My Little Tactics

Chapter Six: Griffon Me A Headache.

It had been a peaceful two weeks, no sightings of monsters, no emergencies, and no issues with any of the Mane Six. Mostly because when he went to town on two separate occasions and found the episodes, The Ticket Master and Applebuck Season, going on. He made it a point to stay away from that as much as he could. That and he had gotten an earful from Fluttershy for now letting her know about Boko right away. She had been absolutely worried, his only consolation was the fact she was ecstatic about Boko being named and adopted properly.

That had been another potential fight as at first Zecora was upset but had grown close to the ball of fuss rather quickly. With them knowing what to look for in Greens and Carrots, the little bird was growing happily. With some of his funds he had bought her a food and water bowl, a bed, and some toys. Really only the things used was the water bowl though as he still fed her from his hand, she preferred to roost on his head or on his chest while sleeping and she seemed to enjoy chasing or being chased more than the toys all while flapping her little wings in mock fright or in an adorable, and unsuccessful attempt at intimidation.

Needless to say he loved the little chick.

Between playing and caring for the chick and helping out Zecora, he would head out to the Everfree castle and worked on a secret project there. He had a plan, but it was all in case things ever turned bad for him in the short run, or if it worked out would be a great boon in the long run. Needless to say he was banking on the long run scenario and hoped to never have to use the short option. During each time he went off, either to gather herbs, or to the castle, he made sure to leave Boko behind and to instill in her the great sense of importance that she not follow him. Both him and Zecora had made mentions of how quiet the forest had been and that was unusual. No sightings of Timberwolves, Cockatrices, no Goblins, Bombs, or any other manner of creature. This included signs like tracks and droppings. It was as if the creatures had just up and vanished or had been scared off by something. Both possibilities were scary and it was worrying to say the least.

When a knock came to the door, Zecora was the first to answer as Dustan was finishing up breakfast for the day; Boko was sleeping on a nearby windowsill catching some sun as the shaman of the household came back and hoofed over a letter. “For you it seems. However giggling is what I hear so it might be of somepony’s schemes.”

As he opened it up though a powder exploded on his face and neck making him cough for a moment before he could even read the letter. “Heard those hands are good for scratching, here is to hoping it’s true.” He started scratching at the growth of his face, something he needed to trim soon. Only the need to scratch never stopped, in fact it was getting worse. Dropping the letter he started to scratch all over with both hands now starting to growl in frustration as a duo set of laughter was heard.

“Look at him go!” The first one said between gaps in their laughter. It was a voice he recognized and one he had come to forgive for being so rude when she had finally come around to give him an apology, which given her nature, made him think highly of her.

“I know right, he is just going and going and going and going and going.” The other voice was the dreaded mind anomaly that was the Ponyville pink party pony of pastries.

“SO ITCHY!!!!!” Yelling out didn’t make him feel any better but it was literally all he could think of. Well at least till something splashed against his face instantly removing the need for itching.

Zecora was setting down the empty glass she had just used as she chuckled. “Seems we have found our plotters. Good thing that mixture finds relief with soothing waters.”

“Don’t care, too busy in not scratching.” Dustan said resting his head on the table. He was so busy resting in comfort for a moment he only caught a few words from the pair as they were heading off, something about ‘paint’ and ‘apples’. It took him a good few minutes before he was even able to move standing up slowly and looking around. “Thanks for the help Zecora. Seems like Boko is taking a nap, so I am going to go help Applejack like I promised her I would.”

“Yes, she has learned that even if you go into such a task being iron-willed, that such tasks are beyond her no matter how skilled.” Commented Zecora as she started to head to the backroom. She had planned to mix up some ingredients today for some kind of experiment of hers to further her studies.

Of course they were both referring to the results of Applejack taking on the task of trying to buck the whole orchard clean cause of her stubbornness only to realize that it was too much for even her. “See you later and if I am not back by noon I have some greens mashed up in the fridge for Boko.”

