Taylor soon arrives in front of Twilight's castle. He steps off the chariot and nods to Shattering Hammer in departure. As he turns to walk away, a sudden blur of lavender fur is met with his face. Judging by her scent and the sound of fluttering wings. It was Twilight herself. he would just stand there, ,slidding a hand between his face and her tummy and pushes gently

"Taylor, thank Celestia you are alright...I was so worried that you had go into trouble after what had happened!"

"Mmm mmmmph mmmm mmm.."

"Hmmm? What was that-"

She suddenly leaps off of her as she feels him lightly bite her tummy, falling backwards went she did

"I said, "I am alright Twilight."."

Taylor would spit out a bit of her fur from his mouth and then shakes his head, then smiles to her and knelt in front of her

"And thanks to you and the other princesses. I was kept a secret from the nobles...well most of them anyways. I ran into Blueblood. He did what I expected him to do. Call me a monster and that I reek of evil intent. But whatever. But enough of that. I have good news Twilight. I made my first friend. And it is none other than the princess of the night herself."

Twilight's face lit up, those same sparkling eyes appeared as she heard those words, reaching up and wrapping ehr arms around him

"Oh Taylor, that IS wonderful news, I knew you weren't a bad pony! I just knew it!"

"Yes Twilight, and I have something to ask you. Should you choose is up to you. but first, I feel I owe you a debt of gratitude. For when I came to this world, every pony but you that night, was brave enough to take me to the hospital. Something that would have never happened back where I am from. I would have been left on the side of the road and left to die. But you..no, you aren't that kind of mare. And I am very very grateful to you for it. So I ask you now. Would you like to become my friend as well? So that I may repay the favor one day when the time comes, and help you in anyway I can?"

There was a pause, Twilight's muzzle was slightly open, she stared at the man with a surprised expression, but would turn into another smile and gasps, tightening the hug around him

"Yes Taylor. I would be honored to have you as a friend. But enough about that. Come with me, I have something I wanna show you!"

She said as she began tugging him up the stairs into her castle by his coat, he would stumble up behind her and come into the door way. Wait..he knew what was coming, the lights were off from the windows, and the room was dead quiet, he chuckled to himself and one thing came to his mind

"You didn't get me last time Pinkie...you aren't getting me now.."

"SURPRISE!!"

Everypony yelled all at once, balloons and streamers and such floated about the main room, they all cheered with happy faces and jumped about, but all froze and stared at Taylor, he had his arms crossed and a rather large victorious smirk on his face. Yep, he was well prepared for this, thanks to the knowledge that is the tv show he had watched back home. Pinkie Pie bounced up to him as he readied for her bombardment of words

"SO were you surprised huh huh huh?! Do you like the party?! Wanna play a game-"

She was cut off by his hand to her muzzle again, she was still making muffled noises behind it and he would kneel down in front of her, that smile still on his face

"No Pinkie Pie, I was NOT surprised, for i know that you are quite the party pony and like the throw welcoming ones. But that doesn't mean, that I am ungrateful for this little get-together you went out of your way to prepare forme. You are a sweet pony." he said as he would stand up and looks to the massive group of ponies behind him, he would wave to them a bit and smiled

"Please continue."

He said as he made his way through the crowd, trying to find a nice little corner or part of a wall to lean against. But first, he was gonna grab some of those yummy party foods...well the ones he could eat anyways. His stomach was a little on the empty side and he could go for...oh god, they have it! Taylor ran to the table and saw his prize, A full plate of nachos was waiting on the other side, he soon swooped in and snagged the plate before anypony noticed they were there. and would soon slunk off to the corner of his choosing and would begin to nibble on his prize

As the party went on, a few ponies came up to Taylor and tried to speak with him. He would make small talk with the ones who weren't too afraid of coming up to him. A few stallions, a few mares. But what was odd, the most he attracted were the young one. Fillies and colts gathered around the man with curious wide eyes. Taylor would only be too happy to oblidge speaking with the young ones. Talking to children really wasn't hard for him back home. He supposes it must have been his big brother instinct playing out. He would laugh and joke with the young ponies, they questioned him about the way he dressed, the items he had that he showed to him. Just silly things that children would ask.

