//------------------------------// // A Day in the Life // Story: Legion // by Thule117 //------------------------------// Once there was a mighty king Who's head would stand no crown Trading circlet of bright gold, for yoke of holy vow No gems upon his fingers, nor glory 'pon his brow For he had sworn midst gentle souls to strike all evil down So when you see his passing, never bow your head Simply give a smile and shed a tear, for this king of mortal dread And to you who hide in darkness Vile beasts that spurn the Light Then know that while the king is here You shall not last this night. . . .     -Rhyme of the Uncrowned King        The young earth pony filly ran frantically through the night shrouded Everfree forest. Overhead, above twisted boughs like grasping claws, she could see the moon shining its eerie pale light down upon her. With tears in her eyes, the filly pushed herself to go faster, even as her limbs suddenly felt as if they had been turned to lead. Behind her, she could hear the laughter of her pursuer, cold and vicious. Dodging into the rotted out trunk of a tree and curling into a ball, the filly shuddered and silently cried, as Queen Chrysalis rounded the corner. Running her forked tongue over wickedly sharp fangs. Looking around, Chrysalis turned her head slowly, peering into the shadows in search of her prey. From her vantage in the crumbling tree trunk, the filly watched as the queen scanned the area with glowing green eyes, before giving an angry snarl and moving on. As the changeling monarch passed out of sight, the filly let out a sigh of relief. That swiftly turned to a horrified scream, as Chrysalis's face shot into view from around the trunk of the tree.       "Ah. . . there you are." Chrysalis drawled. "Just as I was starting to feel a bit peckish." The queen smiled cruelly, her fangs like glowing shards of ivory as she loomed over the filly.     "You can't be here?!" The filly squeaked in desperation. "The King stopped you!" Chrysalis just laughed.     "Merely a ruse, to insure my true plan would come to fruition! Now, little filly, time for you to become a midnight snack!" However, just as Chrysalis leaned down to tear out the filly's throat, the image of the forest shimmered and swam around them. The world shifted and twisted, and an odd sense of dizzying displacement overcame the pair. Suddenly the sensation ended, and the filly was shocked to find herself on a hill of grass, floating in an endless star studded void, with Chrysalis nowhere in sight. All around, she could see similar hills to the one she stood on suspended in the void, the space below the sedately hovering islands, filled with flaring comets and blue mist.      Each hill was covered with fillies and colts around her age, either stretched out on the impossibly soft grass, or lounging on large overstuffed pillows. As the filly stared around with her mouth hanging open, she noticed all of the islands were gently orbiting around a single, far larger chunk of perfectly circular land. Upon which were gathered a massive number of, very confused looking, monsters and villains, including about a hundred or so Chrysalis's. Above the islands, a breathtaking full moon and beautifully twinkling tapestry of stars, nebulas, and distant swirling galaxies, stood blazing in the firmament. In a display as relaxing, as it was awe inspiring.          "Hey! Buttercup!" Cried out a familiar voice, and the filly turned to see her best friend in the world; Flitterwing, trotting up to her with a smile. Buttercup stared at her pegasus friend in shock.     "Flitterwing?! What are you doing here?! What is this place?!" She asked in astonishment. He just chuckled.     "That's right, you don't dream much do you? So you haven't seen the show before." He replied. Buttercup just gave him a look of disbelieving confusion. As if her friend had just declared himself king of the mushroom ponies.     "Show?! What show?!" She cried out in confusion. Flitterwing just smiled in the face of his friend's lack of understanding, as he gestured down toward the massive central island. Where a roiling pillar of earth had suddenly begun growing out of the center, shooting up to swiftly form a massive tower of rough hewn stone.     "No time, it's starting! Just watch, trust me, you're gonna love this!" Before Buttercup could ask any more questions, a brilliant flash of light atop the now hundred foot high pillar, stole her attention. A pony appeared, her mane and tail like an ethereal mist, containing countless sparkling stars, swaying in an invisible breeze. While atop her head and around her neck, she wore a crown, and pearlescent moon embossed peytral, of polished black metal, that looked like solidified liquid darkness. With a bright playful smile, that put Buttercup instantly at ease, the pony cleared her throat, before addressing the crowd in a booming voice.     "Fillies and colts of Equestria! I welcome you, one and all, to the Tournament of Dreams! Where, before your very eyes, I, Luna, your Princess of the Night, shall put your nightmares to rest!" All across the various floating islands, a cheer went up from the seated colts and fillies. Next to Buttercup, Flitterwing joined in, screaming and stomping his hooves in joy.     "Isn't this great?!" He asked enthusiastically. Buttercup simply stared uneasily down at the central island. Unable to take her eyes off the seething crowd of monsters, around the base of the pillar Princess Luna stood on. It looked like there were hundreds, if not thousands, of them. All of them glaring up at the princess with undisguised hatred. Among them were everything from chimeras and manticores, to shadowy masses of tentacles and eyes, that made Buttercup shudder to look at them. Then of course, there were the villains that everypony recognized, Chrysalis, Tirek, Sombra, even one or two sinister looking Discords. All of them seemingly even more monstrous than their real life counterparts. Dream or not, Buttercup found it hard to imagine anypony facing all those horrors at once.      "Can Princess Luna really take on all those monsters by herself?" Buttercup asked, more than a little concerned. Flitterwing just giggled.     "Oh, don't worry, miss Luna never fights alone. Watch. . . ." Turning back toward the princess, Buttercup saw one of the nightmare Tirek's shake its fist up at Luna.     "You think you can fight us all on your own?!" The Tirek demanded, as if giving voice to Buttercup's doubts. Luna simply glared down imperiously at the bellowing centaur.     "I have no need to cur! For with the help of these young equestrians, I shall summon my mighty knight to assist me in dispatching you back to the nothingness where you belong!" Here Luna turned to look at the surrounding fillies, her voice gentle and encouraging despite its volume. "Come my little dreamers! You know the words! Call out to my knight, so that he might know of our need!" Instantly, Flitterwing, and all the other fillies nodded, and in near perfect unison, began to sing. Buttercup joining in after a moment's hesitation, and an encouraging nod from Flitterwing. The song was simple, powerful, and strangely ancient sounding, the refrain echoing beautifully through the stars. As she somewhat clumsily recited the unfamiliar words, Buttercup couldn't help but feel a sense of calm settle over her. As if instinctively knowing, everything would be alright. . . .  Our hero, our hero, claims a warrior's heart. . .  I tell you, I tell you, the Doom Slayer comes. . . With a sword wielding power of the ancient D'nur arts. . . Believe, believe, the Doom Slayer comes. . .  It's an end to the evil of all Equis' foes. . . Beware, beware, the Doom Slayer comes. . . For the darkness has passed, and the legend yet grows. . . You'll know, you'll know, the Doom Slayer's come. . . .     As the short song fragment faded into the ethereal night, a voice, as powerful as it was regal, shook the dreamscape like thunder. . . .     "What evil dares cast its shadow upon the innocent of this land?!" The words, deep and rumbling, brought looks of genuine terror to the faces of the assembled monsters and villains. As, in an explosion of swirling black smoke and ephemeral blue lightning, a bipedal figure appeared, rising from a crouch, to stand next to princess Luna atop the earthen pillar.      