My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic - Fallout Edition

Chapters

Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter I
Chapter IV

Chapter II

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Chapter III

"No. Nope."

Rex continued to look through the apples in his bags while Applejack spoke to me. "Thank you kindly, Ethan, for helping me out. I bet Big Macintosh I could get all these golden delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles."

She giggled while I raised an eyebrow. "You told me he got hurt and needed help collecting apples. You didn't say anything about a bet."

Applejack blushed heavily as she stuttered. "I-I-I mean... uh... Nice weather we're having today, huh? Hehe..."

I sighed heavily. "Applejack, that was a bit mean of you, going against his back to get help. I don't think he got any help himself."

Applejack sighed in response. "Yer right, Ethan, Ah'm sorry. Ah'll tell Big Mac that he don' need t' go down the street."

I nodded in response, then felt my stomach grumble slightly. 'Shit.' I looked at AJ. "Hey, think I could buy one of these apples before you put them away? I'm a bit hungry."

Applejack shook her head in amusement. "Not at all, Ethan. What 'bout you, Rex?"

Rex looked up from the apple that his teeth were sunk into, bit the bit off, and chewed a bit while speaking. "Surr, Ab'll Bay."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Don't speak with your mouth full, Rex." He shrugged and swallowed. I then looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Hey, didn't Celestia say something about sending a letter around this time?"

Rex raised an eyebrow. "She did?"

I nodded. "Yes, before she left to Canterlot, during our lunch with the Apples. You were there, Rex."

He simply grunted, then burped as a letter came out of the flames. He put out his hand and caught it expertly, twirled it around, and pulled off the seal, then rolled it open, before reading.

"Here ye, here ye. Her grand royal highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot for the twenty first day... yada yada yada... Cordially extends an invitation to Ethan Mason and one guest."

He grunted. "She really went all out on this one, didn't she?"

I was about to respond, until Applejack cried out in my ear. "THE GRAND GALLOPING GALA!"

Rex began to dig earwax out of his ear while speaking. "Could you mares get anymore louder?!" He then burped up two tickets, and caught them. "And here are the two things that mares always beg for when they see you or me, Ethan."

I gave a nod as I took the tickets with my magic, and began to trot towards Ponyville. "Come on, Rex, We need to send Celestia a letter."

Just then Applejack spoke. "Ethan!" I glanced at her. "You know how great the Grand Galloping Gala is?"

I sighed heavily. "No, but I bet you're going to tell me."

She quickly hopped over to me, following me towards town. "It's a heap good more than just nice, Ah can tell y'all that! Ah'd love to go! Land's sakes! If I had an apple stand set up, ponies would chawing our tasty vittles till the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy, old roof. And Big Macintosh could replace that saggy, old plow. And Granny Smith could replace that saggy, old hip." She stared into the sky. "Why, Ah'd give my left hind leg to go to that Gala."

I rolled my eyes as we were really close to Ponyville now. "Yeah, well, just give me a little while and then you'll--"

"WHOA!"

I quickly rolled out of the way, while a rainbow blur crashed into Applejack. I then began to dust myself off while I heard Rainbow Dash's voice. "Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?"

Applejack glared up at Rainbow while Rex was dusting off his scales. "Rainbow Dash! You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples." She got to her hooves. "What were you busy doing? Spying?"

Rainbow turned her back on Applejack, and I heard that cute crack in her voice. "No, I was busy napping."

Rex let out a small chuckle. "I should've figured, given that rainbow tail hanging from that tree branch."

Dash then continued as her face was close to mine. "And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?"

I smiled slightly. "You smell nice, different shampoo I take it?" She blushed madly, but didn't back down. "Yes, I do, and--"

Rainbow interrupted me. "YES! This is so awesome!" She then got in my face again, and I smelt that nice shampoo. "The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year!" She stared up in the sky, like Applejack did. "I can see i it now., everypony would be watching the sky, their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts. But then, in would fly RAINBOW DASH! I would draw their attention with my super speed strut, then I would mesmerize them with my fantastic filly flash! And for my grand ffinal, the Buccaneer Blaze. The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member."

I stepped back as she got closer. "Don't you see, Ethan? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff." She was then a bit too close. "You gotta take me!"

I gave a soft smile. "Really? Well, it just so happens I will be revealing one of my greatest inventions to the party as well, though I still need to work on it a bit." I then placed a hoof on her forehead and pushed her back a bit. "Now, what I was going to say is--"

Applejack then dragged Rainbow away from me. "Hold on just one pony-pickin' minute here." She spat out Rainbow's tail, and glared at her. "I asked for that ticket first."

I sighed at this. "Girls, if you'll let me explain---"

"So? That doesn't mean you own it."

I began to rub my temples. "Would you both just listen for a---"

"Oh yeah? Well, I challenge you to a hoof wrestle. Winner gets the ticket."

They then pressed their forelegs on a nearby stump, and started hoof wrestling. This made me sigh and look at Rex. "Please stall them while I try to get this fixed."

Rex nodded. "Sure thing, Ethan." He then walked over to the girls, and pushed them apart. "Ladies, please, just hold on a minute." He then folded his arms. "Ethan will deal with this, alright? Just give him a few minutes and--"

They pushed him away and got back to a hoof wrestle, making Rex growl, while I had finally gotten far enough away to not hear them anymore. I then gave a grunt as I thought a bit. 'Sweet Lord, I really need to send a letter to Celestia, before this gets out of hand.'

Just then I heard something at high speed heading for me, making me stiffen up, and was rammed into by a pink blur.

I let out a groan as I heard Pinkie cry out. "AAH! Bats! Bats on my face! HELP!" I bit on the tickets that fell on the ground. "Wait! These aren't..." Her entire face lit up. "Tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!" She then began to rant as I stuffed the tickets in my mane. "It's the most amazing, incredible, tremendous, super, wonderful, terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always, always, always wanted to go!"

She then began to sing.

"Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me."

I sighed heavily. "Pinkie--"

"Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me.
Hip, Hip, Hooray."

"Pinkie."

"It's the best place for me, for Pinkie.
With decorations like streamers and fairy lights.
And pinwheels and pinatas and pincushions?
With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes
and sunbeams and sarsaparilla?
and I get to play my favoritist of favorite fantabulous games
like pin the tail on the pony!"

"PINKIE!"

She stopped in her tracks, and fell face first in the ground.

"I get it, you really, really, really wanna go. Now, just let me explain something--"

Pinkie began bouncing around me. "Oh, thank you, Ethan! It's the most wonderfullest gift ever." She was then close to my face, closer then even Rainbow.

"I think you were never told of personal space." She pulled back. "Now, as I was going to say--"

I then heard Rarity gasp as she pulled the tickets out of my mane with her magic. "Are these what I think they are?"

"Hold on, I--"

Pinkie interrupted me, making this the tenth time... I think. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Ethan's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!"

Rarity was smiling widely now. "The Gala?"

I groaned. 'Here we go again...'

"I design ensembles for the Gala every year." She then gave me a seductive smile. "But I've never had the opportunity to attend." She stared into the sky. "Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour. It's where I truly belong." She then grew sparkles in her eyes. "And where I'm destined to meet HIM!"

"HIM!" Pinkie then raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Rarity gave me dreamy eyes. "HIM. I would stroll through the Gala, and everypony would wonder, 'Who is that mysterious mare?' They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself. And the Princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to HIM! Her nephew... the most handsome, enligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt, our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage. And of course I would say, 'YES!!' We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is..." she giggled. "what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams!"

She was then in my face. "Ethan! I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can party and prevent me from metting my true love. How could you?!" She then turned her back on me with a 'hmph!'

I scratched my head a bit. "You just love to dream, don't you?" She glared at me. "Look, just let me explain."

Just then a rabbit ran up and snatched a ticket from my magic, before scurrying off. This made me groan as it ran up to Fluttershy and held it in front of her eyes.

Fluttershy gasped. "Angel, these are perfect."

She then eeped as I snatched the ticket away with my magic. "Will anypony even listen while I try to explain--"

Fluttershy then interrupted me, making me groan loudly. "Um, excuse me, Ethan, I would just like to ask -- I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven't given it to somepony else --"

Rarity glared at Fluttershy. "You?! You want to go to the Gala?"

Fluttershy looked down. "Oh, no." The rabbit then kicked her. "I-I mean, yes. Or actually, kind of. You see..." She stared off into the sky, like everypony else. "It's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wonderous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the Gala and that night alone will they all be in bloom.. And that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's Loons and Toucans and Bitterns, oh, my! Hummingbirds that can really hum and buzzards that can really buzz! Blue Jays and Red Jays and Green Jays, Pink Jays and Pink Flamingos."

I stepped back. "Now I'm getting tired of this, now listen and--"

"Wait just a minute!"

I groaned and looked up to see Rainbow Dash, with Rex hanging tightly onto her tail, terror in his face. He's afraid of heights, just so you know.

I looked at Rainbow. "Were you following me?"

She hopped down, a large blush on her face. "No, I mean, yes, I mean, maybe." She huffed and got in my face. "Look, it doesn't matter, I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anypony!"

I rolled my eyes as Rex began kissing the ground. "Look, I--"

"Wait just another minute."

I growled slightly. "Applejack, were you following me, too?"

She shook her head. "No, I was following this one." At least she's being honest. "To make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take my ticket."

"Oh give me a b--"

"Your ticket?!"

"But Ethan's taking me!"

They all began shouting at each other now, before I felt my blood begin to boil, and I cried out. "SHUT IT!!!!"

Everypony (except Pinkie) stopped speaking. "And then I said 'Oatmeal? Are you crazy--' Oh..."

I took a few calming breaths. "Now, all of you listen very closely, I have to send a letter to Celestia, and once I'm done, I will tell you what my plan is. Now if you'll all excuse me, I am getting tired of all of your pointless arguing!" I then stomped my hoof and stormed off to the library, with Rex close behind.

...

Instead of going to the library, I found myself outside a restaurant with Rex across from me, and a menu in my hooves.

Rex then spoke. "So, about the whole letter to Celestia..."

I sighed heavily. "I just need to get the girls out of my head and fill my stomach first, then I'll send the letter."

A waiter then came up to us. "Have you decided yet?"

I thought for a minute. "Hmm... I'm craving something filling, how about your number one dish, sir?"

He nodded. "At once, and you?"

Rex scratched his neck. "Hmm... how about a salad, and hold off on the flowers and stuff."

The waiter nodded and walked off. I then looked at Rex. "If we only had the one, who would you choose?"

Rex shrugged as he pulled out his Ipod. "Beats me, personally they all need to chill out. It's not going to be the last one, and I mean, we got our whole lives to do something worthwhile, instead of some royal party. plus, doesn't it always end badly?"

I nodded. "Yeah, every year we attended it ended badly, last year Blueblood threw a massive fit, and fired off a good amount of servants, and I mean good ones. I'd hate to deal with that again."

Rex gave a nod as well. "No kidding, Blueblood is a little uptight, but I'm sure he could be a great stallion, so long as he left his snob attitude at home."

We both shared a chuckle at this, and our food was soon brought to us. Rex's salad was well mixed and looked quite good, while I got a beautiful plate of roasted vegetables, and flowers on the side.

I smiled at my food, and gave a nod to the waiter, using my magic to place twenty bits in his hoof. "Thank you, good sir, and keep that tip."

He gave a bow. "Of course, thank you."

I nodded, since I quickly became friends with him before yesterday ended, and took a small bite of my food.

Just then most of the ponies ran past us, while the waiter spoke. "Sir, are you going to eat in the rain?"

I raised an eyebrow, and looked around, seeing that the rain was hitting everywhere except my location. This made me sigh heavily. "Let me guess, Rainbow Dash is above us?"

Rex nodded as he ate some of his salad. "Yep."

I looked up and saw Rainbow while she spoke. "Hi, there, best friend forever I've ever, ever had."

I took another bite of my dish, then swallowed. "Rainbow, if you're trying to ask me out on a date or something, it doesn't work that way."

Her entire face went red from her blush. "W-W-Wha... Oh... i... Uh..."

I sighed heavily. "It was just a joke, Rainbow." She let out an awkward chuckle. "What are you doing?"

"What do you mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on," Her blush was getting redder as she went on. "So I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep him dry so he could dine in peace. That's all."

I gave a snort at this. "Yeah, I would rather it kept raining."

Rainbow sighed. "Fine." And with that, she closed the cloud.

I took a few more bites before the rain hit the food, and sighed softly while Rex began to cover his head from the rain.

Then I heard Rarity. "Ethan, it's raining."

Rex gave her an annoyed look. "No, really? I would never have guessed!" He then snarled and flipped her off.

Rarity then grabbed my shoulder, and pulled me away while speaking. "Come with me before you catch a cold!"

...

I shook the water off my body as I stood in the Carousel Boutique, then let out a calm sigh, before speaking. "Sorry, Rarity."

I looked back to see her drenched now. She simply gave me a large smile. "Oh no, it's quite alright! After all," She got WAY too close to my face, muzzles almost touching, and a innocent smile. "the best of friends, are we not?" She then pulled back a little. "And you know what the best of friends do."

I spoke at that. "They all get too close to someponies personal space, which I would rather have some space over that."

She shook her head. "No, MAKEOVER!"

My pupils shrunk as my whole body went cold, like a deer in front of headlights. I then spun around quickly and bolted for the door, and rammed right out of said door, galloping as fast as I could from the place.

I could hear Rex behind me crying out. "YOU TRAITOR!!!"

I simply shook my head and kept running.

Just then I tripped on something, and crashed into the ground face first. This made me sit up, cough out some mud, and spoke. "Sorry about that."

I then felt a hoof grab me, and dragged me away while I heard AJ's voice. "Ah heard y'all've been needin' lunch. And boy to Ah got the spot fer y'all."

She then plopped me down in front of a wagon full of apple products. I smacked myself with my hoof. "This has to be a bad dream."

Applejack began to name off all the food, before putting a pie in front of me while speaking. "What do y' say, Best Friend?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, and turned my back to her. "No thanks, I already ate. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going home to send that letter to Celestia now."

...

I sighed as I came up to my front door. "Oh man, I hope Rex won't be mad." I then pushed the door open, and spotted Fluttershy humming as she cleaned the bookshelves. This made me sigh. "And of course Fluttershy would do the same."

She went wide eyed upon hearing me. "Oh! Well, hello, Ethan. I hope you don't mind, but I've done a little spring cleaning for you."

I sighed. "Something tells me that doesn't involve Spring."

She looked around a little. "Oh, well, better late then never, right? It was Angel's idea."

I looked over and spotted that demon rabbit making a salad. "You're not doing this for the ticket, because I already told you all--"

Fluttershy interrupted me. "Oh, no! I'm doing this because you're my Very Best Friend, right, Angel?" Angel was glaring at her now. "Yes, we are just doing this for the ticket."

The rabbit slid to me, with the salad in his paws, which made me sigh heavily, and push him to the side. "No, I heard the same thing from Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack. I don't intend on giving the ticket to anypony. Now please leave."

"But--"

"NOW!"

Fluttershy eeped and quickly left, with Angel close by.

I sighed heavily, and looked out the door, causing confetti to shoot out into the library. Oh for Fuck's sake! Pinkie then grabbed my hoof and dragged me out of the house, before she began singing, which I immediately tuned out. Then, after much annoyance, I looked at Pinkie. "Just stop." She did. "Now, i can take the other girls' trying, and I'll say it now, they were subtle. But you?! This ticket is a--"

"Wait, what ticket?" "What Gala?"

Pinkie looked at the large crowd. "Oh, you didn't know? Ethan has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!"

Fuck.

Unison "GRAND GALLOPING GALA?!"

I could see them all giving me compliments now as I could feel blood pulsing from my forehead. I then got to my hooves, and galloped faster then ever before. They were everywhere! Left and right, ahead and behind, they were relentless and all of them wanted that ticket! I would hide in a pile of hay, and the next thing I know, a pony's face would be in mine. I couldn't get away from them!

Eventually they all cornered me in an alley, making me scream out in rage, and my horn went off, before I found myself back in the library. This made me sigh heavily, until I heard a door open, and saw Rex in a very adorable shirt, with a wig, and he was fuming.

He stomped over to me, pointed his claw in my face, and spoke with much rage. "YOU! You fucked up, asshole of a son of a bitch, going so far as to abandon me at Rarity's! Do you know what she fucking put me through?! I NEVER FELT SO HUMILIATED!"

My ears went back as I sighed. "Sorry, Rex, I just... I can't let go the memories my mane holds, with Dad gone and then the Enclave almost killing me, I just wasn't ready to let go."

Rex let out a small sigh. "Alright, Ethan... just don't leave me there next time you run."

I nodded. "Alright." I then looked at him. "Come on, we need to lock the doors, before the ponies get here."

Rex nodded and we went to work.

...Eight Minutes Later...

I let out a soft sigh as everything was locked, and the lights were turned off. I then looked at Rex. "Think we're safe?"

Just then the lights went on, and the five girls stood across the room, making Rex groan. "No..."

I sighed heavily, got to my hooves, and stomped over to the girls. "Alright, THAT'S IT! I was trying to keep this a surprise so you'd all be happy, but now I am just pissed off, and I am very temped to not go with a single one of you! Hell, I won't even go myself!"

Their ears went behind their heads as Pinkie spoke. "W-W-What was the surprise?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "I WAS going to send a letter to Celestia, saying to either send tickets for all of us, or I wasn't going, but now I am really tempted to just say FUCK IT and burn the tickets now to get it over with!"

They all gasped in unison. "NO!!"

"Give me one good reason, one GOOD fucking reason why I should still get the tickets?"

They looked between each other, then sighed heavily as Applejack stepped forward, and spoke. "Ah'm sorry, Ethan. Ah should have just listened t' y'all. Ah apologize."

Rarity did as well. "I am sorry too, I was just... so excited to meet HIM, that it got the better of me."

Then Fluttershy. "I'm really, really, really sorry."

Rainbow. "Yeah, I'm s... s... s... sorry, too."

Finally Pinkie. "If it'll make you feel better, I'll give you a super duper big hug."

I stared at all of them, and couldn't help but shake my head, losing my anger at their puppy eyes. Then I sighed. "Alright, just let me explain from now on, and I'll get the tickets."

They all agreed, making me look at Rex. "You ready to send the letter?"

Rex nodded, pulled out paper and a pen, and wrote down my words.

"Dear Princess Celestia
You know I don't like it when you play this prank on me.
As always, I will not accept this ticket without my friends.
Something tells me you already knew this, and was testing me.
For that I say 'please don't do that again.'
Your Faithful Student."

Rex nodded, opened a window, and blew the note on fire, before he folded his arms, then let out a small burp, before catching the letter, and opened it to begin reading.

"My Faithful Student Ethan,
You used to be so fun when it came to stuff like this.
I hardly get to do that many pranks here in the palace.
Anyways, I will be sending the tickets to you now.
And do try to lighten up a little.
Princess Celestia."

He then pulled out the six tickets, and handed them to the girls, making them all gasp and begin to cheer.

My stomach then growled, making Rarity speak. "Allow us to treat you to dinner."

I shrugged and headed out the door with the other five girls,

Just then Rex cried out from the Library. "SERIOUSLY?! WHY DO I HAVE TO GO?!"

I couldn't help but chuckle lightly.

Author's Note

Well, there's Chapter III, and I tried my best to slide to the comedy side. If you like it, great, if not, then I could change it or make it better. Anyways, hope you enjoyed, and the next chapter will be up tomorrow.

Chapter V

Author's Note

Alright, there's Chapter V, and if no one likes it, or I did a bad job, then I'll rework on it. But until I know, it'll stay this way. Anyways, please read on, and thank you for all the support so far.

