//------------------------------// // OH MY GOD! IT'S STARTING TO HAPPEN TO ME! // Story: Battle of the Blanks // by HumanSVD //------------------------------// Konrad was currently in the back of the truck gathering as much supplies in to the rubber Chem bag as possible. He didn't want to have to stay on this side of the river longer than necessary, and he really wanted to get Apple Bloom to a safer spot. He was currently putting the First Aid Kit together and planned on grabbing as much food as he could fit in the bag. As worried as he was for Apple Bloom's safety, he was really excited that he was able to make a good impression on the little filly. "Holy crap! I met Apple Bloom and she's so cute!" thought Konrad. "Only bronies think Apple Bloom is cute, Konrad." replied his conscious. "Oh come on! Anyone, especially non-bronies, can find Apple Bloom adorable. I mean that's what I thought of her when I first heard her ask Twilight Sparkle to stay for brunch. And the puppy eyes definitely did it too…wait…this isn't who I am! Why am I thinking this?" "On the contrary, it is you Konrad. You're starting to see the signs of being a brony, though it should have been obvious to you when you saw the whole two seasons." "Am I? ...Whatever I got shit to do, now just some food here and a towel there." Konrad then looked over the back seat to make sure Apple Bloom was doing fine. She still had the smile on her face that he saw when he gave her the pop tart. Apple Bloom was also currently looking around the truck's interior, curious no doubt of what was 'this' and 'that'. He knew she was always the more opened minded one of the CMC and in his opinion, a better pony than Apple Jack. "Great, Apple Jack freaked out when she saw Zecora and thought she was going to eat Apple Bloom in Season One episode Nine. I can't imagine what she would do if she saw me." "Like I said, keep them alive and you'll get the best ending." Replied Ian. "Heh, better than Mass Effect 3's ending I hope. Okay, almost done here. I should refill the Makarov before I leave. I still got plenty of other ammo back at the ruins, and Luna should be here any minute across the river." Konrad opened one of the ammo crates, and pulled out a packet of 9 x 18 pistol rounds. Grabbing one small packet of twenty rounds wrapped in the typical Soviet paper, he removed the cartridges and began to load the Makarov Magazines. He couldn't but help admire the cool and underappreciated Soviet rounds that his fellow gun enthusiasts cast off as Eastern European junk. "You might want to speed things up Konrad. You never know what could happen if you lag around here any longer than necessary." said Ian. Unloading the Makarov mag from the Pistol, Konrad started to fill up the remaining space with the cartridges in his hand. "I already scanned the area, and there isn't anypony nearby. Like I said before, my ninja skills are-" BUMP! Now Konrad was absolutely freaked out by the sudden bump and went into alert mode. ! Not only did something manage to get the drop on him, but it had done so when he was loading his Makarov. He couldn't load the gun at the moment for there wouldn't be enough time, and his life, and more importantly Apple Bloom's life would be in danger. "SHIT! Take this you fucking-" Turning around as fast as he could, he raised the unloaded pistol high into the air and brought it down on the Blood Hoof that was stupid to only bump into him. A loud thud was heard when the pistol made contact with the attacker. THUD! And his counter attack was successful as the pony like creature that bumped into him promptly collapsed shouting, "OOOOFFF!" "-fucking…not…Blood Hoof you…uh oh." Konrad couldn't believe his eyes. The pony being that collapsed on the ground was not a Blood Hoof, but was in fact Ruby from SotB! She looked exactly like she did on the pictures he saw on Deviant Art. Her coat was grey, her mane and tail were orange with lighter orange highlights almost bordering on the color yellow, and she had the magnifying glass for a cutie mark. He couldn't tell what color her eyes were since they were closed, but guessed they would be yellow just like in SotB. She was also the reason why Apple Bloom escaped, along with her presumed mother Mitta. The story was never quite clear if that was the case or not, but Konrad guessed it was true since MLP Wiki said so. And here she was, right in front of him, confirming that this was indeed the SotB universe along with SFA. If having the stress of taking care of Luna and Apple Bloom weren't enough, he was starting to wonder if there was a Blood Hoof Jade out there, ready to pop out and scare him, just like she did in the bad ending of that Creepy Pasta game. Feeling a little bit guilty and scared at the same time, Konrad then thought to himself, "DAMN! Why did she do that? I didn't want to hurt her. I hope Apple Bloom won't-" "KONRAD! Are you okay?! Ah heard somepony get hurt!" said Apple Bloom. "-find out. Damn!" "She was going to find out either way Konrad. You better do something." Said Ian. "Just stay in the truck Apple Bloom! Don't come out here!" said Konrad. But the little spitfire that Apple Bloom was ignored Konrad's command and jumped out of the truck. He could hear her little filly hooves thudding on the ground making her way towards the back of the truck. "She just disobeyed me like she did with Apple Jack and Fluttershy in the episodes. I'm going to have to have an adult to child talk with her. I can't have her rushing into situations just like she did in SotB, assuming that is exactly what happened." thought Konrad. "Good idea Konrad. That's a flaw of hers that needs to be corralled so to speak." replied Ian. Apple Bloom now came into view standing next to him on his right side. He looked at her face as she stopped and had a shocked look on her face, similar to the one she used earlier when they first met at the ruins. "RUBY! NO!" shouted Apple Bloom. Turning her head to Konrad, she then gave him the look that he never ever wanted to see again. It was her 'Sad Bloom' face and it definitely made his heart wrench, just as it did on S1 Ep12. "Oh god! Please don't cry Apple Bloom! I don't want to see it; you'll make me do it too!" thought Konrad. "It's okay brony, all you need to do is just…" spoke Ian. "Shut up and let me handle this!" Snapping back to reality, Konrad noticed her eyes were starting to tear up and she asked him, "Why did you hurt her? She wasn't one of them Blood Hooves!" Konrad immediately became uncomfortable and started to struggle on what to say. "Just tell her what happened Konrad, and you'll be fine." "Well Apple Bloom…you see she bumped into me when my back was turned and I thought it was a Blood Hoof. Not taking any chances, I turned around and hit her only to find out that she wasn't a Blood Hoof." "Bbb…bbbut she isn't a Blood Hoof, she's mah friend! Ruby helped me get away from those zombies fellers in Sunny Town, and so did her mom Mitta." Konrad, who still had a guilty look on his face, absorbed the information that Apple Bloom spoke. "So she did come from Sunny Town and Mitta is Ruby's mother. I guess the MLP wiki was right." Konrad noticed that Apple Bloom was on the verge of crying, and this was something he just wouldn't allow. He hoped that he had enough paragon points to pull it off, because if he didn't then he would get a less than perfect way of resolution. "Come on! The hoof kiss and saving her life should have been enough. Appear you stupid symbol!" As if on cue, the paragon symbol appeared in his vision and he wasted no