What Path to Choose

One month…one Long month had passed since Drako’s first day in Ponyville. Princess Luna had finally been moved into her new house just on the outskirts of Ponyville about a mile or so away from Twilight's. She would report every day to see the purple Unicorn and start her lesson’s on friendship. Drako was in charge of keeping her safe during the day. But this was a much easier job than it had seemed before. He would put on a uniform that made him stand out as a royal guard, but unlike the normal armor worn by Celestia’s Guards he only had on a small vest with a badge.

The vest was made by the unicorn Rarity who he had met the night Celestia told him he was going to marry the Moon Princess. He still refused to accept the Request but he knew Celestia wouldn’t back down. Luna also seemed to agree with Drako. She thought he was a really handsome pony and had even said she had a thing for Stallions with scars like his but she didn’t really want to get married.

He had found he did like the Moon Princess. She was nothing like her royal sister. She laughed all the time and loved to go out and spend her time with her subjects. She also hated being called Princess and would get really stern with whoever kept calling her Princess Luna. “My name is Luna and that is all you should need to say.” She would tell them

Ever time this happened he couldn’t help but laugh. But it was one of the few times he laughed now days. He was now living with Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. She had invited him to move in a few days after he returned. From what he could tell she seemed to have forgiven him and same went for Scoot. But he knew deep down that something was bothering her. He was sure he knew, part was what Celestia had said about him having the summer to work out his stuff before he had to marry Luna. The other part was no matter how hard he tired to deny it he still had feelings for Derpy too.

This was the main reason he had been in such a bad mood as of late. He first realized how he felt when he caught sight of her with Dr. Whooves. He still hadn’t been able to meet with the new pony in Derpy’s life but that was mostly due to the fact that he was avoiding him. He wasn’t sure why until Derpy had told him that Dr. Whooves, was the jealous type and he was avoiding a conflict for Derpy’s sake.

It hurt him every time he saw her with him but at the same time it wasn’t like he didn’t feel any less love for Rainbow Dash. He felt the same for her as he did for Derpy and that was confusing him. The two of them were part of his past and both had been his best friends. He had now made love to the both of them the only two mares in his life he had ever spent a special time with like this. While he tried to think about what he should do about this he also had Scootaloo on his mind.

She was growing up and he had missed out on so much of it over the past four years. It was amazing how much they change he realized in just a short amount of time. She had grown up into a wonderful young mare with a lot of potential. She was smart as a whip even if she didn’t think so herself. Now she was dating her friend Sweetie Belle openly. That he thought took a lot of guts in a town that only had one or two mare couples. But so far no one seemed to mind. Well no one but two of the fillies that they knew Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon he thought their names were. The two made fun of them at every opportunity even in front of Drako when he was with the two love birds.

But as ever Scoot didn’t let it bother her. She would smile wave and kiss Sweetie’s cheek before walking off with her. Drako was proud of her at times like this. She knew who she wanted to be with and made sure to let everyone know. Even when she went over with Drako to talk with Rarity about it. He laughed at the memory from three weeks ago.

“Are you sure you’re ok with this Loo.” He had asked her

“I have to do this or I will never be good enough for Belle. She is who I want to be with and I don’t want to be in a hidden relationship until we are older and Sweetie Belle can do what she wishes without a problem.” Said Scoot flying next to him

Her flying had gotten much better over the week and he was impressed with her. He laughed and dove toward the Shop that Rarity Ran “The Carousel Boutique”. The two had landed next to the door and he stood aside so Scoot could knock. She stood in front of the door for a few minutes then finally taking a deep breath she looked at him and said “I’m not so sure I can do this now Big Bro.”

“Sure you can. Come on be brave like me and just do it.”

“Since when have you been brave you cry baby.” She said giggling

“This coming from the filly who still sleeps with a Stuffed Dragon.” He said smiling

“Oh shut up…fine I’ll do it.” She said and she knocked

“COMMMMINNNNG! Came voice of excitement. The door was opened by the white unicorn her beautiful Mane as perfect as when he had seen her the first night. She beamed at them and moved aside “Well Welcome Drako Moon and Scootaloo. What brings you to my shop today? Are you here to see Sweetie Belle Scootaloo? Or are you here for an outfit Drako? Or maybe both?”

“Hello Rarity and no I am only here for Scootaloo she is here to speak with you.”

“Me? Oh heavens whatever for?” Said the dramatic pony

Scoot blushed and looked too scared to Speak so Drako started for her “She is here for a reason that revolves around Romance.”

Before he could say anything else she beamed wider and said quickly “And you want my advice on things I take it or maybe on a cute outfit to impress a Stallion of some kind. Oh dear I’m so glad you came to me and not Rainbow Dash…Do forgive me Mr. Moon but as you may know She isn’t really the most romantic Pony in Equestria.”

At the sound of the chatter Sweetie Belle came running down stairs and seeing Scootaloo she smiled and waved. Rarity took notice of her sister then brought her attention back to her two guests but before she could speak again she was stopped by Scootaloo who speaking quickly said “I need to talk to you about Sweetie Belle Rarity.”

