//------------------------------//
// 24 - Past, Present, and Future 
// Story: An Extended Holiday 
// by Commander_Pensword 
//------------------------------//

Extended Holiday
Chapter 24: Past, Present, and Future




“And so, as the morning sun crested the peak of the hill, Lucy and Susan heard a massive crack. And when they looked, Aslan’s body was gone, and the table had been split in two. And then, right there on the hill, strong, healthy, and full of life was none other than Aslan himself,” Taze told a group of foals as they gathered by the fire.

“He’s alive!” Sweetie bawled with joy and relief at the fact that the beloved lion with the big heart had returned from the grave. A few of the other foals joined with her.

“He revealed to them that while the witch was right about the deep magic written in the table, there was a deeper and older magic hidden in it as well, that when one who has committed no treachery should give his life for another, then the table would be broken, and death itself would go in reverse.”

Pensword smiled as he listened to the tale unfold. “An excellent telling. It brings back good memories.”

“And it will have to wait for later to finish.” Taze smirked as he looked at the foals.

A general cry of protest arose from the foals as the human rose from his chair and dusted off his pants.

“Come on now, Taze has business to attend to. An army can’t run itself, and neither can a training camp,” Berry Punch said in her usual blunt manner. “Let the human go about his business.”

“I swear, he has the gift of the bards,” Pensword said as he watched the human bid a fond farewell to his adoring public while they each filed out one by one.

“Storytelling is far older than bards,” Moonshade commented.

“It’s a phrase I heard the one called Matthew use once. It has a sort of poetic ring to it, wouldn’t you say? And Taze doesn’t even need the book in front of him. That’s quite a gift, to have that kind of a memory for a tale so long.”

“I suppose you make a good point.” She nodded.

Pensword sighed. “I wish I could remember like that. Then maybe I wouldn’t be so sore about all of this.” He gestured to himself with a wing. “Don’t get me wrong. I love being me. The flying, the stamina, the freedom, the company. I just … miss being Matthew, too, if that makes sense.” He took a sip of the hot chocolate Berry Punch had provided him, then sighed again. “I still don’t understand how the spell could have gone wrong.”

“You had something the princesses hadn’t accounted for,” Moonshade pointed out.

“But shouldn’t they be able to account for it now? Or at least at some point in the near future? I mean, it’s magic, not rocket science. Right? And the princesses are the princesses. Can’t magic just sort of … figure out whatever went wrong and make it right?”

“I mean, you’re asking them to re-write a spell that was created over a thousand years ago,” Moon Shade pointed out.

“Yes, when they were also still alive and around to know the caster and probably see the notes about it in every draft of its creation. The potential applications for that kind of spell for both diplomatic relations and for military application and espionage are massive. There’s no way it wouldn’t have been brought to their attention.”

“And yet, Matthew was a situation that had not been encountered before. There was no way to predict what would happen.”

“Shawn and Taze weren’t encountered either, and they turned out just fine.”

“They didn’t have what Matthew had.”

“You mean the artificial valves?”

Moonshade only nodded and then looked around. “Where is Lord Shawn?”

“No idea.” Pensword shook his head. “He’s probably finding a way to keep busy and ‘catching up’ on what he’s missed from the time off the mission.”

At that moment, Shawn couldn’t help but sneeze. “Ex Divinia etiam,” he muttered, “I’d better not be catching something.” He was strolling through the town, and still had a few shops to check on for his orders. He was determined to see them done as soon as possible. Beyond that, he still needed to figure out a few last gifts with Hearth’s Warming not too far off. The only problem he was dealing with was his mind felt scattered, as there was just too much to do.

As was normal in Ponyville, the obligatory jump scare had to take place as a familiar pink Pony seemed to spring up out of nowhere, complete with sound effects as she jumped into the human’s line of sight. “Hiya, Shawn!” she greeted. “Watcha doin’?”

Shawn took a step back in surprise. “Ah, hello, Pinkie. I’m just … out gathering some orders and shopping for last minute stuff. Mostly just making sure I have something perfect for everyone, you know?”

“You mean for Hearth’s Warming Eve, right?” Pinkie asked. “I’m really good at figuring out gifts. It’s part of my talent as a party pony. If you need help, just let me know!” she said cheerfully. “Though speaking of parties and gifts, what would you like for Hearth’s Warming, anyway? I can tell you anything any Pony wants in Ponyville, but you’re Mister Secret McSecrets!” she said with a pout.

“I’m not that secretive, am I?” Shawn questioned with a faint chuckle. “I think I have most of my gift ideas in mind for everyone. It’s just a matter of time.”

“You’ve been so busy running that camp that you haven’t had time to talk to me or any of the other girls. And you did hide who you were when you were,” she somehow leaned in at the level of his head and whispered dramatically into his ear, “Hammer Strike.” Then she gasped, levitated even higher in the air, and finally dropped back down to the ground again. “I totally forgot about Hammer Strike! Does that mean I need to get two gifts instead of one? Do I need to do the same thing with the others?”

Shawn gave a brief laugh. “No, Pinkie, I don’t think you need to. I’m quite sure one is just fine for us three.”

“One for all three or one for each of you three? I need specifics, Shawn!” Pinkie cried dramatically.

“I’m sure one for each is fine, Pinkie.” He smiled.

“Mm-hmmmmm,” Pinkie hummed as she narrowed her gaze and rubbed her chin while she scrutinized Shawn. “I think I know what to get you now.” She grinned. “I’m gonna get you something to make you laugh! Everything’s better when you’re laughing!”

“I’m sure you’ll find something perfect.”

“Challenge accepted!” Pinkie offered a sly salute, then zipped off in a cloud of smoke and galloping hooves. However, moments later, the pink mare was by his side again wrapping a foreleg around his shoulders and pointing in another direction with her free one. “By the way, I think I saw Rarity over there. You should go say hi. It’ll make her reeeeeeally happy,” she said mischievously. “Bye now!” Then she was prancing away with a literal spring in her step as the air rang with the twang of each bounce she took along the path.

“Okay...?” Shawn spoke with a raised brow. While he was uncertain of entertaining whatever Pinkie was thinking about, the direction she pointed happened to be where he was heading anyway. “Suppose a brief chat wouldn’t hurt,” he murmured to himself.

Rarity was busy inspecting a stall laden with various fruit preserves when Shawn approached on silent feet behind her and waited.

“I would recommend the peach preserves,” Shawn spoke up.

Rarity let out an undignified squeal of surprise at the unexpected voice, then quickly cleared her throat and coiffed her mane to ensure it was properly styled as she vyed for time to regain her composure. “Oh, uh, Lord Shawn. I didn’t hear you coming. Here to buy some supplies for your friends or are you out doing some Hearth’s Warming shopping, perhaps?”

“I apologize. I couldn’t help myself.” Shawn gave a small smile.”I’m doing a little of both. Mostly the latter.”

“I see. I know you probably know most of Ponyville’s shops already, but if you need any recommendations, I can certainly show you around. And I know how to get some excellent discounts.” The smile she gave was demure, gentle, and incredibly well practiced. It was also forced.

“I certainly wouldn’t mind the company, but, for the moment, how about we just have some conversation?” He smiled softly.

“If that’s what you’d like,” Rarity said as she blushed beneath her fur. “Is there anything in particular you would like to talk about?”

“I don’t mean to pry, but … I suppose the main thing I wanted to ask was if I had done something wrong. I feel like you’ve been … distant.”

“Oh, um … you noticed that. I see….” Rarity’s fur had begun to turn a lovely shade of pink around her face. She took several moments of deep breaths to force the blush back to normal, then drew herself up again and craned her neck to look Shawn in the eye. “The truth is, you haven’t done anything wrong. It’s all so silly, really. You were so kind to me before, and you never tried to push me away or hurt me. It’s just … ohhhh, I feel like a complete fool.” She shook her head. “I suppose what I’m trying to say is that you indulged me when I didn’t know all the facts about your mission in the Crystal Empire, and I’m truly grateful for that fact. I just … feel so awful about taking up so much of your time when, well … we’re actually different species.”

Shawn blinked. “I mean, I suppose we technically weren’t then, but I believe I get what you were thinking. In all honesty, I didn’t really think much on it at the time.”

“Well, I … suppose that makes sense, given the form you were in. It would have felt perfectly natural. It … certainly did for me.” Again, the blush rose in her cheeks, and Rarity took a page out of Fluttershy’s playbook by using her mane to try to hide the color in her face.

“In any case, I’m glad to know what was going on,” he replied.

