maybe. I really don't know, really depends how lazy and or apathetic I get," I supplied as I pulled the entire drawer out of the desk letting it fall to the floor.

"Hunter, did you draw these scrolls yourself? They are simply extravagant and nearly unbelievable? This is truly the night sky from your home," Rarity asked as she shuffled some of the pages in the scroll.

"No, someone else drew them with information I supplied them. If you think the scrolls are nearly unbelievable, you should see photos of our sky. Mind plus photos equals mind blowwn," I added mimicking my head exploding with my left hand.

"Photos? You have photos? Actually photos of your night sky? Hunter you must simply must let me see them!"

"Yes! You must! I can't believe it! Pictures of another world's sky? That I can't believe until I see," Twilight jumped in quickly forgetting the books and scrolls she was investigating.

“That's going to take awhile, I don't have a means at the moment to reproduce them. When I do I'll let the two of you know,” I told her as a took the lock box to my rucksack, I heard her give a groan of frustration as I did.

I next moved back to where Rarity was still admiring the scrolls and looked over the area for a small flat wooden oval. After a second I found it and tossed it to the desk behind me where it knocked a frame onto the floor.

After the sound of braking glass told me that I walked over to it to pick the frame up. When I did I saw the faded painting of what I remember being a small village in the winter fall to the floor. I let it fall as I pulled the small painting behind it out.

It was a painting of a small group of alicorns of varies ages with smiles on their faces. I felt a sad smirk flash across my face before I put the painting behind the trauma plate to keep it flat.

Leaving the glass on the floor I returned to the main chamber and walked to my left to the double doors. After putting my shoulder and weight into one of the doors it opened with a sudden crack from the hinges.

I lost my balance and stumbled after I slid off the door. I was able to catch myself before I fall to the floor.

After I steadied myself and looked around I was pleased to find that the small room was looking untouched. The room itself was a mix of a security post and guardroom. The normal items one would find were present in advanced states of decay and misuse.

Opposite of the door I came through behind a second smaller room was a single door, which was were I went.

As I opened it I was a little confused and startled that the door started to open with no resistance.

'Fuck,' I thought as I pulled the pistol out and brought it to the ready. After I did so I back stepped to the double doors and pressed up against the wall to the left of them.

I let out a breath I had been holding as I swapped from pistol to rifle. I made a sour face as I thought about had to do next. I was hopefully bring just paranoid. I took a deep breath as I popped my head around the corner to look back at the door and narrowed my eyes. Moving my head back behind the wall I thought for a second before making my choice.

"Twilight, Rarity! I need you over here! Stay near the walls," I yelled out before glancing back around the corner. After a minute both of them were next to me and had even stayed near the wall.

Both appeared skittish and worried as I looked back at them.

"What's going on," Twilight asked as she tried to look around me.

"If all goes well, just my over developed paranoia if not, don't know. Either of you know any magic that can tell me whats in another room," I asked stealing another glance at the door.

"I-I, don't. Is it bad," Rarity responded taking a half step back.

"Sorry, I don't," was Twilight's simply answer.

I gritted my teeth before replying.

“Wait here, stay out of sight, and stop the others from doing so. I'm going to check out the other room,” I told them as I stood back up. I snapped out from cover raising my weapon and slowly moved towards the door ignoring the girls reactions.

With rifle at the ready I moved to the wall right of the door and pressed up against it. Before I could let my paranoia grow any more I acted.

I side stepped enough to get my leg clear of the wall and aligned with the handle. I brought my leg up to give a mule kick just beneath the handle. The door snapped inwards with no resistance and lots of noise.

I quickly planted my foot and used it to push back to my left to get back behind the wall. After doing so as I quickly brought the rifle back to the ready and rolled into the door frame.

Searching right to left nothing screamed threat so I stepped into the room to glance behind the door. Not seeing anything I moved to stand in front of waist high stone desk to look behind.

Once I saw everything was clear I lowered the rifle and called out all clear. After a minute the girls and Spike piled into the room with a mixture of emotions.

I was displeased with what I was seeing. The room had been nearly stripped bare of its contents leaving only scraps behind.

I let out a groan of frustration and anger as I kicked small cloth bag bursting it opened and sending coins flying.

Someone or thing had stolen my loot.

I was... anger was to weak of a word, I was furious. I had invested blood, sweat, and time into filling this room. I then expressed myself.

With a yell I let the rifle go slack to grab the table and tried to lift it to throw. I was only able to lift it an inch or so before I let it slip from my grasp and let it fall with a crash.

My injured arm and shoulder flashed with new pain as I took in deep ragged breaths.

"Wow, that was an interesting display. Feel any better," Rainbow Dashed asked with same sarcasm.

"Well, I don't feel any better an I think I might have torn some of my stitches actually," I returned with a deep exhale.

"That made no since what so ever. How does lifting a table make you feel better," Twilight asked poking the table with a hoof.

"That wasn't what I wanted to do. I wanted to throw it against the wall and shatter it into small pieces that I would then stomp and kick, all to vent," I replied as a rolled my shoulder and arm to get a feel for what I had done to them.

"Wow, you could really do that? I'm kin'a impressed,” Applejack replied.

“No, not even on a great day, but watching something break is satisfying to me,” I told her as I rotated my left forearm and flexed its fingers.

“Then why even try to do so?” I gave a painful shrug as I answered.

“Bad reasons. Any way can you help me gather up what little is left here so I can take it with me when we leave this place,” I asked as I knelled down to start picking up the scattered coins. But before I could they were all encased in a purple glow.

After several seconds all the lose items in the room were neatly stacked on the floor before me.

“That was a lot quicker then I thought it would be. Hey, Spike would you have a problem counting and inventorying this,” I asked looking over the little remaining loot.

Spike tried spuddering out a reply but was unable to and just nodded before moving to complete the task.

After that nothing else of note occurred. I walked the rooms and inspected and took what I wanted while the girls talk among themselves or asked me questions about what we had found. I was able to drag out the time we were down there to give Celestia the time she requested.

Closing and locking up what we could before leaving we made our way out and back to the surface. Walking past the grisly site from earlier there was no trace of the morbid items.

Before leaving the old castle behind I took one more look over my shoulder unable to shake the feeling I was being watch. Before I could go any where with it I heard Rainbow Dash yell to catch up or be left behind.

Bare Boost

Not much happened over the next week. I spent the days working with the Apple family trying not to lose parts of my sanity to the repetitive and boring nature of the work. After I would crawl into my room and go through the items I had dragged out of the forest.

The biggest item, not in size, was the item I had taken and put back on my left forearm, which I might add still hurt like hell. For the moment it wasn't doing anything and wouldn't until it finished what ever it is it does.

At night I would go into Ponyville and try to get food and supplies I wanted and after try to get a decent nights sleep.

After the week had passed and of course on a day off a storm rolled through Ponyville leaving me stuck in my room where I read through some of my books and looked over others.

The few days after the storm had passed Granny Smith asked me to head into Ponyville with some bits to pay off some debts. After armoring up and putting sword and sidearm on I started to lazily walk to town.

As I neared the town I saw fireworks going off in the sky. My first thought was what kind of idiot uses fireworks in the day. My second thought was, fireworks!

I can't remember anyone not enjoying colorful, and non lethal, explosions. I picked up my pace and made a detour to where I thought they had come from.

I hesitated a minute when I realized that this would me the first time I would be in a large group of ponies by myself since I arrived in Ponyville. I swallowed my discomfort and kept walking.

I saw the crowd before I saw the source of the fireworks. It looked like a crowd had formed around a stage slash carriage. A single light blue unicorn with a hat and cape stood on stage on their back legs, which seemed to cause more fireworks.

By the time I made it to the stage the crowd was starting to disperse mumbling and talking among themselves. I was I bit bummed out, specifically I don't know.

“Excuse me ma'am did I miss the show and if so when is the next,” I asked looking at the stage.

“Yes, of course you did you fool. Why do you think the Great and Powerful Trixie is leaving the stage,” was her condescending tone without looking at me.

“As for the next show, it will be tomorrow. Until then leave, Trixie is tired from recent travels,” she finished before slamming her door shut. I gave a half frown as I turned to walk to my first stop.

I knocked on the door to the town hall and waited for a response. After a few minutes I knocked again and waited. This time someone opened the door.

“The door's open you can come in y...,” the pony started but trailed off.

“Yeah, I don't think I'll fit through the door, I'm a little big,” I told'em with a fake dumb smile. The pony rumbled off an apology before asking what I needed to do.

I explain I had been sent by Granny Smith to pay some debt of her's and was to pay here. He nodded excused himself before heading inside to retrieve the needed paperwork. After a few moments he returned.

He took the bits, counted out what he needed, and returned the rest to me. After that we said our goodbyes and I left.

My last stop was what looked like to a farm supply center. The scene from earlier played out again, expect the mare gave a small laugh when she realized what happened. We talked a for a moment before she had to return to her work and I headed off.

Stopping for a moment I thought about what to do next. I wasn't told what to do after making the payments, so I decided to head back to the farm and let Granny Smith know everything was done.

I saw her on a rocker when I finished the trip back. She was a little surprised I returned so quickly, which I told was do my stride. She seemed to accept it so I didn't add anything.

I was a little surprised when she let me go for the day but didn't question why. I thanked her and let her know I was heading back into town.

Before that I stopped in my room and took some of the bits I had gotten from Luna and my empty ruck. I waved goodbye to Granny as I walked back into Ponyville.

The first stop I made was at the café I ate at with Rarity to pick up some of the wine we had shared.

The waiter seemed a bit confused about that fact I wanted to purchase several bottles at once. After a few minutes he gave up and went to go get someone else. The mare that came out seemed to have a better grasp on what I wanted.

She did explain that it was a highly unusual request and asked that instead of coming back to purchase the wine to go to her supplier, she even gave me point of contact info.

After thanking her for everything I left and figured I could head to the library to kill some time before heading over to Rarity's.

I stopped when I realized Twilight would probably want to study like a lab monkey and Rarity would probably want to do something with fashion. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other and got my answer.

The clanking from behind me was the answer, booze, well wine. Only problem was I didn't have a corkscrew. I narrowed my eyes as I thought about were to get one. One of the shops in town should have one.

I started walking towards the market when I passed Rarity's where I thought I heard something along the lines of panic. Giving a shrug I kept walking.

When I reached he market I stopped, took a knee and took a bottle out of my rucksack. After standing back up I started whistling a tone to myself, I may or may not have done a good job, that should have sounded like Terra in Black.

I stopped and talked or tried at several booths looking for my cork screw. I wasn't making any progress.

I stopped and sat on a bench too small for me and thought where to go next when I saw a pair of unicorns walk by.

I had a moment of brilliance, magic. I could just get a unicorn to open a bottle if I had to. With new determination I resumed my hunt for a corkscrew.

After another half hour I finally found a damn corkscrew. I paid the needed bits and left with a small chuckle of glee as I headed to find a spot to drink.

I passed by Trixie's and the library before reaching a bench near a small lake, well pool of water.

Popping the cork from a bottle I wore a grin and took a deep sniff of the lovely liquid. Taking a small sip I savored the taste. With a grin I turned the bottle up and soon felt the warmth of wine.

I sat there for almost two hours sipping from the bottle before anything happened and that was me getting out a second bottle. After a quarter of the second bottle was gone and I was feeling relaxed when I got a visitor.

Trixie spotted me and looked at me with confusion. She slowing made her way over to me.

“What kind of demon are you? And why do these simply rustic ponies allow you to roam,” she demanded from me theatrically. I took another sip before replying.

“One that should be offended but isn't 'cause of the wine and someone that isn't, I think. They let me roam because I kinda live and work around here with the crown's OK,” I informed her with a tone of boredom while swirling the wine.

She was unimpressed until I mentioned the crown that got here attention.

“Ha, the Great and Powerful Trixie doubts that a lowly creature such as you works, let alone knows the Princess. You simply need to be removed and the Great and Powerful Trixie shall do it,” I was told with bravado and confidence as she stood one her hind legs, which I replied in kind.

Standing slowing, for more then one reason, I was soon looking down at the pale blue mare. Even on her had legs she only reached about mid chest.

She quickly faltered and had all four hooves planted. With a grin I spoke down to her.

“What happened? I thought the Great and Powerful Trixie was going to remove me?”

“Yes, well, a plan must be thought out to deal with one such as you,” she retorted flipping her mane back with a hoof. While she spoke I sat back down.

“Well while you do that would you care to join me,” I asked pointing to the bench next to me before taking a sip. Trixie thought for several seconds before moving.

“Yes but only to make sure you do nothing to these simple ponies and keep a eye on you,” was her reply sitting next to me.

“How I quiver in fear,” I quipped with sarcasm.

“As you rightly should,” was the reply missing or not caring about the sarcasm. After a minute of silence she spoke up.

“You have a name demon,” was the question as I drank.

“Hunter.”

“Now Trixie knows how to refer to you once you are defeated,” was the confident reply.

“That has yet to be determined,” I returned offering the wine bottle. She eyed it with cation before conjuring up a magically glass.

“The great and powerful Trixie shall share a glass with you, so you may have the pleasure and privilege before your defeat,” I was told filling her glass.

“My, my. You are a confident one ain't you,” I told her with a warm dumb smile.

“Most certainly,” was the crisp reply before she took a sip. Her eyes showed surprise and enjoyment at the wine.

“Trixie is surprised by your choose of drink. It is a fine wine enjoyed by noble and well to do ponies. One would expect you to drink nothing but the cheapest and most foul of wine,” she added before taking another sip.

“Well, I can't take credit in the choice. Someone else introduced it to me, otherwise I would be drinking the cheapest and most foul of wine,” I let her know swirling the bottle again.

“Hm, Trixie is a little surprised that somepony else has sat down and shared such a wine with the likes of you. Perhaps you are telling a small bit of truth.”

“Well, if you really need proof I got some paperwork I can show you to ease your mind.” Trixie turned her head and narrowed her eyes as she thought.

“Very well, demon. Trixie shall give you reprieve until tomorrow night. Then you shall show these papers or be defeated by the Great and Powerful Trixie.” I raised an eyebrow before shrugging and taking another sip before I decided to get over dramatic.

I jumped to my feet and whirled around to face Trixie.

“Oh, Great and Powerful Trixie! This lowly and unworthy being doesn't deserve such benevolent treatment!” I then knelled before her and continued. “I will forever be unable to repay such a gesture from one such as you,” I finished before looking up at her with a stupid grin on my face.

