Twilight and I followed the Sun Princess into the throne room, her domain shining through the stained glass windows. Windows stained with the achievements of time in Equestria: Discord and Nightmare Moon, for example. Most of them I was unable to determine the origin of, though I’m 100 percent that Twilight would be more than willing to explain to me every window, in detail, after this meeting. I was drawn to them, but I knew they would have to wait. My focus again returned to Celestia in front of me.
“I’ve heard you’ve been quite a busy pony in this recent week,” the sun goddess began. “Everything from Pinkie Parties to being kidnapped.” She shook her head. “If I could only say that isn’t normal.” We continued in silence until we nearly reached her throne, though stopped short. She turned, and spoke with sincerity, “I’ve been waiting for the longest time to hear what you have to say, Toby or Philosopher, however you wish to be called.”
“Ma’am, Toby will do just fine for now,” I spoke while gathering my confidence to report to the Princess. “Permission to speak freely, Ma’am?”
“You do not have to ask permission from me.” She waved off my question. “This is an open setting, not of military bearing, where we have gathered to speak about your experiences both on Earth and here.”
“With all do respect, Ma’am,” I sighed. “You are the ruler of this land and I only wish to show respect of that nature to you. I come speaking to the Princess of the Sun.”
“And I come listening as a friend.” She nodded with a smile. “You’ve done many things, both here and there that is deserving of respect and admiration. If it means that much to you,” she bowed slightly, “then you have permission to speak to me freely anytime, anywhere. I will listen with open ears and an open mind.”
In my personal opinion, having the ruler of a land you’ve only recently been living in, bow to you… it can be quite a shock to the system. The most powerful pony in all of Equestria is bowing, a sign of respect, to me in our first meeting. I think my heart forgot to beat for a few seconds.
“Well, um,” trying to quickly regain my composure. “Thank you for honoring me in such a way. Though I feel that might be a little much. Something I don’t quite deserve. Not yet anyways.”
“What do you mean?” Twilight spoke up, stepping forward a bit. “You have placed your life on the line on more than one occasion.”
“I did what any other man would’ve done in that position,” glancing over to Twilight, then back to the Princess. “We were brothers, a family. We lived, we fought…” I pause for a moment, gathering the next few words, “and we shed our blood together. I think I can some it up in quote from a well-known poet: “From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remember’d; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For we to-day that sheds his blood with me; Shall be my brother.” It wasn't for the some medal or commendation... it was for the guys next to you, simple as that." I shift nervously where I stand. “Hey, Twilight? Where’s that picture?”
“Oh, right!” The purple mare opened her saddlebag and floated the picture of Paul and I towards the Princess with her magic.
“Princess, allow me to direct your attention to the picture in front of you.” I began to pace, unable to stand still, nervousness being a large part of it. “This man, my greatest friend, I owe my life to. Something I will never be able to pay back.” I stop my pacing for a second, taking a breath. “He dragged my burned, limp body back to the helicopter-.”
“A heli-what?” the Princess questioned.
I laughed a bit at that question, realizing that I have yet to explain a lot of things. “It’s a form of air transportation, one that isn’t the safest when things go wrong. Anyways, after this incident I was sent to rest and recover. During that phase, my friend, Paul, the man I more or less grew up with, was killed in action while on patrol.” I again pause in my pacing, feeling the watchful eyes of the Princess, Twilight, and Spike. “I handed a folded flag to his wife at the funeral. I watched them lower his body. He gave me a chance to meet Twilight.” I glance at the triad looking at me before returning my gaze to the floor. “He gave me a chance to start anew, here in Equestria. He gave his own life for me to have a second chance.”
“So,” the Princess started, “you are happy you were given the choice of coming here? Because I know my favorite student has taken quite the liking to you.” She looked over and smiled at the purple pony, whom began to blush. “And after reading some of her reports and the letters exchanged between the two of you,” That statement caused me to blush as well. I didn’t know everything would be taken into account at this meeting. “I can somewhat see that you feel the same way about her as well.”
