A Pony out of Place

Chapters

Chapter One - A Pony who Lost his Way.
Chapter Two - A Pony who is Welcomed.
Chapter Three - A Pony meets Royalty.
Chapter Four - A Pony is Missing!
Chapter Five - A Pony Earns his Keep
Chapter Six - A Pony is Irresistible.
Chapter Seven – A Pony Fights and a Pony Plays.
Chapter Eight – A Pony questions where His Place is.
Chapter Nine – A Pony makes his Decision
Chapter Ten – A Pony that will do Anything for Love.
Chapter Eleven – A Pony who Never gives up!
Chapter Twelve - Final Boss Battle!!
Epilogue – A Pony who found his Place.
A little something extra!

Chapter One - A Pony who Lost his Way.

Chapter One: A Pony who Lost his Way.

The day had begun ordinarily enough in Alamos Town. The sun was shining and Starly chirped happily. A young Ponyta by the name of Flare Blitz had awoken, eaten some breakfast and now casually walked around town. His hooves clicked steadily against the cobblestone path as he made his way to the gardens where his friends would be waiting.

***

It was another perfect day as Twilight Sparkle ticked off her checklist as her number one assistant, Spike, packed a picnic basket full of delicious treats that he had prepared earlier.

“Seriously Twilight, you don’t need a checklist for a picnic… it’s just a simple get-together.”

“But it’s our turn to bring the food and I want to make sure that we don’t forget anything!” The meticulous unicorn replied, checking off two more items.

“Well as long as we’re not late.” Spike mentioned as he glanced at a clock on the wall. This comment however, also caused the unicorn to panic. Lateness was not acceptable and in a flash of magenta light, Spike found himself along with Twilight at the park.

The dragon gave her a stare and shook his head. “Seriously?”

Twilight gave the dragon a sheepish grin as the two of them set up the picnic blanket and awaited the arrival of their friends, something high above them went unnoticed as the sky shimmered, like a faint ripple along the surface of a still lake.

***

When Flare arrived at the gardens, three Pokémon were already waiting. The first was a female Pikachu who tapped her foot impatiently. The second was an Espeon, who rather than noticing the appearance of the Ponyta, he was busy admiring his own appearance in the water. The third was a large Garchomp, whose body was covered in scars and wore a fierce expression, though it softened somewhat when Flare trotted over to them.

“It’s about time!” The Pikachu said. “Do you know how long we’ve waited here?”

“It’s been about five minutes Lucy!” The Garchomp replied curtly. “Do try and stress less… you’ll live longer.” Lucy responded by poking out her tongue. The Garchomp looked over to the Espeon and called out. “Hey Velvet! Flare’s here!”

Velvet looked up as a wide smile spread across his face. “Flare darling! How wonderful!”

“Hey Vel, how are you today?” Flare said, the Espeon’s personality was a little odd, but Flare didn’t mind.

“I’m super! Thanks for asking!” Velvet replied and then with his paw, smoothed out a patch of fur sticking up on Lucy’s head.

“Argh, dammit!” The Pikachu said, flailing her arms. “Quit fussing over me already!”

“Well seeing as how you care so little to your own appearance, someone must.” Velvet replied indignantly. “So Flare darling, where are we headed today?”

That was a good question, Flare hadn’t actually thought about it yet. “Hmm… I’m not really sure. You guys have any ideas?”

The tall Garchomp, Sapphira, stepped forward. “We could go to the courtyard and wipe out a few trainers?” she suggested, flexing her sharp claws.

“That’s always your idea,” Lucy said. “It seems to be all that you and Flare do lately. I'm not one for battling much and Velvet couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag.”

“Well that’s harsh,” Velvet pouted, but she was right. Battling was for those who didn't want to be fabulous.

“Lucy does have a point." Flare said. He thought for a moment and came up with an idea. " How about we battle a trainer and then we'll take Lucy and Velvet out for ice-cream?” This caused the Espeon and the Pikachu to put on wide grins.

Sapphira deflated a little, but the prospect of making humans cry after she trounced their Pokémon cheered her right back up again. “Well I suppose," Sapphira muttered and turned to the little Pikachu. "But you better cheer for me or no ice-cream."

Lucy nodded and the four friends headed towards the central courtyard… or they would have if the entire town hadn't suddenly gone right to hell in a handbasket.

***

It was just an ordinary day, that’s what today had started out like… now Flare Blitz was running for his life as Dialga and Palkia tore the town apart.

Literally.

Flare had no idea what was going on. The sky that had once been a clear, crystal blue was now a swirling sea of chaos. It was as if the town itself was floating in the swirling, black clouds…
Soon, he was almost there. Every human and Pokémon in the town was gathering at the gardens in the middle of town and he was almost there… and then he tripped. A loose cobblestone slid out from under his hooves and the Fire Horse Pokemon went face first into the pavement. He barely had time to register the pain when the purple energies caught up with him and he was sucked into the void.

***

It was dark, cold... Really cold.

Flare’s breaths became shallow and laboured as he struggled to take in what little oxygen he could. It was like trying to breathe while under a thick blanket and combined with the pain he was in and the fear that he might die... it was not a good combination.

His vision began to fade as only one thought crossed his mind.

“Someone, anyone... help me!”

Something filled his dimming vision with a brilliant light, it felt warm and somehow familiar. He didn’t know what to do, since he was dazed and in pain, but the shimmering light in front of him was so warm, so gentle. He slowly raised a hoof and reached out for it.

“Are you lost?” A soothing voice asked him. “Do you want help finding your way?”

Flare could not respond, but ever so slightly he moved his head as he continued to reach for the light.

“Alright then, I will help you...”

The words barely registered to him as the light shone brighter and he could feel it’s warmth spreading as he lost consciousness.

***

“Would you like some more cake?” Twilight asked her friends as they sat on the large blanket, enjoying the warm sun and each others company.

“Well there’s always room for more cake!” Pinkie said and rather than going for the slice that Twilight was offering, she nabbed the rest of the cake and downed it in a single gulp.

“Mmm!” Pinkie licked her lips and then looked at the five ponies and one dragon that were all giving her an odd look. “What?” She said innocently. “Twilight offered.”

Twilight shook her head and decided to consume the one remaining piece when a loud crack shook all six ponies, along with the sense of peace around them. It was like someone had broken a window and then amplified the sound by a thousand. Twilight looked around, trying to find the source of the noise when she noticed several ponies all looking up at the sky and pointing. Twilight glanced upwards and then let out a gasp of surprise.

The sky was broken.

“W-what’s happening?” Fluttershy whispered as dozens of ponies ran screaming or simply stared at the tear, wondering what caused it.

“The horror! The HORROR!” One pony yelled as she ran for the nearest building to hide in.

“Pinkie... did you do this?” Rainbow Dash suddenly asked.

“Nope!” Pinkie bubbled happily, seemingly unfazed. “Not this time Dashie.”

Twilight’s mind stalled for a second, before kicking back into gear and getting organised. “Okay, we don’t know what that thing is, but we need to keep everypony safe.” She turned to her friends and began to direct them. “Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, can you two keep any curious pegasi from going near it?”

Rainbow saluted and grabbed her timid friend before soaring off into the sky.

“Pinkie. I need you to head back to town and keep everypony from panicking. Think you can handle it?”

“Okie doki loki,” Pinkie giggled and bounced back to town, humming happily.

“What about us darling?” Rarity said. “What can we do to help?”

Twilight thought for a moment, she turned to Spike and handed him a quill and parchment. “Spike, send word to Princess Celestia and tell her what’s going on...” Twilight looked at the huge tear. It seemed to stretch on for several miles. “Though I don’t see how anypony in Equestria could miss that.” She turned her attention back to Rarity and AJ. “Applejack, I’m still not certain, but just in case, can you get any able-bodied ponies ready to defend against an attack... just in case?”

“Ah dunno whut you might be thinkin’ there Twahlight!” The farm pony replied. “But if y’all are thinkin’ that the thing is dangerous... Should we really be gettin’ the townsponies involved?”

“I’m sure that the Princess will send the Guard soon, so we only need them until they arrive.”

“If y’all say so, then ah’ll do whut ah can!” Applejack said and headed off to get anypony she could.

“And me?” Rarity said, “Where do I fit in to your brilliant plans?”

“The best part!” Twilight smiled, “You get to come and help me research on what this anomaly might be.”

“Oh Joy...” Rarity sighed as she started to follow the other unicorn back to the library.

All the plans were coming together, but before Twilight could reach her home, a second crack resounded and a large bolt of what appeared to be lightning, fell from the tear and struck the large fountain in the center of the park, not too far from Twilight and Rarity. The resulting explosion threw both unicorns off of their hooves. There was a third crack and the tear vanished, leaving the serene blue sky intact, just as had been moments ago.

Twilight was the first to get up, shaking her head to try and clear her ringing ears. Helping Rarity up, she looked towards where the fountain had once stood, now a smoldering crater of rubble and smoke.

“Are you okay?” She asked her friend.

“I’ve been better,” Rarity replied and sighed as she noticed that one of her hooves had a slight chip in it. “Though I do hope the spa is open today.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, it seemed that Rarity was just fine. She looked back to the crater and then her eyes widened, something had moved in there!

“I think your hooficure will have to wait,” Twilight said wearily. “There’s something in there!”

Twilight ignited her horn and called up a small breeze to clear the slowly dissipating smoke. What it revealed made her heart skip a beat. There was a figure lying in the centre of the crater... and it was on fire! Her horn lit up once more as she grabbed the picnic blanket and began to try and smother the flames with it, but after a minute or two, it still seemed to have no effect. The flames just wouldn’t go out.

Twilight was sure that would have worked. It made no sense. She panicked slightly, wondering what to do next when Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy joined them. “Hey Twi, I thought I saw something land-” Her sentence was cut short as she noticed the flaming creature. “Whoa! one sec!”

She dashed off, only to return a moment later with a small raincloud to douse the flames with. She positioned to cloud above the creature and prepared to douse it with the water held within it, only to buck thin air as Twilight moved the cloud with her magic. “What the hay Twilight!?” Dash yelled. Was she trying to let it burn to death?

“J-just give me a second,” Twilight half-heartedly responded as she walked closer to the creature. It appeared to be similar to a pony in terms of appearance, only larger and more thinly built. She inspected the flames running along it neck, back and hindquarters, noting several things. One, she couldn’t smell the acrid scent of burning hair and flesh. (She’d set herself on fire enough times to know what that smelled like!)

Two, the flames seemed to be in the same place as where a ponies mane and tail should be. Were its mane and tail actually supposed to be like that?

Three, as she placed a hoof near it, she could feel no heat from it at all. Deciding to take a risk and against the outbursts of her friends, she touched the flames, only to jerk her hoof back in surprise.

“Its... not hot?” She said and to confirm it, she touched the flames once more. The feeling was similar to the Princesses’ mane, it had a an ethereal feel to it.

“This is incredible!” She exclaimed. “I think it’s actually supposed to be like this.”

Fluttershy stepped up next to her and tried it, “It really isn’t hot at all.” She confirmed. But then the pegasus noticed the injuries covering the pony-like creatures body. “Oh my, I think he might be hurt.”

“Then do we take it to the hospital? Or the vet?” Rainbow asked.

“It might be best not to cause any more panic for the time being.” Twilight said, taking charge once more. “Fluttershy, Rarity and I will take it back to Fluttershy’s cottage. Can you, AJ and Pinkie try and calm to townsfolk again?”

“You sure?” Rainbow said dubiously, making a quick glance at the strange creature. “What if that thing wakes up?”

Applejack nodded. “I gotta agree with Rainbow on this one Sugarcube. That critter might be dangerous.”

Twilight sighed, but her friends did have a point. “Alright then, we’ll all go.” Twilight and Rarity’s horns lit up and they gently lifted the equine off of the ground and began to walk to Fluttershy’s cottage.

***

“So uh, what do we do now?” Rainbow asked her friends as Fluttershy wrapped the last bandage and snipped the excess off.

Twilight had teleported off and returned a few moments later with several books in tow. “I found all the books on Equestria’s wildlife I could find as well as lost pony tribes and mythical beasts.” She opened one and began to read as Fluttershy and Applejack took the other two. Rarity decided to go and make some tea while Rainbow just continued to alternate between grumbling about being bored and sending shooting glances at the unconscious Pokémon.

After a while, Twilight threw her hooves up in defeat and groaned. “How can this be? It’s not in any of these books.” Her brain hurt and this rant only made the headache worse. “Just what in Equestria is this thing?”

No sooner had she said that, the blanket covering it shifted, causing the six mares to flinch and take a step back as the creature tumbled off of the couch and onto the floor with a loud thump.

As Flare tried to open his eyes, as he felt a weight on his body, like something was covering him. He shook and it fell off as the sudden exposure to light caused him to wince and close his eyes again. He slowly opened them and once his vision came back, the sight that greeted him was startling…

***

“I think it’s staring at us.” Pinkie whispered.

“Well that much is obvious,” Rarity replied.

“Do y’all think it can talk?” Applejack asked.

“Well Fluttershy can talk to animals, why doesn’t she try with this one?” Rainbow Dash suggested, eliciting a surprised squeak from the demure pegasus.

“That’s not a bad idea Rainbow.” Twilight agreed. “What do you say Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy squeaked again and then nodded her head slightly. She took an uneasy step towards the creature, her eyes never leaving his. Dash and AJ stood ready in case it tried to attack their friend.

***

Flare was a tad confused to say the least. He remembered that he was running for his life in Alamos Town, then something happened, he got hurt and then he felt really cold. He then remembered a warm light and then the next thing he knew, he awoke in a strange place with Pokémon he had never seen before all looking at him and speaking some strange language he didn’t understand.

“What the heck is going on here? Where am I?” He looked around and noticed that his body was covered in bandages. Did those weird Pokémon do that? Oh, wait, one of them was walking closer.

***

Fluttershy stepped closer and began to try and talk to it. “It’s okay.” She said in a calming tone. “We’re not going to hurt you.”

Flare cocked his head to one side. They had been talking gibberish before, but this one… he felt like he could understand her. Not completely like he talked with his friends and other Pokémon, but like when a human spoke to him. He could feel the emotion behind the words and it gave him an understanding of what this odd Pokémon was trying to say. Maybe it worked both ways?

“Where am I?” He asked. “Who are you?”

Fluttershy listened to the whinnies and neighs coming from the creature. They were noises that an equine would make, but it seemed more like it was trying to talk.

“I think it might be confused.” Fluttershy informed her friends. “But I don’t think it will hurt us.”

Rainbow Dash walked up to it and glared at it. “Well it had better not if it knows what’s good for it!”

Flare took a step back as the blue one appeared to be using Leer on him, though it didn’t have any effect so he assumed that it was just really weak. But he didn’t like being threatened and he opened his mouth and blew a weak flame at it, causing the winged Pokémon to jump back with a surprised yelp.

“Didja all see that!?” RD exclaimed. “That thing just tried to cook me alive!”

“Well you did threaten it,” Fluttershy scolded and went back to soothing the startled Pokémon. “Shh, there there. Rainbow didn’t mean it.”

Flare snorted indignantly but had a smug look on his face. Maybe next time the blue one would choose her battles more wisely. But without a way to communicate, this wouldn’t get very far. He looked around his surroundings some more and saw that the place he was in looked like a humans’ home. Were these human-trained Pokémon? Did he get caught too!?

After a bit of searching, he didn’t see any humans around and wondered if they might be out. This might be his only chance and with a burst of energy, he bolted out of the front door.

“Uh, Twi?” Rainbow said. “I think that this might be a bad thing.”

The unicorn hadn’t heard her though. She was already out the door and chasing after it.

***

Flare bolted out of the cottage and headed down a long dirt road until he reached what appeared to be a small town or village, but something seemed off.

One, there were more of those cute, pony-looking Pokémon.

And two, there were no humans to be seen. Anywhere.

Just where in the name of Arceus was he? As he walked through the streets, the odd Pokémon began shouting and running from him. Were they that scared of him? Had they just never seen a Ponyta before?

As Twilight and her friends ran towards town, they saw a large group of ponies running in the opposite direction, screaming about a pony from Tartarus.

“I think we may have found it,” Twilight said, as they got closer to the centre of town and saw the fire pony looking at Town Hall.

“I don’t know where I am, I have no idea what these Pokémon are and they all seem terrified of me.” Needless to say, Flare Blitz was not having a good day. Another yell caught his attention and he turned to expect another of Pokémon yelling at him. Instead, he saw a blue one with a mane that looked like ice cream running after a carriage. He recognised the carriage; it was similar to the one that humans used to transport their young. Did that runaway cart have infants in it?

Without a second thought, he bolted after the cart, racing past the mare running after it. Cup Cake let out a surprised yelp as a tall equine ran past her at blazing speed. At a second look, the pony appeared to actually be on fire! Rainbow Dash also flew past, barely looking back as she flew to catch the Cake twins.

Flare glanced to his left as he saw the blue one with the rainbow-coloured mane flying after him. Was it trying to help too? He focused his gaze back on the cart as he drew closer and just as he was about to grab the handle with his teeth, the cart disappeared from view as it raced down a steep hill.

Rainbow cursed as the cart careened down a familiar hill. As she adjusted her flight path and shifted her wings to enter a quick dive, she saw something that nearly made her fall from the sky. The fire pony blitzed past her at incredible speed, a white light in its wake.

Flare had caught sight of the cliff at the end of the hill and kicked his Quick Attack into gear. It wasn’t the first time he had used this ability to rescue someone and in a few seconds, he caught the carriage with his teeth and dug his hooves into the ground as he skidded to a halt.

When Rainbow Dash finally caught up, though her body was there, her brain was still out to lunch. Just how in the hay was his thing so freakin fast!? But he had saved the twins so that was the most important thing. Getting behind the carriage, she helped him push it back up the hill where a crowd of cheering ponies were waiting.

“Oh thank you so much!” Cup Cake said, her eyes brimming with tears as she hugged the startled flame Pokémon. “I don’t know who or what you are, but thank you!”

Flare had no clue what she was saying, but he got the feeling that this was the mother of the infants in the cart. He simply bowed his head understandingly.

Twilight approached him, looking at him inquisitively. This creature had chased after the carriage and saved the Cake foals. That sort of thinking clearly showed that he was at the very least, semi-sentient. He made equine like sounds when he communicated, like ponies did thousands of years ago before the introduction of the modern Equestrian language. Wait a minute!

“Girls, I have an idea!” Twilight suddenly said. She turned her attention back to Flare and beckoned for him to follow her.

The purple one with the horn seemed to want him to follow her. The crowd of Pokémon seemed to disperse and he still had no idea where he was. “I guess I have little choice at the moment,” he thought. “And I still haven’t seen any humans either…” He nodded once more and followed Twilight through town to her library.

“Um, this might sound stupid,” Rainbow said as they approached Twilight’s home. “But is it a good idea to bring a pony that’s on fire to a place made of wood and filled with paper?”

Twilight paused for a second. One, because Rainbow Dash actually made a valid point and two… Rainbow Dash actually made a valid point. “Well, we’ve seen that the fire isn’t actually hot, so I think it’ll be okay.”

Rainbow just shrugged and decided that Twilight probably knew best. By the time they got there, Spike was waiting for them.

“Where have you guys been?” He asked them. “I heard a rumour about a demon pony running around town and-” His sentence was cut short when he noticed the tall pony walking next to Twilight and his eyes went as wide as dinner plates. “AHHH! DEMON PONY!” he shrieked and ran inside, causing Flare to raise an eye at the dragons odd behaviour and Twilight chuckled.

“Don’t worry Spike,” She called out as they walked inside. “It’s not a demon pony and put that baseball bat away!”

Flare looked around the library, taking in the sights. He had snuck into the library in Alamos Town once with the help of Lucy, but it turns out that a place filled with books had a strict no fire-type policy. Twilight lit up her horn and levitated several books over, reading them simultaneously.

Watching her levitate books around, Flare figured that she was a psychic-type, but her moves seemed to be different than Velvet’s. Looking at the other ones he figured that the two with wings were at least part flying type. The other white one with the horn must be another psychic type and the ones that had neither, well he had no idea. Maybe they were normal types? Possibly ground?

There was a shout from the purple one again as she showed a book to the others and chattered excitedly. Just what the heck was going on?

“I found it!” Twilight exclaimed. “Starswirl the Bearded’s ‘All for One’ translation spell.”

“Are you sure this will work?” Rarity asked, looking at the complex spell. She didn’t even understand half of it.

“Well I’m not one hundred percent certain, but from the observations I’ve made, it seems to be an intelligent creature-”

“It’s a he,” Fluttershy interrupted.

“Huh? What was that?” Twilight asked.

“I said that this creature is male,” Fluttershy repeated. “I just thought that you’d like to know…”

“Well then, as I was saying. I’m fairly certain that he is a sentient creature and this spell should allow him to understand and speak Equestrian like the rest of us.”

Twilight turned her attention back to Flare. “Now don’t be scared,” she said. “I’m going to try something that will allow us to communicate. Do you understand?”

Flare just stood there, returned her gaze with his dark eyes. She seemed to be trying to communicate with him, but he didn’t understand a word she was saying. And they didn’t seem to understand him either. Perhaps she was asking if he was feeling better or something? He nodded once to confirm that he was feeling much better.

Twilight smiled and her horn lit up with a bright glow, her arcane prowess tapping into magic around her and focusing it on the spell she was attempting cast. A tendril of magenta light began to snake its way out of her horn and then suddenly connected with Flare’s head. Both his and Twilight’s eyes began to glow with a bright light as the knowledge began to copy itself into Flare’s mind. The Pokémon blacked out for a second as his mind filled with images and words, none of it making sense to him. It was kind of like watching a television show on fast forward, as memories belonging to somepony else forced their way into his mind.

There was suddenly a loud crackle as the tendril of light connecting them broke and the two ponies collapsed to the ground. Twilight panted heavily as she wiped some sweat from her brow and rubbed her aching horn. Flare on the other hoof was once again unconscious.

“Seriously?” Rainbow Dash said as she poked the stallion on the floor. “He faints more than Rarity.” The alabaster unicorn in question huffed indignantly in response.

“So did it work?” Pinkie asked as she helped Twilight up. “Can I throw a ‘Glad you can Talk and Welcome to Ponyville Party’ yet?”

Twilight shook her head to clear her now jumbled thoughts and looked at the pink pony. “I don’t know… I felt something, like we were connected for a moment. And I think I may have gotten some of his memories somehow… but I can’t remember any details, like something on the tip of your tongue.”

There was a soft groan from the Pokémon as he got to his hooves and shook his head. It felt like a swarm of pissed off Beedrill were living in his brain.

“Urgh, what the heck did you do to me?” He said, causing the six mares to gasp in surprise.

“Did y’all jus’ hear that?” Applejack said. “Ah think he jus’ spoke!”

Flare blinked for a second as he heard the orange one speak… and he understood it. “Did you just say something?” He asked, hearing his voice coming out of his mouth… it sounded a little different.

“It did work,” Twilight said, a little in awe over the fact that it actually worked, and the fact that her brain was overloading with questions that all wanted to be asked at the same time. She decided that there was one that was more important than the others.

“Welcome to Ponyville!” She said with a warm smile. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, what’s yours?”

Chapter Two - A Pony who is Welcomed.

Chapter Two - Welcome to Ponyville!

It has been a rather strange day for Twilight Sparkle, esteemed student of Princess Celestia and the Bearer of the Element of Magic. What had started out as a normal picnic lunch with her friends had turned into a day that was unlike any other. Twilight and her friends had dealt with ancient darkness long since sealed, a god of untold Chaos and a horde of creatures that fed on love itself. But they had never seen anything like the stallion that stood before them now.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle!” The lavender introduced herself first. “Do you have a name?”

The stallion blinked for a moment and Twilight wondered if the translation spell had truly worked, until he replied, “My name is Flare Blitz.”

“Flare Blitz?” The name had a nice ring to it and seemed to suit the stallion. “So um, if I may ask… What are you?” Twilight asked curiously.

“I’m a Ponyta,” He replied, like it should have been common knowledge. “And my question is what kind of Pokémon are you?”

“Pokémon?” Twilight had never heard of that before, and this Flare Blitz thought she was one? “What’s a Pokémon?”

“You’re kidding, right?” Flare was astounded. How could this purple thing not know what a Pokémon was? Everyone knew what a Pokémon was! “Oookay, then where am I? Kanto, Johto… Kalos?”

“I haven’t heard of any of those places,” Twilight said. “This is the town of Ponyville, in the land of Equestria.”

“Equestria?” Flare sat down rather suddenly and blinked. “Just where the heck am I?”

First he had been running from an enraged Palkia and Dialga and now he was Arceus knows where and no clue on how to get back! Flare was much taller than purple mare standing in front of him and now he was sitting, he could look her directly in the eye. “Her eyes are kinda pretty,” The idle thought just passed through his mind before he shook his head. “What the hell am I thinking? I have bigger Magikarp to fry.”

“H-how did I get here?” He said, his voice a little shaky as panic began to set in.

“I don’t know, there was a tear in the sky, and then a bolt of lightning hit the ground and you were there, I truly have no idea what caused it.”

“It was one heck of an entrance though!” Rainbow Dash chimed in before Applejack nudged her in the ribs. “Ow, what?”

“Show some tact!” The farmer warned her pegasus friend. “The poor colt has no idea where he is and he seems a bit confused?”

Flare turned his head when Applejack spoke, her voice sounded familiar somehow. “So Equestria huh? And there really aren’t any other Pokémon here at all?”

“Um, I’m sorry,” A soft and gentle voice replied. Flare turned to its source and saw a yellow pegasus with a pink mane. “But even I have never heard of ‘Pokémon’ before...”

“Fluttershy is an expert on all sorts of animals and if she’s never heard of them...” This got Twilight back into thinking mode as she walked off to a bookshelf, mumbling to herself.

“The ‘Twilight Zone’, we’ve lost her for a while now~” Pinkie giggled and bounced up to Flare. “Is it my turn for a question?”

Flare gave the pink pony an inquisitive look and nodded his head. “Sure, why not?”

“Okie Doki Loki,” Pinkie giggled again as she bounced up and down on the spot. Was she made of rubber or something? “When’s your birthday?”

“...” Flare just stared blankly at her. He had expected a lot of questions, but this one threw him for a loop. “Wha-? But why?” Flare took a breath and looked back at her. Pinkie’s smile was as endless as her bouncing. “The third day of summer is when I hatched,” he said and Pinkie nodded, scribbling something down in a notepad. “Okay, and what’s your favourite type of food?”

Flare blinked again. What was the point of these questions? “Uh, Passho berries I suppose...”

‘Okay, okay last one!” Pinkie said, she was now wearing a journalist hat. “What is your favourite type of mare?”

“Alrighty, I think that’s enough!” Rainbow said, pulling her pink friend away. “I think he’s had enough Pinkie for one afternoon.”

“There is no such thing as too much Pinkie!” Pinkie declared as she bounced around happily, humming a little tune.

Rainbow sighed and turned back to Flare. “Sorry ‘bout that. Pinkie is, well... Pinkie.”

“It’s alright,” he said. “No harm, no foul.”

Rarity smiled at him as her eyes gazed upon the flickering flames that danced along his body. “If I may ask darling, those flames, they don’t hurt at all?”

Flare gave his tail a flick, which caused the mares present to flinch slightly as embers fell from it and onto the wooden floor, but didn’t do anything.

“I can control the temperature of my mane and tail, and as for hurting me, well no.” He beckoned Rarity over and motioned for her to touch his mane. “Trust me.” He said with a warm smile as Rarity gulped and reached for his mane with a shaking hoof. As she got closer, Flare sighed and leaned into her hoof as the unicorn shrieked as she thought she was about to burn until she realised that there was no heat at all.

“Incredible.” She breathed quietly as she ran her hoof through his mane. Flare concentrated a bit and Rarity felt his mane get a little warmer until it was about the same temperature as a warm bath. “See?” he said, “It’s alright.”

Rarity’s eyes suddenly went wide as a flood of ideas washed over her mind. “I-I have to go! Please excuse me!” She bolted towards the door, but turned just as she reached it. “It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Blitz.” Rarity gave a polite bow and then left hurriedly out of the door.

“What the heck was that all about?” Flare wondered. “I didn’t make my flame too hot did I?”

Applejack shook her head and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Naw, ah’ve seen that look before, She’s just got an idea or two and went home to work on ‘em.”

Flare tilted his head and Applejack explained further. “She’s a fashion designer by trade and I’ll bet ten bits that yer flames gave her a bout ‘o’ inspiration!”

“I see.” Flare never paid much attention to that sort of thing. Velvet had tried to get him to wear a fancy outfit or two, but Flare found they didn’t last long in the heat of battle, much to the despair of the Espeon.

“So what about you two?” he said to RD and AJ. “Any questions for the Pokémon?”
Applejack shook her head and gave him a friendly smile. “Y’all seem like a nice enough stallion to me, so ah think we’re good.” She thought for a moment and then decided to ask. “Y’all have any experience in buckin’ trees?”

“Trees?” What did she mean by that? “Um, I’m not sure what you mean, so no, I guess I don’t.”

“Already looking for cheap labour huh?” Rainbow teased the farm pony. “Well I have a question actually.” She walked up to him and looked him in the eye. “I wanna know how you saved the Cake twins earlier today.”

“Finally, an easy question! I just used my Quick Attack to catch the carriage.”

“Quick Attack? What the hay?” Rainbow was confused as to what he meant. He wasn’t a unicorn, so it couldn’t have been magic. “How do you do it?”

“It’s just one of my attacks,” Flare explained. “Kind of like a special ability or power would be another way of putting it.”

“A special power!?” The four remaining ponies turned to see Twilight coming back over to them. “Can you tell me more about them? What do they do? Is it like magic? Were they powers you were born with?”

“Whoa there Sugarcube!” Applejack said, trying to reign in her excited friend. “Yer beginnin’ to sound like Pinkie.”

“But he’s a completely new life form!” Twilight levitated over a quill and some paper and was ready to write. “Can you explain these powers? In as much detail as possible would be perfect.”

There was a shriek as all ponies in the room turned to the libraries front door to see Roseluck standing there, her eyes wide and pointing a shaking hoof at Flare.

“M-m-m-monster!” She screamed and bolted from the library and into town.

Fluttershy finally spoke up after the dramatic exit of the earth pony. “Um, perhaps we should tell the townsponies that Flare isn’t dangerous first?”

“That might be a good idea,” Twilight sighed and put her quill down. Her research would have to wait.

***

It was like the whole Zecora incident all over again. Doors and windows were boarded up and ponies watched with fearful eyes as Twilight and her friends walked Flare through town.

“Did I do something wrong?” Flare asked. “Why are all these poke- I mean, ponies, hiding from me?”

“It’s not you,” Twilight replied with a twitch in her eye. “I seriously thought we’d learned from this with Zecora already.”

Pinkie nodded and bounced on ahead. “Alright everypony!” she suddenly called out at the top of her voice. “Unless you all come out and make friends with Flarey, then I won’t invite you to any parties!”

This was an interesting tactic to say the least. “Seriously? You really think that something like that will-”

Flare stopped talking as ponies came out of their homes by the droves, their faces filled with regret for shunning a newcomer and fear of never seeing another Pinkie party again.

“You have got to be kidding me,” Flare muttered as ponies of all shapes and colours began to introduce themselves to him. “You must throw some amazing parties Miss Pinkie.” Flare said, looking at the pink pony.

“Yepper deppers~” Pinkie sang. “I throw the bestest parties in Equestria, you just wait until tonight.”

Flare spent the next hour just greeting anypony and everypony. After Pinkie’s little threat, and actually getting to know him, everypony in town seemed to be okay with him. It seems that love and tolerance were the flavours of the day around here.

As Twilight and her remaining friends continued to show him around, they eventually came to the park and the still smoldering crater that Flare had caused with his arrival.

“Whoa!” Flare breathed in disbelief. “I caused that when I showed up?”

“Yeah, and totally wiped out the fountain along with it!” Rainbow laughed. “It was a pretty spectacular entrance.”

Flare’s eyes widened, no wonder everyone had been shocked to see him. Seeing the destruction he wrought upon his arrival and the description of the event that caused it, the title of ‘Demon Pony’ seemed rather fitting now.

“I’m so sorry about this,” Flare apologised, bowing his head to his new friends. “I promise I’ll make this up to everyone somehow.”

“Wha? Oh, no.” Twilight replied, shocked at the sudden apology. “It doesn’t sound like it was your fault... speaking of, do you remember how you got here?”

That was actually a good question. Flare closed his eyes for a moment and thought about the circumstances of his arrival in this strange place. “I remember running from Dialga and Palkia, and then...” He pressed a hoof to his head as he recalled nothing but a blank. “I-I don’t know, I simply remember running and then waking up in front of all of you.”

“Okay then,” Twilight had remembered the first time she attempted teleportation and that along with some bad magical burns, it also brought temporary memory loss. “Maybe you were teleported here somehow? Or perhaps...?” She walked off to the side and mumbled to herself again as she came up with dozens of theories.

“She does that a lot huh?” Flare noted as Rainbow nodded.

“Yeah, but Twi’s good at the eggheady stuff, so I think you’re in good hooves.” Rainbow Dash gave a single flap of her wings to propel herself into the air. “I got some weather stuff to take care of, but I’ll see you all at the party tonight?”

Fluttershy and Applejack nodded as RD raced off, a rainbow contrail in her wake.

“Wow, she’s pretty fast huh?” Flare was quite surprised at the abilities that these ponies had. Some were similar to pokemon powers, but others were simply amazing.

“Rainbow is one of a kind,” Applejack said. “But she’s dependable an’ more loyal than anypony else in the world.”

“She kinda reminds me of my friend Sapphira.” Flare closed his eyes again as he thought about the three friends that were probably looking all over Alamos Town for him. “She’s brash, quick to start a fight and doesn’t really trust anyone until she gets to know them... but I wouldn’t have anyone else by my side if I were ever in trouble.”

“Do you have a lot of friends?” Fluttershy asked him.

Flare shook his head. “No, I was never really good at making friends, but I love the ones I do have.”

“Well you can count us among them.” Twilight smiled, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “At least, I hope you will.”

Flare nodded and returned the smile. “I would like that,” He replied quietly. “Thank you.”

Twilight looked at the clock tower and then back to her friends. “Should we head to Sugarcube Corner? I don’t think Pinkie would want us to be tardy.”

Fluttershy and Applejack exchanged nervous glances at the mention of the word ‘tardy’ and nodded. “Yeah, I reckon we should go right now.”

***

“Well this is a great party.” Flare deadpanned as the Pokémon and three ponies stared at the closed bakery. “But seriously, it’s been what, thirty minutes? I don’t see how a party could be arranged that fast.”

“Trust me, Pinkie can do it.” Twilight said. “Well, I guess we could head back to the library for now. Maybe Pinkie is taking her time with this one?”

“An’ pigs’ll do a Sonic Rainboom,” Applejack retorted. “Pinks is up to sumthin, Ah can feel it.”

The group arrived back at the library and the moment they walked inside, the fiery Pokémon was assaulted with an explosion of confetti and noisemakers.

“Welcome to your Welcome to Equestria Super Surprise PARTY!!” Pinkie cheered as she appeared out of nowhere. The normally quiet library was filled to the brim with just about everypony in town. Twilight looked around for Flare, who seemed to have just disappeared.

“Where did he go?” She wondered aloud. Pinkie pointed up and Twilight saw the Pokémon dangling from the rafters, shaking like a leaf.

“Oh my,” Fluttershy gasped. “Are you alright?”

Flare dropped back down to the floor with a loud ‘thud’ and cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah… totally fine. I meant to do that.”

He looked around the room to see dozens of ponies all chatting, playing party games or munching on snacks.

“How the? When did she?” Flare was utterly baffled. “I saw half of these ponies like, ten minutes ago. How did she pull this off?”

The generally accepted response is that Pinkie Pie is just being Pinkie Pie.” Twilight explained with a sigh. “Trust me on this one. You do not want to try and figure it out. It will just lead to a headache you will not soon forget.” She cringed as she remembered that day.

“Oookay,” Flare backed away from the muttering unicorn and decided to see what was on the snack table when he was stopped by a new group of ponies.

“Um, hello.” A white pegasus mare with a pink and green mane greeted him. “I didn’t get to meet you earlier in town.”

“Oh? Uh, well hello then.” Flare greeted back. “My name is Flare Blitz, you?”

“Blossomforth,” The mare responded. She pointed to her acquaintance, a bluish-grey pegasus with a blonde mane and tail. “This is my friend Cloud Kicker, but I should warn you-“

“Don’t worry about that.” Cloud Kicker cut her off. She looked Flare up and down and smiled. “Well you’re certainly handsome enough for a non-pony I suppose.” She walked a bit closer until she was almost pressed up against him. “How about you and I ditch the party and have some fun somewhere else~”

Just what the heck was that mare talking about? The party was okay, and Flare really didn’t feel like being anywhere else right now, especially in a place that he knew nothing of with a pony he only just met. “Uh, no thanks.” He replied. “I think I’ll stay with Twilight and the others for now.”

“Twilight?” Cloud Kicker responded, “Are you and her-?” She was promptly cut off as Blossomforth grabbed Cloud Kickers’ tail and dragged her away. “Let’s see what Lyra’s doing huh?” she offered

“Oh? That’s an easy one. Me. Later tonight.” Cloud Kicker grinned, causing Blossom to blush and groan.

As the odd duo wandered off, two more ponies walked up. One was a brown earth pony stallion and sported a dapper-looking tie. His partner was a grey pegasus mare with eyes that didn’t seem to focus quite right.

“Good evening.” The earth pony greeted Flare, shaking his hoof. “You seemed to have caused quite a stir today. You can call me Time Turner.”

“And I’m Ditzy Doo!” The pegasus mare said happily. “Nice to meet you!”

Flare nodded and smiled. “Yes, it’s nice to meet you two as well. I really do apologise about earlier. It wasn’t my intention to make trouble like that.”

“Ah, don’t worry about that dear boy,” Turner waved a hoof. “No harm no foul and all that. And you saved a pair of foals to boot, so I’d say all is forgiven as far as anypony is concerned.”

“Yeah,” Ditzy agreed. “I bet you’ll be friends with everypony in no time.”

“Friendship really means something around here huh?” Flare asked. “Not that I’m complaining mind you, it just seems that everyone is just super friendly.”

“Ponyville is just that kind of place.” Turner said. “It’s a bit much to take in at first, but give it time and you’ll come to wonder how you lived without it.”

Flare nodded and bid them farewell as he continued to mingle and meet many ponies. Musicians, farmers, florists… so many ponies and all of them wanting to be his friend.”

“So how goes the meet and greet?” Twilight asked him as he was getting a drink. “Have you met everypony yet?”

“I’m fairly certain I’m friends with the entire town now.” Flare laughed. “But yeah, it’s actually kinda nice here.”

“That’s good,” Twilight smiled. This creature may have a strange (and slightly dangerous looking) appearance, but he seemed friendly enough. “But just where did he come from?” That question still lingered on the forefront of the unicorns mind.

Before long the party came to an end and only Flare, Twilight and her friends remained.

“So what will you do now Mr. Flare?” Rarity asked him. “Do you need someplace to stay?”

Flare shrugged and looked in the direction of the park. “Guess I’ll just sleep outside, it seems like it will be a nice night.”

“Outside? Like a wild animal?” Rarity was shocked. “That simply will not do, you must be able to rest in comfort.”

Flare was about to ask on what was so bad about sleeping outside when Twilight put a hoof up. “I have a spare bed in the library,” She mentioned. “You’re more than welcome to stay there until we find a way to get you home.”

