Radiants Adventures: Season 1

“Dear Celestia is it cold out.” Radiant says as he pulls his scarf over his muzzle. “I’ll be so happy come winter wrap up time.” He continues to say as he meets Twilight and her friends at Sugarcube Corner. Radiant turn the knob with his horn and walked inside kicking off his booties and his scarf. He walks upstairs to Pinkie’s Room and knocks on the door.

“Who is it?” Pinkie says in a joking tone.

“Muffin Man.” Radiant replies in a sarcastic tone. Pinkie trots towards the door and opens it letting Radiant into her room.

“Hey girls. What’s everypony up to?” Radiant says setting down his saddle bags as he walks over and sits on a pillow.

“Oh nothing we just thought it would be nice to hang out and chat. Twilight says drinking some of her cocoa.

“Plus it's snowing outside which is perfect for some Super Chocolaty Pinkie Pie Hot Chocolate.” Pinkie says as she points to the kettle of hot cocoa on the floor next to her. She gets a cup and pours a mug full for Radiant. “Here you gotta try it.” Pinkie says putting a few marshmallows in it. Radiant stops for a second.

“Do any of them know what one of the ingredients in marshmallows is?” Radiant thought to himself as he remembers reading an article on how most marshmallows are made with horse hooves. “Dear Celestia I hope they're made of something different here.” Radiant says gulping.

“Everything ok Sugarcube?” Applejack says taking a sip of the hot beverage. Radiant Smiles and drinks the hot cocoa.

“Ya just a sore throat from the cold.” He says reaching for his saddle bag pulling out a book.

“What’s that?” Twilight asks looking over Radiants shoulder in curiosity.

“Oh this it’s just a first hand account of my life in Equestria.” Radiant says showing off the book.

“So, a diary basically.” Rainbow says with a smirk as Radiant blushes in embarrassment.

“No not like a diary.” He says putting the book back into his bag. The girls all laugh as they drink and talk long into the evening. It was a fun time for all and Radiant even got to tell everyone more about himself. Not that they didn’t already a lot about him but he shared some secrets with them. Later into the night Pinkie comes up with the idea to have a sleepover. Naturally the girls all say yes. Radiant thinks about it for a few seconds before he agreed to join in. Pinkie cheers as she somehow makes confetti fall from the ceiling. At this point Radiant realizes that trying to figure out Pinkie Pie is like putting out water with fire, it just can’t be done.

They continue to chat and play games before Applejack grabs Radiant’s attention.

“Hey Radiant can I ask you a favor?” Applejack says kicking the ground gently with her hoof. “I was wondering if you could help me out tomorrow. I need to take a few supplies to my cousins in Appleloosa.” She continues to say as she stretches out before lying down.

“Depends, what supplies are we taking?” Radiant asks as he does the same.

“Just some ,wood, nails, and steel. We just gotta load the cart onto the train and then once we're in Appleloosa we just gotta take it to my cousin Braeburns farm. It’s usually warm around this time of year there so it should be a nice change of pace.” Radiant puts a hoof on his chin and thinks for a few seconds.

“Sure why not as long as it gets me out of this infernal cold.” Radiant says shaking his hoof at a nearby window. Applejack and the girls laugh as they settle down and soon fall asleep. Applejack and Radiant wake up bright and early the next day as they pack the essentials for there trip. Once packed up the two ponies head to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up the cart of supplies. On the way there they chat and talk about Appleloosa and what Braeburn is like. After a few minutes they finally arrive and head to the barn and grab the cart. Naturally being the chivalrous pony that he is Radiant offered to pull the cart to the train station. Applejack thanked him with a slight blush on her cheeks as Radiant began pulling the cart down the dirt road. After a few hours they finally reach the train station at around noon. Loading the cart into the train Radiant closes the gate and locks it before turning to Applejack giving her the ok and they board the train and take their seats.

“I gotta say Radi for an Alicorn you got a nice amount of strength behind you.” Applejack says looking out the window.

