I’m walking through the town like usual, no real goal in mind. I just keep walking. I come up to the weird headstone again. Huh? I swear it’s not this direction... maybe I just took a wrong turn somewhere. I turn and keep walking the other direction to backtrack... and I end up in front of the stone tablet again. Huh? I could have sworn... I turn a random direction and start walking away. That was creepy. My mind must be playing- Suddenly my face is in the dirt and when I pick myself up I realize I tripped over a rock with a rather familiar shape... The names on the tablet seem to shift to appear on the back as if the tablet is facing me. The fuck? I scramble to my feet and I dash off as fast as I can and when I stop, I’m outside of Ponyville and in a large field... in front of the monument. I stumble back a bit then turn, and I see the same tablet still front of me.

I stare at it and it doesn’t move, just sitting there, inanimate. I kick it but I don’t knock it over, still firmly planted in the ground as if it had been there for months. In a rage, I grow to an enormous size and smash the tablet into the ground. Doing so seems to have really tired me out somehow. I return to my size and as soon as I blink the tablet is there again. Whole. Untouched. As if it’s mocking me.

“Go away!” I yell into the endless expanse of green grass and blue sky. Each time I turn, the tablet appears in front of me, the names just as clear and numerous as ever. I close my eyes to block out the sight, but I can’t seem to keep them closed for long. I wrap my arms around my eyes, but some otherworldly force lowers them, forcing me to stare at the rock. I... I can’t escape... In a desperate attempt to stop everything I ignite and set the ground at my feet on fire. The fire quickly spreads across the field turning into a short, horizon-wide inferno before extinguishing in seconds.

I can’t do anything but scream until my lungs hurt. Suddenly, the fear and heat dissipate, and I’m enfolded in a midnight-colored embrace. As I calm down fully, I realize I’m being hugged by Luna, her wings fully covering everything.

“Shh, Anthony. There is no need to panic.” She slowly lets me go, the tablet seeming to lurk just behind her shoulder.

“Okay... that was so weird. So uh... what are you doing here?” I eye the tablet as it slowly recedes behind the princess.

“I have not seen your dreams in so long, I had begun to think you’d stopped dreaming entirely.”

“So... oh.” I realize this has all been a dream, not real. “Well I guess that explains a few things, but... eh, nevermind. It’s... it’s nothing.”

“Are you sure? What is it that troubles you?”

“Oh, just uh... just a little thing the ponies made. For me, I’m pretty sure.”

“I am not sure I understand. This dream was wreathed with fear, what have my subjects made to trouble you so? Have they been... bullying you?”

“Not really...” I move towards the tablet, with my name at the top and the numerous pony names. “It’s... this. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s like a list of ponies who I uh... failed.”

“Ah, a Monument of Memory. It is always good to remember your failings. Those who do not oft make them again.” She sounds like she’s speaking from experience, and bears a wistful, sad look. “However, I can guarantee you it was not made in anger, nor was it made to degrade or dimunize your accomplishments.” She pauses for a moment. “Perhaps it is something with ponies not shared with humanity, but we have always found it easy to remember heroic deeds and forget the darkness that has not touched us personally.”

“So... it’s a memorial, not a list of failures?” Luna nods, and I can feel the menace of the tablet fade, the dream slowly dissolving to a more normal ponyville day, though the buildings are intermixed with human-styled houses I recognize.

“That’s a relief... I thought it was made to... Idunno, be a sign that I’m not doing a good job as a protector. That I cause more harm than good when I’m trying to help...”

“Never think that. Every hero of Equestria is known by their greatest of deeds to its whole.” she chuckles. “I am sure you have already secured yourself a place in the next century’s history books.”

“So... waitaminute. You showed up because I was having a nightmare? Is that, like a hobby of yours or is it some sort of obligation?”

“I am the Princess of the Night. It is my royal duty to protect and aid those in my care from the nightmares that yet plague this land. As well, I keep the darker creatures that would prey on the sleeping and young from getting a hoofhold in the minds of the innocent.”

“Huh, wow... I just kinda figured you did this ‘cause you could talk to others and you’d have a captive audience since they can’t make you leave...”

