My Little Tactics

Chapter Five: A Walk Through The Town.

It had been almost a week since the off schedule event as Dustan had thought of it and since then things have calmed down quite a bit. The forest had calmed down along with the animals in it, he had walked into town once with no pony screaming at him or calling him a monster…beside Roseluck. He had even got measured and paid for clothing to be made for him by Rarity, of which she wasn’t happy when he still paid her when she wanted to give the first outfit to him for free, well that and that he wanted ‘plain clothing’ as she put it.

Yep all was right in the hut for sure as a crashing sound was heard inside the hut causing Dustan to sigh as a youthful apology was given. “Ah sure am sorry Zecora, I didn’t mean to drop it.”

The little filly that was Apple Bloom had paid a visit once more to the hut, her second in the span of a week. She had been interested in learning about Zecora’s culture and potion making from when she had helped out with the brew to cure Poison Joke the first time around. It was during that first time around that he had discovered how uncomfortable he had made the filly, or rather how his bare back made her uncomfortable. It was because of this fact that he waited outside during her lessons, which explained why he was currently sitting on the ground by the door cross-legged.

He had been trying to see if he could access the Class Room more easily via meditation, having even checked out a book from Twilight’s Treebary on the subject but was finding more than a bit of trouble as he worried about what was going on inside. The squire found he couldn’t help but chuckle at the antics as well as Zecora calmly and patiently explained mixtures and techniques to the girl similarly to how she had with him when he asked the same questions a few weeks ago. That being said if meditation was a no go he would at least get something out of the day as he took up his sword and started giving practice swings with it.

When the filly had finally come out of the hut he was pouring sweat. This time not only had he been swinging his sword but he had been mixing in the Aim+1 skill trying to get it to flow more naturally as well as easily just in case he needed it quickly. That was easier said than done and while the skill may not have cost any kind of MP or anything, he did find that it cost stamina and effort. Zecora handed him, or rather hoofed him, a towel to wipe down as Apple Bloom tried not to look at him. To make her feel better he quickly put back on his cloak.

“So how did the lessons go?” The question was better received now that he was covered somewhat as Bloom lit up and was happy.

She practically bounced around before answering him. “It went great. Ah learned how to make a simple balm to put on the pigs if they get hurt.”

Reaching down he ruffled her mane with a smile. “That is good to hear, but remember never to go look for the herbs in the Everfree. That is a off limit zone for you.”

“Ah know that. Ah ain’t a foal after all.” The young apple puffed out her cheeks at the perceived slight which just made her look adorable and caused Dustan to chuckle.

“I didn’t say you were.” He said sheathing his sword finally and looking up to the sun. “Let’s see, it’s been a while, I should see Rarity while I am in town.” Looking down at the filly as she got her saddlebags ready he asked. “Ready to head back?”

“Sure am.” She smiled back at him. This had been the routine for them since the first time she had come over. She would get her lesson and he would walk her back to her home on the orchard though he couldn’t get too close as Granny Smith had thought he was trying to kidnap the filly and had swung her cane at him. Old or not the mare still had a good bit of energy to put behind each swing to where he did not want a repeat beating from her.

Overall besides the Mane Six most of Ponyville was content to leave him be, but not in a hurry to interact with him. Dustan had overheard some ponies talking one time about the very subject and found that they were wary cause of just how alien he looked from a pony to which he could understand and figured they would get used to him in time. As they were hiking back to the orchard and its home he counted the seconds as he knew the questions were coming they always did whenever he and Apple Bloom were alone.

“So Mister.” Three minutes and forty seconds, a new record. “How is it that you make your salve but Miss Zecora can’t?”

“That is simple Apple Bloom. Magic.” ‘Ahh magic, the coverall of answers.’ He thought to himself after answering her. ‘Don’t know how something works? Fuck it, its magic. Best excuse ever.’

“Aww shucks. That means Ah will never be able to make it.” The ribbon wearing filly had her head drooping after saying that.

That had him curious. “What makes you say that?”

“Because Ah’m an earth pony. Earth ponies don’t have magic.” Was her answer though her head did come up when she heard his hand hit his head. “Why did you hit yourself like that?”