Chapter V

"Hoof-Fighting action overlord!" I grunted as I finished putting another piece on to the massive robot head that sat in front of me, and it was big enough to match... I'll tell you once we get to the Grand Galloping Gala, when I reveal it to all of Equestria's nobles. "She was like a stunt superstar, flying higher and higher, and then Rainbow Dash swooped down -- swoosh!" I glanced at the ranting Pinkie, shrugged, and looked back at my almost finished project. "And right before she hit the ground -- she pulled up, vroom!"

I gave a absent nod as I adjusted the lenses. "Uh-huh."

"And then she looked around and around, like WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO!" I smirked at Pinkie's adorable childish heart.

I then looked up and sent a small wave. "Hey, Rainbow!"

Rainbow stopped at my voice, and smiled shyly. "Oh, hi, Ethan! What are you doing?"

I grunted as I finally pushed in a wire. "Trying to finish up the preparations on my greatest achievement. I plan to reveal it at the Grand Galloping Gala."

Rainbow flew down and was at my side now. "Anything I could do to help?"

I nodded and pointed at the other side. "Grab that wire over there, and when I say 'go' I want you to plug it in."

She nodded quickly with a slight dreamy sigh. "Sure, Ethan."

She grabbed the wire, and I slowly put my wire over a nearby plug. "Alright. Three... Two... One... GO!" We both plugged the wires in quickly, and the blue visor of the head went on. This made me smile widely. "HAHA! It worked!" I then examined it a bit. "Now I just need to give him that voice, and his original speeches."

Rainbow nodded, and leaned over my shoulder as I began to go to work. I then smirked slightly. "Did you want a kiss before you leave?"

Rainbow's cheeks were a deep maroon as she quickly pulled back. "Who, me?! Nah!!" She then blushed slightly. "But would you have if I said yes?"

I chuckled lightly. "I might, but we'd have to go on a date first."

Her eyes lit up. "Is that an offer?!" I nodded, making her squeal like a little filly. "WOW!! REALLY?!" She then went wide eyed, cleared her throat, and seemed to have cooled down. "I mean, cool. Pick me up this Friday night."

I nodded in response, and waved as she flew away, while spotted Pinkie rush after her.

...

I began to drag the massive robot head through town, which gained the eyes of many ponies who were confused upon seeing me, and they stared in awe at the head. I then brought the head with me to the bookstore, and was about to head in, until I heard Pinkie behind me. "Ethan, have you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?"

I thought for a moment. "Not really, not after earlier today. Though I think she would be somewhere in the sky, don't you think?"

Just then I saw Rainbow Dash bolt away from the area, which made me groan. So that's why Pinkie can't find her. Explains that loud thud I heard. I then saw Pinkie bounce after her, making me call out. "Um, Pinkie!" She looked at me. "I'd suggest leaving Rainbow alone for a while. She has to be hiding for a good reason."

Pinkie shook her head, making me groan, rush over, and bit onto her tail to try and stop her, but quickly fell to the ground as she trudged forward, dragging me along and making a small ditch in the ground.

...

Pinkie dragged me through Sweet Apple Acres, my house's branches, a long plain of grass, and into the water, before she finally caught up to Rainbow, making Rainbow speak. "Oh forget it."

I grunted as I was dragged out of the water, and spat out Pinkie's tail, while speaking in anger. "WHY DOES YOUR TAIL TASTE LIKE COTTON CANDY?!?!"

Pinkie raised an eyebrow at me, bit on her tail, and hummed softly as she began nibbling on it. I then dragged myself further out of the water, and collapsed next to Rainbow as I spoke. "I can see why you're running from her... she's relentless."

Rainbow nodded as she continued to catch her breath. And Pinkie spoke when she took a break from her tail. "I totally promise it'll be totally fun!"

Rainbow sighed. "Okay."

...

I floated next to Rainbow as we both put the cloud in place, while Pinkie spoke. "Over to the right." We pushed it that way. "No, no, a little to the left." We did so. "Oh, wait, back to the right."

I looked at Rainbow. "I got this, take a quick break."

She nodded and laid down on a cloud, while I gently pulled it to the right. "Now a little left-ish while staying rightly."

My eye began to twitch. "That makes no sense."

I pushed it slightly left. "STOP!" She hummed slightly. "Maybe a few inches to the south."

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MIND?!"

"Now a couple centimeters north. Okay, one more smidgimeter to the--"

I let go of the cloud. "THAT'S IT, I GIVE UP! THERE'S NO PLEASING YOU!" I then stomped on the cloud, and it separated into four pieces, taking up the four spots Pinkie mentioned.

"Perfect! Now, wait for my signal!"

I grunted, and got on top of the cloud, before she nodded, and I kicked the cloud. The cloud made a loud crack, and I went wide eyed upon hearing Rex's voice. "OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE!"

I looked down and saw Rex picking up parchments while hiccuping every once in a while, then glared at Pinkie. "I swear on my ancestor's scales, I will come to your house when you're sleeping and slit your throat."

Pinkie and Rainbow began laughing with so much amusement. I then floated down and wrapped Rex's lungs with my magic, and ceased the hiccuping. Rex then gave a small nod. "Thanks, Ethan, that will let YOU off the hook... for now."

I nodded and patted his back, which made her clear his throat, and spoke. "Now, if you will all excuse me, I have to get these parchments home... and rewrite my new ideas for Ethan's project." And with that, he picked up all the parchments, and stormed off.

Rainbow then kicked the cloud again, and Pinkie began hiccuping as well, all the while laughing. Rainbow then smirked. "I didn't take you for the prankster, Pinkie Pie."

I snorted as I sat down. "You don't even know about me, so it's not much of a surprise."

Rainbow blushed slightly, and floated down next to me. "Hehe, right... So... Tell me something."

I thought for a moment. "Well, five years ago, I auditioned for the Fastest Flyers Competition." Dash went wide eyed. "The Wonderbolts were the judges, so it was a pretty big deal. Anyways, I was number 12, and from my appearance, they thought I didn't stand a chance."

Rainbow stopped me there, wide eyes and a large smile. "Wait a minute, YOU were number 12?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

She squealed again. "Oh my gosh! You're number 12! THE Number 12! He was the--"

Pinkie got in our face. "He was what? What? WHAT?!"

We leaned back from her, as I continued. "Anyways, I was Number 12, and on the final competition, there was only me, and this Griffon who were left. The judges were leaning towards the griffon, but the crowd cheered for me. So, we got ready, and I blasted ahead upon the start of the bell, with the griffon far behind. We were going fast, she caught up to me, and nearly past me, but then I did something she couldn't. The VoidBoom. It sent me through all of Equestria, passing by many towns and cities, until i was back at the start, and the entire crowd was silent." I then smirked. "And then they cheered, and I got 10/10."

I then laid my forelegs behind my head. "I was even offered a place as the Wonderbolt's Captain."

Rainbow was squealing like a fanmare! "OH MY GOSH! THAT WAS AMAZING! I SAW IT FROM FLIGHT SCHOOL! IT WAS SO AWESOME!"

Pinkie raised an eyebrow. "What's the VoidBoom?"

I chuckled slightly. "An old trick I perfected on my eleventh year here in Equestria. It's impossible to beat, and the only thing that comes even close is a Sonic RainBoom." I sighed. "But I gave that up long ago, and even refused the Wonderbolts. I don't plan to do it again, because that almost killed me. One of the dangerous speeds in flying, and I wouldn't suggest trying it until I create a machine strong enough. That speed was never meant for a living being, so don't try."

Rainbow was still excited, while Pinkie was confused. I simply shrugged at this, and looked at Rainbow. "So, what do you think of Pinkie now?"

She had very dreamy eyes as she asked in a soft voice. "Huh...?"

I waved my hoof in front of her face, but she didn't respond, which made me shrug, get to my hooves, and waved at them as I began trotting away. "I'm going to head to the bookstore before it closes. See you girls around!"

I heard Rainbow cry out with much happiness. "Sure thing, Ethan!"

...
Next Day
...

I plugged one of Rex's ideas into the machine as I spoke. "So, Pinkie Pie. You mentioned somepony new was hanging out with Rainbow, somepony, mean?"

Pinkie nodded as I flipped on a light. "Um, yeah! She keeps stealing Rainbow Dash away, she popped my balloons, and she told me to buzz off! I've never met a griffon this mean."

I raised an eyebrow. "She's a griffon?"

"Yeah, though I never met a griffon before, I bet she wouldn't be as mean as Gilda!"

I stopped in my tracks, my ears pointing at Pinkie. "Gilda?"

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah!"

I hummed slightly, then sighed heavily as I adjusted another lens. "Should have known I'd hear of her again."

"Huh?"

I sighed as I stepped back from the head. "Gilda, that rude, female griffon that can't even take a joke. We were both the last competitors in the Fastest Flyer Competition, and I beat her easily. After that, she grew a grudge and tried to deface me in front of everypony, even going as far to say I cheated. Though to be honest, she cheated by messing up the other competitors' tricks. I found a way to outsmart her though, which I'll say now, was very easy. Now she tells other ponies she comes across that I'm a wimp, a loser, and that I don't deserve to be in any position."

I sighed heavily. "Typical Gilda, honestly."

Rex tossed a apple into the air, and caught it. "Man, I remember her, and she was an annoying bitch." He then tossed it up again, but it didn't come back down, making him look up, and saw ED-E holding it with a new arm attachment I added inside the body. Rex growled and tried to catch it, but ED-E went higher up and made beeps in the form of laughing. This made Rex snarl and leap into the air, missing ED-E, and began chasing the poor robot around the room.

I then gave Pinkie a smile. "Just take a few deep breaths, and try to relax for the day. Don't hang out with Rainbow for a while in case Gilda's with her, alright?"

Pinkie slowly nodded. "Alright, Ethan! Thanks for the advice!" Then she zoomed out of the library, making me sigh heavily and went back to my project.

...

I trotted through the Market place, and trotted up next to Fluttershy upon seeing her. "Hey, Fluttershy, what's going on?"

She looked at me with a smile. "Hi, Ethan! I'm just looking at some carrots, today is Angel's birthday."

I gave a grunt as I remembered that devil rabbit, before nodding and smiled at her.. "Alright, would you like some help?"

She nodded. "Yes, I could use help in--EEP!"

She looked behind herself as I heard a voice I wasn't much of a fan of. "Hey!"

I turned to the voice, and spotted Gilda, who saw me, and pushed Fluttershy out of the way, snarling at me.
She then pushed her head against mine as she spoke. "So, looks like we find each other here again, Number 12."

I sighed at this. "I don't go by that anymore, Gilda, I go by Ethan now."

She smirked. "THAT's your name? That's one of the dumbest names I've ever heard!"

I rolled my eyes. "And for a griffon, your name is stupid too."

She snarled and grabbed me by the throat. "Is that so? How about we make a bet?"

"No thanks."

"What's wrong? You chicken?"

"No, I remember. Now walk away, before this gets messy."

She huffed and pushed me a little. "Still the same wimp who's too cautious. And not smart enough to have joined the Wonderbolts either. I bet you don't even got a marefriend."

"You'd be surprised how much they prefer ponies like me over bitches like you."

The crowd around us gave out low 'Ooh's while Gilda scoffed, and flew off. This made me shake my head in disappointment, and trotted off.

...

I sighed as I entered the party that Pinkie made for Gilda. I honestly don't know why she did this, but maybe she's just trying to be a good mare. Heck if I know.

I then spotted Rainbow trot over to me with betrayal in her eyes, making me raise an eyebrow. "What's wrong, Rainbow?"

She sniffled as she pointed at me. "YOU! You're what's wrong!" I raised an eyebrow. "Gilda told me everything about what you did at the competition, as well as how you treated her in the Market!"

I rolled my eyes at this. "Sure, and I bet she told you how I cheated, and how I beat her up or something. That's so Gilda." She raised an eyebrow as I turned away from her. "Look, I came here for one reason, and one alone." I looked at her. "I came here for you." She went wide eyed. "And just so you know, if you really believe Gilda on something that I bet all of Ponyville, who were all there by the way, would say about it, then I say that date, it's over, and the whole we're friends thing, it'll be over too if you take Gilda's side."

Rainbow went wide eyed as tears began to form in her eyes, and I began trotting for the door. "Since I know you, I'll be outside, waiting for your choice."

I then left.

...

I spotted Gilda fly off in the distance, making me roll my eyes. Dash still has yet to choose.

I then heard said mare's voice. "Hey, Ethan."

"Prank party?"

"Yeah."

"Gilda lost it and you saw her true colors?"

"Yeah."

I sighed heavily and looked at Rainbow. "I'm sorry for how I acted, Rainbow, I was just angered because I thought I'd..." I looked away. "Lose you."

She blushed at that. "Oh... well... I guess I would have over reacted if you acted differently."

I slowly nodded. "Yes, but I went too far, and for that I apologize."

Dash smiled as she sat down next to me. "It's fine, Ethan, and, to tell you the truth, you weren't going to lose me."

I smiled slightly, then felt her lean against me, which made me wrap my wing around her, and spoke. "Just so you know, even if you chose Gilda, I would have stayed with you. You're my favorite mare in all of Equestria."

Rainbow looked up at me. "Really?" I nodded, making her smile and got closer next to me. "And you're my favorite stallion in all of Equestria."

I smiled as we sat there in silence for a long time, then looked at her. "Special Somepony?"

She smiled with her blush. "Special Somepony."

Chapter VI

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter VII

Author's Note

Well, there's Chapter VII, and I hope you liked it. Also, Mage Scroll was a suggested OC character who was made by SolemnBlade, so all credit of that character goes to him. And also, thanks for reading.

For those who are curious as to why I put in Silent Hill, it's because there's a mod on the Nexus Mods website where you could go there through Fallout New Vegas. To anyone who's interested, here's the link.

http://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/43167/?

Chapter VII

I smiled a bit as I trotted through Ponyville with Rainbow Dash and ED-E next to me. It's been a while since the Trixie event, and they were relaxing a bit now. ED-E was with them because he needed to get out of the library, and Rex has been spending most of his time in his bedroom. As for me and Rainbow, we were going out for the day to spend some time together. We've been together for a good two weeks now, and I wanted to treat her to something nice.

Just then I accidentally bumped into somepony, making me speak. "Sorry."

The stallion in front of me was a bronze coated unicorn with a brass mane and brown eyes, and his cutie mark was an unraveled scroll with a vague image of a spell diagram. He also appeared to drop some scrolls he was holding, which made me a little worried.

"Need help?"

The stallion nodded and I began to pick up the scrolls with him, before I had a large pile in my magic, and looked at him. "Mind if I ask why you have so many of these?"

He gave a calm smile. "Not at all, they are one of my attempts at making non-unicorn spells." He then slumped a little. "Though I haven't gotten very far in it."

I gave a soft smile. "Maybe I could help you out with it?" Rainbow then gave a soft jab to my side. "Oh, er, I mean... Why not come by the Library later, I'll help you out then."

The stallion smiled, then offered a hoof. "My name is Mage Script."

I nodded and took his hoof. "Ethan Mason."

Mage tilted his head slightly. "That's a strange name."

I couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "I felt the same way about everypony else's names when I moved here from back home."

Mage nodded, still holding that smile. "That sounds interesting."

I nodded, then began walking away as I spoke. "So, I'll see you around I guess." I then looked at Rainbow. "Come on, Rainbow, I still got that surprise I promised you."

Rainbow giggled as she trotted up next to my side, and we headed for one of the most expensive restaurants in town.

...
Rex's POV
...

I scratched my head slightly as I looked at Fluttershy. "So... what is it you want me to do again?"

Fluttershy smiled as she handed some birds a few worms. "I need help feeding all the animals, could you please go check on Angel for me?"

I nodded in response and headed over to the rabbit's little house. That's where I spotted the little rabbit quickly going through a carrot. This made me raise an eyebrow. "Hmph, you're quite the strange one."

The rabbit swallowed his food, and glared at me before tossing the carrot aside and dusted off his paws. This made me glare at it. "You need more then that, you skinny little furball."

Angel huffed and threw the carrot at me, causing me to catch it, and growled slightly. "You ungrateful little--" Just then a storm of carrots began to hail on me, making me scream while running. "YOU DEMONIC LITTLE SHIT!!!"

The rabbit ran after me, throwing carrots like there was no tomorrow, before I tripped on a hose, and smirked as I grabbed it, and aimed for the rabbit. "PAY BACK, BITCH!"

The rabbit went wide eyed, and ran for it with me close behind. That is until we stopped and stared at the nearby mountain.

I then heard Fluttershy. "Hey, what are you two doing?"

I pointed at the mountain while still staring at it, much astonishment in my eyes. Fluttershy then gasped. "That's a giant cloud of scary, black smoke!"

I rolled my eyes at her. "It ain't scary, it's just a bit unexpected." I then began walking towards Ponyville. "Come on, we need to tell the girls and Ethan."

...
Ethan's POV
...

I smiled as I sat there with Rainbow across from me, and we waited for our lunch while Rainbow spoke. "So... this is our third date?"

I nodded. "Yeah, why?"

She blushed slightly. "Well... I was just curious if we were going to keep dating or... if we were due for a kiss?"

I thought for a minute. "Well, you know I'd say yes to another date with you... I'm not sure how many dates it needs to be before you go for the first kiss."

Rainbow blushed a little more. "Could we.... do it right now?"

I smiled at her, earning a larger blush. "Sure, we can."

She smiled as we began to lean towards each other, I could see her puckering out her lips, which was kinda cute, while I simply continued to lean forward. We then both closed our eyes, and I could feel her lips barely close, before we heard the voice of Fluttershy. "Ethan! We need help!"

I sighed as I opened my eyes and pulled back, Rainbow doing the same as she had an annoyed look on her face.

I looked over at Fluttershy, who had worry in her face, and Rex who was tossing an apple in the air. "What's wrong, Fluttershy?"

She shuddered slightly. "There's smoke coming from a nearby mountain, and we need to do something."

I groaned slightly. "I can't... I told a stallion I'd help with his project, but maybe Rex could take my place."

Rex gave a grunt in response. "Go figure, leave me in charge. Just because you almost had a kiss with Rainbow. Sure, I'll get it over with."

...

I sighed as I entered the Library with ED-E behind me, and began to get the place ready for the stallion that's coming over. There got's to be something he could help with, otherwise he's wasting his time here. Just then I heard a knock on my door, and opened it to see Mage who smiled kindly, and I motioned him to come in.

"Have a seat on the couch over there, I need to grab a quick thing."

Mage nodded before taking a deep breath. "Just so you know, I'm a Changeling."

I raised an eyebrow. "So?"

Mage looks at me incredulously. "Changelings are known as monsters because they 'feed on emotions'."

I gave a shrug. "I met something far worse then one of you, and they could both talk and be good friends. Just so you know, it was an intelligent Deathclaw. Nothing like that really surprises me anymore."

Mage ponders it over and shrugs, "Fair enough. Though I will advise you to interact with other changelings with caution. Most changelings aren't very friendly, if found out."

I simply gave another shrug. "Well, given that I went through a godforsaken town known as Silent Hill, I think I can handle them. Plus I can either turn them to green goo or ash with my projects. So they don't scare me."

"Scare, no. Deceive, yes. Us changelings can take the form of other ponies, griffins, or dragons for that matter. The old way of gathering emotions for the hive was to either replace the recently deceased, kill and replace, or replace those during their time of passing. Now they do abductions and pose as the abducted."

I slowly nodded absent mindedly. "Yeah... I think there was something like that going on between two factions I knew. The NCR and Caesar's Legion. Send in troops to play people you know well, and give the information meant to be kept secret to the enemy. I remember that trick well..."

Mage grins, "it seems that you're able to prove my point even moreso than before." His grin lessens ever so slightly. "I also happened to notice that you are close to Ms. Dash. Keep her close, especially if you make yourself a big enough target for the changelings. If not for your sake, then for hers."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "It's one thing to threaten me, but don't you EVER threaten Rainbow, or I'll go far enough that you'll be begging the Changelings to take you away from Equestria for the rest of your life."