Clad head to toe in angular armor, made of overlapping plates of shining silver and midnight blue metal, etched with elaborate scrollwork. An ethereal cloak of blue silk lay draped about his shoulders, the gossamer fabric lightly fluttering behind him in an eldritch breeze. From beneath a hooded beaked helm, a great plume of long, glowing, pale white ribbon atop it, the warrior's face was hidden behind a mask of silk, so black it seemed to absorb the very light around it. The only visible features of the warrior were a pair of icy blue eyes, that glowed with a ghostly inner light. In one hand, the warrior held a massive claymore, seemingly forged of living darkness, while the other hand shimmered with a halo of pale blue-green energy. Sweeping his gaze over the villains and monsters, the knight turned to Luna, speaking in a voice that was soft as a whisper, yet explosive as thunder. "My Lady, the call of these fillies and colts has awakened me from my slumber, am I to fight once more at your side?" Luna nodded.     "Indeed my beloved knight, I require your strength to show these abominations, that their vile actions shall not be tolerated in my domain!" The knight nodded.     "Then don thy armor and sing out thy battle hymn my Lady! That all evil shall know the error of their trespass!" Luna only nodded in reply, as a transformation overtook her. Instantly, her crown and peytral seemed to melt, as before the disbelieving eyes of her audience, they transformed. The metal, now turned to an ebony liquid, flowed over Luna's form like a living thing. Engulfing her from horn to hoof in pure darkness. Shifting and changing shape, the darkness coalesced around her body, forming plates of polished obsidian metal that encased her legs and torso. Articulated frames of curving overlapping plates sprouted across the forward edge of her wings, making it seem as if her feathers were growing directly out of the metal. Around her head, a smooth, curving helm, encased her skull, leaving only her face and horn uncovered, as her starry mane spilled out from under the back. On her breastplate and the armor covering her flanks, a crescent moon appeared, in softly glowing mother of pearl. As the metamorphosis completed, music burst out of the very air. As Luna and her knight saluted the surrounding fillies and colts, before jumping from the pillar without a moment's hesitation. Launching themselves at the hoard of monsters, like a vengeful javelin cast from on high.      In a thunderous detonation of crackling blue-white lightning and scattered bodies, the pair landed amidst their foes. The shock wave of their impact sent countless monsters sprawling, as Luna reared up, and began to sing. . . . (Song Resonance performed by AmaLee)         Slamming her front hooves down on the ground, a rippling shock wave of mystic energy shot through the earth from where Luna stood. Blasting through the ranks of those few nightmares still standing before her. Some were instantly reduced to puffs of smoke and shadow, while others were sent smashing through their fellow monsters like a tidal wave impacting a sandcastle. Not waiting for the monsters to recover, the knight rushed into the breach created by Luna, his body a blur of motion. Swinging his gigantic sword one handed around his body in an elegant twirl. A dozen nightmares were instantly rendered into psychic vapor, the blade slicing through them as easily as a fish's fins cut through water. Ending his spin, the knight crouched, falling easily into a kneeling guard position. Facing princess Luna, and with his back to the enemy. Recovering quicker than their reeling fellows, a giant spider with fangs the size of scimitars, its eyes glowing with a vile red light, and an animated pony corpse screaming for brains, instantly charged the warrior's undefended rear.      Princess Luna appeared before her champion as if by magic, her eyes blazing as she glared at the oncoming monsters. Still singing, she leapt gracefully over the knight's kneeling form, to deliver a flying kick to the pair of dream beasts with her back hooves. The two monstrosities shrieking in pain, as they crashed into the chaotic mass of abominations behind them with meteoric force. A veritable mushroom cloud of discorporated dreamstuff accompanying their impact. Luna, her voice ringing out in flawless harmony with the music, sent a beam of blue and black energy from her horn into the once more staggered hoard. Before twirling around, grabbing her knight's outstretched hand with her hoof, and hurling him over the heads of the screaming tide of subconsciously conjured horrors. Pausing only for an instant, before leaping into the air after him.     With an elegant midair somersault, the knight reversed the grip on his sword, holding it behind his back as he raised a clenched fist, glowing with arcane power. With a detonation that shook the arena, the knight brought his blazing fist slamming into the earth, in an explosion of pale green and white energy. Hundreds of nightmares were instantly turned to mist, while those on the periphery of the detonation were sent hurtling aside, claws, tentacles, and hooves, flailing as they arced through the air. Before bursting like pinatas made of bluish fog.      Not content to rest, the Knight gripped his sword in two hands, spinning it artfully in front of him as he charged the rapidly thinning ranks of monsters, in a blur of movement. Cutting down all that stood in his path with sweeping elegant strikes. Luna appeared at his side in a flicker of light, flying just above the ground as she matched his speed, blasting her foes with beams of pure white energy. As the pair once again entered the pressing hoard of the enemy, they seemed momentarily to become a single entity.      The knight cleaved apart a mass of darkness with far too many eyes floating within it, splitting it with a horizontal strike before it dissolved. Instantly, Luna rushed beneath his swing, as the knight twirled around, blasting away a malformed version of Tirek with wings and fleshy tendrils, before spinning to her left, and landing a bone crushing kick to the head of a Discord facsimile with two mouths. Following Luna's movements perfectly, the knight stayed directly behind her, sending his sword swinging into an ark at their rear, and taking the heads from a trio of charging timberwolves made of shadow and purple flame.      Twirling and dodging around each other, the princess and the knight truly seemed to become one, their movements flowing together, as if they could read one another's thoughts. The knight cut down a chimera before blasting away a half dozen bugbears with a beam of green and white energy from his hand. For a moment, it appeared he had left himself vulnerable, a screeching swarm of changelings charging straight at him while he was off balance. But, as if it was choreographed, Luna leapt over her champion, flipping in mid air to bring the back of her right rear hoof down on the lead changeling's skull. Before sending a crescent shaped blast of blue energy scything through the rest of the swarm, cutting them apart in puffs of bluish mist, before landing lightly on her hooves. All the while, the night princess sang, her movements and strikes in perfect sync with both her partner, and the music.     In almost no time at all, the nightmare hoard was reduced down to a mere hundred or so individuals. Screeching in a combination of rage and terror, they attempted to surround Luna and her knight, charging at them from all directions. Luna and her champion glanced at each other. Before, with a smirk and a nod, Luna flared her armored wings, blasting into the sky at the last possible second. Grabbing her knight by his outstretched hand and pulling him into the starry void overhead. Meanwhile, the monsters, unable to change direction in time, smashed into each other in a tangle of limbs, horns, and tentacles, screaming and roaring in hatred and pain. Ascending like a cannon shot, Luna held securely to her knight, before turning in a tight ark to dive back down towards the ground. Her body glowing with arcane power, Luna spun her knight and herself end over end in mid air, their forms blurring together as they picked up speed, till finally. . . they parted.     