My Little Tactics

Chapter Ten: A Hero’s Reward.

Rainbow Dash looked up at him as he said that and it seems she slightly expected more to be said so when he said nothing more her lip started to quiver. “I-I know I have been a horrible friend, and with how I acted and what I said, I should have taken time like you said to look for the truth. That is why I will do whatever it takes for you to forgive me.”

Dustan looked over to the pegasus as it seemed she put everything on the line, her pride most of all as well as her loyalty. “No.”

Dash seemed to accept the answer but her friend did not. “Why? Rainbow Dash is sincere about wanting your forgiveness.”

“Please Dustan, there has to be something I can do to make us even.” Though she said it the pegasus’ image was temporarily replaced by another, a human figure

“That’s a lie.” The knight said it through clenched teeth and was barely able to look at the speedster. Not because of her actions but because of how she was now. “What she is looking for isn’t forgiveness but punishment.”

Dustan rubbed the bridge of his nose once more as Patrick stood before him. It was only a week to high school graduation and Pat was pulling a stunt like this. Seems he had been talking with his family, talking with other friends and had some kind of epiphany and while it was good as he was starting to take lessons to control his anger problems even more then he had been, but he was now seeking forgiveness for all the things he had did wrong by lashing out.

“Come on man, there has to be something to make us even.” His friend had told him again for the umpteenth time.

He had already forgiven him so many times now that it should have been disregarded. “Dude, I have told you, I have already forgiven you. What do you want from me?”

They were sitting in the living room of Pat’s house and had been watching TV but it was a commercial though soon the movie would be coming back on. “I don’t know man, but you just saying you forgive me…it doesn’t feel right to me. I bullied you and made your life a living hell for a good few years. Do something, anything I just need to feel like we are even is all and I am not going to let this go till we are.”

The movie that they were watching came back on and the action seen started. “Fine, you want me to do something to make us even huh?” Seeing his friends short sandy blonde hair bob around a bit he sighed. “Fine, name a few things that come to mind to make us even.”

“Um let’s see.” The tall teen seemed to take the matter seriously as he thought. “Well you could break some of my stuff. My computer is new so that would hurt a lot.” He couldn’t be serious about that; it was a custom rig after all. “It would mean we couldn’t chat online for a while but my job is going well enough that I could get a new one in a couple of months.” Holy shit he was serious. “If not that then I would say…”

Dustan stopped listening for a bit, he was not someone who could just trash his friends belongings. It had to be something that wouldn’t cost money, something more meaningful then just random property damage. It had to be-

“Stop trying to hit me and hit me!” A character from the movie told the protagonist giving him the idea for what to do.

“Fine I have decided. It will be something you can remember for as long as I remember your time kicking my ass.” The shorter of the two said standing up.

Grinning Pat looked at his friend and nodded. “That’s more like it, so what is it?”

“I’m going to hit you in the face.” It seemed his friend was confused or disappointed he wasn’t sure which but Dustan continued. “You can’t guard or toughen up for it, you are going to let me hit you. Because of that you are going to have a nice shiner for your graduation pics.”

Pat frowned for a bit and sighed. “That is cruel man.” Before looking up and again grinning. “Sounds good to me. So when do you want to do thi-”

The swing came out of nowhere laying his friend out cold. Patrick’s mother made him leave after that though it was fixed when Pat told his mother why. As such when graduation came by they had a nice picture together with Pat sporting his blackened eye like a prize to be shown.

“Rainbow Dash. Let me ask you something. Even if I said I forgive you right now and meant it, would that stop you from trying to make us square?” The pegasus bit her lip and looked away making the knight sigh once more. “That is what I thought, so here is what is going to happen. Stand in front of me and I will decide your punishment to make us even.”

