A Freshman's Tale II

Chapters

Through the Mirror
Back in Familiar Territory..........Sort Of
The Brother Hunt
Finding a Place
Rescuing (and Running From) Family
There's a First Time for Everything

Through the Mirror

3rd Person POV:

The city of Minos. The minotaur's capital in their society, the stronghold of the south. Broad stone walls barricade it to whoever dares to come close. It was the gateway to the badlands of the south. Beyond this lied the barren, rocky, dry, sweltering mountainous terrain of the ancient kingdom of Minotus.

The Everfree forest ended only a quarter mile from the great gates of Minos. In between was the infamous Minos bridge, spanning a great ravine miles deep. On the Minos side of the bridge lay the great minotaur marketplace, where kids would run and sing to their heart's content. Many good things were sold at this market.

There was a darker side of the market, too. This is where all the mini-businesses get their products. They use errand-boys, who do the dangerous jobs for money.

There was one highly mysterious but favored errand boy. Most of the citizens call him a bounty hunter, or the cloaked terror. There have been rumors about him, since he never took his hood off, like how he reveals himself only to things he was about to kill. They were usually afraid of him, but he'd do anything..........for the right price.

He would wander the market streets, hidden, and nobody noticed him due to his short size.

He was now.

He strutted through a busy street dodging hurrying shoppers, desperate merchants, and hiding from curious groups of kids. Then he saw his target - an upper classy looking minotaur with a black trench coat and a top hat, a monacle completed the look.

Wait, what?

Since when do minotaurs wear monacles?

Aah, never mind. The point is, he was a pretty rich looking motherfucker.

He smugly strolled up to the minotaur. "Excuse me, sir," he said in a calm tone. "Can you show me to the bathroom?" The rich dude just rolled his eyes. "Excuse me," he said to the vendor, who was nervously glancing down at the hooded figure then back. "Let me show this...........brat around." As he left, he plinked a couple of coins down on the vendor's counter. "Sorry for the inconvinience," he muttered. Then he followed the rich minotaur away.

After a couple of minutes walking and listening to the grumbling of the prissy minotaur, they came up on a row of rickety wooden outhouses. Why these guys use them, he would never know. He could only guess at how many splinters they got in their ass.

"Here they are," snapped the minotaur, "And now if you excuse me, I have to go back to my errands." As he turned, the cloaked figure growled, "Oh, we're not done yet." The rich dude raised an eyebrow.

The figure swung his foot around and knocked the minotaur off his feet. The figure dragged him behind the row of bathrooms. He unsheathed a dagger and pressed it to the minotaur's throat. "Thank you for treating me like garbage, by the way," said the cloaked figure. The minotaur looked at him, his emotions a mix of fear and confusion. "W-What?" he stammered.

The figure pulled down his hood. The minotaur's face went pale.

"It makes you so much easier to kill!" said Joey as he drove the dagger into the minotaur's neck. Joey scrunched up his nose. "Let's get this over with," he said. He looked on the inside of the dead minotaur's overcoat. Golden watches lined the inside.

"Joey three hundred, life zero," muttered Joey. He gathered up all the watches and stuffed them into his trinket bag. Then he peeked out from behind the bathrooms, looking for witnesses. Finding none, he slipped back into the crowds.

Joey's POV:

Joey dodged between minotaur shoppers, avoiding salesman and beggars. Finally, he ducked into a backway that went behind stalls. Soon, he came up on a big tan flannel tent. He walked up to the tent flaps, ooked around to see if anyone saw him, then went inside.

In this tent was a miniature workshop. There was a row of anvils lined up against the wall to the left, and a firepit took up the center. To the right was a long row of tables with tiny cogs and gears strewn across the surface along with metal plating and larger gears. Then, in the corner, was a short, hunched minotaur mumbling to himself, rushing all along the table picking up parts and trying to work them into...........well, whatever he was working on.

Joey smirked. "Scallius," he said, "I'm back." The minotaur jumped in fright, whipping around. He was pretty runty for a minotaur, having a hunched back and little goggles. For what he lacked in size he made up for brains.

When he saw Joey, his expression went from frightened to irritated. "Where have you been?" he scolded. "I've been waiting for you to come back all DAY!!" he wailed. Joey just rolled his eyes. "Quality work takes time," he smoothly replied. "Plus, I'm not supposed to be seen, remember?" Scallius sighed. "I guess you have your point," he muttered, "But you know how much I hate suspense." Joey chuckled. "Hey, I can't help it that I'm so good!" he remarked, making Scallius snort and roll his eyes.

"Hey, I saw that," Joey said, taking a step closer, grinning like crazy. "Not like YOU ever move your lazy ASS out of here!" Scallius laughed, fist bumping Joey. "True," he said.

Scallius and Joey had been friends ever since the fateful day he found Joey on the shore of the Everfree river. He was covered with bruises, and had an unusual amount of splinters. Scallius took him to his workshop and fixed him up, and ever since the two have been business partners. Occasionally Joey would work as an assassin for some of Scallius' friends, but only for a good price.

The thing that bugged Scallius was the fact that Joey had no idea how he got here. Joey told him about everything up until he ate the golden apple, and after that he had no idea what happened.

"Did you get the watches?" asked Scallius. Joey grinned and pulled out his trinket bag. He walked over to the table and dumped out eleven golden watches. "Stripped him clean of all watches," Joey said, folding his arms and smirking. "And you said I wasn't good," he added. Scallius just shook his head in disbelief. "You are one bold assassin," he chuckled, "You took out my main competitor! You, my friend, are a LIFE saver!!" He thumped Joey on the back.

"Ummm.......you're welcome?" Joey said, puzzled but smiling. Scallius turned to face Joey again. "And not only that, but you took the Watch of the Sparks!!" he exclaimed, shaking with excitement. Joey snorted, then chuckled, then broke out laughing. "The 'Watch of the Sparks?' Seriously?" he laughed. "Now that's just fucking STUPID." When he looked up, Scallius had an unimpressed look on his face.

He shook his head. "You don't understand," he said. "It's not the watch itself. It's what's inside." Then he picked it up, and smashed it on the ground. Joey wore a look of bewilderment. "You get all hyped up about the dumb watch, then you break it? You are weird," he said. Scallius ignored him and brushed through the broken parts. "Ah, here we go!" he said, holding up a small piece of paper. Joey raised an eyebrow.

"It's a map," Scallius explained, unfolding the paper. "According to legend, King Ascrot called upon his greatest tinkers to build him that watch-"

"That you destroyed," Joey added.

"Whatever. Anyway, in that watch he placed this map, which supposedly leads us to one of two mirrors that are portals to another world. If this is true, and we can profit from it, we could buy a new workshop! You could also get new weapons-"

"HELL no," Joey interrupted.

Scallius face palmed. "The point is, we'd be rich!" he wailed. "Please understand!!" Joey held up his hands, stepping back. "Alright, alright, calm your tits. I'll come," Joey said. "Jeez." Scallius grinned. "Pack up then," he said, "We're going for a trip.

Hours later, they left the marketplaces of Minos. They continued past the grand city and into the Badlands. The sun was setting, giving a somewhat eerie feel. They had traveled about five miles, when they stopped to eat.

"According to the map," Scallius said, mouth full of food, "That the mirror's chamber is right up there, near the summit of that mountain." Joey looked up, and dropped his jaw. "Out of all the mountains, it's the tallest one?" he said. "We have to fucking CLIMB that?" Scallius pulled out two backpacks with rockets on the end. "I never said we had to climb," he said, grinning.

"One time use jet-packs?" Joey questioned. "You're always prepared."

After they were done eating, they packed up and continued to the foot of the mountain. An hour went by. Once they reached it, they took another small water break.

"Wow," Joey remarked, gazing up at the mountain. He strapped on his jet-pack, then looked back at Scallius. "Do we drop our stuff?" he asked. Scallius nodded. "No reason we should bring it with us," he replied, strapping on his.

"Ready?" Scallius asked, priming his jet-pack. "Ready as ever," said Joey.

They both activated them at the same time, and they rocketed into the sky together. Joey's hair blew around wildly. Adrenaline pumped through his legs. The minutes seemed like seconds, and they landed at the mouth of a cliff side cavern. Joey peered in. About ten feet in, there was a huge stone door with a mural of King Ascrot wielding a mirror. "This is it," Joey muttered. Scallius nodded, proceeding to mess with the lock in the center of the door. "Good thing they had the combination on the map," Scallion grunted. After a couple more minutes, there was a huge CHINK from the door. Scallius stepped back, and the door slid open.

Inside was a huge chamber lined with murals. In the center was a nicely sculpted pedestal, with the mirror sitting on top. It was one of the most beautiful things Joey ever saw. The frame was made of gold twisted with aquamarine, and it seemed to radiate power. Scallius grinned.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Joey said, stepping up to the mirror. The instant he grabbed it, he was zapped with a small bolt of energy. "OW!!" he cried. He looked back at Scallius with a reasurring smile. "Don't worry, I'll be fine," he grunted at his worried friend. Scallius gulped. "Actually, NO, you're NOT."

