A Different Kind of Deal (Re-done after accidental delete)

"Now then", Twilight said, a slight glimmer in her eyes, "You and I are going to have a little talk. I don't like you. You hurt Spike, nearly killing him. You're rude, and you only helped because you had to. However, I am willing to give you a chance. But you're getting one warning." She started walking towards me, punctuating each word with a step.

"You are going to apologize to Spike for what you did. You are going to promise that you won't ever do anything like that again. And you are going to swear to Celestia that you will try your hardest to reform. Or else I will use the Elements and turn you into stone for the next thousand years!"

She finished her demands by pushing her face into mine, an angry glare plastered to her face. I was honestly a little worried. Sure, I knew that during times of stress she could flip and do things she regretted, everyone does. But this was different. She went on the offensive right away, and as much as I wanted to laugh at her, I knew that that was a terrible idea. She was an incredibly powerful Alicorn who, whether she wanted to or not, opened her home to me. Yes, she threatened me, but I did deserve it. After all that happened, it wasn't any wonder she was threatening me like this. I didn't like it, but I understood why.

"I swear that I'll apologize, that I'll behave, and that I'll work as hard as I can towards becoming a better person. For what it's worth, I didn't have a very easy time before coming here, and I was totally unprepared. But, you are right, and I will do better."

For a moment I thought I broke her, but she backed away and had a small smile on her face. She looked rather pleased, all-in-all.

"I'm glad you agreed so easily. It's going to make things much easier for us in the future." she said, moving towards the door. "Now, for the first part of what you promised. Oh Spike, come here for a minute!"

Spike opened the door, glaring all the while.

"What do you need Twilight?" he asked, the anger, directed at me if the glares indicated anything, thick in his voice. Twilight turned towards me expectantly.

"Look Spike, I want to apologize. I made a mistake in taking the fight as far as I did. I hope that we can start over, and not let what happened ruin the chance of having a good friendship." I walked towards him, hand held out for a shake.

Spike looked at my hand for a minute before taking it, hold gently as not to hurt me. "Apology accepted. And I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions and attacked you, it was wrong of me." he said, somewhat grumpily, almost as if he didn't want to, but knew that he had to.

I laughed, and turned towards Twilight. "Well, that went better than I expected! Now what?"

"Now, we relax for a little while before everyone comes over tonight. We planned on having a sleep over before you showed up, and I still plan on having one." she said.

"And I'll be more than happy to leave y'all to your devices. Show me my room, and when they come, I'll take some dinner, grab a few books, and spend the night out of your way."

"Thanks." Twilight said gratefully.

"Of course."
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It was a few hours later and I was relaxing upstairs, eating some sort of pie that Spike had cooked, along with a few cupcakes that Pinkie had made. At first, the pure amount of sugar nearly made me retch, but after the first few bites it really grew on me. Of course, diabetes was going to be a real problem if I wasn't careful, but still, these things were worth it.

I had gotten bored of reading history books, and so I had grabbed a couple randomly off the shelves. They were mostly young adult books, but I had grabbed a few of the more impressive ones. It seems Twilights library catered to teenagers, and the intelligent, of which I considered myself both. It was nice to relax for a night. I hadn't been able to relax as much as I wanted at Zecora's, it was far too hot, and the animals always kept me up. Besides, with as little as she had, she couldn't share much. Twilight on the other hand had managed to find me a bed that would just fit, some nice sheets, and given me a shower. Not to mention some amazing food. I was really hoping that it would stay this way, but knowing my luck it wouldn't. Still, I'd worry about that later.

Lounging around, reading a book, I almost felt as if I was back at home, relaxing in my room. If I focused I could feel the room around me shift, the bed I was laying on become closer to the one at home. Still, as I listened I could hear voices coming from downstairs that I'd certainly never hear back at home. People laughing at strange jokes, chattering away about whatever they could think of. I wished more than anything that I was home now, relaxing with my family. I laid the book down, flicked the lights off, and covered myself in the blanket, laying as still as I could. It didn't take me long to sleep, but before I did I felt a few tears slide down my face.
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Twilight couldn't help but laugh at Pinkie, who was doing her best to walk like her strange new house guest. She felt a little guilty, but she was sure he laughed at them as much as they laughed at him. After all, they both looked a little silly to each other.

"I can't believe that you'd take that feller in, Twilight! I don't think I could 'a done it myself!" Applejack said, giving Twilight a pitying look.

