Going back to Canterlot was easy enough. Yes the start may have been a little rough, with Strike refusing to be away from that thing that he called a ´car´ with the guard being heavily against it. Saying that he wanted to use it to run away, these claims were quickly destroyed by Strike, stating that he had nowhere to run and went as far as to give the ´keys´ to his car so they didn't had to worry about him ridding away in the middle of night.

That was something that both suprised and pleased Celestia greatly. Usually any other being would try to make a run for it or tried to sweet-talk their way either into her panties or the underwear of her guards, and one managed that. The grifin's tongue was cut out and the guardsmare fired immediately.

Before they got off their train, the princess told Strike that were going to take a carrige to the castle. He asked just nodded, having nothing to say. Getting off the train, Strike and Celestia went into the carrige, most of her guards asking to in too and when she politely declined they tried inconspicuously to glare at him hatefully. Needless to say they absolutely fucked that up. Celestia was no fool of course, she knows a danger when she sees it and uh... Strike, yes, is very dangerous and watching his fightstyle in the desert two days ago she did not doubted that if decided so he could hurt her and he was lucky enough he could do so badly before she would put him down, so she had a... precaution at the ready.

Strike was one hundred percent sure that if... um... Cel- Celestia decided that he was too dangerous to be left alive she could and wound kill him before he could even blink. That's why he had a precaution prepared in reserve. As the carrige began moving they both sat opposite of each other, keeping the other one in their peripheral sight and prepared to attack should their different needs require it. As Strike looked from his window he saw the ponies as he learnt they're called, walking to and from various establishments such as shops of all kinds, restaurants, clubs, pubs and other. What got to him the most was the way they're all behaving, happy, smiley, joyous, no visible weapons on their persons and he could tell just by the atmosphere alone that neither they had any hidden ones. And the children. They behaved as they should and not like wild animals and the amount of them he was seeing was stagering. If he wasn't the way he is he would've cried, this way it just felt weird and surreal.

"What are you thinking about?" Celestia asked, seeing that he was deep in thought. Strike looked at her and was silent for a bit before replying.

"Just thinking about your subjects. They're so... normal, no sudden jerking moves, no senseless screaming, no carrying weapons just... living their lives without the care in the world. It's... weird I guess," he said.

"Weird how?" She asked. It was not lost on Strike that she was trying to assess him, most probably to see what he was. What made what he is.

"I'm telling you this because you're future boss. Manipulating me won't get you far, what more I'm cat turn it against you." He realised what happened the moment he said that. "Nice one princess, I definitely didn't see that coming." He clapped, honestly impressed that she managed to fool him.

"Thank you." She said sincerely. she was impressed that he noticed her hidden intent. Good. She is going to need somepony like him to guard Luna until she is back to her full power. "And I am sorry for that, I simply wish to know if you are up to the task and so far I am pleased with the results.," she finished.

"Both understateable and suspicious," he replied.

"Why suspicious?"

"The last part you said ´I am pleased with the results´? Some people would say that you care only that the job's been done while not caring how it was done," he explained.

Celestia thought about it for a second and nodded. "Yes, I see your point but no, I do care about how ´the job´ has been done. I would never allowed the innocent to die becau- oh you little," she laughed. Celestia could not believed that she has revealed a bit about herself yet was still impressed that Strike managed that.

He nodded to that and looked out of the carrige window again.

When they finally got into the castle, Celestia asked Strike to join her in the louging area. Walking a lot of hallways they got into the area. The room was interesting to say the least, when Strike walked in there were two spacious gouches in front of him facing each other, one was crimson red and the other one was royal blue with a table made of dark oak between them. to his left were two smaller gouches both deep purple with dark blue recliner between them all of it facing a big fireplace in front of them. And to his right was a half circle made out of six armchairs each with different colours. The wall around them were filled to the brim with books.

"Come. We have somethings that we have to talk about," Celestia said as she sat down on the blue gouch, point her hand towards the crimson one. Sitting down Strike waited for Celestia to begin. "Before we I believe that a proper introduction is order," She said before reintroducing herself, Strike doing the same. "Now I am going to ask you series of questions and you are going to answer me truthfully, note that I have put you under a ´I-lie-not´ spell so any attempt at lying to me is both useless and ill-advised.

"I'm a female," he said before Celestia's horn flashed with her magic. She gave the man a deadpan look before replying.