Like a comet from the heavens, the knight hurtled toward the ground, and the tangled mass of his foes, his sword raised overhead in both hands. While above him, Princess Luna reared back, halting her spin with a flare of her wings, focusing the eldritch energies still clinging to her fur and armor into the tip of her horn. Just as the knight was about to strike the ground, Luna jerked her head forward, sending a bolt of blazing white energy and crackling black lightning, straight into her champion. In an explosion that seemed to shake the entire dream realm, the knight struck the earth. A blinding nova of purifying white light turned the world monochrome. Obliterating the remaining nightmares, as easily as a hurricane snuffs a candle flame. The last of the monsters destroyed, Luna slammed down next to her knight in a regal pose, just as the music ended.      Across the islands surrounding the arena, the fillies and colts, Buttercup included, cheered and whooped. Stomping their hooves in approval, as the princess and the knight took a bow. With a smile, Luna waved to the crowd, as her armor dissipated into smoke, leaving her in her usual royal regalia. Next to her, the knight removed his helmet to smile gently at their screaming audiance. With long hair like an ebon waterfall, and eyes like chips of ice, Derran Grandel inclined his head in humble thanks, as his sword vanished from his hand in the same manner as Luna's armor. Stepping forward, Luna magnified her voice as she addressed the crowd.      "Thank you! Thank you my little ponies! We are so glad you enjoyed the show! But now, tis' time for you to wake and greet the day! May your future dreams be restful, and your mornings filled with joy!" She declared. The fillies and colts continued to cheer and applaud as, in ones and twos, they faded gradually from view, before vanishing in puffs of blue vapor. In no time at all, Luna and Derran were alone in the arena.     "Another flawless performance my Lady." Derran remarked, only to let out a grunt of surprise, as Luna jumped up to throw her hooves around his neck. Giggling like a school filly, Luna was practically hopping up and down with joy.     "Oh beloved, this is wonderful! I haven't enjoyed my job this much in ages!" Derran arched an eyebrow in response.     "Oh? Surely this cannot be that different from how you did things before?" Luna shook her head.     "Not at all, it is far more efficient this way! Plus, having you at my side makes it all the better! I still can't believe this is possible! If you will pardon the expression, it is like a dream come true!" Derran chuckled.     "Well it was your and Lady Celestia's blessing that made me what I am. It makes sense that some phantom version of your unique divine abilities might be included in that blessing." Luna rolled her eyes slightly at that, but kept smiling as she released Derran.     "I am just glad that Twilight discovered how to make the enhanced dreamwalking spell work. How she figured it out, I cannot imagine." Derran grinned as he nodded.     "Lady Twilight is a true treasure." He declared feelingly.      "You are heading off to see her tomorrow are you not?" Luna asked, her horn glowing as she began to deconstruct the pocket dream dimension around them. Derran nodded, as the starry abyss and islands surrounding the arena, dissolved into indistinct fog.     "I am indeed. As per usual, I shall spend the next week, starting tomorrow morning, in Ponyville." Here he smirked as he caressed Luna's cheek with a finger. "However, until then, I am all yours." Luna shuddered with delight as she leaned into her beloved's touch.     "A pity we haven't more time tonight. We could drop in on Tia, and; make her dreams come true." Luna declared with a salacious giggle. Derran chuckled.     "But if we did that, how would I make you both a breakfast worthy of two of the mares I love most?" Luna smirked as she placed herself in a dramatic pose. Her head turned away slightly, as she brought the back of one hoof to her forehead.     "Such a burden you place upon your princesses! Forcing us to choose between that which we cannot live without, and that which we need to live! You are cruel my love!" Derran chuckled, a slight grin on his face as he replied.     "My dearest beloved. . ." He began, his tone one of gentle rebuke, as if explaining to a filly why she wasn't allowed to eat ice cream for every meal. "If I gave you everything you desired all the time, we would never leave your and your sister's bedchambers, and the holy land would fall to ruin." Luna's smirk widened as her horn glowed, and the realm of dreams, now a bluish, misty void, melted away into complete darkness. An instant later, Derran opened his eyes, to find himself sitting cross legged on the balcony of Luna's room, his dream armor replaced with a finely tailored suit. Staring out at Canterlot, capital city of Equestria, still cloaked in partial night. As at his side, a sleepy looking, but still grinning, Luna, turned to give him a curt nod.     "Fair enough my love. Off to the kitchen with you then! I shall have my usual." She declared, making a dismissive gesture with her hoof. Derran let out a laugh.     "Now who is cruel? Sending me from the side of the pony I love merely for pancakes?" Luna just shrugged as she stifled a giggle.     "Well, it isn't my sister's turn to prepare the morning meal till tomorrow. But I suppose I could do the cooking, if you prefer?" Derran chuckled as he thought about the last time Luna had tried to make breakfast.     "In the interest of the kingdom not burning down, I will see to it at once my Lady." He declared smartly, rising to his feet and brushing himself off. Luna rolled her eyes.     "It was not that big of a fire!" She protested. "And how was I supposed to know not to throw water on burning grease?" Derran only laughed, as he leaned down to place a loving kiss on Luna's cheek, before turning and heading for the door.     "I will see you and Lady Celestia at the table beloved." He declared smoothly, bowing, as he exited out into the hall.     Derran headed down the corridor toward the kitchens with a calm smile and an even pace. Slowing his stride just a hair, he allowed himself a moment to simply appreciate the peace and quiet, as he, and not for the first time, reflected on his new life. It had been nearly a full year since Derran had returned to Equestria, and his seemingly eternal war had come to an end.      For the first time in a literal age, Derran felt able to breathe easy. Appreciating for the umpteenth time, that, after over a millennia, his life was preoccupied by things other than violence, and the endless struggle for survival. True, there had been that. . . unpleasantness, six months prior. But aside from that, Derran had not needed to either don his armor, nor heft a weapon, in nearly a year. And it was a feeling he wouldn't trade for the world. . . even if it did come with it's own forms of chaos.      Due to his unique love life, not to mention his desire to keep close to his new friends and family, Derran had elected to change his residence at the end of every week. Taking the train from Canterlot to Ponyville every Monday morning, so he might, barring an emergency, spend half his days with Twilight and her friends, and half with Celestia and Luna. It had been a bit hectic at first. However, slowly but surely, Derran had settled into the routine of what he supposed he could consider his 'retirement'. Derran chuckled to himself, all but rolling his eyes at the thought. Whom would have ever believed the great and terrible 'Doom Slayer', would retire? Although, again, his new life did have its own. . . challenges. Most notably, the ones arising from his newfound status in the holy city of Canterlot. One Derran found himself increasingly dubious of. . . .      It had begun when, in an effort to make his beloved Celestia's life a little easier, Derran had taken it as his sacred duty to aid her in caring for the day to day needs of the kingdom. Taking on, what he had intended to be, a strictly secretarial role. Indeed, it had all started simply enough, with Derran tending to paperwork, and reviewing various proposals from the nobility, all things done comfortably out of sight and behind a desk. However, it hadn't taken long for Celestia to begin requesting he accompany her to her various meetings and appointments, as well as diplomatic and social functions.      She had insisted he would be merely an observer, and was there mostly for emotional support, or, as she preferred to describe it, as: 'eye candy'. She also assured him that his considerable, albeit unwanted, celebrity, and the respect ponies had for him, would lend extra weight to various diplomatic receptions, charitable proceedings, and social appearances. That said, and despite his own insistence, and the princesses declaration that he was naught but a bystander to such events, his opinion swiftly became much sought after.      