“Well, what can I say between using my wings, training with Rainbow Dash, and helping you out on the farm as really helped me bulk up. Not to mention the increased stamina makes magic so much easier.” Radiant says as his horn glows opening up his saddle bag as he pulls out two apples. “Here ya go Aj eat up you’ll need it for when we get to Appleloosa.” he hands her the apple as she takes it in her mouth with one big bite nearly taking Radiants hoof with it. Radiant jerks his hoof back in fear.

Applejack giggles as she swallows the apple. “My bad.” she says going back to the window. As the day went on Radiant yawned and began to feel tired. With a couple more hours left until they arrive in Appleloosa he closes his eyes for a few to take a quick nap. As he lays back and rests her feel a warm weight fall on his shoulder. Curious he opened one eye only to have a warm blush wash over his face. Applejack had fallen asleep leaning on his shoulder. Her soft snores and soft expression made a smile grow across his face as he closed his eyes and let her sleep. After all waking Applejack up is a good way to get the shit kicked out of you. On a separate part of the train a mysterious shrouded figure sits in one of the seats using her magic to spy on Radiant.

“That's it Radiant get some sleep. After all you're gonna need it your strength in Appleloosa.” The mare says with a soft evil laugh. Her eyes flash red as black static accumulates around her horn. The train slows to a crawl before stopping and blowing its horn. Radiant looks over at Applejack who is teal laying on his shoulder as she opens her eyes.

“Have a good nap Aj?” Radiant said with a chuckle before Apple jack shoots up off the seat looking away with a deep red blush on her face.

“I...uh was in a deep sleep that's all.” Applejack says trying to cover up her growing feelings for Radiant. “This never leaves the train you got that.” she says with the blush still on her face.

“My lips are sealed.” Radiant says as he makes a zipping motion across his muzzle. Radiant and Applejack got to the back car and unload their cart before Applejack pulls the cart out of the train station. The mysterious mare follows the two ponies keeping herself hidden. Applejack gives Radiants directions to the farm as the two continue their journey. They soon turn down a long dirt road as Radiant stops looking behind him.

“Something wrong Sugarcube?” Applejack says stopping to rest.

“Were being followed. Whoever they are they seem to be an extremely skilled unicorn. I picked up on a feeling leaving the station but it disappeared until now. I know you're there come out and show yourself!” Radiant yells at a nearby tree. The hooded mare steps out onto the road as she stared down Radiant. “Who are you and why were you following us?” Radiant asks as he gets his horn ready. Applejack lets go of the cart as she stands by his side.

The mare throws off her cloak revealing a pony with pitch black fur and neon purple mane and menacing red eyes. On her flank was cutie mark resembling a red and green sugar skull. “My name is Shadow Dancer and it's my job to make sure you don’t make it back to Ponyville.” The mare says as she shoots a beam of magic at Radiant as he throws up a shield deflecting the hit.

“Applejack go and get the supplies to the farm. I’ll handle this.” Radiant says as Applejack charges down the road with the crt behind her. The two ponies clash with each thrust as neither one gains any ground in the fight. “I’m impressed. You're much stronger than I anticipated.” Radiant said jumping back to the ground.

“I have to be better than you considering I was hand crafted to kill you.” Shadow Dancer says as she grins revealing sharp dagger like teeth.

“So, you're nothing more then some test tube experiment. How dull and here i was thinking I would be fighting someone who has trained as hard as me. You disappoint me.” Radiant says surprised by his new frightening bravado. His eyes glow bright green as he began shooting bolts of magic from his horn in rapid succession. Shadow dancer glides through the shots until on beams her in the side causing her to tumble onto the ground. “What’s happening to me this isn't like me at all.” Radiant thinks to himself. “Where did all this power and violent urges come from all of a sudden.” he continues to think as the fight rages on. Shadow Dancer lunges at Radiant as she tries to bite him. In the ensuing chaos she rams her horn into Radiants eye as he screams in pain. She jumps back cracking her neck. Radiant stand up with left eye closed shut as blood pools from it. The green flash intensifies as he charge at her shooting bolt after bolt. Shadow Dancer dodges to the best of her ability. As Radiant finds an opening he rams his horn into her barrel as she coughs up blood. “Looks like your master needs to rethink his formula.” Radiant lifts up his head as he lets out a charged blast of magic that tears through Shadow Dancer as he throws her to the ground. She twitches as she coughs up more blood as Radiant returns to normal. Passing out on the ground from exhaustion.