The Zebra gave a nod before vanishing into the other room as he himself left for the day. Along the way to the farm Dustan started to muse about things. Once more he had visited the Class Room and had even managed to learn a skill or two. Problem was unlike other skills these involved magic, and while the books on magic he borrow from the treebary were helpful, he didn’t know how to call upon the magic of needed to activate them. There was also the problem of still not knowing how to switch class skills so he was still stuck with his Archer subclass skill.

Once he figured out how to switch subclass abilities he knew he would be switching his Archer Aim skill for White Magic. ‘Cure will be helpful if I get hurt again and depending on if there are any unforeseen drawbacks or not might prove to be really good.’

So lost in his in his thoughts that he was surprised as Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie came flying by, well one was flying and the other running, all while giggling and laughing like mad. Merely raising an eyebrow at that, he continued on and found Applejack wiping off an apple.

“Sooo, what was with Pinkie and Dash?” The question must have surprised her as the orange pony jumped a bit.

Gaining some of her breath back she looked up at him and chuckled. “Oh it’s just those two pullin’ a prank on me. Though Ah reckon its goin’ to be quite troublesome to clean up after the pair of them.”

“Clean up after wha-” as he was saying that she picked up another apple and dunked it in water. Problem was that apple was painted up like an Easter egg. “Never mind I see.” Thinking of a way for this to become easier for the both of them, sadly he couldn’t think of one. “Well I was coming to help you pick apples since I can’t buck them like you. However looks like I am on clean up duty huh?”

“Darn tootin’.” Was her response making him sigh softly. He hated dishwashing jobs and this was basically the same thing.

Throughout the workday one thought came to mind and it came to him once again when he was walking home that evening after a hard day’s work. What episode was this? He remembered there being something about Dash and Pinkie pranking people but he honestly couldn’t remember which it was. Maybe it was the fact he had not seen the episode in what felt like forever, his tired state or the fact that so far events seemed to be slight altered.

A bomb appeared on the way to free Luna and Bridle Gossip happened much too soon. Ticket Master, from what he heard in bits and pieces from the others, had Twilight tearing up the tickets before sending them back. That was also something he forgot was he was sent a ticket along with Zecora. Apparently Twilight had mentioned them and Celestia wanted to meet him as an unknown species and Zecora since Shaman’s were so rare. He honestly considered out right declining knowing what he knew about the event to come but the looks on the ponies face made him cave.

Then there was Applebuck season. In this case Mac had not hurt himself, it was the fact that Apple Bloom was really sick and he had to look after her. Shuddering a bit as he thought of the changes so far, everything still aligned with what would happen but it seemed like slowly they were shifting and unraveling. He only hoped that despite what has happened that the end results will be the same.

As he walked in an adorable Kweh noise met him and he felt a few bounces touch his body before something fluffy settle on his head. “You are getting good at that Boko.” He told the chick as he reached up to pet her making her fluff up in happiness. “Is dinner ready yet or is Zecora still fixing it all up?” Boko’s response was to burp lightly making him smile. “Guess I will see if it is still warm then.”

True Applejack had invited him to dinner but he declined reminding her of her grandmother’s reaction to him. In the end dinner was still warm enough where he didn’t have to heat it up and he fell into an exhausted sleep still not recalling what episode was happening.

‘Likely it has something to do with the farm. So as long as I stick with Applejack it should be fine.’ He assumed and settled on the couch that served as his bed with Boko claiming a spot on his chest to sleep.

The next day breakfast went as it normally did Boko catching her nap on the windowsill leaving him to head out for work. This time he was dressed in more casual clothing, though he still wore his sword at his hip, because today Applejack was heading into town to sell her apples.

So far it was a lovely day, nice puffy clouds in the blue sky, birds chirping, Pinkie Pie falling rapidly in some kind of flying machine that was heading right for him.

“Oh shit!” Now the normal reaction for people and likely ponies seeing something like this happen would be to dodge and get out of the way. Dustan’s instincts were slightly different however in that he stood his ground and got ready to try to catch it. Looking at how fast she was dive bombing the crash looked to be beyond dangerous and his body had gotten a lot hardier since arriving in Equestria. Hell He was level seven just from a bit of training. Not the most exciting way to gain EXP but it worked.

