Duncan was giggling as they walked out of the throne room. Cadence and Shining Armor had agreed to keep the contents of the conversation private. Crystal Wall led Duncan through the streets of the empire making way to the last reported location of Twilight Sparkle and the dragon Spike. The crystal ponies were in full swing with the celebrations. There were flugel horns being played on each street corner. Traditional straw hat craft booths had popped up all over. Many of the ponies’ memories regarding the legendary Crystal Fair were being released from King Sombra’s dark curse.

“I always loved this fair,” Crystal Wall remarked stopping to buy two Crystal Berry fritters, “Good food and everypony is so nice.”

“Is there a reason why I can’t just wait in the castle?” Duncan asked while showing signs of anxiety; he clearly wasn’t fond of the crowds. Word had also spread about the legendary creature who was rumored to be a bringer of peace, this left Duncan shaking hooves with many ponies and him being constantly assaulted by young fillies.

“Yes. The sooner the world is made aware of a Displaced and their intentions the less likely you are to be sealed in stone.” Wall explained. They finally arrived at a booth with almost no ponies, there was a lavender unicorn sitting tall with a big smile on her face. Next to her a small purple dragon drummed his claws against the table as boredom set in. Crystal Wall laughed at the sign in front of the booth that read: “The Proud History of the Crystal Empire.”

“Miss Sparkle while I applaud your enthusiasm for education, the history of the Empire is the last thing on anypony’s mind. Especially since most of us were alive 1,000 years ago to experience it first hand.” Crystal remarked walking up.

“Thank you. I’ve been trying to explain that to her but she just goes on about the importance of history.” Spike grumbled tossing his arms in the air earning a glare from his caretaker.

“I understand why a well-educated guard like yourself might feel that way, however there are always ponies out there who could greatly benefit from learning about the amazing things they have done in the past” Twilight responded. She was now standing with a leg on the table with an air of pride, she spoke with pure honesty about her feelings.

“Well then you should speak with Cadence about ensuring that is added to the academy curriculum. Well, added to the rebuilt curriculum. Sombra didn’t want anypony else to know, well anything I guess. So the schools were shut down about four years ago; relatively speaking of course.” Hearing the only native to explain this to them brought the truth about what the empire had been through. Even Duncan’s face fell to a deep frown, a change from his normal grouchy demeanor.
Twilight took it even harder, literally falling from her chair. The look on her face was a mix of horror and disgust, never in her life had she truly considered the fact there were places without schools. As an academic she understood the possibility. But it was always so far removed, the fact that she was now in an empire without one brought home how large the world really was.
Duncan spoke first, his voice strangely calm. He spoke with conviction of his view, “Then it’s a good thing King Sombra was destroyed. Any being that would rob civilizations of their knowledge deserves to die.”

“Duncan please remember where and when you are. You can have this discussion with Twilight another time,” Crystal almost growled. “Let us celebrate the life returned with the Crystal Empire. Besides, I actually have a small request for you Twilight. I would like to ask if you have a way to contact Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I understand you are a student of theirs?”

“Well mostly Princess Celestia, although Luna has advised me from time to time.” She shifted back to her proud confident persona. Duncan was amused as he thought this mare’s moods changed faster than a freight train, with the strength behind it to match.

“If I could get you to send this letter to her then, please? It details the fact that Duncan here is a Displaced, a friend and that we would like to meet with them upon arriving in Canterlot. Our plan is to arrive with you and your friends, tomorrow.” He levitated out a small scroll from his armor, when he did so his horn glowed a vibrant navy blue, a similar color engulfed the letter.

“Sure we would be happy to.” She turned to Spike, who was eyeing the human cautiously. ”Spike, please send his letter to the Princess.”

Spike accepted the letter before turning to the side. He blew a green fire that caught the letter turning it to smoke. The smoke sparkled and flew off south, in the direction of Canterlot. She then eyed the two who remained quiet as Spike sent the letter, they seemed a little awed. ”Sorry if that shocked you but dragon fire is the fastest way to communicate.

