The following night I was summoned to the Land of the Dead. This time I was greeted by Princess Celestia.
“Hey Princess,” I said, “it’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Oh don’t call me Princess Norman,” said Celestia, “I’m dead so the Princess title is voided.”
“Okay then,” I said, “Celestia what’s up? Why have I been summoned?”
“It seems we’ve found someone to train you and Cozy Glow.” Celestia said.
“Who is it?” I said.
“Her name is Sunset Shimmer,” said Celestia, “she originally from Equestria. But, she went to another world that’s completely human. Now that there’s humans and ponies living together in this land. She will be coming out of the portal completely human.”
“What was she before she became human?” I said.
“A unicorn,” said Celestia, “oh, and your sister wants to talk to you.”
“About what?” I said.
“I have no idea…” Celestia said.
* * *
When I got to the Castle in Hell I was greeted by Betty.
“Norman,” said Betty, “I’m glad you’re here.”
“What’s going on?” I said.
“First of all,” said Betty, “I heard we have an Uncle named Dylan.”
“Gee,” I said, “word travels fast doesn’t it?”
“I looked into the records and it’s true he is our Uncle.” Betty said.
“I don’t trust the guy at all.” I said.
“Why’s that?” Betty said.
“He got into my house and gave me a death threat.” I said.
“You don’t look too bothered by it.” Betty said.
“Actually,” I said, “I’m not, I think I just need to change the locks and put in a security system.”
“Wait a second,” said Betty, “you just got a hit put on your life and you’re not even phased by it?”
I rolled my eyes, “No not really, I’m in the Military Division, although technology I’m not because of the new job title.”
“Oh yeah,” said Betty, “Princess Twilight told me that you’re a Knight for the Royal Court now. Judging by that look on your face, you really didn’t want the job.”
“Yeah think?” I said. “I was pretty much forced to take it.”
“So what’s the uniform like?” Betty said.
“You don’t want to know.” I said.
“Anyway,” said Betty, “I called you here today because I want to give your weapon for being a Death Walker.”
We then proceeded to walk down the hallway to the weapons room in the Castle. Betty then went into the room and brought a sword with a black sheathe to it.
“This,” said Betty, “is the weapon that has been approved from the Afterlife Court and the Icebreakers to boot. Go ahead take it, this sword is all yours.”
I took the sword out from its sheath and it looked like a silver sword with a black handle on it. I noticed that halfway up the sword was an emerald jewel on it.
“I have a question for you.” I said
“What is it?” Betty said.
“What was your weapon?” I said.
“It’s a staff,” said Betty, “oh and it’s a requirement of a Death Walker to have their weapons on them at all times. And a Death Walker can turn their weapon into anything they want. I used mine as a shield and a blade. You’ll find out soon enough what your abilities are as a Death Walker.”
“What about Cozy Glow’s weapon?” I said.
“Oh don’t worry,” said Betty, “she’ll be getting her weapon soon. And that sword will go back with you to the Land of the Living. “
“Okay…” I said.
“Now,” said Betty, “you need to go back home, it’s almost daylight in the Land of the Living. And one more thing.”
“What?” I said.
“Sunset Shimmer is a beautiful woman,” said Betty, “just like you’re a handsome guy.”
“Your point?” I said.
“Just don’t go falling in love with Sunset Shimmer,” said Betty, “and let’s hope she doesn’t fall in love with you.”
“Fat chance of that happening.” I said.
“That’s not very nice,” said Betty, “are you gay or something?”
“No I’m not gay,” I said, “I promise you that.”
“You sure?” Betty said. “Cause I know of a couple of guys who would love to have you.”
Of course Betty knew that I wasn’t gay and soon she was doubled over in laughter.
“Ha, Ha,” I said, “very funny..”
* * *
As soon as I woke up Discord was in my room.
“What is with people?” I growled. “Discord have you lost your mind?”