“Yes. It’s … good that we could clear the air.” She turned back to the seller. “I … think I will try some of those peach preserves, if you don’t mind.” She offered a couple of bits and placed the jar in a saddlebag. With the transaction finished, she turned her attention back to Shawn. “So, did you want to move to wherever you were hoping to shop or … talk some more?”

Shawn smiled. “Why not both?”





“Thanks for being willing to help me with Hearth’s Warming shopping, Moonshade,” Pensword said as the pair strode through the snow-hemmed streets. “Honestly, I think I’d be lost without you to help me figure out where all the best shops and goods are.”

“It’s no trouble,” she said. “It is an important holiday.”

“I still don’t know for sure what would be best for Shawn and Taze, though. That’s the hard part. Should it be practical, emotional, something else?” He sighed. “This would be a lot easier if we still had the internet.”

“The internet?”

“It’s sort of a library, theater, bazaar, and town square molded into one. People can talk with friends over vast distances, search for all kinds of information, watch plays and shows, and purchase almost anything they would like within reason. Even beyond reason, if they were to use the darkweb.”

“Sounds useful, and complicated.”

“Very,” Pensword agreed. “Not unlike magic in its own way,” he said with a wry smile.

“Never let Twilight Sparkle know about it,” Moonshade said in a deadpan.

“Is it really that bad?” Then Pensword sighed and shook his head. “Nevermind. After her insistence on learning about our language and culture, I really shouldn’t have asked that question.”

“So then, doesn’t Taze enjoy stories? Maybe a book of tales?”

“It will need to be something he hasn’t read before, probably. That or a book he never owned. His mind is like a vice. Once he latches onto something he likes, it never goes away.”

“Pretty sure you’ll be able to find something he hasn’t read yet.”

“I suppose in this case there’s literally a whole world of books he hasn’t read. Though with how fast he studied in the archives and library here, I’m not sure how long that’s going to hold true. Any suggestions?”

She shook her head. “I was never much of a reader.”

Pensword sighed. “Then I suppose I’ll have to just ask around. I don’t know if I want to ask Twilight just yet, though.” He winced. “She can be a little….”

“Yeah, probably a good idea,” Moonshade agreed sympathetically.

“Shawn is going to be even harder.” Matthew sighed. “Is it just me, or does it seem like he’s getting just about everything a man could ask for without really asking for it?”

“I mean, if you want power.” Moon shade shrugged. “He seems less enthused about it.”

“I meant more on the monetary side of things. It’s difficult to know what to get a man who can buy almost anything he might want to get. Though, knowing Shawn, I suppose he wouldn’t really think of that.”

“Just get something you think would have meaning.”

Pensword frowned. “That’s going to take time to figure out with everything that’s happened here.”

“He’s your friend, isn’t he?”

“Yes, but that doesn’t always make it easy to figure out the ideal gift.” Pensword sighed. “I guess I’ll just have to keep thinking for now. It will come to me eventually.”

“Probably a good idea.” She nodded.

“Out of curiosity, Moonshade, is there anything you would like for Hearth’s Warming?”

“I dunno, vampire fruit bat meat?”

Pensword cocked his head. “Vampire what?”

“Vampire fruit bats. They’re very tasty, but hard to get ahold of.”

“The only vampire bats we know of back home are the kind that feed on blood.”

“These are more bats that feed on fruit,” Moon Shade laughed.

“Then shouldn’t they be fruit bats? I don’t get it. Where does the vampire part come in?”

“They suck the juice out without eating them and leave the fruit a dry husk instead.”

“Seriously? That actually sounds kind of cool. Though I suppose it would be a problem if too many of them were concentrated in one place.”

“Yes, but it adds a particular flavor to the meat. It rarely needs much seasoning because of it.”

“So sort of like having it marinated in juice without having to marinate or inject it?”

She nodded

Pensword smiled. “Sounds tasty.” Then he sighed. “Too bad I can’t eat much meat right now.”

“Yeah, Pegasi usually prefer fish.”

“I guess it would be easier on the digestive system than most other meats.”

“Maybe. But less filling,” she noted.

Pensword chuckled. “I’ll need to look into how to make you fishsticks, then. You might just change your mind.”





“So what did you think of A Christmas Carol?” Taze asked Mutatio as he sat beside the Changeling.

The Changeling shook his head as he drank from his cup of cocoa. Once more, he had donned a nondescript disguise to prevent causing panic. “I find it … unusual. The dead do not come back to life under normal circumstances, and I have never seen any information about these ghosts other than what has been mentioned in stories. I dislike the fear that they produce. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Though Chrysalis seems to enjoy that particular emotion when it is directed toward her as the focus. That … changes the experience somehow, making it sweet. Perhaps it is because of the fact that love and fear are so closely linked to one another. I admit I do not know what to think of the ending. It seems … unrealistic when compared with the knowledge I had before Matthew broke my connection to the hive.”

“It’s because the idea is hoping for the potential of people to be better than themselves,” Taze explained. “Good and evil aren't always set in stone. And someone's viewpoint may be affected by something as simple as a bad or good day.”

“If good and evil are as you say, then does that not mean that you and your friends will not always be considered on the side of good?” Mutatio asked.

Taze laughed. “You know, there was a hero we told stories about in my world. He always strove to do the right thing, even if that meant being the bad guy to do it.”

“Oh? And what was this hero’s name?”

“Sonic,” Taze said.

“Just Sonic?”

“Well, he was a fairytale, a blue hedgehog who could run at the speed of sound.”

“So he could produce a sonic rainboom, then?”

“Probably pretty easily.”

“Then I can see why he would not be underestimated. The power of a sonic rainboom is potent. Our queen had us take readings from Rainbow Dash when she was practicing the technique. It creates a tremendous outpouring of magic in the skies.”

“Huh, haven’t really taken the chance to look into it up close,” Taze admitted.

“Up close is my specialty.” Mutatio shrugged. “That is what we are made to do to survive. Or at least, I thought it was until I met all of you.”

“What changed?”

“Princess Luna gave me love.” He shrugged. “I had no knowledge that such a thing was possible to achieve. That means that either Chrysalis did not know or she deliberately withheld that knowledge from the hive.”

“Likely the latter, if she wanted you to go to war.”

“Much of what drove us was hunger. Our primary food source is often finite, particularly when the ones we would get it from see what we really look like. Though I believe she may have been … arrogant enough to think there would be no war. Were it not for the spell that was cast from the wedding hall, it is very likely we would not be having this conversation now. To that end, I am grateful for what happened, even if being … alone has been a difficult experience to adapt to.”

“Oh, she couldn’t be that arrogant,” Taze said. “I mean, just taking the capital can help, but it’s not assured victory by any means.”

“The capital, the princesses, and the bearers of the elements of harmony? If she had succeeded, it is probable she would have placed them all under the same control as the one you call Shining Armor after weakening them by absorbing what love she could from them.”

“And the chaos would eventually release the spirit of chaos and disharmony from his imprisonment, who has taken and defeated all three of those at the same time,” Taze pointed out. “Then he’d be powered up and riding high on an entire nation of panicking confused Ponies running hither and thither with no idea what was happening. Hell, some may turn to him for help. Your queen might be strong after that, but not that strong.”

“Our scouts did note an unusual shift in Equestria during the time of that one’s release. He is a force of nature, to be sure. Though the queen had a contingency in the event he sought to conquer the hive. Beyond our borders, however, that safety does not exist.” He frowned. “That is … deeply concerning.”

“He’d have flattened your army and your queen in less than an hour.”

Mutatio’s brow furrowed. “Would he be capable of influencing events from within his prison?”

“With that much fear and panic? Most probably.”

“I mean now, not in an imaginary future.”

Taze shrugged. “You’d have to ask someone more versed in magic.”

“It is merely a query based on what I have observed in a certain someone else we both know who has a particular fondness for chocolate.”

“That's fair. How is that person doing, by the way?”

“She is still gaining mass. It is a fatiguing process, and she demands that I fetch what she desires, though I sense no direct malice in her actions, so I believe it is more a result of her changes taking their toll on her to make her irritable.”

Taze laughed. “Almost sounds like she’s pregnant.”

Mutatio shook his head. “That would require an alpha drone to accomplish, a drone elevated by the queen herself. It is a great honor that few attain. Those who do serve their queens without question, and then die when they have fulfilled their task.”

“That seems nihilistic. Not gonna lie,” Taze said.

“I … am not familiar with that word.”

“It means, depressing … something that sounds empty and pointless.”

“But there was a point. The point was to bring new life to a hive. Do not all creatures expend their vital energy in such a way when they reproduce?”

“Usually it’s not as fatal,” Taze said. “I mean, it kinda sounds like changelings are cut off from experiencing true intimacy.”

