Chapter 5

“Hey Night wake up.” A voice said as I was shaken from my very peaceful sleep.

“Five more minutes.” I mumbled as I buried my head deeper into my pillow, only for the shaking to continue.

“Come on Night.” The voice said which now I realized was Spike. “You said you would teach me another word today.” Just from the tone of his voice I could guess he was bouncing up and down in excitement.

Sighing at the loss of my sleep I looked over at Spike. “You done with your chores?” I asked. Spike nodded so fast I was worried he’d get whiplash. “Ok let me get showered, dressed, and get some food and then I’ll teach you.”

With a happy shout Spike dashed out of the room. Groggily getting out of bed I made my way towards the bathroom. As I let the warm water wash over me I let my thoughts drift over the past few days. It was a little over two weeks after being introduced to the town and things were going good. The ponies were very accepting; though there was a few times there was some friction between me and some of the mares in town because I didn’t “act like a stallion”. Let me explain, like I said before females are the dominate gender here, that meant things that we human guys did like tell dirty jokes, look at women, and other “guy stuff” the mares did, I’ll tell ya very strange when some of the mares were very girly.

Other then that I have to say staying here has been great. The first week I mostly learned more about Ponyville, and Equestria in general, though with a more hands on approach then the week before, mostly the value of bits and other things like food and stuff. Luckily in my world I traveled around places where haggling was the norm so it wasn’t much different than that, just had to learn the value of things. After that I mostly just helped and hung out with the girls. Though Applejack was always trying to make me take the bits I earned from helping out on the farm. She would even chase me around town sometimes with her lasso. Now that was fun, she would even get Rainbow in on the chase some times. The best part was her face when she thought she caught me but it turned out to be one of my clones. She looks so cute when she’s frustrated. She finally gave up on the bits but I couldn’t help but smile as I remembered what her alternative was.

(Flashback)

I was at the library one day reading a book on the history of Equestria before the princesses when Applejack walked in, looking around before zeroing in on me.

‘Here we go again.’ I thought, discreetly making a clone to switch with in case she had her lasso on her. “Hey Applejack, what’s up?” I called out turning back to my book but still keeping my senses on high alert. “Is it time for another one of our runs? You know if you keep this up ponies will start talking.”

She sent me an annoyed glare but it lacked any real malice. Applejack sighed as she stopped in front of me. “No Night, I’m here to tell ya I won’t pester ya no more ‘bout them bits.”

“Really?” I asked raising an eyebrow, and putting down my book showing she had my full attention.

Aj nodded. “Eeyup as long as you agree to some things.” She said before pointing a hoof at me with a look that said there would be no arguments. “First off whenever ya come over and help you WILL be staying and having dinner with us, you got that? It’s the least we can do.”

“Of course Applejack, but if you wanted to spend more time with me all you had to do was ask.” I said giving her a sly smile.

With a light blush she continued. “And second since you won’t take bits then you’ll take a few apples home and don’t you try ta get outa this. We always have a few bushels that we end up not using and go bad so it won’t hurt none.”

“Well I guess I can’t argue when you put it like that.” I said smiling. “But I have to say from what the girls have said I thought it’d take you longer. From what I heard you’re more stubborn then a mule.” I laughed only for Applejack to smack me with her hat and mumble something about cheeky varmints.

“So, we good sugarcube?” she asked

“Of course sweetheart, never been anything but.”

(End Flashback)

After getting dressed in some dark cargo pants and a white tee-shirt that Rarity was all too happy to make me, something about going were no designer had gone before, and throwing on my jacket I walked downstairs to see Twilight pouring over a book I gave her. Well it was actually a copy of a part of my book about seals and magic runes, things I can’t understand for the life of me but apparently work with unicorn magic. I could think of ideas and ways to use the seals but making them was hard. That and my hand writing sucked. The only thing I ever managed was the basic stuff.

“Morning Twilight, sleep well?” I asked getting a yawn in return. “Or should I ask if you slept at all?” Staying at the library for the past month let me know a few of Twilights quirks like staying up all night studying and freaking out about little things. But all in all she was a great mare.

“Oh shush, I’ll have you know I got a whole six hours of sleep last night thank you very much.” Twilight said sticking her tongue out at me before the two of us broke out in laughter. It took some doing but I’ve been able to get her to loosen up a bit and not take things too seriously. She still goes on study binges but I got her to at least not go twenty-four hours without sleep more than once a week.

