Drew's Tragic Story

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Beginning of His Journey
Chapter 2 The Inner Fighter Is Born
Chapter 3: A Ranchers Dilemma
Chapter 4: A Shy Heart And A Kind Spirit
Chapter 5: A Colorful Encounter
Chapter 6: A Tripple Princess Problem
Chapter 7: A Long Time Coming
Chapter 8: Party At The Gala
Chapter 9: Trouble In Paradise
Chapter 10: A Bittersweet Second Chance (Epilogue)

Chapter 1: The Beginning of His Journey

Laying over a husk of a corpse, the red unicorn stallion huffed, sobbing. Tears stained his coat as he weeped in sorrow. His own dagger protruded from his chest as he lay over the body beneath him.

He recalls his story as he could feel his blood drain, and his body grow weak.

Suppose this story would be better understood if told from the start, rather than Drew's tragic end.

It all began on the first day he met her...that beautiful white Alicorn. Yes, none other than Princess Celestia.

Drew had been forced into Celestia's Royal Guard by his uncle when his parents were killed in a mugging gone wrong, while his little brother -Also a unicorn- was sent to an orphanage.

Drew hardly remembered the horrible incident that he witnessed that fateful night. He was only eight years old. He saw his parents get murdered right infront of him, and there was nothing the terrified colt could do to stop it.

"Mom... Dad... get up... please.." Drew cried out after the murderer fled. "Why won't you get up?!" The colt asked.

This had been his first encounter with death. He couldn't wrap his young mind around why his mother and father wouldn't get back up.

(Fast forward four years)

Drew stood at attention, now at age twelve, and still a blank-flank. Not a day went by that the other colts in his platoon didn't bust his balls for it, and in turn, not a day went by that he didn't get into a fight over it.

One day, his brother came to visit him, his little brother had run away from the orphanage he was put in by their uncle.
"Pitter Patter, what do you think you're doing here?!" Drew exclaimed, hushing himself afterwards and dragged his little brother into the bushes nearby so they wouldn't be seen.

"I hate it at that fake home big brother, I wanna come live with you!" Pitter Patter said, hugging his big brother. Drew hugged back and sighed.

"I know Pit, but right now neither of us have a choice. Once I can support myself, I swear, I will come take you away from there! However, until then, you have to go back, ok?" Drew said, giving Pitter Patter a stern but concerned look. Pitter Patter sighed and nodded, hugging his big brother once more before sneaking away again.

Drew nods and went to get back to his practices. This however was interrupted moments later when Drew heard his little brother scream in fright. Drew's horn lit up, pulling two daggers from the ponyquinn that was his target practice dummy, and ran towards the increasingly panicked screams of his little brother.

When Drew arrived he growled at the sight of four Changelings surrounding Pitter Patter, and went on the offensive.

The first blow found it's mark, a dagger to the throat of the biggest changeling. Pitter Patter curled up, shaking in fear, and Drew speared another changeling in the chest with a headbutt of his horn. He tossed the gasping and bleeding changeling aside and readied his daggers for another bout with the remaining two while the wounded one began to bleed out.

Before Drew knew it, he was zapped by a green bolt of magic, and found himself stunned. He groaned and struggles to get back up, only to grit his teeth in pain when his jaw was met with hoof after hoof as one of the changelings pumbled at him from above.

His focus was indomitable however, as he levitated one dagger under the changeling above him, and raked the dagger along it's belly from chest to pelvis, gutting it. This coated him in blood.

The final one fled, needing to report back to the hive as a lone survivor.

Once Drew recovered, he checked on a slightly bruised up Pitter Patter, and made sure he was ok. Pitter Patter looked up at his older brother, and his eyes lit up upon seeing his big brothers flank. "Big brother, look!!"

Drew blinked, looking to where Pitter was staring, and his eyes widened.....

(To be continued)

Chapter 2 The Inner Fighter Is Born

Drew looked at his flank, which was no longer blank. "I did it!! I FINALLY GOT MY CUTIEMARK!!!" Drew yelled excitedly.

Pitter Patter looked at Drew happily. "Congratulations big brother!!" He said with a pained smile.

Drew looked over to Pitter Patter and walks to him, helping him up. "Let's go get you cleaned up. I'll make a call and get you an escort."

(Fast forward five years)

With his tour to the changelings territory over, Drew came back home, and decided to settle down somewhere. He needed stability so he could get his little brother back at long last.

Drew decided that Ponyville would be ideal, seeing as it's normally so peaceful there these days. From Canterlot, Drew took a train with only two bags of luggage.

The trip didn't take very long, only about two hours, and he arrived at the station. He had a little over one thousand bits to his name, and began to ask around for a place that recently went up for rent, and got directions.

He approached a simple looking home, with a roof that appeared to have hay for a roof. He chuckled. "At least I won't starve here, what with the roof being made of hay" He thought to himself.

He steps up to the door, and reads the note on it, it had an address on it, so he went to the address and spoke to a receptionist about the property he visited. The mare nodded and sent him to her bosses office.

Once at the office, he knocked and was told to enter. He smiled to himself and went inside, sitting down. The busy looking stallion peered up at Drew from his paper work and blinked. "Yes?" The stallion asked.

Drew nods. "Hello Mr.Filthy Rich, I'd like to rent that property you had recently put up for rent. You see, I recently moved here from Canterlot after my tour with the military forces, and I'm looking to settle down."

Filthy Rich nods and pushed a document over to Drew to fill out. "Fill this out sir. Because you've served, your rent will be discounted down to six hundred bits per month."

After filling out the paperwork, Drew returned it to Filthy Rich and smiled. He gave the rent upfront and Filthy Rich gave him the key. Drew thanked him and leaves, smiling. "Next thing up, finding a stable job!" Drew mumbled to himself.

Drew looked around town, and has already spoken with a few mares and stallions about oddjobs. He hasn't found any yet, and this frustrated him to no end. He began to reconsider his early retirement from the army, he just didn't seem cut out to be a civilian....not anymore..

He sighed and began to head home, giving up for the day to rest. He heard a scream as he began to gallop towards where it came from, only to find a white unicorn mare with a purple shining mane and tail cornered by not one, not two, not even three, but four stallions. Anger boiled from deep inside of him, and his horn glowed. "Cease and desist!" Drew commanded, getting all four stallions attention. Two broke from the group to charge at Drew, expecting him to turn tail and run.

Drew was no coward, he used his magic to lift his daggers, and hover them in a defensive stance. "HALT OR BE HARMED!" He screamed out with bass in his voice. This stammered one of the two, but the second kept charging, and ended up getting stabbed in the front left leg, and hit with the hilt of the other dagger to the groin hard enough to flip a Yak over. This is when the last three darted away, fleeing for their lives. He walked over to the shaking mare, and gave a warm and friendly smile. "Are you injured?"

The mare shook her head and hugged Drew tightly.

"Thank you so much for saving me!! My name is Rarity! Are you new to Ponyville?" She asked, and he nodded. "Why yes I am, just a retired soldier from Canterlot, trying to settle down somewhere peaceful." Drew said, and offered to help Rarity to stand after returning her hug.

He offered to walk her home, but she declined his offer, and smiled nervously and walked away. Drew didn't think much of it, and shrugged, carrying on back home.

Once he arrived he decided to go straight to bed. He fell asleep easily enough, but began to have nightmares. Terrible memories of war were flooding through his mind, showing him what he refused to see at those particular moments. Just as he was about to break down and start fighting back, a bright light flared in his dream.

"ENOUGH OF THIS!!" Screamed somepony with the Royal Canterlot Voice. The flare released a few balls of energy, destroying the enemies that haunted Drew's dreams. Soon the flare died down to reveal a deep blue coated and starry maned Alicorn. He tilted his head, and as soon as he recognized the crown, he bowed to her. "Princess Luna! Such an honor to have you enter the dreams of a mere soldier!"

(Forgive me, but I can't exactly convey my points in olde tongue, so Luna will just speak normally. My apologies..)

Luna scowled, and requested he stand up. "Soldiers dream aswell, and more often than not, are more susceptible to nightmares, due to the horrors of war. This means i must pay special mind to the soldiers of Equestria. It is my royal duty." Luna explained, and smiled softly at him "Do you understand why these dreams continue to haunt you?" Luna asked bluntly.

Drew simply shook his head. "No, I suppose I don't Princess...i'm sorry.." He said to her.

Luna huffed deciding to answer it for him, since some soldiers weren't always able to figure this out. "Because you took lives, the guilt for causing blood to be spilt is catching up with you. Do not worry yourself with such guilt, those were enemy soldiers. It was you, or them."

