Gems I: The Sun Princess

Chapters

Chapter One- Watcher
Chapter Two- The Duel
Chapter Three- The Stranger
Chapter Four- Celestia?
Chapter Five- Dragon Corporation
Chapter Six- The Job
Chapter Seven- Will You?
Chapter Nine- Discovering the Truth
Chapter Ten- The Journey Begins
Chapter Eleven- Two of Deception
Chapter Twelve- Fall of Dragon Corporation
Chapter Thirteen- End of One Journey
Epilogue- A New Destination
Sequel...
Prologue- The Beginning
Chapter Eight- Watcher and Celestia's Day Out!

Chapter One- Watcher

Chapter Two

I'm still having a hard time processing the situation I'm in. I mean I'm in a world with talking ponies and I'm with one of the Elements of Harmony, not to mention the most elegant one among them and I'm pretty sure that most people would think I'm crazy. Maybe their right and I'm probably in a comma in a hospital and this is all just happening inside my head.

On the other hand this could all be real and I'm trapped in the world of Equestria with no way back. Still things could be a lot worse, like being a wanted criminal for doing nothing wrong. Oh wait that already happened. I should probably mention this to Rarity later, so she can understand the situation if those guards come for me. But than again she'll probably turn me in the first chance she gets.

Damn what do I do?

"Hello!!....Is anypony home?" Rarity said as she waved her hoof in front of my face, snapping out of my thoughts.

"Huh? Oh sorry Rarity....I was just thinking. What were you saying?" I said sheepishly.

"I asked if you were hungry? You know it's incredibly rude to ignore a lady." She said with with a huff.

"Yes I am in fact....hehehe." I said to her, but she just gave me this stare, like it was piercing my very soul and I actually was kinda afraid of it.

"I..I...I promise to listen closely next time!!! I swear!" I shuttered a bit. I didn't know what was scarier the guards I fought before or Rarity when she's mad. And I really didn't want to find out.

Her glare soon turned to a smile as if nothing had happened. "Good, now we should hurry to the boutique, so you can get cleaned up and we can go see Princess Twilight. After that we can go get lunch."

She soon started trotting forward, leading me to her boutique. I honestly didn't know what happened, because that was the first in a long time since I've been afraid of a girl. I don't know why? But she just scares me.

We soon arrived at her Boutique and I was still surprised by the sight of it. You would think that meeting a famous character from a cartoon was enough to surprise me, but no I had a feeling I was going to be surprised a lot.

"Welcome to my Boutique , please do make yourself at home for a bit. I'll go prepare a bath for you." She said as she headed upstairs, leaving me alone with my thoughts as I took a seat on her sofa. I still haven't thanked Rarity for her help, which made me feel like a little guilty.

I really should make it up her. But how? I don't have money to pay her back, so once I talk to Twilight, I can search for a job. But what would she like? I'll figure it out when the time comes. Until then I guess I should focus on how to get home.

"Mr. Flare? Your bath is ready for you." She said cheerfully. I still felt kind of embarrassed by the fact she had to prepare a bath for Me!

"Is something wrong?" she asked curiously.

"Well it's just that.....I wanted to thank you....for helping me." I said hesitantly.

"There's no need to thank me dear, you needed help and I'm sure you would have done the same if our roles were reversed." She said to me kindly and I could only nod in agreement.

"Yeah I guess your right, but still thank you. I didn't know what I would have done."

"Well than your very welcome. Now go on shoo....you need to look your best when you meet Princess Twilight." She told me.

"Alright thank you again." I replied as I headed up the stairs but stopped. "Um which way is the bathroom?" I asked with a sheepish smile.

"Down the hall to the right Mr. Flare." She answered.

"Thank you and please Flare is just fine." I said to her as I headed up the stairs once again. I still wonder why she would help a poor sap like me, I'm nothing special, even if a spider tells me otherwise.

I wonder what she thinks about me. She probably thinks I'm a weirdo or some massive brute. Oh well....not like I'll ever know.

I never would have thought I would meet such a strange stallion in all of my life. He certainly is nicer then most of those other stallions I've met, even though he may be a bit ruff around the edges.

These thoughts ran through Rarity's mind as she started sketching some new dress designs in sketchbook. She was still having a hard time coming up with something for her latest fashion line, and no matter how hard she tried she felt that none of her previous designs would impress the nobles of Canterlot.

"Urgh....Why is this so difficult? There has to be something that could inspire me to create something that would (Wow) those nobles in Canterlot. But what?" She said to herself as she started again.

Maybe I should take a break?

Rarity thought to herself as she began to put her things away and she began to think of the stranger again.

Hmm...he certainly isn't that bad looking and he looks strong too....

"What am doing? I just met him, not to mention he lost his memories and for all I know he probably has a mare friend searching high and low for him." Rarity said to herself as she shook her head, dismissing her previous thoughts.

I do wonder though how did he end up in such an awful state? Perhaps there's more to this then he's letting on.

"I'll be sure to ask him once he's done with his bath." She said to herself as she took a seat on her sofa and began reading one of her magazines.

Okay so what should I say to Twilight?

I managed to have finished my bath and began drying my hair or mane I should call it. At the moment I was trying to figure out what I should say to Twilight without sounding like a crazy psychopath.

I should be honest...I do hope she'll listen otherwise there's no hope for me to get home.

I soon finished drying my mane and I paused to see how I looked in the mirror. I wasn't going to lie, saying that I didn't looked pretty damn good for a pony. Still it was so....alien I guess would be the right word to use. My coat was light reddish color with a long black mane with a single red streak and bright yellow eyes.I decided to take a good look at my wings, cause honestly they were pretty sick, but I soon remembered that I had no cutie mark and disappointment appear.

Sigh....even in this world I'm talent less.

I had a feeling that I would never get my cutie mark no matter how hard I tried, one thing I did know was that the sooner I get home, the sooner I can forget all of this. So I exited the bathroom and headed downstairs where I saw Rarity sitting down on her sofa, reading what looked like a magazine.

"Oh you're done.....are you ready to go?" She asked me.

"Ready as I'll ever be." I said as I headed to the front door, still unsure if this is a good idea.

"Oh...." Was all I heard from her.

"Is something wrong?" I asked her.

"Well....I just noticed that you don't have...a cutie mark." She said, looking the other way.

"Don't remind me. It's just another reminder of how much of a failure I am." I said sorrowfully.

Oh dear....I didn't know?

Rarity just gave me a saddened look.

Probably because she feels sorry for me or thinks I'm some kind of loser or......

"Listen....Flare I didn't mean to...poke at old wounds and I'm sorry. I was just curious is all." She said hesitantly. "Please do forgive me for my rudeness."

I turned to her, only to see a look of shame and sadness, I guess she really did feel bad for asking me that. I did feel somewhat like an idiot for sulking about not having a cutie mark. I don't know why it bugs me so much considering the fact that I'm wasn't even a pony to begin with.

"It's alright Rarity. You were just asking and me sulking about it is only making you feel bad......I may not have my memories, but I guess I just didn't really try hard enough to...well you know..." I paused trying to come up with the words fix this situation. " You know what just forget about it. I guess this may be a good opportunity to start off fresh."

"I guess...But I should have respected your privacy."

"Like I said. It's alright." I said too her as she sighed in relief, but then a thought occurred to me and I couldn't help but smirk just a bit.

"But now that I think about it...Why were you looking at my flank? Were you checking me out?" I said with a light chuckle.

"W...what? No not at all....I just...oh!" The look on her face was priceless as a massive pink blush appeared on her cheek, I know I seem like a jerk, but I couldn't help it. It was a perfect opportunity that I couldn't pass up. I soon began to laugh as she just glared at me.

"Oh relax Rarity I was only teasing....hehehehe. We really should get going though." I said.

"Urgh...you're just like other stallions and I will get you back for that!" She said, giving me the cold shoulder.

"Uh...no offence to you Rarity, but you don't seem like the pranking type." Said with a light chuckle. From my knowledge of Mlp she's more about fashion and well she isn't really the (fun) type of gal.

Oh you'll regret those words Flare. I can promise you that, not to mention I know a few ponies who may help.

"We should get going otherwise we're going to be late!" She said, raising her voice a bit. I don't know if I should be worried or what, because I have a feeling that she's going to do something horrible. I don't know why? But that didn't matter at the moment because right now I needed head towards Twilight's castle and ask for her help.

I was a bit curious as too which part in the timeline I was in, like am I in season 4 or 5 of Mlp because I didn't want to make a mistake and have her interrogating me or worse.

"Hey um...Rarity? So where does Princess Twilight live exactly?....Just wanted to clarify just in case I need to see her again for more questions." I said calmly.

"Well if you must know she lives in that large castle up ahead." She pointed at the large crystal castle with her hoof.

I must seem like an idiot to her right now. How the hell did I not notice that?

"Oh...hehehe...well lets get going then." I said as I felt my cheeks heat up as I started walking quicker, probably from the embarrassment. I began to hear giggling from Rarity as she followed after me.

But from here on out there was no turning back. Also I'm surprised I haven't ran into Pinkie Pie she's usually the one you'd meet first in fanfic or in the show. I soon bumped into something very pink and when I opened my eyes guess who it was?

Pinkie Pie

"Ops sorry normally I would have noticed somepony in front of me, but I saw this amazing butterfly and I got distracted and.....GASP!!! " She rapidly and in a flash she vanished leaving a nothing but a cloud of dust.

"Uh?" That was literally all I could say while I heard Rarity laughing again.

"Yep that's Pinkie Pie alright she certainly does know how to greet new ponies doesn't she?"

"Yeah?"

"Well we should be off now. We can't keep a princess waiting you know." Rarity said to me as she trotted ahead of me.

"Okay...." I'm not going to lie saying that didn't surprise me. Because it did.

Well this day keeps getting more and more interesting!

I soon followed after Rarity and headed towards the castle and finally get some answers.

Chapter Two- The Duel

Chapter Three

Rarity and I finally arrived at Twilight's Castle, which was a whole lot better then it was in the show. It was kinda exciting to be there even if I was going to return home today, that's to say I was going to return home today. Who know's when? It could be a day, a week or two weeks is what I was going for. As long as I'm home safely that's all that matters.

"Hey um....Rarity I would like to just thank you for helping me out. I really appreciate it," Said with a sincere smile.

"It was no trouble at all Flare. I'm always happy to help a friend in need," She smiled in return.

"Well thanks anyways, never had a friend like you Rarity," I said, causing her to blush.

"Oh...Your welcome Flare. We should head inside to inform Twilight of your situation Flare," She said to me as she opened the door with her magic and we entered the castle.

"This is amazing!" I whispered, but Rarity just giggled.

"I know what you mean, It's breathtaking isn't it," She said to me with a grin and I just blushed, probably because of my excitement of actually being in Twilight's castle. I was the first human to have entered the castle, which was a big deal to me, cause I'm the first human.

"Well lets see if we can find Twilight or that Midnight fellow she's been studying with recently," She said which caught my attention.

"Midnight?" I asked.

"Yes he's Twilight's partner in researching alchemy or ways to make casting magic easier," She said to me.

"I didn't know alchemy was a real thing here?" I said with a questioning look.

"Well it doesn't, but Twilight and Midnight are trying to make it a reality. It's suppose to be some type of new base magic. Although I'm not all that familiar with it," She said to me. I can probably understand where she stands with her point. I heard about Alchemy before and honestly I don't think that sounds good.

"I know I may not know a lot about this stuff, but isn't Alchemy suppose to be Bad?" I asked.

"Well I do know that this involves a lot of science and magic. But I doubt it's dangerous," She said to me. If she was from my world she'd probably understand what I'm getting at.

But hey I'm not going to stand in the way of Twilight's work or whoever this Midnight guy is and their work. If they can find me a way home then I'll be damn patient about it.

I soon entered in what appeared to be the library of the castle where I saw a blue unicorn sorting through a stack of books. He had a short black mane with a blue streak and.....no cutie mark?

He couldn't be? Could He?

"Oh Midnight dear do you know where Twilight might be at the moment?" Rarity asked. He soon turned his head towards us with a smile.

"Oh hey Rarity. I didn't here you come in. Who's your friend?" He asked.

"This is Flare Blitz, I just met him this morning and he's in need of Twilight's help. Do you know where she is?" Rarity asked.

"Right now she's in her study, working on one of her experiments. Is there anything I could do?" He asked.

"You can keep my friend here some company while I go and talk to Twilight. Is that alright?" She asked politely.

"Sure. I have a few questions for him anyway?" He said with a grin. I don't know why, but I have a funny feeling something about this ain't right.

"Thank you darling. I'll be back in a jiffy~" She sang as she trotted to Twilight's study, leaving me alone with Midnight.

"Alright who are you? and What are you doing here?" He said in a less happier tone.

"What?" I asked.

"Look you don't have to hide it. I know you're a human and I can tell you this. It's better to just tell the truth then lying about it," He said to me, which surprised me. I haven't been here for even a day and already I've been discovered. But how I didn't give any signs or talked to anyone, but Rarity and that Spider, but I'm pretty sure it's just a figment of my imagination.

"Just for my curiosity sake. How do you know I'm human?" I asked.

"Well for one you said human perfectly when most ponies here have a hard time pronouncing it. Also a lack of cutie mark, it's completely unnatural for a full grown stallion to not have a cutie mark and I'm pretty sure you used the amnesia story on Rarity didn't you?" He asked. I was a bit surprised he got a few facts right. But it still doesn't prove that I'm a human, even though he's right.

"And is that all? Cause that's not really proof that I'm....."

"Also Twilight and I felt a strange magical surge last night which was small, but when I saw you I began getting that same magic surge from last night and Twilight figured that's the same magic source I arrived from three years ago," He stated as he glared at me.

I can't really argue with magic since I'm guessing magic is what brought me here. So yeah I haven't been here for a day and already I've been discovered.

"Alright you caught me, but it was an accident and I don't plan to stay here for too long," I explained.

"Alright then I don't think you're here to cause trouble so I'll trust you for now," He said to me.

"Guess that'll have to do for now, by the way? Are you a human?" I asked and he just gave me a grin.

"Yes I am in fact. As you can tell I don't have a cutie mark as well. I arrived here three years ago and believe me when I say this I did the same thing you did. Faking that I have amnesia and lying to everypony which didn't end well for me," He said to me and I was curious about what happened to him?

"So what did they do to you?" I asked.

"Well at they were surprised that I was a human from another dimension and they were angry that I lied to them. But in the end they forgave me and gave me a chance," Midnight said to me and I could understand where he was getting at. But then I realized something very crucial about he said.

"Wait? When did you arrive here exactly?" I asked as my left eye twitched a bit.

"Three years ago?"

"WHAT?!!!" I shouted. This guy has been here for three f****** years?

"Please tell me that there's a way home? I'm begging you?" I said to him, giving him a crazy look.

"We haven't really found a way to return to earth," He said giving me a nervous grin.

"What?" Was literally all I could ask.

"The thing is that it takes time to try and pinpoint a specific place and time period through space," He said to me.

"But there is a way for me to get home Right?" I asked.

"Theoretically yes...." Midnight replied, causing me to grin with joy.

"YES!" I shouted in the air.

"I said theoretically," He said.

"Well as long as I can get home then I'll be okay with waiting," I said still smiling.

It may be theoretical, but there's still that slight chance for me to get home.

"First I'll have to run this by Twilight, before we can get started. In the meantime just find something to read, while I finish re-stacking these books," Midnight said.