“Nope I don’t think so,” said Discord, “if I had lost my mind it would’ve got up and walked away.”
“What do you want?” I said.
“Oh,” said Discord, “I just wanted to congratulate you on your new job title. And I see you got your weapon for being a Death Walker. Nice sword by the way.”
I looked over to see that the sword I had gotten was sitting on the table next to my bed.
“Discord!” I said. “Get out of my room, now!”
“Gee,” said Discord, “someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
“And you being in my room doesn’t help.” I said.
“Okay fine,” said Discord, “I shall take my leave now Normie.”
“Please don’t call me that.” I said.
By this time I really wanted to hit someone. It came across my mind to turn Robert into a punching bag again. But I knew that wouldn’t happen anytime soon because I had to go to work. Good thing my house is in Canterlot. I got up and went downstairs to see Fluttershy cooking breakfast.
“Oh,” said Cozy Glow, “hi dad Grandma Fluttershy wants to congratulate us for getting our Death Walker weapons! Grandpa Discord told me you have a sword! That’s so cool!”
“What did you get?” I said.
“I got a bow and arrow,” said Cozy Glow, “it’s a good thing to because I really love archery.”
“Yeah I know,” I said, “you’ve been on the archery team like forever.”
“You want to see?” Cozy Glow said. “And you should show Grandma Fluttershy your sword. Grandpa Discord has already seen it!”
“Sure fine,” I said, “but I don’t have much time before I have to go to work.”
“Oh yes,” said Fluttershy, “Twilight told me you’ve become a Knight for the Royal Court. Can I see your uniform?”
“Yeah dad,” said Cozy Glow, “I haven’t seen it yet! I wasn’t there when your friend Robert threw that party for you.”
“Do I have too?” I said.
“Oh come on dad,” said Cozy Glow, “it can’t be that bad!”
I sighed, “Fine…”
I went upstairs to change and grabbed my sword. I really wanted to sneak past Fluttershy and Cozy Glow because I really didn’t want to show them. But instead I just took a deep breath and entered the kitchen.
“Awe!” Fluttershy and Cozy Glow said.
“Just so you know,” I said, “I’m not cute!”
“Yes you are,” said Fluttershy, “actually you’re handsome. I’m surprised you haven’t found a girl to settle down with. Although you just recently became of age.”
“Seriously,” I said, “Discord keeps asking that too! Would you lay off already!”
Fluttershy laughed, “That’s my Husband for you. Now won’t you just sit down and grab a bite to eat?”
“Gee,” said Discord, “I guess the bad temper runs in the family. You’re worse than Betty.”
Fluttershy said, “Yup, although he is a soldier so I guess that can have an effect on you.”
“Now Normie,” said Discord, “you need to sit down and eat before you go to work okay?”
“I said stop calling me Normie,” I said, “my name is Norman!”
“Discord stop it already,” said Fluttershy, “ I think he’s been picked on enough don’t you think?”
“I couldn’t help myself,” said Discord, “Norman you look absolutely dashing in that uniform. Exactly when are you going to have kids?”
“Okay,” I said, “I’m out of here!”
I got up and ran from the kitchen as fast as I could.
* * *
I finally got to the Throne Room, Princess Twilight was there to greet me.
“I hear you’ve been given your Death Walker weapon,” said Princess Twilight, “and from what it looks like, it’s a sword. Since you’re a Death Walker, you need to keep that on you at all times. Here you go, this is perfect for you and I goes well with your uniform.”
Princess Twilight then gave me what looked like a gold shoulder belt that had a pocket that was fit for a sword.
“Go ahead,” said Princess Twilight, “put it on.”
I sighed and put the belt on and then put my sword in it. Princess Twilight was smiling like she couldn’t contain her excitement.
“What’s that look for?” I said.
