My Little Tactics

Chapter Two: I Have Abilities?

“You need anything while I head out?” Dustan called towards the kitchen of the tree hut. It had been nearly two weeks since his arrival in Equestria and so far so good, not counting the Ponyville run in that is. Sure the first couple of days were the roughest, realizing that likely there was no feasible way home as of right now and dealing with the crushing sadness of realizing that no one knew what had happened to him.

The lyrical voice of the home owner called out to him in answer. “The herbs of the normal affair. Though be warned the animals seem restless so take care.”

“Will do.” He called back before grabbing his fishing pole and bait and heading to the stream. Food in Equestria bothered him, not in the fact there was lack of plant dishes, though he had to stay away from things like hay and flowers, it was the fact that nearly EVERY animal was sapient to some degree. When he had told Zecora of his omnivorous nature she right away had the solution of fishing as it seems that most fish were just like back home. Any fish that was sapient was likely one you would never catch either.

So he had a habit of going fishing once every three days to catch a couple of fish for a meal or two. The only reason he had to catch so many was cause he wasn’t a cook and wasn’t sure where to cut and not but he was learning. He was wasting less and less each time though he was told to always cook them out of the home as Zecora didn’t appreciate the smell of meat.

One his trips he made it a habit to look for various herbs and flowers that his host needed as it was a way of repaying her for eating and sleeping in her home. The herbs were very valuable it seemed as they were rare and helped make brews that she sometimes sold in other towns besides Ponyville when times became desperate enough. Trips like that, she told him, usually took a few days if she couldn’t manage to time her visit with the train.

Speaking of Ponyville he had tried once more to enter the town though with no luck. Word had spread that he was the ‘Witch’s Creature’ and so when his cloaked self appeared to anyone they fled and screamed. It was during his last visit that he sadly met one of the Mane Six, one he was hoping not to meet like that but such is life. Rainbow Dash promptly came to the rescue of the fleeing mare and ended up trying to buck Dustan in the gut which she partially did. It was only thanks to a quick head and realizing what the speedster would do that Dustan even managed to dodge backwards in time only catching part of the blow in his ribs.

Wincing at the memory Dustan touched the tender spot, while nothing was broken or cracked the bruise was still nasty and tender even a week later. Quickly bending down he would gather up a few plants, having seen one of the flowers described to him by the Shaman. They resembled four-leaf clovers but not only were the stems blue, but the flowers were a blushing pink color.

When asked what they were for Zecora chuckled and responded with. “Often times newlyweds wish to make their first night one to remember. That blank will turn their passion into a flame from an ember.”

Quickly he put the bouquet he gathered away into a pouch and sealed it off. He remembered the first time he encountered them, they looked nice and he took a sniff. Zecora couldn’t stop laughing at him for the rest of the day as he had an erection that wouldn’t go away. He had told her that it had been over four hours and other humans have problems with their ‘junk’ if something like that happened. She assured him that nothing negative would happen as the potion that she made from them usually made a stallion never go limp for a day with just a dose, of which the potion she made for ponies had seven.

‘Stupid flowers.’ The human thought as he double tied the pouch just in case.

As he walked he kept up looking around because though the zebra may have given him an herb to keep in his pocket that would make him have a scent other animals would recognize as belonging, if they spotted him it was another story. He had tried to make a wooden shield before but when he went to use it he felt completely wrong and off like a forced feeling almost. It stopped as soon as he put the shield down and he realized what it meant or at least had a clue. He carved a helmet out of wood next only to be given the same results.

He was really a Squire class. He had dressed up as one for the con, or at least in his mind that is what he was, but now he really was one. It was during the second day, well third since the second was his sad day as he thought of it, that he discovered that his armor wasn’t EXACTLY the same as what he wore when he put together the costume.

The blouse he wore was pretty much the same, but the leather armor was of MUCH higher quality and fit differently, it was real armor. His fedora and feather combo had turned into a wide brimmed hat with a large feather in it reminiscent of the feathered cap equipment from his beloved series. His pants were the same thankfully but not his shoes. His shoes had turned from his sneakers to proper boots, ones that gave him a feeling of traction and ease of movement that he was frankly surprised about.