“What can be more intimate than sharing one’s thoughts unfiltered? Why else do you think we are driven mad when we do not have a hive to connect to?”

“There are physical ways to express feeling and emotion that thoughts can’t always equal,” Taze noted. “Nuances even a shared mind might miss.”

“That does not seem possible to me when one shares everything in the collective.”

Taze shrugged. “Guess that’s a fair point. Anyway, I have things I need to do. You need anything?”

“”I am … uncertain at the moment. But I will seek you out if that should change,” Mutatio promised.

Taze nodded “I’ll see you later then.”

Mutatio nodded. “Until next we meet, hunter.”





Princess Luna had seen many doors in her life as she traveled through the dream plane. Some were broad barn doors. Others were those of small homes or wrought iron gates. Some were imposing portals at the openings of castles, or hedge arches and bowers with waving portals. For some reason, those always seemed to lead her toward three particularly frightened mares. The poor dears needed a great deal of comfort, and she tried to make their dreams as safe as possible to give them a haven from their anxiety.

However, of all the many doors — plain, trap, or otherwise — she had never before seen one with its own personal guard, … particularly one so very strangely dressed. If she didn’t know better, she would suspect it was not unlike the Mysterious Mare Do Well persona that Twilight and her friends had assumed to teach Rainbow Dash a lesson in humility.

And yet … this one was a human. Did humans also have these kinds of heroes in their world? And could this somehow play into Taze’s psyche? There was only one way to find out. She approached the guard, only for him to quickly shoot a hand out to block her way. The suit he wore was a bright red with black accents, particularly around the eye holes, which appeared to be covered in a strange sort of white mesh. Two swords were sheathed on his back. And although this was the astral plane, Luna could still feel an almost palpable sense of danger as she peered at this stranger.

“Name?” he asked

“Excuse me?” Luna asked him confused.

“I said name, lady. Do you have one or are you just here to gawk?”

“Uh, Princess Luna?” 

“Well there’s no ‘Uh Princess Luna’ on the list. Sorry,” he said, pulling a clipboard from nowhere, a perfectly acceptable feat in the astral plane, though very unusual to see outside of a person’s actual dream..

Irked by this doorman’s impudence, Luna tried again, stamping her hoof indignantly. “I am Princess Luna of Equestria,” she growled. How dare this dream talk to her in such a fashion? “And I demand you move aside.”

“Huh? Oh now you’re Princess Luna. Like thats going to—” The man stopped as he examined the list. “Oh, Princess Luna. There you are. Yeah, you can go in.”

Luna could only stare in simmering confusion.

Shrugging, the man stepped aside and gestured to the door. What lay beyond was a vast endless void that seemed to stretch on and on. In the center of it, Taze sat in a high-backed comfy looking chair. A fireplace crackled nearby as he smoked a bubble pipe while reading from a thick bound volume.

“This is not the strangest dream world I've seen, but it seems far from normal,” Luna said, looking around.

“A dream is a simple manifestation of the subconscious,”  Taze said, not looking up from the book. “If you can realize it, you can usually control it.”

“The … uh, creature at the door, whom was he?”

“Oh, that's just Deadpool.” Taze shrugged. “You can just ignore him.”

“Hey!” was heard from outside.

“And what, dare I ask, is he exactly?” Luna asked.

“He’s a work of fiction from my world. He fights people, annoys pretty much anyone, and is functionally immortal.”

“I mean, there are immortals, but they're rare enough I'd have to doubt the validity of that,” Luna commented.

“Hey, Deadpool, look in here a moment,” Taze said.

“Huh?” The red and black mercenary looked in, only to be promptly impaled, bisected at the waist, and then beheaded by unseen implements. “Rude,” he growled as the severed head rolled out of the room.

“Okay, that's simply not right,” Luna commented.

“So, may I ask the reason for your visit?”

“Simply checking in on your mental health and well being within your dreams,” Luna said.

“Well, everything’s fine, as you can see.” Taze gestured to the area. “I appreciate the check-in, but this is honestly really weird for me.”

“Are you … trying to kick me out?” Luna asked.

“He was trying to be polite, horsey!” Deadpool’s voice called out.

“Very well. We shall take our leave.” Luna sighed, attempting to phase from the dream, only for it to fail.

“Exit’s that way,” Deadpool called out.

Luna sighed and left.





The door that Luna approached next was very strange compared to others that she had seen. It appeared similar to a vault door one might find at a treasury or bank, but this one was shaped like an oval, and not nearly so large. A small wheel was attached on the far right to function as the locking mechanism, and two great metal hinges bulged out from the left side of its riveted frame. A metal bar was welded on the right side to allow grip for something far smaller than a Pony’s hoof, most likely for human fingers. It was a simple matter for her magic to twist the wheel and unlock the door with a loud metallic clank. What followed was a loud groaning sort of creak as the metal squealed in protest against her opening the door.

Carefully, unused to the steel contraption, Luna stepped through the threshold and into Matthew's dreamscape. “Matthew? Is everything well?”

The moment she spoke, the world exploded into blaring sirens surging from the speakers that suddenly surrounded her in a space that was rapidly breaking free from the shadows of the blackness. Control panels covered in tiny light bulbs, buttons, monitors, keyboards, screens, displays, headphones, and more surrounded the human, who stood in the center of all this cacophony as calm as a stone against the wave. His uniform was pristine white with a white cap and a high collar with golden chains and epaulets. Two shiny metal tubes locked with large circular glass fixtures stood on either side of the chamber.

“Intruder alert!” Matthew cried as he leaped into the air and drew a saber from his hip before he finally caught sight of his supposed intruder. “Oh, … uh, hello, Princess Luna.”

“Hello, Matthew,” Luna said, looking around. “This is quite the contraption, but could you please maybe turn off the alarms?”

“Oh, um … right. I suppose I can try.” He cleared his throat. “Stand down. She’s a friendly. Return to code green.” The sirens finally fell silent, and Luna let loose a sigh of relief. “Sorry about that,” Matthew apologized. “Though in my defense, you are intruding into my dream.” He cleared his throat and brushed some dust off his arm. “This contraption is a vehicle called a submarine. It’s designed to travel underwater, and is used for reconnaissance, research, and battle as the case and model may call for. This one in particular is from my memory of one of our productions called The Hunt for Red October.”

“It’s quite the work of iron. I don’t think I’ve seen a watercraft like this before.”

“Steel, actually. Or titanium. Iron oxidizes and rusts too easily in salt water,” Matthew noted.

“To make so much steel is quite startling,” Luna said.

“Like we said before, our technology is much more advanced than that of Ponies. Why else do you think Shawn is such a great smith?”

“That's a fair point.” Luna nodded.

“So what brings you here, Princess?” Matthew asked.

“I’m merely taking some time to check on the mental health of you three,” Luna stated.

“And you decided it would be best to do so by entering our dreams, rather than just asking us in person?”

“I find one's mental health is best reflected in their dreams.”

“And you think you can figure out my mental health by looking inside an environment you’ve never been in before?”

“Dreams tend to have at least some similar rhythms, and your mind isn’t that alien.”

“I meant more judging what’s going on for me mentally from my dreams. I suspected we’d be capable of all dreaming on a similar wavelength, given the level of intelligence our species seem to share.”

“Your choice of looks may be strange, but dreams cannot harm me,” Luna stated. “I am perfectly safe here.”

“I never said they would. But again, I ask, how are you going to judge my mental status from my dream when the environment is so drastically different from others you’ve been in before? Can these wavelengths somehow tell you how I’m feeling even if I don’t know myself?”

“Sometimes, they can.” She nodded

“There are certain things I probably shouldn’t show you,” Matthew said. “But if you want to ask me how I’m feeling, the truth is that I’m still conflicted. I know everyone is hiding something from me, but I don’t know what to do about it. Here, I can be the me I know, the me I grew up as. Out there, though, I’m still Pensword the Pegasus. And while I enjoy being a Pegasus, that doesn’t mean I want to stay one forever.” He sighed. “I’ve lost my home, my family, and now it seems that I’ve lost my humanity as well, at least temporarily. Don’t I have a right to know why? To know what really happened to me?”

“For now, it’s better off you don’t know,” Luna admitted. 

The ping of the sonar resounded through the air with its probing echo. “For how long, Princess? How long am I going to have to stay in the dark? How long am I going to have to stay underwater and just follow my orders not to question? I wanted to be a soldier, but I’m not one, not fully. And if things like this are part of what being a soldier is about, I’m not sure I want it.”

“You must understand sometimes things require the right time to be revealed. And for you, that will mean some preparations.”

“What kind of preparations? And if that’s the case, why hasn’t anyone said anything about it already? I hate not knowing what to do.” He sighed and collapsed into the commander’s chair.