Dustan set Boko to sit next to Zecora as the pegasus did as was asked. “Ok so what kind of punishment are we talking about here? Running a few laps around Ponyville not using my wings in anyways? Showing you a dozen exclusive tricks? Giving you my hidden candy stash that I keep hidden from Pinkie for obvious reasons? Or what about-”

The ponies jumped at the loud crack of Dustan’s fist against the side of Dash’s face. “Fuck your head is hard!” He exclaimed rubbing his knuckles afterwards. “With that we are even for you hitting me. However we are not friends, but we aren’t enemies either. We are neutral and as such we will start over again.”

Though the prismatic pony was dazed she nodded in understanding sitting back up as her eyes rolled a bit in their sockets. “S-sure. Though to be fair, you really need to throw your weight behind your punch; if you had you would have knocked me out.”

Hearing her say that reminded him that in an episode he had seen her using Karate so it was possible she knew what she was talking about. Boko however didn’t like what she had seen and scrambled over back to Dustan making sad and worried Chocobo noises. He leaned down to pet her gently to assure her he was alright.

Looking up to the mare he struck he told her. “Hello I am Dustan, I heard you are Rainbow Dash. I hope we can be friends in the future.”

Was it corny? Yes. Did it get the results he wanted? Well the tears welling up in Dash’s eyes seem to say so before she flew over and gave him a big hug.

“Thank you.” Her chocked voice came out and he simply patted her back gently.

“KWEH!” With that loud exclamation the small chick’s body glowed and white mist spread off her as she flapped her wings covering the human and the pony. As that happened he could feel his hand stop throbbing when it settled on it. Seems Dash had the same realization as everyone looked down at the suddenly tired chick.

“There there Boko, that is a good girl and thank you for that. I am very proud of you.” The chick snuggled into his hands as he picked her up going right to sleep then and there to his petting. Looking to the others, mostly Twilight as questions seemed to just bubble on the surface of her tongue he went ahead and cut some off speaking gently so as not to wake up the chick. “Boko is a sub species of Chocobo called a White Chocobo. This subspecies can heal and cast magic that helps refresh and protect others. Seems she really didn’t want me hurt or Dash so she tapped into that power to heal us. Being so young it must have drained her.”

Thankfully the girls took this as a hint to cut their visit off for today giving quiet farewells though the cyan pegasus gave one last hug before leaving. Dustan move to put Boko to her little nest that she had, though rarely slept in, more often than not preferring to lay on him before moving to sit on the couch. Zecora as well took the moment to enjoy the peace and quiet pouring herself another cup of tea.

Stripping out of his armor he set it down as quiet as possible before taking out the letter he was given by Captain Shining Armor himself. Unfolding it he grabbed the falling seal of authority that held the slip that would cover expenses to travel before going about reading the letter itself.

‘Dear Dustan.

I have heard about you from my student: Twilight Sparkle. I was most interested in meeting with you sooner as from her description you are not a minotaur or diamond dog at all or any type of hybrid at all. You seem to be a completely unheard of species here in Equestria and that alone sparked my interest. Moreover she has told me some of what you have told her, about how you have knowledge of some of Equestria’s newest problematic species. Those two things would have gotten you a quick appointment with myself in of itself. However with news of you helping to lead a force to free imprisoned ponies, it just means the meeting can no longer wait. I have a slot opened to meet you upon the thirty first.’

As he seen the date he realized that was three days from now meaning he would have to get ready for the meeting tomorrow and leave as well. However there was more to the letter so he continued on.

‘There are many more things I wish to discuss with you, but to put them all in the letter would both diminish the surprise as well as take up too much time reading. So it is my hope that we will see you on that day. –Princess Celestia.’

Looking outside it was too late to be going to get his stuff, no matter how much he wanted to. He just hoped with more hope than he has ever dared to hope before that nothing found the stone. It was because of that worry that he didn’t get as much rest as he wanted to that night.

When it came to the next morning Boko practically never left his shoulder as he dressed back in his leather armor rather than the bronze the resistance gave him finding it a lot easier to move in it as well as smell better too. Thankfully the smell was mostly gone after a good morning shower. Zecora also had become a bit worried about him when he told her of his plans to go back into the woods to retrieve some items. She immediately insisted that she go with him to which he didn’t object.

