I groaned as the sun rose, the angle it came in through the window landing right on my eyes. I rolled over, forgetting how close to the edge I was as I ended up face first on the floor. "Owwwwww." I groaned, getting up and heading to change clothes. Thankfully the princesses had a few royal seamstresses make a few spares of my new outfit, as well as some casual clothes, albeit from this time period.

After dealing with the mess I now called hair, I left the room, heading to see if the dragons were awake. I decided to knock on Orn's door first. "Orn, you awake?" I said, the answer being a loud boom that shook the hall. I blinked and opened the door quick, being greeted by a heavy cloud of black smoke.

While coughing my lungs out I heard the silver drake's voice. "Well it seems that atempting a fusion of twenty percent galladium, forty percent iron oxide, and forty percent potassium nitrate equals unstable reaction." I shook my head, informing the Alchemist breakfast would be served soon. I then went over to the other doors, informing the king and Qumado that breakfast would be served soon. It was no surprise they were both awake. Before I could leave however the king asked me to come in.

"If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to ask those questions now." I blinked, remembering last night before we all went to bed. I nodded and sat down on the chest. "First things first, how exactly did you come to be in possession of the Iron Dragon Slayer magic?"

I thought for a bit, hesitant to fully reveal my family's new history, but relented. "Well as you know, I'm not originally from this world. The original possessor of the magic, my great grandfather, was actually from yet another world different from my own. I don't know too much of his own past, but know he was raised and trained by an iron dragon named Metallicana." At this name the king stiffened up. "Something the matter?"

Harroc blinked and shook his head. "Something for me to look into later, but please continue."

I looked at him for a few moments, a slight scrupulous look on my face, but I nodded. "Well, he was part of a guild of magic users, and one day during a special test to gain higher rank, he, along with about a dozen other members of the guild were attacked by a dark dragon known as Acnologia." It was at this name the king's scale seemed to pale. I noticed but figured it was the same as mentioning metallicana. "They gathered their strength and used a defense magic that basically protected against anything, even time, however the magic was so powerful it essentially protected them from their reality. They got shunted over into my world, where they made lives for themselves, eventually sealing their magic away. I found the amulet that contained my grandfather's dragon slayer magic and it went into me, and I ended up here." I said, concluding how I got the magic.

The king sat there, stock still as his scales slowly regained their colors. "Right, that was my main question. The others can wait until after we work on the treaty. They mostly deal with your oath to me." I nodded and got up, leaving the room and heading to the dining/meeting room.

After breakfast and a few more hours of working on the treaty, we finally had a document that we all agreed was good to go. Celestia smiled and had Gilded Scroll write up a notice to be sent around the kingdom to the various villages to let them know of the peace treaty. It only took a few moments and a quick copy spell before the notices were sent out by royal messenger pegasi. We all stood, Celestia and Harroc shaking hands. Orn and I shook hands, while Luna and Qumado shook as well. Celestia then turned to me. "Connor, we would like to ask you to meet us in the throne room in about a half hour. There is something we wish to discuss with King Harroc in private."

The dragon king turned to the other drakes. "And I ask this of you as well. While I am unsure of what the princesses have to ask, there is something I wish to ask of them as well." The two members of his envoy turned to each other, a bit unsure about leaving their leader's side, but relented when he gave them a stern nod.

The three of us left the conference room, soon ending up in the main hall. Scratch flew down, having brought the scrolls to a few carrier birds for the longer distance flights to farther outposts. "So what should we do to kill a half hour?" I said to the rest of our little group.

We all looked thoughtful for a moment before Orn spoke up. "Well I for one would like to learn more about your species." Qumado made a few clicks and gave a fake snoring sound. Scratch and I couldn't help but stifle a laugh. He rolled his eyes. "Well then, enlighten me Miss Opinionated. What would you rather do?" Qumado thought for a moment before giving a few clicks and squeaks, followed by a quick trill. Orn thought for a moment. "Well that's only if he'd be up for it."

I lean over. "To reiterate a question I asked earlier....translation?" I said with a deadpan look, Scratch mirroring my face.

Orn nodded. "She suggested a sparring match between the two of you. Both to see how well you fight, as well as to see how well you fare against someone who is properly trained in dragon slaying magic." He said with a soft smirk.

My eyes widened and I looked at Scratch who had a similar look of surprise. I looked at the two dragons. "Qumado can use dragon slayer magic? But I thought the king said it was a secret art for only a reserved few?" I looked at the dragoness.

Qumado gave a quick squeak before Orn stopped her. "Perhaps it would be easier if we went to your room and you got in the tank so I won't have to keep translating." The dragoness stopped, thinking and nodding before the three of us went upstairs, the aquatic warrior hopping into the tank, clearing her throat.

"As I was about to say," She started. "Yes the king said the art was reserved for a select few, however it also is taught to the admiral and vice admiral, or corresponding titles for air and land respectively, of each group of the king's armies. I was taught by the current admiral, who in turn was taught by the previous admiral when they were second in command." She explained while lazily floating in the tank.

