Night breeze blew against my naked skin, shaking up my frame ever so slightly. Drifting above all inhabitant and landscape of Equestria, the watchful moon shone upon and through my being. Quiet night, whistling leaves and town constructions, pure scents from the shadows... in these times, I truly feel cleansed, all the way to the very core of my soul. Undisturbed by nothing, but the cicada's instrumental jointed legs, electing tranquility scaled serenity in the moment...

Paradise... in the world of living, I found Paradise...

Ruining this scene would have been a crime, for my part. However, the sound of burning cancer-stick's paper only lent me shooting smoke and sedative sensation to every reign inside me. My cigarette playing the role of a tranquilizer, it extended the period of my momentary peace with the world. Nostalgic images flashed before me, each showing those moments of my life, where I just stood on my terrace and watched one of my childhood's most seen place... my garden...

Truth to be told, avoiding my attention, this remembering-ception did cause my heart to shatter fragment by fragment, the longer I recalled those times. I seriously believed that in that very moment, I will experience tears trickling down from my eyes... for the very first time in my life, might I add. Crying was a foreign concept for me, an inexperienced moment.

Though, I’m contraticting myself for saying this, for I have actually cried before... out of physical pain and not from sorrow…

It was in that moment, I realized what was affecting me so strongly and after repressing the finished cigarette into my portable ashtray, I pretty much told Equestria to fuck off and ended my relaxing session... pity...

Immediately, like my brain has been programmed to be pessimistic, I saw an alternate outcome of the previous lecture for the fillies - meanwhile, I had recalled what were the referred names for the young equines - , and what would have the following days be like. A farm mare, who left my side and abandoned the third aspect; a disappointed 'rarity'; a resentful 'rainbow'; and finally, a disapproving 'twilight'. I realized, how much I was in need to pick my actions wisely, in order to gain a good reputation.

And now, this goal was at utmost priority, unlike back then, when I only did favors for others, just so they would repay me, serve me something good or something along the lines of a 'prize'. Gaining good reputation has been a secondary objective and every time they misunderstood my 'kindness' as a way to brighten up their days, those favors were merely acts, out of pure tactics. From true heart, I've never did good for other souls. I wanted them to remember me and one day, be ready if I ever need them in certain ways. Or gaining good reputation was for respect and honor purposes, never to make them feel cared for. Everything was my cruel play, forever staying as the terrible truth. And all of us came out good from it...

I helped them, so they will see me as a good soul. However, in reality, I was no good soul, helpful or trustworthy. Only honorable and respectful, through my years amongst the A'nforians...

Selfish, that is what I was and am right now... yet I helped many at the same time. How am I supposed to decide, if I was a wrong soul or not? Again, that is why I am The Balance, for I have stayed on the middle road in my life...

And now, there I was, in Equestria and resumed the same course of actions, all for one goal... to seize the trust of the town, while living as a lie amongst these ponies. I don't know about you, but I certainly know about me and for my part, it seemed as a fair 'trade'. They get to have a productive citizen and I shower in their respect. And what was the best part in this plan? Well, think about what have happens, if I accidentally got discovered... they would have still had use of me and eventually, they would have just 'forgave' me anyways... that is, if I can actually say that their reactions would have been getting angry at me, for lying.

When I'm going to awake on that day, when these ponies will see me as trustworthy... I'll have them in metaphorical collars... all of them...

The persistent soul receives respect and honor for his or her hard pains and the past sins will forever remain nonexistent in the eyes of other souls. In summary, victory WAS going to be mine, if it wasn't at that particular moment...

Each action of mine was beneficial to gain reputation with Ponyville. I decided to grasp this single window of opportunity and concluded to focus on presenting myself wisely. Since I couldn't ignore this matter, nor ran from the problem, then I had to go face-to-face with the task...

My updated objective: Gaining good reputation with the town, via acting the full-out honorable, respectful, productive, helpful, trustworthy and wise soul, whilst ignoring most of what it takes to achieve victory. Showing authority; however, staying gently submissive...

At last, a suitable and Balanced plan, so with my goal set in my head, displaying it before myself for one last time before me, I went back inside...

The moment I walked in, I rightfully expected the fashionista to storm away from her work, just so she could question my attire, however, she did not. More so, she kept up the work inside that little room and from a quick glance inside there and over to the far side of the room, I saw each knife and blade, folded into a rag and placed against the wall, beside my body armor.