Applejack comes running back with Braeburn and stops as she sees the horror before her. She runs to Radiant as her and Braeburn hoist him into the cart rushing him back to the farm. After a few days Radiant Awakens to see not only Applejack but all of his friends and even Princess Celestia.

“Ugh where am I?” Radiant says in a groggy tone.

“You're in the guest bedroom at Braeburns farm. Now, tell us what happened.” Twilight says worried.

“Well, since we had gotten off the train i had this sneaking suspicion that we were being followed. It disappeared soon after but then once on the dirt road to the farm a mysterious mare named Shadow Dancer appears before me. Sh stood there and said she was handcrafted to kill me.” Radiant said sitting up in bed. “On top of that during the conflict i felt an ever growing need to fight along with an increased volley of battle magic. It was only after this volley appeared that I became super violent.” Radiant groans. Why does the left side of my face hurt so much?” Radiant says shaking his head. Celestia comes foreword.

“During the incident with Shadow Dancer you lost your left eye along with most of your vision in the right eye. I’m having Twilight and Rarity work on making you a pair of glasses to help correct your eyesight. On a more important note i think it’s safe to assume Discord isn’t behind your arrival here nor is he responsible for your transformation. I response to this event I will have you stay at my castle in the infirmary so we can do some blood work and research this volley of magic you talked about. Do not worry no harm will come to you and I’ve invited twilight and her friends to stay at the castle with until it’s time for you to leave. I just have one question for you. Is this the first time you have felt this violent spike before?” Celestia asks as she passes around the bed.

“No your majesty it only happened when Shadow Dancer started using her magic. Apart from that I have been one hundred percent pacifistic towards everything and everyone.” Radiant says lying down on the bed. “Still, who brought me here and why are they trying to kill me?” Radiant asks.

“None of us know Radiant but it is puzzling.” Twilight says jotting down notes on a scroll. “Well, let’s head to Canterlot.” Twilight says leaving the room and heading downstairs to the royal carriage. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy help radiant off the bed as he slowly walks downstairs. Applejack stops Radiant before he turns to face her.

“Why? Why did you send me off by myself. If I had stayed behind I could of watched your back and prevented all this from happening.” Applejack said as she choked back tears. Radiant smiles and hugs her with his remaining strength.

“Because Aj if we both stayed I would’ve ended up hurting you or Shadow Dancer could’ve hurt you. I sent you off to protect you. I couldn’t live with myself if I let something bad happen to one of my best friends.” Radiant heads for the carriage as Applejack follows behind him.

“Ya best friends.” She says in a sad tone as she climbs into the carriage as it flies off. The trip to the castle was long and awkward. Not much talking was done except for the occasional question from Twilight or Celestia. As the carriage landed on the balcony of the castle Celestia showed Radiant to his bedroom in the Infirmary. As he lays in the bed him and his friends begin to chat and laugh, All except for Applejack you was looking out the window. Radiant knew something else was bothering her but he couldn’t put his hoof on it exactly. One thing was for sure it was hurting Radiant seeing his friend in this condition. Nurse Redheart comes in and draws Radiants blood before putting electric pulse patches on Radiants body as Twilight hooks him up to a machine so they can get a read on his DNA to try and pinpoint that surge of power. The night soon approaches as the girls head out to there rooms. As Applejack heads out Radiant calls her over. Reluctant at first Applejack makes her way over to his bed.

“Sit down. Something more is bothering you then just what happened in Appleloosa. What's on your mind Applejack? You can tell me anything.” Radiant said putting his hoof on her shoulder. Applejack finally lets her armor fall as she hugs Radiant tightly crying into his shoulder.