The nobility and visiting dignitaries were oddly eager to hear the judgement of the 'Uncrowned King'. Despite his having no official political or financial power, and having just spoken with a literal divine being. It was as if they thought his words were some scrying pool from which they could glean a glimpse of things to come, or more likely, and not entirely wrongly, they hoped his positive opinion would help sway the solar princess to their various causes. Derran didn't care for the idea of his voice carrying so much weight, real or imagined, within the royal court. Nevertheless, he put his reservations aside for the sake of his beloved. Then, one day, right before a vital meeting with the council of nobles, Celestia sent Derran a note at the last possible minute, telling him she had fallen ill. Luna, she had stated, was busy taking care of her, and Celestia had begged Derran to run the meeting in her stead.        Determined to do his utmost, and serve his beloved in her time of need, Derran did as requested without a second thought. Addressing the council on Celestia's behalf. In his zeal to please, and distracted by the desire to end the meeting and help Luna tend to Celestia as swiftly as possible, Derran had run the council as efficiently as he was able. Using every trick and tactic he'd learned growing up as the son of a powerful nobleman and politician, not to mention the former leader of an army of demon slayers, Derran resolved dispute after dispute, and sifted through innumerable bills, blueprints, and proposals. He rejected anything that he considered wasteful, helped adjust anything that had potential, and finally, neatly compiled everything he felt worthy of his ladies direct consideration. He negotiated peace between a number of feuding nobles. And despite his lack of true authority, kept things running smoothly and quickly. Carefully managing the egos and arrogance of the uppitier members of the Canterlot elite, with the alacrity of a true statesman. Only later, would he come to lament playing into so obvious a trap.      By the time the sun had set, Derran had inadvertently, and irreversibly, secured his place as the new 'High Minister of Royal Affairs' in Canterlot. This unwanted title, having been suggested by none other than lord Fancy Pants near the end of the day's meetings. Or, more likely, through him, by his sister Flur De Lys. Who Derran came to realize early on, was the true political and business powerhouse of her family. Her brother acting as the social 'frontcolt' for her shadowy, if benevolent, empire. Unfortunately, before Derran could counter the, to his mind, absurd proposition, he had been interrupted by Celestia herself. Looking the very picture of health, as she walked in and vocally endorsed the idea. And Derran, unable to mount a counter argument in time, was forced to watch, aghast, as nearly every noble in Canterlot swiftly agreed to put it to a vote.       In the end, and after a lengthy period of convincing, and despite his every instinct screaming at him not to, Derran had acquiesced, under two conditions. . . . First, that he would not be troubled by Canterlot business while in Ponyville, and second, that he would never be required to make a decision on anything, no matter how trivial. Derran was fine with relieving the burden of Celestia's job, but he drew a line at passing judgements in her name. Whatever the ponies around him might say, he was not a King. He, was a Guardian, and thus, he had no right to rule on matters above his station. Celestia and the nobles had agreed without complaint, and promptly voted him into the effective position of; 'regent', much to his unspoken chagrin.      Suspicion had later led Derran to attempt to interrogate Celestia on the exact nature of her 'illness', and that of her sudden and miraculous recovery. But he had become. . . distracted, when she and Luna had dragged him off to their bedchambers to, celebrate his promotion. Derran probably should have been angrier about Celestia's, in hindsight, blatantly obvious deception. However, and perhaps unfortunately, his loves were supremely talented at making him forget such things.        As for his assistance with Luna's duties, that was more a happy accident. Luna and Twilight had collaborated to devise a spell that would allow Derran to dreamwalk with her for long periods of time. The original idea being, that even if he couldn't directly assist her, he at least could keep her company during her normally lonesome nocturnal duties. Twilight had, after a period of trial and error, gotten the spell up and running. Allowing Luna to pull Derran's mind into the dream realm with only minimal effort. However, not long after they entered the ethereal dimension on the first trial run of the spell, they were faced with a manifestation of none other than Nightmare Moon herself.       Derran was still unsure whether it was Luna's heartbroken expression at the sight of her corrupted alter ego, or the apparition's vile declarations of its intent to eat the filly who's dream had conjured it, that caused him to snap. But regardless, forgetting his supposed inability to hurt the monster, Derran had charged at it in a blind fury. Bellowing a thunderous warcry, as he obliterated the phantasm with a single punch.     The discovery that Derran could actually slay nightmares, was monumental, and eventually led to Luna coming up with the 'Tournament of Dreams', several months back. A pocket dimension, where they could gather multiple dreamers and nightmares at once, and destroy them as a group. While at the same time, putting on a show for the fillies. Derran had been reluctant at first, having never cared for the idea of violence as a spectator sport, but Luna had eventually persuaded him. In truth though, he had agreed to it chiefly because he hoped it would help Luna get a bit more recognition from her subjects. And in that at least, it had been an overwhelming success. Derran still recalled the overjoyed look on Luna's face the first time a swarm of fillies and colts surrounded her, clamoring for her autograph, and thanking her and her 'knight' for a wonderful night's sleep. The tears of joy in his love's eyes, had easily blown away any doubts Derran had about the tournament's more violent aspects.     Frowning, Derran continued moving down the hall, as his thoughts became suddenly darker. While he truly did love his ladies, and was overjoyed to be able to serve them again, doubts plagued his mind. There was danger in, even with restrictions, becoming over-involved in the affairs of the seraphim. Risks that at times he feared his ladies were blind too. A year ago, Derran had thought he could manage the Equestrian's misplaced admiration for him. Had hoped the seraphs and their children's idea of him being king would fade with time, and eventually disappear. Yet, day by day, his reknown seemed only to become stronger, and while he did his best not to show it, he had found his frustration with the matter becoming ever harder to ignore.           Shaking his head, Derran pulled himself from his inner thoughts. Forcing his doubts from his mind, as he noted the sun finally peaking above the horizon through a nearby window. Entering the dining room through a large double door, Derran moved past the long mahogany table in the center, all set with glittering silver and ready for breakfast to be served. Giving an approving nod as he walked by Rose Petal, the royal florist, as she placed a beautifully arranged bouquet in a crystal vase at the center of the table. With a smile, the earth pony mare gave an enthusiastic wave.     "Hey, Lord Derran! What's on the menu today?" The orange maned and cream coated florist asked enthusiastically. Derran chuckled as he pulled a chef's apron from a hook near the door leading to the kitchen.     "Pancakes with compote and syrup, mushroom pepper and daisy omelets, fresh croissants, and a new tea that Lady Cadence suggested." He replied, fastening the apron over his usual palace attire. A burgundy swallowtail jacket, trimmed in black, and embroidered along the collar and lapels with vine-like designs. This in addition to a black cravat, black vest, black dress pants, and shined black dress shoes. All of which, like every other outfit he owned these days, were enchanted against stains, water, tearing, burning, and, at his personal request and expense; gunfire and knives. "Also, I believe I've told you, and the rest of the palace staff, several times, that you needn't address me as 'Lord', Derran will do just fine." Rose Petal just giggled in reply, as Derran slipped through the kitchen's double doors.      