Trixie started laughing and soon was clapping at my display.

“You have a sense for the dramatic don't you? Trixie enjoyed and appreciates your display. Have you been in performances in the past?”

“Nope, I've just been drinking and like to have a good time,” I gave her as I sat back down beside her.

“How about you, been doing it for some time?”

“Yes, for as long as Trixie can remember and helps serve a greater purpose,” she answered before sipping. I sensed a story there but didn't chase it instead taking another sip myself.

“Hm,” was all I gave while Trixie let her magically glass fade away.

“Now that I have shared a drink with you, you shall now help Trixie. If it is true you live here you shall be able to help Trixie acquire supplies, come now demon,” I told with a tone that offered no room for discussion as she got off the bench.

“Affirmative, moving out,” I gave her flatly with a stupid grin moving to stand beside her.

I ended up carrying what she bought as we walked through the market finishing as the sun and moon changed. While we walked we talked but it wasn't really about anything. It seemed she just wanted to talk with someone about anything.

I dropped off her supplies before saying good night and leaving. As I did she renewed her threats of my demise tomorrow if I didn't prove I wasn't a threat.

Halfway back to the farm I realized I hadn't gotten anything other then wine while in town, I let out a groan as I kept walking working on finishing the wine.

I woke up the next morning on the floor to pounding from two sources again. Grunting I pushed and pulled myself onto the cot as I let out noises to let whoever was outside my door I may or may not be alive.

The exterior noise soon stopped as I tapped the empty wine bottle with my boot around the floor. After a couple of minutes I took off most of my weapons leaving only the knife on my person.

When I made it outside the barn the sun was starting to appear above the horizon making me shield my eyes. I was soon giving the orb of brightness a two finger salute.

After I forced myself to complete my morning wake up exercise I saw Big Mac walking up to me. Not much was said but I gathered I would be helping him make some repairs to fences and house roof.

We finished just before our normal stopping time for lunch. Big Mac admitted he was surprised we had finished so quickly with what should have taken all day. I played it off again about the magic hands. He gave a chuckle and cut me loose for the rest of the day.

Again I asked no questions and just thanked him before headed to the water barrel. After several cups I headed into my room and pulled out the paperwork I had gotten from Celestia and put them between my forward armor plate and cloth in front of it to keep them dry from sweet.

I knew I didn't have to go prove to Trixie I was a threat , at all or until tonight, but I might catch her show since I had some free time now. Before leaving and locking the door I grabbed my bits.

I put a little speed into my walked as I headed into town not knowing if I had missed the show or was close to it. When I made it to Trixie's wagon I saw she had another crowd, which I took I hadn't missed the show. I stood in the back so I wouldn't get in the way of anyone else.

She was already on stage for her show. At first I wasn't to impressed but after she turned to the crowd and asked for competitors, well I enjoyed it, the ponies, not so much.

I saw Trixie tie Applejack up with her own rope which I chuckled at and toss Rainbow Dash aside after her own display of skill, which I thought beat Trixie's.

Trixie sent Rarity running and screaming after she found out she looked like a clown of crime, it really shouldn't have put such a smile on my face as she ran off.

I heard Spike try to couch Twilight to take on Trixie but wouldn't for what ever reason after hearing some of Trixie's tales.

Trixie then caught sight of me and her smug smile grew.

“Ah, the demon has returned. Have you come to battle the Great and Powerful Trixie with magic?”

“No, the only magic trick I know involves a pencil, desk, volunteer, and a reealy long talk with the crown,” I answered counting the items off on fingers. My response also seemed to cause a lot of murmurs through the crowd.

“So there is nothing that you can do that Trixie can not,” she exclaimed as she stood on her back legs causing my fireworks.

“I wouldn't say that. I have a power that no other species I've personally meet has. A power that can and has forever altered the world. One that no one here has,” I calmly informed as I walked up to the stage.

“A power that build and fell empires,” I added walking into the stage and beside Trixie.

“With this power we sought to bring the universe to its knees. Leave now or forever be in awe and fear,” I continued with a flat tone trying to conceal madness and joy.

“Behold the power I yield,” I added as I pulled my hand out of pocket slowly and dramatically brought it up to present the crowd. Everyone watched with baited breath as I unfurled my fingers.

With a mad crackle and head tilted back I showed them my power.

I made my thumb touch all my fingers.

After I stopped my mad laugh I looked out at the crowd for a response. After a second of dead silence I heard a scream of pure joy before everyone else joined in laughing and stomping.

With a broad smile I took a bow before turning my head to Trixie who I thought would be upset at my display. I was pleasantly surprised to see she found the whole thing agreeable.

“Thank you! Thank you!” I told the crowd before stepping off the stage. I then half turned and held my hands up to Trixie.

“Let's give it up for Trixie for the setup!” I yelled above the crowd and was rewarded with more applause. After the crowd silenced itself Trixie thanked them and asked for them to spread the word of Trixie. As some left they stopped by the stage and left bits while two small unicorn colts talked excitedly with her.

For me I made my way through the crowd and headed back to the bench I was at yesterday. I sat and looked at the pool for awhile waiting for Trixie but she never stopped by. Shrugging I stood and walked to the market to look around.

As I walked by the bakery I saw a unicorn tossing out some loafs of bread and sweets and with my attention split I almost had two unicorn colts smash into my legs but some fast leg work stopped it and them them dropping their drink.

I gave a shrug and decided to head to the bakery and grab something to eat. Conducting my business at the door I soon walked away with two fresh and hot loafs. I headed back to the bench to eat.

After finishing the first I left the second in the bag and put it in a cargo pocket. I also started to think I should have brought something to read while I waited.

I don't know specifically how long a sat there waiting could have been a hour or so or maybe ten minutes before Trixie showed.

“I see you are quietly awaiting your fate,” I heard Trixie snapping me out of my daze.

“Longer then you could would believe,” I returned shifting to look over at her.

“Trixie cares not the mere moments you have been here. Do you have the proof of what you claimed or will the Great and Powerful Trixie have to banish you,” was the boastful outburst. I let out a deep sigh as I pulled the paperwork out and held it out to her.

After looking at it for several seconds she started to walk closer as she took the papers in her magic and brought them to her.

Her pace slowed down as she read through them before stopping completely mouth a gasp.

“Tri, Trixie, is most surprised that you were telling the truth. All these seem legitimate and from the Princess. It seems that Trixie will not be banishing you today,” she gave I what I thought was her form of an apologize as she floating the papers back to me.

“Trixie wonders if it would have improved or harmed Trixie's reputation if forced to banish the likes of you,” she asked as she moved over to sit beside me. All I gave her was a apathetic shrug and smirk. We sat there for several minutes before I put the paper back where I pulled them from.

I let out another deep sigh before I stood up and turned to look at Trixie.

“Well, if you got nothing else I'm going to head out and find something to eat,” I told her before I started to leave. Before I made it a few steps Trixie asked me if I would like to share dinner with her so I may regale the Princess with tales of Trixie.

I was only mild suspicious of her intentions, she seemed to be the type who would have no problem using me to further her own goals.

I agreed and followed her back to her carriage thing.

We, and by that I mean Trixie mostly, talked about the shows and places she had been in the past as she prepared a simply meal. She served a simply salad and soup and I supplied the loaf of bread I had left. I had to sit outside during everything of course.

I had asked Trixie if I could have some water when I heard yelling coming near. To me it sounded like someone yelling out two names. Before I could figure out if I knew the voices two unicorn colts ran past me and started pounding on Trixie's door.

When she come out she reminded them that she didn't want to be disturbed and left alone.

The two colts tried to explained what was happening and my shoulders slacked as I resisted the urge to face palm. Because before they could explain I heard a roar come from the edge of town that belonged to a big ass starry transparently bear.

The thing was the size of the pony homes in town and didn't look happy, about as unhappy as its size. Did I mention I was looking a bear the size of a pony house?

At that moment I didn't remember having to deal with something this big before but I'll admit my memory was still a little fuzzy but this is all looking back.

I jumped up to my feet and reached for my rifle to find out I didn't have it. I then slide my hand to draw my sidearm again to find I had left it back at the Apple farm. I let out a groan as the bear roared again.

The two colts urged Trixie to defeat the bear as she had before as I moved to take the sword I had from my back. I let out a roar of anger and frustration myself once I realized all I had was the knife on my chest.

It was about then that Trixie, the colts, and myself yelled out and dashed away from Trixie's carriage seconds before it was crushed by an enormous paw. We ran for several seconds before we came to a stop in a small square.

I stood next to Trixie with both of us in front of the colts. With creepily calm voices they told Trixie to vanquish the bear after they had gone through the trouble to bring it into town.

Both Trixie and myself turned to looked at the two with disbelieve on our faces and my an urge to harm the two before the bear did.

The three of them had a small chat among themselves as I looked at the bear still in disbelieve. Their chat was stopped when the bear roared level with us coating us in warm wet breath.

“Damn dude you need a mint,” I slipped forgetting the situation I was in as Trixie reassured the colts and started to use her magic.

She drew out some rope and proceeded to bind the bear, well two of its toes I suppose they would be called with Trixie calming victory.

The bear simply lifted its paw and looked at Trixie's work with a look that carried a look of 'really, that's all you got,' surprisingly well.

The colts damn near out right demanded that Trixie stop goofing off and actually defeat the monstrous sized bear.

I grew a small ray of hope when I saw Trixie start to summon up storm clouds above are attempting eater.

I wasn't impressed with the results and one of the colts called it out as a dud and before Trixie could reply the bear roared again. We all screamed again and bolted forward underneath our attacker to escape.

We all ended up further in town and stopped and looked at the bear bite a roof as Twilight showed up.

“Hey, Twilight,” I created her calmly with a small wave.

She asked what was going on and the two colts informed her what they had done and waited. Trixie admitted that she couldn't and the two colts were upset.

Not about the idea they my soon be bear chow but that Trixie hadn't and couldn't defeat the bear. By the time she finished with her reply the bear had found us again.

It stood on its back legs and loomed over us with a looked I took as, 'oh, look snacks.'

“Hunter do something,” Twilight turned to me and asked. I looked at her then the bear and back to her before I replied.

“Like what? Make it angrier by poking it in the toes with my knife? Or perhaps choking it with my bones? Because that's all I got at the moment since I have no where near enough dakka to solve this problem,” I was my unamused tone that she gave a groan of frustration to. Again the beast roared at us as I looked down at Twilight and noticed Spike and most of the town had shown up.

After some urging from Spike Twilight stepped forward and took a stance to plant herself as she started to conjure up some magic spell.

A breeze soon began to blow through the town followed closely by a soothing tone that I could swear I saw the notes for float along with breeze. The breeze and what I thought I saw were notes drifted to the bear's ears and placated it for the moment.

Spike encouraged Twilight but I really was paying attention since I was staring at the growing field of magic around Twilight's horn. I didn't immediately see what it was for but I soon caught the sound of screeching metal followed by multiply moos from a distance before a big ass water tank floated into view.

The bear then started to fall over in the direction of Trixie causing me to act. I bolted over to grasp her and get her out of the way before she was turned into a pony pancake. The sudden weight caused by shoulder and arm to protest again in pain over the abuse.

After I put Trixie back down I turned and we both saw the massive creature was hovering in the air encased in magic. As we stared in awe we saw the water tank float to the bear's mouth and it start to drink.

Soon the beast was floating out of town back in the direction from which it had come. As it left my sight I turned to look at Twilight and saw a massive amount of magic coming off her horn as she concentrated with great difficulty.

As the magic left her she quickly sagged before the town folk started to cheer for her. Then she and some of the balls of light started taking about magic and blah, blah, blah. I don't know it seemed like a sappy moment was going to happen so I stopped paying attention.

I only started to pay attention again when I heard Trixie exclaim that the Ursa was a minor not a major an I also noticed that we were now surrounded by ponies. Twilight then told was it was just bitchy because two dumb asses had gone it woke it up, OK maybe not in those words though.

After that her and Trixie had a little spat, or at least Trixie did before she set off a smoke, ah, pellet and running off. Before Rainbow Dash could chase her done Twilight stopped her and turned her attention to the two dumb asses that caused all this. I took the chase to slip away without to much attention to chase down Trixie.

It took several moments of jogging to catch up to her. I found her leaning up against a tree trying to catch her breath.

“Hey, how's it going,” I asked walking up to her.

“Trixie has never been embarrassed so badly as just now,” came her weak and defeated voice.

“I'll have to take your word on that. Why did you leave in such a hurry? You left everything back in town, don't we need it,” I replied as I sat on the ground next to her and propped myself up.

“No, must of it is not required but it would be nice to have. Would you help Trixie to recover what can be,” she asked still breathing hard an I nodded in agreement.  I sat for a few minutes before standing back up and heading back into town.

I was a little surprised that no one had cleaned up the remains of Trixie's carriage. I lifted the scraps of wood and found the mess under them that was Trixie's possessions.

I found a large piece of fabric or cloth and laid it out next to the remains. I spent a half hour I guess picking through the wreckage finding items and pieces to salvage. When I finished I tied the fabric up and carried it over my shoulder back to Trixie.

When I got back and gave her the bundle she actually thanked me before looking through what I had brought back. As she looked through her look shifted from neutral to a happy sadness or upset.

After several minutes she tied everything back up before she stood and asked if there was anything she could do to repay me.

I sat and looked over at her as I thought of something that would benefit me. After the idea popped in my head I let a smile spread across my face as I stood up and walked over to stand in front of Trixie.

“How about a job?”

All Work and No Play

The morning after Trixie left I pulled my face off some paperwork, or was it the other way, and sat up at my desk. I was beginning to wonder why I even had a cot.

Soon Applejack told me I wouldn't be working on the farm that day but in town helping to clean of after the Ursa. I didn't argue just shrugged and told her alright and proceeded to again force myself to do my morning wake up exercises.

After finishing them and having some water I left without telling anyone since they knew I was going to be in town. However this I made sure I was carrying the long sword and pistol, I knew the odds of something like yesterday again was super slim but I'd forgotten, better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

I was still yawning when I got into town and the sun was just coming over the horizon which I gave I single finger salute to. I was mildly shocked to see Twilight up with a groggy Spike nearby with pen and scroll.

I mumbled out a morning to her with a small wave, in return I saw her give a smile and wave.

