Walking through the town Towards Golden Oaks, I breathe in the air deeply, savouring the chilliness it offers my lungs. Unsurprisingly, I was on the receiving end of more than a few stares. I had gotten more than used to it, simply offering the odd greeting, wave or head nod. Also unsurprisingly, a good majority of the stares were directed at my lack of limbs. Another thing I had become unconcerned about.

Holstering Ace, which I had been mindlessly twirling on my finger, I whistled a small tune to myself as I rapped my finger on the solid wooden door of the Library. Almost immediately, Twilight opened the door.

"Oh, P-Percival!" Twilight jumped slightly. "I didn't think you'd be here so early!"

"Twilight it's eleven in the morning," I replied with a smirk. "I wouldn't exactly call that early."

"Oh, it's...I thought..." She glanced behind her before looking back at me.

I quirked an eyebrow, my smirk never leaving. "You did another all-nighter didn't you?"

"....no...." She replied sheepishly.

"You know that's not good for you, you need a good night's rest to function properly," I gently chastised. "I thought someone as brilliant as you would know that."

"I know, it's just I get lost and invested and I lose track of time and-"

"I know, I know. I'm not lecturing you," I raised my hand to calm her down. "I just don't like seeing you confused."

"Well...alright. Thanks," She smiled a little. "You're uh, here to see Spike right? I'll go get him."

Before I could respond, she was already gone. I could faintly hear her and Spike talking from inside, but not wanting to intrude, I ignored them for the time being. I didn't have to wait long as the door opened again, revealing a clearly very excited Spike and Twilight again who looked mildly nervous but did well to keep it under wraps.

"Sup, wee man!" I smirked, ruffling his spines while he flicked his hand to bat mine away. "Excited?"

"Heck yeah!" He exclaimed, nearly jumping as I looked at his sister.

"Good! Now let's go catch us some fish!" I said, mirroring his excitement before looking at Twilight. "We'll be a few hours but I'll have him back by five at the very latest,"

"You better stay out of trouble," She warned.

"What? I'm the paragon of safety!" I said as I began leading him away from the Library.

"So where's...what's his name? Ghost?" He asked. I nodded. "Yeah, where's he?"

"I sent him ahead to set everything up for us getting there," I replied. "Found us a nice spot too far into the Everfree. Big lake, plenty of opportunity."

"Hey so, what happened last night?" He asked suddenly, seemingly completely unbothered by the mention of the Everfree. "Twilight didn't say a word when she eventually got back and when she mentioned you she got all...weird."

"Oh. Yeah, that. Well, you'll probably find out sooner or later, if not from me, then one of the girls," I reasoned as I rubbed the back of my neck. "The girls found out last night I was married after a dare AJ gave me."

"Wait, you were married?" He asked incredulously. "Aren't you a little young to get married?"

I laughed and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Boy, how old do you think I am?"

"I don't know...twenty-four? Twenty-five?" He shrugged.

"I've known people who got married at eighteen!"

"Well, I don't know! I don't look that kinda stuff up!" He rebuked with a slight grin.

I clapped him over his shoulder with a laugh. "You may be Twilight's brother but boy, do you have a lot to learn."

The journey from there was otherwise uneventful. I regaled him with an abbreviated telling of the previous night, keeping some of the more nitty gritty to keep up the girl's privacy, but even what little I technically told him got him satisfied. He was more amused at the shenanigans we all got up to, thankfully uninterested in the more risque parts, so that saved me from embarrassment.

It didn't take long for us to cross the border and walk into the Everfree. Given how early we set off, the light from the sun shone rather beautifully through the tree, rays of golden light sneaking through the leaves and foliage. I was rather pleased with myself to have suggested this little last-minute trip of ours. The walk to the lake Ghost and I chose was done in silence, the two of us taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest around us. I never understood the fear everyone has for the Everfree. It was just a forest to me. That being said, however, I'm not from here, so that may have something to do with it. The Everfree would just be a normal forest back home.

Regardless, we eventually made it to the lake and it would seem we weren't alone.

Standing at the small makeshift camp, beside the comparatively massive and imposing Ghost, was a small pink-haired woman.

