Chapter 14:

Answers

It was the oddest site any of the Ponyville Urgent Care staff had seen. The being that had left their center barely a week earlier had returned for more treatment. This time he had brought a Grundle with him for treatment as well. It was odd because the majority of the younger staff had never seen a Grundle before. All of them crowded around to catch a few glimpses. Luckily, there were a few veteran physicians who were familiar with the new patient and knew how to treat Amus. However, the site that caught the most attention was Princess Luna in her human form. Though her face was different, the wings and hair were disclosed her true identity. She and Twilight Sparkle watched from Joseph's bed as the doctors did what they could for Amus.

The deposed king was hooked up to heart monitors, two IVs, and his feet were bandaged up. Whatever he had been through would have killed a lesser creature. Joseph's wound was serious, but not as bad as Amus. Nurse Redheart expertly treated the cut Joseph in Joseph's arm. Twilight was right behind her watching. Her studious nature superseded the purple unicorn's shock of the image. The princess sat next to Joseph facing the unconscious Grundle in the opposite bed. While Luna held Joseph's hand tightly, her gaze shifted between the two males. Regardless of how she felt about her companion, Amus was a good friend to Luna. Joseph tried to act as concerned as he could for Luna. However it was difficult to act as a pillar for her with Nurse Redheart and Twilight in his ear. The good nurse had controlled the bleeding and was asking Joseph to go through some motions.

"Bend at the elbow, please," she asked. Joseph did so slowly to not irritate his arm. His elbow bent with full motion. "Now rotate your wrist." Josephs hand rotated his wrist slowly. Nurse Redheart didn't like the speed Joseph's wrist was going. The nurse's light blue eyes shifted to Joseph's fingers. She put a white hoof in Joseph's hand. "Squeeze my hoof," she said.

"Ok, say when," Joseph said. He slowly tightened his grip and watched Nurse Redheart's face for any sign of pain. With his strength, he could easily hurt the caregiver. Slowly Joseph's hand closed on the hoof.

"Amazing," Twilight said. "I thought for sure you wouldn't be able to use your hand." Nurse Redheart ignored the unicorn and soon could feel a little pain in her hoof.

"That's ok," she said. Joseph loosened his grip and the nurse went to her tray of instruments. "I was worried you might have some nerve damage, but you appear to be ok. I'll just suture you up. Mr. Rigetti. We'll have you ready to go in no time."

"Thanks, Nurse," Joseph said.

"Would you mind if I made a quick diagram of your muscle structure?" Twilight asked with a twinkle in her eyes. Joseph and Nurse Redheart looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

"Dearest, Twilight," Luna said turning around. "Would thou please await min sister's arrival?" Twilight looked at the princess and silently walked away. Joseph turned and looked at Luna. Her eyes returned to Amus and Joseph could feel the concern radiating from her. Joseph felt a quick twinge from the nurse stitching his wound but ignored it.

"You ok?" he asked the princess.

"We are adrift in an ocean of concern for our friend," she answered. The doctors were coming and going, taking notes and checking Amus's condition.

"Who is he?" Joseph asked.

"Amus, King of the Grundles," Luna said. "And a respected friend of ours. We were present for his coronation nary a year past."

"What is he doing here?" Joseph asked.

"We are unsure," Luna said. Joseph could hear the concern growing as Amus was injected with something by one of the doctors. Joseph had to sit with his back to Amus so Nurse Redheart could do her job. He let go of the princess's hand brought his arm up. Luna gripped Joseph's arm as he wrapped it around her front and pulled her into a hug.

"It's going to be ok, dear," he whispered into Luna's ear. Out of the corner of his eye, Joseph saw two you physicians looking at him and Luna. His blood began to boil when he made out what they were whispering.

"Why does she look like that?" one asked.

"I heard that they are planning to…"

"Hey!" Joseph snapped. The two interns whipped around and looked at the angry man with fear. Even Redheart and Luna turned to see what Joseph was doing. "When you two are done gossiping about something that is none of your business, how about you get your princess something to clean my blood off of her?" There was enough venom in that statement to kill a manticore and those interns felt it.