“Good Morning Hunter! It's going to be a great day,” she greeted with enthusiasm.

“First word, no. Second word, yes. Rest, maybe,” I grumbled out as I walked over to stand next to her and she gave a small giggle at my response.

“It seems somepony else isn't a morning pony,” she offered as she pointed to Spike who's head was bobbing with half open eyes. I gave a zombie groan in agreement.

“Would you like some coffee to help get you going,” she offered turning to head back into the library.

“Please,” I gave as I moved to plop down next to Spike, it gave him a small startle as I did and reacted with surprise.

“Neither of us should be up before the sun little dude right,” I told him as I ran my hands over my face and through my hair.

“I agree completely. I'm still a little dragon and I need my sleep,” he gave as he sat himself.

“Yeah, and I'm just lazy and like to sleep,” I returned with a smile and glance at him and saw a smile and nod. At that point Twilight had returned with paper cups floating in magic near her.

“Here's your coffee, you take it black correct,” she asked as she moved the cups towards me.

“It's my preference and thanks,” I told her as I took a cup in each hand. I down the first like a shot of vodka, which seemed to empress Spike for some reason. I returned the empty cup to Twilight and started to sip the second.

“Well, while you drink your second cup I'll explain what need to get done today,” she told me as she took the scroll Spike had. I soon learned I would be cleaning up the wood from Trixie's carriage and helping repair a damaged roof and how to do the roof repairs.

I didn't say anything as she talk just nodded and drank the coffee. After I finished she took the second empty cup and headed into the library as I heading to the pile of scraps that use to belong to Trixie.

When I arrived I found a cart next to the pile to load everything into. I let out a groan as I started to toss pieces of wood into the cart. After what I would guess to be two hours or so I was finishing up when I started to hear something fast moving.

As I looked around I saw Rainbow Dash flying around at a fast pace followed by a slow bouncing Pinkie Pie. This went I for several minutes before stopping at the same time I got down with the mess from the cart.

I dusted myself off as my stomach clearly stated it was empty and wanted to be corrected.

“Oh be quite,” I told it as I walked to the house that needed its roof repaired. It took me a few minutes to get there and more to convince the owner I wasn't a threat and or danger despite my appearance. After that problem was taken care of I found the ladder and thatch required to do the repairs.

As I was working I saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie wandering, or it seemed they were, around town with devilish grins on their faces and baskets in mouth, I shrugged it off and focused on my task.

I soon discovered I hated thatching as much as working on the Apple farm. I mumbled and whispered to myself about that while I worked. When I guessed I was half done with the roof I stopped and told the owner I was going to get something to drink and take a small break through a cracked open door.

As I walked to found refreshment I wiped the sweat from my brow with the back of my hands and noticed I was getting a few odd looks from the ponies that were passing closer to me. I didn't give it any thought as moved about.

I soon arrived at the edge of the river and knelled down and brought my face close to the water. After cleaning my hands off the best I could I cupped my hands and started drinking the cool water. With my stomach full I fell back onto my ass and went to look out to the horizon.

Before my eyes made it there I was several ponies whispering among themselves and a few pointing at me. I narrowed my eyes as I though about what they might be talking about. Without coming up with an answer I let out a deep sigh before standing back up and heading to finish my task for the day.

My stomach rumbled again as I walked past the library and figured I'd gave Twilight an update. I knocked and waited.

“It's open,” Twilight loudly spoke.

“I'm to big to fit through the door Twilight,” I gave back and soon the door opened and Twilight walked out.

“Oh, hello Hunter, you finished already? I thought it would take longer,” she greeted and asked putting a hoof to her chin.

“Nope, still working. I got the wood scraps cleaned up and I'd say I'm half way through with the roof. I just got done getting a drink and a small break and since I was passing by I'd give you an update with my progress,” I informed her as I pointed around me in different directions.

“Oh, OK, thank you. I take it you want to get back to your tasking and,” she started but was cut off when my stomach rumbled again.

“Shut up! You're adopted and no one love you,” I said aloud with a dumb smirk as a rub my fingers against my palm on one hand.

“Wow, that was pretty loud. You want a snack to eat while you head back,” she asked with some concern in her voice. As I thought my eyes darted from side to side as I thought.

“Thank you, but I'll be alright 'til I make it back to the farm,” I told her as I pointed over my shoulder with a thumb to the area of the Apple farm. She look a little concern before she replied.

“Well, if you say, I'll...” she started before she stopped and her nose curled and quickly brought a hoof to it.

“Excuse, me I have to go,” she quickly blurted out and ran back into the library.

“Um, odd,” I said aloud to myself before I turned around and started walking. I made it back to the job in progress but didn't bother to tell the owner I was back, I just started to work.

By the time I finished the job I guessed it was around dinner an it was a good thing too since I was getting ready to start screaming out profanities. With the ladder I was using put back where I got it I headed back to the river to get another drink.

Doing as I had earlier I drank my fill before headed to report to Twilight. My knocking replied the scene from earlier.

“Evening Twilight. Stopping by to let you know I'm finished with everything and I'm heading back to the farm. You need anything before I leave town,” I told her and asked as I wiped my hands on my pants to try and dry them.

“Thank you for telling me and I don't have any...,” Twilight said before stopping with her nose scrunching up again as earlier she excused herself and run into the library.

“Um, that's odd,” I plainly said before I left to go the the farm. After a minute of walking I gave a yawn and closed my eyes as I covered my mouth with a hand. As a result of that I tripped over something and fell to the ground in a heap.

After I rolled over to see what I had tripped over I saw it was Fluttershy I quickly pulling myself to my knees and crawling over to her.

“I'm sorry Fluttershy, I closed my eyes for a second and didn't see you, are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I,” I rambled out as I held a hand out to help her back to her hooves.

“...,” I saw her lips move put didn't hear what she had said.

“Sorry, can't hear you.”

“Oh,” was all she said that time as she drew a small circle in the dirt with a hoof.

“Are you OK,” I asked again.

“I'm alright and it's my fault. I should have been watching where I was going. I didn't hurt you when you fell did I,” she asked without looking in my direction.

“I don't think it's possibly for you to hurt me by me falling over you Fluttershy, I'm twice your height an at least that in weight, probably more. It far more likely that I hurt you as I tumbled down,” I told her with a soft reassuring voice. I was rewarded with a warm smile and a quick glance at me before she broke eye contact.

“Here, let me help you help,” I told her as I stood up and offered her a hand to help her to her hooves. She hesitated for a second before taking it and me helping her up.

“Thank you,” she meekly spoke kicking at the dirt.

“You're welcome. Now you're sure I didn't hurt you,” I asked with a smile. She give a nod of her head and opened her mouth to say something but before she could her nose scrunched up.

“Sorry, excuse me,” she blurted out before quickly walking off to where ever she was heading. I tilted my head in confusion before shrugging my shoulders and continuing my trip to the Apple farm.

“Hey, so, what are you,” I heard an aloft voice ask me with no body.

“Ah, mildly confused wondering if I've lost more of my mind,” I offered turning around looking for a body to go with the voice.

“I got that by myself,” the voice returned before I heard a bird of prey screech come from above. Almost immediately after that I saw a griffon in front of me.

“I mean what are you,” the voice asked again with some frustration in it this time.

“I'm,” I paused not knowing if I could tell the griffon without any issues from the throne.

“I'm not at liberty to discuss that topic,” I gave with a flat neutral tone. The griffon wasn't thrilled with my answer.

“Whatever loser. You know a Rainbow Dash.” I raised an eyebrow at the jab but nothing more before answering.

“Yeah, I kinda know Rainbow Dash, and before you ask I have no idea where she is at the moment or where her home is, sorry,” I answered and gave the answers to her next few questions before she asked. Her face displayed what I took as disappointment and contempt before she spoke.

“Uh, I knew it would be a waste time to ask a ground bound,” she quipped before launching herself in the air.

I thought how she seemed like someone I probably wouldn't get along with.

By the time I got back to the barn the moon was up and I was yawning more. I didn't bother to left the Apples know I was back, I just heading into my room.

Falling into the chair near the door I let out a sigh as I thought about what to have for dinner. After several minutes I pushed myself back to my feet and moved to sit at the desk.

I sat back down and opened a bottom drawer and pulled out some fruits and vegetables I got from town and leaned over to pick up a bottle of wine I had near the corner next to the desk.

Sitting in near dark I ate and drink in silence before just drinking in silence.

Much like the previous day I woke up at my desk but unlike the day prior there was no paper stuck to my face, I just woke up staring at an empty wine bottle. Groaning I started getting ready for another mind numbing day at the Apple farm.

By the time Applejack arrived I was drinking at the water barrel.

“Mornin', seems ya starting to get use to the hours 'round here,” she greeted me as she walked up beside me. I responded with a string of incoherent noises before the actually words started.

“... before the sun comes up,” was the end as I rubbed by eyes with a single hand, she gave a laugh.

“Well, I reckon you probly nev'r get use the the hours around here, but relax ya not goin' to be working on the farm today. Granny is going to be going into town today to sell some of our produce and you'll be going with her,” she gave me as we walked into the barn.

“First, you'll have to get the cart an' everything ready to go. All goes well I reckon y'all be I town no later then lunch. After that ya will stay 'till 'round sundown. I'll stop by sometime in the day to check in on ya and see if ya need anythin',” she continued pointing out the cart and items that needed to be loaded on.

It was at the point I let out a groan of frustration as I rolled my head in a circle as Applejack walked out.

“I'm tempted to tempt the fates to break this boredom,” I told myself as I started loading baskets. “I don't want to spent, what ever this is, on this farm.”

“Maybe I'll write the sisters and ask for something that isn't this,” I added as I opened my arms and waved them around the work I was doing. I soon drew back a foot to kick something but stop when I realized I'd somehow just end up breaking something, self or object.

By the time Granny Smith walked in I was putting the last few items in the cart. She looked like she was going to yell about something but stopped when she saw I was finishing up, I also interrupted her.

“So, when will Applejack or Big Mac be here to pull this thing into town,” I inquired as patted the side of the cart. Granny replied with a laugh.

“Sonny, they ain't pulling that cart,” at that I let out a sigh thinking I knew where this was going, “you'll be taking the cart into town for me,” at that I let out a groan and let my head fall.

“Fine. Let me get some water, then we're off,” I told her walking out of the barn. At the water barrel I took my drink before placing my hands of the rim and taking a deep breath. Walking back inside I decided to spend the rest of the day thinking of a way to get out of work tomorrow.

Looking at the cart I tried to figure out how I was going to move the damn thing. The setup was for someone in the Apple family to move it and not someone built for two legs. Narrowing my eyes that left pulling and/or pushing it into town. Taking another deep breath and letting it out through my nose I moved to pick up the cart handles and push.

Thankfully Granny didn't want to talk with me on our trip, unfortunately she wasn't able to walk at a pace I found acceptable.

After stopping several times for me to alternate between pulling and pushing the cart we made it to a location Granny deemed acceptable.

“Finally,” I let out with some frustration and sarcasm as I rolled both my shoulders before wiping the sweat from my face. Moving the cart hadn't been gently on my injuries.

Granny started yelling out trying to turn a profit, I was doing my best impression of a statue with blank eyes.  I don't know how long I was standing there but next thing I knew I heard Granny yelling at me as she poked my with stick.

“Ya messing up my sales! Ya need to disappear, so I can do this right,” was what I heard as I came back, “be back when the sun is below the flag on the Town Hall.”

“Acknowledge,” was her answer as I simply started to walk away without a destination. After several minutes I stopped my aimless walking when I caught site of Rarity's shop slash home.

I let out a deep sigh as I decided to stop and talk to her about a clothing issue. I walked over and tapped on her door with my boot.

“Come in darling I'm open,” she spoke out to me and I let out another sigh.

“I'm not going to fit through the door without breaking something,” I gave her as I waited.

“Oh! Hunter, um w-what brings you here,” she asked as she opened the door and stopped out.

“Well, I stopped by to see when you would be free to take some measurements of me so I could, ah, place when order? Is that what it would be,” I told her with some confusion in my voice. She took a sharp breath in before she gave a giggled.

“Yes, let me see I' can do it in, lets say... fifteen minutes. Does that work for you dear,” Rarity offered be ass she tapped a hoof to her chin.

“Yep, that works. I'll be waiting over I that alley over there,” I told her as I pointed with my thumb. Rarity narrowed her eyes before she spoke.

“Why would you wait in the alley? Is there something wrong with waiting here,” she asked with confusion and a hint of offense.

“I'm beginning to realize me standing or being around someplace dressed for work seems to have a negative influence and I wouldn't want to do that to your business,” was the truth I gave her as I gave a small turn of my head to show the looks I was probably getting behind me.

“Ah, yes, that, that does seem to be how it seems to be shaping up doesn't it,” she gave after she looked behind me and confirmed with a nod. “Also, seeing as you can't make it through my door without breaking something as you pointed out, how about I meet you in the in front of town hall.”

“Sounds like a plan. I'll see you there. After we finish with my request would you be against getting a cup of tea at my treat,” I added before I turned to leave.

“Of course dear! How could I turn down such a simply request. I'll see you soon,” she answered before heading back inside

When I arrived in front of town hall I moved to sit down on the edge of a statue of a mare rearing up on her hind legs but stopped before I sat. Those eyes. Those eyes are so creepy.

It's like they follow you no matter how you move even though they're set in stone, literally, but they move I swear. So instead of relaxing I spent my time trying to get those eyes to lose track of me.

I'm also sure I confused a whole lot of ponies as they went about their day.

“Darling, is something the matter?”

“The eyes are following me no matter where I go...”

“Um, you, you do know that's a statue right?”

“What? Of course I do. I'm not that insane... I think. It's just... just... I don't know actually but something makes it seems like those stony eyes are following my every movement,” I replied as I turned to Rarity and gave a shrug.

“Alright then, I've got everything I should need to take your measurements. Let's begin, first...,” she started before stopping herself and had a look of confusion and concern. After several seconds I spoke up.

“What's up and or wrong?”

“It's, well, it's as you said your work clothes and, ah, items are in the way,” she explained with worry. It took me a second to realize she was right before I glanced down and saw she was right.

“Damn. Forget about that.” I flatly spoke before waiting several seconds and started to take armor and weapons off. As I did I placed them into a pile resting against the base of the statue. When I was left with only sidearm and chest plates I gave a visible hesitation as I moved to take of the last weapon. It looked like Rarity was going to speak up but stopped when I took of the weapon and placed it on the ground.