"Me either darling! He looks most assuredly like a ruffian, especially in that dreadful outfit he wears!" Rarity said, her voice rising the more she spoke.

"Now now girls, he isn't all bad! Twilight protested. "After all, he did apologize to Spike for what he did, and agreed to behave as best he could."

Spike came from out of the kitchen, a plate of muffins held in one hand and a pitcher of what looked like some sort of apple juice in the other, nodding. "He didn't try and shy away from it either. He admitted he was wrong. And to be fair, well I did attack him for no reason, so it is partially my fault..." Spike said, his voice tapering off near the end, a sad look coming to his face.

"My dear Spike, no one here is blaming you! After all, how were you suppose to know that he meant no harm? Look at him!" Rarity declared loudly, causing Twilight to shush her.

"Quiet Rarity! We don't know if he is awake, and I don't want him to hear you insulting him! But, she is right Spike, you didn't know."

"Yeah! You were just being loyal to your friends, which is pretty awesome!" Rainbow Dash said as she floated around the room, unable to sit still with the others.

"Yeah! Plus, all is well that ends well! And maybe we can throw him a 'We're Sorry We Got Off On The Wrong Foot, But Maybe We Can Be Friends' party now!" Pinkie said, bouncing up and down with each word.

"Um..I don't know how...responsive he'd be to the idea Pinkie...or how many ponies would want to come. After all, it isn't really a secret that he an Spike got into a fight..." Fluttershy muttered, hoping that no one heard her.

"Speaking of which, Spike what happened to you! You look about 20% cooler then you use to!" Rainbow Dash said. She waited a minute before looking around the room, realizing that everyone was giving her a look. "What! It's true!"

"We aren't really sure, to be honest. All we know is that whatever power he used on Spike, some of it is left inside him So far, there haven't been any problems, but at this point, none of us including him know what might happen..." Twilight said sadly.

The entire mood of the party had changed. Everyone looked a little downcast, especially Twilight.

"Hey now everypony, let's not jump to any conclusions! We have no idea what's going to happen, but we shouldn't get all worked up over something that probably won't matter anyways!"

His words had an immediate effect, as everyone in the room smiled and moved together for a hug.
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Spike cleaned up the dishes in the main room of the library, moving quietly to make sure that no one woke up. He smiled as he looked about the room, before grimacing and rubbing his chest. He had been having pains all morning, mostly where the strange creature had struck him. He walked into the kitchen, setting the dishes in the sink, before walking to the table and sliding down into the chair. He continued to rub his chest, hoping the pain would go away, but he was sure it wouldn't. It had been like this since he had woken up from his coma. Some sort of pain would ebb across him, mostly in his chest, before disappearing again. He had meant to get answers from the strange creature, but so far had hadn't seen him. Maybe now however, he could get some. Spike rose from the chair, and made his way to the stairs.
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I sat there in the void, thoughts echoing off the invisible walls and bouncing back to me, an infinite number of times.

"You're nothing, you hear me! Nothing! You'll die as nothing, and you'll never get what you want!"

A voice came echoing through them all, cutting out their chatter. "Don't you think it's about time you stopped this little pity party? It won't get you very far."

Opening my eyes I saw Griffith standing before me, in all he glory. I closed my eyes again before answering. "It's not me doing this. Trust me, I wouldn't put myself through this, I may hate who I am and what I've done, but not enough to torment myself."

I heard Griffith mutter a few times before he addressed me again. " I feel inclined to believe you. You don't seem to be the sort who would indulge in this-defeating pity-fest. The question is then, why is this happening?"

"I have no idea, but I plan on ignoring it until I figure out why and deal with it."

"A strategy, if not the best one. Still, not much else we can do at this point, all things considered."

"Exactly. Besides, whatever is causing this probably expects me to get angry or depressed, which means that not caring is the best way to deal with it. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to keep mediating, before I have to wake up."

"Instead, why don't you practice? After all, who knows when you might need it."

"No. For one night I want to actually rest. I'm tired inside and out. Now leave me be for awhile so I can relax."

"As you wish.."

As soon as I felt him fade away I took a deep breath. I was worried I'd have to sit there and deal with him all night. Thank God he just went away. Still, I was forced to agree with him. Whatever or whoever was causing this to happen didn't seem to keen on me being happy. I focused and reached inside me, creating a ball of darkness between myself and the noise. It worked rather well, drowning them out completely, though I had a nagging suspicion that it wouldn't last long. Still, I'd enjoy it while I could.

