Chapter 19

Y’know that feeling after drinking too much and the next day you experience a bad hangover? Well that’s exactly how I felt at the moment. My head was pounding like Cherokee drums, my body felt like I got flattened by a steam roller, and there was an annoying ass beeping sound on my left side.

I sluggishly opened my eyes, only to be blinded by the bright light of the room I found myself in. When my vision cleared, it looked like I was in some kind of hospital room and I was lying in bed. As my senses returned, I felt an unknown pressure on my chest and looked down to see the manticore cub I found curled up in a ball on my chest.

I slowly blinked and glanced to my left to see an IV stand and bag of liquid dripping into a tube that was connected to my arm. Next to the IV was a heart monitor and cords that were strapped to my chest under the gown I was wearing. I then looked to my right and saw a window that showed my outside, which looked to be early in the morning. Next to the window was someone slumped in a chair fast asleep, who I recognized to be Orion.

Shit…how long was I out? I don’t really remember what happened.

“O…Orion,” I called out in a raspy voice, but he didn’t seem to hear me.

“Zzzz…go…zzz…plus…zzzzz…” Orion snored as he was slumped forward.

“Orion…!” I called out again, but no luck.

“Mmm, oh no, I couldn’t eat one more apple fritter.” As he slumped back, I could see him slightly drooling out of the side of his mouth. “…okay, maybe seven more…zzzzz.”

I got a little annoyed and decided to try something. I slowly raised my hand towards him and pointed my finger. Little bolts of electricity sparked around my finger as I concentrated as hard as I could. My powers felt like I could barely generate anything, probably because I’ve been asleep for who knows how long. But that didn’t stop me from firing a small bolt at Orion.

Zap!

“YOWCH!” Orion’s body jumped into the air before landing on the ground with a loud thud. It took him a minute before his head popped up and he looked around. “Hey where did my apple fritters go!?”

“Hey…” I called out again, my voice still sounding raspy. The shock also woke up the cub as it stood up and looked around frantically.

“Dude, come on!” Orion groaned as he wiped the drool off his face and pulled his chair to the side of my bed. “Awake for barely a minute and you start by shocking me?”

“Sorry…” I said with a halfhearted smile. His annoyed look disappeared quickly as he sat down with a worried expression.

“You had me worried, man, you’ve been out for three days, you know?”

My bloodshot eyes nearly popped out of my skull as I tried to sit up. “What…?! Three days?! cough!”

“Hey, take it easy,” he said as he quickly opened a bottle of water and handed it to me. “You’re still recovering from the fight.”

After I gulped down the whole bottle, I cleared my throat. “I remember leading the pride of Manticore away from town.” I glanced down at the cub who looked at me and tilted its head. “Then I found this little guy, abandoned in a tree trunk.” The cub waddled over to me and nuzzled the crook of my neck and purred.

“Ah, you mean little girl,” Orion corrected. “While you were out of commission, I’ve been taking care of her with some help from Fluttershy.” He raised his other hand to show it was slightly bandaged up. “She is as friendly with me as she currently is with you,” he said in a sarcastic deadpan tone.

“Girl?” I looked at the cub. “You’re a girl?” My only response was the cub meowing at me. “Huh, go figure.”

“I’m fine, thanks for asking,” Orion said with a slightly annoyed tone. “I’ve been checking up on you these last three days, and had to bring her with me everytime.”

“Oh, sorry man,” I said a I scratched the cub behind her ears. “So what happened to me?”

“You were poisoned and the doctors had to extract the poison out of you.”

“Poison? From the manticore?” Orion pointed at my left arm and I rolled up the sleeve to reveal a bandage patch on it. “Oh shit, I actually did get grazed.”

“Yep. You’re lucky the adults didn’t decide to come back, otherwise you would have been lunch.” Orion sighed. “Anyway, the doctors said you can leave if you are feeling well enough.”

“I see…what happened while I was out?”

“Well, while I was taking care of the manticore cub, Fluttershy was having issues with this phoenix that belonged to Princess Celestia.” He had a look of surprise as if remembering something. “Speaking of which, she was here one day as I was watching over you.”

“She was?” He nodded. “Huh, how’d she take me being unconscious?”

“Not very well, apparently,” Orion sighed. “She stayed by your bedside for almost an entire day.”

“Wow, that was…considerate of her,” I said. “Anyway, what else happened?”

Orion went on to tell me the wacky stuff that went on around the town, and how he was helping pay for my hospital bill.

“Oh come on, man, you don’t have to do that. I’m sure my salary from working for Mr. Rich can cover what I owe.”

He waves it off with his hand. “Hey, it’s the least I can do since you healed my leg up. You saved me the trouble of being stuck in here,” he smiled.

“You sure? I’d hate to burden you.”

“Psh, forget about it. Besides, since I live rent free with the Apple’s, I don’t really have any reason to save my money for anything besides clothes.”

“Well, if you insist.” A thought occurred to me that made me frown. “How’s…Moon?”

“…well.” He grimaced.

“Let me guess…she’s been a total wreck?” He nodded reluctantly.

“Eeyup.”

“Give it to me straight, how bad is it?”

“She’s downed three barrels of hard cider, one for every day you've been out.”

“Sheesh, then I better get out of this bed.”

I closed my eyes and focused. I felt my electricity course through my body as my fast-healing kicked in and small sparks crackled all over my body. I could already feel myself getting better with each second that passed by as my power healed me. Once I felt like I was back to my old self, I took a deep breath and took off the covers. The cub moved out of the way as I stood back up on the floor and stretched my limbs and back, earning multiple pops here and there.

“Ugh, I feel so drained. I need some kind of battery, a bonfire, a big neon sign, a big television screen, and a stone column to recharge.”

“Hmm, I’ll go see what I can find, you stay here and rest up.” Orion stood up and left the room, leaving me with the manticore cub in my lap.

20 Minutes Later

After a good twenty minutes, I hear a knock at the door.

“Come in!” I called out as the cub climbed up on my shoulders.

The door opened and I could see Orion walking in carrying a large sack over his shoulder and a grocery bag in his other hand. “Found some stuff you can use, it’s not much but they should do the trick.”

“Uh…what do you have there?” I wondered.

He opened the large sack first revealing a pile of broken pieces of what I guessed to be concrete. “I got this from a construction site that was working on a new sidewalk. They didn’t mind me taking this much.”

“Huh, this actually might do,” I said as reached in and picked up a chunk of concrete. I focused my power and shards of concrete floated around my arm and my hand glowed. The concrete piece began to disintegrate and turn into sand, but I felt my Concrete power charge up until the chunk was completely turned into sand. “Whoo! That felt pretty good!”

He placed the grocery bag onto the bed next and dumbed out its contents. “And these are some batteries I bought which should have electricity you can use.”

I was a little surprised to see actual batteries that existed in this world. They looked similarly like 9V batteries like the ones back home. I picked up four of the batteries and activated Electricity. Sparks of electricity crackled along my hand and arm as the 9V’s were actually filling up my Electricity power. I kept draining the batteries in my hand until they were dry and I felt almost completely charged.

“Yep, this is also successful,” I grinned as I tossed the used batteries and noticed there was still more left. “Can I keep the rest?”

Orion shrugged and nodded. “Sure, no problem.”

“Hang on, let me pay you back for the supplies,” I said as I went to reach for my jacket that was next to my bed but Orion shook his head.

“Forget it man, we’re friends so this is something we do for each other.”

“You sure? You’ve done a lot for me already though,” I said.

He smiled and nodded. “Of course. Besides, the faster we get you out of here, the faster we can get you back to Nightmare Moon.”

“Right,” I nodded.

“Merow!”

We both looked at the cub who hopped in my lap as she smiled up at me and purred.

“Oh yeah, almost forgot about you,” I chuckled as I scratched her behind her ears.

“So what exactly are you gonna do with her? Do you plan to keep her as a pet?” Orion asked as he lowered himself to look at the cub.

“I mean…should I?” I wondered. “If you think about it, she’s still considered a wild animal. She may look different with the white fur, black wings, and red tail, but in the end she’s still a manticore. Hell, the closest thing to a pet I had back home were two house cats.”

Orion moved a finger to gently stroke her back to not frighten her. “Well…that’s really a you decision. You could raise her until she’s old enough to take care of herself at the very least.”

“I guess, but what if she-?”

We were both cut off when the cub actually frowned and flattened her ears. She looked up at both of us with those pale blue eyes that just tugged on our heartstrings.