“Just the first time I've seen it. There weren't any friendly dragons one thousand years ago. Are you common or unique?” Crystal asked with a perfectly even tone. Duncan took this moment to snort loudly. Everypony turned to look at him, realizing that he was the center of attention again he looked away.

“Sorry just remembered something funny from back home.” he said.

“Oh, and what would that be?” Twilight asked, the laugh sounded too much like something negative against Spike.

“Can't say. It’s a Displaced thing, or so Crystal tells me. Something about protecting the timeline.” Duncan waved a hand dismissing further questions. This wasn't really earning Twilight's trust.

“Back to my question about Spike. Are you unique?” Crystal asked again.

“Yup. Only dragon raised by ponies in all of history; Twilight here hatched me from an egg. Then Celestia assigned me to be her assistant,” The young drake puffed out his chest in pride.
“And he became my number one assistant too. I couldn't ask for better help,” Twilight nuzzled the young drake causing him to blush at the mushy actions.

During this display of affection a young crystal stallion came running up to the group, panting he came to kneel before Crystal, “Captain Wall, sir. Is it true, you are retiring? Who will lead the guard? Why would you leave?”

The guard's armor was severely damaged preventing the cloaking illusion from operating. The stallion was young, early adult, his coat was a vibrant topaz with a shimmering orange mane. His cutie mark was an iron gauntlet on a flag. There was a bandaged gash above his left eye.

“Iron Fist, rise. There is no need for such behavior anymore,” Crystal Wall place a hoof on the stallion’s shoulder, “I am leaving because I am far older than I look and I am no longer needed here. You will find your new Crown Prince to be an ex-guard captain. He will get the empire shipshape and ease everyone into peace times.

“Now then I remember you fighting along your fellow guards in Sector 8 of the city. You have the makings of a great leader. I think it best that someone as honorable and trustworthy as you should be promoted. I've already given Prince Shining Armor several names, however let me give you something.” Crystal Wall looked over at the lavender unicorn, studying the events, ”If I may get a quill and piece of parchment?” he asked.

Spike produced the requested items that were quickly engulfed in an azure aura. Writing very quickly Crystal Wall drafted a letter to both the new rulers and the young guard, using his magic to roll it up he levitated it to Iron Fist, ”You will find inside my note to promote you to Lieutenant. and a recommendation for Commander training. Do the empire proud and show us what you can do.”

“Thank you, sir,” Iron Fist said reaching out with a hoof and accepting the parchment, ”But that doesn't answer my earlier question. What are we going to do without you? Someone needs to teach the Prince about our customs and laws.”

“Believe me when I say there are ponies much better suited for that task than me. Now then,” Crystal Wall rose to his feet, ”There is a festival going on and its our duty to enjoy it and spread joy. Lt. Iron Fist, you are dismissed.”

Crystal Wall saluted the young guard who quickly returned the salute, tears fell from his eyes in a mix of emotions. The guards dropped the salute, doing an about face Iron Fist turned and proudly marched off.

The group of ponies that had gathered around to watch the display cheered and whooped congratulating the young pony. Duncan even stood up and saluted the guard as he walked away, a smile on his lips. ”So Crystal, how did you know that pony anyways? you mentioned Sector 8 of the city?” he asked.

“During the past three days I've been to almost every front in the underground tunnels fighting and containing Sombra's loyal guards, doing what I could to keep their spirits up. However I only stopped by his group for a few moments. The lad had led his team beautifully, the confidence and determination even after two days of fighting was impressive. Besides I know he has a pure heart and will lead well,” Crystal returned to his seat sighing.

“If you met him for only a few moments how can you tell he is pure of heart?” Twilight asked curiously. She had met many ponies since moving to ponyville, even with her own friends it had taken time for her to learn about each of them before she could believe them to be true friends.

“I have my ways,” Crystal smiled, ”So Twilight why don't you tell Duncan and I about the world? I'm a thousand years out of date, Duncan here is from another world altogether and since we will be traveling with you tomorrow we could use some tips on fitting in.”