“You really don’t have to do that,” Flare said. “I’m used to sleeping outside and-“

“Nonsense darling, we shall not take no for an answer.” Rarity stamped her hoof in determination. Luckily, Flare had long since learned that you never argue with a female, you can never win.

“Alright then, if you all insist.” Flare sighed and followed the mares back to the library once more.

***

Once there, Twilight wasted no time in disappearing into a side room to set it up for her new guest. As the other five mares sat in the main room in silence, it was Flare who broke the quiet stillness when he saw Pinkie staring at him.

“Yes Miss Pinkie?” He asked, and received a response that he was not expecting.

“Can I hug you?” She asked with a sweetly innocent tone.

Flare cocked his head to one side in confusion. “You-you want to hug me?”

Pinkie nodded and shuffled closer. “It’s just that Rarity was saying that your mane was nice and warm and I thought that if I hugged you, I bet it’d be like hugging a big hot-water bottle~”

“I-I see.” Flare was once again at a loss as to try and figure out that ponies train of thought. “I guess it’s alright.”

“Yippee!” Pinkie cheered and threw her forehooves around his neck. “Woow, you really are nice and warm~” She turned her head to face the others and she had a wide, dopey grin on her face. “Girls! You seriously have to get in on this.”

“Well I set most of the clutter to on side, but we can clean it up properly tomorrow.” Twilight emerged from the little used storage room only to see her five friends embracing Flare Blitz, who wore an expression of both confusion and amusement.

“Apparently I’m nice to hug?” He said and Twilight facehooved.

“Seriously girls?” She said. “What are you all doing?”

“Well we’re hugging Flarey, duh!” Pinkie responded, nuzzling Flare affectionately. “C’mon Twi, you try it too!”

“I think I’ll pass.” Twilight replied dryly. “But Flare has been through a lot so I think we should let him get some rest okay?”

There was a collective ‘aww’ from the group, but they released their new friend and bid him goodnight.

“Can we come and play tomorrow?” Pinkie asked hopefully and Twilight nodded, causing the mare to bounce away while giggling happily.

“Sorry about that,” She apologised as she closed the door. “My friends don’t mean any harm though.”

Flare nodded and smiled. “I figured as much.” He replied and a sly smile crossed his face. “Are you sure you don’t want a hug too?” He stood up and walked a little closer to the unicorn.

“I think I’ll be alright,” Twilight responded, pushing him away. She did notice on how warm he was to the touch though. “I need to write a letter to the Princess, did you need anything else?”

Flare thought for a moment and shook his head. “I had plenty to eat at the party, so I’m good.” He nudged the door to the guest room/storeroom open and looked back to Twilight. “Thank you for everything Miss Twilight.”

“Just call me Twilight okay?” She smiled and Flare nodded before disappearing inside the room.

Twilight walked upstairs and seeing that Spike was asleep, she decided to write the letter and send it tomorrow. Sitting at her desk, she took some paper and a quill with her magic and began to write.

Dear Princess Celestia.

This will be my first time writing to you since the wedding, I apologise that it’s taken so long. Are you and Princess Luna doing well? I hope that the repairs to Canterlot are going smoothly.

The main reason that I am writing to you is not because of a lesson in friendship, though friendship is something that I witnessed in abundance today.

I am sure that you saw the anomaly in the skies above Ponyville today. Please do not worry, nopony was hurt in any way and other than a fountain, even the town itself is intact this time.

But something rather strange did happen. Just before the anomaly vanished, a strange creature emerged from it. After the treatment of some minor wounds and the performance of a translation spell (to great success I might add), my friends and I discovered that the creature goes by the name Flare Blitz, and is what he calls, a Pokeymon!

He stands a head taller that a large draft pony, (possibly a little shorter than you) and even stranger is that his mane and tail are made of fire! It doesn’t appear to burn though and he said that he can control the temperature of the flames, all the while insisting that it isn’t magic.

He has no knowledge of Equestria and thought that we ponies were simply species of Pokeymon. I have a few guesses on what may have transpired, but nothing solid until I do some more research.

I would appreciate any insight that you have to offer

With love, your faithful student. Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight rolled up the letter and bound it with the royal seal and crest. Setting it onto her nightstand to send first thing in the morning, she climbed into bed and with a flick of her horn extinguished all the lights.

“I wonder if the Princess will have some answers?” She wondered to herself before drifting off to sleep.

***

Flare paced the room for a bit before going over to the circular window and peered out at the night sky. “Just where am I, and how in the name of Arceus do I get home?” He said quietly. He glanced towards the bed and after a moment, he climbed onto it, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep.

“Never really slept in a bed before, well, except for Pokémon Center ones.” He closed his eyes and eventually drifted off to sleep, his mind filled with thoughts of his friends back home, and the new ones he made here in Ponyville…

Chapter Three - A Pony meets Royalty.

Chapter Three – A Pony meets Royalty.

Just once, Spike wished he could sleep in. For about ten minutes now his dragon senses had been tingling and once he opened his eyes and blinked a few times to adjust to the light, he saw the unicorn that he considered his mother, big sister and professional worrywart, hovering over his basket with an expectant look on her face.

“Let me guess,” He yawned. “You want a letter sent to the Princess?”

Twilight’s horn flashed and the letter in question dropped down into Spike’s lap. The dragon lifted it with a claw and with a quick puff of emerald flame he sent the letter was on its way to Celestia.

“There, done. Can I go back to sleep now?” He asked expectantly, though he already knew the answer.

“Sorry Spike, but we have way too much to do today.” Twilight replied and lifted the dragon out of bed with a magenta aura. “Since yesterday completely threw out my schedule, we have to work extra hard to catch up.”

Spike yawned loudly and followed the unicorn downstairs. “Seriously Twilight? Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you didn’t live by a checklist?”

“Just the other night actually,” Twilight responded to the rhetorical question. “It was one of the most horrific nightmares I have ever had.”

Spike applied a claw to his face and groaned. “Only you would have a dream like that…” A thought occurred to him as he walked into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. “Oh yeah, what happened to that Flare guy?”

“Hmm? Oh, he’s asleep in the guest room,” Twilight said as she put away the after-hours returns. “You were already asleep when we got back last night.” Then Twilight remembered him being at the party as well, but didn’t recall him leaving. “How did you get home last night?”

“I ate too much cake and couldn’t walk, so Sparkler brought me home.” Spike explained as he whipped some eggs. “She’s getting pretty good at teleporting now.”

Twilight felt a little proud about that. Ever since the young unicorn had approached her about magic lessons, she had been making leaps and bounds with it. “Well as long as you got home safely, that’s all that matters.”

The sound of a door creaking open grabbed their attention as Flare stepped out into the main room. “Morning!” He said with a chipper tone. “I was wondering when you two would wake up.”

“You were already awake?” Twilight asked.

Flare nodded as he gave a hungry glance to the breakfast that Spike was serving up. “I rise pretty early, always have. But I thought it might be room to go walking around until you woke up.”

“Well that was considerate of you,” Twilight smiled. “But it’s alright if you wanted to walk around or something.”

“Yeah!” Spike added. “Twilight sleeps like a brick, so waking her up before her usual time is next to impossible.”

“The pot is calling the kettle black huh?” Twilight retorted. “Mr. ‘I sleep until sunset’ given the chance.”

Flare laughed at the good natured jabs between the two. It was almost like he was back with his family again. It felt nice, but also a bit homesick. He wanted to know what was happening back home and if his friends were alright.

Twilight noticed that Flare had stopped eating and just stared off into the distance. “Are you okay Flare?” She asked, concerned about her new friend.

“Huh? Yeah, just thinking is all.” He replied quietly. “The food is really good, uhh, Spike was it?”

“Yup!” Spike thumped his chest proudly and puffed it out. “I’m Spike, number one assistant to Twilight Sparkle and the only dragon in all of Ponyville.”

Flare smiled and bowed his head politely. “I have a dragon friend as well, so I think we’ll get along just fine.”

“You’re friends with a dragon too!?” Spike said excitedly. Twilight leaned in a little closer too, curious about this new information. She already had a quill and paper ready to take notes.

“Her name is Sapphira and she’s been a good friend of mine for ages.” Flare closed his eyes and got lost in thought. “She’s smart, strong and so completely awesome! Though I bet she’d got stir crazy in a place like this.”

“Sounds like you like her quite a lot~” Twilight giggled. “Is she your special somepony?”

Flare stared blankly for a second until he registered what Twilight had said. “I-wha? No!” Flare stammered, blushing. “She’s my best friend and she saved my life in a way, but no there’s no romance between us. I’m not one for romance actually…” That was a sore subject for him and so he decided that a change in topic was necessary. “So, what’s on the agenda for today?”

Twilight noticed the change in subject, but decided to let it go. “Well, that all depends on-“ A loud belch from Spike interrupted her as a green flame shot from his mouth, causing Flare to jump a bit as the fireball materialized into a scroll bearing the royal seal. Twilight wasted no time in opening it and reading its contents out loud.

Dear Twilight Sparkle.

First of all, Luna and I are doing fine, my injuries have completely healed and Luna has finally stopped apologising for missing the entire invasion.

The repairs to Canterlot are coming along steadily, but the more damaged areas will take some time.

Though back to the matter at hoof.

I did indeed witness the event that took place over Ponyville and I expected your letter. Seeing as how one didn’t arrive straight away, I assumed that all was well, though your letter did set my mind at ease.

Your new friend however, is certainly somepony of great interest and I would very much like to meet him personally. I have already arranged transport with you and any of your friends that wish to accompany you. (They are all quite welcome).

The Pokémon Flare Blitz and I have much to discuss.

“Is that how it’s spelt?” Twilight wondered and then continued to read.

I have cleared my schedule for today and tomorrow, so knowing my student like I do, you’re probably already packing your bags.

“How does she do that?” Twilight wondered again as she levitated an overnight bag over and began to fill it.

I hope to see you soon my faithful student.

Love, Princess Celestia.

P.S. Luna says hello.

“So I take it we’re going to Canterlot?” Spike asked, but again, the answer was obvious.

“Of course we are Spike, the Princess wants us there as soon as possible.” Twilight was filling her bags with all the necessities, a toothbrush, her mane brush, a spare quill and some textbooks in case there was a surprise test.

“So if I may ask, just who is this Princess Celestia anyway?” Flare asked. “Is she someone important?”

Twilight paused as her brain attempted to process the question. “Important? Important!? She’s only the Princess who raises the sun!!”

Flare blinked for a second and then laughed. “Is that all?”

Spike grabbed a nearby pot and put it on his head before ducking under the table. This was not about to end well for anypony, least of all Flare.

“I-Is that all?” Twilight’s mind was on the verge of a meltdown. “Princess Celestia is beautiful, wise, compassionate and the most powerful pony in Equestria!” She was pacing the room and her eye twitched irritably.

“Hey, I’m not dissing her or anything it’s just…” Flare didn’t mean to set the volatile unicorn off like that. She must really like that Princess. “Ah just come outside, It’ll be easier to show you.” He opened the front door and stepped out into the sunlight, letting the warm glow surround him.

Twilight and Spike followed a moment later, Twilight still twitching and Spike looking for a good place to hide that was hopefully Twilightproof. Flare closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment and then he looked skyward.

“Now watch this,” he said as he used his Sunny Day ability. The sunlight turned harsh as the powerful heat beat down on them. Several nearby ponies suddenly recoiled and staggered at the sudden change in temperature.

Twilight’s eye widened as she saw what should be impossible. There was no way anypony other than Celestia herself that could affect the sun directly. Alright, maybe Princess Luna might be able to, but Flare Blitz suddenly cranked up the intensity of the sun and made it look easy!

“But that’s- How can you- It shouldn’t be possible…” Twilight reeled before suddenly collapsing to the ground.

Twilight’s Mind.

“What’s happening? Mini Twi panicked. “Why’d we suddenly lose power?”

“It’s a Code 001!” another one replied. “Celestia looks second best!”

“Get us back to operational power now!”

“I can’t, the systems completely fried.”

“Full reboot in 5 minutes!”

Mini Twi looked out two, large circular windows. Just what in the hay happened?

“Twilight? Twi! Wake up!” Spike grabbed a glass of cold water and splashed over Twilight’s face to no effect.

“I didn’t mean to break her!” Flare panicked slightly as well. “Is she gonna be alright?”

“I think so.” Spike said, giving up on shaking the unicorn awake. “But just how in the hay did you do that?” He looked up at the bright sun and squinted. The heat had no effect on him, but the light was almost blinding. “Twilight is right, only Celestia can move the sun.”

“Well I can’t move the sun itself! That’s impossible.” Flare clarified. “But I can use the ability ‘Sunny Day’ to make the sun more powerful and make my Fire-type attacks stronger.” He demonstrated by opening his mouth and shooting out a powerful stream of flame into the air.

Spike jumped back with a slight yell when he did.

“You can breathe fire!?” Spike asked, wide-eyed. “That is awesome!”

“I can do much more than that.” Flare replied, blushing slightly at the dragon’s praise. “I’ll show you later, right now I think we should try waking up Twilight again. Spike nodded and went to get another bucket of water.

***

In Canterlot, Celestia was in the middle of talking with her sister when she felt the power of her sun suddenly spike. Luna felt it too and gazed towards the celestial body as Tia’s horn flared with a golden glow and subdued the power.

“What in Tartarus caused that?” Luna asked her sister.

“I’m not sure, but I think it may have something to do with Twilight’s new ‘friend’.” Celestia replied.

“So it’s true then?” Luna asked, her voice had a hint of worry in it. “Another Pokémon has appeared in our land?”

Princess Celestia draped a wing over her little sister and pulled her into a hug. “Don’t worry little sister. I think that this one is very different from him, probably more like the last one that showed up.”

“If you say so…” Luna still had her doubts however. She could still feel that sinister presence, though even the combined might of herself and her sister could not locate it.

“Twilight should be bringing him here later today, did you want to meet him for yourself?”

Luna shook her head. “No, I don’t think I can…?”

Celestia smiled and nodded. “Alright then, but remember that I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.”

Luna smiled softly and nuzzled her sister. She dearly hoped that this time would be different.

***

Once Twilight Sparkle finally awoke, the sun was back to normal and Flare had a guilty look on his face.

“I’m sorry,” He said and bowed his head. “I really didn’t mean to panic you like that.”
Twilight groaned and got to her hooves. “It’s alright, I just never thought that anypony could do something like that.”

Flare nodded and then a thought occurred to him. “Well if it’s any consolation, no pony can from what I hear.”

“But you just-“ Twilight’s head was beginning to feel faint again as she swooned slightly.

“Let me finish.” Flare said calmly, putting his forehooves on her shoulders to keep her upright. “No pony can do what I just did… but I’m not a pony.”

Twilight thought about that one. “That’s right, you are a Pokémon, not a pony, which means the Princess is still the best~” She clapped her forehooves together and giggled. Flare smiled and shook his head. If he was supposed to meet this Princess, then it was going to be a very interesting meeting indeed. Speaking of that…

“Uh, when does that train leave by the way?” he asked her.

Twilight shot a glance to the clock tower, one that was said to be the most accurate timepiece in all of Equestria. “In just twenty minutes!” She panicked again. “Spiiiiiike! We have to hurry!”

The little dragon emerged from the library and Rarity and Ditzy Doo of all ponies was with him.
“Already one step ahead of you.” He said to Twilight. “Rarity is the only pony that was free to come with us, though I’m not complaining.” He added that last part under his breath. “Oh, and Ditzy wants to know if Sparkler, Dinky and herself can come too?”

Twilight nodded and smiled. “I don’t see why not, the more the merrier.”

“Did you hear that Little Muffin?” Ditzy said to her little foal. “We get to go and meet the Princess!”

Dinky bounced up and down and hugged her mother while beaming brightly. She suddenly shot over to Twilight and hugged her too. “Thank you for letting us come Miss Twilight!”

“Aw, you’re very welcome Dinky~” Twilight nuzzled the little foal and giggled. That little unicorn must be the most adorable thing in the world.

Flare smiled at Dinky, which caused her to hide behind one of Sparkler’s legs. “Hey Sparky, why is that pony on fire? Do you think he cooks like us?”

Sparkler face-hooved and shook her head. “I think he always looks like that,” She whispered back, but Ditzy overheard the two.

“Now, now muffins.” She said gently but sternly. “It’s not nice to whisper about other ponies.” Celestia knows she knew all about that. “If you want to ask him about anything, just ask.” She gave Flare a smile which the Pokémon returned. “See? He’s a nice pony.”

Sparkler nodded and Ditzy tentatively approached the Fire Horse Pokémon. “Can I ask why you’re on fire mister?” She asked, gazing at him with those adorable eyes. “Doesn’t it hurt?”

Flare got the feeling that he would be getting asked that a lot. He knelt down to meet the young filly in the eye and grinned. “Nope, not a bit, so don’t worry kay?”

“Kay!” Dinky grinned back and ran back to Ditzy, giggled happily. Flare couldn’t help but smile at the adorable filly. She was too cute~

“Well if this is everypony, then shall we get going?” Twilight asked and after a group nod, they all headed to the train station.

***

The Friendship Express was all set to leave as the group ran onto the platform. The conductor saw them approach and waved them over.

“Miss Twilight Sparkle and party?” he asked as Twilight stepped forward.

“That’s us.” She confirmed. “Were you waiting just for us?”

The conductor nodded and motioned towards the train. “Your tickets are already paid for, so please hop aboard and we’ll be off.” As the group boarded, he gave Flare Blitz a wary glance and said nothing. “AAAALL ABOARD!” He shouted and once everypony was on, the train whistled and began to make its way to the mountainside city.

“I’ve never been on a train before,” Flare mentioned once everypony was in their seats. “So this is something new for me.”

“Do they have trains where you’re from?” Sparkler asked.

“Yes, but they are used as a transport for the humans and their Pokémon, wild Pokémon generally aren’t allowed to go where humans and trained Pokémon can.”

Everypony cocked their head in confusion. Just what did he mean by that? Wild Pokémon, trained Pokémon, humans? “Um… can you elaborate on that?” Twilight asked. “What do you mean by wild and trained? And humans are actually real?”

Flare forgot that they knew as much about him as he did about them. “Alright… where to begin?” He thought for a second and decided on the basics first. “Okay, so yeah, humans and Pokémon exist where I come from. There are many different species of Pokémon, hundreds to be precise and we all look different. Humans all look pretty much the same other than some general distinctions between male and female ones.”

Twilight took out her trusty quill and paper while Sparkler took out her own. Birds of a feather and such…

“So here’s where it might get a bit complicated,” Flare continued. “You’ve seen that I have certain abilities right?” He looked at Twilight and Spike, who both nodded. “Well we Pokémon often use those powers to battle one another.” There was a collective gasp from everyone and Flare held up a hoof. “Let me explain okay? Unless a Pokémon in hunting another for food, these battles are non-lethal.”

“So there are Pokémon that eat other Pokémon?” Twilight asked.

“Well yes, I assume that there are predators here too? That’s just how nature works.”

Twilight scribbled down some notes and Flare continued his explanation. “So where was I? Oh, yeah, Pokémon battle others in order to grow. Humans discovered this is made a sort of game out of it. It’s not cruel or anything, though it does seem like it, but generally Pokémon enjoy fighting alongside humans and growing with them. I’m not too sure on the specifics, since I’ve never had a human trainer, but they have competitions and such to earn prizes and glory, stuff like that.”

“Humans make you fight for sport!?” Rarity exclaimed. “How utterly barbaric.”

“It’s not quite like that” Flare said. “Like I said, it’s not cruel and the majority of Pokémon like to battle. But trainers do more than that, like Contests of beauty, cuteness, etc. I’ve also heard of Pokémon being in Musicals and sporting events.”
Rarity nodded but still considered the idea of fighting for sport an undignified act. Flare just smiled and shrugged before continuing his lecture. “But unfortunately there are bad humans and in turn, bad Pokémon… but luckily ones like that are far and few between…” He trailed off as he remembered his own experience with a particular human, but then shrugged it off. “Although I lived in a human city, rather than the wild, I still lived as a free Pokémon with the rest of my friends… well until I wound up here of course.”

Sparkler raised a hoof and Flare looked at her. “Um, can you explain about Pokémon battles further?”

“Well,” Flare began. “Let’s see if I remember this correctly. The rules are that a human trainer can have no more than six Pokémon in their possession, and that none of those Pokémon can learn more than four attacks. I think it’s something to do with the technology that humans use to capture Pokémon with. It binds their abilities to make them less dangerous.”

“How do the human’s capture Pokémon?” Twilight asked. “I hope it isn’t painful?”

Flare shook his head. “No, Sapphira used to be a trained Pokémon and though she said the pokéball that humans could be uncomfortable at times, apparently that varies from Pokémon to Pokémon, and that it wasn’t painful at all.”

“So how many abilities do you know?” It was Sparkler’s turn to ask again apparently. “You said that human trained Pokémon can only know four, does that mean you know more than that?”

“Yes, I know seven skills all up.” Flare said. “Double Kick, Sunny Day, Morning Sun, Solarbeam, Flare Blitz, Wild Charge and Quick Attack.”

“So what do they all do?” Twilight inquired. “Though I’ve already seen Sunny Day…” That was gonna stick in her memory for a good, long while.

“I’ll give a demonstration of them all later,” Flare said. “Might be better that way.”

“I have a question too!” Ditzy suddenly asked and Flare looked over to her. “What’s your favourite type of muffin?”

“Muffin?” Okay, that was derailment from the topic of conversation and judging from the expression on Sparklers face, it was a fairly common one. “Well, I can’t really say since I’ve never eaten one before.”

Ditzy put her hooves to her mouth in shock and then suddenly rummaged through her saddlebags. After a moment, she produced a single blueberry muffin. “Here you go, try this one!”

Everypony gasped in shock. “A-Are you sure mom?” Sparkler said. “That’s your emergency muffin… you never give anypony your emergency muffin.”

“Introducing somepony to the wonders of muffins is a bigger need than my own.” Ditzy said as a matter-of-factly. “Go ahead, try it Mr. Flare.”

Flare looked at the muffin and wondered just how seriously these ponies to their pastries. Pinkie had a similar reaction last night when he said that he had never tried a cupcake before. Then she fed him about twenty of them. He took a nibble and then noticed that both of Ditzy’s eyes were on him and she drooled slightly. Using the sharp edge of his hoof, he cut the muffin down the middle and offered half to her. “I only need half to at least try it.” He said.

He gobbled down the pastry while Ditzy followed suit and both of them sighed happily. “You’re right.” Flare said. “That was delicious.”

“See? What did I tell you, muffins are the best!” Ditzy beamed and Flare smiled as well. “I guess I’ve made another friend.” He thought.

The train began to slow as it whistled again. Dinky bounced in her seat as she pointed out of the window. “Look momma, I can see the castle!”

Flare crossed to the other side of the train car and gasped in surprise. There was an enormous castle not too far from the train station and he craned his neck to see it in full.

“Wow, that’s amazing!” he said in awe and Twilight couldn’t help but feel proud for some reason.

“I feel the same way you do every time I see it.” Twilight said. “Welcome to Canterlot, capital city of Equestria.”

***

They departed the train carriage and the conductor breathed a sigh of relief that Flare hadn’t seemed to burn anything, despite the fact that he was on fire himself.

“So from here we’ll head straight to the castle!” Twilight told them and no sooner had she said that, a group of Princess Celestias' Solar Guard approached them.

“Twilight Sparkle?” the lead one asked. “We are here to escort you and your companions to Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia.”

Twilight was going to argue the fact that she had lived in Canterlot most of her life and probably knew it better than all these guards combined. But the Princess had sent them for a reason and she noticed that none of them had taken their stern gaze off of Flare ever since they arrived.

“Very well sirs.” Twilight said with a forced, polite smile. “Please lead the way.”

Spike hopped up onto her back as they walked and whispered into her ear. “Why did the Princess send these Guards?” he asked. “We know the way to the castle.”

“I get the feeling that they’re here more for Flare than for us.” She whispered back. “It’s something I’m going to have to ask the Princess herself.”

Dinky looked up at Flare as they followed the half dozen armoured ponies to the castle. Flare looked ahead of him, then down to Dinky and then back in front of him again. After repeating this a few times and confirming that Dinky was determined to stare into his soul, he decided to ask.

“Is there something you would like to ask Dinky?” He said.

Dinky nodded and looked at his back. She glanced towards Spike and Twilight and then back to Flare. “Can I ride on your back?” She suddenly asked with child-like innocence.

“Little Muffin!?” Ditzy scolded. “Have some manners!”

Flare laughed, ruffling Dinky’s mane with his hoof before stopping to kneel down. “It’s alright, hop on kiddo!”

Dinky squealed with delight and jumped onto his back. “It’s not hot?” Dinky said surprised. “Not like when Momma cooks.”

Flare raised and eye at that and Ditzy grinned sheepishly. “It’s not like I set fire to the kitchen all the time.” She pouted slightly as Sparkler took the opportunity.

“Just enough that the Ponyville Fire Department know us all by name and send us Hearth Warming Eve cards,” She teased her adoptive other cheekily. Ditzy pouted even more and looked to Twilight for help.

“Twi~light, they keep teasing me,” She whined, but tried so hard not to laugh.

“That aside,” Twilight said as her little teasing grin grew. “It’s a good thing I started teaching Sparkler all those fire-suppressant spells.”

Ditzy pouted even harder, but then burst out laughing with the others. Even one of the guards let out a snicker before he received a stern glare from his Sergeant .

The giggles had finally died down as they reached the castle and Twilight saw her beloved Princess outside waiting for them. The unicorn quickly rushed over as Celestia embraced the eager mare.

“It’s good to see you too Twilight,” She said. Flare’s ears pricked up when he heard her talk. He could swear that he had heard that voice before… but from where?

“Princess,” Twilight held out a hoof and motion for Flare to step forward. He let Dinky off and walked up to Twilight and Celestia. This Princess was quite a bit taller than any pony he’d met so far and even he had to look up slightly.

“This is Flare Blitz, the Pokémon I mentioned to you in my letter.” Twilight continued the introduction. “Flare, this is Princess Celestia, one the co-rulers of Equestria and my personal mentor.”

“Twilight has told me quite a bit about you so far.” Flare said and held out a hoof. It’s a pleasure to meet you Princess.”

The guards look horrified and even Twilight’s eyes widened a bit. One simply does not walk up to the Princess and shake her hoof like you would a casual acquaintance. They nearly passed out when Celestia actually took his hoof and they exchanged the greeting.

“And it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well Flare Blitz.” Celestia smiled. “Shall we head inside? There is much to discuss.”

As they turned back to the group, Rarity and Ditzy decided to take their leave for the moment.

“There is some ponies that I simply must meet with while I am here.” Rarity said. “But we shall meet again here for dinner, no?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, the Princess has allowed us to stay at the castle for the evening, so while we talk, why don’t the rest of you explore the city?”

“We’ll be back later then,” Rarity said and trotted off. Spike hopped down from Twilight's back to go with her.

"You don't mind if I help Rarity out do you Twilight?" He asked hopefully and Twilight smiled.

"Sure, you go have fun okay?" The young dragon beamed and ran after his fair lady. Ditzy and Dinky followed but Sparkler remained behind.

“Is it alright if I stay?” She asked, hoping to get to see her teacher and her teacher’s teacher interact with one another, perhaps even see some of Princess Celestia’s magic.

Twilight looked to Celestia and the regal Alicorn nodded. Sparkler smiled and the four equines made their way to the throne room, with Celestias' Guard following closely behind.

***

Celestia took a seat on her throne and folded her wings to her side. Keeping them up at full spread to maintain a regal appearance was actually quite exhausting.

“So as I was saying, we have much to discuss,” She waved a hoof and dismissed the Guard from the room before continuing. “I would first like to ask, do you remember how you arrived in Equestria, Mr. Flare?”

Flare shook his head. He had spent a good deal of time trying to remember how it had happened. He was sure it had something to do with Dialga and Palkia, but the details were lost to him.

“Sorry Miss Celestia, but I can’t remember a thing.” He made little effort to hide the disappointment in his voice. “Sorry.”

“You needn't apologise for anything, you have done nothing wrong.” Celestia walked back down and gently placed a wing over him. “You have been through a harrowing experience and I can see now that you have only good intentions.”

Twilight’s ears pricked up at this. How did the Princess know what Flare had gone through? Did she know how he got here?

“I suppose there are some things that I must tell you.” Celestia said as she released Flare. “The first thing is that you are not the first Pokémon to arrive in Equestria.”

Everypony and a single Pokémon all let out a collective gasp. “There are other Pokémon in Equestria!?” Twilight almost yelled. “How many? How come nopony has ever seen or heard of them? Are they like Flare?”

‘Now, now Twilight.” Celestia placed a wingtip over the excited unicorn’s lips to silence her. “I will answer all that I can.” The princess cleared her throat and started to explain.

“Now I take it that you have gathered that Equestria is nothing like where you are from, correct?” She looked at Flare as the Pokémon merely nodded in response. “Well I should tell you that not only are you no longer in your world. You are in a completely different dimension.”

“A different dimension? That’s actually possible?” Sparkler knew that staying behind was paying off.

“Indeed my inquisitive little pony… speaking of which, I have yet to be properly introduced to you have I?”

Twilight suddenly turned a shade of pink and began to fluster when she realised that she hadn’t introduced the Princess to Sparkler. It was a shared, yet unspoken consensus by everypony else in the room that this was utterly adorable.

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight finally composed herself. “This is Sparkler, Adopted daughter of Ditzy Doo and somepony who I am currently teaching some rudimentary magic to. Sparkler, I’m sure you know who Princess Celestia is?”

“So my precious student finally has a student of her own? How wonderful!” Celestia smiled and gave Sparkler a light nuzzle, causing the young unicorn to fluster in a similar manner to her teacher. “And like teacher, like student I see~”

“So I’m in a completely different dimension?” Flare pondered aloud, drawing attention back to him. “Wow… I-I guess that explains a lot… I think?”

“It’s understandable that you are confused, but fear not. You have made some excellent friends and I am sure that you will be just fine during your stay here.”

“So, is there any way for me to get home?” Flare asked, hoping for a positive answer. He didn’t get one.

“I am afraid not, the powers that brought you here simply do not exist and though magic that can traverse the dimensional plane does exist, to pinpoint a specific dimension does not.” Celestia’s expression saddened a bit as she knew that this was news that he did not want to hear. “You could get lucky and get your own world on the very first try… or you could spend an eternity wandering the dimensional rift and never find it. The odds of your success are almost non-existent.”

Flare just stared blankly into space. There was no way to get home? He would never see his friends or family again. “I-I need to…” He suddenly turned and bolted from the room. Twilight went to go after him but was stopped by Celestia.

“Let him be for the moment, let him calm down and think for a while.” She glanced at Sparkler and nodded to herself. “Besides, I have something for you and our student to research, something that may help our friend.”

***

“This sucks, this really Arceus-damned sucks!” Flare had bolted from the castle and now found himself in some sort of garden, but the serene atmosphere did nothing to still his mind and calm him. “So that’s it? I’m just supposed to accept it and live here?”

Admittedly, Equestria was a nice place and though it had been just two days he felt like the friends he had made here were ones he had for years. “But that doesn’t mean that I want to stay here forever…”

He brushed past a group of trees and saw something in the clearing. A beautiful blue unicorn mare was sitting in the clearing and singing gently to some birds. As he stepped closer to get a better look, a twig snapped, causing the unicorn to look up with a surprised expression.

“Who goes there?” She called out, her voice had a commanding tone to it. Gentle but stern and full of authority. Flare stepped forward in the light and the mare’s eyes suddenly shrank. They had been so confident just a second ago and now, now they showed something that Flare had not seen. Genuine terror.

“Um, I’m sorry…” He said quietly. “I didn’t mean to scare you, I’ll just leave now.”
He suddenly stopped when the mare spoke up again, her voice shaky. “W-why did you approach Us?”

Flare paused as the mare who had been so visibly terrified now spoke to him. “I didn’t mean to,” he explained. “I was just angry, and lost in thought… I just kind of stumbled upon you.”

The unicorn listened to him and nodded. “I guess that it is an acceptable excuse.” The birds that had flown away returned and she smiled softly. The smile and the gentle look in her eyes made Flare’s heart skip a beat, she was stunningly beautiful. Now that he could get a good look at her, she had a light blue mane that looked as soft as woven silk. Not a single strand of her slightly darker blue fur was out of place and her

“So what are We to call you?” The mare questioned him.

“My name is Flare Blitz,” he said, his ill temper forgotten. “How about you?”

‘Thou does not know Us?” The mare glanced at herself and her expression changed to that one of understanding. “Ah, of course…” she muttered. She gave him a bemused smile as she introduced herself.

“You may call Us… Selene!” She said. “Tis an unexpected pleasure to meet you… Flare Blitz.”

Chapter Four - A Pony is Missing!

Chapter Four - A Pony is Missing!

“Have you found him yet?” Sapphira, a rather irritable Garchomp sat near the park fountain as she questioned the Pikachu that approached her.

Lucy shook her head and stared at the ground. “I’ve been over this whole town a hundred times, just like you. But Flare seems to have vanished into thin air.

It had been nearly three days now and ever since Dialga and Palkia’s attack, Their Ponyta friend had disappeared. Sapphira had asked every Pokémon in town if they had seen him, even Darkrai, but he was gone.

“Do you think he left?” Lucy asked. She knew that Flare had travelled a lot before coming to Alamos Town, but only Sapphira knew just how much. “Maybe he was scared that Dialga and Palkia would attack again.”

Sapphira suddenly stomped the ground hard enough to crack the paving and making Lucy jump. “No!” She snarled. “He wouldn’t just flee like that, not without a damned good reason…” The dragon glanced to her left as Velvet the Espeon approached, but before she could ask he just shook his head, looking just as depressed as the other two.

“I’m sorry darling,” He said dejectedly. “I have searched everywhere and with the assistance of every Psychic Pokémon in town I have even done a full scan of the surrounding region… and he is nowhere to be found.”

Lucy decided to speak up, but she knew how Sapphira would react… this wasn’t going to be pretty.

“May… maybe we should ask ‘her’ for help?” She said, hoping this wouldn’t earn her a one way trip to the afterlife. “She does have connections…”

Sapphira flinched and her eyes locked onto the little Pikachu. Mentioning that Pokémon was seriously off limits and normally the dragon would have punished her… but this was getting serious and that Pokémon could help.

“One more day… we give him one more day and then we ask Virizion for help,” Sapphira said and shot off into the sky. Lucy let out a breath she didn’t realise she was holding and fell to her rump.

“Sapphira must be worried if she agreed to that!” She said to Velvet, who then nodded in agreement.

“Indeed darling, but Flare chose a most inopportune moment to vanish… for all we know, Dialga and Palkia may have ki-“

Lucy sparked and ceased the sentence before he could complete it. “NO WAY!” She yelled, garnering the attention of nearby Pokémon and humans. “There’s no way he’s…” Lucy wiped tears from her eyes and sniffed a little. “Let’s look again okay?”

Espeon nodded and headed back towards town. Maybe there was someplace he missed?

***

Flare had spent over an hour just sitting in the garden talking with Selene before a distant chime from a clock tower signalled that it was six o’clock.

“Well it appears that I must be going now.” Selene said, getting to her hooves. “But it was nice talking with you Flare.”

“And you too.” He replied. “I’m feeling a lot better now, so thanks!”

Selene nodded as Flare headed back towards the castle. “That went better than I expected.” She said to herself once he was gone. “Maybe this time…” Her light blue mane began to blow with an invisible wind and with a flash of light, she vanished.

Once Flare got back to the castle, he received something he didn’t expect as Twilight ran up to him and hugged him tightly. “I was worried,” She said quietly. “Are you right?”

Flare remained silent before nodding. “Yeah, I’m feeling better now.” He said. Twilight smiled and decided that it would be a good time to tell him what she had been talking about with Celestia.

“I think that we might have a way to send you home,” She said. “It’s a long shot though, but it’s our best bet.”

“What? Really?” Flare was honestly surprised. Just over an hour ago, he was told that he would be stuck here and now… well now there was a chance that he could get back home again. “What is it?” He asked.

“Well…” Twilight thought about how best to explain it to him. “As the Princess said before, there is no way to pinpoint the exact location of your world, but perhaps there is a way for your world to reach out to us.”

“How do you mean?” It’s not like they could simply dial up a phone and arrange a ride home… wait a minute? “You’re going to try and summon Dialga and Palkia?” He guessed and Twilight smiled.

“Right on the nose!” She said, booping him on the muzzle. “You mentioned that it was because of Dialga and Palkia that you wound up here and for some reason, the Princess had the same conclusion… though I never mentioned it to her…”

“But how will you do that?” He asked. “Miss Celestia said that there was no method of getting to my world, so how are you going to get Dialga and Palkia to come here?”

“Well that’s what Sparkler and I are going to research.” Twilight said. “If there is a way then I’ll find, no matter what!”

Flare looked at the lavender unicorn and really just wanted to hug her. She barely knew him and was doing everything she can to help him out. She had given him a place to stay, food to fill his belly and was now dedicating her own time to finding a way home for him.

“Thanks Twilight,” He said. “I really don’t know how to thank you though…”

Twilight tapped a hoof to her chin in thought. “Well we are supposed to be having dinner with the Princesses tonight, would you like to escort me?”

Flare performed a gracious bow and smiled. “I would be most honoured to escort my fair lady to dinner.” He said with a regal tone as Twilight giggled. “Shall we be off?”

“I have to get ready first,” Twilight explained. “Rarity would have a fit if I didn’t wear a nice dress for the occasion. Plus I’ll show you where your room is.”

Flare nodded and followed her only to notice something. “Where did Sparkler go?” He asked. “I figured that she’d be following you everywhere.”

“Funny story actually,” Twilight said. “The moment she saw the Royal archives, I haven’t been able to pull her away from all the books… though I wouldn’t have minded staying a while longer either.”

As they walked through the long corridors of the castle, Flare decided that he wanted to know more about his friend. “So Twilight, What’s the story between you and Miss Celestia?” He asked. “You mentioned that she was your teacher and all, but the way you act around her it’s more like she’s your mother…”

Twilight froze as he said that. Now let me get something straight, Twilight loved her mother with all of her heart and nothing would ever change that. But if I were to say that Twilight had never had dreams of her beloved Princess being her mother… well they would be entirely untrue.

“No, she’s not my mother,” Twilight responded. “But she does feel like one sometimes. She’s always been there for me and given me a helping hoof when I needed it.” When one thought of the relationship between Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, one would naturally think of lessons in magic and a mentor guiding her student through life. But Twilight’s thoughts were something of a completely different matter…

“Look Princess! I’m just like you!” A happy, filly Twilight giggled as she levitated a little sun-shaped pillow across the room. Her little hooves trying to fill Celestia gilded hoofguards and her crown teetering back and forth on the unicorns head as her horn glowed, concentrating on the matter at hoof.

“Such a fine job Princess Twilight,” Celestia giggled as she relaxed on a pile of plush cushions after a trying day of work. “But don’t forget the moon.”

Twilight closed her eyes and levitated a white, rubber ball up on the same orbital path she had the sun plush on. It held for a moment before her magic began to falter and as she was about to drop both objects, they became wrapped in a golden hue. The young filly looked up to see Celestia’s horn glow as she resumed the circular path that Twilight had the toys on.

Celestia noticed something though. To anypony else it would have been just a filly playing dress up, but to the experienced eyes of the Princess, she saw a filly whose age was in the single digits having created a astronomically correct representation of the heavenly bodies. With the two toys acting as the sun and moon and Twilight herself as the earth, it was almost a perfect scale model.