The whirligig was making spirals as it headed for him, bracing himself one last time he held out his arms to try to grab any part of it, or Pinkie he could. When it did make contact it and the pink pony inside were sideways. Indeed he was hardier then before, however that was still a lot of weight coming at him with momentum behind it. That said he would be sore when he woke up.

“ar-ou-kay?” Mind was stuttering to piece together things as well as what he was hearing as he slowly woke up. “Oh thank goodness!”

Then the feeling of unbridled laughter hugged him so much he swore he felt some of his bones flex almost cartoonishly in his body. “Pinkie Pie, I need AIR!”

Feeling her release him Dustan was finally able to take stock of things as well as slowly start remembering what happened. “I was so worried when my whirligig landed on you, though if you hadn’t stood there that crash might have been really really bad for me.”

‘Oh right falling Pinkie.’ Sitting up slowly the Squire’s body protested against that action as much as it could. ‘REALLY wish I knew how to cast Cure properly now.’ Looking over to the bungle of raw unstable energy he simply asked. “So, care to explain?” He regretted that action as soon as he said that as there came out a string of words from the ponies mouth that would need a computer to digitally slow down for him to understand anything.

The only words he could understand where the final ones. “And then I came crashing down and you caught me.”

Likely the only reason he even understood those was cause she ran out of breath judging from how she was sucking in air again. “Riiiight. I didn’t understand any of that Pinkie. However I do have to get to Sweet Apple Acres for some work today. I am sorry your device crashed though.” Standing up he flinched and looked to his right arm finding a handkerchief on it slightly stained red. “From the crash?”

His question must have caught Pinkie’s attention as well as she solemnly nodded. “Yeah, one of the blades of the whirligig caught you on your arm as you caught me. It didn’t look to deep but it was bleeding so I used one of my hoofkerchiefs on it.”

Seeing how sad she was he put on a smile and rubbed her fluffy mane. “Then its fine. I helped you not to get hurt so I consider it a badge of honor. Anyways I got to go, see you later.”

“You too!” she called out as he started to walk. Dustan took a moment just to make sure she was ok before continuing to the farm.

When he got there Dustan was actually surprised when Applejack showed as much concern as she did. “What in blazes happened to ya?”

Waving it off he smiled trying to show that it was nothing. “Just a little incident on the way here, it’s nothing.”

“Hmm that hoofkerchief looks familiar.” Not wanting her to worry he again waved it off heading towards the cart that was already packed with many treats from actual apples to fritters and more.

“Its fine I promise.” He was fine and he would heal so it wasn’t a lie. He honestly didn’t trust much of his words around the Element of Honesty for fear that she was a living lie detector like many believed.

The feeling of her stare on him was intense for a moment as he made sure everything was secure, which it was. When it left the sound of a harness could be heard as the farm pony hooked herself up to pull the cart.

Looking back at him she spoke. “Fine. You weren’t here to help pack up the cart so Ah suppose Ah will let you off the hook for bein’ late.”

Giving a sigh they traveled to the town proper, but along the way he couldn’t help but ask. “So how has Bloom been? I know she recovered but I am guessing she hates all the makeup work that piled up from school huh?”

That got a chuckle out of her as she nodded. “Sure has. That is the way ain’t it though?” Her muzzle crinkled up for a moment before she looked back at him. “Wait, do Humans even have school?”

Nodding he smiled and told her the truth. “Thirteen years of it, more depending on circumstances. We have kindergarten then first through twelfth grades. If you do badly enough during some of the grades they may keep you there to redo the year. That is not to mention collage and such after you graduate so that you can find a specialization lasting anywhere from four to ten years.”

“Tarnation!” He heard her exclaim. “Ah don’t know if Ah could handle that many years, heck Ah doubt many ponies can.”

That brought a simple question to mind. “Ok then how many years do ponies normally have school for?”