Mage gives a stern face, "Do you think I like this? I'm only giving you a fair warning. And don't even think I'm affiliated with those changeling bastards. I severed my ties with them." Breathes in deeply and exhales. "Eighteen years ago, I suggested that changelings and ponies could coexist. Chrysalis, the hive Queen, laughed it off and admonished me for it. I was able to escape the hive mind and cut off all ties to them. From then on I vowed to show her wrong and prove that coexistence is possible. I do believe an apology is in order for giving you the wrong message. Can you forgive me?"

I give a nod as I headed for what I needed to do. "Sure, just make sure not to talk like that again and we're good. I may have only been with her for two weeks now, but I truly love her... even though I try to keep from showing it. It's just a part of me I never shook off. But trust me, I intend to protect Rainbow, so don't worry."

Mage smiles, "hopefully I'll never have to."

Mage sat down while I grabbed one of my projects, and tested it for a second, seeing it light up and launch a small, blue laser into the ceiling, which made ash fall down, and I grunted. I then headed for the chair across from Mage, and spoke. "So, before we get started, I need to know how these... non-unicorn spells work. Or, these scrolls you've got."

Mage placed his hooves together. "The scrolls, or Easy Casts as I like to call them, use a new mixture of ink and changeling mucus that will absorb a certain amount of ambient magic for the spell on the parchment it's written on. In the center is a circle connected to the various algorithms of said spell, acting as a cast 'button'. The complexity of the spell also correlates to the time between casts, or cooldown duration. All that is needed to use the Easy Cast is to focus your primal magic into the limb that is in contact with the 'button'." Looks off to the side and mumbles, "at least that's how it would work theoretically."

I placed a hoof on my chin. "Really?" He nodded. "Hmm... mind if I test one out?"

Mage handed me a scroll, which made me roll open the scroll, and sat it down before placing my wing on it. The result was my wing catching on fire, which made me sigh heavily, summon a bucket of water, and dipped my wing into it. Then looked at Mage. "So... a work in progress I take it?"

He nodded with a little worry. "I'm afraid so, and sorry about that."

I shook my head as I pulled the wing out. "Don't worry about it, I used to go through worse back home."

Mage nodded as he grabbed a scroll. "So, think you can help me with this?"

I nodded and grabbed another scroll as well. "Of course. Let's start with this fire spell..."

...
Rex's POV
...

"What in the name of all things cinnamon swirl is a full grown dragon doing up here in Equestria?"

I rolled my eyes at her as I thought the first thing I'd do. "Sleeping."

"Huh?"

I shrugged. "It's what I'd do, find a lone, abandoned mountain to sleep at... maybe keep one of my hordes there too. "

Rarity sighed slightly. "Well, at least he's not snoring fire. What are we meant to do about it?"

Rainbow answered as she floated in the air. "I'll tell you what we're meant to do -- GIVE HIM THE BOOT!"

She then began to buck the air, which made me grunt. "I honestly can't see what Ethan sees in you, Rainbow." Rainbow glared at me, making me flip her off as I continued walking. "I say we just talk to him, get him interested in sleeping elsewhere. No need to be a bitch to him."

Just then we heard a very loud snoring, which made me chuckle. "Oh yeah, he's full grown. You piss him off, and you're done for."

Rarity then spoke as we continued upwards. "I hear the only thing that sparkles more then a dragon's scales are the jewels they use to build their nests."

I grunted. "Remind me to keep you FAR AWAY from my room."

Rarity huffed in response.

I then called down to Fluttershy. "Hurry up and get over here, we can't do this without an Animal Friend!"

Two more snores, and Fluttershy's wings clasped shut, while she went still as a statue. This made me groan and look at Applejack. "Take her around, we'll wait for you up top."

"Understood, pardner."

...
Later
...

I sat there on my rear and continued to use my knife to carve the wood I held into a very small, and beautiful pony head copy. This made me smirk and began to admire it, before setting it down next to my other 19 of them. Then I looked at Rarity and Pinkie. "You girls see Applejack and Fluttershy yet?"

Pinkie drew a circle on the ground and looked at Rarity. "WHOO-HOO! I win again!"

Rarity let out a sigh. "That's 35 games in a row." She then smiled at Pinkie. "Best of 71?"

I growled and looked up at Rainbow. "What about you, Colors?"

Rainbow huffed at my nickname for her. "It's Dash."

I rolled my eyes. "Sure thing, Colors. Now tell me, you got anything?"

She groaned at this. "Nothing."

I smirked a little. "Ethan stuck in your mind?"

She went wide eyed as she fell to the ground, and let out a small groan before glaring at me. "Not cool."

My response was a snicker. "But it's true, you can't get Ethan out of your mind."

She got to her hooves. "Sure I can, I just don't want to."

I snickered again, until we heard Applejack climbing up, breathing heavily as she dragged something up here. Which appeared to be Fluttershy as she spoke between breaths. "We... made... it." Fluttershy was still frozen as a rock.

I got to my feet, and nodded to the girls. "Alright, everypony, let's deal with the dragon." I then snickered a little more. "After we go along another long path."

They all groaned in defeat.

...
A small gap, another song from Pinkie, an avalanche, a small fashion talk, and another climb later
...

I folded my arms as we stood in front of the cave entrance. There was a lot of smoke blocking the way, which made me look at Dash. "Colors, you'll use your wings to clear the smoke."

Rainbow growled. "It's Dash." She then flew into the cloud.

I looked at Rarity and Pinkie. "You two, you'll create a diversion to distract the dragon if things go south in there."

Pinkie bit onto a random rubber chicken, while Rarity gave a raised eyebrow.

"Applejack, you'll ready the apples in case he decides to attack." She tossed the apple in the air, and caught it, making me groan. "God I wished I grabbed the Plasma Rifle and taught you how to use it."

She rolled her eyes as I looked in the cave. "Plan A is Fluttershy waking up this big boy, and helping me talk him into moving his hibernation." I then grabbed Fluttershy by the tail, and dragged her in with me, before thinking a bit. "Usually the best way to wake me up is the scent of food. So, let's wave some food in front of his nose, shall we?"

Fluttershy simply eeped in response as we soon were in front of the dragon. I then pulled out a large diamond I've been saving for someday, and waved it over the dragon's nose, making it sniff, open it's eyes, and grow a large smile.

I gave a smile of my own. "Mornin' Big guy."

He looked at the diamond, then at me, before speaking in a deep voice. "What brings you here, young one?"

I scratched my neck a little. "Well, you see, your snoring a bit, and it's sending smoke all across Equestria. Mind sleeping somewhere else? Equestria wouldn't be able to survive a 100 year dark haze."

He laid his head against his hands. "What might be in it for me?"

I thought for a bit. "Well, my friend gave me something that could help me keep my horde to myself. I'd be willing to give you some of it in exchange."

"What exactly will be in this, exchange?"

I lifted my wrist, revealing a Pip-Boy 4000 (One of Ethan's Prototypes), and typed down on it a bit, before a large pile of armor, guns, gems, and gold fell on the ground around me. I smirked up at the intrigued dragon. "Does this look like enough? Because I got plenty more if it isn't."

The dragon let out a low chuckle in response. "No need, little one. Keep your horde, you've amused me enough and shown a great deal of courage for going this far to help your home. Consider it as a 'You Are Worthy' from me."

I gave a small bow as the dragon collected all of his horde, and exited the cave before flying off.

I smiled, and grabbed my horde before dragging a shocked Fluttershy with me, and we soon came out in front of the other girls, with a smile on my face. "It's done, now let's go home."

...
Back At Ponyville, Ethan's POV
...

I walked out of the library, and gave a nod to Mage as he began walking away. "It was good to talk, Mage, and I hope I can help out with anything else you need."

Mage nodded as he left, while I trotted out into the town, and spotted the girls along with Rex come back. "Hey, girls, how'd it go?"

Rex folded his arms. "That dragon just needed to talk to another of his kind, that's all."

I gave a nod. "Come on, Rex, I bet Celestia would like a letter by now."

Rex gave a nod, and we headed for the Library.

Chapter VIII

...
Rex's POV
...

I sighed heavily as I walked through the fields of the town square of Ponyville, watching over the Pegasi, Earth Ponies, and Unicorns set up everything for the storm that was requested for the day. I then spotted Rarity putting a branch back on a tree, then turned the leaves into sculptures of ponies.

This made me groan slightly and walk over to Rarity, while speaking. "Rarity, how many times do I have to tell you, branches this long cannot be on the trees. What if the storm knocks the tree over? Then the branches will crash through somepony's window and make a big mess."

Rarity looked at me, a glare on her face. "It won't do something like that. And what do you know? You're not a pony."

I scoffed at her. "I obviously know more then you, fashion freak."

She growled. "Well maybe you should take a few lessons in fashion."

I growled and pushed my forehead against her's, anger in my eyes. "I got more important things to do then dumb stuff like that. And I say this branch goes down."

She pushed me back. "I say it stays up and continues to be a sight of beauty."

We snarled at each other in response, until I heard the branch fall down, and we looked to see Applejack tear the branch away. She then glared at us both. "Both of you knock it off. Rex, you're right, these branches will break through a window." I smirked at Rarity. "And Rarity, beauty is great an' all, but sometimes it ain't best done on trees."

Rarity huffed. "Somepony has to do the beauty work, and you are making an absolute mess of the town square, Applejack."

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well, the storm's gonna make an even bigger mess if we don't prune all these loose branches so they don't tumble down on anypony."

I pumped my fist at that. "Told ya!"

Rarity stuck her nose up and away from us. "I simply cannot imagine why the Pegasus Ponies would schedule a dreadful downpour this evening and ruin what could have been a glorious sunny day."

I snorted in response as Applejack scoffed at Rarity. "Think more practical-like, will ya? They accidentally skipped a scheduled sprinkle last week, so we need a doozy of a downpour to make up for it, is all."

It began raining, which made me smile. "Ah... something cool to get my mind off you, you wretched fashion freak."

Rarity glared at me. "What is wrong with you and fashion?!"

I snorted slightly. "Nothing, I got a great jacket and pants back home, but you take it way too far."

Rarity huffed, then stared at her mane with much worry. I then grunted and began walking away, while Rarity cried out, galloping after me. "It's coming down too fast!" She then began to make annoying gasps and horrifying grunts.

Applejack then suggested a nearby bench, but Rarity's response was. "I'd rather not get my hooves muddy."

I roared out in anger. "THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS PLEASING FASHION FREAKS!!!"

Applejack grunted at me as she began to talk to Rarity. I simply stared at the sky with a defeated groan, and scratched my head a little. The rain wasn't bad at all, so what was wrong with that mare?! I've dealt with a far worse rainstorm, and that one deserved how she's acting to the rain. God she's annoying!

I looked down at the ground, and saw puddles beginning to grow, which made me think a bit, stick my claw in my mouth, pulled it out, and tested the weather. The wind is going to pick up soon, no surprise there. So, with a grunt, I looked at the two mares who were shouting at each other like fillies, which made me bark out. "SHUT IT!" They both looked at me. "Now, you can both head home now, and keep from getting wet, or you could both keep fighting, and get hit by lightning. Your call."

They looked between each other, before Applejack looked at me. "Um... Rex?" I gave a grunt. "Would y'all mind if we stuck with you and headed to y'all library for shelter?"

I shook my head. "Nope, Ethan's practicing a spell and a new thing he started this morning. He plans to show it to Rainbow and needs the place to be absolutely quiet while he's there."

The two looked between each other, until a crack of thunder went out, and they both grabbed me, dragging me towards the library.

...
Ethan's POV
...

I played one of the keys of the piano I bought a couple days ago with a claw (Alteration 80/80) and could feel the claw getting much more used to being used on hooves. This spell was a bit hard to control given I started testing it yesterday, but it's actually helping with playing this instrument. I hope Rainbow will like the song I plan to play for her.

Just then I heard the front door open, and looked over to see Rex on top of Rarity and Applejack. This made me raise an eyebrow. "Hello, girls, can I help you with something?"

Rex groaned as he got to his feet and spoke. "Just for the record, I didn't suggest this."

Rarity spoke at that. "Ethan, darling, would you be a dear and let us stay here until the storm passes? We promise not to be a problem."

I let out a small sigh in response. "Come on in, I guess."

Rarity entered, then stopped Applejack from entering, and pointed at the rug. "Uh, do be a polite houseguest and go wash up, please, won't you?"

I rolled my eyes at Rarity as I played another key. "Relax, Rarity." I then heard a clash of lightning. "Huh, that sounds like a strong storm. I guess the Pegasus Ponies went all out on this one." I then looked at the Piano. "Hope you two don't have any problems getting home."

Rarity gave an awkward smile. "It may, indeed, be a problem."

I shrugged. "Well, you're both welcome to stay, so long as you leave me in peace. Just watch out for Rex, he doesn't seem very happy."

Rarity grunted slightly. "That is a bit of an understatement."

I gave a small wave. "Well go on ahead and make yourself comfortable, it may be a while until the storm settles down."

Rarity nodded in response, then spoke to Rex. "Would you be a dear and fetch me some tea?"

I heard Rex snarl slightly. "Get you're own. I need to lock my room."

I couldn't help but let out a sigh. "I hope this doesn't end badly..."

...
Rex's POV
...

I began to rub my temples as I came downstairs, and spotted Rarity who had put some kind of green stuff all over her face. This made me groan and slap my claws over my face. I then spoke. "I SO don't like where this is going."

Applejack then spoke. "Now wait just a goldarn minute." She then pointed at Rarity. "You make me wash the mud off my hooves, but it's okay for y'all to have mud all over your faces?"

She looked at me, making me put up my hands. "Don't look at me! I just locked my door to keep her out of there!"

Rarity waved Applejack off. "Silly. This is called a mud mask. It's to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion."

I looked at her with much confusion, then folded my arms. "Translation, please?"

Rarity grunted. "I'm giving myself a makeover."

I grunted, and waved her off. "Yeah, I'm just going to go over here and watch some TV."

I began walking for the couch, and hopped onto it, before hearing Applejack speak. "What in the world is this for?"

I then heard a sigh from Rarity. "To reduce the puffiness around one's eyes, of course."

"Puffiness, shmutin', this stuff's good eatin'."

I groaned as I flipped on the TV, getting nothing but static. I groaned at this and shut it off. I could then hear the girls speaking to each other in anger, which made me look at Ethan, who was still busy practicing with the keys. This made me nod and look at the girls. "Alright, be quiet if you plan to be staying here for the night."

They looked between each other, then nodded in agreement.

...
Nighttime
...

"So..." I grunted and looked at the two girls. "How are you getting along over there, Applejack?"

They both had curlers in their hair, making them look absolutely ridiculous, and also made me fall down laughing while Applejack spoke. "Just fine, Rarity."

I dragged myself off the ground, and sniffled from the laughter, before clearing my throat, and looked at them. "You both look ridiculous!"

Applejack then spoke. "Time to tell ghost stories." She then looked at Rarity. "Ah'd like to tell y'all the terrifying tale of the prissy ghost who drove everypony crazy with their unnecessary neatness." She then glared at Rarity. "I'm sure y'all heard of that one?"

Rarity shook her head. "Never heard of it, but I have a much better one." She then gave wide eyes. "It's the horrifying story of the messy, inconsiderate ghost who irritated everypony within 100 miles!"

I grunted. "That's it, I'm going to tell you both a ghost story Ethan told me a long time ago." They both looked at me. "It all takes place in the Mojave Wasteland, when Ethan got a radio broadcast on his Pip-Boy called the Sierra Madre Broadcast..."

...

Rarity and Applejack looked to be terrified as I continued. "The survivors of the Sierra Madre thought about gathering at the fountain and waiting for the Courier, in the end, the collar silence made them uneasy. And the fear of turning on each other made them hesitate, and leave the goodbyes left, unspoken. The radio message at the fountain was enough for them, and there was no need to put down another farewell on all they had suffered."

I then smiled as I sat back. "I could go on, but I think I'll tell you both the rest later."

The two slowly nodded, glad of the happy ending they heard. I then got up and headed for the kitchen. "I'm getting some s'mores, anypony want some?"

...

I bit onto my s'more as Rarity continued to explain how to do it to Applejack. I pretty much muted them out, and nibbled on my s'more. Once it was gone, I let out a small sigh and scratched my ear, until I heard the girls begin playing truth or dare. This made me groan slightly. They began to start fighting once again, making me claw at my ears. They then began a pillow fight, making me growl lightly, and went into the kitchen.

I grabbed a apple, and bit into it, before tossing it into the air, and for some reason it didn't come down. I looked up, and saw ED-E holding the apple again, making me groan. "We already talked about this, ED-E, don't do that again."

*Beep!*

I growled and tried to grab the apple, but ED-E flew out of the room, making me charge after it, and ended up getting a face full of pillows. This made me cry out. "THAT'S IT, IT'S BED TIME!"

I then heard Ethan speak. "Quiet, Rex, I need to get this just right."

I groaned in response.

...

I yawned a bit as I slowly blinked my eyes open, and rubbed them, before I sat up, and looked around.

I then jumped nearly three feet in the air as a loud crash came out from the living room. This made me jump from my bed, and rushed to the living room, seeing the large tree sticking through the window. This made me cry out in anger and dive in the tree, trying to get it back outside.

...
Ethan's POV
...

I groaned as I heard Rarity speak. "I tried to tell you it would come crashing down in here!"

Applejack climbed up to the room. "Well, you should have tried harder!"

I stepped away from the piano, turned off the spell, and heard Applejack speak to me. "Ah'm mighty sorry, Ethan."

I sighed at this. "This is not okay. There's a giant tree branch in the middle of the living room. And I said to keep quiet while I practiced."

Applejack sighed heavily as she went to Rarity, then back to me. "We gotta do something!"

I thought for a second. "We need somepony outside to drag it out while we push it out."

Applejack nodded and grabbed her rope. "Ah'm on it!"

I then looked at Rarity. "I need you to push it out with me and Rex."

Rex's head popped out of the leaves. "Already on it, Boss!"

I nodded as we got to work.

...
Later
...

Once the tree branch was out and the window closed, I smiled as I sat back, and took a deep breath. "There we go, it's done."

The two girls nodded in response, and began laughing together as they spoke with each other. This made me smile and look at Rex, who was nibbling on an apple, and I smiled again. I then spoke. "Hey, Rex, I need to send Celestia a letter."

Chapter IX

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter X

Author's Note

Well, there's Chapter X, and I hope you all like it. If not, then give me suggestions on making it better.

Chapter X

...
Rex's POV
...

I yawned slightly as I walked with Fluttershy in the field of animals, and Fluttershy was collecting flowers while singing slightly. Just then a little squirrel stopped Fluttershy and offered a dandelion, making Fluttershy smile at him. "Thank you, little squirrel. But remember, these flowers are for Princess Celestia."

I looked at the dandelion. "I don't think that's a flower, but more of a root." I then shrugged. "Ethan might think differently though."

Fluttershy shrugged and continued. "Only the prettiest ones will do."

Just then the wind blew all the leaves off, making the squirrel put it behind his back, smiling awkwardly, before bolting away.

We continued on with collecting flowers, until we heard an animal make noise, which made Fluttershy yelp and hide behind a bucket of apples, while the basket of flowers fell to the ground. This made me raise an eyebrow and look at the rock, seeing a small creature with bug like wings climb out. This made my eyes twinkle slightly. "Fascinating, a Parasprite, one of the adorable, and also most troublesome creatures around Equestria. I never got to examine one up close before."

I knelt down to the creature and examined him while Fluttershy spoke. "Hello, little guy. I've never seen anything like you before."

It began to sniff the apple nearby, which made me raise an eyebrow. "He's hungry. And from what books usually say, once you feed one, it'll follow you everywhere and bring along it's entire swarm, begging for more."

Fluttershy ignored me at that, and crushed the apple for him. "Here you go."

I shook my head. "They prefer food that's kept together instead of mushed." The Parasprite then ate the entire bucket of apples. "See?"