“Ma’am,” I began softly. “I’ve been to hell and back. I nearly stepped over the line of death itself. Sometimes, I was nearly drinking myself into a coma.” I slowly walked over to them, keeping my eyes on the purple mare. “Now Princess, if you read those reports as well as they were written, you should be well aware that your most faithful student has saved my flank from the fire.” I stood in front of my mare with a smile, the red in her cheeks shining brightly through her purple coat. “Well, maybe not physically saving my flank. Perhaps more so mentally, but it’s closer to a soul-saving sort of sense.” Leaning over, I placed a light kiss on her nose, to which she giggled, the Princess smiled, and the dragon sighed. “Not once, but I think twice.”
“Twice?” Twi questioned with a sly smile. “I think you’re losing count. It’s surely more than that.”
“Oh, I’m sure we’ll debate the number later,” I replied, rolling my eyes playfully. Turning my attention back to the Princess, I said, “Yes, I may have been a soldier. Yes, I have dealt my fair amount of death. I didn’t do it for God, country, or some other reason or another. I did it because I knew someone had to do it. I did for the men that stood beside me. Being a soldier is one of those ways of life that is like nothing else in the world. The people… the experiences… are something you can never live in any other kind of work.”
“And your experiences here?” the Princess asked. “How would you compare it to your time on Earth? I’m sure there are quite some differences.”
“Well,” laughing at both the question and my upcoming answer. “Once you get past the fact that everyone is multicolored pony with a tattoo on their rear, the world is governed by magic, and there really isn’t much real conflict, there are clearly not many differences.”
“And your short time in the Guard?” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry about that mishap; I had no intentions of that happening.”
“It’s quite apparent there was a leadership issue.” I felt a bit colder when the thoughts of the past start to fade in: the cabin, the cake, her. “Because of that, I had to deal with myself being captured by the very person I was trying to apprehend.”
“Yes, I read your report, Toby.” The sun goddess moved towards her throne, picking up a lengthy sheet of parchment, and listed some things aloud. “Torture, held against your will, mind games… rape, etc.”
“It wasn’t a walk in the park, if that’s what you’re saying, yes.” The answer came out a bit cold and quick. “I’m sure that if I was to have spoken with you that first time instead of being impressed into service, some things may have been avoided. Just a personal opinion, of course.”
“I think what Toby is trying to say, Princess,” Twilight cut in, stepped forward to my side, “is that Lord Swift may have become a liability and that his personal feelings could be clouding his judgment. When I spoke to him recently, he felt that he held such hate, such malice; he sent Toby on this mission knowing what might happen simply because of what happened between Swift and I.”
“I remember that incident at the Gala, Twilight.” The Princess replied with slightly shameful tone. “I thought with you being gone on your expedition to Earth that his clouded mind would have time to clear, but it appears I stand corrected.”
“I assume that he’s been relieved of his post?” I stared Celestia dead in the eyes. “That kind of individual in a position of power… I don’t predict things ending well.”
“Of course,” the sun goddess promptly replied. “Lord Swift will no longer hold the title of Lord nor Captain of the Guard. Though, it will tough to find a replacement for the position.” Her gaze slowly drifting to me.
“No,” shaking my head. “I know what you are thinking, and I don’t approve, nor will I accept the offer.”
“Ah, I understand your position and drop the matter.” The Princess turned to Twilight. “Though, I believe one up-and-coming commander is up for the commitment. Should you give the news to Shining Armor, Twilight or should I?”
My gaze shifted from the Princess to the purple unicorn next to me. “I take it he’s a friend?”
“More than friend!” She took me in a tight embrace and I could hear her voice falter. “He’s my brother.”
“Woah woah woah,” i said, releasing myself from her embrace. “You have a brother? When were you planning on telling me?”
“Eventually,” she spoke with a teary smile. “I mean, you still haven’t met my parents yet either.”
“Ah, good point.” Turning my attention back to the Princess. “Well ma’am, anything else about Earth you wish to discuss today? I’m sure I could write a book about my life over there.” Tapping a hoof on my chin, I contemplated for a moment before saying, “Though I’m sure it would never be published and instead locked away for all eternity.”
