Perspectives

*knock* *knock*

I pull myself out of bed tiredly and drag my body towards the door. I open it to find Starlet at the door, she has this really wide grin on her face. I don't think it's right that some people get to be morning people, it's unfair. I groan and hit my head against the doorframe in an attempt to wake up more, it doesn't work as well as I thought it would. I would have just slapped my face, but I managed to restrain myself. I'm not sure how that would turn out, what with me having claws.

"Hey, Mike! Hurry up and get ready! I have a lot to teach you today!" I pause, Starlet is acting really hyper for some reason. Did she have caffeine or something?

"What about breakfast?" I ask.

"Well, let's go to the board and see if theres anything we can do for a couple of bits! But, we have absolutely no money right now," I groan at that, but concede on the point.

"Okay, I'll meet you at the front door," I tell her, she nods and hops off. Literally. How can she have that much energy without any food? I get dressed, my stomach grumbling occasionally. Once I'm convinced that I look decent, I head out of the building. I find Starlet sitting patiently by the door. "Okay, lets go look at that board..." Starlet nearly jumps out of her skin. She jumps away from me about three feet, panting heavily.

"Oh, you startled me..." She starts trying to regulate her breathing, did I give her a panic attack or something? She starts to shakily get up and she is downright shivering as she walks over to me, she looks terrified. Why is she acting so odd this morning? She takes a deep breath and attempts to look me in the eye calmly, she fails. Horribly. "L-lets go," she stutters, moving stiffly in the direction of the town hall. She avoids my gaze and spends the majority of her time staring at her hooves or the ground in front of her. After a couple tense moments of unbearable silence between us, I speak up.

"So, you said you had a lot to teach me?" I venture. I watch as she jumps slightly and takes a couple seconds to calm back down.

"T-teach. Right." She looks around her at the ponies in the streets. "W-well first of all, Equestria is ruled by the two immortal alicorn princesses known as Celestia and Luna. Cadence is an alicorn and rules over the crystal empire, which I think is like a sub country... I don't know if Cadence is immortal as well, but I don't think so... sorry, I need to look more into some things myself, sorry... s-so, Celestia and Luna raise the sun and moon respectively and also deal with the responsibilities of ruling a land." She starts out, getting a little more comfortable after a while of talking, but still not all that confident.

"Twilight Sparkle is the princesses personal protege and her talent is magic, she's a naturally gifted unicorn. Though, I'm sure you know some of the mane six by now... and the ones you don't,  I'm sure you will find out soon enough." She tells me, still shaking a little.

"Are there any strange ponies in Ponyville? Any I should be wary of?" I ask.

"Well, Lyra's got a thing for humans so don-" she starts.

"She knows abou-" I am cut off by a hoof in my mouth, Starlet is glaring daggers at me.

"Under no circumstances is anypony, especially not her, to ever, and I repeat, ever find out. Kapishe?" I nod and Starlets glare turns back to fright. She lets out a frightened yelp and takes her hoof out of my mouth. "Sorry! I'm so sorry!" What's up with her today?

"So, uh, any other ponies?" I ask.

"Oh, uh... well," she looks around at the ponies around us and her eyes lock onto a certain pony. The pony seems to be flirting with another pony, Starlet turns back to me. "Uh, that's Cloudkicker... you, uh, might want to avoid her. I know you're religious, so you might not like her type of teasing... she's really loose, and sleeps around a lot." I snort at this.

"I didn't think there were pony prostitutes," she stiffens up at this, she turns to me slowly.

"It's not like that," she growls pushing me back against a wall with an accusing hoof.

"You just said she has sex a lot, I think thats exactly what it's like," I counter. Her hoof slams into the ground near my face, I flinch at that.

"Don't pretend to know what it's like! It's not like that at all! There are rules! And morals! She's not just a... a..."her voice lowers as she realizes we were attracting a lot of attention. A pony pulls her off of me and I stand up straight. Starlet's accent had turned southern while she was talking.

"Whoa there, okay, break it up. Now, what's the fighting about?" I look over and see Cloud Kicker, Starlet just grumbles.

"You." I say, I hear Starlet applying a hoof to her face loudly.

"Well, I'm flattered, but-" Cloud Kicker stops talking as a hoof is swiftly applied to her mouth.

"It's not like that Kicker, and you know it." Starlet grumbles to herself a bit more before removing her hoof. Cloud Kicker looks at her thoughtfully.

"You might wanna wash that hoof," she comments. "Even if I do know better, doesn't mean I'm gonna show it. Hey, how'd you know my name?" Cloud Kicker asks.