“I may need help with this last piece,” I told Rarity as I undid the straps and buckles used to keep the armor in place. I grasped the material running over my shoulders keeping the two separate pieces attached and pulled up, my shoulders gave protest but nothing to stop me. Holding the armor in my right hand I again hesitated in placing it in the pile, for some reason I didn't want to let it go.

I took a deep breath and dropped it. I noticed how oddly it felt to have full range of breathing again and how constricting it felt at the same time. It must have shown on my face because Rarity asked about it.

“What is the problem Hunter?”

“The conflicting feelings I have about being able to fulling expand my chest, it feels good not having my torso pressing again fabric and metal plates, however it feels oddly constricting at the same time. I'm trying to work it out.”

“Don't give it any thought, I'm sure it well pass quick enough. Now would you place step on the statue so I can start,” she told me as she floated out the tools of her trade encased in light blue. I let out a small groan as a stepped up.

At first we didn't have any problems with taking the measurements but we both forgot I was twice the height of the average pony. Through trial and error we were able to move me around through standing, sitting, and for some reason laying down Rarity was able to get all she wanted to make me clothing.

I started simply and asked for two sets of black sweats and hoodies. She nearly flapped out about how drape and basic the request was but I was able to calm her down when I explained they were for simply physical training. This was on top of all the mumbling and nose scrunching she did while she took measurements. I also had to give my word I would get with her at some time in the future to work on something more fabulous.  As we talked I put everything I had taken off back on since it was easier to wear then carry around town.

We were soon at the cafe we stopped out after her tour and ordered our tea. While we waited Pinkie Pie stopped by an invited us to a party being put together at Sugar Cube Corner. I didn't have any valid reason not to show up and couldn't think of a plausible excuse so I ended up agreeing to show up.

After parting ways with Rarity I decided to check on Granny Smith to see if  she was still with the living. Even before I go to the cart I saw it was unattended and was a little curious on what was going on.

After I look the cart over for a note or something I found nothing and started asking random ponies walking by to see if they had an answer. All I got were weird looks, apologize, or fear before they dashed off.

I don't know how long I was waiting but Granny Smith soon walked up with Twilight as I did another statue impersonation. Twilight gave a brief greeting before headed off to Sugar Cube Corner.

Granny explained what had happened and how the cart was left alone. I looked over the cart and nearby area to confirm it was snake-less and reassure her. After she was happy with everything I told her I'd be back at the previously agreed timed and walked off.

I slowly made my way to the party and show several other ponies headed there as well. When I got there I bent down and tapped on a window and waved at everyone outside. They all waved and smiled before going back to what they were doing.

Before I looked away I saw the griffon I had talked with yesterday or I thought it was the griffon since I had talked with only one since I got to Ponyville.

I left the window and leaned up against the wall near it. I was bored and a little angry I was stuck outside as I heard all the commotion going on inside.

Soon I heard the griffon blow its stack in angry a minute before it stomped out.

“What's going on,” I asked with my elbows resting on my knees. The response I got was not what I thought it would be.

The griffon snapped its head to me and looked me over for a second before taking action.

It let out a scream of a bird of prey before launching itself at me with a single powerful lunge.

Even as it hit my legs and arms I was wondering what the hell was happening. Sadly, my limbs did nothing to slow down the attack. I next felt the griffon's weight slam into my chest causing my head to snap back and hit the wall.

I was dazed a second before I gathered my senses again and that was when I felt a talon on my left shoulder pressing down and saw the other talon raised up preparing to strike.

As the talon came down I snapped my right arm up to try and grasp the attacking limb. I failed an overshot but did end up blocking the attack with my forearm.

My attacking slide their limb down my arm and grasp my other shoulder before shrieking again.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” I screamed as I moved my hands to my attackers wrist as I tried to get my feet planted so I could to move to press against the wall. As I did that I felt talons starting to tense to grasp more then cloth and metal.

“AAHHHHH!” I screamed back at my attacker before landing a headbutt against their chest. It took enough wind out of them so I could bring myself to a position to stand.

When I made the move to push myself to my feet the griffon snapped its beak shut against my right forearm hard, luckily it didn't find flesh just cloth and metal.

Using the wall and muscle I brought myself to my feet pulling the griffon up with me, after struggling for several seconds I was able to get myself steady on my feet dealing with a struggling griffon. Now that we were both on two legs I had the advantage, for the moment at least.

The griffon didn't seem to be nearly as stable on two legs as me or had the upper body strength, form what I had gathered to easily pull away.

The griffon let go with its beak and started to try and pry its arms from my grasp. I was struggling to keep the grip, my balance, and find a way to end the fight without freaking everyone out.

I could lash out with kicks to the legs, abdomen, or start knee strikes but I didn't think it would go over well with me trying to inflict serious bodily harm on an attacker that spoke. Fortunately, I didn't have to decide what to do as the choice was taken from me.

Suddenly the griffon was encased in purple and blue field, which caused me to dart my eyes over to the nearby door. Standing there with looks of concentration and concern were the girls. By the time by eyes were back on the griffon I felt it trying to pull away.

I took a step into the pull to keep my grip and the griffon under control.

“What's going on,” I yelled pulling the griffon's arms to the sides. What I got wasn't what I thought it would be.

“Let her go,” Twilight yelled as I saw the purple light to my side grow. Doing something I was good  at, not asking questions, I let go and took a step back bringing my arms back to in front of me. Without any words I saw the white light around the griffon disappear and the purple intensify.

Then the griffon was hurled backwards and upwards and like the odd cartoons I watched disappeared over the horizon. After several seconds I dropped my guard and turned to the girls rubbing the spot were the griffon had bite.

“Again, what's going on,” I flatly asked. I got some nervous chuckles and lots of shifty eyes.

I was filled in on the events involving the griffon, named Gilda by the way, and her interactions with the girls and some of the locals mostly by Rainbow Dash and Pinkie. As they filled me in Fluttershy had brought me some ice my arm.

When they finished I let out a sigh and rubbed my eyes.

“So how does any of that result in what just happened,” I asked knowing I probably wouldn't get a response I liked.

“Well, Gilda has always what a pretty bad sense of humor,” Rainbow Dash gave, which I gave a sigh.

“Again doesn't explain the whole attacking me thing,” I returned waving a hand over me.

“You know what, I'm going to stop while I'm behind and not think about it any more. It's just going to make me angry and or confused,” I blurted out flipping my hands above my head before sitting back down.

“Let's leave the parts with me out of any and all paperwork of any kind, including to the princess. Which brings me to my next point, I'm taking the next couple days off to look into something for her,” I finished with a sigh before heading out to pick up Granny Smith with Applejack and called it an early day.

Coworkers

The morning after the Gilda incident I woke up in the lounge chair with an empty wine bottle at my feet as someone knocked on the door. I reached over an opened it the best I could without moving.

Applebloom walking through the door was not who I was excepting.

“Mornin'! How are you doing Mister Hunter, you ready to go on your secret mission?” I rubbed my eyes as she talked and gave her a look of confusion when we both finished.

“Huh, how do you know about that? I only told a few pe..., ponies about that, and you weren't one of them,” I told her as a leaned back into the chair.

“I heard my big sis talkin' 'bout it with Granny and Big Mac last night! So what are ya going to be doin' for Princess Celestia! I'm beating it's goin' to be super awesome,” she explained as she bounced around my small room with excess energy.

Narrowing my eyes for several reasons but mostly to think of a valid answer, I then remembered a good one.

“I can neither confirm nor deny any mission I may or may not have been assigned by the crown,” I told her with a flat tone and neutral face. Her face fell before she walked up to me looking at the ground.

“THAT'S SO COOL,” she yelled at me with excitement, “I'm goin' to tell Applejack,” she wrapped up with before dashing out of my room. I let out a groan as I stood up and left the room.

As I walked out of the room I noticed the sun was starting to come up, I didn't think anything of it. I did my normal morning routine before going back into my room.

After gearing up and packing my rack sack I locked the room and left to look for one of the Apple family, which I didn't have to look far. Granny Smith was on the porch in a rocking chair. I told her I'd be gone a week maybe give or take a day and left her the key.

I also left instructions that Applejack should tell Twilight if an emergency came up that needed my assistance to set off magically bursts off over Ponyville for me to see but don't except an instant response.

Turning I left and started my trek back into the Everfree Forest. I figured I could spend the next week inside of it and not have any problems. As I walked to the edge of the forest I figured I'd make camp for a night, maybe two, at the Castle of Nightmare Moon and give it a closer look before exploring.

I spent the journey in silence unlike last time but took longer since I didn't have a guide, in the end I still made it to the castle.

Before I got out of the tree line I slowed down and brought my rifle to the ready. Making as little noise as possibly I got into a position still in the forest that gave me a look at the castle.

It was at the time I realized I needed to invest in a pair of binoculars or a small portable telescope because my sight was limited. I fight a sigh down as I dropped to a knee and brought my rifle up to look down the iron sights.

I don't know if it actually changes anything but to me it seems to make things a bit clearer to see. On my third look over the ruins I saw something.

I saw a small trail of smoke raising into the sky. I couldn't see the actually fire as it was to far into the ruins. I lowered the rifle to relax my arms as I thought. I took it that the smoke was from a fire that had been used the night before or had been used to cook a meal. That didn't give me enough to make a clear choice on what to do.

I started to move but stopped when I remembered that I hadn't check the sky. From where I was I scanned over the sky twice and after seeing it looked clear brought the rifle back up and started creeping closer to where I thought the fire was.

I took my time moving from what little shadows there where deeper into the ruins doing my best to keep the noise to a minimal more then likely taking longer then I needed. I guess that maybe an hour an a half passed before I heard the first voice.

I stopped and pressed myself up against a wall. I couldn't make anything out but I did get some information. Someone was in the ruins with me and more then one body.

I quickly thought about what to do. I could move back into the forest and wait for them to leave before coming back in. I could hide nearby, wait for night then move to either take them or slip past in move into the ruins. Another option I had was to move and ambush them before moving in. Plus, I could move to a different location to get a better look at the area I thought the fire and voice was located. The last option I could think off was to announce myself see who they were and then decide what to do.

I clenched my teeth as I thought what to do. I didn't have enough to make any real choice, well maybe I did but I like to have more information.

I whispered fuck it to myself and started the slow move closer in. More time passed as I moved in and so far I was able to make out three voices and maybe a forth. For a reason I was able to tell the voices suddenly stopped and nothing was said.

Once again I pressed up against the stones and waited. As I did I looked over the area around me and above me to see if maybe I had been found out. After what I guess to be fifteen minutes with nothing happening I started moving around.

After a half hour I was able to get to a position to see where the smoke had been coming from and the voices. I found a pegasus and unicorn sleeping on bed rolls near the smoldering fire. I saw four more bed rolls laid out around the fire pit. Along one of the nearby walls I saw some crates stacked and saddle bags, among them I saw weapons and armor, at that I gripped my rifle tighter.

Skipping looking closer at the weapons I moved my eyes to look closer at the armor, when I did I relaxed.

I saw the armor belonged to the Guard. I saw sets for both the Solar and Lunar Guard. They must be here looking into the ruins for clues to the culprits to what I found when I first came here, or that's the first thing that popped in my head that made sense.

Then another thought popped into my head and a wicked grin spread on my face. I slowly and quietly stood and moved into the camp.

Moving over to the crates I sat myself  among them hiding myself leaning up against the wall, now all I had to do was wait.

Luckily I didn't have to wait long before a Luna Guard pegasus and Solar Guard unicorn walked into the camp. Neither saw me as they moved without talking to sit on what I guessed was their bed roles. Lady Luck must have been in on this with me since they both sat with their backs towards me.

With another wicked grin on my face I started my slow crouched walked over to the pegasus and as I did I took the knife off my chest in my right hand. Soon I was behind an unsuspecting guard as I crept my left hand move out to grab his face.

Without a sound and with the speed of an asp my hand snapped out and grab his face by his muzzle covering his month as I moved my the knife to bring to his throat an as I pulled him back his legs kicked out and wings flared.

By the time he realized what was going on and was able to react I had the blade against his throat and the noise he made alerted the other guards.

The Solar unicorn was the first to react as he stood and spun to face me, the two sleeping guards snapped awake and were starting to struggle to get out of their blankets as the pegasus I had taken went limp as I pulled him into my chest as I stayed crouched.

“My, my, what to do, what to do...,” I spoke loud enough for everyone to hear me with a dark and evil tone slowly. The pegasus I was holding tried to turn his head to get a better look at me when he heard my voice, while the unicorn to my right started to gather magical energy.

By the time the two former sleeping guards were on their feet the pegasus I had raised and was moving his hooves at the others to stop them.

After a minute of no one moving or speaking I let go of my hostage as I stood up. The three guards I hadn't touched didn't do anything while my former hostage ran a hoof over his throat before letting out a humorless chuckle.

“If he really wanted to and had tried all four of us would be corpses right now,” the pegasus spoke with a gruff voice that sounded familiar.

“You one of the guard that took Ponyville,” I asked with a level voice as I put the knife away.

“Yes sir I am.”

“Gotta say, I was excepting more from the Guard,” I returned as I moved to sit down next to the pegasus.

“Stand down, you three. There's no threat... is there sir,” he told the others before turning to face me.

“No, not unless one of you want there to be,” I added as I sat down next to him which he gave a grunt of no.

“We can't let this, this, thing get away with this act against the guard,” screamed out the unicorn that had walked in with my ex-hostage as he pointed a hoof at me, “Even if it's a Lunar Guard.”

“Colt, even if you were to try and stop him now I'm confident he would leave the four of us in growing pools of blood even if we were able to harm him,” the pegasus sternly returned as he glared at the unicorn, “Isn't that right sir.”

I turned my head to look at the two before I answered.

“Yeah, it is. I would drop anyone of you that tried to restrain me... violently,” I told everyone present flatly as I stared at the unicorn.

“I highly doubt that sir! There are four of us and only one of him and we are members of the Royal Guard! We are the best of the best... well... some of us,” the unicorn animatedly told everyone before looking over to the other Solar Guard unicorn with a cruel smile which the two Luna Guard pegasus gave angry frowns and wing shuffles.

“You will stand down. You will listen to my orders. Do you understand,” the gruff voiced pegasus told the unicorn as he walked to stand in front of him with his wings flared out to appear threatening. The other pegasus seemed to move to away from the unicorn near him as he opened his wings.