Finally there came his cloak. The last thing he got from anyone while on Earth, the last time he saw his best friend. It had changed as well, it was already well made before, but it was a well made piece for costume with slight utility. Now though he wasn’t sure why he could tell but it was just better. The feeling of it being better, the helm and the shield, this world, all of it was wrong or off and honestly Dustan relished the time he could spend fishing as it meant he could just clear his mind and watch the sky, or what he could see of it through the canopy.

However one item was on his mind, it was what Zecora had said about his sword.

Dustan was wrapping his fresh bruise after applying the paste that Zecora had given him and was putting his armor back on. Honestly the thought of punching the prismatic Pegasus did cross his mind for bringing him this pain but he quickly shook the dark thoughts away.

‘Then again maybe I should learn to protect myself.’ He looked down to his sheath and pulled his sword out. The home was large enough where he could take some practice swings and not hit anything so he may have gotten one or two off before his bruise protested to much causing him to give a yelp of pain. Zecora quickly ran out of her bedroom and was about to ask what was wrong when her eyes went wide.

“Where did you happen to come by such a sword. Surely it must have been protected by some kind of ward.” Coming closer she held a hoof towards his blade but never touched it. “A blade covered in one’s life. Surely this blade causes strife.”

‘No kidding, stabbed through the chest then brought here, it has done its job well. Not to mention I think I technically made it…I mean the original. Whatever that asshole did to it is altering it but not creating it right?’ Of course he couldn’t really say any of that to his host so while he didn’t lie he didn’t explain it all. “I suppose you can say it’s tied to me and that we have been through a lot.”

Again not wrong but not entirely right, but it sufficed enough that Zecora made no mention of it from then on except to tell him to go outside her home when practicing from now on. Just like with the meat rule he obliged.

[hr.]

Picking his line up out of the water he sighed at his lack of a catch. ‘Guess they can learn. They aren’t coming to this spot anymore it seems.’ Wrapping the line up around his pole he would have to learn a new spot where they gathered. Luckily his last meat meal wasn’t too long ago so he still should be good for a while.

Looking up Dustan noticed the sun was getting low now and he should probably head back. The animals got more aggressive as night came as that is when more predators came out to hunt. Sliding the pole home over his shoulder he started the walk back.

That was of course when a scream broke out, one frightened and moving quickly. The scream was quickly followed by a howl, then another, and then another: Timberwolves. Dustan had heard them more than a few times hunting around and even managed to watch them on occasion when he had to hide and the herbal scent managed to keep him from being found He found them quite lovely in their own spooky way with their haunting green eyes that glowed with an almost sinister force behind them. Bodies made up of various pieces of wood, twigs and even vines.

Unlike all those other times though, he found his feet moving towards the sounds rather than away. The scream sounded female and if he could tell its gender chances are it wasn’t an animal that belonged in the forest. Either Zecora had really fucked up, or a pony had wondered into the forest.

He wasn’t cruel, he wasn’t about to leave someone, or in this case somepony, to their fate. Then again he only rationalized his reason to himself after a good solid thirty seconds of running had passed.

As he was running a memory came to the front of his mind, one that happened back when Pat was still his bully or rather just before he became his bully.

Dustan was outside eating lunch, his middle school gave students the option of eating inside or outside, and with it being so nice he chose outside. He wasn’t alone in this choice either as many students were out and about laughing joking and just having fun. Dustan was happy for them, having friends was nice…not that he knew what that was like as he was sitting alone.

The sound of a tray hitting the ground caused everyone to look over to two kids, one on the ground rubbing his rear where he landed to hard and another tougher looking kid standing over him.

“So where is my lunch huh?” The standing one said, clearly having been graced with extra height thanks to genetics and thus towered over many other kids at the time. “I said that if you didn’t bring me lunch tomorrow that you would be getting it didn’t I? Well you only got your lunch so where is mine?”

The fallen boy was clearly frightened and clearly was about to cry. “I-I-”

Being lifted quickly to his feet by his shirt the taller boy cocked his hand back and made a fist ready to give the other his promised consequences. “You made me do this, remember that.”