“Well that’s good; don’t want one of my favorite mares to get sick because she forgot to sleep.” I said with a smile as I messed up her mane before my hand got swatted away. “So whatcha doin?” I asked looking at the pages upon pages of notes and equations on the table.

“Just looking over the things you gave me, they’re remarkably similar to the rune magic we use to make enchanted items.” Twilight smiled and clapped her front hooves together. “Ooh this is so exciting! I’ve already sent Princess Celestia a report on their potential, and I can’t wait to get started!”

“Well as long as you’re carful and remember my rule.” I said

Twilight nodded “I know you told me a hundred times, if I make a seal use a clone to test it and do it in an open area just in case it’s unstable.”

“Good. Don’t want one of my ohana blowing herself up.” I said walking off to the kitchen. For those of you that don’t know, ohana is a Hawaiian term meaning family. Though in the Hawaiian language it means blood related. But to me the term family means more than that, to me it means those that are precious. I started calling the girls that sometime after the second week and really it just fit. They took me, a literal alien, into their homes and treated me like one of their own. Hell I knew more about them then most of my family back home. As I grabbed a few apples I called out. “Speaking of clones how are they coming along?”

“Good, they can last up to an hour now if I only make one, but they dispel if they get so much as a paper-cut.” She replied

“Don’t beat yourself up about it Sparky.” I said walking back from the kitchen. “Same with when I first started making them, and remember the power I use is denser than you’re magic so you might not be able to make them as sturdy as mine.” That was another thing we found out, the power I use is a lot denser than theirs meaning pound for pound mine is stronger but is less flexible so the finer more complex things like transfiguration are out of my reach for the most part.

“I guess you’re right it’s just so frustrating!” Twilight growled before letting out a sigh and changing the subject. “So you’re teaching Spike another word today?” she asked. Twilight wasn’t really for Spike learning how to fight and the like at first, mostly the fact he was her little brother/son. But I think the switched gender roles came into play as well. Think about it, most parents won’t mind if their son want’s to learn to fight or something like that but if their daughter want’s to learn they will most likely put up at least some resistance. But luckily I got Twilight to agree to it, it helped that dragons are one of the few races that are male dominate.

“Yep, but don’t worry. I’m just showing him the next part of Whirlwind Sprint all it will do is make the shouts effects last a little longer. I promised I wouldn’t teach him anything too dangerous didn’t I?” I replied.

“Yes but I can’t help but worry. Especially if there’s a chance he might get hurt.” Twilight said looking out the window where Spike was doing some stretches I taught him.

“Well Sparky I won’t promise he won’t get hurt but better he get hurt in training then in a real fight.” I said walking towards the door. “Hey how does fish sound for dinner tonight? I was planning on going fishing after I get Spike started.”

“Sounds great, in fact ask around and see if any of the girls want to come over, Vinyl and Octavia too.” She said waving as I walked out the door.

“Sure thing, I’ll check with them before I go.” I called out. As I walked out a few ponies waved to me and I waved back. It still amazed me how accepting these ponies were.

“17…18…19…20!” Spike called out as he finished doing his warm up exercises.

“Good work Spike, now are you ready to learn a new word?” I asked

“Yeah bring it on!” Spike said excitedly.

“Alright Spike I’m going to teach you the next word for the Whirlwind Sprint. Ok just like the first word you focus on the direction you want to go, remember you can only go in a straight line so be careful. Now when using two or more words you do what?” I asked making him remember my past lessons.

“When you use more than one word of a shout you should breathe in on the first word and breathe out on the rest.” Spike replied instantly showing he remembered.

I nodded in approval. “Good now the next word is NAH, it means fury. Try it.”

“NEH” Spike tried

I shook my head. “No it’s NAH with an A. Try it again.”

“NAH” Spike said with more confidence.

“There you go, now try saying them together.” I said with a smile.

“WULD NAH” Spike said though it was kind of rough.

“Good just remember to breathe in the first word and breathe out the rest. Try to imagine and feel the wind pushing and pulling in the direction you want to go don’t fight it just flow with it. Now the only thing to do is practice.” I said before an evil smile spread across my face. “And I know the perfect way to do that.”

Spike looked a little fearful at my smile. “Yea, w-what’s that?”