After the parents who has feared for their children's safety had dragged them away from him, mouthing "sorry" to him over and over, he would just wave it off with a smile. Suddenly, a pair of large purple eyes would appear in front of his face, a slight glare to them, and a bit of multi-colored mane would follow. Yes, there was no mistaking it. Rainbow Dash was the first.

"So, you are the new guys here in Ponyville huh? You are not so scary!"

She would say poking a hoof against his chest. Taylor would decided to have a little fun with her now, and looks at her with a normal stare for a moment, then suddenly gives her a crazy glare with those eyes of his and leans forward, letting out a low grunt. He would watch the cyan pegasus fly backwards with a shout, she flipped about twice. He would hold the glare for a few moments, then cracks a smile and laughs.

"Not scared huh? If you say so Dash."

He said as he leaned back against the wall with his arms crossed. She flys back up to him again and tries to defend her honor

"I-i was just surprised is all. I could take you with my wings tied!"

"Now bow, Rainbow. Thar's no need to go makin' trouble with 'im."

Yep, there she was. The orange farm pony with the blonde mane and tail and the accent he was all to familiar with. After all, Taylor did live in Texas.

"Howdy sugarcube, mah name is Applejack. Its a pleasure to meetcha!"

She said as she would extend a hoof, he would kneel down and take it into his hand, giving her a firm shake and meeting her eyes with his, she looked like she was searching through his soul for something, her eyes narrowing for a moment, then smiles again

"Ah yes, Ah can tell you and you will be gettin' along nicely."

"Well I believe so Applejack. After all. I grew up on a farm myself. So I am no stranger to manual labor."

Applejack would smile up at him and nodded approvingly, she would pull her hoof away after he had released his grip.

"Well, if you are ever lookin' for somethin' ta do. You could always come and visit my apple orchard. Coiuld use a big strong pony like yerself to help out with the apples."

Taylor would think on it for a moment, then would nod in agreement.

"Perhaps Applejack. We shall see how things go for me here though huh?"

"Call me AJ sugarcube. All mah friends do."

Taylor chuckles lightly with a nod

"Very well then, AJ."

She nods in approval and would suddenly tug on Rainbow Dash's tail, she she nearly got in his face again, Taylor would sigh and lifts his gaze to her

"Look Dash. I know I may look like evil incarnate, but its not my fault that this damn mask is stuck to my face. You should know full well not to judge a book by its cover. Even someone cloaked in darkness has a good heart."

She attempted to counter his words, opening her mouth but nothing came out. She would lower her gaze and nodded

"Yeah..I do know that. Sorry about that big guy. Just trying to be a good friend and making sure nopony causes trouble for them. You know?"

Taylor would nod and reach up, placing a hand on her mane and began petting her gently

"I know that Dash, you are like me. You want to protect that which you hold dear. Just be careful who you label as a baddy from now on though alright?"

Dash would smile and nod to him, punching his shoulder playfully

"You are alright big guy. Would like to hang out some time. Maybe even challenge you to a hoof wrestle!"

"Me too. I wanna see what kind of strength ya got thar partner!"

"You are on girls."

All three of them chuckled before Dash and AJ went on to do their things at the party. Once they were out of view from his, he would let out a long sigh and would shake his head, speaking into his mind

Being an ambivert is sooooo exhausting...can only hold my mask for so long...

That's how you have always been Tay Tay, even when we were both young!

Taylor would twitch a brow as he heard that familiar voice chime in his mind

Ah, Tsu Tsu. I was wondering when i would hear from you again. You been staying out of trouble like a good wolfy should?"

She would playfully growl at him

"I may have been, I may have not. But i am happy that you are trying to reach out and be friends with these equines. I am just worried that...you may forget me and..."

Taylor would glare under his closed eyes a bit, as if glaring at her

"Stop right there Tsubaki. You know damn well I am never ever going to forget you. You are a very special part of me I could never forget, eben if i got amnesia, I wouldn't lose you."

While he couldn't seen it, he could feel e\her happiness and the wagging of her tail

Love you Tay Tay."

He would chuckle to himself and smile warmly

[i ]"Love you too Tsu Tsu. Be a good girl, and I will see you soon."

He was brought out of his mind by a sudden gasp that belonged to a certain fashionista unicorn that had decided to invade his personal space

"Darling what is that you are wearing?! So much black on one pony isn't good fashion sense! But this fabric of the coat and pants. It is simply divine.."

