This is an original story that takes place in a anthro, Rule 63 (flipped gender) version of Equestria. It features original characters and, of course, MLP characters.

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“Gust!” Gleaming shouted in concern, eyes wet with tears. She removed his helmet and placed it on the ground next to him.

Gust looked at her with his one good eye. “Gleaming…”

The Knight Captain could see worry and panic in his face. It was if...

The Medics were next to him almost as fast as Gleaming was. The propped him up under his arms, and lead him away, leaving his damaged helmet behind.

As they lead him away, Gleaming picked up his helmet and hugged it tightly. She didn’t care that it was covered in blood and making her clothing dirty. She didn’t care that tears were streaming down her face was she watched her… dear Gust be lead to the hospital tent.

Gust laid on the surgical bed in the medical tent. He had been put into a magically induced coma so that the Doctor, a female Zebra, could operate on him without him squirming. That, and of course, to spare him the pain of having his face cut.

The cut was shallow at the two ends, and deep and wide, nearly the width of her finger, in the middle near his eye. It almost formed a perfect 45-degree angle, and was four inches in length. Fortunately, due to his helmet, his eye was relatively unscathed. However, the cornea was scratched, which meant that while he would keep it, he would need to keep it covered while it healed. She used a sterilizing potion to clean it, and then, She got to work stitching the wound closed.

After 25 minutes, The Doctor sighed as she bandaged his face. The poor guy had been through a lot over the last two days, now, he had to live with a scar. She removed her gloves and looked at her nurses.

“Move Sir Gust to the recovery room he was in yesterday.” She said. “Remove his armor, and send his coat of arms and armor to be cleaned.”

“Yes, Doctor Victoria.” They acknowledged as they followed her orders.

She nodded, and then went to speak to his family. As she entered the waiting room, she was taken aback as she spotted not only Rom, but also, all three princes, Knight Captain Gleaming, Lady Spines, and Eventide's parents, Lord and Lady Sparkle.

“Gust is past his surgery and is resting.” Dr. Victoria announced, mentally moving past all the Visitors that Gust had. “I managed to stitch the wound closed and stem the bleeding. He won’t lose his eye, but he will need to keep it covered and clean over the next week.”

De Poet sighed in relief. “Thank you, Doctor. May we see him?”

“He’s sleeping right now.” The doctor answered. “I had to put him in a magical sleep so I could operate.” She thought for a second. “You can watch over him, if you wish, Madam.”

“I want to watch over him.” Gleaming said as she stood up, still holding Gust’s damaged helmet. She looked at De Poet pleadingly. “Please, Ma’am. I-if you don’t mind… I want to be there when he wakes up.”

De Poet smiled and nodded. “Of course, Dear.”

Lord Sparkle cleared his throat. “Are you certain, Gleaming?”

Gleaming looked at her father with a determined look in her eyes. “Yes, Father. As I told you the last time we had this conversation, he is the one I want to be with.”

“As you wish, Daughter.” Lord Sparkle fell silent.

Dusk spoke up. “Um, Knight Captain? Did you want me to take his helmet? I might be able to repair it.”

“Oh.” Gleaming said. She looked at the helmet. “Um, yes.” She handed the helmet to Dusk. “Could you strengthen it? I don’t even know how that fiend managed to cut through it.”

Dusk took the helmet. “Changeling weapons are magically imbued. Well, that one was anyways. Equestrian armor isn’t shielded against it. I can make certain to add the proper protections.”

Gleaming nodded. “Thank you, Dusk.”

Princes Celestial tapped her on the shoulder. “Um, Gleaming? You’re dress is covered in blood. Perhaps you would like to change first?”

The mare gasped as she looked at her formerly white dress. “Erm…,” She looked at Eventide. “Could you send someone along with a change of clothes?”

Eventide nodded. “Of course, Sister.”

Spines cleared her throat. “I'll come by with a change of clothing for you, Gleaming.”

Gleaming smiled at the tall dragon. “Thank you, Sister.” She looked at Eventide. “So, I guess by the rules of the Contest, Gust wins my hand.”

Her brother smiled/chuckled. “Yes. He does. Although, I don't think he'll be up to attending a formal ceremony.”

“No.” Shimmer answered. “He's not one for pomp and formal events.” She looked at the Prince. “No disrespect meant, your Highness.”

The Prince smiled. “None taken, Star Shimmer. I shall make the announcement myself.” He handed a 5 inch by 3 inch box to De Poet. She took it and opened it. She gasped It was a medal and small pin in the shape of his Cutie-mark. “This is the Twilight Star.” The Prince explained. “My Highest Medal and pin of honor. A Knight earns it when they receive a wound in My Service.” He smiled. “Your son earned it.”

De Poet gasped again. “Th-thank you, Prince. I'm Speechless, as will Gust be.”

The other Rom were in shock.

