Chapter Nine: Back to Town
Anthony woke as the sunlight started to creep over the horizon. The night had gone by without incident. Adrian looked over as Anthony stretched.
"Morning. I asked the nurse for coffee. She said she would bring some hot tea. Do you think we should wake up Rainbow Dash?"
"No let her sleep. We can get her up when we figure out breakfast."
The nurse opened the door and pushed in a small cart with three plates of food and a tea pot.
"Hi, I'm nurse RedHeart." she said with a warm smile.
Adrian and Anthony both looked at her with suspicion.
"I was told about last nights excitement and I promise you I am not a changeling. I also saw to your food and drink myself. I can't say I blame you for being apprehensive."
Nurse RedHeart poured herself a glass of tea and blew on it. She smiled again as she took a drink.
Anthony stood and poured himself a cup and grabbed a plate.
"Is the doctor in yet? I'd like him to check on Dustin's condition before we go anywhere."
"He'll be here shortly, he is making his rounds."
Adrian walked over and shook Rainbow Dash's shoulder.
"Wake up sleepy." he said as she slowly opened her eyes.
"Wha, where, oh hey how long was I out?"
"Don't worry about it." said Adrian handing her a plate.
He took the old plates off the bed placing them on nurse Red Hearts cart, and poured them both some tea.
"Thank you Miss RedHeart."
The white pony nodded as she pushed the cart out of the room and closed the door behind her.
Rainbow Dash looked at Dustin and let out a sigh.
"Do we really have to leave? What if something happens? What if the changelings come back?"
"Don't start the "What If" game Rainbow Dash." said Anthony. "That kind of thinking will drive you mad, trust me."
"So what is it that you do in Ponyville?" asked Adrian changing the topic.
"I help with the weather. Bustin up clouds, keeping it sunny,making it rain when we need it, the awesome stuff."
"So you control the weather? What about winter?"
"Cloudsdale the home of the pegasus creates the snow and clouds at the end of summer. Then we all work together to turn it back to spring with our winter wrap up celebration."
"That's amazing, I can't wait to see it."
The door opened as the doctor and Sword Dancer entered.
"Good morning Sir." said Sword Dancer to Anthony.
The doctor's horn began to glow as he walked to the bed side.
"His body appears to be starting to heal on its own. He should be stable enough to move to the castle in a few days."
"Any idea when he might regain consciousness?" asked Adrian.
"I couldn't say with any certainty, but we will send word as soon as he does."
"Thank you doctor, for everything you've done." said Anthony.
Sword Dancer opened the door for the doctor.
"Princess Celestia has told me you plan to leave for Ponyville today. I'd like to ask for your permission to personally see that Dustin remains safe while he is here."
Adrian gave Sword Dancer a salute.
"Permission granted I wouldn't have it any other way."
Sword Dancer smiled as he returned the salute.
"Do you mind if I ask a question Sword Dancer?"
"Go ahead Sir."
"I notice your a unicorn, but you don't use magical attacks, why is that?"
"As a colt I dreamed of becoming a Royal Guard but my magical abilities didn't develop like other unicorns. I don't have the strength to do offensive magic and I can only do minor shield spells. So I practiced manipulating objects with my magic, that is how I found my special talent."
"That is pretty impressive. I admire your drive its an honorable trait." said Anthony.
"Thank you Sir. I try my best."
Anthony, Adrian and Rainbow Dash were just finishing up their breakfast when the other ponies arrived.
"Good morning, good morning, good morning, good morning." said Pinkie Pie bouncing from one pony to the next.
"Mornin Ya'll, are ya ready ta get goin?"
Twilight levitated their equipment onto one of the vacant chairs. They dawned there gear and split Dustin's between themselves to carry.
"As ready as ever I suppose." said Anthony as he slung his rifle around his back.
Twilight pulled what appeared to be three large gold and dark blue medallions out of her saddle bag and gave them to Anthony. He turned one over in his hand and saw it was inscribed with the same design as the banners in the castle throne room.
"Those are the royal seals the princess promised you all. You can use them to purchase anything you need."
Anthony handed one of the seals to Adrian and put the other two in his pocket. They bid farewell to Sword Dancer and together they headed off to the train station.
Apple Jack walked over and sat down next to Adrian as the train made its way towards Ponyville.
"Hey sugar cube, Twilight told me Anthony was going to stay at the castle with her. Is that what yer plannin ta do too?"
"I don't know. After everything that's happened I hadn't really though about it."