I placed my hand on his head and gave Spike an over innocent smile. “Now why would I spoil the surprise?” I said before we poofed out of existence only to appear on the outskirts of Ponyville. “Now Spike like I’ve said before the Whirlwind Sprint can be used for fast travel but its main use is to dodge attacks and get in close to strike your opponent.” I said walking away a few yards before turning around. “And I find the best way to learn this is by learning on the job. So Spike ready for you torture session?”

“Um don’t you mean training session?” Spike asked backing away.

“Nope” I replied cheerfully before releasing a hail of foot long ice-spikes.

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After forcing Spike to dodge all manner of sharp, pointy things for an hour or so I let the little guy off the hook.

“Great job Spike you did well for your first time!” I said only to get a groan from the prone form of the young drake. “Though your stamina could use some improvement. I helped Spike up and gave him some water while he rested. Getting an idea I focused my power into my hands, molding it. “Hey Spike you like crystals and gemstones right?”

“Of course, all dragons do. Rubies are my favorite though.” Spike said

“Well try this out and tell me what ya think.” I said holding out a red tinted crystal shaped like an apple complete with an emerald green leaf.

Spike’s eyes went wide. “Wow where’d you get that?” he asked taking the crystal apple and looking it over.

“I made it.” I said creating a crystal shard about the size of hand before letting it shatter into a fine dust.

“Oh man that’s so cool. You know Rarity would love that, you should show her.” Spike said taking a bite out of the crystal apple. “Mmm this is great!”

I smile. “Well I’m glad you like it Spike. I’ll be sure to remember to stock some up for ya.” I said as he enjoyed his little treat. “Speaking of Rarity what’s going on between you two?” I asked making Spike choke.

“W-what do you mean Night? Rarity and I are good friends nothing more.” Spike stammered

“Really Spike?” I deadpanned “I noticed you had a crush on her the first few days I was here.”

“Oh you did, am I really that obvious?” he asked.

I gave him an ‘are you serious’ look. “Spike you have a shirt with Rarity’s face inside a heart on it.”

“Oh um right that.” he said looking sheepish. “But come on how can I not have a crush on her? She beautiful, kind, generous, and smart! I mean sure she can be a little bossy and dramatic, but nopony’s perfect.”

“Well I’m glad you know that and you’re not blindly crushing on her but isn’t she a little old for you? I mean she’s twenty-three and you’re only what? 13?”

“So? Twilight’s mom and dad are almost ten years apart, what’s the difference?” Spike said crossing his arms.

“Spike all I’m saying is don’t get your hopes up, ok? If you were eighteen and she was twenty-nine then I’d say go for it. But the as it stands right now she more than likely only thinks of you as a kid, like Apple Bloom and her friends.” I explained getting a dejected sigh from the little guy. “Look I may be wrong, maybe she will return your feelings I don’t know. But what I do know is if you never ask the answer is always no.”

“So you’re telling me I should tell her how I feel? But what if she rejects me and it ruins our friendship?”

“Well Spike I can’t and won’t tell you what to do, but from my own experience it’s better to know then to always ask yourself what if.”

Spike thought about my words. “You know what Night you’re right!” Spike exclaimed jumping up. “I’m going tell Rarity how much I love her right now!” he said running towards Ponyville only to be levitated off the ground. “Hey what gives?”

“Spike really?” I asked as I levitated him back over to me. “You can’t just run in there and tell her you love her. That only works if we know she loves you back, besides this isn’t some crappy soap opera. Look we’re having everypony over tonight tell her then ok?”

“Fine I guess you’re right.” Spike sighed as I sat him back on the ground.

“Of course I’m right, I’m me.” I said looking so overly smug it was funny which got me a chuckle from Spike. “There we go that’s what I want to hear. Now come on give me five laps around Ponyville using Whirlwind Sprint, then that’s it for the day. If you need me I’ll be fishing for our dinner.”

“Got it Night, see you when you get back!” Spike said giving a small salute then, with a burst of wind, started on his laps.

‘I hope it works out for you tonight Spike.’ I thought as I started back towards Ponyville, flying lazily.

“Hey Night what’s up!” a voice called out from my right.

I looked over to see the grinning face of Rainbow Dash. “Hey Rainbow, doing good; you?”

“Great! Just got done setting up the weather so I’m done for the day. I saw you teaching Spike that dragon shouting thing. He’s getting pretty fast.” Dash said

“What’s wrong Skittles? Afraid he’ll take your place as second best?” I joked receiving a punch to the shoulder.

