After getting my gear back on and Luna getting dressed which matched Tia’s only blue and silver we made our way down to the guard barracks. I remained tight lipped about what I had done and assured the princesses that no real harm had befallen their ponies. That is as long as you didn’t count embarrassment as harm. I had a manic grin on my face as the two Alicorns bit their lips to keep from laughing at the “damage” I had cause. One stallion’s face had been completely shaved of all facial fur and glued to his hooves. Another two and been splattered with a monstrosity of every color my pen could produce. Another had daddy’s little princess written all over his armor. One more “looked” completely normal his pink coat and aqua blue mane seemingly untouched that is until you understood that his real colors were red and black. The last two were nearly shouting “what” or “can’t hear you” while checking the insides of their ears. The mare from the check point was also present and they were all getting an ass chewing from a white stallion with a blue two tone mane and tail and wearing a red ceremonial uniform. The gambling man I am I wagered a safe bet that this was Captain Armor and was he tearing into them. Normally I wouldn’t have a problem with this however it seemed that he had assembled all of the off duty guards and a few that looked dead on their hooves. Those ones if I had to guess were the night shift guards that were either inside the castle proper or simply ones I missed.

“I have never in my years of service ever seen such an undisciplined, lazy, hopeless, and inattentive embarrassment to the guard!” The stallion barked at the group with his back to us. One of the guards raised his hand and opened his mouth but the captain cut him off shouting loudly. “Shut your muzzle private! You can speak when I tell you to speak. Is that clear!?!” The guard in question whimpered and nodded slowly.

That right there did it for me. The guard was looking right at us and I could only assume he was going to bring that to the attention of the captain like a good soldier. Him being cut off like that coupled with being publicly reprimanded and humiliated like this pissed me off. Yes I had set up all of this and I was expecting them to be privately scolded. Out of the corner of my eye I seen Tia and Luna both lose their humorous expressions twisting into scowls. I guessed it was for the same reason I was pissed off. The two alicorns looked ready to speak but I raise my hand signaling them not to. They each looked me with a raise eyebrow. I smirked and started walking toward the captain his back still facing me. I reached to my ear and gave my earring a light flick with my finger and grabbed a thunder stone from my belt. As I got closer another soldier was about to speak when I brought my finger to my mouth giving a quiet “shush”. The captain was so wrapped up in his ass…flank chewing he didn’t notice that I had snuck up on him. Then I just stood there and stood there…..and stood there this lasted for what could have been five minutes. The entire time I tossed the stone up and down back and forth between my hands. Many of the guards that seemed to be mostly awake had their lips pressed together looking like they was trying to fight back laughter. All the while the captain was digging a hole for himself deeper and deeper with is long winded speech about paying attention. I was about to tap him on the shoulder then he went and did it he went and said something that pushed me beyond all sense of mercy I might have had going for him.

“I got to where I am today by being the best at what I do! Not by horsing around pulling stupid pranks on my fellow guards like you all seem to!” He shouted angrily at the assembled group.

The pranks I pulled were indeed stupid but they did have purpose, one that this walking talking glory complex seemed to be missing completely. Gripping the stone firmly I tossed it high into the air many eyes follow it. I then place my hands over my ears and nodded to the guards which all quickly did so as well.

“WHO SAID YOU COULD MOVE YOU BUNCH OF---” BOOM!!!!

The stone hit the ground right at his hooves and exploded with a thunderous crash that could be felt throughout my entire body followed by a loud pained yell. The captain fell onto the ground his hands over his ears rolling around in pain. Many of the guards had taken a stumbling step or two back from the sheer volume of the blast. I would’ve too were it not for the noise muffling that my earring provided. As he rolled around I pulled one of my gloves off and wrote a short message on it. When he got on his back I stomped on his chest pinning him down. His eyes widened in horror upon looking up at me and I held my hand of out my message facing him.

“Next time you want to judge your troops make sure you know what really happened first.”

He glared at me angrily but that quickly ended when Tia and Luna walk up behind me. Celestia placed a hand on my shoulder and gently pulled me off him a slightly angered look on her face. I shrugged a little as I stepped back giving her and her downed captain some room. He quickly got to his hooves and saluted. Tia’s horn glowed it’s golden hue as I watched my handy work be corrected by her magic and briefly over his ears. I took that moment to turn the noise muffling off and the world returned to its proper volume.

“My little ponies please go about your business you are dismissed.” The solar princess said in a clam gentle voice that made me see why she was seen as a motherly figure.

My attention returned to the fuming unicorn stallion standing next to her. He glared at me hotly looking ready to try and beat me to a pulp “try” being the key word. I ignored him a looked over to Luna who had a surprisingly satisfied smile on her face.

“I take it you approve Princess Luna?” I asked calmly bowing my head respectfully to her.