“Just, nevermind.” The Squire said before trying to remember things from the show. “Bloom, you have magic. Everything has magic. Unicorns have magic but it’s more directly seen, making it active magic. Pegasus and Earth Ponies have more passive magic. Your magic is more natural and is always active in your body. It’s how your family can farm so well, be incredibly strong and how Pegasus can touch clouds and fly even though the wings of a pegasus shouldn’t physically allow for them to fly.”

She just looked up at him as if he was giving off some great truth. “R-really? So Ah do have magic, it’s just passim.”

“Passive.” He corrected her gently with a smile before nodding. “But yes, you have magic. All ponies do so don’t worry about something like that.”

She started to prance again and bounce sometimes as he said that. “Alright! Ah was worried that Ah wouldn’t be able to put to use anythin’ Miss Zecora taught me but now that Ah know that Ah know Ah can.”

Reaching down he once again ruffled and gave her mane a good petting which she seemed to enjoy judging from her happy smile. “Well I am glad you are happy about that. However seems like our time is up today.”

So engrossed in this particular conversation that Bloom didn’t even seem to have noticed they had already arrived. “Aww shucks Ah had more questions.”

“Next time.” He assured her as he started to turn around.

Dustan was stopped however when he felt two hooves wrap around him in a hug. “Thank you Mister Dustan.”

If someone were to ask him he would absolutely deny the hug felt really good, nor would he admit to any unshed tears in his eyes for any reason. “No problem, now head off before your sister gets upset.”

Prancing off the Squire made sure that he spotted the two siblings giving a loving nuzzle to each other before heading off to town. As he got closer and closer he pulled the hood of his cloak over his head as well as wrapped the covering around his body further than before in an effort to call less attention to how different he was compared to ponies to make them at least a bit more comfortable. His destination was the Carousel Boutique and his goal, besides getting his new clothing, was to make sure not to get too caught up in stares and disrupting the daily lives of ponies.

“There’s that thing again Mother.” The small whisper of a filly said to her parent.

There was the sound of a dismissive ‘tisk’ before a haughty voice spoke up. “Come Diamond Tiara, it’s just a simple beast it can’t hurt you. Though do not worry, I am sure that the petition I put in with the Mayor will get through to make sure the next time it comes here that it will be tracked down by the Royal Guard for being a public menace.”

‘Spoiled Rich you fucked up mare you. Even now you are teaching your daughter right from wrong, or at least your version.’ Glancing out of the corner of his eyes he could see the pair moving on with a rather timid filly following after her mother. What surprised him the most was that Diamond Tiara’s flank was bare. ‘This must be before she got her cutie mark and before she turns into a little copy of her mother thanks to the superiority complex her mark gives her.’ Dustan sighed quietly wishing he could take her aside and possibly guide the filly to a better future but if he did that means her purpose would be left unfulfilled when the future CMC needed her.

So many pratfalls lay ahead of him and so many times he had to squash his instincts to help others lay ahead of him but in order for the happy ending that was coming he needed to stop himself and be in the background. So lost in his thoughts that he arrived to the boutique rather quickly and this is where a new problem hit him.

‘This is her shop AND home. Am I supposed to knock or just come in?’ He had lucked out last time as Rarity was seeing a customer out when he came around and invited him in so the problem had not come up last time. Deciding on the side of caution over being rude he knocked politely.

“One second, I will be right there.” Came the voice of the posh unicorn making him feel a bit better about knocking. As she opened the door though there was an interaction that made Dustan chuckle. Flipping her mane she had her eyes closed as she started her speech. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magni-OH!”

Her exclamation came when she realized she was staring at his stomach making her look up. “Sorry about that. Didn’t know whether to knock or just come in since it’s both a store and your home.”

Him apologizing gave her enough time to calm her breathing from what he could see before she put on her smile and nodded. “Well thank you for your consideration darling, it is much appreciated. What brings you to me today?”

She also offered him the hospitality of her home by letting him inside as he started to speak. “I was hoping to hear about the status of the clothing I ordered.”