"Fluttershy?" I said out loud as we passed the tree line around the lake.

"Oh!" She squeaked out and jumped. She turned to face us, relaxing upon seeing who had spoken. "Hi, Spike. Hi, Percival."

"I don't say this to sound rude, but what are you doing here?" I asked, putting my hand in the pocket of my coat.

"Oh-um...I was gathering food for some of my animal friends, berries, bugs, and such when I saw Mr.Ghost setting up all this equipment," She said quietly, gesturing at the small setup we had. "When I asked what he was doing and he said you both were going to teach Spike how to fish, I thought I'd ask if it was alright if I joined?"

"Sure!" I replied quickly, gaining a small smile from the timid woman. "The more the merrier! Though I never took you for the fishing type."

"It...was always a good way to relax," She replied meekly. "I only properly fish if I need to."

"Fair enough."

Looking at the setup, it was modest all things considered but it did what it needed to do and had what we needed. A few simple camping chairs were spread out a small distance from each other, allowing us to fish without having the lines get tangled in each other. There were also little footrests near each one with specialised cups on swivels, providing leverage in case of larger game, a new product we picked up from the local Tackle shop. We also had a tackle box, a cool box, a few small containers with bait, and a few extra rods.

"Good job Ghost," I said, patting him once on the shoulder as I passed him.

"Thank you, Sir," He nodded.

"Uh...Percival? How are you gonna fish with one arm?" Spike asked as we moved to gather the rods.

Just as he asked, I pulled up a harness holding a smooth curved plate with a thick pipe at the centre, a small portion cut out at the tip for the rod to sit in and small holes set an equal distance apart along each side. Putting it over my shoulder, I deftly strapped and tightened it in place, the plate sitting comfortably on my stomach. Pointing to it, I grinned widely. "This back boy! Picked it up this morning."

"You did that really fast," Fluttershy commented.

"I've time to adjust," I shrugged as we picked up our rods. "Ok, so first Spike, we need some bait."

Stepping over to the containers with an assortment of bait, I grin widely and quickly pick out mine. "I'm gonna use some cheese."

"Cheese?" Spike repeated while we made our way to the shore.

"The smellier the better," I nod getting a chuckle from Ghost.

"Now, for you, to cast your line, swing the rod over your dominant shoulder, and bring forward in a smooth motion," I said, pointing to Ghost who was in the process of casting. "Don't use your elbow, it's all in the wrist."

"Uh...ok," He said, squaring off his feet and mimicking Ghost's movements. Although slower, he gets it a decent distance. "Like that?"

"That's it, good," I nod encouragingly, gaining a smile from the young Draconian. "Now, Spike, all we have to do is wait for a fish to take the bait."

"That's it?"

"That's it," I nod again, preparing to cast my own line.

"How will I know I've got a bite?"

Casting my line off into the lake, I secure it in place with a small bar, sticking it in one of the holes along the side. "Well, if you feel the tip of your rod getting all...twitchy? That means a fish is nibbling, but don't yank it quite yet."

He nodded as I explained, looking between me and the fishing pole in his hands. Off to my other side, Fluttershy cast her own line, the small woman going out much further than the rest of us. "But when you feel a hard tug, that's when a fish has taken the bait, so yank hard to hook it."

Just as the words leave my mouth, Ghost's line wobbles slightly before going taught, the large man grabbing his rod tightly and yanking towards him. Shifting his rod every now and then, he slowly reeled his thrashing catch in.

"See him fighting there, Spike?" I point to the fish. "That's when you need to be careful or else you'll break your line. Best to wear them out before you properly reel them in."

After a minute or so, the fish's thrashing and attempts to escape wear it out, allowing Ghost to effortlessly reel it in. The fish was fairly flat and round, sporting a coppery colour along with subtle lines along its side.

"That's a Bluegill I think," Fluttershy said quietly.

"Almost as small as you," I smirk, lightly bumping Spike with my shoulder, earning me a good laugh. Ghost lightly threw the fish back into the water and caught Spike giving him an odd look. "You want to throw the smaller ones back in, give them a chance to grow."