time in accepting it. He got down his right knee, put his hand on her pony cheek and spoke softly to Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom…I know you have had a very rough night and so have I. I never ever want to hurt anyone I mean, anypony, especially one who is a friend of yours." Apple Bloom then appeared to calm down a little bit and Konrad continued, "And believe me when I say this, you're not the only one who is scared. I'm scared just as you are, and those Blood Hooves are really freaky, not just to you but to me as well." "You are? But you said…" "That you'll never see those Blood Hooves again? As long as I live, your darn right you won't see them!" Konrad let go of her face, and was a bit disappointed to do so. Her face was so soft and gentle like a nice comfortable pillow. Right now he wanted to just hug her, but that would be awkward for both of them considering he just met her, and probably hadn't earned her trust…yet. "Oh only bronies want to…" "Shut up Ian, I got a filly to cheer up!" Ignoring his continually annoying Jiminy Cricket, he continued to speak to Apple Bloom. "I am a soldier where I am from and it's my job to help protect those from harm, so that they may live in harmony and not know horrible things such as war, and especially zombies." Apple Bloom immediately got uncomfortable at the mention of war, and this confirmed to Konrad that non-harmonious things such as war were a no-no in Equestria. "Great, now I'm REALLY going to have to be careful what I say about humanity or else they will think we're all evil and chaotic when we aren't...most of the time. Other Ponies may not be as understanding like Luna…Princess Luna…" "Eyes on the filly Konrad!" Snapping out of his strange trance-like thought of Princess Luna, he continued, "Yes, Apple Bloom, it's not a good thing, but it happens in my world and if humans like me weren't around to defend others, just like I am doing with you, then bad guys would run around unopposed. They have been trying to get me ever since I somehow got to this place, and while scared I am, I'm not going to let them hurt you. And I mean what I said earlier, you WILL get home safe and sound to see Apple Jack." Apple Bloom's face immediately went into confusion mode, and she tilted her head, rather cutely, and asked, "How do you know who mah sister is?" "Oh shit! What did I just do…um…she spoke her name that's it!" "When you were asleep, I heard you speak her name. I take it she is your sister? The 'Apple' kinda gives it away." Apple Bloom's confused expression slowly melted away into a smile and then she laughed a bit. Recovering from the funny moment, she continued, "Yeah, mah sister's name is Apple Jack and my brother's name is Big Macintosh and they are very over protective of me, especially Apple Jack. Ah just hope when you get me home, she won't try to lasso you into a really tight knot." That made Konrad wince a bit. Apple Bloom had just confirmed Apple Jack's cannon nature and now he was afraid of something other than the Blood Hooves. Strange how he didn't fear them, but he feared Apple Bloom's sister. Sure he might be able to beat her up, but she was a girl after all and Apple Bloom and especially Big Macintosh, might not like it if it came to that. He did after all love the ponies and didn't want to harm any of them. When Konrad realized that, he immediately went white and thought, "Oh GOD! Don't tell me I'm a…" "Brony? Oh you have no idea. Just admit it and…" said his conscious. "Quiet! Oh man, I really got to make sure Apple Bloom gets home. Wait a minute, if Apple Bloom and Luna can handle my presence just fine, then I guess the mane six can and Princess Celestia can too! Heh, I'll be okay for sure!" Doing his best to appear not worried, he replied to Apple Bloom, "Well, your siblings may be overprotective, but if I can handle the Blood Hooves, I'm sure I can handle them. You'll be there to back me up if they try any funny business right partner?" Konrad then held up his fist to do another brohoof like he did with Apple Bloom, and hoped that her reaction would be a good one. Konrad's worries melted away as she quickly returned the brohoof, giggled and said, "You got it Konrad! Nopony and not even mah brother and sister gonna hurt mah human friend!" said Apple Bloom. "Hey, just call me your friend. Doesn't matter if I'm a pony or not, right?" "RIGHT!" said an excited Apple Bloom. "Wow, can't believe I pulled that one off! Apple Bloom is really one of my favorite ponies of all time!" Konrad then broke off eye contact and looked at Ruby. She was out cold and it was strange how she was a ghost in the game, but in real life (that is if he could call this real life) her body acted like it was alive. "If this means she has a body, can she die again?" pondered Konrad. "You won't know until you help her Konrad. And you really need to get back over to other side. You don't want to keep Luna waiting now do you?" replied Ian. "You're damn right! I have to get back to my…princess…what is going on with me?" "You know the answer to that, but I'm just going to let it soak in for you. Don't waste any more time though." Snapping back out of his thoughts, he looked back to Apple Bloom. She was looking at Ruby with concern and fear in her eyes. Not bearing to see any more of that on Apple Bloom's face, he decided to help Ruby out considering it was technically his fault for knocking her out. "Well, can't leave her there like that now can we? Apple Bloom can you do me a favor?" "Yeah Konrad?" replied Apple Bloom who seemed eager to help. "I want you to jump into the back and get the first aid kit out of my green bag. I'm going to use it if she's genuinely hurt." "No problem Konrad!" said Apple Bloom who slightly jumped at wanting to help somepony. "So much DAAWWW! Overloading…brain!" Konrad then mentally kicked himself, for no doubt his conscious was just standing by and laughing at what was unfolding. Konrad then turned to Ruby, and took one more good look before deciding how to pick her up. She was currently laying on the ground sideways with her legs evenly spaced apart. Konrad felt pretty guilty for hitting her and he knew talking to her was going to be a bit awkward. He knelt down to check her condition and put two fingers on her neck to feel a pulse. And what he felt was one big contradiction. He didn't feel a pulse, but he felt heat coming from her body and she was breathing. The spot where he pistol whipped her had absolutely no bruise mark whatsoever. Considering how hard he hit her, there should have been one or anything really regardless if she had been a pony or human. Konrad remembered that she was a ghost in the game, and in the comic, but she pretty much had a body that well…acted alive. This really confused the hell out of Konrad, but then again this whole night confused him. "Does this mean she is invincible? It's just like she's an NPC in Oblivion that you can hurt but can't kill because she is too important!" Konrad then carefully picked Ruby up and carried her like a groom would a bride on a wedding day. The weight of an average mare pony wasn't that bad really, Luna was a bit heavier due to her slightly larger size. If Konrad ever told her that, she would most likely curse his ass. "I mean Luna isn't fat or super heavy at all, she's just a larger mare than most ponies like in the show. She's actually nice and fit, with lean legs and her 'plot' is certainly something…OH MY GOD! IT'S STARTING TO HAPPEN TO ME!" "Horse lover." With his face turning red a bit, he turned around