Rarity smiled about that. “One second dear. While I do not have all the clothing you have ordered I do have some pieces ready and done along with a surprise.”

“Rarity I said I didn’t and she is gone.” The Squire said out loud though the last part was more to himself. Moving to sit down on the nearby couch, of which he recognized from the show as the infamous ‘fainting couch’ Dustan waited and braced himself for something with lots of jewels and sparkles if the surprise was anything like he thought it might be.

The hum of magic drew closer and soon Rarity stepped around the corner her horn glowing with her blue magical aura as several sleeves no doubt containing outfits came out with her all surrounded by that aura. “Here we are Darling, five of the outfits you asked for from the dozen. I would have had more done by now but I am just absolutely swamped with orders.”

“It’s no trouble at all Rarity, take your time with them.” He assured her as he took the first of the offered sleeves and looked for the zipper holding it closed. “Remember I want quality, durability, and longevity in these clothing since I will be wearing them every day.” Unzipping the sleeve finally revealed an exact copy of the outfit he appeared in, though of much higher quality and durability just like he had hoped along with a pair of socks and boxers. “Very nice.”

“Thank you, I do strive for perfection after all. I must admit though that your outfits challenged me in a way I would have never thought.” The unicorn told him floating over the next sleeve. “And, no it wasn’t cause of your unique proportions.”

Raising an eyebrow at that he simply asked her. “Oh? How did it challenge you then?”

This suit was more along the lines of something he would wear at home more jeans this time blue instead of the black of his costume as well as a long sleeved button up shirt in a dark forest green. This outfit also came with more boxers and socks thankfully.

The next sleeve came over as Rarity kept speaking. “Because, I make outfits to highlight a ponies coat or mane, their passion or even what they aspire to be often times with designs that unique to each of them. For you though, you wanted none of that. Simple colors, simple design, functionality, and comfort were your top priorities. It was something I had forgotten to do as ponies tend not to wear for comfort so in a way it made it that much more of an exotic design then I had even thought of before.”

For some reason he couldn’t help but remember a line from one of his favorite movies. “When everything is special, nothing is.”

“That is a bleak way to look at it I suppose but that is correct.” Rarity told him. “I was locked into thinking in ONLY that way, so it is refreshing to shatter that illusion so that I may strive for excellence that is even greater than before.”

The next suit was another button up shirt with an inner shirt being black and white respectively. The pants were unsurprisingly another pair of jeans but were wide and would end around the middle of his shins as well as a beige color. This outfit was designed for hotter days to come. Again he got a pair of boxers and socks with this outfit.

“Thanks Rarity, so far these are exactly as I asked for.” The complement made her giggle and wave her hoof as if to dismiss the complement.

Getting her composure she brought the last two over now. “These last two are copies of the last two though they are in different colors so you have a bit of variety in your choices.”

Unzipping them they were indeed as the designer had said. “Thanks. Mind if I get changed right now?”

Giving a nod the purple maned fashionista smiled at the suggestion. “No problem Darling, I was actually going to ask you to put one on so that we can see if I got everything correct.”

There was then an awkward moment of no one moving before Dustan realized the issue. “Mind turning around my species tends to be very shy about our bodies for a multitude of reasons that would take too long to explain fully.”

Smiling she turned her back but would talk as he got dressed in the first outfit that wasn’t a copy of his costume. “Of course Darling. If all ponies, or in your case Humans, were alike then there would be no variety in life.”

It took a moment but finally it was done. “It’s a great fit Rarity, really good job. Not too tight or too loose.”

Turning around the white unicorn gave a girly squeal as she seen her work displayed. “Oh good it lays on your form just as I imagined. Nothing too tight or uncomfortable?”

Shaking his head he even went to stretch in his new outfits showing they would move with him nicely. “Nope, even the boxers are a good fit.”

Normally saying this to a female would have him blushing up a storm but the ponies were so adorable he had a hard time seeing them the same as women from his world removing a good bit of the embarrassment. Plus he was talking to a professional and he knew that telling them everything was important for solving potential issues. He learned that the hard way via a plumber that came to his house one time when he was the only one there and was too embarrassed about discussing bodily functions to properly say everything. The plumber was needed two hours later for overflow and more.