“Slightly excessive Ro but yes I do.” She replied trying her best to hold back a giggle.

“I understand why you did that Ro but I agree about it being excessive.” Tia agreed sounding more disappointed than anything as she looked to the stallion still with us. “Captain Shinning Armor while I do acknowledge that the guard is at fault for sleeping on watch your accusation of them pranking their fellow guard was uncalled for. So was your speech about remaining alert when the three of us stood behind you for a full five minutes watching you. Ro himself was less than five hooves behind you for most of it.” His ears splayed back as he nodded in understand she then turned to me. “Though I am interested as to why you took such offense to his speech.” She asked me looking rather puzzled Luna sharing the look.

“A true commander doesn’t give a dam about glory he’s there to get the job done and leads his troops. It’s one thing to call someone out when they screw up, mass punishment and intentionally embarrassing those under their command is something else all together plus…” I shift my gaze back to Armor. “A captain is supposed to lead by example if the piss poor security is to be blamed on anyone it’s the officer in charge.”

“What would you know about it mutt!?” Armor yelled taking a step toward me. Before his hoof hit the ground I had my bow at the ready and an arrow notched and ready to fly stopping him in his tracks. Tia and Luna gaped at me and Armor’s eyes wide and began to tremble.

“Code name: Dark Hunter. Rank: Vigilant High Commander. 273 years of service defending the borders of my country. I’ve lead troops into battle and defended them and my people for longer than you’ve been breathing you little shit. So I know quite a bit about it.” I said coldly as I stared into his blue eyes. “I can tell just by looking at you this is the first time you’ve had death looking you in the face.” I put my bow and arrow away never broke eye contact with him. I stepped toward him and he stood still paralyzed with fear. I got my face right into his only having to lean over slightly from him being shorter than myself. “When you’ve lead men into a charge knowing that not all of them are going to make it back home then you can make speeches. When you’ve nearly died so many times it no long fazes you then you can talk about bravery. When you have spilled enough blood to fill a lake then you can act like you know what the fuck you’re talking about. When you’re ready to give your life for something bigger than yourself then you can be a god dam hero.” I brought my mouth next to his ear whispering lowly and darkly. “Until then you’re just playing pretend. Do I make myself clear soldier?”

He nodded slowly his shaking getting worse as I took a step back and returned eye contact with him. It was clear as day that he understood now that I wasn’t to be underestimated. I put my glove back on and offered him a hand shake my mood returning to a neutral indifference.

“Now that that is out of the way, call me Ro, sorry about that my training kinda took over there for moment.” I said politely and as pleasant as I could. He blinked a few time before he took my hand and shook it slowly.

“Uh..Shinning Armor…um good to meet you…Ro.” The stallion said looking beyond confused not that I could really blame him.

“Just…What in tartarus was that all about Ro?” Luna asked stomping over. “We do not care that you are a guest of the crown or a more experienced soldier you DO NOT threaten the captain of the guard!”

“Princess Luna we have only just met but I believe you know me well enough to know that wasn’t a threat.” I stated flatly but respectfully.

“Luna please calm down.” Celestia said trying to cool the situation. “Let us not forget that Ro comes from a dif-….far away land. There are bound to be a few misunderstandings about proper behavior and protocol.” The two of us made eye contact and it was clear that if I tired that again without provocation she would make me regret it.“Be that as it may he will not do that again right?”

“I’ll try but no promises. So am I going to have to fill out any paper work or anything to buy a place to stay or what?” I asked while I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Since your stay in Equestria is only temporary a work visa should cover most of your identification needs while here.” Celestia explain and looked a little annoyed that I sort of blew off her warning.

“So long as you don’t ask for a tissue sample and the paper work isn’t enchanted I can live with that.”

“I understand the tissue sample but the paper work?” Luna asked with a raise brow.

“Back home there are a few kingdoms that uses enchanted parchment for contacts. It doesn’t make it impossible for parties involved to not live up to their end of the bargain. It will however detect false identification and instantly inform a contract holder if someone isn’t living up to their agreement. Two brothers I knew tried to be cute and sign up the other up for duty in the army only to end up signing themselves in.” I chuckled at the memory. “I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard before or since. Expect that time Rocko bought an orphanage.”

“Who’s Rocko?” The two ailcorns asked.

“Tell you some other time, so no enchanted paper work then?”

“No we only reserve that for new trade agreements and treaties. No reason for it on something like a visa.” Celestia explain calmly and motioned back to the castle. “We can fill out everything at the immigration office in the castle, right this way.”

The three of us began moving and I covered up a short yawn. It had been a little over a full day since I woke up and had begun to feel it. However we were stopped be the captain that I had all but forgotten about.