Gleaming smiled. “Thank you, Brother. Now, if you will all excuse me...” She then left the group, and walked into Gust’s room. She sniffled as she look at the sleeping catter, with his right eye heavily bandaged. She sat down on the same chair that De Poet was sitting on yesterday, and took his right hand in both of hers.

She thought back to what the changeling had said. That the original plan was to capture her, but, he changed his mind when he sensed how much… love Gust had. She was certain that it was his love for his Rom family that it had sensed. Though, she had to wonder if… it was for her as well.

She sighed deeply. She also saw the fear in his… eye when she was next to him, trying to stop the bleeding. What the changeling had said: That no one would ever love him.

She shook her head no. A scar wouldn’t change her mind about how she felt. She made a promise to his mother, De Poet. She wouldn’t stop caring for him. In fact, if anything it strengthened her resolve.

He murmured groggily and opened his left eye.

“…Gleaming?” He asked sleepily. “Am I dreaming?”

She shook her head no. “No, Gust. You aren’t. I am here.”

“…why are you here?” He asked sadly.

“Do you think I would stop caring for you because of your injury?” She asked kindly. “Nonsense. Why would you think that?”

“I have a scar.” He said as he turned his head away from her.

Gleaming shook her head. “I don’t care. It is not your looks I care for, Gust. It is how you treat others. How you treat me. You are kind and loving, gallant, brave. Above all that, you are modest and caring.” She blushed. “Also… I liked how you looked at me when we first met.”

Gust turned his face back towards her.

“You… didn’t look at me as Knight. Or as a noble. You looked at me… with admiration. With a blush.” She said, just above a whisper. “Your eyes sparkled, just as it is now. Like I was the only mare in Equestria.”

“I…” He blushed harder.

“I was going to wait to tell you, but, well…” She smiled. “I renounced my title as Knight Captain. I’m now a Free Knight. Like you. Free to travel Equestria as I see fit.” She smiled sweetly. “With whomever I wish…”

Gust’s jaw dropped open slightly. “You wish to travel with me?”

Gleaming nodded. “Yes.”

“Well… um, it’s going to be crowded in my mother’s caravan, then…” He stammered.

She giggled. “Actually, it’s not. I commissioned a caravan from the Rom. It will be ready by weeks end.” She used her right index finger to close his mouth. “You are free… to join me in living in it, if you so desire…”

Gust’s eye went wide. “…what?”

“Well, take some time to think about it.” She smiled. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

Gust could swear his cheek was on fire from her kiss. “Um, Gleaming… I’ve been meaning to ask, and please feel free to not answer me… but, um, how old are you?”

Gleaming smiled. “A fair question. I’m 25. Does that gap bother you?”

Gust shook his head no. “N-no. Not at all.”

“I’m glad.” She smiled sweetly at him. “Now, get some more rest, Gust. We’ll talk more later.”

He nodded and closed his eye, and was asleep almost instantly.

Gust woke up with a snort, and unable to to move his left arm. He looked at it with his uncovered left eye and his heart started beating rapidly. Gleaming was sleeping next to him on his left side, facing him, curled up with her hands tucked under her chin, using his left arm as a pillow. Fortunately, he was under his blankets, while she was on top of them.

“Um, G-gleaming?” He stammered.

Gleaming hummed as she opened her eyes. “Hm?” She then sat up, stretched, and yawned. “How are you feeling?”

“Better...” He blushed. “W-why were you sleeping next to me?”

“I was tired, Dear Gust.” She said as she shuffled off the bed. “Have you never had anyone sleep next to you?”

Gust noticed that Gleaming was wearing a comfortable looking, simple cotton dress. He blinked and looked at her face. “Huh? Oh... um, yeah. I've slept next to others... But, I was the one sleeping next to them.”

Gleaming sat down on the chair and smiled at him. “Now, that is a subject I wished to discuss with you. Have you ever dated anyone before?”

The catter frowned. “Yes. Of course I have. I've had four relationships over the last four years. And, if you must know, they have been both female and male.”

“Oh.” She blushed. “You prefer both...?”

“I do.” Gust said as he re-positioned his pillow and sat up. “Two males and two females. My longest has been a year... a Cherry farmer named Blossom. She... well, I had hoped to marry her, but she didn't find the road comfortable.”

Gleaming blinked. So, that is what De Poet meant about not wanting Gust's hear broken again.

“I must admit... I have had several gentlemen callers in my years, but never to the point of engagement.” Gleaming admitted. “They were all Royals from other lands wanting to improve their social status.” She smiled. “Thus, another reason why I... I like you so much, Gust. I don't believe you would even think of my as a trophy or prize.”

Gust nodded in agreement. “No, Gleaming. I would never use another for personal gain.”

“Excuse me?” Nurse Hope said suddenly as she walked into the room. “I head voices. Sir Gust? How do you feel?”

Gust huffed. “I'm feeling much better. Thank you.”

Nurse Hope nodded as she approached the right side of his bed. She used her magic to unwrap the bandages to examine the his cut. Gleaming averted her gaze to give him privacy. The nurse then used her magic to scan it.

