Same Old Fight

Chapter 5

Study

Dano awoke to the crushing quiet that was associated with inside of a mountain. Even with the muffled sounds of Sanctuary in the distance the survivor could not deny the feeling of the peak pressing down onto his consciousness, and it made him uneasy. Sighing Dano sat up in his bed to find the room bathed in the colorful light that moved through the stain glass doors while it mixed with the warm glow of his own personal lamp. The calm that emanated from the walls around the survivor was broken by the sound of his door opening, and Dano focused on a single mare as she entered his room.

The pale arctic blue pegasus pony wore one of the maid’s outfits Dano had seen on all of the other female attendants of the Keep save for the holes to accommodate her wings. Her light greyish gold mane was kept short, clean and held a small hat that was reminiscent of a French maid while her tail remained the average length. The survivor noticed that she seemed particularly nervous to be in the room, and her light orange eyes scanned the area slowly as if to watch for an incoming scare.

Dano watched the mare as she entered slowly until her eyes finally fell on him.

“G-good morning sir.”

The maid bowed quickly, and Dano guessed she had been sent by Luna or another ranking official.

“Good morning.” Dano responded with a slightly hoarse voice.

“I have been sent to receive your order for breakfast as well as anything else you need.”

Dano quickly threw his legs out of bed and rose before stretching. The sound of his vertebra popping was the only sound in the room, and once content the survivor turned to the maid.

“Do you have a meat options?”

Dano could almost see panic set in behind the mare’s eyes.

“I-I can check in with the Griffon c-cooks.”

Dano could feel his mood move south at the maids sudden and irrational fear.

“Can you also try and find a bath that can fit me?”

The mare nodded quickly.

“Right away.”

Dano watched as the maid practically ran out of his room, and he let out a sigh as he sat on the edge of his bed.

The feeling of loneliness in Dano’s head made another push forward, but the survivor stifled it quickly. He realized that he had to keep the emotion at bay for as long as he could lest it flay his mind. How he would go about doing that Dano did not know, and he had serious doubts that he would succeed in holding it back for the required time. All he did know was that to win this fight he needed to have some sort of mental fortitude. The survivor did not dwell on it long, for his thoughts were broken by another intrusion.

Dano’s door opened once again to show the same maid as before enter with a covered silver tray resting on her back and slightly outstretched wings while two large white coated,  unicorn stallions with black manes wearing suits carried in an even larger metal trough in their gold magical grasp. With a loud clang the impromptu bath tub was dropped in the middle of the room, and the two unicorns departed while Dano rose and approached the maid.

“What have we got here?” Dano mumbled to himself as he lifted the covering off the platter to see a raw salmon. With a sigh he realized that Griffons were half eagle and half lion. Their meat option was probably always raw.

“Is everything to your liking sir?”

The mare’s voice quivered at the mere thought of Dano’s displeasure, and the survivor could only guess as to what she thought her consequences would be if she failed.

“I’m sorry but I can’t eat raw fish… miss?”

Dano’s simple question caught the pegasus off guard, and she nearly dropped her tray.

“Oh pardon me sir! My name is Sassaflash.”

Dano placed the cover back on the platter before lifting the entire thing off of Sassaflash’s back. After balancing the platter on one hand he offered his free one which the mare took tentatively.

“My name is Daniel. I would appreciate it if you used it instead of sir.”

Confusion made a home on Sassaflash’s face as she lightly shook Dano’s hand.

“O-okay s- Daniel.”

Dano put on the largest smile he could, which was small in comparison to most, and Sassaflash did the same.

“As I was saying please send this back for me. If the ‘cook’ asks please tell him that I can get very sick from raw fish.”

Dano placed the tray back onto Sassaflash’s back gently, and she nodded as she was given her orders.

“Is there anything else you need Daniel?”

Dano looked over at his empty bath tub.

“Some hot water would be nice, and plenty of towels.”

Sassaflash bowed at the neck.

“Right away.”

With that the mare turned and walked out of the room in a much more comfortable fashion. Dano couldn’t help but feel a bit better as he proved he wasn’t the monster his fellow man’s actions had portrayed him as. Even so the survivor knew that this was a tiny victory. Action spoke louder than words, and was the only thing that would sway those Dano would eventually guide.

A few minutes passed before Sassaflash and the two unicorn stallions returned. The servants carried large buckets of steaming water with their magic while the maid brought in several towels that were quite small to Dano, and he was glad he ordered several. After a few more trips from the stallions the tub was at a decent level prompting the survivor to politely ask for his privacy while he bathed. The three ponies acknowledged with bows and left without another word. Alone and standing in front of a steaming bath the survivor removed his underwear before slowly climbing into the tub.

The warm water was almost unbearably hot on Dano’s skin, but he suffered through it. Quickly the survivor’s nerves adjusted and the bath became pleasant. Dano sunk into the water until only his head remain uncovered, and he let out a content sigh as his muscles relaxed. His bliss was cut short however when Celestia decided now was the time to speak.

“I can see why Fluttershy fell for you Daniel. You can be quite charming.”

Dano stiffened believing that the voice in his head actually emanated from someone in the room. He eventually calmed as he realized Celestia was speaking from inside his own skull.

You need to stop poking around in my head.

“There is little else to do in here despite the large amount of space.”

An unamused Dano listed to Celestia’s light chuckle.

Must you disturb me now? I’m trying to take a bath.

“I see no better time to be honest.”

Dano sighed as he slipped even deeper into the bath so the water covered his chin and mouth.

You must have a reason to be speaking. Other than bothering me of course.

“I do Daniel, but you may not enjoy it.”

There are a lot of things I have done that I didn’t enjoy.

“Very well. I must ask you to learn as much about Equestria as you possibly can. Study our culture and ways so you may better serve us.”

Dano created bubbles as he sighed again.

You are asking me to study? Like in school?

“Yes. Twilight will probably help you if you ask. She tends to enjoy studying.”

Fine. Whatever I need to do to get this war going.

“Your enthusiasm is contagious.”

Your sarcasm is palpable

Celestia chuckled again.