“…c-cute.”

“You’d better start visiting Fluttershy when you can. She’ll probably help you get set up for taking care of her.”

“Then I’ve decided,” I smiled and scooped her up and hugged her, making her purr happily. “I’m keeping her, and I think I’ll name her…Nala.”

“Nala?” Orion asked.

“It’s the name of a character from a favorite movie of mine when I was a kid,” I explained as Nala nuzzled the crook of my neck. “It’s kinda fortunate, since I happen to like cats more than dogs.”

Orion shrugged. “Well, call her what you like. I’ll go get a doctor to look you over so you can check out of this place.”

I nodded and Orion left to give me privacy to get changed. I put my clothes back on. After stuffing the extra batteries and concrete chunks in my sling pack, I slung it over my shoulder and attached my Amp to it. I then wrapped my chain around my wrist and put my red beanie back on my head.

“Ready, girl?” I asked Nala and she meowed at me.

I exited the room and made my way towards the lobby. The staff were a little surprised to see me up and about, but I paid them no mind. Eventually I made it to the lobby where Orion was talking to a doctor and nurse. The doctor had dark brown hair, blue eyes, and wore your average doctor’s coat with a stethoscope around his neck. The nurse was a young-looking woman with light pink hair and bright green eyes.

“Ah, there he is,” the doctor smiled as they noticed me. “How are you feeling, Mr. Axel?”

“Fine thanks, and you can call me Ax, Doc,” I said.

“That’s what I told her, but she thought I was messing around.” Orion yawned as he waved his hand. “I’ll wait for you outside.”

As Orion left, the doctor reached out with his hand to me. “I am Dr. Greymare, the lead medical physician here at Ponyville General.”

“Nice to meet you,” I nodded as I shook his hand.

“And I am Nurse Red Heart, I am in charge of the hospital’s nurse staff,” the nurse said as I shook her hand as well.

“Now Ax, there is something that I am most curious about. When we brought you in here, we heard you were infected with manticore venom and we procured the anti-venom as quickly as possible.”

“Yeah, I’m glad you had it on hand.”

“That is the thing, Ax, we did not have the chance to administer it.”

“You didn’t? Why?” I wondered.

“When you were brought in, you showed all the signs of the side effects of manticore venom. Muscle spasms, profuse sweating, nausea, high fever, and the wound looked incredibly infected even though it was a small graze. However, something miraculous happened. It was as if it somehow caught on fire from inside the wound and smoke emanated from it. In all my years practicing modern medicine, I had never seen anything like it.”

“Oh…right, well I guess that has something to do with me being a Conduit,” I surmised.

“Conduit? What is a Conduit?” Greymare asked curiously.

I gave him a brief rundown of what a Conduit was as Red Heart was actually taking notes. “So basically, my body did something called fast-healing, which I suppose healed my wound and got rid of the poison in my system. Which explains why I felt so drained after I woke up since the poison was probably very potent.”

“I can certainly vouch for that, manticore venom is more deadly than most snake species’ venom,” Dr. Greymare nodded. “But it is rather fascinating how your body reacts to injuries and afflictions due to your enhanced Conduit biology. May you perhaps be willing to offer a blood sample for me to study?”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Doc.” I shook my head.

“Oh, may I ask why?”

“It’s nothing against you, it’s just my powers are, how do I put this, unique. I’d bore you with the details, but to make a long story short, the Conduit gene has caused more trouble for a lot of people where I’m from than I care to explain. And before you ask, it’s a long story regarding the Conduit gene’s history. All I ask is that you take my word for it, you don’t want to mess with something even you wouldn’t understand.”

“I see,” Greymare nodded. “Well, I’m not one to pry into others’ business, so I’ll leave it alone out of respect for your privacy.”

“Thanks, Doc, I appreciate it.”

“You best be off now, Ax, a lot of people are waiting for you,” Red Heart said with a smile.

I was confused by what she meant as I left the hospital lobby. As soon as I walked out the door, a large group of people were outside and lit up as soon as they saw me.

“There he is! It’s Axel!”

“Yay! Hooray for Axel’s recovery!”

The crowd cheered for me as Nala and I just stood there.

“What…is all this?” I wondered.

“A hero’s welcome obviously.” I looked left to see Orion relaxing under the shade of a tree while drinking some water.

“What are you-”

“BIG BROTHER AXEL!”

I felt something hit my legs and waist, almost knocking me down, and I looked down to see Diamond Tiara crying her eyes out into my stomach.

“Diamond?”

“You’re alive! I’m so happy you’re alive!” She looked up at me with tears streaming down her eyes. “I was so worried for you, big brother Axel!”

“We all were worried.” From the crowd, the girls, Spike, Mr. Rich, and even Lapis approached me. “You gave us quite the scare, Axel, we nearly believed you wouldn’t wake ever again,” Mr. Rich smiled.

“Sorry for that, Mr. Rich,” I apologized.

“No need, you saved the entire town from the pride after all.”

“We’re so glad you’re okay, Axy!” Pinkie Pie chirped.

“You’re one crazy bastard, y’know that?” Lapis deadpanned but then smiled at me. “But…I’m also glad you’re okay.”

“Your actions against the manticore hadn’t gone unnoticed. Everyone here can’t deny the heroics you performed for them.” Orion smiled as he walked over.

“All I did was lead the manticore away,” I shrugged.

“But you also saved people in the process,” Twilight said. “The damage would’ve been much worse had you not interfered.”

“Indeed, darling, you’re like the knight Ponyville had always needed!” Rarity said in a chipper tone.

“No good deed goes unnoticed. I’m pretty sure those words say it all, wouldn’t you agree?” Orion asked.

“Yeah, I guess they do,” I nodded with a smile.

“You’re definitely 20% cooler after that, Ax!” Rainbow smirked.

“By the way, Orion told us ya needed some kind of neon light, so Pinkie brought some glow sticks,” Applejack said, pointing to Pinkie.

The pink haired girl literally shook her head and dozens of glow sticks came falling out of her hair, each one a different brightly lit color.

“How the…?” I stared at Pinkie as she smiled at me.

“It’s Pinkie Pie, don’t question it,” Orion added quickly.

“But she-!” I was quiet when Orion shushed me.

“Don’t…question it,” he said as though he speaks from experience.

“Ugh, whatever.”

I looked down at the glow sticks and held my hand up to them as Diamond stepped away. I activated Neon and my hand glowed a fluorescent light. The light from the glow sticks lifted into the air and were absorbed into my hand all at once. As my Neon energy was replenishing, the crowd watched in awe at the spectacle until all the light from the glow sticks was drained. I breathed a sigh of relief as I felt my Neon power was nearly replenished.

“Ah, that feels better already,” I sighed with content.

“It still amazes me how you can do that,” Mr. Rich said.

“I wasn’t even sure that would count, hence why I didn’t grab any earlier.” Orion picked up the now drained sticks and examined them.

“Thanks Pinkie, you got any more?” I asked.

“Sure do!” She reached into her hair and pulled out two handfuls of glow sticks. “Here ya go!”

“Uh, yeah, thanks.” I took the glow sticks and tucked them into my pack.

“Axel…?”

The voice made me flinch as the crowd parted a bit to reveal my girlfriend who worried for me for days. Her hair was a mess, her casual-looking clothes she wore were all wrinkled, her eyes had bags under them, and I noticed her wings looked a little unkempt.

“Moon…”

“And that’s our cue to go, everybody!” Orion began pushing the crowd of people away as he gave us some privacy.

“Merow!” Nala meowed at Orion.

“Oh, right, sorry.” Orion came back and gently picked up Nala. “How about we go get you some nice fresh tuna?”

“Merow?”

“Trust me, you’ll love it.” Orion smiled before leaving me alone with Moon.

“Moon…I-”

Moon quickly walked over to me and embraced me as close as she could. She wept on my shoulder and her body trembled against me. I was taken back a little bit, but sighed as I hugged her close.

“You scared me…” she whispered.

“I know.”

“You were unconscious for days…I did not know if you would wake up.”

“But I did.”

“You were too reckless!” Moon snapped as she looked at me. Her tears were causing her makeup run. “Do you have any idea how precious you are to me?!”

“Moon, I-mmf!”

I was cut off when she pressed her lips against mine and broke away. “Do not speak!” She kissed me again and pulled back. “You irresponsible, thick-headed, fool!” Before I could say anything again, her lips were back against mine. “I…I just love you so much!”

