Aleksandr

Chapter 10: What Kind of Compounds?

After the lovely talk with the armorer, I set out for the library. After all, I will need to know as much as I can about this land I will (hopefully not) be staying in for the rest of my life. I walked for a while, and quietly sang a song as I went. I had a bounce to my step as I walked, probably from the song I was singing. It reminded me of my home, and the great Soviet Union. I walked for a bit, and eventually came across what I assumed to be the "recreation area". It was a large courtyard, with multiple ponies milling about, some reading, some chatting, others simply relaxing. Looking around, I saw a hanging sign, which read "Canterlot Castle Library --->". I followed the sign, walking down a long painting-lined hallway. The hallway led to a large archway leading to the library. Entering, I noticed how large the place was. There were three whole floors, lined with books, books, and guess what? Books! There was an old unicorn mare sitting behind the desk reading what appeared to be an *ahem*, adult magazine. I needed to know where to look in the library to find what I needed.

"Excuse me miss," I began, and smiled when she jumped, stuffing the magazine under her desk, blushing furiously.

"Y-yes, how may I help you? Make it quick." She replied, still blushing.

"Where would I find books on Equestrian History, Pony anatomy and local fauna?"

"History is on the second floor, right side, in the corner. Medicine and anatomy is on the first floor, near the stairs., left side, in the middle. Plantlife and fauna is on this floor, in the back." Thanking her, I set out to find these books. I found the ecology section, and perused the shelves. I found "Menacing Monsters: A Traveler's Guide to the Dangers of the Equestrian Wilderness", and "Of Plants and Ponies: Equestrian Plants And Where To Find Them". Moving on, I stumbled upon the Medicine and Chemistry section. Intrigued, I walked down the aisle, and found a few interesting tomes. "Herbal Medicine: Volume 1", "Herbal Medicine Volume 2", And "Pony Anatomy for Idiots". I also found another interesting book on dangerous chemicals and how to make them. Why the fuck that was in a public library, I didn't know. I stuffed the chemical book in my coat, not wanting to be seen with it, for fear of being placed on some list of criminals and terrorists or something. Either way, it could help me later on. I will not bore you any further by describing my oh, so fun adventure in the library. In short, I collected nooks on World history, checked them out, and dropped them off at my room. I picked up my papasha, and returned to the armory. I jogged down, and returned to the old stallion sitting behind the counter.

"It's you. Hi." He deadpanned. "The guard captain sent a weapon requisition form for you. I need you to read it, and sign at the bottom."

I read the form, whitch contained mostly terms and conditions, such as to only use them in self defence, blah, blah, legal shit, blah, blah. I kept reading, until I read that I could only have 3. And they were to be kept in my personal locker at all times, which I didn't have. Bullshit! I signed the form, but I wasn't going to let them keep them for me. I am a strong soviet man! I can wipe my own ass! I know how to handle a weapon! Fuck them and their rules! I may need some tutorials on how to use them, but I'll keep them. So what if they come after me for it. I'll kill them all. Why they would do that is beyond me. Anyway, back to business. I waltzed into the armory, plucked a recurve bow, bastard sword, and a war-axe off the wall. I threw them upon the desk, and he documented my choices.

"Do you even know how to use them?" He asked, concern evident in his voice. "I wouldn't want you charging out there and getting gutted because you can't use these, son."

"I have no fucking clue."

"Sweet Celestia, you need to sign up for some classes. Now scram." Taking my weapons, I dropped them off at my room, and went to the dining room, as it was around dinner time. I entered the dining room, and oddly enough, I found both princesses waiting for me at a table. I walked over, and when they saw me, their ears pinned back, and they looked sad, for some reason. Seeing this as a bad sign, I cautiously approached, and sat down across from them.

"Aleksandr, there is some good news, and some bad news. The good news is that you can return to your home."

"I can?! My god, thank you so much!" I practically shouted in excitement and happiness.

"But the bad news is, it will only last for a day, two at most. When the spell wears off, both of us will be physically and magically drained for a few days. Finally, the spell cannot be cast more than once. While most may see this as a waste, we are willing to use it on you." Luna replied, her voice solemn.

"O-okay then... I do not know how I will ever repay you..." I said, tears in my eyes. Now, do not call me weak for crying, this was a very emotional moment. Finally... I can say goodbye to my family... My head buzzing with thoughts, I ate my supper, and still shaken from the sudden revelation, turned in for the night.