Canterlot Castle, Guest Room

9:40pm

Dan couldn’t sleep. Not that anyone could blame him. Who wouldn’t be restless after being ripped away from everything they knew and loved and plopped down into some strange fairy tale out of a girl’s storybook… Dan casually sat at the side of his bed, fiddling with that medallion Aegis gave him. Now he and the Medallion were both all washed up. Thank God Showers and indoor plumbing exists in this world. Or was it thank Celestia or Luna now. He was tossing the medallion up and down with his palm just staring off into space. “Tch… Man, that Celestia chick really had it out for me.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Throne Room

Just After Dan’s Arrival

“Discuss?” Dan stood in front of the two sisters. “So you know what’s going here? Why I’m here and all that?”

“It is proper to speak to royalty with the appropriate respect, human.” Celestia spoke quickly with force in her tone. Causing Dan to respond by holding his hands up in defense.

“Sister, please!” The one known as Luna turned to Celestia with a stern look of her own causing the older to slightly reel back in shock. “I know what you must be feeling, but this isn’t like you.” Hearing her sister’s words Celestia softened a little. However, Dan could still feel that she’s still mad about something. He had a pretty good guess on what, but decided it would be unwise to bring it up in front of super powered Psychic flying unicorns. “We’ll talk about this later. Right now, we have a guest, and we must treat him as such.” the younger turned back to Dan and gave a bow. “Please excuse my sister. Recent events are fresh on her mind. For the time being, I’ll be happy to give more of an explanation on why you are here, as well as answer any of your questions.”

“Uh…” Dan looked between the two sisters Celestia was still giving him the look, but she remained silent. “Well, Alright then. The sooner I know what’s going on the better.”

“Excellent, thou art a lot more compliant than we expected you to be.” Luna smiled as she trotted past him. “This way please.” Celestia following close behind, but obviously kept her distance from Dan.

“Well, it’s not like freaking out and screaming is gonna help me given the situation. Better to listen to the locals than to run around like a headless chicken.” Dan replied as he followed behind them.

“That is very wise, young hunter.” Luna looked back a bit surprised at his statement.

Dan simply shrugged. “Yeah about that, My name is Dan Richards. You can just call me Dan.”

“Among other things I wish to call you-” Celestia whispered to herself. However, Luna heard it.

“Tia!” She whispered loudly in return. The Elder sister held her tongue but looked away. Luna knew well her sister wasn’t usually like this. However, she also knew exactly why she was acting this way. She would have to speak with her later. That much is for sure.

“Did you guys, say something?” Dan asked

“Oh, uh no. Let us return to why you are here.” Luna cleared her throat. “Dan, we’ll cut straight to the point. You are in another world.”

Yeah I kinda figured that much, lady Dan thought to himself. He could see guards that were standing at their posts. They all seem to be the same coat and mane color as they wore golden armor. What were they clones or something, or was it a requirement to dye their fur as part of the uniform… that’s going the extra mile to be sure. He managed to catch glances as a couple of guards every now and then staring at him in either awe, disgust, or fear.

“Whether this world is in another dimension or far out in the stars away from your world, we do not know. However, this has been done before a long time ago so precautions were made to aid you.” Luna lead them through some twists and turns quite honestly Dan wasn’t even paying attention to where they are or where they came from anymore. Everything looked the freaking same so he wasn’t gonna put in the extra effort and just listen to Luna. “So what is it that aids me… Wait, better question first. What am I even here for? From the way, you’re explaining it. It almost sounds like I’m stuck here.”

Luna stopped the “tour” as she processed what he just asked. Then looked back at him. Dan had his hand in his pocket, the other holding the strap for his rifle he had over his shoulder, putting weight on his foot to lean in the same direction his head was cocked. “You… Do not know? Truly?”

“Know what? All I know is that a lot of crazy stuff happened and here I am.” Dan scratched his cheek with his finger.