“We just have seven years.” Jeeze, that was nearly half of his own education, which seemed to explain things in this world quite a bit in his mind. She must have seen the surprise on his face as she followed that up with. “Well once a pony gets their cutie mark they usually go to apprentice under somepony or they figure things out for themselves. Why what happens when Humans get their cutie marks?”

Of all the ponies he thought might ask this question, Applejack was not the one he had anticipated. “Humans don’t get cutie marks.”

His earlier look of shock found its way onto the Element of Honesty’s face as she simply asked. “Then how do y’all know what y’all are supposed to do?”

The answer was simple. “We don’t.” The look of shock grew as he chuckled. “We go through life trying to find a passion. Some of us never find it, or if we do never find a place for us to use that passion properly. There are some who are lucky enough to do both, but more often than not we learn something so that we may pay the bills and such. Learning to tolerate what life we have found ourselves in and make due.”

“Make due till what?” If it had been one of the CMC that had asked him this question he would have sugarcoated it, however it wasn’t, it was a grown mare that would handle it.

“Till one of two things happens.” Seeing Ponyville come into view he made his answer quick and simple. “We either find something to balance us out and make us happy or try a profession that does make us happy. If not well, the second option comes down to living through your life till there is no more life left to live.”

When he gave the second half of his answer he felt the cart stumble for a second forcing him to hold on to it and make sure nothing fell off. He didn’t want to look at the expression on Applejack’s face but the corner of his eye caught it anyways. It was one of horror and concern.

Concern must have won out as she asked a question. “Which one did you fall in?”

He was happy his hood hid his expression as he straightened up the products that had slide a bit as he spoke. “Looks like we are here AJ.”

Looking back they were in their proper place indeed for selling. “Lookie here Ah ain’t gonna back down from the question.”

Her words were ignored as he looked up at the streets of Ponyville and loudly proclaimed. “Come one, come all. The delicious apple treats you want are here, get them before they are all gone so you won’t have to wait till next time. Cause let’s face it, if you don’t get one now you know one of your friends are going to mention how tasty the treat they got was.”

The farm mare wanted to chastise him for how loud he was being as well as for not answering, except she didn’t have time, ponies came crowding around to buy treat after treat. This wasn’t something Applejack would likely forget anytime soon even if the subject never came up again properly.

In almost record time did they finish up selling nearly every single thing in the cart. Both he and Applejack were watching the last customer go away with an Apple pie did he smile and stretch. He was worried that the ponies might run away at the sight of him or the fact he was wearing a sword, but so engrossed in the act of shopping for apple treats as they were they never noticed him.

“Welp that is all of it. I knew that would work.” Ponies were so gullible at times. A simple sales pitch and they came flocking in.

Giving him a chuckle she looked at him a smile back on her face that mirrored his own. “Darn right. Ah ain’t ever seen them sell out so quickly before. Maybe Ah should hire you as mah spokes pony.”

“Na, but I will settle for being a spokesman instead.” Grinning at the joke but of them started to laugh out loud.

It was AJ who settled down first as she started to get hitched back in the cart before looking up at him. “Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?” Dustan simply said ‘oh’. “Yeah Ah think you earned it with that little call you did there.”

Giving a simple shrug he accepted the offer. “That actually fits into my plans somewhat. I was going to go to town hall tomorrow to check on something but no reason not to do it today if I have time.”

“Sounds like a plan then. See you later partner.” With that she was off, trotting back to S.A.A.

With that he headed into town hall seeing a secretary pony at the desk he simply asked. “Where can I find out where the records for plots of land are?”

It was about one when he came out his stomach grumbling at him for lunch the last hour and finally winning brought him out into the light of day. He had found the target he was looking for finally and saw that it was indeed in the town’s possession which made his future plans so much easier. That and the circumstances surrounding it made it even more possible then he previously thought.

Honestly today was a good day, barring some few questions and the crash from earlier this morning. The Squire was willing to take the bad with the good on this one in favor of the good considering what the good consisted of. Speaking of good there was a pony that brought a smile to his face every time with how adorable she was: Fluttershy.