“Actually, they are fully capable of making me leave their minds. I am no invading force, and am here at your discretion.” Totally missed the sarcasm.

“Well then... do any of them, y’know, think you’re going to make the problem worse? I mean, There might be a few random people around who still think you’re dangerous. Do you help the ones who hate you as well?”

“Of course I do, unless they request that I do not. It is my duty to help them, but I am obliged by decency not to the force that help on those who wish it not.”

“Heh, have you ever tried making something better and just made it worse? I’m not accusing you or anything, just, y’know. Sometimes they’re kinda funny when you look back on ‘em.”

“I cannot say I have. There is yet to be a time my assistance was not immediately helpful, with the lone exception of a pony whose worst nightmare was, well... the Nightmare. I had to exercise the utmost care and subtlety to aid in rendering that fear to nothing.”

I nod. “So, I’m just guessing here, but are these memorial stone thingies common?”

“Nay. They are for remembering the losses incurred in war or the journey of heroes. They are also for remembering those lost when extreme circumstance and natural catastrophes cause great losses which even the guards and rangers corps cannot but blunt the worst of.”

“So... it’s for them, not me?  Why not have it be in an archive or something, rather than just some stone? Carvings fade in time if not cared for.”

“The stone was likely quarried from where the demon fell, and any decorations taken from the paths of its rampage. Each piece is meaningful to the monument.” she pauses before smirking cooly. “And when is the last time you saw a pony other than young Twilight Sparkle engage in a, what is the term, ‘archive raid’?” It’s ‘archive binge’, but I’ll let it slide.

“Heh, yeah. But there’s so much about this world I don’t understand, and sometimes I feel like... like it’s trying to change me. But I don’t want to change!”

“And yet, Anthony, you have already changed.” She gently places a wing behind me, and speaks softly. “When first you came to this world, you entered as a human, but you have already found that you are now a star in heart and form. Where once you would rage like a petulant child over such minor frustrations, you now take the time to plan. Usually for a prank, I must admit, but thinking before action is an improvement.” she draws me into a one-winged hug. “You are growing into a more mature being, and that is change. It will happen simply from living, Anthony. You need not fear it so.”

“Alright, but if I start walking on all fours and eating flowers, please, shoot me through the head.”

Luna giggles. “Now, now, where else would we find such a delightful goat?”

“Goat!?” I feel quite insulted, but I can’t think of anything to say. “Goat!?”

“Well, I suppose you might end up a sheep if that comes to pass, but a goat at least would make a decent gardener.”

“...alright, I’ve had enough. I don’t care if it’s two in the morning, I’m waking up now.”

Several seconds of awkward silence pass.

“Any second now.”

Luna coughs politely. “Er, if you would wish me to go, I can. I did not mean to trouble you so...”

“Sure. Just, uh, waking up. Right about... now! Or, maybe, now. Now?” Luna slowly edges back as I begin shouting ‘Now!?’ over and over again. When she finally leaves, I stop, and lean back. The dream is almost perfectly blank, just the street, the houses, and a vague haze for a sky. Hmm... I wonder what I can do in a dream?

The answer is: Just about anything, but it gets boring once I tire of making pink weasels and tiny penguins dance for my amusement...

Waking up the next morning, I yawn and stretch, and look around. I’ve got the rest of today, and then it’s off to Canterlot with Anne, and then to Chickago once I’ve had a ‘pleasant chat’ with Sunbutt.

Once we arrive at the Canterlot train station, I inform Anne that she can just wander around and check the place out as long as she doesn’t get lost. And that the Canterlot ponies are kind of jerks.

I approach the throne room and phase my way through the large ornamental doors. I address the solar princess sitting on her throne, who seems to be lost in thought. I decide to make myself known.

“Something on your mind, Celestia?” She startles and looks up to see me, relaxing. “I would like to speak with you... off your throne. We shall speak as equals.” Celestia rolls her eyes and stands up, walking down the small steps towards me.

“What is it that you want Anthony?”

“I wish for clarification. Why did you decide to make me a criminal?”

