The week passed rather quickly. I don’t particularly know what date it is but I’d say I spent well over 168 hours on reading books given to me by the nurses. I don’t know why they gave it to me but one of the reasons I got out was that I was bored. Pretty generous in their part.

“And they lived happily ever after.” I read out loud before closing the book and setting it aside.

I sighed heavily. Is this what’s like to be in a hospital for life? Just sitting down watching, reading, talking, and the cycle repeats itself for the next god knows how many days.

I then remembered the offer given to me by the shitty princess. She said that she will give me a span of 2 days before forcing an agreement herself. Boy it has been a week........If she can’t even get an appointment with me just for one quick answer, I don’t know how the hell she handles the entire kingdom! She may be busy considering her princess work, but she threatened me, so fuck her either way.

I lifted my shoulder to see the visible blue light emanating from my shoulder. I didn’t feel any pain when touched. Has it healed? I don’t know. Can't tell and won't be told. Unto my ribs, the doctors said they were healed and more sturdy than before. But I need to avoid a situation like that from happening again.

A knock on my door had my attention.

“It’s open!” I shouted.

Dr. Brown walked in without anything in hand. He casually placed his hands behind his back as he walked in with a calm smile.

“Good morning, Mr.Shad. How’s the night’s sleep?” He asked.

“Not good nor bad. It feels like I’ve slept enough since the day I woke up.” I answered as I cracked my head to the sides.

“It’s not good to get too much sleep. Well, it’s not good to take too much of anything actually.” He placed a hand on his chin.

“Again, It’s not bad nor good.” I sighed.

“Well, I’m here to inform you that you’re free to go. The payment’s been positioned by Princess Celestia. In which, she wants you to meet her at the royal castle.” He said.

I groaned. Well ain’t that great….

“Sorry to say, but I have no knowledge about my whereabouts. I would appreciate it if one of you could show me the way towards the castle.” I requested.

“That shouldn’t be a problem, Mr.Shad. The royal guards just came in early this morning to pick you up, believably sent by Princess Celestia herself.”

An even more reason for me to groan.

“Can I go now?” I asked.

“Of course, you may! Your clothing is right there next to the mirror. You may take a shower if you’d like before you leave. What I’m trying to say is that take your time. We here in the hospital treat patients like a family, equally alike.” He said walking towards the door.

“I’ll be waiting in the main hall. You will get your receipt and medications there.” He exited.

I got up from my bed and walked towards the shower room. I took off my patients’ outfit and stepped inside. I twisted the knob and water began to pour down from the shower head. It turned from warm to cold on random occasions, but that didn’t dissatisfy me in any way. In fact, it felt pretty good. Probably one of the best showers in a long time.

Treated like a family, huh?

The thought got me thinking. Whether the people…. Ponies here, were delusional or living up to the name of “Free Care Free Service”. What if one of the patients turned on the doctor and murdered him without anyone’s notice? Or maybe it was true that ponies are harmonious creatures to bring peace. Either way, I can’t let my guard down just yet.

I got out from my shower and wrapped a towel around my waist. I proceeded to walk towards my clothing. My knives and phone still in the same place as they were before. I removed the towel and quickly dawned my black shirt, hooded jacket, pants, and soon enough placed my knives on their respective pockets. One knife was missing from the bunch. Then I remembered, the fight with that weird monster, causing one of my most favorable knives to be used in one go. But, it was probably for the best.

I looked at myself in the mirror and I look good as new.

I then took a deep breath and walked out of the door. Patients who wore the clothes I used to wear wandered around the sides of the floor. Doctors and nurses could be seen rushing bodies into the infirmary or the operating room. Many looked at me but not many dared to speak a word.

I walked towards the floor receptionist that was in the center of all the crowd. The girl that stood behind the desk had gray fur with a white curly mane. She wasn’t that appealing but the breasts caught me off guard a little.

“Excuse me, ma’am.” I started.

“What can I do for yo-“ She looked at me with wide eyes.

I sighed, “Please don’t fear my appearance, ma’am. I just want to know how to get to the main hall to meet Dr. Brown.” I explained.

“O-Of course sir! It’s in the first floor, right down that staircase!” She pointed towards the door that had a staircase symbol on the side.

Why didn’t I notice that?

I nodded and bravely enough, thanked her for the support. She replied back with a slight blush.

Too easy for a youngster like me.