"Oh, uh... Lyra! Lyra was telling me about her great friend Cloud Kicker," Starlet says, her voice lacking much enthusiasm.

"Really? And you know enough to argue over me?" Cloud Kicker asks. Starlet grumbles, but then she stands up straight and attempts a straighter answer.

"Actually, not knowing you that well is what caused the argument. He thinks you're just a mindless nymphomaniac without... morals..." she seems to stop and think about what she's just revealed she knows, her hoof collides with her face not a second later.

"Aww, and you wanted to defend my honor? Well then, I must give you a reward for being so valiant." Cloud Kicker flutters her eyes sultrily and Starlet takes a step back.

"Yeah... not happening Kicker. I'm ace." She shakes her head and Kicker pauses in her advances. What's an ace?

"Pfft! Everyone's Kicker-sexual!" Cloud Kicker replies. "No one can resist my charm," Kicker says, shooting Starlet a seductive stare.

"I must be the exception and not the rule," Starlet says dryly.

"Must be, but if you ever have the urge... I'll be around" Cloud Kicker motions her hoof in a circle to represent around.

"Will you even have time between all the other ponies you love?" Starlet asks.

"I make time," Cloud Kicker replies with a nonchalant wave of her hoof.

"Okay, well... the original point still stands. I was still trying to change this idiot's mind about how he sees you. Trying to prove you're not just a sex-crazed pegasus without morals." I say.

"Actually... how come you don't think that about me? No, how do you know my life at all?!" Cloud Kicker goes on the offensive and takes a couple steps back, planting herself in a defensive position. Starlet just scoffs at the gesture and returns Cloud Kickers glare with a look of indifference.

"You think there's no mention of the Kicker who saved ponies in Canterlot?" Starlet answers.

"That could have been any Kicker, and even then, it doesn't go into my sex life!" Cloud Kicker challenges, other ponies are starting to gather around us. Pretty soon I'm on the inner ring of a circle, watching Cloud Kicker interrogate Starlet. Starlet's looking a little frustrated, looks like she might be caught here...

"You think Lyra wouldn't mention a thing or two about one of her best buddies? I chatted her up and the conversation turned towards her best bud Cloud Kicker ." Starlet's doing that thing where her southern accent takes a complete u-turn and becomes upper class, it throws Cloud Kicker off for a second.

"Lyra wouldn't just say that much about me! You know more than could come up naturally in a conversation," crap, this can't end badly. "Is it any coincidence that I happened to be walking by when a fight about me should start? A fight I intervene and the new pony starts buttering me up? A fight involving the new pony in town that no one knows? Maybe I will ask Lyra and she'll confirm telling you those things, but she'll probably be brainwashed when I find her!" Cloud Kicker accuses. Everypony gasps as they all seem to figure something out about Starlet. Whatever it was, it can't be good. Starlet's looking around and noticing the accusing glares aimed her way.

"I hardly know regular magic! Much less brainwashing! Twilight can vouch for me!" Starlet retorts.

"So? the perfect disguise, a blank flank unicorn with not much magical talent. Trick everypony into a false sense of security, then hit them when they're not expecting it. And you could've gotten to Twilight too, is that your evil plan? It may have been a good disguise, but it's over now. Changeling." Cloud Kicker declares. What's a changeling? Why do they think Starlet is one?

"Cloud, you're being paranoid. I haven't hurt Lyra or Twilight and I'm not a changeling," Starlet tries to reason.