“Ro wait a moment!” Armor exclaimed somewhat loudly. When I turn to look at him he was approaching quickly the fear was gone from his eyes and looked like what I could only describe as admiration. “High Commander Ro will you train me and the guard Sir!?!” He asked loudly with a hint of desperation enough so that I and the princesses were caught off guard.

“Um…why are you asking me to train you?”

“Because sir with how quickly you moved just now and got passed the security, however lacking it might have been at the time, your skills could aid the Equestrian guard so we wouldn’t be useless like we were against Nightmare Moon!” His eye open in horror at that last part and covered his mouth trying hard to not look at Luna directly, after a brief but uncomfortable moment he removed his hand and bowed quickly and pleaded. “Princess Luna please forgive my outburst.”

“Tis alright Captain we understand.” Luna said unable to hide her melancholy tone.

“To answer your question Armor it’s not my place to interfere with the military readiness of Equestria.” I brought up trying to change the subject away from Nightmare. “While I do agree I could its not my decision to make it’s theirs.” I said with a nod to the princesses and they looked at each other seemingly having a silent conversation then Celestia spoke up.

“While we do agree that your skills are admirable Ro the topic of you training our guard is something we do not quite trust you with yet but perhaps at a later date as we get to know you better.”

“That’s fine with me but even if you do decide to allow it don’t expect your guard to become as skilled as me before I leave.”

“Why not? Do you think we can’t handle it?” Armor asked seemingly offended.

“Yes that’s exactly what I think. It would take me somewhere around three months just to break you of all your bad habits and get you psychically where I would want you. Then at least another two getting you mentally prepared. Not to mention that IF I do train to become like me and I have to stress that if no matter how many I am training I will kill someone during it. If you think that is bad…that’s only the initiation test.” The silence that followed was deafening as the three ponies looked at me with a range of horror and amazement.

“Wait…all that is just to be tested?” Armor asked looking beyond shocked.

I nodded slowly. “I’m not an average soldier, in fact as far the most deadly people from my home I’m on the lower end of the top 30. I am however one of the top 5 archers though.” I said bringing my hand to my chin in thought.

“Wait if you’re in the bottom half…who’s at the top?” Celestia asked sounding fearful.

“It honestly depends on who you ask but I have a personal top three, Gurnoat the forsaker, Seth, and either Marshaw Rumptis or his successor Vardnar. I would have to say though Gurnoat is at the top.”

“Why him?” Luna asked softly.

“I’ll have to tell the full story some other time but the short answer is, the blast Princess Celestia hit me with he would have laughed off as a bug bite if he even felt it at all. Now can we please fill out that visa I’m getting very tired and I imagine we all still have a lot of work to do.” They were all staring at me in disbelief not that I could really blame them I knew the guy and I barely believed it.

“Oh uh yes right this way..” Celestia said after a light shake of her head and started walking.

I followed after her and we walked in silence for a long while as we navigated the halls of the castle. Armor had dismissed himself to take care of guard business and I made a mental note to talk to him later. The castle interior was a sight to behold beautiful white marble everywhere deep red carpets large near ceiling height windows letting in lots of sun light. In all honesty it felt far closer to that of a holy temple rather and a castle. The holy city of Vale back home didn’t even feel quite like this. The clopping of the princesses’ hooves clicked and echoed off the walls even on the carpet. I my steps were soft and quiet not making a sound and many times the two ailcorns looked back at me to see if I was still there. Had I not been in something of a hurry to get this over with I might have messed with them a little.

When we got there the form as they called it was about what I was expecting; name, height, weight, species, eye, fur, hair, and also in my case skin color, no distinguishing markings and duration of stay. What I wasn’t expecting was the dietary questions, apparently omnivores were something of an oddity and a special annotation had to be made on the back of my visa. Then I was asked to sit in front of a blue panel on the wall then look at a dot right above what looked to be a strange black box. Then a light flashed I nearly jumped out of my skin. I wish that had been the only thing I had done. I ended up bounding over the desk tackling the poor mare working the device. I had nearly reached my kukri before Celestia and Luna stopped me explaining what a camera was and why it flashed. I looked at them suspiciously for a few moments then they showed me the “developed photo” as they called it. It was a little blurry but clearly me diving toward the poor mare I had scared nearly half to death. I gave a quick apology and asked that I be given a warning next time something like that was about to happen. The second one turned out much better and captured my likeness clearly. After another apology to the mare which she accepted and with my visa in hand we made our way to the treasury for a currency exchange. This thankfully went smoothly thanks to it being little more than me selling gold for bits. Turns out Celestia’s original guess about the value of my coins was slightly off and ended up being worth an even 75 bits each. With the exchange done I left with 7500 bits and plenty of gold coins left over.