Luna took a moment to think of the most polite way to-

“Basically human, you are stuck in this world and you can never return to your own world for killing the Royal Hunter-” Celestia coldly gave a response

“Tia!” Luna yelled at her sister, but Celestia held her hoof to her to let her continue

“And you are basically taking over his job now. My condolences…”

… Dan didn’t quite grasp the meaning of the words for the first few seconds, but when he did, his eyes started to grow wider, his legs started to feel weaker, and his gun was sliding off his shoulder as he was now leaning way too far to the side still in growing shock “...Huh?” His voice cracked a little before the rifle finally slid off him, falling. Taking his arm with it since he was still holding onto the strap and causing the butt of the gun to hit the floor, and SOMEHOW triggering it, firing its next round. This startled everyone including Dan and the Royal Sisters. Dan cringing away from the gun as much as he could, Both sisters reeling back much like how a startled horse would do when they go up on their hind legs and whinney, and any guard within the hall cringing or getting into position for a fight. Fortunately, the bullet hit no one even when it ricocheted off the wall in its random direction.

“What… was that?” Luna asked turning back to the human, who quickly stopped flinching and hurriedly slung the rifle back on his shoulder.

“Sorry! Sorry! Forgot about my rifle for a second there”

“Rifle?” Celestia asked out of curiosity. She still seemed miffed but the curious device Dan had slung onto his shoulder did pique her interest.

“Uh, yeah it’s weapon I use for hunting, but back to what you just said.” Dan tried to wave it away. “What’s this about not returning home?! And that Royal hunter thing?!” he asked Celestia

“I mean what I said. From now on you will spend the rest of your life here and you are taking over the job of the previous royal hunter that you have so easily killed!” Celestia spat out. Dan backed up when she reminded him of Aegis and things were starting to come together for him in his mind.

“Sister, that’s enough!” Luna stepped in between them. “You have been acting different since the moment he got here. You’re being cruel.”

“You know very well why I’m acting this way! How can you not feel the same!” Celestia was raising her voice now. “He’s the one who-”

Luna matched her volume “We know, Tia! Don’t mistake that we were there as well when it happened!” Both sisters were now at a stare down and the tension was THICK. Even the guards started backing away. This was very unlike these two to be fighting in such a way.

Dan decided to speak his defense “Hey if this is about-”

“You stay out of this, human!” Celestia said with her horn glowing. Dan knew what that meant.

“Whoa! Whoa Hold on!” he watched the aura of the same color as the one on Celestia’s horn engulf him. “Aaaaugh!” He held his hands out in defense and closed his eyes to prepare for…. Nothing. “Huh?” one of his eyes peeked open to see he was still in the same spot, and in one piece

“Tia… He is human, remember? You know that won’t work.” He saw Luna staring at Celestia with a deadpan stare.

Celestia simply looked away “Tch! I know, I just wanted to give him a scare so he learns a lesson about asserting himself into another's conversation.”

“A conversation about him. Of course, he would want to say something.” Luna sighed “Perhaps it is better if you went to the garden to cool off for now and focus on your daily duties. You have been very rude to our guest here when he needs our help most. I’ll handle explaining things to him.”

“Just a moment, I still need to speak to him about-”

Luna interrupted “And you will, sister. I assure you. However, right now you and I both know you are not in your right mind. So we will hold that chat for when you are back to your usual self.”

…. “How can I…. When he’s here?” Celestia spoke softly but the bite was still there.

“You’ve done so before, now shouldn’t be any different…” Luna replied. With nothing else to say Celestia turned with a huff, gave Dan a glare to make him feel more than uncomfortable than trotted briskly toward the royal garden, eager to be away from them. Or rather just him.

Luna waited until Celestia was out of sight before releasing a heavy sigh. “We are Sorry, you had to see that Dan. Recent events have left my sister… greatly upset.”

Dan just watched in silence. “I… I think I can figure out why.” Seeing Luna turn to him with surprise he had to give a sigh. “Look, I’m not that oblivious. I can put two and two together… The old timer was important to her.” He spoke with sadness in his own voice. Luna could pick this up.