"Preparations on our end, not on yours," Luna explained. "Don't worry. It will be soon, but you need to trust us.”

Matthew sighed. “Trust, I have a lot of. Patience on the other hand….”

“Good things come to those who wait.”

“But will it be good?” Pensword asked. He sighed again. “I suppose only time will tell. In the meantime, would you like a tour of the sub? It’s not like I have much else to do right now.”

Luna nodded and gestured with a hoof. “Sure. Please, lead the way.”





Luna found herself again in front of Shawn’s door. Large and imposing, the door had refused her so many times in the past that she wondered just how strong its owner's mental defenses were. Like many times before, she put her hoof against the door and pushed, fully expecting the door to resist her. To her shock, it opened smoothly and quietly before her. Tentatively, she crossed the threshold for the first time.

Rather than most dreams where the surroundings took shape as she entered, she found herself suspended on nothing. The dream never formed, and instead left a pitch black view surrounding her on all sides.

Luna looked around in confusion. She was used to dreams about nothing, but this was different. Even the concept of nothing was not present here. It was truly empty. “Hello?”

It took a brief search, but eventually she took note of a figure sat some distance away. As she drew nearer, she was able to determine it was Shawn, though his attire was drastically different from what he usually wore. Instead of his dress shirt, coat, and cravat, he wore relatively simple clothes, a pair of dark blue jeans, a black pair of shoes, and a black jacket with a hood, of which the back held some faded design. He was facing away from her as she moved closer. Whether he knew she was there or not, he made no response to her presence.

“Ah, Lord Shawn, I was just hoping to check how you were doing after everything you’ve been through,” she said, approaching slowly. “I can’t help but notice your dream is very … sparsely occupied.”

“It’s been like this for a long time,” Shawn replied as he turned in her direction. “I never could determine whether I had no dreams or couldn’t remember them, but ever since coming here, it’s been a lot more … lucid. And Luna, I would greatly appreciate it if you would drop the lord title.”

“Fair enough.” She nodded. “I’ve seen people with blank dreams before, but to be frank, this is a whole other level.”

He shrugged in return. “Couldn’t tell you why. Even with everything on my mind, unless I ‘force it’, it just stays like this. I suppose it’s useful for keeping my mind focused.”

“I’ll need to do some research. I’m fairly certain this isn’t healthy.”

“It isn’t.” Shawn sighed. “Neither is insomnia flaring up as bad as it has been since arriving here. Neither are these constant waking nightmares that I can never remember. Neither is this damned feeling of paranoia, like I’m being watched at every waking moment of my life. The worry of all these expectations thrown on me and the stress of just trying to live-” his voice rose with each sentence. And for a brief moment, his clothes shifted to the familiar blue and gold long coat he had been wearing in Equestria before it shifted back as he sighed, placing a hand on his head and closing his eyes. “I’m not healthy. I don’t even think I’m mentally sound.”

“I’d like to help, if you’d allow me to.”

“In what way?”

“There are plenty of spells or potions I could use to help fortify your rest and aid you in relaxing your mental state while asleep.”

“While I would be willing to test anything to assist my sleep, I do not want anything that would tamper with my mental state.” Shawn frowned as he looked back over the emptiness that was his dream. “While it may be safe, I worry over what I would be like.”

“That is fine. I’ll be sure to have some sleep draughts made for you.”

“I appreciate it.” Shawn sighed. “While it may cut back on my productivity and work, I can only hope to work faster to counteract it.”

“I wish I could do more immediately to help you, but, unfortunately, it will need to serve.”

“To be honest, I doubt there’s much else that could be done. Even if you were to miraculously find a way to send us home, recovery wouldn’t happen. I feel so disconnected that I don’t even know if I could personally recover from all this.”

“Then the first step is finding a connection,” Luna noted. “Something to tether you.”

“That’s the thing,” he replied, finally standing up. “I feel like I couldn’t because I feel stuck between two connections. What am I supposed to do with this? Stay here and give up on my home, the friends and family I left behind, or go home and burn the bridge and connections I’ve made here? I don’t want to connect to one or the other, because I feel like I’m losing a part of myself with either choice.” He placed a hand on his forehead.

“A very bleak way to look at it,” Luna commented.

“I doubt the world would be kind enough to give me a choice between.” He frowned. “And don’t even get me started on the situation with Matthew. How the hell are we supposed to figure this out?” He threw his arm out to the side. “I can’t think of a single possible way to try and help him.”

“We’re working on the problem, though we don’t have a lot of leads at this time. Magic just wasn’t made for these kinds of things.”

“That’s the problem,” Shawn spoke up as the dream shifted beneath his feet and he turned to face Luna again. “Nobody here knows how to make a pacemaker. He can’t live without it. When turned to a pony, the machine that kept him alive was turned to flesh and blood, and it worked. But therein lies the problem,” he said as marble floor formed beneath his feet. Pillars and walls rose and closed around them as a familiar room greeted their presence; the same room where, days ago, Celestia and Luna attempted to change each of them back. Luna and Celestia stared in shock while Taze’s mouth was agape in horror, frozen in the scream on his lips. Shawn’s still form crouched over Matthew’s body, his hand on the still form’s chest. A blue tinge had come into Matthew’s lips, and his eyes were blank and unseeing. Shawn’s face was exposed as he stared with grim determination at the solar princess, an unspoken command on his lips.

Luna took in the dreamscape around her with scrutiny. She’d encountered many keen minds and eidetic memories, but the detail around her was astounding even by those standards. Shawn had managed to commit things to memory that many Ponies would have missed. She gave a short frown as she realized this could be part of the issue. So much memory could lead to problems in anyone's brain.

“None of us know how to make them. He can’t live without it. So when he was turned back, he was turned back with the frail heart he had before with nothing to support it.” He growled to himself. “I don’t blame you. I don’t blame any of you, but … damn it,” he swore through gritted teeth.

“It was not something any of us could have predicted. When you gave the order to change him back, we were reacting mechanically.”

“I’m just glad it worked.” He let the tension out of his body. “Ex Divinia etiam, I’m glad it worked. I just wish we could figure out the next step now.”

“We are looking into every possibility.”

“Unless you can figure out some equivalent of a pacemaker, I have a feeling it’s not happening any time soon. We would need a breakthrough unlike anything I’ve seen in this world so far.”

“Faith tends to work wonders if you have some,” Luna said evenly.

Shawn gave a shrug in response.

“We will find a way, Shawn. Just give it time.”

“I’m sorry. You’ll have to forgive my pessimism.” He sighed. “Despite the bravado I put up most of the time, I constantly worry. Worry over events, plausible outcomes, even worry over playing the role you’ve given me.” He gestured to his side as the form of Hammer Strike appeared.

“Which certainly makes things more complicated than I’m used to,” ‘Hammer Strike’ spoke with a shrug.

Luna sighed. “I’m sorry. There are things at work that none of us fully understand yet. I wish I could give you the answers you deserve.”

“Honestly, I don’t expect much for answers. Not to say anything against you and your sister, but more along the lines of the situation feels like it would require external force for something to change at this point.” Shawn shrugged as the form of Hammer Strike disappeared in a blink.

“There are still things that could come into play. No one knows what might happen yet.”

“I suppose. As said, maybe it’s just the pessimism talking, but I just … have a feeling, for some reason.”

“One's gut should never be left unheeded,” Luna said with a nod.

“Then, … do you happen to have advice on the constant paranoia that’s been at the back of my mind since coming here?”

“Talk to people you trust. You may find they have similar problems.”

“Apart from standard anxieties, they don’t appear to have it to the same level I do. Yet, I can’t seem to ignore it.” He sighed once more. “I don’t know. I’m probably just worrying too much, and it’s bleeding over into everything.”

“You're dealing with more than anyone should reasonably have to,” she acknowledged.

“It sure feels like it,” he replied as his shoulders dropped slightly. The room around them faded back into the nothingness from before.

“I’m sorry to say it sounds like there isn’t a lot I can help with right now.”

“That’s all right. You at least tried.”

“I’ll keep you informed if we make any breakthroughs.”

“I appreciate it,” he replied with a nod.

As Luna was about to depart, Shawn spoke up once more. “And, one more thing.” His voice rang out, though his tone had shifted and felt cold.

Luna's eyes widened as she looked towards him. His presence had changed. Something far colder was speaking now.

“Keep yourself at a safe distance. Your will may be strong, but I see where cracks may form. You. Aren’t. Prepared.” He spoke, and the second he was done, she found herself standing outside Shawn’s door, watching as it faded with his sudden awakening. His ‘waking nightmares,’ no doubt.

