Ossuary Foundations

Morning came with the sounds of all the animals near him waking Nikolai Morgan up. Sitting up he doffed his blankets and looked to his fire, or more aptly its remains. After reliving himself and quenching the embers at roughly the same time, Nikolai began to pack his belongings up. He then threw all of his remaining things into a small sling bag made from his blanket and put that on under his hoodie. While it was warm, it wasn't warm enough to cause him problems yet; summer would suck unless he got better clothes for it. Today he had to go to the bank and start the process of paying off the home and the land he was already slated to pay for. The writ of money that the Princesses had given him would cover that and all the expenses he would have for at least a year if the small conversations he had had with the girls on the way down from Canterlot were correct.

“ So, your cash is called bits?” started Nikolai as he looked at one of said pieces of the pony's currency.

“Yes, and before you ask, while it isn't solid gold; it is roughly seventy percent gold. At the very least, that particular coin is. The other coins we use are denoted by the number on one side. That is a One Bit coin.” began Twilight on one of her lectures.

“Do they get made of more gold when they get bigger?” Nikolai was actually paying attention, much to her surprise. Thinking on it later would show that he was just being prudent, he was in a totally alien situation after all.

“Yes and no. The next bit is the Ten Bit coin, which is completely made of gold. After that you have Platinum and after THAT you have Gem Bits.”

“Bronze or copper? Silver?”

“All three are Demi-Bits. Silver is the larger of the three with copper being the least.”

“Ah reckon we could also stand to explain how we price things. He seems a might lost.” interrupted Applejack. Nikolai's eyes were starting to glaze over. He was mumbling something about being even richer than he had been. “Sugercube, what do you mean richer?”

Snapping out of his daze, he answered. “While my wife made more money than I did a year, and that was no small sum, I brought home enough money with every fight that we could have payed off our house. Every time. Granted, we saved most of it for my medical bills and other expenses. Sam was looking at going to a private school.”

“Who?”

“Not important. Anyway, back home gold ran for around fifteen hundred an ounce. There are sixteen if those to a pound for me. That was over twenty grand-”

“Twenty-four.”

“For a pound. Solid bars of gold were in the 8 inch by 4 inch by 2 inch range in terms of measurement. They weighed something like thirty pounds. I could afford around sixty or so bars after a good fight.”

“So you would average around a million or so Bits for a fight?”

“Dollars. And on paper it was around three million. My endorsements, while not very many, paid well, and my major medical and managerial fees were also taken off the top. Still got taxed on all of it though.”

“Whoo-hee! How often didja fight? Money that good is a Star-send.”

“Maybe four times a year? And those were the years I wasn't hurt badly in my fights. Remember the speedster I told you about?” At their nods, he continued, “He put me outta fighting shape for near on a year. THAT fight ended up being worth seventeen million for the two of us base, I got eight more on top of that for winning. THAT fight was labeled as one of the few you could see in a CENTURY that so many people watched it was unheard of. It was also the fight that brought the MUC into the public eye.”

“That is an insane amount of money of any kind! How could they afford to pay you that much?!” asked Twilight, shock evident in her voice.

“Simple math and legalesse talk in our contracts. We each got ten percent of what the fight made in revenue and the winner got an extra five.”

“JUST HOW POPULAR WAS YOUR SPORT!?” yelled, a up until the last statement, Rainbow Dash. While she was talking to Fluttershy, she was also within earshot of the others.

“I think we had forty million watching that fight?”

“How could you ever fit that many individuals into a single arena?”

“Ever heard of Pay-Per-Veiw?”

“No.”

“Might be a bit complex for you then. I also don't know a lot about it either.” He said the last bit while looking Rainbow in her eyes, Twilight's hoof going back down and her mouth closing. “Back to Bits Sporkel.”

“It's SPARKLE. And why?”

“I need to figure out just how much I have to work with. What's an apple worth?”

“THAT'S dependin' on what you mean by that Sug'.”

“What?”

“An apple at my stall runs about 2 bits for a single one, and 5 for a bushel.”

“And bushels are...?”

“Around three pounds of apples and various confections we put in to 'sweeten' the deal.”

“I thought you just gave those out.” stated Rainbow.