“Very… We do have to ask. Out of everypony here. Thou should be the one that is angry. Yet, thou feels sorrow for Sir Aegis?” Luna asked

Dan turned to Luna… then looked away putting both hands in his pockets. “Don’t ask me why. You’re right that I should be mad… I should be livid at that old geezer for even putting me through all this… I only met him for a day and a morning, but we did get to talk a lot. Especially during dinner.” Dan then smirked and tilted his head to the side. “He would talk nonstop about this girl he fell in love with. Called her his “Sexy Sunbutt” or something like that.”

This got Luna to snort and tried to stifle herself from laughing. “Yes… the two of them did give each other rather embarrassing pet names.” Another giggle escaped her lips.

It was then that Dan then remembered seeing a sun symbol on Celestia’s flank “Wait..” he pointed to where Celestia walked off. “She’s the Sexy Sunbutt?” Luna couldn’t help it now. Hearing that name had her in a giggling fit. Dan meanwhile now understood even more of her anger now. “No wonder she’s giving me the cold shoulder.” After some thought, he sighed again. “He was cryptic as hell, and always seemed to be up to something. Normally, no one would associate, or even talk to some random guy and even try to grant his request. There are a lot of crazies out there you know.” He gave a shrug “For some reason though, he didn’t seem that way to me. Maybe it was whatever that feeling was that made me go along with this whole crazy trip in the first place… Not sure gold alone would’ve made me agree.” He pulled out that sack of gold coins he received from Luna and gazed at it.

Luna nodded. “Indeed, such a meager amount of bits wouldn’t be enough to entice anypony to do such deeds.”

… “Excuse me? Bits?” Dan just had to ask now.

“Er yes, bits. It is the currency we use in our country and the very thing you hold in front of you right now.”

Dan looked back down at the bag. Again, opening it up to look at the small amount of “bits” within it. “Uh, How much exactly would this give me?” he turned to one of the nearest guards and held the bag open in front of him for him to see inside

After the guard took a moment to look he straightened back up and spoke. “Perhaps a night and a meal at a local inn here, sir.”

Dan pulled the bag back and looked inside once again. “You, sneaky old-”

“Is something wrong?” Luna asked curiously.

“Oh nothing, it's just the old man’s last laugh on me I guess.” Dan sighed as he pocketed the bag in one of his larger pockets on his cargo pants. “Anyway, we should get back to the point… is there really no way for me to go back home.”

Luna shook her head and gave a sigh of her own and they returned to their march. “My sister was being rude. The actual answer is more of something in between really.”

“In between? Like yes and no?” Dan asked. At her nod, he continued. “What does that mean?”

“You see… When a new Royal hunter is found, Who they are, what they are, everything they had on their person at the time, are both sent here, and remains there.” Luna tried to explain.

“...... Huh?” Dan tilted his head

“Er, I suppose the closest way to phrase it is, your body and your belongings are split into two, yet they are still one and the same. You Still exist in your world, but you exist here as well.”

….. That…. That sounds kinda trippy, like some Quantum Physics B.S. from what I’m hearing.” Dan just blinked.

“Tis’ somewhat difficult to explain, but I assure you it is very true. Your other self more than likely is returning to his daily life after the incident.”

Dan folded his arms and contemplated about it. “Knowing me he’s probably gonna try to distract himself with food and music or something.” When he noticed Luna giving him a curious gaze he explained “I don’t cope well with those kinds of things.” he lifted up his still bloody hands. “I just killed somebody not too long ago… even worse is that I knew them. Briefly, but I still knew him.” Luna cast her gaze down feeling both pity for Dan and a bit of shame for involving him in this a trick. “I suppose I’m only faring any better since you’re here to explain to me that this was all on purpose.” The mood in atmosphere definitely dropped now. However, Luna lifted her head back up and replied.

“Well as I was going to soon explain, there is a way for you to go back home.”

“Really?!” Dan perked up immediately and stared at the Princess in shock. However, he saw her lift her hoof up to him to stop his thoughts.

“However, You yourself cannot return there to stay.” Luna could almost feel his heart sank when she dropped that bomb. “I’m sorry, Dan. If there is already another you on that world. The magic of this whole extensive spell will correct everything by returning you back here if you overstay your welcome.” She once again bowed her head to him. “The ability to return is to let you obtain anything from your world that you would deem as important to your new role as Royal Hunter.”