The Princess laughed, “And you would be right. Luna and I would love to read such a piece of work, if ever you get around to it.”
A smile and nod, “I’ll make sure I have it done. Kinda hard to argue with a princess on that matter. You’ll have a book to read soon.”
The Princess returned the smile, “Thank you Toby, or Philosopher, I should say. You’ll need to get used to that name, because that’s your name now.”
“I’ll do my best to remember that, ma’am.” I slowly turned towards the door; the unicorn and the dragon following close behind me.
“OH,” The princess stated as we filed out the door. “I look forward to more of these reports. In the meantime, try not to get into too much trouble, will you Philosopher?”
My smile turned a bit sly, “I make too many promises, Princess, but I will try my best.”
The door to the throne room closed behind as we exited it. Not a word was spoken between us, though the smile on my face had yet to leave. It was a beautiful day out to celebrate.
“That went strangely better than expected.” Spike broke the silence first, his voice dripping with surprise.
“Your powers of observation serve you well, Spike.” I smiled at him. “Come on, hop aboard. No more walking for you today.” The dragon said nothing, but his excited look said it all for him as he climbed onto my back.
“Yes, I must admit,” Twilight began, “that went far better than I had perceived the meeting as going.” Her face shone with surprise. “I will say that you handled yourself quite well.”
“Hey, even I surprise myself sometimes. NOW! About that family I need to become friendly with... I was thinking a nice quiet dinner in a non-threatening situation. Where I would not be subject to interrogation by your new, Captain of the Guard brother.”
“Now, you know I can’t make any promises on that.”
“One can hope, right?”
* * *
It was late by the time we finally arrived back in Ponyville. Most shops were closed by the time we were walking through the streets. Spike’s soft snores were emanating from his tired body lying on my back. Twilight was cuddling up close on account of the cool evening. Princess Luna once again painted the night sky above beautifully. One of the things I wished I had time to do while in Canterlot was thank her. Maybe next time, I thought to myself with a smile. We remained in silence, enjoying the scene and each other’s company. The smile on my face was reflected on hers. Just another moment in my life to put on the list of Things I Want to Last Forever.
But that was not to be the case tonight, for we finally arrived at the library. Twilight opened the door to the dark foyer and we walked it. The dragon barely stirred as I walked up the stairs and gently placed him on his bed. I observing the little dragon’s chest move slowly with each breath, feeling proud for some reason. I return to Twilight in the foyer starting the fire with a smile on my face.
“What’s got you all happy?” she questioned. “I haven’t seen a spring in your step for some time now? Please tell me you didn’t find my cider stash.”
“Well, now that you mention it, I have found it.” Her look of dismay only caused me to laugh. “But tonight it’s not that. No, not at all. Tonight’s joy is sponsored by the letter “L”, as love of life, love of a lovely lady, or love long lost, living long.”
“I don’t think that last alliteration even made sense,” she said as I sat down next to her.
“Hey, hey, hey!” I cried, feigning insult. “Don’t judge, it’s the thought that counts. Besides, I doubt you could do any better!”
“We still are using the letter “L”, right?”
“Naturally. I wouldn’t want to give you any sort of advantage.”
“Long lost lovers, living life’s ludicrous levels, longing lustfully for lavish and lax living.”
There’s a moment’s pause as my mind registers all that was said. “I keep forgetting you took a creative writing course. I’ll let you have that win for now.”
The mare’s response was cut short by a loud knock at the door. Giving her a questioning look, she shrugs, saying, “I don’t know, people usually don’t come by this late at night.”
“Fair enough. I’ll get it.” Standing up and walking over to the door, I say, “The audacity of some people, coming here this late at night. This better be good.” I open the door a bit quickly, glaring at the guest standing in the light of the doorway. “Hey, how’s it going, can I…. oh shi-.” My sentence was interrupted by a hoof to the face, sending me to the floor. “Ugh, welcome to this once quiet home, Swift.” I groaned, trying to pick myself off the floor. “May I offer you some tea, maybe some orange juice,” I managed to laugh, which was answered with another kick to my jaw, sending me back to floor.