I took in the info and thought. "Interesting, and let me guess, water dragon slayer magic?" I said with a chuckle, going for the obvious.

She gave a chuckle and shook her head. "Nope, lightning actually. Each force is taught the element that would be strongest against them to provide resistance, and also to make for quicker altercations." She said, a few arcs of blue electricity arcing around her claws. "Since we are the aquatic army, we tend to fight more water based or underwater enemies."

Scratch then raised a paw. "If that's the case, then how do you avoid shocking your own troops in the water?" I blinked, imagining her firing off a lightning attack, electrifying all her own troops.

Orn stepped over. "That's where I come in. The aquatic troops are all outfitted with special armor both chemically insulated against electricity and enchanted to absorb the energy and feed it into their weapons. However it can only hold a certain amount of charge before overloading the runes, and they have no natural way to charge them up."

so like a rechargeable battery. Interesting....wait, sparring was the topic here, and she's a lightning user.... I blinked and looked at the two. "Well beside that, while learning how well I would fare against a trained fighter, she's lightning and I'm iron, I'd just be a big lightning rod and end up taking all her attacks."I said, shifting my arm into an iron club, the lightning on her claws arcing towards my arm but dispersing when they hit the glass.

Qumado then gave a smile. "Yes, but lightning rods have a ground. So you can work on figuring out the best way to ground yourself from electric attacks." She said, poking her head out of the water.

"Why do I get the feeling you are just getting antsy from sitting in the treaty room for so long?" I said, eyeing the dragoness, who in turn responded with a slight blush that showed up a lavender hue against her cerulean scales. I gave a sigh. "Fine, and if anything you can help Scratch practice aerial dodging. Though nothing too destructive, try to stick with physical attacks if you can. The groundskeeper still gives me the stink eye whenever we are in the same room." The two dragons laughed at that.

Moments later the quartet arrived in the courtyard. Orn and Scratch moved off to the side while Qumado and I stood a good distance apart. "Remember, close range stuff only. No breath attacks."Qumado nodded, getting into a fighting stance as I braced myself and took as slow breath.

Scratch raised a paw, holding it in the air for a few moments, looking between the two. “Round one. Ready...Fight!” he said, quickly lowering his paw in a swiping motion.

Connor nearly stumbled at the mental reference but managed to regain his balance as the water dragon rushed towards him, her arm cloaked in crackling blue lightning. He took a few moments to get his iron scales up, crossing his arms and planting his feet to try and ground the attack like she had said. Her arm landed in the cross of his, the electricity arcing cross his scales, the human gritting his teeth before he was launched backwards several feet.

He gave a groan, his body feeling like it had fallen asleep, the numbing electricity flowing across his scales. If he hadn't had that defense up, he would have been charred, or at least medium rare. He stood up, coughing out a bit of smoke, lunging forward at the dragoness, turning his leg into an iron pole and using it to vault over the dragoness, thrusting an arm club at her from behind. With a loud thud, the pole connected with the dragoness, almost launching her across the clearing. He gave a smile, having gotten a clean hit on the warrior. Though his pride was fleeting as he tried to retract his arm, only to have it locked into place. He blinked and looked over, his eyes widening as he saw Qumado holding his arm in a locked grip with her arms and tail. 'Shit shit shit gotta get free before she... His thought process was cut short as he felt the full force of an electric shock flow through his arm into him.

The Dragoness gave a smirk as she released his arm, the now twitching and barely conscious human returning to normal as his arm retracted and the scales on his skin faded. He gave a groan, his body almost completely numb save for a few twitches here and there. She laughed and clicked a bit as she walked over, reaching down to help lift the human up. She gave a few squeaks at Orn, telling the silver drake to get his butt over and help. "Oh right, coming." He said, walking over to help lift Connor back up.

Connor gave a groan, slowly regaining the use of his basic motor skills. "Ugh, now I know what an unlucky electrician feels like." He said, rubbing his head slowly. "Orn, remind me to comission some of that electric proof armor. Something tells me I'll need it at some point." The alchemist nodded with a chukle.

Scratch flew over and landed on Connor's shoulder. "Well that was an impressive spar. You managed to last a good fifteen minutes. Granted most of it was dodging." He said with a soft chuckle.

Connor gave a slight glare then smirked. "Laugh it up whiskers, I seem to recall part of the conversation being aerial dodging practice." At this, Scratch's eyes widened with a slightly fearful look.

Ten minutes later, the quartet were returning back to the castle, Connor, Scratch, and Qumado all looking a bit disheveled. What had started as dodging practice for Scratch quickly devolved into another sparring brawl after a few shots hit too close to one another.

I turned to Orn. "Once again, electric absorbing armor. Please make me a set at your earliest convenience." I said with at groan, my left eye twitching as some electricity was still in my system. The silver drake chuckled and nodded. The group soon arrived at the throne room, the trio of royals standing by the thrones, discussing something. That conversation died out upon seeing the three disheveled fighters.

"What in the name of Kur's scales happened to you three?" Harroc said in surprise.