Fluttershy continued to ignore me, while the Parasprite snuggled into her mane, which made her smile. "You're the cutest thing ever!"

I went wide eyed. "Fluttershy, I wouldn't get too attached to it if I were you, they can reproduce rapidly, and will cause a lot of trouble."

She still ignored me. "I can't wait to show you to my friends."

I slapped my claw over my face. "Oh lord, this is going to go south real fast."

...
Ethan's POV
...

I smiled as I and Rainbow sat in front of the TV, and watched as the movie rolled into the credits. This made me sigh slightly, and look at Rainbow. "So... you asked for a kiss once, right?"

She looked at me, a blush on her face as she nodded. "Mm-hmm."

I smiled as I gently pulled her closer with my wing, earning a giggle, and we began to lean towards each other. We were mere inches away from each other by now, and I could feel her lips barely touching mine,

Just then we heard Rex's voice. "Ethan, we got a problem."

I cracked one of my eyes open, not moving from my spot, neither did Rainbow. "And that is...?"

"Fluttershy found a Parasprite, and has grown attached to it."

I thought for a moment, then sighed slightly. "Could you let us do this one thing first?"

"Well... sure, I guess."

I smiled and pressed my lips against Rainbow's in response, which made her moan slightly and get entranced in it. And we sat there, making out for a good few minutes, before we pulled back, and Rainbow spoke with a dreamy sigh. "Best. Kiss. Ever."

I smiled and pressed my forehead against hers, making her do the same in response, and our noses were touching the other's. I then spoke. "How about we continue after we get this problem settled with, that way we can have the rest of the day to enjoy each other's company?"

She nodded. "Deal."

I kissed her one last time on the lips, before we pulled back, I got to my hooves, and nodded to Rex. "Let's go and deal with this."

I followed Rex out of the library, and noticed all the decorations being put up, which made me groan slightly. "Oh no... Princess Celestia is coming to visit, isn't she?"

Rex nodded in response. "Yeah, and if we don't stop the problem now, it'll ruin everything."

I nodded in response as we trotted over a bridge, and past Daisy as well as a few other ponies, seeing a sign that read "Welcome Princess Celest"

This made me raise an eyebrow. "What happened to the rest of her name?"

One answered. "We couldn't fit it all in."

I thought for a moment, then used my horn on the sign, which caused the poles to widen out a little, and the rest of the name was written on the new room. "There, that should do."

They smiled and spoke their thanks while we headed further down the place, and I spotted BonBon. "That looks nice, BonBon. Keep up the good work."

She nodded in response as Rex and I pushed further into town, and towards SugerCube Corner, which made me look at Rex. "This is where Fluttershy is?"

Rex's response was a shrug. "I lost sight of her a few hours ago, so I came to you."

I sighed heavily at this, and nodded as we headed towards the bakery, and spotted both Mr. and Mrs. Cake. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. How's the banquet coming?"

She gulped a bit. "Uh, I-It would be coming a little better i-if..."

We all saw Pinkie eat the cake that was the only thing left standing, which made me sigh. "Pinkie. What are you doing? I'm guessing that those sweets are meant for the Princess."

Pinkie gave an awkward smile as she poked her hooves together. "I-I know. That's why I'm tasting them." Her smile then grew. "Somepony needs to make sure that everything is tasty enough to touch the royal tongue." She poked her tongue in emphases. She then was in front of another cake. "And I, Pinkie Pie, declare that these treats are fit for a king... or a queen..." She was then too close to the cake. "Or a princess!"

I grabbed her with my magic, and dragged her away from the cake, which made her groan in annoyance, while we heard Fluttershy. "Ethan, Pinkie -- You won't believe!" She then stopped near the doorway. "Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, am I interrupting?"

Pinkie shook her head, still in my magic. "No, not at all. Come on in, and make yourself at home." She then snapped her mouth at a nearby cake, but I got her away before she could get it, causing her to hiss slightly.

I looked at Fluttershy. "Rex told me what you have, Fluttershy, and I would suggest you send it back out to the wild. Parasprites are too dangerous to keep as pets, and trust me when I say you should not keep it."

Fluttershy made puppy eyes. "But, Ethan, please? Just look at the little guy and tell him no." The Parasprite flew out of her mane, and floated in front of my face, before two more came out with him, making her gasp. "Three?"

I groaned as I trotted to the Parasprites, and spoke with a stern tone. "No." They began to whimper. "No, go back to the Everfree and reproduce there. We cannot have this growing into a major problem."

Fluttershy whimpered slightly, while Pinkie spoke. "Ugh! A Parasprite, I don't want one." She then huffed. "Now I gotta go find a trombone."

I rolled my eyes as her as she left, while I caught the three in my magic, same as Fluttershy, and dragged them all out of the building, before making Pinkie trot away, and looked at Fluttershy. "Take these three to the Everfree and send them back home. We cannot keep them, not even you are prepared to."

Fluttershy sighed slightly, and nodded as she trotted away with the three. I then looked at Rex. "Come on, I promised Nurse Redheart I'd help out over at the Hospital."

Rex nodded, and breathed on his claw before smelling it, giving a nod, which made me raise an eyebrow. "Something you want to mention, Rex?"

He looked at me with a false calm look. "Nothing at all, Ethan. I just don't want my breath to smell bad in front of..." He then sighed with slight delight. "Nurse Redheart..."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Uh-huh, well come on, Rex. We need to get there soon."

Rex nodded as he left Sugercube Corner.

...
Nighttime
...

I sat there in my bedroom, with Rex who was trying to make his scales look presentable, which made me roll my eyes. "Rex, just because Redheart said yes to going on a date with you tonight doesn't mean you need to make a fuss about your appearance."

Rex soon made his scales slicked back, and adjusted the tie that went with one of the Grimy Business Suits I had from the Capital Wasteland. I had to admit, he would make any mare blush with that outfit, but I have had yet to figure out how he gained that crush on Redheart in the first place.

Rex dusted off his clothes a little. "Come on, Ethan, you're going to do the same for Rainbow when you play that song for her."

I shrugged in response. "Maybe, but aren't you worried about something bad happening? Like you accidentally say something that'll upset her?"

He shook his head. "Nope, been going over to the Hospital most days to help out there, and soon learned a lot about her as I helped."

I let out a small sigh. At least I know how he gained the crush. "Hey, did you see Rainbow anywhere?"

He nodded. "She's downstairs, playing with a new pet she got."

I went wide eyed. "Don't tell me it's a..."

"Yeah, it's one of those."

I groaned as I trotted to the stairs. "I told Fluttershy to get rid of them, but she obviously didn't listen. Just great?!"

I soon got down to the lower levels, and saw Rainbow on the couch, playing with the Parasprite. This made me sigh. "Rainbow." She looked at me. "I am guessing you got him from Fluttershy, yes?"

She nodded and kissed the thing. "Yeah! Isn't he just so cute?!"

"And very dangerous, and reproduces like crazy, and eats everything, and will cause a massive swarm of problems for Ponyville if we don't send them back to the Everfree RIGHT NOW."

Rainbow looked between me, and the Parasprite, before gulping. "Um... so these things are dangerous, and can grow into... way too many problems?" I nodded, making her sigh and offer him to me. "Sorry, I guess his cuteness got the better of me."

I nodded and grabbed him with my magic, before opening a window, and used my magic to send him all the way to the Everfree, and twist the location a bit to make it lost, before letting it go, and closed the door. I then smiled at Rainbow. "I know they are cute, and you really want to keep one, but nopony is ready for that, and you need to trust me on this subject."

Rainbow slowly nodded. "Alright, Ethan." She then looked at me. "Um..."

I smirked slightly. "Yes, you can sleep with me instead of going home."

She giggled in response, and I wrapped my wing around her while we headed upstairs, and got into bed, I then nodded to Rex who left, and turned the light off before we went to sleep.

...
Next Morning
...

My eyes slowly open to being shaken awake by Rainbow, which made me raise an eyebrow. "What?"

She had worry in her eyes. "We got a problem."

I raised an eyebrow in response, and looked at the window, seeing a massive swarm of Parasprites outside, begging to come in. This made me groan, and get to my hooves, while looking at Rainbow. "Come on, we got to find a way to fix this."

Rainbow nodded as we headed downstairs, and found Rex on the couch, fast asleep, and mumbling to himself about having a wonderful night. Maybe that date did go well.

We headed outside, and I closed the door behind us, while narrowing my eyes at the massive swarm. I could see the other girls having problems, having massive swarms following all of them, which made me growl slightly, and used my magic, catching the first swarm while Pinkie began to sing, which I ignored and began pushing the swarms out of town.

I then forced my way to Fluttershy's house through the massive swarms, and quickly opened the door, causing a swarm bigger then the one currently on our hooves fly out. I then cried out while Rarity and Rainbow got to my sides. "FLUTTERSHY!!! I TOLD YOU TO SEND THEM BACK TO THE EVERFREE!!"

Fluttershy eeped upon hearing me, and stuttered. "E-E-Ethan... I-I'm so s-s-sorry."

I shook my head and grabbed all the Parasprites from the cottage out of the place and used my magic to catapult them far, far, far away from Ponyville, but there were still a ton more to deal with.

Just then Applejack came over with a large carriage of apples. "Here's all those apples you wanted, Fluttershy, but I still can't figure out why you need so many." Just then some of the remaining Parasprites ate them all, making her cry out. "HEY!"

Fluttershy then asked. "What do we do?"

I furrowed my brow in response. "I think I got an idea, but I need Applejack to herd all the Parasprites into a group to make it work."

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah, nopony can herd like Applejack! We can drive them back into the forest!"

Applejack sighed at that. "Ah'll rassle them up, but Ah'll need everypony's help to do it."

I nodded and trotted over to her, my horn glowing slightly.

"Ethan, you and Rarity wait over there. Ah'll herd the little critters straight at y', like a funnel."

I nodded as me and Rarity headed over to the spot. I then heard her speak to the other two. "Rainbow Dash, you and Fluttershy stay on top of them. Don't let them fly away."

I readied my horn, and spotted Applejack begin herding, while Rainbow and Fluttershy stayed over the Parasprites, and we soon got them into a massive ball."

I then grabbed the ball with my magic, and took a deep breath as I lifted it high in the air, and spoke. "Let's hope this works."

I began to lift the ball, and began sending it to the Everfree, before hearing Pinkie as I began to trot slowly into the Everfree. "Gals and Ethan! I need help! I need a tuba! Follow me!"

I ignored this as they began talking to each other while I got deeper and deeper into the Everfree. And let them go into the forest, then galloped back to the girls. But instead of everything being good now, Fluttershy opened her door and a swarm that was far bigger then the one I sent into the forest launch out.

I then heard Rarity cry out. "WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?!"

Fluttershy blushed. "Well, I may have kept just one." She chuckled while I slammed my hoof against my face, while the others glared at her. "I couldn't help myself. They're just... so... cute." She kissed it on the forehead.

I growled deeply. "This is the problem I have with Parasprites, they catch a mare's eye, and will never be let go."

Rainbow then made a massive tornado, and picked them all up before. But then Pinkie came in with two instruments, which flew into the tornado, and caused it to collapse, while Rainbow was flung into a tree. This made me rush over to her, and wrap a wing around her, which made her speak with a grunt. "So much for that plan."

I nodded and helped her up, before we saw all the critters fly into Ponyville, making us all glare at Pinkie. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"

She responded with her own glare. "I've lost a brand-new pair of cymbals! That's what I've done!"

I growled at this. "Forget the instruments for one second. You're ruining out efforts to save Ponyville!"

She placed a hoof against her chest, wide eyed. "ME?! RUIN?!" She frowned. "I'm not the ruiner! I'm the ruinee!" She pulled back. "Or is it 'Ruiness'?" She sat down on her flank. "'Ruinette'?"

I ignored her. "Come on, girls, there's no point in fighting her. She's a little too..." I shook my head. "Nevermind, let's just go."

We rushed off while Pinkie cried out at us. "HEY! I'M TRYING TO TELL YOU ALL THAT THE RUINING IS ON THE OTHER HOOF! IF YOU'D JUST SLOW DOWN AND LISTEN TO ME!"

We ignored her as we soon came up to Ponyville, seeing all the residents beginning to panic as the Parasprites began to eat all the food, ruin the flowers, and cause a massive mess.

I began to hit my head a bit. What was it that these things love more then food?! I need to remember this! I read about it a few years ago, so I should know!

They simply continued to eat the food.

Do I cast a spell here? No, that would make them eat wood and stuff, not a good idea. That'd make a very bad mess.

I gave a sigh. "I need some help." I turned towards the Everfree. "Keep them distracted while I try to find out how to fix this."

I then galloped for Zecora's.

...

I rammed through Zecora's door, making her gasp and fall to the ground, and spoke. "Have you gone mad?"

I grunted as I whacked the side of my head, making a Parasprite fly out of my ear. "Zecora, these little guys are devouring Ponyville's food, and if I cast a spell, they'll eat the town itself. And I can't remember how to stop these things! We really need your help."

She gave an adorable look to the Sprite. "Oh, monster of so little size. Is that a Parasprite before my eyes?"

I gave a nod. "Yeah, and we need to get rid of them."

Zecora trotted over to me, a grim look on her muzzle. "Tales of crops and harvests consumed. If these creatures are in Ponyville..." The Parasprite spat out another. "You're doomed."

I cried out in anger. "THAT DOESN'T HELP THE SITUATION!!"

I shook my head and galloped back for Ponyville.

...

I continued to gallop and spotted Celestia's carriage floating over to the town, which made me wince slightly. At least this gets back at her for pulling that prank... heh... heh... I groaned at my mind and continued galloping.

I soon found Ponyville as it was beginning to be devoured by the creatures... making my eye twitch. Somepony cast the spell... didn't they?

I dropped to my flank in defeat, and began to rub my temples. "Why does this kind of stuff always happen to me?"

I then heard music playing, and looked over to see Pinkie trying to be a one-mare band, I then spotted all the Parasprites beginning to dance along with the music, no longer eating everything, and began to follow Pinkie.

I slapped myself. Of course, music... I sighed heavily. God I hate myself right now...

I trotted over to the other girls, who were looking with shrugs, and us close behind. I then spotted Celestia's chariot land a few feet away and groaned as we all trotted over to Celestia, while Pinkie kept leading the Parasprites.

I fell to my flank as Celestia spoke, while the girls bowed. "Ethan Mason, my prized pupil."

I gave a grunt. "Hello, Celestia."

She smiled at me. "So lovely to see you again, as well as your friends."

I sighed as Rainbow got to my side, while I wrapped my wing around Rainbow. This made Celestia go wide eyed and speak. "What is this?"

I looked at her. "This is Rainbow, my Marefriend." Celestia seemed to go into shock slightly by that. "Is something wrong, Celestia?"

She blushed heavily in response and shook her head, giving out an nervous chuckle. "Not at all, my faithful student, nothing at all."

I raised an eyebrow in response, before we heard Pinkie playing the music, and trotted past with the Parasprites behind her.

I gave a grunt. "Parasprites, and I forgot they love music."

Celestia slowly nodded in response. "I see, then they must be much trouble?" I nodded in response. "Very well then."

I then rubbed my neck slightly. "Yeah... don't take one unless you want them to eat the palace."

She went wide eyed, then chuckled awkwardly. "I see." She then sighed slightly. "I'm afraid an emergency has come up in Fillydelphia. Apparently there's been some sort of infestation."

I groaned. "I swear I put them in the forest!!!"

Celestia giggled in response. "Relax, my faithful student. I will see to it that they will be gotten rid of." She then stopped a bit. "Mind if you give me the latest report on the magic of friendship, Ethan?"

I raised an eyebrow, seeing a seductive smile on Celestia, which made me even more confused. "My... report... right." I nodded. " Yeah, I learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It's a good idea to stop and listen to your friends." Even though I did that with Raul and my companions

Celestia continued to smile. "I'm so proud of you, Ethan Mason, and I'm very impressed with your friends, as well. It sounds like you're all learning so much from each other."

I gave a nod. "Thanks, Celestia."

She gave a wink to me, which made me raise an eyebrow again as she soon left.

We trotted over to Pinkie, causing her to speak. "Hey, what happened to the princess?"

I smirked as I wrapped a wing around Rainbow and we kissed each other. "Emergency in Fillydelphia."

Rainbow grew a smirk. "Some sort of... infestation."

Pinkie gasped. "Oh, no! Have they got Parasprites, too? Well, have tuba, will travel."

I shook my head as she blew into the instrument. "I think Celestia can handle it." I then gave Pinkie a high hoof. "Sorry for earlier, because you obviously remembered what I forgot."

Pinkie smiled at this. "You're welcome."

I nodded, then groaned slightly. "Now we gotta deal with fixing Ponyville."

They all slumped their shoulders in defeat, which made me smirk. "Come on, we got a lot of work to do."

Chapter XI

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter XII

Author's Note

Well, there's Chapter XII. Hope you all liked it, and just in case you don't send me constructive criticism and I'll try to make it better.

Chapter XII

Rex's POV
...

I sighed heavily as the school bell went off, and folded my arms as I stood next to the Chalkboard, eyeing all the students with wary eyes, because I know full well they could easily get excited. Also, all of them, except three, had cutie marks, don't know why I noted that, but I simply shrugged it off as the teacher, Cheerilee, trotted over to the desk I stood by, where an apple sat. "Let's quiet down, please. We have a very important lesson to get to."

I finally decided to ask. "And you need me here... why?"

All the fillies looked up at me with the same question plastered on their faces, which made Cheerilee look at me. "Because Ethan was too busy to show his specialty, so he sent you to show your's... even though you don't hold it like us." She then looked at the class. "Today, we are going to be talking about cutie marks." She pulled the page out of the way, showing the random ones on the paper.

I then heard a filly speak. "Boring."

This made me look at her. "Oh? And what does YOUR cutie mark stand for?"

She glared at me. "I got it when I... well during the time I... well, father was with me when we..." She grumbled a bit and folded her forelegs in response.

I nodded and looked at Cheerilee, who had a grateful smile. "You can all see my cutie mark, can't you?" It was one of smiles on flowers. "Like all ponies, I wasn't born with a cutie mark. My flank was blank."

I gave a small snort. "Yeah, go figure."

She simply smirked at me. "And as I would have wished to have Ethan Mason come in and explain how he got his many cutie marks, which change from one to another every few seconds." The fillies gasped upon hearing that, as I snickered. "However, Ethan said he would have Rex here explain since he told him how he received them."

I groaned in response, and clawpalmed. "I will find him and torture him dearly for this..."

Cheerilee chuckled lightly, then we heard a filly speak at the picture of Cheerilee as a filly. "Aww... she's so precious."

I grunted in response. "Not as precious as Nurse Redheart."

Cheerilee giggled at my response, then returned to her teaching. "Then one day when I was about your age, I woke up to find that a cutie mark had appeared."

She moved the picture revealing a more techno looking mare, which made one speak. "Look at her hair!"

They all began laughing, which made me burp up a flame, causing them all to go silent, and I snickered since my plan to silence them worked. Cheerilee then spoke onward. "That's how everypony was wearing their mane back then."

I coughed a little. "At least your mane is better now."

The fillies began laughing again, which made Cheerilee smile a little. "I had decided to become a teacher, and the flowers symbolize my hope that I could help my future students bloom if I nurtured them with knowledge." I gave a grunt and sat on the desk. "The smiles represented the cheer I hoped to bring to my little ponies while they were learning." She then looked around. "Now, can anypony tell me when a pony gets his or her cutie mark?" She then looked at me. "Rex?"

i growled as I stood up, folded my claws behind my back, and took a military pose (or so Ethan said the pose was). "A cutie mark appears on one's flank when they discover their hidden and special talent. They can always hold more then one, but the one on your flank will always be the major talent you hold."