"What?"

"LOOK!!!!"

Joey looked down, and instantly fear drenched him from head to toe. His fingers were disintegrating and were slowly being sucked into the mirror. Joey threw himself into a panic. Now his arms were dissolving. "SCALLIUS, DO SOMETHING!!!" he shrieked. Scallius immediately stepped forward to help, but by then it was to late.

Scallius watched in horror as his friend was completely sucked into the mirror.

Back in Familiar Territory..........Sort Of

Joey's POV:

Joey's head hurt. A lot. Worse then the time Scallius found him.

Everything was such a blur in his mind, memories and dreams fighting for front stage. And trying to open his eyes didn't help. When he tried, a sharp pain went through his head, like he and slipped and hit his head on the corner of a table.

Oooooh, he thought. Cringy.

Joey's conciousness slowly started to come back. He could feel his arms and legs again, so he didn't lose them. It still hurt to move. It also felt like he was laying on.........concrete, by the texture. Where was he? What happened to Scallius? Joey's head swam.

Once again he tried to open his eyes. The pain had died down, and his eyes slowly came open. Right then his ears decided to start working again. He could hear different voices.

"Mfrtamaammmmmhnnndd?"

"Blasdnocanmakrd."

Well, kind of. What he saw were seven blobs of different colors, one fiery red, one purple, on a mixture of white and dark purple, a pink one, a yellow one, an orange one, and a cyan one with a rainbow sitting on her head.

Joey groaned and started to sit up. The voices became clearer then.

"He's waking up!!" said one voice.

"Where'd he come from?" said a voice in a southern accent.

"He might of come from the mirror," said another, although a little more intelligent-sounding.

"Can I throw a party?" said a squeaky voice.

"We have to find out where he came from, first, darling" said another in a high pitched british-y accent (Joey wasn't good at picking accents out).

"I agree," said another voice in a quiet, shy manner.

Joey's vision became clearer just then. He saw who was talking, but he didn't like what he saw. The seven blobs were actually faces, and the colors were no joke. There were seven colored humans staring down at him. All female. Joey's face was a bunch of mixed expressions, but it finally settled with shock.

"Hi!!" said the pink one getting in his face. "I'm Pinkie Pie!!"

"AHHHHH!!!!" he shouted. "CONTAGIOUS! CONTAGIOUS! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!" And with that, he got up and ran. There were bunch of other colored humans, each of them unique. Joey reached for his weapons.

"Oh, shit nuggets," Joey muttered. His weapons were gone. Arrows and all.

"Hey, wait up!!" said voices behind him. Joey whirled around and saw the seven girls coming down the hill. They all looked like juniors or seniors, by the second look. Joey looked around frantically for a weapon, and came up with a stick. "Stay back!" he yelled, waving it in front of him. "I'm warning you!!"

The cyan girl took one look at his stick and burst out into a fit of giggles. She was followed by the others. Joey looked at his stick, then realized how much of a scene he was making. He blushed and dropped the stick, smiling nervously.

The purple one stepped forward, a sour look on her face. "Just to let you know," she said, "We are not contagious!" The others seemed surprised at her outburst. Then she saw Joey's face, and her expression immediately softened. His face was a mix of fear, confusion, sadness, and pain. He had three scars from his right ear to his cheek.

"Sorry," she replied, cheeks burning. "I got a little carried away."

Joey pointed up at her, giving her a questioning look. "But you're colored," he said. The rest of them exchanged looks.

"We've always been this way, hon," said the orange girl. Joey noticed the stetson on her head. Joey gave her another confused look. "Wha...?" he said. He was in a huge state of shock. "Were you born that way?" he asked.

Pinkie bounded over to him, smiling hugely in his face, making Joey scoot away. "Well, DUH, silly!!" she squeaked in a super high pitched voice. "If we were ALWAYS colored, we would of been that way since we were born! See, because-" The purple girl put her hand over her mouth. "I think he gets it, Pinkie," she said. Joey snorted. "Even their names are weird," he muttered.

The cyan one stepped forward. "WHAT about our names?" she said, giving him a not-so-friendly look. "Uh, I mean, your names are pretty cool," Joey stammered quickly, "It's just that, well........I've never heard of those names before." The cyan colored one gave him a puzzled look, then stepped back.

Joey's eyes looked over them once more. "W-well, guys, um, if now you'll excuse me," he said, inching away, "I've got to go do.......um.......things and stuff, you know?" He got to his feet and tried to walk away, but the orange one stepped in front of him. "Wait a minute, feller," she said, "You haven't even introduced yourself." Joey snorted. "Do I have to?" he said, trying to move around her. She just moved right back in front of him. "C'mon, sugarcube," she said, "This is how ya make friends, you know." Joey laughed again. "I'm not exactly a friend maker, alright?" he said with a smile. "Now, if I can just go now......."

Applejack didn't budge.

Joey looked up at the sky and groaned. "Alright, FINE!!" he said, "If you must know, my name is Joey. There. Can I go now?" he asked, clearly getting irritated. The orange one gave him a concerned look. "Don't ya want to know our names?" she asked. "Not really, no," Joey said quickly. She ignored that comment. "Anyway, I'm Applejack," she said giving him a sincere, friendly smile.

"I'm Rarity, darling," said the white one with a stylish purple hairdo.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle," said the purple one with glasses. The brains of the operation, no doubt.

"Pinkie Pie!!!" said the hyperactive pink one who had little knowledge on the concept of personal space.

"Yo, I'm Rainbow Dash, best soccer player ever!!!" said the cyan one with the gay-pride hair.

"I'm Sunset Shimmer," said the yellow one with the fiery red hair.

"Fluttershy," wimpered the shy, butter colored one with long pink hair.

"And there you go!!" said Applejack, turning back to Joey. He was shifting from side to side uneasily. When he realized no one else he was going to speak, he acted fast. "ALRIGHTGOTTAGOSEEYA'LLLATERBYE!!!!" he said and ran. Luckily for him, this time they didn't try to stop him. He ran for whatever was ahead of him, which was a big building with big silver letters that read "Canterlot High School" above the main entrance. When Joey read those words, his eyes went wide and he stopped in his tracks immediately.

This was a high school. And high schools, in his opinion, were bad.

Then a voice to his right startled him. "Can I help you?"

Joey whirled around to see a white colored woman standing there with a helpful smile on her face. Joey's mind raced furiously for an answer. "Where am I?" he asked. The woman gave him a perplexed look. "You don't know?" she asked. Joey shook his head. "What school do you attend?" she asked. Joey just shrugged.

The woman gave him another look, although more like she was trying to read him. She just shook her head quickly and smiled again. "No matter," she said, "I am principal Celestia, and you are...?" She gave him a reassuring look. Something about the name was so familiar, and yet he couldn't remember. "Joey," he said, "My name is Joey."

Celestia shook his hand. "Welcome to Canterlot High," she said with a smile, "And as a courtesy of the school, you can have a free pass to our Fall Formal Dance tomorrow night as a new kid." She pulled a pink slip of paper out of her pocket, signed her name on it, then handed it to Joey. "New kid?" Joey asked. "Well, you're not exactly a student unless you want to be," she said, walking away, leaving Joey standing there alone. Joey tried to comprehend what just happened. "Huh," he muttered.

The Brother Hunt

Joey's POV:

Joey had no idea what to do.

Only moments ago had the principle walked away, and now Joey was lost on what to do next. It felt like Windsor all over again, but this time, something was...........different. He couldn't explain why. Maybe it was the fact that all the kids, upper-classmen included, were actually nice to him. Maybe it was the fact that he wasn't constantly looking around for potential muggers. Then again, he could beat them up, with all the training he got back in Minos.

Minos............man, he missed that place already. Home away from..........well, that actually WAS home. I wonder how Scallius is doing, he thought.

Joey turned and looked at the giant horse statue he recognized when he first got here. Hanging around were different kids, all mingling with each other. It was like God decided to make a million new ethnicities since he was gone. But something was different from Windsor High. All the athletes, techies, cheerleaders, everyone was treating each other the same. It was the weirdest thing ever. Not only that, most of them even smiled and waved at Joey as they went by.

He shook his head. Too much. Too much to take in. He had to leave.

Joey took off in one direction, not stopping. He wasn't necessarily in a hurry, though. It was early morning, obviously before school hours. He took in a deep breath, relishing in the aroma of fresh air and flowers. The birds sang joyously in the crisp morning air. Joey looked at how all the houses were different models, unlike his old neighborhood when his parents were alive. Then, there were copies of the same models all over the place.

He passed by a gloomy school that looked a little battle worn. It was interesting, seeing something like that in such a happy community. A sign on it's front lawn read "Stiffson Academy." Joey took a step back, eyes wide. It also sounded very familiar. As a matter of fact, Joey KNEW this school. It was where his brother Cory attended after their parents died. There have been many reports about him going missing, and they were true. The police couldn't find him anywhere. Helicopters with thermal scans couldn't find him either.