“The more the merrier.” He told her aloud as a popping sound was heard and a purple face was staring at his own.

“Good, then you won’t mind if we go with you and talk along the way.” Said purple face belonged to Twilight but with her, or rather behind her was the yellow coat littered with spots that signified another distinct pony. “After all you said if I got Mystic’s permission I could do so right?”

Looking over to said earth pony he merely chuckled bashfully. “I couldn’t say no to somepony who wants knowledge about this subject just as much as I do.”

“You know what, fuck it. Fine you two can come.” Shaking his head he lamented out loud to the world. “Is there anyone else that is going to be coming with us?”

The sound of a crashing body the door caving in to reveal the spectacular debacle of a landing that Dash had created as well as a pink maned pony pronking through the front. “Dusty you should know better than to call the world’s bluff like that.”

No amount of cupcakes fixed how much he hated Murphy and his law right then and there. So the total party consisted of himself, Boko who wouldn’t leave his shoulder and always quickly got back up when put down, Zecora, Mystic Quandary, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. Before they started Zecora gave them some tips on how to avoid things in the Everfree as well as a small bundle of herbs for each of them so that the noses of the creatures in the Everfree would smell nothing out of the ordinary.

The girls were nervous of course, their trips to the Everfree so far not exactly the safest by far. The only ones not affected were Zecora and Pinkie, the first walking normally though keeping a wary eye out and the other pronking along without a care in the world. Rainbow Dash was hovering off the ground but was more than a bit jittery except when she thought someone was looking at her then she put on a brave face. Twilight was apprehensive and kept a paranoid eye out and often squeaking at the sound of branch breaking or more even if it they were the ones to make it.

Over all though they all did stick close, if that was from fright or herd instinct for their species it was hard to tell for Dustan. Boko was cuddled up to his neck and seemed as frightened as the rest though would calm down for a bit when he gave her an affectionate pat. For Dustan himself he was calm, he had stalked the Everfree enough to be comfortable there. Even though he did keep an eye out like Zecora did his body remained loose and calm, ready to spring into action if needed, but not too tight where it would cause strain.

It didn’t take them too long though before it was Twilight who recognized the path they were on and had to say something. “Wait a moment, isn’t this the path to the Castle of The Two Sisters?”

The Knight simply smiled and nodded. “No one was using it so I thought I would start redecorating it. I don’t really have much in the way of bits so been slowly making it habitable for myself in some areas. No one really comes into the Everfree so it’s peaceful enough. I have also learned how to survive pretty well thanks to Zecora.”

“Oh does that mean you are going to make the castle your home? Does that mean you will move away soon?” Pinkie was the first one to pick up on his plans for what he had in store.

Giving a nod everypony there seemed to be a little sad about that so he assured them of something. “Girls don’t worry, I don’t have the bits or the items I need to make it a home. Plus humans need warmth for the fall and winter seasons depending on how cold it gets. I am not exactly a master carpenter so the shack I have right now won’t do me for those seasons. As such it will be a long while before I can do so, unless something comes up and I am forced to live here or something.”

That seemed to trigger something for Pinkie though as she suddenly gasped and appeared before him taking hold of his face. “I just realized I never gave you a welcome to Ponyville party. Or Zecora. My Pinkie Sense must be off or something.”

“Pinkie Sense?” Twilight asked though before anything more could be explained Dustan cut off that episode before it happened early.

“Well technically Pinkie you aren’t wrong for not giving us a party as we technically never moved to Ponyville, only next to it.” He hoped that would quell the waters that was the rapidly running river that was Pinkie for now.

Thinking on that for a moment Pinkie seemed consider what he said before nodding . “Okie Dokie Loki. That just means I have to figure out another reason to throw you two a proper party.”