Drew nodded as Luna began to flare up again. "Then wake, and enjoy my sisters beautiful day." She said before vanishing. With her vanishing act, Drew woke up and sighed. It was well into the morning by now, and he went to leave, only to see a grey coated and blonde maned mailmare arriving to drop off a package. He blinked and thanked her. She introduced herself as Derpy Hooves, and Drew nodded, smiling softly. "And as I'm sure you know, my name's Drew." He said to her politely.

Derpy nodded and handed over the package. "I got to go, I'm behind schedule as it is, nice meeting you Drew!" Derpy said before flying off in a zig-zag.

Drew set his package inside and left, opting to open it later.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 3: A Ranchers Dilemma

Having left his house for his second day of job hunting, he finds help wanted posters at the City Hall, and one caught his eye. Critter rangling at Sweet Apple Acres. With his skill in Levitation, this would be a breeze. He went up and grabbed the poster, and walked down to Sweet Apple Acres determined to get a job.

Once he arrived, he smiled at how peaceful it seemed out here at Sweet Apple Acres. He looked around for somepony to talk to, but only spotted a rather large red stallion plowing the fields. He began to trot over to the stallion and once there, he smiles with a slight pant. "Hello there, my names Drew, are you the pony in charge here?"

The large stallion shook his head. "Eeenope!" Was all he said, and Drew blinked. "Could you direct me to who is then?" He asked and the large red stallion nodded. "Eeeyup!" He said and pointed to the barn. "Her name's Applejack" he said and went back to work quietly.

Drew nodded and began to head back to the barn affer thanking the shy giant. He knocked on the door to the barn, and awaited a reply. He was surprised when a filly came to reply. "Yes? What do you need stranger? Did you need some zap apple jam, or cider?" The young filly asked.

Drew chuckled and shook his head, showing the filly the flier that her big sister had put up. "Nope, here for the critter wrangling. Saw the poster, and figured I could help out."

The filly nodded. "Then my big sister is who you should talk to, but she just stepped out to buy more food for the pigs and chickens. My names Applebloom by the way, nice to meet ya!"

Drew nodded at this. "The names Drew, nice to meet you too Applebloom. How long does she usually take?" He asked the filly who thought for a moment. "Around an hour." Applebloom stated.

Drew nods once again and groaned "Am I welcome to stay and wait?" He asked, and the filly nodded. "I don't see why not."

Drew waited around, and Applejack walked up the beaten path, carrying the feed for the pigs and chickens. Drew walked to intercept her and took them from her with his magic, carrying them for her. "I got these. My name's Drew, here for the critter wrangling job!"

Applejack blinked, a faint blush on her face from his act of kindness. She wished more stallions were like this. It was nice to have somepony helping her that wasn't a mare, or family. "Oh sure, the name's Applejack, though you already knew that I bet! Yes, the critter in mind is bats, they've been eating our apples again. They're such a pain in the flank.."

Drew listened and nodded, already figuring out a strategy for their safe capture. "I have a few idea's already, depending on how clever they are."

It didn't take Drew all that long to set up hidden net traps before he trained his horn to the sky, and fired off a glowing ball of light a few dozen feet above the trees, then made it explode loudly, startling the bats severely. In their panic, they started to scatter, and that was exactly what he was counting on. He sprang the traps and caught quite a load of the bats, but this was only a portion of them. It took him all evening to catch just three more trees of the bats, and once it got dark, he no longer had the advantage.

Drew turned in for the night, knocking on the barns door. "I'll be back in the morning for the rest of them." He called out as he placed the netted bats into a vented crate, and sealed it.

"You sure sugar? I mean you can spend the night here, if you'd like to, it would make gettin back to work in the mornin much easier!" Said Applejack, coming from the house. She noticed Drew was a bit sweaty, and his coat almost had a shine to it, if the sun was still up to let it shine. Applejack blushed a bit at seeing this, and hadn't noticed it before, but Drew was rather muscular for a unicorn.

Drew simply turned his head to Applejack and shook his head. "It's quite alright ma'am, the walk here isn't anything compared to my ten mile morning run. But thank you for the offer." Said Drew, trying to be as polite as he could with turning down her offer.

He turned, and began to walk away, only looking back to give a farewell wave as he left.

Drew returned the following morning, seeming like he had barely slept, yet was otherwise fine. He went to Applejack to let her know he was getting to work now and to watch her steps. Applejack simply nodded and went to her usual rounds of work for the day, as did Drew.

Drew repeated the same process of the day before, and only caught the first net launch out of the next four. It seemed the bats were faster learners than he had thought. He rubbed his chin and thought for a few minutes. After a little while, he got another idea. He began to set up smoke bombs in the branches of the trees, and began to set them off, intending to use his levitation magic to catch them as they fled from the smoke.

That seemed to work rather well, so he repeated this process for the rest of the day. This different tactic worked so well, he was finished up by the end of that day, and crated the rest of the bats to be relocated.

Drew set the crates into a large wagon that Big Macintosh was latched to. He turned to Applejack and accepted another four hundred bits from her before thanking her. He turned to leave but was interrupted by the farm pony speaking. "Come back sometime will ya? Maybe we can have dinner one day, whenever you'd like!" Said Applejack with another blush.

Drew looked back again and gave a chuckle with a nod. "Sounds nice. Have a good bat-free night Applejack!"

"You can call me AJ sugar, all my friends do!" Applejack said as Drew nodded once more before leaving.

Drew decided he'd treat himself to some delicious salad after working most of the day. He sat at a seemingly random place, and ate his meal happily. "This place seems pretty damn nice." Drew thought to himself.

He smiled once he finished his food, and left a somewhat generous tip for the good food before leaving. He headed home and once more decided to head right to sleep.

(To be continued)

Chapter 4: A Shy Heart And A Kind Spirit

Waking up from a pretty good nights sleep, Drew got out of his bed, and had two carrots, raw, and decided to go for a nice morning trot around the outskirts of Ponyville. He left his home and began to head to the Northern edge of town, the closest edge of town to his home.

Once he began, he looked around to see a few animals going about their business. He smiled when he noticed a few watching him trot by. After nearly twenty more minutes of going on, he began to hear a group of birds singing. He found their birdsong peaceful, so he began to follow the sounds. As he grew closer, he began to hear a mare singing along with them, and he could have sworn his ears were mistaking the mare for an angel.

As he approached where the beautiful notes were coming from, he slowed down as not to startle any pony who might be there.

He walked up to a bush and listened, peeking over slowly as not to startle the birds aswell as the mare singing with them. He saw a whole rainbow of birds in a tree, on a fence, and lining a cottage.

Amongst the birds, was a yellow coated Pegasus mare, with a pink mane and tail. He smiled warmly and moved to the other side of the bush, revealing himself, but the Pegasus mare had her eyes closed. He simply watched, content where he was for the time being while the Pegasus mare finished her song. The mare smiled blissfully at the birds, then froze as she finally noticed Drew.

Drew smiled warmly. "That was simply beautiful! My name is Drew, pardon if I am intruding, but that wonderful music and song bought me here when I was trotting around the edge of town. I must say, you have a truely wonderous singing voice." Drew stated honestly.

The yellow Pegasus blushed, looking away shyly. She spoke very softly, hoofing the dirt a little. "Thank you.....my names....Fluttershy.." She said to him, but she was so quiet, he hadn't heard her.

"Pardon ma'am? I couldn't hear you.." Drew said, hoping she wouldn't take offense for some reason. He took a few steps closer and rotated his ears to hear her a little better.

The Pegasus meeped and looked away, hiding half of her face with that pink mane. "My name's......Fluttershy..." she had said again, and glanced up at him.

Drew smiled softly. "It's nice to meet you Fluttershy." He said, having heard her that time. He nodded to himself, looking away now. "Well, I guess I should probably be on my way now." He said, and turned to leave.

"O...oh....ok..." Fluttershy said, pausing for a moment. "B....Be safe.." she stated, noticing he was heading towards the Everfree Forest now.

Drew looked back and nodded, smiling. He gave a polite wave before trotting off. Fifteen minutes later, he had gotten curious about the forest around him, and had found himself at a pit with sides far too steep for a unicorn or earth pony to climb. He groaned, turning back only to trip over a rock, and lose his balance, falling into the pit. He groaned as he had cut his leg pretty deep on his way down, and he got dazed by a rock to his head on the fall down. He tried to get back up, his whole world spinning.

It took him another five minutes to recover from the dizziness, but he finally got back to his hooves, only to discover he had a rather large gash on his leg. He groans as he thinks to himself, trying to think his way out of this pit where no pony knew he was.

It took roughly another twenty minutes efore he gave up and started to yell, hoping to get some pony's attention. "HEY!! I'M DOWN HERE!! I FELL INTO A PIT AND HURT MY LEG!! CAN SOME PONY GET HELP?!" Drew yelled out for about an hour before some pony actually showed up. It was the same yellow Pegasus he met earlier. He smiled some upon seeing her. "Oh hello Fluttershy! Thank goodness some pony heard me! I tripped over a rock up there and fell in here. I gashed up my leg and hit my head on another rock on my way down.....could you get help please?" He asked nicely.