“I love you too…”

“But my love for you is what’s most precious to me!” Moon cried. “You gave me a future when you helped me that day, you stood up for me and remained by my side when there were those that looked at me with disdain. Why you choose to accept me in your heart, is all honestly still a mystery to me. Not only that, but you also fight for these people who used to hate and fear you! Yet, after all of this, you kept head up high, and that’s all the more admirable.” Moon smiled as she cupped my cheek. “You even have the resolve to risk your life for others…all of this just makes me love you even more, and it would destroy me if you actually lost your life.”

“I’m sorry for worrying you,” I frowned.

“I know, but it’s okay,” Moon said. “As you were recovering, and as I was grieving, I realized that there will come more threats that you will face and risk your life. If I am to be able to appropriately stand by your side, I must be willing to be as willfully strong as you.”

Seeing Moon so distraught over me made me feel guilty about what I put her through as I was recovering. It also warmed my heart how much she cared since no one ever spoke so highly of me before. I leaned in and kissed her back this time and tightened my hug around her before separating and leaned my forehead against hers.

“Thank you for worrying about me so much, Moon, I couldn’t have asked for any better. I’ll try to be more careful from now on and make sure to stay in one piece.”

“I know, and I know you will come out victorious all the time.”

As we stood together, Orion came back with Nala.

“Hey Orion, good to see you two are getting along.” Orion smiled before passing me back Nala. “Hey girl, how’re you?”

“Merow!” Nala meowed as she nuzzled into my chest.

“Looks like everything turned out okay.”

“Oh, that reminds me, Applejack told me the Gala is tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow night? Already? Wow, time sure flies,” I said.

“Especially when you've been unconscious because of manticore venom,” Orion pointed out.

“That reminds me, the hell am I gonna wear?”

“I believe Rarity said she had a suit ready for you,” Moon said.

“Well that’s nice of her, I also gotta talk to Mr. Rich. I’m bringing Diamond Tiara with us since I promised her I would.”

“Oh, I should probably go see if my suit is ready yet too,” Orion added.

“You’re going too? How? I thought Princess Celestia sent enough tickets for the girls and Spike?” I asked.

“Oh well she did, but since it’s gonna be late and a school night, Applejack is using her plus one with me.” He shrugged. “I wasn’t too sure about the idea, but Applejack thought she could use some help selling her baked goods.”

“You sure that’s the only reason why?” I chuckled.

“Uh…pretty sure, why do you ask?” He cocked his head to the side. “Though now that I think about it, I wonder why she didn’t ask Big Mac to go?”

“Dude, seriously? Can you not see it?”

“See what?”

“That, oh I don’t know, maybe a certain farm girl is starting to like you?”

“Well yeah I like her too. She’s a good boss and I do my best to be a good employee,” he stated.

“Orion, have there been any incidents where she has acted strangely around you?” Moon questioned.

“Hnmm.” He folded his arms and paced around thinking to himself. “Well this one time we were at the lake, and she wanted me to rub some sunscreen on her back, but she could have asked Apple Bloom who was right next to her.”

“Anything else?”

“Well, this one time she was really staring at me when Big Mac challenged me to see who could carry the most barrels.”

“Any distinguishing facial expressions she was giving you?” I asked.

“Nah nothing like that. It was more like she was daydreaming or something, I dunno I wasn’t really paying that much attention.” Orion shrugged again.

“Alright, that’s enough,” I sighed as I made him look me in the eye. “Orion, I believe Applejack is developing a crush on you.”

“Psh, as if.” Orion chuckled. “Look, we have a healthy workers relationship. I’m sure that she isn’t harboring such emotional feelings towards me. She was just nice enough to take me as her plus one, is all.”

“Whatever, man, you’ll see I’m right,” I said. “Come on, let’s go get our suits from Rarity’s.”

“Sure, you have a good day Moon.” Orion waved to Moon as we left.

“I can tell already tell this is gonna be an interesting night,” I said to myself.

The Next Day
Night Of The Gala

Tonight was the night, one that I heard the girls were all looking forward to for quite a while. The Grand Galloping Gala was supposed to be the fanciest celebration known around here and there were a lot of people who’d do anything just to score a spot. Twilight said she and her friends would go to the Gala a little earlier so they could do the things they wanted to as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Mr. Rich was nice enough to provide a carriage ride and driver for Moon, Diamond, and I. I even managed to offer to give Orion a lift, to which he accepted.

As we made our way to Canterlot, I took notice of my tux that Rarity was nice enough to make for me. It was a dark blue tux, with a white dress shirt, suspenders that went over my shoulders to hold my slacks up, and a black tie with a white lightning bolt design on it. Because this was a formal event, I couldn’t wear my beanie so I stuffed it in my back pocket but I managed to convince Mr. Rich to let me bring my sling pack and Amp.

Moon wore a beautiful strapless dress that had a design that looked like she took a piece of the night sky and wore lavender colored gloves that went up past her elbows. Her hair was flowing in a nonexistent breeze and she had done up her makeup, spruced up her wings, and straightened out her hair that made her look more beautiful.

Diamond Tiara wore a nice, fancy-looking pink dress with frills adorning it. She wore a gold tiara that had little gems encrusted in it and was smiling widely as she looked out the window.

“This’ll be the best night ever!” Diamond chirped. “Thank you so much for taking me, Big Brother Axel!”

“No problem kid,” I nodded to her with a smile. I noticed Orion pulling at the collar of his tux. “You okay there, dude?”

“I’m just not used to wearing tuxedos. I was never into formal clothing.” He lessened the tie a bit and let out a sigh of relief.

“Relax, you’ll be fine.” I waved him off.

“You look good in that fancy tuxedo, Mr. Orion,” Diamond said.

Orion smiled at Diamond. “Thanks, and you look like a princess in that dress.” He gave her a playful wink.

“Really?” Diamond turned to me, “Do I?”

“Sure do, the prettiest princess,” I said.

“Yay! Thanks, Big Brother Axel!” Diamond chirped as she hugged me close.

“Too cute,” Orion cooed. He glanced out the window and smiled. “Hey, looks like we made it.”

I looked out the window with Tiara and Moon to see the city of Canterlot in sight. “Still as snobby-looking as I remember.”

“Is it really that bad?” Orion asked as he looked at all the buildings we passed as we got closer to the castle. “This will be my first time being here.”

“Oh trust me, ain’t nothing but the snob around here. I guarantee you that there’s not a single person in this town that doesn’t have a 20ft pole up their-”

Orion kicked my shin before glancing over at Diamond, who was listening to what I was saying with a worried look.

“I mean, they’re just very difficult to be around,” I said.

“I can certainly vouch for that,” Moon huffed. “I still remember how they treated me like a criminal.”

“That’s not right! You’re anything but a criminal, Big Sister Moon!” Diamond protested.

“I appreciate that, little one,” Moon smiled as she patted her head.

“So did Applejack say why she’s looking forward to the Gala?” I asked Orion.

“Yeah, I mentioned it yesterday, she wants to sell her baked goods. She thinks the Gala would be a great opportunity to make some money and let the people here get a taste for the Apple family food.”

“I see, it’s a shame about what Rarity said she’s looking forward to,” I said in a bitter tone.

“Oh? What would that be? I know each of the girls have a reason to come here, but I didn’t find out about all of them.”

“She said she wants to meet Blueblood, yeah, good ffffff…”

I got another and harder kick to the shin, making me wince. “Language. Also who’s Blueblood again?”

“Ugh, he’s supposedly Celestia’s nephew.” I paused, trying to find the right words. “He’s…how do I put this gently, a colossal gluteus maximus. If you catch my drift,” I said, hoping Diamond wouldn’t notice.

“Hmm, I was not made aware that Princess Luna had children of her own. Seeing as she has been banished to the moon for the last thousand years.” He winced and looked at Moon with an apoplectic look. “Sorry.”

“It is fine, and I assure you, that wretch of a man is no offspring of Luna’s,” Moon said bitterly. “According to my shared memories, Blueblood’s family had done a great service for the crown a couple hundred years ago. They were granted a royal title and have passed down their title from generation to generation. His ancestors were humble people, but Blueblood is anything but humble.”

“Guess that’s what happens when you live a pampered life and take advantage of it,” I rolled my eyes.

“And Rarity knows this right?” Orion asked, looking concerned.

“Apparently not, when she and the others visited me and Moon, she must’ve just missed him. That girl’s in for a serious disappointment.”