and carried her to the back of the truck. Apple Bloom was already waiting for him with the first aid kit open, holding a bandage roll in her mouth. Konrad lulzed inside a bit at the sight for Apple Bloom really wanted to help and that was another thing that he admired about her. Konrad gently laid Ruby down on the truck bed in a space that Apple Bloom had made. Apple Bloom went to give him the bandage, and he chuckled and said, "No Apple Bloom, she isn't bleeding or anything, just knocked out." Dropping the bandage roll, she replied, "Oh well then what can Ah do? Ah just want to help." The moment of cuteness was really getting to him, she was almost starting to give him the puppy eyes and then Konrad decided that it was something he very much wanted to see. "Well, I'm not sure if you really can help me Apple Bloom…" And just as he hoped, Apple Bloom immediately went into her signature puppy eyes. Doing his best not to laugh, or go 'DAWWW' out loud, he said, "…but…" "Yes..." said Apple Bloom with an increasing smile on her face. "You can hand me that thing in the kit." "Hand?" "Of course, she doesn't know what hands are. I doubt anypony does." "Uhh, I mean hoof. These aren't hooves or claws that I have and these five things on my hand are fingers." Konrad flexed his fingers just as he did for Luna, and Apple Bloom immediately became curious. It was almost like she was in a trance watching him move them. As fun as this was, he needed to speed things up in getting all of them across the river. "Anyway, you can 'hoof' me that thing in the case right there." Said Konrad holding his other hand on Ruby's head. Apple Bloom then nodded and went to go for the smelling salt item that he pointed out. Konrad was gently stroking Ruby's mane and it was quite nice. He was starting to feel a bit bad for touching ponies without permission, just as he had done to Luna. So far none of them complained, though whether it was because they enjoyed it or because it was something new, he didn't know. Either way, it felt nice, and he was going to get away with it as much as he could. "You're not the only one who likes to do that." said Ian. "And just what is that supposed to mean?" "Oh nothing, you'll find out and you need to be careful with the ponies you flirt with. You could cause something." "Uh Konrad?" "I doubt that there really is a pony here that actually 'gushes' over me." "Oh my little brony! You are so lucky at the opportunity you have and you have no clue either!" "You're my conscious dammit! How are you supposed to know that…fuck you not a brony, and I got shit to do remember Konrad then snapped out of his thoughts as Apple Bloom was tapping him with her hoof and holding the Ammonia wipe. He took it with his free hand and said, "Sorry about that kid. I was just thinking about how I could have handled that situation better." Said Konrad with a little embarrassment and guilt on his face. "You mean hittin' Ruby on the noggin'?" asked Apple Bloom. "Yeah, I was just scared you know." Said Konrad with a guilt smile. "Ah guess Ah could have handled meeting you differently too." Replied Apple Bloom with a slight guilt smile of her own. "Heh, you're a good filly you know that right?" replied Konrad with a real genuine smile Apple Bloom immediately smiled and Konrad imagined that she had her signature halo like she saw on the show. It was really just 'DAWW', after 'DAWW' with Apple Bloom and Konrad was really enjoying her company. "You're going to get home filly. That I promise." "Okay Apple Bloom, let's wake Ruby up shall we?" "Yessirree!" Konrad then waved the ammonia or 'smelling salt' wipe in Ruby's face, and hoped that it would wake her up. Apple Bloom then asked Konrad, "Now what's that stuff supposed to do? It smells funny." She was currently holding on of her front hooves in front of her nose, trying to block the smell out. "It's called Ammonia or 'Smelling Salt'. It's supposed to stink bad enough to make somepony wake up if they fainted. I just hope it-" All of a sudden Ruby's eyes opened up very wide eyed and very yellow glowing like. It was just like he saw her on the internet and earlier in the day. Seeing her do it up close, however, was another experience all together. Konrad threw the salt away, and did his best not to freak out at the sudden eye glow thing. "-will work…uh…hey umm…" struggled Konrad as he tried to finish his sentence. The moment was awkward for Konrad, and feeling the guilt of hitting her earlier didn't make things any easy. "Well, if she can't die, then I hope she won't buck the crap out of me. Time to pull off some regular paragon charm I guess." "Sorry about hitting you there Ruby, you really scared me. I thought you were…" Then Konrad observed Ruby's reaction very carefully. Instead of expecting to see a standard unhappy pony expression, he saw Ruby slowly crank up a smile…a very creepy smile. The smile was so creepy and uncomfortable, that he gave a weak smile while finishing his sentence. "…a Blood Hoof." And Ruby just continued to smile at Konrad, making him very uneasy. She then spoke to him having a rather cheery tone and said, "Oh I completely understand, and it was entirely my fault for scaring you. I'm just glad I finally got to meet you at last! I've been watching you for some time now, and I can't wait to get to know you!" And as soon as she finished that sentence, she made a very big grin and did the toy plush sound that the ponies did on the show. When Konrad heard that, he thought to himself, "Oh GOD! I got a stalking pony and a ghost one at that! GOD HELP ME!" The only thing Konrad could do at the moment was continue the weak smile, doing his best to hide his discomfort and for some reason, he wished that Luna was with him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple Bloom was currently in the back of the Konrad's strange truck. She was looking around wondering about all of these weird human things. His seats were pretty comfortable and the car smelled a little bit funny, but overall it seemed pretty cool. She was looking at the strange wheel thing on the driver's seat that he pointed out with his weird claws. "Ah guess that's how he drives this so called truck. Ah wonder how fast it can go? No doubt Scootaloo would want to ride in this she'd have so much fun Ah'll bet." The thought of her friends was starting to make her miss being home. Even though Konrad had somehow gotten rid of some of the Blood Hooves on the bridge, she almost died from drowning. She remembered being so tired from running, and hitting the water really hurt. Apple Bloom definitely didn't want to go swimming anytime soon, as the thought of not seeing her friends and family made her very worried. Never had she ever thought dying was a possibility at all, only having fun and living life on the orchard. "Ah just want to go home, and have fun. Ah hope Konrad can get me home, cause Ah don't want to die!" Desperate to try and think good things, she remembered the pop tart he gave her and couldn't wait to have another one. Bringing the smile on her face again, she began to look around Konrad's truck trying to see what else was in there. Apple Bloom just couldn't believe that two of the most popular myths were true, but she was really happy that humans weren't bad. Konrad was just really cool and friendly, and his food was awesome! "Ah wonder what else he is like? Does he have a cutie mark? How old is he? Are there ponies where he is from? And why does that ceiling have so many tears and scratches?" Apple Bloom's thoughts were interrupted as she