Cheerilee was surprised by my answer, since I've been reciting it every single time a filly or colt asked me. "That is quite right, Rex." She then looked at the fillies. "In simpler terms, if you didn't understand his answer, is that a cutie mark appears on a pony's flank when he or she finds that certain something that makes them different from every other pony." I spotted Applebloom writing this all down. "Discovering what makes you unique isn't something that happens overnight, and no amount of hoping, wishing, or begging..."

I then cut her off, seeing the run of a filly trying to catch Applebloom's attention. "Is there something you'd like to share, Diamond Tiara?"

She went wide eyed, and quickly shook her head. This made me narrow my eyes, and walked over to her desk, eyeing her suspiciously, then snatched the letter from her desk which made her cry out. "HEY! THAT'S MINE!"

I looked at the note, and snorted at it being a form of insult to Applebloom's flank, before glancing at Tiara, then to Applebloom, then to the filly next to Applebloom. This made me growl, and crunched up the letter, then looked at Cheerilee. "I think it would be best to move Applebloom's seat away from, Miss Tiara."

Cheerilee raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

"Because I've been in school before, and Tiara here intended to have Applebloom pass a letter to that filly just to simply insult her. And YOU would have gotten mad at Applebloom instead of Diamond Tiara." I then smirked at the filly. "I also was taught a bit about drawing up conclusions with a simple glance."

I handed the note to Cheerilee, who read it, and sighed heavily. "Diamond Tiara, you know I will have to tell your father about this."

Tiara went very wide eyed and began begging her not to. I then heard Tiara speak. "B-B-But it's blank!"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "And does that remind you of anypony?" She stayed silent. "I rest my case."

Cheerilee gave a thankful nod as I walked back over to the desk, and sat down.

...
Later
...

I walked out of the school house as the bells went off, and walked alongside Applebloom, who was smiling happily after my little help in class. I then noticed the little filly Diamond Tiara walk out with her friend as she spoke. "I don't know why we had to sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark. I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is so last week."

I snickered in response. "I bet that's all you did to get yours, you little shrimp."

She huffed in response, and ignored me. "I mean, you got yours, I just got mine. We all have them already." Applebloom and the other filly looked at their flanks, and sighed. This made her slide up to them. "I mean, almost all of us have them already."

I grabbed her by the mane, and lifted her up to eye level, puffing out a cloud of smoke into her muzzle, and making her cough at the burnt oxygen. I then spoke. "You better be silent before I burn you to a crisp... or possibly tell your father what you've been doing and make sure you get a year's worth of grounding."

She whimpered in response and nodded, making me set her down, before she bolted as far away in the playground as possible. This made me smile, and lifted up Applebloom before setting her down on my shoulders. "Come on, I'm sure Applejack would like to have you home now."

Applebloom smiled widely. "Alright!"

I smirked at her, and began running down the way, far away from the school, and given my training, it was almost like we were flying at the speed we were going. Applebloom was squealing with delight at being given this ride, until we soon came up to Sweet Apple Acres, and slowed down near Applejack.

Applejack looked at us and smiled. "Hey there, Rex, and how are you doing today, Lil' Sis'?"

I sat Applebloom down, and she finally let out what she's been keeping in. "It's not fair! It's just not fair!"

Applejack sighed. "Don't get your mane in a tangle. You'll get your cutie mark. Everypony gets one eventually."

Applebloom gave a determined look. "But Ah don' want one eventually. I want one right now! Ah can't go to Diamond Tiara's Cute-Ceanera without one. I just can't!"

I grunted in response, earning both of their attention. "Then don't go, all it's meant for is to insult the ponies with blank flanks, and so Diamond Tiara feels more loved then anypony else. There's no point in going." I plucked an apple from a tree, and tossed it to Applejack, who caught it in her mouth, and put it in the bucket. "I mean, nopony goes to somepony's party unless they are friends, or intend to get revenge. And I believe it's better to save the revenge for me and Ethan."

Applejack gave me a stern gaze. "Ah don't want y'all gettin' revenge when Applebloom's around, ya hear?"

I waved it off. "Yeah, yeah, sure. Not like it matters anyways."

Applejack rolled her eyes at me, then looked at Applebloom. "Y'know, Ah was the last pony in mah class to get a cutie mark, and Ah couldn't be prouder of it. Ah knew mah future was to run Sweet Apple Acres, and these bright, shiny apples sealed the deal." She gasped slightly. "Come to think of it, Grandma Smith was the last one in her class, too." She let out a small chuckle. "Same with Big Macintosh."

I watched Applebloom trot over to a basket with apples. "Ah really don' see how that's supposed to make me feel better. It probably means that bein' the last one in your class to get a cutie mark runs in the family." She then popped up. "'Runs in the family'?" Her eyes widened as did her smile. "'Runs in the family'!" She then sped up to me and Applejack. "'RUN'S IN THE FAMILY'!" She then looked at Applejack's cutie mark. "You've got apples for your cutie mark. Granny Smith has an Apple Pie," She was then in my face, making me fall backwards as she stood on my chest, right in my face. "Big Macintosh has an Apple Half. "My unique talent must have something to do with apples!"

i pulled her off my chest as she began to chant 'apple', making me sigh heavily and let her go, causing her to fall in a bucket of apples, and Applejack cried out. "REX!!!"

I lifted my arms in defense. "Hey! How was I supposed to know the bucket was there?! I was solely focused on the insane filly you call a sister!"

Applejack shook her head at me, which made me roll my eyes, knowing I was going to pay for this.

...

I stood next to the Apple Stand Applejack put up, and had my arms folded, sighing as I spoke, while Applebloom and Applejack were to the side. "Apples! Get your delicious, nutritious apples here."

Applejack gave me a stern gaze. "Speak with more enthusiasm, Rex! We need to reel 'em in!"

I growled at her, and spoke louder, which wasn't much to be honest. I then heard Applebloom speak. "Delicious and nutritious and so many uses. She ate the one she had on her head. "You can eat 'em, play with 'em..." She hit one with a tennis racket. "Create fine art for your home with 'em." The apple then his a painting, and gained an unamused look from the nearby stallion, while Applebloom went on. "You'd be crazy not to get a bushel of your very own."

Applejack grabbed her by the bow, and dragged her away, chuckling awkwardly, and looked around. "She's so creative." She then sped off at a tan stallion with an hourglass cutie mark. "You, sir!, care to buy some apples?"

He kept walking. "No thanks."

She looked at him from a stand. "Why not?"

He chuckled awkwardly. "I have plenty at home."

He bumped into her as she got behind him. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm pretty sure."

She got in his way again. "You are pretty sure. But you're not absolutely, positively, completely, superduper sure, are you?"

He began to sweat. "If I buy some apples, will you please leave me alone?"

She smiled. "Alright!"

He tossed some bits to Applejack, grabbed a apple, and sped off, making Applejack call out. "You forgot your change!"

Applebloom was excited now. "Whoo-hoo! There's how you sell some apples and get a cutie mark." Applejack raised an eyebrow as Applebloom began to spin around looking at her flank. "So, what does my Cutie Mark look like -- a shopping bag full of apples? A satisfied customer eating an apple?" She placed a hoof on her chin, seeing there wasn't one. "Maybe Ah got to increase my sales figures first." She then yelled at a now terrified pony. "YOU TOUCH IT, YOU BUY IT!" She then gave an innocent look. "We take cash or credit."

Applejack gave an apologetic look to the terrified mare. "Ah'm sorry, ma'am." She sped off without a second thought. "Ma'am!" She sighed and looked at her sister, all the while I put some bits on the stand, and was going through my fifth apple as I watched the entire event. "Now, Applebloom, you can't just..."

Applebloom was now in front of a mare, a bag full of apples. "That'll be four bits."

She glared at the filly. "I didn't put those in my bag."

She raised an eyebrow, given that I saw her put it in there. "Likely story, four bits, lady!"

Applejack stuffed her mouth with a hoof. "Applebloom!" She looked at Bonbon. "Ah am really, really sorry about that. She's new." She poured some apples into her bag. "Here, take these, no charge." Bonbon was still not amused, making Applejack point at even more. "And these." Bonbon was still not happy, making Applejack sigh, and pulled out a bucket. "And these." She put the bucket on her back, making the mare give out a grunt with a false smile, while she began trudging away. "Y'all come back now, ya hear?"

She then glared at Applebloom, who stood in front of an empty market stand. "What?"

I couldn't help but snicker.

"Sorry, little sis, but your apple-sellin' days are over." She then pulled the apron off of her.

"What?! But how else am Ah gonna get my cutie mark?"

She took the apron back, which Applejack took away again. "Home, now!"

Applebloom huffed in annoyance, while I picked her up and sat her on my back. This made Applejack sigh. "Listen, Sugarcube, I know it's hard to wait for your own cutie mark, but, you just can't force it. Besides, you're not that grown up just yet, ain't there other fillies in your class without one?"

Applebloom sighed slightly. "Well, Twist doesn't have her's yet."

"Do you think you feel better if you went to the party with her?"

Applebloom nodded. "Mm-hmm."

"Well, there you go. Bet you and Twist would have a great time together. Now run along and find your friend."

Applebloom looked at AJ. "You sure you don't want me to stick around till the end of the market?"

Somepony then cried out. "Hey, who's been using my racket?!"

Applejack didn't show any emotion in her response. "Yeah, Ah'm sure."

...

I walked up to the house Twist lived at with Applebloom on my shoulder, and gave a knock on the door. This made Twist open it, and look up at her. Oh, what's up, Applebloom?"

Applebloom rubbed her neck slightly. "So, Ah was thinkin'. Maybe we could go to Diamond Tiara's Cutie-Ceanera together. Ah don't have a cutie mark, you don;t have a cutie mark."

Twist looked to the side. "Well, um..." She opened the lower door to reveal a cutie mark of candy canes, which made Applebloom go wide eyed. "Isn't my cutie mark swell? I always loved making my own savory sweets. But it took me some time to discover that it was my super special talent. Pretty sweet, huh?"

Applebloom had a sad look now. "Yeah. pretty... sweet."

Twist looked at her. "Hey... this doesn't mean we can't go to the cute-ceanera together. You're still gonna come to the party, aren't you?"

Tiara spoke as she began trotting by. "Of course she will."

"It's not like being there without a cutie mark will be like, the most embarrassing thing ever."

I blew out flames in their direction, making them cry out in horror and sped out of the way, galloping for their lives as the ground they stood on was scorched.

...

I grunted as I sat there near a well, with Applebloom next to me, which made me raise an eyebrow as I saw Rainbow look down at us. "Whoa. Looks like somepony's got a dark cloud hanging over her head." There was literally one to emphasize the point. "Let me do something about that." She then pushed it out of the way. She then landed on her hooves, smiling at Applebloom. "What's the matter, kid?"

Applebloom took a deep breath, and began speaking a bit fast. Then finally cried out. "I want it now!"

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Cutie mark?"

i stared dumbfounded at her. "You actually got all of that?"

Rainbow smirked at me. "Yeah, and good thing too, I plan to use these skills for my time with Ethan." She then grew hopeful. "Do you think he might ask me to marry him?"

I grunted in response. "So not going to talk about it."

She rolled her eyes at me. "You're just jealous that I'm the new favorite."

I snickered. "Sorry, not gay."

She glared at me. "That's not what I meant!"

"But you were thinking it."

She gave a small cry at this and slumped in a defeated fashion, given that I wouldn't back down. She then looked at Applebloom. "I can get you a cutie mark like that." She snapped her tail in emphasis.

Applebloom had a sad look. "Applejack says these things take time. I have to just wait for it to happen."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen?"

Applebloom's ears went down as she had a very adorable face. "But Applejack says that--"

"Hey, who are you gonna listen to -- Applejack, or the pony who was first in her class to get a cutie mark?" Applebloom stood up at that. "I always liked flying and all, but I was going nowhere in a hurry. It wasn't until my very first race that I discovered a serious need for speed." She then brought up her cutie mark. "And -- KAZAAM! -- This sweet baby appeared as fast as lightning."

I folded my arms at that. "You know, Ethan never got his cutie mark until he arrived in Equestria."

Rainbow went wide eyed, then looked away with a blush. "Yeah? Well, he doesn't count."

"He is also a major nerd."

Rainbow's blush increased, and she glared at me. "So what?! He is a special case! He doesn't need to be like everypony else to be perfect!"

I smirked at her, then shrugged. "Whatever."

...
Later
...

I watched as Applebloom did another push up, and another, and another. All the while I heard Rainbow speak. "That's right. Stretch out those legs." I glanced over at Rainbow, seeing she was wearing a white headband, and a whistle, which made her look weird to me. "Got to be nice and loose. The key here is to try as many things as possible as quickly as possible. One of them is bound to lead to your cutie mark. Are you ready?"

Applebloom stood up in response. "Ah'm ready!"

Rainbow picked up her voice. "I said, are you ready?!"

Applebloom did the same. "Ah'm ready!!"

...
Many attempts at different things later
...

"Tried that one, tried that one..."

I ignored Rainbow as I patted Applebloom, who was curled up on my lap, defeat in her eyes, which made me smile softly. "Hey, it's alright, Applebloom. You'll figure it out eventually, you just need to know which one it was, and trust me when I say that's no easy feat. Just keep trying and don't give up."

Applebloom looked up at me, with the saddest eyes ever. "Do you think Ah'll ever get a cutie mark?"

I gave a soft smile and petted down her mane. "I'm sure you will."

She smiled and curled back up. "Ah wish you were mah big brother..."

I couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "I may not be, but how about you just look at me that way."

She nodded in response, and we soon heard the two bullies from earlier laughing, which made Applebloom dive into the bushes while one spoke. "Your new outfit is, like, perfect for the party."

"I know. It totally shows off my new cutie mark."

"I love being special."

I puffed out some smoke, making them look at me, and scream in horror as they were gone with a cloud of dust where they once were.

Applebloom then cried out as she jumped onto my lap. "Ah'm doomed -- DOOMED! Ah'll never find something Ah'm good at!"

I gently petted her mane. "Of course you will, it just takes time."

Just then Pinkie was in front of us. "You look like you'd be good at eating cupcakes."

Applebloom looked over from her spot, a smile on her muzzle. "Eating cupcakes?"

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Eating cupcakes?"

Pinkie jumped up while Applebloom had a massive smile. "Eating cupcakes!" Pinkie then began to bounce away.

Applebloom then looked at Rainbow. "Ah really appreciate all your help, Rainbow Dash. You're a really great coach, and Ah've really learned a lot from you." She began to back away towards Pinkie while Rainbow simply stood there. "And Ah'm sure Ah can learn a lot more, but Ah've got some cupcakes to eat!" She then began trotting away from us. "See you at the cute-ceanera!" She then galloped after Pinkie.

I looked over at Rainbow as her mouth hung open, and smirked at her. "Looks like you've lost your job." I then began walking after them. "See ya later, or whenever Ethan's around."

...

"Ah can't believe Ah didn't think of this -- a cupcake eating cutie mark. It's so obvious." I stopped at the door as Applebloom began to look through the cupboards. "Now, where are those cupcakes? Ah'm ready to chow down!"

Pinkie trotted over to her. "I don't have any cupcakes."

"Oh..."

Pinkie then gasped. "But you look like you'd be good at helping me make some!"

She then placed a chefs hat on Applebloom's head, making her speak. "Ah guess a making-cupcakes cutie mark could work, too."

Pinkie then began to sing, which made me groan and clasp my claws over my ears, but I could still hear it. I grabbed a couple hats and stuffed them in my small ears, but still no results. Finally I just stuffed my head in a barrel of water, hearing nothing but gurgling as I stood there. Once it stopped, I pulled my head out, and spat out a fish that swam into my mouth, and turned to the room.

I swear it was a mess now, and batter was flying everywhere while many dishes stood on top of others. Applebloom then tipped over a bag of flour, pulled out a tray of burnt cupcakes while crying out at them being hot, and her tongue hung out while Pinkie spoke. "Ooh! Those look much better than the last batch." She then began to eat one, which made Applebloom try one, and immediately spat it out.

Pinkie and I looked over at Applebloom, who had a sad look again. "Guess Ah'm not cut out to be a baker, either." She then sighed as I walked up to her side. "Ah just have to face it. Ah'm gonna have a blank flank forever!"

I folded my arms at that. "And what's wrong with that, hmm? All it does is make you more special than the others, since you'd have a whole world of opportunities to chase after, and you could be the best at anything."

Pinkie then pointed at the white blob on her flank. "What about that?"

Applebloom looked there. "What about what?" I couldn't help but smirk at this, even though it was obviously NOT a cutie mark. "Is there something on my flank? Is there? Is there? Is there?" She then looked at it from a fallen dish's reflection, and gasped. "A cutie mark!" She then began to rant on what it could be."

I then dusted it off her flank, revealing it to be blank, then dusted my claws off. "It's flour."

Applebloom looked at her flank, letting out a sad sigh. Just then we heard Ethan. "Whoa! What happened here?"

I folded my arms as Pinkie slid up to her, cupcakes on her head. "We've been making cupcakes. Want to try one?"

Ethan pulled his head away. "No, but thank you, they look a bit... burnt."

Applebloom then rushed up to Ethan. "Ethan, you have to help me."

he looked down at her. "What's wrong?"

Applebloom then began to rant on really quickly. She then cried out. "RIGHT NOW!"

Ethan scratched his ear a little. "Uh-huh... care to try that a bit slower this time? Something about a cutie mark?" She nodded. "How can I help you?"

Applebloom smiled a bit. "You can use your magic to make mah cutie mark appear."

I shook my head in response. "Sorry, Applebloom. A cutie mark is something that a pony has to discover for themselves." He then glanced back at his cutie mark, which showed the numbers 101, then went to one of the factions he's been a part of. "And they have to actually mean something to you for them to appear... otherwise they are the same as a blank flank."

Applebloom gave him pleading eyes. "Please, Ethan, just try."

Ethan stepped back. "Sorry, but as I said--"

"Oh, please, please, please, please, please!"

Ethan raised a hoof that that. "Alright, fine." He then muttered silently. "Not like anything will happen.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Ethan let out an annoyed grunt and let his horn glow slightly, which, made a pulled cart of apples appear for a minute, then disappear. "I'm sorry, Applebloom, but I told you."

"Try again! Try again!"

Ethan sighed heavily, and his horn glowed again, making a kite appear, then disappear, then cupcakes, then a teddy bear, then a unicycle, and a ton of other ones, until Ethan simply stopped. He then noticed the single drop of sweat run down his forehead, and wiped it away as he spoke. "I should have listened to Nurse Redheart about keeping away from magic for the day." He then looked at her. "Told you, magic can't make a cutie mark appear before its time."

Applebloom sighed. "It's hopeless -- HOPELESS!" She then began to trot for the door. "Ah just won't go to the party. Ah can't go! Everypony'll just laugh at me and make fun of me and call me names. It'll be the worst night of mah life."

I walked over to her, petting her small head. "I'm sure it won't be as bad as all that."

"Forget it. There's not way Ah'm going to that..." She then realized that we were all standing in the party she was talking about, which made her gulp. "...party."

i rolled my eyes at her, and patted her head as I walked over to a nearby table, grabbed a cupcake, and bit into it, thankful I got a good one. I noticed all the ponies from around town were here, and Diamond Tiara was showing off, while casting worried glances over to me. Applebloom then hid behind a chocolate statue that stood next to me. "How could Ah have forgotten the time? How could Ah have forgotten Pinkie Pie was hosting the party? How could Ah have forgotten it was at SugarCube Corner?"

Pinkie then placed a hat on her. "Don't forget your party hat, forgetty forgeterson."

Applebloom then began to hide behind each sweet, while I simply stayed close. "Ah have to get out of here before anypony sees me." Just then Snails walked over, and ate some of a cake, which made Tiara yell at him. "HEY! It's my cute-ceanera! I'm supposed to get the first bite of the cake!"