“Sure, just let me know first before alright. I like surprise parties as much as the next person but with me often being in the Everfree and coming back from the goblin camp, my nerves are a bit shot right now so something jumping at me might make me react in a…well less then friendly manner just by instinct.” It had been a problem he had been having since he first woke up in the hospital, like a delayed reaction to his imprisonment. When he got startled awake when sleeping off his exhaustion he found himself reaching for weapons or anything in the half second of instinct and awareness that happened when he was startled.

It was getting better, but he still rather not risk attacking someone innocently again, even though Nurse Redheart forgave him for grabbing a bedpan and swinging it at her considering what he had been through. Thankfully the party mare seemed to get the hint and nodded silently before smiling and going back to her pronking.

Zecora seemed distracted for a moment before going off the beaten path as they were making their way closer to the castle. “Excuse for just a moment or two. I seem to have found something that is askew.” The group waited just like she had asked Dustan growing a bit worried but when she came back he smiled seeing she was ok. “I have found what I sought, but it is not exactly what I thought. For now let us let the matter rest. For now I will keep the matter close to my metaphorical vest.”

Not understanding what was going on he just shrugged and continued on across the bridge. “You know.” Twilight said with a curious tone as they crossed it. “Even though Nightmare Moon broke the bridge, what makes me curious is to why it looked recently repaired in the first place.”

Luckily it was summer and it was hot otherwise the girls might have thought him sweating might be a dead giveaway on his thoughts. “You know I wondered about that too. But if the goblins were in the Everfree, they might have done it since it did look kinda shabby to me.”

“I suppose your right Rainbow.” Giving out a bit of a sigh of relief he smiled seeing the building come into question. The work was new so it stuck out like a sore thumb to anyone looking at it.

Pointing to the distance he told them. “There it is.”

“Where?” Was all Twilight said before they got closer to it.

Dash however seen it and smiled. “Oh I see it, good eyes big guy.”

Nodding the purple unicorn chuckled and smiled. “Right I had forgotten your eyesight is much better than ours. Though your other senses not so much.”

“What can I say?” Said the human with a smile. “Humans are very visual based, we are what we are.”

“Is it cause you humans are hunter types?” Dash’s comment caused the other ponies to freeze slightly as she made it. “What, you girls didn’t know? I mean if you hang around Fluttershy long enough even somepony like me picks up on some things, so seeing his teeth I realized he ate meat.” Looking over to him sheepishly. “Kinda one of the reasons I attacked you when you first came to Ponyville, you smelled of fish that was eaten recently so I thought you might be coming for more food.”

Seeing the nervous looks on Pinkie and Twilight he decided to get this conversation over with. “Yes I eat meat, but I am an omnivore like the rest of my species. We need meat to stay healthy, and I don’t get anything that is aware, so all of Fluttershy’s little friends are safe. It’s one of the first things I went to find out about when I found myself here.”

More and more he smiled as he got to the building he was using as a home. It would keep the rain off of someone…mostly. But really considering that all the walls were mostly intact was a boon and only the roof needed tending too as well as the windows. Twilight and the others seemed more curious about the ruins then his potential home which was just as well as he could move a few loose stones in the floor under the mat of the bed so that he could get to his items.

The first item that he looked for was not his sword, not his pack, not his clothing in it. It was the stone contained within and once found he breathed a sigh of relief. Putting the stone away in the secure pocket of the pack he then brought his items out and went about checking them.

He could hear the ponies finally coming into his room and checking it out. “Considering you worked on this alone, not bad.”

Rainbow Dash was seemingly a bit impressed as was Twilight. “I agree, you used some limited funds and have made the area somewhat habitable.”

Pulling out his sword he checked the sheath first. “Thanks, like I said I worked hard on it. Got to always have back up plans in case the worst comes to pass especially when you are in an unknown land where ponies tend to be more than a bit skittish around the unknown.”