"That's fine with me, but I'll just take a seat and wait patiently. I just need sometime to think about all of this," I replied to him.

"It's perfectly fine," He said to me.

I soon took a seat on one of the chairs which were surprisingly comfy and I just continued to ponder about my situation. I might be able to get help, but I'll have to tell Rarity the truth which could end badly for me. Who knows maybe she'll forgive me.

I do hope Twilight can get me home, otherwise I don't know what I'll do.

"I wonder what Rarity and Twilight are talking about in there?" I whispered to myself. I really was curious.

When Rarity entered Twilight's study, she informed the lavender Alicorn about her situation with young Flare.

"So let me get this straight Rarity? You found a pony who was injured with no memories and you didn't think to bring him to the Ponyville Hospital?" Twilight asked.

"I know it sounds ridiculous when you put it that way. But when I told him you could help him. He seemed thrilled, so I brought him here. Is there anything you can do for him Twilight?" Rarity asked.

"Well I'll see what I can do, but first I'll have to see him," She said.

"Thank you darling, it means a lot that you're willing to help him," Rarity said with joy.

"He's waiting for you in the other room with Midnight and I'm sure those two are getting along just fine," She added as they both exited the study into the library.

"Midnight I don't think I can do this? Can't I just keep pretending to have amnesia until Twilight can send me home?" I asked desperately. I didn't want to end up on the end of Rarity's horn if she does get pissed.

"I think you'd be surprised on how forgiving Rarity is, besides it's better to just tell the truth then lie your way out of this situation. Believe me I know," Midnight said as he patted my back.

"Alright, alright I'll tell her....just be sure to have my back. My life still has meaning you know," I said to him and he just nodded in response. I don't know why I'm afraid of telling Rarity, is it because I'm afraid of losing her trust or something. I don't know?

I soon heard the door open and I saw Rarity and Twilight Sparkle enter the room. I soon began to panic a bit when I saw them.

"Princess Twilight it's an honor to meet you in person!" I said nervously as I bowed to her. I didn't know how to respond to royalty. Seeing that she's the only royal I've ever met in my life.

"There's no need for formalities Flare, honestly it's kinda embarrassing," Twilight said to me kindly.

"Sorry this is the first time meeting someone who's royalty," I said as some sweat dripped from my face.

"It's alright Flare, Rarity told me the whole story and I'm willing to help you get your memories back," Twilight said to me and I just scratched my head and Rarity soon began to pick up on my nervousness.

"Are you alright Flare?" Rarity asked and I just sighed in response.

"No Rarity the thing is....I haven't been....totally honest with you. I haven't lost my memories I just...." I couldn't really find the right words.

"What?" Both Rarity and Twilight said.

"You see, Flare here is just like me Twilight. He's a human from earth and he needs our help to get home," Midnight said for me.

I looked at Rarity who looked melancholy and it just killed me. The guilt of lying to her really did hurt.

"I didn't mean to lie to you. I was...."

"You were what?!" She shouted at me. "Tell me why did you lie to me? Don't you trust me?"

"I do!" I shouted back.

"Then tell me why did you lie to me?!"

"BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID!!!" I yelled with anger.

"I was afraid of what you might have done....if I told who I was or what I am. I didn't want to lie, but I'm in a completely different world with no friends or family to help. I just want to go home. I'm sorry Rarity..." I said to her as I closed my eyes in shame.

I was ready to leave right then and there, but I felt a pair of hooves rap around me into a hug. I was shocked to find Rarity hugging me, I was well speechless.

"Flare I understand." She said to me. "I guess....I would have done the same too."

"I'm sorry for lying Rarity I...." I said.

"It's alright Flare. But still you shouldn't lie to your friends," She said as she slightly slapped my head. It hurt but I guess I was kinda an idiot for thinking less from her.

"Okay I promise I won't lie anymore," I chuckled.

"See Flare I told you had nothing to worry about," Midnight said to me.

"Well it seems to me that you've learned a valuable lesson Flare," Twilight said with a smirk.

"I guess I did....hehehehe." I chuckled as I rubbed the back of my head. "But anyway do you think you can help me get home?" I asked.

"Well it's going to take some time for me and Midnight to do some research on how to locate your world," Twilight said to me.

"Also the means of getting you there," Midnight added.

"So you're going to have to wait a while before we can get you home," Twilight said to me and honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Thank you guys for all your help, but what exactly am I supposed to do in the meantime? I'm still trying to figure out how to use my wings and I'm not all that familiar with the jobs here in Ponyville. Not to mention I don't really have a place to stay at the moment," I said to them.

"Well....you could stay at my boutique for the time Flare," Rarity said, surprisingly. It was a bit embarrassing to stay at her place, not to mention it would be completely unfair to her.

"Rarity I couldn't possible stay at your place. You've done more than enough for me," I said to her as I felt my face getting hotter from the embarrassment of the situation.

"I could offer a place here at the castle. There's plenty of room here and honestly it's kinda empty and Spike won't be back until tomorrow night and Midnight is the only company I have at the moment," Twilight said to me.

"That sounds good." I said, but I then noticed Rarity who was a bit disappointed. "But still I don't really have a job...."

"Well then you could work at the boutique!" Rarity said quickly, but began to blush at her sudden outburst. "That is if you want too?"

"Sure Rarity.....besides I do need to repay you for all the help you've done for me," I said. And she actually smiled.

"Well then I expect you to show up at my shop tomorrow around 9:30 in the morning. Sound good," She said to me and I nodded in response. Well it seemed like I had a plan, but I felt like I was forgetting something

GROWL!!

Oh now I remember.

"What in Equestira was that?" Twilight asked.

"Hehehe.....I hate to ask, but can we get something to eat? I'm starving," I said with a sheepish grin.

"Yeah all this talking is starting to make me a bit hungry too," Midnight said.

"Okay then let's head out for lunch. There's this nice restaurant here in Ponyville. We can get something to eat there," Twilight said.

"Sounds good to me!" I said with a grin.

Finally I'm going to get something to eat. I don't even remember the last thing I ate.

"Well I am a bit peckish. Why not?" Rarity said cheerfully. True not how I intended my meeting with Twilight to go, but I felt like things were going my way.

Not what I was expecting to happen, but I have a plan now. All I have to do is wait patiently and I'll be home, before I know it.

Chapter Three- The Stranger

Chapter Four

Rarity, Twilight, Midnight and I trotted through Ponyville to head to this cafe Twilight told us about. Never really had Equestrian food before and at this point, I don't really care because I was literally starving and them offering free food. Hell I was going to eat whatever they served me. Even if I don't like it. Besides it's not like it's poisonous or something.

We soon took a seat at a nearby table and waited for the waiter to bring us our menus. I was kinda curious as too what they served here considering they don't serve meat of any kind. Since ponies are herbivores and only eat grains and well fruits and veggies. I guess I'll have to get use to it. Although I'll miss ham, steak, and.....bacon. I soon felt a tear streaming down my face.

"Hey what's wrong?" Twilight asked.

"Nothing I just have something in my eye." I said as began rubbing it. "So what do they serve here exactly?"

"Well they serve hay fries, soup, dandelion sandwiches and a lot of other foods," Twilight informed me. In all honesty soup sounded pretty good, but what kind of soup? But before I could finish I saw a brown stallion with a red tie and a curly mustache, holding four menus.

"Ah.....Princess it's good to see you again. Tell me what can I get to drink for you and your friends?" The Waiter asked.

"I'll just have a glass of water please?" Twilight asked.

"I'll like a strawberry lemonade please?" Rarity asked.

"And I'll just have....water as well please?" Midnight asked and the waiter just wrote everything down and turned to me.

"And what will you have good sir?" He asked me.

"Uh....I'll just have a lemonade," I said calmly as he wrote it all down and left the menus on the table for us and left without another word.

"So what do want to eat Flare?" Rarity asked me. I soon picked up a menu and looked at the soup section, considering that was the only thing that sounded good to me.

Alright let's see what they have? Tomato soup sounds okay, Flower soup? That's actually a thing here? Oh the potato soup looks good.

"Well the potato soup sounds good to me, so I'll have that," I said as I closed my menu.

"Sounds good, but I think a salad with a side of ranch is a much healthier lifestyle.," Rarity said as she closed her menu.

"Well a dandelion sandwich sounds delicious to me," Twilight said as she licked her lips.

I'm not going to lie saying it was interesting to find out what they were going to eat. It would sound boring to so many people back on earth, but for me. I like to pay attention to detail and get to know my surroundings.

"Well I guess I'll have the spicy tomato soup," Midnight said, still unsure if that's his final decision. Twilight gave him an unsure look, knowing he's making a stupid choice.

"Are you sure you want that Midnight? That soup is really spicy?" Twilight said.

"Hey if it's on the menu then it must be good. Besides it's always good to try new things," He countered. I had a feeling he was going to regret it in someway. Rarity and Twilight also had that same feeling, but no matter how hard we tried we couldn't convince him to change his mind.

The waiter came back to take our orders and we simply repeated what we wanted. I may not know a lot about Equestrian food, but I'm pretty spicy food is really spicy. But hey if Midnight wants to eat it, than I'm not going to stop him. The waiter soon arrived with our soups and I saw him placing what everyone...everypony had ordered. I really need to try to remember that some of the words are different here in Equestria.

I soon began smelling the aroma of that delectable Potato soup as the waiter placed the large bowl in front of me. When I saw it my mouth began to water a bit. The sight of it was amazing, it had cheese sprinkled on top with some cilantro and a bit of garlic. I literally couldn't wait and tried to pick up a spoon. But let's just say I had problems.

"Come on!" I said, trying to pick up the spoon with my hoof. No matter how hard I tried it just kept slipping from my hoof.

"Ah! why can't I pick this F****** spoon up!" I shouted. Rarity and Twilight soon gasped at what I had said.

"Flare Blitz language! And here I thought you had table manners," Rarity said irritated as she took a bite out of her salad.

"I'm sorry it's just that I can't pick this stupid spoon up!" I said as I tried picking it up again, and when I thought I had it. It fell off. Out of all the frustration I had ever experienced in my life this tops it all. I began hearing giggling from both Rarity and Twilight which soon turned into laughter. Heck even Midnight joined in as I battled in trying to pick up that f****** spoon.

I will pick you up you stupid spoon.

"Grrr....." I growled trying to will my hoof to pick it up. If there's one thing no one should ever do is get between me and my food. I love food and no matter how annoying this was. I was going eat my soup and no spoon or pony was going to get between me and my soup.

Oh dear this has to be the funniest thing I have ever seen in my whole life.

Rarity couldn't contain her laughter as she watched Flare trying to pick up the spoon. He was really determined to eat his soup with that spoon. She couldn't help but smile at his stupidity.

"Um...Flare would you like me to help you with that?" She asked, but Flare simply shook his head in response, still trying to pick it up.

"Sorry, but no. I can pick.....this...stupid spoon!" He grunted only causing her and Twilight to laugh more.

Typical. I guess boys will always be boys. Still I can't say that watching him struggle to pick that spoon up with his hoof isn't amusing. But then again he was turned into a pony recently. I wonder what kind of clothing those hu-mans use to where? Maybe he could tell me a bit about the clothing they have back at his home world. I'll have to ask him about it later.

After trying for almost an hour. I finally managed to have picked it up. Seriously I'm so angry I could punch like ten kittens in the face without feeling bad in the slightest. And I like kittens. I've never been this stressed before in all of my life. I got the hang of it eventually, but what upset me the most was that my soup was cold. Still it was good, but next time I'm defiantly eating it while it's hot cause that was a bunch of bull**** I had gone through. I mean in the fan fics people would write. They had there OC's that use to be human managed to do it so easily. Just picking it up like it's all natural. But I say that's a bunch of crap.

But I'm willing to put all of that behind me and act like it never happened. The bright side was I at least got food and everypony seemed to be in a good mood. Twilight and Midnight soon got up from their chairs and started heading back to the castle.

"Hey where are you guys going?" I asked.

"As much as I would like to spend more time getting to know you. We have some research that needs to get done," Twilight said.

"Not to mention trying to find you a way home," Midnight added.

I was curious about something? Did Midnight even want to go home? Don't get me wrong it's paradise here in Equestria, but he knows that we don't belong here. I was definitely going to ask him later when I get the chance.

"We'll see you later tonight. Okay?" Twilight said and I only nodded as both Twilight and Midnight left. Meaning it was just me and.....Rarity.

I don't know why? But I began getting nervous for some strange reason. Probably cause I'm out in public with Rarity and I didn't want ponies getting the wrong idea.

"So tell me Flare dear? What do you want to do now?" Rarity asked.

"Um...I don't know really? I guess a stroll around town will do nicely. You know get to know my surroundings and all that." I said kindly.

"Sounds like a marvelous idea Flare dear. Shall we be off?" She asked and I could only chuckle at her enthusiasm.

"Well let's get moving then, we're burning daylight," I said grinning at her. She just rolled her eyes at me while I started trotting ahead. I was ready for anything.

Hmm....I wonder if he has a special somepony? Wait....why did I think that? Oh gosh I got to keep it together, I barely know anything about him and yet....

"Hey Rarity are you alright?" I asked, walking back towards her.

"Oh yes Flare shall we be off?" She asked.

"Alright where too first?" I asked.

"Oh that's a surprise~" She said with a wink. I don't know why? But I have a bad feeling about this.

Chapter Four- Celestia?

Chapter Five

I was actually quite curious as to where we were headed. I usually don't go out that much, I'd prefer being at home either relaxing or writing on my computer. I'm not saying I don't like the outside, because I do, it's just that I'm more of an indoor person.

"So Rarity? Where are we going exactly?" I asked.

"Oh I'm afraid I can't answer that," Rarity answered.

"Why not?" I continued asking. I could tell she was a little irritated by it.

"Because I told you, it's a surprise," She said to me.

"Sorry it's just I'm curious is all. I'm not really one for surprises," I told her and she just gives me this curious look.

"I beg your pardon? You don't like surprises?" She asked and all I can do is nod in response.

"Well I don't really hate them, I just don't like surprises, unless I have an idea on what it may be," I said.

"That's ridiculous Flare! That pretty much takes away the point of it being a surprise. Don't you think so?" She asked me. I began to ponder it a bit and she did make a point.

"Well I guess you're right, but that doesn't mean I have to like them." I answered, she nodded in response and well things got really quiet. It was nice as I saw ponies walking around, enjoying their daily lives.

But there was that awkward silence between Rarity and me. Neither of us spoke for about three minutes until Rarity spoke up.

Hmm...I wonder if he has a Special somepony?

"So Flare do you have....somepony special back home?" She asked. I didn't really know what she meant by that, but I assume she means people who I cared about.

"We'll I guess my.....family?" I answered truthfully, and she gave me a questioning look. As if I said something wrong.

"Um...is there something wrong?" I asked.

"I don't think you understood what I meant?" I just shrugged and she shook her head, obviously noting that, I'm an idiot. She ain't wrong either "Do you have a special somepony? A special girl in your life?"

Oh....Wait what?

I started feeling hot for some strange reason. Thinking about what she had just asked and honestly it was kinda embarrassing to answer it.

But I guess lying would be wrong.

"Well no, but there was a girl I used to be interested in, but let's just say there's bad blood, between her and me," I answered

"What happened exactly?" She asked politely.

"I can't say for sure, we were friends at one point, but now we can't even look at each other unless it's to humiliate each other. I personally avoided her until she moved away. Haven't found a girl I was interested in since then," I answered.

"So I guess you have trouble finding somepony special too huh?" Rarity said and I looked a bit surprised.