“Hey we’re tied for first and you know it.” Rainbow said

“Oh but I must disagree with you my dear. I’m ahead by two so that puts me in first.” I said in a snobbish tone and a big toothy grin.

“Watch it Starlight.” Rainbow warned with a smile that promised pain. “Just because you’re in the lead for now doesn’t mean you’re the best. Or should I remind you how I dominate in our aerial spars?”

“All I got to do is use my powers to get you on the ground, and then you’re mine.” I countered.

“Yeah but that’s cheating.”

“Hey if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.” I stated, making us both laugh. “Oh by the way we’re having fish tonight if you want in. I’m going to ask the others too.”

“Cool, you doing that lemon spice thing with the fish again?” She asked liking her lips.

I nodded my head. “Yep but first I gotta go catch ’em.”

“Well get going then! You’re gonna have to get a lot to feed everypony.” She said giving me a push.

I smiled giving her a salute. “Aye aye captain.” I said before angling to land at the library.

“Oh hey Night what are you doing back so soon?” Twilight asked looking up from her notes as I walked through the door.

“I just came back to get Kilala.” I said before continuing in a sing-song voice. “Kilala I’m going fishing.” Faster then you can blink Kilala ran down the stairs and hopped on my shoulder. “Well someone seems excited.” I said scratching Kilala behind the ear making her purr. “Well Twilight see you in a few hours.”

“Oh Night before I forget, Fluttershy and Octavia both stopped by when you were out and they said they would be here for dinner.” Twilight said

“Ok cool, Rainbow is coming so that makes six so far. You need me to pick up anything while I’m out?” I asked

Twilight tapped her chin in thought. “No I don’t think so. But can you ask Applejack if she can bring some cider and Pinkie some cupcakes? That’s if they don’t mind of course.”

“Sure thing, I’ll ask ‘em when I see ‘em. Is Tavs telling Vinyl or do I need to find her?”

“Oh Octavia said Vinyl had to go to Manehattan for a last minute gig for a big client. She won’t be back till late tomorrow night.”

“Well that sucks but I know she’ll do great.” I said pausing as I opened the door. “Um Twilight, are you not opening the library today?” I asked her making her look up in confusion. To which I pointed at the closed sigh hanging on the door.

“Oh, umm that might be why nopony else has been by today, hehe.” Twilight laughed sheepishly. “Could you…” she trailed off motioning to the sign.

I shook my head. “Sure thing Sparky.” I said flipping the sign to open before walking out with Kilala riding on my shoulder.

After stopping by to see each of the girls and asking them about dinner, to which they all agreed to, I found a good spot on the bank and started catching dinner.

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I was sitting there lazily watching the clouds, leaned up against Kilala.

“Don’t you even think about it.” I said sensing Kilala looking at the cooler that the fish were in, getting a whiny growl in response. “No, I gave you two fish already. Any more and there won’t be any for tonight.” Kilala let out a huff.

“Night!” a young voice shouted. I looked up to see three little fillies running towards me.

“What’s up crusaders.” I called back waving at the energetic trio.

“We’re gonna go get our adventure’s cutie marks!” Apple Bloom said

“Yeah like Daring Do!” Scootaloo said jumping up and hovering a little.

I just smiled at how energetic they were. “Well that sounds like fun where y’all goin adventuring?”

Sweetie Belle’s smile turned a little hesitant. “Well we wanted to go into the Everfree Forest.”

“Hold up.” I said rising my hand and cutting her off. “Are you talking about the same Everfree that your sisters said they wound do unspeakable things to me if I ever let go you in there?” I asked only for the three to smile like little angels. ‘It’s a LIE!’ My inner voice yelled too which I had to agree, I could practically see little devil horns holding up their halos.

“Come Night, I go to Zecora’s all the time and she lives in the Everfree.” Apple Bloom said

“Yeah and if you go with us then nothing can hurt us. I mean you’re like tied with Rainbow Dash in being awesome!” Scootaloo added.

“Please Night.” Sweetie Bell said giving me the dreaded puppy dog eyes, which I made the mistake of looking into. I tried to resist I truly did, and I would have succeeded too if the other two hadn’t joined in. Fuck, it was like nuke to the face! So much cuteness!

“Fine I’ll do it, just stop with the face.” I said trying to use my hands to shield me from the megatons of cuteness assaulting my face area.

“Yay!” the crusaders cheered and I swear I heard a metal door clang shut somewhere. I sighed before making a clone.