“True, ponies do tend to fear the unknown, but that is only because most don’t know enough about it to-.” As he unsheathed his sword to check on it, Twilight gasped hard. “Why do you have something like that?”

Turning to the unicorn he saw her looking frightened which did confuse him as well as the others, even Boko who gave a curious noise. “Ok you are going to have to be a bit more specific.”

“That!” Pointing to his unsheathed blade almost frantically.

“What Twilight?” Her fellow element of harmony asked as she was hovering in the air. “It’s just a neat looking sword, though I suppose red is a pretty cool color for a sword though.”

“None of you understand.” She pointed towards the sword. “I can ‘feel’ the enchantment on that; it’s a dark magical enchantment.”

“O…K…it hasn’t done anything bad to me yet Twilight, are you sure it’s-” Dustan was cut off though as when he took a step towards her she backed up.

“Don’t bring that closer to me. I don’t even know how you are not dead from it right now.” Her concern was honestly starting to make him grow concerned as well.

“Twilight, you are going to have to calm down, I honestly don’t know what you are talking about. So please explain it to me.” The others agreed on that as well wanting to be filled in.

Seeing him not doing anything horrible she did calm down a bit but kept her distance. “That is an enchanted sword, though it likely could be classified as a curse.” Some of Zecora’s warnings came back to mind about the sword wanting something, he forgot her exact wording though. “I can tell that it’s an enchantment that feasts on vitality.”

It clicked for him, the first fight against the goblins being the one that came most to mind as well as the Timberwolf pack that he first fought to save Fluttershy before he knew it was her. “OH that explains so much.”

“I see you must have noticed something. Whatever pony or human created that sword likely sacrificed a living being to make that sword as that is how the curse comes about.” Hearing her say that his hand went to his chest rubbing where he felt it pierce him before. “That is why the blade is stained red like it is.”

“Well the good news is you finally helped me figure what it is, it’s a Blood Sword by the way, and further good news is that no one was sacrificed for it and it doesn’t harm its owner.” He started to sheath his sword as he said that as well as putting his pack on his back.

“How?” Twilight said at first not completing her thought. “How do you know those things?”

Strapping on the sword to his side like before he started to move towards the makeshift door of the room before simply saying. “Cause I was the sacrifice for that blade.”

Dustan heard the shocked gasps from the ponies around him but none dared to question him neither at that moment nor for most of the walk. It would only be when they got back to the hut and were standing at the front door did somepony finally ask for them all and it was the one he least expected to ask it.

“Dusty, if you were the sacrifice, then…why are you here?” turning around to look at his companion ponies for the first time, he noticed how each of them looked.

Twilight looked pale and visibly shaken while Rainbow Dash look strangely angry but the anger was not directed towards him. Zecora had a thousand yard stare but Pinkie had nearly a flat mane and looked on the verge of tears. He felt himself moving to scoop her up in a hug quickly and gave her a pat on her head before feeling tears land on his shoulder where her head rested.

The human let her cry on his shoulder silently for a bit and only spoke up when he felt her calm some. “I was saved and sent to Equestria. It’s why I am lost. It’s why I will never find my old home again, and it’s why I can’t be sad because I am still alive. As long as you are alive there is always a chance for you to make your circumstances better.” Setting the pink pony down, he chuckled and told her. “How about this, why don’t you get me a party going. Not tomorrow though, or the next day, mostly cause tomorrow I have to go up to Canterlot and see the Princesses.”

The unicorn gave out a gasp of surprise as she went over and looked up at him with a questioning look and curious gaze. “Why are you going to see the Princess, did something happen?”

Shaking his head he patted the studious pony on the head and told her the truth. “I don’t think so, Celestia just sent me a letter stating that she wanted to meet with me and talk based on the letters you sent her.”

Giving a blush she pawed at the ground. “Oh yeah, I may have mentioned you as a new species and a few other things that we talked about. I didn’t mean to gossip or anything if that is what you are thinking.”

