The next few days practically went by in an instant and without incident, though my thoughts were very much all over the place.

Guards had now been making it a point to stop and salute me when they encountered me as I went about my business. It was weird at first and I wasn't one hundred per cent fine with it but after some words with Ghost essentially telling me to "suck it up and deal with it", I paid it no mind after that.

Speaking of the Guards, I had begun making plans to better train them to the standard I wanted them to be at, using ideas and methods from warriors of old and, what was to me, modern-day soldiers. What better way to have top-tier trained Guards than to have the ingenuity and tactfulness of say SAS or the Marines with the prowess and strength of the ancient Spartans or the Roman Legion? To me, that was a recipe or something great. It was all very much still in its infancy, but I was getting closer to a complete regiment.

Much like the Guards saluting me and treating me as their superior, it was weird having Ghost follow me around practically everywhere I went at first but I eventually took his advice and decided to just suck it up and deal with it and got used to it a lot quicker than I expected. He had apparently taken my words to heart as he became less rigid around me, even if it was something as simple as his shoulders becoming less tense when he was around me or engaging in the minimalist of small talk. Or something more significant as eating with me. Honestly, I started enjoying his company, much like a certain duo.

The Princesses were unfortunately far too busy for me to spend any real time with them, but fortunately, with the fact I get up significantly earlier in the morning than most, we used the time during breakfast for them to wind down before starting their jam-packed day as well as familiarise themselves with their newest member of high-ranking military personnel. Despite this, they kept me well up to date regarding the upcoming Knighting, something I was both nervous and looking forward to. The higher-ranking nobility as well as a few more notable people among the common populace would be present for the ceremony itself while the paparazzi would there to document it and take the necessary picture for the inevetable article to be read in the paper.

Then there was the man that I had encountered. The way he spoke about me with such an air of familiarity was unnerving. And the power he held felt like it was just being held back, boiling just below the surface. Like I had told the Princess, it felt as though he wasn't there to permanently harm me but to test me for something. The whole situation regarding him was not one I wanted to actively think about and everything about him told me shit was fucked.

On top of that, no word of any demon sightings has been made since the attack on Ponyville and it unnerved me. Such a strong opening only to be followed by nothing but silence? it was enough to get even Luna and Celestia concerned. However, as they had instructed, with the sheer lack of anything to act on, we could only wait for them to rear their ugly heads. But there was neither hide nor hair of them to be found no matter how vigilant we were.

So that left us with time to kill until I was Knighted and it left me with plenty of time to familiarise myself with the Guards I would be training and working with. I had made it a bit of a habit to make my way down to the training grounds at least once a day and, despite how I felt about their saluting even though I wasn't in rank yet, I had become fairly comfortable. And in my time there, I had regaled them with the occasional tale, though making sure to not reveal too much about myself. And that was exactly what I was doing now.

"...so I caught the bird for them, but it weren't easy. Big fish. Not like going down to the pond and chasing bluegills or Tommy cods. Damn thing would swallow you whole. Shakin', tenderisin'. Right down you go. And we had to do it quick, get back the tourists that would put their businesses back on a paying basis. Wasn't pleasant, lost a few good men along the way. Now I value my neck more than three thousand bucks, but back then, I needed the money and they needed the damn thing gone."

The Guards gathered around the lunch area had their eye glued to me, even Ghost found himself watching and listening to my tale with a vested interest as I spoke. Word had gotten out about my tale-spinning and it became something the Guards always looked forward to and it was something I was more than happy to do.

"Excuse me, Sir," One of the newer recruits spoke up. "But where did you say this happened?"

"On a small island town off the coast. A little fishing hamlet," I replied, sipping on a mug of coffee. "It's been some years since I've been there. Honestly, I doubt it still is. It was on its last legs when I was last there."

"A shame," Shining Armour spoke up, having listened to my tale from the start, along with a couple of the Wonderbolts as well. "Sounds like it was a nice place."

"It was," I said almost solemnly. "Great people, very hospitable, amazing atmosphere. Reminds me a lot of Ponyville now that I think about it. Shame what happened to them."