heard a very loud thud noise with a pony shouting. THUD! "OOOOFFF!" Apple Bloom immediately became worried for Konrad and realized that the voice of the pony sounded awfully familiar. "KONRAD! Are you okay?! Ah heard somepony get hurt!" "Just stay in the truck Apple Bloom! Don't come out here!" said Konrad. Fear seized Apple Bloom when he said don't come out here. It sounded like a pony was hurt and one that she knew. "He might need my help! Ah ain't no little foal! Ah can help you Konrad!" Throwing the towel off herself, she got on all fours and jumped out of the truck. Her legs were a little bit tired, but that didn't matter as she ran as fast as she could to the back of the truck. "Oh please be alright! Ah can't stand to see anypony-" Apple Bloom stopped at the sight in front of her and froze in fear and shock. On the ground was her friend Ruby, completely lifeless as far she could tell. Konrad stood next to her with a look of 'what'd Ah do?' Apple Bloom then shouted, "RUBY! NO!" "NO! Please get up Ruby! Please! You can't be dead again!" Turning to Konrad, he had the same face she noticed earlier and he didn't seem happy about what he did either. Not fully understanding what happened she asked Konrad, "Why did you hurt her? She wasn't one of them Blood Hooves!" He visibly became uncomfortable, and said to her, "Well Apple Bloom…you see she bumped into me when my back was turned and I thought it was a Blood Hoof. Not taking any chances, I turned around and hit her only to find out that she wasn't a Blood Hoof." "But she's a friend Konrad! She sent me to you, that doesn't mean you can hurt somepony if they scare you!" "Bbb…bbbut she isn't a Blood Hoof, she's mah friend! Ruby helped me get away from those zombies fellers in Sunny Town, and so did her mom Mitta." Konrad now had a guilty look on his face and it seemed that he didn't know what to say. Apple Bloom was very scared that he could have done the same to her if she surprised him. This whole night was the worst she ever experienced. First she saw a pony's dead body, then she saw zombie ponies, and then she almost drowned, thinking that she never would see her friends again. And now her only friend that she could rely on was laying on the ground, hurt again which was something she didn't deserve. Apple Bloom was now starting to fear Konrad, wondering if Ruby made a mistake about him. And then he did something that she didn't expect from a myth. He got on his legs holding himself like she had seen Spike do for Rarity, and held his weird claws to her face and speak. "Apple Bloom…I know you have had a very rough night and so have I. I never ever want to hurt anyone I mean, anypony, especially one who is a friend of yours." There was something about him that made Apple Bloom start to calm down. She wasn't sure if it was his voice or his claws, but somehow she didn't feel afraid of him. His touch was rather comforting; it was almost like he was Big Macintosh taking care of her, similar to that one time she got hurt doing chores on the barn. And now he was saying that he never ever wanted to hurt somepony, which she actually believed he was sincere about it. He continued to speak, "And believe me when I say this, you're not the only one who is scared. I'm scared just as you are, and those Blood Hooves are really freaky, not just to you but to me as well." This surprised Apple Bloom greatly for she didn't even think that he was capable of being scared since he stood up to those Blood Hooves like they were nothing. "You are? But you said…" "That you'll never see those Blood Hooves again? As long as I live, you're darn right you won't see them!" Konrad then let go of her face and she briefly wanted him to do it again. "Strange how Ah felt just fine when he did that. Ah wonder if he think it be weird if Ah asked him to? He'd probably think Ah'm a weird filly, and Ah don't want him to think that of me." Apple Bloom continued to listen to him speak, "I am a soldier where I am from and it's my job to help protect those from harm, so that they may live in harmony and not know horrible things such as war, and especially zombies." "War? Humans do war just like the book said? That's not good at all…but…" As if Konrad knew what she was thinking, he responded to her, "Yes, Apple Bloom, it's not a good thing, but it happens in my world and if humans like me weren't around to defend others, just like I am doing with you, then bad guys would run around unopposed. They have been trying to get me ever since I somehow got to this place, and while scared I am, I'm not going to let them hurt you. And I mean what I said earlier, you WILL get home safe and sound to see Apple Jack." Now Apple Bloom felt completely reassured that this human really meant what he said and felt confident in his awesome ability to kick Blood Hoof flanks. "Now Ah really feel safe with him. He didn't mean to hurt Ruby and there are bad guys in Equestria too…wait a minute! How does he know about Apple Jack? That don't make any sense!" "How do you know who mah sister is?" asked Apple Bloom. Konrad seemed a bit surprised at her question, but quickly relax and answered, "When you were asleep, I heard you speak her name. I take it she is your sister? The 'Apple' kinda gives it away." "Ah guess that makes sense, Ah do remember calling her name out earlier. But Ah that Ah heard her! Must have been a dream or something." She couldn't but help laugh at her suspicious thoughts as it was ridiculous to think Konrad could know about her sister without having met her. "Yeah, mah sister's name is Apple Jack and my brother's name is Big Macintosh and they are very over protective of me, especially Apple Jack. Ah just hope when you get me home, she won't try to lasso you into a really tight knot." Then Apple Bloom couldn't but help find his reaction to be funny. He seemed to be genuinely scared at being lassoed by Apple Jack. Hay, nopony likes to lassoed like a critter and apparently humans were the same too. Apple Bloom was doing her best not to laugh at him, since he did save her and was a really a nice feller. She continued to watch Konrad's hilarious reaction to the prospect of being corralled like a critter, as his face then went slightly white. "Uh oh, now Ah think Ah scared him now! Well, Apple Jack is tough and so is Big Macintosh and Ah really do hope they won't do anything. They just don't know him and Ah don't want them or Konrad to get into a fight or get hurt." Apple Bloom then noticed Konrad's complexion return to normal, and he did his best to appear that her news of sister's protective nature meant nothing. "Well, your siblings may be overprotective, but if I can handle the Blood Hooves, I'm sure I can handle them. You'll be there to back me up if they try any funny business right partner?" Konrad then held up his fist to do another brohoof like he did with her earlier. Apple Bloom now felt great that he considered her a partner, just like her friends in the CMC. "He thinks Ah can help him too!? Alright! Now Ah have to get him into the CMC! Scootaloo will like his truck and Sweetie Belle will like his zombie flank kicking skills! Now we'll get our Cutie marks for sure with his help! But Ah got to back him up too, Ah ain't letting my brother and sister hurt him!" Apple Bloom then returned the brohoof and was now excited that he considered her a friend. "You got it Konrad! Nopony and not even mah brother and sister gonna hurt mah human friend!" said Apple Bloom. "Hey, just call me your friend. Doesn't matter if I'm a pony or not, right?" "RIGHT!" said