Keeping a brisk pace, Derran moved down a short sloping hallway to the kitchen proper, a brick cube of a room, approximately the size of a large carriage house, smiling as he entered. The kitchen was the one place Derran felt able to accept a little permanent authority. Here alone, would he consent to being 'king'. The palace kitchen was marvelously appointed. With multiple, magically powered, stainless steel ovens, refrigerators, and range stoves, alongside giant countertops of polished marble and a floor of large square, brick red tiles. The royal mess was designed to accommodate everything from banquets to midnight snacks. It was there, where, with wide smiles, excited expressions, and crisply pressed chef's outfits, the royal kitchen staff greeted Derran with a respectful bow.     "Lord Derran!" Piped up Scarlet Cherry, the youngest of the three permanent cooks on staff, and a relatively new hire. "Everything is set up exactly the way you asked, I saw to it personally." The red coated and green maned earth pony mare declared proudly.     "Like you were the only one working!" Snapped her male counterpart, Pepper Glaze. "Lord Derran, I made sure all the berries and ingredients were measured and accounted for, and that the plates are heated and ready for serving." No sooner had the green coated and red maned pegasus finished his slightly self-aggrandizing declaration, than Scarlet Cherry started fuming.     "You big liar! I'm the one who counted out the individual berries!" She snarled. Pepper Glaze just turned his head dismissively and let out a huff.     "Only the strawberries. And everypony knows those are the easiest to count." He stated coolly, a snide edge to his voice.      "Why you!" Scarlet snarled, as she launched herself at Pepper. The pair falling to the floor at Derran's feet, and rolling around on the spotless clay tiles in a tangle of thrashing limbs.     "Brown noser!" Pepper shouted.     "Hoof licker!" Scarlet shot back.     "BRAT!"     "JERK!"     "FLANK FACE!!"     "CHILDREN!!" Roared the voice of the head chef, instantly causing the pair to freeze. Steel Cutlery had been a member of the princesses cooking staff for as long as anypony could remember. And while the elderly, silver maned and tan coated unicorn, was generally a quiet sort, he could still bring down the thunder when needed. "Is this really the sort of behavior you want to display in front of his Lordship?" He asked, with a faint Trottingham accent. Instantly cowed, Scarlet and Pepper swiftly picked themselves up off the floor and brushed themselves off, before bowing profusely to Derran.     "Apologies my Lord! It was entirely my fault!" Pepper Glaze declared, only for Scarlet to instantly shoulder him aside, and send him sprawling back onto the floor.     "No! It was my fault my Lord! Please, allow me to make it up to you!" Picking himself up again, Pepper immediately got into an impromptu shoving match with his fellow chef. As they began to viciously argue over who was most to blame. Steel Cutlery just shrugged wearily as he glanced up at Derran.     "Well, I tried." Derran simply let out a chuckle. Pepper Glaze had only been here a few months longer than Scarlet Cherry, but it hadn't taken long for the two headstrong ponies to begin competing over who had seniority. Despite both being outstanding chefs from some of the best culinary arts schools in Equestria, they couldn't seem to resist acting like school fillies whenever they were around one another. Fortunately, Derran knew one foolproof method to calm them down, as he put on a nostalgic grin.     "Now Master Silver, there is no need to be so harsh. Young love is such a treasure to witness as it blooms. Does it not stir your heart to see it?" As expected, Scarlet and Pepper froze instantly, before separating from one another in a flash. Mutual expressions of disgust, horror, and mute denial, directed at Derran. Steel suppressed a grin, as he slowly nodded in agreement.     "I suppose you have a point my Lord. It does make one feel young again." Scarlet and Pepper opened and shut their mouths a few times as they tried to protest, but Derran interrupted them before they could begin.     "Now then, the order of the day is Pancakes, berry compote, omelets with mushrooms, daisies and peppers, croissants, a pot of the new tea, and of course, a carafe of Lady Luna's favorite saddle arabian coffee." Instantly, the two younger chefs seemed to forget about their feud and embarrassment, as they each gave a sharp salute.     "Yes milord!" The pair cried out in flawless unison, before jetting off to fetch Derran the ingredients he would need. Watching them go, Derran smiled as he clapped his hands together.     "Right, shall we have a bit of music then?" Steel Cutlery nodded.     "I believe I have just the thing my Lord." He replied, as he walked over to a phonograph perched on an out of the way table. Cranking it a few times, he set the needle to the record. Just as Derran moved to stand at the white marble counter, to the side of one of the massive range stoves. Cracking his knuckles, and then his neck, as he rolled his shoulders, Derran pulled a wooden cutting board from a nearby shelf, as the music began to play.      Soundtrack: Golden Touch by Jaxson Gamble     Bobbing his head to the beat for a few seconds, Derran's hands suddenly became a blur as the lyrics began. As he pulled a chopping knife from a magnetized strip mounted above the counter with one hand. And a sizable fistful of button mushrooms, from one of several bowls Pepper Glaze had just set down at his side. With the precision and speed of a machine, Derran swiftly cut the mushrooms into thin lengthwise slices, before pushing them aside. With the knife becoming visible only by dint of the flashes of light reflecting off it, Derran chopped peppers and daisies into the appropriate size. While next to him, Scarlet Cherry placed two pans coated lightly with olive oil on the stove, along with a cast iron griddle.      Without missing a beat, Derran lit the stove with a flick of his hand, and tossed the sliced vegetables into one of the pans. Then, at a snap of his fingers, Steel Cutlery took the bowls of fresh vegetables away, replacing them with one of eggs, and another of pancake batter, that Derran had prepared the previous night. Twirling the knife in his hand, Derran tossed the now unneeded utensil over his shoulder without so much as a glance. Spinning end over end, the razor sharp knife stuck by the flat of its blade to a second magnetic strip above the large double sink with a faint snap. Barely seeming to look at what he was doing, Derran cracked four eggs, two at a time, into the skillet opposite the one containing the sizzling vegetables. Tossing the empty shells to one side, Derran gave a smirk, watching out of the corner of his eye, as Pepper Glaze caught them in a trash bin. Tapping his hooves to the beat as he did so.     As the ponies went about their various duties, bobbing and weaving to the music. Derran agitated the freshly cracked eggs for a few seconds with a whisk. Mixing the whites and yolks slightly before brushing some freshly melted butter, provided by Scarlett Cherry, onto the griddle on the burners above the skillets containing the omelets and omelet filling. Throwing the whisk over his shoulder to land perfectly in the large, brushed steel sink, beneath the already discarded knife, Derran pulled a ladle from the magnetic strip in front of him. With a smile on his face, he twirled the ladle in his hand theatrically, before tossing it up and over his shoulder from behind his back. Snatching it from the air, Derran spun it between his fingers like a baton. Before gripping it firmly, and ladling several generous portions of pancake batter onto the sizzling griddle.      