Good thing I lick down the blood from my blades. If I didn't have had the gusto to do as such, she wouldn't have been so pleased to not let those lethal items lying around, I trusted...

Although, the sight promoted an idea to find its place in my head. Seeing as Generosity was occupied, I thought I could make myself occupied as well. It wasn't like I could do much in that moment, only little things. Unnecessary tasks, which I've never had the time to take care of, under the hectic days in this strange, yet exotic town. Polishing and repairing my weapons seemed to be appealing to kill time and just to look over my equipment. To have them feel as more personal for me and not just items from somewhere forgotten...

After all, the distance between Earth and Equestria could be only reduced by my possessions brought with myself...

When I laid foot inside the room, Miss Rarity appeared to be truly busy, concentrating on some notes. While having a boxer hovering before her, from time to time, she stole a glance at it and jotted down some more on the paper. The stitching work, was what she was observing and getting familiar with. It was an undeniable notice, that she had never seen such a thing before and I positively identified the determination in her whole being, to make the ordered copy perfect.

She did not hear me get back from smoking, nor entering the room. My bare feet let out no sound, even though I walked past her considerably ordinary, not with a bent frame, like I was sneaking past the target, to steal an intel. But I learned it long ago, that bare skin was dead silent, unlike bare hands, when it came to take-downs...

Besides, the carpet felt pleasantly soft beneath my cracked and hardened soles...

Up until I put the zipper on my backpack under usage, she remained oblivious to my arrival. Turning to my direction - predictably, startled momentary - she made no attempt to bring up a conversation. From the corner of my vision, she appeared troubled, clearly in need of some clarifications from my end. However, she dared not to question the now suspicious 'gentlecolt' , who might just be actually a monster... for her, it stood as a question and for me... it didn't...

Most definitely having issues with approaching the previous departure of mine, after such nerving revelation, she resumed working in silence. I anticipated she had dealt with armed customers before and my exposure merely took her off guard, for she did not guessed it about me. After all, my sight did appear unnerving, after she had thought she knew me enough...

Though, this rose suspicion inside me... she recognized weapons, handled the sight of them and tended to my armor and blades properly. And if knowledge about war equipment was existent, then it lead my suspicion to higher grounds... was it possible, that the land of harmony have dealt with violence? They did live in a medieval era, mixed with the starting development of technology, so knights, archers, mages and warriors were still present somewhere else, but not in this area?

Unfortunately, but truly, this ignited some hope inside me and for good reasons. Still, I wasn't about to walk around with open hoodie and tucked-behind-the-boots trouser, just to show my weaponry openly...

Hell, recalling from my time at the Canterlot hospital, Celestia had escort. Guards maybe? And if so, it was another possibility, that said guards come and go in Miss Rarity's boutique and my action-desires got the better out of me with the previous ideas...

Nevertheless, if she didn't, then I started up a conversation... a short exchange, to be accurate...

''Miss Rarity, would you kindly lend me some abrasive and a clean cloth?'' I requested, pulling out my headphones from my backpack's tiniest pocket and stashing them into my own. Surely, it was a long time ago since I listened to something from my phone... I wondered what files I had on the device...

''But of course. A moment please.'' Hmm, it sounded quite a calm response, yet she eagerly finished jotting down the remaining notes, before trotting over to the wardrobes to search. She was probably trying to avoid thinking about the recent events that have occurred tonight and also tried to make up for the uncalled happenings. She's had an intense time so far and she was doing an impressive job at hiding her nervousness.

Yet, the need for answers was there and out of better judgment, she kept them to herself... two-sided blade, middle path... Balance... this further proves that this lifestyle existed everywhere...

''If I may inquire, why do you require these?'' She carefully asked, at last, giving into her curiosity. She definitely needed ascertainment, that I was not about to commit a certain sin...

Instead of answering, I presented her the armor and blades in the rag, rotating them a little in my hands as they hang in the air. After a second of hesitation, she nodded and tucked the requested items into the rag and amongst the blades, before dispelling the glow around her horn. I took it she understood the purpose of those at this moment and when she went back to her workbench - though stealing unnoticeable glances at me warily - , I understood she tolerated my plan, at least...