Dustan wasn’t sure when he had started moving; in fact his thoughts were to go find a teacher to stop this. Except as he had finished that thought he was already tackling the taller boy to the ground. This was a mistake as the other boy used that chance to run as did many others as the known bully of the school got pissed. What proceeded was a beating that left Dustan with a bloody nose and many bruises, of which all were his fault.

“Ma’am your boy was seen tackling the other to the ground. While both boys will be suspended yours will be suspended for two weeks rather than one for starting it.” His mother was appalled though his father just seemed to stay silent.

Walking out his ear was being tugged hard as his mother gave him an earful. “What possessed you to attack another kid like that Dustan? I thought we thought you better than that?” He tried for his part to speak but his mother kept ranting. “We thought we told you that violence is never the answer and its best to try to talk things out or make friends with others.” Again he tried to talk to her only to be cut off. “When we get home your TV will remain off, your game system will be unplugged and-”

“Hun you should let him talk.” His father said in a calm voice while pushing his glasses over his eyes. Dustan always loved and hated that gesture because one it made him look like a cool anime character as his glasses would glare so no one could see his eyes. However he hated it because it means his Dad was in serious mode, meaning you DID NOT mess around. “I want to hear his reason for doing what he did.”

Letting go of his ear after a moment, as she considered things, she crossed her arms and looked down at him. “Alright then, what could possibly be your reason for doing what you did?”

Dustan had to take a moment to rub his ear trying to get the pain to fade before he spoke. “He was bully another kid and about to hit him. I wanted to go tell a teacher but then I found myself already moving and I don’t know why.”

He was looking down at the ground, afraid he had disappointed his family, only to hear his father speak. “Shi-” a quick glare from his mother changed his words right away. “-Take mushrooms son. Sorry we jumped to conclusions, but no matter what you did right.”

Quickly looking up he seen both of his parents smiling down at him. “Yes sweetie, sorry I hurt your ear. It is never wrong to stand up to someone when you are defending another especially if the other person has done nothing wrong.”

Not able to stop himself he threw himself at his parents and hugged them. He got no punishment for his actions from his parents, but he would get punishment for the rest of middle school as he was now the exclusive target of that bully.

The echo of his boots came fast and strong as he ran to where he heard the growling. A splash was heard as something fell into something, judging by the terrain and its mushy state likely into mud. His suspicions were confirmed as he came to find three Timberwolves advancing on a pony covered head to toe, head to hoof as it were, in mud. So caked on was it that he couldn’t even tell what her cutie mark was.

A brief thought came to him as he seen her and noticed the wings and that was: Why didn’t she fly away? Of course he had seen other pegasus run off instead of fly when he was last at Ponyville but that was neither here nor there. What was here was a frightened mare and three wolves.

Quickly drawing his sword he slid to a stop between the wolves and their prey. “Look here, I am not here to hurt you or anything. However if you want to get out of this I want you to run when I run forward. Go back home, run there and never look back.”

From the corner of his he could see her blue eyes staring at him, still frightened but with a nod of her head.

Yelling loudly he charged forward quickly and took a swipe at the wooden constructs only for them to jump back out of the way as the sound of hooves came and went. “Well, she got away…hope I can do the same.”

As he was standing there facing the wolves…something strange happened. As he looked at them one by one he noticed he could read information about each of them. Their gender, Hit points, Magic points, their level and their experience, even their charge time and their zodiac sign. There was one other thing he noticed, something that he felt he could recognize but couldn’t place at the moment. There was a symbol of a cherub with a halo.

Before he had a chance to determine what it was that was one of the wolves lunged at him. He barely managed to get out of the way in time as the creature skidded to a halt growling.

‘It’s CT is gone, in the game that meant a unit couldn’t do anything till it filled up again and OH ITS CHARGING FAST!’ Dustan thought only to be caught off guard as his thoughts distracted him from the fact there was THREE wolves.

Feeling something pounce on him from behind he got a good taste of mud in his mouth as he hit the ground and sank in a little. He grit his teeth a bit as the wolf on his back was biting at his armor and scratching at it, but luckily had not yet found a soft spot to latch into. Using the chance he had, he quickly turned his body as much as he could elbowed the faux wolf in the head and as chance would have it, that worked in getting him off of his back. Standing up quickly the lupines started to try to surround him but Dustan quickly put his back to a tree trunk to negate that advantage as much as possible.