“I will leave you to your bath Daniel. Until next time.”

With that Celestia fell silent.

Dano continued to sit in his bath while his mind quickly debated Celestia’s words. The survivor agreed that he needed to learn of his allies and enemies before battle could commence, but he had guessed that it would come from exposure. Judging from the reactions of those he would be fighting for culture seemed like the last thing he would be discussing. Dano decided that he would simply enjoy his bath for the time being, but no longer than five minutes later the survivor’s door was opened once again to let in both Twilight and Rarity.

“Speak of the devil.” Dano mumbled to himself as he practically glared at the two unicorns.

“Good morning Daniel. I hope we aren’t intruding.” Rarity said with her usual high class accent.

“Not at all,” Dano said with a massive amount of sarcasm. “I was only taking a bath.”

“Great! I told you he would be fine with us coming in Rarity.”

Both Rarity and Dano gave Twilight a bemused look.

“He was being sarcastic darling.”

Twilight took a moment to fully grasp the situation, and by the time she was done a small blush had covered her face.

“Oh. I see.”

Dano sighed.

“What do you two need?”

Twilight, being slightly embarrassed from earlier, shifted a bit quietly while Rarity went on undaunted.

“Luna has asked me to provide you with some new clothing.”

Rarity shot a glance over at the pile of cloths Dano had placed there yesterday.

“I just hope that you do not want them the same color schemes as those.”

Dano chuckled a bit as nostalgia brought back memories of the human Rarity.

“I’m sure you have something bright and colorful for me to prance about in.”

Dano waved his hand in the air as if he was holding a fake skull as he prepared to recite his favorite Shakespearian line.

“Alas poor Yorick. I knew him, Horatio.”

Dano chuckled again before turning back to see both mares looking at him confused.

“Quite.” Rarity said dismissively as she approached Dano’s pile of clothing with Twilight close behind. “How long have you been in these anyway? They smell awful!”

Dano watched both unicorns pick up and look through his clothing. Rarity’s expression of disgust was the opposite of Twilight’s curious eyes.

“What is this material?”

Twilight knocked her hoof on Dano’s bullet proof vest to hear the ceramic plated inside respond.  

“Nothing you could comprehend.” Dano said dismissively. “Now could you two excuse me so I can get dressed?”

The two unicorns dropped Dano’s clothing before walking out quickly.

“We will be waiting outside Daniel.” Rarity said over her shoulder. “Please don’t take too long.”

Dano nodded a bit as his door closed.

Once alone the survivor rose from his tub before gingerly stepping out to avoid slipping. The sound of water dripping off of him was quickly stopped as Dano used a couple towels to dry off completely. Discarding the towels with little regard to where they would land the survivor moved on to get dressed. He pulled on his underwear, socks, pants and belt, which still held an empty canteen holder, his knife and fanny pack, quickly before pulling his t-shirt and jacket over his torso. Dano left his jacket undone and his t-shirt outside of his pants. He did not see any reason to tuck anything in at the moment. Finally Dano pulled his boots on and tied them up. Completely dressed the survivor made his way out of his room to see Twilight and Rarity standing in the hall.

“Let’s get going.” Dano said without a pause in his gait.

“This is going to be wonderful!” Rarity said as both her and Twilight matched Dano’s speed. “I have never made clothing for a human before.”

Dano rolled his eyes.

“Don’t get used to it. I’m not that into dressing up.”

Rarity huffed.

“Now where is the fun in that?”

Dano gave Rarity a serious look.

“I mean it Rarity. I don’t need anything complicated.”

Rarity sighed.

“If that’s what you wish.”

Dano let the conversation end there as the trio moved through the Keep. It didn’t take them long before they exited through the large doors of the building, crossed the bridge spanning the protective gorge and moved through the gate house into Sanctuary. The group made their way down side streets and alleys to avoid the traffic, and Dano was happy he was being led by someone knowledgeable of the city. Eventually the trio found themselves on the main road which was lined with businesses for the higher class. Boutiques, spas and jewelry shops stood shoulder to shoulder, but despite being so close to their competition Dano saw a very small amount of actual economic struggle. He even saw a pair of jewelers who worked at two different shops talking and having a good time. The survivor was blown back by the pure harmony of the world around him, and it made him feel even more out of place.

After a brief stint on the main road Rarity, Twilight and Dano moved into one of the grey stoned boutiques. A sign with a colorful carousel surrounded by white hung above the light blue door. In elaborate cursive the black words “Carousel Boutique” were painted over the decorative merry-go-round, and Dano realized that the shop the human Rarity had owned was also owned by her actual self.

As Dano moved into the main room of the boutique he felt a bit of nostalgia rise up inside of him. Like back in his own world the main room held several small stages that were covered in mirrors or mannequins dressed in elegant gowns and suits, and despite the grey exterior the shop was well lit while sporting a white and light blue color scheme. To the left of the entrance was a stairwell parallel to the wall that led to Rarity’s living quarters, and to the right was a hallway that held several doors. Dano knew that the doors were to dressing rooms or storage due to his previous knowledge of the shop and its owner.

As soon as the trio had entered the Carousel Boutique Rarity had taken off upstairs leaving Twilight alone with Dano. An awkward silence settled over them before the survivor decided that the time was as good as any other for his inevitable request for the lavender mare’s help.

“Do you still live in a library Twilight?”

Twilight gave Dano a confused look.

“How did you know I lived in a library?”

Dano shrugged.

“A hunch.”

Twilight gave Dano a strange look.

“Okay… Well I live in the Keep’s laboratory, but I have plenty of books around if you want to take any out.”

Dano shook his head.

“That won’t be necessary. I need your help so I can learn about this world and Equestria specifically.”

Twilight’s face lit up.

“Like a tutor?”

Dano sighed.

“You can say that.”

Twilight bounced a bit on her hooves.

“I have always wanted to be a tutor! Let me go get set up.”

Twilight dashed out the door after opening it quickly with her magic.

“I will see you later tonight Daniel!” The lavender mare called as she ran down the road.