By this time Twilight had walked up, stunned at the sight playing out in front of her. “Toby, what is... SWIFT?!? What are you doing!?”
I held up a hoof, stopping her in tracks. “Hold on, Twi. This pony is obviously mad. Let him talk. I kinda want to hear what he has to say.” My words were a garbled mess due to both blood and laughter.
The pegasus picked me up with both hooves and shook me. “You think this funny, you half-wit filly? I will put you into the ground!”
I simply looking him in the eyes and laughed. “You put me in a sex-crazed unicorn’s cabin for two days. Please tell me how you’re going to be worse than that.” Again, I was only answered with a hoof to face, sending me once again to the floor laughing.
“Swift!” a confused Twilight shouted. “What is the meaning of all this? You can’t come barging into my home like this! You certainly can’t just slap around those you see fit.”
“Ah, but I can.” He picked me up once again and slammed me to the ground. “And I will. The two of you ruined me, and he’s going to pay the price. Simple as that.”
That only brought yet another chuckle from my lips as I once again tried to stand up. “And you think kicking the snot out of me is going to do that? Oh I have been through much worse. Try me.”
A punch accented my sentence that sent made me stumble a bit, but I remained standing. “QUIT LAUGHING, YOU FOAL! Is this all some kind of joke to you, you insolent peasant?”
“A stallion pissed off because he’s not getting his way?” i asked, casually wiping away the blood flowing from my mouth and nose. “Believe me, this is the funniest thing tonight. Keep it up.”
“Toby,” the worried mare standing off to the side started, “I don’t think you shou-.”
“Oh, SHUT UP, you stupid whore!” Swift spat at her, his face flushed with anger. “I’ve had just about enough of you!”
“Woah there, chief,” I spoke, taking a step in between the two. “You best not start calling her names. Your quarrel is with me. I’m the one who took everything from you, remember? I’m the one should be mad at. Leave her out of this.”
“Very well, then,” Swift mused, pulling out an object and flipping it open. A knife. “Only because you asked so very nicely.”
Taking a few steps back, holding a defensive posture: “Swift, has it really come down to this? You really don’t want to do this.” I didn’t receive an answer; the look in his eyes told me he was too far gone. “Swift, come on, talk me.” We slowly started to circle. “We don’t have to do this.”
“It’s far too late for that, now,” was the only thing he said before he lunged at me. I wasn’t ready for the pegasus’ his speed and sidestepped too late, causing a deep gash in my shoulder. A backslash sent me off balance and on the defensive. Trying to make a gap, I jumped back, but he simply used his wings to get above and closer, bringing down the blade with the help of gravity and wingpower. I tried sidestepping again, but was caught unaware of the following upward cut, causing me to cry out in pain as blood seeped from the new wound along my midsection. There was no time to recover before he was right on top of me again: a slash here, an uppercut there, and a quick jab to tie it up. It was hard to keep up, but I was lucky enough to land a few punches here and there, but that only intensified his ferocity and gave me no real leverage. Pretty soon I was covered in one too many cuts. The look is his bloodshot eyes told me this was going to go to the very end.
Again, we started to circle. “Last chance, Swift. Last chance to walk away, and I suggest you do. I have no intentions of taking this any further.”
The pegasus laughed like mad. “Words of a dying pony, to beg for mercy!” He spat in my direction. “How weak; how pathetic. Sadly, I will not take you up on your offer.”
I could only sigh at the inevitable. Then I performed the unthinkable when fighting anyone with a knife; I close the distance and tackle him to the ground. The feat took us him by surprise, sending the knife flying away. We grappled each other to get on top. Wild punches were thrown as the struggle between the both us became more desperate. A quick punch by the pegasus knocked me off and laid me on the ground for a few moments. He scrambled off to retrieve his knife.