"The gigs up. Surrender now and I'll kill you quickly," Cloud Kicker threatens. This is quickly turning bad, but there's nothing I can do to help.

~~~~~~~

"I will not die today, Cloud Kicker," I reply resolutely.

"So be it," Cloud Kicker lunges at me, thankfully, I know my skills. As the creative side, I have an eye for detail. As such, I'm able to dodge most of the attack. But I'm also at a terrible disadvantage, Cloud Kicker has military training. She knows krav pega and I can hardly fight, this leaves one option if I want to live. Fighting dirty.

I feel that urge rising inside me, but I try to suppress it as best as I can. It doesn't change the fact that it's there, and looking around I see items I could use to kill in a variety of ways. I ignore the thoughts and fall back away from Cloud Kicker. I'm taking a lot of hits, but I manage to keep my vital parts in tact. Cloud Kicker lunges for a decisive blow and in a fit of fear I grab a rock and swing.

*thud*

The rock connects and Cloud Kicker lands on the floor. For a split second I think she's dead, then she groans and coughs before struggling to get up. I sigh, only to be cut off as I hear a scream behind me and see somepony running at me with a knife. I panic and as he reaches me, I turn the knife on him with dexterity I didn't think I possessed. Everything freezes as he stares at me in shock and looks down to find a knife embedded in his chest right where his heart should be. The crowd is deathly silent as the stallion falls to the ground unmoving, then I feel a tingling in my hooves. The sensation is wonderful, and horrible at the same time. The feeling it gives me, the feel of killing. I look at the body and feel no remorse, only satisfaction.

Then I feel something else, a hoof collides with my head and I stagger back. Then another hoof, and another. I fall to the floor as Cloud Kicker towers over me. Cloud Kickers back up and I can't evade her attacks now, so I buck her weakly in the one place I can think. Right in the baby-maker. Even if it was a fairly weak kick, it's enough to give me the pause I was looking for. I can't run away, she'll catch me. I can't hide, the law will come after me. I can't fight, I'll lose. I'm in a corner and there's no way out. I stagger to my hooves. My head a fuzzy blur. Between the thrill of bloodlust and the head injuries, I can't think straight. I look over at the stallion, dead at my hooves. Then I look at Cloud Kicker, already recovering.

My magic weakly grabs hold of the knife and I brandish it, the cutlery shaking in my weak magical grip. Cloud Kicker snorts at me and is about to go after me when a figure steps in between us, it's Lyra.

"What are you doing, Cloud Kicker?!" Lyra yells.

"I'm killing the changeling!" Cloud yells back, not taking her eyes off of me, "before it can get to anypony else," the circle around us was rather wide, making sure she did not have to worry about them. But she tries to step in front of Lyra and Lyra stops her.

"Starlet is not a changeling! Look at her wounds!" I take a second and look at my own wounds, letting the knife clatter to the floor as my concentration shifts to the pain I'm starting to feel. Cloud Kicker is starting to see where she was wrong, her shoulders and wings sag as the realization hits her. We're both torn away as a quiet voice speaks up, barely loud enough for us to hear.

"He's dead," my head turns slowly to find Mike looking at me in shock. As everypony starts to process this, ponies start screaming. My urge to kill fades to a fear of being caught.

"Scarlet, what have you done?" Starlet asks, I look to her mentally and try to think of an answer. I just shake my head and all the other personalities look at me mentally with various expressions. Sable is having a panic attack and scared out of her wits by me. Joy is considerably less joyful and more shocked at me. Thought is looking at me like I'm a monster, and so is styre. Diz is shocked, but seems to be ignoring me and focusing on the body. Starlet looks like she hasn't quite processed it yet, I ignore them and snap back to reality.

Cloud Kicker took the initiative and is trying to calm everyone down while authorities arrive. I gulp, looks like I'm in deep trouble. Trouble I can't lie my way out of.

~~~~~~~

I wait in the police waiting room, I don't have a real reason to. Actually, no, I do. I'm waiting for Cloud Kicker, no doubt she's feeling a little shaken up by this. The officers have already dealt with me, I'm free to go, charge free. The kill was labeled as self defense, as well as brandishing a deadly weapon and fighting Cloud Kicker. Cloud Kicker would have more fines, but I finally convinced them I didn't want to press charges.

The stallion I killed had a sister who came in. In between sobs she explained how her brother, Seasalt was his name, carried the knife with him ever since the changeling invasion. Him thinking I was a changeling, he reacted violently. She wasn't mad at me, or, at least, she says she isn't. I can still tell she blames me partially, I don't blame her. I liked it, no one knows, but I liked killing him. I can't deny that now, I like killing. But, it's obvious Starlet and the other personalities don't feel the same way.

Lyra is waiting for me outside. She doesn't want me to see what she has to say to Cloud Kicker, but she wants to make sure I'm alright first. Physically, I'm ok. Some nurses and doctors came in to stitch us up. Cloud Kicker was mostly fine, aside from a nasty cut I gave her with that rock. I was in a much worse condition, but not so bad I had to be hospitalized. I'm supposed to take it easy, but I probably won't take it as easy as they'd like.

Cloud Kicker gets up and I intercept her, she looks at me guiltily. Neither one of us say anything for a while, until I speak up. "I'm sorry," I offer, Cloud Kicker looks at me in shock.

"No, I'm sorry! You didn't do anything. I was being reckless and I hurt you in the process!" Cloud Kicker responds.

"Yeah, but I forgive you." I reply.

"I don't, I got a pony killed..." I flinch at that, theres nothing I can say that would make her believe otherwise. When she gets to believing something, it's hard to tell her otherwise. Especially when there's lots of truth laced into her belief. But even if I can't I gotta try.