“It’s just that you look like more of a warrior than a soldier now,” said Princess Twilight, “that’s what Betty looked like before she died. She fought her battles bravely and didn’t need much help on them. I think you’ll be able to do the same. Now, it’s time for your shift to begin. You need to report to your office which is right behind the Throne Room. There are a couple of threats to the Throne at the moment. You’ll get your assignments from John your superior. You can go now.”
I went to find John and he looked like he was about to start laughing. He then paused and then looked at me with a concerned look on his face.
“You can breathe now Norman.” John said.
I didn’t realize that I was holding my breath.
“If you don’t breath,” said John, “you’re going to pass out.”
I stopped holding my breath and exhaled slowly.
“Oh come on Norman,” said John, “this job isn’t that bad! Okay so the uniform looks kind of funny when you don’t have any assignments and you just stand by the Throne then. But you know the pay raise is pretty good considering you have an adopted daughter. And the assignment uniforms aren’t that bad either. One more thing, you’re going to have to learn how to use that sword you just got.”
“Who's going to be training me on that?” I said.
“Shining Armor said he’s willing to help with that,” said John, “he’s getting up there in age and might retire soon. I think he just might choose you to be his next in line.”
I rolled my eyes and groaned at the thought.
“What’s wrong?” John said.
I shook my head, “It’s nothing…”
“It doesn’t look like nothing,” said John, “listen I know you didn’t want the job in the first place. Shining Armor won’t name you his next in line if you’re no good.”
“Maybe I’ll just mess up on my training then?” I said.
“Oh no,” laughed John, “Shining Armor can see through deception, so I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Got it?”
“Yes sir.” I said.
John then took out a file from underneath his desk.
“Here you go.” John said.
I looked through the file and was shocked by what I saw.
“An assassination,” I said, “seriously?”
“Yup,” said John, “he’s a wizard so you’ll have to be on your toes. You might be a Death Walker, but you don’t have any abilities yet. Maybe they’ll come out when you fight, maybe not. Just remember for the time being, you don’t have magic and he does.”
“Yes sir.” I said.
“Now get changed and move out.” John said.
I did a salute and went to go change in the locker room.
* * *
When I got ready for the mission I kept wondering why all the higher ups knew that I was a Death Walker. Since my assignment was too dangerous to go on my own I got assigned to a three man team. One of my teammates was a woman named Oilivia and the other was a man named Jasper.
There’s just no end in sight to my problems. I thought.
“So you’re the new Death Walker aren’t you?” Jasper said.
“How does everyone know about that?” I said.
“When the Icebreakers announce it the news spreads quickly.” Oilivia said. “By the way they also announced another Death Walker named Amethyst Rose. Do you know her?”
My eyes not wide in horror as I heard that, I just gulped and looked away.
“Nope,” I lied, “don’t know her.”
“I hear you have an adoptive daughter,” said Jasper, “what’s being a parent like?’
“Busy…” I said. I really didn't want to talk about it right now.
“Shut it Jasper!” Oilivia said. “Don’t you see, you’re making him uncomfortable!”
I could feel myself turning red from that remark.
“You should be the one to talk Oilivia,” said Jasper, “he’s turning red! He might pass out soon.”
“I’m fine.” I barely managed to get the words out.
“Ha, ha, ha,” said Oilivia, “leave him alone okay?”
“What are you?” Jasper said. “His girlfriend or something?”
Great, I thought, I have to work with dumb and dumber, could it get any worse?
John then stood in front of the room and cleared his throat.
“Okay guys,” said John, “shut it or I’m going to shut it for you!”
All of us then stood at attention.
“Okay,” said John, “I’ve briefed you on some of the targets credentials. We’ll drop you off on the outskirts of Canterlot right here.”
John pointed at the broad behind him.
“Once we drop you off,” said John, “you three are to split up and search the village. When you find him do not fight him on your own. Send up a signal and wait until the rest of you get there. That’s all I have to say, now move out and may Celestia be with us all.”
I almost laughed at that comment, because Celestia’s already dead. There’s nothing she can do to help us.