Nodding, he glanced at me before looking back out to the lake. Several minutes go by with nothing really happening, the other taking the camping chairs as I chose to continue standing. A sense of peace washed over us and a soft smile spread over my face, the chill air cooling my face and lungs while took in the smell of the still morning dew and the sound of the air rushing through the leaves above us. I would glance every so often over at our young Draconian companion, and I could tell he wasn't sure about it at first, but as the minutes ticked by, I could also see he was beginning to slowly get it.

"So this is fishing?" He said, his words more of a comment than a question. "It's a lot less eventful than I thought."

"True. But I find that the enjoyment you get from fishing is less from the act itself and more from everything else," I said. "It brings a sense of peace, gives you time to unwind, think about things. And if you're with others, you can talk about anything and everything. You just sit...and wait...and try not to worry."

Just then, I felt my rod tug. Just ever so slightly.

"But then..." I start, removing my coat just as the tugging begins to slowly pick up. "Something happens."

The rod bent violently, the line singing as it sliced through the water. Fluttershy eeped from the sudden noise and movement while Ghost chuckled, excitement clear in his voice. Spike felt a sudden rush of adrenaline surge through him as he watched me tighten my grip, his heart racing. There was something big on the other end.

With each turn of the reel, the fish fought back, a titanic struggle unfolding beneath the surface. The water erupted in splashes, revealing glimpses of glistening scales and the sheer size of the creature. I gritted my teeth as I grinned, the metal of my right leg finding purchase on a root embedded deep within the sand.

"Come on, you big bastard," I coaxed. "Just a little longer."

Time seemed to stretch and contract, moments blending into a symphony of exertion and will. Spike felt every heartbeat echoing in his ears, a testament to the primal connection between man and beast. The fight for dominance raged on, a fierce tug-of-war between man and beast. The rod bent dangerously close to snapping. Each time I reeled in, the fish surged away with renewed vigour, breaking the surface in a wild splash, sending droplets flying like shards of glass.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the fish began to tire. I seized the opportunity, reeling in as the fish slowed to a near crawl. The surface of the water broke open, and there it was—a magnificent creature, its body shimmering in the fading light, a testament to nature's raw beauty.

Thick bodies with scales just as thick, the white behemoth flapped helplessly as I rushed over to catch it before it flopped its way back into the lake. Fluttershy gasped loudly as she rushed over as well, Ghost clapping his hands with an excited chortle. Spike looked on in wonder at the beast, his eyes wandering its shimmering hide.

"Spike! Help me hold it down!" I exclaimed, not bothering to hide my excitement. "Ghost! Get a tape measure!"

"This is Northern Pike!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "I've only ever caught glimpses of it."

"You Sir, are a fish," I grin.

Ghost quickly grabs a tape measure from the tackle box and swiftly makes his way to us, nearly skidding to a stop before pulling on the measure. And it kept going. And going. And going until finally, it stopped, allowing me to see the size of my catch.

"Fifty inches!?" Spike shouted.

"That would put this beast...what? Thirty-five pounds?" Ghost guessed.

"I'd say closer to forty," Fluttershy offered, quickly hiding behind her hair as we looked at her. As Ghost put the tape measure away, the woman closely inspected the beast, looking under the gill flap. "He's old. Eighteen or nineteen. No more than twenty."

"So I caught myself a pensioner then?" I smirked, looking at the massive fish beneath me. "Looks like age hasn't slowed you down one bit."

Putting my hand beneath the beast, I shuffled it towards the water with ease before it thrashed once more, gracefully disappearing into the murk with a single swipe of its powerful tail. Not a moment later, the water settled, the monster lurking once again within the depths of the lake.

"That was a perfect example of another fish you let go," I said softly, Spike quickly looking my way as I spoke. "Albinism, old and truly massive. A specimen that unique is not one you come across often. Especially so early on."

"That was magnificent!" Fluttershy clapped her hands, her wings fluttering behind her.

As the words left her mouth, a flash of light appeared in front of me and I instinctually reached out to grab the scroll that momentarily stood frozen in the air before it could fall to the damp sand below. Immediately recognising the wax seal, I broke it, clamping the bottom of the parchment between my stomach and the plate still holding my rod to unroll it. Even upon reading the first line, I could tell this wasn't going to be a social call, but as I read, my brow furrowed.