He we go...the one pony that he was dreading to meet and stab him with her sharp fashion criticizing daggers was moving in for the attack

"Well Rarity, if you must know. I do not work will with other colors. Black and dark blue are all you will be seeing me wear."

He stated plainly, she would then take her attention to his boots, she would lean back in slight over dramatic horror as she saw them

"Is that...leather?!"

"Yes? What of it?"

You...aren't a pony eater are you..?"

Taylor would sigh and would grin wickedly, he was going to mess with her to.

"Mmm yes I am, I eat ponies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I cook them in many ways and they come out quite tasty every time."

A look of pure fear came across her face, she would faint right there and place a hoof over her head. Taylor would crouch down over her and would reach his hands out to her in a mockingly evil manner, only to lift her up in his arms and carry the seemingly unconscious mare to a near by couch. he would whisper to her gently

"Of course i don't eat ponies you silly mare."

He would feel her stirring in his arms and watched her open one eye at him. He would lay her down on the couch carefully amd ;ppled down at her, she would gaze back up at him. suddenly she looked rather adorable when she did

"Darling....while I do not agree with all that black you are wearing, I must admit you do look rather mysterious , especially with that mask of yours. It all rather....dangerously exciting now that i think about it."

Taylor could see a blush slowly creeping across her face. This would make him smile at her and crouch down, bringing a hand to her cheek and gently caressing it. he would mess with her once more

"Are you saying my dear Lady Rarity, that you would like to have a dark knight of your very own to sweep you off your hooves?"

He asked with a tilt of his head, he could feel her trembling in his touch, her lips quivering and her eyes sparkling before she would faint again, this time for real. Taylor would chuckle to himself and stands up. leaving the mare to regain her composure, but before he could get any further, she would tug on his coat weakly as she looked up at him

"Darling, let me make you something that would compliment your outfit. And let me make some modifications to your coat as well. I am sure you won't be disappointed!"

Taylor would think on it, this coat was his favorite in all the world...he was very hesitant on letting the mare have her way with it. But he couldn't say no to her pleading eyes and would nod

"Very well Rarity. Just...please take good care of it."

Rarity nodded excitedly, letting him go. He would wander off outside to get some fresh air, it was getting a bit too crowded in there, and his extravort mask was starting to crack, he needed to recharge. As he made his way outside, he couldn't help but feel like eyes were on him. He closes his eyes as he leans against the railing of the stairs. Listening carefully for any movement or sounds. He would catch the slight movement of hooves behind a bush.

"You don't need to hide. I am not going to hurt you."

"Eep!"

Was all that he heard from the bush, seeing a pair of big green eyes peeking out at him, The mare slowly crept out of the bushes. Yep, there was no mistaking it, that yellow coat and that pink mane. Definitely Fluttershy. he would crouch down to eye level with her as to not seem so intimidating, motioning her over to him

"Hello there Fluttershy. Its a pleasure to meet you finally. I take it you don't like being in crowded places either huh?"

He asked in a warm and soft spoken took that seemed to mimic hers

"N-no, I don't too many ponies in one place can get a bit stressful."

"I can relate...trust me."

Taylor would rub his face a bit and lets out a sigh. Fluttershy approaches him and sits next to him, finally someone she could relate to

"So how do you deal with it? I saw you interacting with the ponies just fine....and now you look completely exhausted from it all..Are you alright?"

She would ask with genuine concern in her voice. Taylor would smile weakly to her and nods

"Well Fluttershy. I am what one would call an ambivert, I put on a non-physical mask that no one can see. I can become the life of the party, but at the end of the day, it drains me. Except when I am around friends. Then I feel like I can let go and be comfortable around them. I am sure you are the same way yes?"

Fluttershy would nod in agreement

"I do understand very much. And how do you know my name? I haven't even told you..."

"That is a secret my dear fluttershy. But i will tell you kine. I am Taylor. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Fluttershy would give a meek smile to him and nods her head in greeting

"Well mister Taylor, it is a pleasure to know you as well."