Nodding towards her in mute gratitude, I approached the door immediately, in a failed attempt to leave her be and calm her nerves. My sudden start for the exit only promoted her to watch my departure, puzzled and slightly taken aback. ''I shall be on my way and make myself productive, then.'' I stopped in the doorway, remembering what I had just concluded not long ago. ''If you'll need me, you can find me outside. Don't want to stain the clean floor and deal with the wrath of Generosity...''

Walking away and feeling her gaze bearing itself into my neck, I heard the sound of the lady's humming, apparently, appreciating my course of action and words. Hmm, proving myself good and gaining reputation shouldn't be much of a worry, if compliments and small favors were this valuable for these ponies, I trusted...

Outside again, I found - again - no pony around. The coast was clear and I safely took a seat by the entrance door, splaying out the rag before me and placing the armor against the wall. I contemplated on going through the pictures and videos, but unfortunately, I had none. Well, actually I had, though they weren't suited for pleasant nostalgia. All of them were about miscellaneous hostile areas or landscapes and even though the latter ones hardly showed anything unpleasant, I originally wished I had visual and saved memories about certain souls.

My mother, my father, my brother and me, having a gossip at one of ours birthday celebration. Or a caught moment from one of those times, when I spent the night with my other loved ones, like Ben and Emese. Sadly, my device contained none of these... maybe it was for the better. Maybe if I were to torment myself with memories, then I would have broken down crying? I did just recovered from a near-depressed state, by just thinking about the old days... and a direct picture of those whom I held close could have easily teared me up...

So, was that my fortunate, then?

I made a mental note to visit the Dream World and not skip the option, when I will get back to my current residence...

Leaning against the wall and crossing my legs in the traditional Turkish seat, I adjusted the two tiny speakers into my ears and took a quick look at my sound files.

Precisely, on the music and song files...

And... well, the outcome from first sight was just... sad... literally...

Emotional songs and musics, sad piano instrumentals, deep hip-hop and rap tracks, dark violin and orchestral tunes. These filled the 'Underground' folder on my phone and if the genres weren't depressing enough, then the titles certainly gave away the grim meaning of them. It wasn't the quality the huge problem, but the AMOUNT of these files! Seriously, what the fuck was wrong with me? They sounded good to a certain level and at the right times, but recalling the old days of compulsive time-spending with these songs, it could NOT be called as a healthy course of action to listen to these all the time. Such direction of interest and perspective about life, are the first signs of suicide... something that the parents cannot prevent far too many times...

I thoughtfully jumped over these, before I get down to EMO and break down by the front door of Carousel Boutique...

The previous folder came from that age of mine, where I could be considered as a Pure Soul, still. From the very beginning of my grand and granted life as one of the most important 'deity' in my home world's history. And as I've shared it, the new era and personality of mine came next, where my soul got wetted and forced into team by Darkness...

The 'Destruction' folder screamed about my old self's nature, not just about the music genres. Hardcore, rock, Metal, aggressive instrumentals from epic orchestras to modern sounding music. The type of tracks, which pumped me up for each day with sheer fierce intentions and authority-demanding way of thoughts.

Not something I fancied pairing with precise occupation. I did NOT want to bring this 'Destruction' upon the equipment, ruining it's durability by force...

Nearly every type of music genre could be found in my phone. Hell, even the anthem of my home country's! Endless variety, hard choice. I wasn't about to drowse my mind to sleep, but keep it alive and steady, for a clean way of thoughts. Yet I was in no position to strive into a huge battle, but relax and take pleasure in tending to my equipment...

I went with a simple, yet catchy song after all, getting right into polishing my armor's plates…

The light-armor appeared to be a black vest, emphasizing the spectacular muscles on a well toned body. However, each 'muscle' had metal plates inside them, instead of muscle fibers. The tiny spaces between these 'muscle-pockets' for the metal shards, allowed perfect movement for the body, acting as one with my movement. Since it was tight enough to hug my form, it was a necessity to NOT use up the remaining gaps, just to have more protection and covered-up ground on me.

I'd say, its efficiency only shone in close-combat, for it could not eclipse me completely. Preferably, I mean my lungs were open just little enough to get a lethal blow or shot in, though, it wasn't like they could find a place, where they could get a mark on that area, given how I walk, move and hide behind obstacles...