"Alright people, break's over," I said suddenly, standing as I spoke. "As you were."

Without word or complaint, the Guards that gathered all filed out and returned to where they were before, either back to training equipment or out of the training ground. Chugging what remained of my coffee, Ghost and I stand to leave, only to be stopped by the Equestrian Officers who had also joined in listening to my tales.

"What can I do for you?" I ask, placing my hands behind my back.

"We were instructed to inform you that the ceremony will be taking place tonight," Shining Armour said. "We would have informed you earlier but you were in the middle of a story and we didn't want to interrupt."

"I appreciate the courtesy Captain," I thanked. "And thank you for informing me. Good thing we have time to prepare."

With that, I walk away without another word, making my way out of the training grounds and out to the winding castle corridors. I got back to my room quickly enough as I had somewhat familiarised myself with the layout of the castle, but I still got lost here and there, but thankfully Ghost was always there to correct me. Before I got to my room, I told Ghost to get some lunch as he hadn't eaten when we were at the training grounds like everyone else and after a few minutes of persuading him, I managed to get him to go.

Stepping into my room, I let the door close behind me as I began dragging my heels, my steps becoming slow and lethargic. Opening the doors to the room's balcony, I placed my hands on the cold white stone. I could feel my shoulders and my back, the muscles tense and knotted. I sigh escaped my lips while I hung my head slightly. My life had changed drastically, far more than I ever thought could be possible. Nothing made sense anymore.

Clambering up, I sat on the balcony's stone railing, letting my legs hang limply while I looked over the capital city of the nation I now called home. I watch the sun cast its yellow rays as it starts slowly descending, the yellow changing to a light, warm and pleasant orange as the birds fly overhead and throughout the city itself. I could just make out the hustle and bustle of the nobles in the streets far below, their voices faint and conjoined. Even from here, I could smell the cafes and various restaurants that littered the city. It was a beautiful sight, all things considered, but it still felt...almost alien. I knew I didn't belong, though no one else thought otherwise as they all chalked my rounded ear up to a birth defect. To them, I was just another occupant in the nation. But I knew otherwise.

Suddenly, my door opened with force and I whipped my head to see who had entered. To my surprise, I see Twilight lock eyes with me, an exasperated Ghost behind her. Cocking an eyebrow, I lift myself up and off the railing and onto the balcony properly, stepping back into my room. I glance at Twilight, before looking at Ghost.

"She wouldn't take no for an answer," He answered my unspoken question. I could hear his frustration.

"It's alright Ghost, I'm sure she has her reasons," I reply before smirking. "So what does the purple menace want with me? I thought you went home a few days ago."

Raising a confused eyebrow, she shook her head a little before speaking. "Princess Celestia requested that I help you with your speech. Besides, my friends and I are going to be present at the ceremony."

"Ah," I pull up a chair for her to sit on. "Good thing too. I haven't even started."

"You...you haven't started?" She asked incredulously. "The ceremony is happening soon and you haven't started?"

"Pretty much," I shrugged as Ghost stood by the wall behind her, keeping his eye trained on her at all times.

She started rubbing her temples. "Ok, have to start somewhere," She reached into her back pockets, she pulled out a small notepad and pen and I saw Ghost twitch as she did but he didn't act. "What do you want to say? What is it you want to convey to everyone?"

I shrugged.

Her shoulders fell slightly as I did, a look of disbelief clear on her face. "You don't know? Have you thought about this even a little bit?!" I shook my head and she gave me an unpleasant stare, and a rather disapproving one at that. "How am I supposed to help you if you can't even be bothered to think about what you want to say? It's almost like you don't want this!" I looked at the floor and sighed as I stood, stepping over the clear glass doors of my balcony. "You do want this...right?"

"To be completely honest...no," I replied softly. I could tell even Ghost was surprised.

"Then why did you accept?"