While he would have loved to test how the copy of his costume would work with his armor he had not worn it cause of the chaffing and such it would cause without some kind of buffer between it and his skin. “Good, now for the surprise.”

‘Here it comes.’ He thought to himself briefly not looking forward to the gaudy thing that was likely made against the taste of any male that disliked such things.

However that isn’t what she pulled out. “Tada!” Instead it was a backpack made in the same black as his costume jeans. “I made this as I seen you had no saddle bags. I then realize of course you don’t have a saddle bag as there would be no place to put it so it took me a bit to come up with this design but I believe it should work. I call it-”

“It’s a backpack.” He finished the statement for her only for her to nervously chuckle.

“I was actually going to call it back bags but your name rolls off the tongue so much better. I take it Humans have these already?” With a nod she sighed before smiling again and using her magic to fold and put the clothing into the pack. “Of course, but hopefully you don’t mind this token of gratitude from me since you refused my first suit for free offer.”

He saw her doing the same for the few pouches he wore at his belt taking out the contents to place them in the pack or one of its many pockets. “You know normally yeah I would refuse but a backpack is something I really, really needed.” He told her clasping his cloak back on around his neck and shoulders.

“Oh what a lovely crystal.” The instant he heard Rarity say that is the same instant all the blood in his body froze. Turning to look at the unicorn he saw that in her magical grip rested the sapphire stone of Virgo. “I have never seen such a stone ever, what is it made of Darling?”

Rarity then gave out a gasp as his hand grasped the stone and pulled it out of her magical grip before stuffing it deeply into one of the pockets of the backpack. “Please don’t touch that.”

“I-I am sorry Dustan, I didn’t mean to offend.” She had backed up from him a bit as it seemed his actions had scared her.

Shaking his head he sighed. “You didn’t do anything wrong or know what it was so its fine. Just, please don’t ever ask to see it again.” Seeing her stare at him he supposed he had a dark look to his face making him want to fix things. Giving a couple of slaps to his cheeks he smiled and chuckle. “Besides, you can make any stone shine, no need to get all wide eyed at my old thing.”

That seemed to do the trick as the unicorn relaxed and smiled. “Well thank you. I won’t ask for your reasons as it seemed that crystal was important to you. Anyways I am very happy that you enjoyed what I have created and will make sure to get the others made as quickly as possible.”

“Again take your time. I paid for quality and I will be miffed if I don’t find perfection from the best fashionista in Equestria.” He gave a bow at that causing her to once again giggle and wave off his complement. “Anyways I don’t have anything to do today so I am going to go around and take in the sights of Ponyville. Have a good day miss Rarity.” With that he put his pack on his back smiling as it too fit perfectly and comfortable against him.

“I do hope you have a good time Darling and come back anytime.” She responded with a wave. As he was leaving her face had the smile removed and a worried look come over her face as she said something he couldn’t hear. “Why did you look more frightened for me than anything else when I held that crystal?”

Dustan only got about a dozen steps before he found himself levitated up into the air by a magenta aura. He had half reached for his sword in fright before a voice called out to him causing him to stop his reaction.

“Ahh Dustan!” It was the voice of the scholar of Ponyville herself. “I was actually thinking of coming to visit to talk to you some more.”

Twilight as was one of the regular visitors to Zecora’s hut as was Fluttershy even though he had only saw each of them once. “Twilight, please don’t randomly levitate me like that, I tend to get jumpy at surprises like this.”

“Oh sorry, it’s just I was so excited to see you again.” Though as Twilight said that she still had not put him down and was in fact carrying him towards the treebary.

‘Oh…it’s that Twilight…great…fantastic.’ Dustan thought as he was brought in to the home just barely managing to duck out of the way so as not to hit his head as he was levitated.

“There is so much I want to ask you about.” This was not a surprise to the Squire at all. “You see I have been looking through books upon books and have found NOTHING on your species. Meaning you are completely new to Equestria as a species.”