“Here’s hoping,” I nodded.

“Pardon me, everyone, we have arrived,” the driver said from the driver’s seat.

The carriage pulled to a stop as the driver got out and walked to the other side to open the door for us. First came out Diamond, then Moon, then me, then Orion. The castle lit up in the night sky as many fancy-looking people walking in with their noses held up high.

“Thanks for the lift, pal,” I said as I reached in my pocket and flipped him a bit before reaching for my pack.

“Thank you, sir, I shall await you and your group when the night comes to an end,” the driver said.

“Shall we?” I said, offering Moon my arm and Diamond took my other hand.

“Let’s,” Moon nodded.

“Smile and wave, Orion, smile and wave.”

“I would, but would they even see it?” He asked as we passed the people who still had their nose held up high.

I slung my pack over my shoulder and we walked towards the entrance. Our presence seemed to grab the attention of some of the snobs. The men were giving Moon a certain snide smile and some women were giving Orion and I a bit of a flirty smile.

“They seem to be staring an awful lot,” Diamond said.

“You think we stand out just ‘cause of our new duds?” I wondered.

“Who knows?” Orion shrugged.

Ignoring any stares we received, we approached the entrance to the castle where there were a few guards standing on patrol. One guard, in particular, I recognized as Shining Armor.

“Hey Shining!” I called out.

“Ax? Is that you?” Shining said as he met us halfway. “Wow, hardly recognized you in that fancy getup. Almost took you for one of the snobs if not for that Amp of yours.”

“Ha ha, this is only temporary, I assure you,” I rolled my eyes.

“I already know Nightmare Moon, it’s good to see you well,” Shining said to Moon and she smiled and nodded back to him. “Who are these two?”

“This is Diamond Tiara, daughter of Filthy Rich, my employer. And this is a new good buddy of mine, Orion.”

“Orion Belt, nice to meet you, sir.” Orion held his hand out to shake Shinning's hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Shining said as he shook it. “I assume you all have tickets to the Gala?”

“Sure do,” I said, pulling out two tickets from my jacket pocket and handing it to him. “Diamond here is my plus one since Moon and I have our own tickets.”

“And you, Orion?” Shining asked.

“I’m here as Applejack’s plus one, I assume she’s already inside?” Orion asked.

“Oh yeah, I heard from one of my men that she mentioned you,” Shining nodded. “Okay, you all can go in.”

“Thanks, bro, I’ll see you later,” I said as I fist bumped him and we walked inside. However, as we did, I heard various voices muttering around me.

“What in blazes? Why are they allowed in?”

“They look like mere commoners, and what is he doing bringing a child here? This is no playground?”

“And isn’t that Nightmare Moon? I’m surprised she’s not locked up by now.”

“What is that strange object on his back? It looks so gaudy and out of place!”

“Surely Princess Celestia must not be in the right state of mind to invite people like them. It’s unnatural.”

“I’ll show them unnatural,” I growled as my hand sparked small bolts.

Orion clapped a hand to my shoulder as he stopped me from doing something I’ll regret, before stepping forward. “You know, maybe if you guys weren’t so busy browning your noses by sticking them up your butts, you’d be recognized by the princess,” he said with a smirk.

“How dare you?!” One noble huffed as they all turned away.

“Pricks…” I said quietly and calmed down. “Thanks, man.”

“No problem, and you were right about these people. But nevertheless, I wouldn’t let their insults get to you, because without their money or titles they are no better than dung,” he added with a confident smile.

“Orion is right, their greed and pride is what blinds them. But you are more honorable than them,” Moon said.

“Yeah! These geezers don’t know humility if it hit them in the face!” Diamond said. “Besides, if it wasn’t for you, I probably would’ve ended up growing up to be just like them.”

“Never let those whose opinions don’t matter ever affect you, Axel. Because when you get violent, you’re only proving their point,” Orion said.

I only nodded as we continued further inside the castle. We then made it to the throne room, where the main party was, and the whole place looked like something you’d see in one of those James Bond movies. There was a band playing classical music with speakers next to them, people wearing overly fancy dresses, tables with hors d’oeuvres, and in the center was Princess Celestia. She wore an admittedly beautifully worn maroon red dress with a symbol of the sun attached to the side. Her makeup consisted of red lipstick, pink eyeliner, and her cheeks were also a shade of pink. I hadn’t realized it before, but Celestia looked rather, how do I put it, radiant this night.

Orion let out a whistle, as he was no doubt impressed by the Gala. “Geez, talk about fancy.”

“Yeah…” I managed to say, unable to avert my gaze. “Pretty.”

“Welp I need to go find Applejack to help her with the food stand, see you guys later.”

“Ax? Ax!” Moon said.

“Huh? What?” I said, shaking my head.

“Are you okay, Axel?” Diamond asked.

“Oh, yeah, I’m fine,” I said. “Where’s Orion?”

“He said he was going to check on Applejack.” Moon then looked towards Celestia and noticed Twilight standing next to her. “Would you like to say hi to Celestia?”

“Sure, why not?” I shrugged and we made our way to the Princess.

Something catch your eye, Ax?

Dante, haven’t heard from you in a while.

Oh, you know me, I make myself known when I want to. Seriously though, three days? I almost considered taking over while you were out of commission.

You can do that?

Sure, if your conscious mind isn’t active, I can just move in and do my own thing. But, out of respect for you and our agreement, I stayed my hand.

Guess I should be more careful from now on, huh?

I guess you should.

Celestia noticed us as she greeted her guests and smiled. “Axel, Nightmare, so wonderful to see you.”

“Likewise, Princess, it’s good to see you too,” I said to her. “How is the Gala so far?”

“Oh you know, it is as prominent and fancy as the last Gala.”

“Then it’s a good thing I don’t actually know since I’m not much of a fan for these fancy shindigs.”

“Then I hope you won’t be too bored to tears, Axel,” Celestia giggled. “How are you feeling by the way? You were in bad shape the last I saw you. It was quite reckless to face a whole pride of manticore on your own.”

“Well I couldn’t just let the town become a buffet, now could I? Besides, all that matters to me is the town is safe.”

“An admirable quality, Axel, I am pleased to see you on your feet.” Celestia placed a hand on her chest. “I also am grateful for what you have done thus far. I have heard about your exploits through Twilight’s letters. You are able to do what most others do not have the strength to, which I admire your for.”

“It’s…it’s no big deal, Princess, I was just doing what I thought was right.”

“Be that as it may, it is still something I look forward to reading about in Twilight’s letters.”

“Speaking of Twilight,” I said, turning my attention to the young librarian. “How’re you doing tonight, Twilight?”

“Huh? Oh, fine I guess…” Twilight said, looking a little bummed.

“That’s a pretty dress you’re wearing, Ms. Twilight,” Diamond said.

“Thank you, Diamond,” Twilight smiled a little.

“Where are the rest of your friends, Twilight?” Moon asked.

“Well, Pinkie went to try and see if she can liven this party up, whatever that means, Rainbow Dash went to see if she can appeal to the Wonderbolts and make a good impression, Fluttershy’s in the gardens to see if she can make new animal friends, Applejack is trying to sell some of her family signature dishes, and Rarity is off to woo a man of high noble class.”

“I’ll send my condolences to her,” I sighed.

“What?”

Before I could explain, I spotted Orion walking up to us with a pie in his hand with Applejack following behind.

“Orion, this is crazy talk!” I heard her say. “Ah know ya mean well, but she won’t eat somethin’ so basic!”

“After tasting the bland and boring pieces of cardboard they call snacks here, I’m sure something as amazing as your pies will be a godsend to her.” Orion stopped in front of us before bowing his head. “Forgive my sudden appearance, your majesty, I hope you are well on this fine evening.”

“Why yes, I am quite fine, thank you,” Celestia said. “And who might you be?”

“Orion Belt, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He gave another bow.

“And hello to you too, Applejack,” Celestia said.

“Yes, hello yer highness,” Applejack said, taking off her hat and bowed.

“What have you there, Mr. Belt?” Celestia asked.

Orion smiled before standing straight. “This one is an apple pie, your grace, made with only the best apples in all of Equestria. I figured that you could use something to eat that actually has some flavor.” He gave her a wink.

“Who does he think he is?!” A noble spat.

“Offering a commoner’s dish, what blasphemy!”

“I bet is nothing but a pile of mush.”

“Hold your tongues, or I’ll melt them,” I threatened, activating Smoke and holding up my hand in front of me as cinders danced around my fingers.