Luna stood still for several minutes trying to contemplate what she’d just seen. Unable to fully cope, she decided she needed to talk with Celestia soon.





The smell of hot pancakes, lucious butter, and rich amber syrup wafted into the nostrils of every tenant at the Punch Bowl as Berry Punch served up one plate after another after another. It was too early for most people to drink, so they satisfied themselves with orange juice, milk, or water. The humans ate in silence with Pensword, Moonshade, Me-Me, and Mutatio.

“So, … I had a visit from Luna last night,” Pensword finally said.

“I did as well, though I strangely find it hard to remember,” Shawn spoke up.

“Oh yeah, that was interesting,” Taze nodded. “She kinda just walked in.”

“What did she talk with you about?” Pensword asked curiously.

“She said she was just checking up on us.” Taze shrugged.

“Us?” Pensword asked. “Do you mean us as in the group or us as in there’s more than one consciousness in your mind?”

“Yes,” Taze said with a smirk.

“Should we be worried?” Pensword asked.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Shawn spoke up before humming in thought.

“Are we going to develop alternate consciousnesses, then?”

“I think that’s dependent on your mind.” Shawn looked to Pensword.

“And body, I suppose,” Pensword said glumly as he looked at his hooves again. “Luna said there were preparations that needed to be made before I could find out what happened on that day I blacked out.” He sighed. “I suppose I’m one of the few people who can literally say they understand what it means to be uncomfortable in their own skin. Not that I don’t feel comfortable in this form. It’s just … not quite the same, you know?”

“I understand what you mean, just not to the same extent.” Shawn frowned and sighed.

“Because you’re human?” Pensword asked.

“...Because I survived,” Shawn spoke softly.

Pensword cocked his brow. “I mean, sure, we all survived the empire—”

“Not the empire.” He spoke up once more. “We survived the invasion, all of this, the empire, but there was one thing that couldn’t be changed.” After a moment, he sighed. “Your pacemaker. They could convert it to flesh, but they don’t understand how it was made or worked. The spell they used turns you into the equivalent of your counterpart, who you would have been. On Earth, … you needed mechanical help, and the spell doesn’t account for that.”

The atmosphere was silent for a time between the friends as Pensword processed Shawn’s words. Finally, he spoke. “So, what you’re saying is it’s not a matter if I can turn back. I did. But….”

“But the spell wasn’t able to replace your valves,” Taze said. His grip on his fork tightened. “You died, Matthew. Right in front of us.”

“I … should have at least remembered the first few seconds before my blood stopped flowing,” Pensword mused in that eerily calm tone that lay somewhere between shock and a mental break.. “Did … did you ask Luna and Celestia to take that away?”

“No.” Shawn shook his head. “It’s likely repressed, somewhere in your head.”

“I guess that explains why I’ve been dreaming about bunkers and submarines lately….”

“Probably.” Shawn looked to Pensword. “They said they’re trying to figure out a way, but, I won’t guarantee anything. It’ll likely be a long time until that day comes.”

“So, … I’m alive, but I’m also dead. And the me that’s dead can’t exist if I want to keep living. Does … that mean I’m going to have to stay in Equestria if we find a way home?”

“I don’t know. I doubt it, but I don’t have enough information. We arrived here as Humans, so it’s likely the reverse is possible.”

“I’m sure they’ll figure something out,” Taze said in a reassuring tone. “If need be, perhaps,” he looked around, “you-know-who can be persuaded to help.”

“I’m … afraid I don’t know who you’re talking about, Taze,” Pensword said.

“Iscorday?”

“No!” Pensword shouted harshly, then cleared his throat and looked sheepishly at the gawkers before returning to a softer tone. He leaned in more closely to his friends. “We both know he would twist anything we try to ask him to do and tie Equestria into a pretzel while he’s at it. I won’t make a deal with the devil just to get back what I lost.”

“A wise decision,” Shawn agreed. “Though I’m curious whether you were serious or joking,” he said as he looked at Taze.

“Just playing devil's advocate.” Taze shrugged.

“So, … do we have a plan for forming a road once we’re set up in the palace?” Moonshade asked.

“The main focus is on forging a safe path first,” Shawn replied. “We need to have a steady supply of materials to aid in restoring the castle and its surroundings.”

“And we’ll need to be ready to fight against any creatures that try to stop us,” Pensword added.

“Well, my group will be ready,” Taze said. “They’re coming along nicely.”

“I suppose we should catch up on who’s been naughty and who’s been nice, too,” Pensword said. “We only have about a month or so before spring comes, and we need to make sure everything is well coordinated for the fight ahead. I’d rather we not have to deal with timberwolves slaughtering troops because they can’t tow the line.”

“Only time will tell. Until then, we can just continue training them the best we can.” Shawn shrugged.

“Any thoughts on potential emblems yet?” Pensword asked.

“A few,” Shawn said simply.

“Taze?” Pensword asked.

“Not yet, but I'm working it out.” Taze shrugged.

“I thought the point of this training was to unite the soldiers. Emblems are well and good for seasoned soldiers, but is it wise to use them for recruits who haven’t come to understand the importance of their unity yet? Moonshade asked.

“It’s also a point of giving them something to attach to as they train,” Taze pointed out.

“Is that not what their commanding officers are for?”

“No, they’re for maintaining order.”

“We do need to consider those who don’t wish to rally, though,” Pensword pointed out.

“We’ll need to blow that bridge when we come to it.” Taze shrugged.

“Keep those explosives far away from the cadets,” Pensword said. “We have enough problems getting the newbies from Canterlot to let go of their prejudices.”

Taze rolled his eyes “Figure of speech.”

“We’re dealing with construction and deconstruction both soon, Taze. Explosives aren’t off the table to assist with that work if needed,” Pensword pointed out. “By the way, Shawn, what do you … think…?”

Where Shawn had once been sitting, only empty space remained.

“Where did he go?” Pensword asked.

“That is the great question, my friend,” Taze said sagely, and then returned to his breakfast.





A tall figure in a fitting coat strode on booted feet through the snowy square of the town’s marketplace. A large sack hung over his shoulder, bulging with mysterious bounties that inquiring minds could only guess at. This figure, however, was not trimmed in ermine, nor did he have a snow white beard, nor rosy cheeks, nor a belly that shook like a bowl full of jelly when he laughed. He was well built from his time working the forge, helping at the Apple farm, and fulfilling his duties teaching the various recruits how to be proper soldiers. It was also possible that at least a little bit of his Earth Pony strength may have lingered after he turned back, but he wasn’t about to look too closely into that when the benefits spoke for themselves.

Shawn was on the move, and he looked forward to buying a few more supplies for himself and his friends to enjoy.

“Let’s see,” he muttered, searching inside his coat with his free hand. Shortly after, he pulled out a list and read it over. “Got that, that too. Still have another day to wait on that….” He hummed in thought.

“Well butter my biscuit if it ain’t the hero of the Crystal Empire,” a familiar twang rang in the human’s ears as a grinning Applejack tipped her hat to Shawn. “Been wondering when we’d be seeing you again. You haven’t dropped by the farm lately.”

Shawn gave a short chuckle as he turned to face Applejack. “It’s been busy. Everything been okay at the farm lately?”

“Not bad. Hearth’s Warming’s a good time for business. Lot of folks lookin’ for something warm and sweet, and you know how well we Apples provide.” She chuckled. “Gotta say, that was some mighty fine tapdancing ya did back on the train up north, though. I don’t think you told a single lie on that trip in either direction.”

“You’ll find I’m quite direct in how I talk.” Shawn gave a smirk. “Though, I’ll admit at times that I may be a bit too blunt.”

Applejack shrugged. “Can’t be worse than when I ask about somethin’ that happened.”

“Fair enough. In any case, how’s business treating you today?”

“Got a good haul. Most folks in Ponyville like all kinds of sweets, but ain’t nopony can make an apple dessert better than an Apple. You can count on it. And speaking of dessert….” She reached into the cart to remove a miraculously steaming pie and passed it to the human, still smiling. “On the house, courtesy of Granny Smith. You know how she can be about getting enough to eat.”

“That, I do know,” he chuckled, placing the sack of materials down before reaching into his coat.

Applejack raised a hoof. “I said on the house, Shawn. And I meant it. Granny’d skin me alive if she knew I took money from you for it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just making a holiday donation to a family run business.” He gave a smile as he placed a small pouch of bits down on the counter. “You wouldn’t spurn my good will now, would you?”
 
Applejack looked pensively at Shawn, then the bag, and finally shook her head. “Granny wouldn’t want it.” She rubbed her chin. “Might take an investment, though, if’n you’re willing to put it in that light.”