He didn’t like where this was going but felt like he could dodge most of the questions with a lie or two or a half truth, he was prepared for any question she had to ask of him. “Ok but mind if I can sit down, I mean hovering is nice but a good cushion might be in order so as not to break anything that might not support my weight.” He had lucked out for the most part as the type of wood for the furniture in Zecora’s hut was very hearty and could support his weight. He wasn’t sure about this place though.

“Oh right sorry.” She quickly let him down much to the complaints of his rear before quickly getting him a couple of pillows to rest on. “Ok first question.” She said before quills and ink popped into existence from somewhere else.

Nodding with a smile he leaned back on one of his hands as he got comfortable. “Go for it.”

“How did you arrive in Equestria and what made you decide to come?” It should have been an expected, one of the first he thought would be asked but as Twilight asked that he found himself strangely surprised by it.

Reaching up to touch his chest, the place where he had felt the sword slide into him the events leading up to his arrival played back in his mind. He must have been out of it for a bit and worried the unicorn as he came back to her shaking his shoulder asking if he was alright. Rubbing his hands over his face for a moment he came back with a smile hoping to put her off of her worry.

“Sorry about that, lost in some memories. Truth is that I was brought here by someone else; a spell or something used by someone else is what caused it. I am not even sure where in relation to the human lands I am anymore.” Not entirely false, he had assumed it was some kind of magic, or force the Merchant used to send him here but wasn’t sure. That and again he wasn’t lying when he said he wasn’t sure where humans were in relation to Equestria, the Universe is a huge place after all.

Dustan was slightly surprised by the look of utter sadness on Twilight’s face as well as a tissue popping out of nowhere to wipe her tears away with. “Sorry I didn’t mean to make you recall that. I never knew that you are displaced from your home as you were. Also with you not knowing where your lands are that means you have no way of returning till you do.”

“Y-yeah.” Dustan still wasn’t over this fact either and had still been trying not to think of it. So a subject change was in order. “Oh by the way, thanks for letting me check out a book. So far so good, though no success on achieving a meditative state as of yet but I will keep trying.”

Seems the lavender pony also appreciated the change in subject as her face visibly reflected that, ponies were so easy to read. “Oh I am glad you are enjoying it. Meditation is a very complex subject and simple all at the same time. The simple thing is clearing your mind, but with how often you think thoughts it is very difficult to do. I know I myself have trouble with it on occasions.”

‘You don’t say Ms. Analyze everything.’ His inner thoughts were on sarcasm level ten though he didn’t show it at all. “Well least you can do it. For me it’s just…I THINK I clear my thoughts, I focus on my breathing and find time just passes but at the same time I am aware of it. Which the book says is not the state I want but half way there. I have rid myself of thoughts but I must now rid myself of distraction and if I am aware of the world I am distracted.”

A giggle escaped the mare as she brushed the pink stripped mane from her eyes. “I have the opposite problem, as I said my thoughts tend to run with me but the world interrupting me has never been a problem as I am good at tuning it out.”

“Hey you two.” The boyish voice of the resident purple and green dragon called out.

Waving when he seen the baby dragon he smiled. “Sup Spike.”

The dragon was carrying a tray with tea and small sandwiches setting it down on the nearby table for the two. “Figured you two could use this when I seen Twilight dragging you in here like a cat who caught a mouse.”

For her part Twilight did manage an adorable blush. “I did no such thing, you take that back Spike.”

“Actually Twilight.” Dustan commented while pouring his cup of tea. “You kind of did. You levitated me against my will when I could have walked.”

The falling ears of the pony as well as the down turned face looking at the floor already was tugging at his heartstrings let alone when she started to speak. “I-I’m sorry. I just was so excited to talk with you. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

‘Diabetes please, I give up I swear!’ “It’s alright Twilight. I am happy to talk with you honest. Just don’t take it the wrong way in the future if I walk out if you do something like this again.” Taking a sip of the tea he smiled at the taste and gave Spike a thumbs up which was returned.

“Alright.” She was still looking upset but was recovering. “I suppose if you want is it alright if we continue with the questions?”

“Sure, fire away.” Twilight once more in her element with his answer opened her mouth and Dustan knew it would be a bit before he was freed.