Dan placed his hands on both sides of his head. Then proceeded to ruffle and mess up his own hair in frustration gritting his teeth. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“I’m afraid not, Dan.” Luna replied

After a short moment, Dan let his hands fall back to his sides and looked up to the ceiling. It felt like an eternity as the two of them just stood there in silence. Luna out of courtesy to let him cope with all this bad news, and Dan just trying to calm the rising panic within him. He should be outright enraged, kicking and screaming. More than likely calling both those princess a wide assortment of names along with Aegis for dragging him into THEIR problems. He knows this… but what would that really accomplish? He inhaled deeply then exhaled a long groan. There was nothing he could do for now. And from what she said, he might as well forget that “for now” part. So what positives DID he have?………………. “You said I am able to return temporarily?”

~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Present

Dan’s short trip into his memories was cut short when he barely heard voices coming from outside his window. Out of curiosity he caught the medallion he had been subconsciously tossing and catching, set it on the nightstand and stuck his head out the window. “Guh!” He wasn’t prepared for how high up his room REALLY was, it made him pull his head back in the blink of an eye. “Jeez… I knew it was a long flight of steps, but Seriously?” he panted clutching his chest. After taking a moment to calm his nerves he steeled himself. It wasn’t SO bad once he knew it was there. When he stuck his head out Dan’s first direction to look was straight down. “Huh… Now that I get a better look. The view is pretty cool…” he closed his eyes and tried to focus. He could hear the voices. It sounded like an argument, coming from below. Yet, he saw nothing below him. However, there were open windows below him so it was probably coming out from one of those. He strained his hearing to pick up the conversation, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. It sounded like Luna and Celestia however, that’s about as much as he could tell. They were probably talking about him anyway. He was certain Celestia had some choice words to tell him now that he connected the dots with her and Aegis. Luna no doubt was trying to douse that impervious fire. He was pretty sure Sunbutt would have sent him to Death Row if she had the final word about it.