"When I came here, I thought I had a chance at a simple life...a peaceful one. This isn't at all how I thought my life would ever end up being. War is coming and it gets closer every single day," I look over my shoulder to see a sad expression adorning her face, while Ghost seemed to look at me with a look of understanding. "War is cold and uncaring. I have seen more than my fair share. I never wanted to play soldier again...I never wanted to train anyone again," I hung my head. "I may have earned their trust and respect, but do you think they will follow a nomad, a wanderer who so happened to practically show up out of nowhere? Will they follow my orders?"

I turn to face her fully. "But this isn't about what they or I want. I accepted to protect those who can't do it themselves. I accepted because I knew they would need me. I accepted to protect and save the innocent people of this nation. Even if it means losing or sacrificing myself so that they might live."

Twilight stared at me, shock evident on her face. "The last war was two thousand years ago, to have participated..." She mumbled to herself.

"I was sent here for a reason, for a purpose. For ages, I wondered why, but I think I know now why," I continued. "I never wanted to see the flames of war again, but the universe works in ways never to be understood. If this is what my purpose is, then so be it."

She quickly gained a smile as she looked at me. "I think you have your speech Sir Felwinter."

Chuckling, I nodded. "You know what, I think you're right," I replied. "Thank you Twilight. And please, just Percival will do."

She then stood and started to leave. "Let me know if you need anything else," She told me and I nodded. She then closed the door and left, thus leaving me and Ghost alone in the room.

"Well...that was some speech, Sir," Ghost commented in an amused tone.

"Yeah...don't know where that came from," I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck.

"For what it's worth Sir, you've already shown you have what it takes," Ghost said with clear sincerity. "I know this isn't what you wanted, but it's what you've got. The people are behind you. All you need to do is show you're behind them."

"...thanks Ghost," I said after a moment.

"Anytime Sir," He replied, stepping towards the room's entrance, and closing the door behind him.

Standing in my room alone, I move to sit on my bed. However, what I had failed to notice before was a set of clothes folded on top of the chair in the corner of the room, with a small note. Quirking an eyebrow, I picked up the note and unfolded it, promptly reading its contents.

"To Sir Percival Felwinter

I hope that these clothes find you well. I have no idea what your preferences are so I tried to keep these as simple and presentable as possible for your Knighting. And do not worry about payment, think of them as a thank you for saving our quaint little town. I, and many others, owe you a great deal and these, while not enough to show our gratitude, are a step in the right direction.

Sincerely,
From Rarity Belle"

My eyes went wide as I read. I looked over at the clothes folded on my bed and began laying them out. It was a simple dark grey three-piece suit, with a lighter vest, white shirt and blue tie. Simple but beautifully made. The material was sturdy and high-quality but soft and comfortable and seemingly flexible enough to do everyday tasks with ease. She had honestly outdone herself and it was easy to see why her work was so sought after.

Trying them on, they fit perfectly. Snug where they needed to be but not uncomfortable while being loose in places where needed to maximise mobility while minimising chafing. Looking at myself in the mirror, I cleaned up rather nicely. My hair has grown a little bit since arriving here, now being a little longer than the buzz cut I had. I also had a decent bit of stubble as well, which I should probably either tidy up or shave completely.

Either way, I looked good. But it wasn't really...me.

Sighing as my shoulders dropped, I changed back into my usual get-up, neatly folding my suit and placing it back on the chair where I found it. I didn't feel good about it at all, as she had clearly put in a lot of work to make them. It was beautiful, but I didn't want to give anyone the wrong impression of me. And so, I left them there, neat on my chair, to be used another day.

A hard knock came from the room's door and I quickly made my way to it, opening it to reveal Blossomforth standing next to Ghost who stood back from the door.

"It is time?" I asked simply.

"It is."

I let out a slow, deep sigh, mentally preparing myself for what was to come. "Lead the way."

She nodded in response and we started to make our way through the castle, not a single word uttered between the three of us as we traversed the maze-like corridors. We went up to the second floor of the castle and soon we were heading down a massive hallway. We stopped at two huge doors and she motioned for me to stay quiet. I did so and soon enough the doors started to open and I was greeted with the sight of a massive room, filled to the brim with high-ranking nobles, people with cameras standing near the back, poised to take a picture at just the right moment. I also saw the main six, Spike, Spitfire, Shining Armor, Celestia and Luna. I just stood there momentarily not sure what I was supposed to do.