I walked down until a huge number 1 was displayed at the wall. Next to it was a door that lead to my designated floor. Opening it, the place sounded even more crowded than a gang fight. People complaining, shouting, talking, laughing, and crying. I ignored them and tried to find my awaiting associate.

Soon enough, I met up with him and he began giving me my prescription pills to strengthen bones and all-in-all give my body a stronger immune system.

“This will be all of your prescriptions. Make sure to take it at least once every 2 days.” He advised.

“Sure thing, if it gets me into a stronger state that is.” I said as I stashed it away in my pockets.

“Good luck on your journey Mr.Shad. I hope to see you again anytime soon.” He stuck out a hand for me to shake.

“Drop the Mr. will ya? With a doctor like you, I doubt your patients ever get bored staying at a hospital.” I smirked and accepted his gesture.

He laughed, “Oh please, you don’t know how many patients give me a bored look from my jokes.”

He wiped off a tear, “Well, if that’s what you’re asking, then I’ve got no other choice than to accept. Call me Brown on your part as well if that’s the case?”

“Sure thing.”

We both bid our farewells as I walked out the main entrance door.

What the hell did he mean by royal guards? Are they gonna carry me in some sort of small carriage like a princes-

My eyes went wide with shock. The ride that awaited me was the exact image I had in my head. Two pegasi ponies in golden armor were tied to a carriage that floated above the ground. One of them had a black coating while the other had an orange coating. The hair was covered by their massive helmets.

They both looked at me but the orange one walked towards me.

“Are you Executive Shad?” He asked.

His voice was somewhat young for a military guard for the princess. Maybe somewhere in the range of 19 to 21. Executive? She made me into a really big deal. I just have to play along I guess.

“Yes, and you are?” I asked back.

“I am a new royal guard recruit, Flash Sentry sir!” He saluted.

I chuckled in the inside but kept my normal cold look on the outside. I felt as if he was taking a rather easy job too seriously.

“Who’s your friend over there?” I looked over his shoulder towards the black stallion standing behind him.

Flash stepped aside and the black buff dude came walking towards us.

How long is that rope tied to their backs?

“My name is Storming Shade, a lieutenant of the royal guard working under Princess Celestia.” He said proudly.

Boy, I know you are a royal guard from the outfit. You don’t have to say it…

“Heh, he is more grumpy back in the barracks.” Flash added with a chuckle.

“Hey, another word and I’ll bash your head.” Shade glared.

I didn’t say anything to them as they both were indulged in sexual insults about their own gender or penis sizes. Sounds a bit too childish for me, but it’s good to see some ponies taking courage to speak of profanity in a sacred place for once.

I sighed and knew that I had to break it up before it gets too physical… Or maybe….

“Hey guys, how about hanging out and grab a beer? You guys earned it.” I gave them a smirk.

They both looked at me wide eyed. They were probably thinking of taking the offer as they looked at each other then back at me.

“Ummm…. We were kind of sent by the Princess and I wouldn’t want to disappoint by being lat-” Flash rubbed the back of his head.

“We’ll take your offer, sir!” Shade shouts with a salute.

“What! Are you crazy! What if the princess kills us!?” Flash panicked.

“Relax, bro! If we get caught, I doubt she will punish us. Probably just some cleaning in the cafeteria again.” Shade gives a knowing grin of his own.

Flash still had a face full of fear.

I kept my grin as a plan began to formulate in my head. I’ll try use this opportunity to get away from this place. First comes the distractions from the drinking, then I’ll knock them out cold, then escape as fast and as normal as I can. Perfect.

“Lead me to the bar will ya, Shade?” I asked.

“Absolutely, sir.” He bowed then led the way. I then realized that he was still pulling the carriage behind him.

“Hey, what about that carriage behind your back?” I asked.

“Oh right, almost forgot about it.” He untethered the rope as it laid on the ground.

He moved and I followed soon. I stopped walking as a I realized a missing royal guard. I looked behind to see a blue lightning trail, leaving behind a tethered rope.

“What a snitch…” I said under my breath.

“Don’t worry! I’ll catch him!” Shade’s black trail passed me in an insane speed. It was a surprise I could even hear him.

The chase didn’t go for long as Shade caught up and pinned down the fleeing pegasi. I walked over to them with hands in the pocket.

“Let go of me! I don’t want to be in trouble again!” Flash cried.

“Oh no you don’t, pal! It’s finally time for us to take a short break! I’m not letting a bucking pony like you ruin this opportunity for me!” Shade continued to pin down both of his hands.