“Alright Twilight, have a good day.” He waved to the librarian as he made sure the books he had checked out were nice and secure in his backpack. The Squire watched as she waved back to him as he turned to leave.

It had been almost two hours as Dustan was asked question after question with a few of his own thrown in. They had went over the basics of human anatomy which he was surprised that she didn’t ask for him to strip down. He had read about fanfics doing that before but was glad this Twilight didn’t. That or maybe she was considerate seeing as he they had just gone over some boundaries with the levitation. Turned out humans had better eyesight then ponies by about three times, with the reverse being true with a pony having much greater sense of smell though by how much was unknown as it was hard to quantify, neat with what you could find out with just simple questions and tests. They had gone over that Humans were more inclined to technology though have been known to use magic in all sorts of ways. This wasn’t a lie as he was going over what he knew of in Tactics as well as other Final Fantasy games, after all if he told her that magic didn’t exist in his world then how was it he could produce the salve with hints of magic.

That was a landmine he was doing his best to avoid. Speaking of landmines when he checked out books on both offensive and defensive magic he had to fall back on the excuse of living in the Everfree and that he himself was not a big caster at the moment. In truth he was hoping to get a bonus like he had when learning about potions from Zecora but for White and Black Mages. There was also the fact that since magic WAS possible in Equestria and spells did exist, would it be possible for him to learn them in any class? Ramza and Summoners did learn things when exposed to certain skills, maybe it worked kind of like that or the systems from the tactics games after that where you learned by equipping items.

In the end it didn’t matter as he would find out one way or the other and was just plain excited to be studying magic.

“Oh hi Dustan.” The soft voice of the quiet pegasus brought him out of his musing as he seen Fluttershy outside of a shop.

The butter cream winged pony was standing next to a bag as he waved to her. “Hey there, what are you up to?”

She looked down towards the bag and then stepped in front of it as if trying to hide it. “Oh nothing, just doing some shopping for my little animal friends.”

Looking up in the sky he noticed it was about noon now which was strange. “Weird, I remember Zecora saying you head into town to do your shopping after you feed your animals.”

Apparently Fluttershy and Zecora got along well, not only for the fact of their respect for nature both fauna and flora as well as the knowledge they could share, but because Zecora could give Fluttershy things to help keep her animals healthy and Zecora could get animal products. Hearing Dustan say this though the mare hide behind her mane a sure sign that something was up.

Sighing she barely was able to be heard as she spoke up next. “I have been trying to get back home with this bag of feed but I can’t carry it myself.”

Moving over to the bag he lifted it up and put it over one of his shoulders. “Need some help then?” He wasn’t the most athletic back home, but here he had put on some decent muscle so far for sure. Though he suspected that half or more was from his cheating aspect of being a class rather than his own hard work.

“Oh, no-no, you don’t have to I can-” The words started to come out but Dustan cut her off already marching down the road.

He knew that she would try to shoulder this problem herself so as not to cause anyone else any problems and he wouldn’t have that. “It’s no problem; I was heading back to Zecora’s anyways so this is on the way. I even have time to spare so if you need any more help feel free to let me know.”

Hearing the clip clop of hooves next to him the corner of his eye caught sight of the pink mane of the pegasus pony who preferred the land. “W-well if you are sure I wouldn’t mind some company today.”

“Good to hear.” For a moment there was some hesitation in his step as he looked to her. “You are going to make sure to keep Angel from me right? I haven’t forgotten what happened with him when he was with you during your last visit to Zecora’s.” There were just some things males do not do to each other unless they are good friends or doing dares and that was a nut check.

“I made sure to lecture him lots after that happened. He was also plenty scared after what you threaten to do to him.” She shivered a bit remembering but that just made Dustan grin. The little bunny could kick hard but he when he told Angel that he would do the same to him, well the little monster quickly realized it wasn’t an idle threat nor was it something to laugh off considering the size and power difference.