"That's your cue," Ghost said. "You've got this Sir."

Nodding, I began my way down the aisle while everyone turned to look at me some with curious expressions and some with shock, even the Princesses gazed at me oddly. Ignoring the stares, I continue, my footsteps echoing loudly in the dead silent hall. It was then I realized something. I had no idea what was going on. If I was supposed to do something or say something, but that being said, one thing I was always good at was picking up on context clues. Stopping in front of the Princesses, I kneel down fully on both knees, placing my lightly balled fists on my thighs, keeping my back straight and hanging my head ever so slightly to look at the floor. It was then I heard the camera shutters as the paparazzi began taking their pictures.

"Percival Felwinter," Celestia started. "Do you swear loyalty to Equestria and its people?"

"I do," I answered immediately, almost automatically.

"Do you swear to uphold its sanctity and morals?" Luna asked.

"I do."

"And do you swear that should it be in your power, to stop at nothing to safeguard this nation, its tenets and the safety of its people?" Celestia continued.

"I do."

As the words left my mouth, a soft boom filled the air, akin to a heaving hammer scraping against a hot anvil sounded out as one of the Princesses let an object clang against the floor. Bringing it up, they brought it down, the object letting out a loud booming echo throughout the room. They did so again and again. Three times they rapped the object against the floor, and after the three strikes, I felt something press against my shoulders but it was only when I felt the touch of cold steel against my head I realized what they were doing.

"Then rise, and be dubbed Sir Percival Felwinter! Paladin of Equestria!" The dual Princesses exclaimed in perfect sync.

Standing with one fluid motion, I was presented with the item they Knighted me with. An expertly crafted glaive, beautiful in its own right but not ornate in any way. Made by hands with an eye for perfect aesthetics and practicality. And near the head, a perfectly round orb or crystal that seemed to swirl with a blue and gold energy within it. I was speechless.

"We bestow upon you Venator, the weapon of legends. Past down from generation to generation of past Paladins down to Starswirl the Bearded, the last Paladin in history," Celestia said.

"Wield this venerated blade with honour, strength and compassion," Luna ended.

Offering the blade to me, I carefully take it in both hands, already feeling its perfect weight. Bouncing it slightly, I give it a few testing swirls, spinning it between my hands before throwing it up, catching it and placing it on two outstretched fingers. Perfectly balanced, as it should be.

Turning to the shocked crowd, I bang the glaive into the ground, the spiked end embedding into the white marble floor. "And here. We. Go."

"I came here before you as a nomad. A wanderer. A stranger," I said, my voice loud, clear and confident. "But leave here in hopes that you will see me as more than that. A fellow nobleman, a general, a soldier, a brother in arms...a friend," I said. "I tell you now, that I was going to appear before you not as I am, but as someone I am not. I was given clothes befit one of my station, but I could not bring myself to wear them. Why appear as someone I never was, as someone fit for titles I do not want."

The crowd gasped.

"But I accept these responsibilities for a reason. For years I walked aimlessly, wandering with a vain hope that I might find a purpose. Something to keep me going, to give me a reason," I said, the look of shock continuing. "But I have now found that purpose, that reason to keep going. The safety of this nation and its people and the upkeep of its moral tenets. My duty is now to you, for I am Equestria's sword and I am its shield!"

As I finished, the room burst into applause, many seemingly impressed with my words, even the main six looked impressed.

"To the Paladin of Equestria!" Luna announced. "To Sir Percival Felwinter."

Feeling a tiny pressure on my back, I saw the two Princesses each spread a wing, Celestia her left and Luna her right, very lightly placing them on my back, wordlessly ushering me forward. Grinning, I swirl my new glaive a little, giving it a slight flourish, inverting my grip to let the head of the glaive sit near my head. Walking back down the aisle that I came from, I was followed by Celestia and the others. We were soon out of the room and the doors closed behind us. We continued walking and as we did the main six excitedly talked amongst themselves as Ghost, Luna and Celestia walked closer to me.