“You will be a great pony someday,” Celestia whispered as she nuzzled her student.

“The Princess is somepony I love and truly respect,” Twilight said. When she had seen the Princess fall to the Changeling Queen just a few short weeks ago, it tore the unicorn up inside. Not because the Princess of a country had fallen, but because one of her greatest friends had been injured. “And she is somepony that I always will.”

“She kind of reminds me of Virizion,” Flare stated.

“Virizion? Who’s’ that, another Pokémon?” Twilight was curious. She really wanted to know everything there was to know about the mysterious creatures, but even after all the insistent begging she did, Celestia wouldn’t tell her about the other Pokémon that had visited Equestria.

“She’s… someone who taught me a great deal about the world and about life.” Flare Blitz had wonderful memories of those times… but not all of them were nice. “But we haven’t spoken in a long time, she’s probably forgotten all about me by now.”

“Oh, well maybe once you get back home, you could see her again?” Twilight wouldn’t know what to do if she couldn’t see Princess Celestia anymore. That thought alone was too painful to bare.

“There you are darling!” Flare and Twilight looked up to see Rarity and Ditzy approaching them. “Twilight, you were supposed to be back fifteen minutes ago!” The alabaster unicorn scolded. “Perfection is not something that can be rushed.

Ditzy looked like she had already undergone the Rarity treatment. Her mane and tail had been brushed and simply shimmered in the light. She wore a blue dress that started out as a nice sky-blue and got darker as towards the hem. The midsection and the choker holding the dress in place was dotted with shining blue gems and complimented the white lace around the hem.

“Wow Ditzy, you look beautiful!” Twilight admired and Ditzy blushed a crimson hue.

“Rarity made this for me a little while back, and she insisted that I wear it for dinner tonight.” Ditzy said bashfully, pawing at the ground with her hoof.

“Well I think you look really nice.” Flare agreed with Twilight and Ditzy blushed even harder. Rarity just smiled and grabbed Twilight’s hoof.

“Well just wait and see what I do with our bookworm friend here.” She said and dragged the hapless unicorn off. Resistance is futile, you will be stylised. Rarity glanced back to Flare and winked at him “I have an outfit ready in your room too, but do try and not burn it please?”

Flare watched Rarity drag Twilight off and turned back to Ditzy. “Well that’s all well and good, but no one has showed me where my room is.”

Ditzy laughed and pointed to a door right next to them. “It’s this one,” She explained. “Well I’ll see you at dinner then, try not to be late okay?”

Flare nodded and opened the door. It was a good thing that it was a lever type handle, doorknobs were a pain in the flank to try and open. Once inside he looked around and gasped slightly. Never in his life had he stayed in a constructed building, other than the occasional stay at a Pokémon Centre. This room was simply beautiful, well he thought so at least. A giant four-poster bed sat against the far wall, lined with decorative lace and gold trimmings. Flare ran a hoof along the silk sheets and wondered just how comfy it would be.

A painting of some landscape that Flare didn’t recognise sat on the wall above it and other various pieces of furniture dotted the rest of the room. A dresser and mirror sat next to a window that overlooked the city. A mannequin in the shape of a pony was in the centre of the room and on it was a fancy-looking black suit. The hem of the suit was a blood-red and a white undershirt complimented the whole piece.

“It looks nice…” Flare stared at with a perplexed expression. “How on earth am I supposed to put it on?”

It took effort, determination and some advice from Velvet that he remembered, but eventually Flare managed to get the outfit on. “Alright, I think I got it.” He had been fighting with the clothes for about half an hour and when he emerged back out into the hall there was nopony to be seen. “Well, the less ponies that see me dressed this foolishly the better I suppose.”
He took a step and then paused. “Where the heck is the dining hall?”

***

“Still nothing! I have searched this town a dozen times over and still nothing!” Sapphira was beyond irritable now. She had marched right over that line and into full blown rage territory.

“I sent it.” Velvet said. “And we should hear back by tomorrow on whether or not she knows anything.”

“Well I blame those idiots Dialga and Palkia!” Lucy huffed. “Everything was fine until they showed up.”

There was a loud explosion and Velvet and Lucy looked around as Sapphira completely destroyed a perfectly innocent tree with her Hyper Beam. Looking at the smouldering crater and the Pokémon fleeing the pissed off dragon, she gave a slight nod and sighed.

“I feel much better now.”

Lucy applied a paw to her face and sighed. “Y’know that was Gallade’s favourite tree right?”
Said Psychic Pokémon suddenly came running up to investigate the commotion and once he saw the remains of the tree and Sapphira, well it didn’t take a genius to put two and two together.

“Sapphira… I should have guessed.” Unlike any other Pokémon in the town, she showed no fear whatsoever when he approached her. “And to what do we owe this lovely wake up call for?”

“Get lost Gallade,” She snarled and jabbed him in the chest. “I’m not in the mood for your high and mighty crap right now.”

“And I’m sick of you doing as you damn well please in my city,” He snapped back. “You’ve been on edge since the attack and if you don’t calm down then I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

“Calm down!?” This was doing little to ease her mood and Lucy and Velvet had already ducked for cover. Sapphira was usually quite docile, but Flare was one of her greatest and best friends and Sapphira was letting her worry get the better of her. “Flare is gone and you want me to calm down?”

“Every Pokémon the city has searched and he is not here.” Gallade’s eye narrowed as he gave the dragon a hard stare. “He’s either fled the city or he’s perished in the attack. I am truly sorry for your loss but-“

Sapphira saw red and she was a second away from tearing the smug Pokémon apart. Her clawed arm twitched, but before she could raise it, a voice in her head spoke up.

“Sapphira, let’s just go okay.” Her head snapped around as she saw Velvet there, Lucy by his side. “We have little to gain from a confrontation.”

If it had been just a few years ago, all that would have been left of Gallade was a stain on the ground. But since she had met Flare… since he had saved her life… she was different now.

“I’m leaving,” She muttered, turned around and walked away.

Gallade watched the trio walk off. “I hope you find him,” He whispered.

***

Once Flare found a guard wandering the hall, he got him to show Flare the way to the dining hall. Everypony was already there when Flare walked in and he gave a sheepish smile to go with his tardiness.

“Sorry everyone, I kinda got lost.” He said as he sat down at the table.

“Oh, I should have come get you.” Flare glanced towards Twilight and his flames suddenly flared up for a second. Twilight was absolutely beautiful and Flare’s heart skipped beat when he laid eyes on her. She wore a shimmering magenta dress with a pale, yellow underskirt. Like Ditzy’s, it was fastened around the neck with a smooth gemstone, a garnet.

“Wow… you look beautiful,” He said and Twilight turned her head away bashfully.

“I said that this was far too dressed up, but Rarity insisted.” Twilight felt her face grow hot as she blushed furiously.

“And we all think you look lovely regardless,” Celestia spoke up and Twilight returned to her seat, fidgeting awkwardly.

Everyone laughed as the chefs brought out the first dish, a lovely lily salad with a side of hay crackers and sparkling water. As everypony was starting to eat, the doors swung open and a dark blue Alicorn strode in. Celestia almost dropped her fork when Luna appeared, not thinking that her sister would show herself in front of Flare.

“Princess Luna!?” Twilight rose, followed quickly by everyone else and bowed respectfully. Luna waved a hoof and sat down at the table.

“There is no need for that Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said. “We are friends are we not?”

“O-of course we are Princess!” Twilight replied. “Old habits die hard I suppose.”

Luna smiled and looked at Flare. Celestia however had a faint frown upon her face. Just why did her sister suddenly decide to join them? She knew full well what happened last time Luna encountered a Pokémon.

“Care to tell me your reason as to joining us this evening?” Luna’s ear flicked as Celestia’s voice rang inside her mind.

“I cannot join my own sister and her friends for dinner?” Luna responded. “I did not realise that it was a private party.”

“You know full well what I’m talking about!” Celestia sounded a little annoyed. “Care to share little sister?”

Luna sighed and the griffon chef thought his wings were about to fall off. Did the Princess not like the meal? The hurried to the kitchen to make an adjustment to the menu as unhappy Princesses in his dining hall were simply not permitted.

“I simply had a chance to speak with Mr. Flare Blitz earlier.” This news caused the normally composed Celestia to suddenly drop her fork. This was impossible, both Princesses disliked the salad!? Chef Grills was about to have a coronary.

“Did you know, and why does Flare Blitz not seem to recognise you?” Then Celestia realised what Luna had done. “I see, so ‘she’ met him instead hmm?”

“Yes, well… we had a wonderful talk and it seems that he might not be so bad.” Luna took a bite of her salad and hummed in appreciation. “This is a most delightful meal, wouldn’t you agree Mr. Flare?”

Everypony looked at Luna when they all realised the same thing. Flare was the one to speak it though. “Um, if I may ask… who are you and how do you know my name?”

Luna’s eyes went wide as her mistake was pointed out. “Oh, um… I was informed of your arrival earlier, I have just been resting until now you see.”

That explanation seemed satisfactory for everypony and Luna breathed a sigh of relief. That was a close call.

Chef Grills brought out the main course, an aromatic vegetable soup that made Flare’s mouth water but there was a slight problem however. He watched as the unicorns used their magic to lift a spoon to their mouth and Ditzy seemed to use her wingtip almost like a hand. Flare however lacked telekinesis or an opposable appendage.

“Not too much else I can do,” He muttered and lowered his mouth to the bowl, lapping up the soup noisily. After downing half the bowl, he looked up to see everypony staring at him with mixed expressions.

Rarity looked utterly horrified while Ditzy just smiled, knowing that she did that more often at home. Twilight’s was an easy one to guess since she wore that same expression this morning, after he broke her. Sparkler just applied her hoof to her face, Luna had all the emotion of a stump and Celestia just had that constant, understanding smile.

Dinky on the other hoof giggled and mashed her own face into her soup, lapping at it like a puppy.

“Quite a unique way to eat soup,” Luna said as she lifted her spoon to her mouth. “But there are spoons for a reason you know.”

Flare looked at the silverware and then back to Luna. Said princess placed her hoof onto the spoon and lifted it, the spoon stuck to her hoof like a magnet. Okay, how the heck did she do that?

Flare stared at his own hoof and then placed it over the spoon. Slowly lifting it he almost threw the cutlery across the room when it stuck to his hoof like it did Luna’s.

“What the? How?”

Luna chuckled and put her spoon back down. “Earth pony magic, I thought that it might apply to you, and it seems that I was right.”

“Why didn’t I think of that?” Twilight said. “I never thought that magic would work with him.”

Flare waved his hoof back and forth slowly as the spoon slightly wobbled. It wasn’t stuck very well, but enough to lift what was left of his soup.

“Huh, well would you look at that.” He mused and put the spoon down before lifting up his bowl with his forehooves and gulping down the rest of his soup. Twilight just groaned and facehooved while Luna’s mouth slowly turned upwards. Dinky finally emerged from her own bowl, soup dripping from her muzzle.

“That was yummy! Do we get ice-cream now?” She asked adorably.

***

After dinner and once Luna raised the moon, Ditzy left to put Dinky and Spike to bed while Twilight took Flare to see her old room and its observatory.

“I bet you’ve never used a telescope before huh?” Twilight asked him and Flare shook his head.

“Nope… what’s a telescope?”

Twilight paused for a moment, he’d never even heard of a telescope before? Just how did he live up until now?

“Well then this will be fun!” She giggled excitedly. “I’ll show you constellations and star charts and orbital patterns...” Twilight dreamt of all the things she could teach him. This was going to be a wonderful night~.

Flare just decided that it would be best to agree with her. He liked hanging out with Twilight, she seemed like a nice enough pony. She had not only been the first to tend to him when he arrived, she even gave up a room in her tree-house to accommodate him and pacified an entire town that was terrified of him. He really had caused her a good deal of trouble.

“I’m sorry for burdening you like this,” He said. “I didn’t really want to be so much trouble to you and your friends.”

Twilight suddenly turned and walked back to him, almost pressing her muzzle against his. “I never said you were a burden and I certainly didn’t do this because I expect a reward or some such!” Flare took a sudden step back as the unicorn continued her lecture. “I helped you because you were in trouble and nothing more. I do not regret my decision and I don’t want you feeling sorry for anything. Nopony has said anything like that and I think that all of the friends you have made would agree with me. Do I make myself clear!?”

Flare’s eyes were wide open at Twilight’s outburst and he just nodded. “Yes ma’am,” He replied weakly.

“Good, now let’s go and learn!” Twilight said and continued to her observatory. Flare just followed obediently, not wanting to incur more of the adorkable unicorn’s wrath.

Twilight led him up the spiral walkway to her old tower. And Flare thought that her library had a lot of books. This place was probably twice as full, with almost every shelf crammed with books and massive piles that just didn’t fit.

“You… really like to read huh?”

Twilight smiled bashfully as she walked up to the second floor and positioned next to a massive hourglass was her telescope. “Well you can learn a lot from books.” Which reminded her, she needed to bring a few back with her for her research. “Now come up here, please?”

Flare walked up beside her and she motioned for him to look through the small lens at the end of the telescope. When he did so all he could do is gasp in surprise and wonder.

“Whoa… this is cool!” He said as Twilight made some adjustments to focus it better.

“That constellation is Lupus Major,” Twilight explained as she slowly moved the telescope to the left. “And that one there is the Delphinus Constellation.”

“I wonder if one of those stars is my home.” Flare said quietly and Twilight fell silent. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Flare saw another star, a bright blue one. “What’s that one?” he asked. “It’s beautiful.”

Twilight looked through her books, but she couldn’t find it there anywhere. “I-I don’t know.” Her melancholy mood forgotten, she was now determined to solve this mystery. “Maybe Princess Luna placed a new star in the sky?” There was no way her books were wrong. Books were never wrong!

“Then we’ll ask her tomorrow,” Flare said. “How about that one?”

Twilight nodded and blushed a bit when she saw the ones he was looking at. “That one’s a little embarrassing actually…” The stars in question were a cluster of six stars, a gleaming bluish-purple star in the centre and five shining white ones in a star pattern around it. “Those are the Stars of Salvation… They’re supposed to represent myself and my friends.”

“You have stars named after you!?” Flare exclaimed and Twilight nodded bashfully, showing off her best Fluttershy impression. Flare smiled as he looked at them some more. “That’s really cool, you’re pretty awesome Twilight.”

“Thanks,” She replied, “So, um… oh that one over there…”

The two ponies spent hours just looking at stars and talking about anything and everything. The moon had already begun its descent by the time they retired to bed. As Flare lay there, his mind wandered to thoughts of home, which was usual when he was alone. But tonight was different, tonight he thought about his new friends and about a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle.

Chapter Five - A Pony Earns his Keep

Chapter Five - A Pony Earns his Keep.

Flare Blitz stared at the cart being pulled by one of the Guards. It was overflowing with a massive pile of scrolls and books that Twilight had ‘liberated’ from the Royal Archives. Said unicorn was humming happily to herself, her saddlebags filled with the books that wouldn’t fit in the cart.

“Uh, Twilight?” Flare continued to eye the swaying library on wheels. “Are there even any books left in the Archive?”

“Don’t be silly, of course there are!” Twilight scoffed. Though she did have almost the entire section on dimensional space/time magicks. “And nopony else was using them so what’s the harm?”

As they arrived at the train station, there was a single pony waiting on the platform. She turned around to face them and Flare recognised who it was.

“Hey there Miss Selene!” He ran up to greet her. When Twilight saw this, her left eye gave an involuntary twitch. Just who was this mare? And how did Flare know her?

“Hello again Flare Blitz.” Selene gave a courteous bow. “I heard you were leaving today and thought that I might bid you farewell.”

“So who is this?” Twilight suddenly spoke up, her voice had a hint of irritation. “A friend of yours?”

Flare nodded as he turned back to the group. “Everyone, this is Miss Selene, Selene these are my friends.” Flare’s friends were all quite confused, just when did he met this mare?

“This is Twilight Sparkle, she’s an amazing mare and the personal protégé of Princess Celestia.” Twilight suddenly went from irritated to embarrassed in an instant.

“Tis a pleasure to meet you,” Selene said with a demure tone. “I have heard about you actually, you and your friends are quite famous.”

“This is Sparkler, Twilight’s student and daughter of Ditzy over there. The dragon over there is Spike and that’s Rarity, a fashion designer, and probably one of the best from what I’ve seen.”

“And you sir are quite the charmer!” Rarity blushed.

“That’s Ditzy Doo and her younger daughter Dinky,” Flare finished up his introductions. Then he saw somepony else, “And that’s one of Celestia’s Guardsmen… uh, I don’t know his name.”

“Damascus Sword.” The Guard curtly replied.

“Well I am glad that I got to meet everypony.” Selene smiled, “You never told me you had such wonderful friends.”

“Speaking of meeting ponies…” Twilight asked curiously. “How did you meet Miss Selene?”

Flare realised that Twilight seemed a little grumpy this morning. Well they were up late last night and Twilight didn’t seem like a morning pony. “I met her yesterday, when I was out, thinking.”

Twilight’s mouth made a little ‘o’ shape and she said no more on the subject. Even when he had returned after running out, he still looked a little upset and Twilight didn’t want to bring that back up so soon.

“Well t’was lovely to meet all of you,” Selene said. “But you have a train to catch and I shan't keep you any longer.”

As everypony boarded the train, Twilight noticed that Selene’s odd way of speaking seemed familiar, but it was something she couldn’t quite place her hoof on.

***

Once they were aboard the train, Flare noticed the considerable increase in their luggage. On top of the massive stack of research material that Twilight and Sparkler obtained, Rarity had also been busy procuring dresses, fabrics and other items that Flare didn’t recognise.

“It seems that I’m the only one that didn’t buy anything in Canterlot.” Flare laughed and received various looks from everypony.

“That’s right, I forgot to show you around the city.” Twilight facehooved at her own forgetfulness and her expression changed to an apologetic one. “I can bring you back here sometime soon if you like?”

Flare shook his head in response. “Nah, don’t worry about it. “It’s not like I have any money anyway.” The thought then occurred to him, he had been living off of Twilight’s generosity since he arrived here and it probably cost more money for her to have an extra mouth to feed. Maybe Flare should find a way to earn some extra cash to pay her back.

“What time will we arrive back?” Flare inquired. “There are a few things that I want to look into around town.”

“We should get back a little before noon if there are no complications.” Twilight replied, checking the train schedule. “What is it that you want to check out?”

“Just things, for reasons.” Flare replied cryptically and Twilight frowned. Just what in the hay was he up to?

***

As the group stepped off of the train, Twilight’s friends were waiting for them. Pinkie was the first to bounce up to and greet them.

“Hey, how did it go in Canterlot? Did you meet the Princesses? Did you get to eat royal cake?” Twilight raised a hoof and placed it atop Pinkies’ head and her perpetual bouncing ceased.

“Everything in Canterlot went, well?” Twilight wasn’t sure how to answer that just yet.
They had found out that Flare was from another world, but no sure-fire way to send him home safely. “I have some research to do, to see if there is a way to send Flare home without incident, but everything else was wonderful.” Twilight’s thoughts suddenly shifted to last night when she and Flare had spent hours under the stars, just looking at them and studying them. Twilight sighed happily as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

“Well yes, that dinner had been lovely, but…” Rarity noticed Twilights’ blush and her romantic instincts kicked into top gear. “Perhaps something happened after dinner that you didn’t tell anypony about no?”

Twilight was suddenly snapped out of her daydream as she flailed her hooves about. “What? No!, wait I mean yes? No?” Twilight’s horn suddenly flashed and she teleported from the station, leaving behind several confused mares and one Pokémon who had a faint smile on his face. Twilight was adorable when flustered.

“Guess I’d better haul all of this to the library…” Sparkler groaned, looking at all of the books that Twilight had left behind.

Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie suddenly stepped forward to help.

“We’ll give you a hoof, c’mon girls!” Rainbow said as they all grabbed a hoof-full of books. Applejack was about to step forward and lend her own assistance when Rarity grabbed her hoof.

“Oh Applejack dear? Could you help me take my luggage back to the Boutique?” the alabaster unicorn fluttered her eyes. “I cannot ask Spikey-Wikey to carry all of it.”
Applejack saw the massive pile of boxes, suitcases and rolls of fabric and her face fell. No wonder the others had been so quick to help carry a few measly books.

“Yeah, sure Rare.” Applejack said as Rarity wasted no time in loading the earth pony up. Applejack grunted slightly at the load but didn’t complain, it wasn’t in her nature to and she really did like helping her friend out.

“Well I’m gonna get started,” Flare turned to run into town. “I’ll see you all later.”
Rainbow watched him go and turned to Ditzy. “What was that all about?” She asked her fellow pegasus but Ditzy just shrugged in response.

This had seemed like a brilliant idea at first, but Flare Blitz had no idea how one earned money in this world. He seriously doubted he could pick a random fight and earn some prize based cash, so how?

He wandered into the marketplace and saw ponies of all kinds buying, selling and socialising. Maybe he could ask someone for a solution to this problem. He picked a stand that sold some fragment and beautiful flowers along with three equally as beautiful mares running it.

As he approached, the pale yellow earth pony with the raspberry coloured mane was in the middle of laughing with the other two mares when she spotted Flare from the corner of her eye.

“Hi, welcome to The Flower Bed, how can I-GAH!” Rose’s expression changed when she saw exactly who she was addressing. The other two turned to see what their sister was screaming at when they saw the fiery horse Pokémon.

“C-can we help y-you?” Daisy stammered, hoping the stallion wasn’t going to set fire to their store.

Though he expected it, Flare was beginning to get tired of this reaction. He sighed and nodded his head, “Yes, I’d like to know something.”

“W-what do you want to know?” Lily asked, they seemed to be calming down a bit.

“Well, I was wondering if there was any place that I could earn some money.” This was something the mares had not expected. He wanted to earn some bits?

“Um, what for, if I may ask?” Rose said.

Flare fidgeted for a bit, but figured that honesty was the best policy. “Well I’ve been staying with Twilight Sparkle since I arrived here in Equestria and I’ll be here for a while yet so it seems, so I want to help out by earning some money to pay for food and whatnot.”
All three mares smiled at the response, he seemed like he really was a nice pony despite appearances. They suddenly huddled together and whispered for a moment before turning back to Flare.

“Well unfortunately, we don’t have any work available right now.” Rose explained.” But if you’re just after some spare bits then try asking Carrot or Applejack, they usually have a lot of work to do on their farms so I bet you they’ll have something for you to do.”

“Thank you very much, I’ll ask them right now!” Flare smiled and offered a polite bow to the sisters before heading to find the farmponies. Rose watched him go as her sisters giggled.

“For somepony so scary-looking, he has a nice flank huh?” Daisy smirked and Rose nodded.

“Yeah he kinda does…” She stopped when she noticed Daisy and Lily giggling. “Wait, that’s not what I was… oh forget it.” Rose pouted as her sisters dropped to the ground, laughing hysterically.

Flare had struck out with Carrot too, seems that her farm was only small and she didn’t need any extra hooves right now. “Man, this sucks…” He muttered, kicking a small pebble along the road. “And I wanna surprise Twilight, so if I go to Applejack she’ll probably tell her.”

He had yet to find any other leads and it was getting late into the afternoon now. He had gone to a store that sold Quills and Sofas, but no luck there. A bar called the Sun’s Flank had wanted wait staff, but they needed to be a mare for some reason. Nopony was running away from him anymore, but his height and flaming mane and tail still seemed to put everypony on edge. The friends that he had made seemed to be the only one’s comfortable around him.

“Maybe I was kidding myself when I thought that I could fit in around here?” Flare said irritably. He kicked another stone again, this time with a little more force as it sailed through the air and nailed somepony right on the head.

“Ouch!” The mare exclaimed and rubbed her head where the stone had struck.

“I’m so sorry,” Flare apologised once he ran up to her. “I didn’t mean to do that.”

The mare turned to face him and smiled, “It’s alright, y’all are lucky ah got a hard head.”

That accent was unmistakable, “Sorry about that Applejack, I really didn’t mean too-“

“And ah said it was fine,” AJ smiled, “But ya mind tellin’ me why y’all are kickin rocks at innocent mares?”

Flare sighed and he looked at the setting sun, “You promise not to tell Twilight?”

Now what did not telling Twilight have to do with all of this? Was Flare up to something suspicious? “Y’all better not be doin anything that’ll hurt Twahlight!”

“What? No!” Flare stomped his hoof in response. “I’d never do anything to hurt Twilight, it’s just…”

“Okay Sugarcube, Ah promise not to tell Twah,” Applejack said, she knew he wouldn’t but she felt like teasing him a little for the whole rock thing. “So whut are you up to?”

Flare sighed, but it’s not like he had any luck so far today. “I want to earn some bits to help Twilight out for taking me in, but everywhere I’ve gone everyone’s either had no work or has been too scared of me to trust me.”

Applejack was quite shocked, how could the rest of the town treat him like that!? Aside from the destruction of a tacky fountain, he had done nothing wrong other than being different. Crap, now AJ was getting pissed and that wasn’t going to get them anywhere.

“So y’all need a job where nopony’s gonna fear ya an’ ya need the bits to help Twahlight?” She racked her brain for a moment before deciding that she needed more information. “Whut can y’all do exactly? What sorts’a skills do you possess?”

“Well I’m taller than most of you,” Flare pointed out. “And I’m pretty strong, physically I mean.” He thought for a bit and wondered if his Pokémon skills could be used in anyway. “Well I can also breathe fire and trample stone into powder.”

AJ gave him an incredulous look. “Y’all can breathe fire?” She questioned and Flare responded by opening his mouth and a small stream of flame shot out, causing Applejack to jump back in surprise.

“Okay, so ya can breathe fire,” Applejack thought for a moment, she had a few jobs around the farm that with Flare’s help, could probably be done a lot faster. “Ah have an idea, so why don’t ya meet me at Sweet Apple Acres at sunrise tomorrow?”

Flare's original apprehension to ask any of Twilight’s friends for help was that he was worried that they’d tell Twilight, but AJ promised so…

“Alright then, thank you very much Applejack.”

AJ put a hoof on his shoulder, “Don’t mention it, but y’all better be prepared for some hard work. Yer gonna earn those Bits with blood, sweat n tears.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Flare grinned, “I really appreciate this.”

“An ah said don’t mention it, now quit thankin’ me fore ah start blushin’” Applejack adjusted her Stetson and turned to head home. “Don’t ferget now, get on over the farm as early as ya can alright?”

“Yes Ma’am!” Flare saluted and AJ headed off, leaving the Pokémon alone with his thoughts.

“Well that was interesting,” He mused to himself and headed back home. As he turned he paused, did he just call Twilight’s library home? He figured that it was best not to delve too deep into that right now he headed back.

***

Once he returned, there was a flash of magenta light and Twilight was standing right in front of him, her head craned up and her muzzle pressed against his.

“And just where have you been, mister?” She exclaimed, “I’ve been worried about you.”

“As I said, just looking into a few things, which was a tad more difficult than I expected, but I think it turned out okay.”

Twilight really wanted to know what he was doing all afternoon, but when she asked him, Flare just brushed her off like he did before.

Spike walked into the room, wearing a frilly pink apron and carrying a wooden spoon. “Dinner’s ready!” He announced. “Oh, hey Flare when did you get back?”

“Just now,” He replied, brushing past Twilight and into the centre of the room. “Sorry I’m late.”

“Flare Blitz!” The stallion turned and saw Twilight looking at him, a worried look on her face. “I know you won’t tell me, but whatever you’re looking into, it isn’t dangerous is it?”

Now here did she get an idea like that? He shook his head, “No, at least I don’t think so.” He had no idea what Applejack had planned, but he doubted that it was dangerous.

“Okay, I’ll trust you then,” Twilight said. “But promise me that you won’t put yourself in harm’s way okay? Pinkie Promise?”

What was a Pinkie Promise? But if it made Twilight feel better, “Okay then Twi, I Pinkie Promise that I won’t get into trouble.”

“And nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise!” Pinkie erupted from a bookshelf and the startled Pokémon once again found himself latched firmly to the rafters of the library.

“Pinkie! I just organised that shelf!” Twilight scolded her pink friend who just disappeared back into the shelf. Twilight began to levitate the fallen books back into place as Flare dropped back down from the ceiling with a loud thud.

“That pony is gonna give someone a heart attack one day, namely me.” Flare grouched, wondering just how Pinkie could appear like that. “So yeah, I promise that I’ll do nothing dangerous so don’t worry, okay?”

Twilight put the last book back into place and nodded. “Alright then, shall we go eat now?” Flare’s stomach rumbled loudly in response and Twilight giggled. “I guess that answers that then.”

***

After dinner, Twilight headed down to the basement to start on her research while Flare decided that he would read some books about Equestria. “Might as well get to know the land I’m staying in.”

He was still amazed that not only did the spell that Twilight used to enable him to talk also gave him the ability to read Equestrian script. It was after midnight when he let out a loud yawn and decided that it was bedtime. He looked down at the basement and wondered if Twilight was still awake down there. “Maybe just a peek,” He said to himself and opened the door as quietly as he could. There was a wooden staircase that curved along the wall and led to a massive room underground.

“This tree is seriously strange,” He muttered as he peered over the edge of the balcony and saw Twilight fast asleep amongst a massive pile of books that sorta looked like a pillow fort, only made of hardcover books.

“Twilight asleep inside a bookfort huh?” the whole scene was too cute for words and Flare found himself just staring at her for a moment. After dismantling the fort, he moved Twilight onto his back and carried her up to her room. Once she was tucked into bed and snoring cutely, Flare absentmindedly kissed her on the forehead, eliciting a smile from the unicorn and was halfway to his room before he realised what he did.

“What the hell am I doing?” He asked himself quietly

***

The next morning Flare awoke to find that Twilight and Sparkler were already hard at work. Sparkler was idly chewing some hay bacon with her nose stuck in a thick tome of Gravimetric Theory, whilst Twilight had some mathematical equation written up that made Flare’s brain want to abandon ship just by glancing at it.

Checking the clock to make sure he hadn’t overslept, the hands showed that it was still early enough that half of Ponyville was probably still asleep.

“You two sure are at it early,” He said as he made himself known. “Is it really going to be that difficult?”

“I won’t lie to you, this is a longshot at best,” Twilight said. “But it’s our best shot at the moment, so we’ll try our best, right Sparkler?”

“Mhm,” Sparkler was trying to wrap her head around Starswirls’ 5th Dimensional Theory, but by the moon it was confusing. That stallion was either a genius or a complete whack job.

“Just don’t burn yourself out on my account okay?” Flare said. “Take as long as you need.”

“Don’t worry about us, we’ll get you home in no time okay?” Twilight patted her chest with her hoof confidently.

“Alright then, good luck.” Flare decided that it was best to let them study in peace and headed out for an early morning walk. He had barely gotten ten feet from the library when Ditzy made an awkward landing in front of him. After helping her to her hooves from the indentation she made in the ground, Flare greeted his friend.

“Good morning Ditzy, having a rough morning?”

Ditzy looked a little sheepish and shook her head. “No… I do that a lot,” She seemed disheartened by it so Flare dropped the issue.

“So what’s with the big bags?” He asked. “Delivering something?”

Ditzy dusted off her cap and placed it back on her head. It was a bright blue colour and had a gleaming silver badge on the front of it. “I work for Ponyville Postal Services!” She declared proudly. “Rain, hail or shine I get your mail to you on time!”

“That’s cool,” Flare said. “Actually, since you’re here, do you know how to get to Sweet Apple Acres?”

“I know Ponyville like the bottom of my hoof, if you give me five minutes then I can show you the way myself.” Flare nodded and Ditzy soared off into the sky and Flare saw that she seemed a little wobbly. Did it have something to do with her eyes? He had noticed them the moment he first met the mare at his welcome party but didn’t bring them up in conversation.

He stood around for a bit and greeted a few ponies that walked past. Some of them he recognised and waved back whilst other just gave a forced, polite smile and walked away, their steps a tad hastier than necessary. Flare knew that there was no malicious intent behind their actions, but having them practically run away from him was still a little hurtful. A whistling sound caught his attention and Ditzy Doo dropped out of the sky with a thud, causing the mare’s ears to ring slightly from the sudden impact.

“You okay there Ditzy?” Flare asked, concerned that his friend was going to wind up in hospital by the end of the day. “That landing looked a little painful.”

“Yeah, I’m okay. No problems at all.” Ditzy said quickly, shaking her legs. “How about I show you where that farm is now?”

“Alright,” Flare replied and followed her. As they walked, Flare tried to make some small talk. “So where’s Dinky?” He asked, I didn’t see her at the library with Sparkler.”

“At school,” Ditzy replied. “That’s what I was doing earlier, dropping her off.” Ditzy suddenly looked a bit panicked, “Not that I literally dropped her, just a figure of speech…”

“I got it,” Flare replied. “I never assumed that you dropped Dinky, why would you think that?”

Ditzy just mumbled a response that Flare couldn’t make out and then pointed down a path. “If you follow that path, you’ll find the farm a bit further on. I’ll see you later maybe so bye-“

As Ditzy tried to fly off, she topped in mid-air and turned her head to see Flare holding her tail in his mouth. Once she landed again, he let go and gave her a stern look.

“Care to explain what’s going on?” He said, his voice calm, but showing a hint of fierceness. “You were all smiles and bubbles yesterday and now you can’t seem to wait to get away from me!” He knew that ponies were still apprehensive of him, but Ditzy… “I thought you were my friend.”

Ditzy put a hoof to her mouth in shock. She hadn’t meant to hurt his feelings, quite the opposite actually. “I-I didn’t mean it like that.” Her eyes were beginning to water and she sat down on the dusty path. “You’ve seen my eyes, and how clumsy I can be right?” Flare didn’t respond, but
Ditzy could tell that he knew, it was kind of hard to miss.

“Everypony that I try and be friends with usually gets hurt when I’m around.” Ditzy was on the verge of crying now as memories resurfaced. “Did Twilight ever tell you that I once dropped a piano on her…? A piano!” Tears began to drop to the ground as the faces of everypony that teased and mocked her danced in her head. “I bet she still hasn’t forgiven me for that.”

Flare put a hoof on her shoulder but she knocked it away with one of her wings. “I don’t want to hurt you too,” She said. “So I think it might be best to not hang out a whole lot okay?”

Flare snorted indignantly and stamped his hoof, causing Ditzy to jump. He looked her squarely in the eye as he loomed over her. “I am about to say a few things so pay attention okay?” Ditzy nodded and Flare took a deep breath.

“One, I have absolutely no intention of staying away from you for such a stupid reason.”

“Two, I personally think that there is nothing wrong with your eyes. They’re kinda cute actually.” Derpy turned a delightful shade of red at this one.

“And three, even if I do get involved in an accident that is by no means any of your fault, well I’m a damn tough Pokémon and it’ll take a lot more that a piano to stop me!”

The grey pegasus stared at him, both of her eyes wide and focused squarely on the stallion in front of her. They began to water again and she burst out into tears as she leapt forward and hugged him tightly.

“Thank you,” She whispered in between sobs. “Thank you so very much!”

Flare closed his eyes and smiled, returning the embrace. “That’s alright, but from now on there will be no more pity parties from either of us okay?”

Ditzy nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes. “It’s a deal.”

“Good, now how about you continue showing me the way to Applejacks’ farm?”

“Sure!” Ditzy beamed and the two of them cantered down the road together.

Once they arrived, Applejack was waiting for him by the front gate. “Well howdy Flare, ah was hopin’ you’d show up alright. Ah plum forgot that ya didn’t know where mah farm was.”

“It’s okay, my friend Ditzy here showed me.” He had put a little extra emphasis on the word friend, which caused the pegasus to smile bashfully.

“Well you seem like you have work to do, so I’ll let you go. Wanna hang out sometime soon though?” Ditzy inquired and Flare nodded.

“Sure thing, later then?”
Ditzy soared into the sky with a surprising amount of grace and waved before heading off to Ponyville. Applejack watched the two of them and smiled.

“So ah take it that y’all had a good morning?”

“You could say that.” Flare replied and smiled fondly, knowing that he had at least made a real, true friend today. “Now what work do you have for me?”

Chapter Six - A Pony is Irresistible.

Chapter Six – A Pony who is Irresistible.

The work that Applejack had wanted him to do was clearing a field of rocks. Granny Smith wanted to extend the farm, but the field was littered with large, grey stones. They could be removed by rope and hoof, but that would take weeks.

“Ragh!” Flares’ hind legs lashed out at a large boulder as his diamond hard hooves reduced it to gravel. Applejack, Big Macintosh and a few other members of the Apple family were busy shovelling the pulverised stone into wheelbarrows and hauling it away. On top of clearing the field, a local construction company had offered some bits for the crushed stone. A bit of extra profit on the side caused nopony to complain.

Flare stared up at a monolithic rock that stood before him. Applejack whistled as she walked up next to him. “That’s a mighty big one, ah reckon we should get a team to pull this out.”

“Feh,” Flare scoffed and snorted. “The bigger they are the harder they fall.”
Applejack put a hoof to his chest and shook her head. “Ah appreciate all tha help you’ve given us so far, but y’all might get hurt an’ ah can’t have that.”

Flare moved her hoof away and grinned. “Just watch and learn.”

Turning his back to the rock, he raised his hind legs and slammed them against it. He paused for a second before falling to the ground, his legs twitching in pain.

“Owowowowowww!” Applejack ran to his side and looked at his legs, they didn’t seem broken, but that looked like it hurt.

“Ah told ya so!” She scolded, bopping him upside the back of his head. “Don’t be a darn foal and listen next time.”

As Applejack helped the stallion to his hooves, a sickening crack filled the air as the tall rock split right down the middle. The two halves fell with a crash and kicked up a cloud of dust. Applejack coughed as the dust settled and her jaw dropped as she saw the rock.

“Well ah’ll be damned…”

Flare smirked and walked over to the rock. “Told ya!” He glanced down and his eyes went wide. The inside of the rock was hollow and filled with dozens of gemstones of all sizes and colours. “Whoa… is that normal?”

Big Macintosh looked over it and shook his head. “Eenope, didn’t think that Gem Stones grew in this here part o’ the land.”

As Flare looked at them, an idea hit like a Thunderbolt attack. “Um, can I have one of these, if that’s alright of course?”

“Ah don’t see why not.” AJ said. “We’ll jus’ sell ‘em ta Rarity or sumthin anyhow.”

Flare rummaged around until he found a gem that looked good, a gleaming aquamarine stone. “This one looks good,” he said and set it aside. Applejack was curious now, just what did he want that single stone for? Then an idea formed in her mind and a faint smile tugged in the corners of her mouth.

“Well let’s get this here rock outta the way and that’ll be all for today.” AJ announced. The remaining gems were put into a cart and then the rock halves were dragged off and out of the way. AJ, Mac and Flare looked out at the newly cleared field and nodded with the satisfaction of a job well done.

“Did y’all wanna stay fer some lunch?” Applejack asked Flare. “It’s tha least we kin do fer all ya hard work.”

“Y’know, that’ll be nice.” Flare said as he licked his lips. All the stone stomping had worked up a serious appetite and he had been told that the Apple family could whip up some awesome food.

***

As the three ponies walked inside, an elderly mare leaning heavily on a metal walker greeted them.

“Howdy youngn’s!” She replied in the same accent shared by the rest of the Apple family. It was one that Flare was actually familiar with actually.

“Granny Smith, ah’d like to introduce ya to somepony.” Applejack said, stepping up next to Flare Blitz. “Flare Blitz, this here is mah Granny Smith, Granny, this is Flare Blitz.”