The butter yellow pegasus was currently leading a family of ducks through town, an adorable sight for sure. So focused on the adorable sight that he never saw what was about to happen.

“HEY!” The caretaker of animals had bumped into somepony. Said somepony was in fact a brown and white griffon that was a good bit bigger than her. The end of her white feathers often had purple colorations, as well as around her eyes were large softer purple patches that covered each of them.

The instant he saw this he immediately knew what episode he was forgetting and instantly regretted not remembering it. “Oh please excuse me”

The griffon was having no part of the polite town Fluttershy used though. “I’m walking here!”

Dustan had to remind himself that this was part of an episode; it NEEDED to happen as he just barely kept himself from running over to the timid pegasus. “Oh, I-I’m sorry, I-I was just trying to-”

Once again the griffon known as Gilda was not having it as she responded with a mocking tone of voice. “I’m sorry I’m sorry.” All the while making poor Fluttershy backpedal away in fear. “Why don’t you just watch where you are going Doofus?!” as well as making the family of ducks scatter.

“B-b-b-b-but I-I.” Here is where the similarities of the episode ended however because in the show Gilda was supposed to give off a roar and make the mare run away in tears.

Not this time as Gilda reached over grabbed Fluttershy by the head held her up and roared in her face. It was this sight, along with the butterfly marked mare’s face showing both fear and pain that signaled that something had changed. The pain was from the fact that the sharp claw of the predatory hybrid had cut along Fluttershy’s cheek.

The rivulet of crimson running into her fur is what prompted what happened next. “Now why don’t you leave and get out of my sights!”

The ring of steel echoed in Ponyville at that moment, making the griffon’s eyes go wide as the tip of a bloody red sword was now on her beak. “Put her down, apologize, and no one will have to see what a beakless griffon looks like.”

Gilda held on to her captive as her eyes moved to the creature that was almost twice as tall as her. “And what are you supposed to be? Also why should I?”

The sound of steel against Keratin grated out some as the tip of the sword created a light scratch along her beak. “I am her friend and if you don’t you will find yourself looking for a prosthetic beak to replace what I remove from you.”

If the griffon was frightened in any way she hid it well as she dropped Fluttershy who immediately ran off crying before flying away. “There, I let her go, now get your stupid self out of my way.”

“One moment.” Was all the warning she got before she reeled back giving an eagle cry of pain. “There, had to make sure you were even for harming my friend.”

Holding up a talon to her face she found it came back red as she now sported a cut on her cheek. “Why you!” There was a tense moment where Gilda was poised to attack him with her wings stretched out wide to look as big and as intimidating as possible. Staring into his eyes as his own bored into hers waiting. “Fine!” Whatever caused her to back off he didn’t know but she turned around and lifted her wings. “Whatever all these lame ponies are driving me buggy anyways. I gotta bail.”

With that she took flight and headed off to who knows where. Dustan after sheathing his sword took off in the direction of the woods, specifically the home of his friend. He got there at a pretty good time as only months ago he would have long run out of breath and would have been hunched over hassling for breath. The Squire was still panting hard for sure but he knocked on the door though when no answer came he opened it up. Ponies were so trusting in that they rarely ever locked their doors which made him feel bad for coming in like this.

Searching the house he found a distinct lack of animals on the lower floor and it was only when he came upstairs did he understand why. Lining up out of the bedroom door of the pegasus were all her friends there to give her comfort.

“Fluttershy!” He called out, startling some of the animals and the pegasus inside no doubt. As he got closer, thankfully the animals parting to make way for him, he could hear her crying more and more as he got close. She was under her covers shivering like a leaf as well as crying which wouldn’t be stood for. Pulling the covers off Dustan picked up the mare and gave her a giant hug. “There there, it’s ok.”

Almost right away the pegasus wrapped her hooves around him in a desperate attempt to hold onto something in her sorrow. “W-why d-did she have to b-be so mean?”