He pulled his head back inside and plopped onto the mattress. He turned his head to face the night stand he placed the medallion on. His memories picking up where they left off.

~~~~~~~~~~

Castle Dining Hall

12:35

Dan could easily tell Equestria consists of most if not all vegetarians. The chef did give him meat to be sure since Luna informed Dan of some previous guests from other countries would require meat in their diet. However, the chef could really take some lessons on how to properly cook a steak. In fact, he was surprised these supposed meat eating guests never brought it up, but there’s more to cooking a steak than just slapping it on a grill and waiting for it to change from red to roasted brown. He could only assume said chef would avoid getting near it unless it caught on fire. He picked at some part of steak that consisted of black charcoal… ON second thought maybe it did catch on fire for a moment. Fortunately, it was easy to cut off and set aside and continue his meal. On a side note, the salad that went with it looked like freaking art.

Yeah, no, Definitely can’t tell they’re vegetarians, alright. He thought sarcastically in his mind. He took a bite…. Come on, they didn’t even tenderize it… so tough.

“How do you find your meal, sir?” Dan flinched at the sudden voice to his left. He wasn’t sure if the correct term was butler or busboy, but it was the very one that gave him the darn plate.

Dan forced himself to swallow the tough slightly burnt piece of meat (“That’s what she said” Decided to beat you to it as I know you WOULD say it… Moving on.) “Uh… It’s… a unique way to cook it.” He forced himself to reply Unique as in your chef purposely cooked it this way anyway, and can’t a guy get some A.1. Around here?

The stallion bowed politely. “Very good then sir.” then returned back to his post.

“Shall we continue our conversation?” Luna asked him from down on the other end of the table, She was having the same salad, but her’s had daisies in it?

“Uh, yeah sure.” Dan gave a nod “So you said there was a way I can temporarily return home?

Luna nodded before taking a bite “Yes, the previous hunter would find a door on that world, away from the public eye and cast a special spell on it. Once set, the Royal Hunter would forever use that door as their way to return to that world for a set amount of time. To activate it from here, they need only to pick any door and perform the secret hoof-Oh Apologies, I mean, HAND gesture with their weaker hand, never their dominant hand.”

“Why is that?” Dan asked as he forced himself to chew on the tough meat.

“We believe Aegis never told us the exact details, but we’ve been informed that nothing should happen or something terrible will happen.” Luna tapped her chin with her hoof.

‘Yeesh, which is it, lady?’ Dan gave her a deadpan look as he managed to swallow his meal. “Well that aside, can you teach me the spell now? There are some things I would like to get from my world.”

“Oh, I do not know the spell.” Luna said simply “The only ones that know the spell were Sir Aegis…. and… My sister, oh dear.” Luna immediately had a look of worry.

Dan slumped before putting his hands on his face “Well that’s great, cuz apparently I made such a good impression on her, what with axing her lover and taking his job and all.”

Luna seemed to look even sadder the moment he reminded her of the situation. “Yes… Ahem, however, it is her duty to teach you this so it must come to pass. Thou shall leave this matter to me. I shall speak with her about it once we are finished here, I assure you.” She continued her meal. “Are there any more questions that thou need answering. If not, I would like to fully discuss more of your role as the Royal Hunter.”

“Nothing comes to mind, so go ahead, explain away.” Dan said before he started cutting out another piece of his steak.

“Very well, however just out of curiosity; we find it strange you haven’t made any attempt to refuse this task. We honestly thought thou would resist more than this.” Luna asked as she tilted her head.

Dan took a moment to chew his food this time before giving his response “When you think about it Princess, what other choice do I have?” Seeing her confused look he continued. “I’m basically a being from another dimension or world, stuck in another world I do not know, Haven’t the first clue how things work here, am more than likely gonna be seen as some freak or monster, and I’m all alone here.” he shrugged. “I don’t think it will be as simple to live here as it would’ve been in my world.”

After a moment Luna considered his words and then gave a sad smile. “I guess… in a sense, You are worse off than me since I have my sister.”

“Huh?” Dan tried to listen to her a bit harder.

However, Luna shook her head. “No, no, it is not important, right now. You do raise a very good point, and I shall make sure that we can at least help you get settled once everything is concluded.”

“... Thank you… Princess…” Dan nodded to her and waited for her to continue.

Luna smiled and nodded in return before clearing her throat. “The Royal Hunter is both the last resort to prevent conflict and the best choice to slay the beasts that prey upon the ponies and other races that live under our rule.” Dan straightened up, he could already sense how heavy those words were in Luna’s voice. “We are a peace-loving country, we avoid war and conflict as much as we can, and we are never the instigators. We do not have any reason to hunt other creatures since we are mostly a herbivorous race. As I said there are some other races that prefer to live in our domain and some ponies have been known to eat fish. However, we mostly like to live in harmony with nature and would generally never seek to harm wildlife.