“Land sakes, that boy’s manes’ on fire!” Granny shouted, looking rightly panicked. “Go an’ git some water!”

A small filly ran into the room, a bucket of water swaying from her mouth. “Ah got thith!” She said in a muffled tone as she swung her head, sending a cascade or water towards the fire type. Whinnying loudly, he jumped behind Applejack as the spray of water hit the farmpony right in the face. Applejack sputtered and coughed as she gave her little sister a death glare before shifting it to Flare.

“Whut’s tha big idea in using a mare as a shield!?” She stamped a hoof and stared him down. “It was jus a bit o water, aint like it was gonna bite ya!”

“I really am sorry about that,” Flare apologised. “But water causes me physical pain, I am a Fire Type Pokémon, so I can’t get wet much.”

‘Seriously?” AJ deadpanned. “Ya’ll are scared of takin a bath?”

“If I get wet enough I can die!” Flare argued. “It’s not a matter if I’m scared, everyone has a weakness or two and for me it’s a few things. Water being the first and foremost.”

Now it was Applejack’s turn to look apologetic. She was only making a joke but it seems that Flare was a little sensitive about showing weakness. He reminded her of a certain rainbow maned pegasus. “Ah’m sorry Flare, ah didn’t mean anything by it-“

”I know,” Flare sighed, realising that it wasn’t her fault. It was the one thing he hated about being a Fire Pokémon, being weak to a substance that was found almost everywhere. “It’s not like I can’t touch water completely, I can still drink it just fine and I can get my hooves wet.” He walked over to the bucket and dunked a hoof in it to prove his point. “I just can’t get my flames wet.”

Applejack though for a moment, If he couldn’t submerse himself in water then how did he bathe? He’d been here for roughly a week and it didn’t smell like he hadn’t taken a bath so…

“Iffn y’all don’t mind me askin…?” Applejack said as she rubbed her leg nervously. “How exactly do ya take a bath if ya caint touch water?”

Flare blinked at the question and nodded. “I don’t mind, it’s a rather astute question with a very interesting answer.” Applejack blushed at the praise… was it praise? Flare walked back outside and motioned for the mare to follow him. Once there he stood about a dozen feet from the house in a large patch of dirt. “This looks like a good spot,” he muttered. “Now watch closely and I’ll show you how.”

Applejack nearly fainted and turned a deep crimson. “Y’all want me to watch you bathe!?” She shouted with an indignant huff that would have made Rarity proud. Flare laughed at her reaction and pointed at the ground. “Just watch okay.”

He opened his mouth and shot a white hot stream of flame at the ground, just before his hooves. He began to spin in a slow circle until the flames consumed him entirely. There was little sound aside from the flickering flames and Applejack was worried that the stallion had just incinerated himself.

Until she heard the humming.

She squinted and then swore to Celestia that she could see the pony standing in the centre of the small inferno, humming a jaunty little tune. After a minute or two, the flames died down and Flare was standing there, without a single scratch, scorch mark or even the slightest blemish. He stamped the dying embers out and stepped out of the circle of blackened earth.

“You see, just like that.” He explained.

“That’s… somethin else alright.” Applejack replied, stunned that he set himself on fire in order to clean himself, as long as Applebloom and her friends didn’t try it. “Well let’s get some grub an you can explain to Granny on why our lawn has a new fire pit.”

Flare just smiled sheepishly as the smell of fresh apple pie wafted into his nose. A single sniff and he literally floated into the dining room where he was greeted by a delicious-looking spread of apples and apple themed produce. “Oh sweet Arceus this looks good,” He drooled as he sat down.

***

After lunch, he was making his way back to Ponyville with Applejack and Applebloom in tow. The song he had been humming earlier was firmly stuck in his head and he started to hum it again.

As they walked, Applebloom and AJ began to bob their heads slightly to some unheard tune and as Flare hummed a little louder he began to hear something. Music that accompanied the song in his head began to play, and though he looked for a source, it sounded like it was coming from everywhere. Lyrics formed in his head and he began to get the most insatiable urge to start singing.

So he did.

Flare began to bop his head as he opened his mouth and sung.

Look at what's happened to me,
I can't believe it myself;

He was flanked by the Apple sisters as they added a gentle hum to his tune.

Suddenly I'm up on top of the world,
Should've been somebody else.

His flank swayed slightly and he stepped in tune with the song.

Believe it or not,
I'm walkin' on air,
I never thought I could feel so free;
Flyin' away on a wing and a pray'r,
Who could it be?
Believe it or not, it's just me.

As the trio approached Ponyville, ponies of all shapes and sizes appeared out of nowhere and began to sing along with Flare.

Just like the light of new day,
It hit me from out of the blue;
Breakin' me out of the spell I was in,
Makin' all of my wishes come true.

Ponies sang from their windows and all around Flare others performed a perfectly choreographed dance routine. Flare barely noticed as he continued to belt out his song, his voice was smooth and mid ranged. Not too deep nor too light.

Believe it or not,
I'm walkin' on air,
I never thought I could feel so free;
Flyin' away on a wing and a pray'r,
Who could it be?
Believe it or not, it's just me.

Twilight’s friends were all behind him now and added their voices to the song. Twilight herself was walking next to him and Flare’s shining black eyes met her stunning purple ones. His smile was as warm as the sun as he sang the next part to Twilight.

This is too good to be true,
Look at me
Falling for you.

Twilight put her hooves around his neck as they danced together, the other ponies surrounding them in a large circle as the two sang in unison.

Believe it or not,
Believe it or not,
Believe it or not,
Believe it or not.

Believe it or not,
I'm walkin' on air,
I never thought I could feel so free;
Flyin' away on a wing and a pray'r,
Who could it be?
Believe it or not, it's just me.

The music began to wind down as the song reached its end. Everypony had joined hooves and sang together.

Believe it or not,
I'm walkin' on air,
I never thought I could feel so free;
Flyin' away on a wing and a pray'r,
Who could it be?
Believe it or not, it's just me.

Flare took a deep breath as the song finished and everypony smiled before going their separate ways, like this had been a completely natural thing for them.
Flare on the other hoof was as confused as hell.

“Um,” He looked towards the lavender unicorn next to him as she caught her breath. “I uhh… I have no idea what just happened.”

“It was just a song.” Twilight smiled. “And you have a really nice singing voice I might add.”

“Um, thanks?” Flare smiled before he realised that she had completely dodged the question, or she had just missed it completely. “No, I mean to whole ‘Let’s just sing a song along with Flare who has no idea why he was singing in the first place’ thing!”

“Ah, that.” Twilight paused for a second as she gathered her thoughts on the best way to explain it. “Well, I guess that the best way to put it is that music born from the heart can be felt by anypony and they just want to join in, it has to do with the Magic of Harmony that resides in us all.” She added an afterthought, “Though I’m surprised that it was you that caused it, I should research this…”

Flare applied his hoof to his face and sighed. “So what you’re saying is that sudden musical numbers are a common occurrence here?” He was answered by another burst of music as Pinkie led a chorus of ponies leaping across rooftops as she sang a cheery song about smiling.

“Not even gonna…” Flare sighed again and walked away as Twilight ran to join her friends.

***

Evening eventually rolled around and Flare returned to the library, exhausted from the work in the morning and the spontaneous musical number. That said, the whole thing still left him with a faint smile and a light heart. As he walked in, he almost tripped on the pile of books stacked near the doorway.

“If you want to return anything, use the after-hours box please.” Twilight had her head stuck in a particularly old-looking scroll as she wrinkled her nose at it.

“Space, Time and Distortion, worlds beyond worlds and all are linked to the Creator. Born form nothing and encompassing everything, the fate of light and darkness, the bearer and destined. The eternal nightmare and the light of destiny. One born from the union of love and will, dreams given form and hope eternal.”

Twilight scanned the scroll several times and then flipped it upside down, reading again before tossing it aside.

“Why the hay can’t Starswirl make any sense?” she yelled with a frustrated groan.

“Something wrong?” Flare said, causing Twilight to jump suddenly. “You look bothered by something.”

Twilight got to her hooves and scratched at her legs as the pins and needles set in. “It’s nothing,” She sighed, looking at the offending scroll that was the sole cause of her headache. “I was hitting a dead end with my current line of research and thought I’d give a look into prophecies, but that was an even bigger waste of my time.” She rolled up the scroll with her magic and placed it back in the pile. “Starswirl was either a genius… or a complete jackass!” Flare snorted in amusement at her rant. “Why can’t prophecies make more sense, like arrive here at point X to save the universe from apocalyptic event Y.”

“Why are you even looking into that sort of thing?” Flare asked as he stepped around the hardcover chaos that lay all over the floor and into the kitchen to get a drink. “It’s not like I’m some destined hero that will save Equestria.”

“Like I said, a dead end.” Twilight responded. Her horn flashed once more and the books sorted themselves into neat piles. “So on another note, how was your day? Doing whatever it was you were doing.”

“I was helping Applejack and her family clear a field of boulders.” Flare explained. “A job that would have taken them a week or two… completed in a single day thanks to me.”

“How did you do that!?” Twilight wished she could have watched, to see if he used any of his intriguing abilities.

“Just stomped ‘em.” Flare said, coming back out into the foyer. “My hooves can make short work of rock thanks to the fact that they’re almost unbreakable.”
Twilight pulled out a small notebook that had different-coloured tabs sticking out of it. “Possess hooves of incredible strength. Able to smash solid rock.” She finished writing and magicked the book away. “You’re just full of surprises aren’t you?”

“So says the pony that lives in a town that randomly breaks out into song.” Flare replied with a smug grin.

“I blame Pinkie Pie for most of that!” Twilight argued.
Flare shrugged and headed towards his room to retire to bed. “Pity though,” He murmured before closing the door. “You have a really pretty singing voice.”

He left the blushing unicorn alone to her thoughts after that.

***

Sparkler was over early the next morning to start her studies with Twilight. Flare had chosen to sleep in for the first time in ages and had just gotten into a comfortable position which involved lying on his back like a puppy when the feeling of something small and somewhat light thumped onto his chest.

He lay there for a moment and once it was apparent that his visitor wasn’t leaving he opened one eye to see two golden ones staring back at him.

“…Good morning Dinky,” Flare yawned as the little filly perched on his chest giggled.

“Twilight sez that you gots to get up Mr. Lazy Pony!” She smiled as she prodded his face with a hoof.

“Do I now?” Flare mused as he yawned loudly and opened both eyes. “And why is that?”

“Cause Twilight sez so.”

Flare smiled at the adorableness of it. “Well only if I get a wake-up kiss.”
Dinky grinned and Flare waited for the little unicorn to kiss his nose or something when she jumped down from the bed. “A’kay!” She smiled and ran outside. “Flare sez he wants a wake up kiss!” She proudly exclaimed to Twilight.

Flare rushed out a second later, his face red and a nervous smile on his muzzle. “Ahahaha, little fillies huh? What can you do?” He was too late though and the damage had been done. Twilight’s smile was one that said volumes of the fact that she would never let him live this down.

“Well it seems that you’re wide awake now, so I guess the kiss isn’t necessary.” Twilight sighed and put a hoof to her cheek in mock disappointment. “What a shame.”

Flare’s brain chose that moment to just shut down completely and go to lunch. Twilight and Sparkler just giggled at him while the joke went straight over the top of Dinky’s head. The little unicorn looked up at Twilight with adamant curiosity. “So are ya gonna kiss him?” She asked innocently.

Twilight stopped laughing and coughed as the question caught her off guard. “Um, no muffin. I think he’ll be okay.”

Flare blinked and he saw his opportunity to counterattack. “Yeah Dinky, Twilight’s being a big meanie. I’m feelin’ kinda sad now.”

Dinky’s eyes went wide with shock as she zipped over to Flare and latched onto his leg with a patented ‘Get Better’ hug. “Dun worry Flare.” She beckoned for him to lean down and kissed him on the cheek when he did. “Feelin’ better?”

His heart just melted as he smiled and nuzzled the little filly. “Much, thanks Dinky!” Dinky nodded and then gave a stern look to Twilight, well as stern as a six year old could muster.

“That’s not fair!” Twilight cried. “You can’t use Dinky’s cuteness against somepony like that! It’s blatant cheating!”

“I think Twilight needs one too Dinky.” Flare whispered and Dinky rushed back over to Twi to give her a hug and a kiss too.

“What about me?” Sparkler huffed and Dinky sighed.

“Urgh, fiiine.” Dinky moaned and hugged Sparkler. “Don’t be such a baby Sparky.”

Flare laughed at that one. That filly was so sweet she could probably give Pinkie Pie a toothache. Then he recalled the reason why he was up in the first place.

“So what did you need me for?” he asked Twilight. “Something up?”

Twilight finished cooing over Dinky and turned her attention to the Pokémon. “Yes actually, I was hoping that you might do me a favour?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Well you see, I promised Cheerilee that I’d assist with looking after her class on a field trip today, but this research is hard and has me all tied up at the moment.”. Twilight waved a hoof over the mess that had covered the library floor for teh past few days. “I was wondering if you could go in my place.” Twilight asked him. “You seem to be really good with kids and it’ll be a great way for to meet some more ponies and learn a little more about Equestria.”

Flare nodded, “I can handle that no problem.” He smiled and Dinky trotted over to him. “So I’m gonna spend the day with class huh?”

“A’huh” Dinky beamed, “I’ll show you the way. C’mon!” She clambered up onto his back and put her little hooves around his neck. “Hi-ho Flare, away!” She shouted and Flare trotted out from the library.

***

Dinky showed him the way to the schoolhouse where a fuchsia mare with a flower cutie mark was waiting. A small gaggle of foals were running about, giggling and chatting. The appearance of Flare however took them all by surprise however and the yard fell into a deep silence.

“Here we go again,” He thought bitterly. “I wonder how many will run away this time.”

Cheerilee stood her ground as the strange pony approached. She remembered the party that Pinkie had thrown a week ago for this odd stallion, but why was he here at the school? Dinky suddenly jumped down from Flare’s back and waved happily.

“Hey everypony!” She greeted with a wide smile. “This is Flare, Miss Twilight’s friend.” She poked Flare in the leg with a hoof and whispered. “Psst, say hi to everypony.”

“Uh, right.” Flare cleared his throat and looked at the small crowd before him. “Hello there!” He said, trying not to be too intimidating. “My name is Flare Blitz, I’m here on the behalf of Twilight Sparkle.”

A filly ran up to him and he recognised her straight away, it was Applejack’s sister, Applebloom.

“Howdy thar Mr. Flare!” She beamed. “Are y’all comin on the field trip with us?”

“Do you know him AB?” A small orange pegasus asked.

Applebloom nodded and turned back to Flare. “This here is mah friend Scootaloo and her name is Sweetie Belle.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” Sweetie made a polite courtesy while Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, well if Applebloom and Dinky say you’re cool then I’ll go with it.” Scootaloo kinda reminded him of a miniature Rainbow Dash. Maybe they were related?

Cheerilee watched the four fillies play with the newcomer and smiled. He didn’t look so scary with a bunch of children hanging off of him; she approached him tentatively none the less.

“Hello there,” Cheerilee greeted him. “My name is Miss Cheerilee, I am the teacher of these young colts and fillies.”

“It’s nice to meet you Miss Cheerilee.” Flare greeted back. “Sorry that Twilight couldn’t make it, but she’s just super busy with some research right now.”

“It’s quite alright, it definitely sounds like Twilight,” Cheerilee laughed. “I suppose I should explain what we are doing today.” All the foals settled down as Cheerilee addressed them. “We will be going to a field just outside of Ponyville today. Some rare flowers have been spotted blooming and it would be a good opportunity for our botany lessons.”

“But like, isn’t that totally near the Everfree Forest?” A grey filly wearing a pair of glasses asked. “What happens if a monster attacks us? My daddy won’t be very happy!”

“Which is why I sent you home with that permission slip the other day Silver Spoon.” Cheerilee reminded her. “And besides, we have Mr. Flare Blitz here.”

“So a monster will protect us from another monster?” A pink filly standing next to Silver snorted. “That’s your plan?”

“Flare isn’t a munster!” Dinky yelled at her. “’Pologise to him you meanie!”

“Diamond Tiara!?” Cheerilee scolded her. “That is very rude. Apologise to Mr. Flare Blitz.”

Diamond just snorted as Silver Spoon giggled. Cheerilee offered an apologetic look to Flare, “I’m very sorry about that. I’m sure they didn’t mean it.”

“Sticks and stones,” Flare shrugged. “Besides, they’re technically right. I am a monster of sorts.”

“W-what do you mean?” Sweetie Belle piqued up. “You’re not gonna eat us are you?”

Flare shook his head, “Naw, ponies taste terrible.” He saw the look of total horror on Cheerilee and Sweetie’s faces. “I’m just kidding, I’m a herbivore.”

“What does that mean?” Scootaloo asked, unfamiliar with the big word.

“It means he eats the same things we do, like fruits, vegetables and grains.” Sweete informed her and Cheerilee nodded.

“And excellent explanation Sweetie Belle, bonus marks for you.” She turned her attention back to the class. “Well let’s get going everypony!”

As they walked through the town towards their destination, the trio of fillies known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders hung at the back of the group talking to Flare Blitz.

“So you formed a club to find your Cutie Marks?” Flare asked. “That’s pretty cool.”

“Y’all really think so?” Applebloom skipped happily and laughed. “We don’ git a whole lotta intrest frum tha grown ups.”

“Probably cause we’re just too awesome!” Scootaloo added. “They just don’t know how to handle it.”

“You really do sound a lot like Rainbow Dash.” Flare pointed out and Scoots looked like he had just paid her the highest of compliments. He personally didn’t know all that much himself about the prismatic pegasus, he was only going from stories that Twilight had told him and the brief moments that he had actually met her.

“Note to self, set aside some time and get to know Twilight’s friends a little better.”

Sweetie Belle was looking at his flames with sparkly eyes. “I really like your mane!” she squeaked. “It’s simply marvellous.”

“And you sound like Miss Rarity.” Flare replied and Sweetie Belle nodded.

“She’s my big sister, do you know her too?”

“Sure do, I went to Canterlot with her a few days ago.” Flare explained. “She’s really nice and makes really beautiful clothes huh?”

Sweetie Belle giggled and her horn sparked ever so slightly. “Yeah, she can be slightly bossy sometimes, but she’s the best big sister ever!”

A voice called out to them and Flare saw Spike approaching them. "Hey Spike, what's up?"

"Not much, Twilight gave me a break for a while so I thought that I might catch up and hang out with you," Spike explained. "If that's okay with you of course."

"I don't mind," Flare cantered up to Cheerilee and spoke with her for a moment before trotting back. "Miss Cheerilee said it was okay, so welcome to the class Spike!"

***

After about a half hour of walking, the group reached their destination, a big open field that was filled with hundreds if not thousands of beautiful flowers. Flare was amazed at the beauty that Equestria had to offer.

“Okay class!” Cheerilee called out. “Today we will be looking for this flower.” She held out a book that showed a lavender flower that looked very similar to a lily. “It’s called a Star Dew and it’s a very rare species.” She waved a hook across the field, “A friend of mine mentioned that you can find them here, so get looking everypony!”

“I’m so going to find that flower before all of you Blank Flanks!” Diamond Tiara sneered as she and Silver Spoon ran off into the field.

“Y’know,” Flare stated. “I don’t think I like that little filly.”

“Cause she’s a bully who always makes fun of us?” Scootaloo had little love for them either. But this Flare guy was pretty cool, well not as cool as Rainbow Dash, but still cool. Then she noticed something. “Hey Mr. Flare, how come you don’t have a Cutie Mark?”

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked and saw that Scootaloo was right, Flare’s flank was as blank as theirs. But he was a grown up, how come he didn’t have one?

“I don’t think I can get one.” Flare replied, not really sure how to answer that without confusing the young girls. “So don’t worry about it okay?”

“Well you can join our club if y’all want to.’ Applebloom offered. “Even though yer a grown up, y’all can still be a Crusader.”

“Maybe I will,” Flare humoured her. “But I think we should find that flower first, before Miss Cheerilee gets upset.”

Dinky ran back over panting, “I couldn find the flower over there, maybe we should try that way?”

Everypony cheered in agreement and the four fillies and one Pokémon headed out into the field to find the elusive flower, completely unaware of the hungry yellow eyes that hid in the darkness of the nearby forest, following their every move.

“Sssuch a deliciousss looking dragon!”

Chapter Seven – A Pony Fights and a Pony Plays.

Chapter Seven – A Pony Fights and a Pony Plays.

Flare panted as he stood between a group of frightened foals and their teacher and quite possibly the biggest snake he had ever seen. His head pounded and his body was covered in minor wounds, but by Arceus he was not going to let it touch those children.

“Miss Cheerilee, I’m going to distract it and when I do I want you to get those kids to safety!”

Cheerilee was terrified, they had just been searching for a simple flower and a massive snake monster had emerged from the Everfree Forest. Flare Blitz had blocked its initial attack and been injured in the process.

“B-but what about you-“

“Don’t worry about that!” Flare yelled back. “All that matters is the safety of those kids.”

Flare turned his attention back to his opponent, an enormous snake about 20 feet long. It was covered in muddy brown armour that was a hard as stone. Its head swayed back and forth as its yellow eyes bored their way into Flare.

“Ssssuch a ssstrange pony,” It hissed. The snake’s voice sent shivers down Flare’s spine. “Already cooked and ready to be eaten.”

“Yeah? Just try it!” Flare retorted. He looked back at Cheerilee and nodded before running at the beast. He closed in fast using Quick Attack and slammed both his hind legs into the creatures’ body with a punishing Double Kick. He suddenly staggered forward as his hooves practically bounced off of its armour and as Flare struggled to regain his footing, the snake lashed out with its tail, sending Flare tumbling across the field.

“Sssuch a chore,” The snake hissed with a bored tone before advancing on Cheerilee, Spike and the foals. “Sssuch a feassst, I can’t wait.” Its forked tongue flicked out, tasting the fear in the air.

“S-stay back, I-I mean it!” Cheerilee stood forward, but her legs were shaking like a leaf in a tornado.

The snake licked its lips and opened its maw, saliva dripping as it lunged forward, only to have something slam hard into the side of its head, knocking it to the ground a few feet from the children.

Flare landed next to them, his body crackling with electricity from the Wild Charge attack. “Run! NOW!” He yelled and Cheerilee froze for a second before herding the foals away and back towards Ponyville as fast as their hooves could carry them.

The Titanoboa pulled itself up and shook its head. The attack had hit him full on but the mud armour coating it had absorbed almost all the damage.

“Little fool!” It hissed, spittle flying from its mouth and sizzling when it hit the ground. “I”ll consssume you, that dragon and then thossse children!”

Flare pawed at the ground as flames began to consume his body as he activated his Flare Blitz attack. “Bring it you overgrown Ekans, I’ll roast you alive!”

***

“I think that we’re finally getting somewhere.” Twilight adjusted some algorithms on a large chalkboard next to her as Sparkler brought back two cups of potent coffee.

“About time,” Sparkler yawned. This research was interesting and she enjoyed learning from the older unicorn, but she was exhausted. Twilight levitated several books at once, taking notes and writing down theories and possibilities. Just how could she maintain so much energy?

The peaceful quiet was suddenly interrupted by the library door flying open with a loud bang. Twilight and Sparkler ran upstairs to find an out of breath Cheerilee and Dinky.

“What happened, is everything alright?” Twilight saw that the teacher had some scratches while Sparkler was tending to a bawling Dinky.

“No…” Cheerilee panted as she leaned against the door-frame. “It’s Flare, he’s in a great deal of trouble!”

***

Flare’s body was wracked with pain from the continuous use of Flare Blitz and Wild Charge, but they seemed to be the only attacks that had any sort of effect. The serpent was too fast to let him charge up a Solarbeam. The snake struck with its tail once more and Flare was too exhausted to dodge. He was sent flying and out of the corner of his eye, a large tree was getting very close, very fast.

“Well this is going to hurt.” Flare closed his eye and braced himself for the impact… but it never came. He opened his eyes to find himself floating just a few inches from the tree, his body surrounded by a magenta hue.

“Flare, are you okay!?” He looked behind him to see Twilight standing there, her horn glowing as her magic held him in place. She galloped over to him and gasped when she saw the injuries covering his body.

“I’ve been better,” He groaned. “Is everyone else alright?”

Twilight nodded and then let out a shriek as the snake attacked again, only to be thrown off guard by a burst of emerald flame. It did nothing, but it provided enough of a distraction to let Twilight teleport herself and Flare across the other side of the field to where Spike was waiting.

“What do we do Twilight!?” Spike panicked. “This thing is really strong and really mad.”

Twilight didn’t have a chance to respond before she had to put up a barrier to block the enraged serpents’ attack once more.

“Jusssst give me the dragon and I’ll let you go.” It hissed menacingly. Twilight doubted that the thing would keep its word and there was no way she was going to give up Spike to save herself.

“No way!” She shouted back. “Why don’t you just go back to the Everfree?”

The snake roared and slammed the barrier hard, causing it to vibrate and crack. The mud coating its body came from the Everfree and possessed anti-magical properties. Twilight’s barrier was not going to survive much longer.

Flare groaned and got to his hooves. He wasn’t going to let Twilight and Spike get hurt, not while he could still draw breath. Spike placed a claw on his side as Flare’s legs wobbled slightly,

“Dude, just stay down. Twilight will get us out of here.”

Twilight strained to keep up the shield as the beast rained blow upon blow on it. As long as the barrier was up, she wouldn’t be able to teleport them, but if she dropped the barrier then she doubted that she would have enough time to re-cast.

“Twilight can’t keep this up long,” He groaned. He needed his attacks to hit harder, harder than that stupid snakes armour. “Dammit, if only I had Sapphira here, she could use her Flamethrower on me.”

Then Flare had a possibly brilliant idea. He turned to Spike with a new determination in his eyes.

“Spike, I need you to use your flames on me.”

Both Spike and Twilight stared at him. “Are you crazy?” Twilight exclaimed. “Why do you want Spike to burn you?”

“I need you to trust me and I’ll explain everything later, but I think that we have little time left, so make with the flame dragon boy!”

The Titanoboa slammed its whole body on the pink bubble, shattering it like glass. The trio barely managed to avoid getting crushed as Spike and Flare tumbled to the left and Twilight to the right.

“Spike! Do it, please!” The small dragon was hesitant, but Flare was hardly a normal pony and the situation was desperate.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” He muttered and opened his mouth, sending a stream of green flame at the Pokémon.

The effect was one neither of them expected.

The Titanoboa turned towards Twilight and bared its cruel-looking fangs. The fiery one was half dead already and the dragon was no threat, but the horn headed pony could be dangerous if left unchecked. “Time to feasssst.”

It never got the chance as something powerful slammed into its side, sending the beast crashing to the ground hard. Twilight looked up and her heart skipped beat at what she saw. Flare Blitz was standing over her protectively, his usual fiery mane was blazing a brilliant emerald.

“Flare?” Her voice was shaky from the shock and the sense of awe she felt looking upon him.

His body began to glow with a golden light as his Morning Sun skill activated. The wounds on his body began to close and his scratches and bruises healed. He had hoped Spikes’ flames would activate his Flash Fire ability and power up his fire attacks. But they had done something else, rather than just his fire attacks being powered up, Flare felt like his entire being was brimming with power.

“Impudent. Little. PONY!!” The Titanoboa rose up, his eyes filled with pure rage. “I’m going to sssmash you like a bug!”

Flare used Flare Blitz once more as the flames erupted from his body, tearing up the ground around him. He blazed forward like a meteor, slamming into the snakes’ midsection and carrying it several meters across the ground before exploding with enough force to send Twilight and Spike sprawling across the ground from the shockwave.

Flare jumped clear from the smoke and skidded back. Twilight went to run to him, but a single look from him stopped her. “Stay back, he’s not down yet.”

No sooner had Flare said that, the snake launched himself from the smoke and collided with the ground as Flare leapt high into the air. He was feeling great right now and let out a giddy laugh as he landed on the snakes head with a loud thud, driving the beast into the ground.

“Graahhh!” It lashed out with its tail again and Flare leapt and landed on it, running up the length of the creatures’ body, he delivered blow after blow along its armour. The Titanoboa shook him off and Flare hit the ground and rolled away as the tail struck the ground where he had landed.

Spike watched the fight with wide eyes. Just what had his fire done to Flare? “Twilight…?” He stammered. “Is Flare okay?”

Twilight studied Flare with a trained eye for detail. She saw the grin on his face and she knew what that grin meant, she once wore that same smile. Flare was riding the high that someponies could get when using massive amounts of magical energies.

“I don’t know Spike…” Twilight was concerned, both for Flare’s safety and what was happening to him.

“I’ll give you a chance,” Flare suddenly said, halting his attacks. “Return to where you came from and I’ll forget this ever happened… but if you continue to harm my friends…”

“I’ll ssstop when all of you are in my ssstomach!” The snake opened its mouth and shot a blast of green liquid at Flare. The Fire Horse Pokémon narrowly avoided it as the liquid struck the ground and hissed as the acid-like substance melted away the earth, leaving an ugly black crater.

Flare snorted as an emerald inferno surrounded him. He blitzed forward and even as the snake braced itself for the impact, the sheer force of the strike still drove it back several feet. Flare jumped back near Twilight as the attack faded and his flames intensity slowed.

“Last chance!” He growled, “Go home and leave Ponyville alone or I’ll punish you!”

“And how will you do that?” The snake sneered, “My armour will ssstop anything you throw at me.”

Flare paused and smirked, earning a look of confusion from the Titanoboa. “Is that so?” Flare replied. “Are you sure about that?”

Before the beast could reply, numerous cracks formed along the muddy coating before large sections of it crumbled away.

“It was the heat,” Twilight murmured. “The heat from Flare’s flames caused the mud to dry out and become brittle.”

The snake howled and bared it’s wickedly curved fangs, dripping with acidic venom. “Playtime isss over! DIE!!”

Flare sighed as his body glowed with golden light. As the snake got closer, Flare narrowed his eyes. “I’ll say it one last time, leave!” The snake was silent as the slithered its way closer to him and Twilight and Flare closed his eyes. “So be it,” He whispered. “I gave you your chance.”

Twilight’s horn lit up as she began to cast a protective shield but stopped when Flare opened his mouth and fired a massive beam of golden light. It was as brilliant as the sun itself and tore up the ground as it blasted the Titanoboa full on. The beast roared as the beam lifted it off of the ground and launched it deep into the Everfree Forest.

Once the light and noise died down, Flare was standing there, his flames returning to their normal hue. He turned to Twilight and ran over to her, “Are you alright? You’re not hurt are you? What about Spike?”

Twilight put a hoof to his chest and gave him a reassuring smile. “We’re fine, it’s okay.” She gazed across the field and the devastation that reduced it to a scattering of flowers that somehow managed to survive the onslaught.

“That’s… good.” Flare suddenly felt very, very tired and the ground was looking real nice for a nap. Twilight gasped when the stallion suddenly collapsed to the ground unconscious. After a quick check she saw that he was simply asleep and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Is he okay Twilight?” The worried dragon asked her again and Twilight nodded. After a moment of casting, a flash of light enveloped the three and teleported them back to the library, where quite a few ponies were waiting.

“Whut in tarnation happened Twah?” Applejack was the first to see to them as Sparkler and Rarity lifted Flare Blitz onto the couch.

“It-it was like nothing I’d ever seen.” Twilight replied. Ditzy and Fluttershy brought everypony some tea, which Twilight took gratefully. “There was a giant snake, an Titanoboa I believe it’s called.” She levitated several books over and began to scan through them. “I think I have something here about them, they’re quite fascinating actually. Did you know that they can-“

“Twilight, give us the egghead lesson later.” Rainbow replied, causing Twilight, Cheerilee and Sparkler to scoff in annoyance. “Just tell us why Spike looks like he’s scared out of his mind, why Flare is fast asleep and what that massive light show was!”

Twilight took a moment to organise her thoughts and began to tell them everything, from the Titanoboas’ attack to Flare displayed the incredible power he possessed. “I can’t believe how powerful he is.” She looked over to the sleeping stallion, wondering just what else he was capable of. But she felt something else too, it was a feeling she couldn’t place her hoof on. “He’s amazing.” She whispered.

***

Night had already fallen by the time Flare woke up. Everypony was still there and it was Twilight that was the first to hug him.

“I was so worried about you!” She stammered and then smacked him on the shoulder. “And you’re a complete idiot!”

Rarity opened her mouth to chastise the unicorn, but Ditzy stopped her, shaking her head. Flare rubbed his shoulder and gave her a sheepish stare. “Yeah, it probably was a bit stupid. Sorry about that.”

“At least you’re okay.” Twilight hugged him again. “But try not to do that again.”

“I’ll try, but it’s hard to contain all this awesome!” Flare stretched and once some stiff muscles had stopped complaining he sighed. Pinkie saw that as her chance to bounce across the room and huggle Flare. “Oh , I’m sooo glad you’re okay. We should totally have a party!”

It took but a moment before Flare was buried under a pony pile and he groaned. “Seriously girls?”

***

Ditzy had taken her daughters home and Cheerilee had also left after thanking Flare for saving her and her students. Twilight’s friends decided that they would stay the night, just in case that serpent tried anything. Flare knew that the snake would not be coming back anytime soon, but he wasn’t going to complain. He figured that this would be a good chance to get to know them better.

“So Flare?” Rainbow Dash sat down on the rug next to him, nestling a mug of hot chocolate in her hooves. “I was wondering, are you gonna enter the Solar Run in a few weeks?”

“The Solar Run?” Flare gave her a quizzical look. “What’s that, some kind of race?”

Rainbow nodded enthusiastically and beamed. “Yeah, it’s like the biggest ground race event of like ever!” She pulled a flyer out of her saddlebag and showed him. It was a noticeable orange poster with silhouettes of the three pony types on it. “It’s a long distance run through several terrain types and the winner of it gets the most amazing prize, a wish granted to them by Princess Celestia herself!”

“Whoee! I plum fergot all bout that thang!” Applejack exclaimed, breaking away from Rarity, who was trying to brush her mane. “Mah family sure could use the money ta fix up tha farm.”

“Ooh, I could get my animals a new bath and stockpile supplies for the winter.” Fluttershy cooed.

“I could throw the biggest party Equestria has ever seen!” Pinkie exploded upwards in a shower of confetti.

“I could design some fabulous racing outfits for everypony.” Rarity’s mind was already racing itself with ideas and designs. “It would be wonderful advertising!”

“Heh heh heh, books.” Twilight giggled. “So many books.”

Flare snorted in amusement and looked back to the prismatic pegasus. “What about you Skittles? What do you want?”

Rainbow glared at the strange nickname, but decided to ignore it. “I just want to win!” She said with a determined huff. “If I win this race then the Wonderbolts are sure to notice me and beg me to join them!”

“I see,” Flare pondered on it. If he decided to race in it, then what would he wish for? Celestia had already stated that she wasn’t able to send him home so that was out. A lifetime supply of Passho berries made his mouth water, but they didn’t exist here.

Rainbow waved a hoof in front of his face, but Flare was well and truly lost in thought. “You are so like Twilight.” She suddenly flapped and flew upwards as Rarity landed where she had just been previously sitting, a manebrush wrapped in her magical field.

“Oh, come now Rainbow dear!” Rarity pouted. “It’s not like I’m going to bite.”

“Yeah, and the moment I let you have your way, then I’ll be dolled up in frilly frou-frou crud.” Rainbow retorted. Rarity snorted in disdain but she wasn’t able to reach the pegasus so she turned her attention back to a certain apple farmer, who gulped nervously.

“Now Rare, y’all dun wanna do that!”

“Oh but I do Applejack dear. You will be the belle of the orchard after I’m done with you.”

Applejack struggled in protest as the fashionista took hold and dragged her upstairs. Flare and Rainbow Dash howled with laughter as sounds of the hapless earth pony struggling against her fate could be heard.

"Hey Flare!” RD asked him. “Even if you don’t race, would you mind helping me out tomorrow? I wanna do a practise run of the course and you would make a great training partner.”

“Well I don’t mind,” Flare replied. “What about you Twilight, did you need me for anything tomorrow?”

Twilight put down the book she was reading and shook her head. “Actually, if it’s alright with you I think that Sparkler and I could take a break tomorrow.”

“It’s fine with me.” Flare replied. “You girls are doing everything you can to get me home safely.”

“Thank you.” Twilight smiled. “And I think I’ll come to that race, it will be a good opportunity to get some more data on your abilities.”

“Always the bookworm.” Flare grinned. “But that’s what I like about you.”

Twilight suddenly flushed a deep red and hid beneath her mane. A rather good impression of Fluttershy actually. “T-thanks…”

“Ooh this’ll be fun~” Pinkie said, bouncing on the spot. “Dashie versus Flarey. A race of epic proportions! Sounds like a blast!”

“I’ll do my best to cheer for you both.” Fluttershy said and inhaled deeply before letting out the softest and most adorable ‘yay’ that Flare had ever heard.

“Between Dinky, Twilight and Fluttershy. I think I’ll die from a cuteness overload.” Flare smiled and Rd nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, Dinky alone can do you in, but with the egghead and Flutters…” The Pokémon and the pegasus both clutched at their hearts dramatically and then fell over laughing.

The giggles were cut short when Rarity descended the stairs before shooting a fierce glare at the top of them. “Come now Applejack, nopony is going to laugh at you.”

“Ah aint comin down thar lookin like this!” She said from beyond the door. “And ah just know that Rainbow is already grinning like a foal!”

“No I’m not!” Rd replied with a huge toothy grin. “C’mon Applesmack, get your flank down here!”

There was a moment of silence before AJ replied. “Only iffin y’all Pinkie Promise not ta laugh!”

Rainbow sighed and then all five ponies went through the motions. “Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye!” There was a yelp from Twilight when she actually poked herself in the eye.

“Every. Single. Time!” She muttered.

Applejack emerged from the room and Rainbow quickly stuck a hoof in her mouth to keep the promise. Pinkie still glared at her though.

The farmer looked quite radiant. Her mane was brushed and done up into a long, golden braid. Her coat was shiny and her tail was a red ribbon tapered at the base. Her eyelashes had been curled and a hint of blush was applied to her cheeks.

“Wow Applejack!” Flare almost whispered. “You look beautiful.”

Twilight slowly nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it really suits you AJ.”

“Aw shucks y’all” Applejack turned as red as her apples and pawed at the floor with her hoof.

The evening after that was filled with laughter, smores and Flare heard the stories of all the adventures that Twilight and her friends had been through, from defeating Nightmare Moon to Twilight’s first Winter Wrap-up. The fiasco that was the Grand Galloping Gala as well as Discords’ return, Rainbow’ Dash performing the Sonic Rainboom at the Young Flyers Competition and the wedding of Twilight’s big brother and a Princess.

“Wow, you guys have been through a lot.” Flare was impressed with what these six mares had done, what they had been through and how incredible their friendship was.

“Best Friends Forever right?” Pinkie’s legs stretched to an impossible length as she wrapped her friends up in a massive hug and they all shared a laugh. Flare found himself smiling too and the smiles continued long into the night.

***

It was around mid-morning the next day when the seven friends were gathered at Sky Mirror Lake. The water was so still that it looked like a sheet of glass. Flare and Rainbow Dash were looking at a map with a bright red line that marked the path for the race.

“So we start here at the lake and then it’s onto the Whitetail Woods.” Rainbow traced her hoof along the map as she explained the various sections and the type of terrain to expect. “Once we’re clear of the woods it’s a long distance run across these open plains until we hit the finish line near Ponyville.”