"And as seen I am serious about this matter," she said, "now, I have seen your combat abilities, so I would like to know what do you specialize at."

"I'm pretty adept at hand-to-hand combat, maybe even borderline on being an expert. Next I'm fairly knowledgeable in the use of knifes and which one is good for," he replied.

"Good that gives an idea at what you will need to train, such as swordplay, archery and other." Celestia said as she thought about some of the details before continuing. "What was your employment before this?"

"I was a soldier for five years before becoming a mechanic," Strike replied.

"A mechanic?" Celestia asked.

"A person that specializes in production, repairing and- " he thought about the proper word, " -enhancing vehicles like my car."

"Could you make one?" Celestia asked curiously, it would definitaly not only help Equestria's transport but the world's as well.

"I certainly do have the knowledge to do so but if you don't the materials and tools required, you can only dream about that idea," Strike explained.

"And what are the materials and tools that needed?"

"For the materials it's; steel, plastic, aluminum, rubber, glass, fiberglass, lead, copper, titanium and magnesium. As for the tools; oil filter wrench, wrench set, impact gun, screwdrivers and blowtorch. I could go ooon and ooon about how some or other things are supposed to be done, what safety measures and more," he explained.

Celestia nodded to that, impressed. "Some of the materials could be delivered but I am afraid we do not know how make the plastic, fiberglass, titanium and magnesium and from the tools only the screwdrivers and wrenches could be delivered," she said.

"Oh and don't let me start about the production of gasoline," he said. "It's the fluid that powers vehicles ." Strike explained to her confused face. Celestia then began to ask Strike various other questions like his abilities, combat experience, ect.

The doors oppened and in walked princess Luna in a formal deep purple dress, visible bags inder her eyes. Luna stopped when she noticed Strike sitting the crimson gouche but decided to ignore him as she came up to the blue one.

"Did thee called for Us, sister?" she asked, giving Strike a side glance.

"Yes I did. I wanted to introduce you to your bodyguard until you will recover." Luna looked over at Strike, looking him up and down. Whatever he is, he looked like he have seen better days to be honest. This is suppose to be her bodyguard? He looks like can barely take care of himself and is suppose to guard her? What is Celestia thinking?

"We do not want him," Luna said bluntly. Celestia sighed. Of course she did not, she was always free spirit, never wanting to be chained down by others, always wanting to do everything herself. While an admirable trait, it is not up to debate.

"This is not up to discussion, Luna. You need somepony to watch over you until you are back to your full power," Celestia said sternly.

"We can defend Ourself without someponies else intervention," Luna defended harshly.

"You have been kidnapped by cult full of lunatics and almost killed by them and goodness knows what else would have been done to you if I and my guards would not showed," Celestia countered.

"We have been caught off guard and Our lunar guard will be better prepared for events like this so We assure thee that it willst not happen again," Luna's patience was running thin and so was Celestia's.

"There is not nearly enough of them to be able to react fast enough if you happen to be in danger again, that is why I am hiring this stalion to be by your side until your condition will change and that is final." Celestia said with finality, making Luna glare at her then supposed guardian who was quiet the entire time. Luna turned around to leave but stopped when she reached the doors.

"We will have our maid bring the dinner to our chambers and then We will retire for the day," she said before she left. Celestia sighed as the doors were closed. Putting her hand on her forehead she began.

"Nothing to say?" she asked.

"What do you want me to ask?" Strike asked back.

"Anything would be better than silence," she said in weak voice.

"Give her time she'll eventually gets use to me being close to her."

"I hope so and thank you." Strike nodded to her as he thought for a few seconds.

"What am I suppose do to before my first shift begins?" he asked. Celestia thought about it for a second before replying.

"You could wander the castle hall or read a book or two," she anwered.

"I think I'll go with the latter, this way I can learn somethings about this place and not get lost." Celestia nodded before her horn with her golden magic pulling a few books from their shelves and putting them on the table.

"Here, you have history, culture, economy, language in here. Are there any others wish for?" she asked.

"I would like books about your knowledge about mathemathics, physics and chemistry and I would also liked to learn about that thing you do," Strike said.

"What thing?" she asked, confused.

"The one with your horn you just did," he explained.

"Oh you mean my magic?" she asked before she thought about the request. "Are you not a non-magical being? How do you plan on learning about magic? I do not know any non-magical being even grasping the contents of it, so much as learn it."