“I’m sensing a “but” coming on here.” Dan replied when she paused.

Luna nodded “No matter how much we try to live with nature and given our abilities with it. There is a reason the term “Wild” still exists… Creatures, very violent and cunning, predators tend to appear every now and again in the long history of our country. These creatures may turn out to be some far sinister form of known predators, or some creature we have yet to discover. These creatures come from out of nowhere, and it is the Hunter’s duty to take them out before more harm could fall upon the innocent.”

“Question though, why just the Royal Hunter, surely you can just hire hunters from other countries or perhaps the other races that live here to do it?”

Luna shook her head, “You misunderstand, these sort of creatures are monsters among predators. They show no sign of empathy, remorse, any other form of emotion… They survive off their killing instincts and brutality. One thing they all have in common is that they Enjoy the killing of living things.” She paused and looked down. “Predators hunt for food… These… Monsters, they hunt for sport.” Her tone became serious. “Whether it be a woodland creature, an unaware traveler, or even so bold as a group of innocent ponies near the edge of town. If it lives, they take enjoyment in chasing their target down to enjoy the fear and despair on their face, before ultimately taking their life.”

Dan took a drink of his Sparkling cider. Listening intently to her words, He had a feeling that Luna had come across such creatures before given the thousand yard stare she was giving off. Honestly, he wasn’t sure what he could even do to help. This sounded like some kind of dangerous mission the main protagonist of a video game would have to handle. I’m not a Monster Hunter. As awesome as that would be, reality doesn’t work that way! Did they really expect him to take on such things?

“We wager thou art thinking that we are asking thou to take on the impossible, do you not?” Luna asked, causing Dan to flinch. Busted, she read his mind.

Dan scratched his head. “No offense your majesty, but I’m just one guy. You’re kind of asking a lot even if I’m a hunter.”

Luna smiled and shook her head. “We have expected as much. You underestimate your race.” Seeing his confusion she continued. “You are not the first human to take on this role.”

“Huh?” Ok, that intrigued him. Was she referring to Aegis?

“Does thou still hold the medallion? The one Sir Aegis gave thou before his passing?”

Dan dug into his pocket and pulled out the medallion out then held it out in front of her. “You mean this thing?”

Luna took a moment to gaze at it, then nodded “Precisely.” she finished her meal “You see, that medallion came from your world originally. By the one that took the role before Sir Aegis. Both he and Aegis are actually human in origin. That medallion is able to unlock the latent abilities within a human. In your world, I’m sure there were old legends of powerful humans that would take on the impossible. Even the ones that sounded like fairy tales.”

Dan could think of a few off the top of his head. “I… guess so”

Luna pointed toward the medallion. “That is what gave them such strength in your world, The first one to bring it here said that being in this world seems to enhance its power. However, it only unlocks the abilities within you. It is up to you to actually train to make them grow and put them into use.”

“So they’re great, but not so great.” Dan looked at the medallion again.

Luna shook her head “Do not misunderstand, That medallion you hold is a most powerful tool, but it is about as effective as its owner. Which now, is you, Mr. Richards.”

Dan took a moment to really look at the medallion, flipping it back and forth in his hand. “I see…” He leaned back in his chair. “This is gonna take some time for me to adjust to, if I'm being honest, your majesty.”

“We understand, this was all thrusted upon you so suddenly, if you wish, we can discuss other matters until you are ready to know more.

That wasn’t such a bad idea, he had other questions he needed asking anyway. “Right, well if you don’t mind my asking. Back when your sister was about to use telekinesis on me… nothing happened. Was she just trying to give me a scare or something?”

Upon hearing this Luna suddenly wore a look of regret. “Ah yes, that… Well, we would first like to apologize for my sister’s actions. It will be some time before she is truly back to her old self… or something close to it at the least.”

Dan nodded “It’s fine, really. I can understand why at the very least.”

“Yes… thou art correct. As for your question. Tia did attempt to cast her magic upon you to levitate you. However, it would’ve been impossible for her.”

“Impossible? Why’s that?”

Luna was quick to reply “It is because you are human, Dan.”

“...Huh?” Dan cocked his head to the side. “Uuuh, Does being human protect me from telekinesis or something?”

Luna shook her head “More than just that.” she straightened up as if preparing to give a lecture. “Because you are human, magic does not affect you. Your Race is much like the dragons in that respect where casting a spell or using telekinesis or the like will ultimately be a fruitless effort.”

Dan was surprised to hear that. He then looked at himself. “So I’m Magic-proof?”