"I know I have troubles with girls, but you should have guys lining up for you," I said to her causing her to blush a bit.

"I guess but most stallions here are only interested in my looks. They don't take the time to know me and everypony I had a crush on ended in disaster or failure," She said and I couldn't help but feel sympathy for her. I mean if I remember correctly there was Blueblood who was a prick in every way, than there was Trenderhoof who had a crush on Applejack.

"Hey it just means you haven't found the one yet. You're still young and there's plenty of time to find somepony," I said to her.

Yes I nailed it. Maybe it's not that hard to use pony in a sentence!!

"You really think so?!" Rarity asked and I couldn't help but smile.

"I know so!" I replied with a grin. Next thing I knew I was embraced in a tight hug by her.

"Thank you," She said.

"Sure....Can't.....breathe!"

After that suffocating hug Rarity told me to close my eyes for the surprise and I was worried that something bad was going to happen. There were three different scenarios that could possible happen.

Probably just a prank and it will most likely end up in a hospital.

2.She's probably just going to leave me in a forest alone again.

3.A Pinkie Pie Party.

Yeah I know these are stupid thoughts and I shouldn't be worried, but that doesn't mean I'll let my guard down for even a second. I still want to get home in one piece after all.

"Alright Flare you can open your eyes now!" So I did just that.

"SURPRISE!!!" After hearing that I literally jumped into the air, wrapping my hooves onto a ceiling light.

"Opps...." Was all Pinkie Pie said. Even though I expected this to happen, it still surprised me.

"Well were you surprised? WERE YOU? WERE YOU?!!" Asked repeatedly.

"Y...yeah..."I replied, awkwardly grinning at her. I have mentioned I hate surprises.

"YES!! I TOLD YOU RAINBOW DASH!!! YOU OWE ME TEN BITS!!!" She shouted with joy as she trotted away.

Wonder what that was about?

I soon began talking with some of the ponies here and it certainly was something. They told some funny stories and I'm not going to lie saying that I didn't enjoy the food, even though there were too sweet. I prefer a more healthier lifestyle. The music was good too as the ponies partied out. I was really enjoying myself for the first time in a long time.

"Hey Flare," A familiar voice called out to me. I soon turned to see Midnight drinking some punch.

"Oh hey Midnight, I thought you were at the Castle with Twilight?" I questioned.

"I was, but Twilight says that I've been working to hard lately and I needed a break. And I was on the verge of a discovering something extraordinary!" Midnight said. I'm not going to lie saying that I wasn't interested.

"So what have you been working on?" I asked.

"Sorry, but that's a secret. All you need to know is that it's something exciting and it's taken me almost an entire year master it," He replied to me. Now that he mentioned it, I remembered him saying that he's been here for two years now, working as Twilight's assistant.

"Hey Midnight I have been meaning to ask you something?"

"Sure fire away?"

"You've been here in Equestria for two years now correct?" Midnight simply nodded in response.

"Yet you haven't bothered trying to get home yourself? Why?" I asked. Midnight only frowned to almost a glare even.

"It's complicated..." He said to me.

"Try me? I pretty sure I can understand," I said in a more serious tone. I wanted to know so I could try avoiding that same situation. I was determined to get back home and I wasn't going to let anything hold me back, but what he said was something I did not expect.

"I fell for a her..." He said, trying to be quiet about it, even though I heard him. I still couldn't believe it though.

"Who?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I can't tell you that!" He said raising his voice.

"Okay than can you at least tell me that a part of you still wants to go home. I know that you've been here for two years and you made a lot of friends, but isn't there a small part of you that wants to go back home? To be with your family? To be with your other friends back home?" I said trying to get my point across. "Look I know I have no right to make you chose, but I really want to know would you want to go back?"

"Would you?" He asked me. I could only stare at him wide eyed at what he just asked me.

"Of course I would! What kind of question is that?" I replied.

"Look be honest with yourself. If you fell in love with anyone here and you were given the choice to go back home would you?" He asked me again and I was completely stomped. I couldn't think of answer.

"I'm guessing you're only asking this because you're scared that you'll make some kind of mistake. But let me tell you something Flare. One I'm not mad that you asked me that. Two believe it or not this is my home now and I don't regret anything. But hey it honestly it's all up to you. You chose what you want to do and nopony is going to stop you," Midnight finished with a comforting smile.

"You're right I was scared, scared either never seeing my family again or just not being excepted," I answered and he placed a hoof on my shoulder.

"Hey it's alright. I was like that too when I got here, but believe me this is literally the friendliest place on the planet. I'm pretty sure you'll make friends," Midnight said.

Maybe he's right? Still I do plan to make it home! One way or another!

"Anyway we can talk about you getting home later, after all this is your party and I'm pretty sure Rarity and Pinkie Pie wouldn't be too happy if you’re here sulking," Midnight said, making his point.

"Yeah your right, you definitely did give me something to think about though, so thank you," Midnight simply nodded in response. "Well I better go find Rarity she's probably wondering where I am?"

You just haven't realized it yet Flare but you will soon enough.

After the party was over, I began escorting Rarity home due to the fact it was dark out and I still had to repay my debt to her for helping me out. I have to say that it was nice to actually relax and have fun for once. Usually I'm so stressed out writing or focusing on school, but I'll definitely start relaxing more often when I get home.

"So tell me Flare? Did you enjoy your first day here in Ponyville?" She asked me and honestly I really did.

"Yeah I did, besides trying to pick up things with my hoof, I have to say I enjoyed being here with you," I said with a grin, and when I noticed her face was flushed completely red. I immediately realized my mistake.

"With the others....too....not just you....I mean I enjoyed spending time with you.....but!!" I was making a damn fool of myself in front of her and still making this awkward. My face was just as flushed as Rarity's, but this wouldn't be the first time I made a complete fool of myself in front of a girl.

"It's....fine...Flare really it is and....I'm extremely flattered," She said to me still blushing madly. "Still I'm glad you're enjoying your stay."

"Well thank you Rarity, I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along," I said to her with a genuine smile.

Just before she could reply we began hearing malicious chuckling behind us. I soon turned my head immediately seeing three ponies wearing dark blue cloaks.

"Hehehe....well, well, well look what the cat dragged in!" The one on the left said.

"Looks like that scumbag turned up after all and he has a little B**** too. He's only making this more enjoyable when we kill him....Hehehehehe!!"

Scumbag? Please don't tell me?

"You're those guards that attacked me last night!!" I shouted at them causing Rarity to gasp.

"Well what do you know, you have sharp eyes, something that could be very valuable too our master," The one in the center said.

"Who are you?...You ruffians?" Rarity stammered a bit and I don't blame her. I'm kinda scared myself.

"I suppose we should introduce ourselves. I am Silverstone these here to my right is Breakdown," The stallion simply nodded.

"And I'm Black Streak!! As for why we're here....Well we're here to kill you!!" He said in a psychotic tone.

"Kill...kill us!" Rarity blurted out.

"Well that depends on your friends choice her Element of Generosity," Silverstone said and I could do was grind my teeth in rage when said that.

"What choice?" I couldn't help but ask. Me and Rarity were in a dangerous situation and knowing Rarity she's not one for fighting, and even though I got away from them before. I doubt they'll let me go this time.

"You seem to have exceptional fighting skills, even though it was pretty sloppy. Our master was most interested in you and sent us to find you," He said with a smirk that sent a cold shiver down my spine. "So what do ya say?"

"Like I'll ever follow a bunch of crazy assholes!!"

"Oh..Oh boss how about we force them to fight!! Last one standing wins isn't that a great idea?" Black Streak said loudly.

"No! Last time we did that you ended up killing the winner anyway!!" Silverstone shouted.

"Oh come on you spoiled it. It's no fun if they know they're going to die!" Black Streak said as he started pouting.

"You bastards!" I said, grinding my teeth.

"Hahaha.....either way both of you are going to die," Silverstone said with a smirk.

"Boss can I kill them this time?" Black Streak asked with anticipation.

"No you already had your fun with that couple in the last town!" When Silverstone said that my eyes widened in shock.

"You mean you...." I couldn't finish my sentence when they started chuckling.

"That's right, if it weren't for you it would have taken us longer put them down.....Permanently!!" Silverstone said, causing Black Streak to laugh at the top of his lungs.

I could literally feel my blood boil with rage as they kept laughing. Never before in my entire life had I been so mad I was this close to wanting to kill them with my bare hooves, but I stopped to think of Rarity, how would she react to me fighting them. So I ended up restraining myself from attacking them.

"Why? Why are you doing this? What could you possibly hope to gain?!" Rarity demanded as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"The reason why we do this is because we are gathering souls and followers for our cause," Silverstone said.

Souls?

"What?!" She shouted.

"Yes souls for our beloved queen~" Silverstone explained.

"And who is this...queen of yours?" I asked and I had a feeling I was going to regret it.

"Hehehe....Nightmare Moon of course!!" He chuckled. I soon began to feel dread as he mentioned her name. Nightmare Moon was one of the most feared and destructive enemies Equestria has ever faced. And the fan fictions of her made her that much more terrifying. But unlike me Rarity only had a look of fear considering that she actually faced her with the other Elements of Harmony.

"Boss? Can we get this over with? Our master is probably growing impatient," Breakdown said.

So he finally speaks.

"I guess you're right, they know to much anyway," Silverstone said with grin.

"Okay then one last question, Why did you took the time to tell us this in the first place? Explain that?!" I shouted.

"Well yesterday you proved that you have guts and I respect that. It's the least I could do considering the fact that you and your girlfriend are about to die.....Hahaha!!" He said with smirk as he pulled out a long sharp sword and held it firmly within his hoof and I was ready to charge at them. Until I saw a beam of purple magic appear out of nowhere and struck down Black Streak.

Black Streak howled in pain as he collapsed to the ground, dropping his own sword to the ground. We soon saw Twilight appear from the darkness and I had to say that both me and Rarity were surprised and relieved.

"Are you guys alright?" She asked.

"Oh Twilight dear you don't know how happy we are too see you!" Rarity shouted with joy.

"How did you find us?" I asked and she soon gave a smile of reassurance.

"I was actually on my way to find you Flare, but I saw those three surrounding you guys and I needed to know what they we're up too. And I think you can piece the rest together," Twilight said sheepishly and I don't blame her. She needed to know what was going on and I was going to tell her anyway.

"Well either way we're glad you came to our rescue." Rarity said.

"Yeah no kidding! But we aren't done just yet," I soon turned to see Silverstone with an irritated look. I could only glare at him as his anger exploded.

Next thing I knew, both Breakdown and Silverstone charged at me with their swords. I didn't know what I did but I was soon in the air flapping my wings of course I was only in the air for a a couple of seconds, but I took advantage of it and I kicked Breakdown in the jaw, knocking him unconscious. Silverstone on the other hand swiped his sword and made a clean cut on my arm. I hissed at the pain as blood dripped freely to the ground.

Silverstone was soon smirking at me and I had only one word to describe him.

Asshole!

"Should have joined us when you had the chance. Now if I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!" He shouted as he charged once again with his sword and I immediately picked up Breakdown's sword and blocked his attack.

He gave me a look of surprise and even I was surprised, but I didn't let that stop me as I kept blocking his attacks and I pushed to the ground. Of course he quickly got up and our swords clashed together once more.

"Hold still so I can make this quick!!" Silverstone demanded as he once again thrust his sword at me and I quickly swung my sword and deflected his attack. The pain in my arm wasn't making things easier as he kept swinging his sword at me.

"I'm not giving up so easily Silverstone!" I shouted as my sword clashed with his once again. I was getting tired and couldn't keep this up forever, but I quickly looked towards Rarity and Twilight and noticed that Twilight was charging her magic and I immediately head butted him as I flapped my wings, giving more power towards my attack. He soon was flying towards Twilight as she blasted him in the chest.

Silverstone was soon skidded across the ground leaving a trail of dust and when I saw him unconscious I was relieved. For a moment I thought Twilight killed him, but than again Twilight wouldn't do anything as heartless as that. I dropped Breakdowns sword and applied pressure to my arm, trying to stop the bleeding. Rarity soon rushed over to me as well as Twilight.

"Oh Celestia are you alright Flare?!" She asked worrying and I gave her a reassuring smile, but I was soon smacked on the head.

"Ow!! What was that for?" I asked as I rubbed my head.

"Your an IDIOT!!! How could you just charge in like that without thinking!!" She shouted as Twilight facehoof.

"Hey he attacked me! If anything I'm the victim here!!" I shouted but I soon received a death glare from her and I began cowering behind Twilight.

"Okay you win, but seriously can we please try to fix my arm!! I'm bleeding fast!!!" I shouted.

"Okay Rarity take Flare back to my castle and look for my first-aid kit, Midnight should know where it is?" She said and Rarity only nodded in agreement.

"What about you darling?" Rarity asked.

"I'm taking these three to Canterlot prison so they can be interrogated. I'll be back at the castle soon, but I think you should stay the night there Rarity, just in case more of them come searching for you guys," Twilight informed us and all we could do was nod in response.

Never thought something like this would happen here in Equestria and what worried me the most was that there was more of them out there. Watching, waiting for a perfect opportunity to strike. I could tell Rarity was shaken by this experience and I had to say she was taking it rather well, better than I expected. But still as I limped towards the castle with Rarity I placed my wing around her giving her a comforting smile.

"Everything is going to be okay Rarity, I promise," I said to her and she couldn't help but smile back as we headed towards Twilight's Castle. But still there were even more questions and I wondered why did I care about Rarity so much?

After our little encounter with those creeps we arrived at the castle and Rarity patched my arm and Midnight used some healing spells, which would take time to fix my wounds. He said it would be better by morning and I took his word for it.

As for Rarity she immediately went to bed without another word and I decided to do the same as I slept in My new room, which might I add had the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. But as I slept I soon found myself in a long endless meadow with the same tree where I met Rarity. It wasn't long until I began to hear a familiar laughter.

"Well it's good to see you again, Flare Blitz is it now?" The Silver Spider asked as it began to descend from above. Still creepy might I add.

"Okay I had about enough of this nonsense!! I want answers and I want them now?!!" I shouted in rage.

"And I told you that you need to discover them for yourself!" It said, raising its voice.

"Look I had it up to here with this place, I was almost killed twice and two ponies were killed because of me and I almost got another one killed. Please just tell me why is this happening?" I begged the spider and it simply nodded.

"Okay what do wish to know?" It asked me.

"Look I only want to know why I'm here and who were those psychos working for so I can shove a knife down his throat?" I said, still angry at those assholes for ruining my day and making my friend cry. Could you blame me for being this upset.

"Well I can answer the second question, they are known as the Nightmare children, a religious group dedicated to bringing back Nightmare Moon and bringing eternal night upon the world," The Spider said as I began to take in what it said.

"What can I do?" I asked.

"Do what you think is right and follow your heart," It said leaving me alone once again with my thoughts.

What can I do?

I'm no hero I could barely hold my own against one of them in combat with a sword no less. Still I wonder how could I wield a sword so easily and yet I have a hard time trying to pick up f****** spoon?

I wonder if I'll ever find real happiness?

Chapter Five- Dragon Corporation

Chapter Six

I was left alone in a vast meadow, filled with beautiful grass and flowers with nothing but my thoughts in my empty dream. My brief discussion with the Spider left me with only more questions and I still couldn't put my hoof on it for some reason. Who exactly is behind all of this? Why am I here? How am I here?

Seems like I'll have to find out for myself now.