Apple Bloom who now a made a really cool friend. Konrad then looked at Ruby with a look of regret very apparent. Apple Bloom turned her attention to Ruby too, as she just laid there in peace. "Dang! Konrad must have hit her very hard if she's out like that. He must be a strong guy for sure! Ah hope a fight doesn't happen for sure when he meets mah family. Now Ah hope Ruby is okay. Ah don't think she can die again, but Ah'll bet it hurt for sure." Apple Bloom continued to look at Ruby, worried about how she will react when she wakes up, that is if she even woke up at all. "Well, can't leave her there like that now can we? Apple Bloom can you do me a favor?" This caught Apple Bloom's attention for sure, as she wanted to be of help to Konrad and Ruby. Eager to help Ruby and impress Konrad, she responded, "Yeah Konrad?" He looked at her and said. "I want you to jump into the back and get the first aid kit out of my green bag. I'm going to use it if she's genuinely hurt." "No problem Konrad!" said Apple Bloom unaware that she jumped at wanting to help assist Konrad. Not wasting any time, she jumped into the back of the truck, moved some stuff out of the way, and saw the green bag that he was talking about. It was a strange dull green bag made of rubber, and it smelled kind of weird. She opened the bag with her right hoof and saw a white metal case that said 'First Aid Kit' with a green cross and some strange looking snake in the center. Why this case had a picture of a snake on it, she didn't know. "Why is there a snake on it? There can't be a snake in there…what am Ah thinking?! Of course there wouldn't be snake in it! At least Ah think so." Apple Bloom then opened the simple latch on the case and went into alert mode, expecting a snake to pop out despite the ridiculousness of the idea. ! And inside the case was nothing but the typical medical supplies that came with one. Feeling a little bit embarrassed at her reaction she turned around to see what Konrad was doing. His back was facing her and he didn't see her reaction, thus sparing Apple Bloom the embarrassment of looking silly in front of her new cool friend. "Now Ah wonder what he'll need to help Ruby. He did hit her on the head, so I guess he'll need this one." Spotting the bandage roll, she picked it up in her mouth an turned to Konrad. He was picking up Ruby very carefully as to not hurt her. "He really is a nice feller for sure, Ah hope Ruby won't be too mad." Once he made his way over, he gently set her down in the same way he she was laying on the ground. As she went to give him the bandage roll, he looked at her and chuckled, "No Apple Bloom, she isn't bleeding or anything, just knocked out." Dropping the bandage roll, she replied, "Oh well then what can Ah do? Ah just want to help." "Darn! Ah hope he doesn't think Ah'm useless." "Well, I'm not sure if you really can help me Apple Bloom…" "Oh pleeaaassseee!" Apple Bloom, really wanting to be a good helper for Konrad and especially to help Ruby, did her best to look very cute. It usually worked with some of the older ponies back in Ponyville and she was betting that it would work on him. "…but…" "Yes..." "Come on Konrad. Just tell how Ah can help! She's mah friend you know!" "You can hand me that thing in the kit." Said Konrad pointing at an item in the kit his claw or… "Hand?" "Uhh, I mean hoof. These aren't hooves or claws that I have and these five things on my hand are fingers." Konrad then began to move his so called fingers and Apple Bloom couldn't but help get a look at them. The books in school never said what they were called, only that they could be described as sharp less claws. They felt nice when he touched her earlier, and now she knew what to call them. "Anyway, you can 'hoof' me that thing in the case right there." Said Konrad. Apple Bloom simply nodded and went to hoof the strange looking item in the box. It was a tiny little cloth tightly wound up in a clear wrapping material that reminded her of candy. It said on the wrapper with black ink 'Ammonia Inhalants'. Apple Bloom had no idea what the it meant, but it apparently would help Ruby. Holding the item in her hoof, she turned to look at Konrad and was curious about what he was doing. With his right hand, he was stroking her mane and it looked like he was enjoying it as far she could tell. Apple Bloom looked at Konrad's face and it was apparent that he was deep in thought. "Now Ah wonder why he's doing that? Maybe trying to make her feel better? Now that Ah think about it…Ah wonder if he has a special somepony, or human." Apple Bloom then slightly smiled at the prospect of helping her new friend find a special somepony. "Now Ah wonder if he thinks Ruby is cute and all? Hee hee hee." Realizing that thinking wasn't going to help Ruby wake up any faster, Apple bloom spoke to Konrad, "Uh Konrad?" He was still deep in thought, stroking her mane, and this confused Apple Bloom. She hen tapped him on the arm with her hoof and he broke out of his deep thinking and took the wipe from her hoof. "Sorry about that kid. I was just thinking about how I could have handled that situation better." Said Konrad with a little embarrassment and guilt on his face. "You mean hittin' Ruby on the noggin'?" asked Apple Bloom. "Yeah, I was just scared you know." Said Konrad with a guilt smile. "You're not the only pony who regrets gettin' scared." "Ah guess Ah could have handled meeting you differently too." Replied Apple Bloom thinking of how she first met him back there. "If Ah hadn't panicked, then Ah might not have nearly drowned and Ruby might not have got hit by Konrad." Apple Bloom felt guilty about how she had handled herself back there and wished that she could do it all again. But then Konrad made he feel all better again when he spoke, "Heh, you're a good filly you know that right?" replied Konrad with a real genuine smile. That made her feel much better knowing that he thought she was a good filly. Pony or not, praise coming from the somepony older always made her feel cheerful. "Oh yeah, you're definitely welcome to the CMC for sure! Thank you Konrad!" "Okay Apple Bloom, let's wake Ruby up shall we?" "Yessirree!" Konrad then waved the ammonia thingy in Ruby's face, and had no idea what it was supposed to do. He didn't put it in her mouth which meant it wasn't medicine, and it definitely wasn't a shot. It did however really stink, almost to the point that is was more unbearable than an unclean outhouse. "Now what's that stuff supposed to do? It smells funny." Asked Apple Bloom. She was currently holding on of her front hooves in front of her nose, trying to block the smell out and it wasn't really doing a good job. "Why in tarnation does that stuff stink?!" "It's called Ammonia or 'Smelling Salt'. It's supposed to stink bad enough to make somepony wake up if they fainted. I just hope it-" Before he finished that sentence, Ruby's eyes opened up and Apple Bloom was very happy. Just as Konrad said, it woke her up for sure. "Wow! Konrad was right! He really knows what he's doing, though I'm sure even Princess Celestia herself would wake up to that darn stinky smell." Apple Bloom wanted to say something but was interrupted as Konrad finished his sentence, while looking into Ruby's eyes. He apparently didn't even notice that he interrupted her, but Apple Bloom didn't mind as she saw and listened to them speak. He threw the 'smelly salt' away and said, "-will work…uh…hey umm…" struggled Konrad as he tried to finish his sentence. "Now don't be scared Konrad, Ruby's nice! Ah'm sure she