“I guarantee that you haven’t had an apple pie as good as the ones made by Applejack and her family, I’d even be willing to wager my life on it,” he said boldly.

“Your life, you say?” Celestia said. “While there’s no need to forfeit it, I shall simply take you up on your offer.” Celestia took the slice and fork.

Everyone around was silent as Celestia daintily cut a piece with the fork and lifted it to her mouth and took a bite. She chewed the piece of pie slowly until her eyes widened and she held her cheek with her hand.

“Oh my sun! This is simply delicious~!” Celestia swooned as she took another bite.

“What?!” All the nobles gasped.

“I-It is?!” Applejack gaped.

“Oh by the stars, yes! While I am a personal fan of certain pastries, his is quite delectable! You certainly have done your family proud, Applejack.”

“I…wh…th-thank ya kindly, yet highness!” Applejack sputtered.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed the fruits of our labor, your highness,” Orion joked. “And as it turns out, we don’t just have apple pies here with us. We have an entire selection of apple baked goods, each one more delicious than the last.” Orion pointed towards the food cart that Applejack brought.

“I’ll take an apple tart!” A noble spoke up.

“I’ll take three!”

“Give me a slice of pie!”

“Is that apple fritter?! I’ll take a dozen!”

Applejack was completely stunned by the turn of events as I helped myself to buy a slice of pie for myself and Moon and Diamond. I took a bite and allowed the savory goodness of the pie to wash over my tastebuds.

“This is a damn good pie, Applejack,” I said.

“It’s super yummy!” Diamond chirped.

“I must say, I have never had the pleasure to partake of something quite as delicious as this,” Moon said.

All Applejack could do is look up at Orion with a shocked expression.

“I figured that if they saw Celestia having a slice of your delicious pie, they’d try to brownnose her by eating what she likes. Of course, I also wanted our fair princess to taste your amazing cooking.” Orion smiled warmly.

Applejack grinned widely and threw her arms around Orion and hugged him close.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” She jumped as she hugged him.

Orion blushed a bit before hugging her back. “You’re welcome, boss.”

What happened next seemed to surprise us as she leaned up on her tiptoes and pecked him on the cheek before turning to the crowd of nobles.

“Gather ‘round, everyone, gather ‘round! There’s plenty for everyone!”

Orion was left standing, his face a now bright red crimson and bellowing steam coming out his ears.

“You okay, dude?” I chuckled.

“Mr. Orion is a tea kettle!” Diamond giggled.

“Y-You might’ve been right about that whole crush idea,” Orion sputtered a bit.

“Oh, so now you see it?” I teased.

He blushed some more before looking away. “Shut up.”

The rest of the night was admittedly boring since I didn’t really have anyone else to talk to. Orion had gone back to Applejack to help sell her goods and I was just mingling with Moon and Tiara. Speaking of Tiara, she was actually having a blast and taking the opportunity by meeting some of the big wigs at the Gala. For a girl her age, she acted pretty professionally by handing people her father’s business cards while also enjoying the serene sounds of the orchestra band.

“Quite the lovely night,” Moon said.

“I guess, not really my cup of tea though,” I shrugged.

“But you don’t drink tea,” Moon pointed out.

“Damn right I don’t, I’m a coffee guy.” That got Moon to giggle. “How can people find this to be entertaining? They’re all just standing around and talking.”

“Not everyone, there’s some people dancing,” Moon corrected me.

“Yeah but that’s just waltzing. Again, not my style.”

“Would you like to try?”

“Waltzing? Not unless you want me to step on your feet.”

“Oh, it’s quite simple, Axel.”

Moon grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor. I was hesitant, but at the same time I didn’t want to disappoint Moon. When we got to the center of the throne room, she faced me with a smile.

“Now then, place your right hand on my hip and intertwine your other hand’s fingers with mine.” I did as she instructed and placed my right hand on her hip as she placed hers on my shoulder and held her other hand with my left. “Now follow my lead. One, two, three. One, two, three.” I nearly staggered a bit in the beginning, but Moon managed to guide me through the rhythm of the music and I eventually could do it on my own. “There you go, not so difficult now, is it?”

“I’ll admit, it’s easy to get into,” I nodded.

Our dancing went on and I began to become more accustomed to the routine. I remembered all the scenes from the movies I watched and decided to put my memory to the test by spinning Moon around a little and dipping her.

“And you say you cannot waltz,” Moon teased.

“I said it’s not my style, I didn’t say I couldn’t learn and do it,” I corrected her.

In the corner of my eye, I saw Rarity and ol’ Blueballs in the corner of the room. We were dancing close enough so I could listen to what was being said.

“Surely you must agree that it is a privilege to dance with me?” Blueblood said.

“After how you’ve treated me? Not a chance! And here I thought you had class!” Rarity scoffed.

“Big words for a tramp wearing a two bit dress,” Blueblood scoffed.

“How dare you?! I made this dress!”

“My point exactly, now come over here and dance with me!” Blueblood demanded as he attempted to grab Rarity.

I was about to intervene, but Orion seemed to come out of nowhere and get in between Blueblood and Rarity.

“Pardon me Rarity, but could trouble me for a dance?” He said his back turned to Blueblood as though he wasn’t there.

“Excuse me, sir! I was in the middle of asking her to dance!” Blueblood snapped.

“It would be an honor to dance with a woman of your beauty, I dare say there is no other man here who can truly appreciate such a beautiful woman, but I can promise to try my best.” He gave her a bow as though she was a princess and continued to ignore Blueballs.

“I would be flattered, darling,” Rarity swooned as she took his hand and he led her to the dance floor.

“I will not stand for this embarrassment!” Blueblood snapped as he stormed off.

Orion and Rarity made it to the dance floor near us and held each other like Moon and I.

“Thank you for the assistance, darling, I was misled into believing he was a well-mannered individual. He’s nothing but a brute!” Rarity said as they began to waltz.

“It’s my pleasure Rarity. You were definitely too good for him anyway, tittle be damned.” Orion smiled as she and him began to waltz alongside me and Moon.

“Nice work, Orion, if you hadn’t come along I’d’ve decked him in the gonads and watch him walk funny for the rest of the night,” I said.

“Uncalled for, but deserved if given the chance,” Moon agreed.

“Well, what could I say? I saw a beautiful damsel in distress and had to step in to rescue her.”

“There you go again, calling me beautiful,” Rarity giggled. “If I didn’t know better, I would have guessed you were trying to woo me.”

“Well it’s not in my nature to lie, all I am doing is stating the obvious. Anyone here would clearly agree,” Orion said confidently.

Rarity blushed and giggled as we continued to dance together. The song later ended and the audience applauded for the performance, Diamond included since she watched from the sidelines. Just as we were gonna make our way to Applejack’s stand, Blueblood approached us with a couple goons following him.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” I grumbled. “If once wasn’t enough, how many times do I gotta put you in your place, Blueballs?”

“You! How dare you?! You do not have the right to be here! And my name is Blueblood!” Blueblood barked, causing a scene. “Because of you, I cannot continue my personal hobbies due to me being cut off from the funds! And you!” He pointed to Orion. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll hand over that tramp immediately!”

Orion said nothing before stepping in front of Rarity. “There are certain things I can’t stand for in this world. One, those who have power abuse it against those less fortunate.” He took a step forward as me and Moon stood on either side of Rarity. “Two, when any man dares to harm or insult a fair lady.” He got right in Blueblood’s face. “You are nothing without your title. Strip that away, and all you are left with is a whiney, spoiled, little bitch.”

“You dare mock a Prince?!” Blueblood growled.

“No, I dare mock a shit stain,” Orion corrected.

“Get this piece of trash out of my sight, gentlemen!” Blueblood ordered his two beef heads.

“Gentleman, please, there is no need to get violent, there is a lady here.” He smiled as he pointed to Blueballs.

“Shut it, kid, our boss wants us to rough you up,” one of the beef heads said.

“Unless you wanna play along and hand her over?” The other beef head offered.

“I am not an object to be passed around!” Rarity snapped.

“Listen, assholes, you better not even think of-!” I was cut off when Orion held his hand up in front of me.

“Very well, if you want her, all you need to do is get past me.” He grinned.

“With pleasure.” One of the beef heads grinned as he put his hand on Orion’s shoulder.

Orion’s hand gripped the goon’s wrist before twisting it and flipping him onto his back on the floor. “What happened? I said all you have to do is pass me. I know you guys aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed, but come on.”

