Anton's POV
As the feeling subsided I opened my eyes, I saw through the tinted glass of the sunglasses. My neck was covered in black leather, that somehow breathed like silk. "What is this thing?" I asked as I was examined by Anubis.
"Remarkable,"
"The Armament Beetle, is created from Changeling hide, lending it the power to change based upon each situation."
"How did you manage?"
"I'd rather not talk about it."
"I would love to know how you solved that puzzle, but if you don't want to talk about it."
"Why does it feel like it's not even there?" I flapped my wings and I was soon off the ground. "I feel lighter."
"Long story short, it provides the protection of steel, while the mobility of spandex. And it all can go back into the beetle around your neck, at any time."
"I must take my leave," Anubis bowed and returned to his previous form before running off.
"I must leave as well, whenever you need it just say, Armament Engage." With that he was gone without a trace.
"I better be off, everything would fall apart without me." Don't flatter yourself, she can get any of her lackeys to do it. My other self seemed a little angry, I myself found it nice that she trusted me that much. At least someone hasn't changed. As I walked through the city I passed by more upturned noses and stuck up attitudes. I found a table at a small back street diner. A Unicorn Waitress trotted over pad and pen in her magic aura.
"What can I get fer ya this afternoon, sweetheart?" I had found several diners like this all over America, they have a nice staff, good food, and a general good feel.
"What do you have."
"Here's a menu," A laminated piece of paper flew over to me and I scanned it over, dandelion sandwich, salad, no meat.
"Just some orange juice."
"That's all, you look half starved to death, ya gotta eat something."
"I'm not that hungry, just thirsty."
"Are ya sure?" She was actually concerned for my well being.
"Yes,"
"Alright Orange juice, on the house." A glass of orange juice was poured and landed on the table. "The name's Flo."
"Thank you Flo."
"No problem." She smiled and trotted off to tend to other customers.
"I forgot to tell you," Death sat in a patio chair across from me. "You can't eat food, You can but it won't satisfy your hunger. Only these can." He held out a glowing ball. "This is a soul of a newly departed, you have to eat these to stay 'alive'."
"Un poco macabras."
"What do you expect?"
"Touche," I dropped the ball and it slid down my throat. It was a little sweet yet spicy. It left an undescribable aftertaste that made me shudder.
"You'll get used to it." He chuckled and left taking the chair with him. After a moment I felt fully restored, like a new man. I turned my head and saw about five ponies come to my table with dissatisfied looks.
"Can I help you?" I waited for an answer.
"Yeah, we can start with a name."
"My name is none of your concern."
"Ever think that ponies might get the wrong impression about your attitude?"
"Ever think that ponies might get the wrong impression about your attitude?"
"What did you say?"
"As first impressions go, yours lacks finesse." I scanned for a hint of reaction. "What do you want?"
"Your necklace."
"I could take you with two hooves tied behind my back."
"Is that so?"
"You aren't worth it." I stood up and walked away." Look alive! I lowered my head to dodge a left hook.Six o'clock low!" I listened to my other self, and lifted my hind legs and buck one in the face. Three o'clock mid! My right wing blocked a buck from another and I swept it under him. Three down two to go. "You're not worth it."
"Stop there." I was surrounded by armored guards. You got me caught. I saved your ass!
"Stand down!" A white Unicorn shouted. "He was obviously defending himself, and he did a fine job. All of you failed the exam."
"Exam?"
"I am Shining Armour, Captain of the Guard, these were new recruits, and you passed even though you weren't being tested. The point of the exercise was to stop the criminal you stopped him not them."
"But he left without paying."
"His orange juice was on the house, and he showed restraint and a cool head, leaving before things escalated. and kept his head clear after things escalated."
"So they were fake criminals?"
"in a sense, all of you back to barracks," The other guards saluted and marched off. "You did good for a completely clueless Pegasus."
"Thanks, I think."
"What's your name?"
"Tony."
"Well Tony, would you like to be in the Guard? I can't just make you one but I can get you into the academy."
"Thanks,"
"No problem, what say we get a drink, might as well get a drink with a stranger, then wait for a friend who keeps blowing me off."
"Sounds like a plan." It was all falling into place ahead of schedule, but I'm not in the woods yet. He seems like a nice guy but like she said no friends just potential enemies.