“Why Sweetie Belle I thought this was about you. I didn’t even think she was interested in anyone at the moment. Though she has been acting odd for the past week maybe that was why.”

“Rarity it’s ok Scoot’s just messing around, aren’t you Scoot? Come on lets go play.” Said Sweetie Belle taking hold of Scoot and trying to lead her away blushing just as bad as Scootaloo

Scoot pulled her hoof away and said “No Belle I can’t keep this a secret anymore. She has the right to know.”

“Know about what? You three have me utterly confused and its annoying.” Said Rarity in a huff

Scoot finally blurted out “I’m in love with Sweetie Belle and I want your promotion to date her. I know you aren’t big on Mare couples but I beg you to over look it and let me be with her. I love her dearly and she loves me.”

Rarity was taken aback for a moment by the sudden outburst. She looked over her sister then Scoot. Then finally she smiled and said “I have no idea where this rumor’s of me not liking Mare couples came from. I am great friends with Bon Bon and Lyra, Rainbow Dash…who may not have ever been in a relationship really but still has been with mares…is still my good friend. And that goes for another friend I have but who will remain Nameless. Girls I don’t care who you date as long as you’re both happy…though I do think you two are a bit young but who am I to say no to love.”

“Really sis you mean it?”

“Sweetie Belle I am not one to fool around when it comes to love darling. I’m happy that you're happy that is all that matters to me.” Said the white unicorn to her little sister shifting her gaze over to Scoot “What I do want to know how ever is why you didn’t bring this up to our parents Scootaloo?”

“Your Parents are never in town. Belle lives with you more often that she does at her own home so I figured you were the more important one to talk to.” She had said smiling

A tear of happiness came to Rarity’s eye as she said “Thank you Scootaloo…that means a lot to me…it truly does.”

He smiled thinking back to that day. Drako was now sitting in the park letting the fresh breeze flow over him and run though his mane. It was a nice summer day and also the only one he had off. He didn’t have to worry too much about Luna or well anything on days like this, and he found it rather peaceful.

“Hey Mr. Drako Sir!” came a loud voice

Drako looked up and saw Dinky looking up at him smiling wide. He smiled back down at her and moved off the bench he had been resting on laying himself on the ground now putting himself at eye level with her saying “Well hello there Dinky what brings you to the park today?”

“Mommy was going to have a play day with me but Mr. Whooves ended up taking me instead since mommy had to fill in for some pony at work. Why are you here?”

“I felt like resting. Today’s my day off of work and I figured I could enjoy the park and the Sun.” he said looking around “Where is Dr. Whooves anyway?”

Her wide smile faded a bit. It reminded him a lot like her mother’s when she did something she shouldn’t have…or if she was just confused “Well I don’t like playing with him much, so I ran off to come to the park to see if I could find Scootaloo or her friends to play with.”

“Does Whooves know you’re gone?”

“I’m sure he does by now.” She said, smiling back at him

He put a hoof to his head then sighed “Dinky you can’t just run away from your care taker like that. You probably have him worried sick.”

“So…he’s a meanie.” Said Dinky

He sighed again “Well I guess I can watch over you and help you find him again. You shouldn’t have run off.”

“Do I have to go back to him? Can’t I just stay here and play with you. Or you can take me to Sugarcube Corner and by me something sweet.” She said cutely

He had always had a soft spot for fillies like her. She reminded him of Derpy with a splash of Scootaloo with the way she could get him to do whatever she wanted. “Well I guess it’s ok to let him worry a little he should have kept a better eye on you. Let me get you a snack; come on.”

She smiled wide then followed him as he made his way back into town. Soon they were at Sugarcube Corner. After ten minutes of trying to tell Pinky Pie that they didn’t want her new Super Duper Yummy Delouses Super Cup Cake and only a Muffin for Dinky the two of them made their way out of the shop and sat under a tree near the shop. She sat next to him eating her Muffin smiling at him as she did.

“You sure like muffins don’t you?”

“It’s mommy’s favorite food and mine too but only the Banana Bread kind.” She said giggling as she took another bite

“Derpy loves them all I think I don’t think she has ever turned down a muffin as long as I have known her.”

“She likes them all she told me. There is no muffin that is bad she always says.” Giggled Dinky

“Yeah that sounds like Derp.” Said Drako

“I think it makes mommy special, well that and her eyes. They are beautiful…I just wish other kids saw that too.” She said

Drako remembered how she used to get teased back in the day. He looked down at her then said “She does have beautiful eyes and I’m glad you can see that too. It makes you special too you know.”

“Really?” asked Dinky looking up at him

He smiled “Yes it does. It means you can see past what is different about a pony and see the beauty that lays behind what makes them different.” He said then he let his smile fade as he said “Dinky can I ask you something?”

“Sure Mr. Drako anything.” She said sweetly

“Why did you say Dr. Whooves is a meanie earlier?”