I didn't know what do exactly all except lay down on the smooth and comfortable grass near the tree where I met Rarity. She's been on my mind a lot lately ever since we were attacked. I've never seen her so frightened before and it's painful to see her like that and if this keeps happening I doubt I could save her again.

Getting home was my best option right now, so I can move on with my life. But than what would happen to Ponyville? What could happen to the friends I've already made? What will happen to.....Rarity? All I kept asking myself is what should I do? But honestly I don't know what to do?

I suppose I should stay and help out if I can?

I began questioning my own thoughts and even though this has already been proven I still believe this is all some sort of dream and I'm in a hospital bed, strapped to some sort of life support or something like that. I knew I was going to have to figure it all out later when the time comes.

It wasn't long until my mind finally went to sleep.

Beyond the Everfree Forest was a place of darkness and despair. Another castle, long forgotten was left in ruins. It was believed that this was the final resting place for Nightmare Moons fallen warriors, due to a final collision with Celestia and her forces.

Or so they thought.

A dark figure stood atop of the abandon throne, surrounded by guards who wore black and blue armor. This figure was a powerful unicorn who was worshiped and seen as a savior among his peers. The one who was destined to bring back there fallen queen. His eyes were turquoise with slit pupils and he wore black armor with a blue star on the side of his helmet. He was strong, powerful, and feared among all of his followers. He went by only one name.

Nephrite

"Lord Nephrite I have a message from one of your scouts," A cloaked stallion said as he entered the throne room. Nephrite only groaned in annoyance as the cloaked stallion stuttered.

"Why are you here?!" Nephrite demanded, only causing his servant to stuttered more.

"It's....about Silverstone and his lackeys.....my lord....they've been captured," He said.

When Nephrite heard what he had just said he only rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Tell me why would you deliver such useless information to me? It doesn't matter to me what happens to a small party of mine. They had only one objective and it was to secure souls and recruit new soldiers for Nightmare Moons return. If they were captured by a few weak guards then they are of no use to me," Nephrite stated as his gaze sent shivers down every guard in the room.

"They weren't captured by guards. They were captured by Princess Twilight and this new stallion who is currently living in Ponyville," The cloaked stallion said.

"Oh how interesting! It shouldn't be a surprise that the Princess of friendship was able to defeat a few of my followers. Although if she needed the help of a new comer than maybe it's something to look into, but first I need you too call lieutenant Thunderstorm to meet me here immediately. I have a task for him," Nephrite demanded and the Cloaked stallion nodded in response and immediately left the throne room.

It wasn't long before a blue unicorn wearing a black cape entered the room.

"You summoned me Lord Nephrite?" He asked.

"Yes I have an assignment for you. There's a scientist at a Canterlot research facility that could prove to be useful to our cause. I want you to bring him here alive," Nephrite ordered.

"Of course my Lord. My hunters should be more then sufficient to fulfill this task for you my Lord. I will not fail you," Thunderstorm said proudly.

"Than you'll depart immediately, I want that stallion here alive. He'll be a great asset to our cause," Nephrite stated, and Thunderstorm only nodded in response.

Thunderstorm soon turned towards one of the guards in the room.

"You there soldier? I want you to gather a few of my hunters and have them meet me outside the fortress? We're going hunting!" Thunderstorm said with a menacing look as the guard nodded and immediately left the room.

A seemingly whimsical laboratory stood just outside the city of Canterlot, on a hillside where it wouldn't be disturbed by the hustle of everyday life in the metropolis. Out of view of the castle, the curious architecture of the building featured a series of colored domes on top of a large column-studded building. The front doors of the lab were made of heavy steel, guarded by just a handful of gatekeepers who kept watch of the path that led up to the lonely building. A solitary smokestack, candy striped with red along the white brick, bellowed steam into the sky as evidence of experimentation going on within.

In the depths of the development center, a large, open laboratory area scattered with various machines and component was being managed by a team of Canterlot's top scientists. They were crowded around a set of robotic servos arranged in a circle, holding a large cyan crystal floating in place using magnetic energy. The diamond-shaped crystal rotated slowly, as glowing energy radiated from it into a large collector dish on the ceiling. Here Canterlot was attempting to learn how to generate cheap and clean energy from power crystals just as the Crystal Empire had done centuries ago. They had lost their knowledge of power generation from King Sombra's occupation, and a noble effort had gone forth to restore the lost technology.

One of the scientists was a unicorn mare named Stencil Guide, who was standing quite close to the prototype reactor core, a pencil floating near her in an aura of blue energy. She was a young adult, freshly out of the University of Canterlot, but had been offered a special chance to spend a year working on the energy project. Adjusting her glasses on her nose with a hoof, she finished scribbling down the math equation she was performing to estimate the energy output of the crystal, when she was approached by the lead engineer on the project.

“So, Stencil, how many joules of energy do you guess this puts out a day?” he asked.

She turned to face him and present her answer, “I'd say roughly four hundred thousand, Mr. Techorse.”

Techorse was a green earth pony stallion, with a messy brown mane and an equally messy “frayed fuse” tail, and bright blue eyes. His cutie mark, three yellow checkmarks stacked like a set of chevrons, represented his hunt for truth, not military prowess. Techorse had found himself becoming Canterlot's head scientist in the department of Engineering because of his inventions and talents with energy sources.

“Oh please, don't call me Mister, I hate titles!” he said, scratching his middle with his back left leg as he adjusted the straps on his pack.

On his back was a metallic saddle, his best invention and favorite device. The “battle saddle” was a robotic pack powered by one of his famous “solar reactors”, that read his brainwaves and converted the thoughts into actions, allowing him to interact using the gadgets within. Using this source of control, he instructed the small, trapezoidal doors on the sides of the machine to open up, and a pair of jointed, thin robotic arms tipped with metal hands came out to take the clipboard from Stencil. Strange devices slightly startled the other scientists who worked with him, but any other species besides a pony, especially Griffons or Minotaurs, were far more familiar with hands and appreciated his preference for grabbing things with them.

He was quite pleased with her findings and said cheerfully, “If what you're saying is right, Stencil, this'll be enough energy per minute to power a small city. Think of all the coal we won't have to burn, and smog that won't have to be cleaned up by the Pegasus ponies!”

“I really hope so, Equestria has a brighter future if we can bring back this old technology!”

Outside the laboratory, the two bored gatekeepers stood watching the path, just in case a pony happened to come their way. They were instructed to simply turn back anyone without a badge to get in, and otherwise to do nothing else but stand at the doors. While they were having a conversation about the day, they heard rustling in the bushes nearby, and looked at each other curiously before a pair of dark-blue beams of energy shot out from the foliage, and trapped them in containment bubbles of magical energy. The guards pounded on the walls of their new prisons, but to no avail as six ponies in blue cloaks leap out of the bushes and pushed the magical orbs containing the guards out of the way of the door.

Lieutenant Thunderstorm emerged last from the bush, his horn smoldering from the containment spell, his black cape fluttering in the breeze.

“Now that we've avoided making a mess of the 'security' around here, it's time to knock and ask the little nerds inside to come out to play,” he said, amusing himself at the little joke.

Two of the hooded stallions, his prized Hunters, came forward with a wooden barrel, a long fuse sticking out from it. They opened the lid of the barrel, revealing some sort of reddish putty in it, and spread the mixture along the edges of the doors before wrapping the fuse around a blob of the bizarre explosive dough at the base. Once the team was out of the way, one of the unicorns in the hooded team lit it with a quick fire spell.

A loud blast filled the ears of the researchers in the main laboratory, and the fire alarm went off. A stallion watching the cameras Techorse had created and set up throughout the lab saw the intruders enter through the hole that was once their sturdy front door, and panicked.

“Techorse! We've got about six intruders, stallions of some kind. They've just blown up the main door and are headed this way!”

Techorse's heart skipped a beat as he heard the news. Could it be that someone wanted to sabotage the crystal project? He knew that if the reactor didn't have the proper time to shut down and cool off, the magical crystal could lose containment and explode. Given the history of the Crystal Empire's exploding crystals, and what they could do, he knew they didn't have much time.

“Seal us off from them!” him commanded, his robotic arms disappearing back into his saddle, “Start shutting down the crystal now! If they get in here and start messing with the project, it might explode!”

Stencil stood firm, ”We ought to teach them a lesson! There's gotta be plenty of weapons around here from your other projects, right?”

Techorse shook his head, “My other projects are in the lab in my basement back home. I thought weapons and highly explosive crystals didn't mix.”

“That's a good point!” she answered, laughing nervously and clearing giving away that she was afraid for her life, “So I guess I won't be getting my full-time job here, huh?”

The doors to the laboratory sealed shut and steam hissed as the hydraulic system meant to keep the blast doors closed locked into place.

“That'll hold them for a while,” the camera operator said, “They're coming from the north side. Now to seal the south.”

“No!” urged Techorse, turning to him and shouting, “You've all got to get out of here, now, it's too dangerous if they get...”

The blast doors buckled as the Hunters behind it failed an attempt to blow it open with the same explosive goop as before. A rivet flew out from the door, and steam escaped, indicating that the seal had already been broken.

Techorse begged of his apprentice, “Stencil, take the others and get out of here now! I can probably buy us a few minutes, I'll be right there.”

Stencil saw the fear in his eyes, but knew he was doing the right thing, and took the eight other scientists out the southern entrance to the lab, hoping that her boss wouldn't soon become her ex-boss. Techorse was left alone, and watched the energy slowly seep from the power crystal. The blast doors finally creaked open, and an eerie dusting of smoke escaped from underneath, spreading along the lab floor. Thunderstorm emerged from the darkness, flanked by his stallions in hoods.

“Greetings, Techorse is it?” he asked, a smirk across his face.

“Yes, that's me,” answered Techorse, looking back quickly just to make sure the crystal was still shutting down before returning eye contact, “just making sure the experiment shuts down before you shred it. I have my job to do, you know, I think letting it vaporize half of Canterlot would get us all fired.”

“We're not here for any of your toys, inventor,” he laughed, “we're here for you. My lord has needs for your talents, and we assure you that no harm is going to come to any of your little study buddies if you come with us willingly.”

Techorse had been pretty sure his friends had just finished escaping, he could clearly count the other intruders described to him by his camera operator. So he wouldn't buy into the threat very carefully.

“So it's me you want?” asked the stallion, scraping his hoof on the ground, “Well sorry guys, I don't make gadgets for mercenaries like you.”

“Mercenaries?” snarled Thunderstorm, “Mercenaries? You don't think we have the honor to fight for the right side instead of money? You're quite judgmental of us, don't you think?”

“Well you did wreck my workplace, threaten to hurt my coworkers, and are about to set off a cataclysm here, so yes, I am a bit judgmental of you,” he confirmed, shaking his head.

“Pointless conjecture anyways,” droned the officer, swishing his cape to one side to reveal a small but bright silver scythe tied to his belt, “come with us, or suffer.”

Techorse looked back and forth at the hooded stallions, who moved in a little closer, and sighed.

The doors on the saddle opened up, and two metal tubes attached to a rectangular cooling system studded with wires emerged. Each one was a device that propelled a bolt of electromagnetic energy at high velocity when fired, a so called “laser cannon” by Techorse's words. Explosive energy weapons that matched one unicorn's firepower in magic bolts.

Thunderstorm realized his opponent was a little bit more prepared than he thought, and ordered his Hunters to take Techorse for him. They charged, and Techorse backpeddled, opening up with his laser cannons. They fired in alternation, yellow glowing bolts of destructive energy flew out of the barrels, striking some of the Hunters. The beams exploded on them, sending them to the ground in screams of pain as the loose energy melted their robes and damaged their skin. Two hunters remained from the initial salvo, ducking and weaving around the shots as Techorse attempted to track them. They grouped up, and fired a salvo of magic energy at the inventor.

One bolt struck Techorse in the sternum, sending him flying backwards into one of the servos holding up the crystal. Although it was cooling down, it was beginning to spin out of place already just from the readjustment of the magnetic arm, and energy began to build up in the room.

Techorse picked himself back up from the wreckage of the arm. One of his laser cannons now drooped, having been smashed from the impact, and the other had been melted clean off by the other Hunter's bolt. His guns useless, he retracted them back into the machine, and a new set of devices emerged. Twin racks carrying a small missile each popped out, and Techorse fired them off, the red projectiles screaming towards the two Hunters who had foolishly grouped up. A loud explosion sounded as the missiles detonated between them, and they were flung several feet into the air in a cry of pain before landing back on the ground.

Thunderstorm looked at his wounded soldiers struggling to get back up, and knowing he had to do the job himself, drew the large silver scythe from his side with his magic and it began to grow in full size as he ran straight for Techorse. Casting a spell that allowed him to bridge physical distances, Techorse perceived a bolt of lightning coming towards him as the captain jumped through space, landing behind him. The missile racks severed from their places, having been cut free instantly. He swallowed back some fear knowing that could have just has easily been his neck.

“Got any more weapons, Techorse?” he asked, turning around and laughing as he twirled his scythe in the air, “I need some more practice with my favorite blade.”

The inventor didn't want to give away the fact that he was out of weapons, and decided his best bet was to continue to stall for time so he could evade capture as long as possible. The Hunters picked themselves back up, each one a bit battered from the punishment Techorse had dealt, bruises and cuts visible through their cloaks. Despite being under attack from them, he just couldn't bring himself to kill them.

“Who are you guys?” he asked, about to be surrounded.

“I'm sure you'd like to know,” answered Thunderstorm, walking up to him and twirling his scythe, “and we'll explain on the way back.”

Techorse drew his robotic arms and in a desperate attempt to get away, began to swing punches at Thunderstorm, who dodged every blow and returned with slashes of his scythe. The left arm was immediately severed, sparks flying as it disconnected from the saddle and dropped lifelessly onto the tile floor below. Swinging the other fist around, it smashed into the side of Thunderstorm's head, mashing it over to the side and causing a sickening crunch to be heard as his vertebrae absorbed the impact.

“Very good,” chuckled the officer, stepping back and laughing as a small dribble of blood escaped his lower lip, “you managed to land a blow on me.”

Raising the silver ornate scythe, he cast his movement spell again, and a streak of lightning arced in front of Techorse's face. When it stopped, Thunderstorm's scythe was sheened finely in oil, and something far thicker. Several lacerations had opened up along Techorse's flanks and back, and he cried out as he dropped to the floor, his other robotic arm falling to pieces. He found himself with the warrior's blade to his throat.

“Come on Thunderstorm,” urged one of his cronies, “do him in!”

Thunderstorm replaced his scythe at his side as it returned to it's original, “We need him alive, Cutter. Somepony tie him up.”

Before they could do anything, they heard a voice, “Hey guys, catch this!”

The cultists turned just in time to watch as Stencil threw a fully loaded fire extinguisher into the room. She had crunched the valve of the device with her magic, ensuring that the pressure inside the tank would build up to full. It bounced once on the floor, and flew in the faces of the gang, giving them all a good look at it before it exploded, filling the room with smoke and metal.

Stencil galloped inside the commotion and pulled Techorse out, leading him out of the main lab room and down a narrow hallway before coming to a hatched door.

“Come on Techorse, this way!” she urged.

Back in the laboratory, the shards from the fire extinguisher had pushed the crystal clean out of the holding chamber. It was starting to fade in color, losing its strength.

“Techorse has escaped, sir,” reported one of the hooded figures to Thunderstorm, “I suppose we should pursue.”