As soon as I said that I knew it had been the wrong thing to say. I felt myself being shaken awake, and while generally this wouldn't bother me, I really, really didn't want to wake up right now. I resisted for as long as I could, but before I knew it I was awake and face-to-face with Spike, a claw on my shoulder and him whispering "Wake up, I need to talk to you. Wake up!"

I shook my head to get the last vestiges of sleep out of my eyes and answered him. "I'm awake, I'm awake! What do you want? Better question, what time is it?"

"Close to one in the morning, and I have a question." he said, removing his claw from my shoulder and sitting down on the bed.

I sighed, knowing that I wouldn't enjoy where this would head. "Well, I'm up, so what do you need?" I didn't want to be an asshole, but it was pretty fucking late after all.

"Ever since I've woken up from our fight I've been having strange pain in and around my chest. I was hoping that you could tell me why, and maybe fix it, since you caused it." his tone of voice cluing me in on the fact that he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Spike, I have no idea what's wrong with you. Hell, I don't even know how my powers work! All I know is that I had to leave some traces of power inside you, but they shouldn't be causing any problems."

Well, get them out now then! Because I know this is your fault, and you're going to fix it!" he said, giving me a glare.

"I'll try, but no promises, Now, hold still, this may take a while."

I drew in some power and began to probe him, looking around his chest for the most part. What I saw surprised me. The traces of my power were bonding to his system still, reinforcing or replacing whatever they needed in order to become a part of his system, Just looking at it gave me a headache, and I knew that all I would do is cause problems if I messed with it now I'd probably just mess it up and make it worse.

"I'm sorry man, but I can't do anything. The power is still fusing with your system, and so you're still in pain. If I mess with it now, I have no idea what it would do. Just try relaxing and letting it do what it needs, and you should be better before you even know it!

He didn't seem very happy to hear it, but that was the best I could do for him, so he'd have to accept it. "I'll wait, but if it gets worse you and I will have some words. And I won't hold back this time either.."

Part of me wanted to be an asshole, and remind him that I could wipe the floor with him, but the other part realized that I probably couldn't at this point, and even if I could I promised that I'd try and turn over a new leaf, not just to Twilight but to the Devil too. "I promise that if it gets worse I'll try and make it go faster. But only if it gets unbearable. Otherwise, you're on your own."

He nodded and get off the bed. He left without saying a word. I felt bad, but there really wasn't anything I could do to help him. After all, I was barely sure how to make my powers work half the time anyways. Laying down I decided to get some more sleep.
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I woke up the next day with no interruptions, thankfully. I managed to get a good night's sleep after going so long without having one, which made it even better. As I stood up and took a deep breath, I realized that I had started to stink. I had no idea why, considering that I had taken a shower not even ten hours ago. Still I didn't question it and went to take a shower. It was then I found why I was stinking so bad. As soon as I made the clothes that I was wearing disappear the smell went with it. I had no idea how to wash the clothes, seeing as they were just magical projections, but it looked like I'd have to find a way. I jumped into the shower, washing my hair and body for as long as I could. About midway I had an idea. I had the chains appear again, and I cleaned them, making sure that I got everywhere. Some sort of rust and God only knows what else came off, along with a lot of the smell. I'd have to figure out a way to clean it without taking a shower, but until then this would do. I got out and used magic to dry off the chains. Thankfully, not enough to change anything about me.

It seemed that today would be a good day. Of course, after saying that I knew that it wouldn't be, but still I could be hopeful. I managed to get some well-deserved sleep, clean myself and my clothes off, and the sun was bright and shining. Today seemed like a day I wanted to face

I decided to wear the same thing I wore yesterday, only this time I wore a slightly different color shirt. I didn't see the point in wearing anything special, seeing as I all I planned on doing was going for a walk and avoiding all of Twilight's friends. Which, now that I think about it, may be a little hard to do. After all, they did have a sleepover here last night, and who knows if any of them were still here. I'd be willing to bet that Rainbow Dash hadn't left, and maybe Pinkie Pie. Applejack and Fluttershy had jobs that required them to be home at the crack of dawn, Rarity had a little sister and a busniess to run, so they were probably gone. Still, no reason to take any chances. I left the bathroom and headed back towards my room, both to grab any dishes I had in there and to check the time. If I was lucky it would be late enough that none of them, besides Twilight and Spike of course, would be here.