"Cloud Kicker, it wasn't you. It was me, it's not like you wanted to kill anypony," I try to comfort her.

"I wanted to kill you," she points out.

"Yeah, you did. But you didn't, and even if you meant to... I forgive you." I respond.

"Why didn't you press charges?" She asks, in hindsight it might have been a good idea.

"Well I don't have any bits, but I don't need yours. You were just trying to protect everypony. You're intentions were good, if a little mislead." I assure her.

"But, I hurt you! Bad." Cloud Kicker exclaims.

"Eh, it's not that bad," it's doesn't hurt too much... just, a lot.

"The docs said you'll have to take it easy, is your job physical at all? Because if it is, then you won't be able to work for a while, meaning I just cost you some money," Cloud Kicker points out, I stop to think about this.

"Well, I don't have a job, or bits... but I'm sure I could find something on the board not involving hard labor... I gotta, or else I'll just have to go without food or shelter for a while." I attempt a jovial smile, but Cloud Kicker is looking at me in shock. Her face turns to one of guilt and horror.

"Noponies going to starve on the streets on my watch! I'll give you bits, you may not want to press charges, but I owe you much more." Cloud Kicker insists.

"Well... it would help a lot. Thanks, friend." The title doesn't go by her.

"Oh no, I couldn't be your friend. Friends don't hurt each other," Cloud Kicker reasons.

"That's not true, think about Rainbow Dash..." Cloud Kickers eyes widen, "and her friends." I finish, making her calm down a little more. I shouldn't reveal anything I can't cover up, but I can still make her think about it by saying the right things. After all, I'm creative and good with details. "How many times has somepony you love hurt you, or maybe you hurt them? There may have been ponies you intended to hurt because of a misunderstanding, but don't you still love them? Especially after you realized you were wrong?" Cloud Kicker shows an obvious reaction to my words. Considering her past, I'd be surprised if she didn't

"Love is all about pain Cloud Kicker, we just have to decide who we want to suffer for. I'm willing to suffer a little to be your friend, we can call our scuffle a bonding experience. How about you?" I offer her my hoof.

"I'll have to remember that... yeah, I think I'd like to be your friend." Cloud Kicker lightens up a little. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised you'd want to be near me, even asexuals fall for a Kickers irresistible charm." Cloud Kicker jokes, sidling up beside me. I giggle and roll my eyes at her reaction.

"Yeah, that's it." We walk out of the station, Cloud still pressed against my side lightly. She's taking care to be gentle, and avoiding big wounds. I may have not had to be bandaged up much, but I've still got bruises everywhere. I wince as I step and my right forehoof sends pain shooting through my leg, apparently I'm pretty sore too. Lyra notices us and Cloud Kicker leans away from me and avoids Lyra's gaze, she rubs the back of her head. Cloud Kicker flinches and removes her hoof from the bandage on the side of her head.

We walk over to Lyra and she stands up, she turns to Cloud Kicker. She doesn't say anything for a long time, then she smacks her upside the head. "I'll talk with you later." She threatens. She turns to me and instantly starts fussing over my wounds, making sure I'm okay.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Just a little sore," Lyra stops fussing over me and I find myself on the receiving end of a hug. It would've been nice if not for the fact that I'm still hurting. "Still sore," I hiss, wincing at the pain.

"Oops, sorry. I was just worried for ya, didn't like seeing my new friend all battered." Lyra offers sheepishly, I smile at the title.

"Well... I'm fine, the docs just say I should take it easy... so, no work for me today. How about I hang with my two friends. Actually, speaking of friends, where is Mike?" I ask.

"He went on without you, he looked like he was pretty shaken up by what happened and just needed some time to think," I sigh and nod at Lyras response. It was about what I'd expected.

"So, hows about it? You wanna go hang?" I ask my two newest friends.

"Yeah... let me just have a word with cloud. It might be a while," Lyra says.

"Take your time," I sit down and watch as Lyra and cloud head back inside the building. It's not long before I jump from a ponies voice.

"You," I turn and find Pinkie Pie, "I wanna talk to you."

"Well, you are, so... congratulations?" I throw my hooves up in mock joy and she pauses.

"Oh, I guess we are talking, silly me!" Pinkie does a total 180 and she's back to a calculating stare. She seems to be looking for something, but whatever it is... I don't think she found it. She growls and kicks a hoof before finally speaking up, "I know your secret. And I don't think we're all that different. I'll see ya around." And with that, Pinkie Pie is off. After a while she starts bouncing as her usual self again. A chill goes up my spine at her words, what could she have meant? Did she notice how I like killing? Does Pinkie Pie make those types of cupcakes? Whatever it is, it sounded ominous and I don't like it.