Now is where the problem came in, there was a wolf to his left, his front, and to his right. The left and front would be easiest to counter but not the right. After all he was left handed so he held his sword in his main hand that way. Meaning he would have to turn his body to react to that wolf more than the others giving a nice delay for any and all kinds of bad things to happen.

Luck was on his side as the one that attacked first was the one from the front. Rolling to the right Dustan gave his sword an upwards swing catching the wolf in the midsection and to his surprise dealing a surprising amount of force as he noticed the damage number appear from the attack: forty. That was double the Timberwolf’s health as its glowing green eyes dimmed until they faded. The body then crumbled into pieces as it lay on the forest floor unmoving.

Seems the wolves had no problems with their dead companion though as the one that was originally on his left pounced at him only to meet similar results. ‘Guess they are used to getting their way if they don’t learn to avoid that mistake.’

Well they did learn in a way, or rather had maneuvered him so that he wouldn’t be able to do that again as the next wolf’s wooden fangs managed to sink into his arm above the leather bracer. This forced Dustan to drop his sword onto the ground as he yelled out in pain. He had to act quickly, so he braced himself against the tree once more and jumped. In the middle of his jump he planted both feet to the wolf’s barrel and shoved hard.

The wolf was quickly pushed a good bit away as Dustan landed on the ground from his jump. Timberwolves were persistent he would give them that as it quickly recovered and charged at him. His hands searched for his sword but couldn’t find it in the mud. However his fingers did curl around something else.

That something met the charging canines head making it yelp in pain as it took a solid five damage to its head as the stone cracked the wood slightly there. This bought Dustan enough time as his hands did eventually discover his sword, though by that time the wolf was mid pounce. Dustan felt himself falling backwards as the wolf managed to leap upon him its jaws snapping at him as one hand held it back at its chest.

“You lose mutt.” Was the only thing he said to it. He then twisted his hand that was holding his sword, the same sword that the dog impaled itself on as it had leapt at him. With the twist the final Timberwolf gave a shutter as its eyes faded to black and it started to fall apart.

Sighing and standing up he went to look at his arm where he had been bitten only to discover something. A ripped sleeve but no wounds?

“Ok I would really like a play by play but I am tired and in need of a shower. So long mut-” Looking at the canines his body went stiff and his eyes widened. The cherub, he remembered what it was. “Oh hell no!” Quickly reversing his sword he went to drive it into the first Timberwolf he had killed as it was starting to put itself back together. It quickly crumbled again as well as there was a chime sound, though he ignored that before running off before the second one could come back.

‘Fucking reraise. I hardly ever got to use that status effect in the game cause it was so impractical in its wait time.’ He was running with his sword out just in case they managed to follow his scent. He spent nearly an hour running and hiding when he remembered that the herb would mask his scent and cursed at himself for keeping himself worked up all that time. That and cursing himself for not remembering that Timberwolves could pull themselves back together.

When he got back to the hut he leaned against the door and sighed. “I am back.” It wasn’t much of a yell as he didn’t have the energy to do so.

“Welcome back from your daily fair-” Zecora came out from the back and quickly her eyes widened. “Why is it that you look worse for wear?”

Chuckling a bit now that the adrenaline was wearing off he found himself just wanting a shower in the too small for him bathroom and to sleep. “Pony wondered in, got caught by some Timberwolves, I fought them off as she escaped. I think I would like to get a shower now.”

Nodding Zecora quickly looked him over before speaking. “I imagine so considering your plight. Now go into the shower and wash off from your fight.”

He barely managed a nod before dragging his feet to the shower. Taking off his armor and clothing, he made a note to scrub it all down tomorrow morning even if getting the mud off would be easier now then later when it crusted, but that was a problem and he honestly couldn’t be bothered with it right now.

With no clothing for him he just kept himself wrapped up in a towel till he could go to the couch where he slept and get under the blanket where he promptly fell asleep.

He dreamed no dreams that night, or at least no dream in the normal sense. Instead he felt like he had simply awoken in another place. This place was dark with the only source of light being from the sky. Said sky was black as well where it wasn’t light up with the shaft of light pouring on him. Likewise in the distance it became so black that he couldn’t make out anything. There was only him, the light and what looked to be cobblestone flooring.