“Jeez, Flash. You should learn how to listen to your higher ups ever once in a while?” I rasied a brow.

“You don’t understand! The Princess Celestia’s punishments are more tartarus than Princess Luna’s!” Flash tried to pry off but Shade’s grip was too strong.

I want him gone...

I sighed, “Let him go.”

“What?” Shade turned to me with confusion.

“You heard me, let him go.” I repeated.

“B-But he will tell on us!” Shade reasoned out.

“Just listen to my orders will ya? It’s not that hard.” I stated coldly.

“Y-Yes sir!” Shade removed his grip and Flash zipped through the sky in a flash. Heh puns…

We both stared as the blue trail slowly faded into the air.

“C’mon, lead the way to the bar.” I said.

“S-Sure thing, sir!”

We both took about 10 minutes of walking towards the downtown bar of Canterlot. Even though the sun was above us, the temperature was warm and the wind gave a chill to battle counteract the heat. It was a perfect weather to sleep on a patch of grass under a tree…

The bar showed a sign reading “Booze and Wooze”. Pretty weird if you ask me. We both entered and the place was pretty crowded, but enough room to walk through different places.

“Order me a beer will ya?” I asked.

“No problem, I’ll buy three in fact.” He said with a grin.

We both sat on the stools in where the bartender shook glasses of cocktail. It was pretty entertaining but got repetitive quick enough.

“Three ciders on the table.” Shade ordered.

“Oh! A Royal guard, it will be on the house for serving our country well!” The bartender said as he slid three glasses of brown liquid down towards us.

“Say, is cider the only thing available here?” I questioned.

“Nope, but it’s the most potent out of the bunch.” He chugged his first glass.

“Huh…” Was all I can say.

I’m not a beer person. I just used this as an excuse to get them drunk. But unfortunately, one escaped. Since I’m still 17, I haven’t been exposed to drinking, especially when it came to alcohol. I knew shots were quick chugs but that’s all I knew.

I picked up my cider and took a slight sip. My eyes boomed wide with surprise. It was good. No, it was REALLY good! It was like having sex with a vagina as the mouth…. That… didn’t make sense but you get the idea.
I began to chug it down quickly without any hesitation before plopping it back down on the table, quickly asking for seconds.

“Woah that’s amazing!” I said out loud in one breath.

“See? It gets your blood boiling.” Shade chugged his down.

This continued for about 30 minutes. I could feel myself getting in a daze but continued drinking regardless.

This is messing me up isn’t it?

Before chugging down another set of glass of cider, the door to the inn sprung open with a patch of ponies wearing the same golden outfit as Shade’s. Princess of everything sent this much of guards to get me I presume.

Even though I was a bit intoxicated, I still held a steady posture and could think. A white pony came through the patch of guards. Though, unlike the others, he wore a purple armor with golden trimmings. In the middle was a shield with some sort of purple spark. Rad….

“You! Over there! The Princess wants to have a word with you in the castle!” He shouted.

From his voice alone, I could tell that he was in the range of 20 – 25 ish in age. In the side of his waist held a sword. He stood to be the higher rank amongst the rest. A captain I presume.

“Sir! I-I didn’t know Princess Celestia would send you!” Shade stood up and saluted in a drunken haze. His body swawing to the sides.

“Don’t think I’ll let you off so easily, lieutenant Shade. Princess Luna wants to see you instead.” The captain glared at Shade.

“O-Of course sir, I’ll meet her as soon as possible!” Shade passed the row of guards and quickly flew into the giant castle.

I sighed. That’s one problem out of the way…. But that doesn’t solve anything right now.

“Come with us creature, you have been summoned by Princess Celestia. And from the way she wrote that letter, she doesn’t look too happy.” He walked to me.

“Sorry, captain. But it seems like you may have suspected the wrong pers- pony.” I said laying backwards unto the counter.

“Heh, I’m not here to play some sort of game. I’m not here for that sort of deception either.”

Well shit.

“Now, you either come with us peacefully or we will use brute force!” He shouted.

“Well, there’s no point in trying to flee is there?” I sighed.

“Guards! Cease this creature at once and bring him to Princess Celestia!”

A bunch of his men began to make their way to me with ropes and handcuffs. Behind them stood a giant cage that could fit well around 2 big fat people. I’m not about to get caught or be caught. I’ve been standing strong ever since the day I was left alone and never have been caught once. This will not be the first nor will it be the last…. Show me what you got.