“He couldn't have gone far, but before we leave, perhaps we should make sure nopony figures out what happened here. Burn the place to the ground,” he ordered, “at the very least, Equestria isn't getting any more technology out of him.”

Stencil and Techorse had ran away to a nearby woods, and didn't stop until they were sure they could no longer be seen. A loud blast shook the forest, and Techorse shuddered as he looked back. A column of energy shot up from the building, likely the crystal finally losing containment. His attackers had decided to destroy his laboratory after all, but thanks to his diversion, the crystal had cooled down enough to prevent a bigger explosion.

“That was your life's work,” sighed Stencil, depressed, “I'm so sorry.”

“Aw, forget about the lab, we can always build another, just glad everypony escaped,” Techorse said, still recovering from his injuries.

“My goodness, you're hurt bad,” commented the mare, pointing out the cuts and injuries, “you need to get medical help! We should go to the castle right away and warn the others!”

Techorse remembered something and told Stencil, “You can't. If you try to go back, they'll catch up to you first. That Thunderstorm brute's got some kind of lightning speed magic, and based on the outfits those guys were wearing, I can't help but think they're some kind of cult.”

“A cult? Don't be rediculous.”

“Look,” he continued, his saddle smoking from damage, “I need to go warn a certain pony of what happened here. Please stay safe!”

“I will, just, be careful!” she said, giving him a concerned look.

He nodded and parted ways with her, sneaking through the forest until he reached a path that would lead back to Canterlot. Normally he would switch some of the gadgets in his saddle around to include a set of flat, disk-shaped turbofans that allowed for slow flight, but he knew he risked capture going back to his home to get them. Rather than return to the city, he headed straight for the train station, where he boarded the first locomotive he could find headed for the location of his contact.

Ponyville.

But what he didn't know was that a certain spider was watching him from a distance. "Hmm....It seems a new pawn has entered my little game, but what is his purpose I wonder?" The Silver Spider said quietly with a light chuckle.

My head was starting to hurt when I began to hear knocking at the front door, which so happens to be right next to my room. I turned my head slightly to an old clock and it was 3:30 A.M.

Urgh.....Note to self ask for a different room far away from the front entrance.

I tried to get up to answer it, but my back felt stiff for some odd reason.

I don't remember sleeping with a blanket?

Like there was something weighing me down.

"Oh...just five more..minutes?" My eyes immediately snapped open when I heard heard a familiar voice in the room. I slowly began to shift my body and I started hearing a heart beat and what makes this scary is because it wasn't mine.

My face was pale as I started to sweat a bit as I turned my head and saw Rarity sleeping on top of me with a small purple blanket on her. I had to admit that she actually looks cute sleeping....for a pony of course. But it wasn't long until she began to steer from her sleep. There was only one thing I could think of right now.

Why does the universe hate?

"AHHHH!!!" We both screamed at the top of our lungs. Next thing I know I get slapped across the face and fell face first to the floor. You would think the floor would hurt, but surprisingly it was comfy. I soon got up rubbing my left cheek.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM?!!!"

"I do believe YOU are mistaken Flare! This is my room you pervert!" She shouted as her face was beat red. I had a feeling that I was going to be called that eventually.

"First off I'm not a pervert. Secondly this is my room I haven't left this room ever since we got here. Your in the left wing. Your room is across from here since you said that you wanted to be on the right. If anyone is the pervert it's you!" I shouted. Wow I never thought I would call a girl that.

"How dare you! I am most certainly not a pervert!" She said as she huffed.

"Oh yeah then why we're you sleeping on top of me?" I said with a smirk, causing her to blush furiously.

"It...it was a accident!! I must have entered the wrong room by mistake!!!" She tried to explain, but I soon heard the knob of my door began to turn.

"Hey Flare you need to come out here we have a visi....." Twilight stopped in mid sentence as she noticed our predicament and began to blush a bit. Truly the universe is trying to make me look like a fool.

"It's not what you think!" I tried to explain. But she quickly turned facing the other way.

"Listen we have a visitor. Both of you come out here when your....ready," Twilight said before she dashed out the room. Leaving us alone again. You know if my face could be anymore pink I would give pinkie pie a run for her money, because this was both embarrassing and humiliating.

I soon began to trot out of my room with nothing else to say, Rarity followed and remained silent, still blushing pink.

We both entered the library where we saw both Twilight and Midnight talking to this green stallion with brown mane and was wearing a broken saddle of some kind. He looked hurt.

"Hey are you guys okay? You seem...." Before Midnight could finish asking all I could do was give him a glare that said (None of your business.) and he coughed in response.

"What happened?" Was all I could ask.

"My research facility was attacked two hours ago by a group of stallions that looked like they were apart of some cult," He said. I noticed all the wounds on him and what he said wasn't lie. "Oh where are my manners the names Techorse."

"Techorse was an old college friend of mine when I was living in Canterlot, he's been helping developing an easier way to create an alternative power source similar to the Crystal Empire," Twilight said with a grin. Well what would you expect from an egghead.

"Techorse? Interesting name. My name is Flare Blitz," I introduced myself.

"A pleasure to meet you Techorse, I'm Rarity Ponyville's most fabulous fashion designer," I only rolled my eyes when she said that.

"Do you mind telling us what happened?" I asked.

"Well as Twilight said I have been working on creating an alternative power source that could help improve Equestrian technology. Me, my apprentice and a few others were working on it and we believe we may have found it. Next thing you know six stallions in hoods invaded and destroyed my lab and all of my research. At the very least most of my tech would be back at home in my other lab safe from those creeps," Techorse said as he took a seat on a chair.

"Well you wouldn't be the first," Rarity said.

"Wait were you attacked by them?" He asked with a look of shock.

"Yes three of them attacked us after my welcoming party. But I don't think that will be the end of it, there will be more attacks and I thought that maybe I should stay and help out, before I return home," I said.

"Are you sure Flare?" Midnight asked.

"You've only been here for a day and you were in no shape either. You barely survived that attack and I don't know if you will be able to survive another one like that," Twilight said with concern.

Twilight made a good point, but I was going to stay and help until this whole mess was over.

"Well I say that's very admirable of you Flare~" Rarity said with a cheery tone. A part of me was hoping that she had forgotten what happened earlier.

"Sorry you were saying Techorse?" I asked.

"They said that they were looking for me, probably thought I was more valuable than my blueprints and tech," Techorse stated. "Anyway I need a place to lay low until I can build another lab."

"Well there's the Ponyville Inn, you can stay there?" Midnight suggested with a bit of irritation in his voice. No pony else noticed, well except for me of course.

"No there's plenty of room here at the castle you can stay here as long as you want Tech," Twilight suggested with a grin.

"Well it's still way too early. So I think I'll be heading back to my room to sleep for a bit," I said with a yawn.

"I agree. I'll take Techorse to his room while the rest of you head back to sleep. It's been pretty stressful lately so I don't mind if you sleep in," Twilight said as she left the room with Techorse.

Thank you!

"So what do you think of Techorse?" Rarity asked me.

"I don't know what to think? But I think we can trust him, he seems nice," I said, but Midnight only scuffed as he left the room. "What's his problem?"

"I don't know Flare, but right now I need my beauty sleep and I might take Twilight up on her offer to sleep in," She said as she yawned. I couldn't help but smile in agreement.

Even her yawn is cute.....Wait why did I just think that?

"Well see you in a few hours.......pervert," She said as stuck her tongue out as she trotted out of the room. Why wasn't I surprised that she hasn't forgotten that.

"I'm not......Why do I even bother?" I gave up and began to head to my room and get some rest. I had a feeling this was going to be a long day.

Chapter Six- The Job

Chapter Seven

For the past hour I still couldn't fall asleep. It was hard to fall asleep especially since my little escapade with Rarity earlier. I had a feeling that she wasn't going to forget this and I definitely wasn't going to forget either. I just lied there on the bed with only my thoughts.

So much for sleeping in.

All I wanted was to forget about that incident and let bygones be bygones, but that wasn't going to be easy since she thinks I'm the pervert here. Even though I'm the victim here and she's the one that ended up in my room.

Rarity is many things and stubborn was one of them, but honestly I don't mind it. She wouldn't be the first person I've met that was stubborn, and she won't be the last.

It's almost five and I still can't get some sleep! Especially when I need it the most!

I began to think about those creeps that attacked Techorse and the ones that attacked me and Rarity. Was there really a lot more out there and if so why did they need Techorse and me? That's all that I thought about.

What are they up too? What could they gain from bringing back Nightmare Moon?

I couldn't put my hoof on it, but I'll figure it out later. The least I can do is try to help out in any way I can. At least until this madness ends and I can go home. I decided to get up and get something to eat although something just occurred to me. I didn't even know where the kitchen was...

"Damn it," I whispered.

"What should I do now?"

With nothing else to do there was only one thing I could do and it was go for a walk. I can't quite remember the last time I took a walk but it usually would either help clear my head of problems or help me relax. But I did always enjoy a good walk when times were tough for me. So I immediately got off the bed and left the castle for my stroll around Ponyville.

I had to say that the breeze in the morning is refreshing and relaxing. It felt like today might be pretty good and hopefully nothing bad will happen while I'm out. So far my stay had been difficult but I had a feeling that today might just be my day.

I began to pass by Sweet Apple Acres and I noticed the apples hanging from the trees and I began to feel some of my drool coming from the side of my mouth at the sight of them. But I immediately shook my head of even taking a single one. If I remember correctly then taking even one would be a bad idea.

"I can wait patiently until I get back to the castle," I said to myself as I continued my walk until I heard a rustling in some nearby bushes. I immediately stopped only to hear it again. I quickly looked back only to see a brown bunny hop out from the bush.

"Jeez don't scare me like that little guy," I said as it began to hop away. "And here I was actually worried."

"Howdy~"

"AHHHH!!!" I yelled in a....very manly way as I tripped on a stone.

"Oh sorry fella I didn't mean to scare ya...Are you okay?" A young mare who had an orange coat and blond mane with three apples for a cutie mark. I already knew who it was.

"Applejack?" I said out loud.

"Um...do I know you partner?" She asked.

"Uh....no sorry I've just heard about you is all," I replied bluntly. I didn't exactly lie to her so there was no need to say anything unless she asks.

"Well since you know who I am. What's your name?" She asked.

"Flare Blitz nice to meet you in person Applejack," I said with a grin.

"Oh your the new guy that started working with Rarity right?" She asked.

"Um...yeah how did you know?" I asked.

"Rarity and Twi were talking about you at the party yesterday," She said as she bucked a tree with her hind legs.

"Um.....so they told about my....situation?" I needed to know what they told her so I didn't have to worry about explaining this to her.

"They told that you were new here and that you were going to stay at Twi's place until you're memories returned to ya, other than that nothing else really," She said as she bucked another apple tree.

Damn those are some strong legs.

"Why? Was there something else I needed to know?" She asked.

Hypocrites!

"Well one I have all of my memories in tact and secondly they didn't mention that I was from another world and Midnight can confirm my story," I said. I tried explaining the whole story as best I could to Applejack and she did manage to understand my situation completely. The last thing I needed was to keep any secrets from any of the main six. Makes my life a little easier.

"So you're just like Midnight? A Hu-man and ya trying ta get home?"

"Yep that's the gist of it. I got nothing else to do but stay and wait until they say I can go home," I said with a sigh.

"Well I hope you'll have a great stay here in Ponyville Flare," Applejack said as she left, carrying a bucket of Apples on her back.

I had to say that it was impressive that she could knock down all those apples from those trees with just one kick.

"Well I guess I better get going," I said to myself as I left the farm, but as I took my leave I began to flap my wings and I leap into the air only to fall to the ground.

"OH COME ON!!" I shouted as I tried flying again only to fail once again.

Note to self ask Twilight for flying lessons later.

I just gave up and I headed back towards the castle. Apparently I talked to Applejack a lot longer than I thought because the sun was up high in the sky. That and I haven't eaten anything when I left and my stomach is telling me that it's time for breakfast.

Wonder how the others are doing right now?

"So this is the one who took down Silverstone? Pfft....Don't make me laugh!" A hooded figure said.

"Yes this is the one," A another hooded pony said. "Lord Nephrite will most likely have this pony converted into the Nightmare army...."

Before he could finish the hooded pony was chocked by a metallic claw, grasping his throat by another hooded figure with glowing red eyes.

"Now, now Ripper put the nice pony down please? We do have a task to complete after all," The hooded figure said with a light chuckle. Ripper immediately dropped the pony to the ground and returned to his ally's side.

"I know you have a score to settle with this one, but we're only here to observe until Lord Nephrite says so," She said so calmly and Ripper only grunted in response.

"We'll wait until the time is right.....Than you can have your revenge," The hooded figure said with a devious smirk as they left without another word.

And I get to watch them squirm under you're claws...hahahaha!!!

Back at the castle Techorse began working on blue prints for a new invention that would take care of there cult problem.

"Maybe if I add some.....no it would just blow up in my face some how," He said to himself. It wasn't long until Midnight entered his own lab with a scowl.

"Tech I don't know what you're doing in my lab, but.....GET OUT!!!" Midnight shouted.

"Well this place is the only place where I can get some work done in piece and I can't have any disturbances while I work. So please do you mind?" He said as he returned his attention to his work.

"Uh...YES! I do mind now get out so I can get back to my work," Midnight said in anger.

"Your just going to have to wait until I'm done because I'm trying to find a solution to our cultist problem," Techorse said.

"Well this is still my lab and I......

"Boys it's time to eat!!" Twilight called, interrupting Midnight.

Damn!

"We'll settle this later Techorse!" Midnight said as he headed out.

"Agreed," He responded.

Let's just hope this guy knows what he's doing. Otherwise I'll have to take things into my own hooves.

"Huh...where am I?"

This was all Rarity could ask as she wondered through a mysterious fog. There wasn't anypony here, it was just her all by herself.

Or so she thought.

"Where do you think?!" A voice called out to her. It was feminine but had a deep tone one that she recognize all too well.

"No your....suppose to be dead?"

"Hahahaha!!!....Foolish child, did you honestly think that I would be destroyed so easily?!" Her voice echoed through the vast plane that Rarity had a hard time following. It seemed like the voice was everywhere.

"Show yourself!!" Rarity demanded as she stomped her hoof on the ground as her horn began to glow.

"Hahahaha!!! You can't be serious can you?! I am a being with unlimited power. You honestly think that you're a threat to me?!" The voice shouted and Rarity only struggled more to find where it was coming from.

"Leave me alone...." Rarity said as she was on the verge of tears.

"You can not escape this Darling?! Because you and I are the same!"

"I....am....NOTHING LIKE YOU!!!" Rarity shouted as she shot a magic beam from her horn as it shot through the mist.

"HAHAHAHA!!! So you think?"

"I know so, because I have my friends you vile fiend! I will never be like you!!" Rarity said as she snarled. "I'll never be alone! Now begone!! You aren't real."

"Oh Rarity.....I am Very real and soon there will only be....One of us!!"

"HAHAHAHA........AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

Rarity soon jolted up from her bed, sweating as she tears streamed down from her cheeks.

"Please somepony.......help me," She begged as she remembered that malicious laugh. Rarity began crying hoping someone will save her from this nightmare.

No pony can help you Rarity.

Chapter Seven- Will You?

Chapter Eight

The walk back to the castle wasn't long as I entered through the front doors and it wasn't long before the sweet scent of pancakes made it's way to my nose and the smell of it me drool just a bit. I was a lot hungrier than I thought when I came back.

I guess walking around town made me pretty hungry.