Applebloom hid behind a random mare, dove behind a few balloons, which were all broken by a stallion, and Applebloom dove under a table. She dove behind a pair of fillies, hid behind a cake, and then hid under the punch table. This made me walk over, and pour myself a cup of punch as I spoke. "Relax, Applebloom, it's a party. You don't have to worry about Tiara so long as I'm around."

She ignored me and looked at the doorway. "Okay, Applebloom, almost there." She then began to move with the table, causing a mare to drink some punch, then quickly tiptoed to the front door, and finally found it. She almost left, before Applejack stopped her. "Applebloom, you made it!" She then trotted in. "After Ah heard about Twist, Ah was afraid y' wouldn't show up. Ah sure am glad you came to your senses about this whole cutie mark thing. These things happen when these things are supposed to happen. Trying to rush it will just drive you crazy." She then stopped Applebloom a bit farther inside. Ah'll let you be, looks like your friends want to talk to you."

I looked over at Diamond Tiara, and narrowed my eyes, making her go wide eyed upon seeing me, and quickly went away from us. This made me smile, and walked around with Applebloom, all the while the party continued on. I then noticed Mage Script walk in, which made me smile and wave at him. "Hey, man, what brings you here?"

Mage Script stepped out of the way, revealing a young pegasus filly with a purple mane and tail, and a orange coat. This made me smile, kneel down, and waved kindly. "Why hello there, come to enjoy the party?"

She nodded at this, and offered her hoof. "I'm Scootaloo, and..." She blushed as she looked away, making me notice her blank flank.

This made me whisper to Applebloom. "Looks like you aren't the only one, Applebloom."

Applebloom smiled at that, introduced herself to Scootaloo, and they quickly became friends, walking off to enjoy the party, and were even joined by Rarity's little sister, Sweetie Belle.

I then noticed Ethan walk over while Mage left to enjoy the party. "Seems like today went alright, huh?"

Ethan simply nodded as he let his wings flap slightly. "Sure does." He then glanced at me. "So, I see you and Applebloom have been getting along."

I smirked slightly. "Yeah, we had a good day. She just needs somepony to help her realize she ain't the only one."

Ethan nodded again as he took a sip of punch. "Agreed." He then shook his body slightly. "I better go send a letter to Celestia, mind keeping an eye on those three for me?"

I nodded in response, and he left. Today went good.

Chapter I

My name is Ethan, Ethan Mason, and I should say I have gone through hell of earth (or what is left of earth), and I've had to deal with shit like Deathclaws, Aliens, Robots, Brains in Jars, my own brain, loss of my spine and heart, the Divide, a simulation about Anchorage, red necks from Point Lookout, Tribals, Super Mutants, Trogs (don't ask what they are), slavers, raiders, Ghost people (again, don't ask), and Lobotomites (poor bastards). I've also dealt with, and I shit you not, insane people who say they've traveled through dimensions. Crazy, right? Hell, one said she was a... what was it? A... pony? I don't know, but she smelled of alcohol and jet, probably a simply junkie. God, I even remember something the Brotherhood of Steel got online, called a Liberty Prime. Fuck that thing was awesome.

My life was simple, to say the least, I killed jackasses, helped survivors and settlers out, and even made my own settlement. And boy did I get a lot of friends that I travel with, making my own little army. Thanks to a Enclave Radio I found, I now got my own Enclave forces, got tons of experimental armor and weapons, and so much more. I was, to other's eyes, a Messiah. Though I prefer the titles Lone Wanderer and Courier.

So, what happened next, was what confused me the most. I was simply walking across the ruins of New York, fighting off hunters, until I felt something hit me on the head, and everything went black. So, I don't really know what happened, and I've been out cold for a long time now. Hopefully I'll come too soon.

...

The first thing I noticed, which indicated I was alive, was the feeling of being lifted up, and placed on something hard, like wood. This made me groan slightly, but I failed to awaken since I couldn't really feel my body. It felt... different, wrong, as if I was... something. I don't know what, but it felt strange. I could hear faint voices around me, but that was about it. I didn't feel like I'd go out any second, but I couldn't do anything either. Maybe I'm just too tired to move, but not too tired to hear and feel. Hell if I know honestly.

I then felt myself being placed on a soft, and rather comfortable bed, before feeling something like a blanket being placed over me. This wasn't bad, from what I've gone through, so I think I could deal with it for now. I plan to stay calm through this, and not cause a scene just yet. I want to be fully aware before I do. I could still hear voices, though they seem to be a bit further away, while I felt something... warm, go over my body. This also caused my Pip-Boy to go off, which made me worried, they were using radiation, shit.

I finally gained a bit of control as I let out a groan, which caused the voices to stop, and I tried to move, but instead of sitting up, I fell off the bed with a thud, which made someone speak, enough for me to hear. "Hey, relax, everything's okay, just relax."

I spoke in a groggy tone. "Get that... damn... radiation away... from me..."

I couldn't feel my body anymore as I began to lose control of it, though I felt myself being placed in the bed again, and felt the warmth go over me, and my Pip-Boy was ticking again. This made me hear some of the words.

"...device... what's radiation?... quickly... He's losing..."

"Get that... I want... I will not lose... keep him alive!"

And like that, everything went black.

...
Unknown Location
12:35 PM
...

I gave out a groan as I slowly felt consciousness coming back, before I slowly pulled myself into a sitting position, and placed my hands against my face, and began to rub my eyes. But, my hands felt weird, different... like... little stubs.

I opened my eyes and looked at me hands... but instead of hands, I had two brown stumps. This made me go wide eyed, and followed these stumps down to my body, revealing that I had a brown coat all over my body. I still had lots of scar, sting marks, burnt skin, and tons of other stuff, but I was... something. Something from history back in the Vault, what was it? I looked over at the mirror. Maybe that mirror could help me remember.

I rolled out of bed, and earned a thump when I hit the ground, making me groan a bit, and got to my... stumps, before I slowly took a step forward, then another, and another, quickly getting an idea of how this worked, before I finally made it to the mirror. And I then looked in said mirror, and was shocked by what I saw.

In front of me stood a strange, human like head, with a muzzle, and very large, almost cute looking eyes, except for the scar over my left eye. I had a messy black... mane? Or is it still called hair? I'm just going with the random words that pop into my mind here, so excuse me if I get it wrong. I had a small patch of red in my hair too, while what I'm guessing to be a tail was long and messy, with it's own patch of red as well. I had some strange tattoo on my ass, which appeared to be the symbol of the Enclave, which soon changed to the symbol of the Brotherhood of Steel, and then to the NCR, and all the other factions I either helped and/or a part of. Strange. I couldn't tell what I was, but something was slowly coming to me.

Am I a... Dog? No, they don't look like this... at least, none that I've seen. I'm not a Yao Guai, that's for sure, and I sure as hell ain't a scorpion. Hmm... what did Mister Brotch call that thing on that holotape? A... Horse? Yeah, but this is smaller, and more cute then that. He said there was a name for those too... But what was it?

I placed my stumps on my forehead to try and think better, but yelped out a little upon getting poked by something long, pointy, and sharp on my head, this made me look in the mirror again, and saw a massive, overgrown horn on my head. Lovely.

Come on, it's on the tip of my tongue, Dad used to give me these old fashioned fairy tale story books when I was a kid, to get a better understanding of life before the war. A... um... a Unicycle... damn it, that's a toy, not some form of horse! What was it? I stomped my stump onto the ground. A Unicorn! Right!

I then raised an eyebrow as I examined the mirror more intently.

Are those... wings? Fucking hell, I have wings?! Fuck yeah! I then raised an eyebrow. Horses with wings were called... Pegasuses... I think, fuck it, I'm sticking with it. So I gotta be... a cross between a Unicorn and a Pegasus. But that doesn't answer the original question, I'm a type of horse, of course... but smaller and more miniature... what were those called? Um... god damn it, I should know this! I was on the top of my fucking class, so I gotta! I began to hit myself on the head, until that little light bulb switched on. Of course, you idiot, it's a Pony! Why the fuck couldn't I remember that?

I gave out a small sigh, and looked around, trying to find out where the fuck I was. I was in some kind of massive... almost primitive building, that still held quite a bit of elegance. Almost royal if I'm not mistaken, but that has yet to tell me where I was. The windows were too high to look from, and there wasn't another... intelligent, creature around I could ask. This was going to make my life even harder, and I still need to figure out a few more stuff. Like how the hell I became a Hybrid, and what this place most likely held in the form of history. Personally I loved to learn, research, test, and the such. I was, as I was back home, a nerd, though I was able to lead a little, even though I have horrible skills at it, and tended to be the whole 'Lone Wolf' kind of guy. But still, I managed to be in command of the newest Enclave, the Brotherhood, and all those other places. Of course, not the NCR, because they had President Kimball, and that guy gave me a few suits of his. Same for having almost every, and I mean every suit, armor, and the such from there, even a ton of weapons, medical equipment, ammo, and the such. I had tons of stuff, and I think I still had the stuff from Mothership Zeta too.

Alright, there's that massive door over there, and I doubt I could open it with stumps... I mean hooves, since I'm a pony, and the best bet to find someone, would be to look around... maybe scavenge if no ones nearby, even loot dead corpses for some rare shit. Heh, wonder if any of them are holding grenades, boy were there tons of those all over back home.

I slowly got to my hooves, and began to walk towards the door, keeping myself steady as I did so. I didn't want to fall like a dumbass, and I sure as hell don't want to be bad at walking if I get into a fight, so I needed to be careful.

Once I reached the door, I placed my hoof against it, and gently began to push it, getting it to open. I then looked out the door, looking back and forth, and thankfully not seeing anyone around. So I softly closed the door behind me, and began to quietly walk through the halls of this place, easier said then done. I would occasionally hear the sound of a voice, or footsteps, which would make me slide into the shadows, and wait for something to happen, though nothing yet.

As I soon came to the third corner, I came face to face with... another pony? This one was in heavy gold armor, and was wide eyed upon seeing me. He quickly took out a sword and aimed it at me, with his teeth no less. And he was glaring daggers at me, which made me step back, and was a bit worried now. I stayed silent as he slowly came up to me, ready to plunge, before he tried to, and I spun out of the way, and grabbed his head with my hooves, before I headbutted him, making the helmet dent a bit, while I had a major headache, but I wasn't done. I grabbed his foreleg, threw him over my shoulder, and ripped off his helmet, then slammed my head in his again, effectively knocking him out cold.

I took a few deep breaths as I tossed the helmet to the side, and gave him an annoyed look. Damn... that armor's thick. But that doesn't mean they're deadlier the Caesar's Legion, those guys fought better then these idiots.

I wiped my forehead and looked down the hallway, seeing no one nearby, which made me nod, grab the pony by the shoulders, and hefted him onto my back. I then grabbed his helmet, and headed to a dark corner, before tossing the pony in said corner, then thought of something. If ponies are the main force here, then it'd probably be best to disguise myself as one. That way I could get by easily. I looked down at the pony, and pulled off his armor, before sliding it on, and my coat changed from brown to a clean white, my mane turned blue, and I had the same tattoo the pony once had. This made me nod, and placed the helmet on, grabbed his sword, and latched it to my side.

I then took the form of one of those NCR Rangers, and began walking like a natural born soldier. This should easily work, and given the way I look, I should pretend I have a steel pole up my ass as well.

I began walking through the halls of the massive building I was in, and spotted more ponies, who didn't give me a second glance, which meant I was in the clear. Good.

I soon came up to a large golden door, with two ponies standing at the sides. This made me smirk a bit, and speak. "I come with a letter for the..." I thought a bit, trying to think of something, then pushed my luck. "(Luck 9/9) Princess."

The ponies nodded in response, and began to open the doors. Damn, that was close.

I walked in, still acting like a soldier, as I spotted a very large... pony? No, she's too big to be a pony... a horse maybe? And she's a hybrid like me, that's gotta give me some points here. Hmm, her mane and tail... they seem strange, moving when there's no wind... and she seems to be powerful, I guess anyways. But I also detect a hint of sadness, and a little bit of pride maybe? That one's a bit hard to figure out, maybe not.

I soon stood in front of the Princess, and gave a proper bow (White Glove Society: Liked)

I didn't stand up until she spoke. "Ah, Captain Sweet Tooth, what brings you here?"

Sweet Tooth? Seriously? Did they name him that as an insult or what?

I stood up, and gave a salute, which felt like the proper form of these guards. "Princess."

This made her narrow her eyes. "Captain, what happened to your voice."

Shit.

I looked around, and spotted many of the ponies beginning to surround me, all of them getting ready to draw their weapons if I resist.

Why the hell did I even come this way? Why not just leave? God, I'm such an idiot.

I looked up at the 'Princess', and sighed heavily, then shook my body a bit, causing the armor and helmet to fall off, and the helmet regained it's massive dent, while my body went back to normal. This made them all draw their weapons at me, while one barked out. "We have an intruder!"

I rolled my eyes at him, then looked at the giant horse. "Honestly, I wouldn't have thought of going with the armor if one of your friends here hadn't attacked me on sight."

The horse stood up at that. "Stand down." The guards looked at each other, before slowly complying. This made me glance up at the horse, and she was giving a soft smile. "I see you have finally awoken, after we put you in the medical wing."

I shrugged in response, and dusted off a foreleg. "Well, given that your 'help' consists of radiation poisoning, I don't find you all that friendly."

The horse... or should I go with mare? Whatever, she raised an eyebrow. "So that is what your... machine, on your foreleg there, was saying."

I nodded in response. "Yep, radiation, something that, if not treated, can mutate you, kill you, or turn you into a kind of undead... uh... pony, with a heart."

She was surprised by this. "Truly?" I nodded. "Interesting, it must be different back where you're from." My response was a shrug. "Hmm... from where do you hail, my little pony."

I scratched my ear at that. "That a catch-phrase or something?" She raised an eyebrow. "Nevermind." I looked around a bit. "I come from a place called... um... America, which has gone into an all out war with another place called... China, over the last remaining resources that were left back home. I guess that would have been 200 years ago by now, and it's still a... wasteland, from the Great War. A ton of Nuclear Warheads can do that to places I guess."

The mare was wide eyed by that, then shook her head and gave a small smile. "Well, I am glad you have gotten away from that place. May I be the first to welcome you to Equestria." She then tilted her head. "What might your name be?"

I looked down at this. Should I even tell her? Hell, would it even count as a normal name here? Fuck it, I've fought through worse. I then looked up at her. "My name is Ethan, Ethan Mason, though many just call me the Courier, or the Lone Wanderer."

The mare smiled at that. "Of course, a pleasure to meet you, Mister Mason."

I chuckled lightly at that. "Heh, yeah... never was called that before."

She smiled once again, then bowed her head. "My name is Celestia, Ruler of Equestria, and the raiser of the sun."

Of course, something crazy to add to the partially normal place. Go figure.

I nodded, looked around, then shrugged. "Well, I should say I don't got anywhere to go. Do you have any suggestions?"

Celestia thought a bit, then looked at me. "So, if magic is considered dangerous for your kind." Magic? Seriously? "Might I consider you becoming my personal student? I have need of one, and I am sure you would like to learn how to control this magic, am I right?"

I thought myself. Different place, different customs, different rules. Why not? I doubt anything bad'll come from it. "Sure, why not?"

Celestia smiled at this. "Wonderful, please follow me while I show you around, and I will have to run you through a few tests to see how powerful your magic is. And I do truly believe you are going to love it here."

My response, which was for everything else back home, was a simple shrug.

...
Canterlot Palace
16 Years Later
10:45 AM
...

I sighed heavily as I looked through this new book I found in the library while my number one assistant (a dragon I named Rex), and a prototype Eye-Bot I made from one of those schematics I got (ED-E, in honor of my friend), were going through the stacks of books and papers I had all over my desk. I was too busy tearing through this book to notice them, and soon finished the 20th chapter. (Started the book earlier this morning, honestly.)

I then heard Rex speak. "Hey, Ethan?" I gave a small nod in response. "You've been in here all morning, reading that one book, what's got you so interested in it?"

I tore my eyes away in response, and rubbed them to get the stinging to stop. "I honestly don't know, Rex. Celestia said there was some important and major facts in it, and I thought I'd find something... but nothing yet."

Rex hopped up onto the seat he placed next to me. "What'd ya fine so far?"

I shrugged. "Some story about a old member of the Royal Family, somepony named Luna? Or was it Nightmare Moon? I don't quite know."

Rex nodded a little, and stretched a bit. He was a teenage dragon, with black scales, that held red markings on them. I told him that it made him a cool dragon back home, which made him like his appearance. He had a red military cut style head, with ruby eyes. He also learned a lot about fighting and defense from watching me practice every morning and night. And he was a bit of a genius too, though he preferred tinkering over the actual science.

I also should say I have tons of prototypes in my tower, all of which came from the Capital Wasteland. There was the prototype XV Enclave Colossus Power Armor, the Prototype Garden of Eden Creation Kit, the prototype Laser Rifle, the prototype Plasma Rifle, the prototype Sentry Bot, and a whole lot of other prototypes I have been researching ever since I left Vault 101, meaning I personally enhanced the originals and made them much more powerful. As for the Enclave Armor, I had one that'd fit Rex, and one that'd fit me. I also made ED-E a bit more armored, and gave him a plasma blaster, a laser blaster, and a pulse blaster.

I had tons more, of course, but I tended to keep them to myself before I make the perfect one for the ponies across Equestria.

I sighed as I sat the book down, and looked at Rex. "Wanna go see if there's anything good in the kitchen?"

Rex gave a smirk. "You know, that sounds great, but I'm trying to cut back on those Hay Fries... they're good and all, but I gained a little bit of weight, and wanna lose it."

I chuckled lightly, because Rex wasn't necessarily fat, and was actually quite thin, while having some muscle that made him not completely thin. He could easily beat the royal guards, and after watching me for so long, he began to teach them what he knew. And boy was he good at it.

Just then Rex burped out a letter, and handed it to me. This made me slide off the insignia, and looked inside.

My Faithful Student,

Tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration, and I have decided to have it take place
in a small town known as Ponyville. Mayor Mare was quite honored that I have decided this,
and has began getting everything ready. I requested that you look over the preparations
and make sure everything goes wonderfully. I also would like to ask you to try and find some
friends, I know you have made quite a bit here, but I wish for you to get out of that lonely
tower and get out into the fresh air. I understand that you have been working on quite a
bit of stuff over these last 14 years, and I have ordered the Royal Guards to help you in getting
them all into your new home. Look for the large tree, it is the town's local library.

Princess Celestia.

I raised an eyebrow at the letter, but shrugged anyways, and looked at Rex, who was looking at the book I sat down. "Alright, Rex, we're going to be moving."

Rex gave a grunt in response. "Go figure, and I was finally starting to like the low amount of room in this tower."

I couldn't help but chuckle lightly, which made him chuckle as well, and we got to our hooves (or clawed feet I guess), before we began to get what we could move with us ready.

...

I sat there in the carriage, with Rex next to me, and ED-E on his lap, since he'd fly off otherwise, and we continued to sit in silence. Until I finally looked at Rex. "So... anything you hope this place might have?"

"A good place to work out, decent grub, and maybe even a place that carries a lot of machines."

I chuckled lightly, and patted his back. "I understand, buddy. We'll figure out what's there soon enough."

Rex gave a reluctant nod in response, and we continued to sit in silence, enjoying the cool breeze as we also enjoyed the view. Just then the carriage landed in the middle of what I'm guessing to be Ponyville, which made me hop out of the carriage, with Rex, while ED-E began floating again. I then looked at the carriage leaders. "Thanks."

One simply nodded in response, while the other gave a salute. I then nodded to Rex, grabbed our stuff, and we headed into town. The first thing I noticed was the Pink mare trotting over to me, which made Rex whisper in my ear. "Here comes one of the mares, wonder if they're going to greet us, or flirt with you."