An advantage at stealth, due to the flexibility and the negotiated grinding sounds from the metal fragments, thanks to the pockets. Also, reduced chance at having burglar projectiles or blades finding themselves in my chest, only at one particular spot...

Furthermore, acting like an exoskeleton, the same kind of metal shards, but building up the shape of a spine; ran all the way from my nape, to the tailbone, defending the spot of that chip in my brain. The shards weren't connected to each other, however, the design showed otherwise. For extra protection and comfort, this 'spine' was twice the size of mine, crafted to be wider, so it won't poke my actual spine. This also allowed me to have no restrictions at all, while doing any sort of movement. Bending forward and backwards, to the sides and just to every kind of position, it protests none whatsoever.

Exactly like a part of mine, which I can easily take off like a T-shirt...

In short, even with clothes, the muscles on my stomach were visible, as if I had pitch-black upper body, with even darker shades of black on the muscle packs and exoskeletal spine pillar...

While putting it on and taking it off was a quick motion to do, taking out the shards was just as challenging as my commission for Generosity. The only direction I could pull out each shard, was from the inside of the vest itself. The shards were tucked behind the opening of the pocket's little flaps, leaving just enough size out of the shards from their death-grips, to be able to free them from the tight hold. It required some struggling with it, but as it was obvious, the armor needed polishing incredibly frequently, so it was only natural, that it was made for long duration, with absolutely secured parts...

With a little force - and definitely with a wrong way of approaching this matter for the first time - I freed one of the bottom shards from the front easier than I had originally suspected. It turned out, the flaps were made of rubber, allowing easy entrance and exit for the metals inserted into the pockets, while keeping them in one place. Now with one of the blunt-edged 'muscle pack' in my hand, I inspected it for any potential scratches, in case I had to use the abrasive to flatten them. I needed the metals to parry the blades and not to guide a stab inwards...

Before I moved on to the next shard, out of coincidence, I spotted some blood marks on the side of the attire. Turning the garment around, I noted how red it looks on its bottom as well. And so, I peeked inside the vest, getting dry blood and a crimson layer to slap me right in the face. For so long, I've dressed in blood, not letting go of mine and consuming others'. This explained why I always attracted the wild animals to me...

With the music playing onwards, I wiped off the dirt and dust from it, before I got right back to going through each shard, leaving out the blood for now. Miss Rarity would have fainted, if I were about to return a bloody cloth to her...

Speaking of the devil...

The light from inside the house all of a sudden seeping outside and a mare unicorn's form casting a shadow onto the ground after a second, indicated the arrival of the mentioned fashionista. Miss Rarity stepped outside, before she casted a glance at me. Her wide eyes weren't from surprise, but from safety, unsure of my reaction. Yet her hesitation lasted no more, before she closed the door behind herself, apparently, calculating my lacking reaction as one of a granted permission to accompany me.

The door closed itself - from my position, it seemed like as such - and the aura around her horn ceased to illuminate what little it could with its faint glow. I removed the left earplug, letting it to hang on my shoulder and I thoughtfully let it stay there, not being at ready to put it back in. From her careful look and way of arrival, she was bound to stay outside with me, which further lead me into knowing that she will try to form a conversation. Needles to say, I decided to let her...

''Is everything alright?'' I opened, saving her the time it would have taken to approach me with a starting sentence. ''Difficulties, inhibitions with my contract? Required advice, direction, answers? Or you in need of a favor?'' I listed quickly, sneakily adding the 'answers' into it, for I knew well her intentions...

She blinked once, processing my 'greeting'. ''Oh, of course not darling!'' Hm, she got back to her 'usual' mood so soon, that she even had the mentality to dismissively wave with her forehoof. Still, the amount of passion she put into the words could not hide her well enough. From me, naturally...

''I was merely in need of some fresh air. Usually, this is when I regain composure and begin the work at ease. For the superb quality, the best state.'' Although she lied with honesty, I got to give her that: The thing she treasured in life, was parting with a satisfied customer. A perk, which was remarkable...

Nodding at that, I resumed fishing out the metal shards and proceeded to polish each and every one of them, one by one. ''I see...'' ''... right through you...''

It didn't take her long to sense the end of this exchange, so in turn, she safely commented, still hiding her intention. But she was in need of confirmation, too and I could not blame her for that. In the land of harmony, a foreign and armed creature was invited to her house. No wonder why she had to make sure I won't cause any harm to her. Hell, she even had children in the house, who managed to aggravate said creature!

