Chapter Seven: Recover

Anthony and the others entered the throne room and bowed to the princess. Luna joined Celestia while she issued orders to a few guards as they left the room.

"The Royal Guard are cleaning up what is left of Chrysalis's forces. They tell me that you freed and protected a great number of ponies. They're very impressed with your efforts in driving Chrysalis out of the city. I must commend your actions today as well. Had you not been there the outcome I fear would have been different. No pony in Equestria will question your ability to perform as Royal Knights. Where are Adrian and Dustin I wish to hold a feast in your honor this evening."

Tears welled in the ponies eyes as they looked at each other. Anthony stepped forward and knelt.

"Your Highness. Dustin was struck down by Chrysalis. He was acting as a distraction to allow Adrian and I the chance to set up our attack. If not for him Adrian and I would not have been able to free the captured ponies."

"He risked his life to protect me." added Luna a pained expression crossing her face for a moment.

"Rainbow Dash saved him from a third attack. Without her help he would already be dead. At the moment he is unconscious in the hospital. Adrian and Rainbow Dash are standing guard to protect him against any possible attackers."

"I wish to see them!" stated Celestia as she stood.

"Sister, I will convey our appreciation to Adrian personally. But, now is not the time for you to leave the castle."

Celestia nodded as she watched Luna depart.

"Your Highness. With your permission I would like to take command of the Royal Guard and assist with securing the city. We should also make arrangements to aid anypony who may have been affected by the attack." added Anthony after Luna was gone.

"I appreciate how quickly you have taken to your new role. However, you and your friends have done enough for one day. I have faith that the Royal Guard will see to everything that needs addressed."

"I meant no disrespect your Highness."

"I did not view it as disrespect, your dedication to duty is truly wondrous. Also would you please call me Celestia while in the confines of the castle."

"As you wish."said Anthony as he stood.

"Celestia, how did Chrysalis and the changelings get into the city without anybody noticing." asked Twilight."

"I do not know, but I assure you a full investigation will be conducted."

"I don' think they'll be comin back anytime soon after the whuppin they got today." said Apple Jack trying to lighten the mood.

"That is correct Apple Jack, Chrysalis will not be so bold knowing we are prepared for an attack. However she is a cunning adversary indeed and must not be written off so easily."

"Do you think those awful creatures would attack Ponyville?" asked Rarity.

"I sure hope not. My poor animals would be so frightened." said Fluttershy as she shuddered.

"I don't believe she would do such a thing, but we all must be prepared." replied Celestia.

"For now rooms have been prepared for you all. Please clean yourselves up and prepare for supper. I will have Sword Dancer personally take a guard detail to the hospital. This will allow Adrian and Rainbow Dash a chance to do the same. I'm sure they would like a little rest after this afternoons excitement."

The ponies headed out of the throne room as two guards lead them to their rooms.

"Celestia." said Anthony as he walked towards the princess. "Please don't be offended if they both refuse to leave. If I had stayed behind instead of Adrian I know I would. Rainbow Dash also blames herself for Dustin's condition. She may not want to leave either."

"I understand. Let me ask you something Anthony. Did you know that each of the six ponies that came with you to Canterlot represent an element of harmony?"

"Element of Harmony?"

"Yes, it is a special quality that each one possesses. Together it forms the magic of friendship. It is a powerful weapon that has protected Equestia through many challenges. Our friend Rainbow Dash represents the element of Loyalty. So I would not be at all surprised if she chose to stay by Dustin's side."

"So what about the others?"

Celestia smiled warmly. "Apple Jack is the Element of Honesty, Rarity represents Generosity, Pink Pie is Laughter, and our dear Fluttershy is Kindness. Surely by now you have seen these qualities in each of them."

"What about Twilight?"

"She is something special. She represents the Element of Magic. She was not born an alicorn, she started out as a unicorn. Through her trials she has learned and grown into the fine mare you know today. Her hard work earned her the title of Princess of Friendship. She is the key to unlocking the power of the other five elements. So now that you know this I have a special request for you."

"What would that be." asked Adrian cautiously.

"I ask that you see to Princess Twilight's safety. She is brave but not invincible, and I fear our unknown opponent may seek to capture or kill her to prevent the Elements from being used in battle. Swear to me that you will do everything within your power to keep her safe. In Ponyville she has no Royal Guard and I don't believe she would allow them to be stationed there. So I wish to leave her protection in your hands.