Apparently, the principle of that school had claimed that Cory had vandalized the school, then ran off and completely disappeared. That had to be wrong. Cory would NEVER do such a thing.

The question is, where did he go?

Now Joey knew what he would do. He had to find Cory. He wasn't dead, Joey could feel it. Now, where would Cory be?

Joey whipped out his phone. He had it in his pocket when he woke up in Minos. It was dead, unfortunately. That is, until Scallius replicated the battery to make a magical one. Now it would never die.

Joey was sure he could find Cory. He just needed a lead, and where better than to look at your old text messages? Joey was positive that Cory had sent him a text about his favorite spot to hang out. After a minute of scrolling through the texts (he and Cory used to text all the time until Cory lost his phone) he found what he was looking for.

Ya, there's a place near my school where I hang. God, I wish U were here......nothin to do when U got no friends....

Near my school, he said. Hmmm.....that wasn't specific at all. If Joey was Cory, he would choose an isolated, out the way area. An alleyway, maybe? Nah. Too dirty. Someplace with a roof. Some sort of wearhouse?

Probably. Good place to look.

It would also have to be close, so Cory could access it easily.

Joey glanced around. There was an old junkyard just ahead, and there was a beaten down aluminum shed. He studied its position. It was against the junkyard's wall, and should of been out of sight from the school. It was maybe about seven feet high, tall enough for just about anyone. The shed looked highly unstable, as if it were to collapse any moment. Good place to start.

Joey slipped his phone into his pocket and walked in that direction. He stayed out of sight as best as possible (he had lots of practice) and made his way to the street corner. Looking around to see if anyone was following, he stopped. Something about that school........he could just smell the evil from here. The gloominess of it sent a chill down Joey's spine.

He continued on to cross the street, looking around. He felt as if someone were watching him. Joey shook the feeling off as he approached the shed. The roof was sagging in, like little tiny people mistook it for a trampoline. Its door was on the far side, which was kind of smart. No one who looked this way could see it. The catch was that it was slightly ajar so Joey entered with ease.

Joey glanced around the tiny space, a smile forming on his face. "Bingo," he said, grinning like mad.

Photos were strewn all over the wall, like the room was just a big collage. They were overlapping, covering most of the walls. And in the grand majority of those pictures was Cory himself. Joey's ADHD was running wild with excitement. He was twitching and grinning like crazy. "Holy shit........" he muttered.

Joey looked around on the floors. To the right was a rickety wooden shelf that held a bunch of amazing sculptures and pictures. In the near left corner, there was a makeshift table with six crude looking chairs. The table was strewn with junk, like pipe cleaners and random pieces of metal. Cory's workshop. He could tell by the style off everything, the difference of all the artistic topics. Cory had been here. This had been his special place. If Joey would find him, this would be the place to start.

Joey glanced around again. There was also a nasty, worn down looking flannel blanket laying on the floor. It wasn't big, and it looked like someone had a tug-a-war contest with it.

Joey took a closer look at it. There was a rectangular lump in the near center of the blanket. He grabbed one end of the blanket, and tossed it from its spot. There, where the blanket used to be, was a small journal with a leather cover. Joey gingerly picked it up, studying the cover. It was just like any other generic leather journal, but there was something about this one.

Cory better be the one who wrote this.

Joey opened to the first page. He pumped is fist, whispering words of congratulations to himself. This was the journal Cory got shortly before they were separated. Joey skimmed over the pages, looking for anything significant. It was on the final pages of writing that he found something. It was written on tear stained pages:

4/18/15: Today I was just about to hang myself, but something stopped me. There was a bright rainbow cyclone of light over by CHS. It gave me unexplainable hope, and I gave up the attempt. I will try life for one more day.

Signed, Cory Agees

"Hmmm, a rainbow cyclone?" Joey muttered to himself. "That's interesting." He continued reading.

4/19/15: I am scared. Principal Stiffson is about to kill me, and I didn't even DO anything. All my friends are gone, I haven't talked to anyone in months, and I haven't broke any rules. I need help. Anyone. I wish Stiffson didn't break my phone, I need my brother.........oh Joey, I hope you're okay....I just need a deep brea-

The writing stopped abruptly, the last letter had a sloppy line of graphite on it, like he fell over. Joey clenched his fists. If Stiffson got him, the journal wouldn't be here. He wouldn't of found this place so easily.

Still Cory remembered him. It gave Joey a surge of hope, a feeling he hadn't felt in YEARS. He almost forgot what it was like. "I won't fail you, Cory," Joey growled, " I will find you. And NO one will stand in my way." A tear fell off of his cheek. His breaths were shallow, and he was hyperventilating. He would NOT fail Cory. Not again.

Finding a Place

Joey's POV:

"Hey kid, are you all right?" said a voice just outside the shed. Joey jumped in a startled manner. He turned to see a guy with orange skin and blue hair. He had that suave look, like he could just look at a girl and they would start swooning.

Joey looked around, then stuck his thumb into his chest. "Who, me?" he asked. The dude chuckled. "Well, who else is here?" he said, gesturing around. "You," said Joey, who was clearly unimpressed. The guy rolled his eyes, still smiling. "What are you doing poking around Stiffson Academy's remains?" he asked. "It's been closed for years. Do you even know where you are?"

"A little bit," Joey admitted.

He looked a little confused. "Do you need a ride? School doesn't start for an hour," he said. Joey shrugged. "I guess," he replied. The guy gestured for him to come out, which made Joey hesitate. What if this was a trick? How could he trust anyone here? Why would he trust anyone here?

Worth a shot, Joey thought. He followed the dude out, ready for anything. Turns out, it wasn't a trick. He had no backup. Hopefully the guy was taking him somewhere good...............like a fast food resturaunt. That shit sounded good right then.

The guy led him to a small five-seater car. "Shotgun," called Joey jokingly. The dude just just rolled his eyes again. "Shut up," he chuckled.

After a couple minutes on the road, the dude glanced at him. "I'm Flash Sentry, by the way," he said. "What's your name?" "Joey," Joey replied. "Where are you taking me?" Flash glanced over again. "To the school. That's where I have to be. Do you go to Canterlot High?" he asked. Joey chuckled. "I don't belong anywhere," said Joey. "So might as well."

After a couple minutes, Joey saw the school come back into view. Flash pulled into the parking lot, and they both got out. Joey looked around. "I hope those creepy girls don't come back," he muttered under his breath. "My social life is already on the fritz." Flash looked at him like he was crazy, then rolled his eyes again. "Careful," Joey said, "You keep rolling your eyes, they'll come right out some day." Flash chuckled, and waved him off. "Come on," he said, "School starts in a few minutes."

They parted ways, leaving Joey standing there, wondering what to do again. He looked back down the road, then at the school. "Ugh, here goes nothing," he sighed, walking towards the school.

That was the longest hour of Joey's life. Registration was easy, but a huge pain in the honk-donk. It took forever. The assistant principal, Miss Luna (also rang a bell, weird) would rant on and on about their school's history. All Joey could do was pretend like he was listening. Ugh.

Although he would of preferred that to this. He was sitting in the back of his homeroom, looking at his phone. Nothing better to do.

It didn't get any better when his homeroom teacher, Miss Cherilee, called him up to the front of the room. "Can I please stay back here?" asked Joey. Miss Cherilee shook her head.

"Class, this is a new student," she said, gesturing a hand towards Joey. He rolled his eyes right before he reached his unwanted destination. "Let's all give him a warm welcome!!" Miss Cherilee exclaimed. "Class, this is Joey," she continued. Joey grumbled slightly.

Everyone was giving him a smile, except for two snobby looking girls sitting in the back, one purple and one grey. When Joey saw them, he noticed them giving him evil smiles. Joey just gave them a smug smile, and that wiped the smiles off their faces. They had wild, confused looks on their faces then. It was golden.

"Thank you for introducing yourself, Joey!" she said with a huge smile. Joey hurried back to his seat. All this over joyfulness was creeping him out.

Miss Cherilee started a big lecture on how to find x in an equation, and Joey fell asleep. He woke up when the bell rang, and the kids all walked out of the classroom, chatting and laughing with one another. Joey made sure to stay behind the pack, slowly inching his way out the door. Then finally, he had freedom. But there was still a lingering problem.

Lunch.

He hadn't thought of it before, but he was really hungry. He hadn't had food........in at least 8 hours. He'd survive.

He proceeded to walk down the halls of his new school. He didn't want to stay here long. He almost forgot how boring school was. Ugh. He felt like his brain would dissolve and run out his ass.

He walked towards the giant horse statue, examining the place he first appeared. He sat down against it, trying to think. It was strange, the mirror, the horrible feeling in his gut.........he did not want that memory back. He shook his head in an attempt to rid himself of it.

When he was finished, he looked up to see the two snobby girls from earlier staring at him with those same evil smiles. "What can I do for you?" he asked. The purple one gave him a nasty look. "So you're the new kid, huh?" she asked. Joey rolled his eyes. "Oh, no," he said sarcastically, "What could've POSSIBLY have given it away?" She just sneered again. "Well, I just want to let you know that I'M the one who leads the freshman grade," she said, beaming. "They're really that stupid?" asked Joey.