However, in the same way I wanted those younglings to make up their own minds, I decided to educate this mare as well. Outright telling her to not fear, wouldn't have been the wisest choice, I was certain about it. I mean, how could I possibly explain my suspicious, without causing a one-man - mare - riot inside her? 'Hey, I know you are afraid of me and have been waiting for the right moment to not be.' Just... no...

And what she said next, was absolutely perfect to leading her into putting her trust in me and confirming a - now less - possible prediction of hers, in order to reassure her...

''I should have known who I'm dealing with. A Royal Guard, and a special one at that...'' She more or less mused to herself, probably using this way, to find out the needed answer of hers, which was: 'Are you a bad pony?' if I had to live with their language. She hid it pretty professionally, though, even when blurting it out was on her mind and the question on the very end of her tongue...

I thoughtfully hummed to myself, with a touch of amusement in it for good measure. ''Pardon me to cause a minor disappointment, my lady, for I am not part of any Equestrian security service.'' I told her truth, whilst lying right into her face. I may wasn't part of a defensive organization, however, this did not stop me from self proclaiming myself as a guardian...

While I do right to gain respect and authority, all the while acting the kindness and sincere care or help for the other individuals, one attribute cannot be left out from my self-introduction... and it was chivalry...

It was quite the while ago, since I elaborated about morals. And for many souls' utmost surprise, I do have said morals as well. For example, being a gentleman for stranger ladies - to a certain level - ; being polite to a few higher-ups; and the basic senses of justice, self-consciousness, obligations. Hell, even caring, kindness, trust, handiness and the rest of the previously declared 'acted' ones could be found inside me... sadly, these latter ones could only show their light, when I see it fit, which happens rarely...

My point is: I am just like every honorable, respectful and great man. Dressed with customized virtues for my better judgement and in order to lead a smoother life...

Thus, for these, I won't stand idly, if the innocent - in this case, the ponies - get into danger. And NOT just for greedy purposes, but to fulfill my morals' order, so I won't die a little inside...

To say that Generosity was not glad for these news, was an obvious statement. It must have rose a red alert in her mind, given the not surprised, but outright taken aback expression she settled on, after a momentary wave of cold fear zipped through her face. For her, in that moment, I was everything, but not a shining paladin anymore...

To say that the next shard came to the rescue, was the perfect way of phrasing it...

''Then... then why the armor and- *gasp*!''

A penetrated shard winked back at us in a taunting manner, resulting in me, targeting an intense stare at it. A reminder about the tatter, who defeated me in a fair-unfair combat. To this day, I wonder if I faced him immaturely, or simply found an opponent, who bested me clearly. Truth to be told, deciding between the two has been proven long ago, to be an impossible task. Nor I can choose which one I liked the best...

While the shard sported a distinct hole of a sharp object's landing spot, the pocket on the left chest-pocket was intact. In fact, repaired and in better condition than any other pocket, when I inspected my armor's surface. There was no possibility, that this 'scratch' was hidden in the dark texture of the equipment.

This meant that Celestia left out the shard itself for a certain reason. Either she forgot to refill the hole, - which was unlikely, based on her so far got-to-known personality - or she had a secret intention for keeping it as such. I doubted she left it as a reminder about my defeat, so my only prediction was that she let me know about what SHE knew. She secretly and STRONGLY reminded me about a task, which I yet had to accomplish, all the while giving me the impression of a gentle being...

Honestly, her message was welcomed from my end, for I could only applaud internally for her well-played move. She showed devotion and care towards my direction, while not spoiling me and letting me escape from the explanations. A rightful action from her part... I highly favored it...

Miss Rarity looked back and forth between the damaged piece of metal and me, already deleting her previous and false suspicious. I gladly ascertained, that her wide eyes and taken-aback posture was a sign of worry and concern, instead of the once uncertain fear and shock. Even though she needed none, I felt the need to reassure and explain to her my name...

Presenting the shard as a good example, I began. ''The reason is evident, Miss Rarity, I trust? Self-defense and protection are my reasons to possess such tools of violence and carry the weight of my armor. You most definitely saw the scars already, but if not, then another examination is advised, for I have come a long way from my home. On my journey and even before this trip,  I've encountered events, which you only see in stories or youthful tales about protagonists. I've come from a place, far-far away, from the land of confusion and set foot into this land of harmony, instead. The reason for having unusual appearance, behavior and items, in case you were wondering. For you, ponies, this is extraordinary, however... I call it souvenirs from home and tradition. Equestrians have absolutely zero idea of what goes up and down there...''