“Yeah Twilight, it's not like I could have seen all of this before.” Duncan let out another snicker, this was getting on Twilight's nerves, but deciding not to press it she started explaining what she deemed useful to understanding modern Equestria. She even pulled out a checklist from under the table, Crystal Wall surmised that she had prepared the list, just in-case any crystal pony might want to know.

The Next Morning….

Duncan awoke to loud banging on the door with someone yelling. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night before, his mind refused to let go of the fact that he was in Equestria. Sure he had read many, many, fan-fictions where people would go to a con, buy something perfect for their cosplay and get sent to Equestria. But those were supposed to just be wishful thinking on the parts of fellow bronies/fans. Now that he was here and 'Crystal Wall' had informed him that everything about the Displaced was true, he was thinking more and more about everything back home.

“Duncan wake your rump up right now, or I'll get a bucket of water!” The voice threatened again, it sounded so familiar. Duncan wiped the sleep from his eyes. Pulling out his cell phone he found that it had in fact died last night. He had spent several minutes attempting to get a connection, finally he sent a text to his girlfriend in hopes it would somehow get through. Dejected he slumped on the edge of the bed.

Thinking again about being stuck in Equestria and pulling out his Jin he tried to cast, yelling, ”Raitei Shourai!”

Surprisingly it worked.

It worked too well.

Lightning shot out to a gas lamp on the wall causing it to arc and explode. Smoke started to fill the room as the gas line shot fire. Duncan bolted for the door throwing it open, Crystal Wall stood there with a bucket of water, snow still melting in it. Crystal Wall shot past Duncan, shoving him to the floor with a hoof as a reflex; he tossed the bucket of water at the wall directly below the fire. A lime green aura enveloped the water turning it to a disc and slicing through the gas at the wall. It then created a small dome around it preventing the fire from backlashing. Lastly it solidified into ice, the fire with no more fuel burnt out.

“Seriously Duncan, have you not learned anything?! You’re a Displaced! Of course you can summon elements like Syaoran did. Next time, please ask for a training area so we don't set the damn castle on fire!” Crystal Wall towered over Duncan who was still sprawled out over the floor.

“Well excuse me! I'm still kinda new to all this stuff! Sorry if I only just lost everything yesterday, haven't had time to really adjust! A little sympathy, please?!” Duncan raised his voice, returning to his feet he towered over Crystal Wall, crossing his arms he locked eyes with the ex-guard.

As the two stared each other down a familiar cyan pegasus shot between them, ”Yo, you two slow pokes want to hurry up? Twilight is starting to freak out now that we are running 2 minutes behind schedule.”

Rainbow Dash then noticed the smoke escaping the room, ”Wow, what happened here?”

Crystal Wall shook his head before turning to walk away, ”Nothing important. Someone didn't think things through, you'll find destruction tends to abound near Displaced.”

Duncan simply walked past the ponies ignoring the shocked look on the mare, ”You’re an ass 'Crystal' you know that?” he said.

“Fine new subject,” Crystal's voice betrayed remaining anger, ”Rainbow Dash, would you mind leading us to the rest of the group? Also don't go down that hall; it’s the concubine quarters, we haven't had the chance to re-purpose them yet.”

Rainbow Dash came to a dead stop before dropping to the ground, ”Hehe, some joke Crystal, never knew a guard with a sense of humor.”

“Trust me it wasn’t a joke. Mine tend to have at least a little more… let’s call it tact. Sombra was truly evil. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s say he really wanted an heir to his throne.” Crystal Wall said solemnly.

“So what happened exactly over the past three days?” Duncan asked nudging the shocked mare to start walking. His mood turned to one of curiosity and confusion.

Crystal Wall’s mood dropped, the past three days were something he didn’t want to talk about just yet, ”I’d rather not remember it right now, I’ll speak with you on it another time.”

The three caught up with the group quickly, being now five minutes behind schedule actually meant that they would be waiting only fifteen minutes at the train station instead of twenty. Rainbow Dash had regained her composure and returned to hovering next to the group, bored out of her mind. Passing through the dome of love and joy energy the 6 regular ponies lost the crystalline sheen that was adorning their coats. Crystal Wall laughed at the jokes between the friends; while Duncan maintained his annoyingly silent persona.