"I swear it. Twilight will live even if I have to die protecting her."

"Secondly, I have seen the way the two of you look at each other. True love is one lesson which Twilight has yet to learn. I see the potential for you to teach her if you so chose. This is not an order or a request. I simply wish for you to be open to the idea. I cannot make you fall in love, however watch out for her sister-n-law, love is her specialty."

Anthony stood dumbfounded.

"Is a relationship between a pony and a human even possible? On earth such a thing would be unthinkable and illegal. But, I'm not on earth and she is no ordinary pony."

"Right you are. You were told that the oracle changed you. Part of that change was to see ponies as they truly are. I life here alone would not be a happy life for you or your friends. Though neither of them will admit it, I believe Rainbow Dash and possibly my sister have taken a liking to Dustin as Apple Jack has to Adrian. I just wish for you all to be happy and to live as full of a life as possible."

Anthony thought about it for a minute. Celestia could see the conflict on his face.

"There is no rush, it is just a mere suggestion for you all to consider. As you get settled in would you discuss this with your friends?"

"So Twilight has a brother huh." said Anthony changing the topic.

"Yes she does. Prince Shining Armor and his wife Princess Cadence rule over the Crystal Empire. She is the Princess of Love. Queen Chrysalis and her changelings caused quite the commotion at their wedding. I will leave it to Twilight to fill in the details."

"So if Twilight is the Princess of Friendship, and Cadence is the Princess of Love, what are you and Princess Luna?"

"I am the Princess of the Sun, and my sister the Moon. Our duty is to raise and lower the sun and moon each day with our magic."

Anthony's mouth dropped open.

"You mean your magic is powerful enough to move the sun and moon. With that kind of strength why would you need us?"

"Even with our great magic there is still limitations. I myself have had to use the elements of harmony to defeat several adversaries. Chrysalis was even able to overpower me on one occasion. You possess a skill and willingness to fight despite the risks to yourself. Your leadership and determination to win will be essential in our victory. Now, I hate to end our conversation ,but I have royal duties to attend to. If you will excuse me."

"Thank you Celestia."

With that the two parted and Anthony was shown to his room.

Luna landed softly at the steps of the hospital. As she entered, the staff all bowed low. She walked to the room were she had left Dustin and found it empty.

"Where are the humans?" she asked, pointing to one of the nurses.

"D-d-down the hall and to the r-right Princess Luna." said the nurse nervously.

Luna trotted down the hall. As she turned the corner she found herself staring down the barrel of Adrian's rifle.

"How dare you point that weapon at me." she said, with anger and shock both in her voice.

Adrian lowered his barrel and bowed his head.

"Well that just confirms its you." he said with a smile.

Luna looked at him slightly confused.

"My sister and I wish to thank you for your bravery today. Without your help things would not have ended so well I fear."

Adrian shouldered his weapon and saluted the princess.

"What kinda Knights would we be if we let something happen to you and Princess Celestia shortly after taking the job?"

"That is true. I must admit your aim with that weapon is remarkably accurate. How did you know to attack Chrysalis's horn?"

"I figured the horn is the source of the magic, but it would have worked out better if I'd hit her in the head like I planned."

Luna cringed at the realization of what he was saying.

"How is Dustin, is he being kept comfortable?"

"Yeah, Rainbow Dash hasn't left his side. She's taken things a little hard. She feels its her fault even though she probably saved his life. But, until he comes to she's gonna worry. I think next time Dustin should just move a little faster. Then he won't be in this mess again."

"Adrian! hHw is it you can speak so casually about these things. Your friend is terribly injured and yet you seem to have no concern at all. Has your life as a warrior made you insensitive towards others?"

"Quite the opposite your Highness. We have a bond between us stronger then anything you could understand. It's not just friendship, its a brotherhood, we live and fight for each other and that is what drives us. Laughter and a casual attitude are just how we deal with the stress and brutality of combat. It helps us to maintain our sanity in absolute chaos. Besides he seems to be doing alright, so don't worry. He'll make it through this just fine you'll see, humans like us are hard to kill So I am not going to stand here worrying about him. I'm going to stand here and ensure he is safe in his current vulnerable condition. "

Luna smiled. Again she was astonished by these humans dedication to each other. She felt terrible for ever doubting them. They were willing to fight with such conviction even after everything they had learned over the last few days. And Dustin, he had selflessly thrown himself into harms way to save her. Why would he do such a thing?