Dano watched Twilight run out of Carousel Boutique with a small smile growing on his face. Celestia had been right when she said that the lavender mare would enjoy teaching the survivor. No longer than a few seconds later Rarity appeared as she walked down the stairs carrying a massive pile of colorful cloth and tools.

“Where did Twilight run off to?”

Dano watched as Rarity finished descending the stairs and moved to one of her stages.

“She had to go get something ready.”

Rarity shrugged.

“Sounds like her. Now up on the stage Daniel.”

Dano sighed before complying.

“Nothing fancy Rarity. I mean it.”

Dano climbed onto the relatively short stage before being assaulted by several measuring tapes simultaneously.

“How about you tell me what you usually wear and we can go from there.”

Rarity was taking notes as her measuring tapes continuously documented Dano’s size.

“Jeans and a t-shirt will do.”

Rarity huffed as she finished with her measuring tapes.

“How bland! Why not a suit or something like that.”

Dano glared at the fashionista.

“A suit is not practical work or fighting attire.”

Rarity sighed.

“I guess you are right. You are free to go if you wish.”

Dano hopped off of the stage.

“Would it be alright if you made me a single set of clothes for me to change into? I don’t want to wear this dirty stuff anymore.”

Rarity nodded absentmindedly as she picked out certain cloths from her pile.

“It will be done soon.”

Dano nodded a bit.

“Thank you Rarity.”

Rarity flipped her hair as she turned to look at Dano with a hauntingly familiar smile.

“Not a problem darling. I’m happy to help.”

Dano returned the smile with a small one of his own, but as he broke eye contact with the white unicorn the door to the boutique opened with the sharp ring from the bell above it. Both the survivor and Rarity turned to see Luna enter the shop, and the alabaster mare bowed at the presence of her princess.

“Princess Luna?! What brings you to my boutique?”

Rarity rose and gave Luna a very happy smile.

“I came to collect Daniel. He has an appointment in the Barracks District.”

Rarity’s smile diminished slightly as she realized that Luna was not there for business.

“Oh… Alright.” The white unicorn turned her attention to Dano. “I will have these clothes ready for you later. If you want I can bring them to the Keep when I’m done.”

Dano shook his head lightly at Rarity.

“That won’t be necessary. I can come back when I’m done with Luna.”

Rarity nodded lightly before returning to her pile of cloth. Knowing that she had been lost in her work Dano shifted his gaze back to Luna.

“Shall we get a move on?”

Luna nodded before turning and moving out the door with Dano in tow. After a few moments of walking down the street the survivor struck up a conversation.

“So we are going to the ‘Barracks District’? How many districts does Sanctuary have?”

Luna kept appearances up as those on the street around her bowed.

“Five. We are in the Dress District at the moment. There is also the Housing District, the Labor District and the Market District.”

Dano kept pace with the regal princess as he took in the information.

“So the city was planned to be divided up like that?”

Luna nodded.

“Yes, but the names came from the populous. It surprises me how easy a group of ponies can give something a nickname.”

Dano managed a small chuckle.

“A place gains an identity when you live and work there. It becomes such a big part of your day, such a big part of your life that you cannot imagine a day without it.”

Luna gave Dano a small smile.

“You never stuck me as the philosophical type Daniel.”

Dano chuckled as he heard his own words sent back at him.

“When the Muse strikes me I can be quite thought provoking.”

Both Luna and Dano chuckled lightly as they continued to move through Sanctuary toward their destination.

After several minutes of navigating the cobblestone streets of the city both the navy-blue princess and the survivor passed out of the Dress District into the Barracks District. The change was almost instantaneous, and the sound of pleasant chatter between upper class ponies was changed into marching songs and shouts. The building’s themselves remained grey, but they seemed to take on a whole different persona. There wasn’t any open windows or colorful signs, but simple advertising for armorers, sword smiths, pole turners and fletchers. Some of the grey buildings were replaced with short walls patrolled with grey guards. Luna explained that that was one of the many large barracks that dotted the district. Some of the barracks displayed large colorful banners while others held plain dove tailed flags with simple numbers on them. Again Luna told Dano that each unit had a heraldry flag. Those which were much more extravagant belonged to the Royal Guard while the plain ones belonged to the large volunteer army raised to fight in this war.

With the brief lesson concluded along with most of their walk Luna led Dano into one of the small shops. The survivor guessed he was both an armorer and sword smith by his sign which held a pony shaped breast plate behind a sword. Just as Dano believed he entered into a large dimly lit room filled with the necessary equipment to produce metal arms and armor.

A large stone furnace with red hot coals and fire seen through the large half circle hole took up a large portion of the far left and rear wall. An accordion bellows that protruded from the bottom right of the quarter circle forge was constantly being pumped by a young dirty colt. Dano could not tell what color his coat, mane and tail were as they were covered in soot and his dark reddish brown eyes were filled with exhaustion as he pumped. The back right of the wall was covered in racks filled with swords Dano would classify as “cavalry swords” due to their short, thin curved nature. Next to the racks stood several mannequins with varying degrees of armor on them of different types, and each seemed to be in a different state of repair.

To the left of the door was a pair of large metal troughs. The one closest to the door was filled with scrap swords and armor waiting to be melted down and reused, and the one farthest from the door was filled with coal for the furnace. On the far right wall was a staircase parallel with the partition rising up to the second story, and in front of the staircase was a small wooden counter with what looked like an accounting book atop it. In the center of the room stood a large anvil atop a stone base next to a wooden barrel filled with water. The entirety of the store was dirty and dark with the only light emanating from the forge itself.

Standing behind the anvil on his hind legs was, what Dano guessed, the proprietor of the shop. He held a long of piece of metal with his left hoof as he struck it with a hammer strapped to his right. The stallion was also covered in soot like his assistant, but his stark white coat somehow managed to shine through. A short light brown mane and similar tail matched those worn by the guards of Sanctuary, and his piercing blue eyes were locked on the piece of metal he was fashioning. Dano caught a glimpse of his tattoo, and through the grime the survivor could make out a smiting hammer crossed with a bronze straight sword.