I was starting to see some unspoken hostility existed between the two houses an I decided to intervene. I stood up and moved my hands to take my rifle in my hands.

“If a fight does breaks out I just want everyone to know only one house present will be left standing or neither an it all rest on what I decide,” I spoke with a neutral tone as I flipped the safety off on the rifle and raised it slightly not realizing they didn't know what I had done.

“And from what little I've seen... I think I know which side I'm on... So, are we going to make something of it,” I coolly told the unicorn as I shifted my feet for a better stance and leaving the threat in the air.

I saw the unicorn in front of me shift his eyes over to the other with what I took as fear before he spoke.

“Well, it seems the lower guards have support from another reject. Let's go somewhere else Spark,” the unicorn in front of me said before walking off with the other in tow. Everyone left stood quietly for a several seconds.

I moved to sit back down along with the pegasus across from me while the other moved to grab a saddlebag.

“Eh, it alright if I try and get some more sleep? I still have the next night watch right,” the pegasus asked as he looked at this disheveled sleeping spot.

“Yeah, it's OK, but we'll still be talking about this incident later,” was his answer after dropping the saddlebag was dropped, with a simple nod the pegasus moved to get back to sleep.

The other opened up his saddlebag and started looking in it for something.

“Sir, what brings you here? I haven't received any scrolls or messengers saying that you would be out here,” he asked as he somehow held out three scrolls. “Or am I not cleared to know about it?”

I shook my head before speaking, “I don't know about what you're cleared for and I'm out here to get away from farm work mostly.” The pegasus gave a gruff chuckle before putting the scrolls back into the saddlebag.

“Sir, you decided to come into this forest to mostly get away from farm work,” he asked with skepticism as he sat down. “Sir, you'll have to forgive me for not believing you.”

“Hey, I can't do anything about that,” I gave back with a shrug of  my shoulders.

“Whatever reason brought you out here is yours, and more then likely the Throne, who I'm to ask, ah sir,” he returned rubbing his throat again.

“Sir, I have to ask, why attack us,” he asked with concern and confusion turning to look at me. I let out a sigh as I shrugged my shoulders.

“I was bored, have a bent sense of humor, and at times a demented fuck,” I let him know casually with a half shrug as I turned my head to look at him.

Pure disbelief was clear on his face as he processed and understand what I told him.

“S, sir... Sir, you made us think we were going to die... be, because you were bored,” he got out standing up and flaring his wings again with a tone that was the opposite of polite conversation.

“A, and then you act so causally? What's wrong with you,” he yelled out causing the other guard to pop up.

“According to my paperwork, nothing... I'm perfectly normal,” I gave deadpan with another half shrug. He went from infuriated to perplexed as he now tried to process that an a glance at the other guard showed the same.

They gave an awkward silence while they attempted and after a minute they gave one.

“Wha?”

“Sir...? Wha, how... I, I...,” the standing pegasus gave with narrowed eyes darting in confusion as his wings drooped and I smiled in amusement and gave a mirthless chuckle.

“You can't be normal,” he screamed pointing a hoof at me after a second, my response of laughing didn't make the situation better.

“There has to be something wrong with you! No pony acts like that... or this! You have to have a problem! There's no other explanation!” I gave another chuckle.

“Ah, yeah, there is. There's one word in your last rant that will clarify aaall this, think about which one,” with a knowing smirk. The pegasus narrowed his eyes as he thought for several minutes.

“Sir... it's pony... right, sir,” he asked as he shifted his wings.

“Ding, ding, ding! That's right, the word that clears all this up is pony. Do I look like a pony,” I gave him with a wave of my hand over myself.

“No, I actually don't know what you are as a matter of fact, ah Sir,” he told me with a nervous look, “but I guess that would explain a whole lot because you are not a pony and wouldn't act like one,” he finished his thought with as he sat back down with confusion still in his voice. Before he could speak again I did trying to change the topic.

“What's up with all the Siring? Why not use my name and on the topic of names what yours?”

“Sir, the way I look at it you report directly to the Princesses and I interpret that to mean you're several or even dozens of levels higher in the chain of command then I am and there for of higher importance and rank making you a superior. As a result of that I'm required to address you by your rank or sir.  As for who I am, it's Sargent Silent Lighting of her Majesty's Lunar Guard,” he let me know as he looked around at the area near the entrance to the castle.

“It's good to finally know your name Sargent and to properly meet you, without any crowns or twisted jokes involved,” I offered him along with my hand, which he took without hesitation and shook.

“Even more on my end but I still don't believe your humor is normal for your people.”

“Eh, for the vast majority of'em you're right but among some circles it's normal and encouraged, and please I'd rather not try and explain it at the moment,” I gave up with holding a hand up.

“Alright, I'll let it go for now but I do want to hear who would find what you did normal in the future.”

“Alright, maybe and totally not on topic and to change the subject, you out here to look into what I found when I first came out,” I quickly ask shifting topics.

“Yes sir, we've been here since the night you reported the scene to Princess Celestia. After informing Princess Luna they put together this small detachment to investigate the area for additional information,” he confirmed pointing back at the entrance to inside the castle, “Sir, I don't know if it's fortunate or unfortunate that we haven't found anything outside of the first report.”

“To me, unfortunate. It takes a special type of pony crazy to do what was down there,” I offered to him my option, which he gave a nod.

“Sir, I'll agree on the crazy but not on it being unfortunate,” he gave with a sigh rubbing his eyes with the tips of wings and I gave a shrug in disagreement.

“Going back a little, you mean to tell me in this entire castle you haven't found anything that might be tied in? I find that unlikely, I mean everyone makes mistakes or simply forgets something.”

“The entire room has been searched top to bottom several times with nothing found Sir,” he explained before a small pause, “What do you mean the rest of the castle and why would we search the rest of it?”

It was now my turn to be confused before I faced palmed and gave a groan.

“You honestly didn't think to check any place else?”

“Ah, No Sir,” came the embarrassed reply as he turned his head down and glanced at me. “But why would we? Everything that happened was in the one spot.” I tilted my head to the side as I looked him over as I thought.

“Ah, I think I can say for sure that it would take a good deal of time to prepare, setup, and conduct the... I'll say spell. While that was happening there could have been some place where those involved waited, resting, plan, or whatever and it wouldn't be in the room to avoid mistakes. It would be in the area to minimize travel, exposure, and any other delays,” I laid out for him with a tone a instructor might give. Lighting took in what I said and nodded in agreement.

“I'm starting to see what you're saying Sir, but where would we start,” he gave before asking with a wave off a hoof over the area. It took a second for me to remember that I thought I saw something in one of the towers.

“I got a place where we can start. Come on, follow me,” I told him as I stood and afterwards I took off my rucksack and tossed it over to the crates.

“It may take a few tries to make it there but we're going to check out on of the towers. I thought I saw something in one of the towers when we were coming here.”

“Why do I have to follow you? Can't I just fly there Sir,” Lighting asked as he fell in step beside me.

“Sure you can but do you want to risk coming across the bastards that brought you out here,” I asked him as we walked into the castle interior.

“Ah, no Sir, I wouldn't want to meet them alone without anypony else with me but what are we going to do if we do come across somepony? Shouldn't we get the other guards and take a look Sir,” he asked as he shifted his wings against his armor.

“Well to answer the first question we'll apply violence to resolve the problem and reapply as needed. For the second question, probably but I'm impatient and confident in my ability to apply violence, does that answer your questions,” I gave up with a shifting of my armor with my shoulders.

“It does Sir but it doesn't exactly make me feel comfortable about how you would take care of the problem. Why would you go with violence, if you don't mind me asking Sir,” Lighting told me as we walked down a hallway.

“Not only do my people have a long unimaginable, by pony standards, history which I share, more imaginable, it's kinda our default response to something. Not really a clear or deep and meaningful answer but it has a acceptable track record and should work for now.”

“I don't know if I should be impressed or depressed by that Sir.”

“There is always both,” I returned as I saw a pile of rubble in the hallway we were in before turning around.

“Are you this difficult to talk to and understand all the time sir,” Lighting asked as we turned into a new hallway.

“Yeah, probably. You'll have to ask the sisters for confirmation though, I don't think I should have final say on the matter,” I told him looking at him with a stupid grin on my face.

“I'll have to try and remember to do that Sir,” he gave with a chuckle as we continued to walk.

After what I would say was fifteen or twenty minutes of searching we found a staircase that looked like it would us to where I thought I had seen something.

We slowly and quietly made our way up the stairs with me taking point. As we made out way up I felt my heart beating harder and faster with each step. New found strength started to flow through me as the world around me started to slow to my senses.

At the door to the room where I thought I saw something I stopped and attempted to destroy it with thoughts of pure hate, I thought it was justified since it was made for  your average pony while the the stairs up were made for someone my size. I fight down a growl as I clenched my teeth.

I waved Lighting up and mimed him kicking the door down and me moving through. Unfortunately it took several tries for him to understand what I wanted to happen but he got it. We both shifted around to get in position before nodded we were ready.

I brought the rifle up and as silently as possibly and with my non firing hand held up three finger and gave one final nod.

I started to drop my fingers slowly and when the last fell Lighting kicked the door open with a loud crack and shower of splinters from the blow. I moved as fast as I could form a kneeling position into the room yelling with anger and authority.

“ROYAL GUARD, ON THE GROUND, ON THE GROUND NOW!”

Lighting was behind me and inside in seconds, where we both found the room empty of bodies, however it wasn't as empty as it should have been.

As I stood back up I looked over the room and saw that it had been recently used and not as abandoned as the guard thought.

I saw six bed rolls on the floor to the left of the room against the standing wall while opposite of it near the partially collapse wall where two low chairs to look out and observe the approach to the castle and the courtyards, passageways, walls, and such below.

Near the bedrolls I saw two open crates and a third that was closed with a pried off lid along with several saddlebags. There wasn't any garbage in the room but there was a brunt out fire pit near the chairs that I suspected was used for warmth, light, and trash.

“Looks like I wasn't as being simply paranoid, I was being paranoid and right,” I told myself as I walked over to the crates as Lighting looked over the bed rolls.

“You're not paranoid if you're right Sir,” he quipped as he turned over a bed roll and I quickly turned to look at him in surprise.

“You're damn right and might I add I'm surprised at that. I wouldn't think you would see that,” I gave him as I pulled of the lid to the crate.

“Sir, I wasn't always in the guard and I did learn a couple things before hoof,” he shot back with pride and humor which I gave a chuckle to as I pulled the lid off and tossed it aside.

Inside I saw some type of cloth bundles, glass containers, books, and scrolls. A quick look into the other two crates and saw basic packages of food, water, bottles, and weather gear. I picked up a book at random and turned to face Lighting.

“Hey, take a look at this,” I told him holding out the book, “you got any ideas on it,” I asked him before he came over and took it from me. As he looked through it I picked up a scroll and opened it to look though.

As I tried to read it none of the writings made any sense to me and only caused my eyes and head to hurt while the diagrams caused nothing to happen. I let go with my left hand so I could rub my eyes and dropped the other with the scroll.

“I can't make any of this out but I think it involves magic... I think the Princesses need to see this,” Lighting told me with worry and concern in his voice as he handed the book back. I looked at him with puzzlement and took the book.

“Didn't we just scare off two unicorns that use magic? Why not just have them look at this stuff? It would be a lot quicker,” I asked dropping the scroll back into the crate to look through the book.

“Yes Sir we did, but I don't like those two and don't have any trust in them. I've never really trusted the Solar Guard but those two just rub me wrong,” I was informed as I looked through the book and got the same results as the scroll.

“I'm not going to give them any kind of access to these materials Sir... unless you order me Sir,” he started with concern moving to contempt. I narrowed my eyes in confusion and angry as I looked him over and thought.

“I'm not entirely sure where I fall in the chain of command... so I'm not going to be giving any orders, I'll differ to you on this Sarge,” I finally gave with a shrug with a rub of the back of my neck after tossing the book in the crate.

My answer seemed to take Silent Lighting by surprise which made me confused.

“Ah, did I saw something stupid again?”

“No you didn't say anything stupid. I'm perplexed that you're listening to me, I'm just a Sargent, no pony that makes more then me listens to what I have to say. Are you messing with me or are you really going to follow my recommendation... ah, Sir...,” Lighting told me with a look and tone of suspicious and contempt before it jumped to a look of surprise when he realized he hadn't properly addressed me.

I stared at him for several seconds to let him sweat or whatever it is ponies do before I started to give a dry laugh as I did I patted him on the shoulder.

“I know the feeling dude, those higher up do have a bad habit of not listening to those that actually know what the fuck is going on right,” I told him as I nodded and walked over and to the opening in the wall.

“So how are we going to let Sun Butt and Loon know about all this,” I asked as sat down on one of the mini chairs. Lighting gave a snort as he tried to kill the laughter followed by a few dry coughs.

“I've never heard anypony talk about Princess Celestia so casual with a straight face and I'm not sure what you mean when you refer to Princess Luna but I guess it's something like with her sister and I want to say you shouldn't either,” Lighting started to lecture me before pausing and letting and a sigh before continuing.

“However, I got a odd feeling there's more to all of it that I don't know but I am going to ask that you don't talk about the Princesses like that in front of the others Sir,” he finished with a shuffle of his wings and I gave a half nod which he took as a yes.

“I can get Valiant Dive to fly a letter to Princess Celestia when he's suppose to be on patrol. It will take his entire patrol slot but if he's fast enough and doesn't run into any problems he should make it to deliver a report to her before she starts holding court and then be teleported back nearby to avoid being late reporting back. Then to explain why he's so exhausted he can so he spent the last patrol doing sprints to work on his speed, that should cover everything,” Lighting started talking out loud as he stared into the burnt out fire pit rubbing his wings against his armor.

“You know the weirdest part about what you just did was to me? Rubbing your wings against your armor,” I blurted out giving him a flat look before giving a half shrug, “As for your idea sounds solid to me, I don't see any flaws but there always is,” I added before letting out a sigh and standing up to stand next to him as Lighting just gave me another puzzled look.

“So I take it I get to write up the report since you aren't in possession of fingers,” I ask with some angry and boredom to my voice.

“That would work Sir, it would be quicker and I think harder to read if Dive gets intercepted since I take it you don't write in modern equestrian,” I hadn't thought about that last part until Lighting brought it up and was a great point that I would have to remember and I think he saw my surprise but choose not to speak on it.