“Ok this is new.” He said only to have an immense echo be heard suggesting this place was vast. As he started to look around something happened, he noticed that there were three more shafts of light that grew brighter as did his own for just a moment blinding him. When his sight came back he turned to find a mannequin.

Luckily there was no one around to hear his absolutely manly scream of not being scared. The mannequin stood there looking very familiar. It only took Dustan a few seconds before he realized what the brown-red leather wearing mannequin represented.

“Oh it looks like the basic Squire picture from the game.” Looking over to the other shafts of light he noticed the others, the blue cloth of the Chemist, the bow for the light armored wearing Archer, the heavy white cloak over the even heavier armor of the Knight.

He was amazed and he wouldn’t lie in that he geeked out a bit as he ran over to each and examined them. Or he would have if not for the moment he ran over to the next stand did he notice a list pop up. Said list had the name of the class he was standing before as well as several tabs: Abilities, Reaction, Support, and Movement.

“THE JOB SYSTEM!” He called out into the echoing cavern. “Does that mean I can change my job?” He ran over to the Knight and seen that he did meet the requirements for sure. He almost quickly switched but stopped himself. “This isn’t a game. Those Timberwolves could have killed me. I need to do this right cause there will not be a second chance.”

It killed him not to be able to explore the other classes but for now he just looked at what he could and couldn’t learn from them. For Knight, sadly there was nothing for him to learn as he didn’t have enough JP, or Job points to learn any of their skills. There was time for that later he supposed as he moved on to the next stand. For Archer he found he did have enough points to learn only one ability: Aim+1. This were skills that let the Archer class, or anyone with their ability, focus on an attack and delay it slightly, or significantly depending on the level, and then deal extra damage. Normally he would hold out and go right for Aim+2 in the game since it was basically the same in all ways only a bit more powerful with almost the same delay but he didn’t know if he would have time to wait in this world.

When he touched the displayed name it glowed brightly for a moment before another window popped up asking if he wanted to learn the skill Aim+1. He clicked yes and the sensation he then got was…disturbing. It was as if something reached into his brain and placed something inside. With that though he KNEW he knew Aim+1.

Chemist was a good find, early game support with only the cost of a bit of money which can be ground out. Sadly he had no money which complicated things. The good news was he had enough points for the movement skill ‘Treasure Hunter’. Treasure Hunter let those equipped with it find hidden treasure on the panel they were standing on and retrieve it. Right away he tapped it and got the same prompt. After feeling violated once again he went to the support skill of Reequip and selected it. Reequip was a skill that cost nothing and was always free. Reequip let the user change equipment in the middle of battle, useful if you found yourself picking up an item from a fallen enemy early game which was better than yours.

Last but not least, the trusty starter, the one he was currently equipped as: Squire. Looking into its menu he found he had a good few points stored up though not as many as he had hoped considering he had been in Equestria for two weeks. He found he already knew ‘Throw Stone’, likely what he had unknowingly used against the Timberwolf to save himself, as well as a good bit of points.

“Not enough for JP Boost sadly, meaning no extra gain for me. However I rather be safe than sorry.” Instead of going for the move he made everyone learn at the start, one to increase their yield of Job points to learn faster, he chose to learn ‘Salve’ a skill to remove blind, silence, and poison status, as well as ‘Defend’ for obvious reasons.

As he was double checking to make sure there was nothing else he could get, he found something in the support tab of Squire that was already unlocked. “What’s this?” It read: Tactical Eye. Pressing it again to learn more info he found that it was a skill used to read various info about enemies and allies though had several tiers to it enhancing its abilities. Tier one, which was already unlocked, displayed the Hp, MP and the other things he had observed during the fight with the Timberwolves. When he went to look at the other tiers to see what each gained he found they were locked and he couldn’t view them. Giving up on that as he didn’t have the points for the next tier he sighed and closed the menu.

With all that done came the obvious question. How did one equip their skills here? The answer never came and he spent time trying to figure it out to no avail. Sleep was done, morning has come.