Even after Dano and Luna entered the shop the owner did not stop his work until he felt satisfied. After a few more swings the red hot metal was dipped into the water barrel, and a sharp sizzle accompanied a billow of steam as the metal cooled rapidly. Free from his work the proprietor pulled his hammer off of his hoof before placing it on the anvil and settling on all four hooves. The large stallion moved around his anvil before addressing Luna with a bow.

“Pleasure to see you Princess. May I ask what brings you to my humble forge?”

Luna turned to Dano.

“Daniel, this is Bronze Blade. He is the best sword smith and armorer in Equestria.”

Bronze Blade chuckled deeply.

“You flatter me Princess, but I’m afraid that title is on its way down to the next generation. I’m getting much too old to keep up anymore.”

Both Bronze Blade and Luna laughed at the small joke before the princess motioned to Dano.

“Blade, please meet Daniel. He is the one I talked to you earlier about.”

Bronze Blade offered a dirty hoof, and Dano took it.

“Pleasure to meet you. Nice to see my afternoon helper isn’t a scrawny filly.”

Dano shook the stallion’s hoof with a confused look on his face.

“I’m working here?”

Dano released Blade’s hoof after a few shakes before turning to see Luna smirking a bit.

“Of course Daniel. How else will you pay off the armor?”

Dano sighed.

“I guess you’re right.”

Dano returned his attention to Bonze Blade.

“So Luna tell me that you need armor and a blade.”

Dano nodded.

“It would make sense. I lost my only real weapon a few days ago.”

Blade nodded.

“A lost sword won’t do you much good now will it?”

Dano shrugged again.

“It wasn’t a sword, but the analogy works both ways.”

Blade chuckled.

“Well no reason to be standing around when there is work to be done.” Bronze Blade turned to his apprentice who had been dutifully pumping the bellows. “Pipsqueak! Get my measuring tape.”

The colt stopped on the bellows before walking behind the counter and removing a measuring tape that matched Rarity’s in design. The apprentice brought the tape over to Bronze Blade and helped the sword smith wrap it around both of his front hooves. As soon as his job was done Pipsqueak turned to Luna just as Bronze Blade began to take measurements of Dano.

“It’s a great to see you again Luna.”

Dano noted that Pipsqueak spoke with a heavy English accent.

“It is a pleasure Pipsqueak. How is the apprenticeship going?”

Pipsqueak smiled widely.

“It’s going great! I really think this is gonna get me my cutie mark for sure.”

Dano raised an eyebrow as he held his arm outstretched for Bronze Blade.

“Cutie mark?”

Luna nodded.

“Ah yes. A cutie mark is that symbol on a pony’s flank that shows their special talent. It is a sign of maturity and skill.”

Dano nodded a bit.

“So they just appear when you figure out your life?”

Luna pattered her chin with a hoof as she tried to break down the complex magic surrounding a cutie mark.

“Essentially that is true, but there are many more variables.”

Dano waved a hand dismissively.

“You don’t have to go too into depth Luna.”

Luna nodded.

“That is probably for the best.”

Dano’s gaze was brought back to Bronze Blade as he pulled his measuring tape off of his hooves with his teeth before tossing it over Pipsqueak’s back.

“I will tell you the truth Luna. I have never made armor for somepony of Daniel size and frame.”

Luna gave Bronze Blade a skeptical look.

“Are you saying you can’t do it?”

Bronze Blade let out a deep laugh.

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t give it a try now did I?”

Luna chuckled.

“I will leave you too it then.” Luna turned her attention to Pipsqueak. “I will see you later Pip.”

Luna gave Pipsqueak a gently noogie, and a cloud of soot formed as he shook his head to get away.

“That’s enough of a break for you Pipsqueak. Get back on that bellows before I make you clean the shop.”

Bronze Blade’s light hearted threat was enough to pull Pipsqueak from Luna, and after another goodbye the colt was back on the bellows warming the forge.

“I will see you later Daniel. Don’t let Blade push you around too much.”

Luna, Bronze Blade and Dano chuckled at the joke before the princess left the shop.

“No sense in wasting time.” Blade said as he moved back behind his anvil.

“What do you need me to do?” Dano asked. “I have never done anything smithing related.”

Bronze Blade slipped his hammer back onto his hoof.

“You can use these tongs and grab a piece of metal for me.”

Bronze Blade offered Dano a pair of thick tongs, and the survivor took them in his hands before following his orders. He grabbed a large slab of steel, one large enough to fit over his torso, and set it on the anvil.

“I would shield your eyes.”

As soon as Bronze Blade uttered those words his hammer fell onto the metal, showering the area in sparks. Dano flinched a bit, but held the metal in place as Blade’s hammer fell again and again. The survivor made sure to listen to the stallion’s orders as he was told to shift the plate after each blow, and eventually the red hot metal began to take the shape of a breastplate.

After building up the sweat from the heat and strain Dano was ordered to put the newly formed plate into the water. Once again the room was filled with the sound of sizzling metal as the hot steel cooled.

“Well that wasn’t the easiest thing I have ever done.” Dano said as he wipped sweat from his brow before removing his jacket.

“Get used to it Daniel, we aren’t even close to done.”

Dano sighed.

“This is going to take all day isn’t it?”

Bronze Blade chuckled.

“Maybe most of the night too.”

Dano groaned.

“I didn’t sign up for this.”

Bronze Blade flashed Dano a smile.

“Neither did I. Now grab your tongs and get back to work.”

Dano sucked in a deep breath before grabbing his tongs, pulling another piece of metal out of the forge and setting it on the anvil.

For hours Dano, Pipsqueak and Bronze Blade worked in the dark of the shop. The steady pumping of the bellows gave the room something akin to a heartbeat as the staccato hammer falls echoed in the workshop. The lights outside of the store died as night came, but the two ponies and human did not halt. Through the dark they formed red hot steel into its desired shape before dropping it into the barrel. Only with the return of light outside of the shop did Dano finally reached an end to the extreme heat and exhaustion associated with forging metal only to find himself dozing off on the staircase as Bronze Blade and Pipsqueak added fastenings to the randomly sized plates of metal with small hammers attached to their hooves with straps.