“Stay here and catch some more fish then take them back to the library.” I told the clone before turning to the girls. “Ok girls you can ride Kilala till we get there, where you will stay with me and do exactly what I say got it.”

“Got it Night!” the three chorused.

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We got to the Everfree and aside from a few stray timber wolves, which I scared off with a healthy dose of fire bolts, there wasn’t any problem.

“Hey come look at this!” Scootaloo called out. As the rest of us came into the clearing to see a big lagoon with a three story tall water fall.

“Hey Night can we go swimming?” Sweetie Bell asked

“Not today Sweetie Belle. We need to be headed back soon, I still have to fix dinner.” I told her before noticing Kilala looking agitated. “What is it girl?” I asked only for her to start growling at the lagoon.

“Come on Night the water feels great.” Scootaloo said splashing a hoof in the water near the bank. I looked over towards her and noticed what I thought was a large tree trunk drifting towards her, before I sensed what it really was.

“SCOOTALOO GET BACK!” I yelled grabbing her with my telekinetic powers and yanking her back just as a giant alligator erupted from the water and chopped down were Scootaloo had been. Creating a clone to catch her I rushed forward and pumped as much power as I could into my fist before knocking the big bastard back into the water.

‘Damn it that hurt!” I thought, clutching my hand in pain. ‘I strengthened my hand as much as I could and still broke two fingers?! Things hide must be harder than steel!’

“Girls get on Kilala and get out of here. I’ll be right behind you.” I told them.

“But Night that thing’s huge!” Sweetie Belle yelled.

“I know, that’s why you three need to get out of here!” I snapped looking back making the mistake of taking my eyes off my opponent. Hearing a roar I looked back just in time rise my shields as a giant tail slammed into me sending me flying though a few trees, where I landed in some flowers.

“At least it wasn’t rocks this time.” I muttered to myself standing back up on shaky legs. Why do trees and the ground have to be so hard? I shook myself out of my daze when I heard a trio of screams. I sprinted back to see the alligator chasing Kilala and the girls and giant did not do this thing justice. It was longer than a school bus and almost as tall, fuck alligator that thing is a dinosaur! I sent a few ice spears at it, only for them to shatter and not even phase the thing. “Hey you walking hand bag over here!” I yelled throwing a fireball at it, the fire didn’t do shit but the blast from the explosion got its attention. It turned towards me with a pissed off look before charging me faster than anything that size had a right to be. I jumped to the side as I tried to think up a plan. All the moves that would get through that things hide were either to destructive with the girls nearby or took too long to charge. There was one thing that I could think of but I had to get really close. “Well here goes nothing.” I said as I dodged another charge before leaping onto the big beasty’s back and headed for its head. Just as I was about to charge up my attack the damn thing starts rolling and thrashing around, making me fly up to avoid being crushed.

‘Damn it this isn’t getting me anywhere.’ I thought as I hovered in the air. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the lagoon and an idea came to me. “That could work.” I muttered. As I started drawing water from the lagoon into the air before sending it down and with pulse of power froze it, trapping giant gator. But not for long as I saw cracks starting to form in the ice. I dived down as I charged a lot of my power into my attack making lightning incase my arm. Right as the gator got its head free I slammed my attack into its head, sinking my arm in all the way up to the elbow before unleashing all the pent up lightning. Making the ice shatter and arcs of electricity erupt from its body. Jumping off the now very dead gator I fell to my knees, exhausted from using so much power so fast.

“Night!” the crusaders cried as they ran up with worried looks.

“Don’t worry girls just tired, give me a minute and I’ll be fine.” I reassured them. After a bit I was feeling better and started looking around the clearing. I swear it looked like a small war zone. Looking back towards the girls I said “Not a word of this to your sisters.” To which they just nodded in agreement. As we walked back through the Everfree I noticed a patch of flowers just like the ones I landed in.

‘Twilight might like these. They look like they might look good in the library; I like the color nice shade of blue. Better not, if I take them back now she might find out I was I the Everfree.’ I thought shaking my head as we continued on our way back.

Author's Note

Hey sorry everyone things have been crazy. Lost a job, got a job, birthdays, writers block, laziness. But I want to think everyone who reviewed and a special thanks to Rainbows_twin_Black_wing! Thanks for the awesome music, really helped me concentrate on writing this. Also Blue Flowers, we all now what that means! Any ideas on what happens to Night in the morning are welcome.