“Shows what you know!” laughed AJ as she wiped her eye, “While it might sound shady, we have all of our wares out on the stall for you to at least look at them. The 'free' apple tart you might get one day is also the pastry we are trying to sell. So if you weren't sure if you wanted to buy one and 'found' one in yer basket...”

“You are a evil and savvy mare.”

“I know mah product. It sells, and most times I needn't bother. But it never hurts to see a foal grin when they see a treat.” That last bit was said with a wink. Nikolai was laughing, holding his gut at the exchange.

“Those apples had better be a fucking orgasm inducing piece of heaven then.”

“Those run ya around fifty bits an hour Sug'.” More laughter came from the stallion as he fell to the floor. Rainbow was clueless at the last exchange and looked to Twilight. The shrug she got was unexpected. Unknown to any of them, Spike was beet red and looking out of the window, Rarity in much the same boat. Pinkie was just laughing to laugh, rolling on the floor near Nikolai who had picked himself off the floor still chuckling; and Fluttershy was hiding...somewhere. All in all, it seemed to be a normal day for your average Ponyvillian.

That had been an enlightening conversation to say the least. Walking into town was odd, several of the locals looked over to him and waved. Hesitant, Nikolai waved back. The locals returned to what they were doing, leaving him flummoxed to how they could just accept him like this. After about thirty minutes of walking, he came to the local market. Seeing Apple Bloom near her family's stand, he walked over to ask a question.

“Buy some Sweet Apple Acres apples! Best fruit for breakfast!” cried out the little filly, seemingly not aware of the monstrous stallion near her. Big Mac, walking back over to finish setting up, saw him and did a double take. Landsakes, he's a big 'un. Wonder iffn this is that Morgan feller AJ and AB have been on about.

“Bloom, go on, I can take it from here.”

“AWW!” she began to whine, but she looked over and saw Nikolai, “Howdy mistah Morgan. What are you doin' up so early?”

“Just comin' into town little bud.”

“Huh?”

“Sorry, it's a habbit of mine to give kids a nick name.”

“And I got little bud? What about Sweetie and Scoots?”

“Heh, maybe another time. Do you know when the library opens?”

“I think it might be open now. Twilight keeps odd hours.” said Big Mac as he (not quite realizing just how big he was) looked up to the new stallion. “I'm Big Macintosh, but y'all can call me Big Mac or Mac.” With that, he held out his hoof. Nikolai bumped his into the proffered appendage.

“Morgue. So you the protective big brother?”

“Eeyup.”

“Neat, while I have no cash on me at the moment, I am getting some at the bank in a bit. Could I IOU?”

“Maybe, what you looking to buy?”

“Haven't eaten in a day, so a bushel.”

“How come you ain't eaten in a day?”

“Been getting the Hitch place ready for renovations. I plan on moving in there in a few days.”

“Well now, that is some mighty fine news! That there is a nice plot of land, and near the farm to boot. Pleasure to meet ya neighbor. Where ya been stayin'?”

“Out on the land near the house, the weather has been great for camping.”

“Eeyup, that it has. Too bad we got a storm scheduled for two days from now.”

“What?”

“Eeyup, the local weather is run like clock work, thanks to miss Dash. Seriously, if it weren't for her, most of the farms in the area would be in constant trouble. She (and don't tell nopony about this) occasionally fudges the numbers in our favor for rainfall.”

“Huh, never woulda thought she was that clever.”

“Well, its that or we need to order more rainfall to make up for the spring and summer heat.”

“True, but you would need organized weather for that.”

“We HAVE organized weather.” said Big Mac with a frown, this stallion obviously not being from around here meaning he was unused to the concepts they took for granted here. Still, thinking on it, he decided to ask about the first thing that came to mind as he pondered something off about the stallion. “So, you seem like a nice enough stallion; but why even give AB the time of day? Most folk don't even try to engage in anything with her or her friends.”

“I was a dad at one point. I know how much being treated like you matter means as well.” was all the reply that the large fighter gave. Dropping his hood back, Nikolai took a bite form his first apple, having gotten his bushel while talking. Mac's eyes widened at the sight of his scars, and further at the fact he ate the whole apple, core and all. And as the mystery stallion kept eating, he was only able to stare. The few ponies around looked and mimicked Big Mac.