won't be mad at you." "Sorry about hitting you there Ruby, you really scared me. I thought you were…" said Konrad. For some reason he stopped his sentence very briefly and wondered why. She saw that Ruby had a smile and that was proof that she wasn't at all mad at him. "…a Blood Hoof." finished Konrad. He still had a strange smile on his face, as if he was scared of her. "Now why is he so darn afraid? Can't he see that she isn't mad at him?" Apple Bloom continued to watch both Ruby and Konrad, as they both were smiling at each other. It almost reminded her of when Big Macintosh and Miss Cheerilee were briefly dating, even though it was a forced event. This time however it was different, as it appeared to be actually genuine. Then Apple Bloom thought to herself, "Wait a second…Ah think they like each other! That is so sweet! Ah guess ponies and humans can like each other!" Apple Bloom started to sport a very filly like smile as she observed what she believed to be true love in the making. She continued to sport the very same smile that she used when her and the other CMC members used when they watched Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee. "DAWWW! They like each other! Ah wonder if they might become each other's especial somepony! Maybe if Ah help them get together, Ah might get mah cutie mark! Maybe helping Blood Hooves didn't count!" Apple Bloom was very much happy at the prospect of becoming a match maker, and if she could get a human and pony together, then maybe she might get a very new and unique cutie mark! Watching the event unfold before her, she eagerly awaited Ruby's response. She got her answer as Ruby replied rather enthusiastically at Konrad's apology. "Oh I completely understand, and it was entirely my fault for scaring you. I'm just glad I finally got to meet you at last! I've been watching you for some time now, and I can't wait to get to know you!" Apple Bloom was very excited now, as it was very obvious, even to a youngster such as herself that Ruby was absolutely gushing with hearts over Konrad. "Dang! Konrad must be a very good looking human male to get Ruby falling over him! And the first thing he did was hit her! This cutie mark is going to be easier then Ah thought!" Apple Bloom couldn't but help smile at the most obvious sight of love from both Ruby and Konrad. Full of excitement, she hoof stomped in excitement at the even unfolding before her; "Not only did Ah get a new friend, but Ah probably just helped the first pony and human become each other's special somepony! Now all Ah have to do is just make sure to seal the deal!" Unfortunately for Apple Bloom, she had no idea what a vast, complicated sea of emotions she was sailing in. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This had to positively be the best dream Ruby had ever had in both her entire living and spirit life. Every year when she rested, a great break by not being caught by the Blood Hooves, she would often dream of things that could have been had she not been murdered. In the earlier years, it would often be about leaving Sunny Town and seeing the rest of Equestria. But much more recently it had been about finding a nice Stallion and having some foals. She had primarily thought of this due to her mom raising her all alone and a mother's love was all that she knew. Being forced to live as a ghost with pain really made things hard on her soul. She was tired of pain and wanted something a bit more, but mostly to end the curse. Too many years went by that she saw innocent ponies become enveloped into the curse of Sunny Town. Instead of being cursed like her, they suffered a much worse fate. Their own souls would be twisted into becoming nothing but pure demented evil, all pony heck bent on bringing others to the so called 'Party of the Year' thrown by none other than the leader of the curse, Grey Hoof. Doing her best to keep bad things out of her dream, she saw two wonderful younglings walking about around the yard of not only her home, but his. "Katja! Blau Streifen! Dinner is almost ready! Stop playing and wash up already little ones." "Yes Mommy!" said both of her children who were playing in the yard. Ruby couldn't but help adore her children. Katja, the young and beautiful human girl had the same hair color as she did with her mane an tail, which was the same orange with lighter orange highlights. She also had the same wonderful blue eyes that her father did, and they shined like bright sapphires and she wore her simple down to Equestria dress made especially for her. She was almost going into her teen years no doubt they would be a stressful event, but a very big step into becoming a young mare such as herself long ago. 'You're growing too fast, Katja. Your father won't be very pleased, but he'll just have to get over it. I know your Grandmother did when he took my hoof in marriage." Katja was running towards the simple house in Everfree Forest carrying her little brother on her back. He was a very young Earth Pony Colt with the same grey coat that she and her mother Mitta were born with. His mane and tail were something very new in the family line, as he was the first to have a blue mane and tail, with lighter blue highlights just like her. He even had the same yellow color eyes as her, and that just shouted to Equestria that he was her son and his as well. Ruby couldn't but help think to herself, "This is all way too good to be true. Humans and ponies can't have foals and babies together, but I don't care! I'm entitled to a little happiness, even if it is absurd or a dream!" Katja was running with the Blau Streifen on her back pretending to be the same carriage that her husband drove around in the woods. "VRROOOOOMMM! VROOOOMM!" "Go right Katja! Go right!" "Hold on little Blau! VRROOOM! OH NOES, A TREE!" said Katja, intentionally heading towards a really small tree near the house entrance. "Watch out big sis!" shouted Blau Streifen rather playfully. "ERRR! CRASH!" Katha softly made contact with the tree and carefully fell on the ground, giving Blau Streifen a good landing. "OOH NOES! I wrecked daddy's carriage!" said Blau Streifen, pretending to be in trouble. "Eeyup! And he's going to get both of you if you lag out here any longer. Now play time is over you two." Said Ruby. "Aww…" "No fair!" "Katja, Blau…get inside or else…" said Ruby who was now being stern. "But mom!" "Please just one more minute!" "Drei…" "PLEEEASSEEE!" said both of them at the same time trying their best to plead like the young ones they were. "Zwei…" "BITTTTTEEE!" said both of them, even trying harder now. "EINS! Last warning…" "Yes mom…" "Ja mutti." "Gute! Now run inside, your father put a lot of work into dinner tonight and I don't want to see his efforts go to waste. I don't know what he has made, but I'll bet it's very nice." "Pony feathers! What do humans eat? I don't remember what the stories said…oh well. Now why are they speaking that those weird words and why am I doing that too? Do I even know what we said? Yes, I actually do…that's weird…whatever." Both of her younglings ran inside with Blau Streifen catching a head start despite being younger. Having four legs had its advantages but so did hands. In her dream, Ruby knew that fact somehow and it was almost as if she could feel him touch her, even though he wasn't there outside the house with her. Ignoring the odd, but nice feeling on her mane, she walked inside the house and closed the door. The interior was a slightly larger, but nonetheless simpler house. Her younglings were at the table, poking