She stopped eating her muffin then looked away “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Dinky you can tell me anything, I promise I won’t say anything.” He said

She took a moment then looked back at him with sad eyes “Well…I guess I can tell you…he…”

“DINKY DOO HOOVES!” came a loud voice from behind them

The two of them jumped and turned around to see Doctor Whooves walking toward them anger filling every line of his face. He walked right up to Drako and started to talk loudly “Who do you think you are sitting here with my little Dinky.”

“He was only giving me a treat…” she started to say

“I wasn’t talking to you Dinky you’re in enough trouble as it is.”

Drako grew angry at seeing him yell at the little filly and he stood taller getting right back in his face “Hey now you don’t need to yell at her. I’m a friend of her mother’s ok buddy.”

“Oh I see now you have the scar. You’re Luna’s Guard Drako Moon Derp’s Ex Lover from school. You’re the one who ran away a few years ago like a cowered only to come back here to try and get her back. Yeah I know you. First off She’s mine got that Drako, Mine, not yours. And as for Dinky you have no right to be near her without my promotion. She is my child not yours. You had your chance to know her and you blew it so go away before I make you.”

Drako only smiled at that his anger getting the best of him “First off Whooves you have no idea who I am or what happened in my past. Also only I call Derpy Derp got that buddy! I didn’t come back here to steal her away from you if I had you would have lost her a month ago. As for Dinky she isn’t your child she doesn’t even like you. She ran away from you because she doesn’t like you and I took her to get a snack so she wouldn’t be wondering around Ponyville without an adult. You sir are an irresponsible care taking letting a little Filly get out of your sight like you did.

“She could have gotten hurt if I didn’t find her like I did. So I took her back into town and stayed where we could be safe and happy while we waited for her mom to get home. And I can see her when I feel like because her mother knows me and doesn’t mind me being around her. So if I were you I would back off and leave us alone. I’ll take her home when Derp gets back from work.”

Dr. Whooves face was red by this point and he was about to yell back when Dinky got in his way “Dr. Whooves I’ll go home with you just don’t get mad at Drako it wasn’t his fault it was mine.”

He looked down at her and pushed her out of his way “Move it child.”

Before he knew what happened Drako had pinned him to a tree and was inches from his face, holding him off the ground with one hoof “Listen you I don’t know what your problem is but I won’t let anyone, you hear me ANYONE push or hurt a Filly around me ever no matter how angry they are. This is between us not her. Now I think you should go back home before I decide to get really angry.”

The anger in his eyes faded a little and was replaced by fear. For a moment he didn’t move or say anything. Then slowly he looked away and said “Fine I’ll leave but I’m taking Dinky with me she is my responsibility.”

“No she isn’t dear.” Said Derpy who had just landed behind Drako “Drako let him go please.”

He did so and looked back at her “Sorry but he pushed Dinky and I couldn’t let that go.”

“I know I saw you can go now thank you for keeping an eye on Dinky I am sure she had fun with you. But for right now just leave us be so I can talk to Whooves. Can you do that for me?” he looked in her sad eyes and saw pain and sadness in them forcing him to look away. It was a site he never wanted to see in her eyes ever again.

“Yeah I guess I can…I’ll see you later ok Dinky; come visit me any time ok. Friends are always welcome at our home and I’m sure Scoot would love you to visit.” Drako said looking at the little filly bringing a smile to her teary face

“Ok Mr. Drako I had fun today thank you.”

He smiled then walked away but as he passed by Derpy he said quickly not looking at her “If I find out he is doing anything to hurt her or you I’m going to beat him within an inch of his life.”

“It’s none of your concern anymore Drako.”

As he started to walk way he said back “It’s always been my concern and you know it. Like I said I won’t let anyone hurt my friends or a filly if I can help it. See you later Derp.”

As he walked away Dr. Whooves took his chance to yell “This isn’t over I’ll get you back for this Drako.”

He ignored him and made his way toward the large home that was Luna’s Place. He walked inside and sighed as he closed the door. Luna was standing in the hall looking at him a little confused “Drako what brings you over today I thought it was your day off?”

“Sorry Luna but Rainbow is out of town at the moment with Twilight in Canterlot and well I just had a bad day and wanted to talk to someone. Think you have time to listen to an older pony’s problems?”

She smiled at him “I always have time for a friend Drako. As for an old Pony I wouldn’t talk about old when you are around me.”

He laughed then said “Comparing an Alicorn and a normal old pony like myself I don’t think is fare as far as age goes.”

“You got a point there so tell me what is on your mind?” she said making her way into her living room

He followed her and sat down next to her then started to talk. “You see it’s a few things. I’m confused and I don’t know what to do about the rest of them. I just spent the day with the Filly that would have been mine if I didn’t leave Derpy and I had fun. Now I don’t know if the path I am on is the right one.”

She smiled at him then moved toward her living room “Come and sit my friend and tell me everything. From the beginning to the end.”

“Are you sure I won’t bother you with this? I mean you are the princess not just a commoner like me.”

“I won’t mind one bit now come sit and let’s talk.”

He moved toward her and did so then started to speak “You see it all started…”