“Landsakes! How'd you get those scars?” asked a mare off to the side.

“I fought in a war.”

“There hasn't been a war here in nearly a thousand years!”

“Never said I fought here. It was back where I'm from.”

“Do they hurt?”

“Like, still hurt?” at confirmation of his question, “Naw, but they hurt like hell when I got 'em.”

“Those must have been some tough fights-”

“FIGHT. I got most of my scars in one fight. And I am done answering questions.” the crowd that had gathered seemed to be off put by his bluntness; but they would have to deal with it. A light thud was the only thing he noticed as something bounced off his back, looking to Big Mac, he shot a questioning glance as he continued to eat.

“Hmm?” A low groan met their ears as they sat there. Nikolai turned and saw a sight that made him chuckle, Mac looked around him and saw a cutie mark he had seen a few times before. “Tarnation, Ditzy are you alright?”

“Yeah, somepony put a wall in front of your cart today.”

“I have a name.”

“IT TALKS! FLEE, FLEE FOR YOUR LIVES; THE BUILDING UPRISING IS UPON US!”

“Nope, I ain't no building last I checked.”

“Huh? But the Doc said....”

“Don't worry about it. Name's Morgue. Nice to meet 'cha....?”

“Ditzy Doo, but a few ponies call me Derpy. I try to not live up to that, but...”

“Yeah, I can get why. Are you okay though?”

“I think so, but I was going pretty fast, which I normally don't do. While being able to get done faster is nice; I tend to have accidents more often when I go faster.”

“That is usually the case. It wouldn't happen to be because of your eye would it?” the stallion motioned to the walleye she had going on. Her eyes seemed to flip which was the one off center as she looked at him. While odd, she did have a 'cute' quality he supposed. Hell, Amelia was a lot like that at one point; klutzy and clingy. Where did that come from? as the last thought flew by. She shook her head.

“No, that I can deal with. I just aren't as graceful as some Pegasi in the air.”

“Is it a balance thing?”

“Kind of...? Why?”

“I think I have a few 'poses' that could help you.” the stallion then stopped and looked askance at Big Mac. “Did that sound as dirty to you as it just did to me?”

“Eeyup.”

“I just need to deliver the mail to Big Mac and then I need to go.” tried to finish Ditzy meekly, her face a dark crimson against her gray coat.

“Hold on.” Nikolai lifted a leg and held it to his chest. “I meant no harm by that, seriously I am more agile than I look. I have trained my whole life to keep a certain level of flexibility and I know for a fact that my wife loved to do the stretches I taught her.”

“You are married?”

“Was, I am a widower now.” the sad tone Nikolai gave off was enough for the two to not press. At Ditzy's questioning look, he explained a bit more. “I am a professional fighter by trade. I have to be able to move my body in odd, even disturbing ways some times. That means a level of flexibility that isn't common. I could show you two or three stretches that SHOULD help with balance; airborne or not.”

“That would be amazing, but why would you offer?”

“Simple, I was watching you and was reminded of how clumsy my wife was at the start of our marriage. She asked for help and so I helped. It wasn't a waste, she ended up being a highly sought after model and actress after that.”

“Wow, all that from stretches?”

“Kinda? After that she started to work out around me and I helped her there as much as I could. Despite being independent, she was no fool and listened to my advice. Just like I TRIED to listen to hers. Fashion was never my forte.”

“I should say so darling. Have you even thought about my offer to have new clothes made yet?” stated Rarity, causing the mare and stallions to jump a small bit. Unnoticed by any (save Rarity whose eye for detail was astounding) Nikolai grabbed and drew his blades. Just as quick he put one up and used the other one he had out to start carving a apple into pieces. “I am sorry to interrupt, but I need to borrow Ser Morgan.”

“You are a knight?”

“Not by choice.”

“Who ever is, Darling?” Rarity stated, “Come, the others are waiting.” With that the fashionista began to walk away, motioning for the stallion she had come to gather to follow.

“Yeah, yeah. And remember Ditzy, my offer stands. If you ever want to try, I will be at the Hitch place.”