After paying for tickets the group found a private cabin to occupy. Duncan placed a foot on the bench leaning himself against the window, Crystal took the adjacent bench leaving the six elements of harmony to situate themselves around. Twilight spoke up first, ”How about we start learning about each other by playing 20 questions? Each pony takes a turn asking a question. Once the question is answered then they get to ask a new question.”

“On the condition that we,” Crystal Wall pointed a hoof at himself and Duncan, several times, ”are allowed to pass on questions, sure.”

Twilight didn’t think that it would be so easy to get information from the old guard, ”Fine same for us, I’ll go first. Duncan what is your full name?”

“Duncan Klysh, Li Syaoran, Defender of Justice, Master of Magic, Master Swordsman, He with Fabulous Robes and Awesome Dude. Also I am a ninja.” Duncan smirked to himself.

“Seriously?” Rainbow Dash looked incredibly at him.

“Tut tut, my turn for a question,” Duncan smiled, turning to Crystal Wall he asked, ”What is your quest?”

“To recover a sacred relic, tis a mission given to me by an almighty,” Crystal Wall was snickering, ”Twilight, what is your favorite color?”

Twilight didn’t know how to respond to the rapid change in Duncan’s demeanor, “I…I… I don’t know, blue?”

“Ahhhhhh.” Duncan and Crystal Wall both responded in a high pitch mocking tone, they then fell into fits of laughter. Duncan recovered long enough to mutter something in English. He loved a good reference joke.

“What was that?” Spike asked this time.

“Tut tut, rules, young drake, it is Twilights turn to ask a question.” Duncan responded.

“What was that?” Twilight mimicked Spike’s question.

“A inside joke. Fluttershy, where do you live?” Crystal Wall asked brushing past Twilight’s question.

“On the edge of the Everfree forest, in a cottage, it’s about fifteen minutes from Ponyville,” She squeaked out, ”Duncan, what do you eat?”

“Food,” He responded before Crystal Wall hit him in the arm, ”Damn it that hurts, anyways, humans are omnivores, no I do not eat ponies and no I do not eat anything sentient. I liked bacon, hamburger, and the occasional sweet, yes Pinkie Pie I would like a cupcake.”

Pinkie was already in front of him with a cupcake before the rest of the friends could respond to the questions. All of the eyes in the room blinked between the two, having one Pinkie Pie was dangerous enough, hopefully this human wouldn’t turn into another one. Duncan bit into the cupcake moaning a little at the wonder of food, having missed breakfast he was really hungry. Gulping down the rest in two more bites he turned to face Rainbow Dash, “Rainbow Dash, what is your favorite food, that isn’t a sweet?”

“Hoofmade Hayburgers, some prench fries with ketchup.” She responded almost on autopilot, shaking herself she recovered and asked Crystal Wall, ”What’s your most daring act as a guard ever?”

“Ever? And just as a guard? Humm let me think,” How to rank his various achievements, ”Well daring wise, I would say when during King Sombra’s rule I was sneaking fillies into hiding to prevent them from going to the mines. King Sombra came out one time to deal with it himself, I pushed some crates on him after throwing out a half dozen flash-bang spells. I had two fillies on my back as we bolted for it. He quickly gave chase turning to his shadow form. We got trapped in an alleyway and were surrounded, so I used my body to protect the fillies, then I cast a feign death spell when he attacked. He bought it hook line and sinker. Thirty minutes later I woke us up and left.”

“How did you escape?” Rarity asked this time her fainting couch had appeared during the story.

“I was disguised at the time so he didn’t recognize me, Rarity do you have family, as in siblings, mom dad, etcetera etcetera?” Crystal Wall asked, allowing the double question.

“Yes I have a little sister, Sweetie Bell, she is just adorable and the kindest little filly.” Rarity bragged about her little sister.

“Ya and destructive, her friends, my lil’ sister Applebloom and Scootaloo have become the terrors of the town.” Apple Jack explained in a deadpan expression, ”Just a few weeks ago they caused tons of damage all over the town trying to get their darn cutie marks.”