“I’m upset because the thought of losing you was just too much. Radiant I...I...I Love you ok there I said it. Ever since that first day on the farm I’ve been trying to fight back these feelings but they only increased the more time I spent with you. I would’ve said something sooner but I know that the minute things get serious you’ll end up going back to your world.” Radiant puts his arm around her and holds her close. “I just don’t wanna be without you. I don’t care if it takes years for you to say you love me. I just wanna be with you so badly.” Radiant sighs deeply as he looks into Applejacks eyes.

“What if I chose to stay here in Equestria.” Radiant says as Applejack looks up at him confused.

“But I thought you wanted to return home to your friends and family?” Applejack says tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I do miss my home but after everything that's happened in the time I’ve been here I have the strong feeling I’ll never be going home and I’ve slowly but surely accepted that. Now, granted I don’t share the same feelings towards you that you feel towards me but I’d be happy to try and see if those feelings don’t develop. Ok Applejack.” Radiant says drying her eyes. “Now, if you want I can let sleep in the bed with me tonight.” he says with a smile. Radiant lifts the covers as Applejack crawls under it and cuddles up to Radiant. He smiles as he looks up to the ceiling. “Mom, I’m sorry but I won’t be coming back. There is just so much more for me here. Friends, Fun, Adventure, and all kinds of new experiences. Maybe here I can find the happiness that was lost back home.” Radiant thought to himself. As Applejack began to softly snore. “Besides, I feel...natural in my new body. Being an alicorn is an amazing feeling. Plus thanks to magic I can reinvent my life here. Plus there is someone here that not only reminds me of home but she cares for me far more than anyone else.” Radiant continues to think to himself as he closes his eyes. “I think tomorrow I’ll work seeing if I can develop deeper feelings for Applejack.” He says before falling asleep.

The next morning Radiant wakes up to the feeling of nurse Redheart once again taking a sample of his blood before leaving the room. Radiant sits up while trying not to disturb Applejack who is still fast asleep next to him. Radiant gets out of bed and goes over to the outside balcony a he stares off into the horizon of the early morning sun. Radiant thought back to the first day at Sweet Apple Acres and from there he recounted every memory of Applejack. “I do feel the same way. I love her to death but what is stopping me from admitting it? If I have the same feelings then i should say yes but I feel like something is stopping me from admitting it. Could it be I’m just nervous, or is it cause I still think like a human and refuse to show affection and love to a horse.” Radiant says as he grits his teeth.

“Sounds to me like you're having a hard time letting go of the past.” Celestia says as she walks up behind Radiant as she puts her wing over his back and side. “Your heart knows what it wants but your connection to your past life and ideals are holding you back. My Dearest pupil if you really want to stay here and be with Applejack you must learn to forget the human world. I can feel your heart and read your mind they both want the same thing yet they also fight it. I have an idea. After your research is done here I want you to seek out Princess cadence in the Crystal Empire. She maybe able to help you finally let go and embrace your feelings for Applejack.” Celestia says walking out of the room and closing the door behind her as radiant looks out to the horizon once again.

“Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire. Ya know what it’s worth a shot after all if there is someone who knows ways to help me it’s Princess Celestia. I should talk to Twilight about this later.” Radiant says before walking back to bed as he climbs back in as he looks at Applejack and smiles.

The Next Morning...

“Radiant are you sure about this trip. The Crystal Empire is still a dangerous place to visit, especially by yourself.” Twilight says as she begs me not to go. “I know you're still plagued by your human memories but is erasing your past so important that you would put your own life at risk?” Twilight asks as tears run down her cheeks.

“Twilight you don’t get it. If Cadence can help me with this then that means that I can finally settle down here in Equestria with you, Applejack, and all our friends. Plus after the whole incident with Shadow Striker going home or having memories of home just aren’t sound options anymore.” Radiant says as he nuzzles Twilight's cheek. “I know you're worried about but don’t be. I can take care of myself I’m not the scared pony I used to be you all have changed me.” Radiant puts on his glasses. “Now, I must be off, Celestia said she would Escort me to the outskirts of Ponyville so I can start my journey.” Radiant heads out of the room and heads for the carriage downstairs. “Oh and Twilight I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. Tell Applejack I’m sorry.” Radiant walks into the sunlight before disappearing. The evening sun was shining brightly as Radiant continues to ask Celestia questions about the Crystal Empire. Radiant was scared to begin his journey he has heard the rumors and stories of the dark prince who roams the Icy wastelands but Radiant didn’t care all he wanted was to erase the last of his human memories. Applejacks heart and his magic and wellbeing all depended on it. As the carriage lets him off Celestia throws him a map and some provisions before flashing him a warm smile and flying off into the sky.