Flare looked at the clear, blue sky and wondered if they ever had bad weather here. Twilight had explained to him that Pegasi controlled the weather and whatnot, though that didn’t really surprise him. Several Pokémon had the ability to influence the weather so this was something he was used to and then a large purple object floating in the sky quickly caught his attention. It was a hot-air balloon with Pinkie at the helm.

Twilight stared at it and then pressed her hoof against her forehead, “Where in the name of Celestia did Pinkie get my balloon…? Never mind, I don’t want to know”.

Rainbow walked up to the starting line and pawed at the ground with her hoof. “So Wondercolt! Do you want to forfeit? You’re just going to lose anyway”.

Flare knew she was fast, Twilight had explained as much last night… but this was a challenge that he could not turn down… his Laramie lineage demanded it.

“So are there any rules?” He asked the brash, young mare. “Or is it just an all-out dash to the finish?”

“Oh, hadeeharhar!” RD deadpanned at the bad pun. “But as far as rules go… I suppose I could not use my wings…” She shot a glance at Applejack and then looked back to Flare. “You could probably use the handicap.”

Flare shrugged; guess she underestimated him, “Fair enough. If that’s what you want”

“Alright everypony! Let’s all give a hoof to our two competitors!” Pinkie announced from her megaphone.

“Pinkie? Who the hay are you talking to?” Twilight called out from below.

“Them.” Pinkie simply replied and Twilight turned to see dozens of ponies who had gathered to watch the race, stomp their hooves in applause and cheered loudly for the two ponies.

“One of these days…” Twilight groaned, “I’m going to learn not to ask…”

Flare looked at the crowd of ponies cheering and wondered how in just one night, they had gone from ignoring and cowering in fear of him to cheering his name. “They certainly changed their tune fast,” he muttered.

“It’s prolly cause of all the foals you saved yesterday.” Rainbow replied, overhearing his comment. “Half the town owes you a debt of gratitude and almost everypony sees you for the nice colt that you really are.”

Flare blushed a bit but said nothing as he and Rainbow stood side-by-side, the Pokémon wondered how a simple practice run turned out like this. Pinkie hovered above in the balloon… now accompanied by Spike. “This race is going to be spectacular!” Spike said using his little microphone. “We all know that Rainbow is fast, but Flare’s pretty quick on his hooves as well”.

“Well we will just have to see about that!” Pinkie replied. “Dashie’s gonna win this for sure. Nopony can beat her!”

Dash cringed a little at the pet name Pinkie had called her, but remained her usual, confident self regardless. Flare looked at her, attempting to judge her capabilities, his parents had taught him how to read an opponent’s skill level by several factors. Their stance, the pace of their breathing, the look in their eye… Everything about this Rainbow Dash just screamed confidence and an abundance of power and energy, if she were a Pokémon… This race was gonna be a doozy!

“Get Ready!” Pinkie called out.

Flare and Rainbow got into position, eager for the race to begin.

“Get Set!” Spike then added.

You could feel the atmosphere as the two participants itched for the next words of the commentators. Spectators held their breath and it was so quiet you could hear a rabbit fart.
…
…

"GOOOOOOOO!" Pinkie and Spike called out in sync and Rainbow rocketed off of the start line, leaving naught but a dust cloud in her wake.

And so the race began.

“Hah! This is almost too easy” She laughed as she thundered down the lakeside path. “Maybe I should take it easy… I almost feel sorry for the guy”. She glanced back to check where Flare Blitz was, “He’s probably still sitting at the start line…” What she saw was something she never expected in a thousand years, “WHAT THE HAY!?”

Flare Blitz was right behind her! He gave her the most charming smile and then ran straight past her, leaving her wide-eyed as to how he could be so quick. Granted, she was nowhere near as fast on the ground as she was in the sky… but for him to take the lead so quickly. She snorted and then kicked herself into gear, no more Little Miss Nice Pony! She soon caught up and poked her tongue out as she took the lead once more.

The two ponies were soon out of sight as they headed into the forest. Spring time meant that the whole forest was a canvas of colours, from the lush green of the trees to the vibrant hues of the flowers. Rainbow and Flare kept a steady pace until RD broke out into a full gallop.

“See you at the finish line Wondercolt!” She called out and left Flare in the dust. Flare blinked both in confusion and to clear the dust before neighing loudly and bolting after the competitive pegasus.

The sound of hooves thudding through the forest drowned out everything else as the two ponies shared a grin as they swapped between first and second.

“I’ll admit that you got some skill!” RD yelled out as she pulled ahead. “But you’re still a million light-years away from challenging me!”

“I dunno Skittles, there ain’t much of a gap b’tween us!” His Kanto accent slipped a bit as he overtook her. “An’ now that gap’s in mah favour!”

It had been quite a while since Flare raced like this, and especially against someone who was this much of a challenge. The muscles and tendons in his legs protested as he pushed himself further, matching the cyan mare’s pace. She looked almost annoyed as he past her again… but at the same time he could tell that she felt the same rush he did, the thrill of the challenge that made him want to run forever.

“I was right about you” Rainbow panted as she caught up to him, “You are pretty quick… on the ground at least”.

“You’re not so bad yourself” Flare replied, “I guess not everyone here is a total slowpoke pony”.

Pinkie and Spike hovered high above the treetops, watching the two ponies run side by side, neither of them giving an inch.

“Dashie and Flare are still tied, which is funny cause they’re not actually tied together… speaking of tied, I saw the most unusual thing yesterday when I was asked to babysit, Cause Mr. Cake took some rope and half of the stores stock of whipped cream upstairs with him right before I took the twins out. Isn't that weird Spikey?”

Spike shrugged whilst the Cakes sat in the stand and turned almost every shade of red on the colour spectrum. It was a good thing most ponies had a tendency to tune out Pinkie’s ramblings. Spike decided it would be up to him to provide useful commentary. “The two racers seem to be evenly matched. The outcome is still anyponies’ guess”.

Rainbow’s eyes narrowed as she took the next corner as tight as she could, trying to pass Flare on the inside, Flare tried but the smaller pegasus overtook him as they neared the end of the forest and out onto the open plains.

Rainbow laughed triumphantly as she was the first to hit the field, but that moment of victory was short lived as Flare was only a second behind her. “Oh he is good!” Admittedly she wasn’t running quite as hard as she would in the real thing, but she was trying to win and Flare was making her work for it.

The finish line was about two miles out and Flare was beginning to feel the strain. Muscles that hadn’t been used in a while were starting to complain and Flare groaned slightly. If he was going to enter then he would have to start exercising again. He still had some bruises from yesterday too and they did not like the strain.

The turn coming up was the last one before the finish line and that would be she would make her move.

“So tell me,” Rainbow asked as they slowed just a bit to catch their breath. “How do you like Equestria so far?”

“It’s nice,” Flare panted. “I really like it here.” The spontaneous musical numbers were a tad strange and the laws of physics seemed to be more like general guidelines… but he liked it here.

Rainbow smirked and asked the next question on her mind. “And how about Twilight?”

Flare smiled as thoughts of the purple unicorn filled his mind. Ever since arriving in Equestria and becoming friends with the small equines, he had found himself enjoying the company of one mare in particular. That night they spent watching the stars was one of the fondest memories that he had in awhile.

The fact that he went completely silent and just smiled and blushed did not go unnoticed by Rainbow and she suddenly raced forward, putting a massive gap between them. “Later Wondercolt! See you at the finish line!”

Rainbow was about to kick it into overdrive when she saw something that really defied belief. Flare suddenly shot past her like a bullet, leaving a faint, white trail of light as he blazed down the path. There was no mistake, this was one of those abilities of his. She couldn’t remember its name but his speed was incredible.

The moment they broke into the last part of the course, Flare used his Quick Attack and began to gain a tremendous lead. In Ponyta races, each Pokémon was allowed to use one Quick Attack per race, knowing when to use it was crucial to a successful racer. The finish line quickly approached and most of the ponies in the stands were stunned at this turn of events. A cyan blur suddenly blitzed past him and across the finish line, a rainbow trail in her wake. A followed a second later, stunned that he lost at the last second like that.

“Aaannnnd the winner is… RAINBOW DASH!” Pinkie and Spike cheered, as RD shook her hooves in victory. Though truth be told, if she hadn’t used her wings to accelerate at the last second…

Twilight trotted over and wiped Flare’s forehead with a damp towel, whilst Fluttershy and Applejack went over to Rainbow Dash. “That was amazing, I’ve never seen a race like that before” Twilight grinned.

Applejack didn’t look amused though. She gave RD a stern look and sighed, “Y’all used yer wings didn’t ya? I thought yer learned that lesson already”.

Flare intervened before Rainbow could respond however and spoke up. “It’s alright Applejack, I would’ve preferred if she’d use her wings from the start”.

“Wait, what? Why?” Everypony was quite confused to hear this, especially AJ and RD.

“I don’t like having a handicap like that, if I’m up against someone, then I want them to bring everything they have” Flare said. “It’s not much fun otherwise”.

Applejack smiled and turned to Rainbow Dash, “Well ah suppose yer off the hook this time” She said with a smile. “But dang can that boy run!”

“No kidding, I nearly crapped clouds when I saw him on my tail like that… We totally have to race again, no-holds barred next time!”

Flare brohoofed her in response. “Count on it… Dashie”.

“Argh, d-don’t call me that” RD responded, blushing furiously. She rose into the sky, looking down at her group of friends, “I have some errands to run now, so I’ll catch you all later” and with that she soared off into the distance.

“I think I’ll head home too” Flare said, “now I’m calling this place home?” He thought to himself, rubbing his temple with his hoof. “I’m a little tired”.

“I’ll come with you” Twilight said, “You look exhausted”.

“Thanks” Flare sighed and the two of them left for the library.

***

Flare Blitz approached the library, limping slightly as every muscle in his legs protested to the movement. That race with Rainbow Dash had wiped him out more than he thought it would, but damn that was fun. He was going to race her again! The three of them walked inside and Spike went off into the kitchen to prepare dinner whilst Twilight and Flare sat down on some comfortable cushions near the fireplace.

“Mmm, oooh yeeaaah…” Flare moaned as he sank into the soft pillows. “That feels good!”

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked him. “You look a little sore.”

“Yeah, just pushed myself a little too hard, nothing to worry about-” He was cut off as Twilight began to knead his shoulders with her forehooves.

“Wait! Wha?” Flare began to protest before his eyes rolled back and his muscles turned to jelly. “Oooh man that’s nice,” He moaned softly as Twilight gently massaged him.

Twilight levitated a small book over and opened it. Her eyes flicked back and forth as she read the instructions and then nodded to herself as she began to trace small circles around his shoulder blades, eliciting another moan of relief from Flare. She read more of the instructions and began to work her hooves lower down his back and rubbed his upper spine and ribs. Flare no longer cared about anything at this point. Arceus himself could descend and dance a tango with Pinkie Pie and Flare would not have given a single buck. He just wanted this wonderful mare to continue kneading him like a marshmallow.

Twilight stopped for a second to read the next set of instructions and blinked in confusion… was this right? Well of course it’s right, it’s written in a book, so it must be right, Right? She moved her hooves lower down his back, almost to the base of his tail and then slowly began to rub his flanks… rather sensually. Flare yelped in surprise and jumped up, causing Twilight to fall backwards onto her rump and blink in confusion again. Did she hurt him?

“W-w-w-what are you doing!?” He stammered, a small thought in the back of his mind wondered where that might have gone if he hadn’t stopped it. He promptly told that thought to shut it.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Twilight said. She floated the book she was reading up to him so he could read it. “I was just following the instructions in this physical therapy book.”

Flare read the title and promptly face-hoofed. “One hundred and one ways the relive his stress,” he groaned as he read the title out loud. He looked at the subtext on the inside of the cover jacket, “Learn how to stimulate your partner and yourself through sensual massage.”

Twilight blinked again and her face went from lavender to bright red in an instant and jumping up suddenly she tore the book away from him and attempted to bury herself in the pillows. She would simply die here, buried in pillowland where her shame couldn’t be seen by anypony.

“Uh…” Flare wasn’t sure how to respond to this. “It… felt nice?” He stated stupidly, hoping that he would survive the next few seconds.

Twilight looked up from the pillows and stared at him, her face still a deep crimson hue. “Well… as long as it helped… I guess it’s okay,” She murmured quietly.

The two of them stared at each other and then the noise of someone clearing their throat broke the awkward silence. They both turned to see Spike standing there, tapping his foot.

“What are you two doing? I’ve been calling you to dinner for the last ten minutes,” He said and then smirked. “Or maybe you two need some alone time?”

Flare and Twilight hurried into the dining room and began to eat dinner, trying to put that little ‘moment’ behind them. Spike just stood there, wondering what the hay just happened.

Flare went to bed shortly after dinner as his fatigue caught up with him and the moment his head the pillows he drifted to sleep. He began to have a dream that he’d had a few times since arriving in Equestria, it involved him running across an endless, open plain with his mother and father. This time however was a little different, for as he looked to his sides to see his parents they weren’t there, instead of the two Rapidash running at his side it was a familiar lavender unicorn. Flare’s eyes fluttered open and he groaned as he put a hoof to his head.

“You have got to be kidding me…”

Chapter Eight – A Pony questions where His Place is.

Chapter Eight – A Pony questions where His Place is.

The morning dew glistened softly as the sound of hooves pounding against the ground disturbed
the otherwise silent morning. Flare Blitz, the young Ponyta that had become stranded in the realm of Equestria was galloping through the empty streets. To anypony watching he was simply going for a run but his mind was deep in thought and running was his method of sorting out the jumbled mess that cluttered it.

“I get that dream every night now and I’m pretty sure I know what it means.” He rounded a corner and ducked under a low branch. “But what am I supposed to do about it? It can’t possibly work… can it?” As he turned the next corner there was a surprised cry and then he collided with something, tumbling across the ground and he hissed in pain once he stopped.

“Well that was unpleasant.” He groaned as he tried to sit up only to find something, or rather, somepony, tangled around his hooves.

“Morning Flare!” Ditzy chirped happily, looking up at him with those adorable mismatched eyes. “You’re up early.”

“Uh, yeah.” Flare untangled his legs and helped the mare to her hooves. “So how come you’re up so early?” He looked around and saw dozens of scattered letters everywhere and he remembered that she was the towns’ mailmare.

“Just my usual run.” Ditzy replied. “I have to get up this early so I can finish in time to get Little Muffin ready for school.” Flare began to help her pick up the dropped mail and put it back into her mailbags.

“It must be hard, having to work so early and look after two children.” Flare placed the last envelope in her bag and Ditzy smiled.

“I won’t lie, it can be hard… but it’s something that I wouldn’t trade for anything.” Ditzy straightened her mane and cap and nodded once everything was right. “My muffins make me so happy and I’ll do whatever I can to return that happiness.” She adjusted her bag and flapped her wings to get airborne. “I have to finish my run, but we should talk later okay?”

Flare nodded and watched as Ditzy soared somewhat awkwardly off into the distance. “Come to my house around noon okay?” The mailmare called out as she narrowly dodged a tree.

Flare stood there for a moment before breaking out into a run and heading back home.

***

It had been a rough night for Twilight Sparkle. Sleep had done an excellent job of eluding her and now not only was she deprived of said sleep, she wasn’t feeling well. She stepped gingerly out of bed and took a few dizzy steps to her vanity. Aside from the dark rings under her eyes she seemed to be alright physically. Taking a quill and a piece of parchment she began to make a list of the symptom she felt.

“My face feels hot,” another quick check in the mirror confirmed that she looked a bit flushed. “And my heart rate is quite fast.”

Twilight took a few deep breaths and that seemed to make her feel a bit better. The scent of breakfast wafted into the room and a quick glance of the room saw Spike absent from his basket. “C’mon Twilight, get it together.” She spoke to her reflection as she took another deep breath. “You don’t have the luxury of getting sick now.”

She made her way downstairs and sure enough, her number one assistant was hard at work preparing a breakfast that smelled divine. “Good morning Spike!” She greeted him with the brightest smile she could muster.

“Morning Twilight. Breakfast should be ready soon, just waiting on Flare to get back.”

“Flare? Did he go somewhere?” Celestia’s sun was only just peeking over the horizon. The only other citizens in Ponyville that would be up at this hour would be the Apples. “Did he go over to Applejacks’ again?” The smallest hint of irritation was in Twilight’s tone.

“Naw, he just went out for a run.” Spike said, bringing the plates out to the table. Now that he thought about it, ever since Flare started staying here they had been using the table a lot more. Normally Twilight would have her head in a book and Spike would just eat on the couch. “He left about an hour ago and said that he’d be back for breakfast.”

“Oh? Okay,” A small smile crept onto the unicorns face as she sat at the table. The pile of research material that she and Sparkler had done so far sat in the corner of her eye and she gave it a sour scowl. It made her think of a Choose-Your-own-Adventure book that had nothing but Bad Ends.

She lifted the pitcher of juice and poured herself a cup, sipping at it tentatively. “My stomach feels like its knots,” She muttered. “Spike, where did you put our medical books?”

“In the Health and Wellbeing section.” He called out from the kitchen. “Why, did you need them for something?”

Twilight gazed at the toast in front of her, wondering if her tummy would allow it to be consumed when the doorbell tinkled as Flare walked inside.

“I’m back, Oh? Hey there Twi.” He greeted her with a chipper tone. He noticed that she looked a little pale and refused to meet his gaze. “Are you feeling okay?” He crossed the room with a hurried pace until he stood next to her. “You look kinda flushed.”

“I-I’m alright.” She replied, staring into her glass. “Just a little too much excitement over the last few days I suppose.”

“Given what we’ve been through, the last couple of days have been kinda tame.” Spike brought out Flare’s breakfast, a bowl of oats and fruit pieces whilst Spike had gem flakes and cereal.

“Just take your time okay?” Flare said in between bites. “Don’t work yourself to death because of me alright?”

“A-Alright,” Twilight flushed red as she suddenly wolfed down her toast and juice, coughing as the contents got caught in her throat. “I have a few errands to run, I’ll see you both later.” The unicorn had gotten her saddlebags, taken a book from one of the higher shelves and left the library before the Pokémon and the dragon could even respond.

“I don’t think I’ll ever figure out that mare.” Flare said, in shock over her sudden departure and in awe of the speed in which she did so.

“I’ve known her since birth and I still haven’t figured out what makes her tick sometimes.” Now that Twilight was gone, manners could be tossed aside as Spike grabbed bowl and gulped down his breakfast. He belched loudly with a bright emerald fireball. “Top that one!” He grinned.

“Challenge accepted!” Flare smirked and after wolfing down his own meal he paused as he worked up a response before letting out his own belch. An orange fireball twice size of Spikes consumed the space above the table. Spike jumped back in surprise and nearly fell off of his chair.

“Like a boss!” Flare grinned confidently and Spike stared in awe. Okay, so technically he was still a baby dragon, but now a pony could beat him in fire breathing!? “Ah man, I just can’t win can I?”

“Maybe I’ll give you some pointers later.” Flare offered and Spike’s eyes sparkled.

“Really!?”

“Well sure, why not?” Spike and Flare shared a brohoof/fist and the little dragon headed off to clean up the mess that Twilight and Sparkler had left in the library.

“Honestly,” Spike muttered as he gathered up an armful of scrolls. “It was bad enough with one study-obsessed unicorn.”

Flare chuckled and wondered what he should do today, He had promised to meet Ditzy later but it was still a bit early. “Well I guess I’ll leave you to it…” Flare thought for a second and wondered if Spike could help him out. “Hey Spike! Can I ask a question?”

Spike glanced down from the shelf he had climbed up to. “You just did!” He laughed but after seeing Flare’s ‘not amused’ face, he stopped. “Okay, what’s up?”

“Well…” Flare shifted uncomfortably and scratched at one of his legs. “Um, I have a bit of a problem…”

Spike was intrigued now. He climbed down from the shelf and wiped some dust from his shoulder. “Okay then, what’s the problem?”

Flare paused as he tried to think of the best way to word it. To be honest he still had no idea what the real problem was, but for the last few days he had just felt uneasy about something. “Well that’s the thing, I don’t really know.” Spike gave the Pokémon a confused look as Flare tried to clarify what he meant. “I just don’t know… but for the last couple of days I’ve just been feeling a little… melancholy I suppose is the best way to put it.”

Spike blinked a few times before shrugging his shoulders. “I have absolutely no idea what that means. If you need advice, why don’t you try some of the others?”

“That… sounds like a pretty good idea.” Flare seemed to perk up a bit and headed for the door. “Thanks Spike, you gonna be alright here by yourself?”

“Sparkler should be here soon and she’s a great help for cleaning up, you just get yourself sorted out okay?”

Flare nodded and left the little dragon to his chores.

***

Twilight walked slowly as her mind raced like Wonderbolt. Ever since the Titanoboa attacked, Twilight had this odd feeling. Her heart would begin to race, her mind would cloud over and she would break out into a sweat. She had been so absorbed by her current dilemma she hadn’t really noticed.

“I guess, I could go and visit Nurse Redheart” Twilight said quietly to herself and headed for the clinic.

It was a quiet day and the nurse was able to see Twilight fairly quickly. Twilight followed the Earth Pony nurse into the examination room.

“So what seems to be the problem dear?” she asked the nervous Unicorn.

“Well, I seem to be unwell” Twilight stated. “My heart won’t stop beating like a racepony, I’m covered in sweat and my head feels all foggy”. Twilight listed off the symptoms and Nurse Redheart nodded.

“Okay dear, let’s take a look then. Say aahh…” Twilight opened her mouth as the nurse took a look. She nodded and then brought up her stethoscope, listening to various places on Twilight’s body. She took a look into Twilight’s ears and then checked her throat with her forehooves.

“Well dear” she said after she was done. “I can’t seem to find anything medically wrong with you. When did these symptoms start exactly?”

“About three days ago” Twilight said. “When that giant snake attacked, but you checked us all after that, so I don’t think that was the cause”. Now that Twilight thought about it, none of the ponies present were touched by that snake, well other than Flare… and he was just fine. So could it really be that she was just overworked?

Nurse Redheart thought for a moment. There appeared to be nothing wrong with Twilight, either physically or magically. She remembered that day well, with almost every parent in Ponyville panicked that their foal had been harmed by that snake. But thanks to that cute stallion that came in with Twilight, everypony had been just fine. She remembered that him well and she also remembered how worried Twilight had been about him in particular. The nurse had an idea.

“I think I may have figured out what might be wrong with you” She said, a smile forming on her face. “How do these symptoms react when you’re in the presence of that stallion friend of yours?”

Twilight was shocked, did she think that Flare might be the cause? But what worried Twilight more is the fact that she may have been onto something. Her symptoms did seem to worsen when he was around...

“I um, think I may know what’s causing this,” Twilight said. There was no way that Flare was responsible, otherwise every other pony he had been in contact with would be sick too. Twilight chalked it up to stress and exertion. “But thank you for your help Nurse Redheart”.

“It’s my pleasure, but will you permit me to give you some advice, just between us girls?”

“Um, okay?” Twilight wondered what she could possibly say.

“Try not to bottle up these feelings that you have.” Redheart said tenderly. “It won’t do anypony any good in the long run. Even if what you have to do will end not quite the way you wish it”.

Twilight nodded, but was a bit confused as to what the hay Nurse Redheart was talking about.

“Thank you for the check-up” Twilight said. “And for the advice too, I’ll try…” She left the room and Redheart watched as she left.

“I do hope she confesses to him soon” Red smiled. “Love can be a little confusing for the young”.

***

Flare had combed the streets of Ponyville for his friends but had little success so far. Quite a few ponies that he only knew by name only or ones that he had recognised waved and greeted him when he passed. He waved back, but his mind was elsewhere.

“What should I do? What ‘can’ I do?” As he wandered absentmindedly around, there was a faint whistling sound as several nearby ponies all ducked for cover. It was too late for Flare however, as a cyan pegasus collided with him.

“Seriously? Again!?” Flare got up and went to berate his assailant when Rainbow Dash turned at the same time, causing their muzzles to press together. There was an awkward pause before Rainbow recoiled and shook her head.

“Uh, well... sorry bout that,” She chuckled nervously, her face red. “Didn’t mean to bowl you over like that.”

Flare blinked several times before coming back to reality. “Uh, yeah. It’s all good.” He then remembered why he was out and about in the first place. “Actually, I was hoping to run into you, though not literally.”

“You wanted to find me?” Her previous embarrassment forgotten, she was now curious. “What’s up, you want another race?”

“Not quite, I was actually hoping for some advice.” Flare replied. “I have a bit of a decision to make and I was hoping to ask what you do when you have to make a decision that’s pretty important?”

“Making a big decision?” Rainbow tapped her chin as she thought. “Well I suppose I’d just choose whichever sounded to most awesome.”

“Of course you’d say that...” Flare facehooved and groaned. “It’s not that easy for me though.”

“Well what’s the problem?” RD asked him. “If you tell me then maybe I can help you out?”

Flare sighed and started to walk, beckoning Rainbow to follow. “It’s like this,” He began. “But you gotta promise not to tell anypony first!”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye!” Dash went through the motions of a Pinkie Promise. “Now spill, what the problem Wondercolt?”

Flare looked up at the sky as pegasi pushed clouds into place for the forecasted rain this evening. “I’m having a bit of a crisis, I... well it’s just that...” Before he could finish however, a familiar blue pegasus dropped down from above and gave Rainbow a disapproving glare.

“You plan on goofing off all day Boss?” Cloud Kicker said, getting right up in RD’s face. “We have a ton to do and you’re shooting the breeze with… Oh? Hello handsome~”

“Kicker…” Dash growled and grabbed her tail, yanking her backwards. “What have I said about my friends?”

“Oh c’mon Boss, I thought that only applied to your usual posse?” Cloud Kicker gave a longing stare at the Pokémon and looked over his form. “He looks nice and warm~”

“Yeah, he is nice to hug~” Rainbow said wistfully before she realised who she said it to. “Aw feathers…”

“Sooo,” Cooed Kicker as she placed a foreleg around her friend. “Care to share?”

Flare watched for a moment as he realised that Cloud had completely derailed Rainbow from her conversation with him. “Well you sound busy Skittles, so I’ll let you get back to it. Catch you later!” Rainbow held out a hoof in protest as Kicker smiled mischievously.

“And he even has a pet name for you? Okay Dashie, details. Every. Last. One.”

Rainbow groaned and facehooved. What did she do to deserve this?

***

“Well that was a bust!” Flare grumbled as he trotted through town. “Dash seemed like she’d be good at the whole ‘decision making’ thing, but Cloud Kicker…?” He had known little about the bluish-gray pegasus until Twilight had filled him in one evening. Flare was a bit surprised, but didn’t judge her for it. One’s life was one’s own to live as one saw fit. The clock tower chimed in the distance and he decided to head over to Ditzys’ house a bit early. Maybe she could help him out?

***

Twilight entered the library, her home, and saw that it was spotless. Spike snored loudly from the couch, his apron haphazardly tied around him and his little claws still clutched a broom. Twilight took a second to absorb that sight before smiling and gently lifting him with her telekinesis. “I don’t know what I’d do without you my number one assistant.” Her words were quiet and gentle as she carried him upstairs and lay him in his basket.

“Sparkler isn’t due for another hour or so…” She glanced at her bed and the soft covers looked rather inviting. “Maybe a small nap wouldn’t hurt,” she clambered onto the mattress and within seconds the unicorn was fast asleep.

***

Flare walked up to the home of the friendly mailmare. A lot of the houses in Ponyville looked almost identical, but there were some subtle differences amongst them. The home of Ditzy Doo was probably the most unique as there was no other house in Ponyville or probably all of Equestria that had a refrigerator imbedded in the roof.

He trotted up to the door and a moment after knocking on the door Ditzy answered with a wide smile. “Heya Flare! You came!”

“Course I did Ditz,” Flare replied. “There was no way I’d skip out on my best friend.”

Ditzy blushed and extended a wing, inviting him inside. Flare stepped past the threshold and the smell of fresh muffins wafted into his nose. “Mmm, something smells good~” He purred.

“Fresh muffins!” Ditzy said, beaming widely. “I have blueberry and banana.” She peeked around the kitchen door and breathed a sigh of relief. “Whew, no fire this time either. I think I’m setting a new personal best.”

After getting the muffins from the oven, she left them on a rack to cool before returning to Flare, who was now standing in the living room.

“You don’t have to stand there silly.” Ditzy giggled and pointed to a couch. “Have a seat.”

Flare sat down on the plush couch and gazed around the room. It was certainly different to Twilight’s house. Sure, Twilight lived in a library but it was still her home and most of her possessions were confined to her bedroom. Ditzy’s place had a very ‘homey’ feel and her living room showed it. The mantle place had pictures of Ditzy and her children, Dinky and Sparkler.
They looked happy and that in turn made Flare smile. The door frame that led to what Flare assumed to be the bedrooms had marked lines drawn on it.

Dinky – 1 year old. Sparkler – 10 years old.
Dinky – 3 years old. Sparkler – 13 years old.
Muffin – 5 years old. Sparkler – 15 years old.
Dinks – 8 years old. Sparky – 18 years old.

That last one was the highest so Flare assumed that it was the most recent. Now that he thought about, he didn’t know any of his friends’ ages, their birthdays… There was still a lot he didn’t know. His brow furrowed as he was reminded of his current dilemma and the expression did not go unnoticed by Ditzy.

“So what’s troubling you?” She asked him. “You seem to have something important on your mind.”

Flare flinched as she hit the nail on the head. But half the reason he was here was that he had hoped Ditzy could help him out…

“You could say that,” He muttered. His voice got caught in his throat and for some reason, he was finding it difficult to speak. “I do have a problem and I don’t know what the right answer is.”

Ditzy smiled as she got up from the armchair and sat down next to him on the couch. Extending a wing, she draped it gently over his shoulders. This was something she had dealt with numerous times as a mother.

…He really was nice and warm to the touch.

“So what’s wrong?” she asked gently.

Flare took a deep breath and exhaled. After a few more times of doing this he felt a bit calmer and began to talk. “I… I don’t know if I want to go home anymore.”

Ditzy was silent for a moment as she processed that statement. “So what you’re saying is that you’d rather stay here in Equestria?”

“Sort of,” Flare replied.

What kind of response was that? He didn’t want to go home and yet he didn’t want to stay in Equestria? Ditzy had a special talent though, one that wasn’t represented by her Cutie Mark, but one that was gained through years of experience.

“It’s not Equestria itself but rather something in particular…” Ditzy watched his reaction and knew she was getting warmer. She thought about what he had done and where he had gone while he had been here and one constant that had been with him from the start stood out. “Or perhaps, it’s because of somepony!”

Flare’s eyes widened ever so slightly and Ditzy knew she had struck gold. There was a moment of silence before Flare spoke again.

“Can I trust you to keep a secret?” Ditzy nodded and Flare continued. “The reason I’m having doubts. The reason that makes me wish that I could never leave. It’s because I think that I might be falling in love with someone…”

Ditzy thought so. Love was something both unpredictable and powerful. She had a pretty good hunch on who the lucky mare was but decided not to push it for now, the poor stallion looked a bit uncomfortable as it was.

“Well then, that is something else huh?” He was looking for advice, for guidance. But this decision affected more than just him. He probably had family and friends at home that missed him dearly. But was an adult and capable of living his own life, so what would be the best thing to tell him?

“Is she worth it?” Ditzy suddenly said.

Flare did a double take as the sudden question caught him off guard. “Wha-?”

“This mare… well I assume it’s a mare, not that I’m judging or anything if it isn’t. But is she worth giving up your friends, your family… your entire world?”

Flare felt the briefest flicker of anger when Ditzy made the assumption that he thought so little of all the Pokémon that he would have to leave behind. But she didn’t mean it like that and the feeling disappeared as quickly as it came. Was this mare that he found himself falling head over hooves for worth giving up all that? That was the problem, that’s what was causing all this confusion but answering that simple, single question was also the answer.

The soft, grey wing reminded Flare of the little blanket he used to have when he was a little foal, one younger that Dinky. He sighed as he leaned against it and the answer came to him.

“I think… I think that she might be.”

Ditzy nodded as she stretched and withdrew her wing. “Then I guess you have your answer huh?”

If only it were that easy though. Flare wasn’t some lovesick foal and he’d played this game before. There was still the matter of whether she returned these feelings or not.

“But on the other hoof, Twilight and Sparkler have been working so hard to try and get me home. And now it feels like I’ve just wasted their time.”

“I wouldn’t worry so much about that.” Ditzy giggled. “Those two love to study, Twilight much more so but still, if Sparkler has any complaints then I’ll take care of it.”

Flare nodded and Ditzy left the room momentarily, returning shortly with a plate holding several muffins. Their mouth-watering scent filled his nostrils and his stomach growled in response, eliciting another giggle from Ditzy. “Anypony has trouble making decisions on an empty stomach, so let’s have some lunch!”

***

It was late into the afternoon when Sparkler arrived at the library, only to find her mentor fast asleep. Sparkler took special note of how adorable Twilight looked when she slept and decided to leave her to her rest and head downstairs to continue their research. She had come up with a few ideas over the last few days and wanted to test them.

“So if I add this constant here and round this one to point oh four…” Sparkler’s mumbling had roused the other unicorn and she yawned as she trotted downstairs to see who was in her library.

“Sparkler?” Twilight rubbed some sleep from her eyes. “I thought you wouldn’t be here until the afternoon?”

Sparkler blinked a few times before giggling at the question. “I’m a bit late actually, it’s almost early evening!”

Twilight’s eye went wide as she raced to a window and the setting sun confirmed Sparkler’s story. “I slept the entire day!?” Twilight went to start stacking books and scrolls only to see that all the necessary materials were already piled neatly next to her desk. Sparkler had taken the liberty to set everything up already and Twilight just shook her head.

“It looks really bad when the teacher is the one that’s tardy!” She took a seat next to her student, who smiled warmly.

“Well I was going to wake you when I arrived… but you looked so cute~”

Twilight blushed red and gave her student an indignant glare, but Sparkler had already mounted a defence. She showed the studious unicorn the theories that she had come up with over that last few days and Twilight’s wrath was successfully averted.

“Somepony’s been busy,” Twilight approved of the amount and the quality of the work as she scanned to paper. “But I don’t think that this will-“

Her sentence was cut off when she glanced at the chalkboard, back to the paper and then her eyes went wide again. Her horn lit up and she erased several parts of the equation on the board, replacing them with sections of the one Sparkler had devised.

“Carry the three, round this part. Add a decimal point here, here aaand here…” Twilight’s genius mind raced a mile a minute and Sparkler sat back and watched as Twi rewrote the entire formula in a few minutes.

“Aaaannnd… done!” Twilight took a few steps back to she could see the whole board. After going over it again and again it seemed that this was it. This was the solution to the problem.

“We did it,” Twilight whispered. “We actually figured out how to pinpoint a specific place in space/time.”

“So Flare can go home now?” Sparkler asked.

That phrase suddenly took all the wind out of Twilight’s sails. She wasn’t sure why, but the lavender unicorn felt incredibly depressed. “Yeah… we can send him home now…”

If anypony knew fate, then they would know that it was like a coin, one side held luck and happiness. The other was an absolute bitch. Fate decided to flip the bitch end of the coin as the library door opened and Flare Blitz waddled in, belly full of muffin and a new-found happiness.

“Hey there girls!” He greeted, “Still plugging away at it?”

“Actually, we found-“ Sparkler’s words were silenced when Twilight clamped her mouth shut with magic.

“We haven’t really gotten anywhere today, sorry Flare!” Twilight lied, the pit in her stomach digging itself deeper.

Flare gave the pair an odd look and shrugged it off. “Well that’s alright, like I said, take all the time you need. Oh, where’s Spike?”

Twilight motioned upstairs and Flare headed up there, pausing to look back to Twilight. “Hey Twi, can we talk later? It’s kind of important.”

Twilight nodded slowly and Flare disappeared upstairs. What did he want to talk about? Did he know she was lying? Did he have some Pokémon power that let him see the truth in ponies?

There was a thump next to her as Sparkler lay on the floor, trying to breathe and Twilight realised that as still had her in her magical grasp.

“Ohmigosh!! Sparkler! I’m so sorry!!” The purple unicorn inhaled sharply as Twilight released her.

Sending a very angry look towards her teacher she demanded answers. “Why didn’t you tell him!?” She almost yelled. “We figured it out and you want to keep it a secret!?”

“I-I don’t know why I did that.” Why did Twilight do that? Why was she concealing the truth from Flare? “I… I don’t…” The truth dawned on her and the crestfallen look on her face subsided Sparkler’s rage.

“I don’t want Flare to go home.”

Chapter Nine – A Pony makes his Decision

Chapter Nine – A Pony makes his Decision.

Twilight paced nervously around her room, her hooves clip-clopping across the floor boards. Spike glanced up from a book he was reading and shook his head with annoyance.

“Twilight, seriously!?” The unicorn paid little heed as the pacing continued and increased in speed. “Why are you so upset?”

Twilight paused and looked at her little assistant. It had been three days now since she discovered the solution to get Flare home but had kept the knowledge to just Sparkler and herself. “Can you make a Pinkie Promise not tell anypony?”

Spike put his book down and nodded. Was it that serious that a Pinkie Promise needed to be invoked? “Alright Twi, I promise.” He went through the usual motions of the pledge. “Now tell me what’s up?”

Twilight breathed deeply a few times, bordering on hyperventilating. “Okay… it happened a few days ago. Sparkler came up with some genius equations for our research and after looking over them and what we already had… well, it just happened!”

“What happened!?” Spike panicked slightly. Maybe they couldn’t find a way to get Flare home. A part of Spike was relieved though, as bad as that sounded. He didn’t want Flare to go so soon.

“We found a way to get him home…”

Spike’s inner monologue came to a screeching halt at that comment. “W-what?”

“Sparkler and I found a way to locate Flare’s world amidst space/time. Some tests will have to be run to confirm it for sure, but I have little doubt that it will work.”

Spike was silent as he processed that information. Twilight could send Flare home at any moment now. “What does Flare think about this?” he asked. “When does he want to leave?”

Twilight flinched as he asked that. This was the part she was dreading, as if saying out loud would curse her or something. “I uh, I kind of haven’t… told him yet.”

“…WHAT!?” Spikes’ sudden shout caused Twilight to take a step back. Spike breathed a few sparks of flame from his nostrils and stamped his foot. “Why the hay haven’t you told him!?”

“I-I don’t know,” Tears began to form in Twilight's’ eyes and Spikes’ expression softened. He didn’t mean to make her cry.

“I’m sorry Twi, I shouldn’t have yelled. But why in Equestria haven’t you at least told Flare? Now that you can send him home, can’t you do it at any time?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, there have to be certain conditions, like celestial alignments and a lot of magic, waaay more magic than even I’m capable of.”

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” Spike muttered and Twilight nodded.

“And I may need Cadences’ power as well.” Twilight fell to the floor and buried her head in her hooves. “Why can’t I bring myself to tell him Spike?”

“I don’t know Twilight, that’s something only you can answer.” Twilight knew that the little dragon, who was wise beyond his years, was right. She sighed and rose to her hooves with a slight groan. All that pacing had made her legs quite tired.

“Maybe I should send a letter to the princess though. Maybe she could offer some advice?” Spike just shrugged and decided to head downstairs to get a bite to eat, leaving Twilight to herself.

***

It had been a good day for Flare so far. The weather was a bit dismal as the steel-grey sky covered the town, the wind was sharp and seemed to blow straight through him. Shivering slightly, he headed for Rarity’s boutique as per the unicorns request the day before.