Before Dano could fall into the slumber his body craved so much he was pulled off of the staircase and into the center of the shop. Standing only because he was partially propped up the survivor was instantly brought back to life as a bucket full of water slapped him in the face.

“What was that for!?”

Dano had gone from tired to fuming in ten milliseconds flat.

“You were asleep on your feet, and we need you to be awake for this next part.”

Dano glared at Bronze Blade as both the white stallion and his apprentice chuckled at the soaking survivor.

“Now stand still.” Ordered Bronze Blade as he lifted the first piece of Dano’s new armor onto him.

For the next several minutes Dano stood in the center of the shop as plates and overlapping sections of metal were placed on his person. Where one piece ended it was connected to another with protected clasps or straps. Eventually the entire ensemble was complete, and Dano looked himself over to see grey plates looking back.

Over Dano’s chest was a single concave breast-plate that covered him from neck to hip holding up a U shaped collar that opened in the front. Using several thick straps a flat back plate covered the rest of the survivor’s torso. A single relatively thin pauldron wrapped tightly around the front and back of Dano’s right shoulder, and it was accompanied with a pair of solid plates that surrounded his bicep. A vambrace that was slid up the survivor’s arm covered his lower limb and elbow with a special protruding piece. A leather glove with tiny overlapping plates covered his hand, and the metal shifted in just the right way so they protected the hand when it was both closed and open.

Dano’s left arm did not hold a pauldron or vambrace, but was covered by a sleeve of overlapping plates that engulfed his shoulder and ended at his wrist. A hole was cut in the sleeve right above the inside of the elbow to allow the maximum range of movement. Again Bronze Blade’s skill at sizing the metal bands was shown as they meshed perfectly without colliding. Another glove matching the one on his right hand adorned its pair, and a metal heater shield the same size of Dano’s breast plate was held to his arm with a thick leather strap over his forearm and a ridged metal handle in his grasp. The newly forged shield remained unpainted, and the survivor planned on keeping it that way.

Over Dano’s hips was a segmented metal skirt that ended halfway down his thighs with special belt loops for his synthetic belt which had been pushed through them. A notch that followed the natural flow of his legs was cut in both the front and back of the skirt to allow a full stride. Underneath the skirt was a two part thigh casing that ended above the knee, and the lower leg was completely encased with greaves that held protruding rounded covers for the knee. Dano’s boots remained unchanged, and their light brown exterior was lost in a sea of grey metal.

Dano twisted his torso and rolling his shoulders to feel that the armor encasing him did not restrict his movement in the slightest.

“Nice job Bronze Blade. It feels like I’m in normal clothing.”

Bronze Blade circled Dano inspecting his armor while telling Pipsqueak to write down notes for small changes. The survivor noticed that the young colt used a strapped glove like apparatus to hold a quill.

“I had my worries about the sleeve, but it looks like it fits well.”

Bronze Blade lifted Dano’s shield arm to watch the segmented armor move.

“I am worried, however, about the small gaps between the plates.”

Dano looked down at his left arm to see small slits of skin around his elbow.

“The chainmail should cover it though.”

Dano watched as Bronze Blade took a step back from him.

“What do you mean chainmail?”

Bronze Blade gave Dano a slightly confused look.

“Don’t humans wear armor during time of conflict?”

Dano nodded.

“Yeah, but armor like this hasn’t been used in over five hundred years.”

Bronze Blade nodded.

“Well that explains your complete lack of metal working skill.”

Dano gave Bronze Blade a bemused look as Pipsqueak chuckled. Apparently metal working was an easy skill for them.

“Either way you are going to need a shirt of chainmail, a padded undershirt and a sword with its sheath.”

Bronze Blade moved to his counter as Pipsqueak put his notes down atop the working space.

“I know an excellent metal smith who can make your chainmail. The padded shirt may take a bit longer seeing as I will have to go to the Dress District for it.”

Bronze blade used a quill glove to jot down even more notes on the paper Pipsqueak had been using.

“And the sword?” Dano asked.

“Hmm.” Bronze Blade looked over to the rack of swords to his right. “I’m guessing those would be too small for you.”

Dano nodded.

“Well you could tell me what you want and maybe I could put it together.”

Dano sighed as he searched his brain for the knowledge of medieval weapons in his vast library of military knowledge.

“How about a hand and a half sword.”

Bronze Blade raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not familiar with it, nor am I familiar with hands.”

Dano pinched the bridge of his nose.

“A hand and a half sword is a straight sword about thirty nine to forty eight inches long. It is also called a long sword due to its use as a two handed weapon.”

Bronze Blade nodded a bit.

“So you want a two handed sword? How will that work with your shield?”

Dano mulled the question over.

“How about we shorten the length of the blade to two and a half feet, and the handle as well so the pommel would sit in the center of my bottom hand.”

Bronze Blade brought a hoof to his chin.

“That could work. It would be light enough for single handed blows but capable of two handed attacks.”

Dano shrugged.

“I guess. You are the expert after all.”

Bronze Blade chuckled.

“I have been called plenty of things but an ‘expert’ is not one.”

Dano chuckled a bit.

“Is my indentured servitude finished?”

Bronze Blade waved his hoof in the air dismissively.

“Yeah, yeah. If you want you could come down and help out around the shop though. I could always use a pair of hooves, or hands in your case.”

Bronze Blade chuckled at his own joke.

“I will think about it.” Dano said with a tiny smile. “Should I leave this suit here or what?”

Bronze Blade finished his notes before looking up at Dano and pulling his specialty glove off.

“That would be best. I need to make some minor adjustment anyway.”

Dano nodded, and after some help from both Bronze Blade and Pipsqueak the armor was off him and in a small pile in the back of the shop. The survivor turned to leave, but before he could he had a sudden realization.

“Hey Bronze Blade? Could you do something with my knife?”

Dano indicated the knife on his belt.

“Sure, why not?” Bronze Blade said with a shrug as Dano undid his belt, pulled his knife off of the strap and held it in his hand.