I was about let everyone know I was there, but I began to hear crying from one of the guest rooms and not just anyone's room.

Rarity?

When I knocked on her door, she didn't respond and I ended up trying again.

"Rarity? Are you alright?" I asked. Even when I called out to her she still didn't answer me. I began to slowly open the door and looked around. She was laying on her bed, sobbing uncontrollably as her tears soaked the bed sheets.

"Rarity?" I said with hesitation. I wasn't sure how to go about this, considering that I know next to nothing about girls, but I set aside my thoughts only to focus on Rarity.

"Why?" She whispered as she wiped away her remaining tears. "Why is this happening to us Flare?"

"I don't know what you mean Rarity? Please tell me what's wrong?" I begged her as I walked up to her bed and laid next to her, she was a bit surprised at first, but she didn't mind me being next to her.

"It's just that....she's coming back Flare and I'm....I'm afraid she'll try to take control of me again! I can't go through that again!!! I just can't!!!" Rarity shouted as she began crying on my shoulder. When she said that I was surprised, but I could understand what she meant, even if I've never been possessed before. No one should ever have to go through that, especially Rarity.

I...I need to say something, but what? What should I say?

"Rarity I....may not know what you went through, but not even you deserve to be put through all of that. That's why I decided to stay, to protect you and everypony that needs help. I can't say that I'm the best at this hero thing and I'll somehow screw up in the future, but I'm willing to fight for you guys if you want me too and I promise that I won't let anything happen to you," I said as I wrapped my wing around her for comfort.

"I...guess your right Flare....but do you really mean it?" She asked. "Please look me in the eyes and tell me, do you really mean it?"

I did my best to look her in the eyes and gave her my honest answer. "I mean it and promise Rarity, I won't let anything happen to you or our friends."

She was satisfied with my answer and continued to lay on my shoulders and I literally just realized the situation I was in and my face began to heat up. I honestly was getting kinda nervous for some reason.

She's just my friend and this is what friends do in these kinds of situation. I'm blushing for nothing, but why am I blushing in the first place?

I wish this could last forever.

We sat there in total silence for who knows how long, but hearing her heart beat was relaxing. It was as if the world had stopped moving.

"Thank you Flare. I really appreciate it," She said to me as she snuggled closer to me.

"Um...sure..Ra..Rarity that's what friends are for," I said, nervously.

"Even though I still think your a pervert," She said with a smug look which was cute honestly.

And she's back to her usual self.

"Well we better get going, Twilight was making breakfast and I think it would be wise to hurry. Otherwise, Twilight might get the wrong idea...again," I said as I hopped off the bed. Rarity followed after, pouting for some strange reason.

"Well I am feeling a bit peckish, but Flare I have to ask you something first. Are you afraid?" She asked me. I began to think carefully about what I was going to say next. That was when it hit me.

"Rarity, everyone is afraid of something, but it's our choice to either fight against that fear, or let it control us. But to put it bluntly yes I'm afraid of failing, but that doesn't mean that I'm just going to give up. I'll continue to try until I succeed. Never give up Rarity even when the odds are stacked against you. Just keep trying okay," I said confidently. I may not be the best when it comes to making people better, but I'd say it's a start.

"Thank you Flare it means a lot to me that your helping me feel better," She said as she smiled again.

"Sure and like I said that's what friends are for," I said.

We soon left the guest room and headed towards the dinning area where Twilight, Midnight, and Techorse were eating Pancakes.

"Hey guys what took you so long?" Midnight asked.

"We had something important to talk about," I replied.

"Well than dig in! There's plenty for everypony!!" Twilight said as she took a bit from her stack of pancakes.

"Yeah it's really good," Tech added.

"Well of course Pancakes are good," I said with a grin as I licked my lips. I would always enjoy pancakes whenever I could get the chance to eat them. Sometimes I swear that if they were alive I would kiss them. It's definitely not weird in the least.

"Well I am a bit peckish, so a few pancakes would be fine with me," Rarity said.

"Alright two stacks of pancakes coming up," Midnight said as he grabbed two plates with his magic and placed the pancakes on top of them. I did my best no to drool as he placed the plate of pancakes in front of me.

Oh I can't wait to dig in!!!

BOOM!!!!

We heard a loud explosion coming from outside the castle

"What was that?!!" Techorse asked.

"It sounded like it came from outside the castle," Twilight said.

"Breakfast will have to wait then. We need to see what's going on out there," Midnight suggested as everypony immediately got up and dashed out of the room and to my disappointment the pancakes would have to wait.

"Damn it!! Why couldn't this have happened after I finished eating?!!" I shouted as followed after them.

We were all outside and what we saw before us was complete chaos. Ponies that wore dark blue hoods were destroying Ponyville. I knew instantly that they were those cultists from last night. I began to grit my teeth a bit when I saw all of this destruction. When I saw the ponies running in fear as those sick bastards all I could feel was anger and hatred for those cultists.

"Damn them!!!" I shouted.

"Flare, please calm down...." Rarity begged, but I could only feel rage as I charged at the nearest cultist and tackled him to the ground and began punching him. It didn't take long for the others too notice me as the blasted magic bolts at me as I dodged them.

That was too close.

"You have a lot guts to be picking a fight with us," One of the cultists said to me.

"Well you B****** didn't give me much of a choice when you attacked my town," I stated as I stood my ground against the group.

"This won't be your town for much longer fool so if I was you I'd go crawl back to wherever it is you came from," A brown unicorn cultist said as he pulled out an old rusty axe with his magic.

I took up a fighting stance again. Most people would have been wise to have listened to these creeps and run away, but me I wasn't going to abandon my friends or this town. Like I said, I'm and idiot.

"This is your last chance to back down, boy!!" One of the cultist said to me as the others readied there weapons.

"In your dreams Assholes!!!" I shouted as my wings flared up.

"THEN DIE!!!" He shouted as they all rushed at me with there swords and axes, but before any of them could reach me they were all blasted with beams of blue and purple magic. I soon turned to see both Midnight and Twilight standing next to me as there horns glowed.

"You shouldn't just charge in there without a plan Flare," Midnight said as he threw me a black sword with a Blue star imprinted on it.

"Why are you giving me this Midnight?" I asked.

"Remember how I said that I was working on something? Well this is it, seeing that I'll be fine with my magic, I think you'll need this more than me," He said as he blasted another cultist.

"Alright then let's end this!!!" I shouted as I charged at them.

"Hmm... seems Ponyville is in need of my assistance," spoke a stallion cloaked in the shadow of darkness. The only light came from the little crystal ball he had on a pedestal that was showing him the events unfold. He lifted up his hoof and swiped it over the ball, ending the vision and ceasing the light. He turned around and began making his exit as a small grin formed along his muzzle.

"I suppose it's about time I made my way into the fray." A small symbol above the doorway lit with a blue energy as the stallion approached. He did not come out the other side of the doorway.

“This is really starting to tick me off,” I muttered as I blocked another strike from a cultist. With Twilight, Rarity, and the others working on evacuating the townsponies to safety, that left only Techorse, Midnight, and myself to fight. And it wasn’t going so well. We were outnumbered and definitely outgunned… if they actually had guns, anyway.

Techorse was continually overwhelmed by the surging ponies, each of them trying to get that backpack of his. He’d told us it’d been damaged in the attack the night before, but that must have been what he was up to all night as the thing seemed to be well stocked with laser guns and missiles. How they knew how to do that was beyond me, but I was too busy defending my life to bother thinking on it too hard.

On the other hoof, er, hand, Midnight was fairing decently enough. His magic was certainly impressive, zapping anypony bold or crazy enough to get near, sending them into spazzing frenzy on the ground. There’s a joke in there, I feel it, but now’s not the time. Other than that, he was blasting away at the cultists, taking them down as effectively as Techorse’s weapons. Though there was certainly something strange about one of those spells; it was almost like he’d teleport out of the way of an incoming attack, but it didn’t have that big flash like when Twilight did it. I made a note to ask about it later.

And me? Well…

“Dammit all!” I growled as I swiped at the ponies trying to take me down.

Let’s just say I wasn’t having the best of luck.

While Midnight and Techorse were well prepared to fight with long ranged and up close defenses, I was left to just my hooves and the big sword I was carrying. I mean, I wasn’t doing terribly, but not as well as I had liked. I’d only gotten a hooful of nicks from the cultist’s knives and magic blasts and was managing to take one down after another, but they just kept coming! In all, I’d estimate they’d brought at least thirty of these cultists to take us down. I was only hoping it wasn’t enough.

I felt something back into me and turned with my sword in hoof, nearly decapitating Midnight had it not been for his magic stopping my sword.

“Woah there! We’re on the same side,” he said, blasting an unfortunate cultist.

“Sorry!” I replied, pulling my weapon back and hitting another pony in the head with the hilt in doing so. “This is getting ridiculous!”

“Indeed it is!” Techorse said, joining next to us with his weapons still firing. “I was truly hoping somepony had a plan.”

“No, but we need to come up with something. And fast.”

Midnight was right. At the rate we were going, they were going to overrun us sooner rather than later. With the cultists having us surrounded and continually charging, it was only a matter of time.

A sharp whistle rang out amongst the cultist ponies and their barrage came to a sudden stop. They parted slightly, giving way to a pony I hadn’t seen before. Techorse, however, seemed to know him.

“Thunderstorm.”

The unicorn chuckled darkly. “Aw, you remembered me, Techorse. I’m touched.”

“You followed me!”

“Indirectly,” Thunderstorm said with a shrug. “We were coming here eventually anyway. There’s some issues that need resolving in this ‘quaint’ little village. Notably,” he points at me and Midnight, “the two of you and those pesky Elements here.”

“And you’ll destroy the whole town to get rid of us?!” I shouted, my raging building even more.

“If necessary. Not like it’s a big loss after all.”

“Bastard!” Midnight growled.

“Oh shut up and take your death like a stallion!” Thunderstorm sneered, pulling a scythe out of his jacket that grew into a full-fledged weapon. “If you make this easy, I’ll make it as painless as possible.”

“You won’t get away with this!” Techorse shouted.

“Oh really? Because I’m the one with an army surrounding the three of you. Looks pretty much like I’m going to get away with this.”

A blast of violet magic came out of nowhere and slammed right into the boasting unicorn, sending him flying back into a building.

Twilight landed in front of us, horn still aglow with power. “That’s what you think!” she shouted, clearly enraged. “You dare come into my town and try to destroy it and my friends?! Think again!”

Her horn began glowing brighter than ever before. Along the ridges built up several little boiling points, almost like the magic was cooking. The next moment, her horn fired off magical blasts in all directions, forcing the three of us to duck down while the cultists were knocked out one by one by the barrage of magic. The bright flashes of magic shot over our heads, blasting pony after pony for several, long moments.

When it was all over, Twilight was panting as her horn could only spark, groaning ponies all around us.

“Wow,” Midnight said, being the first of us to lift his head. He was staring right at Twilight and I could swear he was blushing.

“Quite a feat of magic, if I do say,” Techorse said.

“Doesn’t look like we’re done yet, though,” I said, seeing a few of the cultists getting back on their hooves.

“Crud,” Twilight panted, her knees starting to wobble. “Looks like the last batch didn’t have the power to knock the rest out.” She nearly collapsed, but Midnight ran up to next to her to keep her standing. “Thanks.”

“Anytime,” he replied with a smile.

A soft, yet familiar chuckling echoed out to us, turning our heads back to house that Thunderstorm had been sent packing into. We watched in horror as he pulled himself out of the rubble, unharmed and just covered in dust.

“Well, wasn’t that some experience. A pleasure to be struck by a princess of all ponies,” he said with smug chuckle. “But I’m afraid that you don’t quite have what it takes to take me down. And now I think it’s time we ended our little game. As I think I have the final piece needed to win.”

Thunderstorm looked up into the sky and we followed his gaze, several our eyes widening, mine especially. A pegasus in a cloak was flying just above us, holding Rarity in his hooves. She’d been bound and had something shoved in her mouth to keep her quiet. Seeing her dangling there made my blood boil as a raging fire built in my stomach.

“Now look at that. We have a precious Element Bearer in our grasp. Seems to me now that, I’m going to get away with this, Scot-free.” A hooful of cultists were back on their hooves and had us surrounded with weapons and magic bared.

“Somepony better think of something,” Techorse whispered, the four us clearly at a disadvantage now. “Preferably immediately.”

As if the universe itself decided to answer, something whizzed right by my ear and struck the ground in front of unicorn cultist.

“What the?!” the pony cried, taking a step back to examine the object. It seemed to be a simple knife, though I could see that something seemed to be etched into the metal.

And that’s where things went weird.

That weird symbol suddenly started to glow a soft blue before blur just appeared in front of the cultist. He cried out in shock, but it was cut short when his neck was twisted with a soft crunch of bones.

The blur vanished, the knife being wrenched out of the ground and subsequently shot into another cultist’s foreleg. A scream left her lips as the blur appeared, striking the pony in the head and taking her out.

Once again, the blur disappeared, this time the knife going over where the top of it had been and tossed into the side of another pony. And, like before, the blur appeared again and struck the pony in the gut.

Again and again, this process repeated itself before our stunned eyes as each remaining cultist was struck down by this knife-throwing blur. We weren’t the only one’s watching either. Thunderstorm was dumbstruck as his remaining lackeys were taken down by an unknown force.

And he wasn’t too happy about it.

“Stop it,” he muttered once.

Another pony fell.

“Stop it,” he said, his temper rising.

Oh, that one looked like it hurt.

“Stop it!” he cried out.

Yeesh, I feel sorry for that one. Right in the nads.

“STOP IT!” Thunderstorm shouted with all his fury. His horn lit up and blasted the knife on its next throw, which, ironically, was heading for him. The blade tumbled in the air a bit before bouncing to the ground between us and Thunderstorm. And, like before, the blur appeared.

Only this time, we got a look at what the blur was.

It was a unicorn, stallion by the look of him. His fur was an icy blue in color with his hair being a mix of two shades of blue, one light and the other dark. He seemed to be in a ready position, having his body lowered as he stayed between us and the enemy. Something seemed to be off about the pony, though, and I couldn’t place it. Until I noticed something that made my eyes widen.

However, Thunderstorm spoke before I could make mention of it. “So, you’re the annoyance who’s been getting in our way. ‘The Blur’?”

The pony remained silent.

“What? Too afraid to speak? Even after assaulting my soldiers and you have nothing to say?!”

Silence

“Fine! Be that way! You’ve been revealed and now,” Thunderstorm retrieved his scythe and held it at the ready. “You’ll be dead soon enough.”

Unseen to us, the pony smirked. “That’s what you think,” he replied, his voice sounding smooth, yet strong.

Faster than we could blink, his tail whipped out and grabbed the knife from the ground before throwing it at Thunderstorm.

Even he was surprised by the suddenness, but moved his head out of the way before it could be pierced, the blade going by him safely. “Ha! You missed!”

“I never miss,” the pony replied, still smirking and sounding confident.

“What? But you just did!”

Unseen by Thunderstorm, but obvious to us, it wasn’t so black and white. As the knife flew passed Thunderstorm, it struck a stone from the rubble of the building he’d been slammed into. It ricocheted off the stone and went through the remains of a gutter system, clanging through it as it rounded about. The sound drew Thunderstorm’s attention, making him turn to see the knife come out at an angled opening, bouncing off another stone.

And another.

It continued ricocheting around the destruction, all of our heads following each bounce like a dog and a laser pointer.