"Sir?"

"It doesn't seem terribly urgent," I said simply, handing over the scroll and swiftly undoing the harness. "But they're requesting my as soon as possible."

"Oh that can't be good," Fluttershy said, fidgeting with her hands as she glanced between Ghost and me.

"Spike, I'm sorry to have to cut our trip short buddy," I told him, slipping my coat over my shoulders as my equipment appeared on me in a flash of purple fire.

"No, it's okay; I understand," He said genuinely. "Go do what you need to do."

"You're a good kid," I said softly, ruffling his spines. I didn't get any resistance this time. "I promise we'll continue some time."

"I'll hold you to it!" He grinned. "Now go be a Paladin!"

Looking at Ghost, incline my head at Spike. "Keep this one out of trouble for me while I'm gone," I said, resulting in the young Draconian giving me an incredulous look. "Make sure he gets home safe."

Putting his arm around Spike's neck, Ghost noogied his head as he tried and failed to escape his grasp. "Don't worry Sir, I'll keep my eye on him."

Nodding, I looked to Fluttershy who seemed to be back to her nervous self. Patting her on the shoulder, I spoke softly. "It'll be fine. I promise."

"I-if you're sure," She murmured. "Be safe."

"Always," I softly squeeze her shoulder, taking off not a second later.

~~

Breaking the tree line, I dig my heel into the ground, my momentum ceasing in a moment. I look off to Canterlot and roll my shoulders, getting the blood pumping

"Ok," I mumbled under my breath. "Let's see if I still got it."

Flexing my back, the air shimmered for only a moment, a deep brilliant light erupted from my back, and the thick stone feathered wings unfurled, the tips barely missing the ground by centimetres.

With a mighty leap and a loud boom, I kicked up a thick dirt cloud and launched myself into the abyss. The ground fell away, and I was enveloped in a maelstrom of wind. The air rushed under and behind my body, a fierce embrace that pulled me upward. I could feel the thunderous beat of my heart against my chest and ears.

As I soared higher, the world below transformed into a tapestry of colours; the greens of the forest, and the browns of the earth, all faded into the deepening blues of the twilight sky. The wings propelled me forward with an effortless grace, carving through the air as if I were born to fly. Each stroke felt like an extension of my very being, a shock of freedom that felt right within my soul. I ascended toward the castle city, and what would have been a few hour's journey was shortened to no more than ten minutes. The wind whistled in my ears, compounding the thundering pulse within my ears. I laughed—a sound that mingled with the rush of air and adrenaline, pure and unrestrained.

Canterlot drew nearer, my wings waned and my back began slowly cramping, years of inactivity causing the little amount of use to be strenuous. But still, I pushed past it ache, focusing on my destination, taking putting my mind to something else in the hope of prolonging my flight. However, as I flew closer, something caught my eye. A flicker, a black shape darting into an alley in a darker part of the city.

Instantly red flags flashed in my head as I took a deep breath, leaning my body to the side to alter my trajectory. However my wings slowly started to flicker, and I began losing altitude, forcing me to take an emergency landing. Bracing my legs, I tried to mitigate damage to the cobblestone street directly below me.

Coming to a crashing halt, I lay there in a heap, groaning, slowly standing as I stretched out my still aching back.

"Yup. Gonna feel that tomorrow," I strained, twisting my back. "My pain tolerance is so inconsistent."

Looking around, I appeared to have crash-landed between the border of the castle and the edge of the city. But before I could take in my surroundings properly, the sounds of a struggle tore my attention to other matters at hand. Rushing to the source of the noise, I bounded around a corner, getting closer and closer to the source. Thankfully, I was there before I knew it. And I didn't like what I saw.

Right at the back of the alley surrounded by six black figures, was a girl dressed in all pink, her hair sporting various shades of pink and cream with a bright pink horn and a set of large equally bright wings behind her back. On the floor near the entrance was a tiara, simple shining gold with two deep purple gems, one at the centre and one above it. There's only one other person this could be. Cadence.