Giving her comforting pets along her head and mane the answer that came up was one Dustan himself had learned when trying to make friends so many times or when he was dumped on a date. “You can never know someone’s thoughts completely without getting to know them. Some don’t give you the time to know them which is a shame, but at the same time that means they never truly wanted to be friends with you if that was the case. Friendship is about give and take both in earning it and in maintaining it. Meaning if someone isn’t willing to give at all, they will just take and take.”

“O-oh kay.” The caretaker of animals said in response before he slowly felt the weight balance change.

Giving a soft chuckle he looked at her sleeping face only to see the cut from earlier. “Hey some of you with decent dexterity mind raiding Fluttershy’s medical supplies for a bandage while getting a washcloth with some warm water on it?”

Some of the animals quickly ran off, surprisingly Angel being the first off to go do things and the first one to return carrying a Band-Aid. After giving taking it Dustan noted that the bunny held a concerned look on his face and his ears hanging low showing that a soft bit was hidden under it all.

“I am sure she will be fine after a nap.” That seemed to comfort the bunny even as Harry the bear came in with a warm sponge giving a questioning growl. “That will do thanks.”

Cleaning up the mare’s cheek he put the bandage on afterwards. Though when he tried to remove the mare the human found she was way stronger than any gave credit for as he couldn’t make her forelegs let go. Rolling his eyes he decided to continue petting her as long as she needed it.

Eventually she did wake up, about an hour or so later, it was really hard to tell with no clock on the wall that he could see. “Huh what?”

Seems she had forgotten where she was so he booped her nose and chuckled. “Sleep well?”

“Yes, yes I did, but why are you here? Last I remember seeing you was when I was leading the ducks and-oh…right sorry if I caused you any trouble.” Her ears flopped down as it seemed to come back to her.

Once more petting her head he chuckled. “Its fine. I mean it. I am more worried about you; you were really upset when you fell asleep. So much so that you wouldn’t let go of me after, so I had to make sure you slept well.”

Seems she finally realized she was still holding him as she gave a small ‘eep’ her wings flapping open as she was startled at the discovery before she quickly tried to get off him. “I’m so sorry.”

Standing up and rubbing his legs some to get the feeling back in them he gave her a big smile. “Again it’s no problem. You are my friend Fluttershy, I defend my friends and comfort them when needed.”

She winced a bit at the word ‘defend’. “Oh I see, but did you have to point your sword at her, oh and why is it red?”

“Why it is red is a bit of a story, so I will save that for another time.” Was the answer he gave so to avoid that conversation. “As to why I did what I did. She hurt you, she was mean, she was being a bully when there was honestly no need to be. She was new here, she could have chosen to be nice to others, and no one knows her here so no one would judge her. She chose to be as she was, thus I responded in a way to let her know that I wasn’t someone she could do those things to. Was it a bit overboard. Maybe. Do I regret it? No.”

“Oh um…just…try to be nicer next time and don’t resort to violence the first chance you get ok?” She was asking him to make a promise one that honestly didn’t surprise him in the least as it was just how she was.

“Shy, I make it a point not to do anything like that without knowing that there is no chance for talking. If I even suspect there is a chance of talking it out, I will try.” Making a move to the stairs he did stop to add one other thing. “That being said, if one of my friends are hurt then all bets are off. My friends are my treasure.”

Was it sappy? Absolutely. Did that get him picked on a lot during his time on Earth? Also Absolutely. Did that mean he meant it any less? Nope. There were instances he remembered running in to back up Pat but ended up being more than a bit thrashed for it.Always in the end his friend would make a point of telling him what an idiot he was for jumping in like that and every time would Dustan smile at him and laugh saying it was worth it.

A knock came at the front door which pulled both of their attentions. “Fluttershy are you in here and are you ok?”

Both of them knew the voice but it wasn’t his place to answer the door to someone else’s home. “One moment Pinkie.” After opening the door the pronking pink pony smiled and hoofed over a square slip of paper. “Oh my, what is this?”

“It’s a party invitation.” Seeing him looming not too far away she zipped over and smiled. “Oh hi Dusty, here is one for you as well.”

Knowing what he knew it was obvious who the invitation was for, sadly he did have to feign ignorance. “Oh, whose it for?”