“I did not make you a criminal, I merely gave you sentence for-”

“Protecting your people.”

“No, for assaulting somepony-”

“Who was committing a crime. You got to speak your piece during my ‘trial’, now it’s my turn.”

Celestia glares, but then she softens up “I suppose that’s fair.”

“Now then, Celestia. Let me explain the way I see things. I saw a pony attempt to commit a crime. I stopped him before the crime could be committed, preventing the issue. Despite the means which I used, a storekeeper was not stolen from because of my actions. And for this, I am punished.”

Celestia opens her mouth to protest but I hold up my hand. “Wait you turn.” She sighs and I continue. “Just because you disagree with my methods of keeping your people safe, I am considered a law-breaker. Why? My goal is to help them, as is yours I assume. The difference is, I’m better at it than you are.”

“Are you here to demoralize me? Usurp my throne?”

“Why would I want the headache of leading these idiots? No, I’m just telling you that you should be respectful of someone who helps the people you care so much about. Violence aside, I get results and keep them safe. Can we agree on that?”

Celestia hesitates, but nods and I continue. “I should have heroic immunity, especially since I help your ponies more than you do. Frankly, I can’t recall the last time there was a problem that you did anything about. It’s been me doing all the work. You don’t take action, I do. You just sit there and do nothing, waiting for the issue to be resolved and then you pass judgement.”

“You are calling me weak?” Celestia is looking absolutely pissed.

“No, and that’s the problem.” At Celestia’s confusion , I explain. “You are thousands of years old. You have the knowledge and wisdom of ages gone by, and more power than I could possibly dream of. And yet you don’t do anything with it. You don’t go out and help others, you just sit there and let the crimes be committed. I take action, and I’m punished?”

“You don’t understand wha-”

“No! You listen to me. I have not once seen you do anything at all. Ever. I try and fix the problem before any negative consequences arrive. You would just let the criminals keep doing what they do until you finally decide to do something, but that doesn’t fix what they’ve done.”

“That’s not true, you have no idea what I’ve-”

I glare back. “How many ponies did Rook kill before you did anything about it?” Celestia’s eyes go wide in shock and she stammers. “How many? How many ponies had their families broken by that monster before you took action? If it were me, I’d have found that bitch as soon as it started and killed her, then nobody else would have had to die and you wouldn’t have had to nuke an entire city. The problem is, you’re stronger and smarter than me, so why didn’t you stop her before she started her killing spree?”

“Well-”

“My methods are harsh, but I actually do something about the problems. I’m just doing what I do so that your people don’t have to live in fear. If you want to label me a criminal because of that, make me public enemy number one of the entire planet, go ahead. I’ll still clean up the messes for you anyway, so you can still just sit there like always, except ponies will be safer.”

Celestia is actually flaming with anger, her mane a stark orange, white-hot flames leaping from her coat. “Shut up! You have no idea what you are talking about! I’ve made plenty of sacrifices for my ponies!”

I just laugh. “Yeah, make me shut up. I’m annoying you, so make me be quiet by attacking me. Just like I would do.”

The princess winces and cools off, but she still looks very angry. I turn away. “If you want me to not do it anymore, fine. You can handle the next demon that comes through. Then every second you stay there on your throne, all the ponies it kills, will be your fault. These ponies treat you like a god and yet you do nothing to support that belief. I think what they need is to just once, see their god bleed.”

“You... want to fight me?”

“No, not today. Right now I’m giving you a choice: Either be the great protector you have the power to be, or stay out of my way.” With that, I phase out of the throne room. I startle a few guards who were listening in through the door. I ignore the armored meat shields. That’s another thing. With all the power she supposedly has, why does she even need guards?

I shake my head and make my way to find Anne, then the train station. Chickago, here I come.

On the way to the train station, a runner in a light version of the Guard’s armor gallops up, puts a piece of paper in my hands, then gallops off. Eh, I’ll read it later, especially since it has Celestia’s mark on it. If she wanted to apologize for being a bitch, she could have done it sooner. Next Chapter: Let's go and met the griffons Estimated time remaining: 16 Hours, 42 Minutes