"Well I thought I'd offer ta let ya stay at my families apple farm. At least til you get yer new place built. We could make room for ya and if ya don' mind, we could always use an extra hoof around the farm."
"I wouldn't want to impose on anybody."
"Aw shucks you wouldn't be imposin at all."
"I'll give it some thought and I'll let ya know." said Adrian with a smile.
Twilight and Anthony sat together writing a checklist of everything they needed to do when they got back to Ponyville.
"Hey Rarity, when your not busy I'd like to come to your boutique and have some clothes made."
"Absolutely darling it would be my pleasure. We also need to figure out what you all will be wearing to your knighting ceremony. I expect you to stop by as well Adrian."
"Yes ma'am." he said with a wave.
Rainbow Dash sat by herself in the back of the train car and stared out the window. Watching the world pass by in a blur reminded her of how things looked when she was flying. She felt the seat next to her sag as somepony sat down next to her.
"Whatcha thinkin about?" asked Pinkie Pie.
"Nothing."replied Rainbow Dash bluntly.
"I bet your worried that when Dustin wakes up he's gonna see you aren't there and he'll be super mad at you and hate you forever and ever and ever no matter what you try to do to make it up to him and when he comes to Ponyville you'll have to leave because he's gonna be like really mean and you won't be able to handle it so you'll have to runaway to the Everfree forest and never show your face in Ponyville ever again."
A look of pure panic appeared on Rainbow Dash's face as she listened to Pinkie Pie's rant.
"PINKIE PIE!" came the collective yell from around the rail car.
Adrian walked over and pushed Pinkie Pie off the seat. She hit the floor with a thud as a cloud of confetti and candy bounced up out of her mane.
Adrian sat down next to Rainbow Dash.
"Look I've known Dustin for a long time and he's not like that. I guarantee that won't happen, he'll understand and I'm sure he will be looking forward to seeing you."
The panic slowly left Rainbow Dash's face as she calmed down.
"Do you really think so?"
"I know so, he isn't that big of a jerk. said Anthony as he walked over and joined them. Now if it was Adrian I couldn't make any promises." .
Rainbow Dash grinned and hit Adrian in the shoulder with her hoof.
"You ain't as mean as you try to act."
"Only when I need to be." replied Adrian.
Everybody settled back into their seats and enjoyed idle conversation until the train pulled into the Ponyville station.
Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetiebell met them as they walked off the platform.
"Hey big sis, is it true the changelings attacked Canterlot again?" asked Applebloom.
"Sure is, but our new Knights of Equestria showed em how big a mistake that was." replied Apple Jack, giving her sisters mane a tussle.
"Knights of Equestria?"
"That's right we agreed to stay and protect everybody from the likes of Chrysalis." said Adrian.
"Yeppie." said the three fillies in unison.
"Hey where's Dustin?" asked Scootaloo looking around the group.
Rainbow Dash flew over and placed a hoof around Scootaloo's neck.
"He got hurt in the fight but he's gonna be fine. He's at the hospital and their taken good care of him.", she said choking back tears.
Tears started down the filly's face as she hugged Rainbow Dash.
"Your sure he's gonna be okay."
"Yep, he's almost as awesome as me. He'll be back on his hooves in no time, you wait and see."
"Hey Apple Jack." said Adrian as he started walking.
"Whats up sugar cube?"
"If you don't mind I can drop my stuff off at the castle and we can go see your family's farm."
"Really?" said Applebloom, her voice full of excitement.
"That sounds like a plan." said Apple Jack as she walked up alongside Adrian.
Pinky Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Rarity said their goodbyes and headed off in different directions.
Adrian dropped his and Dustin's gear in his room and got cleaned up. He put on a fresh uniform, grabbed his weapons, and headed back out of the castle to join Apple Jack.
"This is great, I c'n show you our clubhouse and we c'n give him a tour of the..."
"Whoa there Applebloom lets just work on gettin home first."
"Hey Adrian is it true ya don't have a cutie mark."
"Applebloom! That's not somethin ya ask a stallion."
"It's okay Apple Jack. What is a cutie mark anyway?"
Apple Jack turned and showed him the three apples on her flank.
"This here is mine, everypony gets one when they find their special talent."
Adrian looked down at Applebloom's flank.
"So you have a blank flank huh?"
Applebloom's head and red bow drooped down.
Apple Jack leaned over and motioned for Adrian to come closer.
"Blank Flanks what other fillies call Applebloom ta make fun a her and her friends." she whispered.
"I'm sorry Applebloom I didn't know. If it helps, I'm a blank flank too."
Applebloom perked up a little.
"Dustin said he might join the Cutie Mark Crusaders so we c'n help each other get our cutie marks. Think you'd wanna join too?" she asked with big puppy dog eyes.
"Well, when Dustin gets back we'll just have to see about that." said Adrian with a smile.
"Alright!" she shouted springing back to her cheery self."
"Well there it is." said Apple Jack as they crested a small hill. "Sweet Apple Acres home of the Apple family for four generations."
Adrian took in the vast orchard of apple tree's and gentle rolling hills.
"It's amazing Apple Jack."
"Well it ain't much but we call it home." she replied walking through the gate.
As they neared the farm house Adrian saw a dog come running from the barn towards them.
"Hey Winona." said Apple Jack as she scratched the dogs ears. "This here is Adrian you be nice ta him ya hear."
The dog barked and ran over sniffing Adrian's leg. He knelt down and stuck out his hand. She sniffed it for a second and then laid down, rolling over on her back. Adrian reached out and scratched her belly.
"Ya just made a best friend fer life." said Apple Jack with a chuckle. "Come on in and meet the family."
Applebloom ran forward and held the door for them both. Adrian stepped in and found himself almost nose to nose with a rather strong looking red pony.
"This here is my brother, Big Macintosh, and the one over there in the rockin chair is Granny Smith."
"Nice to meet you." said Adrian to the big red stallion.
"Eeyup." was all he said as he walked by and headed towards the barn.
'Don' mind him, he's a pony of few words." said Apple Jack leading the way into the kitchen. "Have a seat, I'll get ya a cup of our famous apple cider. Just don' tell Rainbow Dash. She'd be down right mad if she found out I had some and wasn't sharin it with her."
"Is Granny Smith okay." asked Adrian looking at the aged mare.
"She's just sleepin." said Applebloom.
"Wha, what, who's there?" Granny Smith opened her eyes and started to get up.
Slowly Adrian came into focus for her and she leaped backwards.
"Land Sakes its a monster." she yelled as she started across the kitchen.
Apple Jack caught her halfway across the room and pulled her to a stop.
"Whoa there Granny, it's alright. He ain't no monster, he's a human and his name is Adrian."
"Ya shouldn't go round scarin us old ponies in our sleep like that."
"Sorry ma'am. I didn't mean to startle you."
"So what brings ya to Sweet Apple Acres youngin?"
"Apple Jack offered to let me live here until my new home was built and I thought I would come check it out."
"That's my Apple Jack." she replied sitting back down in the rocking chair.
"Are ya gonna do it Adrian." asked Applebloom as she bounced up and down. "I think it'd be great ta have ya around."
"Well if Granny Smith and Big Macintosh don't mind I think I may. I'll help out around here of course to cover my room and board."
"I think that'd be just fine." said Granny Smith.
Apple Jack smiled up at Adrian.
"My staying here won't be a problem well it?" asked Adrian one last time.
"Nnope."came a deep voice from the kitchen window as Big Macintosh walked by.
"Their ya have it. We'll have some lunch here real quick first, then we c'n go to the castle, grab yer stuff, and get ya settled in." said Apple Jack as she headed towards the fridge.
...
Anthony walked into City Hall with Twilight. Mayor Mare smiled as they walked up.
"Just what can I do for the two of you today? She asked pushing her glasses back up her muzzle."
"We have three new residence in Ponyville Mayor." said Twilight proudly.
"That's simply wonderful Princess Twilight. Let me get the paperwork and we'll get this done right away."
The mayor rummaged through her desk and pulled out a small stack of papers.
"The three of you need to fill these out and bring them back to me. I'll take care of everything from there. I also gave you a few maps of town so you don't get lost. I'd just like to add that knowing the Knights of Equestria are living in Ponyville makes me feel safer then ever. I heard what the three of you did in Canterlot."
"Well word sure travels fast around Equestria doesn't it." said Anthony.
"Yeah it does. The only ones that knew about your new title were the six of us and the guards at the fight."
"Thank you mayor we'll get this paperwork back to you as soon as possible." said Anthony as he stuck the papers in his bag.
"Where to next Anthony?" asked Twilight.
"Well I was thinking maybe we could stop by Rarity's boutique. I would sure like to get some clothes other then these uniforms."
"Of course. We can go there right now."
Together they headed out to see the fashonista.
As Anthony pushed the door open he heard a small bell ring out."
"Commiinng." came Rarity's voice from a back room.
"Oh hello darling. I wasn't expecting you to be here today."
"I'm sorry Rarity we can come back another time if your busy." said Anthony as he started to turn back towards the door.
Rarity stepped in front of him and turned him back around.
"Don't be ridiculous, step into the back and we'll get your measurements."
Anthony walked into a smaller room towards the back of the store. It was cluttered with pony manikins covered in half finished outfits, bolts of fabric and sewing supplies.
"Pardon the mess darling, a creative mind has no time for rest, or organization." said Rarity as she cleared a tabletop with her magic. Now if you would please take off that dreadful outfit so I can get accurate measurements for you."
Anthony untied his boots and unbuttoned his uniform top. He placed them on the floor next to him and removed his brown t-shirt. Rarity walked over with a measuring tape floating nearby. She proceeded to measure his upper body and made several notes on a nearby paper.
"Come now darling I can't get accurate measurements over those." she said looking at his loose fitting uniform pants.
Anthony undid his belt, but stopped there.
"Rarity I know you don't have experience with humans so I should tell you..."
Before he could finish a purple aura wrapped around his waist band and pulled down his pants and boxers.
There was a gasp from Twilight as she blushed taking in the sight before her. Rarity looked up as Anthony started to cover himself.
"Oh my!" she said levitating a piece of fabric over to him.
He grabbed it and covered himself, his face turning bright red, as Rarity went about her measuring
"As I was saying, humans don't have fur or a natural means to conceal our genitals so clothing is a necessity for us. Not just something we wear for fashion."
"Are all humans as lucky as you?" said Rarity playfully as he pulled his uniform pants back on.
Anthony felt his face turning an even darker shade of red.
"I doubt any of us could compare to a stallion." he replied with a nervous chuckle.
"You'd be surprised, if you really think about the overall difference in body size." said Twilight, her own face blushing further.
"What kind of clothes did you have in mind now?"
"I was just thinking something simple. Some button down tops and a few pair of pants. If you could make some that cover my arms for cooler weather that would be great."
"Simple? Now darling just because you want something casual does not mean it must be simple. I'll be sure to come up with something absolutely fabulous for the ceremony as well. I'll let you know when they are done."
There's no rush Rarity we'll be here for awhile.
I look forward to seeing Adrian and Dustin soon." said Rarity with a sly grin.
Anthony thanked Rarity for her time and hastily headed out the door.
"I don't think that could have been more awkward." he said as his natural color finally started to return.
"Clearly, we still have a lot to learn about each other."said Twilight. "Maybe we could discuss some of it over lunch?"
"That sounds like a plan to me. What did you have in mind?"
"There's a little restaurant down the road we can go to."
"Lead the way."
They arrived at the Ponyville Cafe and agreed on burgers, horseshoe fries, and soda.
"So is there any other important things I should know about humans?" asked Twilight between bites of her burger.
"We are sensitive to changes in weather, we can be injured just like a pony obviously, and we can be laid up by sickness and diseases. That is what we have to watch out for the most. Throughout our history diseases have been known to nearly wipe out a group of humans. Especially when they were exposed to it for the first time."
"But, you didn't have magic to help cure them, and Zecora has a vast knowledge of herbal medicines and cures for various illnesses."
"That is true. I wonder if our Equestrian ancestors could wield magic as well? It would be nice to know more about what they were like before we were sent to earth. That concept alone is mind blowing as well. For centuries mankind has argued over how we came to be on earth. To think we were sent there from another world explains many things in our belief system but also raises a lot of questions. Looking back on the mythology, Unicorn's and dragons were strongly believed in. Perhaps our time on Equestria is what established those stories and legends. And if that's the case maybe the stories of magi, and sorcerers were more then mere tales of fantasy."
"The library in Canterlot has an entire section of StarSwirl the Bearded's work and studies. Maybe next time we are there we could have a look through his scrolls. We might be able to find something about the humans of Equestria."
"I think that's a good idea. Anything we can learn could prove to be helpful."
Anthony took another bite of his veggie burger and shook his head.
"I really wish this had some beef in it."
"What's beef?" asked Twilight.
"It's the meat of a cow. Normally it is cooked and we use it in a lot of our food."
"That's horrible."
"On earth cows are pretty much mindless animals. All they really do is eat and reproduce."
"Well here in Equestria cows are rather intelligent, I've had some pretty good conversations with a few of them. Although they are prone to stampedes every now and then."
"Wow. Can all the creatures in Equestria speak?"
"That would depend on your definition of speaking. Most can't speak in a form we understand. However, Fluttershy's talent is speaking to and understand all the animals on Equestria. A lot of ponies keep animals as pets. Apple Jack has a dog named Winona, and Rarity has Opal the cat. Pinkie Pie has her pet alligator Gummy.
"What? A pet alligator." said Anthony nearly choking on his soda.
"Oh its okay he's a toothless alligator. I have Owlowiscious my owl, and Rainbow Dash has Tank the tortoise."
Anthony chuckled and shook his head.
"You mean the fastest pony I've ever seen has a pet turtle?"
"Tortoise." corrected Twilight. She loves him so much she tried to stop winter so he wouldn't have to go into hibernation."
"Celestia was right that is some real loyalty. I guess if we're gonna be living here now I might not even mind getting a pet."
"Really, Fluttershy will be so excited to hear that. She has so many animals she's trying to find homes for. She'd be more then happy to help you find the pet that is right for you."
"I didn't mean right now. I think I'd like to get settled into my room at the castle first.
Twilight finished the last of her food and wiped her face with a napkin.
"If you like we can go back to the castle and I can show you around your new home."
"Alright I think we've accomplished enough for one day."
As they walked back down the road they ran into Apple Jack and Adrian. Apple Jack was pulling a small wagon behind her.
"Hey Sargent." said Adrian with a smile.
"Quite the gentleman you are letting the mare pull the wagon." he replied.
"Ah shucks, I don' mind, this thing ain't hard ta pull at all."
"Twilight was about to give me a tour of the castle, would you both care to join us?"
"I would, but Apple Jack and I are just here to grab my things. She and her family offered to let me stay at their farm until I get my house built."
"That's great." said Twilight. "Just don't try and overwork him in the orchard, he'll have royal duties before to long."
"Don' worry Twilight I won't break him before the ceremony."
As the group arrived at the castle the two mares excused themselves and headed into the main hall. Anthony and Adrian walked down the hallway towards their rooms.
"Hey, once your settled you'll have to come out to Sweet Apple Acres. Its pretty amazing and there's room for us to keep up on our training and exercise. I think we better stay on top of that just in case something else crazy comes up."
"Adrian I'm really surprised with you. Your really adjusting to this a lot better then I expected. Especially after everything you said in the forest and after they told us we can't leave."
"After that fight and seeing Dustin take that hit I just knew this was how things were going to be. This really is our home now and everyone has been so friendly. It's like we are meant to be here and I want to protected this place and these ponies."
"I know what you mean, but it's become a little more personal for me now."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Adrian cocking an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Princess Celestia asked me to protect Twilight no matter what the cost."
"And you agreed to do it didn't you."
"Of course that is why I'm telling you this. I want you to promise that if anything happens to me you'll do the same. Twilight and her friends are important to Equestria and I think we need to protect them all."
"I think that falls under our first general order then. Especially if Princess Celestia felt it was important enough to make you swear to it. I have your six brother. You know you can count on me."
"Thanks."
Twilight and Apple Jack walked into the map room and sat down.
"So Adrian agreed to stay at the farm? I'm sure he'll be a lot of help out there."
"Yeah, Applebloom seems ta have takin a likin to him also."
Twilight started to giggle as she recalled the incident at Rarity's.
"What gives Twilight?" asked Apple Jack.
"Lets just say things got a little...interesting at Rarity's this afternoon."
"Did she go an try gettin Anthony in one of those high falutin outfits?" replied Apple Jack getting up from her chair.
"No, lets just say she proved that Anthony really is a Stallion."
Apple Jack's mouth hung open at the thought.
"And?" she asked walking closer to Twilight.
"And it was rather impressive to say the least."
They both giggled as they started whispering between themselves.
…
Adrian walked into his room and started to grabbed his things.
"Hey Anthony do you wanna secure Dustin's gear here in the castle? I'd feel more comfortable knowing it was here then at a house with kids."
"Yeah that sounds like a good idea."
Adrian walked into Dustin's room and grabbed his ruck sack. He handed the gear to Anthony then went back to get his own belongings.
"Okay I'm headed out, lets meet tomorrow and we can get an update on Dustin's condition."
Anthony pulled the registration papers and a map out of his bag and handed them to Adrian.
"You need to fill this out and get it back to me asap. I'll take care of Dustin's and there is a map of Ponyville in there for you also. Oh yeah. Rarity wants you to swing by so she can get your measurements. Make sure you stop in and see her."
"Will do."
Adrian shut the door and walked back to the main entrance of the castle. Apple Jack was waiting for him by her cart. He threw his gear in and grabbed the yoke.
"I'll pull it back, I could use the exercise." he said with a grin. As he started down the road.