“Alright then, help me dig through these crates and stuff to find writing material.”

As we look I didn't saw anything but Lighting seemed to mumble to himself about everything he found for several minutes before he gave a groan after he dropped something wooden to the stone floor. I moved over to see what he had found.

As I got next to him he spoke up.

“By the Moon, what kind of deviant brings a case of Jolly Fires' Rum to...,” he started moaning before I saw what he was dealing with. I gave grunt of approval as I reached in to grab the case, which was only missing one of the six bottles. Lighting looked at me with brows knitted in confusion as he spoke.

“Ah, Sir? What are you doing?”

“First answer, my kind of deviant, second answer, confiscating this case in the name of the crown, because reasons,” again Lighting seemed puzzled by my comments as I placed the crate on one of the chairs.

“Anything else in there worth me taking in the name of the crown,” I asked before he could comment as I took a bottle to look at, slowly turning it. For a minute he didn't saw anything and just stood there.

“Eh,” was his brilliant answer as he gave blank blink as I took the cap off the bottle I was holding. Lighting didn't reply he just turned around and started to look back through the crate he got the rum from. I took a sip from the bottle as I walked back to the crate I was looking through.

After a few more minutes of looking Lighting found what we were looking for in a saddlebag. As he passed the material to me he gave a disapproval look as he looked at the bottle I was holding but didn't say anything.

What up, Sunny McBoring Flank?

Two guesses who this is, you should only need one and if not, shame on you. Me and Sarge found some shit left by the ponies that did that thing. We need to take about dumb asses.

With a quick look we didn't find anything that points to where to go next maybe with a closer look.

We found the stuff nearby nothing physically big in the loot and we don't know what like three quarters of the stuff we found is, you or maybe some other minions of yours might know.

If you want to know what we found, well I'm to lazy to write it down so meh.

Well that's about all I got for the moment I have an interrogation.

The Great and Powerful (Your Guess)

P.S. I know a pony that likes to yell that out.

P.P.S Send minions to collect this shit.

P.P.P.S.

To the Princess of the Sun and Equestria, Celestia,

This report is to inform you of the progress made in the investigation of the [REDACTED] at [REDACTED] by members of both the Solar Guard and Lunar Guard.

After members of the Solar Guard and Lunar Guard completed the initial investigation of the [REDACTED], discovered by Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] on [REDACTED], after being cleared by [REDACTED] and [REDACTED], [REDACTED] was discovered, after several additional investigations [REDACTED] information was uncovered.

After Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] arrived at the [REDACTED] at [REDACTED] and made contact with Lunar Guard Sargent [REDACTED] the investigation area was expanded.

Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] provided intelligence that indicated a [REDACTED] at [REDACTED] should be investigated. Sargent [REDACTED] and Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] proceeded to the supplied site.

After entry into [REDACTED] was preformed and the sweep and clear preformed [REDACTED] hostiles were found.

Sargent [REDACTED] and Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] found a [REDACTED]of those possibly involved with the [REDACTED] stated above.

At the site [REDACTED] [REDACTED] were present, giving a approximate minimal number involved, near a burnt out [REDACTED]. This indicates that [REDACTED] was used for an [REDACTED]. In addition, [REDACTED] were located at the site, [REDACTED] and [REDACTED], along with [REDACTED].

Sargent [REDACTED] and Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] proceeded to [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] the [REDACTED] [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] in order to found additional intelligence, [REDACTED] of immediate value.

The [REDACTED] of the [REDACTED] were [REDACTED] by the [REDACTED] personal on scene, however Sargent [REDACTED] indicated that [REDACTED] were of a [REDACTED] nature. In addition, all [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] on site were [REDACTED]*.

Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] request immediately [REDACTED] of all [REDACTED] on scene for [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] at [REDACTED] by [REDACTED] or [REDACTED]. Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] request reports [REDACTED].

In addition, Agent of the Throne [REDACTED] request [REDACTED] to [REDACTED] with [REDACTED].

In addition, a [REDACTED] has been [REDACTED] to explain [REDACTED] when returning to [REDACTED].

In conclusion, it is respectfully requested that [REDACTED] the size used to deliver [REDACTED] to initial insertion [REDACTED] be used to [REDACTED] material [REDACTED].

*The [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] caused [REDACTED] to [REDACTED], [REDACTED] stated [REDACTED].

Very Respectfully,

[REDACTED]

By the time I finished writing out the formal part of the report to Celestia almost an hour an hour had past and my brain was tired from getting the damn thing right the first time. I didn't trust blotting out any mistakes, words, groups of words, or anything else since I had a feeling magic could be used to lift the extra ink of the paper to find what I had originally written.

In the end I though I got the overall picture of what needed to happen across to Celestia and gave enough to confuse and peak the interest of anyone else. While I was writing and drinking Lighting stood over watch near the hole.

“Damn, finally finish. Hey, Sarge it's ready to be sent to Cantorlot,” I blurted out standing up with scroll in one hand and bottle in the other before walking over to him.

He took the scroll and looked it over becoming confused and shaking his head. He gave one final glance at the scroll before rolling it up.

“The only thing I know for certain about this is you seemed to use the same word over and over again. I'll fly back down to the camp site and get Private Dive on his way,” he informed me stuffing the scroll under his armor. Before he took I told him to bring back my rack sack.

I sat back down on one of the chairs and continued my interrogation of the rum. After taking a long draw from it I let out a long heavy sigh rubbing my eyes. I sat for several minutes and just stared past the burnt wood and ash.

I gave a few quick blinks to get the blank look of my face before standing up and moving to lean against the bricks forming the hole in the wall. I look over the ground below of me when I heard a rush of displaced air. I saw Valiant Dive heading off in what I guess was the direction of Cantorlot.

I turned my gaze to the guard camp site and saw Lighting with the two unicorn asses from earlier along with an additional Lunar Guard unicorn and Solar Guard pegasus. Lighting had my ruck sack on his back and looked like he was trying to get away.

This went on for a bit before I saw Lighting shout at the two unicorns and they took a step back letting Lighting pass. With a powerful beat of his wings he took off but in the wrong direction before he disappeared from sight.

After I lost sight of him I look back down at the camp site and saw the guards left behind split into their respected house, well more like the lone Lunar Guard walked to what I guess was his saddlebag and took a book out of it and going to his bed roll.

After watching for a minute I shrugged and took another sip of rum before sitting back down. Soon I heard wing beats and hooves hitting stone. When I looked at the source I saw Lighting had returned and was taking off my ruck sack.

“Sir, here's your saddlebag, may I ask why you needed me to bring it,” Lighting inquired.

“Well, I guess you could call it a saddlebag,” I started out with with a scratch at my face, “It's going to be easier to explain I got nearly half a dozen bottles of rum out of here then that crate over there,” I finished pointing to the crate in question.

He gave uhm of understanding as I moved to stuff the crate's contents into the ruck sack, which only took a minimal amount of effort.

“So what where those two day uni's asses giving you problems about,” I asked sitting against the wall near the edge of the hole.

“They were demanding to explain where I had was and where you are Sir. They also wanting to know what I gave Private Dive before sending him on patrol. They seem to have a problem understanding that the Sargent in charge of this detail is Lunar Guard,” he explained to me as he moved to sit in one of the chairs.

“I'm guessing you told them in summary to piss off, you're in charge, that they shouldn't be questioning your actions,” I asked as I swirled the bottle before offering it to the Sargent.

“Yes Sir and no thank you Sir, I'm still on detail I can't be drinking,” was his quick reply holding a hoof up.

“Hey, no big. I completely understand, technical I'm not suppose to drinking either but who's going to stop me,” I informed him with a sly smile before raising the bottle in a mock toast and taking a drink.

“I think the Princesses Sir, but I get the feeling you really don't care about that,” he gave with humor in his tone before giving a gruff chuckle.

“Yep, but you didn't touch on the quote unquote problem of a Lunar Guard being in charge. Why would that be a problem,” I asked without using air quotes but still swirling the bottle while Lighting gave a deep sigh.

“The Solar Guards believe that one of them should be charge since they have over a thousand years of unbroken service to Princess Celestia, while Princess Luna's guard has only been active for a few weeks now since being taken out of reserve status,” Lighting sat and explained to me with a tone a teacher would use with students.

“Career Lunar Guard are rare, active more so. When we were reactivated with the return of our Princess, we were completely ill prepare. We lacked numbers, experience, material, and support and were forced to take what some believe,” he paused and gave an uncomfortable shift in his sit along with his wings, “to be uncultured,” he said with with venom, “and unnecessary.”

So far while he talked I sat quietly and sipped my rum.

“We reactivated everypony that had been in the Lunar Guard but was no longer in active status. Every discharge was declared void and former guards to report to Cantorlot for service. We had ponies with Honorable, dishonorable, medical, and administration discharges being forced back into armor to attempt to fulfill our rapidly growing duties. Most voiced their displeasure in what was happening but kept in professional but some weren't,” he added before rolling his wings.

“Most of the problems as you probably know come form those dishonorable discharged, they were never really fit for service but we've always been short on everything and take what we find,” he told me before pausing and giving me a worried look before he spoke again.

“A few were pulled from various jail, prison, and police cells were they were found,” another uncomfortable pause.

“While we pulled the former guards out we saw a chance to grow our ranks. We offered the others in cells a chance to serve the Princess of the Night in exchange for reduced sentences. This caused an out raged in the Solar Court and Guard,” Lighting told me looking at me with a hint of fear and shame on his face as he waited for me to respond.

“I got no problem with what the Lunar Guard has done or is doing. My own people have done the same in the past and present when similar situations happen with almost identical results. I've got questions but I'll wait to ask you may answer them,” I informed him with some empathy before drinking again.

“Both saw our actions as unbecoming of a Guard but they refuse to see the position we are in. They see us as a Guard of the unfit, unworthy, and criminals unfit to serve our Princess or wear the armor of the Guard. The nobles and Solar Guard are trying to strip us of our power and ability by chipping away at what little we have,” Lighting explained with anger seeping into his voice.

“The Lunar guard is use to it they've been doing it for a thousand years but now they're more aggressive about it. Also, now they're spreading rumors and lies about us and our Princess,” Lighting added with more anger seemingly getting ready to go on an angry rant.

“We've been doing our best to keep her out off this, she had enough problems adjusting to the present day and reconnecting with her beloved sister. We just want to serve her with honor and courage to show our commitment to her, we're not trying to take over the Solar Guard or anything,” he told me with remorse and despair in his voice surprising me since I was expecting a rant.

While I didn't tell him he managed to answer a few of my questions but I left that alone for the moment, since I didn't really know how to respond at that moment.

“To be honest I don't know what to tell you. I've never had to deal with the problems that any Guard house have to face. I generally work alone or with small groups independent of the Guard,” I let Lighting know which caused his wings to slump slightly.

“However, it sounds like you are doing what the Lunar Guard was meant to do, serve Luna. Personally, I think you're doing a better job then the Solar Guard since you're doing it with so many problems, short comings, and restrictions,” I told the seemingly becoming depressed Sargent.

“Try taking it in stride, remind the Solar Guard and nobles how bad ass the Lunar Guard is even with everything going on and keeping up with their counterparts,” my voice carrying pride and angry in it as I stood up to stand over him.

“In the end it will be the Lunar Guard that is vindicated in their actions,” I told him with a sagely and confident voice as I put my free hand on his shoulder. My words seemed to bring a new energy to the guardspony as he gave a simply nod before speaking.

“Thank you Sir, you've given me somethings to think about and talk to the others about,” he gave with a small smirk before I moved back to my spot on the wall.

“Yeah, yeah, enough of this heart warming stuff. It's not really my thing,” I gave with a wave of the bottle in a playful dismissive manner and tone. He gave a laugh at it while nodding.

“Of course Sir. So what do we talk about instead while we wait for Princess Celestia to respond,” he simply asked.

“Well, I do have some more questions on what's going on with the Guard Houses, Cantorlot, and Luna,” I told him while I shifted to get comfortable.

“I may not be able to answer all your questions Sir.”

“I'll take whatever you got.”

With that I started to inquire about the topics I had brought up several more, some related other not so much. Among the questions we talked a bit about topics that dealt with them to help fill in knowledge I was missing. We stopped a handful of times to move around, get water, or whatever.

This went on for about four hours by my estimate and was about late afternoon when Lighting caught sight of something approaching in the sky.

I took cover on the left side of the hole using what was left of the wall as cover as I used part of the wall to rest the rifle on while Lighting moved to the right side to take cover. I adjusted to look down the sights to look at the approaching object.

“I can't make anything out, you,” I asked Lighting keeping the sights at the object.

“No Sir, it's m

still to far out.”

“Damn. You see what's his name come back yet? Shouldn't he be back by now? I haven't, you?”

“No Sir I have not and yes he should be back by now through the Princess,” Lighting answered with some worry in his voice narrowing his eyes at the objects.

“Double damn. You know anyway to inquire at the ident of who's approaching and it better be quick,” I asked adjusting by hands on the rifle sparing a quick glance at Lighting.

“Yes Sir I do standby,” he quickly snapped off before rolling out of cover and dropping over the side. I didn't move to track him.

“On over watch,” I yelled out to him as he disappeared from sight hoping he would understand what I was telling him.

After what was more then likely a minute but felt like several I saw three red burst appear in my field of vision causing me to grip my weapon tighter. I took in that the unicorns had used their magic for the burst in some type of visual comms.

After several seconds three burst appeared in the sky, green, yellow, green. However, I didn't know what they meant so couldn't tell if it was a good or bad sign.

As the minutes passed I felt my body start to slide into a state ready for violence as the object grew larger. Where was Lighting, I needed information I what was going on. Soon I saw that the object was actually two, chariots in a line

As they approached I spared a quick glance off them to look for any signs of Lighting, I got nothing as I was no able to see the chariots in detail.

The one in front was smaller and was uncovered with bodies in it, the second was larger and covered with no current view into the back.

I kept my rifle pointed at the back of the open chariot knowing I could do the most damage there if needed.

By the time I could count the bodies in the chariot I was able to tell they looked like they belonged to the Solar Guard but I couldn't tell if they were legit.

By the time they started to drop altitude I still had no new information on what was going on and I gave one last look for Lighting or another Guard for an update only to fail.

I let out a long soft breath to steady my pounding heart and calm my nerves, the rum was both helping and hindering at the moment.