"Yes, sir," they panicked and brought a washcloth and towel over to the princess. When they returned, Nurse Redheart finished stitching Joseph and walked around the bed to the interns.

"Both of you in my office now," she said firmly. The interns gulped and took the bloody cloth and wet towel from the princess. They scurried away as if their lives depended on it. "I'm ever so sorry, Your Majesty. I run a tight ship and don't tolerate gossiping." Nurse Redheart excused herself and followed after the two impudent interns. Joseph got up from the bed and ran his fingers over the bandage. Together, he and Luna went over to the bed with Amus's resting body.

"You are lucky you got him here when you did," the doctor said. Joseph smiled to see the same physician who had treated him. The doctor gave a respectful bow to the princess and offered a friendly hoof to Joseph.

"How's our boy, Doc?" Joseph asked.

"Severe dehydration and exhaustion," the tan unicorn said. "And his feet are raw, almost like he's been running all day and night. It also appears he is suffering from malnutrition." Joseph felt the princess tense up in his grasp. "But he should pull through just fine. We've got two IVs to rehydrate him and I just injected him with vital nutrients to replace what he didn't take in. All he needs is some rest."

"Thank thee, Doctor," Luna said. A couple of orderlies came by and started to wheel Amus away.

"We're moving him to a private room for the time being," the doctor said. "I do want him waking up here in the emergency room and panicking. You two are welcome to stay until he wakes up."

"We will," Joseph said. "I'm sure Luna has a few questions for Amus."

"Very good," the doctor said. He turned to the orderlies and looked at the chart he was given. "Room 18 please." Joseph and Luna followed Amus's bed as it was wheeled through the hallway. Joseph gave the princess a little nudge when they passed room 16. It cheered up the princess a little to think back to their first meeting. Once Amus was settled in room 18, Luna and Joseph were left alone. Luna immediately stood at the foot of the bed and watched the sleeping form. She brought her arms up and hugged herself tightly.

"What's on your mind, babe?" Joseph asked. Luna looked at Joseph and sighed.

"What has happened to him?" she asked. "Why was King Amus chased and assaulted? Why is his condition so deplorable?" Joseph could sense a whole train of questions coming from Luna.

"I don't know," he said. "The only one who can answer that is Amus. And he's not talking at the moment."

"What of the hunter's threats?" Luna said. Joseph's face contorted in anger and he felt the sting of his wound. "They vowed to return." Joseph went over and took the princess's hand.

"Just worry about the here and now," he said. "We can't do anything until he wakes up." The Princess of the Night to Joseph's words to heart and finally started to relax. The moment was touching until the door flung open. Joseph and Luna turned around and saw Celestia standing in the doorway. The look on her face was of pure rage.

"Oh fuck me," Joseph said under his breath. The Princess of the Day stepped slowly and deliberately into the room. She was flanked by two guards in golden armor. They didn't stay long.

"Get out, both of you," Celestia said with quiet anger. The two guards quickly followed their orders and left the room. Once the door was closed, Luna and Joseph could feel the heat emanating from Celestia. Luna knew this rage well. It was the same she felt while trapped in the body of Nightmare Moon, right before she was banished. Joseph turned back to Amus and shook his head. He knew a headache was coming.

"Tia, please…" Luna begged.

"Don't!" Celestia snapped. "Change back before you embarrass yourself or me any farther. I can't believe you would defile yourself by taking that disgusting form." Luna recoiled from her sister's words. She wanted to oppose but considering the look that Joseph was receiving, Luna thought it best to comply. A bright white light surrounded her and Luna transformed back into her alicorn self. Luckily the dress transformed with her. Joseph saw everything out of the corner of his eye. Celestia turned her attention to the man watching the Grundle sleep. "You…" she said with hate.

"We're not doing this here, Celestia," Joseph said firmly.

"You will address me properly," Celestia countered. "I speak and you answer." Joseph slowly turned his head, then his body. His posture was stiff and strong against the princess's equal stance. Eyes locked on eyes, neither one blinking.

"I said…not here," Joseph said calmly.

"You will answer me when I demand it," the white alicorn said. "You will tell me why you fraternize with my sister?"

"What we do is none of your fucking business," Joseph said. Luna audibly gulped at what she was seeing. Joseph was treading land where very few even dared to think of. The heat pulsing from Celestia intensified with Joseph's words.

"You would be wise to show restraint, human," Celestia threatened getting in Joseph's face.

"Oh, believe me I am," he said with sarcasm. The white alicorn's eyes flashed green and dark energy fizzled from her horn and eyes.

"Joseph…" Luna squeaked. He turned to the blue alicorn and saw the look in her eyes. It was fear. Joseph took a deep breath and relaxed his stance. Celestia saw the mood changes and relaxed, but only a little.

"We're not doing this here because we have a more pressing matter," Joseph said. He gestured over to the sleeping form.

"Sister do you not recognize who rests before us?" Luna asked. Celestia looked at the bed and recognized the sleeping Amus.

"What is King Amus doing here?" she asked. Her tone was calmer, but the anger could still be heard in Celestia's voice.

"We don't know," Luna said. "He appeared in Ponyville under a barrage of his own subjects." This took Celestia by surprise. "Three Grundles attempted to end Amus's life. They were thwarted by Joseph and I."

"Bastards got a slice of me," Joseph said showing his bandaged arm. "And one charged Luna to kill her." Celestia's mood did a complete turnaround. "Didn't Twilight explain this in her letter?"

"I do not answer to you," Celestia said with hate. The princess turned to her younger sister. "Stay here until Amus awakens. Find out what you can and report back to me." Luna didn't get a chance to answer. Celestia turned to leave the room and be done with this encounter.

"If you weren't acting like such a bitch you wouldn't have to try and save face," Joseph said. The princess stopped in her tracks and let out a huff before leaving the room.

"You tempt fate, Joseph," Luna said. "My sister is not one to trifle with."

"Neither am I," Joseph said. "She had no right speaking to either of us like that, especially you."

"Joseph, I appreciate you defending me," Luna began. "But my sister and I are immortal beings of magic. Essentially, we are gods. Nopony dares to act callous towards us."

"You say that as if it means something to me," Joseph said. Luna recoiled again, but she was more insulted than belittled. "Who you are doesn't carry the weight of a grain of sand with me," Joseph began. "It's what you do that matters to me." Luna calmed down immediately. She understood why Joseph would have a thought process like that.

"A philosophy from when you were bullied in school?" she asked.

"Yea," Joseph answered. "Your sister has done nothing to earn my respect. She's arrogant, hostile, and a goddess in title only in my eyes." Luna's imagination painted a very vivid picture. She could see Celestia throwing Joseph in the dungeon for saying such things. "You on the other hand have been kind, respectful, and just." Luna smiled as Joseph listed what truly made her a goddess. Then he sauntered over to the alicorn and put his arm around her. "You are also incredibly intelligent, have a heart of gold, and are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

"I was quite fetching in human form," Luna said.

"I thought you were beautiful long before you got that new look," Joseph whispered. Luna giggled and her wings fluttered a little. The two were enjoying another touching moment before Joseph's stomach sounded off. Another ruined moment brought more words. "I swear on everything good and sacred I am going to find Murphy and I am going to wring his scrawny little neck." Luna was in an equal amount of surprise from the string of bad luck this evening. Reluctantly, the princess moved away from Joseph and next to Amus's bed.

"Go and get something to eat," Luna said. "I'll stay here should Amus awaken." Joseph's face was a mixture of annoyance and anger. But it soon gave way to a chuckle as he made for the door. "What is so amusing?" the princess asked. Joseph turned around with his finger and thumb close together.

"Twice tonight," he began. "I was this close to kissing a goddess." Luna found it a little amusing, but decided for kitty to show her claws.

"It thou art worthy," Luna began in a sultry voice. "I might take pity on the unworthy and bless thy lips with the taste on min own." Luna's words caught Joseph off guard and he back right into the door. Luna looked at Joseph with half closed eyes and a very proud smile.

"You…uhm," Joseph asked. "You learn that from Rarity I'm guessing?"

"T'was Pinkie Pie who advised me on flirtation," Luna answered. "And it appears to be excellent advice." The two laughed as Joseph stumbled out of the door. Luna was very proud of herself. Pinkie Pie had told her making somepony go "kookoo labonza" was a "veeeery good thing." The Princess of the Night returned to her vigil on the fallen monarch. Her mind flashed back to the hunter's words "'Female help traitor…'" Luna was present at the coronation. Amus discussed plans to bring the Grundles back to prominence with agricultural development and trading. Many Grundles cheered him. Luna was so confused by what had happened and put a hoof in Amus's still hand. "What has happened, my friend?" The Grundle said nothing and slept.

After a few moments, Joseph returned with some fruit. An orderly brought in a cot and some blankets soon after Joseph came back. Together they waited. Joseph would pace the room while Luna stayed next to the bed. Occasionally, she would hear him mumble something about the attack. But mostly it was gibberish and something about "answers from Celestia." The minutes ticked by and soon the fruit was gone. Luna was beginning to feel sleep invade her. Try as she did, the princess soon passed out. The sleep was not peaceful. Luna felt and knew she was unconscious but could only see a void.

After an unknown amount of time, Luna woke up and found herself in the cot and covered in a blanket. Celestia's sunlight shone through the window while birds chirped outside. Her dress was folded on the side table. Joseph was sitting up against the wall with a blanket covering himself. Amus was still unconscious. The doctor came in and took a look at his patient. He seemed happy with what he was seeing. Joseph awoke just as the doctor left the room.

"Anything change?" Joseph asked rubbing his eyes.

"I am unsure," the princess said as she got off the cot. "I have only risen just now." A sound from the bed caused Luna and Joseph to spring up. Amus's eyes fluttered open and he tried to get himself oriented.

"Where Amus?" he said with a raspy voice. Joseph poured a glass of water and helped Amus drink.

"You are among friends, Amus," Luna said. Amus took down the whole glass and relaxed when he recognized the princess. Joseph went over to the door and called out for the doctor. He immediately returned to the bedside.

"Luna of night," he began. "Amus happy to see Luna. But where is Amus?"

"You're in the hospital," Joseph said. "You gave us quiet a scare." Amus look at Joseph but didn't feel any apprehension being with the stranger.

"Amus know you," he said weakly. "You defended Amus."

"Yes, I went after those others that attacked you," Joseph said.

"Please, my friend," Luna continued. "Why were you attacked?" The doctor came into the room to see why he was called. Luna gestured for him to remain quiet while Amus spoke. The doctor complied and listened to Amus's chest while he continued.

"Brother Omus," he wheezed. "Seized crown. Amus deposed and called traitor." The doctor pulled a double take. He was at a loss that he was treating royalty. "Omus use lies to turn Grundles against Amus." Amus's voice turned raspy again. Joseph poured another glass of water and Amus drank it down.

"How?" Luna asked.

"Farming fail," Amus said after swallowing. "Omus use fear to trick Grundles. It too cold and Grundles have little. Grundles starving and dying." Luna gasped and covered her mouth. "Grundles need help, Luna. Need food. Need shelter." Luna moved a hoof to Amus's mouth and silenced him.

"Consider it done…Your Majesty," she said. Amus smiled at how easy it was to get the help he needed. He was also moved that he was still viewed by his peer as a king. "You are a true noble for putting your subjects over your own pride."

"There more," Amus said. "Omus will move against ponies."

"What?" Luna gasped. Even Joseph stared in awe that someone would dare invade Equestria.

"Grundles need food," he said. "Stockpile not last cold season. Only place with enough food to save Grundles is Ponyland."

"Wait," Joseph said. "Are you saying Omus would raid a village to feed the Grundles?"

"Yes," Amus said.

"Amus," Luna began. "Is your village still where the coronation was held last year?" Amus weakly nodded and Luna pulled Joseph aside.

"You're very weak my friend," the doctor said. "You should get as much rest as possible."

"The closest Equestrian settlement to Grundleland is Trottingham," Luna said. "T'is on the other side of the Everfree Forrest but only half a day's journey. We must bring this to Celestia's attention." Joseph sucked some air in through his teeth.

"Yup," he said turning to the doctor. "Doc, take care of our boy." The physician nodded and Joseph turned to lead Luna out of the room.

"Wait," Amus called. Joseph and Luna turned back and saw Amus offering his hand to Joseph. He walked back to the bad and took the shaking hand. "You save Amus life, thank you." His voice was getting weak.

"You're welcome," Joseph smiled.

"You beat hunters, they dishonored…" Amus could not finish what he was saying. The true Grundle King passed out again and Joseph looked at Luna with confusion.

"What did he mean by that?" he asked.

"I am uncertain," Luna said. "The Grundles are proud creatures and they have a warrior heritage…" Luna froze and looked at Joseph. "Akin to the samurai warriors I read of."

"You don't think…" he said.

"I do, Joseph," the princess said. Luna charged her magic and the two disappeared from the hospital. The two reappeared far from Ponyville in the city of Canterlot. Specifically in the throne room of Princess Celestia. Luna turned to face her sister but found an empty throne at the top of the stairs. She darted around while Joseph stood still with his hands on his stomach.

"That turned the gut a little bit," he said.

"Oh tuck in thy skirt," Luna commented.

"Yes, ma'am," Joseph said half amused. Luna walked past Joseph and to the doors at the head of the room. She opened the door and found two guards passing by. The instantly fell into a bow upon seeing the Princess of the Night.

"Where is Celestia?" she asked.

"Taking breakfast, Princess Luna," one guard said.

"Come with me, Joseph," the princess called. Together they made their way through the halls. Though Joseph stole some quick looks at the majesty of the palace, he remained focused on what was at hand. Within seconds of leaving the throne room, Joseph and Luna came to the dining hall. A pair of guards opened the doors for the princess and shot Joseph a look as he walked in. They saw Celestia at the head of the table with her breakfast. The Princess of the Day looked up from her meal and looked only at her sister.

"I take it Amus has awoken?" she asked.

"Yes and the news is grave," Luna said. Joseph chose to remain silent. He was still angry with Celestia conduct the previous evening and how she treated him in general. "Amus's brother has seized the throne."

"A coup?" Celestia asked.

"Yes," Luna answered.

"This is alarming, but what has that to do with use, Luna?" Celestia said. Joseph was at a loss that a fellow leader could say anything like that.

"Tia," Luna began. "Amus believes the Grundles will move on Equestrian territory." Celestia raised an eyebrow in disbelief at what she was hearing.

"Why would they do such a thing?" she asked. Again Joseph was at a loss for Celestia's reaction.

"The Grundles are near starvation," Luna began. "Amus's plans to cultivate farms in Grundleland failed. Omus used this to remove Amus from power. The king fled to seek our aid, of which I have already vowed food and shelter."

"If you have vowed aid," Celestia began. "Why would they invade our territory?" Joseph stepped forward before Luna spoke up.

"Amus said their stockpiles are low," he said. "Desperation is what most likely drives them." Celestia shot Joseph a look that radiated "when I want your opinion, I'll ask you for it." Joseph ignored it and stood firm next to Luna.

"So they would dare to move against us?" Celestia asked.

"Trottingham is closest settlement to Grundleland," Luna said. Celestia nodded and the Princess of the Day levitated a parchment and began writing. When she was finished, Celestia called for an aid. "Have this dispatched to our Grundle allies. It must be delivered at once." The aid bowed and disappeared from the room. "An offer of food and shelter will dissuade any incursion to Equestrian lands and aid in restoring Amus to the throne. A pegasus can have that message in Omus's hands before nightfall."

"Sister wait," Luna began. "We believe that the Grundles will still come, but not Trottingham."

"Where then?" Celestia asked.

"Ponyville," Joseph said.

"That's ridiculous," Celestia snapped. "Ponyville is half a day's walk from Trottingham. If the Grundles are near starvation, why would they trek father than they have to." Joseph crossed his arms and paced a little.

"I've gave those two hunters that attacked Amus an old fashioned whooping," Joseph said. "Another one tried to take out Luna but she got him. They swore to return."

"Hogwash," Celestia snapped.

"Tia, t'is true," Luna said. "I was there." Celestia scoffed at the notion of Joseph being able to fight.

"I find it difficult to believe a mere 'teacher' could fend off even one hunter," Celestia said with venom.

"Just because I'm a teacher doesn't make me a pussy," Joseph snapped back. Celestia snorted and heat began to radiate from her rage again.

"You dare use that tongue with me again?" she said. "I am still furious with the way you spoke to me last night."

"You can pry all you want," Joseph said. "But what Luna and I did last night is, I repeat, none of your fucking business." Luna sighed in exasperation. She was going to get a repeat performance of last night. "And frankly, I'm getting sick of your attitude lady. If anyone should be pissed off, it's me."

"Don't flatter yourself," Celestia said. She turned to leave but froze in shock when her tail was grabbed from behind. The princess went rigid and Luna was shocked by what she saw.

"Joseph!" Luna cried.

"You dare touch me?" Celestia boomed in her Royal Canterlot Voice. "You dare defile the Goddess the Day?"

"You defile yourself," Joseph said with venom. "I don't know whether you are deliberately lying or are just ignorant." Both Celestia and Luna were taken back by what Joseph said. "Do you take me for a fool? Did you honestly think I couldn't recognize the clues?" The white alicorn's stance got very defensive as Joseph spoke. Yet Luna wasn't sure where Joseph was going with this.

"What are you saying, Joseph?" Luna asked.

"You wouldn't know anything about it," he began. "You were exiled to the moon for a millennium. No way you could have seen what I have. The fact that names of cities are so similar, the calendar and electrical systems match perfectly, and let's not forget that I spoke flawless French with Rarity."

"Parallel evolution, just as you said, Joseph," Luna said trying to make sense of the rant. Celestia was growing impatient and gave a tuck to her tail. But Joseph's grip refused to let the ethereal rainbow go.\.

"Too many coincidences," he answered. "One or two smalls maybe, but not something as complex as language or electrical voltage. There's only one explanation for all of that I have seen. You have eyes and ears outside of Equestria, don't you Celestia?" That accusation caught both of the princesses of guard.

"Joseph?" Luna chimed. "Are you saying we are of the same world and Celestia has been spying on your race?" Joseph nodded and Celestia snapped her tail out of Joseph's hand.

"I will not stand here and be accused of espionage?" Celestia said. The alicorn stormed away from the two in anger.

"That's not the only question you need to answer, Celestia," Joseph said. Luna put her hoof on Joseph's shoulder to calm him before he pushed her sister over the edge. "Your attitude towards me; the hostility, the anger, even those tears you shed when you last asked me to leave. Those emotions don't come from passive watching, it comes from direct interaction."

"Joseph, are you insinuating…" Luna said as she put two and two together.

"I am not the first human in Equestria," he called to the fleeing princess. The white alicorn stopped dead in her tracks when she heard that question. "Am I, Celestia?" Luna wore the most shocked look she ever had on her face while she stared at her sister's still form. This revelation stole any words Luna could pray to muster. Celestia's head dropped in defeat. She turned back to Joseph and Luna with tears streaming down her face.

"No, you're not…"

A/N: WHAT?

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