and playing around while the stallion or man of her dreams was at the stove mixing something. The smell was strong, and while she walked over to him, she looked at her youngling to say one more announcement to them. "Now Katja and Blau Streifen, Grandma Mitta will be over here tomorrow, and I want you to clean your rooms before you go to bed. Do you understand?" "Ja Mutti! Wir werden unsere Zimmer sauber machen…" replied both of them rather glumly. "Why the hay are they taking like that? They just said we will clean our rooms, and how did I know that?" "Konrad my dear, why the hay are our children speaking like that?" And then Konrad turned to her holding a ladle in his hand waving it back and forth in front of her. He was sporting a very strange smile as it was one that she had never seen before. Then she heard a voice speak from somewhere in the house. It was the voice of a filly, and she knew who the filly was too. "Now what's that stuff supposed to do? It smells funny." Asked Apple Bloom to nopony in particular with her voice echoing in the house. "Apple Bloom? Where are you and why are you in my house?" Then Konrad spoke still holding the ladle in his hand waving it back and forth. "It's called Ammonia or 'Smelling Salt'. It's supposed to stink bad enough to make somepony wake up if they fainted. I just hope it-" The smell that Apple Bloom commented about was getting extremely strong. The best way she could describe it was a very strong pungent smell, and it was unbearable. Then everything got really weird. The walls started to melt and morph into something else. Konrad was still there in front of her, but he was getting younger somehow, and her children were no longer there. Then it all made sense to her. "This is all a dream, a brief but good dream. At least I know Apple Bloom is okay and…Konrad is still in front of me! Finally I get to meet you and now…" Ruby opened her eyes making contact with the same human she was gushing over all day and even more so during the dream. His eyes were just a blue and his face just as handsome as she saw earlier. He had the same smile in her dream, and instead of a ladle, with was some sort of strange tiny white cloth that was the source of the strong smell. He threw it aside and Ruby was glad the smell was gone. She was even more glad when he spoke to her. "-will work…uh…hey umm…" "So…we meet at last Konrad." It appeared that he was rather nervous looking at her and she didn't blame him. The ghost eyes that she had didn't make things easy at all. Ruby could she in her peripheral vision that Apple Bloom was smiling, and that put Ruby at ease knowing that Konrad had taken good care of her. "I was very much correct to trust you with her care. Now to know more about you…" Konrad then spoke to her sporting the same smile he had, "Sorry about hitting you there Ruby, you really scared me. I thought you were…" "Oh I could never get mad at you Konrad. You are by far the best stallion that I have ever met, even though you aren't a pony." Ruby just could not but help smile at him, for he was apologizing to her for his actions. "…a Blood Hoof." Not wanting him to feel guilty she then replied in a cheerful tone, hoping that he wouldn't stress over spilled cider. "Oh I completely understand, and it was entirely my fault for scaring you. I'm just glad I finally got to meet you at last! I've been watching you for some time now, and I can't wait to get to know you!" Now Ruby was ecstatic that she was finally talking to the stallion of her dreams. He had shown just how tough, brave, and above all, the heart that he had inside of him. As far as she was concerned, he was best pony, even though he wasn't a pony. Ruby couldn't contain her excitement anymore and slightly squealed at his wonderful smile. Even Apple Bloom, who was in the corner of her eyes, appeared to be happy for her too as the little filly was hoof stomping in happiness too. Then Ruby thought to herself while maintaining her smile and more importantly eye contact with Konrad. "Oh yeah, Princess Luna ain't got nothing on me! Konrad, you're already mine as far as I'm concerned, and neither my mom nor a spoiled Princess is getting in my way!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Princess Luna was still laying inside her old home that she once lived in so long ago. She still had the headache from earlier when she used her magic on that creepy ghost mare. Luna had no regrets in attacking that ghost mare, as something about her just didn't add up. Luna just could not get rid of the feeling that she somehow had a connection to the Blood Hooves. "You may not be a Blood Hoof, I can tell when there's a mare that isn't on my side." "Are you so sure about that Princess? The ghost mare did try to talk to you." "She said the same thing that the Blood Hooves did! How is that not enough proof?!" "Remember one of Twilight Sparkle's friendship reports? The one about the Zebra?" Princess Luna sighed to herself before replying to her conscious thought, "Yes, I do…I remember it all in fact…" "See any similarities?" Princess Luna did indeed see the similarities, just as she had earlier before Konrad had jumped off the bridge to save the young filly and what a noble act that was of him. Ponyville had panicked when they saw pony that they didn't understand, and she had done the same thing to a ghost mare. As far as she knew, looking back at the event, the mare might not have had an evil intent that she originally thought. "Just like the Zebra…how…foolish of me." "You did make a bad judgment and you should feel bad. How do you think the Zebra felt, the ghost mare too and if I may add…you?" "What?! What do you mean 'me'?" "Does last year's Nightmare Night celebration strike any similarities at all?" Now Luna was starting to understand what her conscious was getting at. She acted like a hypocrite, attacking and fearing a pony that so far didn't actually cause her any harm. She merely gave into her fear, just like the Ponyville residents had when she visited last year. All she really wanted was to make it a bright celebration for all and to be loved by her subjects. She wanted to get rid of her past image and renew it for the better, not just for her, but for all of Equestria. Shame was starting to fill her mind and she lowered her head in sadness, thinking that she didn't really deserve anything good. Just when she couldn't feel any lower, he conscious spoke up again. "But it is never too late…you remember two years ago right." How could Luna possibly forget her return and the purging of Nightmare Moon? It was when the vile spirit was finally gone, and her old self returned. Her sister had offered her friendship and love that true sisters understood. They were meant to rule together, just as they had always been since the days of Discord's first defeat. "It's never too late to make things right, not just for yourself, but for others, such as your subjects." "And the poor filly, and…him…" Princess Luna then remembered that Konrad had asked her to meet her down the river where they had crossed. He only had one weapon on him, and he was fatigued. He had pretty much carried all the weight talking care of not only her, but the filly too. That couldn't be easy on any pony or human for that matter. Getting up from the resting position, she walked over to his weapons and equipment next to the old throne. She looked at his stuff and despite how odd it was it was his sword and armor, so to speak. And he had sworn to her, not to her sister or anypony else, but to 'her'. And so far