“Well it seems that is everything Ro. Are you going back to Ponyvile?” Celestia asked her mood seemingly returning to that of a calm ruler.

“No figured it wouldn’t be the best of ideas seeing how by now rumors have likely started flying about me already. I do have a place in mind though, Castle Heights.”

“There? Really? Ro there are much nicer places in Canterlot or Ponyvile for you to stay.”

“I’m sure there is but I don’t really need nice I don’t even really need walls or a roof. However I’m not going to rough if I don’t have to.” With a wave I started out of the castle only to stop a few feet away. “Oh Luna…does weekly visits sound alright?”

“I won’t mind Ro.” Luna gave me a little smile.

“Okay I’ll be sure to use the front door next time. But please make sure the room is more thoroughly cleaned or a different room altogether I don’t exactly want to smell your “activities” like I did this time.”

Luna broke out in a very deep blush and Celestia looked between us a slight look of worry on her face and I spoke Elysium.

“Yes I already know about you two love birds.”

Celestia’s entire body flushed making her look pink for a few moments. The look on their faces was priceless and I nearly broke out into a laugh. Waving to them a walked off and trained my ears toward them.

“Tia I like him.”

“I admit he does have strange sort of charm about him but…”

“I know… he is hiding something… pain and anger…guilt… I don’t even know…”

“Yes I know Luna…none the less it is a testament to his will. I truly hope he improves during his stay.”

Seems they weren’t fooled… oh well. I thought to myself as I walked out of the castle heading to the front gate. The guards kept giving me odd looks but I ignored them I was near off the castle grounds when Armor stepped out of what looked to be a small office near the main gate.

“Ro I’m glad I caught you before you left, get your visa taken care of?”

I nodded slowly and showed it to him. “Same here I wanted to talk to you.”

“About?”

“Training you.”

“What really you’re going to?”

“Sort of, I’ll be meeting with the princesses on weekly biases to discuss my home land and Equestria. So I think you could use this as a chance to catch an infiltrator.” I said with a wink and he seemed to get the idea as he nodded slowly.

“It won’t be as easy for you next time.” He said with a smirk.

“We’ll see.” With a nod and wave I left and made my way to the apartment complex.

Getting my visa had taken more time than I would’ve liked a part of me hoped I could get an apartment before the morning rush. No such luck for me though by the time I got back to the city proper the streets were already teeming with life. As I made my way through the streets it was plenty apparent I was getting a lot of stares. Mothers would hold their foals a little closer to them fathers would guide their families out of my way. More that one of the more pompously dressed citizens would either turn their muzzle up in disgust or scream for a guard to take of the “hideous beast”. Every time I was stopped by a guard I showed them my visa, and I was sent along my way usually at the great dismay of whoever asked the guard to deal with me. I assumed word had spread quickly among the guard cause after a while when a pony ran up to them I could overhear an explanation that I had my visa and they were told to move along.

I was getting close to the slums when I heard the distinctive hum of a unicorn charging their magic. That in of itself wasn’t that big deal I had been seeing it off and on during my walk normally for something mundane. This however was a tad too similar to the sound Celestia’s and Nightmare’s horns made when they charged an attack spell. The sound was coming from directly behind me and my best guess was around 50 feet or so. I had a number of options at that point and I quickly ran through them. 1 I turn around attack and/or kill them. Couldn’t really do that plus I was only mostly sure it was a harmful spell it might not have been but I had my doubts. 2 dodge and simply ignore let the guards sort it out. Again this wasn’t the best option the streets were crowded and that ran a big risk of an innocent getting caught in the cross fire. 3 the easiest of the bunch simply run. While the easiest far form the best, running would imply some form of guilt so that was out. 4 spin around close the distance and hit them up side the horn to cancel the spell. Certainly the most appealing option and would quickly get the point across to not mess with me but it would make me look like the aggressor so that was out. 5 turn and ask just what they were doing. In all likely hood they wouldn’t listen so it was completely pointless to try. 6 and my least favorite option simply take the hit and hope that it didn’t instantly kill me. Sadly this was the best option however, provided I lived at least. When/if the guards showed up to defuse the situation would make them the aggressor, me the victim, and if I was lucky word would reach the princesses and they’d maybe make some kind of official statement on the matter. So with a very quick but heavy sigh I turned around just in time to see the unicorn in question fire a blot of magic toward me.