Her smile melted into a scowl. "What did you say to me?" she snarled. "You heard me," Joey remarked simply, "I said that everyone must be pretty stupid to follow a priss-prass stuck-up motherfucker like you." She stomped her foot in fury. "YOU DON'T SAY THINGS LIKE THAT TO ME!! I'M WAY MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU WILL EVER BE!!!" Joey shrugged. "Maybe so," he said, "But at least I don't walk around wearing fake prada on my head." The silver one stepped forward, clearly trying not to laugh. "Diamond Tiara, let's go. I don't think you're (snort) reaching him," she said.

Diamond Tiara snorted, still glaring at Joey. "Shut up, Silver Spoon," she said. "I can still take this. I'll read his mind if I have to." Joey put his hands behind his head, as if he were relaxing. "You can try," he said, "Even though my mind is so far above your reading level." Tiara screamed in frustration and stomped off. Silver Spoon looked back at Joey, shrugged at him, then followed her.

Joey took a deep breath and stood up. People who witnessed the scene were still chuckling a bit. Joey just half smiled back, and went somewhere where he could be alone.

If only that could be so.

He saw Applejack out of the corner of his eye, trying to catch up with him. He sped up his pace a little. He turned corner after corner, trying to lose her. He finally ducked behind a corner, thinking he lost her. That is, until he felt her hand on his shoulder. "Howdy, Joey!" she exclaimed.

"Fuck my life," muttered Joey.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Applejack just shrugged. "Since ya were new here, and ya didn't seem ta have a pack of any kind, I thought ya might need somethin' ta eat," she said. "I might," Joey stated matter-of-factly. "C'mon, then," Applejack said, gesturing for him to come along. "Alright, whatever," Joey sighed.

As she was leading him to the cafeteria, Joey heard a voice to his left. "Stop!" it said. "What did I do to you?"

"Your poor. You don't need garbage like this!!" said another voice.

A voice that was annoyingly familiar.

Joey turned in time to see Diamond Tiara sneering at another girl. The girl had curly hair that was a combination of light purple and white. Her skin was white as well. She looked like she was about to cry.

Joey tapped Applejack in the arm. "Be right back," he said. She leaned up against a wall. "I'll wait for ya," she said, putting a piece of straw in her mouth. Where the hell did that straw come from?

He walked over to Tiara, who was still chanting crap about the poor girl. "Won't you ever give up?" he said right in her ear. She jumped and turned quickly. "You," she snarled. Joey shrugged. "Who else?" he asked. "Someone has to give you a bunch of crap about you dicking around to people." Her face turned a darker shade of purple. "What do you want?" she said, clearly losing her cool fast. Joey scowled, and got in her face. "I want you to stop picking on others, no matter WHO. Do it again, and it will not be the first time I've hit a girl. Kapeesh?"

Tiara's face was pale now. She nodded quickly, and turned and walked away, shaking her head. Joey glared at her until she was out of view. Then he turned to the girl, who was still slightly recovering from the bullying. "You OK?" he asked. The girl looked at him, then developed a gigantic smile. "That.....was........AMAZING!!!!!" she exclaimed, giving him a bear hug. Joey stiffened immediately. The girl stepped back, blushing. "Sorry," she said. Joey loosened up again. "It's cool," he said. I'm just not a hugging person." He held out his hand. "I'm Joey, by the way," he said.

The girl shook it. "Sweetie Belle," she said. "Nice to meet ya. And thanks for scaring off Diamond Tiara. That was hilarious." Joey smiled at her. "Anytime," he replied, "She's just a big douche-bag." She just stood there, smiling and blushing.

"Well, gotta go," said Joey, stepping away, a little weirded out. "Applejack here is getting me lunch." Sweetie Belle still stood there, blushing really hard. That was odd.

Joey walked back over to Applejack. "Alright, let's go," he said, motioning her to come. "That's what I was about ta say," she replied. The two continued towards the cafeteria, talking and laughing. "Would you mind eatin' with my buddies?" she asked. "It'd be good fer ya." Joey shrugged. "Do I get to look at my phone the whole time?" he asked. She just snorted and rolled her eyes. "Just try and be social," she replied.

When they reached the cafeteria, Joey noticed all the different people all socializing as one. It was, Joey had to admit, one of the coolest things ever. People would also wave as they go by in the hallway, and they would all say "hi" or something like that.

"You sit down, and I will go get ya somethin'," said Applejack. Joey nodded, and headed toward all the other girls he met earlier. The one called Rarity came bounding up to him. "Did you really just diss Diamond Tiara TWICE?!" Joey looked at her like she was insane. Yah. Why?" he asked. Rarity took a step back. "Why, no one has EVER stood up to her before. It was just simply wonderful to hear something like that come from Sweetie Belle."

Joey just stood there, amazed at how she could talk so fast.

"Oh!!" exclaimed Rarity, clapping her hands excitedly, "She has something to ask you." She stepped aside, revealing a very nervous Sweetie Belle. "Well?" asked Rarity. "Go on!"

She walked up to him slowly, as if she was rethinking this. "H-hey," she stuttered. "I-I was w-wondering, um.....if.....you c-could.....no, want to...."

"C'mon, honey, spit it out," Rarity chirped.

Sweetie Belle sighed. Then she immediately straightened up and asked, "Do you want to go to the Fall Formal Dance with me tomorrow?"

Author's Note

I just wanted to let you all know that I will only accept encouraging comments. My life is a little tough at the moment, and it is just a pain to have to deal with discouraging comments. If I make a typo, please say so. If it is anything else, it is how it is.

Sorry for pooping on the party, but I had to let you all know. Thank you, all you supporters!!!!!!!

Rescuing (and Running From) Family

Cory knocked on the door of Sunburst's house. It was a standard building; Geometric, well built, and sturdy, like most houses in the Crystal Empire. A few years ago, Sunburst kept mostly to himself; a recluse; afraid to face the world that seemed to far ahead of him. But since the reconciliation of an old friend, his door was open to all who wished to harness his knowledge.

Within a few moments, the door opened. It was Sunburst himself, a little frizzled in the mane and slightly unkempt with the robe, but never the less welcoming.

"Yes?" he replied "May I help you?"

"My name is Prince Capricore." Cory replied in a well to do voice. "We've agreed to discuss and practice advanced spells."

"Oh, yes, yes, yes. Um, come in. Come in."

Cory gave him a smile as he politely walked inside.

The interior was brightly decorated, with banisters lining a spiral staircase to the left. Everything in the building was made of crystal, and bookshelves lined every single wall in the giant room before him. This would of been Twilight's go-to home if she lived here.

"Uh..." Starburst muttered to himself, "This is my, um, humble abode." He bowed. "I am at your service."

Cory raised an eyebrow. "We are here to discuss advanced spells, and please just call me Capricore," he replied, lifting Sunburst's chin.

"Oh...oh, yes, of course!!" Suunburst exclaimed in reply, pulling some books off the shelf with his magic and then set them on a table behind him. He straightened his glasses, then rubbed his hooves together. "Let's get started, shall we?" he asked in a more confident tone.

Cory selected a rather old but familiar looking book from the shelf. It was big and sturdy, but light enough to float down onto the coffee table. Sunburst blew away the dust and read the title.

"Draxel's Advanced Spells in Energy."

Cory flipped the book with his horn and pointed towards a rather peculiar spell, much to Sunburst's surprise.

"Now are you sure you want to go through with this Cory?" Sunburst asked. "These spells are very advanced and could risk your well being if not done correctly."

"I can only hope to try." Cory said calmly.

"Um...alright then. I'll just be...hiding behind here."

Sunburst made himself a fort made out of books and ducked for cover.

Cory looked at the book with grim determination. "Now where should I start..." he muttered, scanning the pages with his magic. Finally, he caught a page that caught his attention. "Ah-ha!!" he exclaimed. "The Super Memory Enchant...hm...yes..."

Sunburst peeked out of his refuge, slightly curious. "Um...what exactly does it...you know...do?" he asked, a nervous edge in his voice.

"It says here that this spell was used for finding the most significant memories in your timeline, starting with less important first," Cory replied. "Not all of them may be good, so it says, but...it wouldn't hurt to try, right?" He glanced back at Sunburst with a nervous smile. "Right?"

Sunburst flinched. "Ah...um...sure, whatever you say!!" he chuckled, ducking behind his hardcover wall.

Cory took in a deep breath. "Here goes nothing," he said, charging up his horn. Sunburst looked on in fear as sparks started to fly off of it. Cory grinded his teeth, and held a steady position. Sweat poured down his face.

Soon, his horn emitted a bright light, and his eyes shined completely white.

Cory had his eyes closed. Was he dead? Was it all over? Did he do the wrong spell?

He glanced up upon hearing the sound of a bird. He looked around at his surroundings. He appeared to be in a junkyard which was out on the outskirts of Equestria. The first place he came to upon arriving in Equestria for the first time.