The next morning by itself was rather uneventful, the only things of note was one instance: A conversation with Zecora. It happened during breakfast when he was feeling much better, better than before in fact. Maybe that had to do with his level up? Regardless on if that had played a fact because of him missing dinner and his workout had found himself digging in with little abandoned.

“Seems you are feeling quite a bit better today.” Zecora spoke from her own breakfast, what looked to be some cereal and toast, to which Dustan nodded. “If then I may ask, what happened that caused you to get into a fray?”

Though he had told her he guessed that he was a bit skimp on the details so he told her everything. How he was coming back from fishing after having no luck and on the way back he heard a scream and the bays of the wolves. He was running towards the sounds before he even thought about it and defending the pony when they had it cornered. He even explained that at one point he thought he was bit pretty badly but found no wounds on his arm even if there was blood on the ripped sleeve.

As he finished up explaining in almost childish detail his grand battle with the creatures Zecora chuckled a bit and smiled. “I am just glad you are alright my friend. I am also glad you were not put on the mend.”

Rubbing his arm where he thought he had been wounded Dustan replayed similarly. “Yeah, so am I. I imagine their mouths aren’t the cleanest either.” Looking to his roommate he found her giving a nod of confirmation. “Yeah likely that might have done me in as I am not sure what kind of remedies would solve that.” Remedy, he wished he had some of them for sure as well as how to make them. Wait he learned how to make something last night. “Zecora?”

“Yes Dustan?” She asked in response. “If you have a question I will answer as best I can.”

Nods and moved around to head outside. “I need to grab a few things but I want you to test something for me. Also I will need a mortar and pestle if you can.” Without waiting for her to answer he went out to find what he needed.

It took him about an hour before he came back with more than a handful of plants. “That is quite an array of plants you hold. My question is what is it that am supposed to behold?”

Not answering her though he did lay a few samples of the individual plants in front of her. “Tell me do any of these plants serve a medicinal purpose that you know of?”

While he was busy grinding the plants he got into a paste and mixing them up in a certain amount Zecora pondered his question. “I can honestly say that there is nothing in my knowledge that says they do. However that doesn’t mean that they can’t aren’t used in lieu.”

“But together in any mixture are they used for something with just themselves?” Dustan was putting the final touches on the green paste.

Shaking her head Zecora told him her thoughts. “I cannot say for sure. Though in my experience, I can say that the mixture cannot be a cure.”

When he was done he went to find some bandages that he used for his ribs and cut off a piece to smear the mixture on. “Well where I am from this mixture is said to cure: Blindness, Silence, and Poison. All of those are temporary though so it merely hastens the recovery, but can you check to see if that is accurate?”

Taking hold of the sample Zecora nodded. “To my private room I will go and see. Checking on if you have made such a remedy.” As she was going she stopped to look back at him. “When I get back I have some more questions of my own. I would appreciate it if you answered them when I come back with answers known.”

“Sure whatever you want to ask I will answer to the best of my abilities Zecora.” He seen her leave and headed outside to work on his equipment. Cleaning it all up and making sure it was in as best shape as possible.

Several hours came in went and in that time Dustan had time to survey the damage. His armor would still hold up but the claw marks and such were now obvious. His blouse had to have its sleeves shortened for sure as well. Other than that though, his equipment was pretty up to shape.

He was in the middle of his sword exercises since he finished when Zecora came out looking…upset? Curious? It was honestly hard to say as she was a mixed bag it seemed.

“I would like to tell you the results.” Giving a nod and sheathing his sword he joined her back inside. “Your mixture looks to be the results of children instead of adults.” He sighed a bit and wondered if he had made a mistake somewhere but before he could think about it Zecora continued. “However I must say that shouldn’t work. It does and that is quite a quirk.”

Feeling proud of himself he smiled and nodded. “Glad it did, that was actually my first time making it.”

Nodding to his accomplishment Zecora continued though without smiling. “Problem is, even when I followed your steps which I watched you take. I found that your concoction is a mystery I couldn’t break.” Ok that was curious to him but at the same time it could be said it only worked because his class was a squire. As she said that he found she had also started to serve some tea. “It was only when I looked deeper did I find what I sought.” He waited for an answer before she smiled. “It is through magic that this was made, yours, otherwise any who try will go for naught.”