Returning the shard to its rightful pocket, after I had held it up once more, I continued. ''This right here, is the most recent one and resulted in a near death experience.'' To show her how much it troubled me, I brushed my fingers against the wound on my chest, as if I was lost in the memory. ''However, for me, this is merely a reminder about the soul, who put me into coma and forced upon me seven days of recovery... in Canterlot. I lost the ability to marvel on the beauty of this land, all because of an amulet, which was a kind gift from one of the very ruler of Equestria. A week of weakness and vulnerability followed after my rude interruption in the throne room... something, which I am ashamed of and will make up for an old friend of mine...''

I fell silent until I started cleaning the metal pieces from the back of the armor, one by one, acting the distracted one, to help myself out to keep talking, no matter how much I would have liked to skip this part. ''The rumors were right. I can confirm it to you at first hand. I know the Princess of this land and knew her for years... the only reason I am alive, could be thanked for her... She, Celestia, allowed me to stay here, until I return and deliver justice upon the one, who did this to me and dared to threaten my home, my loved ones and in the first instance... me...''

I seriously wanted to fall into pleasant silence, yet against my better judgement, I thought forward. The momentary wisdom wasn't appealing to me, so in turn, I decided upon changing it. ''I also believe I've proven wrong a certain suspicion of yours, Miss Rarity. Tonight, you had the privilege - or misfortune - to behold a hidden side of mine. Thus, your once opinion about this white knight shattered to pieces, scattered behind your fear, that I had caused earlier. Pardon me for giving you such a scare and I certainly hope you understand when I say: I have no regrets whatsoever.'' For the slightest of moments, an offended look forced itself onto the surface of her expression and I could not blame her for it happening...

Before her mind gets filled with irritation from such a effrontery comment, I continued. ''I did not teach those three, because they were younger... but because of the ill opinions they shared. When I lend guidance or share advice with others, my only purposes and intentions for doing so, are to share knowledge and hold a lesson. Age, gender or rank in society matters little

to me...''

''You anticipated I turned out to be some sort of criminal, or an evil being. You allowed the infection into your thoughts and gave into the other citizens corrupted rumors. You did exactly the opposite of yours and your friends' voluntarily decided task, which by the way, I did not ask for. This further shows you failed the lesson... you failed your own self...'' She did not try to protest against my rightly observed and shared facts...

Bowing her head in unnecessary shame, I continued. ''My words were meant to each present being in that working room of yours. Why would I try to make myself appear as a wise man, by educating the youth to support himself? While it was targeted at them in that moment, I at least expected you, Miss Rarity, to pay close attention to it. That is why I allowed myself to reveal my accessory, because I thought you will remember what I had elaborated about... It was supposed to be a secret message to you, in order to be prepared for the following actions of mine... just like you reported the status of your and your friends' current achievements with that movement you all concluded upon...''

''Now, even though you realized you were wrong, I am still going to reassure you and provide more information about my intentions for you, to make up your opinion again...'' Raising her head up, she prepared to listen to each and every word of mine. Her earnest and heart-felt expression confirmed how much of a disappointment it must had been, to come face to face with the terrible truth...

''When I said 'protection'... I wasn't implying myself...'' This definitely caught her attention, given the upwards twitch of the side of her muzzle. Apparently, this ignited the good thoughts inside her to rise above her fears, yet she kept the serious expression, out of politeness. This subject was a serious one indeed and she was respectful enough to show the required thoughtfulness towards it...

''Where I've come from, I was a protector as well. I would very much like to keep this... 'habit', for the sake of better wording and to stick with honest reality. This does NOT mean I wish to bring misery upon the peaceful lives of the ponies. However, just so you know, even though I haven't seen any sort of disturbance in this land, I am willing and am at ready, to jump into action if I find such an event. In the meantime, I would very much like to deliver a little help into the lives of the citizens around town. Deliveries, repairing, lending a hand - hoof -... to be productive, under the time period of my staying...''