Lo and behold, her assailants looked to be none other than Changelings. Thick black carapaces took up the majority of their bodies, almost akin to sleek body armour. The only surprising thing about them was they lacked any other identifying features, in that they all looked largely the same save the smallest difference in height. Slim shoulders, wide hips, flat chests, curved horns and folded insect wings with their faces obscured by an almost helmet-like piece. The only one with any sort of difference was who I assumed to be their leader who had a crest on the top of their head.

Just as I turned the corner into the alley, they all rushed her as she tried to use magic. Holding her down, one for each limb and one for her shoulders. I was going to help regardless but what I saw next made me act on instinct. The leader of the Changelings started to hike up her dress as he lowered himself to her level. My blood ran cold. She screamed into the Changeling's hands that covered her mouth as tears ran down her face.

"HEY!"

In an instant, all motion ceased and I saw all of their eyes widen. The Changelings stared at me perplexed while Cadence looked on with hope-filled tears.

"The fuck are you?" The leader asked, a distinctly male voice meeting my ears. "You a Guard?"

"Ah yes, because Canterlots finest often parade around in purple coats you FUCKING DIPSHIT! GOD!" I said, throwing my arm up in frustration as I made my way into the alley.

The leader instantly stands as their horn is enveloped by a translucent blue, the aura swiftly taking shape in a matter of moments, being sent forward as a solid mass. Cadence yells, her voice muffled behind the hand of the Changeling still covering it. I squint my eyes, bringing my hand back and slapping the projectile into the wall beside me, shocking all currently present.

"You know if you only spent as much of your time being positively productive as you did assaulting random people then we'd make a lot of headway as a society," I said flatly, continuing to get closer.

"Get him!" The leader shouted.

"Very original."

The Changeling holding Cadence's shoulders pounced, flying above our heads before coming at me with their teeth bared. I stepped to the side at the last second, grabbing them by the back of their neck and bringing them in front of me while I wrapped my arm around their neck, grabbing their jaw before locking their body in place with my leg. I twisted as I held their lower half, their head swivelling unnaturally as a sickening crunch filled the air, their armoured neck cracking while I tore their jaw from its socket, their body falling to the ground in a lifeless lump with a soft thud.

They paused, seeing their comrade be dispatched so swiftly. There was a moment of silence, none sure of how to react or proceed. Until with one shared glance, they all stood at once.

"You might want to close your eyes," I said, leaning to the side to see Cadence scrabbling away in the corner, making herself as small as possible.

I cracked my knuckle against my jaw, rolling my shoulders, feeling the cool air kiss my skin. My heart was calm, a slow, steady thrum. They spread out, forming a loose semicircle around me, their postures tensed, ready. I caught sight of one of them, the leader, twitching—a small, almost imperceptible jerk of the head—like he was signalling the others. That’s when the first one lunged.

He moved fast, but I moved faster. My hand shot out, catching his wrist mid-swing. I felt the bones in his arm shift under my grip, and with a sharp twist, I snapped it. The scream that erupted from beneath his helmet was muffled, and it was then I noticed its almost mechanical undertone. Before he could even register the pain, I slammed my fist into his gut, feeling the armour crunch like a brittle shell under the force. He folded, gasping, and I drove my knee up into his face, sending him sprawling back, limp.

The second and third charged at the same time, one from my left, and the other from my right. I ducked under a wild swing, hearing the whistle of a blade slicing through the air above my head. The bastard had a knife. I grinned.

"Oh going for the knife! Good boy! Critical thinking! You get a sticker!"

I spun low, sweeping my leg in a wide arc, knocking the legs out from under one of them. The moment his back hit the ground, I was on him, straddling his chest. I cocked my arm back, fist crackling with a lilac flame and brought it down on his helmet. It shattered like glass, fragments flying, exposing pale, bloodied skin underneath. His eyes were wide, panicked, and I could see my own reflection in them for a split second before I drove my fist into his face again, and again, until he was still.

The other tried to grab me, his arm wrapping around my throat from behind. I felt the cold press of metal against my neck and for a moment, everything went still—the way the world holds its breath right before the storm hits. But then I let my power loose. A surge of raw energy flooded my veins, and I felt my muscles tense, every inch of me thrumming with strength.

My back erupts in the same lilac fire as before, weak enough to simply stun my assailant for long enough for me to reach back and grab his arm, and tear it free from my neck. With a twist of my hips, I flipped him over my shoulder, slamming him into the wall. The bricks cracked under the impact. I didn’t give him a chance to get up. I yanked him up by the throat, his feet dangling inches off the ground, and crushed his windpipe with a squeeze. He choked, gagging, trying to claw at my hand, but I didn’t let go until his eyes went glassy.

The last two were hesitating now. Good. I could see the fear starting to creep in, their confident stances faltering. They knew they were outmatched, and that realization was sinking in fast.

The leader shouted something, a garbled, guttural command, and the other pulled out a simple baton, flicking it open. Sparks of magic crackled along its length. I raised an eyebrow. That was new. He darted forward, jabbing at me with the baton, trying to keep me at a distance, but I sidestepped each thrust, reading his movements like an open book. The moment he overextended, I stepped in, catching his wrist. I twisted, hard, and felt the satisfying snap of bone.

He screamed, and I wrenched the baton from his grip, twirling it once in my hand before slamming it into his head. There was a sharp, wet crack, and he crumpled to the ground, twitching.

And so all that was left was the leader. He stood frozen, staring at me. I could see his chest rising and falling fast, his breath coming in short, frantic bursts. He glanced down at his fallen comrades, then back at me. For a moment, I thought he might run.

I beckoned him forward, a mocking little gesture, and he hesitated. I could see him weighing his options, the gears turning behind those teal, glowing slits. Then, with a roar that was more desperation than fury, he charged.

I sidestepped his wild swing, catching his arm mid-strike. I yanked him closer, bringing my knee up into his ribs, feeling the armour crack under the force. He doubled over, and I grabbed his head, tearing off the interconnected helmet-like armour with a savage twist. His face was pale, drenched in sweat, his eyes wide with terror.

I met his gaze, just for a moment, letting him see the cold, calm fury in my eyes. Then I pulled him close, my lips almost brushing his ear as I whispered, “You should’ve stayed in the hive.”

And then I snapped his neck.

I let his body drop, the last of them crumpling to the ground like a marionette with its strings cut. The alley was silent now, save for the soft hum of the streetlamp overhead and the distant rumble of the city beyond. I stood there, breathing slowly, feeling the adrenaline start to ebb, leaving only a dull ache in my knuckles.

I glanced down at the bodies, a smirk curling at the corner of my lips despite a slight disappointment. “Damn,” I muttered, shaking the blood off my hands and onto the cobblestone, “Didn't even get to use Ace or Anatole.”

Stepping back to look out into the street, I noticed there was a slight shimmer in the air. A subtle shift, like heat waves. Getting close, I reached out to touch it. The tip of my finger brushed against a wobbling surface, the air now rippling like water before shattering like glass, the sound of the city's hustle and bustle becoming suddenly clear. Sound impression. Leaning a little further out, I spot a trio of Guards.

"Oi!" I shout out, my voice easily carrying to their ears. They quickly spin, spotting me leaning out from the dark street. "Get the Captain of the Guard immediately!"

They share a small glance before running off in the direction of the castle. Rushing back to the scene, I step on and over the bodies and make my way to the back to a still-shaking Cadence huddled in the corner. I slow as I near, keeping myself low to keep signs of aggression to a minimum before kneeling in front of her.

"Hey," I said in as soft a voice as I could muster. She shakily opens, my broad shoulders thankfully blocking the carnage behind me, though more than a few splats of green glowing blood stick to my clothing. "I'm going to get you out of here, alright?"

She glances around before her gaze settles back onto me and she slowly nods, her breathing slow and steady. I offer my hand which she warily takes, standing on her unsteady legs. Her eyes catch the sight of the bodies and I see her breath quicken rapidly. I move behind her and gather her hair, holding it in time for her to double over and heave, wet splats landing on the already damp ground. A few minutes pass and she eventually empties the contents of her stomach. Letting her gather herself, I lead her out of the alley and sit her down on the street pavement, but not before putting my jacket over her shoulders as she uses its collar to shield her eyes from the massacre.

"You got a name?" I ask after a few minutes of her getting her breathing back under control.

"I...I...I," She starts, stumbling over her words as I see her bottom lip quiver.

"Hey, hey, you're alright. You're safe," I reassure her. "No one's going to harm you, not while I'm around."

"Cadence!" Well, that answers that I guess.

Looking up, I instantly spot a familiar face. Shining Armour, flanked by medical personnel, came rushing up to us, the former, gently kneeling in front of the shaken Princess, whispering soft words to her as though he knew exactly what to say and how to say them. At least their relationship was still the same. Or at least I hoped it was. Suddenly, her posture shifted, becoming unsteady as her eyelids flickered.

"Oh the grounds coming up fast," She slurred out before falling into Shining Armour's Arms.

The medics scrambled to her side, removing and handing me my coat back as they checked her vitals. They informed us she had simply feinted, allowing Shining Armour to let out a sigh of relief, scooping the now unconscious pink Princess up in his arms, carrying her and holding her close to his chest. As we prepared to leave, a group of Guards including the ones from before arrived at the scene.

"Clean this mess up!" He ordered, his voice loud and commanding. "I don't want the civilians worrying about this! On the double and report to me when you are finished!" Shining Armor commanded. Once we were a fair distance away, he spoke again in a more hushed tone as the medics teleported away to prepare the ward for the Princess's arrival. They hadn't teleported her away due to her vulnerable state. "What happened?"

"They intended to violate the girl in your arms," I replied, inclining my head. "I intervened."

He nodded with a shaky breath. "While I shouldn't say this I believe that you should know that I am very grateful to you Sir," Shining told me in a serious tone. "I wouldn't normally condone such acts of violence, but it is not my place to question your methods nor do I care in this particular case." He stated. "The princesses will also want a full report and I don't know how they'll react to the news of their niece almost being...assaulted..." Shining trailed off.

"So this is Princess Mi Amor Cadanza?" I said to one in particular, glancing down at her. "Just out of curiosity, which side is she from?"

"I don't know, the Princesses never publically disclosed that info," He replied. "But they're very protective of her."

"You seem rather protective yourself, Captain," I said, giving him a wide, shit-eating grin.

Like clockwork, his pale skin turned beet red. "I-what-you-I don't know....uh," Entering the castle, we b-lined it for the medical wing as Shining tried to find the right words. After a minute or so, he finally broke the silence just as we entered. "I'm sweet on her."

The Doctors and Nurses were already ready by the time we arrived. I stepped back as he told me about the scary attack that happened in the alley. She might have simply fainted, but they needed to check on her to make sure she was okay. Shining carried her into a room, and a doctor quickly talked to a nurse before she ran off like her life damn near depended on it. It was obvious she was going to tell the other princesses about what happened. I knew Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would be here soon. Suddenly, Celestia appeared looking worried. I pointed her in the right direction, and she hurried off to the room where Cadence was. Then Luna showed up looking frantic, but she calmed down when she saw me already pointing down the hall. She followed my directions and went into the same room as the others.

During my time out in the waiting room, I picked up and began reading a random magazine before placing it on my face and closing my eyes to take a quick nap.

"Percival," I heard Celestia say. Looking up to see Celestia smiling at me let me know that Cadence was going to be fine. "Come. We have much to discuss," Celestia informed me and started to leave.

I fell in behind her instantly. Strangely, Celestia didn't speak a word as we walked to somewhere more private, which I found odd as she's always loved to engage in small talk. Not that it mattered in the grand scheme of things, just odd. It didn't take me long to realize that we were heading to her room. When we arrived Celestia opened the door and gestured for me to enter. I did so without question and was greeted by Luna who was already in the room.

"Greetings Percival," Luna said with a smile as she lay on Celestia's bed, a small orb forming in her hand before flinging it at my chest. Going to catch it, it absorbed into my hand which instantly cleaned it of the thin layer of green blood. Looking down I realized that she had cleaned me of the blood that had gotten on me, which was very helpful.

"Convenient," I nodded as I sat on the same chair I would every time I came here.

Celestia took her usual spot on the couch across from me and smiled as she sat down. "Before we continue, I must thank you for saving our Niece," Celestia said. "I dread to think what they would have done had you not been there. She is...very dear to us."

"And as always, your methods were gruesome, if not thorough," Luna said from Celestia's bed. "Usually we would have preferred to have kept one alive for questioning, but we believe you made the right call."

"We owe you a great debt for saving her," Celestia said, her tone solid, leaving no room for debate. "Whatever your request, if it be in our power, we will grant it."

"No," I said quickly, hardening my expression. "My Oath is to protect. And I did just that. I didn't want compensation for keeping that Oath. I would have done it regardless of who it was. Knowing she's safe is enough for me."

The Princesses sat for a moment, their faces softening considerably. "You are a strange fellow Percival," Luna said, causing me to chuckle. "Many would kill, often literally, to be in your shoes, to have your power and status. Yet you are as humble as the day we met you."

"I know more than a few people to keep me in line," I said. "Besides, the universe just loves giving me reality checks now and then."

Celestia giggled, her face quickly gaining a more professional look. "Unfortunately, we must get to the matter at hand," She stated as Luna did the same. "Are you aware of the Desert Kingdoms and the Nomadic Tribes that also reside there?"

"Painfully, why?" I replied.

"We have lost contact with our Eastern friends. Trade is commonplace and they are even considered allies. When their ships stopped docking, we assumed it was due to some internal dispute but when they did not respond to letters and other forms of communication we started thinking the worst. But it was when our ships stopped returning, we knew something was wrong."

"Even Lady Zecora who lives in the Everfree, and is also a part of the Nomadic Tribes, said she had not heard from her Tribe in a little over a month," Luna added. "The situation at large is rather unnerving."

"There is a reason for this communication blackout and we believe they may be in danger," Celestia finished.

"Do you think Demons are involved?" I ask.

"Yes, we do. In our experience, when Demons first started attacking our settlements, they would cut off all possible lines of communication to isolate them," Celestia stated. "They are largely without magic and what magic they do have is unique and specialized. If Demons are I'm not sure how useful it would be."

Sitting up straight, I look her in the eyes. "What are my orders, Chief?"

"We want you to take a team we are assembling to investigate the reason for the loss of communication, and if possible, reestablish contact with our Eastern allies," Celestia said firmly.

"Just like Las Almas," I said, leaning back into the soft recliner.

"Close but this operation will be...much more complicated, we fear," Luna said, now sitting at the edge of her sister's bed.

"It will take five or so days to prepare everything that will be needed for an operation of this size. When preparations are done, we will send a letter a few hours ahead of time and you will be picked up before departure," Celestia debriefed. "Any questions?"

"Just one," I said, idly scratching my nose. "How long should I expect the trip to last?"

"The Skyship we are providing will be able to make the journey in a couple of weeks, depending on the weather of course. The crew we are sending is an equal spread of unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth-pony, so balloon and weather management are not issues," Luna informed me. "If you have clear sailing, it would be roughly ten days but expect two weeks at most."

"That's very helpful. Thank you. Is there anything else you two need me for?" I asked the princesses.

"We would also lie to apologise," Celestia said softly, her head hanging ever so slightly.

"Apologise?" I repeat.

"We know you got back not even two days ago and we are already asking you to participate in an operation that will require you to be very involved," Luna said, her voice matching her siblings. "We have given you no time to properly recover from...what it is you had to go through."

"Because of this, we offer you our sincerest apologies," Celestia finished.

"No rest for the wicked, huh?" I smiled softly, leaning forward and looking at the Princesses in front of me. "It's not your fault. Shit happens when it's the least convenient. You have no power over that. Besides, anything for peace, amiright?"

The two look at me for a moment, smiling warmly.

"You are certainly unlike anyone we have ever met," Luna said softly. "Never change, Percival."

I stuck up my thumbs with a wide grin. "Don't plan on it!" The pair giggle at my remark. "Is that all?"

They nod their.

"Then I bid you two adieu," I said, standing to leave. "Enjoy the rest of your day. Luna. Chief."

"You as well Percival," Celestia said with a warm smile.

"We look forward to seeing you soon," Luna told me and with that, I left the room.

Author's Note

Well, got this out shockingly fast. Guess it helps when you know exactly what you want

Looks like our boy is in for more foreign relations, let's this goes as well as it did last time

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