Cory hopped up and down. "It WORKED!!" he exclaimed to himself. "I DID IT!! I REALLY DID!" Then he was interrupted by a familiar country accent.

"Today's the day, Cutie Mark Crusaders," proclaimed Applebloom. "Today, we get our makeshift band cutie marks."

"Aw Yeah! This is gonna be soooo awesome!" cried Scootaloo as they rummaged through the junkyard.

It was another day of exploration and discovery for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Here at the local junkyard they searched for certain objects and tools that would best suit their soon to be ready made instruments.

"So what should we call ourselves after this?" said Sweetie Belle.

"Hmmm..." thought Scootaloo as she glided on her scooter. "How about the Junk Funk?"

As they decided what to call their own band, Cory knew very well what was going on. He continued to observe the scene.

"Uhhh...Howdy?" Applebloom murmured.

"AAAAAHHH!!!!!" shouted Cory

"AAAAHHH!!!!!!" shouted the CMC in return.

Two of them ran a few yards while Applebloom looked on.

"W...What is that thing?" whimpered Scootaloo from a distance.

Applebloom looked closer at previous-Cory, who now had his back against a heap of trash, a little smile enveloped her face.

"Hey, don't fret girls!", she said to her friends, "Princess Twilight told me all about these critters. She calls them HU---MAN's."

"Humans?" squeaked Sweetie Belle as she and Scootaloo approached the hole.

"What are humans?" asked Scootaloo.

"Twilight encountered them in another world she visited." answered Applebloom. "She says they exist all over, and this here's one of them."

The three gazed down on Cory, who was scared stiff and shaking from all this sudden realization. He was still getting used to fact that these ponies we're talking. Not only that, but even had their own personality and distinct color scheme to them.

Sweetie Belle leaned and slowly thrust her hoof forward.

"Come on, don't be shy." said Sweetie Belle. "we're not gonna hurt you."

Cory took a deep breath and staggered towards the three of them.

"What's your name?" asked Sweetie Belle. There was a long pause. "Can you speak?" she asked.

"Y...yes....C...C...Cory...Cory Agees," said the previous-Cory.

He grabbed on to Sweetie Belle's hoof as all three pulled him out of the hole with one big thrust.

"Sooooo, where do you come from?" asked Scootaloo.

Cory just looked at them blankly.

"Do you know where you live?" asked Sweetie Belle.

He shifted his only working eye back and forth as if the question was foreign to him.

"Do you have a place to stay?" asked Applebloom affectionately.

He stared down as if he was ashamed to answer that. The three fillies then huddled into their own private circle.

"What should we do with him?" whispered Scootaloo.

"I don't know, I've never dealt with a human before." squeaked Sweetie Belle.

"Well it aint right to just leave him here." said Applebloom.

The three nodded in agreement and thought for a moment with their forelegs to their chins. Then, simultaneously, they came up with idea.

"Well if you don't have a place to live," Said Applebloom to Cory, "You're welcome to stay with me. My family and I over at Sweet Apple Acres are looking for a new stable boy, if you want to volunteer." As she waited for an answer, Cory looked around for a moment. Realizing he had little to no options, he nodded in agreement.
"Great!" replied Applebloom. "Let me just take you to where I live."

As they walked off, present-Cory sighed. Boy, that felt like it was forever and a day ago. Then the scene started to change.

It was in the Apple home, and his previous self was sitting with Applejack and Twilight. Why would this moment come so soon? This was the adoption, for cryin' out loud. Even still, Cory watched with much gratitude. Thank you so much, mom, he thought to himself.

After the scene was over, it changed again. Although the next scenes ahead were ones he wished he would have never seen.

The scenes then kept re-living all the horrible things Cory endured. Cory even started to cry. "I...I..." he started. "This is hard!!! I just can't take it!!! Make it stop!!!" Tears were streaming down his face. Then the scene started to change again.

He saw himself on a grassy hill, with leaves from the willow trees softly humming as the wind blew through them. This was the hill that he and his REAL family had picnics on every Sunday!

"C'mon, Cory!!!" said a voice from behind Cory. It was awfully familiar, but he couldn't put his mind on who it was. That is, until he saw him.

A small kid with dark brown hair and hazel eyes ran up the hill, full of excitement and energy. When he reached to the top, he placed his hands on his hips in a heroic stance. "I beat you!!" he announced. "Cory's a rotten egg!!"

Then Cory himself came into view. He was a little taller, but still very young. He laughed and patted Joey on the back. "Rotten egg or not, I love you, little brother," said young Cory.

A tear started to invade Cory's eye. How could he forget this day!! This was the day he spent the entire length with his favorite younger brother. Cory was only ten years old, but his younger brother was only seven.

This was the day before Cory was transferred to his mean surrogate parent's place down in Florida. The last day he spent his time with his brother. He knew about the car crash that ended his parent's life. He turned back to the scene to see that he and his brother were hugging. "I will always be your BBBFF, Joey," his younger self said.

Cory's eyes teared up. "Oh, Joey!!!" He exclaimed, tears starting to flow. "Why do you have to be gone? Why couldn't fate allowed you to live? WHY????" Tears were flowing down his cheek. "I miss you, BBBFF..."

Then he heard a booming voice, and started shaking uncontrollably. "Cory, WAKE UP!!! IT'S NOT REAL!! COOORY!!!!"

Back in Sunburst's home, Cory's eyes dimmed back to normal. He fell back on his rump, still crying. "S...Sunburst?" he said between tears and sobs.

Sunburst put a foreleg around his shoulder to comfort. "There, there, now," he said, confident again. "You'll be fine. At least you're in one piece!!" Cory looked up at him, then away sniffing.

"No, I won't. I should of chosen a different spell. Then I would of never seen Joey!" he started to sob. "I still can't believe he's gone!!" Sunburst walked up to him, a little concerned.

Please, Capricore, pull yourself together, and we'll start over!" Sunburst said with a smile. Cory took a couple of deep breaths, and the tears stopped coming.

"Now," said Sunburst, retreating to a sitting position, "Who is this...Joey you were talking about? He sounds awfully important."

"He was..." Cory tried to explain, still shaking from the ordeal. "He was my rock, He was my light, He was.....My Brother."

"Wha...Your Brother?!" Sunburst asked with a shock in his voice.

Cory nodded. "He was the only friend I ever had...I don't know why he had to go away, I don't know, I don't know..."

Cory had now fallen on the floor, struggling to stand back up.

"Ho...How about we move to the den and have ourselves a nice bowl of tea?" Sunburst asked a worried voice. "You can choose whatever flavor, my treat."

"That...Sounds....Nice." Cory explained in a solemn voice.

Sunburst grabbed Cory by the back, still a little weak to walk on his own and led him to the room next door.

"I'm sorry for that scare Sunburst." Capricore said weakly.

"There's no good out of beating yourself up Cory." Sunburst replied "Believe me, I know that feeling first hoof."

The Den was just as chaotic, but yet, just as welcoming as the living room, Books and all.

Sunburst carefully sat Cory down in a chair. "You settle down, alright?" he suggested, hurrying to the kitchen. "What flavor would you like?" Cory slowly nodded, trying to shake the memories out of his head. Sunburst gave him one last look of concern before hurrying into the kitchen.

Capricore started to wonder what his life would of been like if Joey were still here. He would have a new family too, and he would joke and play with Cory...they would've been the first two princes in Equestria.

Sunburst trotted in, carefully levitating a steaming bowl of tea. "This is a new flavor I've recently acquired, and I find it very strong," he said, setting it on the table. "Bengal Spice is what it's called, and I have some friends down in that area who gave me a big package."

Cory looked at the bowl, and muttered, "Mmmm-hm."

"C'mon, cheer up," said Sunburst with a smile. "Let's talk about your troubles. So this Joey was awfully important to you, huh?"

Cory nodded slightly as his hooves trembled on the table. He hadn't felt this vulnerable since he first came to Equestria.

"You might say, we did practically everything together. He was my BBBFF."

Sunburst raised an eyebrow.

"That's an acronym for Little Brother Best Friend Forever."

"Oh." Sunburst replied. "Tell me more."

"Before I met my five other friends, Joey was the closest I could ever accept to having one."

Cory fragilely lifted the bowl of Bengal Spice with his horn, and took a sip, causing a few drips of the tea to drop on the table.

"He was also the only one I could possibly talk to. I taught him things about art, music and movies. He taught me things about sports, science and history. We really were a perfect team. Come to think of it, if it were my doing, we would be efficient enough to open our own business."

"I see." Sunburst replied with interest as he fixed his glasses.

"Then came one of the worst days of my life. I received the news that my parents..."

"You don't need to tell me that part of the story." Sunburst assured him. "I know how much it hurts, but Twilight told me the whole thing."

Sunburst sat back and sighed. "I'm so sorry, Capricore," he said, taking a sip of his tea. He felt really concerned for Cory, and it wasn't just the fact he lost his brother. It was the fact that they were so close, and THEN Joey died. That is something hard to endure.