"Okay, I get it..." I turn around and find Cloud Kicker walking my way wih Lyra right behind her. I smile as a devious idea comes into my mind, why not have a little fun with them?

"Wow, you two are already back? I thought you had more stamina than that Lyra," Lyras brain finally catches up to what I'm saying after a while and she attempts a response, but Cloud Kicker cuts her off before she can get anywhere.

"I tend to have that affect on ponies," Cloud Kicker buffs her hoof on her chest and looks at it idly, Lyra glares at her.

"We didn't do it," Lyra says pointedly.

"Well now that's just unbelievable, did you show her the thing?" I ask Cloud Kicker, putting extra emphasis on the thing. Cloud Kicker catches on and joins in.

"Oh, that thing? No, I didn't show her yet," Cloud Kicker teases.

"What thing? What didn't you show me?" Lyra asks.

"Oh, nothing. I'm sure Cloud Kicker will show you eventually," In truth, there is no thing. But I'm not gonna let her know that, and neither is Cloud Kicker. At least, not yet. "I'm just surprised you didn't have make-up sex, I think you're losing your touch Cloud Kicker." I joke.

"Nah, we just came back out to see if you want to join in." Cloud Kicker jokes, earning her a bump on her head.

"I think I'll pass," Lyra shoots me a look.

"Oh well, it was worth a shot, c'mon Lyra," Cloud Kicker starts walking back in, only to receive another bump from Lyras hoof.

"We're not banging," Lyra replies.

"Of course not, but I have an image to maintain. If people start thinking I work out my problems diplomatically, it'll be that much harder to solve them with banging later," Cloud Kicker reasons.

"You're incorrigible," Lyra scoffs.

"It's one of those traits that makes me so darned endearing. That, and my irresistible charm." Cloud Kicker says, snuggling up into Lyras side teasingly.

"Uh huh, sure it is," Lyra says sarcastically before turning to me, "You seem to be adapting to Cloud Kicker rather well. Better than some ponies at least," Cloud Kickers ear flicks and she turns her head to me. She doesn't have a glare or anything, it's just a puzzling look. Like she knows somethings strange, but she can't quite figure out why. "So, where to first?" Lyra asks.

"I dunno,  I'm still not that knowleadgeable on the town. Where do you want to go?" I ask.

"I'm pretty hungry, haven't had anythinv since early this morning." Cloud Kicker says, stretching her wings. I look up and find the sun about midsky, meaning it's about noon. Meaning, it's lunch time and I haven't had anyhing to eat. My stomach lets out a low growl and I blush a little as the two look over to me.

"Food sounds good," I add, Lyra nods and looks around.

"How about Sugarcube Corner? It's not exactly a healthy lunch... but I could go for some baked goods. Bonbons good at candy, but sometimes I just want some cake." Lyra suggests.

"Yeah, sounds good," Cloud Kicker agrees, I just nod. A thought pops into my head, I wait awhile before asking it.

"I heard Rainbow and Pinkie were an item, is that true?" I ask.

"Nah, they had a thing a while back, but they nixed it on good terms. They're just good friends now. Apparantly the boss had her eyes on Applejack, they've got a good thing going now." Cloud Kicker answers, this is cause for a pause. I think about it, but then decide it doesn't matter too much. Rainbow and AJ being together is just a small change, but I also have to wonder what else is different.

"Right... what about you Cloud, got any special someponies?" I ask.

"Yeah, but it's open, so I can still spread the Cloud Kicker love." Cloud kickers ear flicks once more and she looks over at me with that same puzzled look, but she doesn't say anything.

"That's cool," I offer nonchalantly, Cloud Kicker just nods and turns back to the road.

"We will have words later," a voice growls. I look around, only to recognize Styres voice in my head.

"I was wondering what happened to you all, you were being oddly quiet." I think to her.

"We were doing damage control in here, after what you did. It really messed some of them up," Styre explains aggressively in that southern accent that contrasts my high society tone.

"It's hardly my fault, it was self defense," I brush off her comments.

"Like hell it isn't your fault! You killed him, the only reason I'm not gonna grind into you now is because you need to stay focused. Stia was saying we shouldn't switch control so much, so you're in control for the time being. We'll talk more about everything later," Styre growls before she leaves me alone, I let out a sigh. Lyra notices.

"You ok Starlet?" She asks.

"Yeah, just thinking about some things," I lie. I guess it wasn't that much of a lie, I am thinking about some things.