“You little shit!” The other beef head reared his fist back and swung it forward.

Orion’s upper half bent backwards, dodging the fist like a game of limbo. When he brought his upper body back up, he headbutted the goon straight in the nose.

“Gah! My nose!” The good cried as he held his face.

“Oof, that’s gonna leave a mark,” I winced.

“I’ll break you!” The goon that Orion flipped stood up and swung his leg to kick Orion’s head off.

Without even bothering to dodge, Orion thrusted his head forward straight into the incoming leg. The moment his head collided with the goon’s leg, we all heard a sickening crack. All the crowd cringed, Moon and I included, as the goon wailed in agony as his leg was bent in the wrong way and he fell on the ground. Meanwhile, Blueblood was standing there in complete shock as he stared at Orion.

“Now then.” Orion turned to Blueblood. “You’re next.” He slowly walked over towards the would-be prince.

“S-Stay back! I’m warning you!” Blueblood tried to threaten as he backed away. Not wanting to let him escape, I activated Concrete and flicked my hand towards his feet. Shards of stone grew over his feet, trapping him in place, as he flailed around. “What is this?!” Meanwhile, Orion was now staring at Blueblood dead in the eye.

“Let me make something clear, Blueballs.” Orion said sternly. “I don’t care if you are a prince, a king, or even God himself. You never insult a woman, ever, especially in my presence.”

“Do you have any idea what I am capable of?!” Blueblood barked defiantly. “I can make your life miserable! Especially yours, Axel Rickert!”

“Now can I rearrange his face?” I sneered, covering my fist in stone.

Orion held his hand out. “How do you think Princess Celestia would react if we told her what you tried to do, and with an Element of Harmony no less?”

“I would say I am extremely disappointed with your behavior, nephew.”

We all turned to see Celestia herself walk over with a couple of knights by her side.

“Auntie! These ruffians-!”

“Silence Blueblood, I’ve had enough of your inexcusable actions of late,” Celestia said bitterly. “I had thought you would learn somewhat of a lesson after cutting your allowance off, but it seems to me that it’s just not enough for you.”

“A spanking would’ve been appropriate,” I whispered to Orion.

Orion nodded before stepping forward. “Your majesty, if I may be so bold to speak freely?”

“Why yes you may,” Celestia nodded, her tone changing into a warm and motherly tone.

“It’s clearly obvious by his actions that having a silver spoon in his mouth all his life has spoiled him rotten. He doesn’t understand the concept of a hard earned bit, or that a title isn’t a free pass to do as he pleases.” Orion spoke with a smile that he couldn’t hide. “But I may know a way to remedy this problem.”

“And what may that be?” Celestia wondered.

“Now see here, cretin, I-MMF!”

I snapped my fingers as a piece of concrete covered his mouth. “Shut it, this is getting good,” I grinned.

“I propose that he should see the world from a different perspective.” He turned to Blueblood with a sinister grin. “Strip him of his title, his wealth, everything he holds dear, and make him work for a living.”

“MMMMMFFFFF!!” Blueblood shouted from his gag.

“Now there’s an idea!” I laughed. “Bring him down to our level, genius!”

Orion turned to Celestia. “Please keep this in mind, your majesty, I’m not suggesting this solely out of spite. If he is to see the world as we, uh…” Orion turned to me. “How did he describe us again?”

“Plebeians without merit, I heard him say once,” I responded.

“Ah, yes that.” He turned once again back to Celestia. “He needs to learn what the real world is like, but he can’t do that in the position he’s in.”

Celestia pondered Orion’s request and looked at me. “What do you think, Axel?”

“Me? I say go for it,” I shrugged. “Let him stew in the lower class masses that he obviously hates.”

“Very well,” Celestia nodded, then turned to Blueblood. “Blueblood, your actions and words thus far, including the many past transgressions over the years, have been deplorable and downright inexcusable. I tried my best to raise you the way I could, but you simply took advantage of your royal benefits without a hint of remorse.” She flared open her wings and glared at Blueblood. “Therefore I, Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria, hereby strip you of your title as prince, what remains of your wealth, and anything else that you have gained through your title. I also order you to go into the city and find a form of employment by the end of the week.”

The look on Blueblood’s face was priceless as he looked as though his whole reality came crumbling down in front of him.

“Game, set, and match,” I said. “Serves you right, Blueballs.”

“If I may, princess?” Orion jumped in. “Finding work in the city is still risqué, he may try to find someone among the nobles to help him. I have a better suggestion.”

“Pray tell, what did you have in mind?” Celestia wondered.

“That he came to work on the Apple family farm,” Orion added. I could almost hear Applejack screaming in the background.

“Now wait just a goddamn, apple pickin’, consarnit minute, mister!” Applejack barked as she marched over to Orion. “Ah don’t want this entitled sum’ bitch on my property! No offense, yer majesty.”

“None taken,” Celestia nodded.

“Applejack,” Orion said calmly as he took Applejack’s hands with his own. “I know this is a big favor, but believe me when I say this is to really help him and maybe even the rest of Equestria. Can you trust me on this?”

“But he-!”

“Please Applejack?” Orion said pleasingly.

I could tell that this was a big gamble, even for Orion, knowing Blueblood is who he is. I could only imagine the amount of turmoil that would ensue if they actually went through with it.

“Perhaps I may be of assistance?” Celestia raised her hand. “I offer the Apple family payment for my nephew’s behavioral rehabilitation.”

“Hold up, you’ll pay us fer hirin’ him?” Applejack said.

“Indeed.” Celestia snapped her fingers and a servant walked up with a piece of paper and handed it to Applejack. “Will this amount suffice?”

When Applejack and Orion saw the amount on the piece of paper, their eyes shrunk down to pinpricks.

“Sweet apple fritter on a Sunday mornin’!” Applejack yelped.

“Oh…my God…how many zeros are on there?” He asked while looking closer at the check.

“How much is it, Orion?” I wondered.

“Look for yourself, man.” Orion moved over to allow me to see.

When I saw the numbers, I whistled out loud. “Wow, that sure is a lot.”

“And I thought I was generous!” Rarity said.

“Do we have an accord?” Celestia asked.

“You bet yer bottom bit we do, Princess!” Applejack said and turned to Blueblood, who had a visible vein about to pop on the side of his head. “Welcome aboard, partner, we’ll make sure to work ya real good.” All Blueblood could do was flail his arms as the guards dragged him away. “And as fer you, mister.” She turned back to Orion. “This may have benefited us, but that don’t mean you’re off the hook. No apple fritters for a month!”

Orion fell to his knees and threw his hands into the air. “NNNNNOOOOOOOO!!”

I laughed at my friend’s expense that one of his favorite treats were taken away for a month. I glanced at Celestia after the deal she made with Applejack and wondered if it was the right call for her to make. A spoiled little shit like Blueblood will be a tough nut to crack in order to be reformed. I’ve only had a few encounters with the guy, this one included, and I could already tell that Orion and Applejack, let alone the rest of Ponyville, had their work cut out for them.

SLAM!!

The double doors leading outside the throne room swung open, startling everyone, and who came in made everyone gasp and me grit my clench my fists. Twenty or so men, all wearing plated armor and skins of various animals, armed to the teeth with axes, swords, clubs, and crossbows came marching in. The most distinguishing feature about these men was their bushy beards and how they shoved people out of the way and were causing more of a commotion.

“Who are they?!” Rarity yelped.

“Northerners…” I growled as I reached behind in my pack and pulled out my chain.

“They have no right to be here!” Celestia huffed irritably as she made her way to the group.

“Orion, stay with the girls and Diamond, I’ll handle these fucking pricks…” I said as I followed Celestia.

Orion nodded as he began to move the girls and some of the crowd of people away.

Celestia and I stopped just a few feet away from the group of Northerners and they all had sick looks on their faces. I could tell they were ogling Celestia with perverted intent, which only made me even more pissed than I already was.

“Princess Celestia,” the leader of the group greeted in a mocking tone. He had dirty blonde hair that went past his shoulders and tied in a braid. His beard also had little braids tied in it as he placed a hand on his double bladed axe. “How rude of you to not send us an invite to this soirée.”

“I intentionally did not send any form of invite because I did not want you Northerners to attend my Gala,” Celestia said sternly. “Additionally, you are invading this celebration and I demand you leave at once!”