He would nod and reach up, placing his hand on her head and petting her gently. She would close her eyes tightly as he reach for her, but began to open them and would nuzzle into his gentle touch. It would seem that all Taylor would have to do around here is give pettings and they would all warm up to him

-A Few Hours After The Party, Guest Chambers-

Taylor tossed and turning his his sleep, breathing heavily as he was in some kind of nightmare. Tsubaki was at his side in the dream trying to fend it off. but the darkness, the rain and lightning were taking over. Flashes of a creature that reminded him of a centaur, destruction from all that he could see. his friends laying on the ground, seemingly lifeless, and a darkness surround his body as black lightning with red outlines coursed around his form, a look of horror on both of Celestia's and Luna's faces. Taylor was sweating profusely now, gripping at the blankets his slept under, the dream focusing in on Luna now. Taylor saw a dark figure approaching Luna, It was that same centaur looking figure he had saw earlier. It would pick Luna up by the neck and would begin to squeeze with great force She would struggle in its grip and looks to Taylor with tears in her eyes, reaching out to him. He wanted to run to her, but black tendrils were holding him in place. He would reach out to Luna, then everything went black. A pair of dark eyes flashed in his vision, red eyes with a green sclera,and a low wicked chuckle that soon followed.

"Give into the darkness boy....for if you want to defeat the one who will steal all the magic in Equestria....you will need my power."

The voice that was speaking to him was dark and gravelly. And it was so familiar. Where had he heard it before?

"Yeessss my dear boy. You know me all too well don't you?

It was really him...King Sombra.

Oh god, where was Luna when you needed her the most? The nightmare resumed, suddenly, Luna's body went completely limp after he heard a bone chilling crack. This caused Taylor's heart to drop and tears began to flow from his eyes

Thaaaat's right...look at how powerless you are to save the ones you care for. This will all come to pass if you do not accept the dark gift I wish to bestow up on you boy. After all, I am simply the remaining flicker of life of a former king."

The dream seemed to have frozen in time. And suddenly, Sombra made himself visible to Taylor, the tendrils around his legs would vanish and he would stand up, looking to the dark unicorn king

"And why should i trust you? You are no different than that monster before me. You enslaved ponies for so long!i."

Sombra would growl lowly in anger and stomps his hoof

Silence boy! You do not know what happened all that time ago when I was the king of that land. I wasn't always like this you know. I was a normal pony like anyone else would. Until the darkness corrupted my innocent soul and turned me into what you see now. But i can see that your soul feeds on the darkness and can turn it into power without being corrupted by it And while it may not be much. This darkness will be the thing you need to defeat Tirek. I want you to kill him boy, make him regret to ever returning and trying to kill off our kind."

Taylor would look to Sombra for any truthfulness in his words. Sombra would suddenly chat into a grey unicorn with a black mane, and deep blue eyes. A dark smoke hanging over him and hover to the middle. His eyes meeting Taylor's again.

" I will ask you again boy. Will you take the dark gift that I wish to bestow upon you. And kill off Terik in the name of all pony kind?"

Taylor would be hesitant once more, looking back at the limp body of Luna in the hands of that...monster. With a glare in his eyes, he would turn to Sombra

"Give itto me...If he would dare to hurt any of my friends. I will kill him with my own hands and spread his blood on the ground...."

Sombra would chuckle darkly and smiled, the dark smoke flying toward Taylor and engulfing his entire body, he would rise up off his feet and flow into his body, he would thrash and let out grunts as it entered into his body, finally he would drop down, on his hands and knees, Sombra would look to him, a peaceful look on his face..suddenly a normal sounding voice would come from his mouth

"As I was told by someone long before my corruption. Even someone completely shrouding in darkness.....can be the hero that saves the light. MY former powers are slumbering within you now Taylor, but when you need them, they shall awaking and aid you in your time of need.And tell Tia and Lulu I said hello."

And with that the dream resumed as he vanished into black smoke. Taylor would rise to his feet, his anger rising for the centaur creature and would begin to charge at him, letting out a loud battle cry, leaping into the air for an attack.

The dream shatters and fades to white...

Author's Note

Just so you know.The power he received from Sombra isn't uber op. its just something to combine with his lightning abilities...and make it look at super cool and such. So don't get all bent out of shape about how is abilities are becoming all god like. I know you are all out there with that same thought once you reach the under of this chapter. :P As for what this 'dark gift' will provide him with. You sahll see once I make them known.

As always, Like and share please.

May the darkness grant you peace.