"It wasn't your fault," Lyra soothes, I was going to ask her what she is talking about until I remember the stallion I killed. It's not exactly what I'm thinking about, but it's close enough.

"It kinda is, I gave reason for Cloud Kicker to attack me. Which, in turn, made everypony think I was a changeling. Thus giving the changeling weary pony a reason to attack. It may not have been only my fault, or even mostly my fault, but it's still a little my fault." I reason.

"What did you do to make Cloud Kicker think you were a changeling?" Lyra asks gently.

The same thing that keeps on earning me weird looks from her, is what I wanna say. Instead I say, "I may have made a couple comments about things she didn't think I knew. After what happened with her..." I caught myself before I said mother, "and the mother of all invasions by the changelings. I imagine she'd be pretty cautious about that sort of thing," I still put emphasis on mother to drive the point in. By now, I'm positive Cloud Kicker knows somethings up. She notices the stress I put in the word, but she decides to say nothing. No doubt we'll be having a word later.

"And how did you know them?" Lyra asks curiously.

"Well, you told me some of it, and this town talks." I motion out and Lyra nods understandingly. Cloud Kicker is still eyeing me, I just ignore it.

"Jeez, Cloud Kicker. You thought she was a changeling just because she talked about you?" Lyra scoffs.

"Yeah," Cloud Kicker answers absently, she's focused on me. She has that same puzzled look, like she still can't quite figure me out. We make it to Sugarcube corner and walk up to the counter, Pinkie Pie greets us excitedly. Cloud Kicker orders me a muffin, a bagel, and a pretzel. When wenget the food I shoot her a grin.

"You sure you don't know me better?" I joke before idly taking a bite of the muffin. True to her word, Lyra ordered a piece of cake. Cloud Kicker ordered a muffin too, but she also has a toasted sandwich. We all dig in, but I get this eerie feeling of being watched. I look over my shoulder at Pinkie and feel her giving me a calculating stare, our eyes meet and she smiles creepily. I shudder and turn back to the meal, Cloud Kicker and Lyra are talking about something or other. I still have this feeling of being watched, and I probably am being watched.

We finish and Pinkie rushes us out, "Sorry! But we have to close early, I've got somethin that needs taking care of!" We all just agree not to question it, it's just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.

~~~~~~~

I wipe my forehead with my right claw and look out at the garden I just weeded. It might be menial labor, but bits are bits. And we do need bits. I'm just wondering where the other half of my we is, even if I'm not entirely sure I want her here. She killed another being, that's not something I can just overlook. Sure, it was self defense, but that doesn't change the fact that she has blood on her hooves. And all of this happened from her defending that lecher that tried to kill her, all because they thought she was a changeling. Whatever a changeling is.

I collect my pay and add it to my steadily growing pile of bits, I head back into town. I've got enough bits for the essentials for now, I can do more work tomorrow. Maybe even get a real job and get a steady income. It's nice doing small tasks, but we can only do small tasks for so long. I don't like the idea of an extended stay, but we should prepare for one anyways.

Now that I've got some time, and Starlet's off doing god knows what, I should learn a little more about this world. Starlet seemed pretty adamant about having me know the way things work, so I change my destination to the library. I arrive at the library and just about have a heart attack at the dragon that opens the door, it takes me a while to get a hold on my bearings.

"Let me guess, you've never seen a dragon before?" I just shake my head and he chuckles.

"Lots of new ponies are pretty surprised when they see me too. Can you believe one thought I was gonna eat her, it took an hour and a half for Twilight to convince her I wasn't dangerous." He chuckles some more and I just puzzle over the oddity before me.

"Can you breath fire?" I ask him.

"Yep!" He gives me a demonstration and I clap, honestly impressed. "Thank you, thank you," he bows and opens the door more to let me in. "So, what did you need?" He asks.

"Umm... what books do you have on griffons?" I ask.

"Griffons? We got a couple, let me fetch them for you," he goes to fetch the books.

"Hey, I never caught your name." I tell him.

"Oh, it's Spike! Nice to finally meet you Mike," Spike says.

"You know my name?" I respond in shock.

"Yeah, you are the only griffon in town. That, and something about your friend sent Twilight into a fit last night. Something about a schedule." Spike waves it off and gives me a stack of books. I thank him and start reading.

After a while of reading, another set of ponies walks in.

"Oh, you're here Mike," I turn as I hear Starlets voice. She's with three other ponies, one I recognize as Cloud kicker. The pony that fought with Starlet. I also vaguely recognize the pony we asked directions from yesterday. The third pony I recognize as one of the mane six, but I don't actually know who it is. Starlet is covered in bandages and seems to have a limp, I wince in sympathy at the sight.

"Yeah, I'm here." I respond.

"Oh, did you already go to the board and stuff? Sorry I couldn't work with you I-" she starts.

"You don't have to explain yourself to me. You do your ting and I'll do mine," I tell her, she nods hesitantly.

"Well, I must say that Pinkie sure has been acting weirdly." The third pony says.

"You can say that again Twilight. She had rushed us out earlier, said she was working on some project," the other pony I don't know says.

"Project? She asked if I had any... Nitrogen Triiodide? Yeah, that stuff, she asked for it yesterday." I tell them.

"Nitrogen Triiodide?" Cloud Kicker asks in confusion.

"Wait... isn't that...?" Twilight starts.

"A highly sensitive explosive?!" Starlet finishes, she and Twilight share a look before rushing out. I just stay there with the two other ponies and we all share a look.

"Starlet's an egghead?" Cloud Kicker asks, he other pony just laughs at the question.