Luck was me with, as it was around eleven in the morning when I got up, meaning that hopefully most of the ponies would be gone. As I crept down the stairs I kept my eyes opened for anyone that didn't live here, not including myself. Seeing no one in the main area or the foyer, I dashed towards the kitchen. My luck ran out as soon I crossed over into the room however, because I bumped right into Pinkie, one of the last ponies that I wanted to see. I didn't have anything personal against her, but if being near her had taught me one thing it was that I really didn't want to be near her. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be polite, so I began apologizing.

"Oh my Pinkie! I'm so sorry , I didn't see you there! Are you ok?" I asked, trying to sound as sincere as I could. I didn't really feel that bad, but still better safe than sorry.

"I'm fine, silly! We just bumped a little! But wait! I didn't see you at all last night, what were you doing??" she asked, her bright blue eyes trying to pierce my soul, or at least what was left of it.

"I was sleeping, for the most part. It's been awhile since I've been anywhere comfortable to sleep, or somewhere was I wasn't forced to lay in bed. So I took advantage of that as best I could."

"Oh, that makes sense! What are your plans for today, huh?" she asked, her voice getting more and more excited the longer we talked. I knew I'd have to end this soon before she exploded.

"I plan on walking around and seeing the town, maybe seeing if anyone will hire me. Then, I'll come back here and sleep."

"You should stop by SugarCube Corner, it's where I work! I'd love to see you!"

As much as I didn't want to go, I knew it was a choice between going or explaining to both her and Twilight that I didn't really like Pinkie, and no offense, and spending as little time with her as possible sounded like a great idea.

"I'd love to Pinkie, I'll be sure to stop by." A complete line of course, but it never hurt to be polite. And it's not like I anyone else had heard me say it, right?

"That sounds like a wonderful idea! I'll make sure he goes!" said a voice behind me, dashing all chances of me getting out of this without visiting her.

I turned and faced Twilight, making sure to keep a strained smile on my face. "Oh Twilight, I didn't hear you behind me! Didn't you and I have plans for today?" I asked, hoping she would get the hint.

"Oh no! I wouldn't want you to miss out on seeing Pinkie today. Our plans can wait." she said with the least sincere smile on her face I had ever seen. Clearly, she knew I wanted help but decided that she wasn't going to help me out.

I turned to face Pinkie again, trying to make my smile sincere again. "I guess I'll see you this afternoon, then."

"Ooh yeah! I'll be sure to make extra- special cupcakes for it!" she yelled as she ran out the door, nearly hitting the wall instead of the door.

I just shook my head and turned towards Twilight, the smile gone from my face. "Is there a reason that you did that, or was it just to spite me?" I asked, not a little angry about it.

"It will be good for you to go out and make some friends while you're here, and no one is a better starting point then Pinkie! If you're ok with her, everyone is ok with you!" she said, far too happy about it.

"Besides, seeing as my friends don't trust you after everything that's happened, you might want to consider trying to make friends with them."

Ah, the real reason, and one that made sense. I could understand why they were all still mad at me, seeing as I injured Spike, and tazed another one of them, but still, I really didn't see the point in making friends with anyone besides Twilight and Spike, and that was only because I was living her for now. Still, I knew I didn't have much choice besides to grin and take it.

"Fine, but they better be nice to me, or I won't be nice to them!" I knew that I sounded like a little kid but still, I really didn't want to put up with them anymore then they wanted to put up with me.

"Sounds like a deal. You told Pinkie you were going to walk around and see the town a bit before you came over?" she asked.

"Yeah, I want to see what the rest of this place looks like, and see if anyone here would hire me. It's a small chance but I'd rather take it then let it go."

She nodded, and turned her head towards what seemed to be the center of town. "The Mayor's office is over there, maybe she can help you find work. And even if she can't you should introduce yourself as early as you can."

I popped my back and began walking towards the door. "Thanks Twilight, I'll be sure to stop by before I go to SugarCube Corner. Especially since I have no idea where it is.."

"I'm sure you'll see it on the way there! Have a great day! See you later!"

I nodded at her and left the library, the bright morning sun blinding me as I walked through the door. I closed my eyes for a moment and opened them slowly, letting my eyes get used to the sun. Looking around, I realized that everything was still beyond bright, almost like a cartoon. The village was also very reminiscent of what I imagined an early Middle Century village would like, complete with a wind mill and a central market.