It was a rather tall mare with a white mane and tail and could only barely make out her fur that was also white. As was the armor she wore that covered her entire body it was very well polished and looking to be made of platinum with what looked to be a rapier on her hip. Next to her was another mare that had the smuggest look of satisfaction on her face. She also had a white coat but had a blonde mane and tail; and was wearing a fussy white dress with gold and silver trim all over it. She had blue eyes that shined with superiority. Seeing those eyes instantly changed my plans. I wasn’t about to give such a smug bitch the satisfaction of seeing me get hit with anything. My bow was still coiled around my right forearm making a bracer of sorts. I decided to use it being as resistant to outside magic as it was I quickly swung my arm upward. The blot of possible murder made contact with my bow and much to my and their surprise the bolt rocketed straight up before fizzling out. I had been expecting it to either fizzle or blow up not be deflected like that. This did at least somewhat explain why Celestia hadn’t been able to outright kill me at the old castle.

“Good effort you can try again for a bit if you want.” I said sarcastically and rather smugly at I looked the two of them. The unarmored mare was completely slack jawed in disbelief the other one was only momentarily caught off guard before shaking herself and took an aggressive stance and quickly pulled her sword confirming it was a rapier.

“ugh… I am way too tired to deal with this right now…” I said in exacerbated tone as I reached behind my back griping the hilt of my kukri. This movement made the armored mare charge at me with reckless abandon poised to stab when she got close enough. There was a problem though; the rapier is a weapon of finesse and precision wielded in one hand. It wasn’t a weapon to be used be someone in such bulky armor. The fact she was running so slowly toward me didn’t help her odds either. With my arm still behind me I remained where I was and waited for her to close the gap. Her armor clanked and clamored with each heavy hoof fall. With the gap closed she griped the sword with both hands and lunged aiming the blade at my chest. I actually heard her gasp when I side stepped the attack and left one leg out tripping her and sending her to the ground with a loud clang. With her face down on the ground I quickly placed my boot down hard on her back pinning her.

“Care to explain why you’re so intent on trying to kill me when the guard has done nothing to stop me from wandering around hmmm?” I asked genuinely curious at this point.

“I’m only obeying my mistress’ order.” The pinned mare said quietly as she yanked herself into a roll getting out from under my foot.

I managed to stay standing and my ear flicked as I heard the clang of armor rapidly approaching I believed it was the guard. When I turned to see golden armor quickly approaching I smirked a little and regarded the mare before me.

“So should it be you or your mistress that is arrested for attempted murder?”

The armored mare visible staggered slightly at the idea but quickly made for another charge. One that was quickly stopped when a purple dome covered me and the charging mare bounced off it. The dome itself was about 12 foot tall and wide and made my fur stand on end for some reason. A number of pegasusi guards descended while a number of unicorn guards surrounded us. I could only grin slightly as I seen Armor was among them and I raise my hand in a sarcastic wave.

“Hey Armor you wanna let me out of this thing?”

“Ro just what happened here?”

“Captain Armor surely you can’t say that you know this foul creature!” The bitch of a mare in the white dress said as she got closer. “Just hurry and kill this hideous thing!”

“On second thought Armor best to keep me in here till that sow can keep her stupid trap shut.” I said crossing my arms looking at him and ignoring the startled gasps from my comment.

“You beast! How dare you!” She exploded yelling at the top of her lungs.

“Duchess Platinum! Calm down this instant! Mister Ro is a foreign dignitary on a diplomatic mission and your personal guard attacked him and you insulted him don’t make this any worse for yourself!” Armor roared at the enraged mare this seemingly getting her to come to something resembling senses. And I owed him a pint later down the line.

“This….wolf is a dignitary? You can not be serious.”

“Invited to the castle by Princess Celestia herself last night in fact I only completely my business with both of them less an hour ago. The Princesses and I were up all-night discussing the differences between our two lands. For example back home your little stunt back there would have been considered a declaration of war.” I was of course completely lying but I had caught onto Celestia’s near slip earlier instead playing it off as if I came a far away land not world. Shining however seemed to believe that last part fully and made a show as he bowed to me deeply.

“Ro please forgive her she didn’t know.”

“I’ll let it slide this time but could you get word to the princesses about this incident? I’d like to not have to worry about getting attacked every time I turn my back for the next year and a half.” I asked armor politely trying to sound the part of a diplomat.

“Yes of course sir.” Armor nodded quickly and released the dome that had been protecting me. By this point the guards had gathered witness statements and were confirming that I had been attacked unprovoked. My gazed quickly shifted to Platinum, I at least had a face to go with that eye swore of a mansion.

“Duchess Platinum was it?” I asked my eyes narrowed at the mare and she fidgeted slowly under my and everyone else’s gaze seemingly in understanding that she had fucked up big time.

“Um yes ambassador?” She asked slowly seemingly disgusted by the very idea of me having such a title.

“I’ll deal with you later I’m far too tired right now.” I state firmly as I walked past her my shoulder brushing into hers and slightly knocking her out of my way. “Armor could I get an escort to my future quarters?”