The sound of marching hooves echoed down the hallway as a guard detail approached.

Adrian brought his weapon to the ready as Sword Dancer walked forward and bowed.

"Your Highness, Sir Adrian. These are four of my most loyal guards. I have ordered them to provide personal protection to Sir Dustin."

"Thanks but no thanks." said Adrian, still holding his weapon at the ready. "How do I know one of them isn't a changeling?"

Luna's horn lite up as a blue aura past over each of the guards.

"These are not changelings Adrian. Of that I am certain."

Slowly he lowered his weapon.

"I think Rainbow Dash and I have it covered." he said calmly.

"Sir Adrian, Princess Celestia has prepared rooms for you both at the castle. She wishes for you to rest and join her for a feast in your honor."

"First off why do you keep calling me Sir? We haven't even been knighted yet. Just call me Adrian."

"Well Sir, err Adrian. Today you all saved the princesses and the citizens of Canterlot. You've earned our respect and trust. So we will address you all with the title you deserve."

"Okay fair enough, but I'm not comfortable leaving Dustin here."

There was a flash of blue as Sword Dancer found himself muzzle to muzzle with Rainbow Dash.

"Get the hint buddy! We AIN'T leavin! You got that!" said Rainbow Dash as she tapped on Sword Dancer's golden helmet.

Sword Dancer gulped and stepped back from the distraught pegasus.

"Either way, these guards will remain here as well to assist if the need should arise."

Sword Dancer turned to the detail and called them to attention.

"From this moment you are under the direct command of Sir Adrian. You will follow his orders as if they were my own is that understood?"

"Yes Sir" the four earth ponies said in unison with a salute.

Sword Dancer turned back to Adrian and gave him a sharp salute.

"I must return to the castle. It was an honor to fight by your side today Adrian, you all are truly great warriors."

Adrian returned the salute and watched as Sword Dancer made his way back down the hall.

"Your orders Sir." said one of the four guards.

Adrian shook his head at the title.

Two of you post at the front doors of the hospital. I want the other two on a roving patrol around the building. Switch out every two hours."

"Yes Sir."

With that the four guards turned and headed to their new posts.

Luna smiled at Adrian as he walked back to the still open door. Rainbow Dash was again at Dustin's side watching over him.

"May I enter Sir Adrian?" she asked with a giggle.

"Really? Get in there before I change my mind about shooting you."

Luna walked into the room and shut the door behind her. She quietly walked up to Rainbow Dash and placed a hoof on her back.

"Worry not dear Rainbow Dash, I believe Adrian is correct. He will be fine, all he needs is rest and the love of good friends."

"If I'd been faster I coulda got there before he got hit the first time." said Rainbow Dash as she fought back tears.

"Or perhaps you both would have ended up in this state. He is still alive and from what I hear we have you to thank for that. I am grateful for all you have done. If you wish to seek blame consider the fact that he was hit by Chrysalis the first time because he saved me."

Dustin moaned softly as he shifted in the bed.

"Oh No! Somethings wrong!" cried Rainbow Dash.

Adrian burst into the room.

"What! Whats going on?"

"Calm yourselves, he is simply dreaming, I can sense it."

Luna's eyes went wide and her horn started to glow.

"Whats wrong princess?" asked Adrian but there was no response

Dustin woke up in his favorite recliner. The T.V. was on and he could hear laughter coming from the kitchen. He looked at the room around him as he sat in confusion. Was he really home? Had it all been some weird nightmare? Slowly he stood and headed for the kitchen. He leaned against the doorway as he watched his wife and kids throwing flour at each other.

"Catch dad." with that a poof of flour hit him in the face.

"Where's William." he asked as he cleared the flour from his eyes.

"He's at a friends remember. Is something wrong honey? Are you okay?"

"Yeah I just had a crazy dream."

"Really what was it about." asked his wife.

"Well, I was fighting these monster things and I got hurt really bad."

Dustin smiled as this daughters walked up and hugged him.

"Your okay now daddy. Mom will take care of you.

