Breathtaking

Twilight and I stepped out of the chariot in a courtyard onto the castle grounds. Thanking the guards for their help in getting us to Canterlot, we went into the castle, making our way through the large open corridors. She seemed to know the way, so I let her take the lead as she talked.

"I haven't been back here in so long... It feels good to come through here again!"

She excitedly trotted her way through the halls, pointing out places she remembered and where she spent time while living here.

"Over there are the dining halls. The princess and I had meals in there every day before lecture and magic study."

"No wonder y'all seem so friendly." I remarked. She smiled and kept walking.

"Here we are... This is the reception hall. Here, the princesses hold court and meet dignitaries."

"Dignitaries?" I hoped I wasn't considered some kind of ambassador. The last thing I needed was an official title. Using her magic to open the large doors, she stepped into the adjoining hall with me following closely.

Reception was a lot smaller than the other areas we had explored today. The princesses weren't seated but fifty yards away and I noticed them immediately. The pair were seated next to each other in high backed thrones. The larger, snow white sister acknowledged us right away.

"Twilight! It is so good to see you. And this must be Mr. John Marshall?" Not knowing what else to do, I offered a low bow to the sisters.

"Yes, your highness. It is an honor and a privilege to be here before y'all today."

Straightening back up, I noticed the smaller, darker princess give me a satisfied expression, but Snow White was smiling and shaking her head.

"Please, Mr. Marshall. It is just the four of us. Your respect and formality is appreciated, but not necessary." I stood awkwardly in front of the royal sisters.

"Well, ma'am... Its a pleasure to meet y'all."

"The pleasure is ours, Mr. Marshall. I am Princess Celestia and this is my sister, Princess Luna. Welcome to Equestria."

Her voice was soothing to the ear. When she spoke, it was smooth as silk and comforting. Princess Luna at one point stood and stretched her wings- wait... Wings? I looked in astonishment. So far, I had met quite a few folks in my time here in Equestria. Unicorns... Pegasi... even regular ponies, but someone with a horn AND wings? Celestia must have noticed my reaction because she stopped what she was saying to explain.

"Oh, Mr. Marshall, forgive me. You see, we are alicorns. We possess both the powers to manipulate magic AND fly. I suppose I should also mention, while our responsibility to this land is to rule Equestria, my sister and I are also responsible for raising the moon and sun, respectively." My eyes widened.

"Are y'all like... some kind of... deity? Twilight already told me of your incredible lifespans..." Celestia smiled.

"Nothing so trite. We were placed in this position by the Great Creator and so we serve." Interesting... The princess returned to what she was saying. "John, we are pleased to have you here, finally. When you did not reply immediately we were afraid something had happened." I decided to fess up.

"Yes ma'am, ya see, my first day with the folks of Ponyville was... less than admirable. I'm sure y'all already heard what-" The princess raised a hoof to interrupt me.

"Yes, we heard all about the get-together in Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie Pie always has known how to throw a good party." I don't know why, but I hung my head in shame. I never felt like this. Then again, this was the first time royalty has ever been informed of my random acts of debauchery. The princess continued.

"In spite of this, we welcome you to our land with open hooves. It is hard to leave everything and everyone you know and come to a place you have never been. My sister and I trust that any... questionable acts will be far outnumbered by the good you do for our world."

I didn't know if I could do that, but I still straightened up, smiled confidently and gave her my reply.

"Yes, ma'am." She smiled.

"Good." The white princess relaxed a little into her throne. "So, Twilight tells me you are a soldier where you come from." I shook my head.

"Well, ma'am, I WAS a soldier. Eventually, I went to a company that paid more money than my country did." Her eyes narrowed.

"A company? You mean to tell me you were a mercenary?"

"We preferred the term 'private contractors'. The word mercenary just has a... bad connotation."

"That seems a little disingenuous," the princess said with a calculating look.

"Not at all, ma'am. Mercenaries will work for anyone if there is money involved. A private military contractor like the company I worked for still had standards and morals to uphold... Even if it was just to give a good impression to the press."

I was stretching the truth a little bit. I had always heard of companies getting into some bad shit when they were out on jobs, mine included. I've even met with folks that were paid to escort high profile terrorists. Thankfully, I didn't play witness to too much of the bad stuff. At any rate, the princess seemed satisfied with that answer. She stood and flexed her wings before moving towards a side door.