~~~~~~~

"Pinkie!" I exclaim becore bursting into sugarcube corner and marching in, Twilights not far behind.

"Stop!" Pinkie exclaims, I'm already almost halfway across the room. Twilights at the entrance to the room, she hasn't set a hoof in the door yet. "I've filled this room with tiny explosives," Pinkie says.

"Why have you done that?" I ask her.

"umm... why did we do this again? Oh, right! To catch the spy!" I can hear Twilights facehoof from behind me.

"Right, so if I-" I place a hoof down and pull it back as pain shoots through my hoof from the resulting explosion. "This room is filled with explosives, why?" I ask as I nurse my hoof.

"To stop her!" Pinkie declares.

"Stop who?" I ask.

"The spy!" Pinkie insists.

"What spy?" I push.

"The one that's been doing spy things!" Pinkie responds.

"You're mad," I set off another explosion as I try to place my hoof down. "Ow..." I nurse the hoof again.

"She saved me from a falling pot!" Pinkie insists.

"That's a good thing, wait..." I stop as I realize something, she thinks I'm a spy?

"But she did it by using her spy knowledge!" Pinkie insists.

"Would you rather be hit by the pot?" I ask.

"Maybe," she mumbles.

"Really?" I ask.

"I was raised on a rock farm, I've dealt with worse," Pinkie waves a hoof at me.

"Okay, well I'm gonna go." I try to turn around, but only cause more explosions.

"I'm actually surprised you made it this far in," Pinkie says.

"Well why aren't you getting hurt?" I challenge.

"Trial and error. Mostly error." Pinkie shows me her blackened and bloody hooves.

"Pinkie, I saved you from the flower pot." I deadpan.

"Oh yeah... well, now I've got you!" Pinkie exclaims.

"I'm not a spy. And even if I were, how would you get to me?" I ask.

"Well, I'll clean this up!" Pinkie says.

"And then I can run. Besides what would you clean it up with?" I ask.

"The broom!" Pinkie cheers.

"Wait do you mean this broom sitting on the wall in the hallway?" Twilight asks, Pinkie frowns and nods.

"I feel kinda stupid now..." Pinkie admits, "this was all really expensive..." I try to step forward to reassure her, only to be reminded of the explosive floor. My wounds are slowly increasing.

"Pinkie, I'm pretty sure a broom wouldn't work in cleaning this up." Twilight says. I look at this around me and I get an idea.

"Twilight? Do you remember the cloud walking spell?" I ask her.

"Yes, why?" She answers.

"How exactly does it work?" I ask her.

"Well, it enchants the body to give it a sort of lift, thus lightening the pony. It also makes so clouds condense around the body enough so they don't fall through," Twilight explains.

"Would that work here?" I ask, she looks around and a look of realization crosses her face.

"Maybe, I'll try," She flares her horn and I prepare myself for the magic. I feel the spell engulf me and then dissipate. I look around and tentatively place my hoof down, there is no explosion. I sigh and start to walk around the room. I stomp a hoof to test and am greeted by an explosion, sending more pain shooting through my hoof. Okay, no stomping. Twilight is dealing with Pinkie, so I start to figure out how to clean the stuff. Twilight eventually cleans it with her magic, But it takes a while.

"Pinkie, I'm not a spy." I assure her. Pinkie shoots me that same calculating stare as before.

"Then how did you know Twilight has used the cloud walking spell before?" Pinkie accuses.

"I'd be surprised if she hadn't," I respond.

"And how do you know about it?" Dang, she's got me there. Thankfully, Twilight bails me out before too long.