“To be more specific, thy skin is what protects you from magic, it is very much like dragon skin in that respect. However, unlike Dragon skin, human skin isn’t as tough, thou art still susceptible to cuts after all, like anypony else here.” Dan nodded “And that is when thou should be most wary of magic. As we have said, thy skin protects thou from magic like a suit armor, but like a suit, if an opening is made on it, magic can seep inside and rendering you at the mercy of whatever spell is being cast.”

Dan folded his arms, not exactly a comforting thought, one cut that can so much as barely break through his skin and that’s it…. “Wait, what about if someone casts magic in something I eat?”

Luna shook her head. “Fear not, it has been tested already a long time ago, consuming anything imbued with magic has no effect as well, It would seem openings and entries into your body, such as your ears, or digestive tract has their own defense to magic as well.”

“Well, that’s good at least.” And he can assume based off of that, his eyes are protected from any magic attacks as well. He nodded to himself, this information was now going to be the most important thing for him if he’s gonna live in this magical fantasy land. He then heard the door to the hall opening, causing him and Luna to look in its direction. However at the first sight of the incoming individual Luna seemed to quickly hold a look of annoyance.

“Good afternoon, Auntie. I hope you don’t mind me joining you for lunch, and I believe I was informed that a guest is with you as well.” In entered a rather pompous looking unicorn stallion. His head held high and his eyes closed. He had white fur, blonde mane and tail and some weird star-like symbol on his butt that Dan couldn’t be bothered to care about since this guy already seemed to be screaming “SPOILED RICH KID” to him and he could already speculate his reaction when the overgrown brat actually opens his eyes.

“Yeah, that'd be me.” Dan said and just waited. Sure enough, blondie opened his eyes finally.

“Ah, then I would like to-AUGH!” immediately the stallion took a step back in pure disgust “What in Heaven’s name is that thing?!”

Dan leaned toward the table using his hand to prop his head up as he gave an unamused stare to the stallion. “Well aren’t we rude?”

Luna tried to get a word in to preemptively stop the Stallion. “Blueblood! This-”

“Egad! The hairless monkey can speak? What sort of pet training is this?”

“BLUEBLOOD!” Luna reverted to her echoing Royal Canterlot voice, It got the Stallion’s attention, but before she could continue, Dan lifted his hand to her. He then forks his steak hard and lifts it off the plate.

“Hey, Bluebutt… Gonna get some things out of the way for ya here.” he then pointed to himself “This ‘THING’ here you keep referring to hasn’t had the best day, and right now, my steak lunch, is tough and burnt, Which sucks.” he brings the steak to his mouth and chomps at it in front of Blueblood already shocking and nauseating him as dan ripped off a piece of it with his teeth then started chewing on it. “Now you have the gall to come up to me and act like I’m some monkey pet?... Get out of my sight, before I start wondering what you’d taste like with barbecue sauce and show the royal chefs how to properly cook a steak.”

“I-I-Ah-” Blueblood started stepping back, now with a look of fear added to his look of shock and nausea, before long he made a pathetic whimper, his eyes rolling back and he unceremoniously passed out onto the floor.

“... Wuss…” Dan said casually before turning back to his plate and setting the steak down to cut it like a normal civilized person.

Meanwhile, Luna had to hold her muzzle with her hoof to avoid laughing again. “Oh my, I didn’t know thy meat wasn’t satisfactory, I do apologize on the chef’s behalf.”

Dan shrugged “I’m not really blaming them honestly. They did their best after all.” he lifted the amazing looking salad to her. “I’ll just cook my own meat from now on if that’s alright”

Luna smiled and nodded. “If that is what thou wishes.”

“Oh, I have been meaning to ask, but what’s with that medieval speech?, You sometimes speak normal, but then you would suddenly start speaking like you're from the Renaissance.”

This surprised her for a moment before letting out a groan. “We-uh, I mean- I am still having trouble trying to speak in the modern tongue, Being banished for a thousand years tends to shelter you from how society changes.”

Dan took a bite from his salad “Oh, well, at least you’re giving it you-PPPTH!!!” He immediately spat out his salad “A THOUSAND YEARS?!”

“Hm?” Luna blinked “Did we not tell you? Tia and I are immortal.”

~~~~~~~~~

Guest Room

Present time

Dan sighed, perhaps remembering all this was what was keeping him up…. “A country ruled basically by pony goddesses…. Immortal with the powers to move the Freaking sun and the moon… and apparently, such omnipotent beings that would rather send a being from another dimension to do the bloody work of death so they don’t have to.” Honestly, that’s the only way he could see his purpose of being here. These are freakin' horse people that can quite LITERALLY move the sun and the moon without so much as stepping a single hoof outside their atmosphere and do it without breaking a single sweat, and they need HIS help, killing predators with a case of what sounded like evil rabies or something like that.

…. Maybe he was just a tad too accepting of his current situation… He heaved another sigh and tried his best to get some shut eye, Luna seemed to make it clear there was more for him to learn come dawn.

His old security job wasn’t sounding so bad right now...

Author's Note

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