Their talk continued in silence after that with the Squire looking forward to enacting his revenge while the pegasus was thinking about how to stop her pet from getting neutered. Eventually though the critter house that was Fluttershy’s home came into view, instantly giving anyone the impression that the owner of the home was one with nature. Its roof a combination of moss, grass, and leaves gave it a lovely green coloration that was the dominate feature of the home from the outside. The inside was cozier, fitting the domestic nature of the pony in question as well as the fact there were small stairs everywhere for critters to move about when not on the ground.

Ducking down to get inside after Fluttershy welcomed him in, he looked around before asking. “Where do you want the bag?” He said it loud enough so that the pet of the home would make himself scarce…or show up Dustan wasn’t sure which he wanted more.

Right away the host of the home brought out a dozen small animal dishes as she asked. “Mind pouring some in the bowls please. I ran out after breakfast and don’t want my little animals to go hungry.”

“No problem.” It took him a second to figure out where to open the bag up, but once he had he was pouring steady amounts into each bowl. “How do you get them not to attack each other?”

She had come back with a few more bowls to be filled as well as take those that had been filled to various corners or open cages. “Well I told them nicely, if they couldn’t get along then they would have to find other places to visit and stay. After all I do not want my little animal friends to try eating each other.” She seemed to remember something as she gave a small ‘oh’ and looked back to him. “I know I don’t need to ask, but can you not eat any of my animal friends either with you being a carnivore and all?”

That was one thing that he didn’t tell any of the girls not even to Twilight during the interview so that did make him wonder. “I am an omnivore actually and how did you know I eat meat?”

“Oh that is wonderful to hear. Not the eating meat part but knowing you have all kinds of options to stay healthy.” She went to the kitchen before coming back to grab the last bowls as she finished explaining. “It’s your teeth. I noticed it when you first smiled.”

He made a mental note on not smiling so wide in the future if he could help it but knew that it would happen regardless. “Also I don’t eat anything that can reason. All your animal friends are safe and I tend to fish for my meat. I need it to stay healthy along with fruits, veggies, and grains among things. Speaking of, I can’t eat hay or flowers. Just letting you know in case you were wondering.”

“Thank you for letting me know, that is very kind of you.” She said that from the kitchen though he could then hear her speaking softly to something. “Come on little one, eat up. You just hatched not too long ago and need to eat.”

Rolling up the empty part of the bag he came into the kitchen to put the seeds away, well ask where to put them at least when he seen the caretaker talking to a very white fluffy looking chick, except the chick was about the size of a normal chicken. “Oh that is who you are talking to. Also where do you want the bag?”

“In the cupboard please.” She nosed the bowl of seed towards the little chick that just fluffed up adorably but didn’t eat. “Oh this little one just hatched from an abandoned egg I found in the forest. She has refused to eat anything and I am worried as I don’t even know what species she is.”

Putting the seed in the cupboard on the bottom he chuckled and smiled. “I am sure you will figure it out, you are the best caretaker in Ponyville after a-”

“Kweh”

Hearing the noise Dustan’s eyes widened as big as they could go as he watched the both of them but especially the chick. “Please little one, if you don’t eat you will get sick.” The chick merely gave another distinctive ‘Kweh’ noise.

Swallowing hard Dustan right away moved towards the fridge of Fluttershy of which turned to him and gave a bashful. “Sorry, you must be hungry too, if you find something to eat let me know.”

He was praying VERY hard his knowledge was intact about many translations and such as he had found the item he was looking for and quickly hid it behind his back as he moved to sit down on the floor next to the chick and Fluttershy. “Hey there little one, you must be very hungry right?” The chick gave another of its cry’s that practically made Dustan shiver with happiness. “I-I think this more along the lines you are looking for right?”

Bringing his hand around he showed the small chick what he had found: A carrot. Carrots were what the items were also known as so he was hoping this would work. Breaking off the tip and quickly mashing it up some he held the past in his other hand towards the chicken sized hatchling. She quickly stood up and hopped over towards the extended palm and pecked at the mush for a moment before giving a happy ‘Kweh’ noise and going to town on the carrot mash.

“Oh how wonderful, I am soooo happy to see her eating. I just wish I knew now what species she was.” Fluttershy said happily mostly to herself only to tilt her ear in Dustan’s direction when he spoke very softly.