A little bell tinkled as he walked in and it was sudden on why the fashionista wanted him here. A line of outfits were placed around the store, all with a common colouration that matched Flares’ cream-coloured coat and bright flames. One in particular stood out as Flare walked closer to it.

The top of the dress fit snuggly around the neck, chest and barrel. It flared out near the flank and it looked like a flame that had been stopped it time. A micro-thin lace that looked like gossamer protruded from the back and Flare instantly thought of a pair of wings. Rubies and topaz were sown throughout the garment and sparkled like the night sky.

“Beautiful…” Flare whispered and he pictured Twilight wearing the stunning garment.

A voice from behind him broke him out of his trance. “Flare?” He turned to see Rarity holding what appeared to be a glass of ash in her telekinetic grasp. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

Flare gave the glass of liquid death a dubious look before bowing his head. “Sorry about that, I should have knocked first I suppose.”

“It’s quite alright, it took me a bit longer to clean up after lunch that I thought.” Flare was going to question the glass but decided that he didn’t want to know. He thanked his lucky stars that he wound up staying with Twilight though. Rarity saw his standing near her prized creation and gave a little squeal of delight. “Oh I see you found it already.”

Flare looked back to the dress and smiled. “This is amazing… I mean I knew you had talent from those ones you had at Canterlot, but wow.”

Rarity had a smile that would have done a certain pink pony proud. “And yet it’s all thanks to you that I could create these.”

“Wha- me?” Flare wondered why all these outfits looked so familiar. “So back when we first met…?”

“Indeed.” Rarity lovingly stroked one of the outfits with a hoof. “The moment I saw you I was like a mare possessed. I haven’t made outfits quite so ‘striking’ in quite a while.”

Flare felt a little embarrassed now. He’d never inspired anyone at first glance before, much less one that led to such wonderful creations. “Well I’m honoured that I was such a help, though I didn’t really do anything.”

Flare suddenly found a warm, incredibly soft scarf around his neck, a black scarf with a flame pattern at either end.

“Take this as a token of my appreciation,” Rarity smiled. “I know it’s not much but I do hope you like it darling.”

“Thank you Miss Rarity, I love it!” Flare nuzzled the scarf and the soft fabric tickled him slightly. Rarity was glad that he enjoyed it, but something seemed off. Why did he call her ‘Miss’ again?

“Are you alright Flare?” She suddenly asked. “Is something bothering you?”

What was it with every mare he knew to be so perceptive? “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

“Whatever do you mean darling?” Rarity tilted her head in confusion. “Are you having some sort of trouble?”

“Kind of,” Flare replied. “Ditzy gave me some good advice a few days ago, but I still don’t really know how to go about it.”

“Well is there anything I can do to assist you?” Rarity was concerned for her new muse friend.

Flare thought for a moment. Was there anything Rarity could do? It was a decision that affected more than just him after all.

…Wait a moment. That was it! The decision did affect all of his new friends too. He just had an idea that would help him out.

“Actually, there is.” He gave a serious look which caused the unicorn the take a small step back in surprise. His entire demeanour suddenly changed, like the flick of a switch. “I was wondering what you think of me?”

Rarity’s eyes widened a she blushed furiously. He wanted to know what she thought about him? Rarity was used to stallions making a move on her. It was only natural to somepony of her stature and beauty after all. But she was sure that he liked Twilight, or possibly Rainbow Dash.

“W-well, um. I’m certainly flattered…” Rarity stammered and spoke rather quietly. “But I just don’t think you’re my type Flare.”

“Wait, what?” What the heck was she blathering on about? It took a second but Flare realised that she must have misunderstood him somehow. He thought he asked a pretty straightforward question.

He reworded the question. “I meant what you think of me as a friend. What did you think I meant?”

Rarity realised her mistake and coughed as she regained her composure and remained a dignified lady. “O-oh, I must have simply misheard you. As a friend, well I’d consider you just as precious as any of my others.” She swept a hoof to show of the outfits she had created by the inspiration he had given her.

“And of course, I could not have created all of this without you.” But Rarity wondered why he was suddenly asking all this. Was he going somewhere? She put a hoof to her mouth in shock, did Twilight find a way to get him home? Maybe he was worried that nopony would miss him or something.

“No matter what separates us,” She spoke up, catching Flare off guard while he thought. “Be it space and time, or just the empty air between us now. We shall be the very best of friends, don’t you agree?”

Flare nodded in response, he had made a wonderful friend in the form of the white unicorn. “Yeah, of course we will Lady Rarity.”
Rarity blushed a bit at the title and giggled. “Though what I said before… keep up that gentlecolt attitude and I may just change my mind~”

Aaaand now she was back to making no sense. “Well I have some important things to take care of, see you later Rarity?”

“Of course darling, do take care.” Flare smiled and exited the boutique. He had a few ponies to visit, but he suspected that the questions he had… he already had the answers.

***

Applejack kicked the last of the trees that needed to be done and wiped some sweat from her brow. A faint whistling sound caused her ear to flick and she stepped to one side as Rainbow Dash landed with a loud thump where she had just stood.

“Hey Applejack, what’s up?” The pegasus flicked some dust from her rump with a wingtip and smiled. “I gotta question, did a particular pony pay you a visit today and ask a really weird question?”

Applejacks’ brow furrowed at nearly being squashed and by the fact that RD had somehow acquired a Pinkie Sense. “As a matter ‘o’ fact, he did and yeah, he did ask me sumthin!”

“Cause I got a visit too, right in the middle of practice, Flare just shows up and asks me if I considered him a friend.”

“An whut did ya say?” Applejack replied, hoping that Rainbow did use the opportunity to play a prank on him or something. “Cause he seemed awful serious ‘bout th’ whole thang.”

“I told him that he was an idiot for thinking otherwise.” Rainbow lifted one of the apple buckets onto her back and followed AJ back to the barn. “It’s still odd to ask something like that out of the blue. Do you think something’s up?”

“Ah could tell one thang,” Applejack said as she eased her bucket to the floor. “That boy lies ‘bout as well as ah do. When I asked ‘im that exact thang, he just danced round it and changed tha subject.”

“Well if ya not still busy, maybe we should go and ask?”

Applejack adjusted her hat and nodded. “Sounds lahke a plan.”

The two mares nodded and headed for Twilight’s library.

***

It wasn’t long before Rainbow and Applejack bumped into Ditzy, Rarity and Fluttershy. They all stood there wondering what fates had brought all of them together like this before Ditzy figured it out.

“Flare Blitz?”

“Flare Blitz!” The remaining four mares nodded together and now they were really worried on what the heck was going on. Why had Flare visited every friend of his in Ponyville and asked them all the exact same question?

“You don’t suppose that he plans on leaving without telling us?” Fluttershy asked and the others responded with a collective gasp.

“That can’t be,” Ditzy muttered before she stopped herself. She had promised Flare that she wouldn’t say anything after all. “I just don’t think Flare is that kind of pony.” Nice one Ditzy! Good save.

The others decided that a certain level of haste was now best as they cantered towards the library just as Spike was closing the door. He turned to see what the commotion was all about and let out what he believes to this day as a very manly shriek as the herd of mares bowled him over and into the library.

“Twilight?” Rarity called out, looking around the apparently empty home. “Flare?”

Spike groaned as he peeled himself up off of the floor and looked at the hoof prints on his scales with disdain. “If you’re looking for Twilight and Flare, they just left for Canterlot.”

Five mares all turned to face the baby dragon. “WHAAAATT!?”

***

“So why are we going to Canterlot all of a sudden?” Flare took a few deep breaths as the golden chariot rose higher into the sky. The air was getting a bit thin for his liking, but Twilight seemed unfazed.

“Well I sent her a letter regarding the events of the last few days…” Okay, so not a total lie. But Twilight still felt a bit ill about it though. “And she wants to hear a full report personally, so that’s why.”

“Fair enough, at least I get to meet the Princesses again, and maybe I’ll bump into Selene as well.”

That was something completely slipped Twilight’s mind. The unicorn mare had briefly introduced herself right before they left Canterlot last time and Twilight had gotten the strangest feeling that she had met her somewhere before.

“Who is Selene?” She asked Flare. “I know that you met her in Canterlot, but who is she exactly?”

“I don’t really know,” Flare replied. “She was in the castle gardens when I met her so I assume that she works at the palace… maybe.”

Twilight decided to drop it for now. The shining capitol city was getting closer and Twilight gulped nervously. She had an inkling that she knew what Princess Celestia wanted and that it had to do with a particular spell. Twilight had explained in her letter that she had found the method of locating particular dimension and that she could not bring herself to tell Flare. The mare was confused and desperately needed advice on the subject. Celestia had sent a swift reply requesting Twilight and Flare to come to Canterlot immediately.

Twilight realised that she was starting to sweat and at first she chalked it up to nerves until she noticed that it was starting to get rather warm. Glancing towards the source of the heat, Twilight could see Flares’ flaming mane flicker faster as light and warmth radiated from it.

“Flare? Are you alright?”

The heat died down and Twilight shivered from the sudden drop in temperature. Noticing that, Flare adjusted his fire until it picked up to a more comfortable level. “Sorry about that,” he apologised. “I was getting a little cold and I sometimes tend to forget that not everyone is good with the heat.”

“It’s alright, I just wasn’t expecting it.” Twilight leaned a little closer to him as her heart began to race again. She thought that she was over whatever ailed her. “It feels nice though.”

“Well I don’t exactly want to make our chaperones uncomfortable either.” Flare motioned towards the pegasi guards that pulled their chariot.

“Don’t mind us, it is a bit chilly tonight.” One of them spoke up as they slowed down upon entering Canterlot airspace. “It’s too bad you don’t have wings, a pony like you would do well as a night flyer.”

Flare chuckled as the image of him with a pair of wings entered his mind. Flare the red-maned pegasus!

He felt Twilight brush up against his side and a small, happy sigh escaped his lips. After the events of today and speaking with all of his friends, he knew what it was that he had to do. It was a difficult decision and the friends that he would leave behind would be missed greatly. But it was his decision to make and no one was going to change his mind now.

A few silent minutes later, the chariot pulled up in front of the castle where Princess Celestia herself was waiting. Twilight and Flare stepped off of the carriage, thanking their escorts and greeting Celestia.

“Welcome back to Canterlot, my faithful student and of course, to you as well Flare.”

Twilight and Celestia shared a brief hug before all three of them entered the huge palace. Flare noticed a lot less ponies roaming the halls and Celestia picked up on it.

“Though my sister Luna has retaken control of the Night Court, very few of our little ponies visit.” The look in her eyes was a mixture of sadness and pity. “They are still wary of the Nightmare Moon incident and though the number is increasing, it is still a long ways off being an acceptable number.”

“Nightmare Moon…?” Flare paused to think for a second. The name sounded familiar and Twilight reminded him.

“I showed you that book remember? The Elements of Harmony and the Mare in the Moon?”

Now Flare remembered the tale of how Princess Luna had succumbed to darkness within her heart and tried to plunge the world into a realm of eternal night. Not that he thought ill of her or anything for it.

“Oh yeah, that one…” He stared at the giant castle and the half dozen or so ponies that awaited their turn to see the lunar diarch. “Well I hope things get better for her anyhow.” He knew what it was like to be blamed for making a mistake that hurt a lot of innocents. “Maybe I should go see her later?”

That last statement caught Celestia off guard and she glanced back to the Pokémon and smiled. “I think that Luna would like that.”

“I’ll go too!” Twilight added, “It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten to have a good talk with her.”

“You have no idea who much you are loved dear sister,” Celestia cast a look towards the throne room. “Though perhaps in time…” She turned her attention back to her guests. “Well as it so happens, you are in time for dinner. Are the two of you hungry?”

Flare’s stomach chose that moment to make itself known and growled loudly. Flare nodded, completely unperturbed by it. “Yup, I could eat a whole bale of hay right now!”

“Perhaps I could arrange it,” Celestia giggled and Twilight facehooved at Flare’s total lack of dignity, but still wore a slight smile regardless.

***

Dinner itself was uneventful, small talk with the Princess and laughing when she actually asked the chef if he could provide a whole bale of hay. His reaction was something akin to complete horror and panic when he realised that he couldn’t.

Flare made a discovery that day. Princess Celestia has an interesting sense of humour.
Celestia had to attend to some business shortly after and Twilight insisted that she could help. It would also give the two of them a chance talk about whatever it was that Twilight needed to do. Flare still had a sinking feeling about it all though and decided to visit Luna to take his mind off of it.

As he walked into the throne room, he saw a white unicorn stallion with a greasy blonde mane going on a tirade about something. And Princess Luna looked like she was about to buck him into the sun.

“And that raises another question, why do the commoners-” Prince Bluebloods’ sentence was cut short as Flares’ footsteps could be heard and Blueblood turned to see who had the impudence and nerve to interrupt him. All the colour drained from his face when the tall stallion approached, his blazing mane and tail highlighting his features, giving him a somewhat sinister appearance. Flares’ black eyes stared into the Princes’ and Blueblood felt his coat crawl.

“Hello there…” Flare paused as his voice came out quite raspy. That wheat he ate earlier really dried out his throat.

Bluebloods’ mouth opened and closed silently a few times and Flare was reminded of a Magikarp. He suddenly let out a loud and rather filly-like shriek and bolted from the throne room, leaving Flare very confused and Luna on the verge of falling off of her throne laughing.

“I must thank you Lord Flare,” Luna wiped a tear from her eye and stepped down from the dias. “That insufferable foal seemed determine to make this night last forever.”

“Well I’m glad I could help… I guess?” Flare didn’t realise that he’d actually done anything, but Luna seemed happy, so yay?

Luna stood several paces from the Pokémon and though he didn’t seem to notice, she was still wary of him. She had spent the past few moons watching over his dreams and was rather surprised at what she saw. They had been pleasant ones filled with a particular lavender unicorn.

Be that as it may, now that she was alone with him her nerves flared up and she found herself pacing slightly. “We uh, have an appointment that We must attend to!” Luna briskly made her way towards the door. Her nerves were causing her speech to slip back into ‘Ye Olde Equish’. “We shall have my hoofmaiden see to you in just a moment.”

Before Flare could even respond, Princess Luna left the room, leaving Flare to wonder if he had done anything wrong. The alicorn of the night had only stepped just outside the door as her horn lit up and a veil of magic washed over her body. After a moment, the alicorn was gone and a simple unicorn stood in her place.

“Now let us have a proper conversation,” ‘Selene’ said to herself as she re-entered the throne room.

Flare looked around the room, wondering just what the hell he was supposed to do when the massive doors opened once more and Selene stepped through them.

“Selene?” Flare trotted over to greet her. “Did you see Luna? I think I may have offended her or something.”

“Offended the Princess?” Luna then realised that she had left rather abruptly, but he thought that it was his fault? Well in a way, it was because he was a Pokémon, but that was hardly any fault of his.

“She really is quite busy,” Selene replied with a faint smile. “She nearly knocked me down in her rush.”

Flare sighed and sounded like he wasn’t really convinced. Now that he thought about it, Luna hadn’t said much to him last time he was in Canterlot either. “Maybe she just doesn’t like me?”

“It is not quite as simple as that,” Selene looked away as her voice quietened. “I fear that the Princess is still… wary… of others.”

“Well that explains a few things.” Flare looked at Selene and placed a hoof on his chest. “Please tell Luna that I’m sorry and that I’ll keep my distance for now until she feels more comfortable.”

Selene gasped and she flailed a hoof. “Oh, it is not thy fault Lord Flare. Please do not be discouraged.”

Flare nodded and walked over to one of the large windows and looked at the large tower in which Celestia and Twilight were talking.

“I wonder what is that they’re talking about?” Flare wondered aloud as his brow furrowed as he imagined the worst. “Something just doesn’t sit right with me.”

“Intuition?” Selene asked, walking up next to him.

Flare shook his head. “More like a gut feeling. Something bad is going to happen… maybe?”

So he wasn’t quite as accurate as the famed ‘Pinkie Sense’, but something about the urgency of the visit didn’t sit well with Luna either. “Mayhaps they just wish to catch up?”

***

“I don’t know what I should do!” Twilight exclaimed as she paced around Celestia's’ room. “If I tell him that I found the spell that could get him home and he wants to go… I’ll never see him again!”

“It is tough to say goodbye to a good friend,” Celestia replied, sipping a cup of tea and refusing to look at her student. The constant pacing made the alicorn dizzy. “But would you truly keep somepony away from his friends, his family?”

“Of course not!” Twilight stamped her hoof. “I would never do something like that… but-“ Twilight’s eyes glistened as tears began to form. “It’s been a week now and I’ve messed up. If I tell him now, then he’ll get mad and then we’ll part on bad terms and then all the research that I’ve done on friendship will be for nothing then you won’t want me as a student anymore and you’ll probably take Trixie under your wing instead and then, MPFHH-“ Twilight’s rant was silenced as Celestia stuffed a regal hoof in her mouth.

“Twilight, dear. Please for the love of me… be quiet and calm down!”

Twilight stopped and tried to take a breath, except Celestia's hoof prevented that and she coughed, causing the princess to remove the appendage and blush slightly.

“Sorry,” She apologised as Twilight took several breaths and composed herself.

“I-I just don’t know what I should do, what I should tell him.” Twilight sat down on the plush rug as Celestia poured her some tea. “I know that I have to tell him, that much is obvious.” The unicorn sipped the tea and sighed. “But, there’s something, something else.”

Celestia's eyes widened a bit, her regal facade breaking for just a moment. “I see, so that’s what all this silliness is about.”

“Silliness? What are you-?”

Celestia smiled as she sipped her tea delicately. “It’s alright my dear Twilight, love is something that nopony can control so it only stands to reason that-“

“LOVE!?” Twilight’s outburst caused the princess to drop her tea, spilling it onto the rug.

She clicked her tongue in irritation as she poured herself a new cup while magically erasing the spilled liquid.

“Yes Twilight, love.” Her horn flashed once more as she teleported the empty teapot to the kitchens, a sticky note attached requesting a refill. “I may not have Cadences’ abilities to sense love in a pony, but I am not completely bereft of the power.”

“But, but love? I can’t love him… can I?” Twilight’s head swam with the idea of it and it made her heart pound like crazy.

“It is not my place to question that.” Celestia draped a wing over the small unicorn and hummed softly. “You are free to love whomever you like, be they pony, griffon or even Pokémon.”

“But once I tell him that I kept him from going home… he’ll hate me for sure.” Twilight whimpered and she snuggled closer to her mentor. The Princess just smiled again, that all-knowing smile that made Twilight feel that anything was possible.

“Perhaps he might surprise you…”

***

As Flare and Selene walked the halls of the castle, they passed several of Lunas’ Guard, the deathly silent and rather imposing Bat-Ponies. The Guard gave a polite bow to Selene and then a sharp glare towards Flare.

“Y’know, I’m beginning to think that the only pony that’s close to Luna that even likes me is you.” He watched as the odd ponies continued to stalk the hallways, wary for any intruders.

“It’s not like that,” Selene replied. “Canterlot was invaded not too long ago by creatures called Changelings… We have been on rather high alert ever since.”

“What’s a Changeling?” Flare asked curiously and got a reply form a pony that he wasn’t expecting.

“They’re creatures that feed off of love itself and have the power to change their physical appearance.” Flare turned to see Twilight standing behind them.

There was a still silence in the air before Selene decided to bow out. “I’ll just leave you two alone then,” she said quietly and disappeared into the shadows.

“Uh, hey there Twilight,” Flare greeted his friend. “How did you find me?”

“You kind of stick out around here,” Twilight stated with an obvious, deadpan tone. “It wasn’t too hard to find ponies that saw you walking around.”

“Ah.”

Twilight scuffed at the carpet with a hoof, staring down at it as she worked up the courage to say what needed to be said. There was no way she could put it off forever after all… as much as she wanted to.

“Um, Flare?” Her voice lost its previous, snarky tone and became more subdued. “I think we should talk.”

Flare nodded slowly. Maybe he wasn’t going to go home? He would miss his home, there was no doubt about that. But after deciding that he wanted to stay here in Equestria… well, he wasn’t too bothered by it.

“Well it’s like this-“ Both ponies spoke at the same time and after another awkward pause, giggled a bit.

“You first,” Twilight offered.

“No, ladies first, I insist.” Flare wanted to see the look on Twilight’s face when she said that she couldn’t send him home, only for him to actually want to stay.

“Well, alright then,” Twilight began. “As you know, Sparkler and I have been working for a while now on how to get you safely back to your own world.” Flare nodded and held back a small grin as she continued. “And the other day, well… we figured it out. How to get you home that is.”

“Well that’s grea- wait. What!?”

Twilight nodded, “Thanks to a genius idea from Sparkler, we figured out how to get locate your world amongst space/time, but there’s something I… Flare? What’s wrong?”

Flare was silent. Dead silent. This was the complete opposite of what he wanted, he didn’t want to go home, he wanted to stay here, with her! Several emotions flashed across Flares’ face before it finally settled on one. Complete and utter defeat.

“I see… well that’s great,” He said, his voice a barely audible whisper. “Can’t wait to go home…”

Twilight almost collapsed as her wildly beating heart stopped. “Oh… well… glad I could help then.”

“Yeah, knew you could do it,” Flare replied, his voice cracking slightly. There was another pregnant pause between them before they turned and faced away from each other.

“You can leave anytime you want now, just say the word.” Twilight wanted to cry, she wanted to cry so bad but refused to do so in front of him.

“Yeah, sure… think I’ll take a walk first…” He could barely talk at this point and after a few uneasy steps he bolted from her, leaving the now weeping unicorn alone in the hall.

Chapter Ten – A Pony that will do Anything for Love.

Chapter Ten – A Pony that will do Anything for Love.

So that was that, Twilight had found the spell and Flare was going home.

He had spent days, days, just trying to figure out what to do about this new life that he had been thrown into.

He had made his decision and he wanted to stay here in Equestria, here with all of his new and wonderful friends.

But that was all for nothing.

One the other hoof, he wanted to see his other friends too. Sapphira, Lucy, Velvet and all the others. How long had it been since he saw Sakura and Kai? Or his family for that matter.

He had been aimlessly wandering around the castle for hours now and the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon. His mind barely registered the time though as he passed through a large door and outside into a Guard training field.

His bloodshot eyes gazed listlessly around and he saw targets lined up across one side of the field and he knew just how to blow off some steam. Taking aim, (though difficult due to his emotional drain and sleep deprivation) he opened his mouth and shot a stream of flame at one of the targets, only to have the target absorb the attack and shoot it back at him.

Flare took it head on as his Flash Fire absorbed right back. He gave the target a hard stare and then leered at it as it mocked him, daring him to just try that again.

“So that’s the way you want it huh?” His eye twitched as his body became wreathed in electricity. He ran full pelt at the target and collided head on with it, smashing it to pieces as his Wild Charge obliterated the inanimate object.

“And that’s how it’s done!” He shouted triumphantly, right before the recoil shock from Wild Charge wracked his body and he let out an involuntary yell in pain.

He collapsed to the ground and panted as the shock finally kick started his brain. “Just what the hell am I doing?” He groaned. He closed his eyes for a moment as the world around him was completely silent and he slowly began to drift off to sleep as his exhaustion caught up with him.

It’s too bad that fate decided to mess with him some more as a sudden shout woke him up. Flare glanced up from his decidedly comfortable spot on the ground to see a white unicorn stallion walking towards him… and he looked rather displeased.

He had just wanted a normal morning, just one. But apparently in Canterlot that was simply too much to ask. Captain Shining Armour had woken early, his Guard training still keeping that particular habit, despite all the ‘exercise’ he had been put through recently.

His wife snored adorably next to him and he gently kissed her forehead before slipping out of bed and off to clean himself up. With the conclusion of the wedding, he had been given a leave of absence that would last another week or two, but if Shining wasn’t around to keep the Guard on their hooves he just knew the jokers would slack off.

But when he arrived at the field for arcane combat magicks, he had found something that caused the otherwise stoic stallion to do a double take. The ground around the magic reflectors was scorched black and the remaining targets still seemed to hold some sort of magical feedback as they crackled with lightning. Even more surprising was the creature that lay just beyond them. It seemed to be somewhat pony shaped, but looked larger and more slender, having a build that resembled an alicorn. What’s more is that its mane and tail appeared to be on fire.

“Hey! You there!” Yelling at the odd beast probably wasn’t the best idea, but it was only a minute until training hour and this field would soon have two dozen Guard to back him up if it decided to attack. He just hoped that whatever it was, it was feeling friendly.

Flare got to his hooves and blinked a few times to try and gain some sort of clarity. “I am seriously not in the mood for this,” He grumbled as the unicorn stopped a few feet away from him, his horn had a pale glow to it. “What do you want!?” Flare said, his voice showing every bit of irritation he was feeling. “I’m dealing with a lot of crap right now so get lost!”

Shining was taken aback just a bit by the sudden outburst from Flare. His ear flicked as the sound of other voices could be heard as a contingent of Solar Guard and one or two Night Guard spilled out onto the field.

“Hey, it’s Captain Armour!” One of the guards called out, drawing attention to him.

“Ready yourselves!” He ordered, “This might get ugly.”

Several of the guardsponies looked past him to see Flare standing a few feet away. “Oh, that’s Flare Blitz!” One of them stated. “He’s a guest of the Princess.”

“Well he’s done quite a number on our training field,” Shining Armour pointed out. “And he seems to be in quite a mood as well.”

“Y’know, I’m standing right here!” Flare really wanted to hit this unicorn now.

Shining turned his attention back to the Pokémon and snorted. “Then perhaps you would be so kind as to explain yourself?” Shining took a step forward and stared Flare down.

“Explain what? That I broke your little toy?” Flare’s mane began to flicker faster as he became more irritated. “Not my fault that I’m stronger than a training dummy.”

What was with this guy? Shining read his facial features and he seemed to be a bit all over the place. He sounded angry, but his eyes read that he was stressed, possibly upset about something? Plus he mentioned earlier that he was dealing with something.

“That aside, this is property of the castle and you have no right to do as you please-“

“So what are you gonna do about it pretty boy?”

Several guards ‘ooh’d’ when that gauntlet had been thrown down. The last guard foolish enough to challenge their Captain was thrashed so soundly that he was scared to even look at a unicorn for two weeks.

“That is not a path you wish to walk!” Shining Armour warned him. “If you are indeed a guest of the Princess then I will let everything slide until Her Highness can clear up this ‘misunderstanding’ so to speak.”

It was the obvious choice, the smart choice.

It really is too bad that Flare Blitz was not being a smart pony right now.

“Well then why don’t you run and hide behind your precious Princess then?” Flare taunted.

That did it, Shining’s horn flared to life as he fired a blast of magical energy at Flare, who barely dodged to one side to avoid it. The Pokémon returned fire, literally, as he let loose a torrent of flame at the startled the captain, but he still managed to block with a shield.

“Breathing fire? It’s certainly something that I never saw that one coming.” Several lances made from magical energy appeared above him and he fired them one after another, causing
Flare to break out into a wide, circular run to avoid them. Almost a dozen attacks later, Shining smiled and it was too late for Flare to realise that he had been played as his hoof stepped onto a magic circle. Chains erupted from it and bound Flare to the spot, preventing him from moving.

“You’ve got some odd magic, I’ll admit.” Shining said as he walked a bit closer. “But that Spellbinding Circle will see to that.”

Several other guards sighed as they passed a few bits around. A few had honestly expected Flare to last a bit longer.

“Spellbinding?” Flare looked at the runic circle and smiled. “So it’s a spell that binds magic huh?”

A blast of fire and heat forced every nearby pony to jump back as Flare’s body erupted with power as he poured all his strength into a Flare Blitz attack.

“Too bad that won’t work with me!”

***

What a night. Twilight had returned to Celestia’s chambers late into the previous evening, but had refused to say what had transpired between herself and their fiery friend, but nothing occurred within these halls that Celestia did not know about, some well-placed listening runes saw to that rather effectively.

The alicorn princess stood out on her balcony after raising the sun and gazed out at her city. Though the sun had barely graced the sky with its brilliance, her little ponies were already up and about, living their lives as best as they could.

A stifled yawn followed by the shuffling of hooves told Celestia that her cute little pupil was up and about. The alicorn turned and saw the unicorn with a bed-ragged mane and dark rings under her eyes.

“Oh my dear Twilight, did you not sleep well?” Celestia already knew the answer but she wanted to hear her view of what had happened.

“No, I couldn’t really sleep at all…” Twilight had for some reason come to Celestia’s room last night and after a while of silently crying she had fallen into an uneasy sleep by the diarch’s side. “Why Princess? Why did it turn out like this?”

Celestia smiled gently as she levitated a brush over and began to run it through Twilight’s coat and mane. “That is something that even I cannot answer,” She admitted. “But I suspect that there is an underlying emotion that could trigger such a response.”

“Underlying… emotion?” Twilight could barely think and her teacher was being cryptic again. Well, at least Twilight thought she was.

“He is a good pony and I expected great things from him,” Celestia continued as she poured some rejuvenating magic into her student to wash away the dark lines and fatigue. “I still do in fact! It would just seem that-“

The Princess was promptly cut off as the sound of an explosion rocked the palace walls.

“What in the name of me was that?!” Celestia exclaimed, dropping her teacup in surprise.

Princess and pupil ran towards the source of the noise and as they rounded a corner, another alicorn awaited them.

“Cadence!?” Twilight ran over to hug her sister-in-law but another explosion interrupted them.

“Why can’t our reunions ever be normal?” Cadence whined as the three mares continued to find the source of the disruption.

***

Okay, Shining Armour was now willing to admit that he may have underestimated his opponent. He had never seen magic like this before and it was seriously throwing him off of his game.

Flare Blitz on the other hoof was tired. He had expended quite a bit of energy escaping that sealing spell and after a sleepless night and an empty stomach, he probably wasn’t going to last much longer. Having overused his recoil attacks he now had to rely on his physical attacks.

“Is that.. all ya got?” He panted as he got to his hooves once more. “Woulda thought that a ‘Captain’ would be a little tougher.”

“Same to you monster!” Shining really hated to admit it, but whatever this thing was, it was tough. Several of his guard had offered a helping hoof but he refused. Plus he had seen a few of them making bets and made a mental note to discipline them later.

Both stallions stared at each other for a moment as they pawed the ground, wondering what the other’s next move would be. It seems that both had the same idea as they charged headlong at one another, both charging an attack that would be the finishing blow.

“Flare!?”

The sudden shout from a voice familiar to them both threw them off. Flare and Shining paused and looked towards the entrance to the castle and the source of the voice to see three mares standing there, a range of emotions on their faces. One was mortified, one bemused and one was rightly pissed!

“Twiley?” The spell Shining had been preparing faded and he straightened himself. “When did you get here?”

“Last night and yes, it’s good to see you again too big brother, but I’ll get to you in a moment.” Twilight walked right past him and in one fluid motion, struck the side of Flare’s face with her hoof. “Just what in the hay are you doing!?”

Flare was shocked, Twilight actually hit him! He just sat there stunned for a moment and blinked a few times. “Um… sorry?” He finally replied, though he himself wasn’t sure what he was apologising for. Probably everything since last night.

“Sorry doesn’t even begin to cover it!” She yelled. Shining took a step back from the angry unicorn. He had never seen his little sister this mad before, well, not recently anyway. He had his own problems however as a pink alicorn strode over to him, her glare locked on to her target.

“Shining Starsparkle Armour!” Shining winced when Cadence used his full name and several guards snickered. “Just what do you think you’re doing?” She said sternly. She wasn’t as angry as her little sister, but Shining had a sinking feeling that he was getting the couch tonight. “Fighting with somepony out of the blue like that. You’re better than that Shining Armour.”

Shining and Flare shared a sympathetic glance at one another before pointing hooves at each other.

“He started it!” They said in unison and Celestia finally let out a short laugh.

***

In the audience hall, the two admonished stallions sat in silence as their mare’s continued to berate their foolishness.

“Twilight, Cadence?” Celestia stepped forward to place a hoof between them. “I think that they understand quite thoroughly.”

The sisters looked at them and saw Shining and Flare huddling together, wishing that this storm would pass, and hopefully they would live to tell their children.

“Well, I suppose…” Twilight calmed down and then the full impact of what she just did hit her. “Ohmigosh! I hit you! I’m sooo sorry Flare I didn’t mean to. I was upset and you were fighting with my brother and I-“

“What does it matter anyway?” Flare suddenly said, his voice was curt and cold. “You’re just gonna ship me off back home and forget I was ever here!”

“Why you-” Shining took a step forward but Celestia put a hoof to his chest and stopped him, shaking her head.

“This is something they must work out for themselves.”

Neither Flare Blitz nor Twilight Sparkle noticed however as they glared at one another.

“What the hay Flare!?” Twilight took a step towards the Pokémon. “You think after all of this, I would forget you, just like that?”

“Well you seem pretty eager to get me home, so why don’t you tell me!”

“Eager? Does this sound familiar?” Twilight lowered the pitch of her voice to a poor imitation of the Pokémon. “Well that’s great, can’t wait to go home.” Her glare intensified,
“sounds like you’re the eager one here!”

“Well did it ever occur to you that I don’t want to go home!” Flare yelled.

“Well did it ever occur to you that I don’t want you to go home!” Twilight screamed back.

…
…
…

Shining Armour just facehooved while the two princesses shared a quiet giggle.

“W-what did you say?” Twilight’s voice lost all its former strength.

“I could ask you the same thing…” Flare’s anger was gone with the wind as he pawed at the floor with his hoof.

There was another bout of awkward silence before Twilight and Flare began to giggle softly and then they erupted into uproarious laughter.

“It would seem,” Twilight said in between giggles. “That we have been very silly ponies.”
Flare nodded as his laughter wound down and he took a few deep gulps of air.

“I-I don’t want to go back, I want to stay here in Equestria!” Flare said suddenly. “Please Twilight… will you let me stay?”

Twilight looked unimpressed, but her expression slowly changed until she had a smile that could rival Pinkie’s happiest mood. She suddenly flung herself forward and wrapped her forelegs around Flare, knocking the startled stallion to the ground.

“Of course you can!” She said, tears dripping onto Flare coat as she nuzzled him. She sat up and wiped her face, “I have to be honest with you too, the reason I didn’t tell you about the spell… it’s because I didn’t want you to go.”

That information took a moment to sink into Flare’s head, “So if we had simply told each other this a week ago…?”

“We could have avoided all of this” Twilight finished. The two of them stared at each other and then laughed once more.

“It would seem that an important lesson has been learned here.” Celestia said as she approached them and placed a wing over Twilight and Flare.

“Yes,” Twilight replied as the two of them got up. “You should be upfront with your feelings, not hide them until it’s too late.”

Flare shook his head; this was like the ending to a cartoon for children. “But I suppose it’s true though,” He said to himself. So this was it, he would stay here in Equestria and life would be grand. No big surprises or disasters or whatnot.

The large throne room doors were flung open as a group of mares, barged into the room. Rainbow Dash and Ditzy were the first to reach Flare as the tackled him to the ground, hugging him tightly.

“Please don’t leave!” Ditzy pleaded, her golden eyes showing a rare moment of total focus as they stared into Flare’s. “Please?”

“Yeah!” Rainbow agreed. “Who’s gonna give me some awesome competition? You’re the only thing with four hooves that can keep up with me!”

“You guys…” Flare started to explain but the others had caught up and pounced on him too.

“You’ve provided me with such wonderful inspiration!” Rarity said.

“And my animals really seem to like you.” Fluttershy added.

“You’re nice to hug~” Pinkie giggled.

“An’ ah still gotta teach ya’ll to buck apple properly!”

Twilight smiled as Flare struggled against the ponypile before finally giving up and sighing.

“Girls…?” He paused, half expecting to be interrupted again. “I’m not going anywhere!” He said, making everypony pause. “If you’d all give me a minute to explain, I’ll say that I’m staying here in Equestria…”

His sentence was cut off again as he was hugged even tighter as everypony shed tears of joy. Even Twilight joined in.

“So uh… not that I’m ungrateful or anything,” Flare spoke up, though his voice was somewhat muffled. “But why are you all here and what made you think I was leaving?”

“Because I found out how to send you home and you and Twilight left for Canterlot so suddenly…” Sparkler had been a bit quiet up until now and suddenly squeaked when Flare pulled her into a hug.

“Well I suppose that his little excursion was a tad unplanned…” He shot a glance to Twilight and Celestia who both returned unassuming grins. “But you all don’t have to worry about anything, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Well my little ponies, it would seem that you have all come long way,” Celestia flared her wings before tucking them in at her sides. “What do you all say to a royal sleep-over?”

Pinkie’s eyes went as wide as saucers as she pulled her party cannon out of her mane and pulled the cord. There was a deafening bang and the whole audience hall was covered in streamers, balloons and other party goods.

“Um, Twilight? Where did she…?” Celestia looked around at her former throne room.

“That is something that will never be answered…” Twilight replied in a sombre tone, before breaking out into a wide smile. A slumber party with the Princess? This was gonna be great!!

The party itself was great. Applejack and Rarity had started another pillow fight but once Celestia stepped in, well calling it a curbstomp battle would have been an understatement. Leaving the farmer and the fashionista waving the white flag, Celestia looked around for her student and saw her chatting with Sparkler and Ditzy.

But something was missing from this little shindig, mostly on the location of a certain alicorn of the night.

“Surely you want to see your friends too sister.”

***

Though Flare was having fun, he needed some air and decided to head to his new favourite spot in the castle, the gardens.

The moon was hanging brightly in the sky and Flare enjoyed the quiet moonlit stroll. The soft crunching of the leaves beneath his hooves and the occasional noise from a nocturnal animal made for a natural symphony.

But there was something else too, an actual song was being sung. Following the sound he eventually found its source, Princess Luna.

The alicorn was sitting in a clearing, the pale light of the moon shining down, giving her an ethereal glow. A whole bunch of animals sat around her, sitting in silence as Luna sang the hauntingly beautiful melody.

He stood there and listened for a moment but when he took a step forward a twig snapped and Luna suddenly stopped, looking in his direction.

“Who goes there!?” She asked. “Show thyself!”

Flare stepped out into the clearing and he got the strangest sense of déjà vu. Luna noticed his smile and cocked her head, curious as to its reason and a little angry over the intrusion.

“And to what reason dost thou interrupt Us?”

Flare’s smile lessened somewhat, but a friendly one still remained. “Sorry Princess Luna, I just heard your song and it was really beautiful.”

Luna blushed slightly over the compliment, but did her best to keep her poker face. “And yet thou stands there grinning like a court jester. Did thou find Our song amusing?”

“What? Oh, no that’s not it.” Flare shook his head, a few glowing embers falling from it. “Seeing you here like this reminded me of when I met a pony named Selene… she’s your maid right?”

Luna sighed and mentally slapped herself. There was no way she could slip away and transform now without it looking suspicious. She would simply have to bite the bit and try to hold a conversation without panicking.

“Y-yes, Selene has been a good friend to Us for some time now…” Her heart raced a mile a minute and her voice was a little husky, though through good luck Flare didn’t seem to notice.

“I see…” He remembered the story properly now and the mare before him didn’t seem to be a scary creature of nightmares… she did seem to be scared of him though.

“Can I ask you something?” He suddenly said, catching the mare off guard.

“Y-yes?”

“Are you afraid of me?” He simply asked.

Luna suddenly stood up as storm clouds began to gather. Her eyes flashed with righteous fury as her wings beat up a powerful wind, causing Flare to dig his hooves into the ground to prevent being knocked down.

“We are not afraid of a little foal!” Her powerful voice reverberated throughout Flare’s body and he winced from the sheer volume of it. “It is you who should be afraid!”

“Why would I be afraid of you?” Flare asked back, deciding that it would simply be best to remain calm. “You seem nice enough, shouting and lightning aside.”