Capricore's eyes were puffy from his tears. Occasionally he sniffed, but overall he had pulled it together. Sunburst promptly trotted over to his side, putting a hoof on his shoulder. "Would you like to start on the next spell? We'll choose something uplifting, what do you say?" he asked, taking his hoof off of Cory. Cory just slowly shook his head.

"Just....g-give me some more time," he muttered in response. Sunburst gave him a look of concern, then smiled and returned to his seat.

"Whatever you say, as long as we can get back to the task at hoof," Sunburst said, drinking the rest of what was in his cup. Cory repeated the action, then sat there in silence.

After 15 minutes of silence, Sunburst broke it. "Are you, um...feeling any better?" he asked, feeling sympathy for his new friend. Cory looked up from his cup, then gave him a weak smile in response.

"I'm ready," he replied. "Now that I thought about it, I'm just thankful for all the time I DID spend with Joey."

Sunburst hopped excitedly to his feet. "That's the spirit!! Now let's get our flanks out there and keep buzzin'!!!!" he exclaimed. He then noticed the weird look Cory was giving him for the sudden outburst. "Er, I mean...let's continue, shall we?" he chuckled nervously. Cory just rolled his eyes and got to his hooves, cantering over to the room with spells.

Back in the living room, Cory pulled out the same book from earlier. He took a deep breath and started past the memory spell page. He kept looking through all the pages, looking for an interesting and uplifting one. "Ah-HA!!!" he exclaimed, stopping on a page. "Come look at this, Sunburst!!" His friend trotted over to take a look.

"The 'Super Hero' Spell," Sunburst read carefully. He continued, "This is a fairly advanced spell, but it is unique: unlike most spells, this one requires two ponies. When activated, the spell will move to the scene of somepony or something that is in dire need of assistance, hence the 'Super Hero' name. Although, it does not give the exact location, but it will transport you to the pony who's the most nearby if in a ." Cory and Sunburst looked at each other, then at the spell.

"Wanna give this a go?" asked Cory, smiling. Sunburst nodded, and both of them assumed positions. They both charged up their horns, then proceeded to connect them. Sparks of magic flew everywhere, and the two friends gritted teeth, sweat starting to slide down their faces.
Just as soon as it started, it stopped.

They found themselves in the scene of a giant blizzard, hard to see anything. There was nopony around. Cory stomped his hoof in frustration. "THERE'S NOTHING HERE!!!!!!!" he exclaimed, clearly frustrated. Sunburst put a hoof on his shoulder to calm him.

Before Sunburst could say anything, the air before them started to warp. All of a sudden, a young human appeared, crying out in agony and frustration. Its stomach was terribly bleeding. It muttered "Oh, Cory..." before passing out completely. Then there was a sound of a train just ahead, sounding exactly like the Crystal Empire train. Before Cory and Sunburst got a good look at it, the scene turned to a blinding light.

"Get ready!! We're about to teleport!!!" Sunburst shouted before they physically traveled.

When they both opened their eyes, they were in a car of the Crystal Empire train. Cory was the first to act. "Whatever it is, it's outside!!!" exclaimed Cory, pulling Sunburst to the window. "Look for it!! It won't last long in this weather!!" Cory said again, his eyes searching furiously.

Before he knew it, he saw a dark spot out in the snow. Other ponies looked on in bewilderment as Capricore jumped and pulled the brake handle. As soon as the train stopped, Cory was out the door. "Capricore, WAIT!!!" cried Sunburst, "You aren't prepared yet!!" As soon as he said that,

Cory casted a heat bubble around himself, and galloped off. "Oh...," said Sunburst, blushing as he copied the action, also following him.

Cory soon came upon the unconscious human. Picking him up with his forehooves, he got a good glimpse of the human's face. Once he did, his pupils dilated.

"Holy Celestia," he whimpered.

Joey wearily opened his eyes as he started up at a bright, but welcoming light. He felt a wet, warm cloth lying on his forehead, and a soft, neatly pressed blanket lying over his fragile body. Around him, he could hear voices, muttering in a conversation he could barely make out. He tried to move but his muscles were too weak to even budge. As the haze of his vision began to became more clear, he could see three horselike creatures hovering over him.

"Here. Drink this." Said a female voice. The creature gently lifted Joey's head and poured a small cup of tea into his mouth. With the liquid slithering down his throat, Joey could feel bits of strength coming back to him. His fingers started feeling less numb, and he was able to mumble a few incoherent words.

"Oh, thank goodness." Starlight Glimmer said. "He's going to make it."

"Thank you so much for coming at short notice Starlight." Capricore acknowledged. "Without your abilities, Sunburst's knowledge, and my...experiences, I'm not sure if we could have saved him in time."

"Are you sure that's Joey?" Sunburst asked.

"I'm positive." Cory replied. "I never forget a face. But how he was able to survive is beyond me."

Joey's pupils shrank. through squinted eyes, he couldn't tell if he was in heaven or just dreaming. Talking ponies? Ha.

But the splitting headache told him otherwise.

He decided he should try to move again. He felt new energy this time, and started to budge, which sent sharp pains through his body. He groaned, wishing that he could die in that very moment.

"Well, look who's awake," said Starlight. Joey slowly and painfully sat up. There were three multicolored horses around his bed, and they were all smiling. "Hi there!!" said Starlight, smiling down at him.

Joey pinched himself. Flinching at the pain, realization it him like an A-bomb.

These talking, multicolored pegasus-unicorn horses were real. The one with both wings AND a horn was giving him an excited smile. Joey just glanced around at all the horses in the room nervously. “Erm…” he stuttered, not knowing what they wanted with him. They probably wanted research, maybe to open him up and see how he ticks. Just the thought made Joey shudder.

The unicorn pegasus spoke up to break the awkward silence. “Joey...it’s me!” he exclaimed, taking a couple steps towards Joey. This freakin’ horse knew his name??????

This has gone too far, thought Joey. He glanced around, looking for an escape route. When he saw the kitchen, an idea came to his head. “What is that thing sticking out of the sink???” he asked, staging a fake afraid voice. Everypony else turned to the kitchen, looking at the sink.

“What are you talking about?” asked Sunburst. “There’s nothing there.”

Cory looked at Joey, then back at Sunburst. “I don’t want to take risks. What if there is something in the sink?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at Sunburst and Starlight. “C’mon, let’s go check it out.” The other two rolled their eyes and followed.

Joey held back a laugh. The fools!! He didn’t actually think that would work!!! As quickly and quietly as he could, he jumped out of his bed and made a mad dash for what he hoped was the front door.

“Hmmm…” said Cory, walking back into the room with the other two, “It seems like you were hallucinating, and somethi…”

He gasped when he saw the empty bed, his eyes growing wide. “What’s wrong?” asked Sunburst and Starlight in unison, following close behind. When they saw the bed, they gasped as well. “We’ve been FOOLED!!” exclaimed Starlight in a frustrated voice.

Cory was too occupied with other things to hear that. “Where did he GO!!??” he exclaimed, searching all around the room. “I could’ve sworn he was…”

SLAM!!!!!

“That was the front door!!” exclaimed Sunburst. “He’s getting away!!!”

Cory’s pupils shrank. “JOEY!!!!” he cried, bolting for the front door.

Joey sighed a breath of fresh air, then slammed the door behind him.

SLAM!!!!!

Oh, shit!!! he thought, I didn’t think it would be so LOUD!!! Nonetheless, he bolted down the street.

Passerby just stared in awe, and some even murmured to each other.

“Is that another human?”

“He sort of looks like Prince Capricore’s human form!”

“Do you think they’re related?”

Joey ignored the comments and kept running. He had run fast, but not nearly as fast as this. Even though he was starting to get a tad tired, it would be better to die then to be caught.

Meanwhile, a certain pink princess had watched him ever since he escaped Sunburst’s house. “Now who are you, and where are you going?” she said to herself. Then she looked over to the right a little and saw Cory, Starlight, and Sunburst running down the street, occasionally talking to passerby. It was clear they were chasing the new human. “Also, what would make it special enough to have the Prince chasing it?”

She spread her wings, then called over her shoulder, “Shining, I’ll be back soon!! I’m going to check on Capricore!!” Then she flew off in their direction.

Joey was running out of breath fast. His energy levels were surprisingly good, so he just kept running. He saw a horse who was set apart from the rest, a traveler by the looks of it.

He screeched to a halt next to her, and smiled. “Um, do you know the fastest way outta here?” he asked.

The horse shook off her surprise and smiled back. “Sure, that would be the train.”

“Where would I find that?”

“Oh, just that way. You couldn’t miss it!!”

“Alrighty, thanks a lot!!!” Joey exclaimed, dashing off again.

On the other hand, Cory and company were trying to catch up. “C’mon, guys!!” Cory exclaimed. When they reached the same traveler, they stopped for some questions. “Have you seen another human, about this tall?” asked Cory holding up a hoof to his chin to show the height.

The other pony nodded. “Yes, your highness, as a matter of fact, he was on his way to the train station,” she replied. She bowed, and Cory took off again, with Starlight and Sunburst in tow.

“Thanks so much!!!” shouted Cory over his shoulder.