I glared at him. "That only happened once, Rex, and she was drunk." His response was a snicker as I looked at the mare, who stopped in front of me, and I gave a warm smile. "Hello, I'm..." But before I could finish, she gasped loudly, floated in the air a bit, then was gone, leaving behind a long trail of dust. "Ethan..." I looked at Rex. "Um... shall we head to the first destination?"

Rex nodded in response. "Yeah, I'd rather forget about that too."

...

I soon found our first location, Sweet Apple Acres. I looked at Rex, who nodded in response, and we both walked on into the farmstead. We then heard what sounded like a mare yelling something out, which made us head towards it, and spotted a tan mare, with a blonde mane and tail, which were both in a ponytail, had three apples as a cutie mark, and wore a stetson. She was... cute, I guess... in that cowgirl sort of way.

We walked over to her as I smiled. "Hello, Miss, my name is Ethan, Ethan Mason, and-"

She spun around, a large smile on her face, as she grabbed my hoof, and shook it vigorously, which made me grunt at her pressure. "Well howdy Mister Mason! Ah'm Applejack, and this here's Sweet Apple Acres, home of the best apples in all of Equestria!"

I let out another grunt when she finally let go of my hoof. "That's uh... *clears throat* quite the claim."

She just continued to smile. "It might be, but Ah've yet t' find any better apples."

I slowly nod in response. "I see, well, Princess Celestia sent me here from Canterlot to oversee the preparations over the Festival. So I am here to check in on the food, to see if it's qualified and the such."

She smiled even wider. "Ah can do more then tell y'all!" With that, she took my hoof, dragged me over to an outside table, then rushed to a hanging triangle, and rung it while calling out. "SOUPS ON!"

The next thing I knew, Applejack began to place down apple products, as well as telling the names of both the food and her family members. I tried to get a say in all of this, but didn't get a word as she stuffed an apple in my mouth, and introduced the last member, named Granny Smith. I simply watched as the old mare slowly began to make her way towards us, while I began to test the apple in my mouth. Being a master of science has taught me a few tricks at testing stuff without having to use my hooves. It was surprisingly a good apple, and held a good bit of sweetness, while being well balanced with a hint of sour. It was also rough enough to survive a fall from a house over a road, but soft enough to be eaten. Not bad, to say the least.

Applejack then spoke. "That's right, Granny Smith, he'll be treated like a member of t' family."

I narrowed my eyes at her in response. "As much of an honor as that sounds, Miss Applejack, I have just met you, and cannot accept such an offer without actually learning a bit about all of you, so I am afraid we will simply go by acquaintances. And it appears your apples are quite good, and would appear perfect in many eyes. Now if you will excuse me, I have to check on the weather for the Princess."

I then got to my hooves, with Rex quickly standing as well, and we began our walk back to Ponyville, until I heard a little fillies voice below. "Can't you just stay for lunch?"

I looked down, and saw the saddest puppy eyes I've ever seen. Thankfully I'm used to such tactics as I gave a sad smile. "I'm afraid not, little one, I need to make sure everything goes well, I don't want to upset Princess Celestia. But how about we make a deal." Her ears perked up. "If you let me do this for the Princess, then I'll make sure to come by tomorrow and eat lunch with you, alright? And hey, if I can, I'll see if Princess Celestia herself could visit too, deal?"

The fillies eyes were wide as she smiled widely in excitement, she then offered her hoof. "Pinkie Promise?"

I smiled gently, and took her hoof. "Pinkie Promise."

She smiled at this, while the others gave out an 'aww', which made me smirk inside, and left with Rex and ED-E close behind.

...

I soon came up to Ponyville, and looked up at the sky. Man... still don't know what's wrong with a cloud or two, but apparently these ponies are very picky. I then examined around. Where is this Rainbow Dash Celestia told me about?

"ETHAN! LOOK OUT!"

My eyes widened, and everything slowed down for me as my senses went into overwork. I looked further to the side, and spotted a rainbow blur heading for me, which made me dive forward, and rolled onto the ground while time sped up again, and a lot of dirt flew up from where the rainbow blur crashed. I sighed heavily as I dusted myself off, and walked over to the small crater, spotting who I am guessing to be Rainbow Dash (if the rainbow mane was no indication).

She groaned a bit as she looked up at me, which was by the time I was offering a hoof to her. She accepted the offer, and I lifted her out of the ground. She then began to try and get the dirt out of her mane while I spoke. "That was a nasty fall, you alright?"

She nodded in response. "Yeah, just another mess up in that dang stunt."

I tilted my head at that. "Stunt?"

She nodded. "Yeah, something that happened when I was a filly. I was falling through the sky so fast, I broke the sound barrier, and created a Sonic Rainboom. Still trying to perfect that."

I thought for a minute. "I think I remember reading about that a few years ago, I was in my tower though, so I wouldn't have seen it."

She nodded at that, shook her body a bit, then offered her hoof. "I'm Rainbow Dash, Fastest flyer in all of Equestria..." She then blushed slightly. "Or at least, I'm trying to be."

I gave a soft smile. "I'm sure it'll happen eventually. Just practice a lot, put your heart into it, and never give up, and you'll be it in no time."

She smiled back, and offered a hoofbump, which I obliged in, and she smirked a bit. "Thanks. So, what's a stallion like you doing here in Ponyville?"

I shrugged. "Princess Celestia sent me here to overlook the Summer Sun Celebration, as well as make friends. So, here I am." I then glanced up at the clouds. "So, it seems stupid to me personally, since I have no problems with clouds, but... why aren't they out of the way?"

Rainbow shrugged. "I haven't gotten around to it yet."

I gave a nod. "I still don't get what the point is, honestly. I mean, there's nothing wrong with a cloud or two being up in the sky, heck, back home the entire sky is filled with them, so I had no say in it."

She simply shrugged again. "Heck if I know, but they're a bit too picky about it."

"On that I agree."

We both shared a chuckle, before I looked at her. "Mind getting them out of the way? I don't want the Princess to be upset with me and all."

She nodded in response. "Sure, hang on." She then sped off into the air, and took them all out, within eight seconds no less. She then landed next to me. "Heh, told them I could do it in ten seconds."

I gave a small smirk. "It was actually eight, and counting."

She went wide eyed, and hoofpumped. "Booyah! I knew I could do it!" She then smirked at me and offered another hoofbump, which I obliged, and she flew up into the air while waving at me. "I gotta go, see ya later..." She then thought a minute. "What's your name?"

"It's Ethan, a pleasure to meet you, Miss Dash."

She chuckled lightly. "Just Dash is fine. Well, see ya." And with that, she flew off.

I looked down at Rex, who was listening to some music from one of my newest creations, a IPod. "Come on, Rex, let's go check on the decorations."

Rex nodded in response, and we headed off towards the largest building in the entire town, the Carousel Boutique.

Once we reached it, I knocked on the door, making a mare's voice call out. "Come in, I'll be with you in a minute!"

I nodded to Rex, and we walked in. The place was a mess, by mare standards, decorations and cloth everywhere, but the place was still beautiful. So with a shrug, I walked in, Rex next to me, and ED-E (who I recently forgot about) floating above. Once we reached the main room, I spotted who I was guessing to be Miss Rarity, who seemed to be a bit of a fashion freak, and had her mane in a... well groomed, I guess, style. Whatever honestly.

We came up to her, making her speak as she turned around. "Hello, and welcome to the Carousel Boutique, I am Rarity, how can I-AAAHH!"

I winced slightly as my ears flopped down when she cried out, staring at me with some form of horror. Did I know her? Heck if I knew honestly. I glanced over at Rex, who had his claws over his ears, growling out a little in response. I then looked at the mare, and followed her eyes up to my messy mane.

This made me sigh heavily. "I don't have time for this." I took a deep breath, and raised my hoof before she could say anything. "Miss Rarity, I have come here on behalf of Princess Celestia to oversee the preparations for the Summer Sun Festival. All I am here for is to see how the decorations are going, then I will be on my way."

She then asked. "But what about your mane, darling?!"

I glared at her. "Is there a problem with it?"

She heard my hint of hostility, which made her eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head. "Oh no, of course not, Darling! It's just... it's..."

"My mane has been like this for many years, Miss Rarity, and I have no intention on changing it, understood?"

She quickly nodded. "Of course!" i nodded. "Um... is there anything else I could help you with?"

I thought for a moment, then glanced at Rex. "Got anything?"

Rex shook his head. "Nope, though I think ED-E will need to be repaired. Sometimes loud noises tend to mess with his functions."

I glanced back at ED-E, who gave out a few of those old beeps that I have understood so well. This made Rarity look at him, and was truly astonished by it. "My goodness, what is that, darling?"

I smiled a little. "That's one of my latest prototypes, he is a Eye-Bot, ED series, though I just call him ED-E. He's an attempt at making a... old friend I lost long ago."

Rarity gave a sad look. "I'm sorry to hear that, Mister... Um..."

"Ethan, Ethan Mason."

She nodded. "Mister Mason, I am truly sorry to hear that, I am sure it was a good friend."

"He."

Rarity slapped her hoof over her mouth. "Of course, he, I am truly sorry, Mister Mason."

I nodded, while ED-E bobbed a bit, letting out some music, which made Rarity smile. "I don't understand what he's saying, but he does know some good music."

I smirked. "I apologize about that, I was so busy in making it so I'd understand him, that I forgot to make it so others would also. I think I could fix that later."

Rarity nodded with a smile. "I am glad."

I then gave a wave. "Well, I got one last thing to take care of before I start setting up my new house. It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rarity, and I hope we get a chance to talk, hopefully over some tea and bread."

Rarity nodded with a smile. "Of course, Mister Mason, that sounds wonderful."

I nodded in response, and left with ED-E and Rex.

...

We soon came up to the edges of what I'm guessing to be the Everfree Forest. Not as scary as others claimed, and honestly, that Deathclaw nest was scarier. So, with a small sigh, we headed down to where I heard the music coming from. And once there, I spotted a young, butter yellow Pegasus mare, teaching some birds how to sing. I smiled as the birds sung perfectly with her, which made me think a bit, and decided to be cautious here. I began to sing with the birds, which made the yellow mare jump at the sudden addition, while the birds continued to sing, all the while I sung with them. I was surprised my voice was doing well on this, since I hadn't sung for a good few years. I expected myself to be a bit rusty, but apparently not.

Once the birds stopped, I did as well, and had a small smile as I walked up next to the mare. "Apologies, but I didn't want to startle your birds away with my sudden intrusion."

The mare gave a soft smile as she spoke very softly. "Thank you."

I smiled again. "I take it you're Miss Fluttershy?" She nodded. "Princess Celestia has sent me to look over the Summer Sun Festival, and I wished to oversee and check on them. And from what I've seen, things are going wonderfully here."

Fluttershy blushed at this, and hid a little behind her mane. "Thank you."

I smiled at her. "Don't worry, Miss Fluttershy, I was told about your shyness, and do not wish to upset you. I will be leaving now."

She slowly nodded in response, while I looked over at Rex. "Come on, Rex, time to check out that library."

Rex walked over and gave a mock salute in response. "Aye, Aye, Boss."

I chuckled lightly at him, but before I could speak, I spotted Fluttershy zoom right next to me, and begin speaking to Rex. "Oh my gosh! A dragon! Wow, and you can talk!" Rex stepped back in awkwardness. "Oh please, tell me everything."

Rex stepped back a bit more. "Uh... I'm good, I got enough creepy animal friends back home who already got me to do that a few years ago."

Fluttershy went wide eyed, and blushed madly. "Oh, I'm sorry, I just was surprised to see you! You're a dragon, and I never got to meet one. And you can also talk, which makes me even more excited."

"Oookay... Hey, Ethan? Could we head to the library now? I'm getting kinda freaked out."

I nodded in response, then smiled at Fluttershy. "Rex isn't much of a talker, Miss Fluttershy, but I'm sure ED-E would love to talk to somepony." Fluttershy raised an eyebrow, then gasped as ED-E came up next to me. "Fluttershy, this is ED-E, one of my closest friends."

ED-E spoke in his usual beeps and robotic sounds, which made Fluttershy gasp. "Oh, it's nice to meet you too, ED-E! You are just as amazing as Rex!"

ED-E began to speak with Fluttershy as we headed for the library. I began to whistle to myself to pass the trip, while Rex was listening to the Ipod again. Once we reached the library, Rex spoke as he pulled the earpieces out. "Huh... not as amazing as I expected. A bit smaller actually."

I smiled at him. "Don't worry, Rex, Celestia taught me a spell that could expand the entire inside without changing the rest of it. It'll look bigger on the inside then on the outside, to put it simply."

Rex nodded in response as I pushed the front door open, revealing the pitch black room, which was a bit weird, and Fluttershy was gone too. I simply shrugged and went inside, with ED-E and Rex behind me. Once we were inside, I looked at Rex. "So, you got anything to turn the lights on with, Rex?"

"Nope, and I'd use my Ipod, but the batteries are dying."

I nodded. "What about you, ED-E?"

His response was the usual beeps. "Alright, though I'd rather not catch the house on fire, ED-E, so save the lasers for later."

Just then the lights went on, while we saw the entire library was full of ponies, and I bet the entire town was in here. This made me a little worried as they all called out. "SURPRISE!"

I sighed heavily, while Rex spoke. "Alright, I'm outta here. See ya in the morning, Ethan, and if the parties still going, tell me so I can head back to sleep." And with that, he walked to the stairs and headed up them.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him, while the pink mare from earlier bounced up to me. "Hiya! I'm Pinkie Pie! I saw you when you got here, and I was all *gasp*, and left so I could get this party started because you're new here, and I can tell because I know everypony, and I mean EVERYPONY in town! Oh my gosh, do you like chocolate? Ooh I bet you like Chocolate! Do you like cupcakes? Wait, everypony likes cupcakes, except me because I super duper love them!"

I kinda just tuned her out at that as I walked over to the buffet table, and spotted a bottle with a cup next to it. I picked up said bottle, poured the contents into the cup, and stuck a straw in it, before I began to calmly drink it. My ears were lazily hanging to the side now as I opened my eye slightly to see her still talking. I then rose a eyebrow at the strange flavor and the large amount of spice in it. This caused me to pull back. "That's a strange flavor for punch."

Pinkie Pie picked up the bottle at that. "This isn't punch, silly! This is my special Hot Sauce!"

I simply shrugged in response, and went back to drinking, not really caring to be honest.

Then I finally heard her call out. "Let's party!"

And with that, the music went off while I continued to calmly drink the Sauce. I wasn't really paying attention to anything around me, until I felt somepony gently jab me in the shoulder. This made me glance over, and spotted Rainbow Dash as she spoke. "Don't you think?"

I swallowed the sauce. "I'm sorry, Miss Dash, I tuned out Miss Pinkie and forgot to go back to listening, what was that you were saying?"

She chuckled a little in response. "I said that Pinkie sure knows how to throw a party, huh?"

I shrugged in response. "It's better then any I've been to, I'll give her that. But the best party? I'd have to look up history to say for sure."

She snickered at that. "Yeah, I guess you're right." I turned around and leaned against the table, while she thought of something. "So, you're moving in here?"

I nodded. "Yeah, Princess Celestia said I needed to get out and get some fresh air, and also make friends, though I think I already told you this."

She blushed slightly. "Right, sorry."

I simply chuckled. "It's alright, I've been in my tower for a long time, making so many prototypes and the such that I hardly get to talk to anypony. Only Rex and ED-E."

Dash nodded in response, and looked at the little Eyebot, who was bobbing up and down on the dance floor, dancing with a random, mint green unicorn. "Yeah, don't know what he is, but he sure knows how to get a mare dancing."

I chuckled again, and then sighed. "Yeah." I then raised an eyebrow. "Hey, have you heard of somepony called Nightmare Moon?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I was told about her as a little filly, why?"

I shrugged. "Princess Celestia gave me a book, saying everything in it was important, and true facts. In one of the pages I read about Nightmare, and how she used to be called Luna, Princess Celestia's younger sister. Don't know why it's so important right now, but you know, I went with her warning and began reading."

Dash nodded at that. "Yeah, I'm curious about that too."

I yawned a little. "Hey, I need to go check on Rex, mind making sure Pinkie doesn't stop me?"

Dash nodded with a smirk. "Sure thing, Ethan."

And with that, I went upstairs, and entered Rex's room. He was fast asleep, and was curled up into a ball, though he appeared to have his earpieces on, and I could hear faintly the sound of Indie Music, which made me smile slightly, gently pulled them out of his ear, and pulled the blanket over him. This made him groan slightly, grab the blanket, and finish the job to keep warm. I couldn't help but smirk at the fact he's still adorable, which I hardly found in anypony now.

I gave out a small yawn again, and left the room, closed the door, and went back downstairs. I spotted ED-E who was speaking with Fluttershy, and Miss Applejack, which made me smile, and trotted back to the buffet table. From there, I got a glass of actual punch, and took a sip, which was a bit better then the sauce. As I began drinking my punch, I spotted Rarity walk over, and speak. "Hello, Darling, a pleasure to see you again."

I smiled. "A pleasure to see you as well, Miss Rarity. How are you enjoying the party?"

She smiled a bit. "I am quite enjoying it, thank you." She then glanced at my mane, and appeared to still have a problem with it, which I simply ignored. Then decided to break the ice. "Miss Rarity." She looked at me. "I had this haircut during the time my father died."

She went wide eyed. "Oh, darling, I am so sorry." She then grew worried. "How did he die?"

I sighed heavily. "Back home, the land is a nuclear wasteland." She gasped. "Everything's in ruins, or being reconstructed. Many ponies made different factions to survive, and some are very cruel. It's been 200 years since the Great War, and the land is still in ruins, but thankfully, there's no black rain." She gasped again. "My father put his entire life into bringing something the land lost long ago, fresh clean water. Most of the water is contaminated with radiation poisoning, so it's no surprise. Father then met my mother, and the had me... but not without my mother dying during birth." Rarity was on the verge of tears. "Father was a broken stallion then, and brought me to a place called Vault 101. From there, he raised me until I was 19, before he found what he needed to continue his work, so he left me alone. In response, the Overseer of Vault 101 lost it, and began to hunt down anypony to figure out how he left... including going as far to beat a friend of mine to death." She gasped in horror. "I had no choice but to leave the place, to keep anypony else from getting hurt. And I soon found myself in the wasteland America now is today. I looked everywhere for my dad, until I came to where all his work began, and it was called Project Purity. He left notes about where he was going, a place called Vault 112. I went there to find him, and in the process met a crazed Vault-Tec scientist named Doctor Stanislaus Braun. He was... a very cruel old stallion, who was only humored by his Vault residents being tortured and killed, over and over again. The only sane one, spoke for all of them, begging me to end their misery... I... I couldn't... I just couldn't kill so many innocents... but... I couldn't let them suffer either, and there was no way to free them... I was locked between two very hard choices... until I did what they begged for, and made the Great War happen there, as it did on my own world. I heard them thanking me as they perished... and I still hate myself for it. And I got dad in the process, and we went to Project Purity. But... once we got it up and running, a Old World military called the Enclave invaded the project, and ordered my father to turn it in. When my father refused, their leader, Colonel Autumn, shot one of the scientists in cold blood. My father then said he would, but instead of giving it to somepony who'd force ponies who needed water to pay for it, or possibly infect it to kill all mutation, which, in return, would kill everypony in the wasteland, he overloaded the project, filling the room with radiation..." Tears began to run down my cheeks. "I didn't even get to say goodbye, as he died from the massive dose... right in front of me... with a sealed door blocking me from even trying to get to him... and leaving me with no choice but to leave him..."

I finally fell to my knees, tears running down my face as I spoke. "It's all my fault... if I was stronger, and if that door wasn't there... I could have saved him! It's all my fault!"

I just curled up into a fatal position and began to cry, unable to hold it in anymore.

I also heard the party stop when I started to tell my tale, and all I heard from them was crying as well. But my mind was solely on myself, hating myself for not being stronger. I really could've saved him, I truly could've. If Doctor Li had let me open the door, I could have got him out before the radiation got me! But... I wasn't strong enough.