“Its fine Twilight. I knew I would be eventually meeting her at some point or another, best to get it out of the way earlier then later.” Though did that mean he was looking forward to it? Nope, he was not looking forward to it at all.

Smiling as she accepted that she turned to start leaving as Pinkie came up and gave a hug. “I will start planning your party now and like you asked I will let you know ahead of time and no surprise party.”

“Thanks Pink Stuff. I will look forward to it.” Pinkie giggled at the nickname as slowly she and the others left letting Zecora and him came inside. “Welp glad that is out of the way, I should start pack-”

He felt himself wrapped in a stripped hug suddenly and gave the mare a confused looked as he looked down at her. Except all he seen was the mare crying with her eyes squeezed shut. It was surprising to see how emotional she got over this as he just kept petting her and petting her. Eventually she shaman fell asleep, exhausted from her emotional release with Dustan putting her to bed early. Leaving the room the Knight started to pack his supplies in his backpack for what he would need going to the city of Canterlot.

Strangely enough he slept soundly that night, even visiting the Classroom, though he did once feel…off when there. He couldn’t explain it and shrugged it off to nerves about tomorrow. When he woke up he found Zecora with him her head resting on his chest.

Getting out of bed and placing the blanket around her he chuckled to himself and thought. ‘That explains the funny feeling, must have felt her on me when in the Classroom.’

As he got dressed and ate a light breakfast Dustan made his way towards the train station. A storm must have been planned as he seen dark clouds on the horizon and it was likely the reason he seen no ponies in the street. They all must have been prepping for the storm is what he assumed. The train came on time and thought the conductor was a bid dubious at first that he meant no harm, even if he was armed with a sword, he was let on.

Sadly the train was for ponies so all the seats were not something he could fit into comfortably and instead choosing to sit on the floor. The train was busy for sure and he had saw multiple ponies in one booth or another meaning they shared, but no one dared come to his booth it seemed. Those that came to the booth seen him, stared for a second, then closed the door and left.

Honestly it amused Dustan a bit to see the reactions of ponies for this. He was instantly reminded of a meme from the human world of a criminal going to a room with Batman, seeing Batman, closing the door and then having another criminal ask him if he seen anything. He wisely said nope and walked away. It didn’t help that one time he heard a pony ask another that just came form that booth if it was full and the pony answered yes.

Amusement aside the trip was rather boring and what one would expect of a train ride. It took about two and a half hours to reach Canterlot but that was a bit of a direct route it seemed as he had gotten lucky. From the bit of gossip he heard when getting off the train depending on the day it could take four or even eight hours to get to Canterlot depending on the route and the other stops.

Counting his lucky stars he started to march towards the castle. The attention he drew was quite, well the word would be unnerving, something. The nobles of Canterlot all looked at him with curiosity, disgust, or wonder. Curiosity in that he was unusual looking and wondered why he was here. Disgust because of the fact a being such as him thought he was worthy to be in the city of the elite. Finally wonder in that he moved on two legs, was not a minotaur, and seemed to possess no hooves. Problem was the first looks were the medium with the last being very minor, leaving disgust as the major sight on most ponies faces in this city.

Even more so when he finally got to the castle entrance only for two guards to hold out spears baring his entrance. “Leave creature, this is not a place for the likes of you.”

Raising an eyebrow he couldn’t help but let a snarky comment come out. “Wow racist much?”

The white guards pony in gold armor just growled at him. “We are the royal guard and you will pay us respect monster.”

“Earn it first then I will pay it. Till then you are just a little pony who thinks he is the greatest.” As he said that the tabs of the two guards came up and he seen their CT gauge was full. ‘Oh, ok this is happening.’

As the first guard thrust his spear, the leather armor wearing Knight found himself moving out of the way rather easily. It was same with the second spear wielding pony backing up his friend, a thrust and a miss.