“Your cut is healing quickly.” She said in a slightly surprised tone. “Much more quickly then the Doctor had thought. That's odd.”

Gust shrugged. “My Ma... mother noticed that too when I was younger. She said it's a result of my mixed heritage. My... metabolism is really high. I heal twice as fast as any pony.”

“Impressive.” Nurse Hope said. Gust's stomach suddenly jolted and growled. “Speaking of which...” she giggled. “Well, your mother is out in the waiting-room.” She pulled out fresh bandages and re-wrapped his eye. “Since your healing faster then the Doctor anticipated, I'll discharge you to her care.”

Gust nodded as his stomach jolted again. “Ugh... what time is it anyway?”

“Just past 1PM,” Gleaming answered.

“Wait... I've been asleep for a whole day?” He blustered. “Whoa...”

“1PM the same day.” Gleaming corrected him. “You've been asleep for 5 hours.”

“Oh. Well, still... no wonder why I'm so hungry.” He said.

Nurse Hope chuckled. “I'll go and let your mother know she can come and see you.” She then left the room.

Gust smiled brightly as his mother came in shortly after. “Hey Mama.”

“Hello, Kitten.” She smiled as she placed a change of clothing on his bed. “The Nurse told me you can leave. Why don't you get changed and we can all go have some lunch.”

“I'll take a rain-check on lunch.” Gleaming said suddenly. “I have to... well, go pack.”

“Pack?” Gust blurted out.

“Well, if I'm to travel with you and your family, I am going to need some clothing.” She explained. “Nothing too extravagant. I'll be able to blend in with the Rom.”

Gust nodded. “Oh. Okay. Will... I see you soon?”

“I'll be ready later this afternoon.” Gleaming reassured him. She kissed him on his cheek. “See you later, My Champion.”

Gust blushed as he watched her leave. He then looked at his mother. “Heh...”

De Poet smiled. “You are one lucky Catter, Gust.”

“I am?” He said in a confused tone.

“A former Knight Captain pursuing you?” She asked kindly. “A lovely mare so smitten with you that she's willing to give up her life of luxury to travel and live with you? What else would you call that?”

Gust thought for a second. “Uh, I guess you're right.”

“I'm glad you think so, Kitten.” She handed him the box that Prince Eventide gave her. “Also, here, Kitten. Prince Eventide asked me to give you this.”

Gust opened it and his eye went wide. “T-the Twilight S-s-star?”

DePoet smiled. “The Prince said you earned it. Wear it with pride.” She took the pin, and pinned it next to his Knight pin on his shirt. She then took the medal and draped it around his neck. “It looks good on you.”

He held the medal in his hand. “Wow... my first medal... I'm speechless.”

His mother giggled. “Well, that's understandable. But for now, get dressed, and we'll go get some lunch.” She left the room to give him some privacy.

The catter hopped out of bed and got dressed. He walked out of his room, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I'm ready, Mama.”

She smiled and took his hand in hers. “Let's go.”

As they walked through the Courtyard, and Ponyville, Ponies, Zebras, other Knights, Eventide's Guards, and everyone else they passed, stopped walking and either bowed, curtsied, or dipped their head in respect to Gust.

Gust dipped his head in return. He looked up at De Poet. “I've been meaning to ask, Mama... what happened to that Changeling that was impersonating Blueblood? And... where is the real Blueblood?”

De Poet nodded. “Blueblood was found safe and sound, although she was tied up and gagged, in her castle. She did enter the contest, however, she was drugged by the Changeling. As for the Changeling, well, after a brief communication with Queen Chrysalis, it turns out it was indeed acting on its own.”

“Oh.” Gust said. “So, what...”

“Well, it was surrendered to her Guards, and she promised the former drone would be punished accordingly.” De Poet explained as they entered the Rom campgrounds.

“I should thank Dusk for finding out Its plan before anything happened.” He said as they made their way to into their camp.

Lily was at the fire, making a stew. A savory fish stew, from what Gust could smell. Shimmer and Dusk weren't there.

“Hi Gust.” Lily greeted her brother. “I made fish stew for you, with Ka'chek flour dumplings.” She said as she spooned a bowl for the catter and handed it to him.

He took it and sat down on his log. “Thanks, Lily.” He looked around “Where are Dusk and Shimmer?”

“At their act and forge.” De Poet said as she sat next to him. “We are still at the fair, after all.”

Gust nodded as he started eating. “What about you, Lily?”

“Well, I was running mother's booth while she waited for you, Gust.” She said, “Did you feel like playing later today?”

He thought for a second. “Actually, if you guys don't mind, I'll stay here in camp.” He admitted honestly. “I don't feel like facing any more crowds today.”

De Poet nodded and ran her hands through his hair, trying to tame his messy locks. “I understand, Kitten. Stay here and relax.”

Lily removed the stew from the fire, and set the pot on a stand. “We'll see you later, Gust.” She smiled as she and De Poet stood up and left the camp.