"I just want to understand it since there was no magic back in my world," Strike explained.

"There was not?" Celestia asked, shocked that such a thing is possible. A whole world without magic.

"Well the closest thing you could find some were just tricks and art but not the real deal." Celestia nodded. It was still an alien concept for her, to have a world without magic. She will have to find out more about that.

Celestia looked at a clock that was hanging from a wall and found out that she will have to attend the court soon. "As much as I would like to sit and talk some more, I have to adress my duties as a princess. I will come to take to you to Luna's living quarters when she is awake." Strike nodded to her before she left, leaving him alone with a pile of books for him to read. Deciding a bit which he should start with he went with the three scientific department closest to him.

What Strike learnt was a bit mixed. The pony math was a few decads, maybe even a whole century behind while the physic and chemistry were only in their diapers so to say. He knew that he would need more time for the history, economy, culture and laguage books so he went for the one about the magic. To say that couldn't understand a single thing written in the book would be an understatement. ´I need to find something more simple to explain it. Maybe a book for an elementary school pupils? Well... it would be much more better than going straight for the ones for toddlers that's for sure." He thought before the doors oppened making him turn around and spot the princess standing in the door frame.

"It is time," she said simply. "I was thinking during the court and on the way here that you may have some questions about your new position so we can talk about that on the way to my sister," she said as she pointed her hand towards the halls out side. With a simple nod Strike stood up and came up to her.

Turning the princess began leading Strike to his destination and once more they went through many halls as they went so he began looking around for indicators of where he is for future references.

"So, do you have any questions about your job?" Celestia asked. Strike nodded and thought about multiple situasions that could and some would happen.

"The first and fore most is about to whom I answer to?" Strike asked.

"You answer to me but should Luna give you an order I would advise to follow it," she explained.

"Which brings me to my next question. If she gives me an order that's in a conflict with yours, then which one should I follow?" that was a good question, one which made Celestia think a little bit before answering. She choosed the right stalion for this job. Attentive, calm, seeing through manipulation, asking questions. Most would just took the job and be done with it, this realisation about Strike made her smile a bit.

"Should her order prove to be more... correct, you are to follow her order." Strike nodded.

"Alright... your sister will no doubt ask personal questions, am I to answer those?" he asked, hidding his concern.

If Celestia noticed, she didn't comment on it. "Not unless you wish so." Though he didn't showed it great relieve spread through Strike when Celestia said that. Strike still had a few more questions to ask as he continued to follow Celestia.

"What about my car?" he asked.

"What about it?"

"Where's it?"

"I cannot answer that question. However you can rest easily because it is kept safe," she explained.

"What will you do with it?" Strike asked while hiding his emotions as best as he could.

"I was thinking about studying but that would no doubt require to disassemble it. While I would like to learn about its contribution to the society I do realise that would make you angry and make you do your task sloppily on purpose so that is why I decided agaist it for the time being." Celestia explained which made Strike greatful.

They stopped once they were at his Ward's room. Turning, Celestia asked, "before I open these door I must warn that my sister may try to use various techniques to discourage you. You see she have never liked when somepony was watching out for her and it became much worse after we returned from our first battle. She always felt as if she can do anything, fortunately she did not let get into her head, she is just... well, stubborn." Strike nodded before replying.

"I figured the first part, though I'm gonna need my gear to do my job more adequately," she nodded and oppened the door with a knock.

"Come in. Ah sister We wanted to..." Luna trailed off as she saw Strike standing next to her sister, she scowled immediately. "What is that doing here?" she asked in cold voice.

"First of all it ishe, not it. And second, I have already told you his pupose here," Celestia explained.

"And We have told thee that We are not a child to have somepony to protect Us!" Luna exclaimed.

"Nopony is treating you as a child," Celestia said.

"It certainly does not feels like it," Luna said angrily, making Celestia sigh.

"I am going to send a maid to retrieve your equipment," she said to strike before she left the room, leaving him and her sister alone.

Strike looked back at the princess and found her staring at him with frown while her hands were crossed underneath her chest. She got into his face making him took a step back as he didn't like when people did that. Luna huffed before she asked. "So what is making thee believe that We need your protections?" she asked in cold voice.