“And miss the rest of the festivities? I think not,” the leader said. “After all, my king had ordered us to become as accustomed to this land’s traditions as possible. Why deny us from being a part of your culture?”

“Culture?” I scoffed. “Give me a goddamn break, you pricks look like you wouldn’t know culture if it bitch slapped you in the face.”

“What a rude boy,” the leader grumbled.

“Oh, that’s actually me being nice.” I raised my hand and flipped him the bird. “This is me being rude, so why don’t you sit on it and spin.”

“Axel, please, let me handle this,” Celestia tried to say.

“Do you have any idea who I am, boy?” The leader asked.

“I couldn’t tell you how much less of a shit I give who you are,” I rolled my eyes.

“I am Ivar,” the leader said. “General Regin told me about a snot nosed brat who didn’t know his place, and I can only guess that is you.”

“Regin? That sleazy fucker I met a while back?” I said. “I remember how he threatened to take my girlfriend, I should’ve decked him when I had the chance.”

“You dare mock our General?!” A man from the group growled.

“Now, now, the boy is just speaking his mind,” Ivar said, raising his hand to stop his subordinate. “What is your name, boy?”

“Axel Rickert,” I responded.

“Rickert?” Ivar hummed in thought and then smiled wickedly. “Ah, I see, you’re the appointed Demon of Ponyville, the one who severely wounded and and chased off some of our men who were stationed there.”

“That’s right, what of it?” I questioned.

“I would like to propose something to you,” Ivar said as he held out his hand. “Why waste your unique power for this weak country when you can fight and serve a better one? Our king values strength, and I believe he would be most accommodating for a man of your particular skills. Think about it, a man of your stature would be able to acquire anything he so desires. Not a bad deal, eh?”

“Axel, don’t listen to him!” Celestia said to me. “Their country is a vile place and their King is cruel and a tyrant! It is why I continue to refuse any kind of negotiations or treaties with these men!”

“Then why not cast them out and be done with it?” I asked.

“Because…I am paranoid that it would escalate things that would be out of my hands,” Celestia admitted. “But that still doesn’t mean you should listen to him!”

“Look at this would-be ruler, making excuses for her weakness,” Ivar scoffed. “I promise you, Rickert, join us and you won’t regret it.”

…

“Did you seriously think I was that easy to persuade?” I said to him, “Let me put this in words you can understand.” I activated Smoke as wisps of smoke vapored off my body with little cinders. “It’ll be a cold day in Hell before I have any sort of thought process of signing up with you fucking scumbags. So you can tell your piece of shit King to go fuck himself on a barbed pike and spin, along with the rest of you shit-for-brain dickwads.”

“Bad move, brat,” Ivar growled as he pulled out his axe. “I shall make an example of you, and this pathetic slut.”

Before Ivar could swing his axe, I raised my hand and placed him with a Cinder Shot. Ivar staggered back and seethed at me and I quickly scooped Celestia up in a bridal carry. She yelped as I used my Smoke thrusters on my feet and jumped high in the air and away from the Northerners. I landed just near the band, where there were a few guards around, and the guards came to our side as I set Celestia down.

“You okay?” I asked her.

“Y-Yes!” She nodded.

“Good, don’t worry, I’ll get them out of here,” I said as I stood up straight and took off my jacket. “Hold onto this for me, please?”

As I handed Celestia my jacket, I spotted a connection cord to the speakers next to the band. Grinning, I took the cord and pulled out my phone and scrolled through my playlist. Once I selected the song, I plugged the cord in and hit play as I unraveled my chain and walked back towards the Northerners.

“I will take great pleasure in ripping the flesh off your bones!” Ivar barked.

“Go ahead and try, you bearded fucker,” I said as I swung my chain around.

Two Northerners charged at me with their weapons and I swung my chain multiple times at them. The chain swiped across their bodies, leaving scorch marks, as they cried out in pain and tried to avoid getting burned. I raised my hands at them and fired many Cinder Shots at them, peppering their bodies until they were forced on their knees. I took the opportunity to shove them to the ground while pinning them with my smoke.

“That all?”

“Kill that little shit!” Ivar ordered.

Five Northerners came at me and I wrapped my chain up around my wrist and activated Concrete. I clapped my hands together and a layer of stone covered my body like armor and I charged forward. A Northerner swung at me with his sword, but bounced off my shell with a large clang. I drove my fist into his gut, sending him tumbling across the floor.

I felt two objects hitting me from behind and looked to see two Northerners trying to chip away at my stone shell. I spun around and fired Concrete Shrapnel at them, hitting them in their chest and heads. The impact made them fall to the ground, but I felt something heavy hit my side. I grunted and looked to see a Northerner armed with a big war hammer and my shell was cracked. I sneered at him and charged him, doing the same with his hammer, and I collided with my body with his weapon. The force forced his hammer from his hands as I body checked him to the ground. I placed my hand on his back, coating him in stone and trapping him in the ground. Before more Northerners could come at me, I ran around and subdued the others.

“What is that magic?!” A Northerner shouted.

“Who cares! We just need to kill him. Minotaur mercenaries! Time to earn your keep!” Ivar commanded.

Three huge-looking men came at me and all looked extremely pissed. They were a full head and a half taller than everyone else and had large curved horns on the sides of their heads. They wore only pants and boots and their bodies looked like they worked out nonstop since the day they were born. One mercenary raised his fist to punch me and I raised my arms to block it. The feeling of his fist was like getting hit by a truck as I was forced backwards and skidded across the floor.

“Ha! Just like crushing rocks, we’ll crush you!” Another mercenary said as he slammed his fists together.

I ignored his taunts and charged towards him and the other two mercenaries. I covered myself in more concrete and went into a full on Boulder Dash. Instead of moving out of the way, the three mercenaries charged at me with their heads down and their horns pointed at me. We both slammed into each other, creating a small shockwave, but since there were three of them they managed to push me back no matter how hard I tried to push. I staggered backwards and fell down, my head was spinning as the thick concrete shell broke away and I managed to pick myself up.

“Your bones are gonna be dust once we get our hands on you!” One mercenary threatened as the man came at me.

“Fat fucking chance!” I shot back as I activated Neon and dodged him. “You may outclass me in brute strength, but let’s see you try and catch me now!”

I sprinted past them and was zigzagging all around the throne room with Light Speed. I left a trail of neon light in my wake as the mercenaries and even the Northerners tried to get me but I was too fast for them. Each time I ran past them, I fired Neon Beams at my opponents, pelting them at all sides and even landing headshots on the Northerners, rendering them unconscious as they hit the floor. I ran towards a column and upwards until I was running high above the wall and in a circle around the throne room. I ran faster and faster until my neon light lit up the room. Seizing the opportune moment, I launched myself like a middle of light straight at the mercenaries and Northerners and slammed my body into the nearest minotaur man.

“EAT THIIIIS!!”

I impacted hard against my target, making him scream in pain as he and his buddies were launched across the room and collided with the group of Northerners. The whole group was sent tumbling across the floor and some crashed into the wall. All that was left were a few still standing Northerners and Ivar as I stood back up straight and dusted myself off. Ivar glared at me as I activated Video and reached back and pulled out my Amp. I summoned my digital wings and unfurled them out wide as I pointed my digital great sword at Ivar and his remaining goons.

“You’re next, Ivar,” I proclaimed.

“I refuse to be outclassed by a freak of nature like you!” Ivar barked as he gripped his axe and he and the other goons came at me.

I flapped my digital wings and flew at them and I raised my Amp sword. Ivar swung his axe my way and I flew to the side to evade him. I corkscrewed towards a Northerner goon and swiped my sword upwards, slashing him across his body as I flapped up into the air. I flew in midair as one Northern goon aimed his crossbow at me and fired. I cartwheeled in the air, avoiding the bolt, but he kept firing more bolts. I backflipped and looped in the air, dodging more bolts, and I noticed that his crossbow had some kind of magazine cartridge underneath, similar to what you’d see on some kind of gun.

“Shoot that fucker down, you idiot!” Ivar demanded.

“I’m trying! He’s too slippery!” The archer said as he kept trying to fire at me.

Click!

The sound I was waiting for, he ran out of ammo and I flew above him and held my Amp sword with both hands. I raised my weapon above my head and dive bombed straight at the archer and swung as hard as I could. A large digital slash wound stretched across his body as he slowly dropped his crossbow and fell backwards unconscious. I looked at the remaining goon and he dropped his weapon and ran away. When I went to turn for Ivar, I felt a searing pain on my shoulder, making me shout out loud and somersault away.