“Thanks, but for now I will pass.”

“No skin off my back. The door's not always open; but knock if you ever want in.” with that the stallion left the mare at the stand and followed Rarity. “So, whats all the hubbub about?”

“Do you not remember your dream from last night?”

“Nope, hardly ever dream come to that. WHY are you asking?”

“Twilight can explain it better than I, but let us just say that last night was an...enlightening experience.” That comment was unexpected. Nikolai rolled the thought around his head and had a startling revelation. One that caused him to stop and give the mare in front of him a glare.

“You were in my head?”

“Not by choice. Princess Luna noticed a nightmare the likes of which she hardly ever sees in Ponyville last night. While looking for the source, she gathered my friends and I to speed the search along. When we found the source, it was you.”

“And why did you think it a good idea to go into my dreams?”

“We didn't have a choice darling. Your dream pulled us IN.”

“So, what did you see?” the question was laced with a dangerous tone, one which Rarity was seemingly oblivious to.

“You and your family were at some gathering. We saw it all, everything from the start to the end. It was...horrific.”

“So, you saw the day it all changed. You saw the Red Dawn.”

“Yes.”

“I need some time to process this. I will be along later, I needed to talk to you lot about my new job anyway.”

“Where are you going? We need to-”

“I have to do nothing. Drop it before I rip your head off.” the tone finally made it's impression on the mare. She realized that by, however inadvertently, pushing this male's buttons, she was treading thin ice. Thinking on how he normally acted when agitated (which was his seemingly default mood the entire time she had known him), she chose to back off.

“Very well. However, my friends and I need to talk to you about it.” she started up again, “But if not for your own needs, ours instead. It was a traumatic night for all of us.”

“You don't seem to beat up over it.”

“A lady never shows what she is worrying over, and while I am quite upset; I can at least function. Fluttershy is a wreck and Rainbow is oddly melancholy. Twilight and Applejack are subdued, but going through the motions. I was hoping to get your help in getting Pinkie out of the bakery, she hasn't left yet and she is usually the first to be anywhere.”

“Maybe later. I need to go to the bank.”

“Whatever for?”

“I was given a stipend to spend on supplies and pay for a house or land. My new job isn't going to be in town.”

“Ah, well in that case follow me; the bank is going to open shortly and you will need to be in the front of the line you need.” And, having said that, Rarity started to leave while motioning for him to follow.

“Why are you leading me to the bank?”

“Simple, the line you are looking for opens before the bank, but it is in a different spot. While not many use the services of the crown in that fashion here, the process to get land deeds can take a few hours. The town clock is right over there,” Rarity said, throwing her mane out of her face while simultaneously pointing to the clock, “ shows that even though the bank opens in only ten minutes, YOUR line opens in five.”

“Where is the line?”

“Right here darling. The line starts here for deeds and goes into the offices. While you could have gone through the front, it would have added about five hours to your time here.”

“Experience?”

“Sadly. By coming through the back, you show that you have either a writ or all the relevant documents. A writ from the Princesses is actually more than enough for this, all that is left in that case is to verify your bits and make sure your account is credited. This is also where you go if you need to transfer an account or open one. The front desk is almost exclusively a transaction point.”

“Thanks, I mean it. I hate waiting in line at the bank. It just seemed to take for ever for no reason some days.”

“I can agree with you a fair bit more than most. As an entrepreneur, I can also attest to the waits. It can be rather droll,” said Rarity with a small grimace, “But in all seriousness, please come by and talk to us. You have my curiosity regarding your new job.”

“...I was coming by after this anyway, I hope it doesn't take to long. I might have to come by tomorrow if this takes all day.”

“I can understand. I am off, please take care.”

“As much as I can.” was Nikolai's cold response. As the mare left, he stewed for a few minutes before calming down. He hated anyone being in his head. If they had the ability to enter, they almost certainly had the ability to fuck up his memories. And that was all he had left at this point. This fresh hell of his was starting to wear thin, but given what Hell was for; he could see how this would rate as eternal punishment. I wonder just how long I am here before I am blasted back into Hell when I don't show any signs of torment? was his main thought as he regarded the pastel word he was in. The door in front of him opened after a few minutes. The mare who opened it was staring at his size.