With a firm stomp of his hoof four guards fell in line around me and I made my way into the slums. I rubbed my temples as I yawned loudly making a note to get hammered before I fell asleep. The rest of the trip to Castle Heights was uneventful thanks to the guards. The complex was a standard painted grey brick building with deep blue window shutters evenly spaced throughout the entire 5 floor complex. The roof was only slightly slanted and covered in tan slightly curved tile shingles a trait shared by many of the surrounding buildings. The front door was simply craved wood painted to match the shutters with brass pull style handles.

I asked my escort to wait outside and would call them if I needed. Upon entering I noticed what looked to be the reception desk and at the moment on one seemed to be around. As I approached it I took note of the soft lighting coming from simple but still decorative fixtures hanging from the ceiling that was around 8 feet tall. How the small glass globes at the end of the fixtures provided the light I was uncertain and would look into it later. The floors were carpeted in a rather dull creamy white color but it was very clean. A number of landscape paintings and potted plants livened the place up a little. Behind the desk; which had papers strewn all about it, there was a large plank of wood with many hooks on it even spaced. On the side going up and down F1-F5 and A-H going left to right over the top of it. There were a few keys still hanging on hooks that made up the 4th and 5th floors. This lead me to believe there were in fact places available for me to rent. On the desk there was also a small over turned bowl with a tiny raise leg on it. I had never seen such a thing before bowls with legs sure but just one. Looking at it more closely it was made from a highly polished metal. Next to it was a small sign that said “Ring for assistance”. With a shrug I flicked the side of the bowl with my finger and it indeed chimed like bell. My ears perked up at this. My curiosity peeked as well I pushed down on the raised leg only to find it moved inside it and chimed again though much louder and more pleasant sounding. My eyes opened wide and my eyes perked up even more momentarily forgetting my fatigue I pressed the bell again. The chime was almost musical and brought a small smile to my face. There was a part of me that wanted to take the thing apart to figure out how it worked but I stopped myself. Seemed that it was a good idea seeing how after the third chime I heard a voice called out from an adjacent room.

“Sorry be right with you!”

It was a mare’s voice and she sounded polite enough but her accent seemed different. The accent was similar to that of Rarity’s but thicker, more pleasant, and soothing. It instantly made me think she might be a story telling bard of some kind with a voice like that. There was also some slight shuffling followed by a loud thump from beyond the door marked 1A to the left of the desk.

“Ow ow ow ow! Sod it all! Sorry just one moment!” The unknown mare called out again sounding slightly in pain and a little irritated.

“You alright in there?” I called out slightly worried and maybe a little guilty that I caused her to get hurt.

The door opened shortly after and the mare in question stepping out rubbing the top of her head. She was a unicorn with a black mane and tail both of which looked like they hadn’t been brushed in a while. On her face she wore square black framed glasses with blue almost slivery eyes behind them. Her white coat was slightly scruffy looking also as if having not been brushed in a while. She wore a black skirt that went just past her knees and hugged her very close to her body. A white collared long sleeve shirt a red tie and a buttoned red vest. The latter of which thanks to her large bust almost made it look more like a corset.

“Yes yes I’m…quite…alright….” She said softly her voice trailing once she got a good look at me. She stared at me for a long while a blank look on her face.

Please don’t scream. Please don’t scream. Please don’t scream. Please don’t scream. I chanted mentally and slowly pinned my ears down against my head in preparation. Only to be shocked as she nearly ran over to me and stood on the tips of her hooves (somehow) adjusting her glasses and reaching for my face. I quickly yanked my head back and grabbed her by the wrist before she could touch me.

“Woah! Can I help you miss?” I asked slightly taken off guard by her sudden close proximity.

“Oh I’m sorry sir it’s just I’ve never read or seen of anything like you before. The closest being diamond dogs but you’re so very different from that lot.” She said apologicly taking a step back after I let go of her wrist.

“It’s alright miss I’m just glad you didn’t scream.” I said with a polite nod.

“Why would I scream?” She asked tilting her head to the side slightly a confused look on her face as her left ear twitched slightly.

Alright how do these ponies manage to make themselves look cuter than a kittens and pups sometimes? I thought to myself as she waited for an answer. “I get a lot of negative reactions because of how I look, plus being a predator hasn’t helped me since I got in Equestria.” I said motioning to my body.

“Oh you’re a predator. Well you need not worry about that then with me. I grew up in Trottingham right next to the griffin empire I did. Met lots of griffins that were just as nice if not nicer than some ponies I’d wager.” She gave me a happy smile as she closed her eyes nodding her head slowly.

Dam she could give Diana a run for her money.

“Ah I see then. Are you the manger of this complex miss..?” I asked politely

“Oh! Where are my manners? I am and my name is Readie Page.” She still had that welcoming smile as she offered her hand to me.