Radiant began to walk the path ever so cautiously memorizing the landmarks and the new sites before him. This was the second time he had ever ventured out of Ponyville. As he walks through fields and forests he catches up on reading some books Twilight gave him. Radiant wanted to learn more about magic so he could help defend his new home. Night soon fell and Radiant begins to look for a place to camp for the night. As he walks through the forest he spots a clearing and sets up there. He lays by the fire as he jots down today’s events in his journal. As he was writing he heard the sounds of what appeared to be a small filly in danger. Radiant stood up and began galloping towards the screams. As he rounds a corner he finds a small white unicorn filly with long purple hair and a bow that reminds Radiant of the one Applebloom wears. Upon further inspection it appears she is badly wounded on her back leg. Radiant then sizes up the odd creature closing in on the poor girl. From the outline in the darkness it appeared to be an earth pony not much larger than Radiant.

“Hey leave her alone!” Radiant yells as the figure locks eyes with him and slowly walks out of the shadows. The figure walks into the moonlight as her snow white fur shines and her blonde braider hair falls to her shoulders. On her flank Radiant notices a red pentagram with the skull of a demon on her flank. “Who are you and why were you trying to attack that filly over there? Radiant says as his horn glows silver.

“Oh dear looks like I’ve found me an Alicorn this is very interesting. You know, your kind is surprisingly rare. Where do you come from little colt…” she notices Radiants blank flank and gives off a devilish smile as she walks closer. “You’re not from this world at all are you little colt. Well that’s a relief now I won’t feel bad about killing an Alicorn.” She says as she charges at Radiant with brute strength. The two clash as the little filly runs and hides behind a tree. The two jumps back and breathe heavily. “Well, it seems I misjudged you. Killing you will be so much fun.” She says laughing psychotically as she tries to kick, punch, and head-butt Radiant. Having trouble tracking her speed Radiant begins to panic.

“Damn who is this mare? She can’t be fabricated like Shadow Striker was.” Radiant thinks to himself. “Her moves are too well executed and unpredictable for her to be a blank. This mars the real deal.” Radiant continues to think as he fights back. After a few minutes of defensive tactics Radiant soon spots a week point and blasts her with a powerful bolt of magic. The bolt hits her dead center in the barrel as it slams her against a massive oak tree. The mare falls to the ground and coughs up blood. Radiant walks up to her and casts a healing spell on her.

“I won, know leave this forest and never come back.” Radiant says as he walks away.

“Wait stop.” The white mare says as she stands up causing Radiant to look back at her. “Is that it? You’re not gonna kill me?” She says in a surprised tone.

“No I refuse to kill. I already took one life after that I promised the princess I wouldn’t take another life. No matter how evil they are.” The mare walks closer to Radiant.

“How can you be so blind? What kind of warrior spares an opponent that tried to kill them let alone harm an innocent child? Now, come back here and finish the job dammit.” The mare yells at him as he continues to walk away.

“Shut up you little fool!” Radiant snaps back as the mare looks at him. “I don’t care where you’re from or who you are or why you attacked me I will not kill you. Oh and I’m no warrior I’m just an Alicorn from Ponyville who is on a very important journey. So, please stop being a foolish child and leave the forest. I have to go find that filly that you were terrorizing.” Radiant turns his back on her and walks away in search of the purple maned filly.

“Just an Alicorn from Ponyville, how is that possible when he doesn’t even have a cutie mark?” she says to herself as she thinks back to their heated fight. “On top of that his movements were masterful and his magic seemed unlimited. I need to follow this pony there is something more he isn’t telling me and I intend to find out what.” She says as she quietly follows Radian through the forest. As Radiant makes his way back to his campsite he finds the white filly lying by his fire crying and shaking with fear. Radiant snaps a twig by accident causing the filly to shoot up onto her hooves and limp into the tent in fear.