“M-may I help you?”

“Yes, I am here to purchase the Hitch land and house. I was told this is where I go to start the process?”

“You must have talked to a local who has been through the process then.” The smug grin on her face was odd. “The ponies here are much nicer than many other towns. Normally I would have to post the signs about that out front. Here? They just tell you.”

“Neat, so the town is that comfortable with new groups and individuals moving in?”

“Almost. Some try to stall the process, but most just help. After all, at one point we are all new.”

“Too true.” the conversation was being held as they walked in and sat a desk in a corner of the office. Nikolai, without waiting had already pulled the writ and was hoofing it over. The mare looked down, made a note, then did a double take.

“I need to get my boss, this will be a moment.” she said shakily hoofing back the parchment.

“Why'd you hand that back?”

“So, if it is found to be false, we at the bank aren't charged with forging fake writs to get away with embezzlement.”

“While a nice idea, why would anyone anger the deity-level rulers you got?”

“Some ponies are just stupid enough to try, I guess. Now I will be just a moment.” After a few minutes, the mare came back. The Unicorn stallion she had behind her was slightly larger than she was, but only if you considered a gut enough to count as more mass.

“Now, sir, I am told you have a Royal writ?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Only if it is fake. I have to ask now- do you have any typicality to cast any spells at all?”

“Do I look like I spin words together rather than blades?” was Nikolai's reply as he dropped his hood. “Just because Sunbutt gave me a letter saying I had that many bits doesn't mean I faked it. I ain't smart enough for that shit-”

“Sir, please be serious.”

“-I'd rob the place, not like you lot could stop me.” His last statement said, Nikolai leaned back and looked at the mare. Her eyes wide, she reached out and accepted the writ for her boss. As the Unicorn looked at it, his horn lit up with a gray glow. The parchment of the writ glowed and then shined like a small golden ball.

“While I didn't doubt your writ's authenticity, you do understand why I had to check yes?”

“Yea, she mentioned as much. The only sticking point now is that I have no account for the bits to go in.”

“The writ stipulates no less than three accounts need to be made. I imagine one for you, your employees, and the business itself. That matter is of no consequence at the moment. The writ being validated is enough to get the accounts opened regardless.”

“Okay?”

“Ser Morgan, just know this, by having the writ professionally proven to be legitimate, you have streamlined the processes involved with banking here in Ponyville by a considerable margin. We can have you out of here in the hour.”

“Handy.”

“Quite. Now, the forms I need you to fill out are...”

The next hour was a blur of paper work and meaningless talk as the three moved through the process of getting the fighter his money. After all was said and done, he was asked if he needed any bits for his personal use while he was there. Thinking it over and remembering his IOU to the elder Apple sibling, he gave the amount he thought he would need. He was given his sum without any additional fuss, though the bag was quite big. Gathering the writ back up to maintain it's validity was the last order of business as he was leaving. Having been in the bank for the last hour, Nikolai was mildly shocked to see the streets so full. I stick out like a fucking billboard here. was his thought in regards to the sheer difference in height between him and the ponies around him, Guess it wasn't just the group from the start of all this then, it's everywhere. Walking along, he ignored the stares from the various townsponies. Whispers were everywhere as he walked. Looking back to the clock, it was only about seven forty, if their clocks ran like the ones he knew did.

The library wasn't hard to find, but while walking to it he remembered the fact Rarity had mentioned. The pink mare supposedly was in some of the worst shape in the group, and she HAD asked him to help get her friend to the library. The bakery where she worked seemed like a good place to ask about where she lived. Said bakery wasn't hard to find, it was one of the buildings he was shown on his first day in town. After about ten minutes of walking, he was in front of the building. It was closed, which was odd, its hours were listed as open at five till late in the afternoon. Nikolai knocked on the door, waiting. After a few seconds, the mare who co-owned the business with her husband opened the door.

“Can I help you?”

“I was asked by Rarity to-”

“Come in and stay quiet.” The response was quiet, and unexpected. After walking in and closing the door behind himself, Nikolai looked to the frazzled mare. “Why were you told, and WHAT were you told.”

“Lady, they ended up in MY dream.”