“I certainly wouldn’t mind investing in the Apple Family.”

“Just so you know, we make good on investments,” Applejack pointed out. “Granny’ll want to give you whatever’s due for the amount you give. Fair’s fair, after all.” She smiled gently. “But I think I can say we appreciate it. All the more because it comes from a trusted friend.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He smiled, then looked at the sack of materials he put down to figure out how he was going to carry his stuff while maintaining at least one free hand. Finally, he reached down, took the sack, and shifted it under his arm, pinning it against his chest while he took the pie in the same hand. “There we go. I hope you have a great day, Applejack. And do pass along well wishes to the rest of the family if you can.”

“Always do, Shawn. Always do. And you stop by for a visit soon, y’hear?” Applejack called as she waved after him.

“I’m sure I’ll find the time to do so.” He chuckled as he continued onward. He was stopped, however, as he rounded a corner and nearly ran directly into two individuals.

“Pardon me, do you mind? We’re in a bit of a hurry and….” The brown stallion gaped at the human for a moment, then grinned. “Blimey, if it isn’t Lord Shawn! Now this is what I call a blast from the past! Still got that ear intact, I see. Happy Hearth’s Warming!”

“Happy … Hearth’s warming?” Shawn replied with uncertainty as he subconsciously raised a hand towards his head, only to shake his head and lower the hand again. “That’s a worrying thing to know,” he muttered before looking back at the two. “Based off what I was told, it’s a pleasure to meet you both, Doctor, Derpy,” he addressed, giving a nod toward the two.

“Hi!” Derpy waved a hoof happily and pulled a muffin from a basket she’d been carrying. “Muffin?”

“Uh, normally, I’d accept. Though, I’ll have to politely refuse this time, as I only have one hand free.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll drop it by the Punch Bowl later.” She smiled kindly at Shawn. “It’s always nice to meet The Doctor’s friends. And any friend of my Doctor is a friend of mine!”

“So, what brings you around the marketplace today? Off for a bit of last minute holiday shopping for Hearth’s Warming for a special somepony?” The Doctor asked.

“Mostly materials this time around for the gifts I’m making,” Shawn explained. “And, not quite.”

“Then your friends are in for a right treat.” The Doctor chuckled. “Do a little spit shine and polish for some of it, or is it all going to be fresh? Either way, I’m sure you’ll do wonders.”

“New things. I’m hoping it comes out well.”

“A few late nights in the forge and you’ll make a diamond from the rough,” The Doctor assured.

“I’m sure you’d know better than I do now,” Shawn replied with a soft sigh.

“Better than you do now? What’s that all about? The Shawn I know knows better than to doubt his own skill.”

“Doctor, I technically only started smithing a little over a month or two ago.” Shawn replied with a raised brow.

“Oi, oi, oi! Watch where you point that thing!” Then the Doctor blinked as Shawn’s words sunk in. “Wait, what? Seriously?” The Doctor stared at him. Then his eyes went wide. “Oh. Ohhhhhh. This … this is the first time we’ve actually met for you, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Though, I know of your existence and an idea of your potential, but I haven’t truly met you until now.”

“Well, uh … in that case, good to meet you.” He stuck out a hoof awkwardly as he flipped his scarf more tightly around his neck. “You already have my name, but most folks round these parts call me Time Turner. Makes things simpler for the locals.”

Derpy giggled. “And it’s kind of cute.”

The Doctor cleared his throat as a blush rose in his cheeks. “Yes. Well, … that, too, I suppose.”

Shawn gave a faint chuckle before wrapping the hoof with his hand and shaking. “Shawn Viginti. And I’m certain you know Hammer Strike.”

“Ooh, which one?” Derpy asked.

“Which … one?” Shawn looked very confused at the question.

“Yeah, there are lots of them in history,” Derpy said with a helpful smile. “For some reason, they all wear—”

“And that’s enough of that,” Doctor Who said as he quickly placed a hoof to Derpy’s mouth. “Spoilers, darling. Some things, they have to figure out on their own, remember?”

Shawn looked between the two for a moment. “I … was told I’m potentially the original by Celestia?”

Derpy frowned. “Didn’t you say the original Hammer Strike fixed—?”

“Oh, would you look at the time! Sorry we couldn’t chat longer. Places to go, things to do, people to save, words to protect, you know. Bye!” The Doctor said hastily as he raced along the streets, pushing his wife before him.

“Allons-y…?” Shawn spoke up, watching the retreating form of the Doctor and Derpy. After a few seconds, he shook his head. “I’ll figure it out later.” He sighed. Once the two were out of sight, he started back toward his next destination.

The buzz of rapidly beating wings was the only warning Shawn had. With lightning speed, he quickly leapt aside as a familiar orange Pegasus came blurring by on her scooter hauling a bright red wagon with three passengers behind her.

“Sorry!” Dinky called back as they zoomed by. “We have to get those muffins! Sweetie Belle!” And then they were gone.

Shawn couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched the group ride off. Thus, with a smile on his face, he made his way towards his destination.

The Forge.





The train hissed as it finally settled into the station. Its steam wafted through the air in clouds that mingled with tiny flakes to melt them. Snow decorated the roofs of the many buildings and the edges of the lanes to look almost like a massive gingerbread construction brought to life. The whole city practically spewed holiday cheer with garlands, wreaths, bells, and more in honor of the special day that approached. As Shawn stepped onto the platform with scroll in hand, he nearly bumped into a pair of unusual looking guards. Unusual in the fact that, for once, they didn’t have the usual white coats and rigid manes that the rest of the Solar Guard seemed to sport. They did, however, look identical to each other.

“Lord Shawn.” The stallion on the right bowed his head respectfully. “The princess has sent my brother and me to escort you to the castle. Per her orders, any nobility that comes from outside the city is to be properly escorted and checked before proceeding into the castle.”

“Fair enough,” Shawn shrugged. “Any particular reason?”

“A few. One of the primary ones being to check for Changeling infiltration or control,” the second guard said.

Shawn looked down at himself for a moment. “Don’t think you have to worry about that part, for myself at least,” he noted.

“Maybe, but protocols still need to be followed. Otherwise, some nobles might complain about preferential treatment. And like we said, just because you’re not a Changeling doesn’t mean you can’t be under one’s influence.”

Shawn shrugged once more. “I suppose that’s fair, though given the hatred felt between us,” he reached into his coat and proceeded to pull out the dagger made by Luna out of Chrysalis’s horn. “I think she’d kill me first. In any case, I understand either way,” He finished, placing the dagger back in its sheath.

“Then let’s proceed. The princess is expecting you.”

The journey to the throne room went as expected. There were no sudden attacks, no explosions, no screaming civilians. For all intents and purposes, it looked as if the attack on the city had never happened. Only the increased presence of guards gave any indication of what had once transpired. Some Ponies whispered or pointed at the human as he passed with his escort. Others peeked from their holiday business to try to get a glance of the one who had sacrificed himself in order to protect their homes from certain disaster. Fortunately, nopony tried to waylay them for the chance to meet Shawn in person.

The throne room was guarded, surprisingly enough, by an additional member. The Pony was decked in a Victorian shirt and jacket complete with cravat and a mane curled to look almost like a wig. “Greetings, gentleponies. Have you come to seek an audience with the princess?”

“I’ve been summoned by Celestia,” Shawn spoke up as he pulled the summons out of his coat.

The seneschal took the scroll and reviewed it, then nodded. “Then I will announce you.”

The doors opened, and the Pony puffed himself up before rapping the butt of a metal-tipped cane on the floor. “Presenting his Lordship Lord Shawn of Earth!”

Shawn, in turn, gave a casual wave towards Celestia while the other nobles and supplicants turned to stare at him.

“Lord Shawn.” Celestia inclined her head toward the human.

“Hey,” Shawn replied as he moved over. “You called for me?”

Celestia smiled. “Indeed, I did. Welcome, Shawn.” She peered at the scandalized faces of the nobles. “I’m afraid I will have to cut our audiences short for today. We will resume at another time. For now, I must bid you farewell. There are certain things that I must discuss with Lord Shawn.” She rose. “Seneschal, if you would kindly escort our supplicants back out of the castle?” she asked.

“As you wish, my lady.” The seneschal bowed.

As the two strode out of the throne room with Shawn’s guarded escort in tow, Celestia couldn’t help but smile. Then they entered a back hall, where Celestia grinned. “I haven’t seen the nobles that frustrated in ages. That had to be one of the best Hearth’s Warming gifts I’ve ever received.”

“Oh?” Shawn questioned.