When the chariots touched down at the guard camp I verified my safety was still off and slide my finger onto the trigger. For a long second nothing happened then there was movement from the back of the covered chariot.

A Solar Guard got out of the back whose armor made him stand out. I interrupted that to mean he was a officer and followed him as we walked to the front of the forward chariot.

When he stopped I saw Lighting was standing at attention and saluting, I took this as a positive sign. It meant that Lighting know who this was and should be here, with that I let my shoulders slack but still kept my focus on the unicorn.

Without warning the unicorn suddenly hit Lighting in the face with a hoof and I reacted, I squeezed the trigger.

I heard the crack of the rifle and the felt recoil in my shoulder as I saw the unicorn slowly turn his head to look at the side of his barrel facing me before he dropped. As he did I shifted to fire at the back of the open chariot.

I gave another squeeze, more noise and recoil, the round hit low and hit the side of the chariot. I squeezed again, a crack and pressure, the round hits to the right of a Guard in the back of the chariot and I see heads turn to look at the impact.

As I lined up my next shot I vaguely heard a shout before the Guards exploded into a fury of activity.

The next pull of my finger, another crack and recoil, this time the round hits. The pegasus lands on his face and not on his hooves as a cloud of red mist and white feathers appears to his left as he jumped off the back of the chariot.

I adjust my grip as I shift, I see another pegasus fall over the first, while he tried to recover I stopped him. Another cloud appears as I catch a glimpse of an orange lit, I snap the rifle to the left looking for the source. I find it coming from a unicorn trying to cast a spell. I informed him of my displeasure.

Another pull back of my finger, a crank and recoil and the unicorn falls forward his horn no longer orange. I start to hear muffled noises coming from the guard camp but can't make any of them out.

When I long back at the open chariot I see it's empty, I open my left eye and look over the guard camp looking for a target, I only see Lighting, non-hostile, I kept looking.

Suddenly, the sky is filled with magically colored bolts, evaluation, blind firing, they don't know where I am.

Moving rifle back and forth I can't see any targets except the ones I already hit, I wait and as I do I see a lime green shield appear around the camp site. I gave three quick pulls to test it.

I see ripples flow across the surface of the bubble, it stopped my rounds, a standoff. I see Lighting is standing in the open wildly waving his hooves around and yelling, I just here muffled noises.

For several minutes I just stare at the shield and wait for a target of opportunity. I watch Solar Guards hesitatingly leave cover to pull back the fallen guard members either with muscle or magic into cover. Lighting is still standing in the open.

Suddenly the shield falls and Lighting dashes forward before the shield reappears behind him. He gives a look behind him before he slowly takes off starts flying. He's not a threat so I don't keep my attention on him, the threat is behind the shield. But why did they let him go?

After a minute a hear muffled noises coming from nearby, I can't make them out, I stay focused. Slowly I see a dark color appear in my vision and it's out of focus.

I quickly look at the color and focus, it's Lighting and it looks like he's talking. I take my focus off him and look back to the camp.

“What the fuck is going on,” I demanded with hostility and confusion, my voice sounds far off and garbled to me.

“...you the same thing,” I finally hear Lighting say with the same tone as he cautiously moves closer to me.

“Target One hit you declaring himself and those with him as hostile, I reacted by providing covering fire to allow you to take cover, you failed to. Target two and three were opportunities, target four was preparing a magic spell, I interrupted, you failed to fall back into cover. Shield appears, I tested its strength, too strong. Fell into over watch,” I quickly rattled off to him as I kept searching.

“... do that,” I picked up when he spoke again and I narrowed my eyes to figure out what he had said.

“You're an ally, one protects allies while defeating enemies,” I popped off while focusing on a shadow I saw moving near the edge of a wall.

“... doing that, but your enemies right now are allies,” Lighting muffled shouted out at me while pointing at both me and the camp.

“Invalid, allies do not strike allies, enemies hit allies,” I countered tightening my grip and narrowing my eyes again at the shadow.

“... down, I SAID STAND DOWN,” Lighting shouted out to me with desperation. I blinked several times before putting the rifle on safe then I turned my head and started to dry heave.

After several seconds with nothing coming up I stopped and spit the excess saliva over the side. With firing hand on rifle I used my free hand to help push myself to my feet.

“So, I guess we both have some explaining to do,” I dryly stated looking at Lighting who gave a grim nod.

Awakening

What counts as reality? What counts as a dream? How does one tell one from the other? Can someone tell the difference between the two while in either? How does the mind tell them apart and if it could, would it truly believe? Have the sounds and songs heard come from within or without? The images seen real, a dream, or a meld of them?

Questions, all I truly know now are questions. They come from my mind or so I hope and not from my own twisted reflection. I don't know how long these questions and probably many more have been going through my mind.

All I wanted to do was escape from want ever the world actually was at the end and I thought I had finally found a way. After all the things I had seen through that green and red haze done for what ever reason that was bought into at the time and everything I had done myself by my own hands. I hoped it would be the end of myself imposed torment when I closed my eyes that last time.

However, something happened before or during the time my eyes became heavy. There was suppose to be nothing, nothing of every kind and it was going to be the end for me.

At first I think it was. There was nothing, I was nothing. Then I slowly started to see and hear things. The past, possible past, my hopes and dreams, my fears and terrors. They were random with no order  to them. Then they seemed to play out with only chaos seeming to rule them.

Soon they stopped and returned to what they had been before, however this time they seemed to filled with sorrow, longing and great sadness. Then what I believed to be songs filled that with a hope that it would one day end. They seem to be growing stronger with time but I can't make them out just hints of voices and notes of some ethereal music.

Soon I felt darkness creeping back into my mind but not from within it was from outside. Along with it I felt the means to return to whatever the outside world is. It wasn't the darkness that would do this but the eight colored blobs of hazy lights I thought I saw. Parts of me raged against this.

They simply wanted to go back to the near nothingness it embraced. Other parts wanted to return to the world to live again to attempt to correct its past wrongs. What I knew to be me just didn't care, content just to let things happens, from what I guessed was a broken mind.

The colored lights seem to be coming together now or at least most of them. They seem be running after another blob that maybe coming near me. I begin to wonder what is going on. Could they be trying to use the fail safe that was put in?

Before I could think more on it one of the hazy blobs exploded and when it died the blob was no longer. In its place was a small well lit sphere among the other blobs. They again all moved on after one of the others.

Was all this happening or was it all a product of my mind like everything else since I closed my eyes? As I watched and time passed another of the blobs exploded and was replaced by a well lit sphere. This time the world I was in became clearer.

Everything was a little clearer and I felt more in control of myself. It seemed as though I was starting to stop fighting myself. I turned my attention to the lights. Soon a third explosion and then another sphere and more clarity and strength.

Something was different with this one, it started to fell as if I was forgetting something important but wasn't sure. It tugged at the back of my mind until the fourth sphere appeared.

There was something important I was forgetting about my situation or was it before or both? I couldn't remember but I know it was important, what was it?

After the fifth explosion of light and sphere it was clearer.  I now knew it was something from before the darkness that would effect me after I awoke. Yes, that was it but what specifically? A since of panic was starting to make itself known to me and after the sixth sphere I remembered.

I was injured before I had come to this place to try and escape from the world. I didn't know what was going to happen after I awoke if I did at all but I knew I needed medical assistance. My thoughts were soon interrupted violently as the six spheres drew together and focused their light at the seventh blob.

When they hit they peeled away the shell which drifted away into the ether and exposed another that was growing in brightness. I knew this brightness it had brought joy and sorrow in the world outside to me. Along with that I now could fell my physical body and it now knew pain again. I knew I had to awake now or I would not survive but did I want to?

If I did finally die I would have what I had been wanting. I would no longer question. I would no longer have to fear the reflection. I would not have to redeem the past. It would end. I thought this and more when I come to my answer.

I would survive, I would fight , I would question, I would redeem. I would die only after fighting to the bitter end, it was what I was, what my species was.

During all this I guess I failed to realize the eighth and final blo... no, sphere it was always a sphere, had appeared and joined the other seven. Suddenly, I was actually seeing and hearing and feeling again for the first time.

I quickly stood from the throne I was sitting on and was greeting with a new burst of pain. I let the world, what ever it may be, know with a loud primal scream of pain and fury I was still alive or so I believed. I now felt the warmth running down my left arm and side and the outside of my right leg.

Gifts from my last battle, ones that made me decide to end my existence through nothingness. I looked down and saw my tools of the trade. I moved to pick them back up but I suddenly felt weakness wash over me from my entombment. I needed to get out of it and find help, I still had things to due.

I took a deep breath and slowly walked to the exit at the end of the camber, then the corridor to make it to the stairs to leave this place behind me for now.

At the exit of the room with the stairs I found it had been sealed off. I was confused it had been open just moments a... Wait, I just realized I had no ideas how long I had been down here. Those that had awaken me may not know I was here. I thought I heard voices coming from the other side but couldn't be sure. Soon my weakness was quickly replaced with a angry, fury, hate and desperation driven strength.

I threw that strength into my limbs and assaulted the stone. There were cracks as my fist and feet hit the stone. Following them were screams, threats, and insults. I refused to let it end like this but in the back of my mind I heard a part of it said just let it happen, let it end. With my next punch I got results.

I felt the stone crack and buckle out with a solid crack. That wasn't the only thing I felt. The bones in my left fingers, hand and wrist did the same as the stone with noise and shape. Now I knew there was someone on the other side.

Most sounded afraid and panicky, two others did not though. One sounded angry, upset, with fear creeping into their voice. The other while sounding happy and joyous had angry and fear lacing it.

I started my screaming and yelling again as I attacked the stone again fighting to escape. Soon a dark blue aura appeared around the stone and ripped it apart as I landed another blow with my right fist. I stood there as the wall crumbled along with my strength. As the light poured in I was blinded to the outside world as I fell to the ground completely expended. Before I passed out I heard a single sentence that I could not understand. I answered it regardless with a simply sentence myself with a dry horse voice.

"I am alive."

Meet and Greet

There should be no reason I'm staring at the faces of the ones responsible for me awakening, not with all I've done. Yet, it was happening. I'm actually looking at the faces of them. As I stared I think they started to pick up on my shock and all started to it nervous. I took a deep breath before stepping forward.

I walked between the two sisters and stopped a few feet short of the six. As I moved my head to look down on them I started to get an idea on what my new job was going to be. I then let out a long breath.

I took a knee to lower myself to be closer to their height. After that I unstrapped my helmet and sit it to the right of me. I then ran my left hand through my hair and put on the best smile I could to set them at ease.

As I did I gave a slow look over them to let them all see it.

"Hello ladies. As I'm sure the princesses have told you I'm Hunter, and it's a pleasure to finally meet you all," I introduced myself trying to sound as nonthreatening as possible.

"I apologize for giving all of you such a scare. It was thoughtless of me to come to our first meeting dressed like this," I told them as I used my left hand to gesture to myself.

"Before coming here all I was thinking about was how much I... dislike luggage and didn't want to bring any," I added with a weak guilty smile on my face.

"So, now that I've told you ladies my name may I ask for yours," I asked as I gestured to them. At first they seemed hesitant before one stepped forward and cleared her throat.

"Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle personal student of Princess Celestia and bearer of the Element of Magic," she introduced herself, "and I look forward to being friends and of course learning from you."

"As do I Miss Sparkle," I returned with a smile, her own grew in response. Next a orange earth pony stepped up.

"Howdy, I'm Applejack and it's a pleasure to meet ya," she told me as she tipped her hat to me, "And I 'pect you to pull your weight 'round the farm," she told me with some bluntness, which I gave a small chuckle.

"Of course, but it may take awhile I still haven't recovered completely from my injuries," I told her as I showed her my cast. While I did that I saw a, to me, yellow set of ears move towards me and the pony they belong to start to take a step forward but stopped.

Before I could ask her anything I had a ball of bouncing pink in front of me.

"I'm so super happy and excited to meet you! I bet we're going to be super duper friends and I can't wait to throw you a welcome party! Oh! I'm Pinkie Pie! You just wait we're going to have s-so much fun!" She rattled off to me, I was mildly surprised I got all of it.

"I'm sure we'll be great friends but I don't think I'm really dressed for a party right now," I returned.

"That's ok you can get you out of that stuff before!" She told me with a beaming smile before bouncing back. I gave I small shake of my head before a pegasus flew up to me.

"I'm Rainbow Dash and I'm the fastest and best flier in all Equestia. If you cause any problems I don't care how tough you look I'll stop you in no time," I was told with authority and smirk.

"Well then I'll have to be on my best behavior and hope I out can out run you," I told her with my own smirk as she hovered eye level with me.

"You better and I’d like to see you try," I was told flatly before she suddenly looped over and landed back in the group. Up next was the second unicorn.

"Hello sir, I'm Rarity and I must say my dear you look down right dreadful it that outfit and your mane is simply out of control, however I will do my best to help you look absolutely fabulous in no time," she told me with an air of confidence as she shook her head at my appearance.

"Well then we'll have to talk later about what we can do about my dreadfulness, won't we," I replied as I starched my face.

"Well it is a pleasure and most refreshing to meet a gentle um, ah...," she started to reply when she realized she didn't know what noun to use to describe me.

"It's gentlemen Ma'am and the pleasure is most certainly mine," I informed her before giving a small bow with a smile. When I looked back up I saw she had a smile on her face and returned my small bow before walking back.

I had to wait a minute before the others could convince the last member to introduce herself.

"..." Was what I heard though I thought her lips where moving.

"..." She said again kicking the ground with one of her hooves.

"I'm sorry I can't hear you, can you speak up please," I requested.

"I'm Fl...," she said louder before it trailed off becoming inaudible. I licked my lips and clenched my teeth before she tried speaking again.

"I'm Flut...y," was what I got that go and this time I clenched my left hand and was rewarded with a loud pop.

"Oh my, you hurt yourself again you poor thing. Let me take a look and make it better," she stated loud enough to hear on reflex as she moved closer.

"I don't look forward to finding out what has to happen for me to get your name," I told her trying to keep the frustration out if my voice.

"It's Fluttershy, now hush while I look at that," I finally got out if her as she sat down in front of me.

She then took the hand in her hooves and tried to find the injury. I cleared my throat before talking.

"It's nice to meet you Fluttershy and can you please stop? I'm uncomfortable with hooves but I do thank you for trying to help," I informed as gentle as I could.