Dustin looked at his smiling wife. Something didn't feel right. He stepped back in horror as he watched his wife's skin melt away in green flame revealing the black form of Chrysalis beneath. He pulled the girls tighter to him as he stepped back further out of the kitchen. He looked down as he felt a burning sensation in his legs. His daughters looked up at him with green glowing eyes as they grabbed a hold of him tighter. Where are you going daddy? Suddenly a blue light flashed and the world vanished before him. He found himself floating in space surrounded by stars, as a figure slowly emerged from the darkness. Luna walked up next to the human and lowered her head.

"I apologize, it is my duty to watch over dreams and I failed to realize humans would experience nightmares as well."

"I'm in a dream?" asked Dustin still shaking from what he had just witnessed. "Then how are you here too? Are you part of my dream?"

"No my magic allows me to enter the dream realm. I use this ability to stop nightmares and help ponies understand their dreams."

"What happened to me?"

"Right now you are lying unconscious in the Canterlot hospital. Chrysalis hit you with a powerful magic spell and caused significant damage to your body. Most of the severe damage has been repaired, but magic can only do so much. You need time and rest to fully recover. I will do what I must to keep you from having to endure any further nightmares."

"What about Anthony, Adrian, and Rainbow Dash? Are they okay? Did they beat the changelings?"

"Yes Dustin now rest easy. Thanks to you everything worked out. In fact Adrian is standing guard at the door to your room. Rainbow Dash is at your bedside waiting for you to open your eyes. I feel she may be developing feelings for you. Feelings she herself does not fully understand yet. She even told off the Sergeant of the Royal Guard to remain at your side."

"That sounds like Dash alright. When you get back to the real world can you tell them something for me?"

"Of course, what would you like me to say."

"Tell Rainbow Dash I said thank you for saving me and not to worry about me. I do owe her one. Adrian isn't going to believe you actually talked to me here. So tell him next time, he needs to shoot a little faster. Maybe then I won't end up in this situation again. That will let him know your telling the truth. Let everybody know I am okay and I'll join them as soon as my body decides to let me."

Luna giggled at the comments.

"So what Adrian told me is true. Even with the knowledge of the damage to your body you still choose to laugh. He said that next time you need to move faster. This bond of brotherhood which he spoke is strong indeed. For now I will leave you to rest. Remember I will be waiting to see you when you awaken."

'Luna if I'm out for a few days do you think you could come back again and keep me a little company?"

"It would be my pleasure." said Luna as she faded away.

Adrian was snapping his fingers in front of Luna's face as she came to. She shook her head and pushed Adrian's hand away with her hoof.

"Is everything alright?" he asked. "Dustin was starting to toss and turn with the moaning and then you went all stiff."

"Dustin was having a rather terrible nightmare. It took more concentration then I had expected to enter the dream realm with him."

"So let me get this straight. You were just in his dreams.

"Yes and he said you would not believe me. So he asked me to tell you that next time you need to shoot faster so this doesn't happen again."

Adrian chuckled.

"That sounds like him alright."

"I suppose he's still mad at me." said Rainbow Dash as she looked at the floor.

"Quite the opposite Rainbow Dash. He wishes to say thank you for saving his life, and that he really does owe you one now."

Tears slide down Rainbow Dash's cheek.

"He really said thank you?"

"Yes and he said he would join us all as soon as his body would let him."

"Always the smartass." said Adrian with a smile.

"If you wish, I will stay here by his side while the two of you return to the castle for some rest and a meal." said Luna.

Adrian rubbed his shoulders as he looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Come on Rainbow Dash lets take a break. We can go get cleaned up, eat some chow and come back here. I think Dustin will be in good hands...I mean hooves until we get back."

"Go ahead Adrian I wanna stay here." she said with a smile.

"Suit yourself, but I can't promise there will be any food left after I get there. I'm as hungry as a horse. No pun intended."

Luna shook her head as Adrian walked out of the room.

"These human's are quite remarkable beings." said Luna as she sat down next to Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah their pretty awesome. Almost as awesome as me... almost. So how long do you think he is going to be out."

"His mind is still active but his body has essentially shut down to heal itself, it could be hours or even days. Only time will tell. However, he asked me to return to his dreams to keep him company. Perhaps I could ask if he would like you to join us."

Rainbow Dash's eyes lite up at the idea.

"Do you think he would? Want to see me that is."

"I'm sure he would enjoy that."

They stared at Dustin's bruised and battered body in silence and watched him breath softly.