“They put too much value on rank. Your casual greeting was perhaps one of the greatest affronts you could have given to them. It also gave them the impression that we have a much closer connection than they may have suspected, which makes it that much easier to outplay them in politics.”

Shawn hummed briefly. “Fair enough. I admittedly didn’t put much thought into it. In any case, you summoned me, so here I am.”

“Indeed,” Celestia said. “We called you here for a few reasons. One of them being the gift that my sister and I have made for you. It is to be one of two that we hope to create, assuming it proves useful to you.”

Shawn raised a brow questioningly. “Oh?”

“You’ll see soon enough. Let’s get to my quarters first.”

The journey was uneventful as the four traveled to the princess’ personal chambers. The two guards insisted on waiting outside to guard the way and give the two nobles their privacy. The sun motif was strong, as was the symbolism for royalty with mixtures of almost blinding white, glittering gold, and royal purple portrayed throughout the space. Her bed was circular with red and purple bedding and pillows. Golden curtains hung from the canopy, and a great sun unfurled its fiery tendrils along the carpet to fill the space with its presence and give the impression of an all-encompassing warmth.

“I believe this may be the first time I’ve brought you here before, now that I think about it,” the princess noted.

Shawn hummed briefly. “Sounds about right. Though, I do wonder about why we would need to be here for this reveal.”

“Privacy, of course,” Celestia noted. “After all, what I’m about to show you would technically qualify as a state secret.” She ignited her horn, and an ornately carved wooden box levitated toward them. From it, Celestia withdrew a golden bracelet that looked less forged than carved for its details. Ridges rose and fell to reveal artistic swirls that could be interpreted as mist, waves, or mere accents. A golden hammer had been carefully etched above a ruby anvil placed in a golden setting. Tiny ruby fragments lay still on either side of the anvil to mimic the act of sparks flying as the hammer blows fell. “I’d like you to try this on for size.”

Shawn accepted the bracelet, his questioning gaze having never left, and placed it onto his left wrist. After making a few quick gestures with his hand, he nodded. “Fits well. I presume the ruby has something about it?”

“You presume correctly. But first, lay the palm of your hand over the ruby.”

Shawn performed the action. Celestia then touched her horn to the top of his hand. A dim glow emanated from the gem to answer the one along her horn until the flesh on his hand became partially illuminated. Then the light died.

“There. It’s bonded now,” Celestia said. “Go ahead and turn the setting so the anvil faces upside down now.”

Shawn once more did as he was told. Light flashed through the room as the human was consumed. When at last the energy faded, a stately Earth Pony in a familiar blue coat hemmed with gold stood where the human once had been, staring at the diarch.

“That was … very disorienting, and abrupt,” he remarked, then looked down to his hooves and the familiar bracelet. The change had ensured the anvil once again stood in its proper place, facing up for all the world to see. “A charm to change between Pony and Human form. That’s actually quite useful.”

“We thought so as well. It will give Hammer Strike the ability to make appearances when he needs to in order to maintain his dominion and oversee operations as appropriate. We also plan to craft another device for Taze so that he may assume the guise of Grif again if he wishes. That will take time, however. Luna is nothing if not thorough in her work, something that we were taught a very long time ago. The metalwork and smithing is hers. The design and enchanting were a combined effort. So long as you don’t use it too often at one time, the enchantment’s charge will remain strong and it will feed on the ambient mana surrounding it to restore its energy.”

Hammer Strike nodded. “Though it takes time, it’s better to perform the task less than repeatedly.”

Celestia chuckled. “Indeed.”

“Thank you. And do pass my thanks to Luna as well. I’ll definitely be able to put this to use.”

“You’ll also be putting two good stallions to use. A lord shouldn’t be without his personal guards. I’ve picked yours especially to match your unique tastes in character as well as personality.”

After a moment, Hammer Strike gave a brief glance to the door. “Safe to assume it’s the two that have been guiding and following me since I arrived?”

“Naturally. They won’t be able to begin their duties officially until after the holiday, but I wished for them to have the chance to meet you here first. If it were anyone else, I have a feeling you would have been tempted to either demoralize them or get rid of them by any means short of killing or maiming. These two, however, are more practical than most other guard members. And while it saddens me to see them go, I believe you and your friends have the potential to bring out the best in them at their new post.”

Hammer Strike blinked a few times. “Am I really that negative?” he spoke softly in thought.

“You have every reason to be, given what’s happened to you and your friends.”

“I … don’t fully think so.” He frowned. “I mean, with the soldiers we’re training, sure, it makes sense to a point. Beyond that, however….”

“Would you rather deal with politics all day and have to dine with all the lords and ladies here in Canterlot?” Celestia asked as she raised a brow of her own in a startlingly good impression of Shawn’s habitual expression.

“No,” he replied flatly. “I was leaning that point more toward civilians and guard or soldiers not in our ranks.”

“Well, I admit I can’t be a full judge of your character there, since most of your time with those individuals has been in Ponyville. The only time I get to see you here is usually in an official capacity. It’s ultimately up to you to figure out whether that really is how you are in those sorts of situations.”

Hammer Strike hummed in thought. “Fair enough. Also, how much do my new personal guards know? As in, will I need to change back to human to walk out of here without questions, or are they trustworthy enough that you already cleared them?”

“They’re honorable and noble.” She looked thoughtfully at Hammer Strike and pursed her lips. “They are trustworthy, though if you tell them the truth, they will likely be surprised at first. You will likely be asked a number of questions, but they are loyal. And more importantly, they aren’t incompetent. You’ll need to get used to one another, but I believe they have the potential to serve you well.”

Hammer Strike nodded. “All right. Was there anything else you wished to talk about?”

“Talk may not be the right word. Let’s just say I have another surprise for you for Hearth’s Warming, but that will be coming later.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Was there a message you’d like me to give Luna? I assume you don’t intend to stay in the city for long.”

“Primarily my appreciation for the charm. I don’t really have much on my mind for other points at the moment, I’m sorry to say.”

“That’s no problem. Luna will be glad to hear that you approve so much of her work. If she had the time, I wouldn’t be surprised if she asked you to collaborate with her. Your techniques are apparently very formidable if the letter I received from Wrought Iron is any indication.”

“Considering how long Luna’s been smithing for in comparison to myself, I doubt I’d be able to contribute much beyond the small tricks that I know from my home. As for the situation with Wrought Iron, I admittedly got a little prideful, and am glad that I managed to actually back up my words.”

“You did more than back them up. You shifted the stone that’s been hanging around his neck since his apprenticeship. That’s no simple thing. I believe you may find him a little more receptive now than he was previously.”

“I’d certainly hope so.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Catching him looking over my blueprints was … not something I was happy to see.”

“In a way, you’ll be training those smiths almost as much as you do your troops. They have incredible potential if you can get them to work together.”

“We’ll see how that goes, especially given the feelings between them.”

“I trust you and your friends will find a way. You have a way of bringing about the impossible almost as much as Twilight and her friends do.”

“You have a lot of faith in us,” Hammer Strike remarked. “Given our backgrounds, this has all been through luck and past knowledge so far.”

“Faith is one of the most powerful forces in the world, Hammer Strike. So long as it isn’t blind.”

“Celestia. I was a carpenter with a minor bit of knowledge in sewing to make my coat. I’m having to fill the role of a mythical smith using knowledge I gathered from my uncle when he taught me years ago. It’s a miracle I’ve made it this far, double that if you count my miraculous survival from months earlier.”

“Then it’s a good thing you don’t stand alone, isn’t it? Though I still think you’re being too modest about yourself and your capabilities.”

Hammer Strike sighed and gave a shrug in response. “In any case, I probably need to get going if I’m going to make it for the next train to Ponyville. It’s been a pleasure Celestia.”

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Shawn. And good fortune.”

The stallion offered a casual wave as he exited the chambers and looked to either side of the door. The two stallions were waiting, each fully decked in their barding to face whatever challenges the future might bring. In short, they were woefully underprepared.

“So, you’re both my new ‘personal guard’ then,” Hammer Strike spoke up.

“Apologies, m’lord, but we’ve been instructed to wait for Lord Shawn,” the one on the left said.

“But we can send a missive to see what’s keeping your escort from arriving if you wish,” the other offered.

Hammer Strike stared at the two of them for a few seconds. “Which two individuals walked into Celestia’s room? And in turn, would anyone else be in there?”

“Assuming someone were there and waiting, Sir,” the first brother said.

“But you’re not implying that, … are you, Sir?” the second asked.

“What am I wearing?” Hammer Strike asked flatly.

“A very stylish overcoat, Sir,” both said in unison.

“And dress shirt, vest, and cravat. Similar to when I walked in.”

“May I ask how you managed this, Sir?” the first guard asked.