Fluttershy gasped upon hearing that, and all bashfulness vanished from her all at once as she flew down to him, and inspected his leg, head, and even his hooves. After assessing the situation a bit more, she called a bird over. "Hey there, um, could you go into town, and get some pony to follow you back here? My friend here needs help, and I can't leave his side right now." Fluttershy said and the bird chirpped, as if understanding her and flew off towards Ponyville. Drew blinked at her now.

"They understand you?" He asked, watching Fluttershy. She nodded and hid her face with her mane again. "Yes, and I can understand them. How badly are you hurt Drew?" Fluttershy asked with a genuinely concerned tone.

Drew caught this, and smiled at her warmly. "Oh I've had much worse, but with the conditions as they are, I'm stuck here in this pit, with a bleeding leg, which hurts like hell. Feels like someone cut my leg open with a blade."

Fluttershy nodded as she thinks for a moment. She wasn't strong enough to fly him out of the pit, and she knew it.

"Let me see if I can find a vine and large enough leaf so we can keep pressure on your leg." Fluttershy said and flew into the trees above, looking around. She found a few vines and began to look for a large leaf. This took her a few minutes, and she returned with both. She landed beside him. "Hold still now please." She said as she placed the leaf, and began trying to tie the vines. She groaned in frustration, and Drew chuckled. "I got it. Just hold the leaf please."

Drew activated his horn, and took the vines with his magic. Fluttershy nodded and held the now bloody leaf in place. He began to tie the vine to his leg tightly, and moved away from her to let her stop. "Thank you Fluttershy!" He said with a wincing smile.

Fluttershy blushed and smiled, looking away a little. "Anytime. I just couldn't stand by and do nothing while some pony needs help!" She said and glanced up at him. "Yes, but still. It was very kind of you to come help some pony you had only just met." Drew said with a warm smile.

Just as Fluttershy was about to reply, a white unicorn trotted up to the pit, the bird from before following right after. "Oh my gosh, Fluttershy darling, are you ok?!" Said the white unicorn. Drew looked up and saw Rarity. He smiled lightly and gave a wave. "Oh, hello again Rarity." He said as Rarity blushed deeply.

"He remembered my name..." Rarity thought to herself and waved back. "Yes, Hello Drew." Rarity said, and Fluttershy flew up to Rarity. "Drew is hurt, not me. He tripped over a rock and cut his leg pretty bad and hit his head on the way down..I'm not strong enough to fly him up on my own..." Fluttershy said bluntly. Rarity nodded and activated her horn, picking Drew up in her magic and lifted him up, inspecting him too. She shook her head and didn't set him down. "No no, that won't do. You need to go to the hospital and get that stitched!" Rarity said and began to gallop towards Ponyville with him, knowing Fluttershy would follow.

Once at the hospital, the doctors gave him a room, and began to check him out for themselves.

(To be continued)

Chapter 5: A Colorful Encounter

Having settled into the hospital bed after the stitches, he sighed. As he did, some pony behind a sheet next to his bed chuckled. "Yea, I know that feeling all too well." Said a raspy voice. Drew blinked at this. "Oh, hello. I was unaware some pony was there." He replied.

The mare next to him moved the sheets, and this revealed a rainbow maned cyan Pegasus mare. He smiled a bit at her. "Hey there, the names Rainbow Dash!" The mare said, extending her bandaged hoof. Drew bumped her hoof with his. "Drew. Nice to neet you Rainbow Dash." He said and she nodded.

"So, what are you in here for?" Rainbow asked. "Fell into a pit in the Everfree Forest, cut my leg open and hit my head pretty hard on the way down. If it wasn't for Fluttershy and Rarity, I'd still be down there, probably bleeding out."

Rainbow Dash laughed lightly. "Yea, Flutters is a really kind pony! Kind of surprised Rarity went out there though. How do you know them by the way?" Rainbow asked.

"I met Rarity first, saved her from four stallions who cornered her. I met Fluttershy just earlier this morning. I went for a trot around the edge of town, and heard her birds singing. When I got closer, I heard her singing too! She truely has a beautiful singing voice. I wish I could have heard more." He said.

Rainbow Dash laughed a bit louder now but nodded. "Mhm, she sure does! So how did Rarity get involved in getting you?"

Drew nodded. "Fluttershy sent a bird back into town to get some pony. I guess it ran into Rarity first. I dunno though. I was relieved when she got me out of there though." Drew said with a sigh of relief.

Rainbow Dash nodded, smirking some. "Yea, my friends can be kinda awesome alright!" She said and Drew nodded in agreement.

A nurse came in who had a white cross with five hearts, one on each corner of the white cross, and a larger heart in the center. "Hello Mr.Drew, my name is Nurse Redheart, I'll be your nurse for today! Are you feeling comfortable?" Redheart asked sweetly. Drew nodded and smiled.

(Fast forward one week)

Rainbow Dash was first to leave the hospital, having been there a few days before Drew arrived, and being a faster healer. Rainbow Dash arrived to pay Drew a visit, knocking before entering his now private room. "Come in!" Drew called out.

It was a pleasant surprise to see that Rainbow Dash had bothered to come for a visit.

"How ya holdin up big guy?" Rainbow Dash asked, a smirk on her face. Drew removed the sheets to reveal the stitched leg.

"Nurse Redheart said I can probably leave today, she also said I'm clear of any signs of a concussion!" Drew said happily.

"That's awesome!" Rainbow Dash said with a grin. Immediately afterwards, Fluttershy and Rarity came in. "Hello!" Said Rarity. "Are you feeling any better?" Asked Fluttershy. Drew nodded, and sat up. "Hello Rarity, and yes, I feel much better Fluttershy!"

The door opened, and Applejack ran in. "I just heard!! Are you alright sugar?!" Applejack asked frantically. Drew chuckled and nodded. "Yes Applej....I mean A.J I'm fine now. Thanks to Rarity and Fluttershy here." He stated plainly.

Applejack nodded and gave a thankful nod to her two friends.

Drew smiled at them all. Nurse Redheart came in and gave Drew a smile. "Are you ready to head home Drew? The doctors greenlighted your discharge."

Drew nodded happily and went to get up, nearly falling over. Rainbow Dash was quick to catch him though, and helped balance him. Applejack and Rarity had jealous looks on their faces, but Drew and Rainbow Dash didn't notice. Drew blushed, and smiled warmly. "Thank you Rainbow Dash!" He said.

Rainbow Dash blushed some aswell, and nodded. "Anytime! I'm always there for friends!" She stated proudly. Drew gave her a content nod and smiled abit wider.

"Glad to hear it!" Drew said after a pause of enjoying her touch. He then stood on his own as Rainbow Dash hesitantly let him go, and nodded. "They don't call me Loyalty for nothin!" She said, a bit of boast in her tone. Drew chuckled and nodded.

He began to walk out, waving for the others to follow him out. They promptly did. He looks around once outside the hospital now. "So what do you all do for fun?" Drew asked, wanting something to do after a whole week of doing nothing.

No pony had ideas, because they didn't want Drew thinking their ideas of fun were lame, so they each stayed quiet. Drew sighed a little as he looked around.

"Hmm, then let's think of something to do together! Seeing as we're all together right now!" Drew said, and Fluttershy looked away shyly. "Um, actually...I just came to check on you, I still have things to do at home." She said, and Rarity nodded. "Yes, and I still have some orders to finish up!" Applejack sighed a bit. "And Applebloom got a lil sick, so I gotta head back home to take care of her." Rainbow Dash nodded. "I'm free though!" She stated. Drew smiled and nodded twice. "Alright then ladies, I guess me and Rainbow Dash will catch you all later!"

As he said that, Applejack was the first to hug him, followed by Rarity then Fluttershy, and they went their separate ways. Drew turned to Rainbow Dash now. "So, what would you like to do?" He asked bluntly.

"I was thinking about going to the pond for a swim and soak up some sun! Wanna join?" Rainbow asked with a smirk. Drew grins and nods. "Hell yea! Sounds like fun!"

And just like that, they began to head towards the pond.

Rainbow Dash was first to dive in, and Drew followed up with a cannonball. After both had surfaced, Drew splashed Rainbow Dash in the face, who looked shocked. "Oh it's on now buddy!!" She said, and an epic splash war ensued. In the end, it was Rainbow Dash who had won, and Drew laughed loudly with her. After a while, they swam a few laps and got out of the water, and sat on the shore to catch some sun. "So, Drew, how'd you get your cutiemark?" Rainbow Dash asked, wanting to learn more about him.

Drew chuckled and went to lay on his back, looking to the clear sky. "Well, I was sent into the military at age 8 by my uncle, after he sent my little brother into an orphanage, and after four years of training, my little brother escaped the orphanage and found me at boot camp. I tried to send him back, but when he left, four Changelings attacked him. I heard him scream, so being the big brother I am, I went after him. I took two daggers with me, and fought off three of them, and the fourth one fled. That's when my cutiemark appeared. The daggers crossing downwards represents defence. That's the moment I knew what I was meant to be, a soldier!" Drew stated, and Rainbow Dash watched with wide eyes, and a faint blush. Drew caught this and smiled, subconsciously flexing as his coat shone in the sunlight. Rainbow Dash scooted a bit closer to him. "A soldier huh? That's pretty cool!"

Drew nodded and smiled, blushing when he noticed Rainbow Dash scooting closer. His heart skipped a beat or two. He ponders for a moment before reaching a foreleg around the mare, and Rainbow sighs into it. Drew closed his eyes with a smile, and began to drift off to sleep and Rainbow Dash had already gotten comfy and fallen asleep.

He had begun to have yet another nightmare just as the sun went down on them. Drew dreamed of losing his brother, crying in his sleep as something was taking his brother from him, something he couldn't fight against. Luna once again appeared in his dream, telling Drew to remain calm. Drew had not noticed Luna. He began to panic, when suddenly he woke up to Rainbow Dash shaking him desperately.

"Hey, wake up!! Are you ok Drew?!" Rainbow Dash asked with a concerned look on her face. Drew blinked himself awake and nodded. "Yea, just....another bad dream..." He said and sighed.

Drew tensed up suddenly when Rainbow Dash leaned in, and kissed him without warning. "It'll be ok!" She cooed to him, and he returned the kiss, relaxing into it.

(To be continued)

Chapter 6: A Tripple Princess Problem

Author's Note

This chapter will most likely be my longest chapter, focusing on a love square (4 ponies involved) and include two unexpected ponies to solve an issue!

Chapter 6: A Tripple Princess Problem

With Rainbow Dash by his side throughout the night, Drew slept soundly. He hadn't slept this well since his parents were still alive. He woke up to the Rainbow Beauty snuggled up firmly against him and smiled.

"She didn't leave.." Drew thought to himself and was rather happy about that. He stroked her rainbow mane a few times as she moaned awake with a smile and blush. "Good morning!" Rainbow Dash said with a grin.

"Good morning beautiful!" Drew said with a heart warming smile. As Rainbow Dash got up, she stretched and yawned loudly. This made Drew chuckle. "Sleep well?" Drew asked as he sat up, his back popping as he did so.

"Yep!" Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk. Drew nodded and went to kiss her forehead. "Want me to walk you home before I continue my job hunt? Critter wrangling for Applejack only paid just enough for another months rent, but I still need a more stable job." Drew said as Rainbow blushed at the forehead kiss and nodded. "Sure! I can probably help with a job too! I know a few ponies." She stated.

Drew nodded and smiled widely at this. "That would be really helpful!" He exclaimed, practically beaming. He began to walk once Rainbow Dash showed she was ready to leave, and they headed back into town.

After he dropped Rainbow Dash off at her house, he went to his own to finally check the package Derpy delivered some time ago, having forgotten about it.

He went inside and took the package, carefully opening it, and his jaw dropped at what he saw in it.

Inside was a box filled with bits, and a note. He went to read the note first. The note read. "From Prince Shining Armor, To Drew The Courageous. For your courage and dedication to the Equestrian Armed Forces, I gift you six thousand bits, two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala and one royal favor. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty time and time again during the Changeling War, and have earned my thanks. While under your command, not one of your platoon mates perished, your leadership in the heat of battle is unparalleled. We owe you much!" And Drew smiled widely.

Things were finally looking up for Drew. This was a complete surprise for him, so much so he started yelling in happiness. He already knew exactly what his royal favor would be too.

Just then, he heard a knocking on his door and went to answer it, surprised by who he saw was at his door. It was Rainbow Dash. He blinked, having not told her where he lived yet. "How did you find my house?" He asked, tilting his head. "I ran into Derpy when I left my house to get breakfast, and asked her. What was the yelling for?"

Drew chuckled lightly. "A few days ago, Derpy delivered me a package, and I just remembered I had it, you'll never believe what was inside!!" He said excitedly. Rainbow Dash perked a brow at him. "Six thousand bits, two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, and Prince Shining Armor saying I've earned one royal favor for my outstanding performance in the Equestrian Armed Forces!!" Drew was beaming now. "I can finally get my little brother back!!"

Rainbow Dash smirked. "That's awesome news Drew!! I'm so happy for you!!!" Rainbow Dash said and leaned in, giving him a quick peck to his lips. Drew smiled into the kiss and pulled her close.

After a long kiss, they pulled from each other and Drew beamed even brighter. "I will still need that help with the job though." He said and Rainbow Dash nodded. "I'll go talk to Highly Sorted, the head Mail pony." Rainbow Dash said and smiled at Drew.

He smiled right back at her and watched her zip away. He went back inside and began to write a reply to Prince Shining Armor. It read. "To Prince Shining Armor, From Drew The Courageous. Thank you very much for the gifts former captain and now Prince Shining Armor, my deepest apologies for the late reply. These past few days in Ponyville have been hectic for me. The third day here, I was landed in the hospital for a week from a fall in the Everfree Forest. These gifts couldn't have come at a more perfect time too. I need to choose between the two options I have for the favor. Option one, grant me permanent property without taxation here in Ponyville. Option two would be to get custody of my little brother Pitter Patter if I fail to get custody through legal means. The citazens of Ponyville seem to have taken to me nicely thus far. Enough about me though old friend,how are you and your wife....I do believe her name was Cadence? Don't you have a daughter now too? Well, I await your reply. I must go now to check on a job lead my newest Mare friend has given me. Have a nice and peaceful day!"

With that final line, Drew slipped the letter into an envelope and sealed it. He then left his home and began to head to the post office where Rainbow Dash stated she was going earlier.

Once at the post office, he saw Rainbow Dash exiting, a smile on her face. "Hello dear, I imagine that your smile means the talk went well?" Drew asked and Rainbow Dash nodded. "Yep, you start tomorrow afternoon! A short route to get you more familiar with Ponyville, and if you do well, a longer route will be granted!"

Drew beamed even more and hugged Rainbow Dash instantly. She blushed and hugged him back tightly. "Thank you Rainbow Dash!!" He said happily. "You can call me Dashie hun." Rainbow Dash said with a smirk. Drew nodded and leaned in, giving his mare friend a kiss. Rainbow Dash melted into the kiss and pulled back with a gasping smile, and deep crimson cheeks. This made Drew smile sweetly at her.

He nodded and placed a hoof on her crimson cheek. "You're so cute when you blush Dashie!" Drew said teasingly, and Rainbow Dash blushed more, looking away and cleared her throat. "Oh come on, I am not!" She said, showing a bit of embarrassment. Drew chuckled and nods.

Neither Drew nor Rainbow Dash noticed they were spotted by not only Applejack but Rarity too. Rarity was first to approach the couple. "Rainbow Dash! How dare you come by and scoop up my catch! I met him first!" Rarity said, anger aparent in her voice.

Drew and Rainbow Dash blinked, confused.

Applejack approached next. "Rarity has a point, I had my eye on him too!! How dare you!"

Rarity gave Rainbow Dash a glare and huffed. "I never want to see you again!! Don't you ever show your face at Carousel Boutique again!" Rarity said and ran off crying.

Applejack looked disappointed and sighed, also crying. "Or at Sweet Apple Acres!!" Applejack said with obvious hurt in her tone before running back home.

Rainbow Dash blinked, unsure what she did wrong. She was fighting back her own tears and flew away, needing to be alone right now.

Drew was suddenly alone, not knowing what had just happened. Had he been unknowingly leading Rarity and Applejack on? He sighed and pounded the ground hard once. "What the fuck just happened here?!' He cursed out loud.

(At Twilight's castle)

Twilight Sparkle blinks as her cutiemark suddenly began to blink, and rushed to the map table in the throne room. Her eyes widen to untold proportions when she saw not only her own cutiemark hovering over Ponyville but two VERY familiar others. It was the cutiemarks of herself, Princess Cadence and Princess Celestia!! She yelled for Spike frantically. "SPIKE!!! GET IN HERE NOW!! IT'S AN EMERGENCY!!"

Spike rushed in, panting. "What's wrong Twilight?!"

Twilight looked nervously to Spike. "Write a letter to Princess Celestia immediately!" She said, and Spike gulped but nodded, getting a scroll and quill.

"Dear Princess Celestia, apologies for the frantic letter, but it appears there is a problem in Ponyville that requires your presence. I must speak with you immediately. Alert Princess Cadence aswell." Twilight said. "Send it!" Twilight said with a scared tone and Spike wasted no time.

Within moments after the green puff of smoke left the room, Princess Celestia teleported into Twilights throne room, followed closely after by Princess Cadence. Both of their cutiemarks glowing.

"What is wrong Twilight?" Princess Celestia asked first. "Yes, and why are our cutiemarks glowing like this?" Asked Princess Cadence.

"Welcome Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence. It seems the map has called upon us three to solve a friendship problem here in Ponyville....this has never happened before." Twilight said, obviously very concerned.

"What friendship problem could be so severe that it requires the attention of three princesses?!" Princess Celestia asked.

"I don't know Princess Celestia, but this is very unnerving. The map has never done this before." Twilight Sparkle said.

(Back at the post office)

Drew sighed and decided to head back home to do some thinking. He was unsure what to do right this moment

Rainbow Dash was up in a cloud, crying to herself. She felt all of this was directly her fault, but she just couldn't leave Drew for her friends either. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Rarity ran home and cried in her shower. This left Sweetie Belle confused. Sweetie Belle tried to talk to her big sister about what was wrong but Rarity just ignored her.

Applejack arrived home and went straight into the barn. She had run right past Applebloom and Big Macintosh and started crying to herself quietly. "Stupid Applejack....of course he wouldn't be into you...." Applejack said to herself. Big Macintosh came in to check on her. "You alright sis?" Big Mac said from the door. He was promptly met with a bucket to his face, which went around his head. He huffed and left her alone to give her her space.

Twilight, Cadence and Celestia each split up to try and find the problem. With Twilight's advice, they each took one third of Ponyville in a pie chart pattern.

Drew left his house to head to the market, feeling hungry as he looked like someone had just killed some pony close to him.

Twilight was first to find some pony, walking over to Drew after seeing the look on his face. "Hello. My name is Twilight Sparkle, are you having a friendship problem?" The purple Alicorn asked.

Drew blinked at Twilight, noticing she was an Alicorn, and gave a bow. "Greetings Princess. My name's Drew, but I'm afraid I don't entirely know. I kissed my mare friend and I guess her friends saw it, and got jealous or something. I think they liked me, and got upset when they saw me with her..." Drew explained.

"Ah, I see, and who are the others involved?" Twilight asked.

"Their names are Applejack and Rarity." He said, sighing. Twilight gasped and thinks.

"Ok, and who is your mare friend?" Twilight asked, wanting to understand the situation fully before proceeding.

"Her name is Rainbow Dash." He said with a smile, and Twilight's jaw dropped. She began to think at high speed, wondering how all of this happened without her knowledge.

"Hmm, ok. And where did she go?" Twilight asked, thinking it would be a good idea to talk to Drew and Rainbow Dash together first. "I'm not sure, she got very upset and flew off when Rarity and Applejack got angry at her and told her they never wanted to see her again..." Drew said with a sigh.

Twilight sighed. "That's not good. I think I know where she went though. Stay here please." Twilight explained and took to the sky.

(At Sweet Apple Acres)

Princess Celestia located heartache with her Alicorn Empathy and arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, knocking on the barn door. "Go away...." Applejack said between sobs, thinking it was Big Macintosh again. "May I come in Applejack?" Princess Celestia asked, and Applejack froze, rushing to the door.

"Princess Celestia?! Of course!" She said abd swiped her tears away, bowing to the Alicorn.

Princess Celestia walked in, sitting next to Applejack and rubbed her back lightly. "What seems to be causing you heartbreak my little pony?" Princess Celestia asked with concern in her tone.

Applejack sniffled and stood. "Rainbow Dash stole the ONE stallion I fell for...the ONE stallion who caught my eye..now I'll never get to be with him.." she said, trying not to cry more.

Princess Celestia nodded and pats Applejack's head, pulling her chin up to look up at her. "You can't always get the things you want my little pony. I know it hurts, but you must accept it and move on. There are plenty of stallions out there, I know you will find another who will like you back." She said to Applejack, trying to lift her spirit.

(At Carousel Boutique)

Princess Cadence heard loud crying and sobbing coming from Carousel Boutique, and landed outside, knocking loudly before entering. "Rarity, what's wrong?!" Princess Cadence asked, genuine concern in her voice.

"Rainbow Dash betrayed me! She swooped in and scooped up the stallion of my dreams. Now I'll never get married to the stallion of my dreams..." Rarity said dramatically.

Princess Cadence manifested two spoons and two tubs of chocolate ice cream, passing one of each to Rarity.

"Matters of the heart are in my ball park, but you must accept it and move on. I know there's a stallion out there who will return your feelings!" Princess Cadence said with a slight smile.

Rarity sighed, having started eating. "I suppose you're right Princess, but it still hurts..."

"I know it hurts Rarity, but if he doesn't return your feelings for him, then there's nothing you can do about it aside from move on and try to find some pony else." Princess Cadence said with a nod. "Come on then, let's head over to Twilight's castle and wait for the others so we can talk this out. You need closure."

"I suppose you're right Princess, let me fix my make up first though." Rarity said with a sigh.

(In the sky above Ponyville)

Twilight found Rainbow Dash crying on a high up cloud, and landed next to her. She gave Rainbow Dash a hug and smiled warmly. "Wanna tell me what happened in your own words?"

Rainbow Dash sighed, wiping her tears away and seemed a bit sad. "Rarity and Applejack hate me now....all because I'm with the stallion they like....not MY fault he likes me back.." Rainbow Dash said with tears trying to continue to escape her eyes.

Twilight nodded and pointed down. "Then let's go down and get Drew so we cab head to my castle and wait for the others so we can talk this out. Ok?" Twilight asked with a smile and Rainbow Dash nodded. The two flew back down to Drew and filled him in on the plan, and the trio went back to Twilight's castle.

(Back at Sweet Apple Acres)

"Come now my little pony, I think we should head over to Twilight's castle and wait for the others so we can talk this out and get you closure. Alright?" Princess Celestia asked with a smile and nod, and Applejack nodded, getting up to follow Princess Celestia.

(At Twilight's castle.)

Twilight, Drew, and Rainbow Dash were first to arrive, and they each sat in Twilight's study. Twilight had given Spike instructions to bring Celestia and Cadence to her study when they arrived, knowing the other princesses would have the same idea to bring the issue to her castle.

A few minutes passed and Princess Cadence and Rarity arrived, being told to meet with the other three in Twilight's study to wait. A few more minutes passed before Celestia and Applejack arrived and met up with the others aswell.

Rainbow Dash was first to speak up. "Hey there girls. I wanted to say that I'm sorry that I ended up hurting your feelings, but you didn't give me the chance to speak before."

Drew was next. "Ladies, I'm sorry too, but I didn't think you would feel like this towards me. I'm flattered you each like me, but I don't feel the sane way about each of you. I do however return Dashie's feelings."

Rarity was next up to speak. She cleared her throat and began to talk. "Drew, when you saved me from those four horrible stallions that night, I fell for you, fooling myself to believe you did it because you liked me...and Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry for what I said...I was speaking out of hurt, and it wasn't right of me..."

With Rarity's turn concluded, Applejack was next. "Sugar, I care about you an awful lot. It hurts that you don't feel the same, but I accept it. You're everything I wanted in a stallion, and if you make Rainbow Dash happy, then good. But Rainbow Dash, keep this in mind, if you EVER cut him loose, I'll be all over him like flies on pig shit!" Applejack said honestly.

Rainbow Dash nodded and the three mares hugged each other, smiling. "I'm glad everything ended up alright!" Twilight said.

Twilight nodded and smiled as hers, Celestia's and Cadence's cutiemarks pulsed, signaling they had done what the map required of them.

(To be continued)

Chapter 7: A Long Time Coming

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 8: Party At The Gala

The next day, was the day before The Grand Galloping Gala, and Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Twilight were excited for the party to follow. Drew had checked in at Carousel Boutique to see if Rarity was done with his suit.

Rarity nodded and levitated the suit over to him. "That will be two hundred and fifty bits." Rarity said.

Drew nodded and paid the bits. He smiled and went to leave. "Thanks Rarity!" He said, turning to the door only to be met with a pink coated and slightly darker pink maned mare.

She blinked at Drew and beamed. "Oh hi there!! You must be new to Ponyville because I never seen you before! I know every pony in Ponyville!" She said in a fast talking manner, bouncing in place.

"Umm, hello to you too. I wouldn't quite say new new, but yes, I am. I've been here for a little while now." Drew said to her, noticing the yellow and blue balloons that was her cutiemark.

The pink pony giggled and looked him over. "I'm Pinkie Pie! Are you going to the Grand Galloping Gala too?" She asked.

Drew nodded at her. "Why yes I am. Prince Shining Armor gifted me two tickets, although all my friends already have their own tickets, so I'm left with an extra that I don't need... now that my little brother has rejected me.." drew said with a frown.

Pinkie thinks for a moment. She hated frowns, and wanted to cheer him up. She grabbed him and pulled him outside and down the road. "Gah, what're you doing?!" Drew protested.

"Oh hush mr.Grumpy mc-grumpykins! I'm gonna make you smile!" Pinkie said to him, determined to turn his frown upside down.

Pinkie dragged Drew down to Sugarcube Corner and began sorting through different flavored cupcakes. She passed him a tray with a rainbow of different colored and flavored cupcakes. "Pick the ones you like!" She said to him and smiled.

"I'm not hungry right now, but thank you anyway!" Drew said, and looked away a bit and sighed.

"Hmmm, how about some music then?" Pinkie asked. Drew groaned.

"I appreciate the attempt Pinkie but right now, I just want to go back home and have some hard cider.." Drew said. Pinkie grumbled and thinks harder, suddenly she began to get a tingle.

Drew blinked when she began to vibrate some. "Umm, are you ok?" Drew asked.

"Hmm? Yeah, I'm Ok! Just trying to figure what dozzy is coming up." Pinkie said as Drew tried to slip away while the pink Earth Pony was deep in thought.

Pinkie spotted him just before he got to the door. "Where are you going?" Pinkie asked him.

"Home.." was all he said to her.

Just then, her poofy pink mane quite literally deflated, laying flat against her side. "Oh...." was all she said as Drew left.

(The next day)

Twilight, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had spent the night cheering Pinkie up, and Drew had woken up, going back to work on his now longer route. He sighed as he dropped a letter inti a mailbox and walked along.

Just then, a Rainbow streak landed right infront of him. It was Rainbow Dash and she looked mad. "Why did you make Pinkie sad?!" She asked, glaring at him.

Drew blinked. "For one, I didn't do it intentionally, and for two, she was sort of forcing me to try cupcakes and listen to music when all I wanted to do was go home." He said bluntly.

"You know, you probably could have just said It's not your thing. You didn't have to hurt her feelings like that." Rainbow Dash said with a slight growl.

"You're right Dashie, I'm sorry." He said and Rainbow Dash blinked, having expected more of an argument from him and nodded.

"I'll go tell her now." Drew said and smiled lightly at her.

"Alright then, let's go." Rainbow Dash said, walking out the door, and Drew followed. They walked to Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie was, still with her mane deflated.

Drew knocked and Mr.Cake let him in, Mr.Cake then brought Drew upstairs to Pinkie's room and left. Drew knocked and Pinkie replied with a simple "come in.." so Drew opened the door.

"Pinkie Pie, I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings like that." Drew said as he blinked, watching Pinkie's mane suddenly poof back into being fluffy and she smiled.

"Oh, thank you! It's Ok, I was being a little pushy earlier, sorry bout that!" Pinkie said with a smile. Drew chuckled at her sudden turn around in attitude.

"There's the smile I was looking for!!" Pinkie beamed and Drew laughed a bit.

Drew nodded some as Pinkie beamed more. "So, will I be seeing you at the Grand Galloping Gala?" Pinkie asked excitedly.

"You sure will Pinkie!" Drew said and gave a curtious bow and walked away.

Pinkie waved and smiled at him. Drew left Sugarcube Corner and met Rainbow Dash outside. "Problem solved. She accepted my apology!"

Rainbow Dash nodded and leaned in, kissing Drew deeply. To Drew's delight, Rainbow Dash poked his lips with her tongue and he happily parted his lips. The two tongue kissed for a moment before parting, each beaming at each other.

Drew went and nuzzled her affectionately and Rainbow Dash gladly returned the gesture.

Rainbow Dash smiled widely at him and began to think of something. "Hey hun, I've gotta go for a bit, Ok?" She said to him and Drew nodded.

Twilight happened by Drew moments after Rainbow Dash left, and smiled at him, waving. "Hey there Drew! I'm heading to Fluttershy's fortea, would you like to join us?" She asked with a smile. Drew shrugged.

"Sure, why not! I don't have any other plans." Drew said and smiled back, trotting over to her.

"Great, let's go!" Twilight said with a cheery tone. She walked along, humming to herself as Drew looked around. As they got closer, he noticed more and more animals.

Twilight knocked on the cottage door and Fluttershy opened it. "Oh, hi Twilight, hello Drew. How is your leg doing?" Fluttershy asked kindly.

"Doing alot better, thanks for asking! Should be any day now that the stitches should come out!" Drew said with a smile.

"Oh good! That gash looked pretty bad that day. I'm happy you're recovering well!" Fluttershy said and smiled at him.

"Come in! The tea is nice and warm." She said as the two walked in.

(The next day)

The day of The Grand Galloping Gala had finally arrived, and Drew was last to meet up with the mane 6, his suit was pretty basic, just a simple tux, with a rainbow rose by the pocket near to his neck. He smiled at every pony, and Rainbow Dash walked right up to him, kissing him softly. She smiled and pulled a box from under one of her wings. "Here hun. I want you to have this! But." She said and leaned in. "Just don't open it in front of the others." She said with a blush.

Drew returned the kiss and blinked, nodding as he used his magic to put it in the vest portion of his tux.

The seven of them went in, and Drew was pulled aside by one of the guards. "Excuse me Sir, but Princess Celestia requested your presence upon arrival. Please make your way to her quarters as soon as possible." Drew nodded and told the girls where he was heading.

(In Celestia's private quarters)

Celestia welcomed Drew with a smile, and a cup of tea. Drew came in and bowed. "You requested me Princess?" Drew asked and took a sip.

Princess Celestia nodded. "Why yes I did. It regards your little brother actually." She said, and took a sip, making Drew blink.

"It seems something dark and inherently evil has overtaken him. I sense the same power I felt when Luna turned into Nightmare Moon. I've seen reports of your little brother going into an ally the night he arrived, and moments later sixteen ponies and a building were vaporized, and some pony else came out of the ally. That was when I first sensed that same dark power. Please, if you can, just be careful, alright?" Princess Celestia asked of him.

"I see.....of course I'll be careful Princess! Thank you for the heads up." He said, clearly uneasy at this news. This made the dream he had when he and Rainbow Dash first kissed make sense now.

Drew returned to the party, only to find Fluttershy with birds singing again, and Pinkie Pie dancing. He chuckled as he looked around and noticed Applejack trying to sell apples and apple desserts to ponies and Rarity talking with Prince Blue Blood. Twilight was greeting guests with Princess Luna, and was joined by Princess Celestia. Rainbow Dash was talking with the Wonderbolts and Drew didn't have much to do on his own.

He went and got some punch as he stood around, enjoying Fluttershy's singing, and watching Pinkie dancing.

Everything was going well so far...

(To be continued)

Chapter 9: Trouble In Paradise

With the Grand Galloping Gala coming to an end, Drew and Rainbow Dash met up at the gates, and she smiled nervously at him. "Have you checked my gift yet?" She asked, nervous about his reaction.

Drew shook his head at her and chuckled. "Not yet Dashie, because I wanted to open it infront of you!" He said and Rainbow Dash blushed.

Drew opened the box when no pony else was around, and he blinked, blushing very hard at what was inside. It was a cyan feather, a primary.

Rainbow Dash watched him intently and giggled when she saw him blush, knowing now that he's done his research on pegasi. "Yes hun, it's one of my Primary Feathers." She said, smiling warmly at him.

Drew looked up at her, beaming even brighter than Pinkie Pie after a very successful party. He leaned in and kissed her passionately. "Thank you Dashie, I'll treasure it always!!" He said after the kiss, which Rainbow Dash gladly returned with equal intensity.

He smiled and carefully closed the box, and placed it cautiously into the vest portion of his tux again. "I love you too Rainbow Dash." He said, and pulled her close to him. She didn't object at all, and nuzzled him softly.

The couple went home and Drew smiled warmly at her, noticing Rainbow Dash had forgotten to preen today. He grins at her and stood side by side to her, and leaned his head back. Rainbow Dash blushed hard when she saw him do this, and was surprised even further when Drew had begun to preen her.

She practically moaned at this and smiled very happily, beaming in delight that he actually knew how to preen. Drew smiled, exhaling his warm breath into the maze of feathers, and noticed Rainbow Dash was panting a bit. He chuckled and kept going. This only lasted roughly thirty more minutes before she pounced him, kissing him deeply.

Her scent had changed and Drew had caught this. He grinned and returned the kiss. Tonight was special indeed.

(the next morning)

Rainbow Dash was first to wake up and smiled at him, rubbing her belly lightly with a content grin.

Drew woke up a few minutes later and smirked at his mare friend."hood morning hunny." He said, and saw the deep blush that crossed her cheeks. He chuckled at this.

"Morning babe." She said and kissed his nose. This made Drew beam at her. He sat up and yawned lightly. "Did you enjoy your night sweetheart?" Drew asked and Rainbow Dash nodded, the most joyful smile on her face. She truely was happy with him, and of course he felt whole with her.

He gives her another gentle kiss and got up. He saw the time and he had to go to work in less than an hour. "Well sweetheart, I have work soon, so I have to get ready." Drew said with a sigh. He wanted nothing more than to get back into that bed with her, but he had to go.

After preparing for work, Rainbow Dash had gotten up to see him off. She gave him a deep and wet kiss and he melted into it. "Be safe at work babe!" She said and waved as he left after nodding and returning her kiss.

Half way through his mail route through downtown Ponyville, an explosion was heard. Drew galloped to where it came from, and saw a rather large crimson and blood red unicorn, laughing evilly over several wounded, dead, and cowering ponies. Anger came to a boiling point inside of him, and he fires off a spell he called Toxic Emission. The spell was a projectile orb that poisons upon contact, and can be controlled to target an individual amongst a group, or fired in three orb bursts to hit multiple targets. The Crimson Stallion known as Nightmare Stampede leapt into the air and came down hard, kicking Drew in the head, sending him flying.

Drew bounced off of the wall of a building, stunned. Nightmare Stampede took this opportunity to step on Drew's throat, and began pressing down. "Bahahahaha, now who's the weak one brother?!" Nightmare Stampede said, and shortly after, was met with a cyan hoof followed by a rainbow streak.

Nightmare Stampede tumbled backwards and growled, only to have a lasso land it's mark around his neck, and get flung into the air. "Yeehaw!!!" Drew heard between gasps as he saw Rainbow Dash helping him up. He groaned, still stunned from the previous blow. Rarity was guiding the innocent bystanders away from the battle, and Twilight swooped down, zapping Nightmare Stampede mid-swing of the farm pony's lasso, burning it and sending Nightmare Stampede tumbling into the air.

What sounded like a canon going off was heard, and Pinkie had launched herself from her party canon, and intercepted Nightmare Stampede with a punch to the jaw in mid-air. Fluttershy moved to help with the evacuation by guiding the creatures to safety. Nightmare Stampede landed on a roof, and snarled.

"DO YOU PONIES REALLY THINK YOU CAN TAKE ME DOWN SO EASILY?!" He screamed, hatred oozing off of him now.

"I'M GOING TO KILL EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!" He said, leaping into the air, and Drew fired off anither Toxic Emission soell, landing his mark, but it would take time to get results.

"Girls, our Elements, now!!" Twilight said urgently. The others nodded and put their Elements Of Harmony on, and they began to use them, surrounding Nightmare Stampede.

The being that took over Pitter Patter recognized the Elements Of Harmony, and knew a new trick to drain them, making them useless. Nightmare Stampede didn't hesitate in creating a dark aura, and rapidly expanded it, touching each of the mane 6, and zapping them harshly.

The Elements Of Harmony blinked and faded to regular stones now, and Nightmare Stampede roared out, flinging each pony to the ground.

Drew had just recovered, and got lucky when he used his levitation magic to catch them as they fell. Just as Nightmare Stampede charged Drew, Princess Celestia teleported, having sensed the fight. Celestia analyzed the situation rather quickly, and slapped Nightmare Stampede aside, sending him tumbling face over flank. "Drew, hurry!! Get them to the Tree Of Harmony, and recharge the Elements Of Harmony! I'll hold Nightmare Stampede off as long as I can! GO!!" Celestia said the last word in the Royal Canterlot Voice.

Drew nodded, levitating the girls with him, and a barely conscious Twilight told hin where to go. Drew ran like hell, and once within the old castle deep in the Everfree Forest, he searched for the Tree Of Harmony.

Upon finding it, he set them each down and began to heal them.

Once finished, Twilight knew what to do. Turning to Drew, she smiled. "I knew we could trust you!" She said and began to charge her magic, and the Tree Of Harmony began to respond to this, charging up it's own magic.

Twilight took the gems from the Elements Of Harmony and placed them back inti the Tree Of Harmony, and the Tree Of Harmony pulsed. After a few dozen pulses, the Element's were super charged, and Twilight hovered then back to the others.

The Tree Of Harmony was not done however, as it began to rumble and vibrate. Every pony watched in awe as the Tree Of Harmony had quickly grown another branch, a new gem within it. A red heart shaped gem with green rays bursting from the edges of the red heart. The girls looked to each other, confused.

Drew hears a voice within his head, his horn tingling upon hearing it. "Take your Element newcomer." It said, and Drew blinked.

"Me?" He asked out loud, further confusing the girls.

"Well, ok...if you say so.." Drew said as he used his magic to lift the gem, a crown appearing around the gem as soon as enough room was made. He focused and set the crown upon his head as magic oozed into his very soul.

He felt another tingle as wings sprouted from his back, and his horn tripled in length and nearly doubled in girth.

Twilight's eyes sparkled as Rainbow Dash smiled at him widely. Rarity looked jealously at him, Applejack's jaw dropped, Fluttershy gasped at this, and Pinkie exploded in surprise, putting herself back together.

"Go now Element Of Trust." The Tree Of Harmony said in magical pulses.

Drew looked at his new form and nodded. "I know what I must do now..." He said to himself and let a tear fall from his face.

Rainbow Dash walked over to him abd wiped it for him. "Hey hun, it'll be alright! I promise, but right now, we have to go back and stop that monster from killing any more ponies!" Rainbow Dash said with a smile on her face. Drew nodded, following the girls back to Ponyville.

Once they arrived, they got back just in time to see Celestia and Nightmare Stampede in a stand-off, each pushing their magic at each other. Celestia got distracted by their arrival, and was quickly overwhelmed. Nightmare Stampede's magic reached Celestia's horn, zapped the hell out of her, and sent her flying through three buildings and put her into a coma.

Twilight growled at seeing her idol get hurt like that and the mane 6 charged up their Elements, firing them right at Nightmare Stampede. Nightmare Stampede responded with making a quick-shot spell fired randomly at them.

It happened to hit Rainbow Dash right in the chest, burning a hole clear through her, but she struggled on, fighting to stay up. Drew saw his chance, and as soon as the Elements Of Harmony hit Nightmare Stampede, he rushed in, stabbing his horn into Nightmare Stampede's eye, one dagger stabbing into Nightmare Stampede's throat, and the other into Nightmare Stampede's heart. Drew's horn lit up as he used a close range spell to finish off Nightmare Stampede, one he called Muscle Deterioration. With his horn in Nightmare Stampede's eye socket, the spell went right to Nightmare Stampede's brain, killing him instantly. Drew ran to Rainbow Dash's side now.

Her breathing heavily labored as she bled rapidly. He tried every healing spell he could think of, but none worked. Drew began to cry, desperate to save Rainbow Dash. There was nothing he could do to save her though, and she placed a hoof upon his cheek.

"It's....ok babe.....I still...love..........y...you..." was all she had time to say before the Death Curse Nightmare Stampede put upon her took her.

Drew broke down at long last. He had lost everything. His parents, his brother, and now his lover. He cried, though his expression was blank. Drew had finally lost it, he looked to his daggers, and Pinkie tried to get his attention. "Drew, stop....Dashie wouldn't want this!" Pinkie said.

Applejack spoke up next. "Yea sugar, none of this was your fault, so don't do it.."

Fluttershy was next. "Yea, we're ALL here for you. You'll be alright."

Rarity next. "Don't you dare try that! It's the most selfish act!!"

Twilight was last to speak up, she was crying too. "Drew, don't do this, you're stronger than that! Do you really want to disgrace Rainbows memory like this? Do you really want to give up the gift you were just given?"

None of their pleas got through to him though. He was too numb to think about any pony else. He walked over to the now dead Nightmare Stampede and lifted his daggers. Rarity and Twilight each grabbed one with their magic, but neither was strong enough to stop the daggers. They slowly hovered over to Drew, and one slid into his rib cage, the other raking across his throat.

"NOOOOO!!" Each screamed out as Twilight cried, trying to close the wounds.

(To be concluded.)

Chapter 10: A Bittersweet Second Chance (Epilogue)

Twilight had failed, watching as Drew's chest lifted and lowered one final time. The others turned their heads with gritted teeth, tears flowing freely now.

Twilight slumped down, and sighed, covering her face with her hooves, and sobbed. Her mind was still working for a solution though, and that paid off.

She got up, swiping her tears away, and suddenly became very determined. "I can only save one of them...." she said to herself.

She took a deep breath, spreading her wings wide, and began to focus. She took a step forward, training her horn to Drew's corpse. She took one last calming breath and concentrated hard. Her magic began to blaze as her aura flared intensely.

Soon, her magic began to envelop Drew's body, and began to stitch the fatal wounds he inflicted upon himself. "Stage one achieved." Twilight mumbled to herself, getting the attention of Pinkie Pie, who gasped loudly. This got the other's attention now.

Each watched, not knowing what Twilight was doing.

Twilight began to strain, holding her pace as her magic surged into Drew's body. Pinkie figured out what Twilight was doing first and spoke up. "Twilight.....Don't....you can't do that.." She said, and Applejack was next to figure it out.

"Twi! Stop gosh darnit!! You can't do what I think you're doin!!" Applejack said loudly.

Fluttershy was next up, and flew up to Twilight, moving to try and stop her. Twilight growled. "LET ME DO THIS!! THERE'S STILL HOPE FOR HIM!! I HAVE TO TRY!!" Twilight said and Fluttershy backed off.

Rarity went up and tried to push Twilight away, only to get a glare out of Twilight. "LET ME DO THIS!! THAT'S A PRINCESS ORDER!!" She said in the Royal Canterlot Voice. The others quickly backed away, and Rarity huffed.

Twilight began to strain hard now, giving this spell everything she had. Sweat poured from her as she pants between strained grunts. "So far....so good..come on Twilight! You can do this!!" She thought to herself.

The spell was working, and Drew began to twitch. Twilight gasped and doubled her efforts.

Drew groaned a little, moving a little bit more as Twilight kept up her spell. Not long after, Drew blinked awake, looking around. "Ugh...my head........what happened?!" Drew asked, just as Twilight collapsed, her wings evaporating. Twilight's breathing was heavy, but she smiled upon seeing Drew alive again.

Applejack helped Drew to stand as Fluttershy gasped, remembering Celestia was hurt too, and rushed to check on her. Pinkie followed after Fluttershy as Rarity went to help Twilight back up.

"Darling, why did you do that?! Now you aren't a Princess anymore...." Rarity asked.

"To bring someone back from death, something great must be sacrificed. In this case, my immortality. The body being brought back though, MUST be fresh, like, really fresh. It was already too late to bring back Rainbow Dash...but Drew on the other hand.." Twilight explained.

"Easy Sugar, Twilight just brought you back to life. She had to give up being an Alicorn to do it, so be grateful!" Applejack said, scolding Drew for killing himself. Drew simply sighed.

"Why......why bring me back when there's nothing left to live for? WHY?!" Drew said loudly with an angry tone. Applejack punched him, knocking him down.

"Look sugar, your life is NOT over!! Sure, you've suffered some pretty hefty losses, but you're an Alico...." she was suddenly silenced, noticing that Drew no longer had wings.

"What the?! Twilight, where'd his wings go?!" Applejack asked, clearly confused by this.

"I see, his being an Alicorn must only be active when he's using his Element Of Harmony. Drew, try summoning it and putting it on." Twilight said, walking over to him wobbly.

Drew groaned and did as he was asked, but the summoning failed. The same voice from earlier was heard in his head. "Spirit Break." Was all it said to him, and gave him a vision of how to summon his Element.

"Hmm....Ok...Spirit Break!!" He said loudly as his horn glowed brightly, in a blinding flash of light, he grew taller, and he transformed back into his Alicorn form, and his Element Of Harmony appeared on his head, shining brightly.

The others watched in awe, and Twilight smiled. She loved being correct. "I knew it!" She said with delight.

Fluttershy flew back. "Girls!! Princess Celestia is in pretty bad shape, we need to do something to help her!!" Fluttershy said frantically.

Drew looked to her and nodded, his magic's aura growing and expanding widely, searching for Celestia's Life Signature. Upon finding it, he teleported to where she was.

Luckily, he knew of several healing spells that worked wonders, as long as the pony being healed was alive. He began to focus his magic into Celestia, and her wounds began to fade away. Soon enough, Celestia opened her eyes, getting up. "Oh my....what happened?! The last thing I remember is..." Celestia then gasped.

"Drew! Where is Nightmare Stampede?!" Celestia asked in a panicked tone. Drew simply shook his head.

"Dead....so is my Dashie...." He said and hung his head. Celestia gasped and went to hug Drew.

"She will have a heroes burial, I'll see to it personally. Who dealt the final blow?" Celestia asked Drew.

"I did princess...." He said with a sigh. Celestia nodded, giving a half-bow, noticing Drew was currently an Alicorn.

"I see you've ascended to an Alicorn Prince Drew. Congratulations." Celestia said, and was about to say more when she was interrupted.

"Princess Celestia!! You're Alright!!" Twilight said, and ran up to her, nuzzling the solar princess. The others followed, and each smiled.

"Yes my little ponies, all thanks to Prince Drew here." She said, and caught that Twilight no longer had her wings, and gasped.

"Oh my....Twilight! What in Equestria happened to your wings?!" Celestia asked in shock. Twilight looked away, backing away a bit ashamed.

"I had to break a law of nature Princess Celestia.....after the battle, Drew killed himself when he failed to heal Rainbow Dash....so I had to trade my immortality for Drew's life....I'm sorry Princess..." Twilight explained with a sigh.

Celestia gave a warm smile and hugged Twilight. This confused the hell out of Twilight. "I'm so proud of you Twilight Sparkle. You sacrificed something as great as immortality for the sake of some pony else! You may no longer be an Alicorn, but you truely are a Princess at heart."

Twilight blushed at the praise and smiled, standing proudly. Drew gave a nod of thanks and shuffled off back to his dead brother. He sat by the corpse, and cried silently. Applejack walked up behind him and hugged him from behind. "Ya may not believe me now Sugar, but I promise you, me, and all the girls are here for ya!"

Fluttershy approached, nodding with a kind smile. "Exactly Applejack. Drew, whenever you need some pony to talk to, you are ALWAYS welcome at my cottage."

Rarity approached aswell now. "Same with Carousel Boutique! Me and Fluttershy are good listeners!" Rarity said with a genuine smile.

Pinkie Pie popped up from behind Nightmare Stampede's body, grinning. "And we're all shoulders to lean on if needed!!" Pinkie said, beaming at Drew.

"Yea...." Drew said, he can tell they were all hiding their sadness for his sake. He got up and began to walk away, leaving his daggers behind. Twilight was about to say something to stop him, but Celestia stopped her, shaking her head. "Let him grieve in privacy Twilight. He's lost alot today.."

(The next day)

Drew had gone home and cried himself to sleep, only to be woken up by some pony pounding on his door. He answered, and it was two guards and Prince Shining Armor. "Hello old friend. Come with me please. You're gonna miss the celebration and funeral. Plus, Princess Celestia has something planned for you!" Shining Armor said, and smiled at his old comrad.

Drew groaned and nods, fixing his matted mane and followed Shining Armor to a Pegasi-chariot. The two stallions climbed in, and within half an hour, they were in Canterlot.

Once they arrived at the castle, Celestia herself greeted them, along with the remaining Mane 6, and each smiled. Celestia guided them inside, and many tailors quickly surrounded Drew, tugging and measuring him. They darted away to get to work, and Drew rolled his eyes.

Shining Armor chuckled at this. "Summon your Element Drew." Celestia asked of him, and he nodded. "Spirit Break!" He called out and he transformed again.

As soon as he did, two pegasi darted up to him, measuring his wings and once done, darted away.

Drew groaned, not fully understanding the importance of today. Celestia giggled a bit, and guides him to the dining hall. "Are you hungry? Perhaps thirsty?" Celestia asked with a smile on her face. Drew shook his head politely, his eyes still staring into space.

(Fast forward four hours.)

Dressed in royal garments, Drew was guided to a balcony by Celestia, along with the other girls. "My little ponies, today is a very important day for all of Equestria! I present to you, the first Stallion Alicorn! Prince Drew The Courageous!!" Celestia said loudly and signaled Drew to step up next to her. He did, and his eyes widened when he saw such a huge crowd, and hearing it errupt in applause. He gave a wave, and tried his best to smile.

"This day however, is also a sad day." Celestia said and the crowd hushed, seeming a bit confused.

"During the battle against Nightmare Stampede, Equestria lost an Element Of Harmony, Loyalty. Most would know her as Rainbow Dash. However, there is also a new Element. The Element Of Trust. The bearer of this new Element is none other than Prince Drew The Courageous!" She said proudly and the crowd errupted again.

Drew waved a hoof, and the crowd hushed again. "As a Prince, I will do everything I can in my power to protect this country, and it's citazens! I also give my word that if a citazen is in danger, or fears for their life, that I WILL answer the call of distress!" With that, Celestia gave a nod, and turned around, Drew following after her. Drew's path was now his own to walk, now that he has been given a bittersweet second chance at life.

(The end)