“-bo” was all she heard.

Looking up to him though he was only staring at the chick she could see pure happiness on his face along with a few unshed tears. “Bo?”

Swallowing for a moment he nodded and smiled as he quickly broke off another piece of the carrot and mashed it up for the white bundle of fluff. “Mhm, Chocobo. That is the name of her species. Specifically unless all chicks are like this, she is a White Chocobo. Those types of Chocobo are VERY magical.”

“Oh I never heard of those types of animals before.” She was watching Dustan interact with the chick with a smile on her face. “Maybe you should adopt her as your pet?”

His eyes once again widened as he turned to her. “Really, I would love to!” The Squire saw the happiness on her face before a thought occurred to him that instantly brought his joy down. “But I can’t.”

Seems the pegasus also seen the vanishing joy bringing hers down as well. “W-why not?”

Seemed the little Chocobo chick had her fill and instead insisted on laying on his palm, fluff up, and fall asleep. “Cause of where I live. Not only do I live by the Everfree, a very dangerous place. But the place I live is not my own home. I live with someone else and to adopt a pet into someone else’s home is not only rude, but irresponsible towards pet and the one who adopts them.”

Hearing that, he couldn’t see it on her face as he was still looking only at the chick once more but she understood. “Alright, but if you ever do find yourself in a safer home would you want to adopt her?”

There was no hesitation as his other hand had started to pet the sleeping chick. “In a heartbeat.” Finding a nice place to set the chick he looked back towards Fluttershy and asked. “If you find anything that looks like a carrot but is kind of a golden color, that is a Chocobo favorite meal. They are called Gysahl Greens.”

Lighting up with a smile she went to one of her pantries and pulled out more than a dozen of the carrot looking greens. “These? I found them before the little Chocobo there hatched and tried to give them to Angel-bunny but he didn’t like them.”

Nodding once more he smiled. “That should be them. Anyways now that she is nice and fed is there anything else you need help with?”

Most of the things that the animal caretaker of Ponyville needed help with was feeding and cleaning after many of her animal friends. Nothing really strenuous, it just him helping to herd animals around while she either placed bowls down or cleaned an area. The Chickobo had woken up in the middle of the chores and right away Kweh’ed when she found the pair moving around the home or just outside of it. She had followed Dustan where ever he went and often fluffed up adorably. More than a few times did he find himself reaching down to pick the small Chocobo up and give her loving hugs and nuzzles.

Sadly the time had come and gone for him to head off back to Zecora’s to both which he himself and the Chocobo were sad about if the sound of the kweh’s the chick gave off were any indication. He promised to come back soon to see her and soon started to head down the road.

He was thinking about the small chick the entire time on his way back no matter how many times he tried to think about or get excited about the books on magic he had or his new clothes. Chocobos along with Moogles made his manly heart just squeal like a little girl with her favorite plushy any time he saw one in the games or when they gave their signature cries. He loved it every time one of them said Kupo or-

“Kweh!” The cry was too real to be in his head as he looked behind him and saw nothing at first.

Then the feeling of something rubbing up against his leg called his attention down, specifically to the white bundle of fluff. “Hey there. Did you follow me?” he asked the chick as he bent down only to get an affirmative Kweh from her. “You can’t come with me.” However as he told her that Dustan just heard the most heartbreaking Kweh possible from the chick. It hurt his heart to say the least and he could swear he saw tears in her eyes, bringing matching ones to his own.

Dustan looked towards the road, both first back towards Fluttershy’s home, then back to the hut he lived in thanks to Zecora’s kindness. He had a choice to make: Do the right thing and walk the chick back to Fluttershy’s hoping she could keep the chick from getting out again OR give in to the most adorable pile of fluff in existence.

On the way home he playfully glared up at the chick who made its home on his head and under his hood. “Boko, if Zecora kicks me out, I blame you.”

Dustan had made his choice and he honestly didn’t regret it one bit.

Author's Notes:

One of my favorite chapters to write just because of the feel goodness of it at the end. Hope you all felt it as well.