''There are weapons and skills in this man's arsenal... in good hands, which are to protect and not to hurt the innocent. I believe you are comfortable with my presence now and have developed a new opinion. One, which won't ever strike doubt inside you, when it comes to a certain question, which I hope you won't ever ask... nor from yourself and neither from me...''

The end of another speech... a deceiving speech at that, carrying the deep meaning of my words and resulting in another soul to fall into deep thoughts. The common effect, it seemed. It appeared the innocence of these ponies was an advantage at crawling out from under the ruins of my already made impressions. I started out from the very bottom of the ponies' respect and expectations... now I'm paying the prize, for not approaching this matter on a peaceful and less suspicious scale...

However, my improvement since then could not be denied, for I had other souls' support at my disposal, already. And I was only building the trust and respect with these monologues, tactics and apparently... lessons...

It was visible, written onto Generosity's face, as I watched her processing these revelations. I positively noted her working mind, as she actually registered and pulled out such a reaction out of her. Because as the words sank in, her expression shifted to one of a regretful one. It dawned on her how foolishly she decided upon forgetting about HER opinion and - to my disbelief - who she dared to question...

Dismissing her averted gaze and settling her eyes on mine, she silently spoke up. ''You are right... I cannot believe I let myself give into the rumors. Me, who knew them all too well and vouched against them with reasonable facts... with my own facts, for Celestia's sake! I should have dealt with with your sudden action... like the thoughtful sister I am supposed to be for my little Sweetie Belle. I feel like a hypocrite... low as Blueblood...'' Another soul who I knew nothing about. Aside from that, I appreciated everything else she had said to me. She realized her mistake, just like those three from before and being the intelligent mare she was, I had the suspicious that she will think twice before speaking against her own mind...

However, she was just about to step onto the wrong path in her rant, which would have only lead to a terrible direction... one, which did not suit for this mare...

''I am terribly sorry, Outsider... it was entirely my fault for causing such a disappointment and betraying my sister and my friends... I was merely unsure and I saw it as the utmost importance to keep them safe. You have to understand-''

''I understand, Miss Rarity.'' I interrupted her, before she lost herself. ''The moment I laid eyes upon this land's individuals, I knew my appearance and my behavior were going to be a huge matter at several cases. My kind is not known to the Equestrians, but this shall not stop me from spending my time peacefully in this town and gaining good reputation...'' With that, I closed the case, leaving her these final words, highly implying that I wanted her to forget the past events and instead, focus on the present. No more elaboration from me about this topic. She heard enough from me, got to have an opinion and confirmation, so the rest was up to her to work out even more...

Thankfully, me answering that certain question to her, had caused a certain effect on her, which prevented her from keeping this topic going in our conversation. It may provoked her to nearly pour out her heart, but that was all due to me, outright throwing it into her face. If I wouldn't have told her I detected her suspicion, then she wouldn't have been so distressed about this - actually minor - mistake. However, this method brought out a new aspect for her, which presented me as trustworthy and even more honorable than before this ordeal. In short, this move was for the better and I could not feel wrong for making her go through such an emotional assault...

My gaze transferred my intention all the way to her successfully. Because after giving me a pleasant and thankful nod, she gratefully resumed smiling at me in silence, understanding the reason behind me, cutting short this exchange. She too knew well that keeping up the drama was not the solution in that moment, I realized. I used this brief silence to put aside my armor and continue sharpening my knives, preparing for any potential negative reaction from her. To my relief, she understood the reason behind tending to the blades and to avoid any possible, falsely alarming thoughts, I felt her gaze linger onto my face instead, refusing to look at the dangerous tools in my lap and grasp.

I went through each throwing knife, blade and even the dagger from the side of my boot, yet her collected posture did not falter in the slightest. For the shortest of seconds, I believed she tolerated all of this, but after an analyzation about the odds of that, I came to the conclusion that her mind wandered elsewhere. And so, the suspicion that she chose another topic to pursue bringing it up, rose in my mind... and what do you know, I was right, but it was inevitable, considering the nature of these equines...

''Hm, and how is your kind, Outsider? Can you tell me about your home?''

Her inquiry came unexpectedly, yet nevertheless, it was welcomed. Truth to be told, so far, the night has been a long session of commemoration to my own pleasure. Both short and long term memories have been called back to me, so I granted myself permission to yarn. And if not for the sole purpose of nostalgia, then to take care of this question, for I've been expecting this one from these ponies.