"I would like you both to join us for lunch in the study. I'll have the guard find someone in the kitchen to bring up something." I almost forgot. My stomach was already killing me. The apple I ate on the way didn't last very long and I would probably eat anything at that point.

The princesses led us up a flight of stairs and through another hallway before coming to a simpler set of double doors. As we walked, I couldn't help but notice how BIG the alicorns were. Much larger than the regular ponies and certainly taller than me. Another difference between them and their subjects. The guard on duty in front of the study pulled open one of the doors and allowed us in. He eyed me warily at first, but adjusted his gaze forward when Celestia addressed him directly.

"We will be taking lunch in the study. Please have the wait staff bring up some sandwiches and cider." The guard snapped a salute and took off through the labyrinth of passageways. The princess then turned to Twilight and I. "Please, make yourselves at home."

I stepped into the room and was in a state of instant awe. The room was much smaller than the reception hall, but it was still huge. The walls were lined with bookshelves holding thousands of volumes of information. Twilight must have noticed my face because she walked over.

"This is one of my favorite rooms in the castle during winter. Thousands of books to read and all day to do it." She whispered as she gestured towards a large, but simple fireplace. "Coming in here and reading next to the fire while the princess worked was my favorite way to spend an afternoon."

I smiled at the thought of a young lavender filly curled up on the floor with... What was this first row of books? Tax law. Yes, a really young Twilight Sparkle happily reading tax law by the fire. I chuckled to myself as the princesses chose seats in the middle of the room.

"Please sit. The food will be here shortly." Twilight and I chose a pair of cushions to sit on. Of course, it was Twilight who began talking.

"Princess, it has been so long since I've seen you. How are things here in the Castle?" The princess sighed.

"It has been quiet recently... Exactly how we like it. The Griffon Kingdom continues to be an excellent ally and our national economy continues to grow. Times are good for Equestria." The princess turned her attention to me. "John, have you found many differences between your home and ours?" She smiled before adding "Other than the obvious ones of course." I thought briefly before answering.

"Quite a few, ma'am. For one, we weren't ruled by an immortal alicorn, that's for sure." Twilight and Celestia chuckled a little, but Princess Luna remained silent, watching me intently. Celestia asked another question.

"What was your country like, back on Earth?" Well that's an easy question.

"Well ma'am, I'm sure Twilight told you everythin' she had in her notes about it's size?" The alicorn nodded. "Well, our government was a representative democracy. Our leaders were always elected since winning independence from a corrupt and oppressive crown." The princess shook her head.

"Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. As rulers of Equestria, my sister and I do try and stay fair to the people." Luna's eyes flashed towards her sister for a split second before returning to me. What was she doing? I decided to continue speaking to Celestia.

"That was a long time before I came around. Our country may still be young, but two hundred and forty years is still a long time for us. Now, we're called the last superpower and our president is known by some folks as "The Leader of the Free World." I'll say this about your home, though. I've yet to notice any crime whatsoever. Its rampant where I come from, as is war. Your peo- I mean ponies are a peaceful, cooperative group of folks." The princess smiled.

"Thank you. While what you say is partially true, you have but to look closer and you will see the imperfections. Even our country has an army, and our castle has a guard." I thought about this for a few moments. What about this world requires anything resembling an army? My thoughts would have to wait though.

"I hope things never get as bad for you as they did for us, princess, and I mean that with all sincerity." The princess looked as though she would ask about it, but there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" She called. A pair of unicorns trotted in with trays and jugs levitating before them. They placed them all on a table in the center of the room, bowed and exited as quickly as they came. Celestia sighed as she poured a glass of cider.

"I wish they would stay with us for a little longer than that every once in a while." She said ruefully. "It does get lonely now and then."

After an hour of eating and talking, things between Princess Celestia and I warmed. She was exceedingly friendly as opposed to her sister, who merely sat and watched me the entire time, laughing quietly to herself every once in a while. That was starting to creep me out. Just a little. Eventually, Celestia looked around the room and began talking to Twilight about the castle.

"It really hasn't changed that much since you've left. We've recatalouged much of the castle library and made a few additions to it, but really-" Twilight interrupted her mentor excitedly.

"ADDITIONS?! How much more have you added to it?! It was already the largest collection in all of Equestria!" Celestia smiled.

"I could show you if you like, but first..." She turned to me. "John, the Captain of the Guard would like to meet you himself. I'm sure Twilight would be more than happy to-" Twilight interrupted again. She looked as giddy as a schoolfilly on the first day of kindergarten (I assumed).

"Ohhhh, nonononono, Princess. I'm sure Shining Armor won't be going anywhere any time soon. I can meet up with him later!" Celestia looked unsurprised, but she continued still.

"Well, John can't just be left to find his way on-"

"I will take him myself, sister." We all looked to Luna in unison. She hadn't said anything all day, and now she was volunteering to escort me through the castle. Celestia smiled.

"Well, that does settle things, doesn't it?" Luna smiled reassuringly and as one we rose and headed for the door. Celestia and Twilight were already chatting happily to each other as they walked out. Luna and I turned away from them and went through another hall. I barely opened my mouth to speak before she stopped and turned to me.

"You are exactly as I remembered." I smiled and kept... wait. I froze in my tracks, mid-stride. Blinking a few times in confusion, I turned to face the princess. Unable to think of anything to say, all that escaped my mouth was a thickly accented

" 'Scuse me?"

She stared at me as my mouth hung open dumbly.

"You honestly thought you just fell into another world? You made a wish upon my night sky, do you not remember?" Realization hit me like the 7.62x54mmR bullet that killed me.

"That was a dream!"

"Many things are possible in dreams. The complexity of the situation notwithstanding, you are now alive and well in my world."

"But why? Why am I here?" I asked.

"Because, Mr. Marshall... What you asked for is readily given here. The brutality of your life is quite different than what is seen here, though I remember a time when this was not so. Yes. I know much of your world. As the Princess of the Night, it is also my duty to come to my subjects in their dreams. I have learned much from yours, John Marshall."

"I haven't had a dream in days, I don't even-"

"You do not remember every dream you have. Yours bring me sadness, but also hope." I was silent. Hope for what? She answered the question for me.

"Hope that you will find good in your life... and also to help others find more light in theirs." Oh? And how was I supposed to do that? She continued.

"Live your life here, John Marshall. Live your life to the fullest in my realm and continue to make yourself a service to my subjects. When I hear tales of your heroics, I am gladdened by my choice to bring you here." I stood before the princess. So many questions filled my head, but none of them could come out. I remained in dumbstruck silence.

"You... But... I..."

"Collect your thoughts when you go home tonight. For now, we must proceed to Captain Shining Armor's office."

I followed the princess in a daze. She was the reason I was here? Did Princess Celestia not know? What in the world was going on? How did she take me from my unconscious into another world?! What did she have planned for my future? Questions that would have to remain unanswered for now, I supposed.

We eventually came to a simple door and we stopped.

"Mr. Marshall, here is where I leave you. Push your questions from your head before you come into this room. Captain Shining Armor does not take your being here lightly and will likely ask you many questions about your past. Your best chance at this will be to stay on your toes and expect an interrogation. I trust you, John. The captain does not. Am I clear?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good. I will see you again soon." And with that, the Princess of the Night walked away without a single backward glance. Shaking my head, I turned toward the door and knocked.

"Enter." a voice called from the room. I tentatively pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into a small office. A white unicorn with a blue mane sat behind a desk and eyed me like a hawk eyes its prey.

"Sit." he ordered. I obliged. "Do you know why you are here?" Ever the smart ass, I tried to lighten the mood.

"No, but I have a feeling its not for the sexiest man alive competition." The captain was not amused.

"You are here because you are an alien to this land and reported as some kind of soldier. Regardless of your current status in Ponyville, you are a threat until I have established otherwise, are we clear?"

"Crystal." I could tell this wasn't going to go well.

"Good. I am Captain Shining Armor. It is my responsibility to task the Canterlot Royal Guard wherever they are needed and head security for the royal family. I take this job seriously."

"I can tell." I said curtly.

"You will NOT interrupt me when I am speaking." he growled, his eyes briefly flashing angrily. "To start, I want you to list your entire military experience from beginning to end." I crossed my arms and began.

"Right. Well, at age 20 I enlisted in the United States Army. I climbed rank just about as quickly as I could. It also helped that Airborne School and Air Assault were written into my enlistment contract. After two years in an airborne infantry unit, I had the good fortune to be sent to Ranger School and upon completion, I was selected for transfer to the 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd battalion.

"In addition to takin' several specialized schools that the military offered, I earned the rank of sergeant and had a total of three combat deployments to areas of conflict worldwide. I was quietly discharged from service after budget cutbacks downsized my unit and they deemed me as 'nonessential'. In reality, it was probably because my prick of a commanding officer didn't like me.

"I was then approached by a private military contracting service which offered me similar jobs for a lot more pay. In the two years I was with that company, I was deployed four more times to other assorted locations and took several other short jobs, one of which, I gave my life for some low-ranked asshole of a diplomat. Any questions?" The captain was unphased.

"Plenty. What is Airborne School?"

"A few weeks of bullshit where the Army teaches you to jump out of a big flying machine." He blinked.

"Ranger School?" My tone grew in volume.

"When I learned to be a part of the most mobile and rapidly deployable light infantry unit in the Army of the United States of America." He shuffled his papers on the desk and coughed.

"Anything else you would like to tell me?" My voice finally started to ring with the contempt I had for this conversation.

"Yeah. After I was wounded in action the first time, my commander told me that I fought bravely, killed a helluva lot of bad guys and should be proud that it took em so long to put me on my ass."

Shining Armor released the quill he was magically using to write his notes and straightened in his chair.

"Sergeant, this line of questioning was meant to determine your level of experience and potential as a danger to the people of this country. If you don't do some serious fast-talking immediately, I'll have you thrown into a section of the dungeons that has been vacant for the last hundred years. Start." I uncrossed my arms and leaned towards the desk.

"Listen here, chico. I ain't a part of the army no more, I ain't in the mood to play games and I damn sure don't wanna hurt anyone I've met in this world, present company excluded. That being said," I relaxed back into the chair again.

"Your sister is a good friend of mine and has made me feel more welcome to this world than just about anyone. You have my solemn promise that as long as I live in the general area, she won't be in any imminent danger. I'll do my best to make that applicable to all the other folks in Ponyville, too." The Captain of the Guard's eyes remained cold and calculating.

"Twilight never said you were a killer." I scoffed and threw it back in his face.

"She never said you were an asshole, but look what happened."

Then he did something I could never have expected. The sonofabitch smiled.

"Sergeant Marshall, what I see in front of me is someone that has the potential to be a powerful ally. I have things that need done. Things a royal guard can't necessarily do. If what you're saying is true, I hold no doubt in my mind that you are the stallion for the job."

My hands went to my face. I fucking knew this was coming.

"What?" he shrugged.

"Well, you just seemed so intent on keeping your new friends safe; I just thought you'd be interested to take care of some dangerous items, but I can see you aren't." Wait just a damn second...

"What're you talkin' about?" Curiosity may have killed the cat, but you don't learn much without chasing a few mice.

"First, I need you to understand that this information doesn't-" I cut him off.

"What? Leave the room? Get to the wrong ears? I'm human, not stupid. We can keep secrets, too. Just tell me already." He didn't look happy at the second interruption, but he continued.

"A few years ago, an army of changelings invaded Equestria. Although their main assault was defeated and they were scattered, we continue to find evidence pointing towards individual changeling remnants taking up residence in the towns around Equestria."

Changelings? Really? I just shook my head and laughed.

"And just what the hell is a changeling?" I asked.

"A bug-like creature that resembles a pony. Using a special form of magic, they can perfectly mimic the characteristics of any pony in existence... My wife... included." Ok. This was serious.

"And they're dangerous?"

"No. Unless you count being able to mimic anypony they choose, assuming that pony's identity and feeding off the love it receives as dangerous." I finally stopped chuckling.

"Who is it?" The captain shrugged in reply.

"We have no clue. That is why we need you to find them... and eliminate them."

"Whoa whoa whoa, there. You want me to kill someone?"

"Weeeeell... Technically, 'something', but yes. Its the only way to ensure the threat is over and the changeling hasn't just jumped to another pony. You also need to find the pony they replaced." My head was so full of questions.

"Now, wait a second. The one they replaced?" Captain Armor nodded.

"Yes. The one they replaced. They would be hanging in a cocoon somewhere in the house. The best we can tell, it would be a sort of suspended animation. They're still alive, just frozen in place and unaware of their surroundings." Ok... I was beginning to get a picture of what needed to happen.

"How am I supposed to kill it?" Again, the captain shrugged.

"Its not like we can just let you haul something out of the armory and let you parade around Ponyville with it. Get creative." I scratched my beard and pondered the factors before looking at Shining again.

"Question. Do y'all have a blacksmith?"

His nod was all I needed. I took his quill and a sheet of paper and started a rough sketch.

It was late in the afternoon before Twilight and I met up again. When she finally saw us, she ran forward to greet her brother.

"BBBFF! Its so good to see y- What's the matter?"

Shining Armor swallowed back the sick look on his face. When I told him how much I would work for, he immediately refused and low-balled me. 500 bits for a death? You have to be shitting me. After explaining a few things to the good captain, he reluctantly agreed that 10,000 bits was a fair price. I wasn't even sure how much that really was, but it sounded good. That decision was not boding well for the captain's stomach.

"I'm fine Twiley... I... I uhhh... must have eaten something." HA! Yeah. The bill. Twilight laughed.

"Ha! Your cast iron stomach is getting old, big brother!" Shining smiled and embraced his sister.

I stood by, watching the siblings talk and laugh with each other. Memories of my younger brother jumped to mind. Fighting. Fun. Card games. Hah... Trivial Pursuit. He loved that game. It didn't even matter that neither of us knew half the answers in the 80's edition, he still busted that thing out whenever he could. Crazy as it sounds, I missed him.

What would he be doing now? I chuckled to myself thinking of him at my funeral. Probably workin' his silver-tongued magic on the women that showed up, too. You're welcome, Stewart. Twilight finally turned to me.

"Are you ready to go, John? The princesses had business to get to. Princess Celestia wanted to spend more time with you, but felt we should probably head back to Ponyville." I nodded.

"Sounds good. You sure you don't wanna spend some more time with your brother?" The captain smiled.

"I have some work to take care of as well, but it was nice to finally meet you, John. Take care of my sister for me, ok?" He extended his hoof for a handshake and I took it. Our eyes met; his saying very plainly 'don't fuck this up'." I've seen that look many times before. I hoped that my eyes were saying something to the effect of 'well, no shit' back at him.

"Take care, Captain."

"You too."

We turned and started walking away from each other.

"So what did you think of my brother? He seemed really excited to meet you when I told him about you." Twilight offered.

"I'm sure he was," I said, deciding to sugar coat the exchange for her sake. "but it seemed like he really was focused on some... important matters. He really is a good guy. Really friendly when you get to know him, but you can tell he takes his job as Captain of the Guard VERY seriously." Twilight laughed.

"Yes, he does. But he HAS wanted to do this all of his life. He's been the Captain of the Guard for quite a while now and he has yet to complain once. 'Its MY responsibility!' " she said, doing a great impression of her brother. I laughed.

"Hey now, your brother was cool and everythin', but the world don't need a second one!" We laughed together as we came out into the courtyard. The very same chariot awaited us, a team of fliers all hitched up and ready to go.

"Y'all ready for the ride?" I said aloud to them.

"Foal's play, sir! We'll have you back in Ponyville before you know it!" I smiled as I helped Twilight into the back and began to board. Loud, running hoofbeats sounded behind me.

"Sir! Mr. Marshall! Sirrrrr!!!" I turned around to see a small, out of breath pony. Recognizing him as one of the servants that brought up lunch, I climbed back down to listen to him.

"The princesses left a note for you, sir... Have a safe flight!" He gave me the letter and was gone in a flash, disappearing behind the doors and into the castle.

"What is it?" Twilight asked.

"I'm not too sure." I opened the small, folded letter and began to read. The writing on the first one was very flowery... almost old-fashioned, but still readable.

John Marshall,

My sister and I had the pleasure of meeting you today and though I would have liked more time to hear of your experiences, the royal duties forbid us from making an excess of free time during the day. My sister and I both agree however, that you have a strong heart. You may not see it yet, but you are capable of good things. We expect these good things from you, John Marshall. We will be watching you as you make your life in Equestria.

Princess Luna

Folded up with the letter was another sheet of paper. Pulling them apart, a pair of golden tickets slipped out into my hands. The writing on this one was much more clear and measured and the tone was less official.

Parties and events around Canterlot can be a good way to make friends. Someone of your fame (or infamy if you prefer) would make an excellent addition to the guest list at this year's Midsummer Night's Ball here at the castle. We look forward to seeing you there!

Princess Celestia

Oh, wonderful. Something made me want to look up. You know that unexplainable feeling folks get when they're being watched? Looking at one of the upper windows, I noticed both princesses stood watching... Smiling down at the creature leaving their home.

"Ladies," I thought to myself, "I shall not disappoint."