This threw Luna for a pitch as the wind died off as quickly as it had appeared and she lowered herself to the ground. “You… you do not fear Us?”

Flare shook his head, “Not really. I know that you used to be somepony called Nightmare Moon, but I don’t think that’s any reason to be afraid of you now… It’s not like you’re still her right?”

“I-I suppose that I…” Luna found herself fumbling for words. Why was this Pokémon so different from the last? She had expected something much different from the gentlecolt that stood before her. He reminded her of Twilight Sparkle in that sense.

“I suppose that we have not been entirely truthful with you either,” She said. “We thought of thou as a liar and a trickster, but t’would seem that Our assumptions were incorrect.”

Her body began to glow and shrink until the unicorn Selene stood in her place. Flare stared for a moment before he put the pieces together. “Selene? You’ve been pretending to be the Princess!?”

…

Luna smacked her forehead with enough force that she probably left a permanent dent. “No you foal, I am the princess!”

“Ooohh, that makes more sense.” Flare nodded wisely and smiled. “But why the charade? What made you think I was a liar?”

“Tia probably already mentioned it,” Luna responded, returning to her true form. “But thou are not the first Pokémon to grace Our land, but the other had less than pure intentions.”

“What happened?” Flare asked. “Did they do something bad?”

“That question t’would be quite the understatement, but it shall be a story for another time.” Luna fluffed her wings and looked towards the castle and the sounds of the party from within. “Tis rather cool tonight… perhaps thou could show me what Tartarus-raising racket is coming from the palace?”

“Escorting the Princess to the ball huh?” Flare smiled and nodded. “Sure, Let’s go Luna!”

***

Despite the rowdy festivities, almost everypony paused when the doors creaked open and Flare returned with Luna at his side.

“Sister? And Flare Blitz?” Even Celestia didn’t see that coming and she walked over to her younger sister, embracing her warmly. “And what’s going on here hmm?” She whispered into Luna’s ear.

“Tis a secret.” Luna giggled and danced away from her sister’s grasp. “Now that We are here, the fun shall be doubled!” She announced. “Where is the bobbing of the apples?”

“It’s not really that kind of party…” Twilight began to point out before Pinkie pointed to a large barrel full of water and delicious Apple Family brand apples.

“Right over there Luna!” Pinkie showed her and Twilight deadpanned.

Flare walked up to the unicorn’s side and brushed up against her. “I think that I’m really going to enjoy it here.”

Twilight blushed at the touch but agreed with him. “I’m glad you’re staying…” She whispered.

Flare looked down at her, a curious glint in his eye but before he could as what she meant by that, Twilight vanished in a flash of pale blue light.

“Wait, what?” Twilight looked around, not expecting the sudden scene change as Cadence’s smile rivalled that of Pinkie Pie.

“You. Are so. IN LOVE!!” Cadence giggled and bounced. “My little Twilight loves somepony!”

“Cadence!?” Twilight turned beet red and tried to hide behind her mane. “I-I…”

“Am so totally in love with that handsome devil of a Pokémon?” Cadence finished her sentence. “No point in trying to deny it little Twiley.”

Twilight just murmured, wishing she could dig herself a hole to hide in. That was until she saw the look in Cadence’s eyes and the subtle glow to her horn.

Twilight knew that look all too well. “No Cadence. You will not ‘help’. Not one spell.”

“Aww c’mon Twiley,” Cadence whined. “Pleeeeeaasseeee!”

“No Cadence!”

“Party pooper!”

Twilight teleported back to the party and was shortly followed by Cadence, who was still pouting. “Sorry about that Flare,” She apologised. “Cadence had something she wanted to talk about.”

“Which required a kidnapping?” He asked and Twilight nodded.

“Yes, apparently.” Twilight raised her voice so Cadence and Celestia could hear. “And if Princess Mi Amore Cadenza does something like that again, I’m telling Celestia!”

Celestia raised an eye at that and looked to Cadence, who smiled sheepishly in response.

“So where do we go from here?” Twilight asked. “If you’re going to stay in Equestria, do you know what you’ll do?”

Flare shook his head, “I hadn’t really thought that far ahead actually.” Twilight looked appalled at his absolute lack of an actual plan for the future, but his impulsiveness was one of the things that she liked about him. “I can’t battle here, but I can still race… I don’t know.”

“So this is your happily ever after then?” Ditzy asked him.

Pinkie’s whole body suddenly twitched violently and Twilight sighed. “I knew this was too easy…” She muttered as a large tear opened in the air in the centre of the throne room. Streams of energy poured from it as everypony scrambled away from it, surprised as to what the hay was going on.

A powerful flash of light burst forth from the centre of the portal and a creature the likes of which Equestria had never seen emerged from it.

It had a large white body, similar to that of a pony’s, though more elongated. It had a grey torso and a large glowing gold ring around its waist. Standing at nearly 10 feet tall, its red eyes scanned the room before falling directly upon Flare Blitz.

“I-I don’t believe it!” Flare stammered, staring at the creature before them.

“Who is that? What is that?” Twilight said as Shining Armour took a defensive position in front of her and the Princesses, his horn glowing fiercely.

“It is about time I found you!” A commanding voice resonated in their heads. “You have been rather difficult to locate.”

“W-why are you here?” Flare asked, his voice a little shaky. “Lord Arceus?”

“Arceus?” Twilight repeated. She had heard Flare mention that word a few times before, but who was he?

“The lost Ponyta, Flare Blitz” Arceus said. “I have come here in order to take you home!”

Chapter Eleven – A Pony who Never gives up!

Chapter Eleven – A Pony who Never gives up!

Flare stood there stunned. He had finally decided on what to do. He had told Twilight that he wanted to stay in Equestria. And then out of nowhere, freakin’ Arceus shows up and tells him that he’s going home!?

“W-what?” Yeah, great display of your intellect there Flare.

“As I have said, I have come to take you home,” Arceus repeated. With a flick of his tail, the portal that he had arrived from re-opened. “Now let’s not delay any longer.”

Flare stood there for a moment and then shook his head. “N-no” he said slowly. “I’m not going!”.

“What?” Arceus said, looking down at the small pony. “You do not belong in this world, you must return to ours.”

Flare Blitz took a deep breath and said something that all other Pokémon would consider insane. “I’m not going anywhere and you can’t make me!” When all else fails, resort to childish antics.

Arceus snorted and glared at the defiant Pokémon. “That is something I certainly can do!”

Twilight suddenly stepped forward, glaring right back at the God-Pokémon. “And what gives you the right to tell Flare what he can and cannot do? He’s done no harm since he came here, his life is his own to live!”

Flare stared wide-eyed at the mare. Here he was, cowering before the all-powerful Pokémon and she was scolding him like a child. Fare snickered slightly at the amusing mental image.

“Step aside unicorn, this matter does not concern you!”

Twilight Sparkle shook her head as her horn ignited with magical power. She could feel the power this Arceus had and it was overwhelming… but she wasn’t going to stand here and lose a friend, not like this. “”I won’t let you!”

Arceus was both amused and confused by the actions of this little Unicorn. Why did she want the Pokémon to stay here in Equestria?

“You cannot stop me,” he simply replied. “Now step aside!” Arceus took another step forward and found another unicorn, a larger white one with a blue mane and a pink alicorn also in his path.

“I don’t think so.” Shining Armour said. “Any threat made towards a citizen of this kingdom and especially towards my sister here, and you’ll have me to deal with.”

“And I shan’t step aside either!” Cadence added.

Flare was shocked. Arceus was immensely powerful and yet here these ponies stood, ready to defend Flare against him. Then Celestia decided that now would be a good time to interject.

“I think that there is a more reasonable way to settle this, don’t you agree Lord Arceus?”

Arceus looked at the ponies standing in front of him and then to the regal ruler of Equestria. “It would seem that I have little choice Celestia. What is it that you would suggest?”

Celestia thought for a moment then an idea hit her and she wore a devilish grin. Luna spotted and her skin crawled, that grin meant her sister was up to no good. “How about a race?”

Everypony (plus one Pokémon god) stared at her.

“You wish for me to race against him?” Arceus asked, utterly baffled.

“No, no,” Celestia corrected him. “There is an annual long distance race coming up in a few days, held in Ponyville this time around”.

“And what would that hope to prove?” Arceus argued.

“If you would let me finish…” Celestia replied curtly. “The prize for this race is for me to grant that pony a wish if it is within my power. If Flare Blitz wins, then I will allow him to stay in Equestria…” she looked at Arceus, “Whether you like it or not, I will defend him to the full extent of my power!”

Arceus looked at the Alicorn ruler and then to Flare Blitz. He sighed and floated into the air. “It seems that I have little say in the matter. Fine! Have your little race then, but if the Ponyta loses, then he will return with me and that will be the end of it!”

The God-Pokémon floated towards the space/time rift. “Best of luck, my little Pokémon!” he said and disappeared inside, vanishing with a bright flash of light. Flare Blitz, who had been holding a breath up until now, collapsed to the floor, exhaling loudly.

“Are you alright?” Twilight asked out of concern, dashing to his side.

“I-I think so,” Flare said. “That was just… unexpected.”

Twilight petted him on the head soothingly. Flare instantly decided that as indignant as it was to be petted in front of everyone, it still felt nice. “So who is he? I’ve heard you mention him a couple of times.”

Flare looked up at her from his spot on the throne room floor and decided this was a good spot to stay for awhile… at least until his legs wanted to work again.

“I suppose the easiest way to explain it is that Lord Arceus is my world’s equivalent to Princess Celestia,” he explained. “He doesn’t rule us directly… in fact most believe him to be a myth. But it is said that he created the universe and all those that reside in it.” His legs tingled as the blood flow returned and allowed Flare to get up onto his hooves.

“Though others believe that he is just a very powerful Pokémon, immortal and powerful, but not omnipotent.”

“Which one do you believe?” Twilight asked.

“I’m not sure, seeing as how that’s the first time I’ve ever seen him physically, rather than in a picture book… but.”

“But?” Twilight said, wanting to know.

Flare put on his usual cocky grin and flicked his tail. “I reckon I could take him!”

Twilight facehoofed, but smiled seeing Flare back to his usual self.

Princess Celestia stepped forward and placed a wing over her student and the Pokémon. “I think you two should be heading back to Ponyville” she said with her usual regal tone. “I believe that young Flare here has a race to win.”

The two ponies nodded and Twilight gave Celestia a quick nuzzle and they raced from the throne room to catch the next train back home.

Princess Cadence approached her aunt and smiled, “So what’s with the race? You could have just stepped up and defended him. I know you wanted to” she asked with a whimsical tone.

“True.” Celestia replied, “but this is something Flare must do if he wishes to realise his full potential.”

“Oh don’t give me that! You’re just trying to make this story more interesting” Cadence said, rolling her eyes.

“Maybe…” Celestia said with a mischievous glint in her eye and returned to the stack of paperwork next to her throne.

Shining Armour shook his head and left the room. “All the mares in this town are crazy” he muttered under his breath.

***

The train ride home was as quiet as one could expect, well as quiet as a train car could be with nearly a dozen mares all chattering away. Flare did say much beyond the occasional ‘yeah’ whenever somepony spoke to him.

Twilight leaned in close while everypony else was busy. “Is everything alright?” She noticed how quiet he had been ever since they left Canterlot and was getting worried about him. Arceus had clearly shaken him up.

“M’fine…” he muttered and continued to stare out of the window. Twilight wasn’t a silly pony and knew that he wasn’t alright. And he wasn’t, Flare knew that if Arceus wanted, he could have Flare home in the blink of an eye. He knew the stories surrounding the Pokémon and if there was any truth to them then everyone should be lucky that the planet still existed, let alone that Arceus even went along with this plan. He had seemed pretty adamant that he wanted Flare to return home, but one word from Celestia and he folded like a deck of cards.

“Why me though?” he wondered as the scenery raced by. “I’m just a Ponyta… why did Arceus of all Pokémon come looking for me?”

He snapped out of his daydream and looked around to see that the cabin had fallen dead silent and everypony was looking at him with varying degrees of concern.

“Is something wrong?”

Rainbow Dash was the first to respond as she jabbed him roughly with a hoof. “Of course there’s something wrong! You get to stay here in Equestria and you look like a foal who bucked a thundercloud.”

“Yeah, try and cheer up okay?” Ditzy put her hooves around him and hugged him gently, causing a certain lavender unicorn to grind her teeth. “Dinky’s not here so I’ll give you a ‘get better’ hug in her place…” Her eye drifted left and saw the look on Twilight’s face. Ditzy grew several shades of white and backed off.

“Yeah, but the problem is that I have to win the Solar Run race to do so…” Flare sighed and stared at his hooves. “And that won’t be easy.”

“What do ya mean Sugarcube?” Applejack sounded confused. “Ya’ll are one o’ the fastest things on four hooves around here, ya even gave Dash here a real contest.”

“And that’s the problem!” Flare replied a little more curtly than intended, causing the girls to flinch. “Sorry, but that’s the real problem. You and Rainbow Dash intend to compete as well right?”

“Heck yeah, a wish from the Princess is too good an opportunity to pass up.” Rainbow Dash flared her wings open, barely missing AJ and Ditzy. “I’ll get a tryout with the Wonderbolts for sure!”

“And the prize money will really help my family during the winter…” Applejack replied before she realised what Flare was getting at. A collective gasp from everypony else showed that they realised it too. Well, everypony except Rainbow.

“What? What is it?” she looked left and right, wondering what the big secret was.

“Well, it’s just that-” Twilight began to explain.

“It means that in order for me to stay here in Equestria, I have to beat all of you!” That comment caused Rainbow to open and close her mouth a few times, trying to find a way to respond but coming up empty.

“Well uh,” Rainbow was at a loss and her eyes pleaded with her friends to help.

“And it means that if you don’t give it your all then what’s the point?” Flare stated. “There’s no way I can live with myself if you all just bow out to give me the win.”

“Pft, like that’s gonna happen!” Everypony shifted their gaze to the cyan pegasus. “I’ve never given anything less than 120% on anything and I’m not gonna start now.”

“But Rainbow, what if he-?” Twilight didn’t expect Rainbow to just bow out. That would be like asking Pinkie to stop eating cupcakes.

‘And that’s the way I want it!” Flare nodded, bumping hooves with Dash. He looked at Applejack and gave her the same look. “And I expect the same competition from you and any of your kin that enter too!”

Applejack nodded, but looked less enthusiastic than Dash. “Ifin y’all say so, ah’ll do my best!”

General conversation resumed shortly afterwards, but lacked the vigour it had earlier.

The train arrived in Ponyville after a few hours and after a round of goodbyes and promises to catch up soon, Twilight and Flare headed back to the library where a very worried Spike threw himself around Twilight’s neck the second she walked inside.

“Where have you guys been!?” Spike almost cried. “You didn’t send any letters or anything!”

Twilight gasped and knelt down to hug her little brother as her eyes watered. “Oh Spike, I’m so sorry!” She couldn’t believe that she had forgotten to tell Spike about what had transpired in the capitol city. “I’ll get you a pile of gems to make up for it!”

“It’s alright Twi, no harm no foul.” Spike waved a hand and shrugged. “It’s not like I don’t know how to take care of myself.”

“I know, I know.” Twilight continued to hug him and Flare smiled at the little bonding moment. “But it was still wrong and I want to make it up to you.”

“Weeeelll, there is this bowtie I’ve had my eye on,” Spike said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. Flare raised an eye and snorted slightly. “What?” Spike said, looking hurt. “Bowties are cool!” He looked back to Twilight, “so what happened in Canterlot anyway?”

“It’s a long story,” Twilight groaned as she got to her hooves. “I’ll get some tea first and I’ll tell you everything.”

“So unless Flare wins, he has to go home? And if he wins, he has to squash everypony else’s dreams?” Spike rubbed his temples as he processed all that. “Talk about a crappy situation.”

“How do you think I feel?” Flare said, sipping at his tea. “Can everypony else forgive me if I do win? For such a selfish reason?”

He and Spike jumped as Twilight slammed her forehooves on the table. “Of course they will!” she yelled. “My- Our friends aren’t that shallow and if you think about it, only one pony can win after all. Who says that even if you didn’t enter, there’d still only be one winner.” Twilight sighed as she sat back down. “Just do your best and win okay?” Her voice quieted down as she calmed herself. “You said so yourself, you want to stay right? With me?”

Spike’s eyes went wide when he heard that one as Flare’s face glowed as bright as his mane. “You… you said that you…” Spike’s open mouth suddenly turned into a wide grin. “Nice one Flare! You have totally got to stay now. You can teach me how to breathe fire better and get Rarity too!”

“Spike!?” Twilight was shocked he would even ask such a thing, Flare on the other hoof found it hilarious.

“Sure thing bro! Just leave everything to me alright?” Spike nodded eagerly and Twilight just facehooved, but wound up giggling in the end. At least Flare was feeling better, so it was alright.

“Don’t teach him everything!” Twilight smiled, deciding to get in on it. “We want a few single mares left in Ponyville.”

“No promises~” Flare grinned back and Twilight found herself blushing again. That smile was really cute.

“Well let’s get dinner shall we?” Twilight said. “Want to eat out today?”

“Sounds good!” Spike said, “I heard Cloud Kicker mention a place called the Sun’s Flank. She said they had awesome hay fries.”

“We are not going to go there!” Twilight quickly banished that particular choice to the moon. “How about the Bale?”

“Bleh! Everything, even the drinks are made of hay.” Spike poked out his tongue.

“Well then where are we going to go?” Ponyville wasn’t a big place and there were only a hoof full of restaurants left to choose from.

Twilight suggested that fancy Prench place, but Spike reminded her that her budget was a tad low after she bought a bunch of new lab equipment.

“So off to Sugarcube Corner then?” Flare shrugged and Twilight hung her head in defeat.

“Yeah.”

***

Arceus hovered high above Ponyville, watching the little Ponyta follow the unicorn out of the tree-house library. If he had a mouth, he’d probably have a sly smile on his face. There was a magical pop next to him and Celestia was hovering next to him, though Arceus paid little heed to his visitor.

The two remained silent for a while until Celestia spoke up.

“So is this truly necessary?” she asked him. “Putting one of your own children through all this?”

Arceus said nothing for a moment and then replied, “nothing is gained if no effort is put forth.” He looked around the beautiful world that lay below them, Luna’s soft moon illuminating it with stunning contrast. “It has been too long since I was last here…”

Celestia nodded in response, “Almost a thousand years I believe” she said. “Although I was a very different pony back then.”

“It is nice that everything worked out with you and your sister though, you seem… happier”.

Celestia nodded once more and looked down at the library below them. “He has a strong heart and an indomitable will; I think it was a good idea to bring him here.”

Arceus nodded in agreement. “We shall see if he has the determination to take what he wants… if not, then I will have no choice.”

“I know,” Celestia said. “I just hope the young ones are prepared, no matter the outcome.” Her ears perked up as she remembered something. “Oh yes, I just remembered. Luna told me to tell you something!”

Arceus turned his head to look at her and Celestia wore a serious expression.

“Don’t underestimate him!”

***

The next few days went by rather uneventfully. Flare had met some new faces and made a couple of new friends. But the day of the race was drawing nearer and the unsettling feeling within him was getting stronger.

The town was in full swing preparing for the event. Colourful banners hung from the sides of Town Hall and vendors of all kinds were setting up their stalls. Since Applejack and Big Macintosh were both competing in the race, some other Apple family members had been called in to run a few of the stalls.

AJ saw Flare looking around and called him over. As he approached, a cute yellow mare with a green mane and another sporting a white hat similar to Applejacks watched the strange stallion with a curious gaze.

“Hey there Flare!” Applejack greeted and chuckled at the little rhyme. “Ah’d like ta introduce mah cousins, Apple Fritter and Fiddlesticks!”

“H-hello…” Apple Fritter stammered nervously whilst Fiddlesticks held no such fear.

“So you’re the famous Demon Pony of Ponyville huh?” Fiddlesticks smiled and Flare groaned before applying his hoof to his face. That blasted title will never leave.

“My name is Flare Blitz and I am a Pokémon, not a demon pony.” He corrected them and smiled. “So you’re AJ’s cousins huh? Here for the big race?”

“S-something like that,” Apple Fritter explained, her voice still wavering a bit. “We’re taking care of the Apple Family stands while Applejack and Big Mac compete.”

“And I’ll be playing my fiddle a bit later on, you should come check it out!” Fiddlesticks adjusted her hat and winked at him.

“Uh, sure?” Flare blinked at the blue-maned mare smiled and Applejack’s eyes widened.

“Cuz, you an’ I are gonna talk.” The Apple mare turned back to Flare. “No matter what happens tomorrow, good luck!”

Flare nodded and then gasped as AJ hugged him firmly. “Y’all are a friend to the Apple Family.”

Flare said his goodbyes and began to head back home. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.

***

“You have lost and now you will return with me!” Arceus’ voice boomed and a rift back to his home world opened, dragging Flare towards it. He tried to dig his hooves in but to no avail. Looking behind him, he saw his friends refusing to meet his gaze.

“Ah thought you wanted to stay?” Applejack said.

“But you didn’t try very hard!” Rarity added.

“I guess you didn’t really want to stay here after all?” Fluttershy said, her voice full of contempt

“I won that race with my eyes closed!” Rainbow puffed out her chest.

“I’m not even going to throw you a farewell party,” Pinkie’s mane was flat and her eyes held disappointment and hatred.

“I guess you didn’t love me after all,” Twilight’s gaze was the coldest of all as a prissy unicorn stallion walked up next to her. “Though Prince Blueblood will give me all the love I need once you’re gone…”

“Yes, don’t worry peasant, I’ll take good care of your mare~” he leered.

“AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” Flare’s eyes shot open as he tumbled out of bed. The sheets and pillow were singed as he lost control of the temperature of his mane and tail.

He sat on the floor panting heavily for a few moments before the rapid thumping of hooves could be heard and Twilight burst into the room.

“Flare! Are you alright?” Twilight’s nose wrinkled at the acrid smell of burning cotton and looked at the blackened bed sheets. “What happened in here?”

Flare waited for his heart to resume its normal beat before responding. “Sorry, I had a rather unsettling dream and I guess I lost control for a moment.”

Twilight put a fire suppressing shield over the bed, just in case, and shook her head. “It’s alright, I’m just glad you’re not hurt.” After a moment of silence, she decided to ask. “What was the dream about?”

“Stupid stuff,” Flare replied, his ears lay flat. “Doesn’t really matter now.”

“Alright, but if you need to talk I’m always here for you okay?” Twilight nuzzled him and smiled gently. “Let’s get some fresh sheets and go back to bed alright?”

Flare nodded as he placed his head across her back, returning the hug. “Thanks Twi, I really appreciate it.” He thought for a second and added something else. “Hey Twilight? After the race, there’s something important I want to tell you.”

“After…?” Twilight thought on that for a moment. “But that means... if you lose”.

“Which is why I want to wait” he said, his voice more confident now. “Because with that motivating me, there is no possible way I can lose”.

Twilight put a hoof to her mouth as she squeaked and blushed. “I… think that’s…” she took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay then. Win, I know you can”.

Flare could have jumped over the moon with the energy he had now. He would win this race, tell Arceus to shove it and live happily ever after with Twilight. Yeah, let’s go with that plan.

“Well let’s get a good night’s sleep” Twilight said. “You have a big day tomorrow”.

Flare nodded and prepared to go back to sleep inside his room in the library, hoping with all his might that it wouldn’t be for the last time.

***

The fateful day had finally arrived. The weather was perfect and thousands of ponies were all attending the rare event. Due to the nature of the prize, the Solar Run was only held every eight years, so it made for some fierce competition. The only event that really topped it was the Equestria Games.

Flare and Twilight arrived early so Flare could get registered and they were amazed at the sheer number of participants already waiting. Flare recognised several of his friends, like Applejack and her brother as well as Rainbow Dash. There were more than just ponies though, the rules didn’t discriminate against race or gender and there were creatures that Flare had never seen. Twilight pointed some of them out for him, like a Diamond Dog and a Griffin. There was also a donkey and a cow as well.

“There are so many!” Twilight whispered and after a quick head count she noticed at least forty competitors.

“And I have to beat them all, if I want to stay.” Flare swallowed and gave an affirming nod. That dream last night still sat in the back of his mind and refused to budge. “I have to win, no matter what!”

“Is there anything you need before the race starts?” Twilight asked. “Water? Maybe something light to eat?”

“I’m fine, thank you.” Flare spotted Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy waving from a small distance away. “You go and join the others okay? I’ll see you at the finish line.”

“Alright,” Twilight glanced left and right before deciding that she didn’t care if anypony saw and kissed Flare lightly on the cheek. “Best of luck!”

Flare froze and just nodded dumbly. “Yeah, ‘kay.” He watched the unicorn canter off towards her friends while he stood there grinning like a Meowth. “I’m so gonna win this race!”

There was a fanfare of trumpets and cheering signified the arrival of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. A few moments later, they were joined by Princess Cadence and Lord Shining Armour. Everypony and every creature, even Flare, bowed respectfully to the royal alicorns (and one unicorn). Once that was done, the preparations began once more as the newest guests took their place inside the royal box.

There was something missing though and it bugged Flare Blitz.

“Where the hell is Arceus?”

***

Half an hour later, registrations were closed and everyone took their positions at the starting line. It was a grid based formation and one’s place was decided by a lottery ticket they received upon arrival. Flare had looked at his and saw that he was right at the end of the pack.

“Figures, fate isn’t going to hand me the win after all.” He took his position and made note of who was where. Right at the front was Rainbow Dash (figures), and the griffin. AJ was somewhere around the middle along with a pony that made Flare’s skin crawl. The earth pony locked eyes with Flare and his crimson gaze made Flare blood run cold.

“Just who the hell is that guy, no forget him, not important. Winning, focus on winning!” At the back near Flare was the Diamond Dog, a female one named Ruby apparently. The cheering died down as the loudspeakers crackled to life. A pony wearing a suit and a head mounted microphone stood in a tall box along with his co-anchor.

“Today looks like a great day for a race, don’t you think so Rophone?” he said.

“Indeed Mike,” Rophone replied with a slick, Italian accent that made several mares swoon. “I am most excited to see this race.”

“The racers have taken their position and the flag bearer looks like she’s ready to kick things off.”

Several stallions wolf whistled (And earned a glare from their wives) when Fleur de Lis walked out onto the racetrack wearing a tight, spandex outfit and levitating a green flag.

“On your marks!” she called out and Flare lowered his body.

“Get set!” She raised the flag whilst Flare tuned out everything else. The crowd became white noise, the other racers, non-existent. It was just him and the finish line.

“GOOOO!” the flag dropped and Flare ran.

***

Passing the first few racers was no problem at all. Flare had left them like they were standing still. The straight stretch ended soon enough and they entered the forest, a much more technical portion of the race. Flare had run the course a few times in the last few days and learned which corners to slow down on so you wouldn’t crash into the tree line and where to speed up to make up lost time.

“And so the racer known as Flare Blitz makes an astounding run so far.” A hot air balloon hovered high above the race, relaying a video feed via wireless crystal back to a massive projector and screen back at the start/finish line. “He may look a bit strange, but his speed is undeniable.”

“Indeed Mike, but will it be enough?” Rophone added. “There are a lot of strong competitors in the race today and victory will not be easily obtained.”

Flare rounded another corner and the tree line broke, offering a brilliant view of the lake. There was another sight that made him pause for a moment. A pony he had met yesterday, Vanilla Bean, was sitting by the lakeside, painting the scenery.

“Uh, Miss Vanilla? What are you doing?”

“Hmm?” she offered him a slight glance before turning back to her easel. “The contrast is just right at the moment and I must capture it on canvas, you know how it is.”

“I-I see, but the race?”

“There’ll be another, so don’t worry about it, but you’re falling behind so you best go!”

Flare suddenly realised that he had stopped and ran off, leaving the mare to smile and quietly sigh. “And I really wanted to paint the palace too… ah well, what can you do? You’d better win Mr. Blitz.” With that she went back to her painting.

Rainbow Dash was breezing through this race, though as awesome as she was, it was a given! Applejack had provided a good challenge, but Rainbow Dash was Rainbow Dash, fastest pony in Equestria! She looked behind her briefly and of her wore a worried expression on her face, something Rainbow didn’t do often.

“C’mon Wondercolt, I wanted to have an awesome race that would go down in history… where are you?” That odd stallion that had started about midway was making good time and was currently sitting in third, just behind Applejack.

“And after the first leg of the race, several have already dropped out as the Diamond Dog, Ruby has tunnelled off to parts unknown and Vanilla Bean has stopped to paint.” “Mike crossed their names off the list and turned to Rophone. “Do you have a favourite yet Rophone?”

“Perhaps, but we shall see.”

The forest darkened as Flare entered the deepest part, but his flames lit the way so it wasn’t all that bad. The racers had begun to thin out now and Flare only passed a few since entering the forest depths.

“And now our racers have entered the forest, we will lose sight until they emerge again, so stay tuned race fans!”

As Flare ran, he heard something snap and a pony just ahead of him fell hard after tripping over an exposed tree root. The poor mare face planted the ground and Flare winced as she tumbled several feet before coming to a stop.

“Hey! Are you okay Miss…” His voice trailed off when he saw what lay on the ground in front of him. He could have sworn that a plain-looking earth pony mare had been there, but what lay on the ground in a daze was a black, insect-like creature.

“Um, hey…” Flare helped her, he assumed it was female, up and dusted her off. “You alright, that was a nasty fall.”

“I’m fine,” she winced and then recoiled in horror when she realised her disguise had failed. “Oh, no, please… don’t hurt me!”

“Hurt you why would I do that?” The changeling noticed that Flare was genuinely confused and wondered if he even knew what a changeling was.

“You, you won’t?”

“Course not!” Flare saw that when she tried to stand, her left front leg was raised slightly. “You should rest up and then get some aid once you can transform again.” He didn’t know why she needed a disguise in the first place, but it must have been for a good reason. The fear in her eyes was quite genuine. “See you later Miss?”

“Mynx,” the changeling replied, her blush going unseen. “My name is Mynx.”

“Well then Miss Mynx, rest up and then get some aid okay?” He made sure once more she was alright and then ran off once more. Mynx watched him go and sighed happily.

“Just who was that stallion?”

***

Flare was getting worried now, he had a lot of ground to make up and the last time he had raced Rainbow, he had lost despite keeping pace the whole time. What chance did he have when she was that far ahead. “I have to catch up somehow!” he sighed as he activated one of his skills. “Guess I have no choice.”

“We have word that a few more racers have dropped out, Miss Mynx, along with several other ponies have sustained minor injuries inside the forest.”

“An unfortunate hazard in that particular section.” Rophone said. “But the race must go on and we still have plenty of competition. Rainbow Dash still holds first whilst Applejack holds second and in third is Flash Step, a three times Equestria Games champion.”

Flare had overheard the announcers, that guy was some sort of champion runner? He knew their kind, arrogant and brash. Doing whatever it takes to win, and Skittles is in first, which was expected. And AJ had second, but who was this Flash Step character? “Well, it’s now or never!”

He activated Quick Attack and the scenery became a blur.

Big Macintosh was making good time. Applejack had told him to take it easy and conserve his energy and then put his all into the final sprint. First prize would be great, but as long as they took at least second or third, then they would get enough prize money to put away for the winter.

He was currently trotting along with a small group of mares, half of which had one eye on the track and the other on the gorgeous hunk of stallion. One mare in particular couldn’t really help it as her eye naturally drifted that way.

“Enjoyin’ yerself Miz Ditzy?” he rumbled in a low tone and she smiled brightly in response.

“Yeah, it’s a lot of fun!” There was a moment between the two of them before a blur of flames and white light blazed past them, causing poor Ditzy to stumble, but Mac suddenly rushed forward and caught her in his powerful hooves.

“You alright Miz Ditzy?”

“Y-yes!” She blushed as she moved a lock of her mane out of her eyes. “Thank you Macintosh.”

“Jus’ call me Mac,” he smiled and Ditzy nodded meekly.

Flare cast a brief glance back and saw that he nearly knocked Ditzy over. “I’ll make it up to her later,” he thought. Win the race first, apology muffins later.

Flare had made some headway, but first place was a long way off and even second was still out of sight. A pony in the distance caught his eye and he burned a little midnight oil to catch up… it was Applejack!

“Hey AJ!” he said, and then noticed a slight limp in her hind leg. “What’s wrong?”

“That fancy city-boy Champion pony is what’s wrong!” she said. “The dang varmint bumped me as he passed me.”

Flare knew it! The type that does whatever he wants to win. “Are you okay?” he asked, concerned for his friend.

“Ah dunno, maybe!” she said. “But ah don’t think ah’ll be taking first place.”

Flare was mad at Flash Step and also felt bad for AJ. She had a lot of pride, though she would never admit it. To be taken out of the race like this was just unfair.

“So what was your wish?” he asked.

“We had a poor harvest this season and ah was hoping to take some prize money in order to see us through the winter… now ah don’t know what I’ll do.”

Flare nodded and draped his tail over her since his hooves were occupied. “Leave it to me!” he said. “Everything will be okay!”

Applejack had no time to respond as Flare kicked it up a notch and raced off to catch up with the leaders.

“Now jus’ what is that boy up to?” she wondered and blushed lightly. “But now ah see why Twahlight likes ‘im”.

***

Celestia watched as the race continued, in particular the ponies in third, second and first. “Is this the path you truly wish to take?” she said to nopony in particular and earned a curious look from her sister. “Because I doubt the outcome will be what you desire.”

***

Flare knew that the forest here was dense and visibility was low, but practice runs had allowed him to memorise the track layout so he decided to not decrease his speed. Doing so nearly caused him to trip on an almost unseen obstacle however, a pony laying the in middle of the road… Rainbow Dash!

“Skittles!” he said in surprise.

“Oh? Hey Flare,” she said, refusing to face him. “What brings you by these parts of the woods?”

She called him Flare? Now he knew something was wrong! Wait! Did that other guy?

“Did that other racer trip you!” he said fiercely.

“What naw… I just, tripped on a rock” he could hear her voice crack as she grit her teeth, hissing in pain.

Flare could feel a sharp pain in his heart. Rainbow Dash was a pony he had come to greatly respect. Though he loved Twilight, Rainbow offered him a challenge that few else in Equestria could and the two of them had a lot of similar interests. Out of all his friends here, he considered RD to be his best.

“Applejack will be along soon so just take it easy,” he said. “I’m gonna win this race and kick the crap outta that guy!”

“No man, that’ll just make you as bad as him.” Rainbow turned to face him, tears stinging her eyes. “Win the race and win it by a mile… that’ll be good enough for me!”

Flare nodded and took one last look at the proud Pegasus before continuing the last leg of the race. And to victory!

***

“We have a total of eleven racers that have been dropped from the race!” Rophone said. “That’s too bad and best of luck next time!”

“In first place is Flash Step, though that’s little surprise!” Mike said. “Second place had been Miss Rainbow Dash, but now Flare Blitz has that spot!”

Twilight perked up at the announcement, Flare was in second? That was great! But what happened to Rainbow and Applejack?

Then Mike added something else, “This just in, Miss Rainbow and Miss Applejack have sustained very minor injuries, but still hold third and fourth respectively! Now that’s a racer’s spirit for you!”

“They’re hurt?” Fluttershy said worriedly. “Oh my, are they okay?”

”Well they said that they are still in the race” Rarity pointed out. “So that must be good, right?”

“You know those two” Pinkie giggled. “A flock of dragons couldn’t stop them from finishing a competition!”

“I just hope that everypony is okay” Twilight said.

***

As Flare pushed on, the woods became more dense until you could swear it was night. As he ran, he breathed a small flame so as to light his path. “It’s great to be a Pokémon sometimes!” he grinned. The trees parted for just a second and Flare could see a little further down the path… and the stallion that was in front of him.

“There you are you son of a…” he growled and was really tempted to give him a taste of his Double Kick a few dozen times, but he promised RD that he would win fair and square. As he rounded a corner though, a bright flash of light suddenly filled his vision.

“Gah!” Flare cried out and instinctively threw up a hoof the shield his eyes, but while running at full pelt, that was a bad idea. Flare suddenly went head over hoof and slammed into the ground hard. As his vision began to fade, he caught sight of Flash Step standing over him, and those familiar red eyes staring at him…

***

He was so close, so damned close! One stupid mistake and now he would be sent home. Flare Blitz lay there in the dirt, his only company being the silence of the forest. The race was all but lost and he had given up…

“So why the hell are you just lying there?”

Flare heard the familiar voice, gruff and stern, and looked around… but nopony was there.

“So you’re going to give up? Just like that? Is that really all you’ve got?”