Placing the ladle into the bowl of pancake batter for the moment, Derran noted that Steel Cutlery had already started work on the compote. A mix of slowly heated raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, sprinkled with a dash of sugar. As he again tossed the cooking veggies for the omelet, Derran held out a hand toward Steel and gave a quick snap of his fingers. Not needing to ask what his lord wanted, Steel Cutlery levitated a small spoonful of the compote to Derran's lips in a sparkling silver aura. As Pepper Glaze placed a bowl of grated cheddar at his elbow, and Scarlet Cherry carefully placed the croissants, made from Derran's personal dough recipe, into a nearby oven. Derran tasted the spoonful, and gave a thumbs up. Pulling a spatula from the magnetic holding strip in a flash of movement, Derran pushed some of the cooked vegetable filling onto the partially cooked egg. Adding a generous portion of cheese and folding the omelet, Derran used a second spatula, appearing in his empty hand as if by magic, to flip the pancakes.     Derran chuckled as he spun around, striking a pose as he flipped the omelet behind his back without so much as glancing at it. Grinning, as his fellow chefs each took a moment to pause and throw out a few dance steps. Pepper Glaze performed a surprisingly elaborate break dancing move, as Scarlet Cherry spun in an elegant pirouette on the tip of her back hoof, as she set a timer for the croissants. Steel Cutlery smiled, as he did a little tap-dance-like shuffle, while stirring the compote. Then, just as swiftly as it began, the impromptu break ended, amid grins and laughter. As Derran turned around to transfer the omelet, and a stack of four pancakes, onto a pair of waiting plates atop a trolley cart Scarlet Cherry had pushed into position behind him. Twirling the two spatulas in his hands, Derran sheathed them in the pockets of his apron for a moment. Before cracking four more eggs into the empty skillet, and ladling another four pancakes worth of batter onto the griddle in a blur of movement. The spatulas appearing spinning in his hands an instant later, is if they never left.      "Whoo! Rock on boss!" Scarlet Cherry whooped, as Pepper Glaze, not wishing to be outdone, clapped his forehooves in excitement. Steel Cutlery just chuckled, already knowing what Derran would say if he weren't concentrating on the second round of omelets and pancakes. An old colloquialism bandied about by the chefs of his world, and that Steel happened to heartily agree with. "The job ain't over till the first bite is taken."     Celestia gave a delicate yawn, as she headed down the red carpet lined hall towards the dining room. Blinking the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes as she passed the castle serving staff, greeting each warmly by name as she went. Entering the dining room, she found Luna already comfortably seated at the table in her usual spot.      "Good morning sister! You slept well I hope?" Luna asked, her voice surprisingly chipper for somepony just coming off the night shift. Celestia smiled, had she known how much a little help in the dream realm would improve her sister's mornings, she'd have looked into getting her an assistant ages ago. Granted, it was unlikely anycreature besides Derran actually could do it, but it still would have been worth the attempt.     "I did indeed Luna, how was last night's performance?" Luna smiled radiantly.     "It was, as they say these days; a smashing success!" She replied, slightly giddy. Celestia chuckled in response, it really was a joy to see her sister so happy.     "Delighted to hear it. I take it our 'valiant knight' is busy with breakfast?" Luna opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off before she could start, as the double doors to the kitchen swung open.      "Breakfast is served!" Derran declared, as he pushed a trolley laden with silver plate covers into the room. "Courtesy of the royal kitchen staff." He added, nodding his head at the three chefs currently holding the doors as he passed. Steel Cutlery just let out a good natured laugh.     "Maybe if you ever allowed us to cook something my Lord." He declared with a smile, causing the princesses to giggle. Derran simply chuckled.     "You wound me master Steel. Besides, I let you make the compote? Surely I don't need to tell you how many recipes live or die on the quality of their sauces?" He offered with a smirk. Steel Cutlery just shook his head, his grin widening.     "Compote isn't exactly rocket science my Lord." He replied. Derran grinned.     "This coming from the infamous former food critic and master chef: Steel Cutlery? The one whom made his name by terrifying cooks he considered mediocre into compliance?" He inquired with teasing disbelief.      "That was a long time ago my Lord." Steel replied. "I like to think old age has mellowed me somewhat. That said, if you don't want the credit, I'll happily add it to my resume." Derran chuckled as he wheeled the trolley next to the table, and placed a pair of covered plates in front of Celestia and Luna.      "I have no use for credit." He declared, as he pulled the coverings from each plate with a flourish. Revealing the perfectly cooked omelettes topped with a dash of sriracha and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. As well as twin piles of exactly circular pancakes, covered in golden maple syrup, dark, wine colored berry sauce, and just a dollop of whipped cream. "My only desired reward is of a far more. . . spiritual nature." He said softly, as he watched Celestia and Luna's faces light up at the sight of the lovingly prepared meal. Steel Cutlery, just smiled.     "And that's why you're the Uncrowned King." He declared with a chuckle. "Anything else before the kids and I go?" He asked, jerking his head towards Scarlet and Pepper.      "Well, other than requesting for the millionth time that you drop all that 'my Lord' and 'Uncrowned King' nonsense. Nothing in particular springs to mind." He replied with a smile. Steel just shook his head, grinning as he and his two sous chefs retreated back into the kitchen.     "Have a pleasant meal, your highness's." He remarked over his shoulder, just as the doors swung shut behind him. Derran shook his head, as he took his own plate, and moved to sit with Celestia and Luna. Both of whom were doing their level best to eat with proper manners, despite dearly wishing to gorge themselves on their love's spectacular food.     "I don't suppose one can appeal the court of public opinion?" Derran asked with a weary sigh, even as a small, if mildly strained, smile, adorned his features. Celestia nearly choked, as she laughed with a mouth full of partially masticated pancakes, as Luna snorted into her coffee.     "If you ever figure out how, do promise to share the secret won't you?" Luna replied with a chuckle, as she levitated a napkin to dab at her muzzle. Celestia nodded, as she swallowed her food and took a sip of tea.     "Will you be heading into town today? I seem to recall the other day you mentioned some errands you needed to run? She inquired, as Derran dug into his own pancakes and omelette.     "Indeed, I have a few items to pick up before my trip tomorrow, and I need to do a bit of shopping for dinner tonight." Celestia opened her mouth to reply, only to close it as the door to the hall opened, and a unicorn with an overstyled black and gray mane, pale white coat, and pencil thin mustache, entered. Wearing a tailcoat similar to Derran's, but done entirely in an obnoxiously loud metallic blue, and with a cutie mark displaying a silver horseshoe superimposed with a quill. He carried a silver platter on which a small stack of letters rested. His voice a sycophantic whine as he spoke.      "Your most eminent majesty!" Grand Chamberlain Silverhoof greeted, looking directly at princess Celestia as if she were the only one in the room. "This morning's mail, as per usual." He declared, his voice dripping with self importance, as he presented the platter to Celestia. However, his smiling expression swiftly dimmed, as Derran spoke up.     "Rather light for two princesses." Derran declared evenly, his voice and expression betraying not so much as a trace of sarcasm. Silverhoof's grey eyes narrowed, his smile becoming strained. As he turned to look at the alien warrior who had become the bane of his existence over the last year.     "Oh. . . yes. . . I seem to have forgotten yours and princess Luna's. My apologies Lord Derran." Silverhoof replied, his tone utterly failing to sound sincere. Derran nodded slowly, as if buying for even a moment that the arrogant prig of a chamberlain was actually in any way sorry.     "Oh, no need to worry, the matters of mere servants such as ourselves is of no great importance. However, Lady Luna's mail is no doubt quite a bit more weighty in nature." Derran's voice sounded, for all the world, completely serious. Even though he knew full well, that the mountains of mail Luna received these days were mostly fan letters, resulting from her increased public profile. Continuing to speak, Derran's tone contained not an ounce of mockery, yet Silverhoof's jaw tightened all the same as he went on. "The matters of the Seraphim of the Night are quite beyond simplistic, bestial minds, such as you and I posses. Low creatures that we are. As such, I must insist that you retrieve her divine majesty's mail, one might never know the calamity even a second's hesitation in their delivery might bring!" Luna and Celestia struggled to maintain an air of quiet dignity, even as they felt like they might explode with restrained laughter. Silverhoof meanwhile, struggled to prevent his teeth from grinding.     "Surely, there is nothing that cannot wait until after Lun-."     "Lady Luna." Derran cut in. His smile and tone that of an indulgent parent correcting a toddler. Silverhoof's face flushed, his eye twitching as he nodded.     "Yes, of course, until after Lady Luna, has finished her meal?" Derran's expression became one of shock and mild horror.     "Would you truly take such a chance?!" He asked, his tone filled with incredulity. " My dear Silverhoof, Lady Luna is thee Seraphim of the Night! The Mistress of Dreams! The Matron of the Moon! Before her divinely empowered form, we are but insignificant crawling worms, unfit to breathe the same air as her immaculate eminence!" Derran declared stridently, his right hand raised in an over dramatic gesture of proclamation as he went on. "You and I are lowly wretched scum in comparison to her! Inferior beings unable to grasp in a thousand lifetimes, the knowledge that for her takes but moments to process! Measured against her we are but dogs! No, not even dogs! We are swine! Rolling in our own filth as she benevolently charts the course of the realm of dreams! Even the most insignificant communique, delayed by so much as an instant, could spell disaster! Those letters may be the only thing between the salvation and destruction of the holy land! Thus I must implore you master Silverhoof, for the good of us all, to retrieve the missives in question post haste!" Silverhoof's face turned an ugly shade of puce, as he struggled to maintain his composure. His eye twitching, as he saw Luna and Celestia turn and hide their faces behind their napkins. Trembling, as they forced themselves not to laugh with a herculean effort of will.     "Surely there is no need to-." Silverhoof was cut off, as Derran's demeanor suddenly changed, his expression darkening, as he glared into Silverhoof's eyes. The shadows around the ancient warrior seemed to flicker strangely, as the chamberlain suddenly found it harder to breath. The air thickening and catching in his throat.     "As I said earlier: I insist." Derran stated, his low, growling tone alone, seeming to chill the very air. As for an instant, his icy blue gaze, flashed blood red. Silverhoof, his rage transformed instantly into terror, simply nodded, his face visibly paling, as a cold sweat trickled from his brow. Backing away a step, he only barely kept his spiking fear from his stuttering reply.     "O-of course my Lord, I-I-I'll see to it immediately!" Silverhoof declared, as he all but galloped for the door. For several seconds after the door to the hall slammed shut behind him, there was silence. Celestia, Luna and Derran, looking at each other for a few moments, before shaking the castle with their combined laughter. . . .     "Heading out my Lord?"      Derran turned to regard Honored Sword, one of the four guards currently stationed at the royal palace entrance. Dressed in the traditional enchanted gold armor of the royal EUP guard, his black mane and yellow coat just barely visible beneath it. Derran nodded, and was pleased to see the pegasus never took his eyes off the gate he was guarding.      "I am indeed, a few errands to run before my journey tomorrow. The castle and our Ladies shall be in your hooves while I am gone. Think you're up for it soldier?" Still keeping his focus on his job, Honored Sword gave a smart salute as he banged the butt of his spear on the ground.     "Sir yes sir!" He replied, his face set and determined.      Derran nodded approvingly. The Earth Unicorn Pegasus Guard, was one of the few areas of the royal court besides meal preparation, where Derran had taken a willing direct hand in matters. After analyzing their abysmal performance during the first changeling invasion, and due to finding innumerable other discrepancies and errors in their performance during various other crises, Derran had taken it upon himself to completely redesign their rules of engagement, and training regimen. He had insisted on requiring every EUP member, regardless of rank, taking a variety of equine martial art classes. Had all but rewritten their field manual, and spent a month personally training their officer core. However, despite all his improvements, at the end of the day, he was adamant that the EUP Guard was better off in search and rescue, or disaster management, not direct combat.     Ponies by and large, simply didn't have the ruthlessness needed to be effective soldiers. Even in the ancient past, before the princesses reign, when they had needed proper armies, ponies fought to disable or drive off the enemy, not kill them. Really, most of what Derran had done with the EUP, as far as combat was concerned, was instill stricter discipline, make them better sentries, and polish up their defensive techniques and strategies. The rest of his instruction and alterations, focused on skills that more suited the ponies temperament. Like crowd control, evacuation procedures, and administering first aid in the field. In the end however, Derran felt that was all that was needed. The EUP didn't need to be, and in his view; must never become, killers. Narcissistic though it might sound to say aloud. The EUP just needed to hold the line, till Derran got there to handle the unpleasant bits, so that is what he prepared them for. Thanks to his efforts, the royal guard could spot almost any intruder a mile away, fortify the castle to resist attack for days, or even weeks, on end, or evacuate the entire city in less than an hour or two. The EUP would never be warriors like Derran, but he now had no doubt whatsoever that they could, and would, save lives.     "Well said soldier." Derran declared with a smile. "Though, if you please, 'Derran' will do just fine." The gold armored pegasus just gave a faint nod, slamming his spear to the ground once more, his eyes never straying from the approaches he was watching.     "As you say, Lord Derran sir." He declared evenly, a faint grin on his face. Derran arched an eyebrow, even as he shook his head in exasperation, and headed toward the street. As he left, Derran had to carefully school his expression to avoid laughing, as one of the other guards,'Stoic Phalanx', if Derran matched the voice right, addressed Honored Sword.     "You know he could kick your flank through a mountain, right?"         Derran's entrance into the hustle and bustle of Canterlot's streets was met, as per usual, with what the locals would call 'polite interest', but which was often better described as: 'blatant staring'. Granted, there was at least far less of it than there had been a year ago. Back then, everypony, from nobility and reporters, to farmers and fillies, had swarmed him in a mob whenever he tried to go anywhere. Though tempting, Derran knew better than to run from the unwanted attention. Instead, he had stood outside the gate for hours at a time, fielding questions, posing for photos, and, to his well hidden annoyance, signing autographs. It had taken a few weeks, but eventually, the furor had died down, as Derran became a common fixture of Canterlot. Even so, he still had plenty of ponies watching him wherever he went, or occasionally approaching him, seeking comment on some subject or other, but at least the street blockading mobs were gone.     "My, my, my, ever the dashing gentlecolt, aren't you my Lord?" Derran chuckled at the sound of a refined feminine voice, with an ever so slight Prench accent. Grinning, as he turned to see Fleur De Lis's perfectly coiffed mane and mysterious smile, as she looked him up and down.     "Good morning Lady Fleur. Thank you, it is a new outfit, based on a design from the far east of D'nur. Lady Rarity wanted to experiment with some uniforms based on what fashion concepts I could recall from my former homeworld. I am glad you approve." The outfit Derran had changed into before heading out, had a loose, black, single breasted dress shirt, fastened by a row of three large silver buttons in the front. The shirt also featured a starched collar, and pocket on the left breast, trimmed in white along the top. And poking out from the slightly shorter than average sleeves, were the cuffs of a second white dress shirt with no collar, worn beneath the first. A pair of baggy pants were fastened to his waist by a broad white belt, with a simple steel buckle. While just before the pant leggings reached his shoes, they were bound securely to his legs with strips of white cloth. As for the shoes, they were actually better described as sturdy sandals, fastened to his stocking feet by thick strips of red leather. Finally, and most notably, on the back of Derran's black shirt, was the symbol of the Doom Slayer, done in blazing red.      "There was a lovely coat of sorts that went with it, but I felt it was a trifle too warm for it." Derran explained with a smile. Fleur simply gave a demure giggle.     "Well it suits you, très héroïque." She remarked. Derran simply sighed.     "The outfit perhaps, but the same cannot be said of its wearer." He stated firmly, his expression becoming a frown. Fleur shook her head with a smile, struggling not to roll her eyes.      "Well, we are all entitled to our opinions I suppose." She replied, before gesturing in the direction Derran was going with her head. "Escort a lady to the market?" She asked with a coy smile, offering Derran a perfectly manicured hoof. He smirked, as he ever so slightly raised an eyebrow.     "Of course." Derran replied after a moment's pause. Taking the proffered limb, and allowing Fleur to fall into step beside him. "It will give me an opportunity to ask what your true scheme is." He declared with a chuckle. Fleur gave him a look of mock hurt, as they walked along the polished white cobblestone street.      "My Lord, I would never." She declared smoothly, as she waved cheerily to a passing pair of mares Derran didn't recognize, and whom giggled coquettishly at the sight of them. "I do have a small request though." She declared airily, her tone and impish smile, doing little to dissuade her escort of her underlying intent. Derran gave Fleur a look.      "Phrasing a scheme as a 'request', does not change its nature my Lady." He stated calmly. Fleur's smile became a knowing smirk.     "Perhaps, but as you yourself clearly recognize, I am a Lady." She declared.     "Dare I ask what that has to do with the matter?" Derran inquired with a slight grin. Fleur's smirk widened by just a hair.      "A Lady does not 'scheme' my Lord, she merely alters the situation to her advantage." She declared, as though simply stating a fact. Derran let out a chuckle at that.     "If I may be forgiven for saying so my Lady; in another life you would have made an excellent villain. But very well, what is this 'small request'?" He inquired. As they maneuvered through the crowd, Fleur De Lis cleared her throat.     "Well you see, the Canterlot fashion show is coming up soon, and I was wondering if I might twist your arm into putting in an appearance as a model?" Derran only barely managed to conceal his surprise, as he glanced at Fleur with a curious expression.      "Forgive my ignorance, but why would you desire a human at a fashion show for ponies?" Fleur simply smiled.     "This show is special. It will feature clothes created and modeled by not just ponies, but Yaks, Changelings, Griffons, Dragons, and even a few Hippogriffs. The whole thing is intended as a way to help bring creatures from across the world closer together." She declared enthusiastically.      "The Hippogriff empire is sending a group? They only just finished repairs on Mount Aris." Derran remarked. Not long after the. . . incident, six months ago, Celestia had sent Derran, Twilight, and their friends, to Mount Aris on a diplomatic mission. When they had arrived at the ruin that was Hippogriffia, they had initially despaired at finding anycreature alive. Fortunately, they had run into the crowned princess of the Hippogriffs, Skystar, who had led them to her kin's hidden underwater enclave of Seaquestria. Things had moved quite quickly after that. Derran had been heralded, much against his will, as a national hero to Seaquestria and Hippogriffia. Queen Novo had even insisted on making him an honorary Hippogriff. And had declared, that among her citizens, he would bear the title of: The Storm Eternal. A rather on the nose snub, in Derran's opinion, of the deceased Storm King. After that, old alliances had swiftly been revived, and made stronger than ever, as Equestria sent workers and material to assist in rebuilding Mount Aris.      Derran had been less than pleased with the reminder of the Doom Slayer's actions during the Storm King's attack, and even more displeased that he was being lauded 'again' as a hero for it. However, not wishing to be rude, or worse yet, jeopardize the newly reforged alliance, he bore it without comment. Though he did insist on himself and Twilight telling the full story to Queen Novo, behind closed doors. Granted, the truth hadn't seemed to change much. With Queen Novo simply saying that, while she agreed the Doom Slayer had done some terrible things, the net result had been a positive one. Derran wasn't entirely convinced of that, but kept his misgivings silent, as he thanked the queen for her understanding.      "They have indeed, I understand their Queen was quite enthusiastic about the idea." Fleur replied, snapping Derran out of his recollection. "So, what do you say? It would be a shame not to include the only human in Equestria in the show?" Derran paused for a bit, turning the idea over in his head. Truth be told, he'd rather avoid the spotlight, already having far more celebrity than he cared for. On the other hand, the event wouldn't be about him, all he'd be doing is walking up and down a runway in different outfits. As long as he didn't have to speak, or single himself out in any way, he could be written off as a curiosity. That said, he wasn't entirely sold on the idea. That was when Fleur gave him a sly look. "Did I mention that this little venture was all Rarity's idea?" Derran looked down at Fleur with a cocked eyebrow.     "Careful my Lady, your guile is showing." He stated with a faint frown. Pausing for a few moments more, Derran let out a sigh. "Very well, I will agree to it, on the condition that proceeds from the event go towards helping with the construction of Lady Twilight's new school. And as long as you don't ask me to do anything more than model clothing." Fleur simply smiled.     "Easily done my Lord." She replied, and Derran gave a knowing smile.     "Especially since you and Lord Fancy Pants are financing the entire thing, correct?" Now it was Fleur's turn to hide her surprise, she had thought she had kept the preparations thus far reasonably under wraps.      "You are well informed my Lord. It's almost enough to make one suspect you anticipated this meeting." Derran just chuckled.     "Yes. . . almost." He replied, as Fleur and he came to a stop before a wrought iron gate in front of a particularly large mansion.     "Well, this is my stop I'm afraid. Thank you for the escort my Lord." Fleur declared with a slight bow. Derran arched an eyebrow as he gave a small chuckle and released her hoof.     "I thought you said you were going to the market?" Fleur simply smirked at him, as she opened the gate.     "Did I now?" She asked mischievously, as she slipped inside. "I'm afraid I can't recall. See you for tea the Wednesday after next?" Derran let out another soft chuckle.     "I would not miss it for the world. Give your brother my best my Lady." He replied with a polite bow.     "Of course my Lord, and do give mine to the Princesses." Fleur declared, returning the bow with a slight flourish. Derran shook his head, as he turned and started walking back toward his original goal. Before pausing and staring up at the late morning sky. Wondering if agreeing to Fleur's request had been the right decision. A moment later, he gave a mirthless laugh.      "How is it, that despite all my efforts to avoid it, I have somehow managed to become my father?" He asked, before shaking his head, and again heading towards the market.