“It’s ok little one I’m not here to harm you I just wanna help.” He says as he climbs into the tent. Scared beyond belief the filly closes her eyes and flinches as Radiant raises his hoof. She stops and opens her eyes to see a warm smile from Radiant as he rubs her back. “Hey now it’s ok little one I’m not going to hurt you. Now, let’s take a look at that leg of yours.” Radiant says as the filly sticks out her hind leg. The gash was deep and was starting to get infected. Acting quickly Radiant went to work using his magic and his first aid knowledge. “There we go it should be all better by morning. Are you hungry little one?” Radiant asks as the fill smiles and nods.

“Yes please.” She says in a tone that was an identical mixture of Fluttershy’s soft tone mixed with Pinkie Pie’s high pitched voice.

“So, what’s your name little one?” Radiant asks as he begins making soup. “My name is Radiant Sword and I’m an Alicorn from Ponyville.” He says with a warm smile as the little filly gets into his sleeping bag.

“My names Sugar Skull and I’m from a small village west of her called Catania.” She says before looking down at the ground with a somber look on her face. “I used to live with my mother and father until…the Changeling's showed up.” She says with a pained expression on her face. “When they attacked us they killed everyone and burned my village to the ground. I’ve been orphaned in this forest for several days now.” She says as Radiant holds her close to comfort her.

“Why would the Changeling's do that? Princess Celestia told us that Queen Chrysalis had stopped her relentless assault after the whole wedding incident.” Radiant says with a confused expression on his face.

“My daddy told me that Chrysalis only rules the main hive. There are rogue hives all over Equestria but I never believed my daddy. I always assumed they were just stories that parents told to keep their fillies on their best behavior.” Radiant strokes her mane with his hoof in an attempt to further calm Sugar Skull. “So, Mr. Sword why are you all the way out here?” she says as she looks up at him with her innocent red eyes. Radiant chuckles softly as he pets her head.

“Please Skull call me Radiant and well I’m on a journey a very important journey to the Crystal Empire.” Skull sinks her head in fear as she begins to shake.

“That’s were K-King S-Sombra lives.” She says as she cuddles up in the sleeping bag.

“Don’t worry Sugar Skull I’ve been warned about him and thanks to Princess Celestia I’m strong enough to fend him off.” Radiant says as his horn once again glows with a silver aura. “Look it would be wrong of me just to leave you here in this forest. So, if you want I can take you with me back to Ponyville so we can find you a new home or I can take you to one of the nearby villages and drop you off there.” Radiant said pointing at his map. “The choice is yours but for now let’s eat we can discuss this later.” He says as he hands Skull a bowl as the two new acquaintances eat and talk about their lives.

“WOW! You’re a creature from another world.” Sugar Skull says with stars in her eyes and a smile that rivaled Pinkie Pie’s. “On top of that you go on all these cool adventures with your friends. Not only that but your friends are The Elements of Harmony?” she says with an excited tone. Radiant laughs as he pets Skulls head once again.

“You hit the nail right on the head there Sugar Skull.” He says as he finishes off his soup. “Now, come on little one it’s time for bed.” Radiants says as he climbs into his sleeping bag and Sugar Skull cuddles up next to him and lays against his barrels as his arms wrap around her. The two sleep the night away. The morning soon approached as Radiant and Skull awoke from their dreams. As he stood up and stretched Sugar Skull walks up behind him wither saddlebags ready. “Alright now let’s get all this packed up and get out of here. We still have a day or two left before we reach the Crystal Empire.” Radiant said as he used his magic to pack everything up. Sugar Skull helped as she used her magic to pack up the sleeping bags and pillows.

“Ok daddy everything is all packed up and ready.” Radiant freezes in place as he turns to look at Sugar Skull with a look of shock on his face.

“Did you just call me D-Daddy?” Radiant says as he walks over to Skull.