That voice belonged to his father, but there was no way he could be here, it was impossible. “Oh yeah…” he said quietly as he remembered, “I remember this one…” He closed his eye and let the memory play over in his mind.

~~~

A young Flare lay on the ground as the rest of the Ponyta crossed the finish line. He had tripped at the last turn and could only lay there and watch as he hopelessly lost the race. His father, who was a Rapidash that had been bred for battle, walked over to him and sighed.

“So why the hell are you just lying there?” he asked the young colt.

“I tripped; there was no way I was going to win after that!” Flare protested, still annoyed he had slipped up like that.

“So you gave up? Just like that?” his father responded with an exasperated sigh. “I thought I trained you better than that.”

“Well what was I supposed to do!?” Flare yelled, tears stinging his eyes. “I’m not like you; I just can’t turn things around like that.”

His father sighed again, a little disappointed with that reply. “Now look here!” he said sharply, getting Flare’s attention. “I’m not Arceus-damned perfect, no Pokémon is. Hell… I bet even Arceus himself has a few flaws. So yeah… I know you’re not perfect and I sure as hell don’t expect you to be. But I DO expect you to try your hardest and not give up as soon as it’s convenient for you.”

He helped his son to his hooves and then beckoned for him to follow.

“I’m going to give you a piece of advice, a piece that my pappy told me and his pappy told him, yadda, yadda, yadda.” He looked out over the ranch and to all the Pokémon that could be seen, “There are gonna be times when life will be hard,” he said gently. “Times when you just want to give up and be done with it… but those are the times when you have to try the hardest.”

“Really?” Flare said with a deadpan tone. “That’s your great sagely advice? I think I saw that in a fortune cookie once.”

“Aw shaddup!” his father replied, “I’m not finished yet. And besides… I’m gonna tell you the secret to being an invincible Fire-Type Pokémon.”

“Really!?” Flare was interested now. In all the battles he had seen his father in, he hadn’t lost once… even against evolved water type Pokémon.

“When you think the chips are down and you ain’t got nuthin’ left, there’s something you can do that’ll win you the fight for sure,” his dad said proudly. He pointed at his chest and gave it a thump. “Inside of ya, you’ve got a spark… a little fire that all us Fire-Types have. All you gotta do is dig deep and find that spark.”

“And then what?” Flare said, staring intently at his own chest.

“Ya grab a hold of it, and show it to the world… Show how bright it can burn! Show everyone that it burns as bright as the sun itself…”

“As bright as the sun huh…” Flare repeated.

***

As he lay on the forest floor, Flare Blitz remembered the advice his father had given him that day, it had changed his outlook on life. Then he heard something else, another voice. Though faint, it told him not to give up! He knew within his heart to whom it belonged.

Twilight!

He closed his eyes and did what his father told him, he searched for that spark that resided deep within him and grabbed it. That little spark, fueled by the determination in his heart, it became a roaring, raging, unstoppable inferno…

***

Outside the forest near the finish line, hundreds of ponies cheered as Flash Step ran headlong down the final stretch, a smirk on his face as he looked behind him and saw nopony following him. This race was as good as won. Something slowed his running all of a sudden, the fact that the cheers had died off… in fact; all the ponies gathered there were now murmuring and pointing at the forest. Flash Step turned to see what the fuss was about and saw something highly unusual, the forest had a blue glow emanating from it… was that normal?

Twilight held her breath as she saw it, was that Flare? Was he okay? What was that glow about?

“FLAAAAAARRRRREE! I know you can do it!” she suddenly cried out, which sounded deafening over the now silent crowd.

The tree that had fallen over the path exiting the forest suddenly exploded as a pony-like figure erupted from it like a shooting star. He was a tall figure, slightly taller than Celestia and had a beautiful cream-coloured coat. His mane and tail were made of stunning orange and red flames and similar flames covered his entire body. He also had a long horn protruding from his head… just who was he!?

Flash Step turned and began to bolt towards the finish line. There was no way he’d let that pony win!

One, two, three, four.

The blazing pony was quickly closing the distance and Flash Step ran faster and faster.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Flash was beginning to sweat as the finish line drew near. This was an outcome that was most unexpected but he would not lose!

Nine… TEN!

Only ten steps, just ten steps and Flare Blitz reached his top speed of 150 miles per hour! His stunning mane and tail sparked and crackled as he blitzed past Flash Step and across the finish line.

The crowd was dead silent. Rainbow Dash and Applejack emerged from the forest and saw the tall unicorn-like being standing to the finish line, his flaming mane and tail moving softly with the breeze. Nopony moved until Twilight ran down from the stand and stopped in front of him. She gazed up into his eyes and after a moment, she smiled.

“It looks like you won Flare,” she said, tears running down her cheek.
Applejack and Rainbow approached and put a hoof on his side, being unable to reach any higher on his now much taller frame.

“Never doubted ya fer a second!” Applejack smiled.

“This is sooo cool!” Rainbow Dash said. “Izzit some kinda magic?”

“Okay everypony! We’ve just received official word from Princess Celestia!” Mike called out over the loudspeaker.

“The winner is… FLARE BLITZ!!!” Rophone exclaimed.

This outcome was unusual, but if the Princess said so, then… the entire crowd erupted into cheers as Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity made their way over to their friend.

Flare looked down at Twilight and smiled. “I told ya I’d win!” he said.

Twilight nodded and stood up onto her hind legs so she could hug him. “Yeah, you sure did!”

***

The crowd still buzzed with excitement as the Princesses approached them.

“You certainly know how to entertain,” Celestia smiled. “The most exciting race in years!”

“Indeed!” Luna agreed. “Though this is the first one I’ve seen since my… vacation. I cannot wait for the next!”

“So… what, happened to you?” Twilight asked, looking up at him.

Flare looked down at her and then glanced over his new body. “Well, it appears that I evolved,” he said. “Though I certainly didn’t mean too!”

“Evolved? But…” Twilight knew that evolution took millions of years, and Flare did it instantly? The mere idea threatened to frazzle her brain, until Celestia spoke up.

“Well then Flare, you are the winner of the Solar Run and so you may be granted a wish, if it is within my power.” Celestia said, her imposing wings spread wide. “So tell me my little pony… what is your wish?”

Flare had thought about this long and hard and he had finally reached a decision, a decision that made him happier than anything else.

“I wish…” he said slowly. Choosing his words carefully. “That the wishes of the other racers be granted!”

The words shocked everypony, even Celestia was taken aback. “A-are you sure that this is what you truly want?”

“Yes,” Flare said. “Applejack needs the money to see her family through winter. Rainbow Dash wants a chance to live her life’s greatest dream. My friend Vanilla wants to prove herself as an artist…” He closed his eyes and nodded, satisfied with his decision. “And I won’t cast them aside to make my own selfish dream a reality.”

Celestia nodded. “If that is what you truly desire… then so it shall be!” Everypony cheered and stomped their hooves, everypony except Twilight.

“So does that mean, you’re going home?” she asked, her voice on the verge of crying.

“Yup!” Flare said happily, which caused a look of total shock on twilight’s face. Why was he so happy about it?

“I’m going right back to our home in Ponyville,” he continued. “And Arceus can’t do a damn thing about it!”

“And why is that?” Celestia asked, curious about Flare’s apparent confidence on the matter.

Flare grinned, his usual cocky grin, “Because Arceus said, and I quote; Fine! Have your little race then, but if the Ponyta loses, then he will return with me and that will be the end of it!”

Rainbow Dash was confused, “So?”

Twilight grinned, she had realised what he had meant. “It means that Flare didn’t lose, so he gets to stay!” she said, bouncing up and down.

“That remains to be seen!” a loud voice said as Flash Step stepped forward.

“No way!” Flare said as Flash Step’s body glowed brightly and Arceus resumed his original form.

Twilight was shocked. “Is that, Arceus?”

“So it seems,” Flare growled. Arceus took a step forward and several ponies in the grandstand screamed at his sudden appearance.

“I won the race, so you can go home without me!” Flare said. He was no longer afraid of him and he wouldn’t be pushed around this time. Arceus had hurt his friends and that was something Flare wouldn’t stand for.

“I think not,” Arceus replied. “You only won because you evolved into Rapidash, something I did not think could happen in this world.” He looked down at Flare with those red eyes, glaring at him. “Now say your goodbyes and let us be on our way.”

The next thing that happened was totally unexpected as Arceus was hit with the full power of Flare’s new Fire Blast attack, causing the legendary Pokémon to stumble slightly.

“You hurt my friends and then think you can push me around!” Flare yelled, taking an offensive posture and preparing another attack. “Then I’ll drop you here and now. If you refuse to listen then I’ll MAKE you listen!”

Flare knew that picking a fight with the strongest Pokémon to ever exist would be a mistake. But damn it all he was mad.

Time for his Plan B then! Kick. Arceus’ ASS!!

Chapter Twelve - Final Boss Battle!!

((Listen to This during the fight ))

Chapter 12: Final Boss Battle!!!

Arceus stood there, amused that the fire Pokémon actually challenged him to a fight.

Flare Blitz stood there, terrified that he had actually challenged Arceus to a fight. He had planned this should he lose the race, try to defeat Arceus and remain in Equestria. He knew that his task was next to impossible, but he had to try… right?

And sweet, merciful Celestia did his new horn itch! Was it a side effect from evolution?

“Is this what you desire?” Arceus suddenly asked him, drawing Flare’s attention back to him. “Have you fully comprehended what you just said?”

Flare took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes!” He confirmed. “I Flare Blitz, hereby challenge you, Arceus, to a one on one duel” There was no backing out now. Flare had walked down a one way path and he was determined to see it through.

Twilight looked at Flare. Was he really planning to fight this Arceus? She looked towards Celestia with pleading eyes.

“Can’t you do something Princess?” She asked the regal alicorn.

Before Celestia could respond however, Flare interjected.

“No Twilight, this is something I have to do.” Flare nodded, he was still having trouble convincing himself. “If I can’t realise my own future through my own strength, then what’s the point?”

“You’re seriously gonna pull that macho crap now!?” Rainbow Dash said, pressing her nose against his. “Just ask and we’ll help you. I bet he can’t take all of us.”

“Indeed” Rarity agreed. “I must admit that this has a vulgar taste to it, but a lady must stand up for her friends when they need her.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie bubbled, bouncing like always.

Flare had a feeling that this would happen, but this really was something only he could do.

“It’s too risky” he said. “I have no idea what effects our attacks would have on you, so please… just let me do this."

“But?” Applejack and RD were ready to counter argue when Twilight put up a hoof.

“Just make sure you don’t get to hurt, okay?” She said to Flare Blitz with a smile.

Flare nodded and looked back to Arceus, whom had been waiting patiently up until now.

“Are you ready?” He asked the god like Pokémon.

“Indeed, but I will handicap myself to make things a little more fair, whether you wish me to or not.” He looked towards a large, empty field and motioned towards it. “We shall have our battle here and now. I shall refrain from using super effective element moves or my Judgement attack.”

“Suit yourself” Flare said, though he was a little relieved to hear that. The last thing he needed was to OHKO’d by a water or ground attack. That would have been plain embarrassing.

***

“This will be a one on one Pokémon battle!” A voice called out from the loudspeakers. Everypony looked up to see Princess Luna in the commentator’s box along with Pinkie Pie!?

“Seriously?” Flare said, face hoofing. “Not even gonna ask.”

“You have… interesting friends.” Arceus said, his voice hinting confusion.

“You have no idea…” Flare replied. “But I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

“The rules are simple,” Princess Luna continued. “The first Pokémon to concede defeat or is unable to continue will out of the match.”

“Hey, hey!” Pinkie said. “How come you know all about this stuff Luna?”

“Uh… it’s because um…” Princess Luna had done some studying up about Flare's world in order to overcome her own fears. She had found the whole concept of Pokemon battling quite intriguing, but her pride wasn't about to let her admit that to one of her subjects.

“It’s a Princess thing” She suddenly said quickly.

“Oh? Well okie doki loki then!” Pinkie said, turning her attention back to the ensuing battle and leaving Luna stunned that she bought that lame reasoning.

Twilight and the others had taken their seats back in the grandstand and even some other ponies that had run off when Arceus made his appearance had returned.

“So do ya think he can do it?” Applejack asked her friends.

“No doubt about it!” RD said. “Wondercolt is only allowed to lose to me!”

“I believe he can.” Twilight also answered. She had noticed something though, for a while now Flare had been making an odd face, like he had an itch he just couldn’t scratch. “I wonder what it means.”

***

Flare and Arceus stared each other down. The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“The first move belongs to you,” Arceus said. “Do try to make it count.”

Flare wondered what he could do. That first Fire Blast had caught Arceus off guard and hit him head on. But the attack had barely fazed him…

“Guess I’ll play defensively for a bit and get a gauge on Arceus’ strength”. He pointed his horn towards the sky and fired a small, glowing ball. Once in the sky it dispersed into particles and the sun’s rays seemed to intensify.

“And Flare starts things with a Sunny Day attack.” Luna said “This move makes the sun’s effects much more potent and increases the power of Flare’s Fire-type moves!”

Arceus looked on as the skill took effect and then back to Flare. There was a deep, rumbling sound and then a colossal noise as Arceus used his Hyper Voice attack. The spectators put their hooves to their ears as the shockwave tore up the ground and sent Flare spiralling skywards.

“That was just his voice!?” Flare body stung all over as he took damage from the brutal attack, though this also provided him with a good opportunity to launch his counter attack. While in the air, he twisted his body to face Arceus and fired a Solarbeam. The attack needed no charge time due to Sunny Day.

“After Arceus used a powerful Hyper Voice attack, Flare still manages to counter with Solar Beam!” Luna was getting into this now, a real battle was much better than a video game!

Arceus mere scoffed at the attempt and activated his Meadow Plate. The ring on his body as well as his hooves changed to a lime green colour. When Flare’s Solarbeam struck, Arceus simply absorbed the attack.

“What the hell was that!?” Flare asked as Arceus gazed up at him, his eyes flashed and Flare suddenly found himself face down in the dirt, courtesy of Arceus’ Gravity attack.

“Give up this futile attempt.” Arceus sighed. “You have no chance in this world or any other of defeating me.”

“Yeah… You’d like that huh?” Flare said, getting to his feet, gravity still pressing down on him. Just how did he do that, absorbing Solarbeam. Did he have the Sap Sipper ability? Not likely, his colouring changed so maybe he was like a Kecleon and could change his type?

Flare fired a barrage of Flamethrower bursts, but Arceus once again switched his typing and became a Fire type, absorbing all of them. This was starting to get ridiculous. How was he supposed to beat an opponent that simply could not be hurt?

Arceus suddenly appeared in front of him… but he had been nearly 20 feet away, how the hell? The god Pokémon slammed Flare with his body, sending the poor Pokémon tumbling across the ground.

“And Arceus delivers a punishing Extreme Speed attack!” Luna announces. “This fight appears to be totally one sided…” This earned a glare from a certain purple unicorn. “But, uuh... Flare is giving it his all!”

“My all huh?” Flare said, getting up once more. “I suppose I should at least try to take things seriously…”

“Really?” Arceus jested. “I think that you have no chance at all little one.”

“Okay, so he can change his type at will, but can he do it simultaneously?” Flare had an idea, though it would consume a lot of energy. He began to charge a Solarbeam attack as Arceus switched to a Grass type once more.

“This again?” He sighed, disappointed with Flare’s tactic. "No matter how many times you try, the outcome will be the same.”

“Not this time,” Flare said and fired the beam. Though this time was a little different, for as the moment he fired it, he aimed the beam at the ground in front of Arceus, kicking up a cloud of dust. As Arceus glanced around, wondering where the Rapidash would strike from, Flare burst through the cloud surrounded by his Flare Blitz attack. Bolstered by Sunny Day, type advantage and the fact that Flare was using a same element skill, the attack had much greater power.

The explosion was rather spectacular as the move struck Arceus square in the chest. Some ponies cheered whilst others remained in stunned silence over the display of power that clashed before them.

“HUZZAH! A hit of super effectiveness!” Luna called out. “Quite the display of strategy on Flare’s behalf indeed!”

“Yeah!” Pinkie agreed. “I betcha Arky will feel that one in the morning.”

Flare smiled, he couldn’t believe that actually worked. “Wow, I really am the most awesome Pokémon ever,” He said to himself.

“Not quite,” a voice resonated in his head as Arceus emerged from the smoke, his body glowing with a golden light. Flare could only look on as the wounds inflicted of Arceus’ body began to disappear and the burn marks vanished.

“Recover!?” Flare yelled. “Oh c’mon!” But then he remembered something, he had his own healing move. He focused the sun’s energies and used Morning Sun, maybe it would get rid of his itchy horn?

“Hmm, I think not,” Arceus said and fired a barrage of Shadow Balls at him. The attacks were weakened due to their being used rapidly, but it was enough to keep Flare off balance and prevent him from healing.

This was starting to get ridiculous! Arceus had controlled the flow of battle the entire time. Flare had finally gotten an attack in, and he had just shrugged it off. The barrage had stopped and Arceus just floated there, but the moment Flare moved, he would have some sort of counter.

“What do I do?” Flare thought, his mind coming up with anything he could think of. He had nothing; Arceus had a counter for everything. He couldn’t use the same trick he had just pulled; Arceus was wise to it now. Wait! How did he even absorb attacks like that?

“Time out!” Flare suddenly called. “That absorbing crap has to be cheating.”

Please oh please let Arceus be stupid or arrogant enough to fall for this.

“It’s hardly cheating,” Arceus scoffed indignantly. “The Plates that I hold represent the power of Creation and the Elements that make up our world. They are as much a part of me as your mane or your horn is to you.”

Flare could have danced a dance of utter joy. So elemental attacks were useless, but he had one or two moves that might work. “Well okay then, time for round two.”

Flare suddenly dashed forward and slammed into Arceus with Quick Attack, the blow left a small glancing mark on Arceus’ left leg as he moved to avoid it. Flare noted that he actually attempted to avoid the attack rather than absorb it. So that meant one of two things, either Normal attacks couldn’t be absorbed, or that physical attacks, no matter the element, could not be absorbed.

Twilight watched from the stands as Flare analysed everything that Arceus reacted to. It was quite a sight to behold.

Flare’s body became engulfed in flame as he activated his Flare Blitz attack once more, though the patience of one god Pokémon was wearing thin. This battle had gone on for long enough and it was time to end it. A large beam suddenly shot from near where his mouth should be (If he had one). The attack caused the air around it to shimmer and distort as the beam shot by Flare passed. A near miss, but strong enough to cancel out his attack and send him into the ground once more.

Flare knew that attack; he remembered seeing it right before he got sent to Equestria.

“That… that was Dialga’s attack!” he said quietly.

Pinkie was confused, as was the Princess. What attack was that?

“Roar of Time,” Arceus said. “I created Dialga and Palkia both along with every other Pokémon, do you think I would not also be able to use their powers? I can shift space or stop time. I can create or destroy, with just a thought.” He sighed and floated back down to the ground. “Be reasonable and come back home. Do you not miss your friends or your family? Can you truly be so selfish?”

Flare knew that already, he would miss his family greatly, and his friends… they would understand. “Ever since I journeyed out into the world, I’ve had this feeling that I never belonged. I was restless and impatient and in the end… I never found what I wanted. But then by some accident, or a miracle, or by some divine will… I came to be here, in Equestria.”

He looked towards Twilight Sparkle, the mare who had become his best friend, and the mare he had decided that he would give his heart to. There was no way he would leave her behind, not now and not ever!

“Sorry Arceus, I’ve made my decision and I’m sticking to it” Flare said, his voice sounding determined and resolute once more. “I’m gonna win and that’s that!”

“Then I will put you down like the fool you are!” Arceus’ switched to the Dragon type and his chest began to glow with a golden light.

“Oh crap, is he seriously gonna do that?” Flare was slightly panicky now. He’d seen this attack too, Sapphira was quite fond of totally destroying foolish trainers with it. “Surely he couldn’t be so reckless?”

The light grew brighter as it made its way up Arceus’ body and towards his head. Flare turned towards Twilight. “Twilight put a shield over you and everyone else. Now!”

“What? Why?” Twilight asked, confused as to what Arceus was doing.

“Just do it! As powerful as you can make it” Flare yelled back and though still confused, Twilight reasoned that he had a good reason to ask such a thing. Her horn flared up and she placed a magenta coloured shield over the grandstand. Celestia teleported over to the announcers box and shielded it too.

That just left Flare… unprotected. Oh crap!

Arceus finished charging the attack and shot it skywards, like a single golden firework. The Draco Meteor attack exploded once it reached its apex and rained down dozens of meteors to the ground.

“What do I do, what do I do?” There was no way Flare could avoid this. The area of effect was far too large. “I need some sort of barrier or shield. Dammit, why didn’t I ever bother to learn Protect?” The attacks got ever closer and Flare was running out of options. “I need to protect myself from this attack and I have nothing. No cover, no protection skills and my friggen horn won’t stop itching!!”

He closed his eyes and waited. “I need a shield!” he cried out as the attacks rained down. His eyes were closed and he waited to be blown to smithereens by the overpowered Dragon attack... But nothing happened. He opened his eyes and saw something rather unexpected; his was covered by a glowing, fiery red shield. Draco Meteor slammed against it as it was against Twilight’s and Celestia’s shields. Once the attack was finished, all three shields dropped and Twilight stared at Flare. Did he just…?

“And what is the meaning of this?” Arceus demanded. “You accuse me of cheating and then you have your unicorn friends help you during a fight?”

“We did nothing of the sort!” Celestia and Luna both said over the loudspeaker. “We were all quite busy protecting ourselves from your recklessness.”

So wait, if none of them used magic on him. Then where did the shield come from? Flare gazed upwards and noticed something. There was a faint glow around his horn that was the same colour as the shield.

“D-did I… do that?” He said aloud. There was no way; he wasn’t a unicorn so how could he use magic?

“Your horn seems to function the same way ours does” Twilight observed and called from the stand. “Remember, I told you about this.”

Flare recalled one of the conversations that he had with Twilight, about how unicorns could use magic and other ponies couldn’t. About how a unicorn’s horn would draw in magic from the world around them and focus it to give it form. Both study and imagination were needed to become adept at spell casting, something Twilight had an abundance of.

“It matters not!” Arceus said. “Whether a fluke or a miracle, I will end this fight!” He set himself down on the ground and began to charge a Hyper Beam attack.

Flare knew that this was his one chance, his only chance to try and pull a victory out of this. He closed his eyes and tried to focus some magical power when he realised he didn’t know how!? That shield trick probably was just a fluke. He could feel the magic around him, but had no idea how to use it.

His thoughts suddenly shifted, memories of Twilight began to fill his mind. “Why am I thinking of Twilight now?” he wondered. “She always makes magic look so easy, though it is her special talent and all”. He knew how magic was used, just not how he could use it. “If I could teleport him, nah, he’d just come right back… maybe turn him into a frog? Yeah right… oh! Wait, I have an idea that might work!”

Arceus took one last look at the Rapidash standing in front of him. He had numerous injuries from the assault that Arceus had put him through, and yet he still stood. No matter how one-sided Arceus made things look, Flare Blitz just kept getting back up. “Perhaps this place, Equestria, really is where he truly belongs.” But they had a battle to finish and Arceus was actually curious as to how it would all pan out.

“Just gotta do it to it I suppose,” Flare said and put his plan into motion. He started up a Flare Blitz attack and charged towards Arceus.

“Now what in tarnation is that boy thinkin’?” Applejack said. “That ain’t gonna work.”

“And it seems that Flare is deciding to use Flare Blitz once more!” Luna announced. “Perhaps he has a plan?”

Oh he had a plan alright, he just wasn’t sure if it would work.

“You can do it!” Rainbow dash cheered. “Like I said Wondercolt, you can only lose to me!”

“Go Flare!” Fluttershy cheered as loud as she could, deafening the ponies sitting next to her.

“I know you can do this!” Twilight prayed. “I believe in you!”

Arceus stalled for just a moment as he heard the entire crowd cheer for his opponent. “I suppose that’s how it is then,” He said to himself with a chuckle. And then without a moment’s more hesitation, he fired the Hyper Beam.

The large energy beam shot towards the charging Rapidash and collided with him, causing an explosion that rocked the surrounding area with a powerful shockwave. A large plume of smoke rose from the area at which Arceus had fired and nopony could see what had happened to Flare.

“Perhaps… I may have overdone it?” Arceus wondered to himself, hoping he hadn’t killed the poor Pokémon. There was utter silence for a moment and not a soul dared to move, until Luna called out.

“I-it would seem that Flare Blitz is unable to continue the battle after that Hyper Beam… so, I guess that makes Arceus the…”

“Flare! C’mon, you said you’d win remember?” Twilight cried out, tears stinging her eyes. “You said you had something important to tell me!”

The column of smoke shifted and Flare erupted from it, still charging towards Arceus, his Flare Blitz attack still in effect.

“T-that’s impossible!” Arceus was stunned as he watched the pony get closer. He switched to his Flame Plate and prepared to intercept the attack. But Flare had a plan and it was time to see if it would work.

He began to draw in magical energies as he ran, similar to the way he would draw in the sun’s power for Solarbeam. He could feel the power building up and though he had no idea how to cast a spell, he had another idea. He would treat the energies like he did his flames, draw in as much as he could and then simply let it run wild, like an uncontrollable forest fire.

The effect was something to see. His Flare Blitz began to shimmer as the magical energies poured into it and fuelled it. The flames cloaking his body began to change and take on a different colour, turning from a fiery orange to the colour of the sunset. Various shades of purple, red and orange began to sparkle and shine as he raced towards Arceus.

“Time for the main event!” he roared as he ran. “This is my will, the strength of my heart, my love for another. Have a taste of my new attack, one born from both our world and this one!”

Arceus was too stunned to even try and avoid it. How was this possible? Even he couldn’t tap into this world’s power and he was a god! How could this little, commonplace Rapidash get this level of strength?

“Try this one on for size,” Flare said as the magical fire surrounding him intensified. “This new power of mine… TWILIGHT BLAZE!!”

***

The attack collided with Arceus and the resulting explosion was the biggest explosion so far. Pinkie pulled out a pair of sunglasses for her and Luna while ‘oohing at the pretty lights.

“I wonder if Michael Neigh directed this chapter” she wondered aloud. “There have been more explosions in this chapter than the entire story put together”. This earned an odd stare from the Princess of the night.

***

Flare and Arceus had both hit the ground hard. The fire pony was covered in injuries and the recoil damage from Twilight Blaze was enough to end this battle for him. He slowly opened one eye and saw Arceus also wounded and struggling to get to his feet. He did it, he actually did it.

He hadn’t knocked out Arceus, but he gave him a thrashing he wouldn’t soon forget.

There was only one thing left to say to the god-Pokémon.

Flare raised one hoof into the air and grinned. “How do ya like them apples!?” He called out and then his world descended into darkness.

Twilight ran to his side, but the stallion was out cold. But he had a smile on his face; maybe he was having a good dream.

“You really did it!” She lay her head against his side as she channeled a healing spell into him.

Celestia walked up to Arceus as he healed himself with Recover and Refresh. “He may not have defeated you, but that certainly was something to see” She said with a bemused tone. “To think he could actually use magic… even I didn’t foresee that one.”

Arceus grunted and got to his feet “Indeed,” he said. “That answered a lot of my questions. So now a decision has to be made.”

Twilight looked at Celestia. “Please Princess; please don’t send him back… I’ll do anything,” She pleaded.

Celestia smiled and turned back to Arceus. “So what will you do about this?” She asked. “Because I’m sticking to my promise you know~”

“It seems that our children are rather stubborn…,” There was a hint of mischievousness in his voice. “So I guess I have little choice.”

Princess Celestia nodded and looked back to Twilight, who had the biggest smile on her face.

By tomorrow, everything would be back to normal…

Epilogue – A Pony who found his Place.

Epilogue – A Pony who found his Place.

There was nothing but darkness. Flare looked in every direction but the dark void seemed to stretch on forever.

“Where am I…? What happened?” He asked these questions but received no response. He closed his eyes and searched his memories, trying to recall how he got here.

“I remember fighting Arceus and using magic to almost win…” He had almost won… does that mean he lost? Did Arceus really send him back home?

“Dammit! I want to stay in Equestria. I want to stay with my friends… with Twilight.” He screamed this as loud as he could, but his voice didn’t echo and he received no response.

Maybe Arceus decided to just dump him in an empty void, doomed to live in darkness.

…
…

And why was he uncomfortably warm?

Flare Blitz rolled over and suddenly found himself falling for a moment before hitting a solid surface with a loud ‘thump’.

“Ow…” He muttered and opened his eyes. Wherever he was, it was dark, save for the small amount of light his mane and tail were emitting.

“Okay, unknown location. Now what did Viri teach me to do again?” He ran through a mental checklist of what to do when someone found themselves in a situation like this.

“1. Check for injuries.” He flexed his legs and neck, but other than feeling a little strained he felt fine, until a sharp pain resonated in his brain. “Okay, I feel tired, my itchy horn is gone, but now I have the mother of all headaches.”

“2. Check your surroundings.” He looked around, but it was dark. He couldn’t feel the wind and the temperature was comfortable, which meant he must be indoors. “Am I still in Equestria?” He was getting worried now and his breathing quickened.

“3. Don’t panic.” “Probably a bit late to remember that piece of advice, but a glint on something shiny caught his eye and he noticed a door handle. “Let’s check behind door number one then,” He muttered and raised a hoof, opening to small wooden door.

There was a light click and the door opened, into surprise, surprise… more darkness. Did someone forget to pay the power bill or something?

He then heard something… a giggle? “Dude, that’s creepy,” He whispered and then the room was filled with light.

“SURPRISE!!!!”

Pinkie looked around and blinked. She had been certain that Flare Blitz was standing there a moment ago. She glanced up to see him dangling from the rafters, shaking like a leaf.

“What are you doing up there silly?” She giggled. “The rafters are for batponies, not Pokémon.”

Flare dropped back down and stared at Pinkie… she sure could be an odd pony.

…
…

Wait a minute!? Flare looked around and saw that he was in the library in Ponyville, with dozens of ponies that he recognised. Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, AJ, Vanilla Bean, Mynx… all of his pony friends were here.

“I… I’m still in Equestria,” He said slowly as it all registered in his brain.

“Well duh!” Rainbow said. “You put up one heck of a fight so that Arceus guy let you stay”.

Flare smiled widely before wincing in pain again, this headache was monstrous.

There was a solid thump against each of his legs and looked down to see four fillies attached to each of them.

“You really get to stay?” Applebloom asked hopefully.

“Cause it would be awesome if you did.” Scootaloo said.

“I really like your mane!” Sweetie Belle chirped.

“Are you gonna marry Twilight?” Dinky asked.

Flare knelt down to give them all a hug. “It looks like I do get to stay here, that is, if everyone wants me to?”

“I believe we have already voiced our rather strong opinions of that particular topic.” Rarity stated. “We are not about to change that now.” She walked closer and suddenly ran a hoof through his even more brilliant mane. It flickered slowly and had an ethereal glow to it now, much like Celestia’s mane. “And I must say, you look divine.”

“Now, Rare.” Applejack pulled the unicorn mare back. “He ain’t yours an’ you know it.”

Rarity pouted and Spike glared at Flare. He would learn that stallion’s secrets.

Flare looked around and noticed something. There were a lot of ponies crammed in here, except the one he wanted to see the most.

He looked to Ditzy, who was still trying to pry Dinky from his leg. “Where’s Twilight?”

***

Outside, on a hill overlooking Ponyville, four figures were deep in conversation.

“And that is the problem.” Arceus said. “Should he remain as he is now, then his life will be in great danger.”

“Is there anything we can do?” Twilight’s eyes watered. “You are the most powerful Pokémon ever right? Surely there must be something you can do?”

“There is a way, it has been done before with success… but.”

“But what?” Twilight almost yelled. “Is it dangerous?”

Arceus shook his head and looked down at the little unicorn. “No little one, it is not dangerous. But it will change Flare irreversibly.”

“What will change me?” The sudden question caused all present to turn to the source of the voice and saw Flare standing there. “If we’re talking about me, then can I join in?”

Twilight ran over to him and stopped in front of him. Flare had already been taller than her, but after evolving…

“You’re too tall to hug now,” Twilight pouted adorably and Flare smiled, leaning down and draping his neck over hers.

“Well I guess it’s just something to get used to.” Flare was slightly taller than Celestia now and his head still hurt after he smacked it on the door frame of the library.

Twilight broke the hug and looked up at him. “So how did you know we were here?” She asked him.

“Well one of the pegasi at the party mentioned seeing you head this way.” Flare explained. He motioned towards Arceus and shrugged. “Plus he kinda stands out, even from a distance.” He suddenly winced again as his head pounded and Twilight placed a worried hoof on his chest.

“Are you alright?”

Flare took a deep breath as the pain subsided. “Yeah, I’m okay. It’s just a headache.”

Celestia took a step forward placed a wing on his shoulder. “I’m afraid your affliction is much more than that.”

“What do you mean?” Flare glanced at Twilight, who looked away, refusing to meet his gaze. “Alright, what the hell is going on?”

“It is because of that little stunt you pulled during our match.” Arceus said. “You used magic.”

“Yeah, sooooaaarrrggghhhh!?” Flare suddenly doubled over, his horn crackled and sparked with magical power and his whole body was wracked with pain.

“You have two choices. Come back with me and I can purge the magic from your body before it’s too late.” Arceus stopped hovering and took a step forward, leaning close to Flare. “Or stay here, you can still be saved but you will have to give up all that you are.”

“Arceus, please-?” Twilight went to stop him, she wanted to be with Flare but she could bear to see him hurt like this. Everyone suddenly jumped when Flare grit his teeth and slammed a hoof into the ground.

“I… already… made my… decision!” The energy around him crackled and sparked with a renewed intensity. “So do what you have to do!”

Arceus closed his eyes and nodded. “As you wish.” He turned to Celestia. “Would you be so kind as to assist me?”

Celestia spread her wings and her horn lit up with a shining, golden light. The ring around Arceus’ waist also shone and the whole area was suddenly filled with the brilliant light.

May Fate guide you.

***

Flare hadn’t returned with Twilight and his friends were starting to get worried.

“Do ya think that Arceus fella would try somethin’ funny?” Applejack suddenly questioned and the reaction was instantaneous. Rainbow Dash and Ditzy suddenly shot from the room and returned a second later.

“There’s something funny happening from the top of Ponyville Hill!” Ditzy exclaimed. “It looks like the sunrise.”

“Sunrise?” Fluttershy replied, tilting her head in confusion. “But it’s only early evening.”

Six mares suddenly ran towards that hill like their lives depended on it. For all they knew, somepony’s life did depend on them getting there as quickly as possible.

***

Twilight had her eyes squeezed shut, shielding herself from the blinding glare. After a few moments, the light died down and Twilight blinked a few times to clear the spots she was seeing.

What lay before her caused her to gasp in surprise.

A large unicorn stallion lay on the ground. His coat was a creamy white and his mane was a stunning blend of red and orange. He groaned audibly and struggled to get to his hooves.

“My aching everything.” He grumbled as he swayed a bit and decided that the grass was a better place to be right now. He raised a hoof and brushed a lock of hair from his face before freezing. “What the?”

“Allow me to explain,” Celestia said. “The magic inside of you was unstable. The fact that you wielded it like you did was a miracle in its own right. But you were never meant to harness such power and how you did so is a mystery to me.” Celestia flexed her wings and gave Flare a moment to process that.

“So we were left with two choices, either return you to your own world where magic’s influence would be cut off… or this, giving you a form that could safely resonate with the power that you acquired.”

“So what does this mean?” Flare asked her. “Am I no longer a Pokémon?”

“In a sense,” Arceus replied for her. “Your soul, if you will, is that of a Pokémon, even I cannot change that. Your body is pony and with that comes changes. You no longer have ties to nature and the elements. Water will no longer cause you harm but you cannot harness your power to absorb fire.”

“So no elemental strengths and weakness, but no more Flash Fire either…” Flare pondered on this for a moment. “What about my attacks?”

“They may or may not return, I cannot say. The same can be said with magic too, you may be able to harness it like a normal unicorn, or you will have lost any and all powers that you once possessed. Only fate and time will tell.”

Flare nodded, that was pretty sucky news, but hey! At least he got to stay in Equestria. Speaking of which, he still had one more important thing to do.

He motioned for Twilight to come over and she knelt down onto the grass in front of him.

“Remember that I said that I had something important to tell you?”

Twilight nodded and let out a breath that she didn’t realise she’d been holding. Flare paused and looked towards Arceus and the princesses.

“Would you guys mind giving us some privacy please?”

Celestia smiled and nodded. “Of course, come along you two!”

“Fine,” Luna grumbled, it was just getting good though.

Celestia chuckled and walked alongside her younger sister. “And perhaps you can explain to me how you knew teh rules of an official Pokémon battle hmm?”

Luna snorted and fluffed up her wings. "It's a Princess thing.”

***

Flare watched them leave and once they were out of earshot he turned back to Twilight. “Okay, so as I was saying…” Flare suddenly realised that he had no idea how to word it. “Okay, so um…”

“I think I understand,” Twilight suddenly said. “And you need a little time to work it all out right?”

Flare was surprised, Twilight could be quite perceptive. “Yeah, I want to do this properly. You deserve that much at least.”

“I’ll wait as long as you need me to,” she whispered. “Neither of us is going anywhere, so I’ll always be right here… okay?”

Flare smiled and closed his eyes, nodding softly. He really had fallen in love with the most beautiful and wonderful mare in the world. “I’ll try not to keep you waiting too long.”

“Y’know what this calls for?” Pinkie said, popping out of nowhere, along with the rest of their friends.

Flare jumped, but there were no rafters for him to cling to so he fell right back down again. “You’re going to say party right?”

“I was gonna say a group hug, but a party is also good.” Pinkie grinned widely, pulling all her friends into a hug. How did her legs stretch like that?

“Uh, Pink?” AJ said. “Didn’t we all jus’ finish a party?”

“Duh! That was a ‘Flare gets to stay in Equestria Party’,” Pinkie replied. “This is a… ‘We all Get to be Best Friends Forever’ party!”

“But we already know that we’re BFF’s,” Rainbow Dash said.

“But it doesn’t hurt to be reminded,” Twilight smiled.

Flare stared up at the Equestrian sky once more.

“I’m going to miss home, no doubt about that,” He wondered. “But I’ve found my happiness here… and the best friends a guy could hope for.”

There were probably going to be many more adventures waiting for him. The good times and the bad always walked hoof in hoof, but Flare was going to make his life here matter. His friends were heading back to the library to join the party and he followed them, smiling widely. “There had better be cake left!” He said.

Until next time everypony!

Author's Note

Okay, so the re-write is officially done. Thanks for sticking with me for so long everyone and I hope you enjoyed this story. It was a lot of fun to write and I'm really happy on how it turned out.

A little something extra!

Arceus stood in front of the portal that would return him to his own world. Flare, his friends, Celestia and Luna all stood by to bid him farewell.

"Perhaps we shall meet again sometime, Flare Blitz?" Arceus spoke and Flare nodded in response. He fumbled around in Twilight's saddlebags for a moment and produced a small, blue crystal.

"Hey, Lord Arceus? I have a favour to ask."

"Then speak, what is it that you want."

He held up the crystal which levitated over to Arceus. "This is a message crystal, Twilight gave it to me yesterday after the party and I recorded something on it. I was wondering if you could give it to my friends in Alamos Town for me?"

Arceus looked at the crystal and nodded. "Of course." His tail flicked and without a another word he vanished through the rift.

"So what was on that crystal anyway?" Twilight asked him. "If I may ask?"

Flare nodded, leaning against her. "I just wanted to tell my friends that I'm okay and not to worry."

***

Sapphira was pissed. Virizion had been no help whatsoever, not that Sapphira expected that bimbo to actually be useful. Gallade had barred the three from entering the town until Sapphira calmed down so the three Pokemon sat in the woods outside the city's outskirts.

"Sapphira darling, do try and calm yourself." Velvet pleaded. "Getting angry won't do anyone any good."

"Yeah, I'd like to go home sometime tonight!" Lucy pitched in.

Sapphira growled and glared. "Flare has been missing for weeks now! Don't you lot care at all!?"

"Of course we do, but we've looked everywhere!" Lucy yelled back. "What more can we do?"

There was a flash of bright light and Arceus appeared before them. Lucy and Velvet nearly wet themselves while Sapphira just glared some more.

"Sapphira, Lucy and Velvet I presume?" Arceus asked and all three nodded silently. "I have something for you, a message from Flare Blitz."

"From Flare!?" Sapphira rushed forward. "He's alive? Where is he? Is he alright?"

Arceus simply gave her the crystal and left without a word, leaving Sapphira to rage.

The crystal shone and a lifesize image of Flare appeared. "Hey there guys... Is this thing on?"

The three Pokemon stared at the foreign-looking creature. It sort of looked like Flare, except that he looked stockier, and his flames had been replaced by real hair. And he had a horn?

"Is that really Flare?" Velvet asked.

"I know you guys are probably worried and I'm sorry that I couldn't see you in person. But I gave Arceus this message so I can tell you guys what's up." The image of Flare took a deep breath and smiled fondly. "First, I want to let you all know that I'm safe and I'm doing well, really well actually. I have made a bunch of new friends where I am and I think I've finally found a place where I truly belong."

"Truly belong?" Velvet tilted his head. "What does he mean by that?"

"Sapphire, I know you're probably super pissed, but it's alright. Just try not to overkill the noobish trainers too much."

Sapphira blushed at the stupid nickname that Flare gave her a while ago. Lucy and Velvet snickered but quickly shut up when Sapphira glared at them.

"Velvet, make sure the girls stay out of trouble and pass on my best wishes to Sakura and Kai when you see them again too, okay?"

Velvet nodded and closed his eyes. Seems that he would have his paws full for a while.

"And Lucy, I kinda wish you were here, your reaction to this place would be priceless!"

"So where the hell are you then!?" The little Pikachu yelled at the projection.

The image of Flare was silent for a second and the Pokemon could hear some muffled voices in the background, followed by the sound of something breaking and some muffled screams. Flare facehooved and continued. "Sorry bout that, Pinkie found Twilight's coffee stash..."

The hell was a Pinkie?

"I've had quite an adventure since I arrived here in Equestria, hope you guys have some time, this will take a while. The whole thing started with that attack on Alamos Town..."

Author's Note

Just a bit extra to explain that Flare didn't completely shaft his friends.