“Call me Ro and it’s nice to meet you Miss Page.” I shook her hand gently.

“Oh please no need to call me miss it makes me feel old. So then Ro what brings you to my establishment on this fine evening?”

“Evening? Uhmm Page its early morning.” I said pointing out the window near the door.

She looked over to it and gasped then whipped her head around to the clock behind the desk gasping again. “Oh blimy! I did it again! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!” She shouted lightly banging her fists against the side of her head with each shout. Somehow I kind of found it funny almost like a seeing a child chastising them self.

“Did what again?” I asked as I grabbed her to stop her from hitting herself again.

“I stayed up all night reading the latest release by A.K. Yearling…again…” She blushed and rubbed the back of her head.

“Nothing wrong with reading a good book but, you should probably manage your time a little better though.”

“Oh! I know! It’s just such a good book I just have to read the title and I can’t help myself I just have to read the whole thing.”

“Must be really good then. How many times have you read it?”

“Oh blimy must be at least dozen times already.”

“Really? Wow that really says something about the book if it’s still being read.”

“What do you mean still being read? It only came out last month.”

I nearly dropped my jaw I amazement. A dozen times in only a month how she couldn’t be sick of by now was baffling. With a light shake of my head I recomposed myself. “Might I ask what the title is?”

“The latest installment in the Daring Do series “Daring Do and the Crystal Caves”.”

“Huh I might have to look into it while I’m staying here.”

“You really really should its one of the best book series there is…Wait did you say stay here? As in wanting to rent an apartment?” She asked looking slightly caught off guard.

“I’d like to see one first but, yes that was the plan. Unless there’s some policy about not letting predators stay here that is.”

“What? No! No! No! No! No! Nothing like that I’m just surprised is all.” She moved behind the desk and flipped through a few papers in the desk drawers before pulling out a piece of paper. “Ah yes we have a few suites left they will be 400 bits per month plus 50 to cover your water and electricity bills and a final additional 25 for trash and maintenance. If you don’t have any references I’ll need the first and last month’s rent up front.”

“Why would I pay for lightning? And why would I pay for water when I can go get some from one of the fountains it the city?” I asked semi confused semi annoyed as it seemed like she was trying to pull a “Fast Eddie” on me.

“Wait you don’t know what indoor plumbing or electricity is?” She asked me in completely bewilderment.

“I guess not.”

“Oh dear…well I guess it well be easier to show you in one of the suites available since you wanted to see one anyway.” She turned and grabbed the keys on the hook 4F and motioned me to follow her. “Right this way Ro.”

She led me behind the wall separating the front office with the rest of the suites on the ground floor. Once there we started climbing a circular stair case that also went down and as if reading my thoughts she spoke up.

“The laundry is in the basement and the apartment we’ll be looking at is on the 4th floor.”

I nodded silently in understanding and thanks to the open iron bar railing she seen it. Slowly we climbed up to the floor in question there was a break in the railing to allow people to exit on whatever floor they wished. Once we got there she lead me to the right of a dividing wall the first door was marked 4E the second was 4F. I figured that A through D were on the left side of the wall and if my sense of direction was right that beautiful music came from this half of the building.

“And here we are.” She said cheerfully as she unlocked the door opened it stepping inside and I followed. The room didn’t have anything in it other than the same cream carpeting and gray walls the rest of the place had. The ceiling was a bit lower and only seven and half feet but that was fine. The room was of a pretty decent size nearly bigger than most homes I’ve seen back home it was a good 40ft by 30ft. The room had a hall way that lead into another room with a tiled floor and looked like it could be a kitchen which led out to the small balcony. I stepped a little further into the room slightly puzzled to the small glass covered holes in the ceiling. I heard a light click sound and the room was suddenly flooded with light I took a step back and reached for my kukri but stopped on hearing Page giggle.

“That my dear Ro is electricity.” She grinned as she flicked a small switch up and down slowly making the room darken and light up each time.

“Amazing nothing like that back home.”

“I guessed as much. Now let me show you the bedrooms.” She led me down the hallway and in the first door on the right. “This is the master bedroom the bathroom is on the left over there.” She pointed to the door nearest the hallway wall. The room was plenty big enough for a king size bed, dresser drawers, and a desk if you really wanted one but might be a little cramped if you did. There was also a closet on the same wall as the bathroom door albeit on the opposite end. We then went into the bathroom which had white square tile floor and wasn’t a long or wide as the bedroom also a door leading to the hallway. There was what looked to be a wash basin, with strange handles and a funny looking pipe sticking out the top and a mirror on the wall above it. There was also a strange chair with oddly squared back with a lid on it a little further down the wall. Even further back and taking up the entire back wall was a tub large enough for me to lie down in if I wanted. Higher up on the same wall as the basin and strange chair was another set of handles and two pipes aimed at the tub which had a frosted glass sliding door.