“Well, kinda ya see since I have no family left and you risked your life to save me, on top of that you also fed me, healed my wounds, and took care of me. I kinda…w-want y-you t-to m-maybe consider…adopting me.” She says as she squeaks out the last two words as her cheeks flush red with embarrassment.

“Skull that’s a big question to ask someone you just met. I don’t mind adopting you but it’s too soon to decide that. I want you to think long and hard about this decision and once we return to Ponyville if you still feel the same way then I will adopt you. This doesn’t mean I’ll stop taking care of you though. After all it’s my responsibility to protect you.” He says as Skull puffs her cheeks and huffs.

“Yes sir.” She says as she grabs her bag and hops on Radiants head as they make their way out of the forest. As they make their way farther down the path the two friends begin to talk some more about what they like to do and what foods they like. The more they venture on down the path the closer Radiant and Sugar Skull become. Finally, after two days of walking they finally reached their destination, the snow covered wasteland leading to the Crystal Empire. Soon Radiant will be at the castle so he can severe the last memories of human life he had. If he succeeds not only will he come back to ponyville with a new little friend but he can finally find out whether he can love Applejack the way she loves him.

The cold winds rages on as the two ponies trek through the thick snow as their destination could be seen on the far horizon. As they continued their journey Sugar Skull started to shiver from the immense cold. Sensing her distress Radiant takes of his scarf and hat giving them to Skull. She snuggles up in the warm wool as Radiant shivers as he continues to walk through the snow. As they reached a frozen pond an evil laughter could be heard in the distance. Closing in from behind them was a black and purple fog with glowing green eyes. Radiant new those eyes from the stories Celestia told him. Fearing for Sugar Skulls safety radiant took to the sky and started flying as fast as he could. Sugar Skull wakes up at the sudden increase in speed and looks behind her. She soon notices Sombra gaining on them as she yelps and hides under Radiants hat.

As the darkness draws closer Radiant flaps his wings faster as a cone forms around him as his fur begins to ripple. “Hold on little one this is will be over soon.” He says as he pulls of a Solar Flare as he lands inside the barrier that protects the Crystal Empire from Sombra and his magic. Radiant lands breathing deeply. “Are..you ok...little one?” Radiant says as he takes the hat and scarf off her and puts it in his saddle bag.

“Ya I’m fine but what was that?” Skull says looking at Radiant in amazement.

“It’s called a Solar Flare, my friend Rainbow Dash taught it to me. It only happens when I break...the s-sound barrier.” Radiant says before collapsing to the ground and passing out. In a panic Sugar Skull nudges him trying to wake him up before running off to look for help. Radiant opens his eye and notices that he is in a bed in a room adorned with crystals. “Huh, where am I?” he said in a groggy tone.

“Radiant is that you? ” A white unicorn says as he stand over Radiants bed.

“Shining Armor?” Radiant says as he becomes fully conscious.

Shining Armor chuckles as he opens the curtains as light fills the room. “It’s Prince Shining Armor now remember?” He says as radiant gets out of bed and goes over to the window looking outside.

“That’s right how is Princess Cadence anyway?” Radiant says with a smile thinking back to the wedding. “Anymore issues with Chrysalis or Sombra?” He says looking out at the snowy wasteland on the edge of town.

“Thankfully know on Chrysalis but I’m guessing you ran into Sombra on your way here.” Armor says with glaring eyes.

“Ya, on the way here he attacked us. Thankfully I got Sugar Skull to safety I wouldn’t be able to live with myself had she gotten hurt.” Radiant says sinking his head. “How did I get here anyway? The last thing I remember was breaking the sound barrier getting Skull to safety and then all I saw was darkness.” He says turning to Armor meeting his gaze.

“According to the doctors you passed out from exhaustion. It was so cold that your stamina deteriorated twice as fast. If it hadn’t been for Skull you would’ve died. Your daughter saved you.” Radiants eyes widen before he closes them and shakes his head.

“She isn’t my daughter. On the way here I came across her in the forest. She was being hunted by a earth pony and I saved her.” Radiant pauses for a few seconds before swallowing a lump in his throat. “Her village had been wiped out by Changeling's from a rogue hive. I didn’t wanna leave the filly there so she has been with me ever since.” Radiant sits down pulling out a scroll, quill, and ink.