I blinked at the mention of that name. kur? Ancient sumerian mythology? Huh, wonder if there's any other mythos in this world. Hello stood up, wincing a bit. "Friendly sparring match got a little out of hand." I said with a chuckle.

Celestia shook her head, Luna suppressing a laugh while the king simply smirked. "How did getting your ass handed to you feel?" He said with a laugh.

I gave a groan. "Like I did a swan dive into a thunder head wearing a full body suit of armor." I said, shaking off the last bit of numbness. The three royals simply laughed at the image.

"Funny as the mental picture may be, the time has come for us to tell you of what we had to discuss." Luna said, her tone shifting to one of business. The four of us straightened up, waiting for the news.

Celestia smiled. "First and foremost is what Luna and ourself have discussed. Connor, please step forward." I blinked and walked forward as she commanded. Weird, my body seemed to be running on a bit of autopilot. That spar must have taken more out of me than I thought. "If you would please kneel." I did so as she drew her sword.

Luna then stepped forward, drawing her own blade. With Luna on my right and Celestia on my left, they both pressed the flats of their blades against my respective shoulders. "Connor Fortino," the lunar princess began. "Twas just over a week ago thou arrived in this world with naught but thine clothes. Thou held thy own in a land unfamiliar to thee, persevering in the face of adversity." She said, turning to her sister and giving a nod.

Celestia gave a nod, continuing. "When thou arrived, thou showed no hostility, and a willingness to aid not only one but two kingdoms not of thine own. Such generosity, kindness, and loyalty is far and few between. It is with a great honor we not only call you our ally, but our friend as well. As Diarchs of Equestria, we hereby bestow upon the the tile and rank of Knight of Equestria." She said, the sisters both removing their blades.

I went to stand, only for Luna to stop me. "Please remain kneeling." I stopped, nodding as I was curious what else there was. Almost as if in response to my thoughts, King Harroc stepped over.

The king of dragons gave a smile, drawing his large broadsword, placing the tip at my chest. "Upon first sight we thought you just a child, as most species are compared to the age of a dragon. During these days however you have shown us that humans are far more mature than their initial appearances let on. Cunning, quick witted, and with a compassion for others to match even the brightest flames. And if the roughed up state of one of my second in commands is any indicators, feisty little things when in a pinch." He chuckled. "It is with honor I grant you the title of Knight of Thaczil Darastrixi. As well as your name in our language. Stand tall Usk Arytiss. Wear your name and knighthood with pride." He said, removing his blade.

I looked at the royals in case there was anything else. Seeing nothing more was to be said, I said told up, looking all three of them in the eyes before giving a smile, bowing my head. "Thank you all. I will cherish these honors you've given me." I smiled at the princesses. "After all, they were gifts from friends."

The group smiled before Luna shouted out. "Huzzah for the knight! Let there be a celebratory feast!" She turned towards a soldier. "Stalwart Aegis, inform the kitchens to prepare a feast for all members of the castle staff. Tis truly a day to celebrate." I chuckled softly at her excitement.

After much preparation, the feast was underway, many of the castle staff eating and enjoying themselves. Some guards were conversing with the dragons, while a few maids were fawning over Scratch. I laughed softly at this before feeling a large hand on my shoulder. I turned and saw it was King Harroc. He pointed a thumb towards a door, a somewhat serious look on his face. I nodded and grabbed a drink, following him out.

Once we were out of earshot of the rest of the party, I looked at the ruler of dragons. "Something bothering you your highness?" I said, taking a sip of my drink.

He gave a nod. "Something else I discussed with the princesses was the terms of the oath of honor you swore to me." At this I tensed a bit. "In my country, there are still those who cling to ancient ways, treating other species as slaves and livestock merely because we are older, larger, and sometimes vastly more powerful. It is my wish to see these people brought to justice by either my kingdom or the lands they have taken people from. This is my order and my wish of you. Should I discover any information or locations, you and a select team will head their to intercept, and take down any rogue elements."

I blinked, going to take a drink before realizing I had finished my glass while he was speaking. I thought over it before nodding. "I accept." The king gave a smile.

"Good, now while Scratch has informed me that he is the one occasionally training you in your arts, I believe it would be better to have a true dragon be your teacher to help you perfect your techniques." I stopped at this. "In my kingdom there is a hidden temple of adepts who train in the various slayer arts. The grand master of the temple is an old friend of mine. When I return I shall send word to him about you."

I stared at the king for a moment before bowing my head. He gave a chuckle. "Enough talking about such serious matters. We have a feast to enjoy." The two of us walked back to the festivities. Things were about to get a lot more interesting in the coming months. If only I knew how much it would change my life at the time.

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the delay folks, went back home for thanksgiving, and also got sucked into the wonderful world that is Undertale. Here's the next installment. Just a heads up, next chapter is the last chapter of what has essentially been a giant flashback.* So get ready for a wild ride in the next chapter.

*six chapter/over 15k+ word long flashback Tite Kubo approved

Also, word count for the chapter....heh....double giggity.