“This here is the hot water.” She said as she turned the left handle on the basin that had a red ring around the end while the other had blue. I was instantly taken aback when water begin pouring from the pipe and into the basin. Even more so when it didn’t begin pooling it instead draining away down a hole with a raised lid over. I immediately opened the small cupboard doors under the basin to see more pipes that led into the wall. I was so caught up in the impactions that I nearly didn’t hear page giggle. Closing the doors and standing back up again I looked at her and I guess I couldn’t hide my amazement as she giggled a little harder looking at me. She then reached for my hand and slowly guided it over to the stream of water and placed my hand under it. I flinched back as the water was stingingly hot. She slightly turned the other handled and placed my hand back under it was still hot but not unpleasantly so. Then she returned both handles to their previous positions and the water stopped.

“That is indoor plumbing Ro and this is a sink.” She then pointed over to the tube then the chair. “That is the shower and bathtub and that is the toilet.”

“What is the toilet for?”

She instantly broke out in a blush and walked over to it and raised what looked to be a lid on it. “Well Ro when you have to…you know…you do it here then you…” She pressed down on the little handle on the side and the water that was in it drained away then refilled with fresh water. “It goes down the drain and you don’t have to deal with it anymore.”

“That is fascinating and slightly disgusting letting “that” stuff back into your water supply.”

“Don’t worry about that it all gets purified and filtered out before it gets back there.” She explained her face returning to its normal color.

“Oh that’s understandable then.” I said slightly relieved that I wouldn’t be drinking waste water while I was here.

She smiled at me then showed the other two rooms that were each half the size as the master’s bed room including the bathroom. The bathroom being the only one in the apartment meaning it had to be shared if you weren’t alone. The kitchen had a stove and an oven which was a huge surprise as back on my world only the upper end nobility or bakers had ovens the fact that these were much much smaller only added to it. That 475 bit a month price tag was starting to sound like a steal. The place was clean had far better amities than I was use to and with the running hot water at my finger tips made this place even more high class that many kings back home.

“Page compared to how I have been living most of my life I’d be a downright fool not to jump on this place.” I said in barely contained excitement.

“I’m glad you like it Ro we just have to discuss the matter of rent.”

“You said 475 a month right and needing the first and last month up front right?” I asked while I pulled out the pouches of 1000 bit bags from my B.O.H. to which she nodded her eyes going wide as I handed her six of them. “Then here is 6000 for the next 12 months plus a little extra that fair enough?”

“I-I-I-I….” She stammered as she looked in each small pouch her eyes wide.

“Page?” I called out to her and waved my hand in front of her face snapping her out if it.

“Yes, yes that is more than enough just….just let me get a contract.” She closed her eyes and concentrated her horn glowed a dull grey then with a pop a quill and a scroll was summoned. The contract stated I could decorate the apartment anyway I liked as long I returned it to its former condition before I left. And blah blah blah legal jargon blah blah noise complaints blah blah. With the contract signed and her having my visa information she left nearly skipping and singing out the door as she handed me the keys.

“Well Ro let me be the first to welcome you to your new home and enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Thank you Page and you too.” I nodded slightly as she left to head back down stairs and I closed the door.

When I did my shoulders, ears, and tail sagged with exhaustion it having been long over a full day since I slept last. With everything that had happened since I woke up predawn yesterday I was nearly dead on my aching feet. I lazily pulled my pack and quiver off my back and made my way to the master bedroom. I trudged over to the closet which was large enough for me to lie down in and still have a little extra room. I uncoiled my bow from my arm and laid it along with my quiver and pack on the floor near the wall. I then removed my boots, pants belt, jacket, and shirt placing them off to the other side while my kukri joined my bow yawning loudly the entire time. I pulled my bedroll and a thin blanket out and laying them between the rest of my belongings. With the door closed I slowly laid down on my left side my feet to the door facing my weapons my bones and joints cracking and popping slightly. Once down I grabbed my sheathed blade and placed it under my head my hand firmly around the handle. After pulling the blanket over my body I reached for the flask in my belt tapped the dragon and started to chug. Several burning swallows later I felt light head and stopped returning it to my belt. My eyes slowly fluttered closed as sleep began to take me in its embrace but not before I weakly clutch the simple sliver locket around my neck.

Author's Note

Sorry for the longer than last time delay Fallout 4...still. On the plus side however i might have an editor now a one AlistairHage so here's hoping.

Also im toying with the idea of starting another story with this simple premise.
How many op ultra badass badasses are written into the fim hmm? too many to count
How many sad/depressed/normal run of the mill humans? again too many to count
But how many healers are there? that is my idea for the next story. Please let me know in the comments if you'd like to read that.