“Twilight was right about you. You are a fool.” He says as he laughs and smiles. Radiant looks back and returns the smile.

“Hey if I’m a fool for saving defenseless filly then I’m the biggest fool here is.” He says as him and Armor share a laugh as the door opens. Radiant looks out the window. “Ya know after all this blows over and I return to Ponyville I wouldn’t mind her father. After all she seems to have taken a liking to me.” Radiant says finishing his scroll before sending it off.

“What are my two favorite stallions talking about in here?” Cadance says walking into the room with Sugar Skull by her side. Sugar Skull runs over to Radiant tackling him to the floor.

“RadI I was so worried.” Sugar Skull says as Radiants eyes widen.

“Skull were did you hear that nickname?” Radiant says looking at her with a warm gaze.

“The orange pony outside told me.” She says with a big smile. “I think she likes you Radi.” she says before chuckling.

“Orange pony you don’t mean.” Radiant stops as he see’s another pony enter the room.

“Yup in the flesh.” Applejack says with a chuckle as she walks over to radiant giving him a hug.

“How did you get here and why did you follow me. I needed to do this alone.” Radiant says slightly aggravated.

“I wanted to let you go by yourself but when I heard Celestia tell you to head for the Crystal Empire I got worried. I’ve heard the stories about King Sombra and me and my friends have encountered him ourselves. I couldn’t handle losing you.” Applejack says as she begins to cry. Radiant wraps his arms around her comforting her.

“Celestia sent me a letter explaining your reason for coming here. I can help you erase your memories but be warned once there gone you can never get them back. Meaning should you try to go home you will have no memories of your friends, family, and your everyday life.” cadence says with a stern look on her face.

“I don’t know what I want to do. I’ve only been in Equestria for a short time yet part of me wants to stay and start a new life here with Applejack and Sugar Skull. On the other hand the other side of my mind is telling me that everything I’m doing here is wrong and that I don’t belong here. I just don’t know what to choose.” Radiant says as he begins to cry and grip his head in pain.

“Try not to get too worked up you still haven't healed fully. It’s not your head that's torturing you your mind is fighting what your heart wants.” Cadance says as her horn lights up as it wraps Radiant in a pink aura. “Your heart is filled with the love you feel towards Applejack and Skull but your human mindset is holding you back. The only way for you to be happy is to go ahead with the removal process. I understand that this is a big decision just come find me once you have made up your mind.” She says as her and Shining Armor leave the room.

“You ok sugarcube?” Applejack says rubbing Radiants back as Sugar Skull jumps on his head.

“Please stay daddy you're all I have left.” she says as she nuzzles Radiants head. Radiant sits there thinking to himself. As he recalls the events leading up to know he compares them to his old life. Radiant imagines a room where he is standing in the middle surrounded by his heart and brain.

“C’mon Noah forget this world. You know you don’t belong here why do you fight what you are.” His brain says as it floats around him.

“His names not Noah he is Radiant Sword now and he is a pony just like everyone else.” his heart says firing back as it manifests into a red pony causing his brain to manifest into a human.

“No he is a human that got transformed into a pony against his will. He doesn’t even have a cutie mark. The inhabitants of this world will never accept you. Deep down they hate you and if given the chance they would abandon you in a heartbeat.” His brain says scoffing at his heart.

“No my heart's right I’m not a human I’m Radiant Sword and I am an Alicorn. The ponies here love and accept me even though I’m different. True friends can see past imperfections like that. At the end of the day my friends will stand by my side and I will stand proudly with them. True happiness comes from the heart not the brain so no brain I refuse my human side. Noah is gone I’m Radiant Sword now.” He says as his heart enters his body as he turns his back to his brain.

“Get back her you daft little man. I command you” his brain yells as big blue doors slam and lock. Radiant opens his eyes and takes a deep breath.

“Applejack go get cadence I’ve made my decision. It’s time for Radiant to show his true colors.