“Gilda the Griffon.” The reaction from Fluttershy was instant as in the face of the beaming party pony her ears drooped and she became more than a bit timid.

“I-I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to go.” The pink maned pegasus spoke quietly.

“Fluttershy, please.” The pony party planner asked gently. “I am hoping it will improve her attitude.”

Shaking her head this caused Pinkie’s mane to deflate some. “No, I don’t want to.”

“O-oh ok.” With that Pinkie Pie left sadly, but that meant Fluttershy wasn’t going to go even though in the episode she was present.

That had to change. “Fluttershy I think you should go.”

Even though he placed his hand on her withers to help give her some comfort he still felt her shirk away some. “But she was so mean and what you said-”

“I know I know.” He told her closing his eyes so that he wouldn’t have to look at her while he told his next lie. “But we don’t know her, we don’t know if she was having a really bad day or anything. For all we know she might have been scared being in a new place and reacted VERY poorly.”

“I-I suppose.” He couldn’t see her reaction but felt her come back into his touch some so he assumed that meant a positive response.

Opening his eyes he seen he was right as her ears had gained some altitude but not fully. “You know what? Why don’t you get some birds together for a bird choir? You told me you got some for the Summer even you all had some time ago, though I forget the name right now.”

He didn’t forget he just wanted to keep playing along. “Oh right…if you think it will help.”

Smiling and giving her a hug Dustan told her. “Who knows, maybe you will see something fun and have fun yourself if nothing else. So go have fun ok?”

Giving a large smile, well large for Fluttershy when not talking about animals, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll do it.”

Petting her mane he simply said. “That’a girl. I will get out of your hair-err mane so you can prep then.”

“Ok, and Dustan thank you.” She gave him one last hug that made him glad in of itself of having numb legs just before.

“Anytime.” Giving a wave he started to head out the door but stopped. “Oh and I doubt I will be dropping by so let Pinkie know. I am sure seeing the person that held a sword to your beak won’t put her in a good mood so I will skip out on things so to not cause more trouble.”

There was a sad look that passed over her face for a moment before she sighed and must have accepted it. “Sorry, you haven’t even had a party yet yourself because you technically haven’t moved to Ponyville. I am sorry you have to miss another one.”

Shrugging he waved and smiled. “It’s fine Fluttershy, as long as I know my friends are having a good time, that’s enough for me.”

“O-oh ok then. I will see you soon I hope.” She gave a wave of her hoof as he left.

When he was out of sight he sighed a bit, did he want to join the party, or rather any party? Absolutely, but he was used to never going to parties. He was never a social person or one of the people that got invited to parties ever. So the first party he gets invited to in forever outside of Pat inviting him he had to decline did bother him.

‘At least everything is as it should be, well except for me being here.’ Dustan thought to himself. So lost in his thoughts that he didn’t hear someone shouting for them till the cyan coated pegasus blocked his way. “Oh hey Dash what brings you-”

The polychromatic pony just glared at him and asked a simple question. “Did you seriously attack my friend and didn’t think we wouldn’t have words.”

Honestly he had not even thought about the connection of Gilda and Dash till just then but it made sense. “Not like I didn’t have a good reason.”

“BEING A GRIFFON ISN’T A REASON TO ATTACK!” Rainbow Dash’s fur at her face mixed with the rush of blood in her anger making a light purple coloration. “That is just racism!”

“Is that what she told you?” Honestly he could feel his own face starting to get red. Dustan was never the type of person to judge people on superficial reasons such as where they are from, what clothing they wore, or even their race or ethnicity. The human always tried to get to know people before making judgments and the implications that he was a racist ticked a nerve in him that he wasn’t aware of. “Cause if it is, that is a crock of shit that she is feeding you.”

“HORSE APPLES! I have known Gilda since flight school and I believe her over someone that hides out in the Everfree.” Even as she was angry at him he had to admit he admired her loyalty.

Too bad he was angry. “Well then, feel free to talk to ANYPONY that was there, hell even Fluttershy. She will tell you what went on.”