“Magic? But I didn’t apply any magic…I don’t think.” Dustan was trying to think of how it could be since Squire’s didn’t use magic normally.

Shaking her head she touched his hand with her hoof. “Sometimes magic always there and in our work it does inject. Sometimes that alone can give something an effect.”

“So a passive type of influence?” When he sought confirmation for that thought, she nodded and smiled. “So no matter what till someone figures out how to affect those herbs like I do, only I can make that?”

“That is correct.” The zebra told him sipping some tea. “What is more anypony can benefit from its affect.” Setting her cup down, she looked at him seriously. “If at all possible, besides making some for around here for some medical kits, I would like some that I can sell for when we need bits.”

Nodding he gave her a thumbs up, something she just tilted her head at in confusion. “Sure I have no problem making more, though we may need a jar or few.”

Leaving for only a moment the mare came back with more than a few. “The ingredients I seen were incredibly ordinary. So with of their frequency we can easily pick what is necessary.”

“Nice.” He said feeling relieved. Now he could help bring some income in meaning he felt less like a freeloader then he did before. “Though now that is out of the way you said you had some questions?”

She gave a nod and said nothing for a good minute or two seeming to compose herself. “You said your species was called a hu-mans. Of this race I have never heard. No mention what so ever even among hybrids or clans.” She continued on to say. “I even looked through my books figuring your race was a hybrid of Minotaur and Diamond Dog. However when no answers came it left me in a fog.”

Dustan was in a dilemma, the merchant who had sent him here wasn’t bad. However his twin was. It seemed like he and his twin, from the sounds of their conversation, did this a lot with even more of their numbers, like some kind of crazed cult with actual powers. How does he even try to explain that, as well as if he did would that put her in danger if the evil one came after him?

Resolving on his course of action he smiled and chuckled. “Sadly not many of us are known Equestria or if it at all it seems and we tend to keep to ourselves from the other races.” While he said that Dustan could only think to himself. ‘Not entirely wrong and humans do tend to keep to themselves so it’s not a lie.’

“I see, of that it is a shame. For your race seems to have a drive almost akin to a flame.” She must have been referring to how he was always up in the morning doing his exercises seeing if she needed any help and always seemed to be active. Truth was he was really, really bored. Without TV, the internet, or games he found himself antsy to do anything to get his mind off of it.

“You could say that. That and it helps keep my mind off things.” He answered truthfully.

Hearing that she moved on to her next question. “How is it you have come to be here, seemingly lost? With no bits to your name I wonder how you coped with the cost.”

This he could give a bit more truth on as it was in its own way what happened. “Magic put me here. I have no clue what happened, how it was done, or even how far away from home I am. I have no clue how to get back home either. When I realized that you kinda seen what happened the first day couple of days I was here.” She nodded remembering his downtrodden attitude. “I am just trying to make the best of things now.”

As he said that he found himself looking at the cup of tea she had given him his hands slightly shaking. He then felt a peculiar sensation, fur covered legs wrapped around him. He had not even seen Zecora come over to hug him as he became lost in his thoughts but he gladly accepted and hugged her back.

“Well even if you never find your home. As long as you are around here never feel like you have to roam.” The gesture and meaning behind her words got to Dustan more then he would like to admit. So much so that he found himself burying his head into her fur as both his face and her fur started to become wet with his tears. “Thank you.”

After a few minutes the embrace was removed and things got a bit awkward. No one was sure how to proceed with talking till Zecora made him an offer. “I find myself often with a lack of assistance. Perhaps providing a bit of help in my brews will offer more in the way of subsistence?”

“Are you asking me to be your assistant?” Dustan asked just to make sure he got the meaning of her rhyming correct. Something, of which, he did occasionally seem to mess up often to embarrassing results. It took a couple of days to be able to look Zecora in the eye when he thought she once asked for a sperm sample.

The shaman gave a simple nod and a smile to confirm his question. “That is right my bipedal aide. For this if your results are sufficient, you will even be paid.”

This would definitely give him something more to do, plus it may even work towards earning job points for Chemist since he would be working with medicines. “Sure, when do I start?”

Author's Notes:

Here is the second chapter, hope you all like it.