She gave a small eep as she quickly pulled her hooves away before dashing back into the group.

As I stood up I grabbed my helmet and I gave another smile.

"I guess I'll have to work on my people skills," I told them trying to help but I think it just made them confused at my word choice as I donned my helmet.

"Well now that everyone has introduced themselves it's time for Luna and I to leave. Remember what we talk about girls, you too Hunter. I look forward to your next letter Twilight," Celestia told everyone before walking back to the chariot. I stood looking over the area and noticed I was a apple farm.

I nodded my head before it dawned on me I’d left me rack sack in the back of the chariot. I quickly turned and dashed over to it causing some of the girls to yelp in surprise.

When I got to the back of the chariot Celestia had it encased it her magic and gave me a disappointed shake of her head like a mother gives to their child, Luna was trying to hide her laughter.

"Thanks mom," I let out with as much sarcasm as I could muster as I grabbed the sack, Luna let her laugh out and Celestia chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah laugh it up. I will have my disproportional revenge one day," I told them as I slang it over my left shoulder.

I gave them a wave as a walked away back towards the group.

"Sorry if I startled everyone but I left nearly everything I owned in there," I apologized as I walk over to them.

"Oh, well I can understand that and I'm sure the rest if the girls due too," Twilight answered with the others nodding.

"My thanks," I told them as I gave an over dramatic bow and smile with my hands out to the sides. That caused them to giggle.

"Well you certainly do have a sense for the dramatic," Rarity told me as I joined the group.

"I try," I replied with a shrug, "so where are we heading?"

"We're headin' to my barn. That's where you'll be staying," Applejack answered as I gave a nod of my head.

"I'm guessing it's the only place around tall enough for me."

"Ya got that right. Look at ya! You're taller the Princess Celestia. You must be a giant where ya from," she stated while pointing at me.

"Actually where I'm from I'm the average height for my location and age group," I informed them causing a couple gasps, "it's not unheard of some males to reach close to seven feet or more." That caused a loud gasp and a what.

"That's unheard of! Almost nothing on two limbs and without a tail grows that tall but dragons and that takes centuries, how long does it take for ah, your species," Twilight inquired.

"Don't have a specific number but I'll say around twenty years," I answered with a shrug of my shoulders, which again was meet with gasps and what.

"Impossible! That's impossible! That shouldn't happen! Spike! Ink and paper, we have to find the answer," she quickly rattled off as she looked for the small dragon.

"Ah, sugar, he's not here remember? You were asked to leave him at the barn by the princess," Applejack told her as she put a hove on her shoulder to calm her down.

"She's right dear. Besides I don't think is the best time to be doing a research project. The gentlecolt just arrived. There will be plenty of time for that later," Rarity interjected with a flick if her mane.

"That's right! Now's the time to PAR-TAY," Pinkie declared with great enthusiasm and high bounce to help hit the hype.

"That's right, it's time for food, drink, music, and a blast," Rainbow Dash added using a fast loop to show her excitement.

By this point we where at the barn and I could hear music coming from it. As we walked up to the doors I saw a large banner above them that read, "Welcome to Ponyville!"

It had a drawing of Pinkie to one side and balloons and confetti on the other. As we walked into the barn I saw several tables with food and drinks on them to one side with a stand alone table with a record player on it.

Near one the drink tables I saw the green and purple of what I guessed was Spike taking a drink from a soda bottle.

When he got a look at me he did I spit take as he dropped the bottle.

"Girls look out MONSTER! RUN," he yelled out as he started running in circles screaming with his claws in the air.

"Where?! I see no such thing! I see only six good friends and a wiry traveler," I spoke with a loud level tone to be heard over him as I stopped walking and let the girls walk over.

"Spike! Please calm down, this is who I was talking

about last night," Twilight told him as she encased him in magic to set him down in front of her.

As he struggled to get out I walked over and took a knee in front of him. Afterwords I took my helmet and rack sack and placed them next to me.

"Hey, little guy. Ya need to come down, you're damaging everyone's calm," I gently told him with a smirk. "I'm here with the ok of both princesses and you don't think that they would let me run around unsupervised if I was dangerous do ya?"

He calm down as I spoke slowly and calmly to him and started to process what I had said.

"No? I don't think so. I mean they're both super smart and nice, so I guess what you're saying makes sense," he gave me before Twilight let him go.

"That's good to hear, now I believe we have as the pink one said a 'PAR-TAY' to start," I told him as I nodded my head to where I thought Pinkie was with a smile.

Almost immediately a heard a loud bang that caused my head to whip towards the source. It seemed Pinkie had used a cannon to announce the official start if the party.

I stood up and brushed off my knees and turned to Applejack.

"Where can I place my gear Applejack," I asked.

"Right over there sugar," she responded pointing a hoof at a stack of hay bales.

"Thanks, I'll be back over in a couple minutes after I get all this off," I informed the group as I walked over to the bales.

"Be quick! I mean this is our party and the fun can't really begin with out you," Pinkie declared bouncing around.

Before I reached the bales I tossed the rack sack on top along with the helmet. I then took off the tact webbing with everything still on it followed by my blades and rifle. Next was the leg holster and belt with everything still inside. I didn't have any problems with the armor until I got to the chest piece.

"Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, can one of you give me a hand the my chest piece? I'm having trouble with the cast on," I asked as I motioned to it.

"Why of course dear." "Easy enough."

Soon I had two magic auras encasing the armor tugging it up. I lifted my arms above my head and leaned forward to help. By the time I was upright the armor was floating in front of me.

"Thank you ladies."

"I have to talk to you about your armor I've never felt anything like it before," Twilight exclaimed.

"Indeed, it seems the fabric is something I've never worked with before," Rarity added.

"Later ladies I assure you but for now I think I have a party to go to."

"Right." "Of course."

"Think fast new guy," I heard Rainbow Dash yell out. I soon had a soda bottle flying at me. I didn't have any problems snatching it out of the air.

"Not bad but not great," she stated as she got herself a drink.

As I brought the bottle down I twisted the top off before putting the cap in my pocket. I didn't look to see what had been given slash thrown at me before drinking it.

What is was is super fizzy, crisp and tasted like carrots, meh, not the best not the worse. Although the size to me was small but I guess to someone of my stature that makes sense.

As I walked over to the group I was once again in shock. Right in front of me were my awakeners, again this shouldn't be happening, I'm confident that the actions done by me alone in the past should have precluded this. Yet here they were, right in front of me or at least I believed I perceived them to be.

I gave a strong shake of my head with my eyes closed to try and clear my head which kinda worked but left a nagging feeling.

When I got to the tables I looked them over to see what they had available. I picked up another bottle of the carrot stuff and what I thought were chocolate cookies. They were but damn they tasted heavy on the sugar.

I soon found out I was the center of attention when I turned around.

"Why do I've got the feeling I'm about to be interrogated?"

"Well duh because you are silly!" Pinkie exclaim as she bounced around me with a party hat on.

"Well now I don't know if I should be comforted or scared at that," I responded with some sarcasm.

"I wouldn't call it that darling."

"She's right ya know."

"You would know if it was," that one made me rise an eyebrow in contempt.

"Think of it as a question and answer session."

"Meh, whatever, how we going to do this? At random? In reverse random alphabetical order? In order?" I asked before eating another cookie and washing it down with the soda. Going to need water soon I thought to myself, and less sweets.

"I think in order would be best," Twilight answered with her own drink floating near her. "Which one of us should go first girls?"

They glanced around to each other before Applejack spoke up.

"I reckon you so you don't go and explode on us."

"Ohthankyouthankyouthankyou," Twilight got out after a squee.

"Just one remember," I reminded her.

"Ok, just one. What's it going to be?"

"That one, next pony," I told her flatly and with a straight face. Twilight looked crushed and flattened her ears.

"Oh, that was priceless, the look on your face," I got out chuckling and grinning. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie started laughing at it followed shortly by the rest of the group.

"Oh, that was a good one, maybe a bit mean though," Applejack told me as she looked up at me. I gave a wave of my hand in response.

"Meh, I've got a bent sense of humor," I offered, "plus aren't we getting off topic?"

"Oh, right. Of course, now let me think," Twilight told me as she tapped her hoof on her chin. As she did I choked down another over sugared cookie and chased it down with the soda.

"Ah! Yes! Where did you come from?" I looked at her for a second.

I gave a shrug and turned up my hands as I gave a half frown.

"To be honest, I'm not even really sure where I am right now," I gave her as I set down the bottle so I could run my fingers through my unkempt hair.

"I know it doesn't answer your question but I don't think I can truthfully answer it, I simply don't have the information. Sorry."

"Oh, oh ok. I understand," Twilight said not sounding to happy. I put the cookies down and picked up an apple with some hesitation.

"There somethin' wrong with my apples?"

"Next pony, next question. Nothing, it's just not what I really want to eat," I informed as I picked up the apple.

"..."

"Who and what?"

"Fluttershy darling you are going to have to speak up," Rarity told the whisper. I turned around and took a knee to lower myself to try look less frightening.

"New pony, new question. One that I didn't hear, can you speak up," I asked as I gave her a smile.

"Wh-what do you want to eat," she asked as she looked at the ground and rubbed one hoof against her other leg. The smile on my face quickly disappeared.

I was expecting to have to deal with this later, really later. I ran a hand through my hair again and gave a weak chuckle.

"Ah, well, what I really want is a nice big , ah, well," I took a deep breath having an idea of how they would react. "Is a steak." Now que the gasps, shock, and revulsion.

All I got was a few uhms, a 'oh my', a 'interesting,' and 'oh dear.' I was the one shocked an I think it showed.

"Well that went a lot better then I thought," I told them with surprise and confusion. "Last time I told someone that they started running around and screaming I was going to eat them."

"Darling we all know that different races eat different things. Not everyone eats the same thing you know," Rarity informed me.

"I guess things have changed and I forget to take the time difference into account. So who has the next question?"

"Oh! Me!" Rainbow dash yelled as she came over to me and as she did I stood to my full height.

"How fast and far can you move," she asked once she got to my eye level.

"Well, the second part is influenced by the first to start. Top speed is the low teens in short burst and at a pace in the mid single digits I can run for up to double digit hours. On average I move 'bout three mph and can do that as long as I have food and water, oh and awake."

That seemed to leave all of them gasping in shock for their own reasons.

"Impossible! Nothing has that kind of stamina! A body can't handle that kind of stress for those periods!"

"Incredible, simply incredible dear."

"Well I'll be, I think that could be useful 'round here."

"Oh my."

"That, is, AWESOME!"

"Wow!"

Where the various responses I got back. I gave a shrug at it.

"It does take a good deal of training to get our stamina up there but it's possible to do and more," I added which caused Twilight to start grinding her teeth.

"Is she going to explode an/or implode," I asked gesturing a finger to her with an eyebrow going up.

"Not if you keep ah, changing? How she knows things," Rainbow Dash said as she looked at her friend.

"I'll keep that in mind then. Who's next?"

"Me! Me! Pick me!"

"Ok, the pony about to bounce through the roof."

"What do you think of the party so far?"

"So far pretty good. Although it seems the cookies have too much sugar in them."

"No the don't silly! They have the prefect amount of sugar in them!"

I gave a look to Twilight before answering.

"Ahhh, too much sugar can cause some serious health problems for me, short and long term. So I've got to watch it, sorry." I was a little surprised how while she took it, along with Twilight.

"Oh? Well then I'll have to found the prefect way to make you all types of sweets!" She giggled out as she smiled at me. Twilight just seemed to make a mental note.

"I do believe that you're next," I said aloud turning my head to the last pony.

"Yes, indeed I am. Now I must know is that getup you are wearing the only thing you own darling?"

"No." Now wait.

"Oh, what a relief, I dreaded it would be."

"I have two more identical ones in my rack," I added with a grin on my face pointing to the object in question. I saw her eye twitch before shaking it off.

"In the near future I will have to fix that. Just imagine what I could do with your height, build, and body type! Oh the possibilities!" She told me as she trotted in place, I gave a shudder.

At that point I turned back to the drinks and looked for something more 'adult' friendly.

"There anything thing here that has booze in it," I asked over my shoulder.

"Why would you want ta drink that? It's not that good," I heard Applejack reply.

"Plus it's still early in the morning," Twilight added.

"It also doesn't make great parties happen," Pinkie said as she hopped up on the table to look up at me.

"One, I like it, two, I fail to see your point, and three, it makes parties amazing and legendary if done right," I gave a pause, "well for me at least. So I'm taking that all as a no then."

After I turned around I saw looks of disappointment and confusion. I shrugged it off before asking Twilight for another question. One I hoped wouldn't concern the current topic.

"I have to know, did you really know the Princesses before they came to power," she asked with anticipation. I stopped to think it over before I answered.

"Yeah, I did and before they were called Princess," I informed her as a ran a hand over my chest. She gave a squee and trotted in place from excitement.

"We'll have to talk about what they were like! I can learn so much!"

It was now my turn to look disappointed.

"I don't think they would appreciate me talking about their past without permission, they may not want to bring up any bad memories," I chided her with crossed arms.

Her eyes went wide for a second as her ears flattened and looked down.

"I-I hadn't thought of that," she offered weakly, to which I gave a weak shrug.

"Meh, we all make mistakes," I encouraged her as I uncrossed my arms.

After that there weren't any problems with the questions brought up. They were mostly mundane. My favorite whatever, what I thought about something, fashion, work ethic, hobbies, etc. Nothing really probing but I figured more delicate or questionable ones would come along later after they got to know me better. What got my attention was that Spike seemed to be left out.

Around noon the party was wrapping up. We picked up the trash and bagged it to be put aside. As we did Twilight offered to show me around Ponyville but let me know she was still new to the area herself and my not be able to answer all my questions.

I thought about it for a second before decided I might as well get it over with and start to introduce myself around and start to try to fit in. I told her it sounded like a plan but needed a few minutes to get ready.

I walked over to my pile of meek belongings. I picked up the belt and leg holster and donned them. I next asked for help to put on the chest armor which caused some weird looks. After that I asked if the rest would be safe and untouched until I got back.

Applejack ensured me it would be and nothing would happen. I gave an uneasy roll of my shoulders before nodding to her.

After telling Twilight I was ready she led me and the group save Applejack and Fluttershy on the way to Ponyville. Both had chores to attend to. We said out good byes and headed our separate ways.

Next stop, Ponyville.