“I don’t need to hear it from others when I have my friend’s word.” The pegasus became a blur then and Dustan felt himself hitting the ground quickly as she continued to speak. “Don’t even think about coming around me or my friends again or I will do more than pay you back for what you did to Gilda. In fact why don’t you get lost!”

With that she flew off in a blur leaving Dustan to sit up and touch the left side of his face tenderly wincing. Pulling his hand back he saw that her hoof must have bit into his face quite hard as there was crimson there. Quickly pulling out a handkerchief he held it to his face while heading back to the hut. Zecora wasn’t there, or at least she didn’t answer when he called out so he headed right to the bathroom.

Looking at the mirror there after cleaning up the cut he found a good semi-circle cut just below his eye with the open end pointing down. “That is going to leave a mark.” Was all he said in a soft tone as he quickly got some medicine out to apply to the cut. Though looking at where she hit and how hard he knew bruising all along his face was going to happen.

As he was washing out his ‘kerchief he spied the blood running down the drain before throwing the wet cloth hard against an unoffending wall. Nice guys finish last was the phrase that kept running through his head. A phrase that was repeated to him over and over by all aspects of his life from family to friends, even strangers reminding him that his nature being what it was would always lead him to last place.

“Seems I am there again.” The words were spat out like bitter food as he bent down to retrieve the cloth and ring it out in the sink. “Dash will forever see me as someone who attacks her friends and wants me to stay away from her friends. That means that from now on she would likely look to make sure I can’t even befriend them.” Slapping his face and right away regretting the action thanks to his left side he sighed. “Let’s try to look at the bright side. Maybe after the Gilda thing she will start to question things and look to find the truth? Maybe she didn’t mean what she said and just needs a few days to cool down? Maybe I was always meant to be alone.”

“It is good to once more be home.” Came the voice from the living area as the front door opened. “Though at least this time I had some company as I roam.”

The soft sound of a Kweh showed why he had not found Boko waiting for him when he had came back. Speaking of Boko she suddenly gave off rapid Kwehs and the sound of soft wing beats could be heard, meaning she smelled him. The instant she found him in the restroom she rubbed herself against him.

There was a moment when he felt tears in his eyes in the thought that he wasn’t alone. “Hey there, miss me?” The happy noises of the chick were all the answer he needed as he picked her up and nuzzled against her soft down.

So lost in the comfort of the Chocobo that he never seen Zecora come in to check on him. “Are you in so much pain that it brings you to tears? Or did whatever harm you come directly from your fears?”

Feeling confused for a moment he reached up and found his cheeks lined with wetness, specifically tears. “Sorry, just…never mind it’s not important.”

“Of that I have a hard time to believe.” The shaman said in a rather unusual soft spoken voice. “For obviously tears means your heart must have felt a cleave.”

There was a moment when he froze for an answer before feeling his heart wrench once more for a different reason. “Yeah. I was thinking of going out into the Everfree for a few days, explore a bit deeper you know, maybe get an idea on how to go forward in life from there. So the thought of leaving Boko here was troubling me.”

The lie was not bought if he had to judge the face of the shaman correctly, but she never spoke up about it. “Make sure you prepare well. That way, when you return you have a tale to tell.”

“Yeah, I should be gone in about an hour. Boko should have enough carrots and greens for a week in the fridge so if for some reason I am gone any longer then that…well I might be in trouble.”

His chuckle was not returned as Zecora turned away from him. “Let us hope it doesn’t come to that. Nor that you come back wounded as that is old hat.”

“Right.” Was all he said before he started to pack. He had four days of supplies but told Zecora he would only be gone for three. As he was walking towards his destination, the ruins of the castle, he looked back at the hut and sighed. “I need to find my own place soon so any blow back from my actions don’t fall on Zecora. Hopefully this will be all solved in three days and it won’t matter when I get back.”

Dustan would remember those words as they would be true, but not for the reasons he would care for.

Author's Notes:

DUN DUN DUN, cliffhanger!

*Nudges author off cliff*

Oh you sonnva BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIiiiiiiii...