Rusty's Journals or How I met my best friend

by JHawke

Rating: teen
Tags: Tempest Shadow, Sex, My Little Pony: The Movie, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Original Character, Comedy
Length: 15915

Rusty Anvil, blacksmith from Ponyville, has a simple, but hard life. One day, he meets very unusual mare. Mare, who almost destroyed Equestria. That turns his life around. Hers as well.

My name is Rusty Anvil. What can I say about me...

I'm a blacksmith from Ponyville, but, for a surprise, I'm a pegasi pony. I like the smell of molten steel, sound of hitting hammer and my forge. I run my little business for 2 years. You think it's easy money? Most of it goes on materials. The rest is for some bread and vegetables. Orders are pretty rare, but always expensive. I almost never leave my forge. Only for some quick shopping. I don't like to talk with others.

But, one day, to my workshop came unicorn mare with broken horn. I already knew, who it is, but I would never know, how far it will go... (And that sounded like some cheesy, clopfic text. Don't ask about this.)

My name is Tempest Shadow or Fizzlepop Berrytwist.

I came to Equestria as enemy, I stayed as friend. After defeating the Storm King, I became Princess Twilight's apprentice of Friendship. My first task was simple: find a new friend. For her looked simple. For me... not really. I have bad reputation after that attack. Even, if it was 3 months ago, I couldn't find a friend. I got used to scared or angry stares in my direction, but it started to get boring.

One day, when I wanted to fix Twilight's crown, as 'thank you' gift, I've met very interesting stallion. Pegasi blacksmith from Ponyville. At first, he was just an artisan for me, but he seemed cute and nice for me. He became my first friend since childhood...

Published 2018-01-09 23:10:11 UTC
Last updated 2018-02-11 14:05:10 UTC

Order for Princess form badass pony (Rusty's POV)

If you are reading this, it means, that you really want to know something about me and my 'friend'.

It was a simple day in Ponyville. Sun was on the sky, by Celestia's will, clouds were composed by pegasi ponies and my shop was empty. As always. Blacksmithing is pretty rare profession, nowadays. Especially among pegasi ponies. I'm possibly the only pegasus, whose special talent is working with hammer and anvil. (This is exactly my cutie mark.) Ponies are coming here only to repair some tools or order something fancy, like unique picture frame.

I looked into my cash desk. Inside were only 3 or 4 bits. I sighed sadly and closed it. I walked to my event, where I have everything: furnaces, anvil, hammers, pliers and stuff like this. I have there also my desk, where I keep my orders and bills. I opened every drawer, one by one. Half of them was empty, rest full of unpaid bills for water, electricity and materials. All of them were from one day.

It was day of the Friendship Festival, when Equestria was attacked by the Storm King and his commander, Tempest Shadow. I still remember those reins. As always, Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends saved the day and turned Tempest good. In Canterlot, of course, was big party. But, after this, everypony had to rebuild everything. Of course, Canterlot is lucky enough to be fixed by magic of great Princesses. I had to make everything for free. Nails, locks and hinges. All materials went for castle, but I didn't get a broken bit for that. Even princesses have blacksmiths in their plots.

Sometimes, I can see Tempest walking on the streets of Ponyville, when I go shopping. When she wants to talk to somepony, they pretend, that they don't see her. I felt weird about this. I know, she wants to repair her mistakes, but... When I see her, I look at her with compassion. I want to talk with her, but I'm afraid, that she will turn me into food for timberwolfs.

I heard a door bell. Somepony walked inside my workshop. I left the event to welcome my client, but my eyes whitened, when I saw her. Dark purple coat, crimson mohawk, scar through her right eye, black armor, aquamarine eyes and, most important, broken unicorn horn. She's in my workshop. Unicorn, who I respect and I'm afraid of. Tempest Shadow. Next to her was that hedgehog-like creature, named Grubber. He's walking with her everywhere. They both were looking around, observing some swords, what I made for presentation.

"How can I help you?" I asked, still little nervous.

"Oh." Tempest sighed, surprised. "I didn't see you there, Mr..."

"Rusty Anvil." I introduced myself. "You can call me Rusty. You're Tempest, right?"

"Yes..." She said little ashamed. "I know, I almost destroyed Equestria and you should me mad at me..."

"Hey, everypony makes mistakes." I saw, that Grubber was climbing on swords. "Hey!" I flew to him and grabbed him.

"Let me go! I just wanted to look closer." Grubber explained himself. I raised my eyebrow and put that little hedgehog on the ground. "They look pretty nice. Can you make me smaller one?"

"Excuse me for him." Tempest said and looked at Grubber with reproach.

"It's no big deal, when someone appreciates your job."

"It is very good job, indeed. I'm surprised, that pegasi could do such beautiful weapon." Tempest grabbed one of swords in her hooves. "They are lightest, than I thought." I took sword from her, hit with my hoof and put to her ear. "They are... empty inside." She said surprised.

"But they aren't less durable, than normal swords." I said, putting back sword on the wall. "So... what brings you here?"

Grubber opened his backpack. Inside was smashed crown. Grubber put her on the table. I was surprised, looking at it.

"Why did you came to me?" I asked. "This is more like job for jeweler or goldsmith."

"I... wanted to go to the local jeweler, but it was closed. I heard about blacksmith nearby, so I thought, you can fix it."

"It's Princess Twilight's, right?"

"Yep. She smashed it, during attack on Canterlot." Grubber joined the talk. "And now, she wants to fix it, because she feels guilty." Tempest hit Grubber in his left arm. "Ow. Sorry, but it's true!"

Tempest made a guilty sigh. "Yes, I crushed the crown, because I was angry, that Twilight escaped. But now, after all I've done, I want to fix it, as sign of friendship."

"What on Celestia's mane..." I said with irritation.

"Is it that bad?"

"You have no idea. Look at it. You see this?" I pointed the crown.

"It's smashed." She said with obvious tone.

"Exactly." I opened cash desk and took of one bit. I put it vertical. "Try to smash it."

Tempest tried to smash the coin, but nothing happened. "It's no use, it's too hard."

"If you can't smash a simple golden bit, then how did you smash royal golden crown?" I took that bit. "To make this coins harder, they melt them with iron. The same think they do with jewelery. Gold is very soft metal. Only an idiot could do such think, like not adding iron to gold."

"I see, that you know very much about metal..." Tempest said confused. "But, you can fix it, right?"

"It will take a while, but yes. I can fix it. I have only one request. Half of payment forward."

"So, how much?" Grubber asked.

"500 bits."

"What?" Tempest said indignant.

"Trust me, it's honest prise. Simple tightwad in Canterlot would take 5 times more for that."

"Fine. Grubber..." Hedgehog took from his backpack big purse full of bits. He pulled from inside exactly 500 bits. I've never seen that much money in years. "I hope it will be worth that cost." Tempest grumped.

"Maybe you want to see by yourself?" I asked. This was, for me, like asking her to bed to have sex. For a blacksmith, forge is sanctuary, what shouldn't be profaned by not-blacksmith. I hope, she will say no.

"Sure, I don't have much to do now." She agreed. D'OH!

"I have date with strawberry cake, so have fun, you two." Grubber said and left my workshop. At least he left.

I won't lie. I invited her to talk with her more. She came here and didn't turn me into timberwolfs food, so... i guess, it's OK. And, buck, she looks so awesome in that armor. I would kill to know, that metal is in this beauty. I mean armor, not Tempest. But, she's beauty, too. I just said that out loud, right? Buck me... Okay, we're in the forge.

"It's pretty hot inside." That's what she said.

"Furnaces have to be always turned on at day."

I took a crown and put it on my desk. First, I removed all gems from it. I still can't believe, this is big pale of bungle. Even novice blacksmith knows, that gold is like metal plasticine. When I removed all of this, I put this imitation of crown to furnace with some iron. That'll do.

I looked at Tempest. She looked, like she was about to boil alive.

"Isn't too hot in this armor?" I asked.

"N-no. It's fine." Her voice was little nervous. She doesn't like to be naked or she hides something.

"You're ashamed about your cutie mark, or what?" What's her cutie mark, anyway? Is it a storm cloud, or something like that? She always wears this armor, so no one knows.

"Well, you see my cutie mark all the time, so, no, I'm not ashamed about it." She answered. Say what now? Those...
horns on her armor are her... cutie mark? What the buck? "It's just, because... I have there more scars." Tempest said with shame. "That's why I don't take off my armor. I scare everypony enough, already."

"Scars aren't scary" That was bucking true. Her eye scar is amazing. I took of my jacket and pointed my right side. I had there 3 big scars. "When I was young, I went to the forest, nearby my village, ignoring dad's warning. I was attacked there by timberwolfs. They left me little memorial." I was crying like baby, who I was back there. "I was grounded for year. And I have little... trauma about timberwolfs." I said, while wearing jacket back.

"Then, why do you wear this jacket?"

"It's only think, what I have from my dad. But, I don't want to talk about this." Scars aren't only memorial from timberwolfs.

"You have to be very lucky. Almost nopony survives meeting with timberwolfs." Tempest said and took of her armor. She had four scars on chest. They were much bigger, than mine and were in the same line, like the one on her eye. Holy buck... And her cutie mark is really, like on her armor. Man, she's pretty muscled. Slim, but muscled. "But even less with Ursa Minor."

"Is that also, how you lost your horn?" I asked. I took a pair of pliers and took off a shapeless ingot from a furnace. Perfect. I went to rummer and started to form a brass from it.

"It was accident from childhood, like yours." Tempest started. "I was playing with my friends, when ball rushed to Everfree Forest. I decided to bring it back. I found it in the entrance to cave. When I grabbed it, I heard the roar. It was Ursa Minor. I was to scared to run. This beast just waved with it's claws and threw me to the edge of the forest, living me bleeding wounds and broken horn. I quickly recovered form this, but my magic became... unstable. When I came back to my friends and tried to use my magic, they just left me. When I wanted to talk about this with parents, they pretended, like they don't know me. Everypony in my village was afraid of me." What a bunch of plotholes. "They treated me, like monster. So, I became it." Tempest's voice from sad turned into angry. "I left my village without any word. After years of traveling, I've met Storm King. He promised me, that if I will help him find powerful magic, he will restore my horn." I hope, that my walls don't have ears. I saw a single tear in Tempest's eye. "When I met Twilight and returned on good way, I realized my mistake. I can't fix it, but I try to show, that I'm not evil."

"I know, you're not." I said with smile. "My mom told me, that everypony deserves second chance. If you want to fix your mistakes, this means very well about you. Well, you can't repair past, but you can make better future. That's also my mom's words."

"Why are you so friendly for me, after all I did?" I want to go to bed with you. That's why. No, kidding, kidding.

"I saw you at market. You looked like homeless dog, who looks for owner, who would love him." That was the worst comparison ever. "If Princess Twilight thinks you're good, I agree with that. She did many good thinks for Equestria, like making god of chaos good, defeating cursed princess or sending centaur-minotaur to hell. Besides, I've heard, that you defeated Storm King."

I saw a little blush on Tempest's face. "Yes, I did it."

Tempest put her armor on and looked at my work. When I made a brass, I rolled it in circle and united it in one roller. I started to form arms of the crown on anvil. I had to sometimes put it in a furnace to keep it malleable. After I finished, I started to polish it on grindstone and with beeswax. I used some solder to place gems on crown. After 2 hours of work, crown looked like a new one. I hit it a few times with hammer. Solid, like mountain.

"Here you go." I said, giving crown to Tempest. Her eyes whitened, when she saw the crown.

"It's wonderful. It looks even better, than the one, what I smashed." Tempest said with smile. "Thank you, Rusty." She hugged me. Man, that's tight hug.

"It's fine. You know, forget about the rest of payment." Those money, what I got already, are fine to pay bills and some better food. "Can you let me go? I like breathing, you know."

"Oh, sorry." She said, embarrassed. "Sometimes, I forged, how strong I am."

"It's OK." Except my crushed trachea. "Maybe, you want to hangout sometimes, with me?" I proposed with doze of shyness. I saw, that she blushed.

"Why not. Thanks again and... goodbye, Rusty." She said and left my forge. "If you want to meet again, find me at Twilight's Castle!" She shouted. Man, this mare is amazing.

This is how I met Tempest Shadow. The mare, who became my friend. Well, only friend since school.

My first friend, not from Main 6 (Tempest's POV)

I left the blacksmith's store, holding Twilight's crown in my hoof. Before I wanted to give it to her, I had to find Grubber. It's easy, because he goes always to the same place, when we separate. Sugar Cube Corner.

When I walked in that direction, I still had in mind that blacksmith. Including Twilight and her friends, he's the only one, who doesn't bother about my past. His voice is little cute. When he talked about metal, I got confused. He doesn't look like an egghead. Well, he's a metal egghead. I wanted to stop, but he stuck in my mind. His voice, his look and his talent. I've meet blacksmiths in my life, but not that good. But it doesn't mean, I like him. I mean, he's nice and cute, but I'm not really sure, if he just did it to don't loose a client and earn some money. Although, his proposition interested me. Maybe he really likes me? I will keep an eye on him. If he did it only for money, he will pay with his teeth or in different way.

Before i noticed, I was in Sugar Cube Corner. Then, I heard the most evil think, what lived in Equestria.

"Fiiiizzieeeee!" Pinkie Pie screamed, like she didn't saw me in years. I hate, when she calls me, like that.

"Hi, Pinkie." I sighed with frustration. I saw Grubber, eating strawberry cake. It wasn't a single piece. It was three-layers strawberry cake. How something that small can eat so much? "The usual, please." I said and sat opposite Grubber.

Grubber is, kinda, my first friend. When I joined the Storm King, me and Grubber became very effective crew. He was the only one, who knew my real name. Maybe he's small, but brave and smart. He can be annoying, but I got used to it.

"So, how's the crown?" He asked, with mouth full of cake. "You were there for 2 hours." I showed him crown.

"It's like a new one. This Rusty Anvil knows, how to do this." I said, putting it to Grubber's backpack.

"Here you go!" Pinkie said, putting in front of me blueberry pop milkshake. I don't know, how she makes it, but I like it. I took a straw into my mouth and started to drink.

"This guy seemed nice." Grubber said, licking frosting of his hands. "Have you talked about something interesting?"

"Not really..." I lied, scratching back of my head.

"You told him about Ursa Minor, haven't you?" He asked.

"Yes..." I admitted. "He had similar adventure with timberwolfs. I think that they killed his father."

"This sucks." Grubber sighed. "But, at least you found friend." I sighed nervously.

"I'm not sure, if he likes me."

Grubber snorted. "Come on, Tempest. Who would not like someone, like you?"

"All Equestria plus borderlands around it?" I sighed with obvious tone.

"Well... you have a point." Grubber ended and returned to his cake, when I returned to my milkshake.

In the corner of my eyes I saw familiar hippogriff, talking with my 'favorite' party pony. First party freak, now shell-phile. This day couldn't be better. Maybe, if I will pretend, that I don't see her, she might don't see me as well.

"HIIII POOOOOPIEEEEE!" Skystar called me. Celestia's bucking dammit! It's even worse, than Fizzie.

"Let me guess... You recognized me by mohawk?"

"That's too. I also recognize your fur and face 'I don't see anypony here'. But, it's nice to see you, again. Even if you destroyed my home, but it was long time ago. Shelly and Sheldon are always saying me, that everypony has a good heart." Is she insane, or I just see world like this?

"By the way, how are they?" Pinkie asked. Correct, they both are insane.

"Can I drink my milkshake, without talks above my ears?" I asked, with voice full of anger.

"Okey-dokey-loki!" They both said. Why do I come here everyday? Right, for this purple, little drops of heaven.

"But, before we leave..." Pinkie said.

"What?"

"Who's Rusty Anvil?" She asked. I finished my milkshake, paid and left.

"None of your business." I said, walking through the door. When I turned my head to the street, Pinkie was already in front of me. WHAT THE...

"I won't tell anypony. Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye." She made Pinkie Promise. Buck, now I have to tell her! Why do I even make so much trouble about some blacksmith?

"He's just a simple blacksmith." I growled.

"I don't think so." Skystar said, like it was singing. "You acted pretty weird." Said half bird, who's talking to shells with fake eyes. "Do you like him?"

"Is he your new friend?" Pinkie asked excited.

"Can we speak somewhere private?" I asked.

Pinkie smiled, knocked on the ground and... opened secret trapdoor.

"For a better effect, please scream with fright or fun." Skystar said.

"BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU...CK!" I screamed. "So... this is your..."

"It's my Party Cave!" Pinkie screamed right into my right ear. Around were decorations, sweets and files. On the ceiling was ice cream or cotton candy. More possible is second option. Pinkie and Skystar started to look into files.

"We have a winner!" Skystar called, putting a folder on the table. "Rusty Anvil's papers."

I opened the folder. It was more compete, than any in Storm King's archives.

Name: Rusty Anvil
Age: 24
Birthplace: Hollow Shades
Special Talent: Blacksmithing
Look: Long, brown mane with red tips; rusty brown coat; short beard, amber eyes.
Likes: Blacksmithing.
Don't likes: Peanut Butter.
Favorite dessert: Chocolate cake with cherries and rum.

"How did you get that?" I asked, little scared.

"You have no idea, how much can you learn from one party." She said. This sounded pretty weird. But, with Pinkie and Skystar everything is weird.

"Okay, thank you for informations, but I have important deliver for Twilight." I said, closing the folder and walked upstairs. Luckily, Grubber managed to finish his cake. I won't ask, how many did he ate, when I was at Rusty's. I walked to my hedgehog companion. "Ready to go?"

"I was born ready." He said with determination.

We arrived to Twilight's Castle. After defeating the Storm King, I started to live here. It's cozy. Sometimes I read books, sometimes I talk with Twilight or Starlight Glimmer, Twilight's other friendship student. But mostly, I'm grinding my martial arts. I liked to be always ready for any occasion.

When I walked inside, it was quiet. Too quiet. I checked the library. Empty. I walked to the cutie map room. Inside was Starlight Glimmer, sitting on Twilight's throne, balancing a pencil on her nose.

"Good morning, Starlight." I said.

"Hi, Tempest! Hi, Grubber." She returned the favor, still balancing a pencil.

"Do you know, where's Twilight?" I asked.

"She's solving a friendship problem with Applejack in Fillydelphia. She left like an hour ago." She explained the situation. Just. Perfect.

"Starlight... you look bored." Grubber noticed.

"Since Storm King's attack, 3 months ago, nothing happened." Starlight murmured bored.

"I won't bother you." I said and walked to Twilight's room. I left inside her crown and note.

When I walked to my room, I decided to read old journal, what Twilight wrote with her friends. I wonder, if I will find a new friend.

I was very deep in lecture, that I didn't noticed Grubber, lying next to me.

"Do you sometimes miss those times?" He asked.

"What do you mean?"

"When we were fighting for Storm King. Everyone was afraid of us. I, honestly, like to be nice and friendly, than mean and scary."

"Yeah, me either." I said with smirk. "Do you think, that my parents still remember me?"

"I thought, that you don't like to talk about this." Grubber said, surprised.

"I don't, but... I think, that I should visit them, someday."

"Bring them cake with 'I'm sorry' written on it and they will welcome you with open hooves." Grubber said. I laughed a little. It's nice to have someone to talk with. "But, I have to find friend."

"What about this Rusty Anvil?"

"If he didn't do that for money..."

"What do you mean?" Grubber asked confused.

"He had the same, scared look in his eyes. Like the others. Even, if he said nice thinks, his eyes told everything. He's afraid of me, like everypony else."

"Are you crying, Tempest?" He asked me.

"I just want to fix my mistakes." I said through tears. "If I will find friend, who's not afraid of me, it would help me very much."

"Did I say, that I'm afraid of you?" I head familiar, cute voice. Is that him? I opened and looked through the window. I saw the same pegasus, what I met earlier, flying in front of my window.

"Rusty?" I said surprised. Like very surprised. "What the hay are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see, if Princess Twilight likes the crown, but also I wanted to ask you out." He said with smile. But, he still had fright in his eyes.

"Well, Princess Twilight's out, so you should come later to check this." I straighted it up. "And, what do you mean about 'asking out'?"

"You were crying?" He asked.

"She cried, like beaver." Grubber said. I couldn't resist and I hit him in the shoulder. "Sorry." Why he always say, what he shouldn't?

"If it's wrong time, then I will..."

"Wait." I interrupted him. "I will go with pleasure."

"Then, I'll back tomorrow noon. I have some nails to straight up." He said and left. "See ya."

"Goodbye." I said and smiled. I looked at Grubber. He had a weird look on his face.

"You like him, don't you, Tempest?" He said.

"Maybe, but it's not a reason to you to grin, like an idiot." I said to him with anger. "It's just nice, that he asked me out."

"Looks like, you found a friend." I heard another familiar voice.

"Twilight?" I asked surprised. "Starlight said, that you are in FIllydelphia."

"Well, I forgot to take something." She said and hugged me. "I'm so happy, that you found a friend."

"Actually, I'm happy, too." I said with small smile.

"Can you tell me about him?" She asked, while breaking the hug.

"I'll better show." I said and went with Twilight to her room. I picked up a crown, what I left here earlier. "He's very good blacksmith. I met him, when I looked for someone to fix your crown. He agreed and made it even better."

Twilight picked crown with her magic. "Wow. It looks even better, than earlier." Twilight said surprised. "But, you didn't had to."

"I wanted to thank you for what you did for me." I explained. "And I met friend, occasionally."

"Have you told him already about that 'accident'?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, I did. He had similar adventure with timberwolfs. He also lived in the same village, like Starlight." Dammit, I forgot to ask her about him.

"Maybe you should ask her about this?" Twilight proposed.

"Sure, why not." Thank you, Twilight's head. "But, I want to grab something more filling to eat than milkshake."

"Okay, your choice. Thanks again for crown!" Twilight screamed, while leaving.

I made my way to the kitchen. Inside was Spike, Twilight's assistant. He was cooking something with gems.

"Hi, Tempest." He greeted.

"Hi, Spike. Don't mind me, I just want to grab something to eat."

"In fridge is some chili from yesterday, if you want." Spike gave an advice. I opened a fridge. Inside was a bowl of chili. I took it and put into the microwave. After a few minutes, chili was warm, but not hot. I took it with me and went to the cutie map room. Starlight was still there, still balancing a pencil. She must be very bored. I sat on only throne, what belonged to the least crazy pony from Twilight's friends. On Fluttershy's throne.

When I finished my chili, I decided to break this awkward silence. "Starlight, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead." She responded, still balancing a pencil.

"Does name 'Rusty Anvil' rings any bell?"

"Well, there was a colt in my village named like that. I barely knew him. I can't even remember, how he looked like. Why do you ask?"

I decided to don't play half measures. "I've met a pegasi pony by this name. Here, in Ponyville. I just wanted to know, if you had any relationship with him."

"I was only friends with Sunburst." She replied. "But, how did you know about his place of leaving?"

"Pinkie Pie." It's an answer for every question.

"I get it."

"And why do you balance this pencil all the time?"

"It's a time killer."

"Aha" I responded and left. Well, he wasn't friends with Starlight, so he has a clean account. I hope so.

Hanging out with Tempest. (Rusty's POV)

Today is the day. I woke up early, ate breakfast and prepared everything for today hanging out with Tempest. Fresh apples from Sweet Apple Acres - check. Thermos with ice tea - check. Sandwiches with blueberry jelly, without peanut butter - check. Blanked - check. Chocolate cookies from my mom - check. Dishes- check. First, I hate peanut butter, because this shit sticks to the palate. Second, mom bakes the best cookies in Equestria and every week sends me fresh box. She runs a bakery in Hollow Shades, my village. Her name is even connected with it. (It's Chocoroll, and her cutie mark is a plate, full of cookies.)

Enough about this. I returned to shop, but my eyes were disturbed by a very interesting person. Lavender alicorn with purple eyes and sparkle cutie mark. It was Princess Twilight Sparkle.

"Good morning, Mr. Anvil." Princess greeted, very formal.

"Good morning, Your Highness." I responded. "What brings the princess to the simple blacksmith, like me?" I hope, it's money, she's owing me. It's like 10 000 bits.

"I was very interested by your skills." Princess said, pointing her crown. "Since the attack of the Storm King, I was thinking about creating a local guard. And I want you to create equipment for them." My jaw dropped. Full-time job for a princess? Armors are very profitable. Crafting them costs fortune, not talking about periodic repairs. "Of course, you'll get payment for your job." My jaw dropped even lower. I thought, that I'm going to cry from happiness.

"How much, exactly?" I asked.

"50 000 bits per month."

"Fifty... Thousand... Bits... Per month?!" I'm in bucking heaven.

"Too low? Then, how about 75 000?"

"How many?" Is she stupid or what?"

"You like to bargain? 100 000 bits is my last offer."

"DEAL!" I screamed. I rewind everything wrong, what I told about her. "Where I have to make an autograph?"

Twilight put on table a piece of paper. First rule of contracts, read them carefully, first. Everything seemed fine, so I signed myself. I saw also Filthy Rich's signature (Somepony cut his daughter's pocket money.), Princess Twilight's seal and Princess Celestia's signature and seal. Man, she treats that 'local guard' stuff very seriously. The contract offered permanent payment and materials supply. I'm royal blacksmith. If dad would see me, he would cry,
like I do inside.

"When do I start?" I asked.

"I'm handling the recruiting today. Tomorrow, you'll get every measurements. Have a nice day!" My new boss said, while leaving. When she left, I fainted. It was too much for me.

I woke up and looked at the clock. My eyes looked like broken bulb. BUCK! ONE MINUTE TILL NOON! I MUST HURRY! I took a picnic basket and rushed to Twilight's castle. I think, that I destroyed half of Ponyville and made Sonic Rainboom, during the way here, but I had to be punctual. When I was under castle's door, the clock tower ringed for 12 o'clock. Perfect. I wanted to knock, but Tempest already opened the door.

"Hi, Rusty." She greeted me. SWEET CELESTIA! She changed her armor into a casual, black dress and her mohawk became a simple, long haircut. "I know, I look ridiculous. It was Rarity. She said something like this." Tempest cleared her throat. "No matter, where do you go, you must look fabulous, darling." She parodied Rarity. "After that, she forced me to wear this and changed my haircut into this 'newest Canterlot fashion trend', or something, like that."

"Well, the dress suits you, actually..." I tried to compliment.

"It's awful, right?"

"Yeah, not your style."

Tempest returned inside and changed her 'fabulous look' into 'Queen Badass'. "Much better." Tempest said with relief. Yep, she looks much better. Damn, she looks sexy in that armor.

"Yeah, this suits more to you. Also, I'm not planing to take you to the most expensive restaurant to Equestria."

"We're going on picnic, right?" She asked.

"Yes." I said, pointing a basket on my back. "You know any nice place?"

"Well, there's a little lake, nearby." Tempest proposed. Lake. Sounds nice.

"Okay, lead the way,"

We both arrived to the lake. I took and prepared everything. I saw, that Tempest had something with her, too. It looked like a present. I decided to ask about it later. We both were sitting on the blanket and talked about random things. Tempest decided to taste the cookie.

"Wow, they're great!" She said.

"My mom baked them and sent me." I explained. "Maybe Cakes have best bake good in Equestria, but mom bakes the best cookies." I said, taking one of them and biting it.

"At first, I thought, that you baked them." I burst into laugh, hearing Tempest's thoughts.

"The best think I cooked, are burned scrambled eggs."

"How can you burn eggs, when you are blacksmith?"

"Well, I have a talent." I made it a joke. We both giggled.

"About your talent..." Tempest interrupted and opened her mysterious box. Inside was chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream on top. I felt also smell of rum. "Twilight told me, that you started to work for her, so I bought you your favorite cake, because I thought, you might be in mood to celebrate it." You bucking reed in my mind.

"You didn't had to." I said, with embarrassed tone. "How did you know, that's my favorite?"

"I have my contacts..." She skipped the topic. I bet my favorite hammer, she knows it from that pink devil.

I took a knife, forks and plates from the basket, sliced the cake and grabbed a piece for me and one for Tempest. I took one bite. Amazing, as always.

"You know, I thought, that you're an aggressive, emotionless mare. But, you're very nice." I complemented her. Tempest blushed a little.

"Well, at first I thought, that you only gave me hope to find a friend for money but... I guess, I was wrong." Tempest sighed with smile and blush. "This makes a tie." Suddenly, Tempest became weirdly vigilant.

"Tempest, are you okay?" I asked, worried and scared.

"I heard something in the bushes." After Tempest's statement, my nose was hit by a horrible stink. Very familiar stink.

"Tempest, we should leave. Now!" I screamed, but it was too late. Behind us were two hungry, scary, angry, stinking and blood-thirsty timberwolfs. I felt their breaths on my neck. I was paralyzed by fear. I had flashbacks from the unlucky day.

Run, Rusty!
Dad, where are you going?!
Don't look behind! Just run! Come here, beasts! Wanna fresh, earth pony meat?! COME AND GET IT!!!

I thought, that was my end. But when timberwolf wanted to sink it's fangs in me, Tempest jumped on him and kicked in nose. She started to fight with timberwolfs. It looked like dance. Deadly, yet beautiful dance. Before those beasts could reach her, Tempest was giving them hit by hit, kick by kick. After minutes of fight, timberwolfs decided to run away from purple devil. Tempest didn't look even tired. Heck, she wasn't even sweating.

"Easy as pie." She said with smirk.

"Wow." I said in disbelieve. She's a bucking goddess. Beautiful, badass goddess. I noticed, that she looks at me in very weird way.

"Are your wings fine?" She asked me. I looked at my wings. They were spread open. Buck. Wing boner. Was I that impressed? "W-well. When pegasi p-pony is scared, their wings are... spreading without warning to... sh-show predator, that he's bigger and stronger than him." I stuttered with stupid smile. I hope she bought this.

"O-kay." She said with confusion. "The most important is, that you're fine." Tempest looked under me. "Maybe... you should look down." I looked down. Great. First, wing boner. Now, I peed. Just great. Wait. So that means... Oh buck...

"DON'T LOOK!" I screamed and turned around. BUCK. IT'S EVEN WORSE! I hope, she's not looking. "I-I'll better go. Have a lot of work. Thanks for hangout. G'bye." I said like complete idiot and flew away, leaving all stuff, what I brought here. I felt, like I was going to dig myself.

When I returned to my workshop, I saw a little box in front of my door, with letter on it. It's... from Princess Celestia. I opened the letter immediately.

Dear Mr. Anvil.
Twilight have told me about your blacksmith abilities and I decided to tell you something important. Your father, Stone Anvil, have been one of the best blacksmiths, I've ever had under my command. Everything, he forged, was a masterpiece. My private guards are wearing armors made by him. When he was leaving Canterlot, he wanted me to promise, that I will give this to his son in proper time. Of course, after all those years of great work, I promised him. I hope, that your father is proud of you. Make Ponyville safe.
With great honor.
Princess Celestia.

Dad have told me, that he was working in Canterlot, but never told about working for Princess Celestia. I opened the box. Inside was old sketchbook with dad's cutie mark on cover. It was hammer hitting the heated rod of steel. Inside were many projects of armors, weapons and ornaments. I found the project of the Royal Guard Armor, my mom's pin, what dad gave her for their anniversary and something very interesting, with note form dad. 'Rusty, if you're reading this, it means, that you're a great blacksmith, like I have been. It's a mysterious project of your grandfather's grandfather. None of them, or even me, couldn't create this blade. I know, that you can do this. You're more than a blacksmith. You're my son. Smart and talented son. I'm proud of you...'

From my eye fell a single tear. I looked closer on this scheme. It was some kind of gauntlet with spreading blade, but it looked like there is something about gears and levers. The rest was written in some weird language or code. I went inside and put the book aside. Dad, are you hiding more things?

I looked on my clock. It was 1 p.m. Day's still young. I decided to do some work and make some orders. Wait, I don't have any. I took the book and went to basement, what also was my bedroom. My jacket went on the hanger and I went to my desk. I started to study more this 'Integral Blade'. Maybe I should craft a prototype. To see, what should I do, to make it work properly. According to understandable part of this scheme, this suppose to be a very light, strong and mobile weapon. Also, it suppose to fold into gauntlet, be possible to throw and controlled by... And here starts the bad shit. The rest of it isn't understandable. I looked for some clues, how to break it. I looked above fire, Nothing. tried Caesar cipher, Nope. and even made origami with it. "BUCK!" I threw it away.

It was long and embarrassing day. I wanted to forget about this and fell asleep on my desk by accident.

From nowhere, I was in Canterlot. On Grand Galloping Gala. I hope, that Tempest didn't poisoned me with that cake. I realized, that I have a tuxedo.

"Is that a dream?" I asked myself.

"Yes, indeed." I heard an answer. I looked behind. I saw there second of Royal Sisters, Princess Luna.

"Your Highness? What am I doing on Grand Galloping Gala, in my dream?"

"Sometimes, we dream about thinks, what we want to do." Princess Luna answered in very enigmatic tone.

"But I don't want to go on this party!" This is very weird.

"But, you want to be with somepony..." Princess said and looked right. I looked after her. She was looking at Tempest. She was wearing the same dress, what she was wearing, before our hangout.

"Is that really her?" Of course, she's not, moron. It's a dream.

"Yes, she is." Are you kidding me? Does Princesses like me that much? "Tempest Shadow asked me in letter about a dream, where she could talk with you in privacy. Come on, dance with her."

"Wait, you made me sleep?"

"Maybe..." She said with eyes above.

I took a deep breath and walked to Tempest. She's so beautiful in that dress. I felt, like a complete idiot, walking to her, after what I did. It was kinda timberwolfs fault... "Hi."

"Hi." Tempest responded. "I didn't expected something, like that."

"How about a... little dance?" I asked with hoof up. She made a small smile and answered with her hoof on mine. Guests around us walked aside and all lights were on me and Tempest. We started to dance in the rhythm of music. "So, why you want to talk in privacy?"

"Well, I wanted to tell you something." Don't say, you're lesbian. Don't say, you're lesbian. Don't say, you're lesbian. "Tempest Shadow isn't my real name." Thank you, Celestia. Wait, what?

"Then, what is it?"

"But, promise, that you won't laugh." She had embarrassed face. Is her real name that bad?

"I promise." She answered with a smile. "So, what's your name?"

She put her mouth closer to my ear. "It's Fizzlepop Berrytwist." FIZZLEPOP BERRYTWIST? Yeah, it's pretty embarrassing for somepony, like her.

"Well, Tempest suits you more." I said, trying to mute my laughter. "But, why you didn't tell me on the first place?"

"I didn't trust you at first place. But, when I met you more, I decided to tell you. But, can you still call me 'Tempest'?"

"Sure." I said. I would never call her in the other way. "I want to apologize for this situation. I hope, that you're not... pissed off?" Really?

"No, I'm not. If I was in the same situation, like you, I would do the same thing."

"Well, it's hard to believe, after you kicked those timberwolfs flanks... I mean, you looked like you were doing this for the whole life."

"Travel for all your childhood and we can talk about this." She joked, what I couldn't believe in. "Thank you for listening. I didn't want to keep it inside me."

"It's fine." Maybe I should tell her... "Tempest, listen. About those timberwolfs, in my childhood... Dad saved me from them, back there. And didn't came back. We found only his jacket."

"I'm sorry..."

"You don't have to." I said with smile. "What happened, that happened. We can't repair the past..."

"But we can make better future." That's my mare. We finished the dance and I woke up on my desk. Saliva was all over it. Dammit. I felt much better after these words. And everything started to be even better...

Nothing, like beer with friend. (Rusty's POV)

One week has passed, since my mom and 'marefriend' visited me and Tempest saved my plot, once again. Being saved by a mare is kinda humiliating. Especially for experience blacksmith, like me. Before I met Tempest, I could easily defeat every earth stallion in hoof wrestling. Now, I can barely swing my hammer. I decided to change something in my life.

I was on Sweet Apple Acres. As always, Applejack and Big Macintosh were harvesting the apples. I really want to do this? Of course, I want.

"Hi, Applejack."

"Howdy, Rust'." Her accent is... weird for me. "What brings ya' here?"

"Can I help you with apple bucking?"

"If ya' want to..." Nice. She agreed. "But ya' must be strong, yet delicate." That's what she said...

"It's not my first rodeo, Applejack." I said, walking to the nearest tree. I was standing face to it, not my plot.

"What are ya'..." Before she finished, I hit the tree with my right foreleg with all my force. The effect was... unexpected. Applejack's gonna kill me. My hoof completely smashed most of the tree. It fell on the right and... it worked like apple domino.

"Um... I have laundry in oven! Bye!" I quickly left farm and returned to my forge. Wow. Maybe I'm not that weak?

Now, seriously. When I hit this tree, I landed in the hospital with broken hoof. I was in the hospital with right hoof on the hook. I hate my life. When I was writing curses on my plastered leg, inside walked Tempest with my favorite cake. I love my life. Tempest placed the cake on a table, next to me and sad on nearby chair.

"Pretty weird place for meeting, isn't it?" I asked funnily. She wasn't smiling.

"Can you tell me, what happened?" Her tone was more serious, than I've ever heard.

"It wasn't robbery. I just... I hit one of Applejack's trees." I confessed.

Tempest raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious?"

"Yes?" I answered, feeling a bump in my throat. Tempest chuckled, then loudly laughed. "What's so funny?"

"Are you... sure it was... was tree, not... Big Mac?" She said, pausing with laugh.

"I'm not in mood for jokes, woman..."

"I'm sorry... It's just weird to me, that someone broke leg, hitting a tree." Not only for you. "Anyways, why did you do that?"

"Laugh again and you'll end up, like me." Tempest nodded. "Well, since I met you, you always save me from dangers. First, timberwolfs, then my crazy ex... This is hard for stallion to accept, he was saved by mare. I wanted to check, that my blacksmith's strength is still inside me. But, you see, my bones are totally weak."

"When do you leave?" She changed the topic. Yeah, that's a bad sign...

"This evening, then I'll be wearing this for 2 weeks."

"Meet me at 'Scarlet Goblet' at 8 pm" She said with smile and left. She has a plan... Scarlet Goblet is a pub in Ponyville. Tempest sometimes drives there to drink something stronger, than cider. You know, why there's a little of stallions here? Most of them is going there to rest from their wifes. Anyways at 6:30 pm, I was in my house. Cake from Tempest landed in fridge, without one slice. I was eating it, wondering, what Tempest is planing for me.

When the time came, I was in the pub. There was a billiards, darts and some other bar games. In air was strong smell of alcohol. Tempest was sitting at the bar. I sat next to her.

"So, why did you invite me here?" I asked.

"Two beers!" She called. Barstallion gave us two mugs of beer. "I just wanted to ask you on a beer."

I grabbed my mug. "Then, for our friendship." I took a deep sip. It was way stronger, than cider. Tempest drank as well.

"It's my place, shaggy!" I heard voice behind my head. I turned around. Behind me was some unicorn stallion.

"Does it have your name on it?" I responded.

From his side, he grabbed the knife. "Don't try to be smart-flank."

"Oh, knife... I'm scared as buck..." I said with sarcasm. "Put it back, before you'll cut yourself." I returning to my beer and took next sip.

"Stop teasing, or else..." I couldn't handle anymore and hit him with my plastered leg.

"Here's an advice for you. Don't piss a blacksmith off, or else say goodbye to your teeth." Can I call myself 'badass' now?

"Yeah. Now I remember you... Your that stupid pegasus, who bit me of the business." I did what? "When you opened your stupid forge, you started to make hoof-made decorations and ornaments. My gift shop bankrupted, cause of this. Now, you're a blacksmith in royal hoofs and have more money, than you can spend. I had to grab a job as a dustman to feed my wife and daughter." Oh buck...

"Listen. I didn't know, that you had a gift shop around. I was just doing, what I love. If you want money, you can get 10% of my profit..." I tried to calm down the situation, but it only made him more mad.

"I don't want money... I want your corpses!" Unicorn threw his knife on me but Tempest grabbed it in her mouth and spit it away. "I see, that you even have your own chain dog." Oh no, you didn't.

I hit him again and pinned his head to the wall. "Call Tempest like that one more time and I'll crush your head..." I sighed. "I'm sorry about, what happened to you but it doesn't mean you have to stab me with a knife..."

"Now, you're sorry... But earlier, you didn't even know about my existing. Face it, you just took me my job. You don't even have a marefriend, not even speaking about wife, you have to..."

"Silver Plate?" I heard mare's voice. "Your fighting in bar again?"

"Honey, I can explain..." Unicorn said. Looks like, it's his wife. "This pegasus..."

"Tried to calm you down." Earth mare said. "Now, go home and you can forget about coming here for a week."

"It's not over..." Silver Plate said, leaving. His wife walked to me.

"My name is Silver Cup. I'm sorry about my husband, sir."

"Rusty Anvil. I'm sorry about my acting." I felt little guilty. "And that I ruined your husband's business..."

Silver Cup snorted. "He can't forget about this and he still forgets, that I run a store with silver goods. I've heard, that you tried to calm down the situation. And you stood in protection of your friend."

"Well, actually..."

"You don't have to protect him. He acts, like this every time, when he drinks too much. Anyways, have a nice evening, sir." She said and left. That was... weird.

I heard hoof-clapping. It was Tempest. "You're not that weak, as you think..." She said with proud smile. "You showed him, who's the boss here."

"I guess, I did." I wanted to say something about his business, but I reminded about our family adage. 'We can't fix past, but we can make better future'. Dwelling on this subject wouldn't make it better. "Let's have one more beer..."

10 beers later...

"🎶What will we do with a drunken pony,
What will we do with a drunken pony,
What will we do with a drunken pony,
Early in the morning...🎶"

I've been singing this all the way home with Tempest. We've drunk too much...

It was weird and crazy night. I was in bed, not remembering what exactly happened. All I knew is that I have big hangover. I hope, that I didn't do anything, what I should regret... I turned on the other side and... I froze. Oh shit... Buck... Next to me was Tempest... Naked. What happened last night? She was slowly waking up. I'm so, so dead.

"R-rusty?" She said with tired voice. "Wha-what are you doing in my bed?" I realized, where I was. It was Princess Twilight's Castle. I'm double dead... "Wait... I remember that we came here, kissed and..." Her face was telling everything. "WE HAD SEX!" It's cliché, but bucking terrifying! What if she was in heat? Did I impregnate her? Am I a father now? Am I not a virgin now?

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to... I was drunk. I didn't know what I was doing. Forgive me!"

"For what?" She asked confused. I was confused as well, because I was still alive. "I wasn't in heat, if it's all about... It was... indescribable feeling. It hurt... but in the good way. I felt like I was going to melt. This pleasure, this passion, this... love... It was... amazing... You were pretty good."

"I can't remember anything but I think It was great. For my first time..."

"For my, either."

We lied down on Tempest's bed in silence for quite a while, before she broke it.

"You know... you said also think, what stuck in my head..." She had a blush on face, saying that.

"What exactly?"

"You said... that you love me..." I really said that? "Was it true or... just drunk talking?" She seemed, like she really needed to know.

"What about you? Do you love me?" I just had to ask.

"I don't want to hide it... Of course, I do!" I was surprised by her answer. I would never expect, that she would go further, than friendship. "You're kind, cute and talented. What mare wouldn't want such a stallion to be her special somepony?" Kind and talented, that's fine. But cute? Maybe for her, I'm in some way cute. "So, what about you? I will understand, if you don't want to be with somepony, like me..."

I knew, what I have to say. "If I didn't want to be with you, we wouldn't end... here. I really care about you, Tempest. You're always ready to help somepony. You seem cold, but you're really kind and great mare. When I've been doing something wrong, you've always forgave me instead sending to the hospital. Also, you're always after me, no matter what's happening. Except this, you're the most beautiful mare, what I've ever seen..." I decided to kiss her. She quickly returned the kiss. Wow. She tastes like berries. "I love you, Tempest Shadow."

"I love you too... Rusty Anvil. You love me that much or you have sword with you?"

"If it's a sword, let's find it's proper place..." I've been waiting for that moment, since we met.

"What's going on here?" I heard kinda child's voice. At the door was little, purple dragon. Who the buck is he?

"Spike, you should go, now..." Tempest tried to get rid of him.

"Twilight wants to see you, this instant." Dragon said. "You can take your... friend with you." In that moment? I hate you, again, Twilight.

We both were in some kind of meeting room. Twilight was standing back to us. I've never been inside of this castle. It was really big and... crystal.

"What's going on, Twilight?" Tempest asked, worried.

Twilight turned to us. She had a smile on face. "Princess Celestia invited us for Grand Galloping Gala!" Twilight said, holding with magic 3 tickets. "It means me, you and Rusty. You see, the third ticket is for your friend, what you met. Now, it's Rusty." She interrupted the best moment, in my entire life, cause of some tickets? That's it. I'm declaring her war.

"Oh, no. I will never wear a dress ever again!" Tempest protested. I love this mare...

"But, this is important to me! For you, too. If ponies will see, that you made a friend, they might stop treating you as a criminal. Besides, I've heard about your dream with Rusty..." Me and Tempest blushed of embarrassment.

"Well, one dance won't hurt..." Tempest agreed, kinda. "But, what deal do you have in that?"

"Well, I will be this year's Gala host. I want everything to be perfect and it won't be without you two."

"Okay, Twilight. We will go." Tempest said. "Right, Rusty?"

"Snobs, wine, miniature appetizers... Not my climate, but I will go." I can't believe, that I agreed on that but if I could dance with Tempest in real life, I would even go to Tartarus. "When is that Gala?"

"In two months, so you have time to strengthen your friendship." Not only that... "I have to go to the Canterlot, to start preparations. Have a nice day!" Twilight left and we were alone.

"So, where have we finished?" Tempest asked.

"Let's go to my house, so no one would interrupt us."

We returned to my house and )U)(JH(H*(Y&(T&TY(Y)(Y*(^T^*T%&E^$R*&Y_&*)#@$%$%&*(*^()%^$(^T^*(*()&^*$RF...

We went to the Sugarcube Corner to get some energy after our... banging. I can't believe, that we were doing this for an hour. Well, we really needed this.

"Will we tell anypony that our relationship is on higher level?" I asked.

"For now, let it be our little secret. We can tell at the Gala. For now, let's enjoy ourself." Tempest said and finished her milkshake.

"You have a point. Let's stick to that we are still friends. Nothing more." Then, in my head, appeared great idea. "You know, in cinema are playing a new movie. Maybe you want to go, this evening?"

"If it's not any romantic comedy, horror with vamponies or romance with vamponies, then sure."

"Don't worry. It's good, old action movie."

Author's Note

Some words at the end of this chapter.

I know, that I used 'drunk sex' Cliché, but it was stronger, than me. Tempest and Rusty are still, technically, friends but on higher level. Dating is also some kind of friendship, isn't it?

Don't worry, we haven't even reached halfway of this fanfic, fellows. 👌

Happy Birthday to Me. (Tempest's POV)

I still can't believe, that day arrived so quickly. Today is my 25th birthday.

I don't know how but Pinkie knew, that today is the day and started to organize the party. I asked her to not use my real name, so I can have this day better and less embarrassing. It's not like I'm ashamed about my name. I just got used to be called 'Tempest' instead of 'Fizzlepop'. At least Rusty understands that.

Since we started 'dating', a week ago, I've never been happier in my whole life. The only one, who knows about next level of our relationship, is Grubber. He never revealed my name, so he can also say nothing about my romance with Rusty.

Everything was smoothly, about the party, but it was ruined by Twilight's idea.

"You invited my parents!?"

"Actually, Pinkie invited them. It was just an idea, what I wanted to speak about with you." Twilight protected herself. One day, Pinkie's face will meet my hooves. All of them. "I thought, that your birthday is the best time to reunion with your parents."

"For me, it's the worst. I wanted to talk with them, when... when I would feel ready to meet with them."

"I'm sorry, that I made it hard for you."

"You don't have to. You had good thoughts. I hope, that Rusty will support me with this..."

"Of course, he will." Twilight said, walking closer to me. "He's your best friend." More than you know...

"For now, I'm gonna talk with him. He's with Grubber in his forge. See you on party, Twilight!"

I walked to Rusty's forge. When I wanted to open the door, I've heard his and Grubber's talking.

"Tempest will never believe in this." It was Grubber. Believe in what?

"Just some paint and will be perfect..." This time, Rusty spoke. What are they planning? "Keep an eye o..." Rusty opened the door. "OH, Tempest... What are you doing here? Is that new haircut?" Why is he standing on two hooves and leans on jamb?

"Can I walk in? And no, it's still my old mohawk. There's something important, I have to tell you about. In privacy."

"NO!" He screamed. "I mean, you can't go inside... because... I have big, very big mess there. How about my home? I'll make some tea, mom sent more cookies... It will be better atmosphere for talking, than filthy, hot and uncleaned forge, don't you think? Besides, it's beautiful weather outside..." He's sweating, talking gibberish and making fake smile. He's hiding something...

"Yes, weather is very nice today." I decided to play Rusty's game for a while.

We arrived at Rusty's house very quickly. The door was still broken, since his ex girlfriend incident.

"When will you repair them?" I asked.

"When Derpy will finally deliver the letter to carpenter..." Rusty explained. We went inside, walked to living room and... SWEET MOTHER OF CELESTIA! In living room was the most beautiful armor, I've ever seen. "Oh no... i forgot to hide it and I broke the surprise." He said with noticeable sarcasm. "Well, Happy Birthday, Tempest!"

"It's... beautiful..." It's the only thing, I could say.

"It's a combination of a few armors, what I read about. Changelings helmet, Royal Guard armor from times before Nightmare Moon, blades on bracelets and scarfs with your cutie mark on flanks. I hope you like it."

I couldn't resist and tried it on. "It's like second skin. How do I look?"

"Even the biggest villains should be afraid of you...."

I put it back on stand and sat on the sofa. Rusty walked to kitchen and, after a while, returned with tea and his mom's cookies.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" He asked.

"Well, you see... Pinkie invited my parents on my birthday party..." I swear, I'm gonna kill her one day... "And i need you to... stand by my side, when I will talk to them."

"I know, that you and your parents are in a really... delicate... relationship, so... I'll be your winger."

"Was that a joke?"

"Unwitting, but yes..." We both giggled.

"Well, if everything will go wrong, we will have to... you know... wing it?" Nailed it...

"That's racist." He answered with anger. Buck, I screwed up... "GOTCHA!" He said and laughed.

"You tricky flankhole..."

"You know, you love me..."

"Do I know that? Yes. Yes I do." I said and kissed him on the lips.

"Me too..."

Party started at dusk in Twilight's Castle. There was cider, sweets and many games. Everything reminded me about my childhood. I was enjoying the piece of blueberry cake, when I was hooked by two familiar unicorns. Mare had green coat, curly mint mane and blue eyes. Stallion had light blue coat, dark blue, short mane and purple eyes. They were my childhood friends, Mint Rush and Azure Spectrum.

"Um, hi... Fizzle..." Mint Rush greeted. Now, they are friendly...

"How's your... horn?" Azure joined.

"Well, well, well... Who decided to come? My former friends... And, as you can see, my horn is still broken, Azure."

"Fizzle, you have right to be mad at us. We left you, when you needed us the most." Mint said with voice full of guiltiness. "It's our fault, that you lost your horn."

"We shouldn't let you go alone into the forest to get that stupid ball..." Azure said. "Please, forgive us for being such complete morons and bad friends."

"Normally, I would lead you right to Ursa Minor's cave, to make you feel my pain..." I said in very angry tone. I saw them shivering. "But, today's my birthday and I don't want anyone to be sad in this day." I smiled and hugged them both. "I missed you, guys..."

"We missed you, too, Fizzle." Azure said with tears.

"Can I interrupt you?" I heard Rusty's voice. I broke the hug and cleaned my throat.

"Mint, Azure, this is Rusty Anvil, my friend and local blacksmith. Rusty, these are Mint Rush and Azure Spectrum, my childhood friends."

"Nice to meet the biggest flankholes in Tempest's life." Rusty said with cynicism. "I hope, that Tempest didn't hug you too tight."

"Is he really your friend?" Azure asked.

"He's never acting, like this..." I said surprised.

"Sice." Rusty said and laughed. He did it again. "For real, it's nice to meet you. Tempest's friends are my friends. In our family, we have saying. 'We can't fix past, but we can make better future'."

"Why is he calling you 'Tempest'?" Mint asked.

"Well, I got used to my other name. 'Fizzlepop Berrytwist' reminded me too much about my horn incident. Can we talk a little?"

About an hour, we were talking about our past. In childhood, we wanted to join Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, but none of us went there. They both moved to Canterlot and lived there for quite a while. Mint Rush opened dentist's office and her special talent became dentistry. Azure Spectrum joined Princess Celestia's Royal Guard and quickly became an officer. His special talent is battle magic. I was telling about my journey beyond Equestria and my duty in Storm King's army. I also told, how I met Rusty.

"Wow. I didn't know, you experience your horn's lost so much." Mint sighed. "Anyways, what is your special talent, Fizzle?"

"Well, it's martial art. My cutie mark isn't only Storm King's sign. It's an ancient sign of contact fights."

"You were born to kick flanks." Azure said amazed. "We have to do sparring one day."

"Sure. Have you met with my parents, since my escape?"

"Yes, and they really miss you." Azure said. "They say, that they regret how they treated you."

"Speak of the devil..." Mint said, looking behind me."

"Fizzlepop?" I've heard my mother's voice. I looked behind and I saw my parents. They haven't changed at all. Mom still had eyes, like mine, scarlet coat and long gray mane. Dad had coat, like mine, black hair and green eyes. I started crying, seeing them. They both ran to me and I ran to them. We all hugged. "We missed you, sweetie."

"I can't believe, how my Little Blueberry grown up." My dad said.

"It's good to see you again." I think, that Twilight was right. When I broke the hug, I noticed, that Mint and Azure left. Maybe they want to leave us alone. "Mom, dad, I want to introduce you somepony. This is Rusty Anvil. Rusty, this is my mom, Ruby Cape, and my dad, Sec Grape."

"The best wine manufacturer in all of Equestria?" Rusty asked surprised.

"My wine in drunk by all royalty in Canterlot, saying the least..."

"Dad..." He didn't change at all.

"Well, Princess Twilight Sparkle wears a crown, made by me. It's pretty good, if I say so myself..." Rusty counter attacked.

"A blacksmith... you're profession is now very rare, isn't it?" Mom said with curiosity. "Say, your work for Princess Twilight is full-time or she just ordered you to make her crown?"

"Well, it's full-time work. I forge armors and weapons for local guard. By the way, your daughter is their captain." Well... shit... My parents hate violence, so they already can start to pack my bags and take me to my home-village.

"From villains commander to captain of town's guard..." Dad said, rubbing his jaw. "Blueberry, you're in big trouble..." I knew it... I took my gaze down on the floor. "...because you didn't tell us yet, where have you been? What's going on in big world and our Little Blueberry's life?" Okay, who is this stallion and what have he done to my father?

"Dad's right, young lady. Or you will tell us, what were you doing all this time, or you'll be grounded for the rest of your life." Mom joined.

"I wasn't contacting with you for like... 12 years... and you want me to tell you about my journey?"

"Well, yes." Dad said. "We were the worst parents in Equestria... Now, we want to fix our mistakes. We want to fix our past." Dad placed his hoof on my shoulder. I took it off.

"Dad, you can't fix past..." I said.

"Oh, I see..."

"But... you can make better future." I finished. Dad laughed and hugged me very tight. Need... oxygen... so bad...

"Where did you learn so smart things?" Mom asked.

"Well, from my coltfriend." I realized, what I said and covered my mouth with hoof. Well, I'm bucked... My parents looked at Rusty. His face was telling everything.

My parents screamed that loud, that my ears were literally bleeding. "OUR FIZZLEPOP HAS A COLTFRIEND, AND HIS NAME IS RUSTY ANVIL!!!" Everyone on the party looked at me and Rusty.

"I'm so proud of you..." My mom said with tears.

This is the reason, why I didn't want my parents on my birthday. They always make scene, when I will say a one word more. And I always say one word more, when they are around.

"DOUBLE PARTY!" Pinkie screamed and quickly gave a new banner 'Happy-Relationship-as-couple party.'

Main 6 and my parents started to congratulate us and ask about our relationship.

"ENOUGH!" Rusty screamed and everypony calmed down. "Maybe we are a couple now, but it doesn't mean, that you have to act like wild animals. Is it really big deal, that captain of town's guard fell in love with a blacksmith? I know, that you're proud of your friend/daughter, but you shouldn't react on this, in that way. And, for the love of Celestia, it's not a reason for a next party, Pinkie Pie!"

"Every reason needs a party." Pinkie said.

"Besides, Tempest, or Fizzlepop, went on completely new level of friendship." Twilight said. "I would never expect, that anypony here would go so far as quick as her. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Twilight... But for now, let's.. keep... this party... on..." Suddenly, I felt dizzy and fell on the ground. Wha... What's happening? Was something in cake?

"TEMPEST!" Rusty screamed. "Are you alright?"

I felt, like I was going to throw up. "I need a bathroom..." I quickly ran to the restroom, locked myself and threw up into a sink. What the buck is going on?

I heard knocking. "Tempest, is everything alright?" Rusty asked.

"What's happening, Blueberry?" My dad asked.

"I don't know. I feel sick, tired and I feel eating pears."

"SHE'S DOOMED! Ah'm goin' there and endin' her sufferin'!" Applejack screamed.

"No, silly." Pinkie interrupted. "She's just pregnant."

"I'm what?!"

"Well, Mrs. Cake felt the same, when she was pregnant with twins." Pinkie expanded the topic. "It means, TRIPLE PARTY!"

"Wait one bucking minute." My dad said. "If my daughter is pregnant, then who's the father?"

"R-Rusty..." I confessed. "We went on simple bear and... ended in bed. I wasn't in heat, so I thought, it's not a big deal."

"Well, being in heat only makes getting pregnant more possible." Twilight explained. You're shitting me... "If you want to be sure, I have pregnancy tests in mirror cupboard. They are just... for an occasion, like this." Twilight said with embarrassed voice.

"Yeah, if you and Flash Sentry will also have a little... occasion." Rainbow Dash said, probably with her devilish smirk.

"I'm taking peels, so shut the buck up, Rainbow!" Well, Twilight must be also pregnant... Wait, who's Flash Sentry, anyway? "Um, sorry for language..."

I opened the cupboard. Like Twilight said, there were pregnancy tests. Well, here goes nothing...

A few moments later...

I left the bathroom. Rusty was sweating, waiting for results. I showed the test.

"Rusty... I'm pregnant..."

"Oh my sweet Celestia..." Rusty said and fainted. Best start of relationship and birthday ever...

Author's Note

Did you really thought, that ponies can get pregnant only in heat? This is how drinking ends, when you drink with your crush.

Remember, first marriage, then sex. Peace out.

P.S. It's not forced shipping. This is reality. Deal with it.
P.P.S. It's a comedy, so you shouldn't take it too seriously.

I'm Broken, Totally. But, I've got a plan. (Rusty's POV)

Today's Tempest birthday. Not only she get a gift. I just heard, that I'm going to be a father. Bucking father.

I woke up in my bed. Next to me was Tempest with her parents, Ruby Cape and Sec Grape. Tempest was scared, her mom, happy and her father... had face, like, 'You have only ten second left...'. Well, this is the best day of my life... I met my fillyfriend's parents and found out that I'm going to have a foal... Just. Bucking. Perfect.

"Are you fine, Rusty?" Tempest asked me.

"Yeah, I'm fine..." I said, standing up.

"Fine. FINE!" Her father started. "You stole my daughter's virginity!"

"I'm sorry..." Shit, I can't resist..."Won't happen again?" This joke made Tempest's father more pissed off. Buck...

"Why you LITTLE..." He screamed and started to strangle me. Tempest and her mom grabbed him and pulled back. I tried to catch a breath. Well, now I know, from who Tempest is strong. "You better prepare alimony... My lawyers will take all of your money. Maybe that will teach you to not take somepony's daughter to bed. Honey, we're leaving. We have train in 20 minutes." Tempest's mother wanted to say something, but she didn't and followed her husband.

"Is your father always such a jerk?" I asked. Tempest wasn't in mood to talk.

After a few minutes of silence, she broke it. "I shouldn't have asked you for that beer..." She said and left.

"Tempest, wait..." Before she heard anything, she left. "DAMMIT!"

It was hard for me. I needed to talk with somepony. Or someone...

On the next day, I asked Grubber to go with me to Sugar Cube Corner. I was eating, like, 7th extra chocolate cupcake and drinking 6th vanilla milkshake with mint.

"I still can't believe, that I'm going to be a father..." I said, finishing my milkshake. "Another, Pinkie..."

"Come on, it's not the end of the world." Grubber tried to cheer me up. "You told me once, that you want to be a father."

"Yes, but it's happening so quick..." Pinkie took empty glass and gave the full one. "I thought, that I will be dating with Tempest for a year, to get used to it, we'll engage, get married and then we will be parents. But, we were dating only one week and we're already going to be parents."

"I told Tempest to take pills, but she said, that she won't do this... you know..."

"Yes, but she did. We did..."

"Well, I'm going to tell Tempest, that she can do this abortion..." What?

"Tempest wants to kill our baby!?"

"No, I just wanted to check, if you want this or not..." Flankhole...

"Of course, I want it. It's my foal. I don't want to kill it. It's just... I have to... catch some air... It's not only one problem. Tempest's father wants me to pay alimony for the baby."

"Oh, this sucks..."

"No shit, Sherlock."

"So, what will you do with all this stuff?"

Then, inside my head, appeared idea... "Grubber, to the forge!"

One payment and Superhero cut later...

I returned to my forge to prepare something special for Tempest. My first project, what I covered with this armor, had to wait. I won't tell anything, but it's connected my dad's sketchbook. I decided to propose to Tempest. Best. Plan. Ever.

Normally, for unicorns are made rings on their horns, but for earth ponies and pegasi ponies are special bracelets. I wanted to make the second thing, because Tempest's horn is... well... you know.

All I needed is gold and gems. I had too much money, so it will fit for the bracelet's base. I grabbed some coins and threw them into the furnace. In the meantime, Grubber was helping me with sketch. Here's the concept. It will be golden bracelet in form of big ring, studded with amethysts and aquamarines. Amethysts for coat, aquamarines for her beautiful eyes...

When coins were malleable enough, I started to form bracelet. In the meantime, I sent Grubber to Rarity, to get some gems. She usually have some. I remember, that I saw her today with Spike and cart full of gemstones. I hope, she has some reserves.

All this situation made me calm and peaceful. Sound of hitting hammer, smell of molten metal, heat and fire from furnaces... Those things were like mantra, like meditation. After a good hour, bracelet was almost ready. It only needed gemstones...

Grubber was getting late, so I decided to write some letters. One for my mom, to give her news, one for Tempest's mom, to let her know about this and one for Tempest's dad, to remind him, he's a complete jerk. Writing took me another hour. Where's this stupid hedgehog?

All this writing and forging made me hungry, so I hid bracelet and went to my house, to make quick lunch.

I went to my house, but on the way I was accosted by familiar unicorn stallion.

"Long time, no see, blacksmith..." Silver Plate said.

"Listen, I have a bun in the oven, so leave me alone." I said and walked away. He stood on my way, again. "Don't you have anypony else to annoy, Silver Plate?"

"Actually, I don't..." He said and hit my chest. "Your chain dog isn't around, so... how you're gonna leave now?"

"Do you think, that you can hit me in evidence?"

"What's going on here?" Guard asked, walking to us.

"Good, you're here, officer." Plate said. What are you planning? "This man accused of business sabotaging and causing a fight in the bar. I want you to arrest him."

"I'm sorry, but this citizen isn't even in our card index, so I can't arrest him for nothing. But, I must give you a rebuke. I will not tolerate violence on my streets. Besides, for making false statements, you can get even 3 years in prison. Next time, think before you'll say anything..." Silver Plate hissed and walked away. "Have a nice day, Mr. Anvil. Regards from Captain Shadow..." He whispered and left. I bucking love this mare...

I was in my house. On my jamb was note from Tempest.

Dear Rusty.

I'm sorry, that I left in that way. I just couldn't handle, that we're going to be parents. I made a survey in our hospital and... I really am pregnant. I'm very happy, yet scared. I always wanted to be a mother, but... it's happening too quickly. I was too broken to talk to you face to face about this. I hope, that your psyche is in better condition, than mine.

Love. Tempest.

I put the note to my jacket's pocket and walked inside. I just grabbed a salad and some apple juice from refrigerator. Cause of this note, my appetite lowered.

When I was eating my lunch, Grubber ran into the kitchen, with weird, giant bag on his back.

"Grubber, are you alright? You look, like you robbed Canterlot's Royal Vault."

"I only robbed Rarity, don't worry about it."

"Oh, it's grea..." I chocked with apple juice. "Wait, what?"

"You see, she didn't want to give me those gems, because she said, that she needs them for her new dress. So..."

"You brought them to my house?"

"Not them..." He said and opened the bag. Inside was gagged and tied up Rarity.

"ARE YOU NUTS!? Let her go!" Grubber nodded and released her.

"You ruffian!" Rarity cried out. "How can you treat lady, like... Rusty Anvil?"

I sighed. "Grubber, Tempest's gonna kill you for that... Rarity, listen. I want to propose to Tempest, and I need those gemstones for the engagement bracelet."

Rarity gasped. "Why didn't you tell me first?" What? Correct. I'm gonna kill this hedgehog. "I would give you them, without any word. Friends are suppose to help each other." Rarity gasped again. "And I will help you with this all!"

"With bracelet?"

"No, with engagement. Today's full-moon. This will be very light night. The best place for engagement will be lake, nearby Ponyville, at midnight."

"Actually, I thought about the lake, also. It's place, where we hanged out for the first time."

"Romantic and sentimental... Now I know, why Tempest likes you..."

"Wow, wow, wow. Hold on, Rarity. I'm proposing to Tempest, not you. Besides, don't think about this or else she will kill us both."

"You... have a point." Rarity agreed. "For now, I'll return to my boutique. I will come back with gemstones for you."

"Bring them to my forge." I recommended her. Rarity nodded and left. Now, I can kill Grubber...

When Grubber was sent to the hospital and letters were sent to their receivers, Rarity brought me 4 amethysts and aquamarines, plus one diamond, because I made 9 sockets for jewels.

After some clockmaker's precision, the bracelet was ready. I outdone myself this time.

"It's beautiful, darling." Rarity commented my work. "Tempest will love it."

"I hope so..." I said, putting it into box and hiding it in my jacket. "I prepared a little picnic, like our first. But, with wine, instead of tea." I gave Rarity a note to Tempest about place and time of our meeting. "Could you give it to Tempest?"

"Sure." Rarity grabbed it. "Good luck, darling..." She said, leaving.

When Rarity left, I sat on the floor and sighed. I was wondering, if it isn't to quick. I know Tempest only for a month and, for a one week, we were dating. Maybe I should propose to her at the Grand Galloping Gala? Yeah, and pay all my payment to her father, during this 2 months? No, thank you. It doesn't mean, that I'm doing this only for money, but... It's just all too quick. I love Tempest, but... Am I ready for marriage? I thing so... Is it a crime to be in love and have unplanned foal? Of course, not...

I looked at the clock. 7 pm, still a lot of time... I looked at myself in the one of my blades. Maybe I should go to a hairdresser. Nah, my mane is fine. I liked my hairstyle. It was showing, that I'm hard-working pony. I've never visited a hairdresser, since I was 18. I was thinking about a ponytail, but it's not my style.

I decided to take a shower in my house, to regenerate a bit. Normally, I'm taking very hot showers, but today, I took a cold one. It was a mistake. I quickly left the bathroom, soaking wet. I grabbed my jacket and a towel.

After some time, I was dry and clothed. I'm doing this for the last time.

I went to the living room and looked at the clock. 8 pm, day is still young...

Actually, why am I telling you all of this? Let's skip to the proposal.

Everything was ready. Picnic, on the ground, moon, on the sky, me... on the cloud. I wanted to surprise Tempest from above. That's my best plan so far...

"Enjoying the view?" I looked down. Tempest noticed me.

"I guess, I do... It's good, that you came here." I landed on the ground.

"Asking for a picnic at midnight... it's not in your style."

"It's just beautiful night. It would be shame to waste it."

"You're hiding something." Tempest caught me. Dammit... "So... what is your plan?"

"I have one question for you..." I decided to not play with Tempest. I took a box from my jacket and opened it. Tempest gasped and covered her mouth with hoof. "Tempest Shadow, will you make me the luckiest and happiest stallion in Equestria and marry me?" Tempest was silent. Um... Tempest_Shadow.exe stopped working? I started to be little worried. "Tempest?" I can't believe, that I'm calling her, like this... "Fizzle..." Before I finished, Tempest kissed me passionately.

She broke a kiss and hugged me. "YES! Of course, I will!" She screamed happily.

"...need... air..." I said, being crushed by my love.

"Of, sorry..." She said and broke the hug. "I'm... just very happy."

"How about little celebration? I have some wine in..." Tempest interrupted me, putting her hoof on my mouth.

"Just shut up and buck me..." Wow... If they are hormones, during pregnancy, than I'm thankful. "It's middle of the night, so nopony's around..."

"You better shut up and get rid of this armor." I just had to say this. Tempest smirked, pinned to the ground and started kissing me.

(^&^&*%$(*&^)*%(^$E(&*T^G&^R$S^%&IF^OB{U())(&^)(*^%$#$%^&*(UYTDZXY)(*#Q$W%E$YHIBNHOYI*^%&^$%$

We ended watching stars and cuddling. I think, that I'm getting better at this.

"Rusty?" Tempest asked. "What do you think, that our foal will be? A unicorn, pegasus or an earth pony?"

"For me, he or she might be even an alicorn. I will love it, no matter what." I said with smile.

"Me either..." Our chat was interrupted by loud shout of anger. "What was that?"

"I guess, that your father received my letter."

Tempest giggled. "Whatever you wrote, he deserved it for being a jerk."

This night was in my memory for very long time...

Author's Note

Readers of my fanfic. I'm organizing a voting.
What foal Rusty and Tempest should have?

A-alicorn
P-pegasus
U-unicorn
E-earth pony

f-filly
c-colt

The answers write in comments. Patter: P-c

Simple dinner with My Friend's family (Tempest's POV)

Author's Note

This chapter is little... freaky. Just saying.

Simple dinner with My Friend's family (Tempest's POV)

"I still can't believe, that you're already friends for a whole month." Grubber said with mouth full of cupcakes and muffins.

"Yeah, me neither." I responded.

I, Grubber and Rusty were in the Sugar Cube Corner. It was usual meeting with my friends in our usual spot. Everything was going great. Instead of Commander Tempest, I'm now Captain Tempest. Twilight made me a captain of Ponyville's local guard. They all were bunch of greenhorns, but under my command, they became effective and great soldiers.

Rusty's armors are great. Light, comfortable and hard. They're even better, than my previous one. Rusty said, that he used the same alloy, like in my old armor, but he found way, how to harden it better. Instead of normal oil, he used a mixture of water and some herbs and elements. No, it's not tea. He started to get constant deliveries from Zecora, local zebra witch-doctor. He never told me, what herbs he actually used. He only said, that he found it in his father's sketchbook. I can understand professional secrecy. He even let me read this, but most of it is in some kind of code. Rusty broke most of it, but he's still making an investigation about Integral Blade.

I was intrigued about this, either. This mystery has like 5 generations, an nopony in Rusty's family found out about this. He made a prototype, but it wasn't perfect.

Our talk has been broken by mailmare, Derpy Hooves. She usually breaks something, but she has good heart.

"Letter for Mr. Rusty Anvil." Derpy said with letter in mouth. Rusty grabbed it and mare left.

"Hey, she took one of my muffins!" Grubber screamed angry. It's just some flour, eggs and baking powder.

"It's from my mum!" Rusty screamed happily and opened the letter. " 'Dear Rusty. I've heard, that you became royal blacksmith. I'm very proud of you. I've always knew, that you will be as great as your dad. That's why I'm coming to Ponyville to congratulate you personally. I hope to see you on train station, day after you receive this letter. XOXO. Mommy. P.S. I'll come with 'you know who'. Nice, mom is coming to town. Not nice, she's coming with my ex."

Rusty have told me about his ex-fillyfriend. Her name is Pearl Necklace. She's a jeweler's daughter. They met, when Rusty was learning from her father, how to make jewelery. It was teenage love. They were a couple in school, but after it, he broke up with her. His explanation was, that she only liked him, because he was handsome colt. Also, she's little, like he would say, nuts. Year after this, he came to Ponyville, opened the blacksmith store and, after 2 years, met me. I don't see him only as a handsome colt.

Even if they broke up, I still felt, like something's fishy. "Why your mother would come here with your former fillyfriend?" He knows something.

"Well, I broke up with her, but my mom has no idea about it." Are you bucking kidding me? Eh, stallions... Who understands them?

"But, why?" Grubber asked.

"Mom, since we went on our first date, wanted me and Pearl to get married. Then Pearl started to act like... Pinkie Pie after coffee." I've seen many things in my life, but Pinkie after coffee... It's too much. "When I told her, that we're breaking up, she thought, that this is some kind of loyalty test."

"You're kidding, right?" I asked. Please, for the love of Celestia, say, that this is a joke.

"I'm serious, like never." He answered. I looked into his eyes. He wasn't lying.

"Then, what will you do with this?" I hope, he has a plan. I don't want any rivals. Wait, what? Sometimes, I hate my head.

"I'm gonna introduce you to my mom. Both of you. We're gonna pretend, that we're both a couple. I will, of course, explain everything to my mom, before I will tell her. Mom will stop thinking about marriage, Pearl will leave me alone, and we still be friends."

"But, there won't be a problem about 'our' marriage?"

"Well, by everything, I mean 'everything'. Including our plan."

"Pretty nice plan!" Grubber said. "I have a little bigger idea."

"Namely..." I gave Grubber questioning look.

"Well, I started to cook and I'm pretty good. If I say so myself... How about little dinner? It's always the best time for a talk, like this."

"That's... pretty good idea." I commented. "But, I don't think your ex will believe you left her for a former villain."

"So, what do you suggest?" Rusty asked, rubbing his little beard.

"Leave that to me." I responded with the smile.

In the another day, I walked to Rarity's boutique. I had my own plan also.I will not tolerate any other mare 'that' close to Rusty. Why am I thinking about this? Do I like him this much?

I walked inside. I hate fashion for so... many... reasons. But, I'm doing this for Rusty. "Rarity? Capper? Are you in here?" Capper and Rarity started to live together in her boutique. They even started dating. I still don't know, what she sees in this cat.

"Have you called me, mi amiga?" I heard the voice of that tomcat. He was standing on stairs with stupid smile. "Rarity's out, so I'm in charge, for now." Capper jumped of the stairs and landed in front of me. "So, what brings here the biggest badass in Equestria?"

"Well, I need a... makeover." I still can't believe, that I'm telling this. "My mane has to cover my broken horn and scar. And I need the fanciest dress in my size, what Rarity has."

"You make some trick, am I right?"

"It's your domain, so... yes" I knew, that playing with Capper is bad idea.

"I can fell a little bit of jealousy in your voice, so this is about another mare, what sticked to your new coltfriend." Capper deduced.

"Ru--Rusty is not my coltfriend!" I felt a serious blush on my face. "Anyways, let's get this over with."

I will not tell anything, what happened. It was the most humiliating thing in my entire life. Make-up, hairdressing, dress... When I'm thinking about this, i'm getting dizzy. After this... 'torture'... I looked like a lady from Canterot. If she won't be crushed by this, then I'll have to do this 'the hard way'. I just hope, that nopony will recognize me.

"Thank you, Capper."

"For you, Milady, everything." Your smooth talk doesn't work on me.

I left the boutique, trying not to stumble on this dress. How they can wear stuff, like this? It's good, that Rusty's house is nearby. With slow, but sure step, I walked to Rusty's house. Every step was like walking on the mine field. Also, my right eye was completely covered by my mane, what 20 minutes ago was mohawk. Now, it's something like mix of emo and fru-fru.

I was about to reach Rusty's house, when I heard familiar, malignant laughter. Everypony, but her.

"Is that you, Tempest?" Rainbow Dash asked, trying not to laugh. Sometimes, I want to turn her into stone and throw her down from Celestia's castle's tower. "You have a date with your coltfriend, don't you?" Rainbow said with her stupid smirk.

"It's not your business to know, what I'm doing." I said through the teeth and walked inside Rusty's house. He left them open. Like we established.

For money, what got from Twilight, Rusty bought for himself a separate house to live. His forge is few houses from here. Inside, I could smell Grubber's cooking. Lasagna with spinach... This should be good.

Before I could do anything, inside walked Rusty in company of two mares. First one had deep brown coat with light brown mane and blue eyes. This must be Chocoroll, Rusty's mom. She's a... unicorn. To Rusty was sticking pearl white unicorn mare with aqua hair and green eyes. On her neck was necklace made of pearls. This must be Pearl Necklace...

"Oh, you came earlier." Rusty played surprised. "Mom, sweetie, this is my friend. Fizzlepop Berrytwist." Did he just...

"Nice to meet you." I said with little lighter and calmer tone, than normal. "Rusty told me a lot about you."

"I bet he did." My rival... I mean, Pearl said, still sticking to my friend. She's so dead. "Rusty, dear, where's the bathroom?"

"First door left, after leaving the hall." Pearl kissed him on the cheek and left. 'TRIGGERED' Rusty sighed with relief.

"I hate, when she's doing this." Rusty said with little dose of anger. Trust me. You're not the only one... "I'm sorry, that I didn't tell you earlier, mom."

"Don't worry, Rusty. We can't fix past, but we can..."

"Make better future." I finished. "I see, that Rusty explained everything."

"Yes. It's nice to meet you, Tempest. I must say, that 'Fizzlepop Berrytwist' is the best nickname, what I've heard." I saw, that Rusty winked at me. You sneaky bastard...

"Okay, I'll pretend, that I'm daughter of wine manufacturer. I've met Rusty, when I was doing business with my dad here. He showed me town and we ended as good friends. I'm often visiting him from Canterlot and spend time with him. Then, Rusty will realize, that I am his true love, not Pearl. She will leave, I'll throw away my clothes and everything will be great."

"Do we have to do this?" Rusty's mom asked.

"It's the only way. I told you. By 'breaking up', she means 'loyalty test'." Rusty explained.

"That will never work." Oh buck... We looked at the hall entrance. Pearl was standing there. "I knew, that 'friend' was something more. But, you'll never be Rusty's true love. I am his true love. And you will not take him from me."

I couldn't resist anymore. I ripped my dress with magic and fixed my mohawk. Much better. She'll pay for humiliating me and sticking to Rusty, without his permission. "Wanna bet?" I saw fear in her eyes. She started to slowly trotting back. "What, afraid of some scars?"

"You. You poisoned my Rusty's mind. You convinced him, that he don't love me, but loves you. You'll pay for this." Pearl became more confident. She grabbed with magic one of swords, hanging on the wall. I was prepared for something like that. In my tail, I had one of my petrifying orbs. I threw it up and half-turn kicked it in Pearl's direction. It hit her and turned into shining statue. I smirked, but... something was wrong. Statue started to crack. This is impossible. Pearl freed herself from it and rushed at me. I was to confused to dodge and she hit me with sword in my right foreleg. I fell on the ground. Before she hit me again, Rusty grabbed her.

"Don't touch her, you psycho!" He screamed, still holding her.

"I'm doing this for us, Rusty. She manipulates you." In her eyes was no more love. It was obsession. Boiling, insane obsession. "No other mare or stallion will love you. I'm the only one who loves you and I'm the only one, who you love!" It. Is. ON!

I jumped up and hit her with left foreleg in her jaw, sending her up, then I kicked her trice in her belly. The third kick sent her outside, breaking the door. Pearl was lying on the ground, shivering from pain. Good girl.

"I hope, this will teach you a lesson." I said to her, walking to her. I saw some of my guards. "Come here!" I ordered them. As always, they came obediently to me. "Take this mare to the hospital, mental hospital."

"Yes, ma'am." They responded and took this mare.

"You'll pay for this, Tempest Shadow. Rusty will be mine. MINE!" She started to laugh, maniacally. I almost feel sorry about her. Almost. I returned to Rusty and his mom. My right leg was hurt, but it was nothing. "Everypony okay?" I asked.

"I knew she was crazy but... this is too much." Rusty said with fright. "I'm sorry, that I caught you up in my family problems."

"Buy me a cider, and we'll be fine." I said with smile.

"After this I lost appetite." Chocoroll said. "I wonder, what will I tell to her father... It was good so see you again, Rusty." She said, hugging Rusty.

"The felling's mutual, mom."

We both escorted Rusty's mom to the train station and said 'goodbye' to each other. She's raised a great son.

"Thank you, Rusty." I said with little smile.

"For what?" Rusty asked curious and surprised.

"For introducing me to your mother, saving me from psycho and letting me to kick your ex's flank." At the last thing, Rusty snickered.

"You're welcome, Tempest. And don't worry. I didn't have any other marefriends."

"Good to know. Now, let's go back. I'm starving and Grubber made lasagna."

"Then, why we're still here? It won't eat by itself."

We both giggled, returned to Rusty's house and ate nice dinner together. It's little sad, that I couldn't know his mother better but she had enough emotions for at least week. I'm happy, that Rusty is free from his psycho ex. I hope, she won't leave mental hospital fast. There's only one thing, what was burned. My cover. I will not wear any other dress in my whole life. Well, maybe twice...