Turning in the direction that Twilight had nodded to, I began a slow walk through the center of town. At first no one seemed to notice me, but the farther ahead in line I got the more people began to turn and look in my direction. Conversation stopped as ponies became focused on me. I felt rather awkward, especially when someone decided that screaming "Monster" as loud as they could was a good idea.

Nearly all the ponies began to scramble and run, just like the horses back home would do. I almost wanted to laugh at them but I contained myself. As stupid as they looked, I knew I wouldn't help matters by laughing. As the market cleaned out only half the stalls remained opened, which was still a sizable amount. I noticed Applejack managing a stall filled with, surprise, apples. I walked over to her, noticing her bored expression as soon as I got close.

She inclined her head towards me, and I did the same. "Rough day for busniess, eh?" I asked.

"Even before you showed up and scared nearly all of them away, barely anyone was buying anything. Plenty of ponies browsing but none buying. Some days are like that though."

"Well, if it's any consolation Applejack, I think your apples look delicious."

"I'm glad to hear it partner. Ya know, I just realized that I never actually found out what your name is."

I put my hand out and said "Connor, Connor Sheffield."

She took my hand with her hoof, and shook it up and down. "As ya already know, my name is Applejack and I own and operate Sweet Apple Acres, the best orchard this side of the world, or any side!" she finished, a note of pride creeping into her voice near the end

I felt the conversation would only go downhill from here, considering I had no desire to hear her prattle on about her orchard, so I decided to end the conversation as fast as I could.

"Sounds interesting..However, I've got to go meet the Mayor, so maybe we could continue this some other time? I plan on visiting SugarCube Corner later, if you'd like to join me."

"Sounds like a good time! I'll be sure to make it!"

I nodded my head and turned to leave, "I'll be sure to see you there, then!" I shouted over my shoulder.

I walked a short distance before seeing SugarCube Corner for the first time, and I must say it was impressive. I had already had some food from there, but even if I hadn't, I would have been able to tell how good it would have been from the building alone. It seemed the entire building was designed to make you as hungry as it could, with a giant cupcake on the top, to the gingerbread walls. I wondered if it I could eat it, but then I came to my senses and realized how stupid I sounded. I wasn't in a cartoon after all.

I resisted going inside, knowing it would be better to wait until I was with everyone else before going in. I kept walking towards the town hall, noticing several interesting shops, and even better a forge. Sure, I knew little of blacksmithing, but it couldn't be impossible for me to learn, and it looked like a lot of fun! Well, not fun maybe, but rewarding. I kept walking however, hoping to get to the town hall and get the introductions over with.

As soon as I stepped inside the building, every turned and looked at me. I recognized several ponies from the market, including the one who screamed monster, looking like he was about to do it again. Before he get a word in however I spoke.

"I am not a monster, and before you yell and cause another stampede, can you please point me to the mayor?"

One of the ponies gulped and pointed towards on office. "Are you going to eat her?" she asked, fear oozing out of her voice.

"You're an idiot." I said, getting as much contempt in my voice as I could. Honestly, how stupid could some of these ponies be?

I walked towards the office and knocked, hoping that she was in. A voice called out "Come in, it's open." so I stepped inside.

The Mayor was a women, with gray fur, which I took to meant she was old. She had glasses on as well, and her eyes opened slightly when she saw me. "I don't suppose you're what they were all screaming about earlier, are you?"

"Yes, I am indeed."

"And, just to be safe, you're not a monster, correct?"

I sighed and muttered "No, I am not a monster. Jesus, why does everyone think that?"

"I didn't mean anything by it, she apologized, "It' just that with how close we live to the forest, and how easily scared most ponies get, they call a lot of things monsters that aren't. And I've travelled a fair amount, and never seen anything like you, so I had to be sure."

"Makes sense, I said nodding my head, "after all, who knows? Maybe one day their screaming might actually be useful." I said with a little bit of sarcasm in my voice, which she clearly picked up on.

"Well, yes they are easily scared I'll admit, but having never seen you before I was a little scared too. And I knew you were here, though maybe knowing your history here hadn't helped either.."

I coughed, a little embarrassed that that was her first impression of me. "I promise you, I'm not usually like that. It was just a little bit of a stressful time for me."

"I shall take your word for it. However, I was just about to go calm them down so I could attend my next meeting, so if there wasn't anything further...?"

"No, I just wanted to let you know I was ok, and introduce myself. I'm Connor Sheffield." I said, reaching my hand out again.

She took and said "I'm Mayor Mare, and welcome to Ponyville."