Then Cadance landed in front of them, causing everypony to skid to a halt. “Cadance!?” Cory asked, bewildered. “Do you MIND!?”

Cadance shrugged. “I just want to know if you need any help,” she replied. Cory looked at his friends, then back at her. “Actually,” he grinned, “That would be spectacular.”

Joey finally arrived at the ticket booth. “How much is the shortest way out of here?” he asked. The vendor looked at him with surprise, then searched his clipboard.

“Ah, that would be Ponyville!!” he exclaimed. “Ten bits.”

“Bits?” asked Joey.

“Surely you know what a bit is.”

“Nnnnnope.”

The vendor turned to the next person. “Then I’m afraid I can’t help you,” he said. Joey facepalmed and grumbled. Could this day get any worse?

“There he is!!!” cried a familiar voice behind him. Like hell it would.

Joey turned to catch a glimpse of ANOTHER winged-unicorn that joined the chase.

Why me? he thought. He continued to run toward the nearest train, which happened to already be on the move.

“STOP!!!” cried Cory, making a mad dash toward it. He was gaining immensely on Joey. Just when he was about to grab Joey’s collar with his teeth, Joey dove for the caboose, which was just pulling out. His hand grabbed the rear railing of the caboose, which was gaining speed, and climbed in.

Meanwhile, Cory stumbled and fell on his face. He quickly recovered, and gave a panicked look at the train, which was speeding away. “Cadance!!” he shouted. “We have to catch that train!!!”

Cadance helped him up to a standing position. “Let’s go, nephew,” she said with a smile.

Meanwhile, Joey climbed up on top of the train, which sped towards the weather shield. When the train passed through, Joey realized his mistake.

Oh, poo. At least the train was warm.

Cory and Cadance sped towards the caboose of the train. “Should I write a letter to Twilight when we get into the caboose?”

Cory nodded. “Definitely.”

Before long, the two reached the caboose despite the freezing weather. They both stepped inside, shaking off the snow. “That’ll wake you up!!” laughed Cory. Cadance chuckled at the comment.

As Cadance and Cory gathered a paper and quill for the letter, Joey clung to the roof of the train, inching forward.

About four hours later…

As train drew close to Ponyville, and Twilight flew out ahead to meet the train before it reached the station. She was going to meet them so they could look on the roof for Joey. Cadance had mentioned in her letter that this “Joey” was Cory’s blood brother, and how he ran off and the were trying to catch him. Twilight hated to admit it, but she always loved a good chase. This time, it was for her dear Capricore.

Soon, the sound of the train alerted her, and she shook out the thoughts. Now, it was time to get focused. She spotted Capricore and Cadance as they flew out of a train car. “Second time today,” Cory joked. “Who knew?”

Cadance decided to ask about it later.

Meanwhile, Twilight flew up to her excitedly.

“SUNSHINE, SUNSHINE….” she started before Cadance interrupted her.

“Not now, we have to get Joey,” she said with a smile. Twilight put on her determined face.

Meanwhile, Joey was relaxing in the sun on top of the caboose oblivious to the search. Relaxing, that is, until he was startled by the same voice of the same horse he heard back in that crystal city.

“That was easy,” it said. He turned around to see that instead of a white unicorn and an orange one, there was a lavender winged unicorn.

Joey threw up his hands in exasperation. “Oh, come ON!!!” he said to himself.

Cadance landed on one side of him, while Cory and Twilight landed on the opposite. “Gotcha!!” squealed Cadance. Joey was truly frightened now.

“NOW!!!” shouted Cory, and everypony lunged at Joey. Being a quick thinker, Joey slid under Cadance’s belly as she soared over him. He stopped himself just before he slid off the end of the caboose.

Everypony else’s heads all collided with a sickening clunk.

They quickly recovered, and soon discovered that Joey had escaped again. “HOW DOES HE DO IT???” Cory cried in frustration.

They all tried to pull themselves apart, but they were to tangled up. So Joey decided, with a huge grin, that he would enjoy this for the time being. As soon as they untangled themselves, they were all dizzy.

Then Joey started laughing.

“Oh, my GOODNESS!!” he cried between breaths. “That’s the closest you can get? Why, that was funniest thing EVER!!!”

Cory shook out of his dizziness, and the others followed. But before they stood up, Twilight shouted, “DUCK!!!!!!!!”

Cory and Cadance obeyed, and a railroad signal passed overhead. Joey, on the other hand, was just recovering from laughing.

Cory saw this, and shouted, “Joey, DUCK!!”

Joey just gave him a look of confusion, although he couldn’t see Cory due to the giant railroad signal rushing toward his face.

“Aw, crap…” he muttered, and was hit in the face, sending him flying off the back of the train.

“GOT HIM!!” Twilight exclaimed. She then swooped down and caught him on her back. She let out a sigh of relief.

When she touched down, Cory and Cadance came back from the train and met up with her. Cory sighed in relief when he saw that Twilight had him, although he and Cadance were equally concerned about his face, which was starting to grow red and swell.

“What are we going to do with him?” Cadance asked Twilight.

"I...I...I think we should take him back to my house," Twilight suggested. Cory glanced worriedly at Joey's forehead. It was only getting worse, and dangerously so.

"No," Cory said, determination on his face. "We have to get him to the hospital, and quick!!" He looked at Cadance. She gave him a questioning look but then nodded.

"On it!!" Cadance declared, transferring Joey from Twilight's back to her own with her magic. "Can you two follow, just in case he falls?" she asked, flapping her wings.

"I was coming anyway," Cory confirmed flapping his wings as well. Twilight rose to his side.

"Can't forget about me!!" she said, still excited. "Let's save him!!"

The other two nodded, and they all rose into the sky. As they were flying, Twilight noticed the worried look on Cory's face. "Don't worry, Capricore," she consoled, "He'll be alright."

Cory shook his head. "It's not that, it's just...well...he didn't recognize me," Cory said, tears welling up. "He just ran for it, and I didn't even get to tell him who I was."

Twilight drifted over and nuzzled his cheek. "When he wakes up, you should have time. The hospital ponies will make sure he doesn't go anywhere," she said, stroking his back.

Cory gave her a sad smile, then returned to a determined look. "And like heck I won't!!!!!" he exclaimed, determined to get his brother back. "Joey will know who I am, and we will be reunited!!!"

Twilight's pupils dilated. "You mean, this is JOEY Joey? Your brother Joey? The one you said made your life worth it????" she asked, brimming with joy. Cory returned the look.

"Yep," he confirmed, looking up at the limp human on Cadance's back. "Now let's get him back!!!!"

I hope, Cory thought.

Author's Note

Sorry for the late update, but my co-writer and I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

My co-writer is artman7391, so if you have to give credit, PLEASE give him some. It's the least he deserves. After all, he made this possible.

Next update hopefully coming soon!!!!

Broncoman18

There's a First Time for Everything

Joey's POV:

Joey took a step beck in shock. "Who, me?" he asked. "You're not THAT stupid, are you?" Rainbow Dash chuckled, then was elbowed by Sunset and quieted down.

Joey blushed. "Er, that's not what I meant...." he said, looking confused. "I mean, no one has ever, you know.......asked me out........and I don't really know you............." He glanced at Rarity. Her smile was so big, it was scary.

Joey sighed. "Sure, I will," he said, smiling. "Why turn down a first chance?" Rarity trapped him in a bear hug, making him desperate for air.

"Oh, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!" she squealed, her smile even bigger. How the hell was that possible? "Sweetie had had the hardest time finding a partner, and you, good sir, have ended that!!!"

Joey weakly tapped her arm. When she looked at his face, it was deathly pale. "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!!" she gasped, immediately letting him go. Joey just waved her off while gasping for air. He bent over, wheezing. "Forgiven," he panted.

"So," Applejack interrupted, "Ya want some lunch?" Joey just glanced at her and shrugged.

"Maybe I'd rather starve to death," he replied. Applejack gave him a glare of disapproval.

"Kidding," Joey snorted. "Don't take everything so seriously." She just smiled and rolled her eyes. Why did everyone do that now except him?

The rest of school was a serious pain in the ass. Joey already understood how to do every single equation that Ms. Cherilee threw at him. It was kind of funny with all the surprised looks the others were giving him, but that didn't make it any less boring. He fell asleep four different times.

Sweetie Belle and her two friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, were just giggling and glancing at him for almost the entire second half of school. Joey pretended not to notice, but it still kind of creeped him out. He knew that he was her dance partner and all, but SERIOUSLY.

When the final bell rang, Joey silently rejoiced. He stayed clear of the sudden mob of crazed freshman, then he ducked out into the hall. Hopefully Sweetie Belle and Company wouldn't follow him. Maybe, just maybe.......

"Hey, Joey!!"

Well, shit.

He turned to face Sweetie and her friends, and he was immensely disappointed. "Where are you going?" chirped Sweetie Belle. "Uh, well, places...and...er...I'm kind of busy...'cause I have to...you know...er, nevermindgottago!!!" he replied, walking backwards away from them.