“Can you put it on my breast plate like this?”

Dano placed the blade on his upper left chest above his pectoral muscle. The blade was situated with its handle pointed down at a sixty degree angle with its tip pointed to the upper left.

“Seems like a strange place to put it, but I will see if I can do it.”

Dano handed his knife over to the white stallion.

“Thanks a lot Bronze Blade.”

The sword smith took the sheathed knife in his hoof.

“No problem Daniel. I will send Pip to the Keep when everything is done. We both know he will be happy to see Luna.”

Bronze Blade and Dano looked over the white stallion’s shoulder to see Pipsqueak passed out in front of the counter.

“Poor guy. I really worked him hard last night. It was his first all-nighter too.”

Bronze Blade moved over to Pipsqueak and tossed him over his back. The colt didn’t stir in the slightest.

“I will take him home so he can rest. I suggest you do the same.”

Being reminded of his fatigue Dano felt it seep out of his muscles.

“I guess you are right.” Dano said with a yawn.

Bronze Blade chuckled before moving out of his shop with Dano in tow. The two split up as the white stallion locked his door and moved in the opposite direction of the survivor’s destination. Both Dano and Bronze Blade bid each other a final farewell before moving away from the shop.

Dano found himself tired, hungry and dirty as he trudged through the streets of Sanctuary. Luckily the beings around him gave the survivor a wide berth as he walked out the Barracks District, into the Dress District and to Rarity’s front door. After observing the closed sign decorating the shop’s portal Dano was forced to knock on the colorful entrance. The sound of hooves moving inside somehow managed to rouse the survivor enough to stand without leaning on something, and the door opened to reveal a poufy, pink robe clad Rarity.

“Nice to see you Daniel. Please come in. I was just on my way out to go see Twilight.”

Rarity moved back from the door to let Dano walk in.

“Sorry for not coming back yesterday Rarity. I got caught between Luna and a sword smith.”

Rarity gave Dano a slightly disgusted look.

“I could tell.”

Dano sighed lightly.

“Anyway I’m here to pick up my clothes.”

Rarity gave Dano a look of pure horror.

“Not with those arms you are.”

Dano rolled his eyes.

“Then how do you expect me to get them back to the Keep.”

Rarity used her magic to remove her robe and run several brushes through her mane, tail and over her coat simultaneously while standing in front of one of her mirrors.

“I told you that I was on my way to see Twilight. I can carry them for you.”

Dano sighed. He was too tired to fight.

“Alright, fine. Can we just go?”

Rarity huffed as she put on fake eyelashes with her magic.

“I am still not ready.”

Dano crossed his arms.

“I haven’t slept since the day before last. I would like to get some rest.”

Rarity sighed.

“Very well.”

The white unicorn levitated a pile of blue jeans and t-shirts of various shades and colors before walking out her door. Dano followed eagerly, and after the mare locked her entrance the duo began the trek back to the Keep. The walk was short as the pair made their way through extremely light traffic. After reaching the gate both Dano and Rarity were let through without hassle, and they soon found themselves crossing the bridge, opening the doors and moving through the foyer of the Keep.

Rarity led Dano down one of the halls branching off of the main foyer to the right of the entrance. After a short walk the white mare pushed her way into a room blocked with a simple wooden door. Dano followed to see a relatively small area that smelled of chemicals. The walls were covered in full bookshelves that reached the marble ceiling, and in the center of the room was several tables pushed together to multiply its length. Beakers and flasks holding a plethora of colored liquids adorned the massive desk. Twilight was in the room paying attention to a certain group of beakers that were bubbling while taking notes. The arrival of Rarity and Dano did not cause her to turn, but a disgruntled cough from a certain fashionista as she drew near did attract the purple unicorn’s attention.

“Ah Rarity. Good to see you.”

Twilight set her quill down and turned to the pair as they came to a stop.

“Likewise Twilight. I hope you are ready to go?”

Twilight nodded.

“I just have to finish these notes and we can go to the hospital.”

Twilight turned her attention to Dano.

“Where have you been? I had put together a lesson plan and everything.”

Dano sighed quietly.

“I’m sorry Twilight, but I got pushed into some work by Luna.”

Twilight smiled.

“It is alright Daniel. We can start after the girls and I visit Pinkie.”

Dano shook his head.

“I can’t start today. I haven’t slept in a while, and I would love to just take a nap.”

Twilight nodded with a smile.

“Alright. Tomorrow it is.”

Dano nodded as Rarity huffed a bit.

“Come now Daniel. We need to put your clothes away.”

Rarity turned and began walking out of the room.

“I will see you soon Twilight.”

Twilight reciprocated before returning to her notes. Dano guessed the short conversation was over and moved in behind Rarity as she magically levitated the pile of clothes behind her. The alabaster unicorn already knew how to get to the survivor’s room, and so the trip across the Keep was quick and lacking detours. As soon as Dano walked through the threshold into his temporary abode behind Rarity he made a b-line to his bed. A bit of his mind noticed that his room had been cleaned since he had last seen it, and everything from the floor to the sheets on his bed had been replaced or scrubbed.

Tired beyond his own comprehension Dano fell onto his bed unceremoniously.

“Now’s not the time for sleep Daniel we have clothes to put away.”

Dano pressed his head deeper into his pillow to try and block out Rarity’s words.

“Just toss them somewhere.”

Despite his voice being muffled Rarity picked up Dano loud and clear.

“Think nothing of it!”

Dano felt his pillow ripped from his grasp before he himself was pulled from his bed by his ankle. With a grunt the survivor rose from the marble floor he found himself on, and moved to assist Rarity.  Together the unicorn and the human placed the clothes into their appropriate spots. Due to the lack of hangers the shirts and jeans were stacked in piles next to each other on top of some internal drawers that took up the bottom of the dresser. To Dano’s surprise he found that there were several pairs of socks and underwear that mimicked the shirts in their range of hues.

“I don’t remember asking for socks or underwear Rarity.” Dano said as he stared at a pink pair of the foot covers.

“I noticed them when I was looking through your clothes the other day. Seeing as they appear to be part of your everyday wardrobe I decided to try my hoof at them.”