“Ah children got to love them…. now I have a question, but its Rarity’s turn, you should ask me one.” Duncan suggested to the mare. Fixing herself from giving AJ a death glare she addressed Duncan asking, ”You mentioned yesterday that your robes are not normal wear, do you normally do without, why are you wearing them now?”

Crystal Wall facehoofed as Duncan facepalmed, they new this dread question would come up. Duncan looked to Crystal Wall hoping for a save, the old guard simply smiled before turning away. Duncan cursed the stallion to the pits of Tartarus. Turning back to all of the mares who were watching silently he decided it best to get it over with. Not making eye contact he began, ”Simply put humans have created a social taboo regarding being naked. It’s considered indecent.”

“Why?” several asked.

“... We have exposed genitalia…” Duncan was turning bright red in the face. It was one thing to joke about it with friends, another to explain it to a bunch of ponies he met yesterday.

Miraculously that killed the conversation for several hours allowing Duncan to take a nap. He awoke when the train pulled into Canterlot.

The group disembarked the train and began the long walk up the mountain side to the castle. Walking past various shops along the way Duncan's eyes were lit with wonder, asking about what was sold at the many shops. Twilight happily disseminated the information taking on a tour guide persona. Pinkie even dropped a uniform hat on her head without the unicorn noticing.

Crystal Wall kept wincing rubbing his head.

“Whats up?” Rainbow asked falling back while giggling at Twilight being oblivious to the hat.

“Simple headache. Too many loud ponies that I’m not familiar with,” He spoke with gritted teeth, ”I’ll be fine once we are inside and away from everypony.”

“If you say so. I’m surprised to see a guard wincing from a headache.” she smirked, challenging him a little.

“Heh, I could clock you in the head a few times with my armored hoof. Then we can see who’s laughing.” He chuckled at the mare, who laughed back. Always good to have a sense of humor.

The guards who were expecting them opened the door for the group. One unicorn was even polite enough to remove Twilight’s hat for her, who promptly blushed before turning to glare at her friends.

Entering the throne room the six mares bowed, Crystal Wall did as well, indicating for Duncan to take a knee. The princesses dismissed the guards, looks of relief mixed with repressed tears of joy. Princess Celestia was first to speak, ”Friends please rise, you have all done a great service in saving the Crystal Empire. I thank all of your efforts.”

“Thank you princess, I am sorry but I was not the one to deliver the crystal heart like you asked, Spike was.” Twilight looked dejected and saddened at the ground. She had failed the test she had been sent on. Princess Celestia had specifically said she must be the one to aid Cadance with the restoration of the empire.

“If I read the reports correctly you only had Spike deliver the heart because you were unsure if you could escape King Sombra’s trap in time. I think Twilight, that it is better to have a student who puts the well being of others before themselves. You have proven yourself worthy of your next step in study.” Celestia nuzzled her student who began jumping with joy.

“I passed! I passed!” In her excitement she ran from the throne room. Her friends following her, singing the whole way the doors fell shut as the first line of the song began.

“Well that went as well as planned, thank you Tia.” Crystal Wall turned to the princess, his form slowly shrinking, taking on a more feminine form. His fur turned grayish green, the armor retracted to the back of her head becoming a yellow and green mane matching the tail.
Her eyes turned green with yellow slits overlapping the pupils. Her teeth changed to add a few canines, the pony looked like something out of a nightmare.

“Seriously, that's creepy dude. Is that really what your base form looks like?” Duncan had stepped away during the process being creeped out by the way the flesh rolled over the bones till settling. He was cut off from any further questions as the two dierichs flew past him hugging the strange creature.

“Mistress Change we have missed you these past one thousand years. Please don’t leave us like that again.” The two were openly weeping with joy.

Duncan looked at them dumbfounded, ”Ok what the hell? I am so freaking lost.”

“You see Duncan," the creepy little shapeshifter smiled, "it all has to deal with what happened when I came to Equestria. Let me tell you the story, with all the bits I didn't tell Cadence or Shining Armor.”

Author's Notes:

Thank you, everyone for your patience.

Thank you to my primary editor Inazuma

Please feel free to provide feed back I really want to get better^-^