“Son of a bitch!” I cursed, reaching back to my shoulder and looked to see it covered in blood.

“You’re a jumpy little fuck, but not quick enough!” Ivar grinned.

“I’ll show you quick, asshole!” I shot back and charged at him. He met me head on and our weapons clashed and we pushed against each other.

“After I kill you, I’ll deliver that little slut you protect to my king. I’ll pluck all the feathers from her wings and fuck her good before my king has his way with her.”

“I’LL FUCKING TEAR YOU APART BEFORE YOU LAY A HAND ON CELESTIA, YOU SICK FUCKING PRICK!” I shouted as my power flared.

Ivar’s eyes widened as I pushed him back, ignoring the pain in my shoulder, and seethed at him.

“I’LL DIE BEFORE I LET YOU HAVE YOUR WAY!” I kept pushing him and forced him to his knees. “THIS IS NOT YOUR LAND TO TAKE!” My digital wings glowed brighter and the digital blade began cutting into Ivar’s shoulder. “THIS IS MY NEW HOME, AND I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO KEEP IT SAFE FROM SCUMBAG TYRANTS LIKE YOU!” With a burst of energy, I brought my Amp sword down and slashed him across his chest, destroying his axe in two. He fell backwards, unconscious, as his digital wound glowed across his chest and the song finally ended.

With the fight over, I was left gasping, almost out of breath. I turned to see that everyone in the ballroom had been watching the fight, with either looks of horror or surprise. Fatigue finally took over as I fell onto my butt to catch my breath and let my healing abilities kick in. As my shoulder slowly began to feel more bearable, some movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. To my shock, one of the Northern goons was charging at me with a knife in hand.

I barely had time to react as he jumped on top of me, his arm with the knife coming down, ready to stab me in the heart. “Die, freak!”

Shit! He’s got me pinned!

Just as the knife’s tip was about to pierce my chest, a beam of energy suddenly slammed into the Northerner’s side, knocking him off me and unconscious.

“What the?!” I sat up and looked around. “Where did that come from?!”

“Ax!” I turned to see Moon, Diamond, Orion, the girls, and Celestia quickly walk up to me. Moon noticed the blood on my shoulder and gasped. “Oh my stars! You’re hurt!”

“Are you okay, Big Brother Axel?!” Diamond asked.

“I’m fine, just a little sore,” I nodded.

“Hey man, you sure you’re alright?” Orion asked as he slowly helped me up onto my feet.

“I’ll live,” I said as I picked up my Amp. “Thanks for the save, Moon.”

“What do you mean?” Moon asked.

“That blast of magic, that was you, right?”

“I didn’t cast any magic.”

“You didn’t?” I turned to Celestia. “Did you?”

“I did not, though I was about to, someone was quicker than me,” Celestia said.

“Orion, did you see anyone blast the guy on me?”

He shook his head as he handed me back my phone. “I got crowded by too many people to even see most of the fight.”

I looked around but none of these nobles looked like they’d even lift a finger. “Huh, that’s weird.”

“Axel, you managed to defeat these men all on your own,” Celestia said as she handed me back my jacket. “I did not think it possible, but you had proven otherwise. Never in my years have I seen such a form of combat and skill.”

“I wouldn’t call it skill, I was just going by what my instincts told me to,” I shrugged.

Orion elbowed me in the rib making me wince. “Hey, when a princess compliments you, you accept.” He nudged me towards the onlookers. “Especially in front of the snobby nobles.”

I looked around as all the nobles’ eyes were on me.

“My word…he bested them all on his own!”

“What magic was that? It looked as though he had multiple types at once.”

“He protected the Princess, despite being outnumbered.”

“I must admit, that was quite impressive.”

“Well I feel sheepish,” I said, rubbing them back of my head.

“What’re you talking about, Ax?” Rainbow said. “You were awesome! Especially when you did all those sick moves in the air!”

“Ya sure showed them minotaur men what for, you’re more tough than ya look!” Applejack said.

“That was scary, Axel,” Fluttershy said. “But I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Before I had a chance to respond, Orion held my arm up like I just won a boxing match as he turned us to the crowd of nobles. “Say hello to your champion, nobles of Canterlot! For he and he alone stood against the Northerners and won, to not only defend our princess, but the rest of you. Despite the ridicule and taunts slinged upon him, he still took up arms against the bastard Northerners who dared threaten your lives this night.”

Slowly but surely, the nobles all clapped in a round of applause. A warm sensation washed over me as I was receiving praise from even the snob. I smiled as I waved at them and even the girls clapped for me.

“Axel,” Celestia said. “I must thank you for protecting us and saving me.”

“It’s no big deal, Princess,” I said.

“On the contrary, you are a hero this night.” Celestia slowly leaned in. “And a hero deserves a hero’s reward.”

Before I knew it, Celestia closed her eyes and gently pressed her lips on my cheek. My mind was racing a million miles a minute as the freaking co-ruler was kissing my cheek. My face turned beet red as she leaned back and her own cheeks were pink and she smiled at me.

“Ah…you…why did…huh?” I sputtered.

“Oh my, how bold!” Rarity chirped.

“Ah ha, is someone looking to be a prince himself?” Orion teased as he nudged me playfully.

“Shut it!” I snapped.

“Well, I suppose we can call this a night,” Celestia said. “Twilight, would you like to show us to that donut shop you used to frequent with Spike?”

“Donut Joe’s? Are you sure?” Twilight said.

“Indeed, I have a craving for donuts at the moment.”

“Of course, Spike left early and said he’d meet us there anyway.”

Celestia nodded and flagged down a servant her approached her. “Send word to the Captain that there is a group of trespassers and mercenaries in my throne room. Have him lock them up in the dungeons until my return.”

“Yes, your majesty,” the servant said and bowed before he left.

As the nobles dispersed the throne room, we made our way out of the castle.

“Man…what a crazy night,” I said as I rolled my shoulder.

“Yeah, not exactly how I figured this night going.” Orion yawned, and I could also see that he was looking over at Applejack as she and the girls walked ahead of us.

“So…Applejack, huh?”

Orion's cheeks flushed as he turned his head to look elsewhere. “So what should I do?” He asked.

“This might sound cheesy as shit, but what does your heart tell you?”

He stayed quiet for a while as we walked. “I’m not sure, this is a first for me honestly. I’ve never thought about asking a girl out.”

“Listen man, I’m gonna be honest with you,” I said as I wrapped my arm around Orion. “Moon and I may be a thing, but it all sorta jumped on the spot. We’re still in the very early stages of our relationship, and we’re taking it slow so we can get to know each other more. As for you and Applejack, just go with the flow. You now acknowledge she has feelings for you and you’re also starting to see her in a new light. So my advice, just do what comes natural to you. She’s a nice girl when it comes down to it, and you don’t have to worry about her ever lying to you.”

I could see Orion visibly calm down and look more at peace as he patted my arm. “Thanks man, I needed that.” He turned to look back over at Applejack and a warm smile spread across his lips. “I just hope I don’t mess up, had it not been for Celestia willing to pay us to take on Blueblood, I’m pretty sure I would have been in the dog house.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it,” I waved it off. “Besides, this’ll be a great chance to bond with her whenever you’re giving Blueblood the business while on the farm. Want a good way to mess with him? Convince AJ to make him sleep in the barn.”

“We’re gonna have to since there are no rooms available.” Orion started to chuckle. “But given the amount of bits we got from Celestia, we can afford to rebuild the barn and add some extra room. Not to mention, the sales we made too from the cart.”

“Who says you have to make it accommodating for him?”

Orion turned to look at me. “Because despite the asshole he is, I did mean what I said before about helping him see the world through a different set of eyes.”

“Wow, you’re serious.” I looked at Orion who looked back at me with a look of determination. “You really think you can change his ways?”

He smiled and nodded his head. “I have a feeling I can, it will take some time, but what better place than the friendliest place in all of Equestria.”

“Well my friend, I wish you luck in your seemingly impossible task,” I patted his shoulder as we walked along.

“Thanks, I'm gonna need it.” Orion smiled as we soon found ourselves at a donut shop.

The rest of the night was the girls sharing what they went through before the fight and catching up with Spike as we ate donuts. This night was certainly a night to remember, and I felt like I made a pretty good impression on Canterlot tonight. All that’s left now is to look forward to what’ll happen next for me in this new home of mine.

Author's Note

A night to remember.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…