Then it hit at angle to another stone and shot up into the air…

Striking the pegasus that was holding Rarity right between the wings. The pony screamed, and then Rarity screamed as she was dropped, nearly five stories in the air.

“Rarity!” I cried out, jumping into action and going right for her. A few seconds later, I grabbed her out of the air, and held her close.

“Flare!” Rarity cried in shock.

“It’s okay, Rarity. I got ya,” I said with a smile.

“Not that! You’re flying!”

That took me a few moments to register. I looked down to see that I was now roughly thirty feet in the air, hovering with Rarity in my hooves. Looking over my shoulders, I saw my wings flapping enough to keep us put in the air. Then, it finally clicked.

“Holy shit, I’m flying!”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Yes, I can see that, darling.”

Back on the ground, Thunderstorm was really not happy with the development. He turned to the pony who had caused the mess, only to have said pony’s hoof slam into his jaw from below. Thunderstorm raised his scythe, bringing it down on the stranger, but in a flash, the pony was beside the deranged pony and slammed his back legs into his face.

Thunderstorm rolled off slightly, but was back on his hooves in moments. “You dirty sack of-“

He was interrupted again as a bolt of magic zipped by him.

Looking over, he saw that Twilight and Midnight were building up their magic and started firing bolt after bolt at the guy. Even Techorse joined in, firing off his one remaining laser cannon.

The rain of magical bolts whizzing around his head was too much for Thunderstorm to take, putting away his scythe as he dodged out of the way. “Buck this!” he snarled, his horn charging. “We’ll meet again, that I can promise you!” In a blinding flash of light, the unicorn was gone.

Our three unicorns shut down their fire power as I managed to work myself into landing with Rarity. “Hey, we won!” I cheered, releasing Rarity.

“Yeah, we did,” Midnight said, before looking around. Dozens of houses were trashed, a few still burning and there were nearly three dozen cultists unconscious around us. “But it was a little too close.”

“Yes, but thankfully we had some help from,” Twilight blinked as she turned to where the icy unicorn was. “I’m sorry, but what was… he’s gone.”

We all looked over to see that, indeed, that strange pony was gone.

“Woah, that’s spooky,”

“He may be gone, but,” Techorse’s backpack shot out an arm, grabbing the discarded knife from the ground, having fallen free of the pegasus cultist’s back when he flew off, “but the evidence he was here isn’t.” The arm dropped it in front of Twilight, who grabbed it in her magic. “What do you make of this, your highness?”

“Please, it’s just Twilight. As for this.” Twilight lifted the knife for all of us to see. It was a black, leaf blade knife with a series of holes in the metal where the hilt normally would have been. Etched in the blade was a single symbol, looking like a stretched ‘m’.

“I’m not even sure what we’re dealing with here. I’ve never seen something like this, but it seems familiar. I’ll have to do some research into it before we can draw a proper conclusion.”

“I think we have one lead, though,” I spoke up, getting the attention of those others.

“And what’s that?”

Thinking back to my earlier observation, I told them what I saw. “That pony had no cutie mark.”

Twilight, Midnight, and Rarity’s eyes widened as they themselves realized what that meant.

“But that means…” Rarity said, just above a whisper.

“It couldn’t be…” Midnight mirrored her tone.

Twilight was the one who remained silent, looking over the throwing knife. “First Flare appears, then this cult of Nightmare Moon, and now another strange stallion. All these mysteries leading into one another. More and more questions arise without answers.” She sighed. “Well, we got our work cut out of us, it seems.”

On that, we could all agree.

"Well at least we can trust this guy. He did save our lives and I have a feeling we're going to see him again," I said.

"We should probably start fixing the town here," Rarity suggested.

"Yeah, but look at this place," I said, pointing my hoof at the area around us. "This is going to take us forever."

"No argument there Flare," Midnight said in agreement.

Chapter Nine- Discovering the Truth

Chapter Ten

Three days had past and Spike didn't like me that much.

"Flare, I'm still having a hard time believing that Spike would threaten you for no reason at all. It's not like him at all," Rarity said as she poured me a mug of hot chocolate.

"I wasn't expecting him to hate me so much," I replied to her honestly. "I tried being nice to him, but he would just get angry at me. I just don't know why he hates me?"

Because of Spike I had to leave the castle mainly because Twilight said it would be for my own well being and to also avoid him. Ever since he came back, he would just glare at me and when no pony is looking he would snarl at me. I honestly have no idea why he hates me when I've done absolutely nothing wrong.

So here I am staying at Rarity's house.

"Don't worry Flare, I'm sure Spike will warm up to you soon enough," she said to me as she gently patted me on the back. "But still it's hard to believe he would do something like that,"

"Well this wouldn't be the first time. This has happened to me a lot when I was a human," And believe me, it has.

"How so?" She asked me.

"Well back home people didn't really liked me. They were afraid of me for some reason or they had some kind of grudge against me. Heck even here ponies are scared of me or despise me just because I'm big," I complained as I finished me hot chocolate. It really did get on my nerves when people do that.

"Well those ponies just haven't gotten to know you like I have, Flare. Also I don't mind you being taller then most ponies. You could reach places with ease, unlike me," She tried complimenting me.

"Yeah well you still have your magic, but I guess you do make a point. Still I'm going to have quite the story to tell when I get home. I wonder if anyone will believe me?" I said with a light chuckle, but Rarity didn't seem too thrilled when I said that, as her cheerful expression changes.

"Oh right....you're still trying to return home," She said to me as she looks down with sadness.

"Well yeah I have too, my family is probably worried sick about me and I know that they need me. I can't just abandon them," I said to her, but I began to notice tears began to stream down her cheeks. "Rarity why are you crying?"

"It's just that I don't want you to leave. You've been a kind friend to me and I don't want to lose a friend. Please don't go?!" She said as I received a surprise hug from her.

What can I say in a situation like this?

"Rarity I...." I knew she wanted me to stay and a part of me want too stay as well, but I didn't belong here and the longer I stay the harder it would be for me to say goodbye to them. To say goodbye to her. "I'll think about it, okay."

She looks up at me with joy in her eyes when I said that all she could say to me was. "Thank you."

"Just remember that I'll think about it and when the time comes you'll be the first to know," I reminded her and she could only nod as she nuzzled my chest. My cheeks began to heat up in embarrassment.

If Spike saw Rarity doing this, then he would definitely hate me more then he does now.

His fur is so soft.

"Well....I think I'll turn in for the evening then," I quickly got up from my chair as Rarity released me from her hug. She begins to pout in disappointment.

"You know that was incredibly rude of you. You really need to show some manners to lady like me," She said with a huff. I couldn't help but chuckle at her.

"Goodnight Rarity," I said as I left the room.

"Goodnight Flare,"

What am I doing? Why did I say that? I can't stay here! I have family that needs me.

"I'll make the right choice when the time comes, but for now I better get some sleep," I said to myself as I crawled into the guest bed and I just melted into it as I felt at peace.

It was a really good bed.

A snow storm had appeared out of the blue with no warning as a small group of cultists patrolled through the woods, searching for trespassers that wandered in.

"Urgh why are we here?" One of them complained.

"Because lieutenant Thunderstorm has placed an award on 'The Blur' to whoever captures or kills him," The group leader said with a smirk. He was an earth pony carrying a spear with a blue crescent gemstone on it.

"That still doesn't explain why we have to be out in this blizzard. We could all be relaxing at the fortress like everypony else, but instead we have to freeze our tails off just to find a pony that Thunderstorm failed to execute," the pale white unicorn said.

Soon the other members of the group began to agree with him as they pointed there weapons at there leader.

"Hey I'm not the one he decided this! If you want to say something about how horrible this is, then tell the lieutenant that," The cultist looked away with a scowl as he kept his words to himself.

"Anyone else?" He asked. Nopony of course answered. "Good now let's hurry and finish our patrol, so we head home."

The group pressed on, despite the cold, but what they failed to notice was that they were not alone in these woods. A pony wearing a black cloak stood atop of a tree, watching the cultists from afar, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The hooded pony's horn began to glow as he teleported right in front of the cultists, taking them completely by surprise.

"What the?" Was there leader could say before he received a blow to his stomach. All he could feel was pain before collapsing on the ground.

"I take it you're looking for me?" The cloaked stallion said with a smirk as he removed his cloak, revealing the same stallion that helped save Ponyville.

"You have some nerve to be picking a fight with us. I expected 'The Blur' to be more impressive," one of the cultists said as they grabbed their weapons.

'The Blur' could only smirk as they charged at him.

But in the end only their screams could be heard, before it all went silent.

"You know you could have been a little easier on them? Blur," another voice called out to him.

"How many times do I have to tell you? It's Flash Freeze, nothing more and nothing less," he stated, turning towards a grey earth pony wearing an old brown cloak. "You know I despise nicknames Clyde."

"Well I'm not the one who picked it and also what happened to staying in the shadows? I thought you didn't want to get involved in this war?" He asked.

"Well the current situation forced my hoof when Thunderstorm invaded Ponyville and tried taking the element of generosity as a hostage," Flash Freeze pulled out an orb and with a flicker of his horn it began to play back images of what happened.

"Well I can understand why you wanted to save her. She's cute," Clyde said as he watched the scene, but then he noticed a red pegasus and blue unicorn that had no cutie mark. Just like them. "Flash are they...."

"Yes," was all he said.

"Then why are we standing here? We need to head to Ponyville and..." before Clyde could finish Flashes magic shut his mouth.

"No I don't trust them, especially that Pegasus. Something about him troubles me," Flash said. "We'll wait until the time is right."

After releasing Clyde's mouth he began to levitate the unconscious cultists next to him in order to take them to prison and get information.

"You do know that you'll meet him eventually and what makes him so terrifying?" Clyde asked.

"Let's just say that there's a darkness lurking inside those two, especially him," he said as he teleported, leaving Clyde with his thoughts alone.

A darkness? No that can't be right? They were protecting Ponyville, but the question is how? Wait a minute?

"Well now that's just great, I have to walk home AGAIN!" Clyde shouted as he began walking home the moment he knew Flash wasn't coming back.

For the first time in weeks I was finally able to get a good nights rest. Ever since Thunderstorm invaded Ponyville I have been on edge, trying to find him and put him behind bars, but I had no luck whatsoever.

Now I feel refreshed and ready to take on the day, head high. But just as I was about to get out of bed I began to hear knocking on my door.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Huh? Oh come in," I answered, but what happened next was....unexpected.

"Good morning Flare, I made you some breakfast,"Rarity said as she entered the room, wearing an apron tightened around her waist while swaying her hips. She had a tray filled with eggs, pancakes and toast with a side of orange juice.

"What are you wearing Rarity?!" I asked.

I honestly wasn't expecting her to wear something this cute. Wait what am I thinking, focus stupid brain!

"Oh this is just an old apron I made a while ago. Why? Do you like it?" She said with a sly grin.

"Welll I don't......dislike it," I answered, looking towards a wall as she approached my bed, setting the tray next to me. "Okay the has to be a reason why you're doing this? So what is it?"

"What? I can't simply make breakfast for a dear friend of mine?" She replied sarcastically. I've known Rarity for sometime now and she wouldn't do this unless she wanted something.

"Look I already know that you want something. So out with it?" I asked, still trying not to make eye contact with her, waiting for my blush to go away.

"Hmm...Well the thing is Flare....my parents will be here in a few hours to drop off my little sister and I may have told them a tiny, little lie," She said as she began fidgeting in place with a sheepish grin. I had a feeling I wasn't going to like it.

"What did you tell them?" I regretted asking that, for I had feeling it wasn't good.

"Well the last time I saw them, I said I would have found a coltfriend by the end of the year," All I could ask is.

"Coltfriend?" I had to ask. "Please don't tell me?"

"Well I was wondering if you could pretend to be my Coltfriend for today, just until they leave of course," She begs.

"No! I'm not doing that! Also why didn't you say anything yesterday about this?"

"I may have forgotten to..."

Why me?

"We don't have much time Flare! Please just do this one favor for me?" Rarity wasn't going to take no for an answer and I knew ultimately I would lose this argument somehow.

But that doesn't me I can't try.

"Rarity I don't want to be part of some scheme that will end up failing in the end," I said to her firmly as I crossed my arms. It was about time I stood for my rights as a free stallion and stand up to Rarity.

"Flare if you don't do this....then I'll tell everpony, about your little secret," She said with a devious grin as pure horror took over my body.

"You wouldn't dare?" I said, hoping that she was bluffing.

"Try me! I will tell everypony that you sl...." before she could finish I pressed my hoof against her mouth laughing nervously.

"Okay....I'll do it!!" I said.

Can't believe I got blackmailed by her!

"Thank you Flare, I promise you won't regret it. All you have to do is pretend until they leave on there little cruise," Wait cruise? So not fair.

"Well what about your sister you said that she'll be staying here for a while?" I asked.

"I'll explain the situation to her after my parents leave, so just play along please," She asked again and like I said, there was no way I was going to win this argument.

"Alright when do they get here?" I asked.

KNOCK, KNOCK,

"Um....right now," She said sheepishly as she left the room, taking off her apron.

Aww....She was kinda cute in that little apron.

"Flare! Darling can you come downstairs please, there's someponies I'd like for you to meet," She called to me. I couldn't help but sigh as I got off the bed, leaving a perfectly good breakfast on the side table.

"Should have eaten it when I had the chance," I said quietly to myself. "I'll be down soon, Rarity!"

I soon began descending down the stairs to be greeted by Rarity and her parents. Just by the look of things I could tell they weren't happy to see me.

Oh....this is going to be a nightmare.

"Hello there. Glad to finally meet you in person," Rarity's father said with a melancholy look. I couldn't tell if he was angry or disappointed.

There was only one thing to say.

"Hello, my name is Flare Blitz."

Chapter Ten- The Journey Begins

Chapter Eleven

Out of all the horrible, awful lies I've been apart of, well this is the stupidest one of them all. Pretending to be Rarity’s coltfriend is just weird and embarrassing.

“So you’re this coltfriend Rarity’s dating?” Rarity’s father said.

“Um….yes I am,” I didn’t know why I was getting so nervous. Probably because this was a lie and I did promise that I wouldn’t lie.

“It’s great to finally meet you Flare and my aren’t you a handsome stallion. No wonder why she fell for you,” Rarity’s mother just kept giving me a sultry look which didn’t seem to make her dad anymore happy.

“Mom!” Rarity said as she began to blush in embarrassment.

“Okay listen this is all a big misunderstanding I’m….” before I could finish Rarity jabbed me in the hip, while still maintaining a smile. It hurt like a bitch!

“Oh dear he’s so in love with me that he couldn’t even finish his sentence,” She said cheerfully. “We just need to take care of something in the other room real quick."

She pushed me into the kitchen with a look of rage.

“What the hell Rarity? You didn’t have to jab me,” I said, rubbing my side.

“Sorry Flare, I just panicked and you did say that you would help me,” She said, poking me in the chest. Quite frankly I didn’t want to be a part of some act.

“Rarity, remember how I promised that I wouldn’t lie? Well I plan to keep that promise and I’m most definitely not being your coltfriend,” I said, glaring at her.

“Please? Just do this one favor. For me?” She begged, sticking out her lower lip and her eyes slightly watering.

Just seeing her give those puppy dog eyes was just too much. I wouldn’t give in so easily, but I just couldn’t help it.

“Fine! Just please stop with the cute eyes? Please?” I asked.

“Thank you,” She said, hugging me.

“Alright, alright, just don’t over do it? The last thing I want is for your parents to take it too seriously,” I said, pushing her away gently.