He looked at my momentarily disoriented body on the ground as he spun the knife in his hoof. “It was a valiant effort, but I do believe I’ve had enough of you and your wench of a mar- AH.” His sentence was punctuated by a magically sped up book sent through the air into his head. Glaring in the direction that sent the books, he found Twilight with a determined look on her face.
“Swift,” Twilight stood there, books floating around her. “I’m going to ask you to leave forever as kindly as I can manage. Please get the buck out of my house.”
“You really think a few books are going to scare me?” The maniac laughed. “You haven’t learned a thing.”
“Neither have you.” I spoke, slowly standing back up. Tackling him again before he had a chance to react, I wrapping my hooves around his neck from behind. We were once again on the ground, but this time I had the advantage. I was on my back; he was sprawled out on top of me, flailing to get free. The knife was free again, but thankfully just out of reach. Though Swift struggled to wiggle within reach, I only strengthen my resolve and my grip around his neck. Soon, the struggling began to slow, then stopped altogether. I lay there for few moments, and then rolled him off of me.
A concerned Twilight slowly approached, a few books still floating around her, “I-is he…um... dead?”
“No,” I answered, breathing heavily. “That wasn’t necessary, though he probably deserved it, he’s simply lost consciousness due to either lack of oxygen or blood to the head. I’m not sure which.” Letting my head hit the ground, I sighed. “And I was having such a great night, too.”
“So,” the unicorn asked, lowering her cluster of projectiles, “what do we do with him now? We certainly can’t leave him here.”
“No, that’s not an option. Help me find some rope and a spell to keep him under for a while, we need to make sure he’s not going anywhere.”
“Ok, so what are going to do t-,” She stopped and looked up to the top of the stairs, watching one sleepy dragon slowly come down the stairs, rubbing his eyes.
“Can’t a dragon get any sleep around her- OH!” He stopped and observed the scene in the foyer. “Why doesn’t anyone tell me when cool things are happening?”
“Ah, Spike,” I mused, slowly beginning to stand back up. “Just the dragon I wanted to see. Could you write a letter to the Princess for me?”
“So we’re turning him over to the Princess?” Twilight asked, finishing tying the pegasus up.
“Oh, no!” I laughed. “That would be too easy. Consider what I am about to do as poetic justice. Anyways, Spike, are you ready?” Receiving a nod in confirmation I began. “Alright. Dear Princess Celestia…”
* * *
The pegasus woke with a start. He was surrounded by trees all around. Judging from the dark, cool air and the near-dark setting, he concluded that he was in Everfree Forest. This sent a shock of alarm throughout his body. He attempted to get up, but he soon quickly fell back onto the ground. Taking a quick status check, Swift realized he was hogtied and not going anywhere. He struggled vainly against his restraints but with no success. He tried to flap his wings to at least get moving, but his wings were tied to his body. He eventually stopped his ill-fated struggle and took a deep breath, determined to figure things out. His thoughts were cut short due to a rustling of grass from behind him, however. Glancing upwards, he was faced with a smiling shadow looming over him. His face turned to dread as the unicorn’s smile above him grew ever wider.
“I demand my release!” Swift yelled at his captor. “I will not be made a mockery of by being held a prisoner by you.”
“Ah, Swift,” the pony began, “why are you so nervous and rude? Trixie thought you would be more happy to see me.”
“I will be far happy if you would kindly untie me.” He once again pulled at the ropes restraining him. “We had a deal and I kept my end of the bargain. There is no reason for this.”
“But Trixie thinks otherwise.” The unicorn hopped on the ground next to Swift. “You promised Trixie a stallion for her uses. The last one Trixie acquired didn’t play very nicely. Seeing as you are here, Trixie has some other ideas.”
“Trixie,” the pegasus pleaded. “I can get you any stallion you want, just please let me go and I can solve your problem.”
“I don’t think you understand Trixie,” The mare rolled onto his chest and began to play with his black mane. “Trixie has a stallion now. Trixie has you.”
Swift began to protest but a soft hoof was placed on his mouth to silence his resistance. The mare leaned over and whispered into his ear, “You’re going to be Trixie’s best friend now.”