he had kept his word, by risking his life, and talking care of her from all forms of danger. "The only thing I have to show for him was a lame 'plot sway', and holding his rifle very briefly. That's not fair to him at all. He deserves more than that." "So Princess Luna…what are you going to do to make it right?" "I'm going to do more for my ponies and for him. They are more important than my selfish needs, and it's time I show Equestria who protects them at Night. Respect will come later from my ponies." "Now you're starting to understand what your sister said. You got earn it, and you can start with him." "Yes…him…'my' Knight, Konrad. And you know what my strange voice?" "Yes Princess." "You might be right about him…he is 'my' Knight and I'm going to be there for him." "Ah! So you do want him huh?" "Well…" Princess Luna was now contemplating the past events that happened to so far and all the suitors of the past. Konrad had so far shown everything she had ever wanted in a special somepony, and risked his life to save a young filly that he didn't even know! She also thought about all of his not so subtle hints of his attraction to her and how it made her feel. Luna couldn't deny that she enjoyed his attention, his touch, and his care that he had shown to her when they first met, the vomit incident being the most prominent. Sure, he was a little bit rough around the edges, but then again so was she when she thought about it. His humor wasn't exactly the 'award winning' charm that he claimed it was and neither was her attempt at making the spider toss last year more fun either. Now that she thought about it, it was rather funny, and she chuckled a little bit. His comments about the points were indeed funny, though it wasn't at the time when he said it. But it was due to the fact that he was beating her and she enjoyed a little bit of competition. Princess Luna then started to smile, and slowly realized that she hadn't actually felt this more important in a long time. And now Luna realized that is was indeed Konrad the one who was making her feel important, and most of all…happy, in all of the ways she wanted. "Well…he is attractive I have to admit, and I do like his upper body, and…OH MY GOODNESS! IT'S STARTING TO HAPPEN TO ME!" "I told you were a..." "HUMAN LOVER?! I…but…can it actually work? Does he really even want me? I mean…" "You know my opinion on the matter Luna, but like you said, this is your life and your decision to let who you want in your heart, pony or not. You are after all a princess and you can get whatever you want, and there's nothing anypony can do about it." Princess Luna was now at a crossroads, trying to decide what she truly wanted for her heart. On one hoof, he wasn't a pony, not immortal, and royalty. Those were definitely problems for sure and it was something she was worried about, but ironically her sister's approval wasn't one of them. And on the other hoof, she might not get the chance to meet somepony who was like him ever again. After contemplating her short, but very interesting time spent with him so far, she concluded that whatever problems arose in her way, she would deal with them as they come. She was after all a Princess, and her conscious was right that she could have whatever she wanted. And now she decided that what she wanted was happiness, and it was something that she wanted to have in the form of a mate. "You know my strange voice…you have been right about a lot of things so far and now I concede to you one thing that you are right about." "And that is…" Princess Luna stared at Konrad's equipment again and after a good minute or two, she went over to his stuff. Standing next to his rifles and vest, she replied to her conscious, "I want him…I want Konrad and I'm going for it "Can you say that again Princess Lu-" "I'm a human lover my strange voice! I admit it! Okay! What more do you want me to say!?" "I want you to go for your heart's desire. If you don't go now, he might go away forever, and you'll never know what could have been." "You're right my conscious. And if it doesn't work out, oh well. I won't know until I go for it right?" "You are right Luna, and I think you made a good choice too. You will have to work for it though. He may need a bit of shoving in the right direction too and there may be another mare that has her eye on him. You can't let that happen now can you?" "Absolutely not! He's mine and I will work for it too…I just hope he goes for me as well." "Excellent! I'll be here to give you advice as best as I can. Now don't you have something else to do?" Luna did indeed know what her conscious meant by that last sentence. She needed to get to the river as soon as possible, for he surely would need her help and more importantly her company. Luna then used her magic to lift up his strange vest enveloping it in a dull blue magic hue. "Don't worry Konrad; your Princess will be there for you…now how do I put this thing on?" It took Princess Luna two minutes to figure out how to wear the human vest, and when she figured it out, the weight took her by surprise. It was a bit heavier that she thought it would be, and now she realized how much of a physical burden it must have been for him to carry her, and his stuff. "It would seem he is stronger than he looks…this pleases me…" Princess Luna then huffed out a breath, clearly indicating that the weight was not something she liked. "Well, not this part at least." Luna then looked at the two rifles on the ground and contemplated how to carry both of them. After coming up with a plan, she repeated the same method that she had earlier when she held the long rifle. The weight added on to her, but surprisingly she was still standing. Now she looked at the one with the orange device attached to it and took a deep breath. "Last one Luna…do it for him." said her conscious giving her encouragement. Using her magic, the rifle enveloped itself in the blue magic hue, along with the pain in her head. She could feel herself start to sweat at the strain, but held on anyway. She was not going to let weakness get in the way of helping 'her' knight. Finally the task of collecting his stuff was done and she took another deep breath before making her way towards the back door. "I'm coming for you Konrad. And this time I will be there with you all the way, no matter what. I want you and I'll have you as 'my' knight and 'my' mate. Nopony, whether my sister or heck, even that Ghost Mare will say otherwise!" And now armed to the teeth in both magic and his weapons, Princess Luna set out towards the river to help protect the filly and also 'her' Knight. ==================================================================================== Wow! Lot's a hormones going on with the mares huh? Poor Konrad, he has no idea that the Blood Hooves aren't going to be the only challenge he'll have to face, not mention a pissed off overprotective Apple Jack, and Celestia. For those who were wondering about the German words, that was written because I was listening to Major Tom while writing the Ruby dream, and the fact that I know some German just added onto it. I tried to add as much 'DAWWW' and sweet stuff to it to fulfill the more romantic aspects of the story, and I will try to add more action next chapter. I will also go back and clean up some of the previous mistakes in the chapters too. Hope you enjoy this, and laugh your asses off! Oh and don't forget to let me know your thoughts! I am a comment whore after all! MUWAHAHAHAH! Sorry...Cheers! p.s. Blau Streifen means Blue Streak.