“Well, if that’s how you want to play.” I said as I grabbed the mug of beer and smashed it towards the nearest guard’s face.

He tumbled backwards, pushing guards standing behind him and let the cycle run like dominos.

“Get him! Quickly!” One of the guards yelled.

I vaulted over the counter and grabbed one bottle of beer and smashed it on the second stallion who tried to grab me, leaving me with a bottle with edges.

I looked around and saw a door to the right showing the restroom area. I quickly ran towards the door, opened it then locked it quickly as I went inside. Hard bang after hard bang could be heard but the door didn’t budge. This gave me enough time to think.

I looked around the bathrooms stalls to find the small window that normal bathrooms normally have. A little over a second later, there stood two windows on each bathroom stalls. I don’t know why it was there, but I didn’t question it. I quickly bashed the glass with my right elbow and slipped through it like butter.

Thankfully, the time was somewhat midnight which gave me a clear breakthrough that most of the people here were asleep. I tried to find a good hiding spot before finding the exit. Maybe hiding on top of rooftops? Nah, they have wings…. Dammit, I gotta go the traditional way.

I spotted a sewer canal at the side of the street right behind the bar. I opened it and slipped in without a moment’s hesitation. Hopefully, this will keep them occupied while I find another way.

“So, you passed through our secret canal, destroyed about a third of the functioning switches due to curiosity, and ended up sleeping in a rat-infested lair.” Princess Celestia grinned.

“Fuck you! Why do you not have canals to lead towards the outside waters!?” I complained.

The bitch chuckled, “Really funny for you to attempt an escape here in Canterlot. No pony ever succeeds.”

“I’m not a pony to begin with you piece of shit!”

I sat on the floor with my hand cuffed together and my neck chained to a nearby floating pole. The gist was…. I got caught trying to find my way out. It was disappointing, but at least I didn’t die trying to escape.

“What do you want from me! I don’t want to listen to you nor do I even want to stay here!”

“Please Jacob, I want you to hear me out.” She said with a worried expression.

“Don’t call me that name. I despise it so much I could throw you a fucking a punch of a century if you say it again!” I threatened.

I was angry. Why couldn’t I just roam like a peaceful person would? Why would a race so loving and harmonious do such a thing? Was I lied to? Was I deceived? Was this all planned?

She sighed. Suddenly, a bright lightning zapped me straight in the head. I didn’t know what the fuck happened. A sudden tingle could be felt inside of my head. I twisted my head, trying to withstand it.

Moments after, I felt numb. My arms and legs were stiff as a bored and my head fell to the side. It was as if I was unconscious but conscious in the same time. I knew what was happening, but I couldn’t tell what was happening to my head.

“Ok, will you listen to me now?” She sighed and sat on her throne.

I slowly nodded my head unconsciously.

“Equestria is at risk as of now. Dragons and Griffons are on the attack for our kingdom. They want none alive and none to be existent.” She began.

“We need your help, as a thief and as a skilled assassin, to deceive these race’s leaders before they start the attack. I want you to encourage them that friendship matters most in life as everyone could be equally alike in a more organized society.” She looked down.

“I don’t want anything happening 300 years ago. I lost my parents in a war between the Dragons and the Changelings…..” A tear fell from her eye.

My eyes grew wide. Even though I was stuck in my place, I knew that she was desperate. I knew what kind of situation she is placed in…. For I have been placed the same. I may not know what it is like to defend a kingdom. But I know what it’s like to prevent the same thing from happening twice….
I was brought back to reality. I could move my body well enough to think clearly again. I looked up and we both stared at each other’s eyes.

I looked down and realized that my hands were freed from the chains as well as my neck. I gave it another thought, but quickly brushed it off.

I stood up, and looked through the window at the side. It was a full moon in the sky, brightening the land of Equestria as everyone is in an eternal lullaby…. Well, mostly everyone.

I opened my mouth, “Give me a better gear to go out with. Stop calling me Jacob, it’s Shad. And don’t order me around. I’m doing this for the sake of your country, and the fact that I notice that you stand in the same place I once stood.”

This may be the most regretful part of my life. But, I will be willing to help, as long as I get back home.

Home……

Author's Note

Sorry for the late submission! Was too busy working on some lab reports for school. Anyways, this chapter wasn't as planned as I thought of it to be.

Hoped you guys enjoyed and appreciate some criticisms!
Thanks!