“Okay, I’ll try to dial it down just a bit,” She said, winking at me.

“Good then let’s just get this over with,” I said, rubbing my forehead.

Seriously, Rarity really knows how to push my buttons. Why do I put up with this?

We both headed back to finish talking with her parents, let’s just say that things got awkward.

“Ahh your back! I take it you two enjoyed your alone time?” Rarity’s mom asked, causing both of us to blush madly.

“MOM!!” Rarity shouted.

“Um...So where’s Sweetie Belle? Rarity told me that she’ll be staying with us for a little while,” The moment I said that I realized I made a major mistake.

“Wait? You mean to tell me that you’re living together?!” Rarity’s dad just continued to snarl at me with hate as I began to sweat. All I was trying to do was change the subject.

“He’s only staying here temporarily until….his house is fixed. His parents also happen to live across the seas. So I insisted that he stay here for a bit,” Rarity said, looking just as nervous as me.

“Uhh...yeah I needed a place to stay and she was willing to let me stay here temporarily,” I added. Why was this so hard? I knew listening to Rarity was a bad idea.

“Hmm…Well as long as you don’t do anything without my approval I can allow this,” When he said that I was so relieved. “But I still don’t think you're fit to date my daughter. What makes you think that she belongs to you when there are others more fit to be with her.”

“I...I may not be the stallion you were expecting to meet, Sir but I am willing to do whatever it takes to protect your daughter,” I said. Even though I was lying about being her coltfriend, I wasn’t lying about protecting her. She helped me out and I think that this was the only way I could repay her back before I returned to earth.

“Well then you have my blessing to date her,” He said, changing his sour expression to a smile. I didn’t know if I was hearing things, but I swear he just gave me his blessing.

“Could you say that again? I think I may have misheard you,” I don’t know if I was crazy or they were actually believing that we were dating. Still it’s a good thing for Rarity, she got what she wanted.

Now all we need to do is explain this to her sister and we’ll be off the hook. I’m surprised that nothing went wrong at all…

“How about we take a photo of you two kissing? I want to have it in my scrap book.”

Spoke too soon. Of course her mom had to say that.

Both Rarity and I were in a awkward position, considering that this was all a lie and if we didn’t well this would be harder to explain to her parents. I was wondering why the universe hated me so much. It was like it was trying to get a sick kick of making my life difficult. But what’s more embarrassing about all of this was that I haven’t even kissed a girl. Let alone date one.

I could tell by the look on Rarity’s face that she didn’t want to do it and even though I was a little hurt by that I didn’t want to either.

Please if you can get us out of this situation I’ll love you forever universe. I’ll forgive you for everything you’ve done to me. Just please get us out of this situation?

As if the universe actually answered my call for help the front door swung open. Revealing an adorable little filly who had a white coat and a purple and pink striped mane. Honestly I felt like the universe was actually on my side for once.

“Hi!” She said in a cheery voice while skipping into the room. She paused, staring at me with wide eyes. As I was about to say hello she said. “Wow you’re big.”

I could only give her a deadpan stare as she turned towards her sister.

“Hey sis! Who’s your friend?”

“Sweetie Belle this is Flare Blitz...My coltfriend,” Rarity answered with a fake grin.

“I thought you didn’t have a coltfriend?” She said questioningly. I was starting to a little worry since her parents look like they were having second thoughts.

“Wha-what are you talking about, Sweetie?” Rarity asked as she began to sweat a little.

“You told me two days ago that you weren’t dating anypony,” She answered, and with that said everypony was having second thoughts.

Sorry Rarity the jigs up.

“Alright listen we…” Before I could finish I felt a pair of lips press against mine. My mind was having a hard time processing what was happening. Rarity was kissing me and I was all just surprising.

If things couldn’t get anymore awkward than I was so wrong.

“See Sweetie Belle? It’s true that….we’re dating,” Rarity said, as her face was about as red as my fur. I didn’t even think it was possible to be as red.

“Well I see you two want some...quality time together,” Rarity’s mom said with glee as she looked at the photo she took.

“As much as I would love to catch up with you honey. We have to get going, after all we can’t be late for our cruise,” Her father said, winking at us. “Take care of my daughters, Okay Flare?”

I nodded in response as both of Rarity’s parents left. Leaving me alone with Rarity and Sweetie Belle in utter silence.

I couldn’t say anything at all. It was as if my brain had broken down. I mean that was my first kiss and it was with a Pony! Even if it was all an act it was still a kiss. My emotions we all over the place. A part of me was angry or confused or whatever.

What bugged me the most was Why? Why did she kiss me? Was it all just to impress her parents? Or was it something else?

I didn’t exactly listen to what Rarity was telling her sister, but she left to another room. Leaving me alone with Rarity.

“Flare? Are you okay?” She asked me.

“Why?”

“Huh?” Was all she could say.

“Why did you kiss me?” I asked as I felt my blood boil with anger. I did my best to try to stay cool until she explained herself first.

“I just panicked okay! I didn’t want my family to think I was going to be a lonely mare forever. I didn’t mean too…” It felt like a part of me died from just hearing that.

I just snapped.

“You know what? I think I’ve heard enough Rarity,” I said, glaring at her.

“Flare I’m...I’m sorry I shouldn’t have made you go through that. Let alone kiss you…” I couldn’t listen to her anymore.

“Shut up! You kissed me without even considering what I wanted to do! You should have just been honest with them and told them the truth. They would understand, but no instead you had to lie about something as stupid as this!” I yelled as anger took hold of me.

“I’m sorry...I’m so sorry,” Was all Rarity could say. “Please I…”

“I...need to cool off Rarity. Right now isn’t the best time to talk to me,” I said as I headed out the front door.

I looked back for only a second to see her before I closed the door behind me.

I decided to head to Twilight’s castle figuring that it would be the best place to cool off, but it wasn’t long until I realized that I forgot my jacket. “Dang it! I forgot my jacket.”

Well it could be worse…

As if I was asking for it the pegasi started the snow storm...again.

“Oh come on!!!”

It’s like the universe enjoys making me look like a fool.

Guess what universe I will never forgive you!

It didn’t take long for me to reach the castle and I had to say that even in winter it still looks nice. Right as I was about to knock on the door, Midnight came out wearing a purple scarf, while carrying a letter.

“Oh Flare, I was actually on my way to get you, Princess Celestia sent this letter wanting to meet with the two of us,” Midnight said, but his expression suddenly changed when he saw how down I was. “Is something wrong?”

“Midnight we need to talk,” I said depressingly.

“Well we can talk about it on our way to Canterlot because we have to leave immediately. Still I’m kinda curious why she need us? Anyway you should get your things, the train to Canterlot will be here in two hours. So get what you need,” He said as he patted me on the shoulder.

I was kinda curious too now that I think about it, but that didn’t really help take my mind off of Rarity. I was still upset with her, but a part of me wanted to apologize to her and yet I couldn’t bring myself to face her. Not after what I said to her.

“Alright I’ll see you at the train,” I replied, heading back towards Rarity’s.

When I got back to Rarity’s, she wasn’t there. I knew I wasn’t gone that long and where was Sweetie Belle?

It was then I found a note on her glass table.

Dear Flare,

I know you aren’t happy with me right now, but I decided to head to Fluttershy’s for the night and as for Sweetie Belle she’ll be spending the night at Appleblooms, so you won’t have to worry about her bothering you.

Still I hope you’ll forgive me for what I have done.

Sincerely,

Your friend, Rarity.

“Well so much for talking it over with her,” I said quietly. I began to ponder whether I should visit her or not, but with little time I have to pack and meet up with Midnight, the best choice would be to leave note like she did.

I took a piece of paper off of Rarity’s desk and a pencil and began writing. Even though I would be gone for a few days I hope she’ll forgive me for yelling.

All I need is time to sort myself out.

Well I finally made it on the train with Midnight and we were on our way to Canterlot. Still I feel like an asshole for yelling at Rarity.

“We should be at Canterlot in about twenty minutes or less, Flare. What did you want to talk about?” He asked me.

“Well for starters I made Rarity cry after yelling at her for….kissing me...and I don’t know what to do... Can you help?”

“She kissed you? Like on the cheek?”

“No, on the lips,” Just thinking about it makes me feel more like an ass for yelling.

“Flare, I don’t really see the problem if she kissed you then it should be obvious that she likes you. So why is it a problem?” He asked.

“Because it was all to just impress her parents and it felt like I was being used,” I said, as I began to grit my teeth.

“Well that’s the question of the hour isn’t it? Did she do it to just impress her? Or did she do it because she may have feelings towards you?”

“Well I…” Before I could finish the train stopped and I immediately looked towards the window and saw that we have arrived at the capital of Equestria, Canterlot.

“We’re here,” Midnight said, as he grabbed his bag. “We better get going. The Princess is waiting for us.”

I grabbed my bags as well and my sword as I hopped off the train, but when I looked up I saw two hooded ponies stood before us. I immediately grabbed the handle of my sword and readied myself to fight.

“Woah! There’s no need to take that sword out dude!” One of them said.

Soon both of them took off their hoods and revealed a grey earth pony with a black mane and a blue unicorn with a frosty blue mane. One that was all too familiar to me.

“Wait haven’t I seen you before?” Midnight asked. Of course he beats me to it.

“Maybe you have? Maybe you haven’t? That is the question isn’t it Midnight and Flare Blitz,” He said with a smug grin. We were a little shock that he knew who we were.

“How do you know our names?” I asked.

“Easy you guys were the ponies that helped with stopping Thunderstorm and his cronies two months ago,” The grey stallion said.

“Well if you know who we are than tell us who you are?” Midnight demanded.

“I’m Flash Freeze, and right now that’s all you need to know,” the unicorn answered.

“As for me I’m Clyde, his partner,” the grey stallion answered, as he took a bow while Flash rolled his eyes.

“Alright then, now that we have that settled. We’ll escort you to Princesses Celestia and Luna,” Flash said as he headed off.

Both Midnight and myself were unsure whether to trust them, but we followed them anyway, just to be sure if they were really on our side.

“I don’t trust them,” I whispered to Midnight.

“I don’t either, but it did say on the letter that two of the Princess's guards would be escorting us to the castle. These guys look like they kill ponies for a living,” Midnight said, agreeing with me. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they were Nightmare Moon cultists.”

“Just because you whisper, doesn’t mean we can’t hear you,” Flash said, giving us the stink eye before turning his gaze back towards the castle.

We both decided to keep our mouths shut as we made our way towards the castle. This was my first time being in Canterlot and I had to say it was better than I imagined, even though it was winter. The city was beautiful; buildings of white marble, gold trimmings, and various shades of purple rooftops, all blanketed perfectly with snow. When we got inside well my mind was processing how awesome it was to just set foot… or hoof, inside the castle.

We kept walking and I noticed that there were a lot of guards around every corner we came across. Most of them kept glaring at me specifically. Probably because I tower over most of them or that I was meeting with the Princess.

These guys seriously need to take a chill pill, because they can’t assume that everyone's the enemy.

“We will arrive at the throne room shortly,” Flash said, as we took a final turn around the corner, we saw the throne room doors just up ahead, guarded by two other royal guards.

As we approached the doors, the two guards immediately moved stepped aside and opened the doors with their magic. There we saw Princess Celestia, sitting up on her throne, smiling at us and I had to say her smile was all the more heartwarming.

“Welcome Flare Blitz, and Midnight Blaze. I have been expecting you,” She said, cheerfully.

“It’s an… honor to meet you, Princess Celestia,” I said, nervously as I bowed. Flash Freeze just scuffed at me as if I did something to piss him off.

“There’s no need for that Flare,” She said. “Now I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked for the two of you to come am I correct?"

“Yes we are actually curious, Princess as to why asked us to come?” Midnight asked.

“Do you know who King Sombra is?” She asked us. Of course; who doesn’t know King Sombra? He was one of Celestia’s greatest enemies from a thousand years ago and was a the tyrant of the Crystal Empire.

“Yes, we know who he is,” I replied. “But what does he have to do with our situation?”

“Twilight told me that the two of you and Techorse fought against Thunderstorm and his army of cultists,” She mentioned, but I still think that my focus should be on him, instead of Sombra.

“You see Sombra is an old...friend of mine and from what Clyde and Flash have gathered he was last seen in Prance, but Thunderstorm maybe after his powers. If they get their hooves on his powers, then…”

“They’ll have enough power to resurrect Nightmare Moon,” Midnight stated.

“So I’m guessing you need us to find Sombra and bring him here?” I asked.

“Yes, but I believe they’ll try to ambush Sombra at the ball being held in a few days. You four will attend this dance as the entertainment, but you’ll be equipped with new weapons forged by Stencil Guide and Techorse. Once Sombra has revealed himself, you must capture him before he tries to escape,” She said.

“Forgive me, Princess, if I’m speaking out of place, but Clyde and I are more than capable of completing this task on our own. We don’t need a couple of rookies slowing us down,” Flash stated.

Alright that's it!

“What’s your problem asshole?!” I shouted. Never thought I would say that to somepony in front of the Princess.

“What did you just say?” He said, glaring at me. “You better watch that tongue before I-”

“Enough!” Princess Celestia shouted with the Canterlot voice. “Flash as one of Luna’s apprentices I expect better from you, and as for you Flare, you have no right to insult Flash.”

“Of course, Princess it won’t happen again,” At least not in front of you. Still I don’t know what this guy’s deal with us, but I’ll find out when the time comes.

Flash for his part stayed silent and only nodded, before storming out of the throne room.

Those two don’t know what they’re getting into, but even so I’ll protect them.

Celestia only sighed as she closed her eyes. “I believe that will be all for now you three. Clyde here will escort you to your rooms,”

Both Midnight and I turned to Clyde, who was kinder to us than Flash. We soon exited the throne room, following Clyde to our guest rooms. Leaving the Princess alone with her thoughts.

I hope you four will succeed in this task. You don’t realize that doing this will bring you closer to your destiny.

As we followed Clyde I began to wonder how he was paired with Flash and I’m pretty sure Midnight was thinking the same thing.

“So I take you two are brother?” Clyde asked us. All we could do was chuckle.

“No, but I would consider him one,” Midnight said.

“No disagreement there,” I added. “But what about you? Is Flash your brother?”

“Hell no! The guy can’t stand to be near me, but I’m actually the only one he’ll tolerate on his team,” He said.

“Than why are you on his team? In my opinion I think the guy would try to kill you or anyone for that matter and yet you still stick around him…Why?” I asked.

“Because we both arrived in Equestria together,” He answered, but I could tell that he wasn’t so happy about it. “You see the both of us attended the same high school a couple of years ago and he was pretty mellow when our other friends were around, but one day a storm came in and let’s just say that both Flash and me were hit by a certain lighting bolt. Next thing we know we’re in Equestria as ponies and guess who was the pony help us out?”

“Who?” Midnight asked.

“Princesses Celestia and Luna, they both took us in and helped us blend in with the crowd as they’re most elite guards, but Flash had completely changed when they took us in,” He paused, before turning to us with a grin.

“Well here you go guys, this room is for you Midnight and the one next to it is yours Flare,” He said, completely dropping the whole conversation. I really wanted to know what would happen next.

“Thanks for escorting us, Clyde,” Midnight said, extending his hoof, which Clyde gladly shook.

“No problem!”

I was tired and decided to head to my room to get some rest, but I began to think about Rarity again as laid on my bed and pulled the covers over my head and went to a deep slumber.

I hope you'll forgive me one day Rarity.

Chapter Eleven- Two of Deception