“Celestia and Luna made a method for me to do so.” He shrugged. “First thing, though. If you’re going to work for me, I’d like to know your names.”

“Blast Shield, Sir,” the first one replied as he saluted the Earth Pony.

“Tower Shield, Sir,” the second said as he stood next to his fellow and also saluted.

Hammer Strike looked between the two for a moment. “Twins,” he remarked in thought. “I’ll ensure I keep your names right.”

“We won’t hold it against you if you don’t, Sir,” Blast said.

“Our own mother couldn’t keep us straight till after we got our cutie marks,” Tower added.

“You’ll find I take in minor details well enough.” Hammer Strike chuckled. “We’ll see how things go. For now, I need to get back to the station and prepare to depart to Ponyville once again.”

“Then we will escort you to the train,” Tower said.

Hammer Strike nodded and started onward.

“Out of curiosity, m’lord,” Blast Shield said, “is it true you demolished the training dummies the princesses provided in one blow?”

Hammer Strike raised a brow. “Rumors have spread this far?” He hummed in thought. “Though, I suppose some questions were asked when it happened. But yes, I managed to cleave a dummy with one strike, followed by launching the head of one … higher than anticipated.”

“The only Pony we know of with that kind of power is Princess Luna,” Tower Shield said. “Sure, the heads have been knocked off or severed before, but never launched to that degree.” He peered curiously at the stallion. “Out of curiosity, do you take your coffee with anything or black?”

“I … don’t usually drink coffee?” Hammer Strike looked to Tower for a moment. “I have a feeling there are a lot of myths surrounding my existence.”

“We already know that you’re not that Hammer Strike. But … there are certain rumors that have been going around since you were given the title and the house. It’s a legend, after all, and only a legend can fill those horseshoes. There are some who say you drink manticore venom to flavor your drinks.”

“I might as well cover this now,” Hammer Strike sighed. “Celestia and Luna believe I may be that Hammer Strike. Given time based magic and other forces at work, it isn’t impossible.”

“Do you believe it, Sir?” Blast Shield asked.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to believe. I typically wouldn’t, but I have already experienced some of ‘my’ history, having been in the fight for the Crystal Empire before it disappeared.”

“Did you see the grim Pony, then?” Tower asked. “Legend says that you’ve punched him in the face and lived to tell the tale.”

“I mean, I technically should have died three times by now, maybe four, so technically I suppose that could be a stretch of that.”

“Have you been contacted by any religious fanatics?” Blast asked seriously.

“...No? Should I be worried about that?”

“It’s said that Hammer Strike had a cult dedicated to his name and service. In their eyes, he was a god. Or very close to one. It could prove a potential security risk we’ll need to look out for, now that we’re aware of your, … shall we say status?” Blast continued.

“Joy….” Hammer Strike sighed.

“We’ll have some inquiries made after the celebrations. Nopony is mad enough to try to pull anything on Hearth’s Warming,” Tower assured.

“Ex Divinia etiam, I hope so.”

The journey to the station was uneventful. Ponies stared, but having a noble escorted by a couple of guards was not an uncommon occurrence in the city. The glances were more passing out of curiosity than the intense scrutiny that had been offered the human on his way in. The train puffed gently as the boiler warmed the water to produce the steam necessary for the great machine to move.

“We’ll be leaving you here once you get into your cart, Sir,” Blast said.

“It’s been an honor to escort you,” Tower continued. “And we look forward to our new posts with you in Ponyville.”

“It’s been a pleasure, and I’ll be happy to receive you both when the time comes,” Hammer Strike replied with a small smile.

The two guards saluted, and then Blast pulled open one of the car’s doors. “Safe travels, Sir.”

Hammer Strike nodded and strode into the car. He gave one last glance back at the twins as the door closed, then sighed and advanced down the aisle toward an open seat. He would have his pick of them this time around. After all, he was Lord Hammer Strike now. And nobles always received special treatment.

Or so he thought until his ears caught the creak of weight displacing followed by the appearance of an older stallion with a deeply reserved expression that was only slightly less intimidating than Hammer Strike’s. The stallion was garbed in formal servant’s attire, complete with cravat, gloves, waistcoat, and suitcoat. His mane was expertly coiffed, and the Pony’s whole coat, mane, and horn seemed to reflect a sheen as he looked at the noble and promptly bowed.

“Lord Hammer Strike, it is an honor to make your acquaintance.”

“The pleasure is mine…?” Hammer Strike said questioningly.

The stallion grinned. “Truly, Sir? Oh, you have absolutely no idea how delighted I am to hear that.” 

“You’ll … have to forgive me for my confusion. I wasn’t anticipating meeting anyone else.”

“That is understandable. I’ve been instructed to present you with a letter from the princess once the train is underway. Myself and these few fellow servants of mine,” he said, motioning toward some of the other seats where nervous heads peeked around the edges, “are journeying to Ponyville to spend the holiday with family before taking up our new posts. If you would prefer to travel alone, we can move to a separate car, of course.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine. I don’t mind company.” Hammer Strike gave a faint wave of his hoof.

The Pony smiled. “I am glad to hear it. My name is Polished Brass. And as for you, well, you will require no introduction, but if you wish to be formal about it, I won’t stop you. It is the usual courtesy, after all.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well as all of you,” he directed towards the others. “Is the letter important?” He turned back towards Polished.

“To us? Most certainly. To you, that will remain to be seen once the train is underway. With your permission, milord, may I sit with you? I prefer to carry out my orders to the letter, and I was firmly instructed to ensure we were underway before I could allow you to see the note.”

“Fair enough.”

The stallion strode to an empty booth and sat in one of the seats, then motioned toward the other for the lord. “The princess informed me that I was to treat you as my superior, but not as I would other nobles. I must admit it is a fine line to walk for one who has been in service for as long as I have.” He chuckled. “I’ve almost forgotten how to stop being formal, truth be told.”

Outside, the muffled shouts of Ponies could be heard as the train’s whistle went off and the conductor called for last boarders. The train would soon be underway. Meanwhile, Hammer Strike assumed the seat opposite and allowed himself another glance toward the other booths. The moment his eyes caught one of the other Ponies, they darted behind their seats like a soldier in a foxhole.

Finally, the train’s whistle sounded again, and with a great mechanical lurch, the engine started away from the platform. Polished Brass watched in silence until the platform was nearly out of sight. Then he nodded and finally produced a small rolled scroll sealed with wax and a familiar seal. “Your letter, Master Strike.”

Hammer Strike raised a brow before accepting the scroll. “Thank you.” Then he broke the seal and unrolled the letter.

Dear Lord Hammer Strike (Or in case you are in your other form, Shawn),

It is common knowledge that any former servants to House Strike are long since deceased. However, it is a necessary, albeit somewhat inconvenient truth that a noble house cannot function properly without servants to help run it while the lord is away.

My sister and I just happened to discover these very capable servants as they were preparing to leave the employment of a noble who was … less than deserving of their talents through his actions. We were taught a very long time ago not to allow good talent to go to waste. As such, we decided to kill two birds with one stone by placing these and various other staff under you to aid you as you see fit within their purview.

Polished Brass is a very capable seneschal, and he genuinely cares for and watches over those who are under his command. You will find him ready and able to serve in many capacities, and he is exceptionally skilled in delegation. Due to the holiday season, I’m afraid I can only offer a skeleton staff, but you’ll find the remainder coming in due course after they finish spending time with their families and gathering up their personal belongings.

We are confident that you will use this gift well.

Happy Hearth’s warming!

H.R.H. Princess Celestia of Equestria

Hammer Strike sighed. “Okay, fair enough.”

“I assure you we won’t be a burden to you. In fact, our previous employer led to some … rather significant increases in our survival skills, among other things,” Polished Brass assured. “They say a former servant to the Bluebloods is worth twice their weight in gold.”

“Please, don’t misunderstand. I have no doubts about your skill. I’m just … typically not one to have, well, servants and staff of this nature,” Hammer Strike noted.

“I was under the assumption that before you assumed this mantle, you were a noble where you came from as well. Did you not have a staff of your own then?”

Hammer Strike raised a brow. “You’ve been cleared on more information than I expected. To respond to the question, I technically have for different reasons.”

Polished brass cocked his head in confusion. “What other reasons could there be for a staff of servants than to serve?”

“I meant more towards the staff side of things, but…” Hammer Strike frowned in thought. “I’ll leave it at that.”

“Your family ran an entire estate of governance by themselves and maintained their estates.” Polished Brass shook his head in astonishment. “Incredible.”

“In any case, welcome aboard.” Hammer Strike gave a small smile.

“A pleasure, Master Strike.”