I then felt somepony place their hoof on my shoulder, and sniffled as I looked up, seeing the four mares giving me understanding smiles, and they all gave me a group hug, them crying as well. I didn't know how to respond to this, I used to be able to keep that buried down... but I let it out like a fool.

I sniffled again as I just let the emotions flow out, to try and get a hold of it once it's done.

After a good hour or so, I finally could get a hold of myself, and I wiped the tears from my face, before speaking. "I... I'm sorry, I just... I couldn't keep it in anymore."

Fluttershy pulled back with a soft smile. "It's okay, you went through a lot, and just needed to let it out, I have to do that sometimes too... but you really needed it."

I slowly nodded as Applejack spoke. "Yeah, y'all deserve t' get it off yer chest. Ah wouldn'tve been able t' hold it in mahself."

Rarity nodded. "Agreed, sometimes ponies need this, and like Fluttershy said, you definitely needed this."

Rainbow wiped the tears from her eyes. "Your a good pony, Ethan, and we all know that. You need to stop blaming yourself for that, you couldn't have been able to do anything."

I slowly nodded in response, as Pinkie spoke. "Somepony needs a super duper big hug." And like that Pinkie gave me said big hug, which, surprisingly was a little effective. Then she pulled back. "You know what this needs? I feel better party!"

Everypony yelled out their agreements, and Pinkie quickly changed the banner to what she said, and she cried out to begin partying.

I couldn't help but smile weakly at how nice everypony in this world was, back home the people just ignored me or said to think about it later, leaving me to deal with it alone. But... maybe not everywhere's as bad as the wasteland.

...

I groaned as Pinkie Pie pushed me out into the crowd of ponies who were waiting to see Princess Celestia. Personally I just tuned everything out and waited for Celestia to show up, not interested in the other stuff. Though I was a bit tired.

As I continued to look around, I raised an eyebrow at something, there was no carriage that arrived. This made me narrow my eyes, and look around a bit. The guards were here, but they were here earlier today, so yeah. There was no movement going on behind the curtains, and the night was a little bit darker then usual, even a little colder, like the sun was never here. And you'd usually feel at least a hint of warmth around this time. So what gives? There was also something odd about the Moon, instead of that usual strange shadow on it, it was a full moon. Something going on here, but what?

I narrowed my eyes, and thought back. I read about this somewhere, something about how on the thousandth night, the stars will build a bridge from the moon to this world. And from there... something showed up... I know this, so why can't I remember? Thousandth night: Check. Stars aligned with the moon: Check. Then something... no, somepony shows up. Hmm... somepony very important, somepony that Celestia was related to. Her original name was Luna... AHA, Nightmare Moon! So... if she's released from Moon... then that means...

My ears went behind my head at this.

Just then a purple shadow swirled around the upper levels, making, who I am guessing to be, Nightmare Moon, appear. She smiled down at us. "Hello, my 'faithful' subjects."

I felt my eye twitch a little. That voice... oh... god how I hate that kind of voice.

Rainbow then cried out as she tried to fly straight at her. "What did you do to the Princess?!"

Nightmare Moon gave a evil smile. "Do you not see? I am your princess. Have none of you read the signs."

And that ego... oh that awful ego... Oh yeah, I THINK I'm back, bitches.

Nightmare Moon waited for an answer, but received none, making her sigh in annoyance. "Do any of you even know who I am?"

I responded as I pushed through the crowd. "Should we know you, big, black, and ugly?"

Everypony gasped while the mare glared at me. "And who might you be?"

I gave a mock bow. "The Courier, and the right hoof of Princess Celestia, who will personally KICK. YOUR. ASS."

Everypony around me was shocked by my complete change of attitude, while Nightmare Moon snarled. "You dare threaten Us?"

I shrugged. "Well, personally, I usually ain't like this, but after going through an emotional breakdown, and hearing both YOUR voice and MASSIVE ego, I decided to act the way that usually pisses off the asshole who wanted to destroy the world or something. Once again, this ain't usually me, but I really gotta get my mind off of my emotions, so how about we get down to the beat down, and talk afterwards."

Nightmare Moon snarled again. "You expect you, a mere mail pony, to stand a chance against me, Princess of the Night?!"

I shrugged. "Well... I did kill something called a Legendary Deathclaw, and the damn thing was around four times bigger then you, stood up on his hind legs, had claws the size of you, massive horns, and white eyes that stared into your soul as it began to devour you."

Everypony gasped in horror that such a thing existed, while Nightmare Moon seemed impressed. "That might be an impressive feat, but you are talking to the Demigod of the Night."

I simply shrugged. "Honestly, you look like a mare who needs to work on fashion, and most likely needs to bathe too."

She roared out in anger. "You cursed foal! You know nothing of who I am, and you will be the first I hunt down after I bring night to the world, forever!" And with that, she disappeared in a cloud of shadows.

I simply shrugged and turned to the crowd. "All in favor of going after that mare, say I."

Nopony responded at first, until Rainbow Dash stepped forward. "I'm in."

This caused Applejack to as well. "Ah'm in too."

I then spotted Rarity step forward. "I guess I'll help as well."

Then Fluttershy. "I... I will go, that is if it's okay with you..."

Then finally Pinkie. "Ooh! Ooh! I'm in! I wanna go, I wanna go!"

I nodded and motioned the to follow. "Alright, girls, then let's head on over to the library, I need to check on a few things."

...

Author's Note

Well, there's chapter 1 of this story, hope you all enjoy. And thanks for reading.

Chapter IV

I yawned as I climbed out of bed, and stretched out a bit, hearing a few satisfying pops, then shut off the alarm. With that, I headed to the bathroom to do my daily routine, and was soon heading downstairs to find Rex cooking up eggs, hay, and toast. This made me smile as I sat down at the table, and spotted ED-E floating around.

I then spoke. "Hey, Rex?" He glanced at me. "Where was ED-E yesterday?"

Rex flipped an egg into the air and caught it in the pan. "He was charging up, since his battery was low and could've went out any second."

I nodded as I grabbed a nearby paper, and began to read. I then raised an eyebrow. "Ever heard of somepony called 'Spitfire'?"

Rex shook his head. "Nope, why?"

"It says here she was awarded the spot of Captain in the Wonderbolts."

Rex shrugged as he handed me my breakfast and apple juice. "Good for that mare, then."

I nodded as I took a sip of my drink, and continued reading.

...Later...

I stepped out of the library, ED-E by my side as we headed for the Market. As we did so, I felt the ground begin to shake violently, which made me raise an eyebrow, then heard Rainbow cry out in the distance. "STAMPEDE!"

I looked off towards Sweet Apple Acres and spotted the massive amount of cows heading this way, while everypony around us began to run around in panic, then run inside and lock the doors. I then spotted Pinkie being... herself, standing upright, and vibrating as she went up and down. "Hey! This makes my voice sound silly!"

I gave a sigh, and grabbed her with my magic, lifting her off the ground as I narrowed my eyes at the stampede.

The Mayor then began speaking. "Everypony calm down, there is no need to panic."

Rarity then trotted over to her and placed a dramatic hoof against her forehead. "But Mayor, whatever shall we do?!"

Rainbow cried out in response. "Look there!"

We all spotted Applejack rushing ahead of the crowd with a puppy next to her. This caused the girls to cheer, but I could tell things might end badly.

Pinkie then spoke before stuffing her face in a random bag of Popcorn. "This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen!"

I rolled my eyes at her, and began using my magic, which caused a massive barrier of magic to surround the entrance of Ponyville, then another, and another, until it was sure enough to at least slow down time for the stampede. (Time Control Spell)

But instead of heading for the spell, Applejack somehow got the stampede to go the other way, making me sigh in relief and remove the spell. The girls began cheering once again, while Applejack soon came over the hill. She let out a 'YEE HAW' and ran off, making Pinkie copy her, and began to play around.

I glanced at The Mayor who spoke. "Applejack was just -- just --"

Pinkie then fell from the sky while crying out. "APPLETASTIC!"

The Mayor simply smiled "Exactly! We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly saving the town."

Pinkie smiled widely. "I know!" Just then, the entire town was covered in decorations and the such, making me raise an eyebrow. How did she... "A Party!"

I was very confused now as Rarity put up a Apple Family Banner. This made me trot over to Rarity. "How did Pinkie..."

Rarity ignored me. "Now, is Applejack all set, Darling?"

Rainbow floated over, and blushed upon seeing me. "Hey, Ethan." I waved at her which made her blush a little more, then look at Rarity. "Actually, I haven't seen her all week. Not since the stampede." She then gave a smile as she placed a hoof over her chest. "But she'll be here for sure. Applejack is never late,"

I went wide eyed. "IT'S BEEN A WEEK?!"

They raised eyebrows at me as Rarity nodded. "Um... yes, darling, how could you not know?"

"But Pinkie--"

Pinkie interrupted me. "Hey, Ethan! You gotta give the crowd a few words!"

My eye twitched slightly, then sighed heavily as I trotted over to the wooden speech stand. I then scratched my ear with slight worry, then thought of something.

"(Speech 60/60) Welcome, everypony. Today, we are here to honor a pony we can always count on to help in matters great and small. (Speech 80/80) A pony whose contributions to everypony here, and has helped many of us. (Speech 100/100) And that pony is... Applejack!"

Everypony cheered and stomped their hooves on the ground as The Mayor took my spot. "And so, with no further ado, it is my privilage to give the Prize Pony of Ponyville Award to our beloved guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity, Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend, Applejack!"

Everypony began to cheer as Rex walked up to my side. "Man, ponies sure love to rant on about this stuff."

Everypony then gasped as Applejack wasn't behind the curtains, which made me raise an eyebrow. "Well, there's always a first, I guess."

"I'm here! I'm here!"

We looked over to where we heard one of the most adorable yawns (in my opinion anyways) and Applejack got to the stand, the most tired look in her eyes and small, and hardly noticable bags under her eyes. "Thank you kindly for this here, uh, award thingy." She yawned again as she looked in the reflection. "It's so bright and shiny, and" She began to chuckle weirdly. "I sure do look funny." She then began to play with the reflection, which Pinkie somehow joined in on.

I let out a groan and got up to the stage. "Alright then, I think you've been up a little too late, Applejack, so let's just grab the award and I'll take you home."

She yawned, and seemed to hear something completely different. "Yeah, I like helpin' the pony folks and--" She yawned again as her ears went back. "And stuff." She then fell asleep. I sighed heavily, trotted over and wrapped a wing around Applejack, before getting a few hoofs away before she quickly shook her head awake. "Oh! Uh, yeah! Uh, thanks!" She then looked back at the award. "Um... what about the... thingy?"

I sighed in response, and picked up the award with my magic, then looked at the crowd. "Sorry about this, everypony! Please feel free to eat some of the food at the buffet table!"

Rainbow came up to me with a slight blush. "Do you have to help her like... that?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Like what?" I then looked at my wing. "Like this?" She nodded. "Why?" I then gained a light bulb. "Rainbow, are you jealous?"

She went wide eyed, blush on her face, as she shook her head quickly. "Who, me?! No!! I was just... um... curious, is all. Hehe?"

I gave a coy smile. "Uh-huh, well if you want, I could lead you home as well, with my wing around your body."

She went even more wide eyed as the blush went redder. "Oh! I, uh... Well... Is it getting hot out here?" I chuckled lightly. "Um, what I was trying to say was... um, you know, stuff... and... I'm going to go see if Rarity needs help with anything." She then was gone with a rainbow blur following her, which made me chuckle lightly.

...

Once I made it to Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack, she began to buck trees with many buckets under them, which made me raise an eyebrow. "Um, Applejack, I think you should go and get some sleep, instead of working hard."

She shook her head slightly. "No... mm... Ah gotta, do this thingy... before it's too late." She yawned after that.

I let out a sigh as I summoned a few buckets from her farm, and made the apples float off a few nearby trees, and land in the buckets, making large piles as I spoke. "At least let me help."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Help?" She scoffed. "No way, no how!"

I grunted at her pride she was showing. "I'll say this simply. There's no way you can do it all on your own, and you only got Big Mac. And since you told me your family lives all across Equestria, that means you REALLY need help."

She then got in my face. "Is that a challenge?"

I snarled as I pushed her back with my own forehead. "It was an offer to help, and you don't have to be a bitch about it."

She stepped back in anger. "Well, Ah'm gonna prove to you that I can do it." She then pushed past me. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got apples to bucket."

I glared at her in response, then my horn glowed, and a good three-fourths of the trees around us fell into the buckets, making Applejack cry out in anger, while I began trotting away.

...

I took a sip of my tea, and sighed calmly, before I heard Rex cry out. "AAH! MISSILE!"

Rex ran down the stairs and dived under a table, while I heard a crash upstairs, sighed heavily, and went up said stairs. Once up there, I spotted Rainbow on the siding of the balcony, which made me raise an eyebrow, and trotted over. "Hey, Rainbow." She looked up and blushed slightly. "You know, you're beautiful and all, but ponies usually come over from downstairs to ask somepony out."

She blushed heavily, still not getting the joke. "Wha... Well... I... Um... Applejack..."

I raised a hoof. "When will you know I'm just trying to joke around with you?" She sighed in relief. "So, I take it you would rather I help Applejack then you?"

She gave an annoyed look. "Yep."

I nodded, and offered my hoof, which she took, and I helped her up. She then flew up a bit, and waved at me. "See you around, Ethan." Then flew off.

I sighed heavily, jumped off the balcony, and glided over to the edge of Ponyville, before walking towards Sweet Apple Acres.

...

I soon came up from behind Applejack, seeing her hit her head on a branch, which made me wince slightly. "Applejack, we need to talk." She shook her ears slightly, then looked at me. "Applejack, we really need to talk."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "We bees squawk?!" She scratched her ear. "Ah don't think so."

"No, WE. NEED. TO. TALK."

"Oh! Well, why didn't you say so?! What you want to talk about?!"

My horn glowed, and her head did as well, before she stayed silent, then spoke. "Hey, what happened to that ringing?"

I sighed. "Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today."

"That's quite neighborly of her."

I gave a deep frown. "Indeed, especially the fact she crashed onto my balcony after you launched her into the air."

She hung her head. "Oh, yeah. Ah wasn't feeling quite myself this mornin'."

I trotted to her side. "Exactly why I offered help, because your working too hard."

She went wide eyed. "What? Kelp? I don't need kelp. I don't even like seaweed."

Must have forgot to hold the spell a little longer.

"Help! You need help!"

She glared at me for the second time today. "Nothin' doin', Ethan. Ah'm gonna prove to you, to everypony, that I can do this on my own." She then bumped into the same branch, and her eyes were now uneven. "Now, if you'll excuse me, Ah gotta go help Pinkie Pie."

I let out a sigh as Applejack trotted away, looked at the trees, then grew an idea.

...

I finished taking down the apples for almost half of the farm, before I heard ED-E float up behind me. This made me look over. "Hey, ED-E, what's up?" He beeped a few times. "Of course, and I bet it was Applejack, wasn't it?" ED-E bobbed. "Well, at least she'll have a lot less work to do now. Come on."

...

I entered the hospital and looked at the nurse. "I came as soon as I heard."

Rex ran up to my side. "Yeah!"

The nurse gave a relieved sigh. "Thank you, Ethan, we need all the help we can get."

Everypony inside was sick, and there were muffins on the ground as well. Rex picked one up, sniffed it, and placed a claw into it, then grunted. "Looks like a failure at baking muffins." A worm then poked out. "AAH!"

Rex fell over from the sudden revelation, while I rolled my eyes at him and looked at the nurse. "What happened?"

"It was a mishap with some of the baked goods."

Pinkie then spoke from her bed, her face completely green. "No, not baked goods. Baked bads." Her cheeks then puffed up, making me growl. "Applejack."

Rex tossed the muffin in the trash, and grunted. "If I was a baby dragon, then I MIGHT try to eat one. But I'm not stupid anymore.

...

I trotted over to Applejack, who was fast asleep, hanging upside down from the sideways wheel barrel. "Applejack, I am close to the point where I won't give you an option, now listen closely. YOU. NEED. HELP!"

Applejack's eyes shot open as she yelped in surprise. "What?! Huh?! Oh, it's you, Ethan." She yawned. "I know what you're gonna say. But the answer is still no."

I grunted as I trotted over to a tree, and looked at her. "How about a test then." Applejack got down and trotted over to me. "If you can knock these apples down with one buck, without my help, then I'll leave you be."

Applejack gave a groggy nod, and bucked the tree, which only made it shake slightly. She then gave me an annoyed look, and I gave a buck as soft as hers, making the apples fall into the buckets. This made her go wide eyed, as I spoke. "See, you need help, and lots of sleep."

She scoffed again. "No, Ah don't. No, no, no!"

She then trotted off towards Fluttershy's. And I thought a Super Mutant was stubborn. Well, I'll just wait until she messes up again, and then I won't give her a choice.

...

"STAMPEDE!!"

I grunted as I looked over from my table at the restaurant, along with Rex and ED-E, and we saw a stampede of bunnies running through town. Many mares fainted as the bunnies ran past them, and began crying out in horror with too much drama. I then spotted the bunnies eating all the plants, even those mares' flowers.

I gave a grunt. "Come on Rex, Applejack doesn't get anymore chances."

Rex nodded as we got to our hooves, and headed for Sweet Apple Acres... again.

...

I stormed up to Applejack, while Rex was holding a camera to record the whole thing, and I spoke in annoyance. "That was the last strew, Applejack. Thanks to your Apple Bucking, it caused problems for more then just you. It's overpropelled pegasus, practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushes of brand-new bouncing bunnies. I don't care what you say, no way, no how, you're getting help."

She bucked the tree behind her, and got the apples in the baskets, making her smirk. "HA! No, Ah don't. Look, Ah did it. Ah harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How do you like them apples?"

I gave an annoyed look, then pointed my hoof to the other side, making her look over, and gasped upon seeing an entire forest of them. Then she began whimpering. Then, after a little bit, she fainted.

Rex then began laughing. "Comedy gold!" I glared at him, took the camera from his claws, and crushed it in my magic, making him slump down with an annoyed look. "Not cool."

I trotted over to Applejack, and shook her a little, making her open her eyes. "Applejack."

"Huh...?"

"Enough of this, Applejack, as much as I respect your family and their ways, you're always there to help anypony in need. So maybe, you can put a little of your stubborn pride aside and allow your friends to help you."

She sighed. "Okay, Ethan."

I nodded. "Well, I wasn't going to give you a choice anyways, so..."

She chuckled awkwardly as I helped her to her hooves. "Right."

...

All the girls began to buck down apples, while Rex was shaking trees to make the apples fall, and ED-E flew through each tree, gaining enough altitude to knock apples out. As for me, I simply lifted a good three-fourths of the remaining trees and dumped them into buckets.

Applejack then came over with a cart full of Apple Juice. "How 'bout y'all take a little break? Ah got some fine Apple Juice waitin' fer you."

I trotted over and took a sip as Applejack sighed happily. "Girls... and Boys." I gave a mock salute. "Ah can't thank you enough for this help. Ah was actin' a bit stubborn."

I snorted. "A bit?"

"Okay, a might stubborn. And Ah'm awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prize Pony Award, but the real award is having you seven as mah friends."

Rex was crying as he tried to scramble up the remains of the camera now, while ED-E bobbed happily, and Rainbow spoke. "Whew! That applebucking sure made me hungry."

I nodded and pulled out some pies from my saddlebags. "I may not be as good a cook as Applejack or Pinkie, but I think I did well with these."

I sat the pies on the table, making everypony get a slice, and began eating, and seemed to really like it. I then raised an eyebrow as Rainbow leaned against me as she ate, her eyes closed, but shrugged it off as my wing wrapped around her. She blushed but didn't open her eyes, and we continued to eat in peace.

Author's Note

Alright, there's chapter IV, hope you all like it, and the next chapter will be up in a little while or so.