Dano nodded a bit. He had neglected to bring up the need for underwear or socks when he was putting in his order and the fact that they had been supplied relieved him a bit. The new underwear and socks were put in the drawers below his clothes, and once everything was done the dresser was closed.

“Now Daniel I want you to remember that each shirt has its own jeans. Please try to keep them matching.”

Dano rolled his eyes before sitting on his bed and removing his boots.

“Yeah sure.”

Rarity was satisfied with the answer, and moved to leave.

“I will see you later Daniel.”

Dano mumbled his response as he clumsily pulled his boots off before pulling himself into bed and curling up under his blankets fully dressed. The survivor did not hear his door close as Rarity left for he had descended into sleep as soon as he had become comfortable. He drifted through a dreamless slumber as his body and mind shut down to recuperate, and a part of Dano was thankful for the lack of images passing through his mind.

=====================================================================

Following those first few days Dano soon settled into a routine that kept him busy and moving which in turn kept the memories of home at bay. He would rise and order a breakfast from Sassaflash who had apparently been assigned to him. After the whole raw fish experience the survivor decided that he would keep with what most of the other races ate with slight changes. The usual eggs and side salad was augmented with nuts and berries for extra protein and nutrients. Dano knew that he would need them to shorten his recovery time between fights.

Along with his breakfast the survivor would order a bath, and while it was being filled he would usually brush his teeth and hit the head. Dano learned quickly that the Equestrian’s did not write in a language that he could understand, and he actually walked into the mare’s room on accident. The reality of communal bathrooms and the overall feel of the Keep made the survivor guess that the whole structure was designed like a hotel. To him it was more of a gilded prison, and he relished every time he was out of the Keep.

After breakfast Dano went into Sanctuary. He learned quickly the lay of the land, and how the city was organized. Save for the housing stretching up the walls that were referred to as “perches” the city was split into four equal quarters with a circle taking up the center. The effective shape resembled an archery target with the Market District holding the center while, if you referenced the entrance gate house as south and the Keep as north, the Barracks District held the top right, the Dress District the top left, the Residential District the bottom left and the Labor District the bottom right. Dano never strayed passed the Barracks District, and the time between breakfast and lunch was spent in Bronze Blades shop.

The survivor’s reasons for working for the white stallion were two fold. With the manual labor came strength, and despite being fit Dano had never fought in prolonged hand to hand combat. Along with this boost in muscle mass came knowledge. Bronze Blade, who was a very distant relative of Monty Blade, was considered a rarity in Equestria. He had served a stint as the personal armorer for the Royal Guard which was a very coveted position. This rank came with high pay and connections that he still used to this day. Bronze Blade would tell Dano stories of being in the “civilian” arm of the Royal Guard, and the survivor culled as much information as he could.

As Bronze Blade and Pipsqueak stopped midday for lunch Dano would go back to the Keep and spent a few hours with Twilight in her lab. Being an intellectual the lavender mare made a wonderful teacher, and the few hours in the lab with the survivor was usually spent reading from books. The core of every “lesson” as Twilight liked to call them was a different facet of Equestrian society. From the effects of magic on the world and how each of the races interacted to how the state worked both domestically and with foreigners was covered. Through Twilight’s teachings Dano learned geography along with the cultures of those races that were supporting the Equestrians in their war.

The basic way Dano would describe the continent he was on was to compare it the west coast of Africa flipped over so that the east coast touched the sea. The climate was not African in nature, but more like the east coast of the United States. The north was mountainous and temperate while the south was warm and humid. The two major mountain ranges of Equestria spawned in the north-east and split to create something of a pocket. The Iron Mountains went west and was the natural border between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom, the latter dominating the arctic north. The Fang Mountains, or simply the Fangs, moved south and hugged the coast for about half way down the length of Equestria. The rest of the country, save for the arid deserts of the south west, was made up of rolling plains and small mountain ranges. Dano saw why equine like beings would call this place their home, and he bet their ancestors once ran free over the land before settling down.

Twilight spared no details when describing the other races that joined the coalition against Nightmare Moon. The Griffons were said to be an aggressive species who sounded like Vikings to Dano. Despite their relative barbarism the Griffon Kingdom sported some of the most ingenious cities in the world. Being half bird the Griffons built their towns and centers of power high up in massive forests that made red woods look like twigs. Their cities were nigh unassailable, but that had never been put to the test. The only recorded war between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom took place four hundred years ago, and centered on the major city of Stalliongrad. The three week conflict was called the Sky War due to the amount of airborne combat. Nothing was gained by either side.

Along with the Griffons the Zebras were also a more primitive state than Equestria. The lived to the far west in savannahs, and they had no central government. Instead tribes would wander the dry plains under the leader of an individual chieftain. Wars between them were settled by a champion from both sides, and they had never moved east. The Zebra population in Equestria was very low due to the massive journey to get between the savannah and the pony’s country. This low contact level lead to some ponies fearing the mystic Zebras, but they eventually came around after some exposure.

The last two client races of the coalition, the Dragons and Diamond Dogs, both followed a very solitary life style save for the large canines need to be in a pack. Both factions did not hold any land nor wanted to. Their main goals were to collect jewels and reproduce. Despite this very primal lifestyle these species were anything but simple. There have been times where Diamond Dog alphas were known to be diplomatic with each other, and had even rallied together to protect their race. Dragons were no different. The large lizards live solitary lives collecting hordes to impress females, but every Dragon bowed its head to a very old and secretive female. No non-Dragon species has ever laid eyes on the All Mother, and she tends to dictate how the large lizards interact with other beings. Through her peace has been kept between Equestria and the solitary Dragons.

The last group of species that did not hold their own lands or place in the coalition were considered citizens of Equestria. Mules, Donkeys, Rams, Cows, Sheep and Minotaurs were held under the blanket of the pony’s country, and they in turn supported their adopted state. Twilight said that those races once held countries of their own, save for Mules which are the offspring of ponies and Donkeys, but had lost them due to some outside force. Dano asked if Equestria had conquered or annexed them. The lavender mare assured the survivor that Equestria was started by migrant ponies that came here, and that the land was not held by any type of government before then.