"That was some speech you gave," Celestia commented.

"Would you believe me if I told you I wung most of it? Wung it? Winged it? Whatever you get what I mean."

The two Princesses giggled while Ghost shook his head but was still amused.

"I do believe congratulations are in order," Luna said.

"And a p-p-p-party!"Pinkie exclaimed, suddenly appearing on my shoulders.

The three next to me jumped slightly as I took her down from where she appeared, setting her down next to me as we walked.

"I love the sound of that but it's gonna have to wait. There's something I need to talk to the Princesses about," I said, to which she seemed to deflate a little bit. "Don't worry Pinkie, we can still have a party. It just needs to be pushed back a bit, alright?"

"Alrighty!" She smiled, skipping over to her friends as they caught up with us.

"I dunno dude, don't you think you should...relax or somethin'?" Rainbow asked as the group came up to us.

"I quite agree," Rarity said. "You can only be Knighted once."

"Maybe, but important things need to be done pretty quickly. I can always enjoy it later on," I shrugged before stopping in the middle of the hall, catching everyone's attention. walking up to Rarity, I rubbed the back of my neck. "I uh...I want to apologise."

"Whatever for?"

"You made me some incredible clothes for my Knighting and, as much as I loved them and as amazing as they looked, I couldn't wear them," I replied, hanging my head a little. "I couldn't appear in front of them as someone I'm not. I wanted to show them who I was. A man with the means to do what is necessary to protect his home. I wanted to show them who they were dealing with."

"Oh, don't apologise for being yourself," She said with a smile, lifting my head by my chin to look at her. "I will admit I was curious as to why you hadn't worn them, but I knew you had your reasons. You don't need to apologise for it, darling."

"I...thank you," I smiled back.

"Of course."

Smiling at the interaction, the group turned to leave, only to leave Applejack behind, her stetson lower on her face than usual, obscuring the majority of her upper face and covering her eyes. Looking at her curiously, I saw her hands shaking as she took in a rather shaky breath. The group noticed this as well and moved to check on her before I signalled them to stop.

"Applejack?" I asked, slowly stepping closer towards her. "You alright?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, she quickly walked up to me, placing her head on my chest and wrapped her arms around my body. As she did, she let out a small sniffle and quiet sob as her shoulders raised up. Looking around, everyone seemed as lost as me, so I gently wrapped my arms around her, giving her a small but reassuring squeeze.

"Yah almost died cuz of me," She said quietly.

Everyone's, except for Ghost's, eyes widened as she said this and I quickly pulled away, cupping her cheeks as she continued quietly sobbing. "Now Applejack, you listen to me. If anyone is to fault here, it's very much me," I told her. "I should have checked my surroundings before anything else, but I got sloppy and careless. The fault was on my part and you should not feel responsible. Okay?" I waited for her to respond for a moment or two before she nodded weakly. "Atta girl," With one final hug, I sent her to her friend who all immediately comforted their friend in distress. Looking back at the Princesses, they both held a smile.

"What?"

Saying nothing, we continued Ghost right at my side as always. Following close behind, we soon found ourselves in the west wing of the castle. We approached a dark wood door that had the symbol of an embellished golden sun expertly crafted into the door. Entering, the princesses sat down while Ghost stood near the door, folding his arms and leaning against the wall. Celestia relaxed across a fancy couch and Luna jumped on the bed. I chuckled, happy with how relaxed they had become around me. I sat across from Celestia on a one-person recliner.

"So, let's get started then, shall we?"

Author's Note

Another chapter in the belt, quite enjoyed this one.

A friend of mine showed these to me and I couldn't say no. Also couldn't find a smaller picture
Anyway, imagine this, but with a crystal where the hole would be.
Credit to Nano-core on deviant-art for making these designs

Please point out any mistakes I may have made
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Until next time, TTFN!