"You wanna hang out today, though?" asked Sweetie Belle, clearly disappointed.

"Uh, maybe."

"Aww, tarter sauce."

Tarter sauce? Who says that anymore? Joey thought. This place is interesting.

Joey quickly walked around a corner, hoping to get away. Right now, he was NOT ready to talk to a girl that liked him. He didn't even KNOW her that well. This was just his first day too.

"Yo, Joey!" said a voice from behind. When will this hell on Earth end?

He turned to find Rainbow Dash walking up to him. "Do you have to catch the bus?" she asked. Joey shook his head. "No, why?" he asked.

Rainbow shrugged. "I was just curious if you wanted to play with our soccer team during our practice." Joey nodded his head. "What would I be doing?" he asked.

Rainbow snorted. "Playing with us, of course," she said. "Didn't you say that you played varsity soccer at your old school?"

"Um, yes," Joey replied.

"Then what do you have to worry about?" she asked. Joey just gave her an uneasy look, and she returned it with an encouraging smile.

"Oh, all right," Joey sighed. Rainbow jumped in joy by hearing this.

"Great!!" she exclaimed, grabbing his hand and pulling him down the hall. "Let's test your skills!!" Joey stopped. "Wait, wait, wait. This is a TEST??" he said in surprise. "No, no, and nope," he continued, walking down the hallway the opposite way they were going.

"Joey, WAIT!!!" Rainbow cried in protest. "Don't you want to meet my soccer pals?"

Joey turned around and gave her a disappointed look. "Not really," he replied.

"So you're not coming?"

"If it's a test, HELL no."

"What if we just played one-on-ones?"

"...Maybe."

"So you'll come?"

Joey turned away sighed. "I did NOT say that," he grumbled. He looked back at her again with a serious look. "As long as I'm not tested, fine." Rainbow smiled. The two walked down the hallway, ready for their next activity.

The practice started out with a simple lap around the field. As Joey watched them all run, the coach came up to him. "Do you know anything about soccer?" he asked. Joey looked at him briefly, then returned his gaze back to the field. "I've known it my whole life," he replied.

"Alrighty then, you wanna help out with practice?" he asked.

"Sure," Joey replied.

"Start with equalizing the teams for the scrimmage we'll do to start practice."

"Will do."

"Thanks!!" The coach said with enthusiasm. "Go ahead and put a penny on!!"

When Rainbow saw Joey take the field, her eyes brightened. They were on opposite teams. "You ready to lose, punk?" she asked enthusiastically. "Only if you are," he replied. She chuckled at the comment.

The coach blew through the whistle, signaling kickoff. At this point the rest of the mane 7 came to watch the game out of boredom. Sweetie Belle and Co. showed up as well.

Joey assumed his midfield position and called for a pass. Receiving the ball, he took a long dribbling run to the corner of his opponent's 18 yard box. Only two more people to beat: the keeper, and Rainbow herself. Joey tapped the ball back and forth between his feet, then faked to the left. Seeing Rainbow follow, he quick tapped the ball through her legs, then got in on goal. As the keeper rushed out, he hammered the ball into the upper left corner. Everyone watching this let out an "Oooooooooooh!!"

After what seemed like five minutes, the scrimmage ended, as well as the practice. Joey quickly left the field, though, to avoid any attention. So far, so good.

"Wow, Joey, you killed it out there! Nice job!!" said Twilight, who came out of nowhere. Why, oh why couldn't just ONE thing go his way?

"Uh, yeah, thanks," he said, unsure. Then the rest of the group came.

Joey had never heard so much praise in his life, and it was making him uncomfortable. He would rather be looking for Cory then this bullshit.

Then Sweetie Belle spoke up. "You ready for the Fall Formal tomorrow?" she asked, grinning widely.

Joey's pupils shrinked. "T-tomorrow?" he stuttered quietly. Sweetie rolled her eyes. "Well, yeah. Don't you have anything to wear?"she asked. Joey just smiled and said jokingly, "Does it have to be nice?"

Rarity butted in. "I have a tuxedo in my shop, but you can have it," she said. "It's on the house. Ooooh, you'd look so CUTE!!!" she squeaked.

While she was still fangirling and cooing, Joey backed off slightly. "Uh, sure, why not?" he asked. He had never worn a tux before. This was going to be a first.

"So just come on over, and I'll get you situated. You can just spend the night at my place," Rarity offered. "Would your parents care?"

Joey bit his lip. He felt like he had been asked this before, but he just couldn't remember. So he lied. "Er...nope, nope, not at all," he replied.

Rarity clapped her hands excitedly. "Oooh, this is going to be GREAT!!!!" she said, motioning for him and Sweetie to come to her car.

Joey moaned. "Oh brother," he muttered.

The time had come. Joey had just finished cleaning up at Rarity's after a long school day. She was muttering things like "Ooh, hope he says yes," and "Flash is such a good partner to Twilight," and crap like that.

That's interesting. Flash and Twilight? Huh. Never knew.

But here Joey was, all dressed up, standing in front of the gym doors. Oh man.......Sweetie Belle was in there and waiting for him. He was SO not ready for this.

He took a step through the doors, taking a deep breath first. He had to get this. He took a good look around. Streamers were strung all over the ceiling, and there were tables loaded with food and punch.

He felt a tap on his shoulder. He whirled around to find none other than Sweetie Belle herself. "Hey," she said, blushing. "Hi," Joey replied nervously. "You wanna...you know...dance?"

Sweetie's smile lit up. "I was hoping you'd ask that," she replied. Then she grabbed his hand and pulled him to the dance floor. "So," Joey said, "How do you...you know...I've never danced before...-" Sweetie cut him off. "Like this," she replied, showing him the moves. When she was done, she looked him in the eyes. "You ready?" she asked. Joey nodded, and the two proceeded to slow dance. It was one of the most amazing experiences in his life.

After the song was over, Joey realized he was immensely thirsty. "I'm gonna go get some punch," he said, excusing himself. Sweetie waved and said, "Alright. Thanks for the dance...heh, heh." She was blushing profusely. "No problem," Joey replied.

He chose the table with the least people at it, then went there. As he was getting punch, he noticed how shaky he was. "Damn," he said to himself.

He failed to notice that there was a figure eyeing him from under the bleachers. "You cannot run from me, young one," it rumbled in a deep voice. "Blueblood gave me a job, and I will not stop until it is done. You've defeated me once, but Backbone shall have vengeance TONIGHT!!!!" With that he lifted up his hands, and they developed a brown aura, surrounding Joey's head with the same aura. After he finished putting the spell on him, he silently cackled at what he did.

Joey's eyes turned yellow, and his pupils dilated. A sharp, burning pain went through his head, as if someone had blasted him with an energy beam. He put his hands up to his head and fell to his knees. He let out a scream, attracting attention from nearby people. A girl with pink hair and a brick red skin color looked at him and gasped. "Are you alright?" she asked.

Joey turned his head to her, revealing his eyes. The girl stepped back in shock. "Oh, that is not normal," she said, horrified. "Do you need a nurse?" she asked.

Joey swiped a hand at her. "GET AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!" he cried, pulling himself up slowly. Every single cell inside of him felt like it was exploding. "I....I D-DON'T NEED YOUR......GAAAHHHH!!" His head whipped back, and he fell to the floor again, holding his head. "The voice...the voice...GO AWAY!!" He got to his feet and ran, stumbling out the gym doors, holding his head.

Another kid came up to the girl. "What just happened?" he asked. The girl slowly turned to look at him. "Get a chaperone!" she said desperately.

Meanwhile, Joey ran out of the school and down the block on this chilly night. He was holding his head, grimacing. It was like someone had set off a million a-bombs in his head. His vision was blurry yellow.

When he stopped running, he quickly looked around. He was at Cory's shed, the one he had seen the day before. More pain interrupted his thoughts.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Princess Celestia's son," said a voice from behind. Joey knew that voice all too well. The pain lightened, and his vision cleared. He turned around and saw General Backbone standing there, holding him at gunpoint. "You," growled Joey. "I thought you were dead." Backbone just shrugged.

"I wish I could stay and talk, but...I have a job to finish." And with that he shot Joey in the chest. At the same time, the pain came back to his head. His breathing was shallow. He stumbled into Cory's shed. Dripping blood everywhere, he cried out in agony. He just needed to lean against a wall...

He chose the far wall, which didn't have any other drawings that could get blood on them.

But something was different.

When he tried to lean against the wall, he fell right through.

The scene changed to a frozen wasteland that was right in the middle of a blizzard. On top of the terrible pain in his head, the bleeding chest that felt like it had been blown up, and the cold, he didn't have to be a genius to know he was gonna die. "Oh, Cory...." he croaked, spitting out blood.

Before his vision went black, he heard the sound of a train.

Author's Note

Joey's number one enemy is back! Will Joey's so called luck run out? Or will he cheat death again? Stay tuned!

Sorry for the late update, everyone. I was busy juggling schoolwork, the suicide councilor, and this story. Thank you to those who have supported me all the way through so far!!!!!!