Dano somewhat enjoyed his lessons with Twilight seeing as he was a naturally curious individual who loved history. Many a time the two would break off from the lesson plan to discuss certain subjects in more depth. Either way the survivor learned plenty of Equestria and its neighbors to accurately understand their cultures. This knowledge did worry Dano a bit due to the species of this world’s peaceful nature. How they would react to this war was anyone’s guess.

After the lessons with Twilight Dano would usually return to his chambers for the rest of the day to simply waste time or reflect on what he learned. This chunk of time was soon taken up several days after the survivor started his new routine. Luna had conscripted Shining Armor to train Dano in the afternoon, and once his armor and sword were complete the two males got to work in the Royal Guard barracks in the Barracks District.

The first two thirds of the time spent with the captain of the guard was used for sparring. Dano had never fought with a sword, and Shining Armor was an expert. Apparently unicorns fought by holding their sword with their magical grasp. The handles of their short cavalry swords were charged to increase the strength of the hold, but the enhanced telekinesis could only hold on for a good foot before it would break. The sword could still be held, but the control needed to make it move like a bladed weapon would be impossible under the stresses of combat.

Shining Armor dominated Dano for the most part. The survivor was not used to the concept of fighting with a sword and shield, and he walked away with more bruises than he would like to admit. Eventually he began to get better as the captain of the guard critiqued him after blows that would have been lethal, but his skills advanced slowly.  

For the finial third Dano was taught about the standard military doctrine of the Equestrian Army. Apparently the only standing forces in the entire country was the Royal Guard and a specialty knight’s order known as the Order of the Iron Hoof. Shining knew very little of the Order except for the fact they there were all Earth Ponies, they were only called to arms in desperate times and that when their allegiance was shown they could not speak. Either way they were a major force to be reckoned with.  

Shining Armor also explained the Royal Guard, which was made up of Unicorns and Pegasi exclusively. They were highly trained soldiers who were generally used to defend the capital known as Canterlot or the princesses. When Nightmare Moon came to Equestria that all changed as the guard took extreme casualties. Their role became trainers and mentors to the rapidly growing Equestrian Army while trying to rebuild their numbers. Unable to stop the growing forces of Nightmare Moon the fledgling Equestrian Army and badly bruised Royal Guard were forced to fight a defensive war until Sanctuary was complete. The guard used some complex maneuvers that we just a series of feints before pulling back into the hidden city. From then on the Royal Guard and their army counterparts had been growing and training.

Shining Armor went into depth as to what forces made up the Equestrian Army and their roles on the battlefield. The standard line infantry were the Lancers, which were predominantly Earth Ponies. They wore harnesses that held a six foot long spear as well as a short foot long blade on their helmet where a unicorn’s horn would be. Their strength was in the charge where their spears could be used to impale their foe. In prolonged fighting they were weak, but they were taught to hold formation in order to keep their spear points together and form a wall.

Behind the Lancers were the Hussars. An all unicorn force the Hussars fought with swords and were the close quarter fighters of the Equestrian Army. After battle was begun they would usually wait to see if the Lancer’s initial charge would break their foe, and if the enemy held their ground they would charge in to support their comrades. The simplicity of their position allowed for their numbers to swell with relatively untrained unicorns when needed.

Behind the Hussars and the finial line in the standard battle formation was the Dragoons. Another unicorn only unit the Dragoons used bows and arrows to attack from afar. This type of soldier required much more training in the use of his weapon than the Hussar, and as such had smaller numbers that are difficult to replace. The usual plan if the Lancers and Hussars rout or are overwhelmed is to pull the entire force out to save as many Dragoons as you could.

The finial force in the Equestrian Army was the Light Troopers, and it was the pegasus arm of the military. Considered irregular forces they would fight against other airborne enemies or harass and flank an enemy on the ground. Their armor was the lightest in the Equestrian Army, and their weapons were usually only effective in the air. Their front boots held double daggers that folded back and forth, much like the ones Dano saw on the guards in the forest when he arrived. Along with these short weapons they wore half foot long blades on their helmet like a Lancer would. They were never used in prolonged combat unless it was a dire situation.

Dano asked about how the other forces in the coalition fought, and all he could say was that the Griffons fought with reckless abandon anywhere, the Zebras preferred to be healers or support, the Diamond Dogs used their claws or shoddy spears and the Dragons never fought together. When asked about the minor beings under Equestrian control Shining told the survivor that Mules and Donkey were the majority of the Logistics Corp. while the Rams and Minotaurs made up the bulk of siege forces. Cows and Sheep did not fight and usually stayed out of any conflict.

Shining Armor made sure to tell Dano that these tactics had been used in the Diamond War a good hundred years back. The survivor sensed that the captain of the guard did not trust the old ways and that he feared the casualties that he had weathered in the beginning of this war would return. Dano shared Shining’s concern, but he did not voice it. The captain needed as much confidence in his training as he could. The survivor putting in his two cents on the subject would only cause trouble.

Dano’s life for the next few months became the same routine he set up only a few days after arriving in Equestria. Bronze Blade in the morning, Twilight during lunch and Shining Armor in the afternoon. The setup of his day provided the necessary structure for the survivor to keep his mind off of his past, but it did worry him as months went by. The lack of military movement forced Dano to begin attending the high command meetings when they came up. The survivor found that the conferences were short weekly updates on things related to the war effort but not actual planning. Whenever Dano brought this up he was shut down by Monty. Apparently the planning was still underway, and that the first moves were still months from being put into action.

Dano usually left these meetings infuriated until one day in the middle of fall it all changed with a single message.

Dun dun dun!

quiet!

what? I just ended with a cliff hanger!

you did, but it is 2 in the morning and your guests are sleeping

*looks up to see Rarity and Rainbow Dash passed out on bed with sweat shirts on*

aww. they look so cute.

they do...

no going soft on my now Logic

well that is a doozy of a chapter

please rate and comment.

that is all

kthanxbai