“Oh.” At his seemingly satisfactory answer, she looked around and then led him over to some stairs and up into the rest of the building. “Whatever they saw must have been horrific. The last time we saw Pinkie like this, she thought her friends had abandoned her. We were afraid she might commit suicide by the end of it if she didn't get any help. Her friends stepped in and everything DID eventually work out, but my husband and I...”

“You had reservations.”

“Yes, she never went to any formal counseling or got any professional help. To be frank we are still worried. Tell me, what did they see?”

“They saw the day my heart was killed.”

“What?”

“Simply put, they saw the day my family was murdered in my arms and turned to ash while I held them.”

“Oh my...”

“Yea, not a pretty memory. So how is she?”

“Each of her friends have been by except for Fluttershy, and each of them couldn't get her out of her room.”

“Lemme try something. It used to work on my daughters.”

“Please, be careful.”

“Yea, yea.” was his reply as he walked over to the door leading to, surprise surprise, more stairs. As he went up and up, he kept an ear out. When he got to the last door at the top, which was labeled as the mare in question's room, he knocked.

“go away...” it was quiet, but there. Her voice was different; like she had lost all hope. Yup, that is a bad case of pity. Time for the worst thing yet. Opening the door slowly, he stood in the door way. Her fur was matted from where she had been crying, her mane was in a bad way, not bouncy as it normally was. She had red eyes from crying and a look of pure shock on her face seeing him stand there.

“Hey kid.”

“Why? Why are you here?”

“Rarity asked me for some help getting you down to your friends over at the library.”

“Why?”

“I take it you already told them to leave huh?”

“Yeah, I mean I thought I needed time, but...” At that last line, it wasn't what the mare downstairs thought. The girl was simply trying to compose herself and failing. That makes this a bit easier.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“No.”

“Wanna hug?”

“Yes.” And so, the stallion who was as personable as a dried fish, walked in and gave the party pony a hug. While she didn't cheer up, she did start to cry again.

“Let it all out, trust me; you don't want that to bottle up.”

“Why; did you, let it all, out after that, happened?”

“Nope, never got the chance and you see what it did to me. Honestly, I haven't had a chance to grieve yet.”

“Not even, a little?”

“No, and that hurts more than anything. I couldn't grieve, I needed the anger to fight. And after that, I couldn't let go of what I had left. Honestly, there are many back home who would say that is a sign of weakness.”

“IT'S NOT WEAK!” Her response was unexpected, as was the fact she managed to flip their positions and pin him down. “You lost something important, why can't you be allowed to morn?”

“Back home, males aren't supposed to get sappy. Its a cultural thing. The guys I worked with could get that and honestly wouldn't have cared, but I had to take care of my dog. I couldn't loose it. I had one more thing to take care of.”

“What was she like?”

“Who?”

“Your dog.”

“Carl was an amazing wolfhound. Smart and loyal. Good with kids. What you might have considered a perfect family pet, if he wasn't almost four feet tall.”

“Why would you own a dog that big?”

“I had always liked his breed, mainly. There was also the thing about having a dog that outweighed many a potential attacker or home invader that made me laugh.” The look on his face became wistful as he still hugged the party pony. “I just wish I was still able to have him at my side. He might not have had many years left, but I was trying to be there for my boy.”

“How old was he?”

“Getting to around 12. His breed didn't usually live longer than that most times, but he seemed to be a tougher runt. He even out grew his litter-mates by a fair bit; in weight if nothing else.” Pinkie's expression was not quite as down as before. Though, she still hadn't gotten off him yet. “Mind letting me up.”

“...Yes.” and with her response, she began crying again. Great, she is clingy now. What else could go wrong NOW?

=======================

The train slowed as it got into the town proper. As it slid into place at the platform and unloaded, one stallion could be seen standing, looking around. He closed his eyes and seemed to space out. He then started walking, his bags hiding his cutie mark with each step. His path took him towards the library, or what he would assume to be such. The conversations he heard from within were odd.

“I honestly don't know if he would have, but his threat was real enough.”

“Rarity, how could you push his buttons like that? It was a traumatic night for everypony involved!”