‘They’re…slow?’ Dustan thought as he dodged. He then glanced at them and saw something that made him understand. ‘Oh, they are level one. Wait the guard here is level one? That can’t be. Even at level one they should be able to hit me statistically. Well if this was the game that is.’

The fight must have caught the attention of higher ranked guards as some with golden armor that had stripes on them came out. “Halt!” The two guards did as the ranked one commanded though kept their spears leveled. “What is going on here?”

“Sir.” The racist one among the two spoke up. “We caught this monster trying to gain access to the castle, likely to harm the Princesses if I had to guess.”

The older pony groaned and facehooved. “Rookies, we gave you one job, to guard the entrance and to look out for not only ponies coming to see the Princesses but of the invited guests as well. This ‘monster’ as you call him was invited; you were even given the description, remember? Unless of course you two were sleeping during the briefing.” The embarrassed and ashamed looks of the two just made the commander sigh. “I will deal with you two later, among helping the maids with washing the toilets we will have to drill more combat training into you if this Human was able to dodge you both so easily.”

Both of them groaned loudly before giving a weak salute. “Thanks for that. It would have been awkward dodging them all the way to the Princesses.”

Shaking his head the pony looked at him before waving a hoof. “It is our duty, now follow me to the meeting room. The Princesses have been waiting for this meeting for some time it seems.”

The walk towards room was quiet for a bit with Dustan just taking in the sights and smiling at the familiar setting playing out in front of him. His smile must have caught the guard pony’s attention who started pointing out things to him along the way, of what the statue before them, or what that painting was from.

However during the walk there came a question from the guard himself. “I overheard something from the Princesses. It seems you have knowledge of some of the new creatures that have been appearing in Equestria. Goblins for example, and also Bombs is that correct?”

Nodding Dustan looked to the pony questioning him. “That is correct. I have a bit of knowledge about them and more.”

The pony stopped before a set of doors likely the meeting room they were heading to. “If possible, other officers like myself would like to pick your brain, help us devise strategies to deal with the new threats. So if possible would you kindly stay even after your meeting so that we can talk?”

Dustan wanted to say yes but there was one glaring issue. “I would love to but, I kinda don’t have a place to stay, so if the Princesses take up too much time I will have to catch the train ride back and won’t be able to help.”

“That won’t be an issue I assure you.” The guard said and it caught Dustan’s attention quickly. “A room had been assigned to you it seems, so if the questioning does last a while you have been welcomed to stay here for the night.”

“Convenient, I will gladly take up that offer if it happens.” The knight’s grin spoke volumes about his thoughts of a proper bed.

A hoof knocked hard on the door before the officer spoke up. “The Human Dustan has arrived.” A golden glow overtook the doors and they opened. The guard bowed and looked to Dustan. “The Princesses will see you now.”

Heading in, he found the room to be rather tall; stained glass windows covered both walls and the back one as well showing that this was an offshoot room. The room seemed to be made of a white type of stone, Dustan’s guess was marble, letting the colored lights change the room to a mosaic of color as the sun moved. Overall the effect was very lovely and soothing.

“Welcome Dustan the Human to Canterlot Castle.” The warm almost motherly voice spoke out to him calling his attention to his hosts.

At a table in front of him he found the Princess of the Sun herself. Looking at her even his Tactical Eye agreed showing her Job as ‘Solar Princess’. Her ethereal mane was made up of pastel pink, blue and green as it waved in the air complementing her pure white coat and gold accessories. Sitting directly to her right was Princess Luna, who seems to have recovered a good deal if her sparkling star filled mane was anything to go by. Her job was set to ‘Lunar Princess’ which was fitting considering who she was. Her midnight blue coat was honestly lovely and soft looking; making him want to cuddle up to her for being ‘best princess’, but that was his personal opinion. There was also the unique splotch on her hindquarters that revealed her moon cutie mark as well which he found to be one of the most unique ways of one appearing in the show.