"Nothing," Strike stated with blunt and even voice making Luna blinked, "this is just a job I was hired to do and I intent to accomplish it." That was not something she expected. What she expected was either boasting or some talk about service to the princess and higher good, though she scowled when she thought about what exactly he said.

"So it is the promise of wealth if thee do this?" if there is Luna really hates, it is the mercenaries. Those dishonorable fiends doing anything as long as they are paid for it, never caring for anypony but themselves.

"Not exactly -" she blinked again "- I'm suppose to atone by walking behind your ass until you're okay." Strike said, making Luna blush when she realised he meant her posterior. Clrearing her throat Luna stood up in regal manner.

"Ignoring what thee said about following... behind Us, what are thee suppose to atone for?" she asked, curious about what he had done to make Celestia furious enough to make him atone.

"If you must know, I killed three of her guards, crippled another two for life and almost killed a fourth one," he said as the princess hid her shock. She did expected that he killed one at most, not three and the others were not that much better. Luna thought about all of the infomation she received and nodded slightly before she responded.

"Well if nothing else, atleast We can rest assure that We got assigned somepony that is not afraid to get his hands dirty, that does not mean We want thee here any more though."

"Noted." Just then the door to the chambers oppened to reveal a maid carrying a bag in her hands.

"Um..." she bagen in weak voice, "I was supposed to bring this to somepony called -" she trailed off as she lifted a tag before continuing, "- Mr. Strike," she finished.

"That's me." Strike said as came up to the maid and took the bag in his hand. Looking around he found a table and put the bag on it before dumping the contens on it.

"We thank thee, dismissed," Luna said before coming towards Strike's left to see what he was doing. What she saw confused her a little, she recognised most of knifes but not all of them. One of them did not had a blade which she assumed were hidden somehow while others looked like nothing more than scraps of metal and glass that were just sharp enough to cut through skin and parts were wrapped by what she recognised as a worn out duck tape, making an impromtu handle on their more broad ends. What really gave a pause was the strange metalic contraption, no doubt a weapon of some kind. It was shaped like a letter ´L´ with small lever in the part where it bented which had a guard which could host a single finger at most. Then there was a sword if it could even be called so. It looked more a oversized knife than anything else, even a short sword is longer than that.

Luna also saw what were undoubtedly an arm guards, shin guards and gloves but they looked more unpleasent. The arm guards were hard leather bracelets which had thin metal plates on the top part with sharp protruding nails, some shorter than others, thinking about bit more, Luna realised that they must have been broken during a fight and then sharpened later. The shin guards were metal plates with sharp bumps, as if somepony took a hammer and hit them hard. The gloves were to made of leather while faded yellow in color did not looked all that special at first, she then noticed that they also had bumps in part where knuckles are suppose to be.

Luna took one glove while Strike was strapping his gear and rubbed her thumb on the knuckle part and felt hard material which she assumed was metal. The glove snachet out of her hand and before she could make a sound of protest she was met with a hood that hid Strike's head so that only a black mask with black glass which was hiding his eyes, allowing her absolutely no way to read his expresion. The mask too looked like it had seen better days, what with all the scratch marks and cracks.

"I'm going to stand over there," came Strike's muffled voice, " and do my job while you do yours, how about that?" Luna nodded slowly, too caught off guard to do much else. When she finaly got out of her stupor she found Strike leaning next to the door to her chamber, one leg over the other and hands crossed underneath his chest. Luna was contemplating what to do next

"What is thy name," she said.

"Strike," he said simply which did not pleased Luna.

"Is that all thee will tell?"

"It's all you asked." She huffed annoyedly before speaking again.

"Will thee tell Us something about thyself?"

"What's the point? I'm here to do a job and that's what I intent to do. And once it's done you won't see me ever again, so let's make it easier for the both of us for the future," he said, never looking at Luna. She was looking at him for a minute before deciding to fulfil her duties.

"Very well but first We are going to get a breakfast," Luna commanded before she left her room as headed for the dining hall with Strike following behind her. The thought made Luna slightly uncomfortable.

´What kind of psycho has dinner at 10:00 and breakfast at 19:15´ Strike thought as he continued to follow his ward.

Author's Note

A few things I would like to say:
- Would you mind too teribly if I wrote numbers numbericly instead in letters?
- If you have an idea for this or another story, please write it
- How do you like my story thus far? What do you think is wrong with the way I write or the way I'm building these characters etc.