“Really darling, you need to calm down, I left him so HE could calm down. While I made a faux pas, it shouldn't be such a surprise that he reacted as he did.” Looks like I found the right place. I wonder if he's here yet. Deciding to knock on the door, the stallion walked forward. After knocking, a voice called out,

“Yes? I am sorry, I am afraid the library is closed at the moment.”

“I am looking for Ser Morgan? I was told he might be here today.”

“One moment please.” the conversations picked up again, but were much quieter. Still, the male got the jist of the comments-

Can we trust him?

Should we trust him?

How'd he know he was here?

All that and more of the same. After a few minutes, he decided to knock and ask a question.

“Am I going to be able to meet with Ser Morgan?”

“Maybe, who are you? I was told of nopony coming to meet him.” Check your facts then girl.

“I am a business associate who is looking for him.”

“ARE YOU ONE OF HIS FRIENDS?!” The door flew open at that comment, showing a frazzled Unicorn mare, one the stallion recognized as Twilight Sparkle. She seemed a tad manic, now that he could see her.

“No, I am merely an associate of his; or at least soon to be one.”

“What do you mean?” Her head was cocked to one side after that last statement. The new male shook his head.

“I can explain, but I need to come in for that.”

“Okay...”

After walking in, the stallion noticed the other mares in the room, all in various states of presentability. The white mare was the closest to presentable, while the butter-yellow Pegasus was in the worst shape. The rainbow maned mare was just quiet, while the stetson wearing mare was looking at him oddly. They looked expectantly at him, waiting on his explanation.

“Where is he? I honestly need to conclude my business with him first.”

“We don't know at the moment, Rarity left him at the bank just about two hours ago.”

“Well, since you have admitted as much, I need to-”

“You're early, bug boy.” called out a new voice, one in a baritone range. Everypony looked over to the door, where a truly massive stallion was coming in. He was having to crouch to get in, though the ten foot ceilings would gave him enough room to stand once in. “You weren't supposed to show for another five days or so.”

“Yes, well, I know how to move quickly when it is required of me.”

“Still, you know of any of the others who are supposed to be coming showing up early?”

“I believe I am the only one.”

“Great, you can help me explain all this to these six then.”

“I only count five...mares.” The stallion's response was cut off, as the big male finally made it in. On his back, clinging to him like he was a life raft in the sea, was a pink mare.

“PINKIE!” her friends called out, rushing over to her. “How'd you get her to talk?!”

“You forget I was a father at one point? Seriously, my eldest daughter was worse in one of her moods.”

“Pinkie, darling, please get down.”

“NO.”

“Sugarcube, you are bein' right ornery.”

“But I'm comfy!”

“Pinks, come on, let the guy sit.” A deep thud echoed out as Nikolai sat down. Pinkie was still refusing to let go.

“Seriously girl, can't I get my personal space back?” At her shaking her head, he humphed. “Still, it got you out of that room. Might as well get this over with.” The fighter looked over to the other male in the room, since Spike was still upstairs from the sounds of it.

“Drop the disguise bug boy, and lemme see what I got to work with.”

A surge of fire overtook the stallion standing off to the side. When the emerald flames died down, in his place stood a large changeling male. His eyes were a solid turquoise and his horn had cracks from something running along it's length. He was well built, and had a few of what looked to be wrinkles on his chitin near his eyes. His wings were a neat display of a deep knowledge of personal care, seeing as nothing about them appeared to be off. All in all, it was a decent enough image; if the girls in the room hadn't immediately gone into what Nikolai would have laughably calling a fighting stance.

“I am Sparklink. As requested, I am here to begin training as per the accord between you and the Alicorns and Her Majesty have come to agreements over, so let's get this shit over with.” Nikolai grinned like a Cheshire Cat at that last statement as he looked askance over to the others in the room.

The reply which came from seven throats, as Spike had come down the stairs as the changeling revealed himself was simple, a single word which managed to convey all of their emotions. Their faces were covered in shock and a complete lack of comprehension.

“WHAT?!”

Author's Note

I had fun with this one;
and as a side note, i am coming up on when i think i am able to start the 'crossover' bits.

i had a few planed and i need to talk to those authors about it, so let's see what happens in the mean time.

Peace!