Her look at him was calculating, no doubt still getting used to the world as it was, while her sister kept a friendly and calm mask about her. They were not alone as two fully armored ponies were in the room at each of their sides. The pony to Celestia’s left was wearing a near white suit of armor with gold highlights on it, with its form leaving no room to even guess which gender the pony under it was. To Luna’s right was a pony in black armor with blue highlights upon it, similarly designed to the other pony, Dustan couldn’t guess the gender of this one either. On their hips they both had swords in sheaths with simple hilts on them.

The most astonishing thing was while he could read some details about the princesses, their job and name for example, he couldn’t see the levels of the princesses or other details he should have been able to. For the armored ponies he sees nothing at all, the pop up that showed him things was blank. To say this unnerved him a bit was an understatement.

“Thank you Princess Celestia, it is an honor to be here before you and your sister, Princess Luna.” He gave a bow making his sword rustle a bit catching all the ponies’ attention. Seeing them shift and look to it he spoke again. “For safety, I assure you.”

As he stood up they motioned for him to take a seat, luckily it seemed as if one that was made for a minotaur or some such as he could sit in it rather fine. “We have many things to talk about today questions to be asked, answers hoping to be found, goals, thoughts and some news of which some is good and some is bad. However we assure you that you are in no such trouble and that it is our honor to have you here.” That was a slightly offsetting sign, good AND bad news. Unbuckling his sword and sliding his axe out of a sling he made to hold it when he wasn’t wearing his armor he set them next to his chair within reach.

Luna chose that moment to speak up. “The first order of business is with thou’s role in the recent resistance and thine fight for freedom.” Hearing that he wondered what was going on. “From many ponies We hear of thy bravery and leadership during the assault that lead to the prisoners being freed. We also heard of how thou defended not only thineself but others, as well as wielding magic that healed another of which We will discuss later.”

Celestia took over the speaking role at that time. “Your actions were admirable and worthy of reward more then we can say for saving my little ponies from such a fate. If it were wholly up to us your name and actions would be written in history as an example of leadership and bravery under a trying time. However.” Well shit, however were never a good sign. “Your actions against a fellow leader, the one known as Logistics Trail, has caused him to take action in an effort to stop this.”

“What sort of actions are we talking about here?” Dustan knew he interrupted the Princesses but he had to say this. “I would say my attack was justified because he EXECUTED the goblins without seeing if they would surrender or not, how is that not a crime?”

The sisters looked at each other before Celestia closed her eyes and sighed. “You are correct, in a normal situation that would be a crime worthy of being sent to Tartarus. However he had been captured for quite some time and a hundred or so years ago a law was passed stating: During times of capture if one is imprisoned against their will for more than one hundred and sixty eight hours, a week’s time, then their actions against their oppressors will suffer no legal action cause of the emotional distress that those who are captured are under.”

Growling a bit at that, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Meaning he literally gets off scott free with several murders.”

“Thou are correct.” The ancient formal speak showed that Luna took up the mantle once more. “Mine sister had forgotten such a law existed till the lawyers of said pony brought it up. It is his goal to have thou stricken from the record books of history, or be imprisoned for your attack, though thou are given the choice of which to choose.”

Leaning back in the chair now Dustan looked at the walls, the sun was hitting the red parts of the stained glass just right to bathe the room in red. “Not really much of a choice, I will take the removal of my actions then.”

“I am very sorry Dustan.” The Princess of the Sun told him giving a small bow of her head. “Your actions are beyond commendable and many ponies spoke of you so highly when we talked to them. However with the actions of Logistics Trail, he will be the one who solely engineered the escape for the ponies and no pony will know what you have done.”

Author's Notes:

Well that certainly sucks for Dustan.

Anyways. There will not be any jokes in this authors notes as I wanted to tell you all I am going to take a break from writing. Been writing pretty much a bit everyday since I started this fic and just need a tiny bit of a break. I am thinking a week or two. So if you don't see any updates from me during the next two sundays its cause I am resting and getting my mojo back. Hope you all can understand.