And since I was still in incognito, I was prepared with a content and short answer...

''That's quite the request, Miss Rarity. But considering how much of a trouble MY request has and will be for you, I suppose it is fair to ease your curiosity.'' I began, staying humble for her modesty, before unleashing the deceiving and from a second take, unsatisfying answer. ''However, from how complex this topic is, I beg your pardon, but cut short this little tale. After all, we both have tasks to take care of and I could sit here for days, before I could end my say.''

She nodded in my peripheral vision, taking the bite in one whole. As a clear sign to stay on this trek, I continued with ease. ''From what I've gathered and if I overlook the details for now, I would say, my people and the Equestrians are highly alike. Of course, appearance, language, technology and our nature is highly opposing. Aside from these differences, we are the same and none of the sides can state that the other one is alien. We are just as sentient as you, ponies... That is all I can wrap up under this moment, really. My apologize, but explaining a whole race is time-consuming to the absolution...''

''Oh, it is perfectly fine, darling! I wasn't expecting you to get into it that much, really. I merely needed little info about a possible destination of one of my future vacation place. Which reminds me... where is this home of yours?''

It was the time to improvise...

''The destination is far too distant to afford the journey. And there is an evident reason why it isn't worth risking your life...'' To get my point through with actual evidence and to persuade her quickly, I patted my armor at the spot, where the lethal wound held the memorial. ''Again, my apology, but I cannot tell you where this place at, for I couldn't be able to sleep, in case an innocent soul won't make it back to her relatives and close friends, all because of my inability to prevent her from death...'' I admit, the last part was a disgustingly low move, but undeniably necessary...

And expectedly, she remained silent at that. I could only imagine what could have went through her head, after receiving a serious reminder about a previous discussion of ours. My only luck was that this concept was far too foreign for these Equestrians to properly comprehend it, until they experience it...

''Hmm...'' She let it out, getting rid of every grim thought, before jumping back to character. ''Well, in this case, thank you very much, dear, for protecting me. I swear, from what I've heard and seen, you would make the perfect white-knight in a shining armor. I can just imagine you in one, to tell you the truth...'' I decided to not hold an elaboration about how it would benefit my fighting-style and instead, accepted the compliment with a curt nod.

''I'm sure you'll find your place here and maybe a job at the Royal Guards!''

I chuckled for good measure, before my reply. ''Your enthusiasm is remarkable, my lady. I appreciate each and every word of yours, truly. But I believe I'm holding up an artist with her work...''

She caught on my reference and she too expressed her joy from our exchange. The difference between hers and mine, was that I faked it, while in turn she felt it...

''Hehhe, you are right, Outsider. I shall get back to work immediately!'' She declared, before trotting towards the door, where she abruptly halted, as if her whole frame refused to obey to her mouth. To rise suspicion further, she glanced back at me, failing at hiding her intention, which was to stay, of course... a bad sign, it was...

''Well, have fun with... uhm... with that, darling!'' And so, she bolted inside, preventing me to see her breaking her own mask, which she so outstandingly kept up the whole time. Such a shame... she was dangerously close to swindle me...

Her issue with me now wasn't about being dangerous... but about how much the white-knight picture will be re-colored to a darker shade, when she'll find out about my actions...

But! This was not the end of the train of possibilities, for I had her at an advantage...

I had a way with words for a reason and a versatile mask as a sidekick...

There was everything in my possession, to make myself appear as the victim and not as the predator. The topic I am referring to, was in connection with my methods of defense. A huge matter, considering the brutality I was able to unleash for liberating and satisfying slaughter.

This time, I had the option to tell the truth while lying, due to being unknown to her. This whole world - with the exception of Celestia - had not heard about The Balance… The Avatar. Furthermore, their innocence may allowed them to plummet their suspicion to the sky, but their limits of it were visibly lower. Too low, where even their guesses won’t contain death, only minor violence… and that much I could have single-handly explained logically and convinced them how rightfully I hurt others… hehhehhe, this deliciously exciting feeling inside me, could be contained hardly from my part...

Seeing no reason to ponder about this upcoming revelation to Generosity, I re-inserted the earplug and resumed tending to my equipment, with the music accelerating the time…

My confidence carried on into the night...

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The Hungarian Anthem, in case you were wondering: