I woke up, my face filled with stars or, more accurately, Luna's mane. I pushed it out of my face and sat up, rubbing my eyes. Looking around, I noticed that Luna had her room arranged to let in very little light, though I wasn't terribly surprised, given she was the Lunar Princess. I got up and pulled on some clothes, then looked down to see Luna, fast asleep beside me. She was snoring softly, head on top of her crossed hooves, her mane laying about, still rippling a tiny bit. I stood up and stretched, careful to do so quietly, as not to wake her up. Grabbing all my gear, I went back to the Princess and put my forehead against her in a small gesture of affection, then opened the door and stepped out into the hall. A couple of her Lunar Guards were standing at attention on either side of the door, barely giving me any notice. I looked them over, impressed by the darker twist on the typical guards armor, then asked one of them where I could find the kitchens. He cocked an eyebrow, then smiled, gesturing for me to follow. I would have been more attentive to the variety of ponies that passed by me, but I was too tired to spend more attention on anything other than the pony leading me to food. It took a few minutes for us to get there, but we got to the kitchens without incident. The guard nodded to me and left, probably back to stand guard, while I went up to a pony with a chefs hat on.

"Mornin," I yawned, "You guys have coffee?" I asked, leaning against a table beside me.

The chef pony turned to look at me, then grabbed a jug, mug, and poured me a cup, "Here," She said, passing it to me, "This should do you some good."

"Thanks." I said, taking a long sip, smiling happily as I felt the warmth spread inside me.

"So, you're the one who slept with Princess Luna?" Asked the chef pony, grabbing her own mug.

I smirked, "If you mean I shared a bed with her in a platonic manner, then yes, that was me." I replied.

She chuckled softly, "You're clever. So, why are the Princesses interested in you?" She asked, raising her eyebrow.

I shrugged, "I have a wonderful personality and skills that allow me to perform a certain job they want me to do." I finished, draining the last of the coffee and nodding, "Much appreciated." I said, grabbing a couple apples and heading out on my merry way. My merry way soon turned into a lost and confused path as I walked down hallways and corridors that looked far too similar to each other.

I felt a wing nudge my shoulder and looked up, "Lost?" Asked Celestia with a smile, "It happens to the best of us." She said, seeing me nod. With a quick flash of light we were in the Atrium, "I've arranged for a carriage to bring you back to your new house in Ponyville." She said, leading to me a platform with a carriage and two pegasus ponies waiting for me, "I hope Luna didn;'t get you into much trouble?" She said, smiling down at me.

I chuckled softly, "Well, not much," I pulled the flames from a group of candle on a nearby wall, "Though one of her guards is a little toasty." I said, making three small balls of fire circle around my head slowly.

Celestia raised her eyebrows at the sight of my magic, "My, there is more to you than meets the eye, isn't there?" She chuckled as well, her horn glowing softly as a small, wrapped package floated in front of me, "Here," She said with a smile, "Gifts from myself and Luna, to help you with your job."

I took the package and smiled, "Thank you Celestia, I promise to do as much as I can." I bowed slightly at the waist.

Celestia leaned forward and pressed her forehead against mine, "Do that and do it safely." She straightened up and gave a knowing smile, "I know of two ponies who would be very upset if anything were to happen to you." She giggled a bit as I blushed and retreated to the carriage, smiling and waving goodbye as the pegasi set off and began to bring me to my new home.

The flight in itself was pleasant, if a bit dull, though the landscape passing beneath me looked amazing in and of itself. In the time I had to myself I began to think about the situation between Rarity, Berry, and I. By this point it was impossible to deny that I had feelings for the both of them, despite my earlier protests of how wrong it was. The problem was that I didn't want to hurt their feelings, but I didn't want to have to give either of them up because I did care for each of them. I sighed and shook my head, filing my concerns away for later, picking up the wrapped bundle Celestia had given me. The were two small notes attached to it, one bearing a sun, the other bearing a crescent moon.

I smirked and opened the one marked with a sun, "Dear John," it began, "While only having known you for a short time, I feel like I can trust you with this gift. You are clever, kind, and seem to genuinely care for others. May you be safe as you do your work in the Everfree Forest.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia."

I chuckled softly and put the note in my pocket, then opened up the second one marked with a moon, "Hey John, you seem like a nice, guy, so I decided to give this to you. Let me know how things work out with your new "friends" and come swing by Tech-Tonic again!

Luna."

I sighed softly and shook my head with a smile. Luna was definitely her sister's opposite, but in a good way. Putting the note in my pocket, I pulled the package into my lap, noting its weight. I tore the generic brown paper wrapping off to reveal... two smaller packages inside it. One was wrapped in white paper, the other in black, causing me to raise my eyebrow. The Princesses definitely had a pattern in their designs for just about everything. I shrugged and grabbed the black package, tearing apart the paper eagerly. I lifted the gift and raised my eyebrow as I examined it: It was ten claws made of what looked like obsidian. They slid over my fingers easily, even with my gloves on, then tightened. I panicked slightly and tried to tug them off, but found that they had bound themselves to the gloves. I sighed in frustration, while they were cool, they didn't do much else as far as I could tell. I looked down at the black wrapping paper and saw another note, filled with what I hoped was an explanation and instructions.

"Hey again John,

These claws are made of a special stone that leech away magical energy. I call it Vaccu-Stone, and it should, hopefully, suck out Discord's magic from any of the creatures you encounter as I've tuned it to recognize his magic and his alone. I realize that, while it would be difficult, any and all creatures you could spare would be welcomed. The claws will, hopefully, also augment your fighting, as they are sharp enough to scratch a deep mark in stone.

Be safe,

Luna."

I smiled softly, happy to see that Luna, despite her blunt nature, still cared for the creatures of Equestria. It made me realize the dual nature of the Princess, and it also made me wonder as to what Luna's gift was. With a bit of caution, I grabbed the white bundle and unwrapped it slowly, eyes widening slightly as I saw what she had given me: It was a knife. The guard and everything below it was fairly unremarkable, the design as basic as could be and made of what was likely steel or the Equestrian equivalent of it. What was special about it was the blade, about seven inches long, glowed a soft red, and hummed at a pitch that was just within my range of hearing. I picked up the sheath that came with the knife and put it on, frowning slightly as I looked at the note that fell into my lap.

"Dear John,

I realize this gift may seem... strange to you. However, I need you to realize that the safety of the ponies of Equestria comes first to me. While I abhor the idea, I know from many centuries that some problems eliminated with finality. The knife I've given you is made Vibralloy, a rare metal that constantly vibrates and can cut through almost anything with ease... I know that I am asking much of you by giving you this, but I must ask one more thing: If you have to use this on another living being, make it quick. No creature deserves to suffer, not even those affected by Discord.

Be careful,

Celestia."

My frown had increased as I read through the note, then sighed heavily, tucking it into another pocket. I lifted the knife and pulled it out slightly, looking at the new implement of death I was given. I sheathed it and sighed softly, tucking it my main pocket aka my front left pocket. I looked over the side of the carriage and saw that we were near Ponyville, which alleviated my mood a little. It took a few minutes more to get there, but the pegasi soon landed in front of what I assumed was my new home. It was a quaint little bungalow with a small garden in front and a tree behind it. I smiled and waved goodbye to the guards who were already flying back to Canterlot. I went inside, quickly taking stock of my new domicile. It seems that it had a kitchen, a master bedroom including full bathroom, a den, a study and a guestroom also with full bathroom, all fully furnished. I was more than happy to see that everything was appropriately sized for me, though that was more likely a coincidence. The master bed was huge and, thankfully, firm just as I liked it.

I heard a knock on the front door, which caused me to raise an eyebrow. I stretched out my newly clawed fingers and went up to the door, "Yes?" I asked, opening it slightly.

"Hey, ya gonna let us in or am Ah gonna have tah buck this door down?" Said a familiar country voice.

I smiled and fully opened the door, revealing the Mane 6 in all their glory, "Hey girls," I said with a wide smile, "What brings you here? Actually," I raised my eyebrow in playful curiosity, "How did you know I would even BE here?"

Twilight gestured a hoof towards Pinkie, "Pinkie Sense." She said with a smile.

I chuckled softly, "Of course." I moved aside, "Well, come on inside then!" I said with a smile. They all filed past me, courteously wiping their hooves and each bearing saddlebags filled with what I assumed were housewarming gifts. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack headed towards the kitchen, while Twilight and Rainbow Dash went into the den and settled into a couch, sticking their heads into their bags.

Rarity stepped in front of me and smiled softly, "Hello again John." She got on the tips of her hooves and placed a light kiss on my cheek, "How was your time with the Princesses?" She asked, fluttering her eyelashes.

I blushed lightly and smiled, "I'll tell everyone about it once we're all together, alright?" I smirked and bumped my forehead against hers, just beneath her horn, "For now you can ponder what you would do to my place in matters of décor." I smiled.

She swatted at me playfully, "You know me well John." she said, walking over to Twilight and Rainbow Dash and seating herself opposite of them. I smiled softly and went to the kitchen to try and help out though, in the end, I probably didn't do much except get flour all over my hoodie. After some laughs and a quick pat down to get the flour off of me, we brought the food to the den and placed it on a low table.

I stood and looked at the group as they each grabbed a small something to nosh, "So, I guess y'all want to hear about the meetings I had with Luna and Celestia?" I got six eager nods, "Fine fine, first though," I picked up a match, "Let me light the fireplace, yeah?" I smirked and lit the match, letting the flame idle for a second before I pulled the flame off and had it hover over the palm of my hand. I chuckled softly as everyponys eyes widened at the sight of the fire floating harmlessly in my palm. I increased it's size and made it float around a bit before I had it settle into the fireplace and turn into a comfortably roaring flame.

"H-how did you do that?" Asked Twilight, staring at me with wide eyes.

I pulled out a small, pea sized ball of fire and had it float around, "Magic I guess," I shrugged, "I dunno how it really works. I only just found out about it when a unicorn tried to burn me alive in a bar." I heard six collective gasps and sighed, "Umm, let me explain." I quickly went over what had happened with each of the Princesses, skipping over what had happened in town and the job I was given, going directly to the incident in the club.

"And these are the gifts they gave me." I said, spreading my fingers to show them the claws, "These claws drain a specific type of magic from beings," I pulled out the knife, keeping it sheathed, "And this little trick can cut through nearly anything." I quickly snatched it away as Rainbow Dash tried to grab it. I smirked as she pouted and finished off the last of the morsels that the girls had cooked.

Rarity looked at my claws and the knife with concern, "John, while they are lovely gifts," She looked at me, "What reason could they have to give them to you?" Her face was filled with worry.

Twilight looked upset, "Rarity! I'm sure the Princesses just trust him and think-"

I cut her off, "There is a reason, a good one." I said, putting my hand up, "I want y'all to sit down before I tell you though." My tone was serious and they could all tell as they settled into their seats, "So, the Princesses have hired me to do a job, as Rarity already knows." I nodded to her as I spoke, "That's why I have this house and their blessings, and the promise of fifty thousand bits when I finish the job."

Applejack, with all her common sense, picked up on my message, "It's gonna be a dangerous job, innit?" she asked softly.

I sighed and nodded, "Very," I leaned back and cracked my neck, "They're sending my to the Everfree Forest to reclaim the old castle they used to live in." I closed my eyes, "The area is filled with creatures affected by Discord's magic while the castle itself has a lot of magical items that could do harm if set off by some passing animal." I opened my eyes and held out my hand, stretching out my fingers and claws, "Luna gave me these claws to suck out Discord's magic from any and all animals I can, in order to spare them."

"Spare them?" Asked Rainbow Dash softly.

I nodded and pulled out the knife, its blade humming softly, "Celestia told me that, if all other options are exhausted..." I led into silence, picking up a glass and cutting it in half vertically without a sound.

"No, no," Twilight shook her head, "Why would Celestia tell you to... to... to kill?" She demanded.

I glared at Twilight, "Because it would mean you stay safe!" She recoiled a bit as I snapped at her, "These things are much stronger and fiercer than the normal breed. Imagine if they had the chance to reproduce?" I sheathed the knife and put it in my pocket, "There would be a forest filled with consecutively fiercer, stronger, and more savage animals that would love to have ponies for lunch!" I growled and sighed heavily.

Fluttershy was quiet for the entire conversation, then came up to me, her eyes fixed on mine in her notorious Stare, "John, I understand why you have to do this, I've seen a couple these... affected creatures prowling near the edges," Her Stare grew harder, "If you have to do the deed, how will you do it?"

I met her gaze evenly, "As quickly and with as little pain as possible." I replied evenly.

She Stared for a second longer, then stopped, nodding and nuzzling my chest, "Alright, I don't totally like it, but thank you for being as kind as possible about it." She went back to her seat and picked up her bags, "Anyway, I need to get back to my animals. It's dinner time and they're probably getting hungry." Fluttershy went to the door and waved as she stepped out.

The others looked at me for a second, then smiled as they started up some normal conversation. They asked about my time at the club, earning me an envious glare from Rainbow Dash as I told her about my experience with Vinyl Scratch. Twilight asked me about how my magic worked while I showed off some little fire tricks to Applejack. Rarity was strangely quiet throughout all of this, keeping to herself and giving the smallest responses she needed.

A little while later Twilight got up and stretched, "Alright, I think it's time for all of us to head back home." She gather her bags and left behind a few book, "Here, a housewarming gift." She smiled and turned to the others, "Everyone ready to go?" She asked.

Applejack came out of my kitchen and nodded, "Yep, jus' stockin' the kitchen a bit," She winked at me, "See ya later John."

Rainbow Dash hovered near the ceiling for a moment, coming down to reveal a signed Wonderbolts poster now taped to it, "Now your house is 20% cooler." She swooped down and mussed my hair, "Take care slugger." She said, zipping out the door Twilight held open.

Twilight looked at Rarity who was still seated, "You coming Rarity?" She asked as Applejack sidled outside.

Rarity gave her a weak smile, "No deary, I think I'll stay here a little longer."

Twilight shrugged, "Alright, I'll see you later." Rarity nodded as Twilight stepped outside, then looked at me.

I cocked an eyebrow slightly, "So, you're probably a little upset with me." I said, sitting beside her.

She didn't say anything for a minute, then leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder, "How could you accept such a dangerous job?" She asked softly.

I frowned and ut an arm around her, "At first it was for the pay," I chuckled softly, "But then, I realized that, more than the money, I wanted to protect the ponies who lived nearby." I looked over at her and smiled, "Like you and Berry."

Rarity looked up at me, "Berry? Berry Punch?"

I nodded, "Yep." A knock came from the door, "Huh, excuse me a sec." I said, standing up and heading towards the door. I opened it and smirked, "Speak of the devil." I muttered.

"A little dragon told us about your new place." Said Berry Punch, Pinchy riding on her back, "Mind if I come in?" She asked with a smile while Pinchy waved at me energetically.

I looked at Rarity, then back to Berry, "Yeah, come on in." I said, stepping aside. Berry saw Rarity and vice-versa and a look was exchanged between the two as Berry puled out two bottles of wine.

Meanwhile, Pinchy hopped off Berry's back and nuzzled my leg, "Hey Mr. John!" She said, hopping excitedly, "I heard you got to meet the Princesses! Is that true?" Her eyes were wide and full of excited curiousity.

I chuckled and lifted her up, "Why yes it is!" I said with a smile, "In fact, I got to hang out with each of them for a while!" I walked over to the chair and sat down, setting her on my lap, which was no easy feat since she was the size of a basset hound, but I bore it with a smile.

Pinchy wiggled happily and settled in, "Tell me what you did!" She said, looking up at me. I chuckled and gave her the PG version of my time with Celestia and Luna while Rarity and Berry chatted to each other quietly. After the story I rolled around with Pinchy a bit, playing with her and laughing, soon tiring the poor filly out. With a soft smile I brought her to the guest room and tucked her in, touching her forehead to mine in my usual gesture of affection.

I stepped back into the den, "So." I said, looking at the two mares as they scooted aside to make room for me between them. I grabbed a glass of wine and sat down, taking a long sip before speaking again, "I need to talk to you both." I said, swirling my wine absently.

Rarity's ear perked up a bit, "Whatever about John?" she asked with concern.

I sighed and leaned back, "Well, its about my feelings for the both of you." I began, quickly draining the rest of my wine, "See, I really, really like you both, that much is obvious to me. The thing is that I don't want to have to choose between the two of you."

"Um, John-" Berry began.

"No, Berry, I've gotta say this," I cut her off gently, "I know you probably think I'm terrible, but you're both fantastic mares and I don't want to hurt one of you by choosing the other and-" I was cut off by a pair of hooves on my mouth.

Rarity smiled softly at me, "John, that's sweet, but I don;t mind sharing you with Berry." My eyebrows shot up.

Berry nodded, "Really John, it's fine and not wrong at all." She chuckled softly and poured herself another glass.

I pulled their hooves down, "Not wrong?" I was confused.

Rarity nodded and leaned her head on my shoulder, "Quite normal actually." She said with a smile.

I was more confused, "Um, explain?" I asked.

Berry seemed surprised by my confusion, "Well, I'm sure you've noticed the lack of colts around, so mares have two choices: Learn to share, or turn to each other." She shrugged and smiled, "Is that odd?"

It took me a minute to process this, "Well." I said, "Well. Where I'm from monogamy is all that's socially ALLOWED." I said, smirking, "It's sorta what I've grown used to." I chuckled softly.

Rarity kissed my cheek, "Well, grow used to the both of us John." She said with a smile.

Berry kissed my other cheek, "Exactly. Pinchy warmed up to you and, frankly, so have I." She smiled and put her head on my other shoulder. I smiled softly and put an arm around each of them, sighing with content. We drank some more and chatted, I showed off a few tricks with the fire, then let it die. It wasn't long before the fire was just a pile of embers and we were all comfortably warm.

I stood up and stretched, then turned to the two mares sitting, "Shall we go to bed?" I asked with a smirk. They looked at each other, smiled, then got up and followed me into the master bedroom and into the bed.

I woke up sometime in the middle of the night and went to the kitchen for a drink. I got a glass of water and stretched, various joints popping and cracking as I did do. I heard a small noise and went to investigate, too tired to be cautious.

Pinchy was doing a sleepy stumble out of the guest room, "Hmmm, mizzer John?" She said sleepily.

I smiled softly, "Hey Pinchy, what're you doin up?" I asked, kneeling beside her.

She looking at me with her eyes mostly closed, "I wanna sleep with my momma." She mumbled, leaning against me.

I chuckled softly and lifted her up, "Alright, c'mon." I said softly. She nuzzled my chest as I took her to the bedroom and laid her between Berry and myself, Rarity on my other side. I smiled as I took stock of the three of them, feeling, for the first time since I arrived here, at home.