"Pinkie stop it! Can't you see she's had a rough time already? And now she's hurt herself even more trying to help you!" Twilight tells her, Pinkie looks at Twilight dejectedly. I look at myself and find that the explosions did a lot more than I thought. The other two are too busy arguing to notice, but I look at the blood pooling beneath my feet. That's a lot of blood, shouldn't that be bad for me?

"Hey, girls? I think we have a problem..." I trail off as I try to find where all the blood is coming from. My body is going numb, but I notice that my hooves are bleeding and it looks like the explosions reopened some of my stitches from the fight earlier. I look up just in time to see the other two look over to me and see their eyes widen before I feel myself falling. I don't remember hitting the floor because everything was black, but I do remember somepony yelling.

~~~~~~~

I wake up to the sound of steady beeping. I attempted to open my eyes, only to close them from the massive headache the blinding white light is giving me. I groan and I hear a shuffling of hooves towards me. I open up my eyes, this time prepared for the brightness. I look around and find out that I'm in a hospital. I groan again and facehoof as I realize this.

"Hey Starlet, you ok?" I look around the room and see who all is here. Mike, Cloud Kicker, Lyra, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie are all here, and they're all looking at me hopefully. I smack my dry lips and find a glass of water floated to me, I take it graciously.

"I dunno, I think I'm fine. What did the docs say?" I ask them, putting down the empty glass of water.

"They say you're fine, just had some blood loss. They already healed you up, mostly. There's still a couple less severe wounds and you'll be pretty sore for a while. They say you should take it easy for the next couple of days after you get out of the hospital, which should be sometime tomorrow if all goes well.

"No, that can't do, I've gotta work to earn bits and stay alive," I insist.

"Starlet don't worry about it, I've got you covered for the next couple of days," Cloud Kicker insists.

"No, I can't take your money Cloud Kicker," I tell her, waving a hoof.

"You're not taking it, I'm giving it to you. Besides, it's not just my money," Cloud Kicker explains.

"We pooled our bits a little to help you and Mike. We gave it to Cloud Kicker because she was so adamant about making sure you're well," Twilight explains, looking at the clock. "I hate to just leave, but I am very busy. So, sorry about that. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask. Also, be sure to tell me when you're feeling all better and I can set up our lessons," Twilight adds, backing towards the door as she speaks.

"Alright, Twilight, thanks for everything," Twilight nods and dashes away.

"I've gotta go help Twilight too," Pinkie trots towards the door, but she stops before she leaves and turns around. "Thanks a lot Starlet," Pinkie says before walking out the door. She seemed really... distant. Like she was a different mare.

"I wish there was more I could do, but visiting hours are almost up." Lyra says.

"And only one of us can stay... Cloud Kicker already coaxed us into letting her be the one to stay with you. You get better Starlet," Mike says. Sure enough, a doctor walks in and tells us visiting hours are over. The other two ponies leave, leaving me and Cloud Kicker alone. We don't speak for the longest time, then Cloud Kicker breaks the silence.

"How do you feel?" She asks.

"I've felt better. I'm pretty sore and my hooves ache, but aside from that I'm pretty good," I respond.

"That's good..." we both go quiet. "What do you know?" Cloud Kicker finally asks.

"Honestly? not that much. Just some things about certain ponies," I admit.

"And I don't suppose you're gonna tell me how or why?" Cloud Kicker asks. She doesn't really ask, it's more of a statement, because she knows the answer.

"Nope, sorry. But I can assure you that I have only good intentions, I'm not a danger," I tell her.

"I know. I have known. I can see that, especially when you hurt yourself trying to help Pinkie," Cloud Kicker sighs and slumps down. "It's not like I'm one to talk, I wouldn't tell even the ponies closest to me about flight camp..." she mumbles.

"And you still haven't told a lot of ponies? Have you?" It's more of a statement than a question. Cloud Kicker looks at me in surprise, then she just nods. "We all have secrets that we don't want others to know, this just happens to me. But how about this... if I'm on my deathbed, I'll tell you as much as I can. Right now, the best I can do is assure you that my intentions are purely good. Do you trust me?" I ask her hopefully. She takes a couple of seconds to indulge this and then she hesitantly nods.

"I think I can trust you," Cloud Kicker smiles weakly. I sigh and lean back into the pillow. "Get some rest, if you need anything I'm right here." Cloud Kicker says. My stomach lets out a loud growl and I look at the wall clock.

"Some food would be nice please." I say, Cloud Kicker chuckles.

"Sure thing," she leaves to go get me some food. I let my mind wander while I wait. A stray thought comes to me, things are going well.